This week we welcomed back one of Disney’s Value resort hotels. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the newest Value property and offers Family Suites as well as regular rooms. We returned to this colorful resort to see how things were going with COVID-19 precautions in place.
Physical distancing markers at Front Desk
Mobile check-in encouraged to reduce contact at Front Desk
Designated entrance and exit at merchandise shop
Tables and chairs distanced at Landscape of Flavors (food court)
No self service beverages or food at Landscape of Flavors
Arcade is temporarily closed
Seating at pool is physically distanced
Movies Under the Stars scheduled every other night
Art of Animation – Front DeskArt of Animation – Distanced SeatingArt of Animation – No Self Service BeveragesArt of Animation – Distanced SeatingArt of Animation – Designated EntranceArt of Animation – Distance Markers at Front DeskArt of Animation – Arcade ClosedArt of Animation – Big Blue Pool Safety RemindersArt of Animation – Movies ScheduleArt of Animation – Distanced Seating at Pool
Disney’s Art of Animation may be a good choice for guests who want accommodations with minimal time indoors. Entry into the guest rooms and family suites are from exterior entrances. Guests use outdoor walkways to get to the main building for dining, shopping, and bus transportation. The resort is fairly spread out which makes it generally easier to stay distanced from others, but does mean more walking in some case.
Have you stayed at Art of Animation? Are you considering staying here?
Filed Under: Observations, Photos and Video, Resorts, disney covid, disney on site hotels, disney reopening, disney value hotels, disney’s art of animation
Earlier this week we took a look at the holiday decorations that had started to appear at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now that a few days have passed, the full-fledged festive décor is completely installed. For many guests, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has the best holiday decorations. It’s a wonderful blend of tinsel-town-inspired decorations that harken back to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Let’s take a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard and around Echo Lake to see the fully installed holiday decorations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. All photos taken by our own Chrissy (@crispy_tp on Twitter and @crispylemonstp on Instagram).
Decorations on Hollywood BoulevardDecorations on Hollywood BoulevardEcho Lake DecorationsEcho Lake DecorationsIcon Area DecorationsIcon Area Decorations
If you’re visiting Walt Disney World this holiday season, make sure you have holiday magic at your fingertips. Become a TouringPlans Subscriber and gain access to our Lines app. Our Lines app users save 2-3 hours on average per day in the parks, so you’ll have more time to savor the magic of this festive season.
What’s your favorite part of the holiday season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
It is currently the only attraction at Walt Disney World to receive a holiday overlay this year. Since 2013, the Jingle Cruise been providing holiday cheer while sailing the yuletide. Some people find it cheesy and perhaps even thrown together. But there are many that love it – myself included. So let’s board a boat, and wave to the nice people on the dock, to see why we love the Jingle Cruise.
The Queue Decorations
I do not mind waiting in line one bit for The Jingle Cruise. The queue is full of old fashioned Christmas decorations from around the 1930s. Many of the items remind me of decorations my grandmother had. The tropical Christmas tree in the center of the queue is my favorite. There’s some great details too. There’s a Secret Santa list and other holiday cheer involving the Jungle Cruise skippers. The festive fun of this attraction starts the moment you walk into its queue.
Holiday Decorations at The Jingle CruiseHoliday Decorations at The Jingle Cruise
The Queue Music
I love Big Band Jazz and music from the 1930s and 1940s. I think part of what gave me my love for the genre is The Bubble Room. I grew up here in Central Florida and The Bubble Room was an over-the-top kitschy restaurant that I went to with my family as a child, for special occasions. They played Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald, and with its whimsy décor it felt like a magical place to adolescent me. That era of Christmas music plays over the airways of the Jingle Cruise.
Note: The Bubble Room in the Central Florida area closed long ago, but the original location in Captiva Island, Florida is still around – for those that are interested.
The Boat Names
Each Jungle Cruise boat that hauls guests through the rivers of the world has a name. But during the holiday season each boat is given a holiday name. Seeing the boat names pass by as you wait for your turn can be part of the fun of the Jingle Cruise. Names like Icicle Irma, Poinsettia Sal, Yulelog Lolly, and Candy Cane Connie sail the yuletide this time of year.
The Jingle Cruise
The Holiday Humor
It wouldn’t be a voyage on the Jingle Cruise without the pun-laden script of the Skippers. And this time of year, you’re in for lots of holiday humor. As you embark on your journey you’ll wave goodbye to the nice people on the dock, and the naughty ones too. You’ll pass by a tree that’s been wrapped up with a boa on top. And maybe your Skipper will make a New Year’s joke, if they don’t drop the ball. You get the idea.
The Jingle CruiseThe Jingle Cruise – A Tree Wrapped in a Boa
Classic Scenes Get a Holiday Makeover
The Jungle Cruise is full of classic scenes that have been part of the ride for decades. Many of these classic scenes are given a holiday makeover. But not all the scenes get into the holiday spirit. It’s nice to round a bend waiting to see if the next scene will be at its merriest, or just its silliest.
The Jingle CruiseThe Jingle CruiseTrader Sam at The Jingle Cruise
Have you sailed aboard The Jingle Cruise? Do you have a favorite part?
As we mercifully enter the final couple of months of 2020, new merchandise continues to arrive at Downtown Disney in Disneyland Resort. Today we’ll take a look at new items featuring Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge merch, yet another new spirit jersey, and even more Christmas items.
This interactive Groot figure is now available at Stage 17 for $59.99. According to its description he responds and moves to different phrases when spoken to.
Here he is his box.
This placard is on display to inform people of his various features. For $24.99 you can let Groot cover most of your upper body in this shirt.
Celebrate Christmas with this Groot shoulder plush.
Over in Star Wars Trading Post they’re thankfully still receiving shipments from Batuu while Disneyland is closed. New merchandise from Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge has arrived, including this mug for $19.99.
Here’s an exclusive shirt for Disneyland Resort annual passholders. $36.99.
Also priced at $36.99 are these two shirts featuring icons from the land.
This hat shows the Black Spire Outpost logo on the front. The hat is an adjustable “dad hat” style.
Kids and small adults can grab this shirt for $24.99.
Here’s an annual passholder exclusive pin with the Millennium Falcon.
This four pin set can be yours for $24.99.
This pin shows the holochess game from the Millennium Falcon, also known as Dejarik. The price tag on this one is an outrageous $54.99.
Heading over to World of Disney, here’s another high priced item that probably won’t sell well. A single Baby Yoda rice cereal treat for $8.99.
Two varieties of Baby Yoda Funko Pops, one small and one extra large.
Another new Disneyland spirit jersey, this time featuring some of their critter characters. $69.99.
Even more Christmas merchandise has arrived since last week. Here’s a magnet for $7.99.
Wrapping things up with this line of miniature Starbucks Disney tumblers.
That’s it for this week. Did you see anything you’re interested in? Let me know in the comments below.
Welcome, Dear Reader. Your Humble Author Derek Burgan here, and I have an important message. As we all know, in a year in which every single week seemed to be crazier than the one before it, this past week was bound to be absolutely bananas. To escape the craziness, I spent the entire week in Key West with Bacini, the official dog of DisTwitter. We eschewed the touristy spots and instead visited all the places that only the locals know, like Hard Rock Cafe, Benihana, and Margaritaville. Oh sure, we saw some of “Old Florida history” in places like the Hemingway House, but how can you be expected to enjoy an attraction when the pressed penny machine is out of order? So as I am now spending approximately the next 48-72 hours lodging numerous complaints on Yelp and TripAdvisor, I needed to make sure the trusted SATURDAY SIX brand was in capable hands.
Unfortunately, only Resident Millennial Joe Matt was available.
The good news is that this week’s SATURDAY SIX takes a look at exclusive beers available at the Universal Orlando Resort, and if there was ever a spiritual successor to Norm from Cheers, it would be Joe Matt. The bad news is that Millennial Joe doesn’t know who Norm is because Cheers is “an old person’s show.” That said, we have even more good news and it’s that Joe is one of the shining stars of the TouringPlans team. He is smart, he is funny, he knows his themed entertainment, and he is one of the best people I have met in the entire theme park community. Take it away Joe…
Not too long ago theme parks like Disney and Universal were satisfied with burgers, fries, and a Coke. Outside the parks, after two decades of consolidation and franchising, America was FED UP and entered a craft renaissance. One of the largest markets to blossom was the craft beer market. In 2005 there were nearly 1400 craft breweries around the USA, and by 2016 more than 5200 craft breweries were in operation. Whole new businesses like bottle shops and modern beer halls popped up to support the demand. Even apps such as Untappd sprung up for beer aficionados to log their tasting notes.
Theme parks slowly adopted this trend, starting with Walt Disney World and Big River Brewing in 1996. Now major lands and attractions get their own exclusive beers for adults just as they used to receive shirts and pins. Universal remains heads, shoulders, and kegs above others with their exclusive fermented offerings.
This week SATURDAY SIX is joined by resident Millennial Joe and Dan to show craft beer fans SIX locations around Universal Orlando to try exclusive beers! Open Untappd, grab a pretzel, and here we GO!
6 – The RESORTS!
Universal’s resorts are the undiscovered gems that combine high-quality accommodations, unbeatable amenities, and a great price point. How many resorts have a bowling alley, lazy river, and Starbucks?
Jake’s Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
We start at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, which brings the ambiance of the South Pacific to Orlando. Located on the ground floor is Jake’s American Bar which serves up American fare cooked up by an ex-pat. In addition to nachos, burgers, and pizzas is an extensive beer selection including the exclusive Jake’s American Red Lager. Lager is a cold bottom-fermenting beer, and Jake’s adds a new spin by focusing on malts over hops – think Sam Adams instead of Budweiser. This red lager is a refreshing beer that pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s signature fried pretzel appetizer.
Surfside IPA from Endless Summer Surfside.
Our next stop is Universal’s newest hotel: Endless Summer! Located on the old Wet ‘n Wild waterpark plot of land, this new hotel is Universal’s first value hotel. But unlike other resorts *cough* this hotel offers some great amenities like an on-site fitness center and arcade! To find our next exclusive beer we head towards the pool and The Sand Bar where mixed drinks are under $10. Here is the exclusive Surfside IPA brewed by Goose Island. This IPA is endlessly drinkable (pun intended) and is exactly what you think a Goose Island IPA should be: bright, floral, and with a slight hint of orange.
5 – Universal Studios Florida
Alright, unpacked and ready to go? Grab your mask, get your AP – let us head into the parks!
As part of a major 2013 refresh project at Universal Studios Florida, The Simpsons Ride annexed the International Food Fair section of the park and rebuilt it into Springfield USA with Fast Food Boulevard and Duff Brewery. In addition to new food options like the Fried Chicken and Waffle sandwich and The Clogger burger was the official release of a Simpson’s classic: Duff Beer.
Duff, Duff Lite, and Duff Dry, all by Florida Beer Company, are avaiable at Fast Food Boulevard but WHY GET IT THERE? Instead, stumble into Moe’s Tavern to pick up the iconic mass-produced beer. While inside make sure to watch the TV loop of classic Simpsons moments, test your hand with the Love Tester, and pose with Barney! Oh and grab a Duff.
Gotta have that delicious Duff, from Moe’s. Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
Outside at Duff Brewery offers the same menu with less indoors-ness! This location is a Halloween Horror Nights staple, especially during Oktoberfest.
Bottle of Duff from Duff Gardens. Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
Here fans of The Simpsons can pick up the seasonal beer Dufftoberfest. A typical Oktoberfest Marzen, the beer is has a light body with a crisp malt finish. There’s nothing quite like grabbing a beer at Duff Brewery before tackling some of the haunted houses in the back of the park.
Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
But a good Duff is not just for HHN fans; the beer is perfect to pick up before a showing of Animal Actors or a round of Men in Black: Alien Attack.
4 – Islands of Adventure
When preparing this article I started spacing out the list and noticed Islands of Adventure did not have an exclusive beer (shhh… Potter comes later). So I racked my brain thinking of what beer I should put for this park. Then my friend Dan gave me inspiration: why not a hard-to-get beer for most guests that is FANTASTIC? So head on over to Jurassic Park and pop open a can of Pseudo Sue from Toppling Goliath Brewing Company out of Iowa.
Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
Pseudo Sue is a pale ale that focuses on the Citra hops known for its citrus fragrance and tropical fruit taste. Just pop open a can and you will think it is a can of orange juice. The beer is a New England style, meaning it’s unfiltered and hazy, so do not go too crazy at the Watering Hole.
Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
3 – Volcano Bay
Okay, time to don that swimsuit and swim shirt and head on over to Volcano Bay. Being Orlando’s newest water park, ‘da Bay features virtual lines for slides, no need to haul innertubes, and payment wristbands named Tapu Tapu. The whole park is inspired by a factual water tribe from the South Pacific named the Waturi. I’m not making this up.
Photograph courtesy Inside Universal.
Unlike the usual pizza, fries, and burgers at other water parks Volcano Bay leans into its water and Pacific theme by offering unique offerings like flatbreads, pulled pork, and more. One of those options, the Volcano Blossom beer by Orange Blossom Beer Company, is a Blue Moon-like pilsner that gives off a freshening malt and orange taste.
Photograph courtesy Inside Universal.
After a refreshing beer and meal, we’d always suggest taking a ride on the famous Krakatau Aqua Coaster. This “water coaster” combines the typical dips and drops of a water slide with magnetically propelled segments that launch special tubes (and guests) up hills. It’s a breathtaking ride and one that cannot be missed while at Volcano Bay.
2 – CityWalk
Let’s go back to the hotel, towel off, take a shower, and maybe watch some Resort TV before we head off to CityWalk! Our first stop is Universal’s home for beer: NBC Sports Grill & Brew. This sports bar features 40 taps, dozens of bottles, and a number of TVs that would make Samsung go “okay, that’s maybe a little too much”.
Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
The headliner beer on tap is 862 IPA brewed by Florida Beer Company. Named after the project code for the restaurant (Project 862), 862 is a full-bodied west coast IPA; think notes of pine and malt instead like a Sierra Nevada IPA. In addition to the IPA there is a Seasonal 862 beer on rotation (ask your server for the latest offering) and a beer on the beer engine.
Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
Any good sports bar needs some good appetizers. Sure you can get your fill of wings, cheese curds, flatbreads, and more but there really is only ONE appetizer you need: the GIANT pretzel. Yes, it’s huge.
Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
Served on a giant stand this bavarian pretzel is served with house-made beer cheese and Cleveland’s own Bertman’s Ballpark Mustard for dipping.
Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
Want some more options? Pick up a flight of beers – select four beers from the tap list to sample.
Next, we head over to CityWalk’s newest restaurant, BigFire American Fare. The restaurant focuses on grilled entrees made over their own custom blend of woods that impart a unique flavor to all their dishes.
Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
The drink selection is dominated by an impressive selection of whiskies, bourbons, and scotches. Our personal favorite is the Smoked Old Fashioned where they smoke a piece of wood inside your glass to impart a distinctly smoky flavor.
Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
Continuing the smoked theme is Bigfire’s exclusive beer: the Smoked Amber from Florida Beer Company. The amber beer features a malt body with slight notes of smoked wood. We suggest pairing it with the mussels or a steak off of the fire.
Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
Unquestionably the most popular restaurant at CityWalk is Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Universal’s take on a Cheesecake Factory, Toothsome features a menu the size of a small city’s phonebook. (Kids, ask your parents what those are.) [Derek’s Note: Stop pretending YOU know what a phonebook is, Joe!] Between the chocolate-inspired dishes, all-day breakfast, and enough milkshakes to bring every boy to Universal is a surprisingly extensive drink menu. On top of that menu is the Too Chocolate Stout by Florida Beer Company. Unlike normal stouts, a beer defined by their heavy malts, this beer includes hints of chocolate and milk sugar to provide a velvet milky texture.
1 – POTTER!
Okay, let’s be real–how many readers went to Universal for the first time because of Harry Potter.
I’m not angry, I’m just happy. Potter opened up a new world of theme park experiences to long-time Disney fans with intricate theming, amazing attractions, and attention to detail unrivaled to this day. Universal really outdid themselves with the food and beverage options with brand-new drinks, fresh British food, and even the much-coveted Butterbeer. Much digital ink (and blood) is spilled on those offerings, but much isn’t discussed about the beers and adult drinks offered. Sure it seems that as a kids series why would they include alcohol, but remember if a 13-year-old was reading The Sorcerer’s Stone (nee Philosopher’s Stone) in 1999 they’d be now in their 30s.
Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.Hogshead Ale tap and beer. Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
In Hogsmeade is Hogs Head Tavern, located to the right of the Three Broomsticks Tavern. This counter-service bar offers mixed drinks and a great selection of English drafts for the pour. The signature drink here is the Hogs Head Brew, a light-bodied ale with low hops and malts with an amber color.
So when Univeral expanded Potter into the studios park they had to one-up themselves, and take it to another level. They added TWO NEW BEERS.
The Hopping Pot and Wizards Brew. Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
First up is the Wizards Brew by Flordia Beer Company, a milk stout known for its smooth mouthfeel and malty taste.
Diagon Alley and a Dragon Scale. Photograph courtesy Brandon Glover.
Last, but not least, is the Dragon Scale by Florida Beer Company, a Vienna lager. This beer is crisp, light, with light notes of malt with a slight amber hue. This is my preferred beer in Diagon Alley… besides a Strongbow with a shot of Fire Whiskey in it.
So there you have it: Six Places to Find EXCLUSIVE BEERS in Universal Orlando!See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll look at something fun from the world of Disney and Universal. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles covering the latest from the Disney Outlet Stores. You can also follow Your Humble Author on Twitter (@derekburgan).
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Filed Under: CityWalk, Drinking, Potterwatch, Saturday Six, Universal Orlando Resort, citywalk, Islands of Adventure, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Florida, Volcano Bay
This interactive Groot figure is now available at Stage 17 for $59.99. According to its description he responds and moves to different phrases when spoken to.
Here he is his box.
This placard is on display to inform people of his various features. 
For $24.99 you can let Groot cover most of your upper body in this shirt.
Celebrate Christmas with this Groot shoulder plush.
Here’s an exclusive shirt for Disneyland Resort annual passholders. $36.99.
Also priced at $36.99 are these two shirts featuring icons from the land.
This hat shows the Black Spire Outpost logo on the front. The hat is an adjustable “dad hat” style.
Kids and small adults can grab this shirt for $24.99.
This four pin set can be yours for $24.99.
This pin shows the holochess game from the Millennium Falcon, also known as Dejarik. The price tag on this one is an outrageous $54.99.
Heading over to World of Disney, here’s another high priced item that probably won’t sell well. A single Baby Yoda rice cereal treat for $8.99.
Two varieties of Baby Yoda Funko Pops, one small and one extra large.
Another new Disneyland spirit jersey, this time featuring some of their critter characters. $69.99.
Even more Christmas merchandise has arrived since last week. Here’s a magnet for $7.99.
Wrapping things up with this line of miniature Starbucks Disney tumblers.
