Author: touringplans.com

Sponsored by Storybook Destinations

Ahoy, mateys! I’m Heather, and I’ll be bringing you the up and coming on all things Disney Cruise Line. Welcome back again this week. Let’s see what’s new in the DCL world!

What’s New

On Friday, it was discovered and reported by the Disney Cruise Line Blog that DCL had removed sailings through mid-December from their website. Removed simply means that they are not able to be booked right now. They are not cancelled. Little louder for those in the back who may be confused by the other sites posting erroneous headlines: these sailings are not cancelled! Payments can still be made on previously booked cruises set to sail in this time frame. Activities can still be reserved for these sailings (once within the appropriate time frame). I’ve been asked myself, and have seen a lot of people sharing that these sailings are cancelled. As of the time of this post, they are simple unable to be booked. Why? Well, it could be that Disney is hoping to get ships back out into the water as soon as they can, and they will most definitely be looking to do that at a reduced capacity; removing those sailings now would prevent throngs of guests from booking the minute Disney says “all aboard”.  And on the flip side, it’s possible they are on the brink of being cancelled. Though the CLIA suspension of ships from US ports is only through October 31, Disney has elected to extend that to include early November sailings. Disney’s Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy stated at a recent conference that Disney Cruise Line would likely be the last of their business to come back. At this point, the reason for the removal is purely speculation. Hopefully we’ll have something official from Disney sooner than later to provide clarity.

Speaking of speculating, it’s been widely speculated that the delivery of the fifth ship, the Disney Wish, would be delayed. Christine McCarthy did confirm this information as well, surprising nobody really but just making it official. As one would likely guess, the delay is in due in part to the impact COVID-19 has has on the Meyer Werft shipyard. You can watch a replay of the webcast where this was discussed here.

Weekly Specials

Most every week of the year, Disney Cruise Line releases special offers for Florida Residents and U.S. Military Personnel.  There are also frequently IGT/OGT/VGT rates available for all guests to book.  These offers are extremely limited in availability, and all come with certain restrictions, but the prices are amazing! You can book these online, on the phone, or with your travel agent. These are the current offers available this week:

 

Thanks to Scott Sanders of The Disney Cruise Line Blog for assistance on this article. “Sea” you next week

The Disney Cruise Line Update is brought to you by Storybook Destinations. Storybook Destinations specializes in Disney travel, is consistently highly rated by our readers, and is owned by our own blogger extraordinaire, Tammy Whiting. Storybook also offers free subscriptions to TouringPlans to clients with qualified bookings.

 

The post Disney Cruise Line News and Specials — Week of September 15, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Disney Cruise Line, disney cruise line

You’re going on vacation to Walt Disney World! The only problem? You’re not sure which attractions are right for you and your kiddos and you have questions. Which attractions are too intense for little ones? What rides do I really need a FastPass+ reservation for? What’s disability access like for certain attractions? We’re answering all those questions and more in our Everything You Need to Know attraction series with today’s focus on Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

What is Voyage of the Little Mermaid?

Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a stage show highlighting classic moments from the 1989 Disney animated film through the use of live actors, puppetry, special effects, and clips from the movie.

At the time of writing, Disney has Voyage of the Little Mermaid listed as temporarily unavailable. 

Where is Voyage of the Little Mermaid?

Voyage of the Little Mermaid is located in Animation Courtyard across the way from the Disney Junior Dance Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

What is the History of Voyage of the Little Mermaid?

Voyage of the Little Mermaid opened at what was then called Disney-MGM Studios on January 7, 1992. Inspired by the incredibly popular The Little Mermaid animated film, Voyage of the Little Mermaid replaced “Here Come the Muppets,” a live show featuring walk-around Muppet characters that opened on May 25, 1990.

What You Need to Know About the Queue

There is an outdoor extended queue for the show leading into a nautical-themed pre-show room resembling the hold of a ship and filled with undersea artifacts.

Some are clever, such as the “sea monkey,” and others are truly magical! Be sure to take the time to explore what Imagineers have created for this space.

What You Need to Know About the Experience

Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a 17-minute show highlighting the musical numbers of The Little Mermaid. The show utilizes puppets, live actors, blacklight, and lasers, along with interposed clips from the animated film. Some of the effects are a little outdated, but others still hold up.

The show kicks off with a blacklight puppet performance of “Under the Sea” followed by a live actress as Ariel singing “Part of Your World.” The final musical number, “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” features a towering 12 foot tall Ursula puppet!

The show concludes with an effect where Ariel is transformed into a human and reunites with Prince Eric.

What You Need to Know About the Theater

Guests entering the theater will feel as if they’ve voyaged under the sea! The theater looks (and feels!) as if it’s underwater complete with a curtain of water, light mists, and even the occasional chilly breeze.

Upon entering the theater, we suggest heading towards a central or rear row for the best view of the stage and effects. We also recommend allowing several people to enter a row ahead of you for a more central viewing location.

Guests sit in individual standard theater padded seats with armrests. There are no safety restraints.

What You Need to Know About Accessibility

Guests may remain in a wheelchair/ECV to experience this show.

What You Need to Know About Health and Safety Advisories

There are no health or safety advisories for Voyage of the Little Mermaid!

Do be aware that the theater is dark to simulate the bottom of the ocean, and some children may be frightened by the dark surroundings, moments of darkness during the show, and scenes featuring the giant Ursula.

What are the Height Requirements?

There are no height requirements. This show can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Does Voyage of the Little Mermaid Offer FastPass+?

Yes; however, it’s rarely necessary. Usually, the only waiting required for this attraction is waiting for the next show to start.

Note: At the time of writing, FastPass+ is currently suspended at Walt Disney World.

Does Weather Affect Voyage of the Little Mermaid?

No. Since this show is located in an indoor theater, inclement weather isn’t an issue. The exterior, extended queue is outdoors but covered.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Experience Voyage of the Little Mermaid?

Anytime! It’s unusual for anyone in line not to be admitted into the next showing of Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Typical waits are under 25 minutes for most of the year.

Did I answer all of your questions about Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Is this attraction at the top of your family’s vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Voyage of the Little Mermaid appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Attractions, Hollywood Studios, Disney Attractions, Disney History, disney world, FastPass+ Attractions, hollywood studios, Little Mermaid, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, walt disney world

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights remain canceled for 2020, but today the resort announced a new spooky daytime event for guests.  On Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, Universal will open up two haunted houses at Universal Studios Florida, offer trick or treating in Islands of Adventure, and permit guests to partake in some costumed mischief. Plus, Universal will continue to offer the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store and fan-favorite Pizza Fries at Louie’s.

Haunted Houses

Universal is taking the shrink wrapping off two built Halloween Horror Nights 30 houses for guests to experience during the day.

  

Revenge of the Tooth Fairy – The innocent traditions of the tooth fairy hide a darker ritual. All children must give up their baby teeth to the goblinesque tooth fairies or pay a gruesome price. Step into an old manor that has been overrun by yellow-clawed fiends who extract teeth by force. It’s an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

Universal Monsters: Bride of Frankenstein Lives – “We belong dead.” The last words of Frankenstein’s monster on that fateful night when his Bride rejected him. But his end was her beginning. Now the Bride is stepping out of the shadows to bring him back. And there’s nothing she won’t do as she sharpens her brilliance by experimenting on unsuspecting victims. The mate will have her monster. And the monster his mate.

WARNING: Universal’s Halloween haunted houses are NOT for children. Reconsider bringing kids under the age of 13 and use your judgment for anyone under 18. Houses feature low lighting, fog, strobe lights, startling imagery, mature themes, and confined spaces.

All houses will require a Virtual Line pass to access. Read our article on the Universal Orlando app and Virtual Line for more information and tips. Upon arrival at the maze entrance trusses (located in the Music Plaza stage and outside of Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon), Team Members will scan a QR code for entry into the socially distanced queue. While the Virtual Line will reduce the wait in line, it will not completely remove the line. We still expect queue waits to reach 20 – 30 minutes and up to an hour. Queues feature no restroom access and are completely outside, so make sure to use the restrooms and hydrate before experiencing.

Trick or Treating at Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure is offering a trick or treat scavenger hunt around the park. Guests 12 or younger, accompanied by an adult, can pick up a trick or treat bag (location TBA) and find Pumpkin stickers at select retail establishments for special treats. Per Universal’s terms, you must use one of their supplied bags as a way to limit crowds. We suggest you get a bag immediately at the park opening on weekends.

Costumes

Guests are encouraged to wear costumes to the parks during the event. Costume guidelines do apply, but we have some ideas.

Universal is labeling this event as a “test” for September 19 and 20 only. We have heard enough through the grapevine that suggests Universal will continue the “test” on September 26 and 27 and then make it a daily offering through Halloween on October 31, 2020. TouringPlans will keep you up to date on extensions to this event.

Are you excited for this event? Would it be something you’d make a trip to Universal Orlando to experience? Let us know in the comments.

The post Universal Orlando Resort Fall Fun and Halloween Event appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Halloween, Universal Orlando Resort, Halloween Horror Nights

We love being in the parks, and enjoy bringing you along with us through our social media posts. With so much social media content out there, sometimes you don’t get to see everything that comes through. To brighten up your Monday, here’s some photos that we took this week in the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Got a photo request from the parks? Let us know in the comments!

The post PHOTOS: This Week at Walt Disney World appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), photos

Somewhere on the internet, I’d wager there was a “PSL Countdown” going last month. Starbucks’ famous (or infamous) Pumpkin Spice Latte is a drink that signals the start of the fall season for its many fans. Even Walt Disney World isn’t immune from the PSL craze, with Starbucks locations at all WDW theme parks and two locations at Disney Springs, although admittedly in a typical year, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starts before PSL season begins.

In addition to Starbucks, Walt Disney World also has Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea kiosks at their theme parks, and getting into the seasonal spirit, Joffrey’s also offers a pumpkin-coffee drink. We’re comparing the two drinks to see which one you should get when you’re craving that taste of fall.

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

From Starbucks’ web site, the PSL is described as espresso and steam milk combined with a blend of pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavors, finished with whipped cream and Pumpkin Spice topping. Served hot or iced, a 16 oz. serving is $5.65.

Starbucks also offers a pumpkin cream cold brew, a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, and chai beverages that can be modified to include pumpkin pie topping and sauce.

Joffrey’s Pumpkin Pie Latte

According to Joffrey’s web site, the Pumpkin Pie Latte is like pumpkin pie in your cup–made with espresso, milk, and pumpkin pie syrup. A 16 oz. serving (iced or hot) is $5.69.

One “extra” at Joffrey’s is that you have a “make it spirited” option. The serving size goes down to 12 oz., and the price goes up to $11.99, but you can add in Irish cream, vodka, coffee liqueur, or Irish whiskey.

Joffrey’s also offers a pumpkin creme brûlée cold brew and, for those who don’t want coffee flavors, a harvest chai latte (which also has the pumpkin pie syrup).

The Verdict

Which should you get? It really depends whether you like the pumpkin spice flavor or the coffee latte flavor more. Our team tried both in one day at neighboring kiosks at EPCOT. The Starbucks version has a more robust pumpkin and spice flavor to it, whereas the Joffrey’s version has a more distinct coffee flavor, with the cinnamon/nutmeg/ginger/cloves notes of pumpkin spice blend. For those who want the coffee flavor in their drink, Joffrey’s was the clear winner.

If you’re looking to save time, usually lines at Joffrey’s kiosks are shorter than those at Starbucks, and there are more Joffrey’s locations available than Starbucks ones within the theme parks.

Overall, price is practically the same, but being able to “adult-ify” the drink with an alcohol addition at Joffrey’s might be an incentive for some people.

So while PSL attracts the major attention, we’re leaning towards team Joffrey’s on this one.

Do you have strong feelings brewing for one or the other? Let us know which is your preferred drink in the comments.

The post Starbucks vs. Joffrey’s: Disney’s Coffee-Pumpkin Drink Showdown appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Walt Disney World (FL), coffee, Joffrey’s Coffee, Starbucks