Category: Other

 

You can’t keep a football fan down–as long as games are being played, fans are going to want to watch. That includes when fans are on vacation! Thankfully, there are many places you can view football at Walt Disney World, from the comfort of your own hotel room to more public locations.

As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many operating changes throughout Walt Disney World, not all of the usual sports viewing locations are currently open. ESPN Club at Disney’s Boardwalk, the usual go-to football destination for both vacationers and locals, is closed. At other establishments like lounges and pool bars, bar seating is prohibited and food/drinks must be consumed at tables. Resort hopping for dining is also restricted, and making plans to “just stop by” to watch a game isn’t always an option. As a result, diehard sports fans will have their options for viewing (especially of out-of-market games) extremely limited during the pandemic.

It is unclear if AMC Cinema 24 at Disney Springs will be showing out-of-market games on the big screen this season. We reached out to them for comment but they said that they didn’t “have any details to share just yet” and suggested checking their website for updates. If a schedule is eventually posted, we will let you know.

The college football schedule will remain on the lighter side all season long as a number of conferences including the Big 10 and Pac-12 have cancelled/postponed their seasons. Nevertheless, other conferences will continue play.

While you’re here, make sure to subscribe to TouringPlans.com so you can customize your Walt Disney World touring plans to include a break in the middle of the day to catch a football game! Plus get complete access to all of our other great vacation-planning tools like the Crowd Calendar, Cheapest Ticket Calculator, Dining Reservation Finder, Hotel Room Request automator, and MORE! And did you hear we now have a TRAVEL AGENCY? Book a trip to see your favorite team live in person (assuming they allow that sort of thing) or vacation to Disney destinations or anywhere else in the world right here!

So what can you expect for viewing games at Walt Disney World? Here’s what this first week looks like.

LISTINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 8-14

All times EDT. Games and listings subject to change. Make sure to check back Sunday morning for updates.

 

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE – WEEK ONE

Thursday, September 10

Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 PM, NBC

Sunday, September 13

Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 PM, FOX

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots, 1:00 PM, CBS

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints, 4:25 PM, FOX

Dallas Cowboys @ Los Angeles Rams, 8:20 PM, NBC

Monday, September 14

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New York Giants, 7:10 PM, ESPN

Tennessee Titans @ Denver Broncos, 10:20 PM, ESPN

AMC Dine-In 24 Disney Springs – TBA

 

 

NCAA FOOTBALL

Saturday, September 12

12:00 PM

Arkansas State @ Kansas State, FOX

Louisiana Lafayette @ Iowa State, ESPN

Charlotte @ Appalachian State, ESPN2

1:30 PM

Louisiana Monroe @ Army, CBS Sports

2:30 PM

Duke @ Notre Dame, NBC

3:30 PM

Georgia Tech @ Florida State, ABC

Texas San Antonio @ Texas State, ESPN2

Campbell @ Georgia Southern, ESPNU

7:00 PM

Citadel @ USF, ESPNU

7:30 PM

Clemson @ Wake Forest, ABC

Tulane @ South Alabama, ESPN2

 

NFL LOOKING AHEAD

Projected Listings – Week of September 15-21

(Note: These are PROJECTIONS and all games are officially to be announced!)

Thursday, September 17

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns, 8:20 PM, NFL Network

Sunday, September 20

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1:00 PM, FOX

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans, 1:00 PM, CBS

Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans, 4:25 PM, CBS

New England Patriots @ Seattle Seahawks, 8:20 PM, NBC

Monday, September 21

New Orleans Saints @ Las Vegas Raiders, 8:15 PM, ESPN

The post Football Season Kickoff: What You Need to Know at Walt Disney World appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

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

Within the past month, it was announced that fall and Halloween activities would indeed be coming to the Walt Disney World Resort, with character cavalcades, the ability to dress up in costume while visiting the Magic Kingdom, and more. Today, Disney shared more details about some of the special entertainment offerings that Guests will be able to experience and they sound spooktacular!

First, while Guests won’t be able to catch Mickey’s Boo to You Parade during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year, they will still be able to see some of their favorite characters and floats from the fantastic parade. Throughout the day, special Halloween cavalcades will pop up on the parade route and head down Main Street, U.S.A. Guests may see Mickey Mouse and his pals, all dressed in Boo-tiful Halloween costumes. Or, you may even come across a cavalcade of Disney Villains, from Gaston and Maleficent to Queen of Hearts and Jafar, and even Jack Skellington!

Oh and one of my favorites are coming back! The Dapper Dans will be returning to the Magic Kingdom beginning September 20, performing as The Cadaver Dans.

Moving over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it was announced that Minnie’s Halloween Dine is coming back to Hollywood & Vine, beginning September 25. It will look a bit different though. Instead of a buffet, the meal will be served tableside and Guests will find Minnie Mouse, dressed as a witch, Goofy as a spooky cowboy, Mickey Mouse as a vampire, and Pluto, will be wearing a Halloween collar.

Halloween and fall events will take place at the Walt Disney World Resort from September 15 through October 31.

The post Special Halloween Entertainment Announced for Walt Disney World appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Halloween, News, Walt Disney World (FL), Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Minnie Halloween Dine

Enjoying a meal you can’t get anywhere else is one of the joys of traveling. Orlando’s theme parks offer some unique dining options that are destinations themselves. Many of us prefer to dine outside right now, and options can be limited. We’ve previously discussed the best outdoor dining at Walt Disney World. Now, let’s head a few miles up Interstate 4 and review the best outdoor dining at Universal Orlando’s theme parks.

Best Outdoor Dining at Universal Studios Florida

The original park at Universal Orlando has changed quite a lot over the years. And with those changes to Universal Studios comes improvement in dining options. But some of the best outdoor dining is available at classic locations. Along the Universal Studios Lagoon is Lombard’s Seafood Grille, a table service restaurant that has been there since opening day. There are a limited number of tables outside on the back deck that overlook the iconic lagoon. If you want a relaxing meal at a classic Universal Studios venue, Lombard’s is a great choice.

Another classic venue also near the lagoon is Richter’s Burger Co. This earthquake-themed counter service burger spot is casual and full of details that definitely give nostalgia vibes from Universal’s early days. You won’t have the best meal ever here, but the views outside are lovely.

On the other side of the lagoon is personally one of my favorite lands, Springfield U.S.A., which re-creates the zany world of The Simpsons. Here you’ll find multiple quick service options under one roof. Fast Food Boulevard is exactly that, full of fast food favorites like burgers, pizza, fried chicken, and more. If you want a quick, casual meal that’s nothing fancy, in a fun atmosphere it is a good choice – personally I really enjoy the Krusty Burger. Of course, my love for The Simpsons may be causing some bias here. There’s a great outdoor seating area here overlooking Springfield U.S.A. You can also grab some tacos from Bumble Bee Man’s Taco Truck and enjoy the outdoor seating, or snag a table at Duff Brewery overlooking the lagoon.

Finally, the latest quick service restaurant at Universal Studios Florida offers some great corner cafe outdoor seating. Enjoy fresh breakfast and lunch favorites at TODAY Cafe. Sitting outside will afford you beautiful views of the park’s main avenue as guests come and go, excited about their day.

Best Outdoor Dining at Islands of Adventure

As scenic as Islands of Adventure is, it lacks an abundance of outdoor dining options for full service restaurants. However, there are lots of counter service options with outdoor seating. If you want to start your day with some baked goods, the cozy Crescent Moon Bakery has a limited number of chairs outside, overlooking the main avenue at Port of Entry.

Over at Lost Continent Fire-Eater’s Grill offers basic fare like chicken fingers but also gyros. It is a walk-up window so there is outdoor seating only. Tables and chairs sit among an exotic market. Around the bend is Hogwarts, the original Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This jaw dropping land offers a lot to experience, including a popular dining destination in the books and movies, The Three Broomsticks. The interior here is magnificent, but there is an outdoor seating area around the back with views of Hogwarts Castle and Jurassic Park.

Over at Jurassic Park itself is Thunder Falls Terrace. Prior to the arrival of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Thunder Falls was the most popular quick service spot in Islands of Adventure. The interior is an interesting dinosaur lodge theme, and the outdoor dining overlooks the energetic walkways of Jurassic Park. Also, it is near the epic splashdown of the Jurassic River Adventure Ride.

Finally two spots that are open seasonally and beloved by many are Wimpy’s in Toon Lagoon, and Green Eggs and Ham in Seuss Landing. Both are located in colorful, cartoon themed lands, and only have outdoor dining.

What are your favorite outdoor dining spots at Universal Orlando’s theme parks? Are there any that we missed? Let us know in the comments.

 

 

The post The Best Outdoor Dining at Universal Orlando’s Theme Parks appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, In the Parks, Universal Orlando Resort, islands of adventure dining, universal orlando dining, universal studios dining, wizarding world of harry potter