Category: Other

Just when you think you have a handle on the virtual queue system for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, it’s time for it to change, once again.

Disney has shared that they will be piloting a new way that the virtual queue system beginning on November 3. Here’s how the new system for the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction will work:

Those Guests with a valid ticket or annual pass and a Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to access the virtual queue system (via the My Disney Experience app) and check for an available boarding group beginning at 7:00 a.m. on the day of their park reservation. The biggest change is that you can check into the virtual queue system before you arrive at the park for the day. (Previously, you would need to be in the park in order to get a boarding pass)

Should you not get into the the Rise of the Resistance virtual queue in the morning, it will reopen daily at 2:00 p.m. This time, Guests must be inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be able to access this second virtual queue opportunity. Also the ability to obtain a boarding group will be subject to availability and is not guaranteed.

Disney also shared that in order to try to maximize the number of boarding groups that can be accommodated while adhering to current health and safety guidelines, they have added a clear barrier between the two rows of seats on each attraction vehicle enabling more guests to board the attraction each day.

Here’s how to best ensure you can get a boarding group for Rise of the Resistance:

• Make sure you’ve got a My Disney Experience account and have the My Disney Experience app downloaded on your phone prior to arrival (and that it’s the most updated version)
• Make sure you have a valid Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the day you’re visiting
• Link all park tickets for those members who are in your party to your My Disney Experience account
• Select one member of your party to access the virtual queue for everyone in your group; if multiple people in your party try to join the virtual queue simultaneously, that may complicate your ability to secure a boarding group

The post Rise of the Resistance Virtual Queue System Changing Once Again appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Galaxy’s Edge, News, Rise of the Resistance, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

I have a crush on Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It encapsulates everything I love about Animal Kingdom – the beauty of our world, the spirit of adventure, the fantastic flavors around the world. Ever since Nomad Lounge opened, it does not feel like a complete visit to Animal Kingdom if I have not stopped in for a round. But, I am not alone in my love for this beautiful, detailed lounge. And even though some things have changed in the interest of safety, it is still a place where adventure can be savored.

Nomad Lounge is part of the same building as Tiffins Restaurant. Together they are the signature dining spot in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Tiffins is named such after the special containers taken on safaris and other excursions to store food and refreshments. Our readers have given Nomad Lounge a 96% thumbs up rating and it is has the number one spot out of 59 lounges at Walt Disney World.

Nomad Lounge has a gorgeous interior lounge area and bar. Hanging overhead are banners and flags with drawings and art from Disney Imagineers inspired by their world travels. There are also quotes and questions meant to inspire conversation about travel. There is seating at the bar, though it is very limited right now, and lots of lounge-style seating, which is now more spread out.

My preference is to sit outside. The curving porch overlooks the Discovery River and the bridge that leads into Pandora. It feels like a luxurious resort at an exotic island. You can absolutely tell you’re inside Animal Kingdom, yet it feels like a destination that belongs in some other posh part of the world. In the summer it can get a little hot, but when the weather is more tolerable it can be blissful as you sip on a craft cocktail, enjoy on a mocktail, or nibble on a tapas-style appetizer.

With COVID-19 precautions in place, you will need to check in at a podium outside to see about available seating. To go orders can be placed, but you have to wait until their is space inside to order at the bar. The Cast Member will check availability for a table or to go. If you are wanting a table the Cast Member will take your name and phone number and you will be texted when a table is ready.

My husband, toddler, and I arrived around park closing time and were able to be seated immediately. We enjoyed the cushy lounge seating outside and loved being able to unwind here after spending the afternoon toddling around the park. The Cast Members did not rush us even though park closing time was approaching.

One drawback of the menu at Nomad Lounge is the pricing. The cocktails are handcrafted and run $1-$3 more than the average cocktail at Walt Disney World, but the quality is there. Another issue is the food portions. The menu at Nomad Lounge is only small plates, and they are true to that name. We ordered the Impossible Sliders with Yuca Fries, and the Tiffins Bread Service. We also enjoyed one round of cocktails. My husband’s go-to is the Tempting Tigress with Russell’s Reserve 10yr Bourbon, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Tamarind Syrup, and Lime Juice. I decided to try something different, the Dalang’s Delight with Starr African Rum, Batavia-Arrack van Oosten, Van der Hum Tangerine Liqueur, Mountain Berry Tea, Simple Syrup, and Lemon Juice. This tea based cocktail was not my cup of tea, but if you prefer a cocktail that isn’t sweet or heavy, this is a decent choice.

I love Impossible plant-based options and the Impossible Sliders had great flavor. We had the Chipotle Aioli held, but there was a nice light vegetable slaw on top. The yuca fries were hearty, starchy, and cooked just right. I love yuca fries, as they have more substance that potato fries. Sadly, for $15.00 there were only two small sliders and five yuca fries (which are about the size of steak fries). It would have felt like more of a value at $13.00. Still, I would order these again thanks to the flavor and quality.

The Tiffins Bread Service is a nice way to have a nibble and a variety of flavors to pair with your cocktail, mocktail, wine, or beer. However, if you are not accustomed to Eastern flavors, primarily from India, you may not enjoy this dish. It is a good way to get introduced to such flavors, if you are interested. There were three styles of bread including a tart pomegranate focaccia and paratha, a crispy Indian bread. I believe the third bread was thepla; it was layered and a little chewy with some spice. There were three dips: red pepper hummus, spiced coriander yogurt, and ginger-pear chutney. The pomegranate focaccia paired with the chutney was sweet, like an earthy dessert. For $12.00 it is a fair value considering it can be shared among 2-3 people easily.

The menu is a little limited for the time being, but the quality for which Nomad Lounge is known is there. Visiting the parks right now can take a little extra energy when remembering to keep your distance, wear your mask, and stand in extended queues (that do move pretty quickly), so having a luxurious place to take a break and have a nice nosh is truly appreciated. Nomad Lounge is the perfect vacation within a Walt Disney World vacation.

Have you been to Nomad Lounge? Do you have a favorite item on the menu?

The post REVIEW – Nomad Lounge Currently Has a Limited Menu and Limited Seating, But Unlimited Adventure appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Drinking, animal kingdom dining, disney bars, disney longes

The days of traditional character dining and buffets may be on hold indefinitely, but there are still some character dining options available. Slowly but surely, character dining locations have reopened, with more on the way. Buffets are now served family style instead. And instead of characters coming to each table for individual meet and greets, the characters make their rounds around the restaurant pausing for pictures from a distance.

Overall, we’ve seen that the quality of the food has remained the same, and in some cases it is fresher. Food is served in large platters for your party to share. Your server can bring out more platters whenever you like, or more of any individuals items you prefer.

Here’s what character dining options are open right now:

• Topolino’s Terrace is the newest character dining location, at Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Our readers rank Topolino’s as number 1 out of 103 similar options at Walt Disney World
  • It has a lovely rooftop location with breathtaking views
  • The menu has been reduced, but still offers a decedent breakfast that will leave you satisfied all morning
  • The characters make socially distanced appearances and have unique artistic costumes

• Hollywood and Vine with seasonal costumes, décor, and distanced characters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • The menu is smaller than it was during the buffet days. The first course of salad is served family style. The entrée and desserts are your choice from several options and plated individually.
  • Open for lunch and dinner
• Garden Grill with Mickey and friends at a safe distance, at a slowly rotating restaurant that overlooks part of Living with the Land at EPCOT
  • The menu has stayed the same, which is great news since our readers rank Garden Grill as number 6 out of 103 similar options at Walt Disney World.
  • Open for lunch and dinner
• Ravello is the highest quality of any character dining at Walt Disney World, as it is located at the Four Seasons Resort
  • You can choose between a prix fixe menu, or order a la carte. The food is a delightful blend of traditional breakfast favorites with Italian inspiration.
  • The characters make socially distanced appearances and have unique vacation-wear costumes
  • Open for breakfast as character dining, and dinner without characters
• Cinderella’s Royal Table is not listed on Disney’s website as character dining, but Cinderella typically does make an appearance during your meal. Read our review of Cinderella’s Royal Table from our visit right after it reopened.
• Be Our Guest is also not listed on Disney’s website as character dining, but Beast typically does make an appearance.
• Chef Mickey’s is currently open without any character appearances, but characters are said to return on December 16, 2020.

Other character dining locations including 1900 Park Fare, Akershus, Cape May Cafe, The Crystal Palace, ‘Ohana, Storybook Dining at Artist Point, and Tusker House are not currently available.

Are you thinking of experiencing character dining anytime soon? Do you have a favorite character dining experience?

The post Which Character Dining Locations Are Available and What Is It Like? appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Dos and Don’ts, Hollywood Studios, Observations, characters at walt disney world, disney character dining, Disney Characters, disney dining

If you choose to visit Walt Disney World during this unique time, it’s best to be as prepared as possible. On the surface it can look like a visit to Walt Disney World right now is very different, but there is still a lot of magic to enjoy. We find the more you prepare and set the right expectations, the more you will enjoy your Walt Disney World vacation.

Our field team is in the parks daily, and I myself have visited multiple times since Walt Disney World reopened in July. I am concerned about safety and health, and have modified how I normally visit the parks as a result. Despite deciding to change some of my normal behaviors in the parks, our family still has an enjoyable time. Every person must decide where their level of comfort is. For me, I prefer to stay outside. This includes outdoor dining and outdoor attractions only, with minimal time in any shops and even minimal time in restrooms.

Here’s some of our tips for making the most of a Walt Disney World vacation with COVID-19 precautions in place.

1. Bring multiple masks / face coverings.
2. Bring your own sanitizing spray or wipes, and your own water.
3. Take frequent breaks.
4. Be prepared to be outside more, including in extended queues.
5. Be prepared for having to walk around a store to find the entrance and exit.
6. Be prepared to be stationary in order to eat or drink; no roaming around while eating or drinking.
7. Talk to your family members, including kids, ahead of time to set expectations about masks, distancing, and other changes.
8. Get to the parks for “rope drop”, take a midday break, and come back for the final hour or two of operation.
9. Check our Crowd Calendar; typically weekends are busier than weekdays.
10. Since FastPass+ is no longer available, use our Lines app to make a Touring Plan and to know which attractions to visit when.

Masks or face coverings must be worn at all times by all guests ages two and older. The mask must cover your nose and your entire mouth. Review Disney’s guidelines on what masks are acceptable. Cast Members will check for proper compliance and there are signs and overhead announcements stating that guests who do not comply will be asked to leave.

Our almost-three-year-old boy is good about wearing his mask, in part because we talk with him about it multiple times. We also bring at least two masks for each of us so we can switch to a fresh one after about two or three hours. The longest our family is usually in one of the parks is about five hours. Bring a bag to place the used masks in so they do not potentially contaminate other items. Wash your hands any time you touch your mask, remove it, or put it on.

There is plenty of hand sanitizer around each of the Disney parks. Still, it brings me comfort to know I have my own in case I touch something questionable and want to sanitize as quickly as possible. Most water fountains are turned off, and Disney’s bottled water runs over $3.00 per bottle. We bring our own water container and when we need a refill we ask for some water at a quick service location.

Being mindful about my mask, my son’s mask, and keeping our distance from folks is mentally taxing on me, and I am sure others too. Taking breaks often is a great idea so you don’t get worn out. There are multiple Relaxation Stations at each park where you can sit, relax, and take your mask off.

Because of physical distancing, many of the lines for attractions extend well beyond the normal ride entrance. Some extended queues are in the sun for a bit. Plus, you may prefer to be outside more as a safety precaution.

Many merchandise shops, and some dining locations, now have designated entrances and exits. This is to help with distancing as well as managing capacity. Sometimes you’ll end up having to walk a little bit to get to the proper entrance. They are usually well marked, and manned by Cast Members who can help direct you.

Eating or drinking while walking is currently not permitted. Because you obviously have to remove your mask to eat or drink, it is not safe to have guests walking around with food or drink with their masks off. So, you will need to be prepared to be stationary to eat or drink.

If you’re traveling with a group chances are one or two of you are the big planners while everyone else just follows your directions. As the planner of the group, it’s a good idea to talk with your family about Disney’s guidelines, extended queues, and other changes. Setting the right expectations can make all the difference in enjoying your trip to the fullest.

Our site and app collects real-time data constantly. We’re able to collect Disney’s posted wait times as well as measure expected wait times. Over and over the data shows us how visiting any park at its opening will give you the ability to ride multiple attractions with minimum waits during the first hour. It also shows us that the last hour of operation is a good opportunity as well.

Our Crowd Calendar will show you the best days to visit each park based on predicted crowd level. In general weekends are much busier than weekdays, but even some weekdays can be busy at certain parks.

Even though there are some days with relatively low wait times, using our Lines app will save you hours of time. You can create your own Touring Plan, or use one of ours that is ready to go. You can also visit without a plan, but view Expected Wait Times in our app and know whether you should wait until later in the day to ride any particular ride.

Have you been to Walt Disney World since its reopening? What are some of your tips?

The post 10 Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World’s Theme Parks While COVID-19 Precautions Are in Place appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, In the Parks, Observations, Park Hours, Trip Planning, disney covid-19, disney reopening, walt disney world tips