Author: touringplans.com

Gusty winds and rain from Eta didn’t keep people out of Hollywood Studios today, while Animal Kingdom had its least-busy day of the past month, and the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT were only slightly busier.  We received more than 110 actual wait times today from rides all around Walt Disney World. Let’s do the numbers for Thursday, November 12, 2020!

Hollywood Studios Wait Times

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith had an average wait time today of 49 minutes. Its 7-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 51 minutes, so today ranks #21 for the past month. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 67% of the posted wait time.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror had an average wait time today of 55 minutes. Its 7-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #110 for the past year.

In Toy Story Land, Slinky Dog Dash had an average wait time today of 67 minutes. Its 7-day average is 70 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 66 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past month. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 80% of the posted wait time.

Toy Story Mania! had an average wait time today of 34 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 43% of the posted wait time.

And Alien Swirling Saucers had an average wait time today of 25 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month.

The park’s most fun attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, had an average wait time today of 82 minutes. Its 7-day average is 81 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 80 minutes, so today ranks #12 for the past month. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 70% of the posted wait time.

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Over in Galaxy’s Edge, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run had an average wait time today of 46 minutes. Its 7-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 57 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 90% of the posted wait time.

Rise of the Resistance had another good day of operations, with only one minor delay around 2:45 p.m. I forgot to mention this earlier, but this might be a regularly scheduled cleaning pause.

Magic Kingdom Wait Times

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had an average wait time today of 49 minutes. Its 7-day average is 60 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 57 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 76% of the posted wait time.

Big Thunder Mountain had an average wait time today of 36 minutes. Its 7-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 61% of the posted wait time.

Space Mountain had an average wait time today of 23 minutes. Its 7-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 73% of the posted wait time.

Splash Mountain had an average wait time today of 44 minutes. Its 7-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 55 minutes, so today ranks #19 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 71% of the posted wait time.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin had an average wait time today of 20 minutes. Its 7-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month.

Jungle Cruise had an average wait time today of 37 minutes. Its 7-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month.

Peter Pan’s Flight had an average wait time today of 26 minutes. Its 7-day average is 34 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 48% of the posted wait time.

Pirates of the Caribbean had an average wait time today of 31 minutes. Its 7-day average is 45 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #25 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #182 for the past year.

Tomorrowland Speedway – we never talk about the speedway! – had an average wait time today of 12 minutes. Its 7-day average is 16 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #183 for the past year.

The Haunted Mansion had an average wait time today of 11 minutes. Its 7-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 57% of the posted wait time.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin had an average wait time today of 6 minutes. Its 7-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #247 for the past year.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh had an average wait time today of 18 minutes. Its 7-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #196 for the past year.

Animal Kingdom Wait Times

DINOSAUR had an average wait time today of 5 minutes. Its 7-day average is 34 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #241 for the past year.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain had an average wait time today of 24 minutes. Its 7-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #173 for the past year.

Kali River Rapids had an average wait time today of 11 minutes. Its 7-day average is 19 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 21 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #135 for the past year.

Kilimanjaro Safaris had an average wait time today of 12 minutes. Its 7-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 49 minutes, so today ranks #214 for the past year.

Na’vi River Journey had an average wait time today of 39 minutes. Its 7-day average is 49 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 60 minutes, so today ranks #168 for the past year.

Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 30 minutes. Its 7-day average is 57 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 97 minutes, so today ranks #191 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 48% of the posted wait time.

EPCOT Wait Times

Living with the Land, the world’s greatest indoor hydroponic-themed boat ride, had an average wait time today of 12 minutes. Its 7-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #21 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #159 for the past year.

Mission: SPACE Orange had an average wait time today of 15 minutes. Its 7-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #207 for the past year.

Soarin’ had an average wait time today of 33 minutes. Its 7-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #140 for the past year.

Spaceship Earth had an average wait time today of 16 minutes. Its 7-day average is 18 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 18 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 21 minutes, so today ranks #146 for the past year.

Test Track had an average wait time today of 48 minutes. Its 7-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 60 minutes, so today ranks #25 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #125 for the past year.

And Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 69 minutes. Its 7-day average is 72 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #68 for the past year.

The post What’s a Little Breeze? Disney World Wait Times for Thursday, November 12, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL)

One thing you do not have to worry about when celebrating the holiday season at Walt Disney World is snow. But this year there is snow in the forecast, right over Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom. The Let It Snow Chocolate Taco at Pecos Bill Tale Tale Inn and Cafe may sound like a weird creation, but it is one of our team’s favorite holiday treats this year.

The Let It Snow Chocolate Taco, according to the menu, is a Chocolate Taco Shell filled with Salted Caramel and Spiced Chocolate Mousse. However, we did not detect a chocolate taco shell, but more like a sugar cookie shell. Some may find the caramel and spice flavors to not be strong enough, but our team has tasted lots of this year’s holiday treats at Magic Kingdom and this one is at the top of our list. We welcome the light flavor. There are lots of heavy hitters to enjoy this holiday season and it is nice to have some festive flavors that don’t weigh you down.

For $5.29 the Let It Snow Chocolate Taco is one of the least expensive holiday desserts at Magic Kingdom. It is definitely one of the prettiest with a sprinkling of edible glitter; it’s hard to resist a treat that is so photogenic. If you’re looking for a festive sweet treat that won’t break the bank and that isn’t too heavy, this is a great choice.

Have you tried any of this year’s festive treats? Do you have a favorite?

The post REVIEW – Let It Snow Taco Is a Welcome Snowfall in Florida appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Christmas, Dining, Holidays, Magic Kingdom, Snacks, disney desserts, magic kingdom christmas, magic kingdom snacks, magic kingdom treats

Whether you are a long-time Walt Disney World guest looking to switch theme parks on your next trip or you are visiting Orlando for the first time, planning a visit to Universal Orlando Resort poses a lot of questions. This article will cover the ins-and-outs of Universal’s line-skipping program, Express Pass, and what to expect if you use it.

What is Universal Express Pass?

Express Pass is Universal’s skip-the-line offering for their theme park rides and shows. Universal’s marketing says Express will cut your wait in half but we have seen hour-long waits cut down to 10 minutes.

Express Pass vs FastPass

The biggest difference between Disney’s FastPass system and Express Pass is cost: FastPass is complimentary while Express Pass is an additional charge. Prices start at $59.99 per person plus tax per day with busier days, like holidays, costing more.

Unlike FastPass, Express Pass does not require reservations or feature return time windows to access the attraction. This makes Express a great option for guests who prefer or require more flexibility in their touring style. Express Pass also perfectly syncs up with our customizable Touring Plans.

Do I NEED Express Pass?

Short answer: no.

Long answer: If you arrive before opening, follow a touring plan, take a mid-day break, and stay till the park closes then you do not need an Express Pass. But the option is a nice feature to have for the added flexibility and peace of mind, or if you want to ride everything between the two parks in one day.

Which Attractions Accept Express Pass?

All major rides and shows accept Express Pass except for Ollivander’s Wand Experience and Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure  (we expect Hagrid to be added in the future).

Types of Express Pass

Similar to park admission options, there are several types of Express Pass offered by Universal.

Express Pass is the standard level option and allows guests to skip the line one time per attraction. Passes start at $59.99 per adult plus tax per day for one park, an upgrade to two parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) starts at $69.99 per adult plus tax per day.

Express Pass Unlimted lets guests skip the standby line an unlimited amount of times. Prices start at $84.99 per adult plus tax per day for one park or $89.99 per adult plus tax per day for two parks.

Express Pass Plus is like the standard Express Pass but is only valid for Volcano Bay. Prices start at $39.99 per adult plus tax per day. No multi-park options are available.

Complimentary Express Pass

Two-park, Express Pass Unlimited passes are included with stays at Universal’s Premier hotels: Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific. These passes are good for each day of your stay, including check-in and check-out days. Complimentary Express Pass Unlimited is not valid for Volcano Bay.

We advise pricing out a stay on-site along with staying at another hotel and purchasing Express Passes – depending on the number of guests and time of year, you could save hundreds of dollars. Remember: passes are good check-in and check-out dates; if you plan on going to Universal for two days you will only have to pay for one night at a Premier hotel.

Acquiring Express Pass

Express Passes can be purchased at the following locations:

• Universal’s website
• Universal ticket windows
• Express Pass kiosks around the parks
• Specially marked stores
• Hotel vacation planning desks

We advise purchasing online prior to your visit and picking up at will call or printing at home. Print at home is the most convenient choice but keep in mind you will have several pieces of 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper now to carry around the parks – will call tickets are credit card sized.

Complimentary Express Pass Unlimited is tied to your resort room key received at check-in.

How to Use Express Pass

Attractions with Express will have a separate, specially marked entrance. A Universal Team Member will scan your Express Pass and a camera will verify your face to the ticket. No other verification is required in the queue.

Do you have questions about Universal Express Pass? Leave your questions and comments below!

The post Universal Orlando Resort for Newbies – Universal Express Pass appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Universal Orlando Resort, express pass

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Southern California. The 90-degree temperatures from a couple of weeks ago have been replaced by a some crisp mid-60s temperatures during the days. This of course means my fellow Californians have busted out the scarves and winter coats, almost as if they’re about to head for a weekend ski trip. Meanwhile at the Disneyland Resort, Disney California Adventure is just a week away from opening Buena Vista Street and portions of Grizzly Peak and Hollywood Land. No rides will be available, but plenty of food and shopping will be available. It’s safe to assume the crowds for DCA’s limited reopening will be large as many locals are eager to be in a Disney theme park, whether there’s rides or not. Downtown Disney already sees waits of over an hour or more every weekend due to limited capacity, so expect more of the same. Also be aware that Disney will start charging a $10 parking fee when Buena Vista Street reopens. There is no free parking for annual passholders and no parking validation offered at any Downtown Disney stores.  Now that that’s out of the way, let’s take a look at some merchandise.

Frist off, here it is, the greatest Christmas ornament Disney has ever created. It’s an accurate recreation of the Country Bear Jamboree building in Magic Kingdom. It goes without saying Country Bear Jamboree is the best attraction ever, and each of the bears in the show are worldwide cultural icons, so I’m glad the bears finally have an ornament worthy of their greatness.

Flip the ornament around and the best gets even better. You can see the actual stage and many of the bears in the show. THE ONLY PROBLEM…. Trixie is on the wrong stage, she should be on the far right. But it’s ok, I can forgive them because otherwise it’s 95% perfect. This ornament is worth every penny of the $29.99 price tag.

Before we continue with the merchandise, I stopped by Marcelines Confectionery to see if they had any of the usual Christmas season treats. They did not, but they did have this outrageously priced Pecan Pie Crispy. Look at the photo and you’ll see this is not actually a pie. It’s a gigantic Rice Crispy Treat with some pecan sprinkled on top. I’m sure it tastes great but I’d rather use the money to buy a week’s worth of groceries. Also, am I crazy or does $5.49 for a single slice also seem like a lot of money.

Back to shopping. I stopped by the Disney Home Store, which usually has a long line thanks to its very limited capacity. Today it had no line so I walked right in.

Like World of Disney, Disney Home is also decorated for the holiday season.

Here’s a “it’s a small world” musical nutcracker, which was a new item from last year. I love how they made it look like it came directly from the ride.

Seasonal face masks. How 2020 is that?

This tree with various Disneyland icons is pretty cute. $39.99

Some fun Mickey and Minnie Christmas stockings. These can be yours for $29.99 each.

Another new Disneyland building ornament arrived, this time the Main Street Cinema. The details on this one are really great. You can see two classic Mickey Mouse cartoons playing on the screens inside.

Speaking of ornaments, here’s a Disney character gingerbread cookie ornament set.

Here’s a Mickey and Minnie bell ornament set for $19.99.

For $19.99 you can get this metal wall ornament.

There’s nothing like getting all nice and cozy with a soft blanket on a cold winter night. This fleece and cable knit throw is available for $74.99.

Your good doggies can also get festive with these collars in various sizes.

Moving on to World of Disney, here’s a adorable flannel dog shirt for $34.99.

This Christmas tree lights up and is available for $49.99.

For $95.00 you can have this figure of Mickey and Minnie on ice skates.

Moving on from Christmas items, the popular throwback Disneyland popcorn bucket is available again for $16.99.

Over at Stage 17, the light up Madame Leota sipper cup is also back in stock.

See anything you want? Are you heading to Buena Vista Street at some point this holiday season? Let me know in the comments below. 

The post PHOTOS: Country Bear Ornament, More Christmas Merch, and a $44 Rice Crispy Treat Pie at Disneyland Resort appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Disneyland (CA), Merchandise, disneyland merchandise

This year has certainly had lots of rough moments to say the least. But one highlight this year are the Christmas character cavalcades now appearing at Magic Kingdom. Normally these festive floats and characters in cheerful apparel would be reserved for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and the two weeks of Christmas itself. But with this year’s party being cancelled, guests get to enjoy these joyful processions throughout the day.

We’re very excited to see these characters, floats, and enjoy the festive music in Magic Kingdom. If you have not had the chance to see some of these holiday floats and costumes, and you feel comfortable visiting Walt Disney World, now is a great time to visit so you can enjoy these extra touches that are normally reserved for special occasions.

Here’s why we love the Christmas character cavalcades at Magic Kingdom

1. Festive costumes
2. Holiday decorated floats
3. Cheerful music
4. Sights and scents
5. SANTA CLAUS

Many of the characters at Magic Kingdom, both at physically distant greeting locations and in the cavalcades, don their gay apparel. The Disney Princesses are one of my favorites because many have winter wear, and Belle wears her festive dress. The princess float itself, which has been running through Magic Kingdom for decades, is decorated with little Christmas trees, garland, and ornaments.

Much of the music that plays during the character cavalcades during the holiday season are songs that would normally only be heard during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Hearing this music gives me goosebumps and makes me chuckle with glee. As the cavalcade passes by you may smell something delightful. The gingerbread floats featuring Clarabelle, Goofy, and Max leave the scrumptious scent of gingerbread on the air.

The big blockbuster moment this year is Santa Claus himself making the rounds through Magic Kingdom. His spectacular rooftop float parades through the park throughout the day and into the early evening, led by his eight jolly reindeer. It is a moment that puts a big smile on everyone’s face.

Before you head to Magic Kingdom, check out our tips for viewing the character cavalcades.

Have you had the chance to see these Christmas character cavalcades? Do you have a favorite?

The post Five Reasons We Love the Christmas Character Cavalcades at Magic Kingdom appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Christmas, In the Parks, Magic Kingdom, Trip Planning, Disney Characters, disney christmas, disney christmas parade, magic kingdom christmas, magic kingdom santa claus