One of our favorite little “secrets” is visiting Dockside Margaritas at Disney Springs for their seasonal margaritas. For the holiday season you can say “Feliz Navidad” at Dockside Margaritas with a seasonal margarita. Our team enjoyed the waterside views as they sipped on this festive seasonal margarita.
Dockside Margaritas
The Feliz Navidad Margarita is a fairly simple recipe with Herradura Blanco Tequila, Crème de Cassis, and apple juice. The color is simply gorgeous thanks to the Crème de Cassis (which is a sweet liqueur made from black currants). The Blanco Tequila is very light, so combining that with the sweet Crème de Cassis and the apple juice, you’ve got a very sweet and light margarita.
Feliz Navidad Margarta DescriptionFeliz Navidad Margarta at Dockside Margaritas
Thankfully the chili salt rim adds a nice contrast and some mild heat. A lime wedge is added as a garnish, and our team recommends squeezing it in to add some tartness, and perhaps asking for a second one if you really want to cut back the sweet. Sipping on this beauty at Dockside Margaritas is a great way to stop and take a minute to enjoy the season in a relaxing outdoor venue.
Feliz Navidad Margarta at Dockside Margaritas
For $15.00 this is a very good, fresh-made cocktail. It certainly beats the disaster that was the Peppermint Margarita last year. Yes, there are a few tiny ways 2020 is better than 2019 – we’ll take the small victory.
Have you ever stopped for a margarita at Dockside Margaritas? Where do you love to grab a drink at Disney Springs?
Overall wait times and crowds have been pretty mild, but bumps in the road for some headliner attraction have had a cascading effect on wait times. Our team observed at EPCOT today 9 out of 500 guests that were not wearing their masks in accordance with Disney’s guidelines, and at Magic Kingdom today 13 out of 500. That means 98.2% of guests observed at EPCOT and 97.4% at Magic Kingdom were wearing their masks correctly. Finally, we received 196 actual wait time submissions in our Lines app today – thank you, Liners! Let’s dive in.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Wait Times
We’ve been seeing long wait times at Na’vi River Journey. Expedition Everest had some unexpected downtime which may have impacted wait times and other big attractions. And today’s weather was near perfection, which does tend to drive attendance at Animal Kingdom.
DINOSAUR had an average wait time today of 30 minutes. Its 7-day average is 34 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 36 minutes, so today ranks #17 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #138 for the past year.
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain had an average wait time today of 35 minutes. Its 7-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #15 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 41% of the posted wait time.
had an average wait time today of 52 minutes. Its 7-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #12 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 57 minutes, so today ranks #118 for the past year.
Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 55 minutes. Its 7-day average is 59 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #15 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 85% of the posted wait time.
Rise of the Resistance had a very rough day today with operations. The first boarding groups did not get called until about 12:15 p.m. Then there was a gap in operations around 3:00 p.m., though this has been a trend for a while. With the new procedures and increased capacity, we were recently seeing boarding groups in the 120 range and higher being called toward the end of the day, but they’re barely reaching 60 today.
EPCOT Wait Times
Living with the Land had an average wait time today of 12 minutes. Its 7-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #156 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 24% of the posted wait time.
Mission: SPACE Orange had an average wait time today of 21 minutes. Its 7-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #133 for the past year.
Soarin’ had an average wait time today of 35 minutes. Its 7-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #15 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 62% of the posted wait time.
Test Track had an average wait time today of 56 minutes. Its 7-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 57 minutes, so today ranks #92 for the past year.
Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 67 minutes. Its 7-day average is 73 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 73 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 59 minutes, so today ranks #81 for the past year.
Here’s a quick look at some of the crowds, and lack thereof, at EPCOT today.
Spaceship Earth December 3, 2020Yukon Kitchen December 3, 2020Mexico Pavilion December 3, 2020
Magic Kingdom Wait Times
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had an average wait time today of 50 minutes. Its 7-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 51 minutes, so today ranks #103 for the past year. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 61% of the posted wait time.
Jungle Cruise had an average wait time today of 44 minutes. Its 7-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 51 minutes, so today ranks #123 for the past year.
Peter Pan’s Flight had an average wait time today of 38 minutes. Its 7-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 34 minutes, so today ranks #9 for the past month. We received 9 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 58% of the posted wait time.
Pirates of the Caribbean had an average wait time today of 47 minutes. Its 7-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #12 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #110 for the past year.
Space Mountain had an average wait time today of 39 minutes. Its 7-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 40 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 57 minutes, so today ranks #145 for the past year. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 78% of the posted wait time.
Splash Mountain had an average wait time today of 56 minutes. Its 7-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 53 minutes, so today ranks #76 for the past year. We received 9 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 72% of the posted wait time.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had an average wait time today of 69 minutes. Its 7-day average is 70 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 78 minutes, so today ranks #120 for the past year. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 99% of the posted wait time.
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid had an average wait time today of 24 minutes. Its 7-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 21 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #118 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 43% of the posted wait time.
Our team explored the wilds of Disney’s Animal Kingdom earlier this week and we thought it would be a good time to revisit Dinoland U.S.A. and Dino-Rama. This quirky, campy section of Dinoland is criticized for its cheap design, and some of its offerings have been reduced. Let’s take a quick look at a few things that are still worth appreciating in this little land.
Dino-Rama inside Dinoland U.S.A. – November 2020Primeval Whirl – November 2020
The main attraction within Dino-Rama is Primeval Whirl. This whirling twirling “mouse” style coaster has been a hot topic for years. Plagued with maintenance issues, the coaster went from seasonal operation only to potentially being extinct. Currently it is still standing, but it has not operated in quite a while. There are some fun details and silly puns that you can see even though the ride isn’t available.
Dinoland Midway GamesDinoland Midway GamesTriceratops Plush Prize from Dino-Rama
Another fun part of Dino-Rama is the midway games. These can be a silly use of time and family bonding, but they can also be costly. The new cutesy dinosaur plush prizes are popular. But, despite the popularity of the prizes, Disney has been reducing the amount of games in operation. During our visit this week only Bronto Score – the basketball game, and Comet Crasher were in operation.
Dino-Rama inside Dinoland U.S.A. – November 2020
If you’re looking for a break, Dino-Rama is a noisy part of the park, but is usually less crowded. Plus, young kids love dinosaurs and this a great spot to share with kids. There are lots of silly details so take a few moments to look around. Dino-Rama and Dinoland U.S.A. may not be a highlight of your vacation, but it can be a fun stop.
Have you explored Dinoland U.S.A. before? What’s your favorite detail?
The collaboration of your wickedest dreams has arrived! Available now exclusively on Amazon.com the Disney Villains x Heidi Klum Collection features elevated and unexpected sportswear designs inspired by fan favorite Disney Villain characters like Hades, Ursula, Maleficent and The Evil Queen.
The thoughtfully designed collection was directed by Heidi herself, drawing on her extensive background in high-fashion and love of Disney Villain characters. Throughout the design process, Heidi masterfully integrated the bold graphic aesthetic of emerging streetwear trends with key story elements unique to the Disney Villain characters, ultimately creating a chic and chilling collection fit for the villainous in everyone.
In describing the collection, Heidi Klum explained “I wanted to create something that felt fashion-forward yet familiar, and through the pairing of contemporary designs with the classic Disney Villain characters, who we’ve grown up loving, I believe the collection reflects just that.”
From lounging to plotting, the Disney Villains x Heidi Klum Collection has something for all of your most wicked pursuits. The collection includes a number of effortlessly edgy styles, including essential graphic tees, fashion hoodies and tunics, sweatshirts, joggers and a must-have bomber jacket. Design elements including glitchy overlays, glow in the dark effects and distinct front and back graphics featuring distorted imagery convey the sometimes chaotic, always enigmatic, personalities of the Disney Villain characters.
See below for a few stand out styles from the collection, but you should be warned, it may be impossible to choose just one favorite piece! As Ursula in The Little Mermaid said “Life’s full of tough choices, isn’t it?”
Elevated and comfortable essentials are at the heart of this collection. The Evil Queen and Maleficent Tie-Dye tees overlay on-trend bold graphics and iconic verbiage.
Do you feel like you’re being watched? This Maleficent Eyes Pullover Fleece and Skinny Sweatpants will have everyone doing double takes and turning green with envy at your comfortable and stylish look. These pieces also feature the distinct yellow sewn-on tag that is on every garment in the capsule. Fun fact – the Disney Villain character eyes is one of Heidi’s favorite graphic elements and hint at the playful and iconic spirit of the collection!
Bad never looked so good! This iconic Cast Your Curse Bomber Jacket is the perfect statement piece. With classic appeal and a daring design, the jacket is sure to become an instant staple.
For more information on all things wicked, follow along the Disney Villains Instagram at @disneyvillains!
AristoCrepes at Disney Springs often gets overlooked. But, this little kiosk near the water serves up seasonal treats that are usually great. Two new seasonal treats are getting some attention: Santa’s Crepe and Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle. Let’s see which one is on our nice list and which one is on our naughty list.
Santa’s Crepe and Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle
Santa’s Crepe is a bright red crepe filled with egg nog custard and praline pieces. It is rare that a food that is clearly made “for the ‘gram” actually tastes good too. And sadly that’s the case here. The crepe is supposed to be served cold, which doesn’t sound too appealing, but how else are they going to get the whipped cream to not melt for a few moments so we can all get our glorious photos up on Instagram?
The crepe that our field team was served was actually warm. I asked our brave team what the buckle on the hat was made out of, and I am going to simply paste the response word for word, because there is no way I could improve upon it: “It was a gelatinous plop. I don’t know what it was made of. It slid around a bit because the crepe was warm. It had like a jellied-ish consistency but wasn’t jelly.” My heartfelt thanks to our field team for braving this one; Santa’s Crepe is certainly on our naughty (and yuck) list.
Santa’s Crepe at AristoCrepesCherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle
The Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle is a little pricey, but definitely worth it. A bubble waffle is topped with vanilla ice cream, cherries jubilee sauce, praline pieces, and whipped cream. The cherries were a little tart, bringing a nice balance to the sweet ice cream and waffle. The serving is large enough to be shared.
AristoCrepes Holiday Offerings
There are other, better holiday treats at Disney Springs – might we suggest stopping at Amorette’s for the Chocolate Peppermint Creme Brûlée. But, if you love bubble waffles then AristoCrepes is worth a visit.
