Waking up to rain on a Sunday in August: surprising! But that’s just what happened in Central Florida today as a westerly flow pushed heavy rain Saturday afternoon and overnight into the area. If you were at Walt Disney World on Saturday you saw some bursts of heavy rain and lightning around the parks. If you’re heading there this week, you can expect more of the same.
This week will begin quite wet, with a steady southwest flow bringing the area both heat and tropical moisture. The ridge axis keeping this flow in place will shift north Tuesday through Wednesday, nudging some big sea breeze collisions both days which will cause heavy rainfall over Central Florida’s interior. Then on Thursday, the Atlantic ridge will build nearby and lift north, creating a southeast flow that will help the west coast get in on the rain action.
The storms move in from the west over Lake Buena Vista Golf Course on Saturday, Aug. 29. Squint and you can see some French Quarter resort buildings in the top left.
Oh, and in the midst of all these storms? Above-average heat. Because Florida, I suppose.
This week’s weather at Walt Disney World
For the rest of today: lots of extra moisture in the air and the low pressure just north of us means plenty of storms in the area. Look out for heavy rain and frequent lightning as these storms move west to east, eventually settling over the Atlantic beaches late in the evening. At least this gives us a slightly cooler overnight, with a low around 74 degrees.
The deep moisture and southwest flow sticks around for Monday, bringing us a 70% chance of thunderstorms. The best chance will be in the afternoon, but there’s a shot at early morning storms moving in from the Gulf as well, with clearing late morning to midday. It will stay steamy, with a high around 91 degrees and a heat index around 102. Storms should clear before midnight, with an overnight low of 76 degrees.
On Tuesday, above normal heat and rain chances continue. Look out for storms developing with the sea breeze collision occurring after noon, with a 60% chance of rain. The wind will shift from southwest to west, then drop off overnight. The high will be around 93, the low around 76.
Wednesday will be hot with a high around 94 degrees. Sea breeze collisions will fire off afternoon thunderstorms. There’s a 60% chance of seeing a storm or two. The overnight low will be around 76.
On Thursday the Atlantic ridge will begin to build, with its axis moving from Cape Canaveral on Thursday to near the Georgia line on Friday and Saturday. With this shift, the winds become southeasterly, then east-southeast by Friday. This will slowly bring rain chances down by the weekend.
Thursday through the weekend, look for about a 50% chance of rain, but with that southeast and then easterly flow, storms will favor the west coast as they first develop in the Orlando area but quickly push west. Highs will stay very hot, around 94 degrees, and lows will be around 76 degrees.
Tropical Weather Update
I was a little surprised when I opened this morning’s Tropical Weather Outlook and saw the red X over Florida. It turns out that all of this weekend rain is going to spin up into something tropical over the next few days—but it’s going to move into the Atlantic and out to sea.
One moves out to sea, two have low chances of development. Courtesy NOAA/NHC
Two tropical waves in the inter-tropical convergence zone are being watched for development, but they have fairly low chances over the next five days. One is far out in the Atlantic, near the Cape Verde Islands. The other is entering the Caribbean Sea and still moving westward. Their chances of development are placed at about 30%.
Why so low during the peak of hurricane season? One reason: a fresh layer of Saharan Dust is moving across the Atlantic and Caribbean this week. This inhibits storm development. We’ll have to wait and see what is left of these waves after the dust settles in a few days.
A long time ago, earlier this year in fact, there was a great disturbance in the Force. Star Wars fans clamored to get to shopDisney online to order the Starbucks You Are Here Star Wars Mugs. But they quickly sold out and an outcry ensued.
Now, like the surprise return of Emperor Palpatine, the mugs have returned to shopDisney. Favorite destinations from The Empire Strikes Back are featured each in their own mug: Dagobah, Hoth, and Bespin. Each one is $19.99.
Starbucks You Are Here Star Wars – DagobahStarbucks You Are Here Star Wars – DagobahStarbucks You Are Here Star Wars – HothStarbucks You Are Here Star Wars – HothStarbucks You Are Here Star Wars – BespinStarbucks You Are Here Star Wars – Bespin
The 90s issues of Disney News Magazine are a treasure troves of Disney oddities and obscure Disneyland and Walt Disney World tidbits. One of the best things about these magazines are the gloriously 90s ads. In this post we’ll go through some of the best ads from the Fall 1990 issue, which feature Disney Dollars, an exploding mailbox, and more.
The cover of this issue features the newly opened Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in Walt Disney World. Mickey is looking great in his captain’s outfit. They must have taken this picture while there were no cast members around because Minnie would have surely been told not to sit on the fence. Also in this issue is information about the recently announced Euro Disneyland project, and information on a re-release of Fantasia.
This is the mailbox we wish we all had. Imagine opening your mailbox only to find that Mickey Mouse, an alarm clock, several balloons, and an ear hat has exploded in to your face. You then cling to life after being bulldozed by these items, and you think the worst is over. But no there’s more. Sleeping Beauty Castle, a Star Speeder 3000, and Spaceship Earth fly at your with the force of an atom bomb. As the last seconds of your life count down you see the new issue of Disney News Magazine sitting in your mailbox. It was worth it.
It’s hard to believe the Yacht and Beach Club opened 30 years ago. Some other notable events in 1990: the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurs in Alaska, Driving Miss Daisy wins the Academy Award for best picture (the live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie was robbed!), and Super Mario Bros. 3 is released in North America. Elsewhere in Orlando, Universal Studios Florida opens its doors. Also, this ad is cool because there’s some great shots of that nice scale model.
Did you know at one point Disney owned the Queen Mary? The company obtained it when they bought the Wrather Corporation in 1988. Until then the Disney company did not own the Disneyland Hotel. Walt was short on cash in 1955, so he licensed the Disney name to Jack Wrather, who built, owned, and operated the hotel. After Jack died his widow sold the entire company to Disney, and in the deal they obtained the Queen Mary, Spruce Goose, the Lone Ranger IP, and the Disneyland Hotel itself. Disney gave up on the Queen Mary and sold it in 1992 after it was clear they would not be building DisneySea in Long Beach as they originally intended. But at first they did put some effort in to reviving the ship. A massive renovation was done that restored much of the ship’s original 30s and 40s decor. The Queen Mary even had period appropriate actors walking around who interacted with guests, just like the streetmosphere characters in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This ad even has a $3 off coupon, but unfortunately it expired on 12/31/90.
It doesn’t get much better than this. Bulky, early 90s, mid-sized sedans parked in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle is the gold standard of 90s Disney ads.
This ad features a cacophony of bright colors, bold fonts, and totally radical merchandise and ephemera. For just $12.95 ($25.67 adjusted for inflation) this could have all been yours. Couldn’t you see D23 replicating this as a members’ gift and it being a huge hit?
That’s it for now, stay tuned for 5 MORE Gloriously 90s Ads From The Fall 1990 Disney News Magazine. For now let me know what you think in the comments below.
Walt Disney World is a perfect vacation spot for families with young children. And, nature being what it is, people with young children often find themselves making more young children. This means that at any given time there are lots and lots of pregnant women at the Disney parks. Here are some frequently asked questions about touring the parks while pregnant.
Some Disney World attractions have health advisories for pregnant women.
I’ll be visiting Disney World while pregnant. Is there anyone at Disney World I need to tell?
Unlike Disney Cruise Line, where there are rules about travel during pregnancy, there are no blanket prohibitions about pregnant visitors to Walt Disney World. You don’t need to tell anyone at Disney that you’re pregnant.
However, it certainly couldn’t hurt to mention it to cast members you encounter during your trip, particularly if this is your first child. If the front desk of your hotel or the waiter at your restaurant asks something like, “Are you celebrating anything during your trip?” feel free to tell them, if you care to. Disney is known for throwing a little extra “pixie dust” on guests celebrating something special. While nothing is guaranteed, you might get a complimentary dessert or other small gift.
OK, got it. Is there anyone I should tell about my plans to visit Disney while pregnant?
When embarking on any travel while pregnant, you should definitely check in with your doctor, midwife, or other health care professional. This may seem like overkill, but your doctor is the best source of information about travel safety for your unique health situation. She will probably giggle when you call to ask whether a trip to Disney is OK, but this is most definitely a better-safe-than-sorry situation.
Note: This advice applies double during while any general health or safety advisories are in effect. The COVID-19 pandemic, Zika Virus, hurricane season, and the like.
Are there things I should do in advance of my trip?
Indoor, show-style attractions are a great place to keep cool in the parks.
Prior to any travel, but especially pregnant travel, you should prepare in advance for medical contingencies. Make sure to always have your doctor’s contact information, your health insurance card, and information about any medications that you’re taking or have on your person, even in the parks. This is not the time to enter the parks without your wallet. Additionally, make sure that your partner or travel companions know your doctor’s phone number and have access to basic information about your health.
While the likelihood of your needing any of this is minimal, in the event of an emergency, you want make sure that your access to care goes as smoothly as possible. While you’re in diligence mode, spend a moment with the map of each park to note the location of the first aid center. If you’re experiencing discomfort or have a question, the wonderful cast members there can provide assistance or recommend sources of more comprehensive care.
Anything else to do in advance?
When planning your trip, your means of transportation can have an outsize impact on your comfort while traveling. While Disney World won’t have issues with your pregnancy, your airline might. Be sure to check with your air carrier about whether they have a policy on flying while expecting.
If you’re considering a drive to Disney World, think about things like how long you’ll be sitting in one position, how often you might need to take bathroom breaks, whether morning sickness might exacerbate motion sickness, what you’re comfortable eating along the way, and so on.
Pregnancy has made me feel like I’m overheating all the time. How do I handle the added heat at Disney World?
Your hotel pool can be a nice place to relax.
Your first line of defense related to this is timing your trip right. If you can avoid the peak heat of the summer, you’re well on your way to making yourself more comfortable, but I understand that degree of planning is not always possible.
It’s no secret that Florida can be hot, hot, hot at any time of year. With an already stressed body, overheating can lead to numerous problems for both mother and child. To keep your core temperature down, be sure to stay hydrated. In addition to the pricey water bottles for sale in the parks, you are welcome to bring you own water with you. The counter service restaurants will also give you free cups of ice water; just ask.
Some folks don’t love the taste of Florida’s water. If that’s you, perhaps bring some powdered lemonade or even water-soluble electrolyte tablets to make the park water tastier and more refreshing.
You may want to consider other methods of cooling as well. Try carrying a small umbrella or parasol as your own source of shade. Those misting fans are a great way to cool off. You can also place a commercial cool pack or even a wet washcloth on your neck. Try to make the entertainment a focus of your trip, with indoor shows and attractions where you can sit in air-conditioned comfort. And even if you’re not a swimmer, you may want to consider taking a dip in your resort’s pool. In addition to being a great way to cool off, the weightlessness effect of the water can take a lot of pressure off your joints.
Um, the baby sitting on my bladder. How do cope with restroom needs?
If you’re staying hydrated, then you’re going to need to make some fairly frequent pitstops. Keep a park map handy and note the locations of restrooms. (Restroom locations are marked on both the printed maps and on the electronic maps on the My Disney Experience app.)
While oppressively long lines are uncommon in Disney bathrooms, you may encounter one or two during your trip. If you’re in a must-go situation, don’t be afraid to ask to cut to the front of the line. In my experience, many of the women in line ahead of you will be moms who completely understand.
I find myself getting more tired than usual when I’m pregnant. Any tips?
The Disney spas offer massages designed for pregnancy.
TouringPlans almost always recommends that guests take a mid-day break from the parks. This goes double for pregnant women. Go back to your hotel. Put your feet up or take a nap. Even plan for a total relaxation day in the middle of your trip. Please.
If you’re unable to do that, try alternating active/standing experiences with restful/seated experiences. Now is the time to spend the day getting to know Carousel of Progress, Country Bear Jamboree, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and other air-conditioned show-style attractions.
Are there any Disney World rides I should avoid while pregnant?
While most attractions at Walt Disney World are perfectly safe for any guest, there are a few that come with health warnings for pregnant women. Most of these are the obvious thrill rides, but some “tamer” rides also have warning notices. For example, the Kilimanjaro Safari at the Animal Kingdom has advisories against pregnant women riding because of the bumpy road surfaces and jarring movements of the jeep. This may seem silly, but why take chances that you don’t need to?
Warning information is available on the park maps, on the Disney website and app, and on signage in the parks.
If you have concerns about specific rides, I encourage you to find footage of the attraction on YouTube to assess how the ride moves. You can then have an informed discussion with your doctor about how that type of motion might impact your or your baby.
Is motion the only thing I should be wary of on rides?
Healthy snacks are available throughout the Disney parks.
Many pregnant women have scent sensitivities. Walt Disney World happens to be a very “smelly” place, on rides and off. From the perfume counters at Epcot’s France pavilion, to the burning fire scent piped into Spaceship Earth, and the aroma of skunk in the Journey to Imagination attraction, scents are used to enhance many park experiences. If you are in a phase where odors make you queasy, take extra care to become informed about which attractions have added aromas.
I am visibly pregnant, aware of the risks, and I want to enjoy a ride, even though there is a posted warning sign. Will anyone stop me from riding?
Probably not.
This is my last vacation before I have children. I want to pamper myself. Have any tips?
There are salons and spas at several of the Disney resorts. Anyone is welcome to book treatments. Some that might be particularly appealing are the Leg and Foot Intensive Massage or the Expectant Mother Massage, both offered at the Senses Spas at the Grand Floridian and at the Saratoga Springs resort.
[Note: Spa treatments may not be available during the COVID-19 pandemic.]
I’m prone to acid reflux when I’m pregnant, can I get Tums at Disney World?
Yes. The Disney resort hotel gift shops all carry a modest selection of over the counter medications such as Tums and Tylenol. Additionally, the Orlando area pharmacy, Turner Drug, will deliver to all the Disney hotels. Be aware that selections may be limited and always check with your health care provider before taking any medication while pregnant.
Do you have any thoughts on the best Disney hotel to stay at while you’re pregnant?
The park first aid centers can help with some issues.
Pregnancy is the time to plan your lodging with comfort in mind.
While you may be fine on a pull-down bed at the Pop Century under most circumstances, this may be the trip in which you’ll be most happy if you upgrade to digs where you have dibs on nicer bedding.
The king-sized beds at the Contemporary are among the most comfortable I’ve encountered at a hotel. Or consider booking a one- or two-bedroom DVC villa. These are equipped with large jacuzzi-style tubs – absolute heaven when you’re exhausted. No matter where you stay, consider asking for a centrally located room, near the restaurants and transportation. The less walking you have to do at the hotel, the more energy you’ll have in the parks.
My appetite is all over the map. How do I deal with food during my Disney trip?
Even if you’re fine “winging it” most of the time, this may be the trip where you want to plan your food intake. Many pregnant women experience changes in their taste preferences. Be aware of how you’re reacting to food. Perhaps your usual love of spicy Mexican food should be indulged on a future trip. Also, because of your temporarily restricted stomach capacity, you may be more comfortable having smaller meals or snacks throughout the day, rather than attempting to beat the buffet. This may influence your decision about whether to purchase the Disney Dining Plan [currently on pause due to Coronavirus].
You should also remember that you are permitted to bring your own food with you into the parks (avoiding glass containers). Even if you don’t normally bring your own snacks with you, it may make sense to keep a supply of healthy, known palatable items with you at all times.
I’m trying to keep active while pregnant, but I’m worried that all the walking at Disney will be too much. Any advice?
The hotel gift shops sell basic over-the-counter medications.
Many Disney World visitors walk 7-10 miles during the course of day in the parks. Even if you’re in good shape, that can be a lot for some pregnant women.
During my own pregnant trip to Walt Disney World, I was five months along with twins. I was in good health and well acquainted with the parks. On the first day of the trip, I toured at our usual pace – skipping from one end of the Magic Kingdom to the other to minimize wait times. At the end of the day, I felt like my knees and hips had become unhinged. I had forgotten that ligament-loosening hormones and extra weight completely changed the amount of stress regular activities would have on my body. Start slow and modify both your pace and distance traveled to accommodate your new shape. If you start to feel like walking is too much for you, wheelchairs are available for rental at the front of each park. There’s no shame in rest when you’re touring for two, or more.
It’s still early in my pregnancy. Do you have any ideas for Disney-related announcements?
Lots of couples work with Disney PhotoPass photographers to stage “We’re pregnant” announcements in front of the castle. Some do this with a sign indicating a due date or perhaps posing with a copy of a sonogram photo. Others will buy a Mickey ear hats and have them embroidered with “Mom” and “Dad” (or Mom and Mom, or Dad and Dad). If you spend a few minutes on Pinterest searching “Disney pregnancy announcement” and you’ll find ideas aplenty.
Bring a book (or download an audiobook if you don’t want to carry extra items).
You may be skipping the thrill rides on this trip, but that doesn’t mean your family members have to. Let them go ahead and conquer the Yeti on Expedition Everest while you take the opportunity to relax on a shady bench with a cool drink. Your family will feel much less guilty about leaving you behind for a bit if they know that Julia Quinn is keeping you company.
So utero humans – What have you done to make your pregnant park excursions more manageable? How have you helped make your pregnant partner more comfortable? Let us know in the comments below.
An old flame of mine has been rekindled. One of my first loves at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was Flame Tree Barbecue. Admittedly, on recent visits my attention has been on Nomad Lounge and Harambe Marketplace as my new favorite dining spots in my favorite theme park. Now with Harambe Marketplace being temporarily closed, Flame Tree Barbecue steps in as one of the few options in the park, and yet still one of the best.
Pulled Pork Sandwich and Plant-Based Sausage at Flame Tree BBQ
Mobile Ordering at Flame Tree Barbecue
Practically all Disney owned and operated counter service dining locations have moved to mobile ordering exclusively. This is fine by me–I consider myself a mobile ordering hipster who was using it before it was cool. On my recent visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, just me and my toddler, I mobile ordered our lunch while we were in the Baby Care Center. On our walk over to Flame Tree Barbecue, I marked on the app “I’m here”. Within five minutes the app updated and showed to pick up our order at “window 3”. What an easy experience!
Mobile Ordering at Flame Tree BarbecueFood Pick Up Window at Flame Tree Barbecue
Outdoor Seating at Flame Tree Barbecue
In the heat of summer it is hard to see Flame Tree’s exclusive outdoor seating as a benefit. However in this new age it is a welcome feature for many guests, including myself. The outdoor area is made of multiple pavilions with bountiful shade. Navigating the winding paths with a stroller and a tray of food was a little bit of a challenge, but it paid off with a table near the beautiful water feature.
The most popular pavilion in this outdoor seating area overlooks the lagoon that was used for Rivers of Light, with views of Expedition Everest. Now with the floating character cavalcade, it is even better. On my visit all the available tables in the waterside pavilion were occupied, with about half of the tables marked unavailable to allow for proper distancing. My toddler and I selected a table nearby in the shade, near the sparkling water feature, and lots of friendly ibis birds.
Outdoor Seating Area at Flame Tree Barbecue
We could hear the sounds of the park, including the monkeys in Asia, squeals of delight on Everest, and lively music from the character appearances on the water. It felt so good to be here, just my son and I, on a weekday. No one else was in our immediate area other than Bob, a wonderful Cast Member who helped guests with clearing their table, and immediately sanitizing the area once each guest was finished.
The Food at Flame Tree Barbecue
I’ve enjoyed Flame Tree over the years thanks to its approachable fare. Barbecue can sometimes be overly heavy or drenched in sauce to cover up dryness. Somehow, even in mass produced quantities, Flame Tree produces quality barbecue that is flavorful without being overpowering. Back when I was a Cast Member, I would bring a change of clothes so I could enjoy my lunch break at Flame Tree. I loved their BBQ Chicken Salad, which is now the Smokehouse Chicken Salad and much different than its predecessor. I haven’t tried it yet, but I intend to soon.
Pulled Pork Sandwich at Flame Tree BBQ
My son has a few food allergies, including beef, so anytime I can order pulled pork for him I do, and it’s usually a win. If you’re wondering the quality of the Pulled Pork Sandwich here, know that my tiny toddler ate every single last morsel of the pulled pork off the sandwich, and it wasn’t a kid’s meal serving. I didn’t even have to beg him to eat his food which, as any parent will attest, is a miracle.
I opted for the Hotlink Smokehouse Sandwich, made with plant-based sausage. It blew me away! I am not vegan or vegetarian, but I enjoy exploring plant-based options, and Disney often produces fantastic plant-based sausage items, like the Plant-Based Bratwurst in Magic Kingdom.
Plant-Based Sausage at Flame Tree BBQPlant-Based Sausage at Flame Tree BBQ
This plant-based sausage had a kick to it without too much heat. The slaw that tops it was tangy rather than creamy, which added a little tartness. There’s also crispy onions which added some sweetness, and I wish there had been more of them. The New England-style roll elevated this sandwich. Hearty and tender, it stood up to the toppings and was the perfect texture.
Both my son and I ate every last bite. It’s been years since I visited Flame Tree Barbecue, and maybe the fond memories of the past help fuel my affinity, but I was pleased with every aspect of our meal there. With reduced dining options at all four Walt Disney World theme parks, fear not when in Animal Kingdom. A great meal awaits at Flame Tree Barbecue.
Are you a fan of Flame Tree Barbecue? Let us know in the comments.
This is the mailbox we wish we all had. Imagine opening your mailbox only to find that Mickey Mouse, an alarm clock, several balloons, and an ear hat has exploded in to your face. You then cling to life after being bulldozed by these items, and you think the worst is over. But no there’s more. Sleeping Beauty Castle, a Star Speeder 3000, and Spaceship Earth fly at your with the force of an atom bomb. As the last seconds of your life count down you see the new issue of Disney News Magazine sitting in your mailbox. It was worth it.
Did you know at one point Disney owned the Queen Mary? The company obtained it when they bought the Wrather Corporation in 1988. Until then the Disney company did not own the Disneyland Hotel. Walt was short on cash in 1955, so he licensed the Disney name to Jack Wrather, who built, owned, and operated the hotel. After Jack died his widow sold the entire company to Disney, and in the deal they obtained the Queen Mary, Spruce Goose, the Lone Ranger IP, and the Disneyland Hotel itself. Disney gave up on the Queen Mary and sold it in 1992 after it was clear they would not be building DisneySea in Long Beach as they originally intended. But at first they did put some effort in to reviving the ship. A massive renovation was done that restored much of the ship’s original 30s and 40s decor. The Queen Mary even had period appropriate actors walking around who interacted with guests, just like the streetmosphere characters in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This ad even has a $3 off coupon, but unfortunately it expired on 12/31/90.
It doesn’t get much better than this. Bulky, early 90s, mid-sized sedans parked in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle is the gold standard of 90s Disney ads.
This ad features a cacophony of bright colors, bold fonts, and totally radical merchandise and ephemera. For just $12.95 ($25.67 adjusted for inflation) this could have all been yours. Couldn’t you see D23 replicating this as a members’ gift and it being a huge hit?
