A Blog About Disney Stuff

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

Whether you are a long-time Walt Disney World guest or visiting Orlando for the first time, planning a visit to Universal Orlando Resort poses a lot of questions. In this article, we will compare some offerings you know at Disney to equivalent options at Universal.

Attractions

We have found Universal’s attractions, across the board, are more intense than Disney’s. For example, while Peter Pan’s Flight and E.T. Adventure are equivalent attractions (slow-moving dark rides with a suspended ride vehicle) E.T. features slightly more intense special effects and movement. If you believe someone in your party might be scared or unable to handle an attraction we recommend finding an on-ride video of the attraction to compare (search YouTube for the attraction’s name and “Universal Orlando”).

Thrill Rides

• If you enjoy Space Mountain, check out Revenge of the Mummy (indoor rollercoaster)
• If you enjoy Star Wars Rise of the Resistance check out The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man or Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (multi-media dark ride)
• If you enjoy Rock’n’Roller Coaster, check out The Incredible Hulk Coaster (inverting, launched roller coaster)
• If you enjoy Big Thunder Mountain Railway or Expedition Everest, check out Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure (scenic roller coaster)
• If you enjoy Star Tours, check out The Simpsons Ride and Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon (stationary motion simulator)

Water Rides

• If you enjoy Splash Mountain, check out Dudley Doo Rights Rip-Saw Falls (comedic log flume) or Jurassic Park River Adventure (shoot the chutes ride past elaborate scenes and audio-animatronics)
• If you enjoy Kali River Rapids try Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-rat Barges (river raft ride)

Family Rides

• If you enjoy Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, check out Men in Black: Alien Attack (interactive shooter dark ride)
• If you enjoy Peter Pan’s Flight, check out E.T. Adventure (suspended dark ride)
• If you enjoy The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, check out The Cat in the Hat (dark ride)
• If you enjoy It’s Tough to be a Bug, check out Shrek 4-D (3D movie)

Kids Rides

• If kids enjoy Goofy’s Barnstormer try Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster or Flight of the Hippogriff (kid-friendly roller coasters)
• If kids enjoy Dumbo the Flying Elephant or The Magic Carpets of Aladdin try One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish or Kang and Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl (rotating “flying” kids flat ride)
• If kids enjoy The Mad Tea Party try Storm Force Acceleration (rotating flat ride)
• If kids enjoy The Boneyard try Camp Jurassic (kid-friendly playground)

Restaurants

There was a time when Universal’s food quality averaged “regional amusement park quality” levels. This all changed with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s dedication to quality and freshness. Since then the parks and CityWalk transformed their food offerings to worthy of the world-class resort. Now nearly everything offered is of good to great quality for an affordable price; in fact, it’s easier to say what to AVOID (anything in Marvel or Toon Lagoon, for instance) than it is to say what to seek out.

• If you enjoy Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Cafe check out Toothsome Chocolate Emporium or Hard Rock Cafe
• If you enjoy ESPN Club and CityWorks check out NBC Sports Grill & Brew
• If you enjoy Beaches and Cream check out The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
• If you enjoy Fontera Concinca and check out Antojitos
• If you enjoy Terralina, Tuto Italia, or Trattoria al Forno, check out Vivo Italian Kitchen or Mama Della’s Ristorante
• If you enjoy Le Cellier or other steakhouses, try Bigfire or The Palm
• If you enjoy Blaze Pizza check out Red Oven Pizza Bakery
• If you enjoy The Rose & Crown or Raglan Road check out The Three Broomsticks, The Leaky Cauldron, or Finnegan’s Bar and Grill
• If you enjoy Skipper Canteen check out Mythos

Hotels

We love Universal’s hotels which offer great value for the amenities and money. The seven different hotels offer their own mood, atmosphere, amenities, and theme at price points that range from under $100 to over $500 a night. We find Universal’s hotels to match, or eclipse, the quality of Disney’s hotels at a fraction of the cost.

• If you like the Polynesian Resort, check out Loews Royal Pacific Resort
• If you like Riveria Resort or Grand Floridian, check out Loews Portofino Bay Resort
• If you like Caribbean Beach Resort, check out Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
• If you like Pop Century, check out Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Hard Rock Hotel
• If you like Disney’s All-Stars Resort (I mean, relatively “like”), check out Endless Summer Inn and Suites (a way better hotel)

Do you have questions about Universal Orlando Resort? Leave your questions and comments below!

The post Universal Orlando Resort for Newbies – Comparable Disney Experience at Universal appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Universal Orlando Resort, citywalk, Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida

Last year saw the debut of lots of holiday enhancements to Animal Kingdom. While all the wonderful decorations throughout the park have returned, the Merry Menagerie entertainment has not. It is totally understandable, but it still saddens me because the interaction of the puppets and guests was heartwarming. Last year the Menagerie Cupcake debuted as part of the celebration, and it has returned this year.

Gingerbread is severely under-represented this year in the long list of holiday treats available throughout Walt Disney World property. The Menagerie Cupcake, available via mobile order at Restaurantosaurus, is perfect for gingerbread fans. It is a gingerbread cupcake topped with cream cheese frosting. It sounds a bit like carrot cake, doesn’t it?

The frosting is on the sweet side thanks to the decorative sugar on top, and could have been a little thicker and tangier to be closer to traditional cream cheese frosting. The cake itself has a prevalent spice from the gingerbread flavor. All in all, this is a great cupcake if you desire something with traditional holiday flavor. It is $5.99, the standard price for any Disney specialty cupcake.

Are you a fan of gingerbread? How does the Menagerie Cupcake sound to you?

The post REVIEW – The Menagerie Cupcake is BACK at Animal Kingdom appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Christmas, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Snacks, disney christmas, disney desserts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom