Author: touringplans.com

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is my favorite park to bring my toddler, more than Magic Kingdom. The animal interaction is beyond anything you’d experience at a standard zoological park. Exhibits and attractions that speak to all ages are offered at Animal Kingdom. One of the best activities for kids is the Wilderness Explorers Interactive Attraction. This collection of interactive stops throughout the park used to be very hands-on. So you may be wondering how the Wilderness Explorers experience works with COVID-19 precautions in place. Here’s how it works.

• Each station has a marker for participating Explorers and their parties to stand six feet from the Cast Member.
• There are distancing markers for any guests waiting their turn.
• Each badge that is earned is peeled and placed on the edge of the table for retrieving from a safe distance.
• Cast Members have modified some of the hands-on activities to options that can be done at home or on your own in the park. For example, one of the stations in Asia used to have a plaque that participants used paper and pencil to do a rubbing of. Now, Explorers are encouraged to draw objects they observe in the area.
• Hours are modified to 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

We participated in a few stations with our toddler son, and I noticed that some Cast Members were able to modify their activity based on his young age. Along the Maharajah Jungle Trek the Cast Member asked us to draw a tiger at home in the Wilderness Explorers booklet and then look up photos of the six different species of tiger to decide which one our drawing looks like the most. I had no idea there are six species of tigers. Then, the family behind us had older kids with them and the Cast Member explained how they use a ball for play enhancement with the tigers, showing the claw marks on the example ball.

Admittedly, I had not participated in Wilderness Explorers activities before the COVID-19 precautions were put in place. However, I have years of witnessing it during my visits to Animal Kingdom, and working there as well. To me the interaction, the personal attention each child receives, and the fun of exploring the park in this way is still intact even with the precautions. Wilderness Explorers is a great program for kids of all ages, but it seems ideal for kids 3-8 years of age.

It is free to participate. Just visit any Wilderness Explorers station found throughout the park to get your booklet. Or, start at the main location just as you come out of the Oasis and enter Discovery Island; it is on your right as you face the Tree of Life. Here they will explain how to participate and initiate your little explorer with the Wilderness Explorer’s pledge and call. In the booklet it has a map of the park with each station noted on it. There are beautifully illustrated pages with facts about animals and pages with space to complete activities. Even though we haven’t participated in all activities in the entire park, we often read the booklet to our toddler because of the great animal and conservation information in it. As you complete an activity you are given a badge, which is a sticker to place on an assigned page in the book corresponding to the activity.

We’re big explorers here at TouringPlans and we are in the parks daily to explore the latest information so that our tools and resources are up-to-date. Become a TouringPlans Subscriber to have access to all our resources so you can have the best Walt Disney World vacation ever!

Have you become a Wilderness Explorer at Animal Kingdom? What was your favorite activity?

The post How to Participate in Wilderness Explorers Interactive Attraction at Animal Kingdom appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Attractions, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, kids, Trip Planning, animal kingdom attractions, animal kingdom for kids, disney covid-19, disney reopening

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has lots of blockbuster attractions. But, not everyone in your party is going to be ready to ride all the same rides as everyone else in your group. Many of the rides at Hollywood Studios have nice waiting areas near the exits. Get an idea of where to meet your party should you decide to not partake in an attraction.

You can also go through the queue with your party so you can stick together, and then let the Cast Member know you do not wish to ride, and they’ll direct you to where you can wait to meet your party. While in line, browse our Lines app to check out ratings for all the restaurants in the park. Place your lunch, snack, or dinner order through mobile ordering in the MyDisneyExperience app so your food will be ready when you’re done.

Here’s where to locate the exits for some of the most popular attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios–and yes, many of them do exit into a gift shop.

• Rock N’ Roller Coaster – If someone in your group wants to “walk this way” to the exit they may be disappointed in the waiting area options. This ride exits into the merchandise shop. There is not much by way of a formal waiting area on the inside, but outside the attraction there is a large courtyard with lots of seating.
• Tower of Terror – Not everyone may want to drop in at Tower of Terror. Thankfully, there is a multitude of seating options, mostly inside. The exit leads into the merchandise shop, so to meet your party go around the ride entrance to the right. There are benches outside the merchandise area. If you want to wait inside you can head through the merchandise shop around to the plethora of seating options.

• Star Tours – Yet another attraction that exits into a merchandise shop. There are a few benches inside if you go all the way up the ramp into the ride’s exit hallway. Otherwise there are some benches in the immediate area just outside Tatooine Traders where the ride exits.
• Rise of the Resistance – If you’re resisting joining the Resistance, then head to the right of the ride’s entrance. There you will find a large structure where you can wait for your party after they’ve faced the New Order.
• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run: Not feeling up to doing some smuggling? There’s lots of seating in the courtyard in front of the ride’s entrance, plus you’ll get to enjoy awesome views of the Falcon itself.
• Slinky Dog Dash – The exit here is strange because it is over a bridge to the left of the ride entrance. There isn’t a real waiting area immediately at the exit, but there is plenty of seating near the ride entrance. There is a significant lack of natural shade in the entire Toy Story Land – be forewarned.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is where I usually end up waiting outside a lot of attractions, since I don’t do thrill rides. Thankfully there are some good waiting areas in this park (and good lounges which make for a nice place to wait too).

Do you prefer to stick together with your party, or enjoy some quiet from time to time?

The post Where to Find the Exits of Some of the Most Popular Rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Attractions, Galaxy’s Edge, Trip Planning, hollywood studios rides, Rock n Roller Coaster, Slinky Dog Dash, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

It’s one of the most special restaurants at EPCOT. With a breathtaking view of the second largest aquarium in North America, Coral Reef’s atmosphere is lovely. The delicious food is an equal match for this wonderful venue. And even though the menu is limited right now, a great dining experience is still offered. There are, however, a few drawbacks.

Based on over 500,000 surveys received from our readers, Coral Reef has a 78% thumbs up rating. It is ranked 79 out of 103 table service restaurants at Walt Disney World. One of the things that holds Coral Reef Restaurant back is it can be expensive to dine here, and the food doesn’t always match the price. Plus, although the restaurant is built with seating on multiple tiered levels to attempt to give a nice view of the aquarium to everyone, nothing beats a front row spot. There’s only so many of those front tables available, so sometimes this can lead to disappointment.

Our group started off their meal with a round of cocktails and the Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer. There are two cocktails that are specially themed to the Coral Reef restaurant, the Coral ‘Rita and the Abyss. Our team selected the Magical Star Cocktail and the Captain’s Mai Tai; both are found on the menu at many Disney lounges across property. The Magical Star Cocktail is a staple Disney cocktail with X-Fusion Organic Mango and Passion Fruit Liqueur, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, and a souvenir Multicolored Glow Cube.  At $15.00 it is little pricey compared to the average $13.00 cocktail, but it is popular for its fruity flavor that seems to magically transport you into vacation mode. The Captain’s Mai Tai is a great choice for a seafood dining experience.

The Shrimp Cocktail wins major points for its unique presentation. Rather than the standard, boring cold shrimp in a glass dish and a side of cocktail sauce, these large chilled shrimp are served on skewers, with a charred lemon. There are only three appetizers from which to choose and this one is our top pick due to the presentation and overall quality.

Our team selected all but one of the entrees currently available on the menu at Coral Reef.

• Shrimp and Grits – Sautéed Shrimp, Cheddar Cheese Grits, Local Corn Succotash, Andouille Sausage, Creole Spice Emulsion $30.00
• Grilled Vegetable Skewer – with Impossible Kefta, Basmati Rice, Lentils, Smoked Eggplant Salad $24.00
• Oven-roasted Herb Chicken – Seasonal Vegetables, Curry Vinaigrette $28.00
• 10-oz Slow-roasted Grilled Rib-Eye – Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Bacon, Butter $34.00
• Kid’s Junior Reef Steak – $13.00

Everything our team ordered was good, but not really worth the price. One of the surprise hits of the entrees was the Grilled Vegetable Skewer – outstanding! The peppers had a good char and everything was plated beautifully, and the Impossible Kefta is satisfying even for a frequent meat eater. The Oven-roasted Herb Chicken was good, and flavorful with the Curry Vinaigrette, but the potatoes were the star. They were buttery and herbed.

The Shrimp and Grits is a classic Southern seafood dish. Coral Reef’s version was satisfying. Those that enjoy Southern and Creole flavors will enjoy this dish. The corn in the succotash, which is a simple combination of corn and lima beans, is indeed local. Farms in the nearby Mount Dora and Zellwood area, about 45 minutes from Walt Disney World supplies this sweet corn.

Our junior field reporter had the kids steak, green beans, and broccoli. She may have been the happiest of the team. She loved everything and the Cast Member was very attentive to her which always makes me relax a bit.

The big highlight of the dining experience was the service. It was outstanding and the Cast Member let our team relax for a while with just drinks and the shrimp cocktails. It didn’t feel like the usual table service rush that is often experienced.

Have you ever dined at the Coral Reef Restaurant? Where’s your favorite place to dine at EPCOT?

We have listings of all the Walt Disney World restaurants, with ratings, on our site and in our Lines app so you can know the best places to dine. Become a TouringPlans Subscriber so you can have all our tools and resources and your finger tips.

The post REVIEW – Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT Satisfies, But Doesn’t Shine appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Drinking, Epcot, Trip Planning, disney dining, epcot dining, Epcot Restaurants

I cannot wait for this brand new offering that’s coming to Disney Springs. Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew was announced a few months back and this new shop is definitely going to be offering the Insta worthy treats! (I mean, just take a look at some of these delectable donuts and tell me you don’t want to try every single one of them!)

Today, Disney shared a look at the concept art of this brand new spot that will be opening on the West Side of Disney Springs. Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew will be located near Splitsville and right off the the west entrance and exit of the Orange Parking Garage.

As you can see, the overall design of this sweet spot will feature pops of color, iconic signage, and a beautiful outdoor seating area in the “donut garden.” In addition, Guests may catch a glimpse of the donuts being made through the windows of the exposed kitchen. Donuts will be baked hot and fresh daily.

Mark Gibson, co-owner of Everglazed, says “We like to say our little oasis of indulgences is going to be where ‘Happiness is Glazed Daily. The menu will be full of sweet surprises and a unique spot for guests wanting a quick treat, cold brew or nitro-infused chilled coffee.”

That’s right! While Everglazed will of course, specialize in hand-crafted yeast and cake donuts, you’ve gotta have something to drink with it! That’s where Everglazed’s assortment of cold brew lattes and coffee cocktails will come into play. Oh and if you aren’t necessarily looking for a donut to nosh on, consider one of their sweet-yet-savory sandwich bites.

According to the other co-owner of Everglazed, Guy Revelle, “The humble donut has truly become a global phenomenon. The fried circle of dough is a simple concoction with the ability to showcase chef-inspired flavors and toppings. We can’t wait to offer guests at Disney Springs our robust menu of sweet delights, but you are officially warned: We spoke to your diet – and it’s taking some time off when we open our doors.”

Guests who would like to follow on social media can find them at @everglazed_fl.

The post We Love It A Latte! A First Look at the New Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew at Disney Springs appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, News, Walt Disney World (FL), Disney food, Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew, West Side

Today was a good day for short lines across most of Walt Disney World, with posted wait times at EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom near their 30-day lows, while the average wait at Hollywood Studios was just middle of the pack for the month.  Let’s do the numbers.

EPCOT Wait Times

Soarin’ had an average wait time today of 27 minutes, which is 8 minutes below its 7-day average.  That puts today in the #5 spot for the past week.  Soarin’s 30-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #21 for the past month. We received only 4 actual wait times today at Soarin’, and the actual wait averaged 61% of the posted wait time.

Test Track had an average wait time today of 42 minutes, well below its 7-day average of 65 minutes (#6 for the week) and also way below its 30-day average of 64 minutes (#27 for the past month). Its 365-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #143 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today at Test Track, and the actual wait averaged 73% of the posted wait time.

It was a slow day at Mission: SPACE Green, whose average wait time today of 5 minutes was #6 for the week, #29 for the past month. and #244 for the past year.

A similar story over at Living with the Land, which had an average posted wait time of 9 minutes. Its 7-day average is 14 minutes, so today is #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 13 minutes, so today was #25 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #218 for the past year.

Over at Frozen Ever After, we saw an average wait time today of 41 minutes (#6 week / #29 month / #190 year).  It didn’t feel overly humid in the parks today either, so all in all a nice day to be in the world’s greatest theme park.

If you’ve got to visit during a busy weekend, have a special tool at your side. Subscribe today and get our Lines app too.

Hollywood Studios Wait Times

The Studios was the busiest of the Walt Disney World parks today, if you’re looking at how each park’s wait times compared over the past month.  Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway had an average wait time today of 82 minutes. Its 7-day average is 86 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 83 minutes, so today ranks #19 for the past month.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster had an average wait time today of 53 minutes. Its 7-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 52 minutes, meaning today ranks #15 for the past month.  And Tower of Terror’s average wait time today was 47 minutes (#3 week / #17 month).

One attraction that was relatively busy at the Studios was Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, which had an average posted wait of 41 minutes. Its 7-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month, and 41 minutes is good for #30 over the past year.

Today’s weird statistic: Muppet*Vision 3D had an average wait time today of 36 minutes. Despite virtually all other Walt Disney World attractions having relatively short waits, an average 36-minute wait at Muppets is good for #1 over the past year (as of 5 p.m. today, anyway).  If this and Star Tours can somehow inspire a Muppets/Mandalorian collab, Disney will make Hollywood Studios – the world’s greatest theme park – even better.

Slinky Dog Dash had an average wait time today of 67 minutes. Its 7-day average is 69 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 68 minutes, so today ranks #19 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 76 minutes, so today ranks #154 for the past year.

Speaking of Star Wars, Rise of the Resistance started off strong, with boarding groups 1 to 15 called about as early as we’ve seen them called over the past week.  Things started to slow down around 11:15 a.m., and by 4 p.m., boarding groups 50 through 55 were ending just a bit later than they have all week.  As you can tell from the chart below, boarding groups were called towards the later end of their 7-day average from about 3:30 p.m. onward.

Animal Kingdom Wait Times

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain had an average wait time today of 20 minutes. Its 7-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #195 for the past year.  And although it was pretty warm out today, there wasn’t much of a line for Kali River Rapids.  Kali’s average wait time today was 13 minutes (#5 week / #27 month / #115 year).

Kilimanjaro Safaris had an average wait time today of 13 minutes. Its 7-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month.

In Pandora, Na’vi River Journey had an average wait time today of 39 minutes. Its 7-day average is 49 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. And Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 47 minutes. Its 7-day average is 69 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 63 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month.  All in all, a good day to be surrounded by the verdant landscaping and excellent attractions in the world’s greatest theme park.

Magic Kingdom Wait Times

No surprise that Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had the longest waits of the day today.  7DMT’s average wait time today was 51 minutes – that’s #5 for the week, #25 for the month, and #174 for the year. Those posted wait times were reasonably accurate, too  – we received 5 actual wait times today and the actual wait averaged 73% of the posted wait time.

The Haunted Mansion had an average posted wait time today of 43 minutes, but had some technical difficulties during the day. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 42% of the posted wait time, so if you saw a high wait time at Mansion today, it might’ve been Disney’s way of telling you to go somewhere else.  As it is, Mansion’s 7-day average is 45 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 45 minutes, so today ranks #19 for the past month.

Peter Pan’s Flight had an average wait time today of 31 minutes. Its 7-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #20 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #174 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 69% of the posted wait time.

Space Mountain had an average wait time today of 30 minutes. Its 7-day average is 40 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 54% of the posted wait time. So again, probably not as busy as the wait time signs would indicate.

Splash Mountain had an average wait time today of 48 minutes. Its 7-day average is 60 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #25 for the past month. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 91% of the posted wait time, and that’s really accurate.

Pirates of the Caribbean had an average wait time today of 40 minutes. Its 7-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #148 for the past year.

Other rides in the world’s greatest theme park:

• Jungle Cruise had an average wait time today of 31 minutes. Its 7-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had an average wait time today of 38 minutes. Its 7-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week.
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin had an average wait time today of 29 minutes. Its 7-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week.
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress had an average wait time today of 5 minutes.  A new Scene 4 would draw the crowds, wouldn’t it?

Love these daily data discussions? Let us know what you think in the comments.

The post Shorter Lines to Start the Week – Walt Disney World Wait Times for Monday, October 26, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), wait times