Categories
Other

PHOTOS – Transportation Options at EPCOT Resorts Now Include Friendship Boats

One of the charming features of the EPCOT Resorts, like Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Boardwalk, is the Friendships. These ferry boats create a lovely atmosphere as they sail back and forth on Crescent Lake. The Friendships have returned, bringing back the charm of this area.

Now guests in the EPCOT Resorts Area can enjoy Disney Skyliner transportation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and connecting resorts like Caribbean Beach, Riviera Resort, and Pop Century and Art of Animation. Guests in this area can also enjoy a leisurely boat ride to EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A walkway connects all the EPCOT Resorts to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is still faster to walk, but it is nice to rest your legs and feet as you drift along the water in a Friendship boat.

The Swan and Dolphin Hotels, which are also in this area, have changed their bus transportation to Mears, rather than Disney-owned buses. Having the Friendships return gives back a convenience that is needed at these hotels.

PHOTOS – Transportation Options at EPCOT Resorts Now Include Friendship Boats
Friendship at EPCOT International Gateway Dock
PHOTOS – Transportation Options at EPCOT Resorts Now Include Friendship Boats
Friendship at EPCOT International Gateway Area
PHOTOS – Transportation Options at EPCOT Resorts Now Include Friendship Boats
Disney Skyliner at Sunset
PHOTOS – Transportation Options at EPCOT Resorts Now Include Friendship Boats
Disney Skyliner from Speedway Gas Station
PHOTOS – Transportation Options at EPCOT Resorts Now Include Friendship Boats
Disney Skyliner View of EPCOT’s France Pavilion

 

Have you stayed at any of the EPCOT Area Resorts before? Do you prefer to walk, boat, or use the Skyliner when in this area?

PHOTOS – Transportation Options at EPCOT Resorts Now Include Friendship Boats

The post PHOTOS – Transportation Options at EPCOT Resorts Now Include Friendship Boats appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Photos and Video, Resorts, Transportation, disney hotels, disney on site hotels, Disney Transportation, epcot hotels

Categories
Other

Disney in a Minute: What is Backstage?

We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic. Enjoy!

What is backstage?

Disney in a Minute: What is Backstage?

“Backstage” is Disney lingo for places in the theme parks where cast members are allowed to go, but guests are not.

Backstage is the behind-the-scenes places where things happen like food prep, cast break rooms, mechanical rooms, parade staging, waste processing areas, storage, laundry, and the like. There are “do not enter” signs throughout the parks that lead to a variety of backstage zones. As immutable as these signs seem, backstage is a slightly fluid concept.

Prior to the pandemic, Disney ran dozens of tours of backstage areas including the holiday decor warehouses, animal care areas at Epcot and Animal Kingdom, costume design workshops, train maintenance shops, and more. Under normal circumstances, if you’re older than age 16 (and in few cases younger) and willing to pay for the privilege, you would be free to see many otherwise off-limits areas of the parks.

Even now, you may be in routed to walk through an officially backstage area without realizing it. During times where there are crowds or construction, Disney sometimes asks guests to exit a land or a park via normally prohibited routes to facilitate foot traffic. One of the most common areas where this takes place is backstage behind the left side of Main Street in the Magic Kingdom as you face the park exit.

In the first photo below is an exit to backstage areas that’s next to the Plaza restaurant. The second photo below is the exact same area modified for easier guest passage. Things like cast lockers and refuse bins have been hidden to provide a more pleasant pathway out of the park. This particular modified backstage area is commonly used during events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and at the end of the day, but may be employed in other circumstances as well.

Disney in a Minute: What is Backstage?

Disney in a Minute: What is Backstage?

Have you ever been backstage? What did you see? Did it match your expectations?

The post Disney in a Minute: What is Backstage? appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), disney in a minute

Categories
Other

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

A new survey is making the rounds for guests who have stayed recently at WDW. And while surveys are never a guarantee about what the future holds, it is always interesting to pull back the curtain at a Disney think tank to see what sort of ideas they’re considering for the future. Let’s dive in.

After some initial sorting hat questions (when would you visit WDW again, how interested are you in visiting WDW in the next three years, what type of accommodations do you like when visiting WDW, and so on), a series of questions comes up about different benefits/add-ons for the future once there’s reduced COVID concerns.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

 

First up, early access to dining/experience reservations for staying on site.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

MagicBand customization and discount for staying on site.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

The ability to bundle other things into your theme park vacation, like water parks, park hopping, and so on.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

Being able to purchase the Disney Dining Plan.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

Access to complimentary transportation (Skyliner, monorail, etc.).

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

Proximity to parks.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

And access to Magical Express.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

After a series of very normal things that either are currently still around or will be back in the future, then they throw in a unique one about “Connected Experiences” — some of it sounds like things related to the Play Disney Parks app, but I’m really intrigued by the “digital in-room concierge”.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

Then back to some more normal things, like Extra Magic Hours.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

Enhanced in-room TV is something I can’t imagine Disney wouldn’t do — what better way to encourage Disney+ memberships than to have people fall in love with it on vacation?

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

Virtual Queue access from your resort — although this week did see not-in-the-park access to Rise of the Resistance, could this be coming for other attractions when new headliners open? Could they eventually scale back that you have to be at a Disney resort for virtual queue before park opening?

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

The next one I am ALL IN. The idea of having a little more magic at resorts is such a huge draw for me. And more fountains is always a win in my book. I’d love to see “enchanted art” like on Disney Cruise Line come to WDW resorts, too.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

 

In-resort character experiences were found at some resorts in the pre-COVID era. Would this be expanded to all resorts?

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

In-park lounges are a wonderful benefit–over the years, I’ve had access to them for passholders, DVC, and having a certain type of credit card. They don’t cost a lot for Disney, but the goodwill is great.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

Extra Magic Hours at Disney Springs isn’t something that would interest me personally, but I can understand the draw.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

Early access to book FastPass+ — sorry folks, if you thought FP+ was going away for forever, I wouldn’t count that as a given!

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

Virtual on-the-go concierge? Please call it WorldKey!!!

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

Free theme park parking — I guarantee, if I’m staying on site and this benefit gets removed, I’ll be… less than pleased.

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

And now the next one that had me sitting back and taking notice: Food delivery. Getting to my room and having churros on the way? Sign me up!

New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits?

Disney then asked for guests to pick their top three. It’s a tough choice, since I don’t want any *existing* benefits to go away, but some of those new suggestions are pretty tempting. Specifically, Disney wants to know what would enhance your experience, what would give you a better impression of value, and what is most important in your view.

Finally, the survey gave a few more hints about some options, with questions about which of these were most important regarding entry:

  • Exclusive extended hours at one of the theme parks per day (morning or evening)
  • Extended exclusive access to finish out your day at one theme park every night
  • 30 minutes exclusive entry into every theme park every day
  • Early access to one theme park every morning

And some more descriptions about that possible “resort plussing”:

  • Step into the art of Disney . . . resort style! As a resort Guest, exclusive access to an immersive art display that transports you into the world of Disney.
  • Nighttime spectacular on the water. Guests have the ability to watch Disney stories come to life on resort waterways through lights, parades, water fountains that spray water as the backdrop for color, and characters timed to music to transport Guests into the world of imagination.
  • Atrium transformation. Transforming resort lobbies into a magical display that brings the individual resort’s story to life through lights, color, music, and projections.
  • Resort nighttime exterior projections. Kiss good night at resorts that bring the resort’s art style, coupled with Disney stories, to life one the exterior facade through projections that feature special effects, lighting, and soaring music.

Although having an item on a survey doesn’t mean that it is a certainty to come to Walt Disney World, surveys do give some insight into concepts that are being considered.

So now it’s your turn — in the comments, let us know what you think about these questions and what your answers would be like.

 

The post New Disney Survey with Some Unique Options for Future Benefits? appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), disney survey

Categories
Other

Holiday Magic Arrives at Magic Kingdom Park

Let the holidays begin!  A magnificently merry makeover at Magic Kingdom Park is officially ushering in the most magical season of the year at the Walt Disney World Resort. 

Holiday Magic Arrives at Magic Kingdom Park

After a year of planning, our Holiday Services department has transformed Magic Kingdom Park for the holidays with twinkling lights, toy soldiers, poinsettias, wreaths and other decorations on Main Street U.S.A., – and of course, our iconic 65-foot Christmas Tree.  Today, we have a special look at the magic.

Holiday Magic Arrives at Magic Kingdom Park

Also this season, there will be a joyful look for Cinderella Castle when night falls and special projection effects transform the iconic palace with festive designs with the decorations.  Click here for details on all holiday offerings.  

Holiday Magic Arrives at Magic Kingdom Park

Along with Magic Kingdom Park, delightful displays of decorations can also be found throughout the Walt Disney World Resort – including Disney Springs – throughout the season.  

For more holiday magic, our new “Everything Holidays” section will be home to a variety of in-park experiences, gift guides, special DIY projects, holiday recipes and more.  Be sure to share your own Disney magic with us at #DisneyHolidayMoments and #DisneyMagicMoments.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

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

Categories
Other

‘Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’ Explores the Importance of Animal Training

As a dad, I relish memories from my early days of fatherhood and young family life; watching my children take their first steps, speak their first words and even finish potty training. Of course, those things didn’t just happen overnight – they took months of practice, patience and positive reinforcement.

Much like parenting in some ways, animal training requires patience and understanding. This week’s episode of “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” on Disney+ highlights many behind-the-scenes moments that showcase how our expert Animal Care teams encourage the animals at Walt Disney World Resort to participate in their own care. It includes examples of training for both aquatic and land animals, celebrating new milestones and all the grit and glory that goes with it.

Aquarist Aaron sets up a target feeding session for Harry, a green sea turtle

At The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, aquarist Aaron has spent the past four years specializing in aquatic animals, including sea turtles. He has a wealth of expertise he has developed here and through work with other Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) institutions and conservation field studies. Aaron has invested a lot of time and effort into a green sea turtle named Harry, who came to us as a rescue from the wild after suffering an injury. Because of the extent of his injury, Harry’s not a candidate for re-release. Aaron has been by Harry’s side since his arrival at The Seas and is determined to help him thrive in the main aquarium under our care.

Feeding time for Harry is a central focus for Aaron, who is teaching the sea turtle how to swim to a target for his very own meals. This technique allows the aquarists to keep a close eye on Harry and ensure he’s eating enough each day. Here’s a sneak peek at what that looks like.

During their training sessions, Aaron provides Harry with positive reinforcers to gain his trust, in the form of back-scratches and his favorite foods, which you ­can see Harry loves…but you can also see it is a real treat for Aaron too. He has been working hard to help Harry make progress toward living his best life in his new aquarium home. With every milestone comes a huge sense of pride and accomplishment.

This week’s episode also highlights some small wins for one of our very large residents with equally big feelings of apprehension; the task – to get African elephant Nadirah to cross a bridge in her habitat on the savanna on Kilimanjaro Safaris. In this case, her animal care team Erin and Elizabeth had to redefine what success looks like, based on Nadirah’s personality and her unique needs.

Erin has spent the past thirteen years exclusively devoted to working with elephants in AZA institutions. For the past six years, she and Elizabeth have been caring for elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park ,so they really have great insights on the dynamics of the herd and used their know-how and expertise to try a variety of different techniques to build up Nadirah’s confidence. By observing the elephants’ behaviors, they knew African elephant Vasha provides encouragement to Nadirah, so the team had them spend time together. They also knew Nadirah likes bath time with lots of attention and extra snacks, and this positive reinforcement gave the keeper team a chance to strengthen their bond with her and build more trust.

While Nadirah hasn’t crossed that bridge just yet, she continues to get a little closer, and we’re encouraged by her small steps toward big success. It’s a great reminder that at the end of the day, what Nadirah does is her choice, and just like with all of the animals at Walt Disney World Resort, it’s our job to recognize her needs, be supportive and work with her to ensure she gets the very best care.

Be sure to check out this week’s complimentary downloadable activity guide to learn more about the animals in our care, and follow us on Instagram (@DrMarkAtDisney) and Facebook (@DisneyASE) for more behind-the-scenes fun.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, disney+, WDW