You’re going on vacation to Walt Disney World! The only problem? You’re not sure which attractions are right for you and your kiddos and you have questions. Which attractions are too intense for little ones? What rides do I really need a FastPass+ reservation for? What’s disability access like for certain attractions? We’re answering all those questions and more in our Everything You Need to Know attraction series with today’s focus on Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
What is Voyage of the Little Mermaid?
Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a stage show highlighting classic moments from the 1989 Disney animated film through the use of live actors, puppetry, special effects, and clips from the movie.
At the time of writing, Disney has Voyage of the Little Mermaid listed as temporarily unavailable.
Where is Voyage of the Little Mermaid?
Voyage of the Little Mermaid is located in Animation Courtyard across the way from the Disney Junior Dance Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
What is the History of Voyage of the Little Mermaid?
Voyage of the Little Mermaid opened at what was then called Disney-MGM Studios on January 7, 1992. Inspired by the incredibly popular The Little Mermaid animated film, Voyage of the Little Mermaid replaced “Here Come the Muppets,” a live show featuring walk-around Muppet characters that opened on May 25, 1990.
What You Need to Know About the Queue
There is an outdoor extended queue for the show leading into a nautical-themed pre-show room resembling the hold of a ship and filled with undersea artifacts.
Some are clever, such as the “sea monkey,” and others are truly magical! Be sure to take the time to explore what Imagineers have created for this space.
What You Need to Know About the Experience
(c) Disney
Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a 17-minute show highlighting the musical numbers of The Little Mermaid. The show utilizes puppets, live actors, blacklight, and lasers, along with interposed clips from the animated film. Some of the effects are a little outdated, but others still hold up.
The show kicks off with a blacklight puppet performance of “Under the Sea” followed by a live actress as Ariel singing “Part of Your World.” The final musical number, “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” features a towering 12 foot tall Ursula puppet!
The show concludes with an effect where Ariel is transformed into a human and reunites with Prince Eric.
What You Need to Know About the Theater
Guests entering the theater will feel as if they’ve voyaged under the sea! The theater looks (and feels!) as if it’s underwater complete with a curtain of water, light mists, and even the occasional chilly breeze.
Upon entering the theater, we suggest heading towards a central or rear row for the best view of the stage and effects. We also recommend allowing several people to enter a row ahead of you for a more central viewing location.
Guests sit in individual standard theater padded seats with armrests. There are no safety restraints.
What You Need to Know About Accessibility
Guests may remain in a wheelchair/ECV to experience this show.
What You Need to Know About Health and Safety Advisories
There are no health or safety advisories for Voyage of the Little Mermaid!
Do be aware that the theater is dark to simulate the bottom of the ocean, and some children may be frightened by the dark surroundings, moments of darkness during the show, and scenes featuring the giant Ursula.
What are the Height Requirements?
There are no height requirements. This show can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Does Voyage of the Little Mermaid Offer FastPass+?
Yes; however, it’s rarely necessary. Usually, the only waiting required for this attraction is waiting for the next show to start.
Note: At the time of writing, FastPass+ is currently suspended at Walt Disney World.
Does Weather Affect Voyage of the Little Mermaid?
No. Since this show is located in an indoor theater, inclement weather isn’t an issue. The exterior, extended queue is outdoors but covered.
What’s the Best Time of Day to Experience Voyage of the Little Mermaid?
Anytime! It’s unusual for anyone in line not to be admitted into the next showing of Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Typical waits are under 25 minutes for most of the year.
Did I answer all of your questions about Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Is this attraction at the top of your family’s vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments.
From our friends at touringplans.com Filed Under: Attractions, Hollywood Studios, Disney Attractions, Disney History, disney world, FastPass+ Attractions, hollywood studios, Little Mermaid, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, walt disney world
Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights remain canceled for 2020, but today the resort announced a new spooky daytime event for guests. On Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, Universal will open up two haunted houses at Universal Studios Florida, offer trick or treating in Islands of Adventure, and permit guests to partake in some costumed mischief. Plus, Universal will continue to offer the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store and fan-favorite Pizza Fries at Louie’s.
Haunted Houses
Universal is taking the shrink wrapping off two built Halloween Horror Nights 30 houses for guests to experience during the day.
Revenge of the Tooth Fairy – The innocent traditions of the tooth fairy hide a darker ritual. All children must give up their baby teeth to the goblinesque tooth fairies or pay a gruesome price. Step into an old manor that has been overrun by yellow-clawed fiends who extract teeth by force. It’s an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Universal Monsters: Bride of Frankenstein Lives – “We belong dead.” The last words of Frankenstein’s monster on that fateful night when his Bride rejected him. But his end was her beginning. Now the Bride is stepping out of the shadows to bring him back. And there’s nothing she won’t do as she sharpens her brilliance by experimenting on unsuspecting victims. The mate will have her monster. And the monster his mate.
WARNING: Universal’s Halloween haunted houses are NOT for children. Reconsider bringing kids under the age of 13 and use your judgment for anyone under 18. Houses feature low lighting, fog, strobe lights, startling imagery, mature themes, and confined spaces.
All houses will require a Virtual Line pass to access. Read our article on the Universal Orlando app and Virtual Line for more information and tips. Upon arrival at the maze entrance trusses (located in the Music Plaza stage and outside of Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon), Team Members will scan a QR code for entry into the socially distanced queue. While the Virtual Line will reduce the wait in line, it will not completely remove the line. We still expect queue waits to reach 20 – 30 minutes and up to an hour. Queues feature no restroom access and are completely outside, so make sure to use the restrooms and hydrate before experiencing.
Trick or Treating at Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure is offering a trick or treat scavenger hunt around the park. Guests 12 or younger, accompanied by an adult, can pick up a trick or treat bag (location TBA) and find Pumpkin stickers at select retail establishments for special treats. Per Universal’s terms, you must use one of their supplied bags as a way to limit crowds. We suggest you get a bag immediately at the park opening on weekends.
Universal is labeling this event as a “test” for September 19 and 20 only. We have heard enough through the grapevine that suggests Universal will continue the “test” on September 26 and 27 and then make it a daily offering through Halloween on October 31, 2020. TouringPlans will keep you up to date on extensions to this event.
Are you excited for this event? Would it be something you’d make a trip to Universal Orlando to experience? Let us know in the comments.
We love being in the parks, and enjoy bringing you along with us through our social media posts. With so much social media content out there, sometimes you don’t get to see everything that comes through. To brighten up your Monday, here’s some photos that we took this week in the Walt Disney World theme parks.
Got a photo request from the parks? Let us know in the comments!
Somewhere on the internet, I’d wager there was a “PSL Countdown” going last month. Starbucks’ famous (or infamous) Pumpkin Spice Latte is a drink that signals the start of the fall season for its many fans. Even Walt Disney World isn’t immune from the PSL craze, with Starbucks locations at all WDW theme parks and two locations at Disney Springs, although admittedly in a typical year, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starts before PSL season begins.
In addition to Starbucks, Walt Disney World also has Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea kiosks at their theme parks, and getting into the seasonal spirit, Joffrey’s also offers a pumpkin-coffee drink. We’re comparing the two drinks to see which one you should get when you’re craving that taste of fall.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
From Starbucks’ web site, the PSL is described as espresso and steam milk combined with a blend of pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavors, finished with whipped cream and Pumpkin Spice topping. Served hot or iced, a 16 oz. serving is $5.65.
Starbucks also offers a pumpkin cream cold brew, a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, and chai beverages that can be modified to include pumpkin pie topping and sauce.
Joffrey’s Pumpkin Pie Latte
According to Joffrey’s web site, the Pumpkin Pie Latte is like pumpkin pie in your cup–made with espresso, milk, and pumpkin pie syrup. A 16 oz. serving (iced or hot) is $5.69.
One “extra” at Joffrey’s is that you have a “make it spirited” option. The serving size goes down to 12 oz., and the price goes up to $11.99, but you can add in Irish cream, vodka, coffee liqueur, or Irish whiskey.
Joffrey’s also offers a pumpkin creme brûlée cold brew and, for those who don’t want coffee flavors, a harvest chai latte (which also has the pumpkin pie syrup).
The Verdict
Which should you get? It really depends whether you like the pumpkin spice flavor or the coffee latte flavor more. Our team tried both in one day at neighboring kiosks at EPCOT. The Starbucks version has a more robust pumpkin and spice flavor to it, whereas the Joffrey’s version has a more distinct coffee flavor, with the cinnamon/nutmeg/ginger/cloves notes of pumpkin spice blend. For those who want the coffee flavor in their drink, Joffrey’s was the clear winner.
If you’re looking to save time, usually lines at Joffrey’s kiosks are shorter than those at Starbucks, and there are more Joffrey’s locations available than Starbucks ones within the theme parks.
Overall, price is practically the same, but being able to “adult-ify” the drink with an alcohol addition at Joffrey’s might be an incentive for some people.
So while PSL attracts the major attention, we’re leaning towards team Joffrey’s on this one.
Do you have strong feelings brewing for one or the other? Let us know which is your preferred drink in the comments.
When you’re planning a Disney World vacation, one term you’ll run into quickly is “Quick Service Dining.” Here’s everything you need to know about what it is and where to find it.
Some Quick Service restaurants are as small as the Boardwalk Pizza Window
So what is Quick Service Dining?
Quick Service Dining is what folks out in the non-Disney world might call fast food. In general, Quick Service Dining is a food service venue where you walk up to a counter, place an order, receive a tray of food, and take it to a table on your own.
So it’s what most people would think of as theme park food?
Well, there’s certainly plenty of Disney World Quick Service food that feels theme park-ish (burgers and fries, hot dogs, funnel cake), but there are also healthy and inventive quick service fare available throughout Walt Disney World.
What do you call Disney World food that’s not Quick Service?
Other terms that Disney uses to describe food service locations are “table service,” “signature dining,” “buffet,” “family style,” “casual dining,” “character dining,” “bar,” or “lounge.”
The terms you might hear that are in some ways related to, or synonymous with, Quick Service Dining are “counter service,” “fast casual” (which is not the same a casual), “food truck,” or “food cart.”
Most WDW resorts have Quick Service food courts
How many Quick Service restaurants are there at Disney World?
It depends a little on how you’re counting, but overall there are approximately 200 quick service places to eat at Disney World. Though many have remained virtually unchanged for decades, others are regularly added, subtracted, or reconfigured.
Where are the Quick Service restaurants at Disney World?
Pretty much everywhere. There are Quick Service venues at all four theme parks, at both water parks, at every resort hotel, at Disney Springs, at ESPN Wide World of Sports, and I’m sure somewhere else that I’m forgetting.
OK, so there are a lot of them. How do I find them?
Quick Service locations are indicated on the park maps (both print and online) for park locations, on the resort maps for resort locations, on the Disney Springs app for Disney Springs location.
On the My Disney Experience app, go to the park (or other location) map, selected the “Dining” filter, and you’ll see the map populated with little fork and knife symbols. Click on the symbols for more information about that dining location. One helpful feature is that restaurants that are not open are not marked by the fork and knife symbol. For example, during the pandemic, Casey’s Corner is closed. On the map, you can see the name of the location, but since it is not clickable, you know it’s not open.
Do I need a reservation for a Quick Service restaurant?
Not usually. That’s generally one of the defining features of Quick Service dining.
What do you mean “not usually”?
Every once in a while Disney creates a venue that has hybrid service, for example an restaurant that has Quick Service (counter ordering) at lunch and has table service (wait staff service) at dinner. Currently, the notable example of a hybrid restaurant is Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom. Breakfast and lunch at BoG are sort-of quick service, in that you order your food at a kiosk, and you collect your own utensils and beverages, but a cast member brings the food to your table. Due to the popularity of this location, you do need a reservation, even for this hybrid Quick Service experience. [Dinner at BoG is a traditional table service.]
Why would I eat at a Quick Service restaurant at Disney World?
Lots of reasons, including:
The restaurant offers the food you want to eat.
You want to adhere to a modest budget.
You don’t want to take much time out of your park touring to eat.
The restaurant is in a convenient location. [For example, the WDW value resorts only have Quick Service food options.]
You’re on a version of the Disney Dining Plan that requires you to eat Quick Service meals. [Note: the Dining Plan is currently on hiatus.]
On the TouringPlans Lines app, select the Dining tab to see all the restaurants in a location
So, for Quick Service, I walk up to a counter and order?
Pre-pandemic, you could do that at any Quick Service venue. Currently you can do this at some Quick Service places, but for others you will be required to mobile order your Quick Service food.
What’s mobile order?
Mobile order is placing your food order for a restaurant on a smart phone or other device rather than by speaking directly with a person. (If you’ve ever mobile ordered at a place like Starbucks, then you understand the procedure.) Disney World mobile order takes place on the My Disney Experience app. The app will ping you when your food is ready and you pick it up at the counter.
You can see a complete description and a video on how mobile order works on the TouringPlans.com website.
What are the prices like at Disney World’s Quick Service restaurants?
As with all things Disney, it depends. You can get a sour pickle at food carts in the parks for about $2.00 or you can get a three meat combo platter with a side dish and Texas toast at Epcot’s Regal Eagle for about $19.00. Most Quick Service full meals cost about $13-16 at lunch and dinner. Breakfast is a few dollars less.
Are there meals for kids at Quick Service restaurants?
Absolutely! (You know this is Disney World, right?)
Most indoor quick service restaurants have high chairs available (this is at Roaring Fork Quick Service at Wilderness Lodge
Are there high chairs at the WDW Quick Service restaurants?
Mostly, yes. In my experience, there are high chairs and booster seats available at all the Quick Service venues that offer indoor seating. Some, like the Magic Kingdom’s Lunching Pad, have solely outdoor seating. High chairs may be in short supply there.
I’m a single parent with a lot of kids, how do I get all my food from the counter to the table?
Disney cast members are happy to assist anyone who needs help with this, whether it’s single parents or guests with physical challenges. Just ask and a cast member will carry your tray for you.
Can I bring a stroller into a Quick Service restaurant at Walt Disney World?
Usually not, though if you’re eating at a particularly empty time and find a particularly kind cast member, they might let you, say, bring a stroller inside if your child is asleep.
If you really want to keep your child in a stroller while you dine, look for a venue that has outdoor seating.
Falafel meal at Mara, the Animal Kingdom Lodge quick service restaurant
Can adults order kids’ meals at Disney World Quick Service restaurants?
Yes! There are lots of reasons why adult might want to order a kids’ meal: preference for the food offered, cost control, portion control, and so on. There is no one checking the ages of who is buying kids’ meals at Quick Service restaurants.
I just want a simple hamburger. How do I know where to find this?
I’m a vegetarian. Are there Quick Service options for me?
Sure. Just about every Quick Service venue has at least one vegetarian entree option, or at least an option that’s easily modified to become vegetarian. For example, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in the Magic Kingdom offers a Greek Salad with Chicken. You could ask them to omit the chicken to create a vegetarian dish. Cosmic Ray’s also serves a decent plant-based vegan sloppy joe, as well as several vegetarian side dishes.
The resort quick service restaurants serve breakfast as well as lunch and dinner
Someone in my party has a food allergy, how do I know if the Quick Service food is safe for them?
Additionally, all Disney Quick Service restaurants keep a binder in the kitchen which includes the complete ingredient list for every item they serve. You are welcome to ask to look at this binder to understand the ingredients in the food your child is consuming. Just ask anyone behind the counter.
I don’t want junk food while I’m at the parks. What can I eat at a Quick Service restaurant that won’t make me feel ick?
Disney has done a decent job in recent years of adding healthier, “real food” menu items to Quick Service locations throughout the parks and resorts. If the Quick Service restaurant you’re closest to doesn’t offer what you’re looking for, try a few others and you’re likely to find something that meets your needs.
While there are healthy options everywhere, if you want some splurge food, that’s easy to find too
Do you have any examples of real food at Walt Disney World Quick Service restaurants?
Sure. Here are some possibilities:
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn (Magic Kingdom) – Chicken and rice bowl, topped with black beans, lettuce, and tomato
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (Hollywood Studios) – Hummus Garden spread with plant-based “Kefta”, herb hummus, tomato-cucumber relish and pita bread
Sunshine Seasons (Epcot) – Oak-Grilled Salmon with cheese grits and andouille corn succotash
Landscape of Flavors (Art of Animation resort) – Carved Rotisserie Turkey Breast with choice of two sides
What’s your favorite Quick Service restaurant at Walt Disney World?
This is like asking me to choose my favorite child. There are so many! Some that I return to frequently are Columbia Harbor House (Magic Kingdom), Flame Tree BBQ (Animal Kingdom), and Katsura Grill (EPCOT, Japan).
What do TouringPlans readers think the best WDW Quick Service restaurants are?
All of TouringPlans reader ratings are available online. To find their Quick Service picks, change the last filter menu from “all categories” to “Quick Service.” The top ten rated places are below.
Have any other questions about Quick Service dining? Let us know in the comments.
From our friends at touringplans.com Filed Under: Dining, Trip Planning, Walt Disney World (FL), Kids Quick Service, quick service, quick service dining
Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a stage show highlighting classic moments from the 1989 Disney animated film through the use of live actors, puppetry, special effects, and clips from the movie.
Upon entering the theater, we suggest heading towards a central or rear row for the best view of the stage and effects. We also recommend allowing several people to enter a row ahead of you for a more central viewing location.
