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 Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. Pull down on that lap bar, we’re going for a ride…

Currently Operating Attractions

Alien Swirling Saucers

• Seating capacity per vehicle: 2-3 people, depending on size
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: Fabric lap belt. One belt for all occupants of the vehicle
• Boarding Procedures: Small step up into vehicle (less than 12″)
• Height Requirement: None
• Accessibility: Guest must transfer from wheelchair or ECV into the ride vehicle.
• COVID procedures: Minimal impact. Under normal operations the ride vehicles are more than six feet apart. Your individual vehicle will only contain members of your immediate party.

Disney Junior Dance Party

• Seating capacity per row: Guests sit on the floor.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Most guests sit on the carpeted floor. There are a very few benches at the rear of the theater.
• Safety restraints: None
• 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. Each party is assigned to a socially distant area on the floor and must stay in that area.

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Padded chair with armrests
• Safety restraints: None
• 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.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

• Seating capacity per row: About a dozen
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Hard, backless bench
• Safety restraints: None
• 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.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

• Seating capacity per row: 3-5 depending on size
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 6-10 guests per individual railcar
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into ride vehicle, very small step up and then down (less than 6″) required to enter
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer out their devices to board the ride. Transfer access vehicle is available. See cast member for assistance.
• COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows are left open between parties.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

• Seating capacity per vehicle: 6 individual seats per vehicle
• Seating surface: Padded chair without armrest
• Safety restraints: Individual fabric lap belt
• Boarding procedure: Walk into ride vehicle
• Height requirement: 38 inches
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer out their devices to board the ride. Transfer access vehicle is available. See cast member for assistance.
• COVID procedures: One party of up to six people per flight.
• Note: The controls for the gunner and navigator positions (center and back rows of the vehicle) are to the side of the seat. If sideways movement is an issue, ask to be the pilot or choose the side that best fits your needs.

Muppet*Vision 3D

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Padded chair with armrests
• Safety restraints: None
• 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.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

• Seating capacity per row: 2
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 4. 24 seats per full limo.
• Seating surface: Lightly padded bucket-style seats
• Safety restraints: Individual over-the-head harness rests on shoulder and waist. The harness accommodates even very large guests.
• Boarding procedure: Moderate step (just over 12″) up over a wall into the vehicle. Must be able to reach arms up to pull down safety restraint.
• Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
• Height requirement: 48″
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the standard ride vehicle on their own. There is a transfer practice vehicle available to assess guest fit and ability to board. See a cast member for assistance. Boarding must be done quickly.
• Note: This is an intense inversion roller coaster. Head and neck movement may be an issue for some.
• COVID procedures: Rows are left open between parties.

Slinky Dog Dash

• Seating capacity per row: 2
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 4 per slinky segment
• Seating surface: Hard plastic bucket seats
• Safety restraints: Individual pull-down lap bar
• Boarding Procedures: Walk into ride vehicle, very small step up and then down (less than 6″) required to enter
• Height Requirement: 38″
• Accessibility: Guests must transfer to a standard wheelchair, and then to the ride vehicle.
• COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows are left open between parties

Star Tours, The Adventure Continues

• Seating capacity per row: 10
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 40
• Seating surface: Lightly padded chair with armrest
• Safety restraints: Individual fabric lap belt for each guest.
• Boarding procedure: Walk into ride vehicle
• Height requirement: 40″
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the ride vehicle on their own. There is one seat with a removable armrest which can facilitate transfer. Ask a cast member for more information.
• Notes: This is a motion simulation. Guests with motion sickness issues take caution. Shooting, aliens, and the Galactic Empire may frighten some children.
• COVID procedures: Reduced capacity. Rows/seats are left open between parties. Plexiglas dividers between parties.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

• Seating capacity per row: 4
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 8
• Seating surface: Hard plastic seat
• Safety restraints: Individual fabric lap belt for each guest.
• Boarding procedure: Small step up into ride vehicle (about 6″)
• Height requirement: 40″
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer out their devices to board the ride. Transfer access vehicle is available. See cast member for assistance.
• COVID procedures: Reduced capacity. Rows/seats are left open between parties and/or plexiglas dividers between parties.

Toy Story Midway Mania

• 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 (if the child is a lap-sitter), or one adult plus two small children (if one child is a lap sitter), to ride in one vehicle.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 2-3
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: Individual pull-down lap bar for each guest
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) into ride vehicle
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: One ride vehicle will accommodate wheelchairs. ECV users must transfer to the standard ride or to a wheelchair. Wheelchair users load from a different area than the main queue. Speak with a cast member for instructions.
• COVID procedures: Some vehicles or rows are left empty to increase social distancing.
• 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 a nearby car. 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 their adult 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 the adult and one child share the ride, with the other child in the next vehicle.
• Note 2: The ride vehicles have two rows situated back to back. Guest on either side of the same vehicle will never see each other during the ride. Guests seated on either side of adjacent vehicles will see each other periodically while the ride is running. This may be comforting in some family situations. Speak to a cast member about your load preference.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

• Seating capacity per row: 7
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 21
• Seating surface: Hard chair with back.
• Safety restraints: Individual fabric lap belt for each guest
• Boarding procedure: Walk into elevator. Guests in the second two rows with have to walk up 1 or 2 steps to board.
• Height requirement: 40″
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the ride vehicle on their own.
• COVID procedures: Seats or rows are left empty between parties. Plexiglas dividers separate parties.

Vacation Fun film

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Padded chair with armrests
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
• COVID procedures: Seats or rows are left open between parties to increase social distancing

Walt Disney Presents

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Padded chair with armrests
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
• COVID procedures: Seats or rows are left open between parties to increase social distancing

Currently Paused Attractions

Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Metal bench with back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
• Note: This theater is outdoors. It is shaded, but it may be hot during summer months and is occasionally impacted by severe weather.
• COVID procedures: NA

Fantasmic

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Metal bench without back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
• Note: This theater is outdoors. It is shaded, but it may be hot during summer months and is occasionally impacted by severe weather.
• COVID procedures: NA

Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Metal bench with back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
• Note: This theater is outdoors. It is shaded, but it may be hot during summer months and is occasionally impacted by severe weather.
• COVID procedures: NA

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Padded chair with armrests
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
• COVID procedures: NA
• Note: Some of the special effects can only be experienced when seated in the attraction chairs. Guests wanting the full attraction experience may want to transfer to the standard seating if possible.
• Note 2: There have been rumors that this attraction is now permanently closed, but there has not been an official announcement.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts about the attraction vehicles at the other Walt Disney World theme parks.

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

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Accessibility, Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World (FL), COVID-19, ride vehicles

Christmas shopping at Disney Springs requires some special fuel. Thankfully, the Starbucks locations at Disney Springs excel at producing specialty drinks throughout the year with special seasonal themes. Right now at the Starbucks Marketplace location, just outside the World of Disney store entrance, there are four festive specialty beverages. On a rare weekend visit with my family I decided to get perked up with a drink called Elf Fuel.

The winter holiday specialty beverages at this Starbucks locations all sounded decadent and sweet. Many are made with white chocolate and caramel, which is too much for me. But the Elf Fuel sounded less sweet, and certainly very strong. Nitro Cold Brew is poured with Peppermint and Mocha Syrups, then it is topped with Matcha Cold Brew Foam to give a festive green color, and finished with a dash of holiday sprinkles. The Nitro Cold Brew was smooth, but strong. I delighted in the peppermint flavor. The mocha flavor weighed down this drink, but for those that like chocolate and peppermint together it is a nice touch. The Matcha foam flavor did not pair well with the strong coffee and mocha flavors.

 

Overall, the Elf Fuel coffee was strong, and the least sweet of the holiday beverages. But once this specialty drink was put together and rung up at the register it came out to about $9.00, and that’s way more than I like to spend on specialty coffee. It was not worth the high price tag.

Have you indulged in a specialty beverages from Disney Springs Starbucks? Do you have a favorite?

The post REVIEW – Elf Fuel Specialty Drink at Starbucks Disney Springs Marketplace appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Christmas, Disney Springs, Snacks, disney coffee, disney springs christmas, disney starbucks

We found low crowds throughout Walt Disney World today. Things are quieting down before a busy Thanksgiving travel period, and today’s weather was rough. Lots of rain fell all over Florida today and is expected most of the week. We received more than 100 actual wait times from our Lines app users. Let’s do the numbers!

Magic Kingdom Wait Times

Going alphabetically through the lands today for a little variation.  In Adventureland, Pirates of the Caribbean had an average wait time today of 38 minutes. Its 7-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 45 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month.

Jungle Cruise had an average wait time today of 36 minutes. Its 7-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month.  We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 80% of the posted wait time. That’s right around where Disney wants it to be.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin had an average wait time today of 11 minutes. Its 7-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month

In Fantasyland, Peter Pan’s Flight had an average wait time today of 27 minutes. Its 7-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month.  And Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had an average wait time today of 51 minutes. Its 7-day average is 55 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 75% of the posted wait time.

Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid had an average wait time today of 10 minutes. Its 7-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. And Dumbo the Flying Elephant had an average wait time today of 9 minutes. Its 7-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #165 for the past year.

“it’s a small world” had an average wait time today of 35 minutes. Its 7-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #17 for the past month.

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.

In Frontierland, Splash Mountain had an average wait time today of 36 minutes. Its 7-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 54% of the posted wait time. And Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had an average wait time today of 43 minutes. Its 7-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #15 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 68% of the posted wait time.

The Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square had an average wait time today of 20 minutes. Its 7-day average is 34 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 41% of the posted wait time.

Over in Tomorrowland, Space Mountain had an average wait time today of 27 minutes. Its 7-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 98% of the posted wait time. And Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin had an average wait time today of 24 minutes. Its 7-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month.

Animal Kingdom Wait Times

Yesterday’s average wait time at Animal Kingdom was 41 minutes. Today? It was 18 minutes – what a difference! Kilimanjaro Safaris had an average wait time today of 11 minutes. Its 7-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month.  We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 47% of the posted wait time.

Na’vi River Journey had an average wait time today of 36 minutes. Its 7-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 75% of the posted wait time.

Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 34 minutes. Its 7-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 63 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 79% of the posted wait time.

DINOSAUR had an average wait time today of 20 minutes. Its 7-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month.

Expedition Everest had an average wait time today of 21 minutes. Its 7-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month.

Kali River Rapids had an average wait time today of 10 minutes. Its 7-day average is 20 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month.

EPCOT Wait Times

Yesterday’s average wait time at EPCOT was 35 minutes. Whereas today it was just 20 minutes. Living with the Land had an average wait time today of 11 minutes. Its 7-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #183 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 #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #215 for the past year.

Soarin’ had an average wait time today of 27 minutes. Its 7-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #168 for the past year.

Spaceship Earth had an average wait time today of 12 minutes. Its 7-day average is 18 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 19 minutes, so today ranks #25 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #176 for the past year.

Test Track had an average wait time today of 53 minutes. Its 7-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #109 for the past year.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends had an average wait time today of 6 minutes. Its 7-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #233 for the past year.

Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 61 minutes. Its 7-day average is 82 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 66 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #121 for the past year.

Hollywood Studios Wait Times

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway had an average wait time today of 84 minutes. Its 7-day average is 78 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 79 minutes, so today ranks #9 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 71 minutes, so today ranks #31 for the past year. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 74% of the posted wait time.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #25 for the past month.

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue had an average wait time today of 22 minutes. Its 7-day average is 26 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 64% of the posted wait time.

Tower of Terror had an average wait time today of 50 minutes. Its 7-day average is 51 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 49 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 74% of the posted wait time.

Toy Story Mania had an average wait time today of 22 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #30 for the past month. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 54% of the posted wait time.

Slinky Dog Dash had an average wait time today of 81 minutes. Its 7-day average is 66 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 67 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 75 minutes, so today ranks #91 for the past year.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run had an average wait time today of 60 minutes. Its 7-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #15 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 81% of the posted wait time.

Rise of the Resistance ran pretty well this morning, then had a couple of lapses.  The first delay in calling new boarding groups happened from just after 11 a.m. today, and lasted until just before noon – so a little less than an hour’s lag.  The second delay seems to have started around 4:15 p.m. and was still happening as I was writing this.  That’s not good.  Hopefully they’ll get it back on track soon.

 

The post Low Crowds All Around – Disney World Wait Times for Monday, November 9, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), disney best time to visit, disney covid, disney crowds, disney reopening, disney wait times

For several years now, Disney Springs has been home to the Christmas Tree Trail, an area in the Marketplace starting at Earl of Sandwich and going behind many buildings near where the old bus loop used to be. My family has gone every year and loved the experience — artificial snow, festive music, beautifully decorated themed trees. One thing we did not love was how crowded it was in there. When we went last year, it was a 20 minute line to get in, and then you shuffled along with a mass of people to catch a glimpse of trees as you made your way through the winding path. Needless to say, that kind of crowd wasn’t going to work in the new reality of 2020’s social distancing necessity. Rather than cancel the event altogether, Disney changed it from a Christmas Tree Trail, going along a single location, to the Christmas Tree Stroll. Trees are spread out all around Disney Springs.

A map shows the locations of all the trees with stickers so you can identify which tree you find at each location. Maps are free and can be obtained at locations around Disney Springs including House of Blues, Art of Disney, Welcome Center, and Marketplace Co-Op. Once you’ve completed the map, return to those locations for a special free gift.

We’re not going to tell you where all the trees are — what’s the fun in that! — but we will show you pictures of the trees that you’ll see, for people who may not be able to make it down this year to participate on their own.

 

 

And here’s the final award that you get after completing the stroll.

The post Christmas Tree Stroll: Proof that Some Things ARE Better in 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail, Holidays

Walt Disney World’s newest attraction debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4, and allows guests the sensation of riding through the new Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts.

Guests board engineer Goofy’s train for a ride around the park where Mickey and Minnie are headed for a picnic. But, as so often happens in a Disney attraction, things go wrong. All of the train cars separate with Goofy completely unaware, and guests cruise through cartoon show scenes that are a blend of traditional and three-dimensional scenes and video projections with Mickey and Minnie in pursuit to save the day!

1. Different Ride Experiences

Even though you will probably want to enjoy Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway again and again anyhow, the attraction does offer multiple ride experiences encouraging repeat rideability!

For instance, after Goofy’s train cars separate and function as trackless vehicles, the route that you travel through each show scene room will differ. So your second ride may allow you to see something different than you did during your first. There’s also an additional plot playing out through the ride involving Pluto that most guests miss their first time, not to mention the vast number of details and Hidden Mickeys packed in each scene.

2. Family-Friendly Ride Experience

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the park for the newest Disney World attractions such as Slinky Dog Dash, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, and the uber-popular Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. But among these new attractions and the park’s classic staples, the number of attractions without height requirements and ideal for the whole family are few and far between.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a smooth, gentle ride experience with no height requirement or health or safety warnings. There is one scene where a screen is used to simulate going over a waterfall, but there is no sensation of free fall. There’s also no sudden movements or sharp turns, dips, or drops making it the perfect attraction for the entire family.

3. Homages to Disney History

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway show building originally housed The Great Movie Ride which closed in 2017. There is a tribute to the former attraction within the ride, but it’s only the start. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is packed full of other homages to Disney history. For instance, the name Iwerks and Uwerks Waterworks water treatment plant is a tribute to Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, and the 1401 Flower Shop is a nod to the address for Walt Disney Imagineering’s headquarters in California.

Imagineers also used sound effects from Disney shorts dating from the 1930s, and Disney Legend Jimmy Macdonald’s original sound equipment was used to create new sound effects for the attraction. They even used the “Steamboat Willie” whistle for the whistle on Goofy’s train.

4. It’s Better Than You Expect

Let’s just say there were (and are!) a considerable number of fans who felt The Great Movie Ride should’ve survived. Also, while the idea of a Mickey and Minnie attraction was intriguing, and arguably long overdue, could it really be anything but a kiddie ride?

Yes. Yes, it could. Even though your ride vehicle doesn’t move at high speeds or plunge guests down drops, the sensation of moving through vivid, three-dimensional scenes that are seemingly alive is thrilling all on its own. The technology and effects also feel fresh and new but grounded in animation as opposed to leaning too heavily on screens.

However, do take note that the style of Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and their world is different from what many Disney fans are used to. That’s because this attraction was inspired by the Paul Rudish Mickey Mouse shorts whose style is very different than the Mickey Mouse seen on park merch and around the park. Some love it; others not so much. It’s just something to be aware of.

5. Attraction-Exclusive Character & Song

We’ve got Trader Sam and the Ghost Host and “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and “it’s a small world,” and now Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway has given us Chuuby and “Nothing Can Stop Us Now.”

Chuuby is an orange and white bird created just for this attraction and makes his appearance both at the beginning and end of the ride. Look for him entertaining guests above the train tunnel.

The song “Nothing Can Stop Us Now” was created for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and is a serious earworm! While heavily featured in the ride’s preshow (which is currently suspended due to our current global situation), you will still hear it throughout the experience.

Is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway on your to-do list? Let us know in the comments!

The post Five Things You Should Know About Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Attractions, Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World (FL), Disney Attractions, disney world, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, hollywood studios attractions, mickey and minnie, mickey and minnie cartoon shorts, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, walt disney world