You might think our field research team and myself would be sick of pumpkin flavors at Walt Disney World, but alas there is one pumpkin treat I’m glad has stuck around past Halloween. Since September PizzeRizzo has served up the Pumpkin Cheesecake Cannoli. Now that the holiday season has arrived, it’s been renamed to the Holiday Cannoli. It’s the same flavors and the same price, and here’s why this regifting is perfectly fine with me.
Holiday Cannoli at PizzeRizzo
The Holiday Cannoli has a light, slightly crispy cannoli shell that is the perfect texture and lightness. The pumpkin cheesecake filling is rich and decadent, but not heavy. I love the combination of the warm, sweet pumpkin spices and the slight tang of cheesecake. Pumpkin cheesecake might just be my favorite fall flavor.
Holiday Cannoli at PizzeRizzo
The edges of the cannoli are dipped in chocolate and festive red and green sprinkles are about the only thing that differentiates this from the fall version. I unabashedly ate this treat by myself. However, if two people wanted to share it would give each of them about three bites.
Holiday Cannoli at PizzeRizzooliday
You can mobile order it, just like anything else on PizzeRizo’s menu. At $4.99 it is one of the lowest priced holiday treats in Walt Disney World.
Have you tried any of the holiday treats this year? What’s your favorite?
The seating situation on Disney World rides and attractions is a cause for concern for many guests. Physical constraints and family configuration are two of many reasons why you might have issues with the attraction seating.
For example:
I’m a single parent with two small children, will I be separated from them on rides?
I’m a plus-sized person, can I fit into the ride vehicles without embarrassment?
My knees are bad, will I have to step up or down to get into the ride vehicles?
I’m in a wheelchair, do I have to transfer out of it to go on the rides?
I have a large party, how will we be split up when visiting the attractions?
I have balance issues, will the attraction vehicle be moving while I’m trying to board?
And now with COVID-19 precautions in the mix, there are more than the usual questions about ride vehicle procedures, though bear in mind that COVID-related procedures are a moving target and could change at any time. [Note: the row/vehicle capacity comments below are for non-COVID conditions. In many cases, attraction capacity is currently reduced. There are social distancing markers in all attraction queues.]
To answer these questions and more, here’s a photo guide to all the vehicle and attraction seating at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Pull down on that lap bar, we’re going for a ride…
Currently Operating Attractions
Affection Section at Conservation Station
Seating capacity per row/vehicle: NA. There is no ride vehicle.
Seating surface: There are few backless wire benches in the animal interaction area, but most guests will remain standing or walking during the experience.
Safety restraints: NA
Boarding procedure: Walk into the animal enclosure.
Accessibility: ECV users must transfer to a standard wheelchair.
COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced to allow guests to maintain social distance. The handwashing station must be used before and after visiting with the animals.
(Photo taken prior to COVID-19 restrictions)
Animation Experience at Conservation Station
Seating capacity per row: About a dozen
Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction.
Seating surface: Individual chair with back.
Safety restraints: None
Boarding procedure: Walk into theater.
Height requirement: None
Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
COVID procedures: Chairs are placed so that guests remain socially distant. Art materials are sanitized between uses.
Avatar Flight of Passage
Seating capacity per row: 1 (Each vehicle seats a single person)
Seating capacity per vehicle: 16 vehicles per room, in one straight row. The seats are about a foot apart.
Seating surface: Padded seat somewhat like a motorcycle.
Boarding procedure: Getting onto the vehicle is very much like mounting a bike or motorcycle. You have to swing one leg over the “bike” to ride.
Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the standard ride vehicle. There is an attraction transfer device that can be used to help you get from a wheelchair to the ride vehicle.
Height requirement: 44″
Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
COVID procedures: Reduced attraction capacity. Seats are left vacant between parties.
Safety restraints: Once you’re on the “bike,” you have to scoot forward a bit. Then there are padded restraints that automatically deploy to hold your body in place. These touch your lower back and calves. The fit is snug, but not tight.
Note: The ride vehicles can be problematic for larger or taller guests who may not fit in the restraint system. There is a modified test vehicle outside the attraction that you can use to assess your comfort with boarding. Ask a cast member for assistance.
Dinosaur
Seating capacity per row: 4
Seating capacity per vehicle: 12
Seating surface: Lightly padded chair
Safety restraints: Individual fabric lap belt for each guest.
Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) into ride vehicle.
Height requirement: 40″
Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the standard ride vehicle.
COVID procedures: Plexiglass partitions in use. Center row rarely used.
Expedition Everest
Seating capacity per row: 2
Seating capacity per vehicle: 4 or 6. Approximately 34 guests per train.
Seating surface: Hard chair with armrest.
Safety restraints: Individual lap bar for each guest.
Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) into ride vehicle.
Height requirement: 44″
Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the standard ride vehicle. There is a practice vehicle located near the single rider entrance (ask cast members for directions). Wheelchair and ECV users can assess their ability to board at the practice train. The last car on each train has a modified opening to give more room to guests with mobility issues.
COVID procedures: Rows left empty between parties.
Feathered Friends in Flight (formerly Flights of Wonder, formerly Up! a Great Bird Adventure)
Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
Seating surface: Backless wooden bench or backless metal bleacher.
Safety restraints: None
Boarding procedure: Walk into theater.
Height requirement: None
Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows and seats are blocked to keep guests socially distant.
Note: Seats at the rear of the theater are bleacher-style with no handrails. If you are unsteady, ask a cast member to seat you near the front of the theater.
Harambe Wildlife Express (Train to Conservation Station)
Seating capacity per row: More than a dozen
Seating capacity per vehicle: About 30 per train car, more than 100 per train
Seating surface: Bench with back
Safety restraints: None
Boarding procedure: For the first row, walk on flat surface into train. For the second row, moderate step (about 12″) into seating area.
Height requirement: None
Accessibility: There is a wheelchair capable car. Wheelchair and ECV users may remain seated and ride onto the train car.
COVID procedures: Reduced capacity. Rows and seats are blocked to keep guests socially distant.
Note: Personal strollers may be brought on board if folded.
Note 2: This train is the only way to access the attractions at Conservation Station.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug
Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
Seating surface: Hard bench seat with back.
Safety restraints: None
Boarding procedure: Walk into theater.
Height requirement: None
Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows and seats are blocked to keep guests socially distant. Plexiglass divider between parties.
Kali River Rapids
Seating capacity per row: Six sets of two seats.
Seating capacity per vehicle: 12
Seating surface: Plastic chair with armrest on one side.
Safety restraints: Fabric lap belt. One belt for every two guests to share.
Boarding procedure: Small step (less than 12″) from moving walkway to moving raft, then moderate step down (about 12″) into raft, then walk to seat. Ride exit is also on a moving walkway.
Height requirement: 38″
Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the ride on their own.
COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. One party per raft whenever possible. Parties are not loaded in adjacent seats.
Note: Most guests get wet, some guests get soaked. Consider ponchos for guests averse to water. Protect camera equipment and medical devices – free lockers are available to store items that should not get wet.
Kilimanjaro Safari
Seating capacity per row: 3-5 depending on size
Seating capacity per vehicle: Approximately 35
Seating surface: Lightly padded bench with back.
Safety restraints: None
Boarding procedure: Small step (less than 12″) up into vehicle.
Height requirement: None
Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
Accessibility: There is a wheelchair capable vehicle. ECV users must transfer to a standard wheelchair.
COVID procedures: One party per row. Clear plastic dividers between rows.
Note: Cast members will ask you to seat children at the center of the row for safety purposes. All guests have good views, but photographers will want to sit at the outside of their row.
Na’vi River Journey
Seating capacity per row: 2-3 guests depending on size
Seating capacity per vehicle: 4-6
Seating surface: Hard plastic bench with back.
Safety restraints: None
Boarding procedure: Moderate step (about 12″) over the boat wall then down a moderate step into boat.
Height requirement: None
Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the ride on their own.
COVID procedures: One party per boat.
Currently Paused Attractions
The Boneyard
Seating capacity per row: NA
Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Playground experience. More than 100 guests permitted entrance simultaneously.
Seating surface: There is very little seating here. There are few picnic tables where adults may sit, but these do not have sight lines on the entire play area.
Safety restraints: None
Boarding procedure: Walk into playground
Height requirement: None
Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride into the attraction. Much of the attraction is inaccessible to guests with mobility issues. The attraction includes stairs, slides, and rope climbing activities.
COVID procedures: NA
Note: It is extremely easy to temporarily lose sight of your child here. There are cavelike areas and child-size tunnels. However, there is only one exit to the attraction. If you have an elementary age child, you may feel comfortable “guarding” the exit and letting him roam. Parents of preschoolers will likely want to closely supervise their kids to avoid minor injury or separation anxiety. The dig area is separate from, and typically calmer than, the slide area. If you need some unstructured chill time, head to the dig site. During warm weather, a water feature will be activated. Children may get wet.
Festival of the Lion King
Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
Seating surface: Backless metal bench.
Safety restraints: None
Boarding procedure: Walk into theater.
Height requirement: None
Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
Note: This is bleacher-style seating with no handrails. If you are unsteady, ask a cast member to seat you near the front of the theater.
COVID procedures: NA
Finding Nemo, The Musical
Seating capacity per row: Several dozen
Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
Seating surface: Wood bench with back.
Safety restraints: None
Boarding procedure: Walk into theater.
Height requirement: None
Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
Traveling to Walt Disney World with friends and family can sometimes mean staying in two different resorts or hotels. One household may have different arrival and departure dates, or you may have different budgets. Whatever the reason, it can take a little time and extra effort to be able to vacation together, but stay separately. Here are some of my tips for navigating such a trip.
– Build an itinerary together
– Get to know your resorts
– Understand transportation options
– Solidify a few must-dos and be flexible with everything else
– Communicate the day’s plan beforehand and reconfirm each morning
– Plan an activity at each other’s resort
– Build in rest time
Animal Kingdom Together
My recent trip was an unique situation. Originally this trip was to be a family reunion of sorts. My in laws in Illinois would come down, as well as extended family from California and Hawaii would fly over. The Illinois family had booked one resort, the West Coast family a different resort, and my parents and my household were to stay in yet another resort.
Once COVID-19 descended in the spring, the west coast family canceled. It was totally understandable and our household and our Illinois family laid in limbo for months. We waffled back and forth. Every week I mentally prepared that we would not move forward. But in the end the Illinois family came down and stayed at their resort, and my parents and my household stayed in ours. Originally, the plan was for my parents and my household to switch to be in the same resort as the Illinois family. For various reasons, including all the changes with COVID-19 precautions, we couldn’t.
Saratoga Springs Living AreaSaratoga Springs Balconies at Congress Park
We did select nearby resorts which helped. Disney’s Old Key West and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort are right next to each other. However, they are both very large and spread out resorts, so while they are next to each other, it can seem far apart depending on the locations of each family’s room. One thing we forgot to coordinate was room location. Our Illinois family’s room at Old Key West was right near the front entrance. Our room at Saratoga Springs was all the way at the back edge because my parents wanted to be near Disney Springs.
To complicate matters, my husband had to work during most of our five-night stay. And we had different levels of comfort with what activities felt safe for each family. My parents did not have theme park tickets and did not feel comfortable going much of anywhere and did not want to eat out much. I am okay going to the theme parks, but really limit my time indoors – including not doing many indoor rides and not eating indoors. No one wanted anyone else to be uncomfortable so my parents stayed at the resort most of our trip. It was lovely to wake up with them and have help with my toddler son, enjoying the morning together. Then at the end of the day come back to them and enjoy the evening together. We did enjoy a fantastic meal at Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge together as one group since it is such a wonderful outdoor venue. My parents and I drove, and the Illinois family headed to Magic Kingdom and connected to Wilderness Lodge through the boat transportation.
Geyser Point Dining Area
Communicate the day’s plan beforehand and reconfirm each morning
Prior to our trip we all corresponded through texts and emails to nail down the schedule for each day. This schedule included which days we had park reservations at which park, and any dining reservations the Illinois family made. We reviewed what attractions were must-dos at each park and put a touring plan together for each day in the Lines app. However, with a toddler and multiple households traveling together, things do not always go according to the touring plan. Thankfully we could check Expected Wait Times in the Lines app that are usually more accurate than Disney’s Posted Wait Times, and easily decide which attraction to head to next.
EPCOT TogetherDroids at Hollywood Studios
Another complication is that our Illinois family did not have a car, and my car could not fit everyone. Plus, with a toddler, my morning can fluctuate. So we opted to meet each other in the park as they would travel via Disney transportation. They did sometimes use Uber to get around as well. Thank goodness for cell phones and good coverage! When our Illinois family had dining reservations at an indoor restaurant, I would take my son to a quick service location with outdoor dining. It was nice to give him some quiet time during lunch, and then we’d meet back up.
Plan an activity at each other’s resort
With us being at two separate resorts we built in a little time to visit our Illinois family at their resort. It was a quick drive over and with my picture ID, MagicBand, and mask on, the security Cast Member at their resort let me in. We visited together outside at the pool one late morning, a rest day that we were not at the parks. And one evening I brought my son over for some short, but relaxing night time with bedtime stories and we watched channel 74 in the room which shows the Happily Ever After Fireworks pre-recorded broadcast on loop.
Old Key West Exterior Room Access at NightOld Key West Living Area – Channel 74 Fireworks
Final Thoughts
It took lots of planning and lots of patience, but we had a great trip together. It wasn’t perfect, and I do wish we could have had more time together as one big group. But, like everything else in our life, we’ve all had to make adjustments in order to do what is best with COVID-19 safety in mind. The biggest piece of advice I can give if your trip is going to involve a group that is split up into different resorts is to be patient and flexible. Not everything will go according to plan, and a good amount of time will be spent traveling to the parks and different resorts. But the important thing is to enjoy the trip and if all else fails just laugh at what a unique experience you’re having together, but separately.
At the 2019 D23 Expo, Disney CEO, and Make-A-Wish America Board Member, Bob Chapek shared an incredible video that brought the power of wishes to life – and showed the lasting impact they can have on a wish kid. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to a new video series called The Wish Effect, where we’ll take a deeper look at the journeys of some amazing wish kids and their unforgettable stories. You’ll hear first-hand about their wish, how their wish has stayed with them, and what they’re up to these days.
To kick it off, we wanted to share a follow-up to the video Bob shared at D23. We hope that you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at four of these incredible wish kids and feel inspired by their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. You’ll see that a wish is only the beginning!
Since the very first wish was granted at Disneyland Resort nearly 40 years ago, Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to make more than 140,000 wishes come true. A wish reflects the creativity of each child’s imagination, which is why we’re so honored that half of all wishes Make-A-Wish grants in the United States are Disney wishes.
Stay tuned for even more stories as part of The Wish Effect!
Slinky Dog Dash is an outdoor, family coaster in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios designed to look as if Andy built it in his backyard!
Both Toy Story Land and Slinky Dog Dash allow guests to experience Andy’s backyard and playsets from the perspective of a toy. What I love about Slinky Dog Dash is that Andy is the Imagineer here. Guests can clearly see he took his Dash & Dodge Mega Coaster Kit and combined it with his Tinkertoys and Slinky Dog for his own unique attraction. You can even see his schematic over the station when boarding your Slinky Dog car.
Since Slinky Dog Dash opened with Toy Story Land on June 30, 2018, it has become one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World. And after several dashes of my own through Andy’s backyard, I’ve compiled Five Things You Should Know About Slinky Dog Dash!
1. Only Has a 38″ Height Requirement
Slinky Dog Dash is unusual in that it has an elevated, exposed track as opposed to the track being embedded in a mountain or inside of a show building. Seeing Slinky Dog dash overhead as you walk through the land may give you the impression that it’s intense; but in reality, it’s surprisingly playful and family friendly!
Yes, the track is high above the ground, but the downward dips have been designed just so as to avoid being freefalls and the curves and turns are much smoother than you might expect.
For further proof, the height requirement for Slinky Dog Dash is less than the Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the equivalent of kid-friendly Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
So if you’re looking for something beyond a dark ride that the whole family will enjoy, Slinky Dog Dash is definitely a prime option!
2. Disney’s First Double-Launch Roller Coaster
Slinky Dog Dash is the first-ever Disney coaster to offer a double-launch! Towards the middle of the ride, the coaster slows to a gentle stop before Slinky Dog tells riders to “Hold on!” and backs up before relaunching up a hill.
But if you’re expecting a launch akin to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, you may be disappointed. It’s fun, but tame.
3. At the Mercy of Florida Weather
Slinky Dog Dash Entrance
Since Slinky Dog Dash is an outdoor coaster, it will shut down for heavy rain and severe weather or lightning in the area.
Also, much of the queue, especially in the era of social distancing, is exposed to the elements; and even the portion of the queue that’s covered isn’t enclosed. This means you and yours will be at the mercy of the infamous Florida heat. It’s definitely something to be aware of and to prepare for accordingly.
4. Offers Two Different Ride Experiences
This coaster zips and dips above and through Toy Story Land and can be seen from almost anywhere in the area. The aerial view is stunning during the day, but it offers a different experience at night thanks to lighting from colorful, oversized Christmas bulbs Andy strung through his backyard and the coaster track that glows different colors after dark!
5. Tells the Origins of Andy’s Toys
If you’re a fan of Andy’s toys, a ride on Slinky Dog Dash is a great way to learn more about their origins since Andy has used his toys’ original boxes in constructing Slinky Dog Dash.
For instance, Rex’s box shows us why he so desperately wants to be scary because his image on his box shows a scary Tyrannosaurus Rex!
You may also see Wheezy’s box which provides some insight into why his squeaker broke and learn that Mr. Prickle Pants was featured in children’s books.
Is Slinky Dog Dash on your to-do list? Let us know in the comments!
Filed Under: Attractions, Hollywood Studios, Disney Attractions, Disney Roller Coasters, disney world, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, hollywood studios, hollywood studios attractions, Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story, Toy Story Land, walt disney world