Author: touringplans.com

This week’s SATURDAY SIX Presents: Plastic in the Parks at the WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER! For fans of the Harry Potter books and films, the first week of September is an important one as the school year at Hogwarts begins on September 1. This year, LEGO celebrated this important date with the release of an incredible Diagon Alley set that contained over 5,500 pieces! This got us thinking. We love our Plastic in the Parks series that features LEGO, and we love the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal parks… so we sent our head Potterphile Megan Stump along with SAT 6 shutterbug Michael Carelli to get some photos…

# 6 – Weasley Twins at Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes

“‘George,’ said Fred, ‘I think we’ve outgrown full-time education.’” –  Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

When Universal opened the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter back in 2010, a case could be made that for the first time in theme park history gift shops had become an “attraction”. What was once a necessary evil and something most guests just wanted to pass by as quickly as possible, the stores in Hogsmeade Village were so popular at times they needed to have queues set up outside. For Diagon Alley, the stores became even better. Our favorite is Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes, a shop filled with products straight out of the Potter movies (like the Skiving Snackbox, Decoy Detonator, and Love Potion), but also loaded with sight gags and details that every guest will appreciate. (Don’t forget to look up!)

Our LEGOs wanted to see some of the other Wizarding World stores as well.

# 5 – Moaning Myrtle at the Public Conveniences

“Here I am, minding my own business, and someone thinks it’s funny to throw a book at me.”  – Moaning Myrtle, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

We here at the SATURDAY SIX love our theme park bathrooms and the Wizarding World has one of the all time great details in any theme park restroom. Moaning Myrtle, the school girl who died at Hogwarts in 1943 and continued to haunt the lavatories as a ghost, can also be found at Hogsmeade Village. That’s right, head into the “Public Conveniences,” and you can hear Myrtle herself talking to guests inside.

# 4 – Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour at the Tri-Wizard Spirit Rally

“You saved ‘er. Even though she was not your ‘ostage.” – Fleur Delacour – referring to Harry rescuing her sister Gabrielle, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

While it may not receive the attention or praise that the rides get, the Tri-Wizard Spirit Rally in Hogsmeade Village is a Must Do for Potter fans and is a relatively quick, enjoyable watch. Along with the Frog Choir, the Spirit Ralley was Universal Creative’s attempt at bringing shows from the Potter Universe into the parks, something they would then take a gigantic leap with for Diagon Alley. The students of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and the Durmstrang Institute walked so that Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees could run.

# 3 – Voldemort and Bellatrix at Gringott’s Bank

“I know YOU’VE seen Harry Potter! He was in YOUR vault Bellatrix…” – Voldemort, Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts

The queue for Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts is filled with great moments, starting off with a jaw dropper when guests enter the Great Hall of Gringotts Bank. With stunning chandeliers and incredibly detailed goblin animatronics, we can guarantee you’ve never seen anything like this before. For me personally, my favorite part of the ride is that it takes guests “into the movies” like never before. For many film-based attractions, such as Back to the Future: The Ride, E.T., or Jaws, we get to see the characters from our favorite movies, but generally the rides are completely separate from the films they were based on.  With some slight adjustments for creative reasons, for all intents and purposes those riding Escape From Gringotts are in an actual scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II, just from a different perspective. The movie showed us what was happening from Harry Potter’s POV, while the ride shows us what else was going on. The cherry on top of the sundae was that we also got to finally have Voldemort, one of Hollywood’s all-time best villains, finally make his appearance in the theme parks.

# 2 – Hagrid and Buckbeak at Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

“First thing you wanna know about hippogriffs, is that they’re very proud creatures, very easily offended.” – Hagrid, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

In years past, one big difference between Universal and Disney was how well themed WDW was within each land while Uni was more a “collection of stuff.” In the past few years alone Universal has made major strides in making their parks more cohesive, whether it be Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon in the New York section at Universal Studios Florida, the addition of Fast Food Blvd and Duff Gardens in Springfield USA, or – most recently – Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure in Hogsmeade Village. As good as a ride as it was, Dragon Challenge stood out like a sore thumb in Hogsmeade Village. Hagrid’s fixes that in a major way and possibly makes Hogsmeade pound for pound the best overall land in any Florida theme park–and that includes WDW.

Now, for the attraction itself: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is a high-speed roller coaster ride through the Forbidden Forest. Guests will experience a twisty, turvey coaster experience that replicates the motions of a flying motorbike. The ride elements and sensations are unlike any coaster in Orlando. While no one can deny the opening of the ride had its hiccups, it seems the only good thing to come out of the Great 2020 Shutdown was that Universal was able to spend some much-needed TLC on the attraction and it is currently running better than ever.

# 1 – Harry Potter and a Hungarian Horntail at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

“Hagrid! The Dragon!!!” – Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

What do you get when you add cutting-edge media, life-like animatronics, a breakthrough ride system, pinpoint accurate robotics, and the boy who lived? You get one of the best rides on the planet. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey changed the way we look at rides and how we experience them. Everything within this attraction is nothing short of amazing. The grand facade, the elaborate queue, and – heck – even the Sorting Hat safety spiel perfectly demonstrate the level of detail and technology you’ll find on this amazing adventure. Forbidden Journey is the complete experience and a must-ride attraction for anyone visiting central Florida.

Honorable Mention – Photo-Ops in the Wizarding World

“Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. Just stick out your wand hand, step on board, and we can take you anywhere you want to go. My name is Stan Shunpike, and I will be your conductor this eve —” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

“STEALING THE CAR, I WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN SURPRISED IF THEY’D EXPELLED YOU, YOU WAIT TILL I GET A HOLD OF YOU, I DON’T SUPPOSE YOU STOPPED TO THINK WHAT YOUR FATHER AND I WENT THROUGH WHEN WE SAW IT WAS GONE!” – Molly Weasley’s Howler to Ron, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

“As our Mandrakes are only seedlings, their cries won’t kill you  yet. But they could knock you out for several hours.” – Professor Sprout, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

So there you have it: The SATURDAY SIX PRESENTS: Plastic at the Parks in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll look at something fun from the world of Disney and Universal. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles covering the latest from the Disney Outlet Stores. You can also follow Your Humble Author on Twitter (@derekburgan).

If you enjoyed this article, you will surely like the following: 

The SATURDAY SIX Presents: The Debut of PLASTIC IN THE PARKS

The SATURDAY SIX Presents: PLASTIC IN THE PARKS at Disney Springs

DAVID & DEREK: The Do’s and Don’ts of COVID-19 Safety Protocols at the Theme Parks

6 Pieces of Disney Merchandise That Don’t Exist (but Totally Should)

SATURDAY SIX Presents: The Disney Signage Hall of Shame

Special Thanks to The Elite Brandon Glover, the bio-est of all reconstructs @bioreconstruct, Captain Cruiseline Scott Sanders of the world famous Disney Cruise Line Blog, my personal protege Hunter “Elvey” Underwood, the SAT SIX Fun Squad of Parkscope Joe and “the Dadalorian” Nick, hot shot Michael Carelli, charter member of the Universal Four @Nitro230, and Hermione Granger’s tutor Megan Stump for their invaluable assistance with this article. The SAT SIX is inspired each week by goofballs Aengus Mackenzie and LitemAndHyde and you Potterheads will  enjoy Meg’s other blog work over at the Central Florida Slug Club.

“No post on Sundays!” – Uncle Vernon Dudley.

The post The SATURDAY SIX Presents: PLASTIC IN THE PARKS – Wizarding World of Harry Potter! appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Saturday Six, Universal Orlando Resort, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, plastic in the parks, saturday six, wizarding world of harry potter

It’s approximately one year since the Disney Skyliner system opened at Walt Disney World. This high-in-the-sky transportation system has caught the attention of Disney fans and visitors. Its colorful gondolas, some adorned with beloved characters, connects guests to multiple resorts and two theme parks. It had a bumpy start, but now the system is running smoothly. It is a unique system that is even more enjoyable when you’re prepared. Here are our top five tips for riding the Disney Skyliner.

Remember: (Almost) All Routes Lead to Caribbean Beach

The first thing you need to know about the Disney Skyliner system is that the station at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the hub. All routes extend to and from this station. No matter where you start–EPCOT, Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios–your ride will take you to Caribbean Beach Resort. From there you will change to whatever route takes you to your final destination. The one exception to this is if you board at Riviera Resort and are headed to EPCOT. This route does directly head to and from EPCOT.

Rope Drop and Closing Time Lines

Just like anything else on Disney property, demand for Disney Skyliner is greatest at park opening and park closing. With the theme parks having a staggered operating schedule it can be tricky, but it helps that there is not a mad rush for Disney Transportation across all the resorts and all the parks at the same time.

I personally made the mistake of forgetting about rope drop time at EPCOT. I parked at Disney’s Hollywood Studios so I could use the Skyliner to go over to EPCOT. This method doesn’t really save anytime, but since I only intended to visit World Showcase it was nice to enter EPCOT at International Gateway after a scenic ride. We arrived at the Caribbean Beach Station 20 minutes before park opening so there was a substantial line for the Skyliner. It took us about 15 minutes to get through the line.

Closing time isn’t as bad as it used to be back when there were nighttime spectaculars, as people aren’t all headed for  Disney Transportation all at once, but it is still good to be mindful that there is more demand right at closing time, so there may be a little wait.

Be Hydrated

Drinking around the world at EPCOT can be fun, but boarding a Disney Skyliner Gondola on a warm day can make things a little rough. Although the breeze that comes through the vents is nice, sometimes if there’s no wind or you stop, it can get warm. Make sure you’ve had some water, whether you’ve had some adult beverages or not, before you get onboard.

Restroom Beforehand

Another thing to do before boarding is go to the restroom. It’s a good idea to do so, just like before a road trip. Chances are the Skyliner ride will go smoothly without any major delays, but still it would not be fun to be stuck for an extended period of time and wiggling in your seat. Can you tell I’m a mom? There are restrooms near all the stations.

Little Riders May Get Nervous

The first time I took my toddler son on board Disney Skyliner it did not occur to me that he might get a little scared or nervous. As we approached the station he was fascinated by the moving gondolas. Things went great until we boarded our gondola and it began the quick ascent from the station. The quick motion unsettled him and he immediately asked to go home. I talked him through it, pointing out the sights and assuring him we were okay – thank goodness it is one party per gondola right now. Then it occurred to me to point out the different characters on the exterior of many of the passing gondolas. By the time we were on our return trip at the end of the day he excitedly said “I love it!” as our gondola soared into the air.

If you are using a stroller, you can leave it upright and roll it right in. When rolling the stroller out, the gondola keeps moving slowly, so back it straight out without looking behind you. Both times I looked behind me I steered off course, whereas if I looked straight ahead while backing out I was fine. Cast Members will be there to help guide you out.

The Disney Skyliner is similar to other gondola systems used around the world. There can be slowdowns and delays, but it is a very efficient system. It is a great way to get around one of the most popular parts of Walt Disney World, and a welcome addition.

Have you been on the Disney Skyliner system yet?

The post Five Tips for Riding the Disney Skyliner appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Disney Vacation Club, Dos and Don’ts, kids, Resorts, Transportation, disney resort hotels, Disney Skyliner, Disney Transportation, disney’s caribbean beach

Baby Care Centers are the best thing to happen to theme parks, ever. You cannot convince me otherwise. And on my recent visits to Walt Disney World, my love and appreciation for Disney’s Baby Care Centers increased. These centers are a respite for families with young kids, and with current conditions they are more valuable than ever.

Changing Area in a Quiet Space

Practically all restrooms across Walt Disney World property have changing stations in them. However, the regular restrooms can often get crowded and sometimes you have to wait for a changing table to become available. Each Baby Care Center at the four theme parks has a room with multiple changing tables in it. Each changing table has a paper liner to be switched out after each child.

Sometimes changing a baby or toddler’s diaper becomes a wrestling match. It can be tough to wrangle your child while other guests wait or are coming and going around you. Even when the parks were busy, I never had an issue with finding an available changing table at any of the Baby Care Centers. And now that physical distance space is more important than ever, these changing rooms are even more valuable.

Family Restroom

Not every Baby Care Center has a Family Restroom. These large single-stall restrooms have room for multiple family members to use so children and caregivers can stay together. Magic Kingdom’s Baby Care Center does not have a Family Restroom but the restroom it does offer has smaller toilets for children that are learning to use the potty.

If you’re trying to avoid crowds, especially indoors, like I am, it is really helpful having dedicate space like a Family Restroom, or Companion Restroom. It is also very helpful to be able to stick together without waiting for an open stall, while trying to keep your distance from others.

Bottle Warmers and Water Station

Even though my child is no longer at the age of bottle feeding, I still appreciate the bottle warmer and water station. I found it very helpful to grab a paper cup of water to cool off after being in the heat and after wrangling my child for a diaper change. There is also a sink which is obviously great for washing hands, but also rinsing out any bottles or other items. Cleanliness is the name of the game now more than ever.

Baby and Toddler Supplies and Merchandise

I don’t know about other parents, but whenever I leave the house with my son I have a mental checklist of at least a million things I need to bring with me. I always feel at ease when I go to a Walt Disney World theme park with him because I know if I forget something they will have it at the Baby Care Center. Diapers, Pull-Ups, wipes, baby food, toddler snacks, food pouches, bottles, strollers, stroller accessories, and more are available for purchase. In an age when the checklist of things to pack now includes sanitizer, wipes, and masks, it’s nice knowing supplies for young kids are easily accessible.

Nursing Rooms and Common Room

One of the great features of each Baby Care Center is the nursing rooms. At EPCOT’s Baby Care Center it is a communal room with seats that face away from each other. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is my favorite Baby Care Center and it has two individual nursing rooms.

Each center also has a common room in which a television and multiple chairs are located. On my recent visits the television was turned off, I assume to hinder the attractiveness of lingering. Still the common room was helpful for my son and I as it gave me a chance to sit down and get on his level so I could adjust his mask. I also took a moment to get our backpack and things together while in a place with only another person present, a Cast Member, and wonderful air conditioning.

Visiting the theme parks these days does take a lot of extra effort. There is a lot to be mindful of, but it is still fun and enjoyable. Taking advantage of resources like Baby Care Centers makes a big difference.

What are some of your favorite resources inside Disney Parks? Have you ever used a Baby Care Center?

The post Why Disney’s Baby Care Centers Are So Important Right Now appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Basics, Trip Planning, Walt Disney World (FL), baby care center

Wow…we’ve made it to the unofficial end of summer. Can’t believe it, to be honest. It’s a weird one for me….because for the first time in years, I won’t be traveling this Labor Day weekend; I’m actually staying in my neck of the woods. Just more unusual-ness for this year. Whatever you do this three day weekend, stay safe and wear a mask.

This week, find out when a certain Baby will be back on our screens, see what will be airing for Halloween on Freeform, and more.

In Case You Missed It – Disney and Universal Orlando News and Rumors

This week, we lost a true, graceful talent. Chadwick Boseman, a man who meant so much to so many, will absolutely be missed. And now, Disney has to take a look and figure out how they are going to go on with their Black Panther series without him.

Who will be streaming Mulan this weekend? The first Premier Access film for Disney+. Is the Premier Access something that is enticing to you?

The queen is back again with an updated version of Reflection – the song that really got her noticed to begin with. What do you think of the updated version from Christina Aguilera?

Whaaat?! The Mandalorian will be back with its second season next month?

The schedule for the 31 Nights of Halloween for Freeform were released! Which films are you looking forward to watching most?

The post In Case You Missed It: News and Rumors – Week of September 4, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: In Case You Missed It

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure remain closed, but the Halloween merchandise train is running full steam ahead over at World of Disney in Downtown Disney. There’s a lot to go over, so let’s jump right in.

Outside of World of Disney, each window is adorned with some fun new Halloween art.

Spirit jersey fans have a lot of choices this season,

This Haunted Mansion spirit jersey, featuring the ride’s famous wallpaper, can be yours for $69.99.

This lopsided spirit jersey with “Disney” on the back and “land” on the right sleeve was available in a couple of different colors.

For the kids there’s this orange spirit jersey featuring Minnie Mouse ($39.99).

Hocus Pocus fans will want this spirit jersey and mug.

Two varieties of ceramic Mickey pumpkins, $34.99 each.

Candy cane and witch Minnie ear head bands, $29.99 each.

Shirts commemorating Halloween 2020 for all shapes and sizes. Prices range for $24.99 to $39.99.

This Halloween candle may have smelled like something, but I couldn’t detect it through my mask.

This cute light-up Halloween bag was $19.99.

Bust a move, get it? ($29.99)

A nice and simple Haunted Mansion hooded sweatshirt for $54.99.

A hat that will no doubt end up in one of Derek’s outlet reports.

This Haunted Mansion V-neck was as flimsy as tissue paper. Available for $36.99

Disney Halloween apron ($34.99)  and dish towels.

The popular Disney Loungefly line adds this Haunted Mansion hitchhiking ghosts bag to its lineup.

Or you can get a similar design on this cup for $24.99.

A clever Haunted Mansion notepad, although I’m not sure how practical this will be if you plan to write on it.

I assumed these two Haunted Mansion gravestones were merely Halloween decorations, but the one of the left is actually a.  . . Christmas stocking!

For only $49.99 these Haunted Mansion Crocs can be yours!

Haunted Mansion has a large presence at World of Disney.

This very cool frame mimics the look of the iconic plaque at the entrance of the attraction. $24.99

Two Haunted Mansion ornaments for your Halloween tree.

Haunted Mansion collared shirt for $59.99.

It wouldn’t be Halloween without a boatload of Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise.

Here’s something you don’t see often at a Disney resort: a sale! Halloween glow items were marked down from $15.78 to $10.

There’s even more new merchandise to look at. Disneyland 65th anniversary items continue to trickle out.

Some new vibrant shirts to update your wardrobe.

For $90.00 you can strap The Child (Baby Yoda) to your back and impress all your friends.

Or if you want to save some cash you can grab this hat instead.

One last thing, a self pay kiosk has been added to the Downtown Disney parking lot located behind Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

That’s it for this time. Which Disney Halloween items are you picking up? Let me know in the comments below.  

The post PHOTOS: Halloween Merchandise Now on Sale at Disneyland Resort appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Disneyland (CA), Halloween, Disneyland, merchandise, World of Disney