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Traveling to Disney World in 2020? Here’s How Your Experience Will Be Different!

We’re taking a DEEP collective breath and getting ready to plunge into Disney World once some of the theme parks begin to reopen on July 11th.

Magic Kingdom

And if you’re still planning on making a trip to Disney World this summer, you may be wondering what changes you can expect.

While some of the ways Disney World has adapted to these times will be more obvious than others, here are the five most important differences you should know before you go.

Disney World Will Have a Limited Capacity

As you’ve possibly heard by now, Disney World will only be allowing a certain number of guests to visit each day. They hope to achieve this by implementing a new reservation system. To put the new system in place, they had to temporarily suspend all ticket sales and aren’t accepting any new reservations at this time.

Disney Springs

Disney also canceled all previously booked FastPasses, dining reservations, and Disney Dining Plans. The planning functions for each of these offerings have also been frozen until Disney World works out the exact number of guests they’ll be accepting each day. (Note that you CAN now make dining reservations in Disney Springs through the Disney World app.) Once the new reservation system is up and running, guests with valid park admission and a hotel reservation will be given priority access to book theme park reservations.

While all of this seems like a lot to take in, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has stated one of the changes will be significantly fewer people inside the parks, meaning possibly much shorter wait times for popular rides.

Click HERE to check out our answers to these most important questions our readers are asking us about Disney World.

Face Coverings Will Be Mandatory

As we’ve already seen implemented at Disney Springs since its May 20th phased reopening, guests over the age of two will be required to wear face masks at all times when visiting the theme parks. Disney World is working on a plan to offer guests “relaxation zones” where they can temporarily remove their masks for a spell.

Disney Ambassadors

Disney World’s Cast Members are also required to wear face coverings at all times and a new health and safety group has been formed to help navigate guests through all of the guidelines while ensuring everyone is following the rules. They’re called Social Distancing Squads and you can learn more about them here!

What happens if I refuse to wear a face mask at Disney World? Find out here!

Temperature Screenings Are Also Required for Entry

While you’re probably used to walking through a security checkpoint and having your bag screened, you must have your temperature taken using an infrared touchless thermometer before you’ll be allowed inside the parks.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

We’ve also seen this implemented at Universal Orlando as well as when entering Disney Springs. AdventHealth employees are conducting the screenings at Disney World and you must have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or lower to enter. If your temperature comes in too high, you’ll be given the opportunity to sit in a cool-down tent for a bit, then recheck your temperature. If your temperature still comes in too high, you AND your party will be asked to leave.

Click here to read everything you need to know about temperature checks at Disney World!

Eating Will Be Uniquely Different

When Disney announced they were canceling all pre-existing dining reservations, they also stated they would be shifting from a 180-day booking window to a 60-day booking window going forward to allow guests to make their plans closer to their visits.

50’s Prime Time Cafe at Hollywood Studios

But it’s not just how you’ll make dining reservations that will be different — the whole process of sitting down to enjoy a meal at Disney World has drastically changed. Hostess booths have plexiglass shields while many restaurants are offering contactless check-in, menus, and payment options.

Mickey Pretzel

Tables are spaced apart or labeled “not for use” while condiments and silverware aren’t being left on the tables anymore at most restaurants. All servers are wearing masks (and usually gloves) while only guests who are seated at a table are able to remove their masks. You can also lower your mask if you’re walking around Disney Springs with a snack or beverage.

See PHOTOS of what it’s like to eat in a reopened Disney World restaurant right now!

Shopping Poses a Few New Challenges

We’ve been checking out some of the retail locations at Disney Springs that have begun to reopen. While many shops have made modifications to their check-out counters such as laying down social distancing markers, installing plexiglass barriers, promoting self-bagging, and providing hand sanitizer for guests, some of the rules tend to vary from store to store.

Disney Springs

Some businesses have fitting rooms available to guests, but we’ve found many do not. Some stores are only allowing a handful of customers inside at one time with guests queued up outside waiting for their turn to enter.

We’ve seen some shops are still allowing guests to test their products (such as Basin), but others like Sephora aren’t. It can be a little tricky to interpret the new set of rules each store has implemented so if you’re unclear about anything, just as ask a cast member in the store!

See what it’s like to shop in reopened Disney Springs here!

Now that we’ve discussed five of the biggest changes you’ll see at Disney World, here are five MORE things you’ll need to wrap your head around!

Guest Experiences May Be Modified

Disney World has made this very clear that not all experiences will be offered upon reopening — they’ve posted this information on their website everywhere you turn. Now we finally know what a few of those “modifications” will be. Character dining is temporarily on hold, and Disney World’s water parks aren’t expected to reopen, (at least, not right away).

Mickey Mouse

In addition fireworks, parades, and character meet and greets being postponed, and Disney World is also revising their park hours. Extra Magic Hours have been halted and some Disney World transportation services (such as the monorail and ferryboats) may be reduced.

See what else you WON’T SEE when Disney World reopen here!

Disney World is Making Changes to Its Annual Passholder Policies

Even bigger changes are being announced for Disney World’s Annual Passholders. There are so many, in fact, that they’ve launched a new webpage to address AP-specific concerns.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholder

While APs will have a special preview of the theme parks as well as early access to make theme park reservations before the general public does, Annual Passholders will only be allowed to hold a certain number of reserved days at one time. More updates regarding Disney World APs are forthcoming.

Read more about the latest Disney World Annual Passholder policy changes here!

How Will You Travel to AND Around Disney World

As we mentioned earlier, Disney World has already announced some of its transportation services will be limited, but that only covers internal transportation. How will you be planning on getting TO Disney World?

Disney’s Magical Express Sign

For many travelers who have never considered an alternative to flying, it might make more sense (both financially as well as practically-speaking) to drive instead of fly. Read more about this Disney World shake-up here.

Click HERE for the five things you need to know if you’re planning to go to Disney World when the parks reopen!

Where Will You Stay at Disney World

Planning your trip is even trickier right now since Disney World hotels aren’t currently accepting new reservations and we only know of the Disney Vacation Club resorts that will be reopening June 22nd (Note that Disney Vacation Club members CAN still book new resort reservations at this time). The other Disney World hotels don’t have a confirmed reopening date yet.

DIsney’s BoardWalk Inn

Disney World originally announced the theme park resort hotels would also be reopening July 11th, but later retracted the statement. What we do know is guests with a current hotel reservation and valid park admission will be given first crack at making reservations once the new system is released.

See which Disney World hotels will be reopening June 22nd here!

What Time of Year Should You Visit

With so much uncertainty still looming, you might be wondering if it’s even worth it to go to Disney World this year.

Magic Kingdom Sign

It’s a difficult question but you have some alternative options if your previous spring or summer trips were canceled. Booking a trip to Disney World in September has its benefits while November is also a season you should consider.

Magic Kingdom

Click here to learn more about the times of year you can consider visiting Disney World

It’s practically certain that Disney World will be QUITE different when it reopens. But if you’ve done the work of preparing for the unique challenges you’ll be experiencing and have taken every necessary health and safety precaution into consideration, we know Disney World is still committed to providing their guests with a magical experience regardless of the changes they’ve made and will be making in the future!

Are you planning on going to Disney World when the parks reopen? Let us know in the comments below.

Related posts:

  1. News: New Dining Discounts for Disney World Annual Passholders for 45th Anniversary Year
  2. 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED
  3. 25 Can’t-Miss Experiences to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World This Year!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Character Dining, Counter-Service, Disney Springs, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, annual passholder policy changes, different, Dining Reservations, disney dining plan, Disney World, Disney World Resort hotels, disney world resort will be different, driving to disney world, dvc hotels, eating, fastpasses, limited capacity, limited transportation, modified guest experiences, new reservation system, no character meet and greets, no fireworks, no parades, reopening, shopping

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Trust Us. These Nine Things in Disney World Are MUCH Cooler Than They Sound!!

Some of these attractions might not sound cool, but trust us, they’re worth considering next time you go to Disney World!

Behold: The PeopleMover

While we’re the first ones that will tell you about the hottest new show or attraction at Disney World, we also want to make sure you aren’t quick to write anything off! Some of our favorite rides and experiences are those under-the-radar offerings that, on paper, might sound a little boring! Trust us — you might find yourself falling in love with some of these next time you visit!

Rides and Attractions

Not every ride in Disney World is going to be as flashy as Rise of the Resistance! These rides and attractions are just as cool, despite the fact that they may sound a little drab.

Living With the Land

Living With the Land is a slow-moving boat ride in The Land Pavilion in Epcot. Guests are brought through several working greenhouses where you learn about how Disney is developing innovative agricultural methods that yield higher amounts of produce!

Living With the Land Boat

We know, that might not sound like the most thrilling experience you’ll have while at Disney World, but lots of folks SWEAR by this ride. It’s arguably one of the most relaxing twenty minutes you’ll have on vacation (is it just us or is that first scene where you’re floating through the thunderstorm SO zen?).

Living With the Land

The catchy old “Listen to the Land” song may not play anymore (in our HEARTS it does!), but this ride is actually really entertaining and offers a chance to see some unique plants you may have never seen! You can even head to neighboring  Sunshine Seasons or Garden Grill and eat the food that is grown in those greenhouses!

See how Living With the Land plays a key role at the Food and Wine Festival here!

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Next time you visit Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom, look up! You may notice some very happy and relaxed guests floating by on Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, or simply The PeopleMover.

People Mover!

This attraction is often SKIPPED because folks don’t realize that it’s a total gem! We know, it kind of looks and sounds like a glorified escalator (or perhaps those moving walkways you see at airports), but Disney fans know that this is one of the coolest rides in the park!

Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland

The PeopleMover is a great opportunity to give your feet a break while enjoying a bit of a breeze from up above Tomorrowland. You even get some unique views inside popular Tomorrowland attractions like Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin AND a chance to see Walt Disney’s original model of what would become EPCOT — Progress City. Now, if only The PeopleMover came with a snack stand…we may never leave.

We found PeopleMover’s DIARY!! Does it miss us? Find out here!

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Another “cult classic” attraction at Magic Kingdom that often gets a bad rep’ is Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Many see this as only a great spot to take a nap. We aren’t saying they are WRONG, but we strongly encourage you to fight the urge to catch some zzz’s and instead bask in all of its glory! There is so much more to this ride than air conditioning!

© Disney

To truly appreciate just how cool this attraction is, we have to go way back to the 1964 World’s Fair. That’s when this show first premiered (audio-animatronics and all!), after Walt Disney himself first came up with the concept for Disneyland. Despite the original concept being shelved for Anaheim, it was brought to Florida and it has run continuously at Magic Kingdom since 1975. 

© Disney

While it may seem outdated to some, there’s a certain charm to this all-American family as they traverse through the technological progress of the 20th century! And as Disney prepares for its own 50th Anniversary in 2021, the Carousel of Progress hit its own milestone this year — its 45th anniversary!

See what FIFTY things you should do before Disney World turns FIFTY next year!

Pandora — The World of Avatar

Pandora is one of the coolest places in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a few reasons. Flight of Passage is a technological wonder, and even its less popular, “calmer” counterpart, Na’vi River Journey, features a jaw-dropping audio-animatronic.

Inside Na’vi River Journey

Combine those two rides with one of the best counter service locations (Satu’li Canteen) in Animal Kingdom and you’ve got a recipe for a COOL land.

But if folks don’t know this, they may only associate Pandora with the film Avatar. Believe it or not, this movie came out eleven years ago. And while there are sequels in the works, the franchise’s relevance over the years has declined.

Pandora

But there’s a reason both of Pandora’s attractions are Tier One FastPasses. Beyond the rides, the land itself is an Imagineering feat, and it completely transforms from day to night! Even if you weren’t a big fan of the movie, you might fall in love with Pandora – The World of Avatar just like we have over the years!

Read more about Pandora – The World of Avatar here!

Walking Tours

A great way to spend a few hours in the parks is to take a walking tour! Some of these tours can run you a few hundred dollars and take up half of your day, while other tours are much shorter and are pretty affordable!

Behind the Seeds Tour

Since we just convinced you that Living With the Land is a really cool ride, let’s talk about the walking tour that takes you “behind the SEEDS!” Have you ever been on Living With the Land and spotted a bunch of other guests walking around the greenhouse? They’re on the Behind the Seeds Tour! 

Behind the Seeds Tour Desk

This super fun, super informative tour departs multiple times throughout the day and brings guests into the greenhouses where you get an even MORE in-depth look at the innovative agricultural methods Disney is developing.

The tour also includes fun activities, like identifying various spices through smell, feeding fish in their Aquacell, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to taste some of the vegetables grown in the greenhouse for yourself!

Mickey Plant on Living With the Land

As of June 2, 2020, the cost for Behind the Seeds is $29 per guest. The tour is one hour long, and afterward, you’ll likely want to ride Living With the Land all over again!

Learn more about Behind the Seeds here!

Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour

Did you laugh when you read the title of this next tour? We get it, steam trains are…not the coolest things in the world to everyone. If you aren’t a train expert, you may wonder why anyone would ever want to spend a couple of hours listening to someone else talk to them about steam trains.

The Walt Disney Railroad

On Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour, you get to learn all about the locomotives that call Magic Kingdom home! One of the cool things about this tour is that it starts before the park opens to guests — 7:30AM to be exact. That early morning will be worth it, though! Getting into the parks before they open is a super neat experience that is typically reserved for those with early morning tours or dining reservations.

Walt Disney Railroad Steam Train “In Residence” at Main Street, U.S.A. Station

Because the Magic Kingdom Railroad is currently closed due to the construction of TRON Lightcycle Run, the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour is also currently unavailable. But once things are up and running again, consider booking a tour! The tour costs $54.00 per person and lasts three hours.

Learn more about The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour here!

Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy

The only thing cooler than checking out all of the beautiful holiday decorations is to learn where they are stored the rest of the year, right?

Christmas in Magic Kingdom

Alright, so maybe on paper Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy tour doesn’t sound like the most thrilling activity to bring the family on, but Christmas aficionados will totally soak in all of the behind-the-scenes logistics of how Disney World is able to pull off the holidays each and every year. Whoever thought LOGISTICS would be so cool?

Christmas Decorations on Main Street!

The three-hour tour departs from Epcot and brings guests to the Floral Department, as well as Disney Springs where you’re joined by a culinary expert that will help you “whip up” your very own holiday treat!

Epcot UK Christmas Tea Topiary

Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy is offered on select days in November and December. The cost is $149.00 per guest, and everyone receives a special gift at the end of the tour! In the past, these have been super cute trading pins. Keep in mind that guests must be at least 12 years of age to participate. 

Yuletide Fantasy Tour Pin

If you have the time to spare on your Disney World vacation this holiday season, consider filling that time up with this one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes tour!

Curious? Learn more about Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy here!

Activities Outside of the Parks

There’s plenty to see and do outside of the four theme parks. In fact, you’re missing out on some of the best activities Disney has to offer if all you do is go to those main parks. Let’s briefly go over a couple of our favorite things to do when we aren’t standing in line for Slinky Dog Dash or eating the seventh Dole Whip of the day in Adventureland.

Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

One of the reasons folks love coming to Disney World is that they get to have experiences that they wouldn’t normally get to have at home. So, when given the opportunity to make s’mores by a campfire, a lot of people may decline and hit up the parks for an extra few hours instead.

Welcome to Fort Wilderness!

And while that’s a totally logical decision, if you find yourself with a free night, you may find that the best vacation memories are made from the simplest of activities! Chip & Dale host a campfire sing-a-long every night at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge.

While the event is FREE (and free is cool!), you do need to purchase s’mores supplies from the Chuckwagon Snack Bar, or you can bring your own ingredients. It’s certainly cheaper than dinner in the parks!

Benches where you can enjoy a movie under the stars!

And once it’s dark, cuddle up under a blanket and enjoy a movie under the stars! There are plenty of benches for you to use, or you can bring your own chairs. There are actually TONS of cool activities at Fort Wilderness to do on your “day off” from the parks, like horseback riding, hiking, and more!

Check out all of the restaurants at Fort Wilderness and make a whole day out of it!

The VOID at Disney Springs

Our last activity that is way cooler than it sounds is The VOID. At first glance, it’s really hard to tell exactly what goes on in The VOID. Are you in a void? What do you do in this void?

The Void in Disney Springs ©Disney

The VOID is actually one of the coolest activities you and your family can take part in at Disney Springs. This highly interactive virtual reality experience hooks you up for fifteen minutes to these helmet-mounted machines that really make you feel like you are IN the action! And it’s not just any action — you can embark on your very own Star Wars or Wreck it Ralph themed adventure!

The Void ©Disney

Prices range from $35-$40 per guest depending on which experience you choose, and you have to believe us when we say that it is TOTALLY worth the cost! We’ll leave it up to you to decide if it’s cooler than Rise of the Resistance. ?

The VOID is also available at Downtown Disney in Anaheim! Learn more about it here!

What’s considered “cool” in Disney World is totally up to you! Some folks agree that the high-speed, thrilling attractions are the coolest things in the parks, while others are totally mesmerized by the special exhibits and behind-the-scenes tours that Disney provides. No matter what your definition of “cool” is, we hope that this gave you some ideas on new things to try next time you visit Disney World!

What is your favorite thing in Disney World that others might not think is “cool”? Argue why you think it is the coolest thing in Disney World in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Special Stuff, Walt Disney World, Behind the Seeds, carousel of progress, Chip and Dale Campfire Singalong, disney springs, disney’s yuletide fantasy, fort wilderness lodge, Living with the Land, Pandora, the magic behind our steam trains, the peoplemover, the void

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6 Things That REALLY Surprised Us About the Reopening of Universal Orlando

We spent yesterday at Universal Orlando attending a special Annual Passholder preview!

Gringotts

And while we had some idea what to expect based on the new health and safety measures we’d already experienced when several CityWalk stores and restaurants began to reopen on May 14th, we knew our first time back to an ACTUAL theme park was probably going to look and feel A LOT more different!

We had prepared ourselves for temperature screenings, social distancing, and wearing a face covering for the duration of our stay, but that doesn’t mean we weren’t thrown a few curveballs along the way! Here are a couple of things that really surprised us the most about our visit to the newly reopened Universal Studios!

Which Attractions Are Harder to Ride with Face Masks

We were totally expecting our face masks to fly off on Universal’s most-thrilling rides such as Hollywood’s Rip Ride Rockit or The Incredible Hulk Coaster (luckily we brought some back-ups, just in case!). But strangely enough, the speed of these attractions actually helps to hold your face mask in place!

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

The rides that proved to be the most challenging for us were ones where you had to wear 3D glasses such as Skull Island: Reign of Kong or Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Our breath kept fogging up the lenses until we figured out if we wore our glasses over our masks, it helped cut down on the fogginess!

See what our experience was like on several Universal attractions while wearing face mask here!

Mobile Order Was Glitchy

Universal’s Mobile Order was having a rough go of it yesterday! Even though Universal offered Mobile Order at select restaurants before the temporary closures, a bunch of new locations have been added to the app — even the walk-up spots at Diagon Alley!

Mobile Order Pickup Line at The Hopping Pot

But all of these extra locations really added a lot of strain to the already struggling system (we even had some issues with the Virtual Line Experience in the early A.M.). The app was crashing a lot or not work properly throughout the day. This was the first day of Annual Passholder previews though, so hopefully Universal will be able to work out the kinks over the next few days.

Read more about troubleshooting Universal’s mobile order system here!

Characters Were Everywhere

Even though we couldn’t walk up and hug our favorite characters, we were really shocked by how many of them were out!

Dr. Seuss Characters

Several sectioned-off stage areas have been set up throughout the parks where you can watch and wave to your favorite characters! We saw a bunch of Dr. Suess dudes (including the Lorax and the Grinch!) hanging out in Suessland yesterday along with some of The Simpsons, Blues Brothers, Hello Kitty, Beetlejuice, Spiderman, and lots MORE! Many of these characters wore masks, but there were also a few who did not.

While Disney has shared that character meet-and-greets will be suspended, we’re eager to see if they interact like the character at Universal did.

Water Rides and Misting Effects Were Running

While earlier Universal had stated some of their rides that involve water such as Jurassic Park River Adventure might not reopen with the rest of the park, we were surprised to see it running yesterday! Guests are permitted to remove their masks once they board water rides and are they seated in an every-other row!

One note on water rides, do hold onto your mask in your lap because it would be very easy for it to fly away!

Jurassic Park River Adventure

We were also told water effect features on some rides (such as misters) would be deactivated, but on The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Escape From Gringotts, they were STILL working!

Personal Wand Shopper at Ollivanders

Something we were truly amazed to see was how Ollivanders Wand Shop is operating now!

Hogsmeade

To keep the shop from becoming too crowded, each guest is given their own personal attendant! You can’t handle the wands like you could before, but we think the one-on-one service is pretty nifty!

Virtual Lines Aren’t the Same as FastPassses

Since we’re so used to using Disney World’s FastPass+, it took us a little time to figure out Universal’s virtual queue system is a bit different. We traveled with a group of two and since the apps aren’t linked, we were able to make two reservations at one time. There aren’t any tiers so our two reservations could be made for the same ride.

And despite having a guaranteed ride time, there were still about a 20-30 minute wait to ride each attraction (unlike FastPass where you usually just walk-on). With no preshows, for the time being, the wait can feel a little long.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

But similar to the My Disney Experience app, once you use one of your reservations, you can make another. We also noticed when we refreshed the app, sometimes new Virtual Line Venues appeared like they sometimes do when you refresh the available FastPasses.

Click here to learn of the virtual queue system works at Universal Studios!

We’ll be back at Universal tomorrow reporting all day once the theme parks officially open to the public, so stay tuned! And if you have any questions on the new processes that theme parks are implementing, please let us know!

Did you attend Universal’s Annual Passholder preview? What surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. Here’s A Look at the Safety Measures Being Discussed By Major U.S. Theme Parks Right Now
  2. Universal Studios Has EXTENDED Its Temporary Closure
  3. Universal Orlando’s CityWalk Has Just Reopened! See What Our Experience Was Like Here!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, News, 3d glasses, 3d goggles, 3d rides, characters, face masks, masks, Mobile Order, ollivanders, roller coasters, surprising, Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios, virtual lines, virtual queues, wand shop, water rides

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We’re Ranking the World Showcase Pavilions at Epcot by Their Snacks! (See Where Your Favorite Stacks Up!)

Maybe it’s not such a big secret that we love Disney snacks — lots and LOTS of Disney snacks.

Spaceship Earth

We’ve already put ourselves through the torturous decisions of ranking the Magic Kingdom lands by snacks AND ranking the lands in Animal Kingdom by their snacks. Whew. Well, we’re suckers for a little decisive turmoil so WE’RE BACK to ranking lands by snacks. This time, we’re examining Epcot’s World Showcase — arguably one of the snackiest spots in all of Disney World! WHICH PAVILION’S SNACKS WILL REIGN SUPREME?

There are eleven total World Showcase pavilions in Epcot, each with their own unique dining locations and snack options. Hmm…this is going to be quite a challenge!

Walking in World Showcase

For each pavilion, we’re going to take a look at the most ICONIC snacks that it offers. Some have more than others, but that’s all a part of the metric isn’t it? So, without further ado, let’s get to that ranking!

11. Canada Pavilion

We know, we KNOW! How can we possibly put the land of Canada popcorn in the lowest spot on the list?! Well, calm your britches, we have our reasons.

Canada Popcorn Cart

Though we absolutely adore the snacks in Canada, you have to admit — this pavilion has some pretty limited options! Come on, poutine isn’t even available in the pavilion itself (WHY is there no Poutine stand?!?)!

Popcorn in Canada

Though Canada has a great table-service restaurant with Le Cellier Steakhouse, the only place to really find snacks in the pavilion is at the Canada Popcorn Cart. Of course, we love us some Disney popcorn, so who are we to say no to a stop by the Canada cart?

Maple Popcorn in Canada

Here, you’ll find that classic Disney World popcorn but you’ll also find the DELISH Maple Popcorn that you can ONLY find here. This stuff is super yummy and kind of akin to kettle corn if that’s your jam. Plus, you can grab some Le Cellier’s proprietary Batch #5 Ketchup Chips or a tasty Canadian beer here as well.

Click here to read our full review of Disney World’s Maple Popcorn!

Still, low variety puts Canada low on our list. No matter how good Maple Popcorn is, Canada needs to step up its snack game if it wants to roll with the best of ’em!

10. Morocco Pavilion

But Canada isn’t the only World Showcase pavilion that leaves us wanting for a few more options.

Pastry Case and Coffee Bar

The Morocco Pavilion will have you HUNTING if you’re looking for snacks (although it’s no secret that you can find a great meal here)!

Tangierine Cafe

If you ARE scoping out the snacks in Morocco, you’re going to want to head into Tangierine Cafe. You might know this dining location for its yummy lunch and dinner options that feature traditional Moroccan meals, but remember, we’re focusing on the SNACKS today.

Mixed Strawberry and Tangierine slushies

If you’re counting alcoholic beverages as a snack, then you’re in luck in this country. You can snag a Tangerine or Strawberry Daquiri from the cafe, AKA… GROWN-UP SLUSHIES. These are really good and super-refreshing. Plus, they’ve got a nice balance of alcohol that won’t have you incapable of riding Test Track after you drink one .

Tangierine Coffee and Pistachio Baklava

If you think that cocktails don’t count (HOT take, but alright), you can grab a Baklava from the dessert counter. Baklava is a buttery and flaky puff pastry filled with honey and nuts. If you’re a nut-lover, you’ll probably like this yummy treat!

Want to see our REVIEW of the grown-up slushies? Click here!

While we do love our occasional stops into Tangierine Cafe, Morocco Pavilion is really more suited to a full meal than just a snack.

9. China Pavilion

Another low scorer on this list is the China Pavilion. Now, listen, we love the theming and spirit of the China Pavilion. Plus, we ESPECIALLY love the drinks in this spot!

China Pavilion

Still, China finds itself a little lacking in the actual snacks department, and we just can’t let those yummy cocktails make up for it.

Joy of Tea

Speaking of yummy cocktails, our first stop in this pavilion is Joy of Tea. This stand is home to one of our favorite drinks in the World Showcase with the Tipsy Ducks in Love. This libation is a surprising mix of coffee, tea, bourbon whiskey, and chocolate. Weird? Yes. Delicious? YES. And that’s not the only great drink here! We like a bunch of them on the menu, so you can pick what sounds best to you.

Chicken Curry Pocket inside

In the snacks-proper area, you might want to give the Curry Chicken Pocket a try! We tried this for the first time thanks to the suggestion of a Joy of Tea Cast Member and we are STILL thanking him to this day. The pastry part of the pocket is delicious and the curry adds a slightly spicy kick to the chicken. This is a great snack for a rainy Epcot day.

If you gotta know more about the Tipsy Ducks in Love, click here!

Lotus Blossom Cafe

Lotus Blossom Cafe is the China Pavilion’s quick-service spot and it’s a good place to grab some Chinese staples, especially if you’re a big takeout Chinese food-lover.

Strawberry Red Bean Ice Cream

BUT on the snack side of things, you’re going to want to get your sweet tooth ready. This dining locale has some interesting ice cream flavors. Specifically, we’re talking about Red Bean and Ginger Ice Cream! Such interesting options are sure to expand your tastes and are definitely not to be missed.

Has that Red Bean Ice Cream piqued your interest? Click here!

You can probably tell things are starting to ramp up a little bit. Wait until you see the rest of the list!

8. Japan Pavilion

Getting into the meaty middle of things, we’re jetting over to the Japan Pavilion. The Japanese snack options definitely have some merit but you have to have some more specific tastes.

Japan Pavilion at Epcot

That being said, we LOVE stopping for a snack in Japan — there are just some other countries that edge it out.

Kabuki Cafe

Right on the edge of the Japan Pavilion is a little stand called Kabuki Cafe. Though there are a few places to look for snacks in Japan, this is probs our go-to. First off, Kabuki features the famous and fan-favorite Kakigori. This snack is shaved ice with fruit syrup; so, kinda like a snow cone but better. Our favorite flavor is melon!

Kakigori

PLUS you can get a Sake Mist here too and let us tell you, these things are revolutionary. It’s an alcoholic shaved ice. Uh… yeah. If that sounds like something you might be into (WE ARE!), we recommend swinging for the more fruity flavors. Kabuki Cafe also offers some Sushi if you just need a quick pick-me-up.

Click here to read our REVIEW of the Sake Mist!

Katsura Grill

Katsura Grill is the quick-service spot in Japan and we like dining there, but there are definitely better places to grab a meal in World Showcase. Still, if you’re craving Japanese food and not feelin’ a sit-down meal, it’s a great option!

Green Tea Cheesecake

Snack-wise, we recommend swinging for some Sushi as an option. Like at Kabuki Cafe, the sushi here is prepackaged but it’s still pretty good. A dessert snack suggestion? If you’re a green tea or matcha fan, you should def try that Green Tea Cheesecake.

To check out a FULL review of Katsura Grill, click here!

Sake Bar

Ok, ok, maybe we’re stretching the limits of what a “snack” is so that we can include alcohol again. Can you blame us? Maybe you can, but we can deal with that.

Sake Bar

If you’re a fan of Sake, or if you’ve never tried any, you should check out the options over at the Sake Bar!

Click here to see how we feel about the Sake Bar!

Mitsukoshi Department Store

You might be surprised but there’s one more place to get your snack on in Japan and it’s actually a RETAIL location! Easily one of the coolest stores in Epcot is the Mitsukoshi Department Store. Really, this MASSIVE shop is more like a bunch of stores all smooshed together, and one of those stores features some surprising snack options.

Dried Crabs

You can find a variety of Japanese snacks ranging from Japanese pop rocks and reverse lemon heads to rice crackers and… dried crabs?? You heard us. And yes, they are as weird as they sound. Still, you can’t miss trying out a few of the snacks in Mitsukoshi! (We LOVE the fizzy, chewy Ramune flavored candies AND Ramune sodas!)

Ramune Soda in Japan’s Mitsukoshi Department Store

If you keep traveling to the back of the store you’ll find their own Sake Bar! We prefer the wider selection at this small counter, so if you want to pair some sake with your adventurous snacks, this is a great choice!

Want to find out more about those dried crabs? Click here if you dare! 

We really do have to give it to Japan on the variety front. Where else can you snack on dried crabs AND shaved ice? Spoiler alert: The answer is nowhere.

7. United Kingdom Pavilion

Possibly the complete opposite of the Japan Pavilion, the United Kingdom Pavilion beats out Japan by just a little bit for the #7 spot.

Epcot’s United Kingdom Pavilion

There’s certainly less variety here, but those snacks that are here are oh-so-good.

Yorkshire County Fish Shop

We’re starting with an iconic one here and definitely our favorite food to grab in the UK Pavilion. Swing by Yorkshire County Fish Shop to snag those delicious Fish & Chips.

Close-up of Batter

Yes, it’s true, Fish & Chips are really more of a meal, but we like to be creative here. You can share an order to make for a great snack for two OR get just the Chips to stave off the hunger until later! Whatever you do, you’re in for some perfectly fried and perfectly British eats (don’t forget the malt vinegar!).

Click here for the full low-down on those Fish & Chips!

Rose & Crown Pub

Rose & Crown Pub is nearby and we certainly consider the Pub Blends here a snack. Think about it, if you order one of the ones with Guinness, that’s going to be pretty filling (Guinness is basically a meal!).

Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room

Pub Blends are basically two (awesome) beers layered on top of one another. We like the Black & Tan, Half Bass Ale and Half Guinness, the Snake Bite, Half Cider and Half Harp, or for our cider-lovers, the Cider and Black which is cider topped with black currant syrup!

To check out more of the offerings at Rose & Crown, click here! 

The UK Pavilion pulls out its place thanks to how iconic its snacks (err…drinks!) are. We definitely don’t get tired of these snacks.

6. American Adventure Pavilion

You might be kind of surprised to see the American Adventure Pavilion so high up in the list. After all, we’re IN America, how crazy can these snacks really be?

American Adventure

Well, you’re just going to have to hear us out on this one because the American Adventure is slaying the game.

Fife & Drum Tavern

Let’s start with Fife & Drum Tavern. This kiosk hides a serious gem of a beverage in the American Dream. This slushy is a non-alcoholic blend of strawberry and raspberry slushies with vanilla soft-serve and it IS as good as it sounds.

American Dream in American Adventure Pavilion

Plus, Fife & Drum has served some crazy Guardians of the Galaxy-themed snacks for Guardians of the Galaxy — Awesome Mix Live! If this show returns, we’d be pretty happy to see the return of some of these items like the Awesome Mix Slushy and the Mix Tart!

Want to see more of the Guardians of the Galaxy — Awesome Mix Live! foods? Click here!

Regal Eagle Smokehouse

Next up, we gotta talk about the snacks to be found hidden in the brand-new Regal Eagle Smokehouse. The great thing about Regal Eagle is that pretty much any of the sides are super snackable. Choose from Beer-battered Onion Rings, Baked Beans with Burnt Ends, Creamy Coleslaw, Seasoned French Fries, Garlic Toast, House-made Pickles, and Macaroni and Cheese.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse

Plus, if you’re like us, then you like to make a snack out of dessert. At Regal Eagle, you can try the Banana Pudding or S’mores Brownies. Yummm.

Click here for our FULL REVIEW of Regal Eagle!

Block & Hans

American Adventure has its own beer cart too with Block & Hans. Now, we’re not lovin’ this spot for the beer since we can get American beer pretty much anytime we want. What we DO love Block & Hans for are the delicious Pretzels!

Block & Hans Craft Beer

You’ve got pretzel choices too! You can snag the classic Mickey Pretzel, a Cream Cheese Pretzel, or a Jalapeno and Cheese Stuffed Pretzel. Oh, and OF COURSE they’ve got that plastic cheese for dipping!!!

Wanna know more about Block & Hans? Click here!

Funnel Cake

Lastly, right on the edge of American Adventure, you can swing by the Funnel Cake Stand. So, we love this spot for obvious reasons (read: fried dough is irresistible. Duh.), but this stand has been working hard to help hold the pavilion in its 6th place position.

Mini Funnel Cake

This spot is KILLING it at festivals right now! We’re not kidding, they’ve got delicious funnel cakes down to a science. Check out the Mini Funnel Cake they served for Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival this year. Dare we say best funnel cakes ever? Yes, we do dare!

Click here to learn more about that Mini Funnel Cake!

See, we told you! American Adventure is killin’ it. So we bet you’re wondering what the top five could be. Let’s get into it!

5. Italy Pavilion

Coming in at number five of our winning pavilions is the Italy Pavilion.

Italy Pavilion

Italy’s got some amazing options. Our one qualm keeping it from being higher on our list? The snacks here are a little pricy.

Gelati

First up we have to chat about Gelati. This easy-to-miss gelato spot has some serious “wins” on the menu. The different gelato flavors are always yummy (and they rotate so you might find something new depending on when you stop by!). Plus you can grab a Gelato Sandwich which is any flavors between two chocolate chip cookies. We’ll take two, please!

Gelato Perfection! The Coppa Delizia in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

But those simple snacks aren’t the only stars here. This spot also has gelato sundaes like the strawberry Coppa Delizia and other Italian treats like Affogato and a Cannoli Cupcake. You can’t go wrong flavors-wise at this kiosk — just beware those prices!

Click here to see why we love the Coppa Delizia!

Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar

Next up, we’re tucking into the hidden gem of Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar. If you DON’T think wine is a snack, then don’t worry, there are other options in this secluded location too (we promise we mean real food, not booze!). We like Tutto Gusto because it makes for a great escape from the Epcot crowds and definitely feels a little upscale.

Tutto Gusto

Plus, you can snag sliced meats, Italian cheeses like the L’Alpina Gusto Plate, and other delicious small plates like the Ravioli di Ricotta. Plus, we’re huuuge fans of their fresh-made cannolis! If you’re looking for a more refined snack and maybe some Italian wine to go with it, head to Tutto Gusto.

Thinking about swinging by Tutto Gusto? Click here!

Pizza al Taglio

A bonus option when you’re in World Showcase may be Pizza al Taglio. This pizza window is a great spot to swing by for a quick slice of ‘za, but it is only open seasonally. So, you’ll have to keep an eye out if you’re looking to try out these Sicilian-style pizza by the slice.

Pizza al Taglio

The pizza at this window is super yummy and has a nice thick crust. You can snag classics like Pepperoni and Margherita, but we really like the special — Pizza San Gennaro!

Click here to scope out our review of the Italy pizza window!

See? Isn’t your mouth watering just THINKING about these Italy Pavilion snacks?

4. Mexico Pavilion

Coming in at number four, we’re swinging over to one of our FAVORITE World Showcase pavilions.

Mexico Pavilion in Epcot

Call the Three Caballeros, we’re headed to Mexico!!!

Choza de Margarita

When you first step into the Mexico Pavilion, it’s hard to pass up a stop at Choza de Margarita. This kiosk, literally translated to “Margarita Hut” serves up a bunch of tasty margarita options AND some yummy foods. In our book, margs definitely count as a snack, but when in doubt there are other choices too!

Fiesta Margarita

Our favorite drink at this location is the Fiesta Margarita which is a delicious and knock-your-socks-off STRONG drink. It’s a layered combo of all three frozen marg flavors — Wild Strawberry, Classic Lime, and Mango Loco.

Tacos al Pastor

This is one of the stronger drinks in World Showcase, so it’s good that you can also grab some hearty Mexican food to soften the blow. We love the Esquites spicy corn for a quick refuel or the Tacos al Pastor or Empanadas de Barbacoa when we need a heavier snack!

Click here to see our EVERYTHING ON THE MENU review of Choza de Margarita!

La Cantina de San Angel

La Cantina de San Angel is the quick service restaurant of this pavilion and it has some seriously great options. Did someone say $.75 Queso? Yes, someone did. We’re that someone. WHO WOULD DARE PASS UP ON $.75 QUESO???

Outdoor Seating

This spot also has some killer Guacamole and Chips and the BALLER Empanada con Queso (think of it like a deep-fried Mexican grilled cheese!). These are literally just fried flour tortillas stuffed with cheese. Give your taste buds a talking-to before you eat these because they’re headed straight to taste bud heaven.

Want to see our review of La Cantina? Click here!

La Cava del Tequila

And finally, you can head INTO the pyramid in the pavilion to find La Cava del Tequila. This tucked-away spot is home to an AMAZING variety of tequila, so it has some pretty great Specialty Margaritas too.

La Cava del Tequila

Plus, if you’re looking for Chips and Queso or Guac, this is the place to head. We’re not kidding when we say this just might be the best queso in ALL OF DISNEY WORLD.

Want chips and queso TO GO??? Click here!

If you know how much we love cheese, you know why Mexico is hanging out so high on our list. BUT we’ve reached the exciting ones. Let’s take a look at our TOP THREE!

3. Norway Pavilion

Our third-place pick, with just ONE snack stop, is the Norway Pavilion?! But, HOW? How can Norway be so high up on our list with only ONE snack stop?

The Norway Pavilion

Well, dear reader, it all comes down to the quality of that snack spot.

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe

The one, single reason that Norway is killin’ it on the snack game is because it is home to Kringla Bakeri og Kafe! You can smell Kringla ALL OVER Norway (or is that the Laila perfume sold in the gift shop??) so it’s no wonder that tons of folks get drawn in to try the freshly baked desserts displayed inside.

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe with Viking Guard

The School Bread is the famous treat here; a soft pastry filled with sweet vanilla cream and topped with coconut is hard to pass up! This is seriously a fan-favorite that you’ve got to try at least once. Other great options include the Troll Horn, Sweet Pretzels, and Norwegian Beers and Coffee Cocktails!

Click here to check out our Kringla School Bread review! 

If you’ve never been to Kringla, you might not think that one spot is good enough for the top three. But if you HAVE been to Kringla, then you probably agree with us that it deserves to be up here!

2. Germany Pavilion

Coming in at second place is the Germany Pavilion! We love the snacks over here in Germany thanks to the ICONIC options in both the realms of savory and sweet.

Clock in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion

If you’ve got time for a sit-down meal, we recommend heading to Biergarten (all you can eat pretzel rolls and LITERS of beer?!), but if not, don’t despair. The snacks here are some of the greatest!

Sommerfest

We love the snacks offered at Germany’s Sommerfest! This quick-service counter has ALL the German essentials including Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and Black Forest Cake.

Get the Nudel Gratin in Epcot’s Germany!

The must-get here is something you may not have heard of though. When you get to Sommerfest, glance at the “Sides” section of the menu. It’s there that you’ll find the Nudel Gratin which is a baked macaroni with cheese custard. Listen, this is mac and cheese on a WHOLE NOTHER LEVEL. This snack ALONE was enough to pull Germany into the top of our list.

Want to see more from Sommerfest? Click here!

Karamell-Kuche

Remember how we mentioned that Germany has us covered on savory AND sweet? Let’s take a look at that sweet! We’re taking a jaunt over to Karamell-Kuche — that’s German for “Caramel Kitchen.” This sweets shop features caramel covered EVERYTHING and all of it is made with Werthers Caramels. Ugh, we’re dreaming about it now (Seriously, you can smell it across World Showcase!).

Karamell-Küche

This shop has some of the best Caramel Corn (plus Caramel Corn Cupcakes!) we’ve ever had, and if you’ve never had a Caramel Apple made with Werthers, then you’re not even really living. Pro tip: Ask the Cast Member to cut the apple up for you so your teeth (and dentist) don’t hate you later!

Karamell-Küche popcorn

And there are tons of other GREAT caramel treats to try! Do NOT miss out on a stop to snack in the Germany pavilion.

Click here to check out that Caramel Corn Cupcake!

Who knew Germany could have so many delicious and fan-favorite treats? Well, we all know now! So, grab your lederhosen and head on over!

1. France Pavilion

Now, it’s time for the creme de la creme. We’re talking about the premiere choice. Yes, that’s right this is the piece de resistance of World Showcase! It’s the FRANCE PAVILION! WOOH! Break out the confetti cannons, we have a winner!

Completed Epcot France Pavilion!

If you’ve ever stepped just one FOOT in the France Pavilion and even SMELLED some of the amazing snacks here, you know why France is, by far and away, the NUMBER ONE snack choice in World Showcase.

Crepes des Chefs de France

France has got it ALL — quality AND variety. Our first stop on our tour of the snackiest pavilion is Crepes des Chefs de France. This spot is pretty self-explanatory, but that doesn’t make the eats here any less delicious. You can try all sorts of Crepes here!

Crepes Sign

Get ’em with chocolate, get ’em with strawberries. You can even get them with soft-serve ice cream! In fact, the Ice Cream Crepes are the FIRST (of many) don’t-miss snacks in the France Pavilion. Plus, there’s a full creperie coming soon with La Creperie de Paris!

Want to learn more about the upcoming Creperie? Click here!

Les Vins des Chefs de France

Next up, we have another one of those kind-of-snacks/actually-alcohol spots with Les Vins des Chefs de France! This is the wine stand in the France Pavilion that we’d argue most folks DON’T head to looking to buy wine! They have something much better on the menu…

France Slushes

The Grand Marnier Slush or the Grey Goose Slush are the gems of this menu! These are both SO good and easily one of our favorite parts of drinking around the world. If these iconic boozy slushies aren’t your jam, you can pick up French beer and wine at this spot too!

Click here to read why these slushes are SO good! 

L’Artisan des Glaces

We know, it’s surprising that France is doing ice cream better than Italy is doing gelato, but it’s true! Swing by L’Artisan des Glaces to cool off on a hot Epcot day! One of the most iconic treats here is the Ice Cream Martini. This cocktail is two scoops of ice cream or sorbet served in a martini glass with a shot of Grand Marnier, Whipped Cream Vodka, or Rum. Yes, it is as good as it sounds.

Ice Cream Martini from L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion

If alcohol isn’t your thing, we can also HIGHLY recommend the Croque Glace, a scoop of ice cream with sauce in a warm homemade brioche, or the Macaron which is a chocolate or seasonal macaron ice cream sandwich. Seriously, how do they come up with this stuff? The ice creams here are all freshly made in house and ALL so so good!

Thinking you want to try the Croque Glace? Click here!

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

And we’ve saved THE best snack spot in THE best snack pavilion for the very end! Let’s talk about Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie! The snack options here are pretty much endless (ok, maybe not but it sure seems that way) and there’s nothing quite as charming as chowing down on a pastry in this sweet, tucked away bakery. Pro tip: Les Halles opens at 9AM so you can swing by first thing in the morning for a tasty breakfast!

Frangipane at Les Halles

Let’s talk favorite at Les Halles. Perhaps our absolute favorite pastry in ALL of World Showcase is the Frangipane. This is a flaky croissant-like dough filled with a sweet almond paste and there is nothing quite like it. If that sounds up your alley, you gotta try it!

Entrance to Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France Pavilion

Other faves at Les Halles include the Duo, a white and dark chocolate mousse cake, and the classic Macarons. Actually, though, you CAN’T go wrong with just about anything at Les Halles. Go ahead and try. We love everything that this bakery puts out (did we mention they make a bacon cheese roll? They totally do. And yeah, it’s awesome).

Click here to read about why we LOVE the Frangipane!

We think it really is no contest when it comes to our number one pick. But, hey, this is all just based on OUR taste buds! Maybe we’ve got a few rankings that you disagree with and maybe there are some you think we got spot on. Regardless, we hope you had fun touring World Showcase with us and we’ll see yah in the next snack ranking!

Do you agree with our ranking? Tell us why or why NOT in the comments!

Related posts:

  1. What’s New in Disney World’s Epcot! August 6, 2018
  2. DFB Video: The 26 EXCLUSIVE Must-Eat Treats in Disney World’s Epcot
  3. 11 AWESOME Disney World Snacks UNDER $5 (Plus 4 BONUS Favorites!)

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney parks, Epcot, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, Affogato, american dream, Baklava, Block & Hans, Cannoli Cupcake, caramel apples, caramel corn, Chaute Glace, chips and queso, Choza de Margarita, Conga, Coppa Delizia, Crepes des Chefs de France, Curry chicken pocket, disney snacks, duo, epcot snacks, fiesta margarita, fife & drum tavern, fish & chips, Frangipane, funnel cake, Gelati, Gelato, Gelato Sandwiches, Grand Marnier slush, green tea cheesecake, Grey Goose Slush, Ice Cream Martni, Joy of Tea, Jumbo Macaron, Kabuki Cafe, Kakagori, karamell kuche, Katsura Grill, Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, L’Artisan des Glaces, la cantina de san angel, La Cava del Tequila, Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie, les vins des chefs de france, Lotus Blossom Cafe, Macaron Sandwiches, Maple Popcorn, Mitsukoshi Department Store, nudel gratin, Popcorn in Canada, Poutine, pretzel, Pub Blend, Red Bean Ice Cream, Refreshment Outpost, refreshment port, Regal Eagle Smokehouse, Rose & Crown Pub, Sake Bar, school bread, Seasoned Crisps, sommerfest, Stow Away Mary, Sushi, Sweet Pretzels, Tangierine Cafe, Tipsy Ducks in Love, troll horn, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar, UK Beer Cart, Via Napoli pizza window, World Showcase, Yorkshire County Fish Shop

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38 Things You Didn’t Know Guest Services Could Do For You in Disney World

Walt Disney World is TRULY a magical place. It almost seems like you can snap your fingers, and a magical moment will occur around you.

Cinderella Castle

Well, technically there are TONS of magical moments happening all around you constantly, thanks to a lovely little thing known as Guest Services.

The team behind those moments are an extensive number of Cast Members across multiple lines of business, ready to assist you. We’re bringing to you THIRTY NINE Things You Didn’t Know Guest Services Could Do In Walt Disney World.

No Strings Attached Voucher

Let’s start this list off with a big ol’ secret! While this isn’t something you can ask for, deserving guests can be gifted with the No Strings Attached Voucher.

No Strings Attached Voucher

This is basically the chance for a Cast Member to make something right by providing a voucher for a priority entrance to meet a character, Disney Dining Plan Snack, FastPass, merchandise, and more. These are typically only given out when something goes wrong, and NOT something you can ask for. But you never know if your day might be sprinkled with a little extra pixie dust!

Check out four super SECRET things you didn’t know happened in Disney World here!

First Aid Mosquito Prevention

Did you know that First Aid Mosquito Prevention is available to all guests and can be found in each of the 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, Disney Springs, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex?

Blizzard Beach First Aid

Walt Disney World does a pretty great job at keeping bugs at bay in public spaces, BUT they also provide complimentary insect repellent for all guests and Cast Members. Just head to a First Aid location or ask a Guest Service Cast Member for assistance.

Notary Public

This is quite an interesting one. Guests at Business Centers at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Coronado Spring Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort can utilize their Notary Services for $10.00 per seal. So, if you need that important doc notarized on your vacation, Disney has got your back!

Resort Airline Check-In

If you are departing from Orlando International Airport with select airlines, you can make travel a breeze by utilizing your Resort’s Airline Check-In Service.

Airline Check-In at Coronado Springs

With this complimentary service, you can check-in for your flight, print your boarding pass, and even check your bags right at your resort from 5AM til 12PM daily. All guests must be present and you’ll need to check-in at least 3 hours prior to your departure time.

Service Your Way

Wanna save a few bucks while on vacation? Opt out of daily cleaning services by contacting guest services to participate in the Service Your Way program.

Slinky Dog Gift Card

When you decline standard daily housekeeping services, which includes making beds, vacuuming, removing trash, and changing linens, you’ll be handsomely rewarded with a Disney Gift Card. You’ll get a $10 credit for each night you stay on property, minus the first night, for a maximum of 14 nights! Note that this is currently available only at Disney’s value and moderate resorts.

Check our MORE Disney World vacation hacks that the pros SWEAR by here!

Basic Office Services

We know it can be hard to fully unplug from the real world while on vacation. If duty calls, Basic Office Services are available in Business Centers located in select Walt Disney World Resorts — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian, Walt Disney Dolphin Hotel, and Walt Disney Swan Hotel.

Get Work Done While Enjoying Disney’s Yacht Club!

These services range from the basics, like faxing and scanning, but also include printing of Business Cards and even wide-format poster printing.

Get all the details on shipping a package to your resort here!!

Car Rentals

Walt Disney World Guests can inquire at their resort lobby to be connected to the Car Care Center. The on-property center provides guests with car rentals and even provides door-to-door transportation service from your Resort to the rental facility. Participating rental car companies include Alamo and National.

If you’re renting a car, be prepared for some extra hotel parking fees!

Lost Child

If the unthinkable happens, Guest Services is there for you to help you find your lost child. The team utilizes the Baby Care Center in each park as a safe meeting point for younger kids, and Guest Services for older kids.

Find Your Lost Kids at the Baby Care Centers!

Children are looked after by trained cast members and kept safe there until the parents are found.

Learn about lost and found, Baby Care Centers, and MORE here!

Baby Care Centers

Located in each theme park, Baby Care Centers are staffed by Cast Members and provide private nursing rooms, a feeding area, kitchen, television, as well as an on-site store that offers baby care essentials.

Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center

This can be an excellent resource for parents who may have run out of baby supplies or are waiting on lost luggage. Have no fear! Diapers and more can be found here. Plus the staff here we think are some of the best around and always eager to help parents!

Note that Baby Care Centers can also be used by parents or caretakers of older children who just need a little bit of a respite from the craziness of the parks.

Click here to learn more about visiting Disney World with a baby

In-Room Celebrations

Disney does an excellent job of shining the light on any of life’s celebrations! Did you know you could have the fixings for practically an entire party delivered directly to your Disney resort room?

Mickey and Pals Big Birthday Celebration.

With at least a 72-hour notice, you could arrange for a unique celebration right in your hotel room, whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary, or just because you’re in Disney World! This includes custom cakes (more on cakes in a moment), gift baskets, flowers, and more!

Fine Art Photography

Through Disney Fine Art Photography, you can set up in-park family portrait sessions. Packages range from Mini Portrait sessions at your resort to in-park with the stunning Cinderella Castle as your backdrop.

©Disney

The ultimate package includes exclusive pre-opening access to Magic Kingdom as you pose in front of 5 locations during your 1-hour session. These services are separate from the recently announced Disney’s PhotoPass Capture Your Moment service, which costs $50 and gets you a dedicated PhotoPass photographer in one of the parks for 20 minutes.

Click here to learn more about the Capture Your Moment PhotoPass option

Lost or Stolen Items

If you lose any personal item while visiting virtually anywhere at Walt Disney World — the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Resorts, as well as transportation — Guest Services will be on hand to help you track down the item. Lost and Found locations are available in each park. Additionally, If you believe something was stolen, like your wallet, they can assist you in filing a police report.

Here’s How To Get Out of 6 Sticky Situations While At Walt Disney World!

Portable Translators

For guests visiting with limited English fluency, Walt Disney World provides portable translators for certain attractions, this includes over 20 popular attractions and shows like DINOSAUR and The Hall of Presidents.

Don’t miss a beat on DINOSAUR!

Rental is complimentary and available in French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. The narration, hosted by voice actors, is synchronized to the attraction.

Free Buttons!

Celebrating anything special while visiting Walt Disney World? You can stop by any Guest Services location for a celebration button! These complimentary buttons are for milestones and special occasions like Birthdays, Anniversaries, 1st visits, Weddings, or any of life’s celebrations!

Grab your Celebration Button!

What makes these extra special is Cast Members will frequently come up to you and recognize the button you’re wearing and congratulate you!

Check out ALL the souvenirs you can get for FREE at Disney World here!

Currency Exchange

If you are visiting the parks from an international location, Guest Services can exchange your local currency to U.S. currency. The front desk at your resort hotel as well as concierge can assist with currency exchange and cashing traveler’s checks.

Gran Destino Tower Front Desk

Guest Relations throughout the four theme parks can also assist with currency exchange.

Ship Merchandise to Your Disney Hotel

Lots of people will wait until the end of the day to buy merchandise so they don’t have to walk around with a large shopping bag all day. But if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel, you can have your merchandise shipped directly to your resort for free!

Main Street Emporium display

Typically they will require that you are not checking out the following day in order to process the shipment, and your items will show up at your resort’s gift shop the next day. Just ask the Cast Member at the register about shipping to your hotel and they will be able to assist you!

Learn more about what your Disney World Resort hotel can do for you!

Stroller Rentals

A lot of families have young kiddos who need a break from all that walking around the theme parks, but they don’t want to haul their stroller on a plane! Not to worry: Disney has stroller rental services at each park as well as Disney Springs.

Disney Strollers

You can rent a single stroller for $15 per day, or pre-pay for your entire stay at a rate of $13 per day. You can also rent a double stroller for $31 per day, or for the length of your stay at $27 per day.

Don’t forget — once you’ve purchased a stroller for the day, if you decide to park-hop, just bring your receipt to the stroller location at the new park to get one there! Also, strollers will not be allowed out of the park, so even if you’re paying for the length of your stay, you’ll have to get a new stroller at each park you visit each day, and strollers won’t be able to be brought to your resort hotel.

Learn more about Disney’s recently updated stroller policy here!

Umbrella Rentals

There are few things worse than spending a hot afternoon at the water parks and not having any shade to escape to (then getting back to your hotel to see you’re burnt and now look like a lobster!)!

Minnie Mouse Beach Umbrella

At both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, you can rent umbrellas for the day to lounge under! These are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This costs about $60 for the day but also comes with two dedicated lounge chairs, two beach chairs, a table, and towels to accommodate four people.

Click here to decide which Disney World water park is right for you!

Locker Rentals

Locker rentals can really come in handy if you have a lot of belongings with you at the parks, like a change of clothes or extra snacks to munch on throughout the day! Lockers are located at the front entrance of each of the parks, including the water parks, and come in various sizes.

The Disney theme parks all have rental lockers.

Small lockers are $10 per day, Large lockers are $12 per day, and Jumbo lockers, available at Magic Kingdom and Epcot only, are $15 per day. Hang on to your receipt if you plan on park hopping because you only have to pay once per day!

Read more useful tips like keeping your rental receipt here!

Wheelchair & ECV Rentals

Disney also provides wheelchair and ECV (scooter) rentals to those guests who need them. You can rent them by the day or for the length of your stay. Wheelchair rentals are $12 per day, or if you pay for the length of stay, they’ll be at the rate of $10 per day. ECV rentals cost $50 per day.

Stroller and Wheelchair Rental

Similar to locker and stroller rentals, if you are planning on park hopping during the day, hang onto your receipt so you don’t have to pay twice!

Disability Access Service (DAS)

Guest Services provides assistance for guests with disabilities who may require additional help in experiencing all that Disney World has to offer. This service is best for guests who are unable to wait in a traditional queue environment. Guests can receive their Disability Access Service notice, or DAS, at each park inside Guest Relations.

Guest Relations

Once activated, you will obtain attraction return times from each attraction individually. It functions similarly to FastPass in terms of getting individual return times, but with your party’s individual needs in mind.

Travel & Transportation Services

Disney wants to make sure you have as many different transportation options as possible when you need to get somewhere! Whether you’re heading to a theme park, Disney Springs, your resort hotel, or Orlando International Airport, there are lots of complimentary transportation options at your disposal.

Disney’s Magical Express Bus

These include Magical Express to the airport, Skyliner, buses, boats, and the Monorail! Minnie Vans are also available, although it does come with a base fee of $15 plus an additional $2.75 per mile.

What does your favorite Disney World transportation say about you?

Mail Services

You can send and receive mail from your Disney World Resort hotel. There are also mailboxes located throughout the theme parks that you can send postcards and letters from! If you need additional postage, several shops throughout the resort sell postage (see the full list here).

Mailbox in Hollywood Studios

So stock up on those Disney postcards and send them to your friends and family, direct from Disney!

Online Check-In

It’s easier than ever to get an early head start on your Disney vacation before you even arrive at your hotel! You can opt-in for Online Check-In via My Disney Experience. You will receive a notification before your arrival that your room is ready, and you can skip the front desk experience entirely!

Yacht Club Resort Lobby Refurbishment

Note that in order to do this, you’ll need to have your Magic Bands ready, or opt to use the Unlock Door feature on your phone!

Learn more about Magic Bands here!

Business Centers

Some resorts offer business centers, which include computers, imaging services, and incoming and outgoing parcel services. The resorts that currently have business centers are Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa.

Travel Insurance

Disney does offer their own travel insurance to protect your upcoming trip. This can be applied at any time up until you make your final payment. Please note that this insurance offering is designed for U.S. residents only.

Star Wars United Airlines Plane ©United

Package Pick-Up

Souvenirs from the parks are only one kind of parcel you can claim through Guest Services. Your resort hotel can also receive grocery deliveries from local grocery stores, as well as deliveries from home! For more information on how to send and receive packages to your Disney hotel (including the ever-important “how to address your package” info), click here!

Click here to learn more about mailing packages to and from your Disney hotel!

Laundry Services

Most Disney World Resort hotels have self-serve laundry facilities on property for you to keep your clothes in tip-top shape!

Washer and Dryer

Disney works with an app called LaundryView that allows you to receive alerts when your laundry is finished, so no need to wait around the laundry room the whole time! Disney World’s hotels also offer dry cleaning services for a fee per item.

Read about Disney’s cool laundry technology here!

Disney Ticket Centers at Disney Springs

Whether you’re looking to purchase park tickets, add a Hopper option, or upgrade your ticket to an Annual Pass (or if you have any questions regarding your park tickets), Disney Springs has a ticket center for you to use!

Disney Ticket Center in Disney Springs

You can find this spot right at the center of the Town Center portion of Disney Springs.

Disney Vacation Club Info Centers

Are you curious to learn more about Disney Vacation Club? Disney’s timeshare program has several info centers throughout the property where you can weigh the pros and cons if you are considering signing up.

Disney Vacation Club Sales Kiosk

The main information center at Disney World is located at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Click here to learn more about Disney’s newest DVC resort, the Riviera Resort!

Order A Cake!

Did you know you can have specialty cakes delivered to celebrate your special occasion? This can happen one of a few ways: you can order a cake delivery as a “Magical Happening” to your hotel room through Disney’s Floral and Gifts, or you can order ahead to have cake brought out at your restaurant of choice! The list of participating restaurants can be found here.

R2-D2 Cake

You can also pre-order a cake from Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs or cupcakes from Sprinkles in Disney Springs!

Learn more about Disney World cakes here!

Magical Extras

Before you depart on your Disney World vacation, you’ll sometimes receive a special package in the mail with some “magical extras.” These are special deals, typically “pre-loaded” onto a card for you to use throughout your trip. Usually these are based on what Disney resort hotel and tickets package you have purchased.

Florida Sunset

Currently, these deals include a free round of mini golf, a voucher for entree into the ESPN Wide World of Sports, and discounts at several Disney Springs food & retail locations.

VIP Tours

If you want to take your Disney World experience to the ULTIMATE NEXT LEVEL, consider a VIP Tour! If your budget allows (in many cases, that’ll be one hefty budget!), you can book a Guest Relations Cast Member to be your own personal tour guide for the day.

VIP Tour Guides

You’ll get priority access to many shows and attractions, premium seating for the fireworks, plus you’ll have a knowledgable guide all along the way. This costs several pretty pennies to book (like $425-$750 per HOUR for a private guide — with a several-hour minimum), but as the name implies, you’ll feel like a true VIP all day long.

More affordable tours are available daily. They’ll still set you back a fair chunk of change but are much more doable if a private guide is out of your budget. We love the Ultimate Disney Classics tour for $249 per person (plus lunch!), or the Taste of Magic Kingdom tour for $99 per person.

Click here to see our review of the Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour!

WiFi Service

Although it can be spotty at times, Disney World has resort-wide WiFi service, completely free at no extra cost! When it works the way it’s supposed to, it can help with things like checking wait times in My Disney Experience, booking and modifying FastPass+ reservations, and Mobile Ordering food!

There’s Wi-Fi on Some Disney Buses Now!

Free wi-fi is available at most locations around Disney World, even some buses now, so be sure to check!

Click here to learn more about wi-fi on some Disney World buses!

Hotel Check-Out Services

If you have a credit card on file at your Disney World Resort hotel room, you can skip the check out process completely! One of the great Guest Services perks at the end of your trip is the convenience of heading straight from your room to the Magical Express, where you will be whisked off to Orlando International Airport.

Disney’s Magical Express Bus

This is a good perk for those of us who choose to wait until the absolute last minute to pack (we just don’t want to go home!).

Will Disney soon have another method of getting to & from Orlando International Airport? Read more here!

Car Care Center

Lots of folks choose to either drive to Disney World or rent a car when they arrive at Orlando International Airport. If you experience any car troubles while you’re there, Disney has their very own car care center where they can service your car!

Cars at Disney World

This is the same location we mentioned earlier where you can rent a car! If you do have your car serviced, they also offer complimentary shuttle transportation to and from the Transportation & Ticket Center, so you can enjoy your day at the parks while Disney handles your car!

General Park Information and Recommendations

And last but not least — Guest Services is comprised of the most knowledgable group of Cast Members you’ll come across. A big part of their job is simply KNOWING all that there is to know about Disney World and how to make sure YOU have the best vacation possible.

Guest Relations Cast Member in Disney Springs

They can give you all sorts of tips and tricks on how to navigate the parks, what certain attractions are like, and where to stand to watch the fireworks! These Cast Members are IRREPLACEABLE, so ask them all the questions! They probably have all the answers!

It’s no wonder that it takes tens of thousands of Cast Members to keep the World going ’round. If you’re needing some magic added to your vacation, never be afraid to just stop by Guest Services and ask! You might be surprised to see just what all they can do for you!

Has a Cast Member ever went above and beyond for you? Let us know!

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  3. We Have the PERFECT Disney Gift for the Most Difficult Person on Your Christmas List!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Featured, Special Stuff, Walt Disney World, Baby Care Centers, business centers, Car Care Center, car rental, cast members, celebration buttons, Check-Out, Club 33, disability access services, disney floral and gifts, Disney Tips, Disney Tips and Tricks, Disney World, DVC information center, ecv rental, guest services, guest services team, in room celebrations, laundryview, locker rental, lost and found, magical extras, mail services, online check-in, package delivery, service your way, stroller rental, ticket center, translator, umbrella rental, VIP Tours, wheelchair rental, wifi