Author: touringplans.com

Planning a trip to Disney World looks a little different these days; and since new situations call for new tools, the TouringPlans Lines app (the highest-rated Disney World app in iTunes and Google Play!) has received a major update for iOS users (with an Android update coming in the future) improving those features users love! Today I’m going to show you how to utilize the new and improved app’s filtering feature for both dining and attractions!

Let’s start with the app’s main page where I’m going to select the Magic Kingdom from the display below.

Dining Filter

What you see below is the app’s Magic Kingdom page after I’ve selected the Dining tab. This is where every Magic Kingdom dining location, from table service restaurants to snack carts, is listed in alphabetical order along with our readers’ ratings, price information, and more!

Now if you prefer to narrow down your Magic Kingdom dining options, you need to select the Filter icon and switch it from off to on. It’s the icon that’s underlined in the image above.

Once you do…

…what’s shown above is what you will see! Here you can filter the restaurant list by ratings and/or type. This means you can select exceptional from the Ratings AND Quick Service from the list of restaurant types!

Attractions Filter

Now let’s go back to the Magic Kingdom’s page and select the Attractions tab. Here every Magic Kingdom attraction is listed in alphabetical order as seen below.

Here you will find a ride summary, ratings, our expected wait time plus Disney’s posted waits, and our suggestion for whether you should ride now or wait. But again, if you prefer to narrow down the list and tailor the attraction selection to your preferences or that of your group, switch that Filter icon from off to on.

Once you do, what’s pictured below is what pops up on your screen.

These categories are different filters to help narrow down that lengthy list of Magic Kingdom attractions in order to put together that perfect touring plan for your Magic Kingdom day.

The filters range from height requirements to ratings to age groups; but personally speaking, I love the filter for Will I Get Wet? That’s something guests want to know so they don’t end up unexpectedly soaked!

I also love the filter for Air Conditioning! If you’re familiar with Central Florida’s signature sunshine and humidity, you know how brilliant and helpful this filter truly is.

I already mentioned that there are age group filters, but there are options within that each age group filter ranging from Any to Exceptional in order to truly tailor the results to your unique group.

Another great filter, especially for those visiting the Magic Kingdom with little ones in tow, is the filter for whether or not your attraction selection Has Seats.

So that’s my tutorial for how to use the Lines 2.0 app’s filtering feature for both dining and attractions! Be sure to download the Lines 2.0 app for your trip to Walt Disney World to save time in line and to make planning in these unprecedented times a little easier.

Have you checked out the new Lines 2.0 app? Let us know in the comments!

The post How to Use the Lines 2.0 App Filtering Feature for Dining and Attractions appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Lines 2.0, Walt Disney World (FL), dining options, Dining Review, Disney Attractions, Disney Parks, Disney Restaurants, disney world, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot, hollywood studios, lines 2.0, Lines 2.0 app, Lines App, Magic Kingdom, Magic Kingdom Attractions, walt disney world

If it’s 40 degrees where you are right now and you’re packing for a Disney trip, it can be easy to forget to pack your swimsuit. With some of the Disney theme parks closing earlier than you might be used to (we’re looking at you Animal Kingdom!), you may decide that taking an evening swim fits into your schedule when it might have been something you’ve skipped in the past. Or, if you’ve got kids who haven’t worn their swimsuits since summer and suddenly they don’t fit, swimsuits may not be available at your local big box retailer where you are coming from.

Whatever the reason, you’ve found yourself at Walt Disney World, you want to go swimming, and you need a swimsuit.

The good news is that swimsuits are available at Walt Disney World. . . Sort of.

In general, you won’t have a problem finding swimwear from swim diapers and young kid swimwear up to tween-age swimsuits for boys and girls. You’ll be able to find a small selection at most resort gift shops and even in the theme parks. Keep in mind, selections will be limited, however, and prices may be a bit steep compared to what you’re used to. Expect to spend about $30 for a pair of swim trunks or a girl’s swimsuit.

For adults, finding a swimsuit that fits well may be a bit more challenging. There are very VERY limited amounts of swimwear available at most resorts — think one or two styles/patterns each for men and women. And if you’re a woman who finds getting a swimsuit with a good fit is a challenge, you may be out of luck when it comes to what you’ll find at your hotel.

Although Florida big box stores, such as Walmart and Target, do have swimwear seasons and don’t sell large selections all the time, the stores close to the theme park area do offer a modest selection of swimwear year-round. (It is Florida, after all.) Some stores may offer the ability to place an order online for easy pickup. If you can find what you’re looking for at one of them and if you have transportation to get there, that will be your most value- and time-conscious option.

The average guest, however, may find that the options at their resort aren’t going to work for them, and they don’t have transportation to head off property easily. For those guests, your best bet is Disney Springs. Specifically, for the whole family, try the Ron Jon Surf Shop. For women, you can also try Everything But Water. You may also find a few additional options at World of Disney.

And, if all else fails, you can certainly sit around the pool and even dangle your legs in wearing normal park clothes. It may not be the full swimming experience, but it would be better than nothing, and just soaking your feet in the pool after a long day of walking does feel really, really good.

Have you ever had to purchase a swimsuit at Walt Disney World? Did you have luck finding anything that met your needs? Let us know in the comments.

 

 

 

The post No Skinny Dipping Allowed: What To Do If You Forget Your Swimsuit for Your Disney Vacation appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

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

Boundless Realm: Deep Explorations Inside Disney’s Haunted Mansion is a new book from Foxx Nolte (author of the fantastic Disney theme park history blog, Passport to Dreams Old & New). I’ve been a fan of Foxx’s blog for many years, so when I heard she had written a book I could not wait to get my hands on it. The book explores the Haunted Mansion, or as the author puts it, gives “an enthusiast’s tour.” The book provides a look at the not only why effects, ghosts, props, and sounds are placed within the ride, but also how they’re achieved. For example, how does the “Again Man” effect in the foyer work? Simple, it’s a slide projector that bounces alternating images off of a mirror and then on to theatrical gauze. It’s a fresh and fascinating way to approach things.

The opening chapters spend just enough time touching on the origins of the spook house dark rides in early American amusement parks before moving on to the early history of the ride, and then moves on to the design of Liberty Square and how Haunted Mansion fits in to it. Mixed in with these stories throughout the book are tidbits about the author’s personal relationship with Haunted Mansion, such as childhood memories and her time working the attraction as a cast member at Magic Kingdom. I enjoyed hearing about the customs, such as a rite of passage that involved cast members throwing their work shoes in an urn on the ride on the last night of their employment. Also explored is why the Mansion has remained popular and so well loved with riders for as long as it has. I want to be sure to point out that this is not a series of dry academic essays. It’s a genuinely entertaining read from beginning to end.

I recommend Boundless Realm for any Disney theme park fan, especially Haunted Mansion fans who are ready and willing to learn more about one of the best attractions ever created. I guarantee even the most die hard fans will learn something new. It’s impossible to walk away from this book and not leave with a much deeper appreciation for the Haunted Mansion.

Click here to purchase Boundless Realm: Deep Explorations Inside Disney’s Haunted Mansion on Amazon in print and Kindle.

Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author. The author and publisher did not pay for, or receive copy approval of this post.

The post Book Review: Boundless Realm: Deep Explorations Inside Disney’s Haunted Mansion appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Just For Fun, book review, Haunted Mansion

When Disney Springs reopened this past summer, it did so in phases. One of the few establishments that remained shuttered for a good while has reopened recently. If you enjoy a more relaxed pace at Disney Springs you’ll be pleased to hear that Dockside Margaritas is serving up fresh squeezed margaritas once again.

At Disney Springs Marketplace you can grab a seat along the sparkling lake and sip on a fresh-made margarita at Dockside Margaritas. Lounge-style seating is offered next to this outdoor, walk-up bar. Live music is often offered on weekends. The citrus stand theme, lakeside views, and comfortable seating make this a great spot to waste away and slow down.

This outdoor bar is one of the highest rated bars in Disney Springs according to our readers and over 500,000 completed surveys. Dockside Margaritas has a 94% thumbs up rating and is ranked number 38 out of 171 comparable options at Walt Disney World. You can view ratings and information for all Walt Disney World dining locations on our site and in our Lines app.

One of the things we love about Dockside Margaritas is that there is usually a seasonal margarita on the menu. Right now a Black Cherry Margarita is offered, and it is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Fall in Florida is its own season, much different than other regions, often filled with warm temperatures, so a margarita that has some fall flavor to it is perfectly Floridian.

The Watermelon Margarita is one of the most popular options on the menu. It is sweet, but not overly so, making it a refreshing choice. Each margarita is $15.00 – $16.00, which seems steep compared to prices outside the Disney bubble, and even within it. But these margaritas are made to order. There are other cocktails available, as we’ll as beer, wine, and mocktails without alcohol too.

If you’re looking for a place to stop for a moment and savor the Disney Springs atmosphere Dockside Margaritas is a top pick. It is approachable and doesn’t require any pre-planning. It is one of the venues at Disney Springs that embraces the Florida feeling. Stop for a moment, raise your glass, and be present that you’re enjoying some time in Orlando, at Disney Springs. Toast to a great day.

Have you sipped on a cool drink at Dockside Margaritas before? Do you have a favorite drink on the menu?

 

The post REVIEW – Wasting Away Again at Dockside Margaritas appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Disney Springs, Drinking, Snacks, Trip Planning, disney springs bars, disney springs drinks

At Walt Disney World, there’s no better place for dining that runs the entire spectrum from casual to classy than Disney Springs. Lots of attention is paid to the more refined options at Disney Springs, but if you’re looking for something easy and casual, there’s some great options too. B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. is an unassuming stand along the lake at Disney Springs Marketplace. It is often overlooked, but if you’re in the mood for a hearty meal without a hefty price tag B.B. Wolf’s is a decent option.

Our readers have submitted over 500,000 surveys over the past few years and give B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. a low thumbs up rating of only 77%. This puts it at number 107 of 108 quick service options at Walt Disney World. With this in mind, our fearless field research team decided to pay a visit to B.B. Wolf’s to  see what’s holding this location back.

This walk-up kiosk by the lake it one of three gourmet snack kiosks operated by Disney at the Marketplace. Daily Poutine is nearby, as is AristoCrepes, each with the same style of operation – walk-up, order, and enjoy your food anywhere you like in Disney Springs. Interestingly enough, Daily Poutine has much higher ratings than B.B. Wolf’s. Of course, Poutine seems much more a specialty food than gourmet hot dogs.

The menu at B.B. Wolf’s is all sausage, which is pretty savage of Disney to make a gourmet hot dog stand and theme it after the Big Bad Wolf who antagonizes three little pigs. Highlights of the menu include the Hawaiian Island Dog, New York Pastrami Dog, and the Plant-Based Bratwurst Sausage. One of the things that holds B.B. Wolf’s back is each gourmet dog is served with a sad, disappointing bag of plain Lay’s potato chips. We’d almost rather they not serve anything with the dogs and lower the price by 50 cents.

Our team selected two popular items on the menu:

• Texas Chili-Cheese Dog – All-Beef Quarter Pound Hot Dog, Topped with Chili, Cheddar, and Corn Chips on a House-Made Roll, Served with Chips $11.49.
• Three Little Pigs – Three Mini Versions of our Specialty Dogs: Pastrami Reuben Dog, Hawaiian Island Dog, and Texas Chili-Cheese Dog, Served with Chips $13.99

The Texas Chili-Cheese Dog is hearty and sloppy. You’ll definitely want to grab multiple napkins before diving in, and you may need to be hosed off afterwards. The house-made roll elevated this super casual plate. We found the corn chips on top could have been more plentiful and we suggest asking for extra if you want some nice crunch. For under $12.00 it is not a bad deal considering many quick-service options at Walt Disney World run $12.00 and up.

If you’d rather keep yourself open to sampling the many flavors of Disney Springs then the Three Little Pigs will give you a way to sample some of the signature flavors here. If you split this hot dog flight with someone else you’ll be satisfied but still have room to try some of other great food around Disney Springs.

If you do decide to huff and puff and pay a visit to B.B Wolf’s take note of the weather vane atop the kiosk. Grab a spot along the water and enjoy the views as you chow down on messy, but yummy food. One drawback of this location is it can be quite slow to get your food once you’ve placed your order. Due to the limited setup of this location, no mobile ordering is available, so this is not a quick and easy spot. The slow service is one of the reasons for such poor ratings here.

We’ve got listings and ratings for every Walt Disney World restaurant. You can access these ratings on our site as well as on-the-go in our Lines app. Our site also offers the free Menu Search tool so you can see where to find your favorite foods at Walt Disney World.

Have you ever eating at B.B Wolf’s Sausage Co.? Do you think it deserves a better rating?

 

The post REVIEW – B.B. Wolf’s at Disney Springs Offers Hearty Gourmet Hot Dogs and Sausage appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Disney Springs, Dos and Don’ts, Snacks, disney dining, disney springs lunch