Author: touringplans.com

The seating situation on Disney World rides and attractions is a cause for concern for many guests. Physical constraints and family configuration are two of many reasons why you might have issues with the attraction seating.

For example:

• I’m a single parent with two small children, will I be separated from them on rides?
• I’m a plus-sized person, can I fit into the ride vehicles without embarrassment?
• My knees are bad, will I have to step up or down to get into the ride vehicles?
• I’m in a wheelchair, do I have to transfer out of it to go on the rides?
• I have a large party, how will we be split up when visiting the attractions?
• I have balance issues, will the attraction vehicle be moving while I’m trying to board?

And now with COVID-19 precautions in the mix, there are more than the usual questions about ride vehicle procedures, though bear in mind that COVID-related procedures are a moving target and could change at any time.

[Note: the row/vehicle capacity comments below are for non-COVID conditions. In many cases, attraction capacity is currently reduced. There are social distancing markers in all attraction queues.]

To answer these questions and more, here’s a photo guide to all the vehicle and attraction seating at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Hop in, we’re going for a ride.

Currently Operating Attractions

Astro Orbiter

• Seating capacity per row: Typically 2. Cast members may load one adult plus two small children. Larger adults may want their own vehicle.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: One row per vehicle, 16 rockets on the carousel.
• Seating surface: Hard bench. Guests are seated front to back, rather than side by side. The guest seated at the rear will have a back. The guest seated at the front has no back support other than his/her companion.
• Safety restraints: One fabric lap belt for all the riders in each rocket.
• Boarding procedure: Large step (more than 12″) onto vehicle, step over a moderate wall (about 12″) and then down a moderate step (about 12″) to enter the rocket. Your legs will be extended in front of you during the ride.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the ride on their own. All guests must use an elevator to get to the ride.
• Note: This attraction is more physically challenging to board than its cousins, Dumbo and Aladdin’s Magic Carpets. This attraction moves at a substantially faster pace than Dumbo and Aladdin; guests with motion sensitivity issues should take caution.
• COVID procedures: One party per rocket. Ships are naturally socially distant.

The Barnstormer

• Seating capacity per row: 1 to 2. An average size adult and a medium size child are a typical load per row. Two average size adults are somewhat tight. One adult and two small children would be very tight or impossible. Larger adults may want to ride alone.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: Eight rows per train. Groups with odd numbers of individuals may ride in different rows of the same train.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back.
• Safety restraints: Single pull-down lap bar for all the riders in each row.
• Boarding procedure: Moderate step (just over 12″) up over a wall and down into the vehicle.
• Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
• Height requirement: 35″
• Accessibility: Guests using wheelchairs/ECVs must transfer.
• Note: Some rows have a “roof” area, while other do not. Taller guests may find it easier to board rows without the roof.
• COVID procedures: Parties are seated alone. Rows are left empty between parties.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

• Seating capacity per row: 2-3. The standard configuration is two guests per row, but cast members will seat two adults plus one small child, or one adult plus two small children. Larger adults can be seated in their own row; this is rarely necessary.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: Approximately 6 guests per car, approximately 30 guest per train.
• Seating surface: Lightly padded bench with back
• Safety restraints: Single pull-down lap bar for all the riders in a row.
• Boarding procedure: Step over a small wall (less than 12″) into train car.
• Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
• Height requirement: 40″
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the ride on their own.
• Note [for non-COVID times]: The bench-style seating plus the motion of the ride means that you will likely end up touching the other guest in your row. Parents of children who may be uncomfortable touching a stranger can ask that the child be placed in his or her own row. (A possible factor for single adults traveling with several children.)
• COVID procedures: Parties are seated alone. Rows are left empty between parties.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

• Seating capacity per row: 2-3. The ride is designed for two people per vehicle – there are two game controllers. Cast members will usually allow two adults plus a small child, or one adult plus two small children, to ride in one vehicle.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 2-3
• Seating surface: Lightly padded bench with hard back.
• Safety restraints: Single pull-down lap bar for all the riders in the vehicle.
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) from a moving walkway onto a moving vehicle. Ride exit is also onto a moving walkway.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: One ride vehicle will accommodate wheelchairs. Cast members will briefly pause the ride for wheelchairs to board. ECV users must transfer to the standard ride or to a wheelchair.
• Note: The two-game-controller set-up may prove problematic for some families, particularly single adults with multiple children. The easiest solution is to put the two kids in one car and put the solo adult in the car behind them. All members of the party will arrive at the unload point within seconds of each other. To make this work, the children must feel comfortable not having eyes on mom/dad at all times (and vice versa). However, you will always be within earshot, so if there were a concern, you could shout and be in communication. If you’re going to have parent/children in separate vehicles, be sure to discuss in advance what to do in the event of a temporary halt of the ride. Let the kids know that short stops happen with some regularity and that they should never leave the car unless instructed to by you or a cast member. An alternative solution is to have mom/dad and one child share the ride, with the other child in the next vehicle.
• COVID procedures: One party per vehicle. Vehicles are left open between parties.

Country Bear Jamboree

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into auditorium
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Guests may remain in wheelchair or ECV.
• COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows and seats are blocked to keep guests socially distant.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

• Seating capacity per row: 2-3. Standard capacity is two guests per elephant. Cast members will seat two adults plus one small child, or one adult plus two small children, but the fit will be very tight.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: There is one row per elephant. Each of two carousels has 16 elephants.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back.
• Safety restraints: One fabric lap belt to be buckled over all guests in the vehicle.
• Boarding procedure: Moderate step (just over 12″) up over a wall into the vehicle.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to ride. There is a sample elephant available near the attraction. Guests can assess their fit in the ride before joining the queue.
• Note: The ride vehicle is open on one side, even when the attraction is in motion. Children should be seated to the inside of each row.
• COVID procedures: Only one party is loaded per elephant. The elephants are at a natural social distance. The adjacent indoor playground area is currently closed.

Hall of Presidents

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA.
• Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Padded seat with armrests.
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Guests may remain in wheelchairs/ECVs. There are a few seats in the rear of the auditorium intended for wheelchair guest companions. If available, taller guests may appreciate the additional leg room.
• COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows and seats are blocked to keep guests socially distant.

Haunted Mansion

• Seating capacity per row: 2-3. Typical capacity is two guests, but two adults plus one small child, or one adult plus two small children can be accommodated.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 2-3. There is one row per doom buggy.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back.
• Safety restraints: Single pull-down lap bar for all the riders in a vehicle. [The “ghost” pulls the bar down for you automatically.]
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) from a moving walkway onto a moving vehicle. There is also a moving walkway at the exit area.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV guests must transfer to the attraction on their own. The ride can be slowed or stopped to facilitate boarding for guests with mobility issues.
• Note: Brief ride stoppages are common. Parents of squeamish children may want to reassure them that short stops are no cause for alarm.
• COVID procedures: Parties are seated alone. Ride vehicles may be left empty between parties.

It’s a Small World

• Seating capacity per row: 2-5 depending on size.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: Approximately 20
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Step over a small wall (less than 12″) and then down a moderate step (about 12″) to enter the boat.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: There is a wheelchair accessible boat. Wheelchair users may remain seated. ECV users must transfer to a standard wheelchair. There are grab bars available as you exit the attraction to assist with balance as you step out of the boat.
• COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Parties are seated alone. Rows are left empty between parties.

Jungle Cruise

• Seating capacity per row: Variable
• Seating capacity per vehicle: Approximately 30 guests per vehicle.
• Seating surface: Bench-style, some with backs, some without
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Step over a moderate wall (about 12″) onto a bench, then down a moderate step. The boat may not be exactly flush with the dock. There may be slight movement of the boat during boarding and disembarking. Cast members may lend a steady hand to guests as they board and disembark.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: There is one wheelchair accessible boat. Enter the attraction near the Swiss Family Treehouse for wheelchair access.
• COVID procedures: Vehicle capacity is reduced. The center bench seat is not used. Plexiglass partitions between parties.

Mad Tea Party

• Seating capacity per row/vehicle: Up to five guests per cup, depending on size. Two average adults plus two or three small children will typically be loaded together.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back. The bench and back are curved to the shape of the cup.
• Safety restraints: None.
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) to step onto teacup. Moderate step (about 12″) over a wall, through a narrow opening, to enter the cup.
• Accessibility: Guests using a wheelchair or ECV must transfer to the ride vehicle on their own.
• Note: The cup’s rotation speed is controlled by a pillar/disk mounted in the center of each cup. Very large adults may feel uncomfortably tight, even when riding alone.
• Posted warnings: Skip this one if you have motion sickness issues.
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: Only one party is loaded per teacup. The cups are at a natural social distance.

Magic Carpets of Aladdin

• Seating capacity per row: 2 to 3 guests, depending on size. Two average size adults or one adult plus two small children will fit comfortably in each row. Cast members may seat two adults and one child in a row, which can be tight.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: Two rows per vehicle, for a total of 4-6 guests per carpet.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back.
• Safety restraints: One fabric lap belt over all guests in each row.
• Boarding procedure: Moderate step (just over 12″) up over a wall and down into the vehicle.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: ECV users must transfer to a standard wheelchair. There is one wheelchair capable vehicle.
• Note: There are control levers in the carpet. One row controls the height, the other controls the tilt. If you have kids in different rows, you may want to work out in advance which child does which.
• One side of the attraction vehicle is open while the vehicle is in motion. Children should be seated to the inside of each row.
• COVID procedures: Only one party is loaded per carpet. The carpets are at a natural social distance.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

• Seating capacity per row: 2-3. Typical capacity is two people per row. Cast members will load two adults plus one small child, or one adult plus two small children.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: Two rows per vehicle. 4-6 guests total per vehicle.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back.
• Safety restraints: Single pull-down lap bar for all the riders in each row.
• Boarding procedure: Step over a moderate (about 12″) wall to enter the hunny pot.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: There is a wheelchair capable hunny pot. ECV users must transfer to a standard wheelchair.
• COVID procedures: One party per hunny pot. Capacity may be reduced with only alternate hunny pots loaded.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Padded chairs with armrests.
• Safety restraints: NA
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
• COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows and seats are blocked to keep guests socially distant.

Peter Pan’s Flight

• Seating capacity per row: 2-4 guests, depending on size. Two adults plus one child is typically an easy fit. One adult with two or three small children often works. Cast members will load two adults with two small children into one vehicle, but it may be a tight fit.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: One row per vehicle.
• Seating surface: Hard plastic bench with back.
• Safety restraints: Single pull-down lap bar for all the riders in the vehicle.
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) from a moving walkway onto a moving vehicle. The ride exit is also onto a moving walkway.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and EVC users must transfer to the standard ride vehicles. The ride will not be slowed or stopped for boarding; guests must be ambulatory.
• COVID procedures: One party per ship. Ships are left empty between parties.

Pirates of the Caribbean

• Seating capacity per row: 2-4 depending on size
• Seating capacity per vehicle: Approximately 20
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Step over a small wall (less than 12″) and then down a moderate step (about 12″) to enter the boat.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: ECV and wheelchair users must transfer to the boat on their own. There is a steep moving walkway to get back from the ride unload zone to the main park. Guests may get slightly damp.
• COVID procedures: Only one party per row. Rows are left empty between parties.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

• Seating capacity per row: 1 rider per horse. Adults are permitted to stand next to a child rider. There is one bench seat which seats 2-3 guests depending on size.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 90 horses plus one bench.
• Seating surface: Horses are hard wood. The bench has a padded seat with hard back.
• Safety restraints: Loose belt around horse riders.
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) to board the carousel. Depending on the position of the horse (variable), large step up to stirrup, then throw leg over the horse. Small children will likely need to be lifted onto the horse.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Guests using wheelchairs/ECVs must transfer. Horse may stop at a different height than which they started, a moderate step to board may turn into a large step to disembark.
• COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Guests are directed to leave rows of horses empty between parties.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

• Seating capacity per row: 2
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 4 per train car. Typically 20 per train.
• Seating surface: Hard molded bucket seat with back.
• Safety restraints: Individual lap bar for each passenger
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) over a wall into the vehicle.
• Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
• Height requirement: 38″
• Accessibility: Wheelchair guests must transfer. The bucket seats are fairly narrow. Larger/taller adults may have issues. The individual lap bars are narrow. Guests with sensitive knees may find the restraint uncomfortable.
• Note: This ride may be problematic for single parents with two small children. While a group of three can all be seated in the same train car, the parent cannot be directly next to both kids. Your options are to have the kids sit together and have the parent sit alone in the row behind, or have the parent sit with one child and have the other child sit alone or with a stranger . This may be potentially frightening for a younger child on his first roller coaster. When deciding, questions to ask include: has one of the children already been on the ride, or one that’s similar, and is comfortable with it? Can the children reassure each other if scared? Does the child need to hold hands with or otherwise touch a parent to feel secure? In my family, the solution that worked was to seat the parent with the younger or less experienced child in the row directly behind the older child. This way the parent could place their hands on the head or shoulders of the child in front of them if a comforting touch was required. If your child feels uneasy sitting next to a stranger, ask the load zone cast member to place the child in a row alone. [Unrelated parties are not seated together during COVID.]
• Note 2: The ride experience is substantially different depending on where you are seated on the train. Guests with motion sensitivity issues should ask to ride at the calmer the front of the train.
• COVID procedures: Rows are left open between parties.

Space Mountain

• Seating capacity per row: 3
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 6. Two rockets per launch.
• Seating surface: Padded bucket seat with back. Guests are seated front to back, rather than side to side.
• Safety restraints: Individual pull-down lap bar for each guest.
• Boarding procedure: Step over a small wall (less than 12″) to a moderate step (about 12″) down into the seat. Guests must extend their legs straight, tucking them under the sides of the seat in front of them.
• Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
• Height requirement: 44″
• Accessibility: ECV users must transfer to a standard wheelchair, then to the ride vehicle. Even able guests sometimes find disembarking the ride somewhat challenging.
• Note: Larger adults may find the lap bar uncomfortably tight.
• Note 2: Small children may be nervous about the seating configuration. Because of the individual front-to-back seating style kids may not be able touch a parent. Hand-holding is all but impossible. Some parents find that sitting behind a child and placing the adult hands on the child’s shoulders works as a comfort tool.
• COVID procedures: One party per rocket.

Splash Mountain

• Seating capacity per row: Typically 2. In some situations such as an adult with two small children, there can be 3 guests per row.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: approximately 8
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back. The backs are slightly shaped, not straight across.
• Safety restraints: Single pull-down lap bar for all the riders in a row. (Lap bars were added to the attraction in 2011.)
• Boarding procedure: Step over a small wall (less than 12″) and then down a moderate step (about 12″) to enter the log.
• Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
• Height requirement: 40″
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the ride on their own.
• Note: Very large adults may be more comfortable if they ride in a row alone.
• Note 2: It’s likely that you will get wet, some riders may get soaked. Consider ponchos for guests averse to water. Protect camera equipment and medical devices.
• COVID procedures: Only one party per row. Rows are left empty between parties.

Swiss Family Treehouse

• Seating: There are no vehicles or seating. This is a walk-through attraction.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Guests must be fully ambulatory. There are several steep flights of stairs and narrow pathways.
• COVID procedures: Guests are asked to keep socially distant while walking through the attraction.

Tomorrowland Speedway

• Seating capacity per row: 2-3. Standard capacity is two guests per car. Cast members will load one adult plus two small children, or two adults plus one small child.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 2-3. One row per car.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back.
• Safety restraints: One fabric lap belt to secure all guests in each car.
• Boarding procedure: Step over a small wall (less than 12″) down a moderate step (about 12″) into the car.
• Height requirement: Guests must be 32″ to ride. Guests must be 54″ to ride alone.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the ride vehicles on their own. While guests are cautioned against this, there is a possibility that your car will be bumped from behind resulting in abrupt movement.
• Note: While two or three people can ride in each car, only one person can be the real driver. The driver must be fairly tall to control the foot pedals. A small child can “help” steer. The Speedway is the only attraction at Walt Disney World where the driver actually controls the forward movement of the ride vehicle. If you decide to let an older child drive alone, be sure to explain this to him or her and give instructions on how to work the car.
• COVID procedures: One party per car. Cars are naturally socially distant.

Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid

• Seating capacity per row: 2-3 depending on size.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: One row per vehicle, 2-3 people depending on size. Standard capacity is two guests per vehicle. Cast members will usually allow two adults plus a small child, or one adult plus two small children, to ride in one vehicle.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: Single pull-down lap bar for all the riders in the vehicle.
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) from a moving walkway onto a moving vehicle. Also exit the ride onto a moving walkway.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: There is one wheelchair accessible vehicle. Cast members will provide a ramp. ECV users must transfer to a standard wheelchair.
• COVID procedures: Clamshells are left empty between parties.

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Lightly padded chairs with backs and armrests.
• Safety restraints: NA
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Guests may remain in wheelchairs/ECVs. Wheelchair seating is at the front of the theater.
• COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows and seats are blocked to keep guests socially distant.

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into the theater
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride into the theater.
• COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows and seats are blocked to keep guests socially distant.

Currently Paused Attractions

Enchanted Tales with Belle

• Seating capacity per row: Variable. Approximately 3 guests per bench, with 2 to 4 benches per row.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. Approximately four dozen guests per show.
• Seating surface: Backless padded bench. Children will be invited to sit on the carpeted floor at the front of the room.
• Safety restraints: NA
• Boarding procedure: Prior to the seated show, there are pre-show areas where guests will stand for several minutes.
• Accessibility: Guests may remain in wheelchairs/ECVs throughout.
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: NA

Liberty Square Riverboat

• Seating capacity per row: Variable open seating. There are a few benches scattered throughout the boat, but not nearly enough to accommodate all guests. Most guests will stand for the duration of the attraction.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: More than 100.
• Seating surface: Seating type varies. Some hard wooden backless benches, some hard wooden benches with backs. There are few padded benches, but these do not have views of the scenery.
• Safety restraints: None
• Height requirement: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk on flat ramp into boat. To disembark, ambulatory guests take a moderate step down (about 12″) from the boat to the dock.
• Accessibility: Wheelchairs/ECVs may roll on board. A ramp will be provided for wheelchair/ECV users. Guests in wheelchairs and EVCs will have to stay on the lower level of the multi-story boat. Upper floors are only accessible via stairs.
• COVID procedures: NA

Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Hard plastic bench with back.
• Safety restraints: NA
• Boarding procedure: Guests walk into theater.
• Height requirement: None
• Notes: Wheelchair and EVC users may ride directly into the theater. Wheelchair seating is near the center of the room.
• COVID procedures: NA

Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover

• Seating capacity per row: 2-3. Standard capacity is two adults per row. Cast members will typically seat two adults with one or two children, or one adult with any children in their own vehicle. This allows families a bit of space and privacy.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 4-6. Two rows facing each other.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back.
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Small step (less than 12″) from moving walkway to moving vehicle. Guests also exit the attraction onto a moving walkway. Additionally, there is a steep moving walkway to enter the attraction.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Guests must transfer from wheelchair or ECV to board.
• Note: During low-crowd times of the year, it may be possible to ride several times consecutively (ask a cast member), making it one of the few moving attractions compatible with napping or nursing.
• COVID procedures: NA

Tom Sawyer Island

The Island itself is an open walking attraction. Information here applies to the raft ride, which you must take to get to the island.

• Seating capacity per row: NA
• Seating capacity per vehicle: There is no seating. Each raft holds approximately 20-25 standing guests.
• Seating surface: None
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Small step (less than 12″) from dock onto raft. The exact height of the step varies due to water level, there may be a small gap between the raft and the dock. Ramps are available for wheelchairs.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchairs/ECVs may be rolled onboard the rafts; however, many elements on the island include stairs and uneven surfaces. Much of the island is inaccessible via wheeled conveyance.
• COVID procedures: NA

Walt Disney World Railroad

• Seating capacity per row: 3-5 guests depending on size. There is one double bench per train car, with two rows facing each other.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: More than 100. Varies depending on number of train cars.
• Seating surface: Wooden bench with back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Two small (less than 12″) steps up to board train.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: It may be possible for wheelchair/ECV users to ride without transferring. There are a limited number of spots for this, speak to a cast member at the attraction for more information.
• Notes: Personal strollers may be brought on board, but must be folded. Disney rental strollers may not board. The side of the vehicle is open while the vehicle is in motion. Children should be seated to the inside of each row.
• COVID procedures: NA

See our previous post on Attraction Vehicles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Stay tuned for upcoming posts on EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The post Magic Kingdom Attraction Vehicles and Seating: A Disney World Guide appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World (FL), COVID-19, ride vehicles

There’s a very special event in the Orlando area this year, and if you’re a theme park fan you absolutely must go. This year is a tough one for everyone, including the great folks at Give Kids the World. Normally this incredible non-profit resort provides no-cost vacations for families with critically ill children. However, with the concerns of COVID-19 they have paused normal operations since March. With the lack of normal operations the folks at GKTW Village pivoted to create an amazing event: Night of a Million Lights. If you love dazzling Christmas light displays and theme parks this event is for you, here’s why.

1. Over 3 million Christmas lights adorn the entire 83 acres resort.
2. 168 Villas are decorated each with their own theme and sponsorship.
3. Tons of photo opportunities throughout the village.
4. Donated decorations from Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland Florida, and more.
5. Marc’s Dino-Putt mini-golf course created by Universal Orlando is decorated, and Walt Disney World donated 3 million lights and decorations.
6. Complimentary hot cocoa and ice cream cups.
7. A handful of charming rides are available.
8. Socially distant character greetings with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and Mayor Clayton
9. Limited capacity, masks, and temperature check required. It is clear the theme parks helped GKTW with their safety precautions and crowd control.
10. All proceeds benefits Give Kids the World Village which provides no-cost vacations, including admission to Orlando’s major theme parks, for critically ill children and their families.

When the Night of a Million Lights event was announced I was excited and knew it would be a great event. My husband, toddler, and I bought tickets for this past weekend, and it exceeded my expectations. Many have compared this event to the original Osborne Lights. The comparison is not to the dancing version of the Osborne Lights on the Streets of America, but the original version that took place on the backlot and included homes from popular television series decorated with the Osborne Lights. It is an accurate comparison, but this event is better than the original Osborne Lights – if you can believe it.

Reservations and tickets must be made in advance. You will select an available timeslot for entering the event to help with distancing and crowd control. We selected one of the earliest timeslots at 6:00 p.m. The attendance was reasonable; we did not feel crowded, even though it was a sold out night. Distancing does take some awareness, but I did not feel unsafe. Parking is free, and upon entering the Village’s grounds your ticket will be scanned and your temperature will be checked. Masks are required. Entering this event felt similar to entering Walt Disney World, in the sense of friendliness, organization, and the temperature check.

Be sure to grab a map when entering this event so you don’t miss anything. The Night of a Million Lights encompasses the entire 84 acres village. There are multiple neighborhoods with a collection of villas normally used for housing wish families. Each of the 168 villas is adopted by a company and adorned with dazzling lights and decorations. Some of my favorite villas were sponsored by Legoland Florida, Kennedy Space Center, Margaritaville Hotels and Resorts, and American Airlines.

Make sure to visit Marc’s Dino-Putt mini-golf course. This golf course was created and donated by Universal Orlando. While the course itself is not available for play, it is fully decorated. It’s fun to have a change of pace and explore the decorations around the course rather than strolling just the neighborhoods. In this area you can enjoy the heart of the village and see all the wonderful activities there are for wish families. Every part of this area is decorated, and there’s so many fun photo opportunities. The Wish Tree is especially beautiful, and interactive. There is also a Christmas Tree Trail.

There are a few rides in this area that are free to ride. There are short lines for more of the rides, and distancing markers were scarce. Near The Enchanted Carousel, you can spy three Christmas trees from last year’s Tree Trail at Disney Springs. In fact, in this area keen eyes can spy a few props donated from Walt Disney World. I was so excited to see “fire escape Santa Claus” who originally hails from Hollywood Studios. Santa and Mrs. Claus are also in this area for physically distant photos.

In the pool area you can enjoy music and singing, and complimentary hot cocoa and ice cream. Inexpensive casual food like pizza and hot dogs is available for purchase here, with proceeds going to the Village. Food and drink is to be consumed in this area so that guests walking through the village can keep their masks on. There are also two merchandise tables, one at the entrance of the event, and another in the pool area. There’s greeting cards, an ornament designed by a wish child, t-shirts, hats, and more, with all proceeds benefitting the village. Everyone who is staffing this event is a volunteer, so keep this in mind.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. We spent over two hours walking around, and could have spent longer if we didn’t have a tired toddler on our hands. Consider bringing your own hand sanitizer. There are hardly any stations throughout the village, but lots of interactive photo opportunities that have been touched by lots of hands.

Give Kids the World Village is located at 210 South Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746. It is about a 20 minute trip from Walt Disney World. Even if you do not have your own vehicle, it might be worth the ride-share or taxi cost, especially on a weeknight evening when the parks close early. This is a rare opportunity to visit the village, and hopefully this will be the only year this event takes place. Hopefully this time next year the village can host wish families again. I used to volunteer here twice a week when I was in college, and it truly is a special place.

As someone who has lived in Orlando my whole life, witnessing countless Christmas and holiday events in the theme parks, Night of a Million Lights rivals the quality. It put things into perspective as I thought about the wish families past, present, and future. It reminded me about the giving spirit of the theme park and attractions community, and Orlando at large. If you want to feel the true meaning of the season, Night of a Million Lights will fill your heart with joy. Book your tickets now as select nights have already sold out.

What do you think of the Night of a Million Lights? If you have any questions about this event let me know in the comments. 

The post 10 Reasons Every Theme Park Fan Needs to Attend “Night of a Million Lights” at Give Kids the World appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Beyond the Parks, Celebrations, Christmas, Holidays, christmas decorations, disney christmas, Give Kids the World, orlando christmas

Looks like lots of folks spent their Sunday funday visiting Walt Disney World. Animal Kingdom had it’s 4th busiest day in the past 30 day period, and had the highest average wait times of the four theme parks. The weather was pretty lovely today which usually drives some extra attendance to Animal Kingdom as the weather makes for excellent animal viewing. Thanks to our awesome Lines app users, our Liners, we received 125 actual wait times today. Let’s do the numbers!

Magic Kingdom Wait Times

Let’s start with a surprise. Magic Kingdom actually had the lowest average wait times of the four Walt Disney World theme parks today. The temperature may have been mild today, but it was still in warm enough for Splash Mountain to have the highest average wait times today. It had an average wait time today of 66 minutes. Its 7-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 53 minutes, so today ranks #6 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 54% of the posted wait time, which means the actual wait time was only about 35 minutes.

Another popular mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had an average wait time today of 52 minutes. Its 7-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #6 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #102 for the past year. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 53% of the posted wait time, which means the actual wait times were around 27 minutes or so.

A family favorite coaster, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had an average wait time today of 61 minutes. Its 7-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 57 minutes, so today ranks #8 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 81 minutes, so today ranks #140 for the past year.

Today was a busy day for Buzz, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin had an average wait time today of 36 minutes. Its 7-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #116 for the past year.

Wait times soared a little at Dumbo the Flying Elephant which had an average wait time today of 17 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 #3 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #118 for the past year.

Although today was busy at Peter Pan’s Flight with an average wait time of 33 minutes, the 365-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #152 for the past year – not bad. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 80% of the posted wait time.

Setting sail on Pirates of the Caribbean had an average wait time today of 48 minutes. Its 7-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #9 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #97 for the past year.

It may be a festive time of year, but plenty of guests still want to be spooked. The Haunted Mansion had an average wait time today of 23 minutes. Its 7-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #195 for the past year. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 66% of the posted wait time.

EPCOT Wait Times

The second least busy park today, EPCOT, saw the unexpected arrival of Figment in a holiday sweater, complete with a tribute to the building’s dual pyramid shape. Usually EPCOT is quite busy on the weekends, and today’s wait times ranked as number 4 in the past 30 day period.

“Hello? Yes, this is the department of stylin’ Christmas sweaters.” pic.twitter.com/yvD5bd1uKL

— TouringPlans (@TouringPlans) November 15, 2020

With the arrival of the Tomato Margarita, doing for a ride on the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros sounds like a great idea. This classic attraction had an average wait time today of 9 minutes. Its 7-day average is 7 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 9 minutes, so today ranks #13 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #125 for the past year.

It’s no surprise that today would be busy at Journey Into Imagination With Figment which had an average wait time today of 22 minutes. Its 7-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #47 for the past year.

And now that it is decorated for the holidays, Living with the Land had an average wait time today of 17 minutes. Its 7-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #66 for the past year.

With so much attention on this side of the park, Soarin’ had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 36 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 34 minutes, so today ranks #6 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #77 for the past year. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 72% of the posted wait time.

And finally also at Future World West, The Seas with Nemo & Friends had an average wait time today of 14 minutes. Its 7-day average is 11 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #123 for the past year.

And as always the busiest attract of the day, Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 72 minutes. Its 7-day average is 67 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #7 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #58 for the past year.

If you’re planning on visiting Walt Disney World this holiday season, you’ll need a special tool at your side. Subscribe today and get our Lines app too.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Wait Times

It’s hard to believe Hollywood Studios did not have the highest overall wait times of the Disney parks today. Perhaps the added capacity of Rise of the Resistance and change in boarding group procedures is paying off.

It was a pretty smooth day for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run which had an average wait time today of 47 minutes. Its 7-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month.  We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 88% of the posted wait time, so the actual wait time was in the 41 minute range.

It didn’t take too long to rock out on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith which had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 51 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 64% of the posted wait time.

Having some fun with Andy’s toys at Toy Story Mania! had an average wait time today of 22 minutes. Its 7-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #184 for the past year. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 59% of the posted wait time.

And Slinky Dog Dash continues to be popular with an average wait time today of 64 minutes. Its 7-day average is 69 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 66 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 75 minutes, so today ranks #155 for the past year.

Things were chugging along today at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway with an average wait time today of 71 minutes. Its 7-day average is 82 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 79 minutes, so today ranks #25 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 71 minutes, so today ranks #75 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 74% of the posted wait time.

Rise of the Resistance is having a really good day of operations. With the new procedures and increased capacity, we are seeing boarding groups in the 120 range and higher being called.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Wait Times

With wonderful weather comes an increased interest in Animal Kingdom. The incredible animals here tend to be more active when the weather isn’t as hot.

DINOSAUR had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #8 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #71 for the past year.

The wait time at Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain reached new heights with an average wait time today of 47 minutes. Its 7-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #99 for the past year. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 54% of the posted wait time.

While Kilimanjaro Safaris had an average wait time today of 32 minutes, its actual average wait time was around 17 minutes. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 53% of the posted wait time. Its 7-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #125 for the past year.

One attraction that is really driving up the average wait times of the park is Na’vi River Journey had an average wait time today of 61 minutes. Its 7-day average is 49 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 85% of the posted wait time.

And as always the busiest ride, Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 71 minutes. Its 7-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 59 minutes, so today ranks #9 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 96 minutes, so today ranks #136 for the past year. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 68% of the posted wait time.

 

The post A Busy Sunday With Some Surprises – Disney World Wait Times, November 15, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Attractions, Trip Planning, Walt Disney World (FL), animal kingdom wait times, disney crowds, disney wait times

One of the best features of most Disney resort hotels is the feature pool. Every Disney resort has a feature pool with theming and recreation. It is highly recommended that you plan in some time to enjoy your resort’s pool if you’re going to spend the money to stay at a Disney resort. Everyone needs some actual relaxation time on their vacation.

But like everything else in Walt Disney World, some things have changed due to COVID-19 safety precautions. It is still a wonderful experience to spend some time around the pool. Your pool experience shouldn’t be impacted all that much, but it is good to know what’s different ahead of time.

• Masks are required
• Masks can be removed while eating, drinking, and swimming
• Lounge chairs cannot be moved as they are spaced six feet apart for safety
• Recreational activities are reduced, but still offered
•  Outdoor movies near the pools are now every other night
• Sanitizing wipes canisters are placed at the pool’s main entrance
• Pool towels are still available

Masks are required in the pool area. They need to be worn when ordering food and drinks, and when roaming the pool area. While eating, drinking, or swimming they can be removed. While I spent some time at Disney’s Old Key West pool area and Saratoga Springs pool area, many guests were wearing masks while sitting in lounge chairs. I did not see any Cast Members ask guests who were not wearing masks while seated to put their mask on. If you choose not to wear your mask and you are not eating, drinking, or swimming Disney Cast Members could ask you to put a mask on or leave the area.

Lounge chairs and tables with chairs are set up six feet or more apart. It is asked that all guests leave the chairs as they are, in order to maintain this distance. Upon entering the pool areas of Old Key West and Saratoga Springs I noticed a canister of sanitizing wipes with a sign indicating that they are for use on surfaces. It might be a good idea to wipe down whatever chairs you choose to use.

One of the best features of Disney resort hotel pools is the amount of recreational activities offered. While some hands-on activities are temporarily on hold, other favorite activities like poolside trivia are offered.  The recreation Cast Members keep their distance from guests and wear their masks. Outdoor movies are now offered every other night. Be sure to check the schedule.

Pool towels are still provided at designated areas. Some pools have designated entrances and exits so be sure to keep an eye out and take a deep breath if, like me, you walk to an entrance that is now a marked exit and you have to walk back the other way. All in all, Disney pools are still a wonderful place to relax. Like everything else there are some changes, but in the end they are there for good reason, and don’t take away from the fun.

Do you usually plan some pool time in your vacation? Do you have a favorite Disney resort pool?

The post What Are Disney’s Resort Hotel Pools Like With COVID-19 Safety Precautions? appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Observations, Resorts, disney covid, disney hotels, disney on site hotels, Disney Pools, disney reopening

There are so many delightful Christmas and holiday treats this year at Magic Kingdom. We’ve practically tried all of them, and already have some favorites. The Let It Snow Chocolate Taco and the Pistachio Chai Tea Float are two highlights. But, there’s one that caught our eye that we just had to try.

Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Tree dessert is available at Gaston’s Tavern. It was hard to pass up the legendary Cinnamon Roll, but in the interest of research, our team selected the brightly colored holiday treat. Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Tree is a little Christmas tree shaped tower made of almond macarons each in descending sizes, that are stacked with cranberry-orange filling in between each bright green macaron. It is a visual delight.

Our team did not enjoy the taste overall. Neither the almond flavor of the macarons, nor the cranberry-orange flavor came through as strong as hoped. The artificial coloring’s fake taste got in the way of the festive flavors. For $5.49 it is a fun visual treat, but will most likely leave you disappointed in the taste. If you’re going to head to Gaston’s Tavern, we recommend the classic Cinnamon Roll instead.

Have you tried any of the holiday treats at Magic Kingdom this year? Do you have a favorite?

The post REVIEW – Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Tree Dessert is All Beauty, Less Substance appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Christmas, Dining, Magic Kingdom, Snacks, beauty and the beast, disney christmas, disney desserts, Disney Snacks, magic kingdom christmas, magic kingdom dining