Author: touringplans.com

In just a few short weeks, the holiday season will be upon us at the Walt Disney World Resort. The majority of the holiday events will kick off on November 6, with the last of the holiday festivities kicking off on November 27, with the Taste of the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays. This year, Guests will be able to celebrate with a number of festivities, including a cookie stroll, Holiday Kitchens, entertainment, and more. As a reminder, due to distancing concerns, the Candlelight Processional will not be taking place this year. Here’s what Guests can expect:

Entertainment

• JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season: In World Showplace, Guests will be able to experience the joy of Christmas and Kwanzaa with the Gospel, R&B and holiday songs performed by this vocal ensemble.
• Voices of Liberty – Voices of the Season: Enjoy festive a cappella holiday music of the Voices of Liberty dressed as Dickens Carolers at the America Gardens Theatre
• Las Posadas with Mariachi Cobre: A pair of colorful dancers join this exuberant band for Las Posadas, a celebration of Mexican holiday customs at the America Gardens Theatre
• JAMMitors: The rhythmic clean-up crew rocks the Mill Stage at the Canada Pavilion with playful percussion

Holiday Promenades

• Santa Claus Promenade: See Santa as he takes a grand tour around World Showcase in his horse-drawn carriage from November 27 – December 24.
• Mickey and Friends World Tour: Around World Showcase, you may spot Mickey and his friends out dressed in their holiday finest from November 27 – December 30.
• Frozen Promenade: Queen Anna and Elsa will discover the spirit of the holidays from November 27 – December 30.

Holiday Cookie Stroll

Find the 5 official Holiday Cookie Stroll locations. Each stop will offer a delicious dessert for purchase and a stamp for your Festival Passport. Once you’ve collected 5 stamps, bring your Passport to the Sweets & Treats Holiday Kitchen to receive a complimentary Peppermint Minnie Cookie!

Official Cookie Stroll Locations:

• Bavaria Holiday Kitchen at the Germany Pavilion – Linzer Cookie
• American Holiday Table at the America Pavilion – Chocolate Crinkle Cookie
• Yukon Holiday Kitchen at the Canada Pavilion – Peppermint Pinwheel Cookie
• Festival Favorites at the World Showplace. – Gingerbread Cookie
• L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen between the Morocco and France Pavilions – Black-and-White Cookie

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition

This year, Guests will be able to enjoy a quest around World Showcase hunting for holiday traditions that Olaf has gathered for Anna and Elsa—and lost—along the way! To help him Guests can purchase a Scavenger Hunt map and stickers ($7.99) at participating locations, including Disney Traders, Mouse Gear, World Traveler and Port of Entry. You can also find them at Stroller Rental locations at the Main Entrance and at International Gateway, as well as the merchandise cart in the Canada Pavilion. Guests can search for Olaf in each pavilion, then match the tradition on his sleigh to the location on your sticker map. Once you have found all of the traditions, visit Disney Traders, Mouse Gear or World Traveler to redeem your map for a gift (while supplies last).

More Holiday Fun

Guests will be able to see a a realistic gingerbread city created by real Disney chefs in World Showplace! This patriotic display pays homage to some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks including the United States Capitol Building, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and a 5-foot tall Washington Monument.

Holiday Kitchens

The holiday kitchens will be located throughout World Showcase, including three kitchens inside World ShowPlace Pavilion. Guests will be able to stop at booths like the American Holiday Table, the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen, and the Yukon Holiday Kitchen. The full list of holiday kitchens have been released, however the menus have not. These Stay tuned, as we’ll be sharing those with you soon!

The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays takes place from November 27 through December 30.

The post Tis the Season! Details on the 2020 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Epcot, Festivals, News, Walt Disney World (FL), Epcot Festival of the Holidays

It’s one of the most enchanting moments in all of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But, if you don’t know to look for it, you might miss it. Throughout the day you can catch a quick mini-show, the Winged Encounters experience. It’s a short experience, but one that is sure to be memorable.

Like many the character cavalcades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Winged Encounters does not have published showtimes. This is a COVID-19 precaution so that guests do not gather ahead of time. You can find the Winged Encounters “stage” to the left of three Tree of Life. A large log that resembles the Tree of Life acts as a platform for brightly colored macaws.

You can tell the show will happen soon if you see a group of two to three Cast Members head toward the stage area and set up a few things. Then they typically head backstage for a few minutes before coming back out again right as the brief show begins.

The two greatest moments in the brief encounter is right when the macaws arrive and fly onto the stage area. They stick around for a few moments for pictures and viewing. Soon they’re on the move again as they make their exit, which is the best part of all as the come very close to any guests gathered in the immediate area.

If you want to get photos or video of their arrival and departure, you may find it easiest to let your shutter click away and then pick out the best pictures afterwards. Anytime I have seen the show I take a video and use the white circle on the screen while the video is recording to snap a few photos at the same time.

We’ve noticed that the show is typically every hour and usually not too long after the top of the hour. If you happen to catch the experience at the very end of the encounter and want to catch the entire show, just come back to the stage area around an hour later and you’ll most likely catch it. There is generally a lunch time break around noon, and the last show is usually in the three o’clock hour.

We’re in the parks daily to help make sure our tools and resources are up-to-date so you can get the most out of your Walt Disney World vacation. Don’t miss out on the best experiences in the parks, both big and small, by becoming a TouringPlans Subscriber.

Have you ever watched Winged Encounters? Do you think it is worth stopping and enjoying it for a few moments?

The post Tips for Watching the Winged Encounters Mini-Show at Animal Kingdom appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Attractions, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Trip Planning, animal kingdom attractions, animal kingdom shows, animal kingdom tips

Visiting Walt Disney World in this age of COVID-19 precautions is certainly a different experience. But, there’s still lots of magic and fun to enjoy. One of our favorite changes at Walt Disney World is the implementation of character cavalcades at each of the four theme parks. Animal Kingdom has some of the most creative cavalcades as they take place on the Discovery River that loops around the interior of the park.

Since these character cavalcades do not have a published schedule, as a safety precaution, it takes some spontaneity and some awareness to be able to catch them. It’s fun to catch an appearance of beloved Disney characters without the hassle of a meet and greet line, or waiting around for a scheduled parade. Here’s some of our trips for viewing the character cavalcades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

• Music comes from each of the decorated boats that the characters appear on, so if you hear music on the river then head to a bridge or spot along the water to view the characters as they go by.
• If you’re on a bridge remember that you can view them coming on one side of the bridge, and going on the other. The boats enter the river near Expedition Everest and the Rivers of Light ampitheater, then circle the park and head back. If you’re facing toward the back of the park they’ll come from the left side of the bridge, and go from the right. If you’re facing the front of the park, reverse that.
• Be aware and maintain physical distancing from other groups.
• The appearances are not scheduled, but they seem to be every hour. It takes about ten minutes for each boat to loop the park.
• There are five different character boats, plus a percussion group. The character groups include:
  • Mickey and Minnie on safari
  • Donald and Daisy Duck, and Launchpad McQuack
  • Rafiki and Timon
  • Chip and Dale, and Goofy in their Dino-Bash outfits
  • Pocahontas and Meeko

Character Cavalcade Viewing Locations

In my opinion, it is best to just go about your day and enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom without worrying about the cavalcades. Chances are you will see multiple appearances throughout your day. Besides viewing the cavalcades as you happen to be walking around the park, there are a few spots in the park where you can sit and relax.

On the walkway between Africa and Asia there are multiple clearings and landings on the water’s edge. There’s even an official Relaxation Station along this walkway with tables and chairs so you can sit, relax, enjoy the view, and take a break from wearing your mask if you wish.

Two other great viewing spots are near Dinoland U.S.A. and Rivers of Light amphitheater. The amphitheater is a nice option which provides lots of room for physical distancing. The one downside is there is no shade here, but you’ll have a nice wide open space, with stadium seating where you can watch each of the boats arrive and depart the waterway.

On the other side of the lagoon is Flame Tree BBQ. This quick service restaurant is a great place to grab lunch. Place your mobile order early and grab a table at the waterside pavilion, closest to the lagoon. There’s a limited number of tables here so if you head here at peak lunch time you may be out of luck. But, if you are able to snag a table here you’ll be treated to views of all the boats as they come and go, all while in the shade and nibbling on delicious food.

Maximize your day at Animal Kingdom and avoid long lines by becoming a TouringPlans Subscriber. You’ll gain access to our Lines app where you can use pre-made plans to tour the park in the most efficient way possible, or build your own plan. Plus, you’ll be able to see Expected Wait Times versus Disney’s Posted Wait Times. With the time you’ll save you’ll have more time to enjoy special moments like the character cavalcades.

Have you seen any of the character cavalcades yet? Where’s your favorite place to watch them?

The post Tips for Catching the Character Cavalcades at Disney’s Animal Kingdom appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Attractions, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, In the Parks, Trip Planning, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, disney’s animal kingdom characters, disneys animal kingdom parade

It’s a minor inconvenience, but I have been waiting for the day that Disney Park Pass Reservations can be made in the MyDisneyExperience app. That day has arrived today!

You can now access the interface to make a Disney Park Pass Reservation through the MyDisneyExperience app. Once I clicked into the option on the MyDisneyExperience menu, however, I was a little disappointed that it just takes you to the website for reservations rather than being fully native in the app. So really this new menu option in the app is just a shortcut. You still need to log into the website and go through the steps from there.

Still, it is nice to have access in the app so everything is in one place. It’s nice to just got to the app when it’s time to secure a park pass reservation.

Speaking of convenient apps, our Lines app gives you the power to avoid crowds and long lines, using real-time data so you know which attractions to ride at what time to reduce your time in line. You’ll also gain access to our Crowd Calendar so you know which park to visit on which day for the lowest crowds. That way you can have the information you need to know when to make your Disney Park Pass Reservation for which park.

What do you think of this new feature? Do you think it adds a little convenience?

The post NEW – Disney Park Pass Reservations Can Be Made In MyDisneyExperience App… Sort Of appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, News, Trip Planning, disney covid, Disney News, disney reopening, disney reservations

Do you need a little extra shut eye before you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios? You’re in luck because today we are highlighting our Late Arrival Disney’s Hollywood Studios Touring Plan, which has been updated to reflect the closures and changes due to COVID-19. This plan is similar to the Disney’s Hollywood Studios One-Day Touring Plan we posted last week, but this version removes some attractions to allow you to arrive to the park around 1 PM. The plan includes all major rides that can be completed when arriving at 1:00 p.m. until park closing, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We also include a 30-minute break for dinner around 5:30 p.m., but you may want to skip that and grab a quick snack if you’re running low on time.

STEPS
1) Star Tours: The Adventures Continue Ride Star Tours Based on the Star Wars saga, this was Disney’s first modern simulator ride. Guests ride in a flight simulator modeled after those used for training pilots and astronauts, experiencing dips, turns, twists, and climbs. The ride film, projected in high-definition 3-D, has more than 50 combinations of opening and ending scenes, including clips from the newer Star Wars films. You could ride Star Tours all day without seeing the same scenes twice.
2) Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Ride the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is an attraction for fans of high-speed thrill rides. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s loops, corkscrews, and drops make Space Mountain seem like It’s a Small World. The launch goes from 0 to 57 mph in less than 3 seconds. When you enter the first loop, you’ll be pulling 5 g’s—2 more than astronauts used to experience at liftoff on a space shuttle.
3) The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Experience Tower of Terror. The Tower of Terror is a different species of Disney thrill ride, though it borrows elements of The Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom. The story is that you’re touring a once-famous Hollywood hotel gone to ruin. The Tower of Terror is a whopper at 13-plus-stories tall. The climax occurs when the elevator reaches the top floor—the 13th, of course—and the cable snaps.
4) Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance If you have a boarding group number, experience Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Rise of the Resistance is an innovative attempt to integrate at least four different ride experiences— trackless vehicles, a motion simulator, walk-through environments, and even an elevator drop—into one of Disney’s longest attractions ever. Note: To ride you must join a Boarding Group that will be “called” at a later time that day, when you are allowed to get into line and wait. This is analogous to a same-day FastPass+ for an unknown time window. Use the My Disney Experience app to join a Boarding Group. Eventually you’ll receive a push notification or see that your Boarding Group is “now boarding” via in-park status screens. You must do this first thing in the morning when the park opens, or when a secondary Boarding Group signup opens at 2:00 p.m.
5) Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Take flight on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Smugglers Run lets guests fly Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon, the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.” Guests approaching the attraction will see a life-size Millennium Falcon parked outside the spaceport. On board each rider is assigned his or her own station—a pilot and copilot up front to steer around obstacles and activate the hyperdrive, two gunners in the middle to shoot down enemy fighters, and a pair of engineers in the rear to repair the ship when the pilots and gunners mess up—and computer-generated scenery is projected on an ultra-HD dome outside the windshield.
6) Eat Dinner Grab dinner in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The Ronto Wraps at Ronto Roasters are quick and delicious. For a bigger selection of food there’s Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo where you can dine on Endorian Fried Chicken Tip Yip, Batuuan Beef Pot Roast, and more.
7) Toy Story Mania! Go back to Toy Story Land and ride Toy Story Mania! This is an interactive shooting gallery much like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, but in Toy Story Mania!, your ride vehicle passes through a totally virtual midway, with booths offering such games as ring tossing and ball throwing. You use a cannon on your ride vehicle to play as you move along from screen to screen. Unlike the laser guns in Buzz Lightyear, however, the pull-string cannons in Toy Story Mania! take advantage of CG image technology to toss rings, shoot balls, even throw eggs and pies. Each game booth is manned by a Toy Story character who is right beside you in 3-D glory, cheering you on. In addition to 3-D imagery, you experience vehicle motion, wind, and water spray. Ride only if the posted wait time is at an acceptable length. If not, save it for the very end of the day.
8) Slinky Dog Dash If you’re running low on time, decide if you want to ride Slinky Dog Dash or Runaway Railway. Slinky Dog Dash is a long outdoor children’s roller coaster designed to look as if Andy built it out of Tinkertoys. The trains are themed to Toy Story’s Slinky Dog. As for intensity, it’s something along the lines of the Magic Kingdom’s Barnstormer or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train— lots of turns, dips, and hills but no loops or high-speed curves—and not nearly as rough as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This ride ranks high with all ages.
9) Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Ride Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. The Runaway Railway ride places you in the center of one of the modern Mickey Mouse cartoons. The premise is, of course, that you’re on an out-of-control railroad car, courtesy of Goofy. You careen, gently, through ten large, cartoon show scenes, from tropical islands, to cities, to out-of-control factories. In each scene, Mickey and Minnie attempt to save you from disaster, with mixed results. Runaway Railway will have high waits for the whole day. Unless you arrive early and are one of the first people in the park we recommend riding as late in the day as possible.

There’s no FastPass+ being offered at this time so you’ll have to do only stand-by lines. Don’t forget, you can customize and optimize this or any of our other touring plans using our personalized touring plans creator on the site or in our mobile app, Lines. Be sure to check out our other touring plans that will help you save time and money in Walt Disney World.

The post Late Arrival Disney’s Hollywood Studios Touring Plan Updated For COVID-19 Closures appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Trip Planning, Walt Disney World (FL), touring plan