Author: touringplans.com

One of the most popular sweet treats at Walt Disney World has been given an upgrade. At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort you can enjoy Pineapple Dole Whip, and even Lime Dole Whip at the Pineapple Lanai. This lovely little walk-up counter with lanai style seating serves up variations of this beloved treat, but they’ve outdone themselves. The new Lapu Hula is quite the creation.

Pineapple Dole Whip is swirled inside of an entire pineapple. Then a little sidecar shot of rum is served with it. For $14.25 it is a pretty good deal considering the serving size and that it comes with a shot. Our team got extra creative and asked for their Dole Whip to be swirled with the lime flavor. This special treat needs to be on your must-do list if you’re a fan of Pineapple Dole Whip.

How do you feel about Dole Whip? Would you head to the Polynesian to get your own Lapu Hula?

 

The post REVIEW – The ULTIMATE Pineapple Treat for Any Dole Whip Fan appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Adults, Dining, Drinking, Resorts, disney dole whip, disney drinks, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

I may get some pushback from our readers by revealing this little secret, but I just can’t keep quiet. Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is one of the best Disney restaurants and lounges, and it should be on your must-do list. I’ve dined here countless times and during a recent trip with my parents and in-laws Geyser Point once again did not disappoint.

The menu at Geyser Point Bar and Grill showcases the hearty flavors of the Pacific Northwest. During my family’s visit the burgers, both Bison and Bacon Cheeseburger, were the popular choice. The Bison Cheeseburger is an excellent choice with Bacon, Sweet Crispy Onion Straws, Marionberry Sauce, Lettuce, Tomato, and Garlic Aïoli. At $16.00 it is higher priced than your average Disney burger, but that quality matches the price. The multiple people in my party who ordered this loved it.

My personal favorite is the Grilled Portobello Salad with Salmon. This salad is so fresh, flavorful, and satisfying with Grilled Portobello, Zucchini, Roasted Red Peppers, Tomato and Multigrain Salad and Goat Cheese Dressing. At $15.00 it is a bargain as the quality is great and the portion is generous. The salmon was cooked perfectly, which is an accomplishment as often times I’ve experienced overcooked salmon at many Disney restaurants.

One of my favorite menu hacks is to order the kids’ Finger Food Sampler; it’s like a kid-friendly charcuterie board. Sliced Smoked Turkey, Tilamook Cheddar, Quinoa, Cucumbers, and Wheat Crisps are all served on a platter for $7.49, and it includes a kids drink. My son actually loved the turkey and quinoa, and he’s been super picky lately, so that’s saying something.

There are great light bites, handcrafted cocktails, and a lovely selection of craft draft beer and wine. So Geyser Point is a fantastic spot if you’re just looking to lounge and don’t need a full meal. I ordered the Huckleberry Punch made with 44° North Mountain Huckleberry Vodka, Bols Crème de Cassis, Lemon Juice, and Cranberry Juice. At $15.00 it is a pricier cocktail, but it is great to enjoy a cocktail that fits the theme of the location and not just the standard Disney bar drinks. It was the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

We have listing and ratings for every Walt Disney World restaurant on our site and Lines app. Geyser Point has an impressive 96% thumbs up rating from our readers, and is ranked number 4 out of 107 similar options at Walt Disney World.

The lounge-style seating is very comfortable and inviting. It is entirely open-air with a lakehouse-style setting. The views of Bay Lake are stunning. If you want to take a break from Magic Kingdom or if you’ve got a no-park day on your itinerary, make time for some lakeside relaxation at Geyser Point.

Have you ever been to Geyser Point? What’s your favorite thing to order?

The post REVIEW – Geyser Point Bar and Grill Never Disappoints appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Adults, Dining, Drinking, Magic Kingdom, Resorts, disney bars, disney dining, disney drinks, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, on site disney hotels

This week’s SATURDAY SIX takes a look at Give Kids The World’s NIGHT OF A MILLION LIGHTS! For theme park fans, the Christmas season has always been something to look forward to every year. At the Disney hotels there were elaborate gingerbread houses, while at Universal there was the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, one of the best stage shows of any park. Unfortunately, because of the “unprecedented times” we are currently in, much of what we have grown to love over the years (including the Candlelight Processional, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and the annual Mannheim Steamroller concerts at Universal) aren’t taking place this year. It’s a tough pill to swallow, and one we’ve unfortunately had practice with when Disney got rid of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights several years ago to make way for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

For me personally, the Osborne Lights at DHS were one of my favorite things at Disney or Universal. I looked forward to seeing them every year more than experiencing any ride or show. Being enveloped in a sea of lights, with Christmas music playing in the background and a ton of Easter Eggs to look for was simply magical, and something I couldn’t experience anywhere else. When the Streets of America were removed from DHS, and along with them the Osborne Spectacular, it was a painful loss for me because there was nothing quite like that experience anywhere….until now.

# 6 – Give Kids The World

Give Kids The World Village – located in Kissimmee, Florida – is a nonprofit resort dedicated solely to help fulfill the wish of critically ill children from around the world that want to visit Florida. Covering the entire cost of the trip, GKTW has the children and their families stay in its elaborate and whimsically designed 89 acre resort that is staffed by thousands of volunteers. The selfless work that GKTW does is extraordinary, and while the village isn’t currently hosting any families due to COVID, they still need donations to make sure they can operate for the sick children and their families once things get anywhere close back to “normal.” Over 4,000 wishes (and counting) were lost due to the pandemic, so GTKW wants to be bigger and better than ever once they can safely reopen.

This year GKTW has Night of a Million Lights, which allows guests to opportunity to walk the village and see it decorated with over three million lights! Back to Disney Hollywood Studios for a moment; before the Osborne Lights were part of the Spectacle in the Streets of America, they were part of the studio backlot experience and decorated houses on Residential Street. The setup at GKTW Village is more akin to the original version of Osborne Lights at Disney, except even more elaborate and dazzling!

Okay, let’s check out the event. Keep in mind that this is the first time in the history of the village (outside of other charity relate events) that guests are allowed to walk the grounds and see the wonderful world that they have created.

# 5 – The Rides

GKTW Village has several themed rides available for families staying at the resort, and the attractions have been fully decorated and available to guests experiencing Night of a Million Lights. There is no extra charge to ride these attractions, and they are the family-friendly rides you would find at places like LEGOLAND Florida or SeaWorld’s Sesame Street area.

Near the Enchanted Carousel you’ll find some trees donated by Walt Disney World that many of us have seen before in Disney Springs as part of their annual Christmas Tree Trail.

# 4 – Planet Hollywood Christmas Movie Exhibit

If you’re like me, Christmas movies are as big a part of your holiday season as the Christmas tree, gingerbread cookies, and Bing Crosby singing “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” Planet Hollywood has sponsored an exhibit which features film-used props from several well known Christmas movies.

We watch Arnold Swarzeneggar’s Jingle All The Way every year as a guilty pleasure, and there are several props from this film at the exhibit. First up is a Santa hat that is accompanied by some of the Turbo man action figures there were released to consumers when the film came out.

This mask was worn by one of the members of the Demon Team who attack Turbo Man in Jingle All the Way.

Bill Murray’s Scrooged is one of my favorite versions of A Christmas Carol, as I will never not laugh at the trailer for Bob Goulet’s Old Fashioned Cajun Christmas. The prop for this movie is the taxi cab operator’s license for The Ghost of Christmas Past.

You have anything related to either of the first two Home Alone films and I’m in. Watch both every single year.

This Santa suit is from the original Miracle on 34th Street, which is in my Christmas movie Hall of Fame.

This sled was used in the film Jack Frost, which is so bonkers that it must be seen. In the film, Michael Keaton plays a father who comes back to life as a snowman. Yes, a snowman. Even better? The snowman was made when George Clooney was originally slated to play the father and the film didn’t change it’s look when Keaton got the role instead. If we did a Turkey of the Year Awards for Hollywood instead of theme parks, that would have been a clear winner.

This prop comes from a movie called The Preacher’s Wife, which I haven’t seen but stars Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, and Courtney B Vance, so I’m definitely going to check it out now.

Love the show 30 Rock. LOVE the character Jack Donaghy who wore this sweater.

# 3 -The Spectacle (and The Photo Ops!)

Aside from supporting a great cause, the main reason to come to Night of a Million Lights is to see, well, the lights. It’s impossible not to be almost slack-jawed from the amount of work put into the entire experience. Everywhere you go there are lights and decorations.

Truly a “winter wonderland.”

If America looked like this during the holiday season, I’m convinced crime would go down by at least 90%. It is just about impossible to not be uplifted in a setting like this.

The various themed villas are just awesome. My family enjoys taking walks around our neighborhood to see houses decorated and this is sort of like that except on steroids.

Tons of whimsical and cute designs.

Night of a Million Lights has many sponsors, and most took the time to also incorporate some fun photo-ops for guests to take photos with, including this one by The Lost Bros.

Dreams Unlimited Travel have been raising money for GKTW Village for years.

This polar bear was a big hit with guests, including TouringPlans’ own Ivonne.

What photo-op is more “Christmas” than Santa Claus himself?

# 2  – The Connection to Florida

While Night of a Million Lights has a bunch of wonderful sponsors decorating the villas – all of whom are based in Florida or have locations in the state – for ME, there’s a big difference between Home Depot, Mattress Firm, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car and locations that we all think of when people mention “Florida” as a destination. For instance, the Space Coast is just a hop, skip, and jump away from Central Florida and GKTW Village, so it was nice to see a display from NASA and the Kennedy Space Center.

Hard to get more “Florida” than Margaritaville.

The Orlando City soccer club has made huge roads in building a rabid fanbase in Central Florida and is coming off one of their best seasons ever and even made the playoffs!

For fans of professional wrestling, WWE has their developmental territory NXT based in Orlando which has been running many live events at the Amway Center in Orlando.

mix105.1 is a popular Orlando based radio station.

The Crayola Experience flies under the radar in Orlando, but it is a really fun time for families.

WonderWorks and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! are two fun “day trips” for families spending time in Central Florida. There’s things in both locations that are just mindblowing to see.

Love these gingerbread men!

There are two Fun Spot America locations in Central Florida, including one close to Universal Orlando and my beloved Disney Outlet Store off International Drive.

# 1 – The Orlando Theme Parks

This is the SATURDAY SIX, and we love our Orlando theme parks, so of course we’re going to really enjoy seeing them as part of such a great event. To start off, Disney donated 3 million lights to the event!

Those keeping their head on a swivel will notice props that Disney has donated, such as this Santa Claus who formerly had a home at DHS.

Disney also decorated two villas, including one to Belle & the Beast.

With the other to Cinderella and Prince Charming.

During regular operations, GKTW Village has its own mini-golf course. While guests can’t play the course during Night of Million Lights, Universal Orlando sponsored the course and designed a dinosaur theme into it. Guests can walk the course and get a ton of great photos.

SeaWorld joined in the fun as well!

To experience Night of a Million Lights you need to purchase your tickets in advance, which can be done so by CLICKING HERE. Many dates have SOLD OUT, so if you’re interested in this incredible experience, don’t hesitate! The phrase “the reason for the season” has become cliche and many times used as a punchline, but there is no better cause than GKTW. In normal circumstances you can’t just “stop by” and see this wonderful village, but now you can AND get the chance to see some world class decorations and everything combined will remind you what Christmas is all about.

Keep in mind that temperature checks are taken, face masks must be worn, and social distancing measures are in place.

HONORABLE MENTION – The Gimmick Table

In today’s theme park world, just about everything we get at the parks comes with a merchandise component, and Night of a Million Lights has items to purchase as well. This money goes directly to GKTW Village.

Branded hand sanitizer is the official item of 2020.

Nicely themed event t-shirt.

We’ve purchased these holographic glasses to look at our decorated house and it is wild. At Night of a Million Lights it’s that’s same “holy cow” moment times a thousand. I’ve never had an “acid trip” but I can’t imagine it’s much different than looking at these elaborately lit up houses wearing these glasses!

Hot chocolate and ice cream are complimentary~!

So there you have it: Six Reasons We Love GKTW’s NIGHT OF A MILLION LIGHTS! 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: 

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.

The post SATURDAY SIX: 6 Reasons We Love GIVE KIDS THE WORLD’s “Night of a Million Lights” appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Beyond the Parks, Christmas, Saturday Six, Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World (FL), saturday six

Despite being a dreary day in Orlando, attendance and wait times are picking up today. Magic Kingdom is actually seeing its second busiest day in terms of average wait times in the past 30 days. Disney’s Hollywood Studios has long average wait times, thanks in part to another bumpy day of operations at Rise of the Resistance. At Magic Kingdom today our team observed 487 out of 500 guests wearing masks properly in accordance with Disney’s guidelines.

We received 188 actual wait time submissions in our Lines app today. Thanks to our Liners! Let’s jump in.

Magic Kingdom Wait Times

Since it’s a gloomy day, let’s brighten things up with looking at attractions that feature sunshine, tropical vibes, or bright lights.

Few attractions have more of a day-glow than Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in all its black light glory. Today’s average wait time was 41 minutes. Its 7-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #4 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #89 for the past year.

There is just one moon and one golden sun at “it’s a small world” which had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 40 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 111% of the posted wait time.

Jungle Cruise had an average wait time today of 46 minutes. Its 7-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #12 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 51 minutes, so today ranks #116 for the past year. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 116% of the posted wait time.

Things always seem brighter in Neverland. Peter Pan’s Flight had an average wait time today of 43 minutes. Its 7-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #2 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #105 for the past year.

Sail the seas at Pirates of the Caribbean which had an average wait time today of 52 minutes. Its 7-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. We received 13 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 82% of the posted wait time, which means the actual wait was around 42 minutes.

Plenty of sunshine heading your way at Splash Mountain which had an average wait time today of 56 minutes. Its 7-day average is 45 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 55 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 53 minutes, so today ranks #75 for the past year. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 62% of the posted wait time.

Darling it’s better down where it’s wetter, Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid had an average wait time today of 28 minutes. Its 7-day average is 21 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 21 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #88 for the past year. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 47% of the posted wait time.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Wait Times

Let’s continue to brighten things up by featuring more bright light and sunny attractions.

It’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights. Muppet*Vision 3D had an average wait time today of 25 minutes, which is pretty gonzo! Its 7-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past year.

Look out for the bright flashing lights from the paparazzi. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith had an average wait time today of 61 minutes. Its 7-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #90 for the past year.

Things are always brighter in Toy Story Land. Toy Story Mania! had an average wait time today of 23 minutes. Its 7-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #25 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 40 minutes, so today ranks #179 for the past year. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 60% of the posted wait time.

Slinky Dog Dash had an average wait time today of 68 minutes. Its 7-day average is 71 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 70 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 73 minutes, so today ranks #134 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 76% of the posted wait time.

Have a picnic perfect day at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway which had an average wait time today of 91 minutes. Its 7-day average is 84 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 84 minutes, so today ranks #2 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 70 minutes, so today ranks #12 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 86% of the posted wait time.

Bright suns! Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run had an average wait time today of 64 minutes. Its 7-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #8 for the past month. We received 9 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 90% of the posted wait time.

Rise of the Resistance has been dealing with a bumpy day with a delay of almost an hour in calling boarding groups between 12:00 and 12:45 p.m, and some slow downs from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. It’s unlikely they’ll get anywhere close to 100 boarding groups today.

EPCOT Wait Times

There’s always a bright future at EPCOT. Let’s keep those sunshine vibes going.

Down sunny Mexico way, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros had an average wait time today of 8 minutes. Its 7-day average is 7 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 8 minutes, so today ranks #12 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #137 for the past year.

Figment always brightens our day. Journey Into Imagination With Figment had an average wait time today of 13 minutes. Its 7-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #15 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #114 for the past year.

The nourishing power of the sun is on display at Living with the Land which had an average wait time today of 14 minutes. Its 7-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #7 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #100 for the past year.

Soarin’ had an average wait time today of 38 minutes. Its 7-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #15 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #112 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 62% of the posted wait time.

In the big blue world, The Seas with Nemo & Friends had an average wait time today of 13 minutes. Its 7-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 16 minutes, so today ranks #133 for the past year.

As Olaf dreams of sunny summer, Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 78 minutes. Its 7-day average is 69 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 72 minutes, so today ranks #12 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 59 minutes, so today ranks #42 for the past year.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Wait Times

Practically every attraction at Animal Kingdom is outdoors, but some bright lights and sunshine can still be found.

The ride formerly known as CTX may be a very dark ride, but when those strobe lights hit – whoa now! DINOSAUR had an average wait time today of 41 minutes. Its 7-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 36 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #86 for the past year.

Gloomy days are always better aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris which had an average wait time today of 19 minutes. Its 7-day average is 19 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #17 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 48% of the posted wait time.

Na’vi River Journey had an average wait time today of 55 minutes. Its 7-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #10 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 86% of the posted wait time.

Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 62 minutes. Its 7-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #13 for the past month. We received 10 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 70% of the posted wait time, meaning the actual wait averaged about 43 minutes.

 

The post Weekend Crowds Begin to Arrive, Walt Disney World Wait Times – Friday, December 4, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Attractions, Trip Planning, disney covid, disney crowds, disney reopening, magic kingdom wait times

Good news for Annual Passholders! If you desire some nighttime fun at EPCOT you can now enjoy a 10% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages at select Holiday Kitchens, until December 31, 2020. There’s two important things you need to know about this promotion.

• The discounts start after 7:00 p.m.
• Payment cannot be made in cash in order to receive the discount

Participating Holiday Kitchens with 10% Annual Passholder discount

• Refreshment Port
• Citrus Blossom
• Mele Kalikimaka Holiday Kitchen
• Holiday Sweets & Treats
• Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen
• Shanghai Holiday Kitchen
• Refreshment Outpost
• Bavaria Holiday Kitchen
• American Holiday Table
• Sapphire Holiday Kitchen
• L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen
• Festival Favorites
• Prost!
• Holiday Hearth
• Yukon Holiday Kitchen

Our team tried it out last night and it was a breeze. Just show your Annual Passholder card or the designation in the MyDisneyExperience app and you should be all set. Just remember it is only valid after 7:00 p.m., at the participating locations, and with non-cash payment.

If you’re looking for recommendations on what to eat at the festival, here’s our top 5 picks, another top 5 picks, and the best sweets.

Have you attended the International Festival of the Holidays yet? Will you take advantage of this promotion?

The post Two Things You Need to Know About Discounts at Select EPCOT Holiday Kitchens appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dining, discounts, Epcot, Festivals, Saving Money, annual passholder discounts, disney discounts, epcot dining, Epcot International Festival of Holidays