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The Most Iconic Sweet Snack in Each Disney Park

Today, we’ve got some sweet picks for you. There’s an incredible amount of delicious treats to have at Walt Disney World, and some just feel right in certain places. For years, my husband and I would only get the chocolate dipped frozen banana at Animal Kingdom, even though it was sold at treat carts elsewhere, because it just felt like a good fit there under the lush tropical foliage in the park. There are also certain items that you can’t get elsewhere at Walt Disney World, making them a really special treat to have in a certain park.

Here’s our list of the most iconic sweet treat in each of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks.

Magic Kingdom: Dole Whip

Yes, there are a few other places where you can get Dole Whip (or more generically named pineapple soft serve) at Walt Disney World, but there is something just right about getting it at Magic Kingdom. Maybe it is because there has been a dedicated location there for decades? Maybe it is riffing on the Disneyland vibe where I believe it is required by law that you must get a Dole Whip on your way into Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room? Whatever the reason, this sweet treat is almost always mentioned when you talk about sweets and snacks at Magic Kingdom, and for good reason–it’s delicious, whether you have it by itself or as the signature Dole Whip Float!

EPCOT: School Bread

 

Seriously, what school can I go to that offers this as a dessert? A few caveats to this treat — if you don’t like coconut, this may not be for you. People who aren’t a huge fan of spices may be a little unnerved by the cardamom flavor in the bread. But if you’re okay with both of those, and of course with the creamy vanilla custard, then this will be a must-have treat during your trip to the Norway pavilion. I can’t count the number of times that I’d rush over to grab one before they close for the night to save for breakfast the next morning.

 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Carrot Cake Cookie

 

It has vegetables, therefore it is healthy. Right? RIGHT? Okay, maybe not, but it is a must-do for so many people visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Once found at the Writer’s Stop (now Baseline), when Writer’s Stop closed, there was panic that we might lose this amazing treat for, as Gonzo would say, FOREVER?!? Thankfully, it made a couple brief location changes and now can be readily found at Trolley Car Cafe (aka DHS Starbucks). It’s Carrot Cake. It’s Cream Cheese frosting in the middle. It is iconic.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Pineapple Cream Cheese Lumpia

Although it is, relatively speaking, a newer addition to Disney’s world of snacks (making its debut with Pandora: The World of Avatar in 2017), this sweet treat already has quite the following. It’s pineapple and cream cheese, served warm in a crispy fried dough wrapper. And although family members would say that it isn’t reeeeally lumpia per se, they can’t deny it is delicious. Even better, you can get it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Pongu Pongu in Pandora.

That’s my picks for the top four iconic sweet treats — have any that you think should unseat these choices? Let me know in the comments. 

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Filed Under: Snacks, Walt Disney World (FL), carrot cake cookie, Dole whip, treats

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PHOTOS: True Blue Merch Benefiting Make-A-Wish Arrives at Disneyland Resort

The big merchandise release at Downtown Disney this week is the True Blue collection, which celebrates 40 years of Disney and Make-A-Wish Foundation working together to grant wishes of children with critical illnesses. As you can see, that’s a lot of blue! Truly!

Like the sign says, Disney will donate 25% of the purchase price to Make-A-Wish. Let’s take a look at the items available in this collection.

First up is this spirit jersey which has the Disneyland Resort and D logo on the back and front. It’s hard to tell from the pictures but the shirt also features sparkly flakes all over. $69.99.

Another style of spirit jersey for $54.99, this time with the Disneyland logo on the back and sleeve.

For kids and smaller folks, here’s a spirit jersey with a Mickey Mouse allover print. $49.99.

A similar design can be found on these leggings for $39.99.

Here’s a Loungefly True Blue backpack available for $90.00.

What if you could spend slightly less money, but at the same get a tiny backpack that is hardly functional? You’re in luck because this much smaller True Blue backpack can be yours for $45.

For $27.99 this ornament can be yours.

Sparkly True Blue Minnie Mouse ear headband for $29.99.

Complete your outfit with these True Blue Crocs for $59.99.

Even your dog can rock some True Blue gear.

These Starbucks Disneyland Resort tumblers can be yours for $27.99.

Wrapping up the True Blue collection, here’s a sorcerer’s hat pin.

It’s been a few weeks since we’ve looked at new merchandise at Downtown Disney so quickly I’ll go through some of the other new items that recently arrived. Here’s a Funko Pop vinyl figure of the organist from Haunted Mansion. Apparently his name is Victor Geist. Why almost every ghost in Haunted Mansion suddenly received a name in recent years is unknown to me. ?‍♂️

For the low price of $119 you can get yourself your very own Boba Fett helmet. If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for grandma, this may be it!

This Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes, which is of course the cantina band from Star Wars, popped up a couple of weeks ago in World of Disney. It’s a horribly nerdy shirt that no one in their right mind should purchase…

Of course I immediately bought it. Wrapping things up with this Mandalorian and The Child PEZ dispenser set.

Are you picking anything from the True Blue line of merchandise? How about the Figrin D’an shirt? Let me know in the comments below. 

 

 

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Filed Under: Disneyland (CA), Merchandise, disney spirit jersey, merchandise

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What We’re Talking About: Willow, Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights Lite, and Disney Aspire

This week, see what Dani has about Willow, we find out why John’s thoughts about Disney Aspire ending, and what Joe thinks about Halloween Horror Nights Lite, plus more.

What We’re Talking About – Disney and Universal Orlando News and Rumors

Disney Aspire, one of the most generous employer education programs in the country, has ended due to cutbacks thanks to COVID-19. This means that many will loose their free college education, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Dani shared her thoughts It really is disappointing because it is a helpful program for so many. The idea was to offer cast members a way to elevate their skills and education. I understand financially why it won’t continue for those that were let go, but it’s still sad.

However, I think John had the most appropriate response Argh.

Several Universal and Disney executives have made the Blooloop Theme Park Influencer list for 2020, which highlights 50 people for their creativity and expertise.

Disney is still expecting to put their upcoming film, Raya and the Dragon in theaters in March and released the teaser trailer this week. What do you think of the film so far? And do you think it will make it to theaters or do you think that it’s going to Disney+ instead?

The magical world of Willow will be returning in a Disney+ series that is slated to begin production next year. Are you excited about this?

Dani stated I watched Willow a lot growing up even though it scared me What We’re Talking About: Willow, Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights Lite, and Disney Aspire ? I’ll check out the series when it comes out, should be interesting.

Why? Why do we need a live action version of Chip n Dale: Rescue Rangers? Couldn’t they just do what they did with DuckTales instead?

Universal Orlando knew they couldn’t miss out on sharing the horror with their Guests this year. That’s why they did what they could to make things as socially distant as possible, while still providing the scary. The Orlando Sentinel takes a deeper look at how they pulled it off. Also take a look at the two houses in these videos – Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives  and Revenge of the Tooth Fairy.

Joe actually got to experience the event and said Universal did a great job with modifying the houses with new safety precautions. Some, like masks, are unobtrusive. Others were actually used AS a distraction – one moment has you walking past several dummies with plexiglass in front of them and of course a real person, it keeps you guessing which is an actor. 

It’s going to be the end of an era….the Fast and Furious franchise will be ending after the 11th film.

In Case We Missed It

What did we miss? Attach your ideas to a Minnie Mouse Ear Headband – Wishes Come True Blue and send it to blog@touringplans.com with the words “In Case You Missed It” in the subject line.

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Filed Under: In Case You Missed It, What We’re Talking About

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Reasonable Crowds Today Except at Hollywood Studios – Walt Disney World Wait Times October 22, 2020

Today proved to be a nice and easy weekday compared to the busy patterns we’re now used to seeing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. A slight increase in some wait times indicates another busy weekend is on the horizon. But, if you’re looking to avoid crowds we’d recommend a visit during midweek, and to consult our Crowd Calendar, of course. Let’s see how today’s wait times shaped up.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Wait Times

We’ll start with the most relaxing and quietest park of the four Walt Disney World theme parks, Animal Kingdom. Today’s average wait times were some of the lowest of the last seven days. It was an easy day to take a trip back in time on DINOSAUR which had an average wait time today of 23 minutes. Its 7-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 365-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #165 for the past year. We received 12 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 81% of the posted wait time.

If you’re ready to conquer Mount Everest, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain had an average wait time today of 26 minutes. Its 7-day average is 36 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past month. We received 16 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 56% of the posted wait time.

Reasonable Crowds Today Except at Hollywood Studios – Walt Disney World Wait Times October 22, 2020

Today was a great day to float on down the Na’vi River Journey which had an average wait time today of 39 minutes. Its 7-day average is 51 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #173 for the past year. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 87% of the posted wait time.

It’s no surprise that Avatar Flight of Passage had the highest wait time of the park, with an average wait time today of 69 minutes. Its 7-day average is 87 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 365-day average is 104 minutes, so today ranks #156 for the past year. We received 13 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 66% of the posted wait time.

EPCOT Wait Times

Another semi-quiet park today is EPCOT, which sees a tremendous change in weekend wait times. If you’re thinking of going to EPCOT, go during the week when Florida Residents haven’t come out to play just yet.

Let’s start off with a splash at The Seas with Nemo & Friends which had an average wait time today of 9 minutes. Its 7-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 365-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #190 for the past year.

Right next door is Living with the Land which had an average wait time today of 11 minutes. Its 7-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #17 for the past month.

If you want to feel what it’s like to blast off into outer space, today was a good day for it. Mission: SPACE Orange had an average wait time today of 22 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 365-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #119 for the past year.

Reasonable Crowds Today Except at Hollywood Studios – Walt Disney World Wait Times October 22, 2020

Over at World Showcase, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros had an average wait time today of 12 minutes. Its 7-day average is 11 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 11 minutes, so today ranks #12 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #78 for the past year.

A rare occurrence, Test Track had the highest average wait time of 69 minutes today. While Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 63 minutes. Its 7-day average is 69 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #103 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 73% of the posted wait time.

Magic Kingdom Wait Times

Magic Kingdom was second only to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for average wait times today. And although Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are busier than the other two parks, today proved that weekdays still have relatively low wait times.

Reasonable Crowds Today Except at Hollywood Studios – Walt Disney World Wait Times October 22, 2020

The busiest attraction today, and on most days, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had an average wait time today of 54 minutes. Its 7-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 365-day average is 84 minutes, so today ranks #169 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 77% of the posted wait time.

Another dwarfed attraction, “it’s a small world” had an average wait time today of 34 minutes. Its 7-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #111 for the past year.

It is pretty to toy around at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin which had an average wait time today of 29 minutes. Its 7-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 365-day average is 36 minutes, so today ranks #147 for the past year. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 69% of the posted wait time.

On average it took less than 10 minutes to soar with Dumbo the Flying Elephant today which had an average wait time today of 9 minutes. Its 7-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #179 for the past year.

Reduced capacity on each boat does make The Jungle Cruise seem to have a high wait sometimes, today it had an average wait time today of 41 minutes. Its 7-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. And when you compare tis 365-day average is 55 minutes, today ranks #159 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 96% of the posted wait time.

Actual waits in line average under 20 minutes with our Walt Disney World touring plans.  Subscribe today and get our Lines app too.

Reasonable Crowds Today Except at Hollywood Studios – Walt Disney World Wait Times October 22, 2020

Today was relatively busy at Mickey’s PhilharMagic which had an average wait time today of 23 minutes. Its 7-day average is 19 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 18 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past year.

It was easy to go for a Wednesday drive on Tomorrowland Speedway which had an average wait time today of 8 minutes. Its 7-day average is 18 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #233 for the past year.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Wait Times

The busiest park at Walt Disney World, once again, is Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The attraction with the lowest average wait time, Alien Swirling Saucers had an average wait time today of 29 minutes. Its 7-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 365-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #140 for the past year.

Hopefully you’d have a moving buddy with you today at Toy Story Mania! which had an average wait time today of 34 minutes. Its 7-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #151 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 34% of the posted wait time.

Reasonable Crowds Today Except at Hollywood Studios – Walt Disney World Wait Times October 22, 2020

Today was the toughest day recently to drop in at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror which had an average wait time today of 61 minutes. Its 7-day average is 55 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 51 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 121% of the posted wait time.

It took an average of an hour to jump into hyperspace at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run which had an average wait time today of 63 minutes. Its 7-day average is 63 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 365-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #108 for the past year.

And of course the new ride featuring the big cheese was the busiest ride in all of Walt Disney World today. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway had an average wait time today of 92 minutes. Its 7-day average is 87 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 83 minutes, so today ranks #2 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 70 minutes, so today ranks #13 for the past year.

Boarding groups at Rise of the Resistance were strong in the Force today and ran well most of the day. The past few days have been a little rough so it’s nice to see the star attraction had a relatively smooth day today.

Reasonable Crowds Today Except at Hollywood Studios – Walt Disney World Wait Times October 22, 2020 Reasonable Crowds Today Except at Hollywood Studios – Walt Disney World Wait Times October 22, 2020

 

 

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Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, Trip Planning, Walt Disney World (FL), disney crowds, disney wait times, disney world wait times, walt disney world crowds

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Our Favorite Friends at Magic Kingdom in Their Halloween Finest!

Halloween is right around the corner! One aspect that has been so much fun this year is being able to see some of our favorite character friends at Magic Kingdom during the daytime wearing their Halloween costumes — and of course some friends we don’t usually see at all, too! Here’s a look at Halloween characters in Magic Kingdom to help build that Halloween hype.

Do you have a favorite character or costume that you like to see? Let us know in the comments. 

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Filed Under: Holidays, Walt Disney World (FL), Halloween