Category: Other

A few weeks ago, we posted our Holiday Foodie Highlights showcasing just a few of our holiday offerings at  Walt Disney World Parks. Today, we are serving up the complete Foodie Guide to Holiday Treats at Magic Kingdom Park!  

Our Magic Kingdom Park chefs have created new festive tastes this holiday season … and brought back some fan favorites! From delicious cupcakes to reveal a red velvet hidden Mickey and yummy gingerbread churros with apple pie filling to delightful almond macaron Christmas trees, this holiday season at Magic Kingdom Park has a wonderful array of tasty treats! Of course, Orange Bird is back to celebrate the holidays with his own adorable sweet – An Orange Bird Christmas. 

All these delicious holiday offerings are available through Dec 31. Let us know your favorites this year! 

Main Street Bakery 

• Holiday Mickey Cinnamon Roll – Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll drizzled with red and green icing  
• Twice Upon a Cupcake – A confetti Christmas tree tops a vanilla cupcake with a red velvet hidden Mickey (new) 

Sunshine Tree Terrace  

• An Orange Bird Christmas – Orange-scented white chocolate mousse filled with orange curd  

Aloha Isle 

• Pistachio Chai Tea Float – Pistachio soft–serve, spiced chai tea, and a red velvet cake pop ornament (new) 

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café 

• Let It Snow Taco – Sugar cookie “taco shell” filled with salted caramel and spiced chocolate mousse (new) 
• Christmas Churros – Mini churros topped with red and green sugar  

Sleepy Hollow 

• Fa La La La Funnel Cake – Powdered sugar funnel cake, strawberry topping, whipped cream, and holiday sprinkles (new) 

Gaston’s Tavern 

• Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Tree – Almond macarons with cranberry orange filling stacked to create a Christmas tree (new) 

Pinocchio Village Haus 

• Yule Tide Wishes – Chocolate cake filled with chocolate mousse, covered with chocolate ganache 

Storybook Treats 

• Minnie’s Merry Cherry Sundae – Cherry soft–serve, hot fudge, whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, and a Minnie bow (new) 

Westward Ho 

• Chip and Dale Christmas Churros – Gingerbread churros topped with apple pie filling and chocolate chips (new) 

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies 

• Just a Dream Away – Salted caramel milkshake with silver sugar churro (new) 

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café 

• Spice Up Your Holiday – Spicy chicken sandwich with slaw, pickles, and Sriracha aïoli with a Santa Mickey-branded brioche bun (new) 

Main Street Cart  

• Sugar and Spice Churros – Christmas cookie churros with icing and holiday sprinkles served with a side of eggnog (new) 

Citrus Cart (located at the Castle Hub) 

• Churro Worth Melting For – Cinnamon churros topped with marshmallow fluff and blue sugar (new) 

Popcorn Carts (located throughout the park) 

• White Christmas Tree Popcorn Bucket (new) 

Various Quick–Service Locations 

• Sven Sipper Cup 

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Disney Dining, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Dining, WDW

Sometimes it is the little things in life that can bring joy. For more years than I can count, I’ve been excited about the idea of the finishing of the walkway from Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel to Magic Kingdom. On nights when the parks are packed, having the option to walk to the Grand Floridian and then on to the Polynesian and to the Transportation and Ticket Center sounds like a much better plan than waiting in huge crowds for a monorail or ferry boat. Finally, that day has become a reality.

Although this path would be far less desirable during summer months, due to a lack of shade, there is good lighting for nighttime walking. And for fans of the currently on hiatus Electric Water Pageant, there is a pivoting bridge to allow the boats for this mainstay to still head into Seven Seas Lagoon.

At a leisurely stroll, the walk from Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom takes about 10-15 minutes.

Would you make use of this new walkway? Let us know what you think in the comments.

The post Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom Now Open appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Today was the busiest day of the past month at Walt Disney World, with the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT recording their highest average posted wait times of the past 30 days, while Animal Kingdom’s tally put it as the fourth-highest of the past month. Hollywood Studios’ average wait times have been lowered by capacity increases at key rides, so posted wait time averages there don’t tell the whole story.

We received 157 actual wait times from people in lines today. Let’s do the numbers!

Magic Kingdom Wait Times

Every attraction except Dumbo the Flying Elephant posted its highest average wait time of the week today.  The good news is that the actual waits we measured at Big Thunder Mountain were only 46% of the posted wait; at Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid it was just 32% of posted; and Splash Mountain was just 63%.

EPCOT Wait Times

Except for Living with the Land (#9), every attraction at EPCOT had its highest average posted wait time of the past month today.  The good news is that actual wait times at Soarin’ averaged just 53% of the posted wait time when we measured them.

 

Animal Kingdom Wait Times

Every attraction at Animal Kingdom posted its highest average wait times of the past week today.  It wasn’t all bad, though – the actual waits at Kilimanjaro Safaris were just 38% of the posted wait when we measured them.  Likewise, actual waits at Expedition Everest were just 52% of the posted wait.

 

Hollywood Studios Wait Times

Things weren’t quite as dire over at the Studios, but it was still busy.  Disney’s getting adjusted to estimating the actual wait at Runaway Railway, too – actual waits at Runaway Railway averaged 71% of the posted waits when we measured them today.

Rise of the Resistance had a good day of operations calling boarding groups, with only one delay – the one that usually happens around 3 p.m.

 

The post Busiest Day of the Past Month! Disney World Wait Times for Sunday, November 22, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), wait times

Every year when we share posts about the amazing Christmas items available at Disney Parks, we often get asked if there’s any Hanukkah merchandise. The answer is — well, sort of. Without a doubt, Disney goes all in on the Christmas merchandise, but there are a few items available for the Festival of Lights as well. Your best bet, if you’re in the parks, is to look at the larger stores near the entrance/exit within each park (e.g., Emporium at Magic Kingdom, the somewhat-reduced MouseGear at EPCOT, and so on). But if you’re not visiting the Disney Parks this winter, or if you prefer the convenience of shopping from home, there are currently a few items available for pre-order from shopDisney.

Hanukkah Plate

A small rectangular ceramic tray — unfortunately, like most of Disney’s holiday tableware, this one is not dishwasher or microwave safe. It is $24.99.

Towel Set

A set of two blue and white towels with festive designs including Mickey and Minnie with candles, a dreidel, and more. The set is $21.99.

Fleece Throw

This cozy fleece throw features Mickey and Minnie along with the theme of “Light, Laughter & Latkes”. The fleece throw is $59.99.

Dreidel Salt and Pepper Set

I was so excited to see a Disney dreidel set–but these are salt and pepper shakers. They’d be great to help season the latkes, but not so great for playing the dreidel game. The set is $19.99.

All items are currently available for pre-order and are expected to start shipping later this week. Currently, there’s a code PARKS25 that can save you 25% off your order.

What items would you like to see Disney sell for Hanukkah? (How about a dreidel set with a bag of Disney-themed chocolate gelt?) 

The post Hanukkah Gifts Available on shopDisney appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Holidays, Shopping, Walt Disney World (FL), Hanukkah

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 EPCOT at Walt Disney World. Pull down on that lap bar, we’re going for a ride…

Currently Operating Attractions

The American Adventure, American Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: More than a dozen
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Padded chair with back and armrests.
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows and seats are blocked to keep guests socially distant.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater. The theater is accessed via stairs or an escalator. Wheelchair and ECV users and guests with balance or mobility issues may use an elevator.

Awesome Planet, Land Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: Several dozen.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Padded chair with armrests.
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater.
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows and seats are blocked to keep guests socially distant.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, France Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: More than a dozen.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Lightly padded chair with back and armrests.
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater.
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows and seats are blocked to keep guests socially distant.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.

Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360, Canada Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: More than a dozen.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: None. Guests remain standing throughout the duration of the attraction. There are railings to lean upon, but guests may not sit on the rails.
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater.
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: Guests are directed to stand at socially distant spots in the theater.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.

Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival, Imagination Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: More than a dozen.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Lightly padded chair with back and armrests.
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater.
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: Attraction capacity is reduced. Rows and seats are blocked to keep guests socially distant.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.

Frozen Ever After, Norway Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: 3 adults. 2 adults may be seated with two small children.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: Approximately 10
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Moderate step (about 12″) down to enter the boat
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: One party per row. Rows left empty between parties.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the ride vehicle. Cast members can provide you with a transfer assistance device if needed.

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, Mexico Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: 3-4, depending on size
• Seating capacity per vehicle: Approximately 20
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back.
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Moderate step (about 12″) down to enter the boat.
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: Rows left open between parties.
• Accessibility: There is a wheelchair capable vehicle. ECV users must transfer to a standard wheelchair.

Impressions de France, France Pavilion

This attraction uses the same theater at the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along. See above for information.

Journey into Imagination with Figment, Imagination Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: 3-4. Typical capacity is three guests in the front row, four guests in the back row. This may vary slightly depending on the number of small children or the size of the adults.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 7
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) into vehicle.
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: Only one party per vehicle. Vehicles may be left empty between parties.
• Accessibility: There is a wheelchair capable vehicle. Wheelchair and ECV users may remain seated and ride into the vehicle.

Living with the Land, Land Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: 3-5, depending on size. Four average-size adults is a typical load per row.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: Approximately 20 guests per boat.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back.
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Moderate step down (about 12″) into boat.
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: Clear plastic dividers between rows.
• Accessibility: There is a wheelchair capable boat. ECV users must transfer to a standard wheelchair.

Mission: Space, Mission Space Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: 4
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 4 guests per vehicle. 10 vehicles per spinner. 4 spinners total.
• Seating surface: Lightly padded chair with armrests.
• Safety restraints: Over the head padded shoulder restraints.
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) into ride vehicle.
• Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
• Height requirement: 44″
• COVID procedures: One party per vehicle.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the ride vehicle on their own. Cast members can provide a special transfer assistance device.
• Note: There are two version of this attraction, green and orange. The orange version is more intense, with rapid centrifugal force added to the standard motion simulator of the green version. Motion sickness bags are standard equipment with both versions. Use of motion sickness bags is not uncommon in the orange version.
• Note 2: The ride vehicle closes around guests somewhat like a clamshell. This poses claustrophobia issues for some guests.

Reflections of China, China Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: More than a dozen.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. More than 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: None. Guests remain standing throughout the duration of the attraction. There are railings to lean upon, but guests may not sit on the rails.
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater.
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: Guests are directed to stand at socially distant spots in the theater.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.

The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Seas Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: 2-3, depending on size.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: One row per vehicle, 2-3 people depending on size. Standard capacity is two guests per vehicle. Cast members will usually allow two adults plus a small child, or one adult plus two small children, to ride in one vehicle.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) from a moving walkway to a moving vehicle. Vehicle exit is also onto a moving walkway.
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: One party per clamshell. Vehicles are left open between parties.
• Accessibility: There is a wheelchair capable clamshell. ECV users must transfer to a standard wheelchair.

Soarin’, Land Pavilion

• Seating capacity per row: Varies, approximately 10.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: Approximately 90 guests per flight.
• Seating surface: Flexible fabric seat with back and armrests.
• Safety restraints: Fabric lap belt for each individual guest.
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater, sit on attraction vehicle.
• Height requirement: 40″
• COVID procedures: Reduced attraction capacity. Seats are left open between parties.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the ride vehicle on their own.
• Note: Guests with a fear of heights may experience difficulty. Guests with severe motion sickness issues may experience difficulty. Motion sickness is not an issue for most guests.

Spaceship Earth

• Seating capacity per row: 2
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 4
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) from a moving walkway onto a moving vehicle. Vehicle exit is also onto a moving walkway.
• Height requirement: None
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the ride vehicle on their own.
• COVID procedures: One party per vehicle. Vehicles may be left open between parties.
• Note: The vehicle slowly rotates and moves backwards during the second half of the ride. A very small number of guests with motion sensitivity find this problematic.
• Note 2: During the second half of the ride there is an interactive element. There is one ride controller per row (two per vehicle). If you have children with competition or control issues, you may want to seat them in separate rows so each can control their own interactive experience.

Test Track

• Seating capacity per row: 3
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 6
• Seating surface: Hard bucket seat with back.
• Saftey restraints: Center seat in each row has a fabric lap belt. The outer seats have fabric lap/shoulder belts.
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) over a wall, then moderate step down (about 12″) into the vehicle.
• Posted warnings: Standard motion sickness, pregnancy, and heart/back/neck warnings.
• Height requirement: 40″
• COVID procedures: One party per car. The interactive elements of the pre-show and post-show have been deactivated to reduce touching of common surfaces.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users must transfer to the standard ride vehicle on their own. There is a transfer practice vehicle available to assess guest fit and ability to board.

Currently Paused Attractions

Turtle Talk with Crush

• Seating capacity per row: Varies. Approximately 6-12 per row.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: NA. Show-style attraction. About 100 guests per show.
• Seating surface: Hard bench with no back. Children are invited to sit on the carpeted floor at the front of the room.
• Safety restraints: None
• Boarding procedure: Walk into theater.
• Height requirement: None
• COVID procedures: NA
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and ECV users may ride directly into the theater.
• Note: Children are typically asked to sit on the floor at the front of the theater. The bench height varies. The first few rows are close to the ground. Rows further back are closer to standard seat height. Adult guests in the first few rows may be somewhat hunched over when seated. Guests with back or knee issues may prefer the rows at the rear which may be easier to stand up from.

See our previous posts on Attraction Vehicles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Attraction Vehicles at Magic Kingdom

The post EPCOT Attraction Vehicles and Seating: A Disney World Guide appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Epcot, Walt Disney World (FL), COVID-19, ride vehicles