A Blog About Disney Stuff

Is Now the Best Time to Bring Your Own Food to Disney World?

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date November 2, 2020

Like all theme parks, Disney World has a litany of prohibited items – things you can’t bring into the parks – but luckily, most food items are not on that list.

Is Now the Best Time to Bring Your Own Food to Disney World? — Closed restaurants mean there are more outdoor tables open.

With limited exceptions you’re welcome to bring food and beverages with you into the parks. If you’ve never brought your own food to the Disney World theme parks before, or only brought a modest amount of snacks, now may be the time you want to seriously consider bringing your own meals into the parks. Here’s why:

Park entrance procedures have changed: Prior to the pandemic, every guests bag was fully hand searched. If you brought, say, a large backpack filled with sandwiches, fruit, and other substantial eats, you’d have to go through a lengthy process of having a security guard see or feel all your items. In the last few weeks, the parks have transitioned to a more streamlined walk-through system, like of like at the airport, minus the part about putting your bags on the conveyor belt. Only a few items now have to be removed from your bag for scanning, notably umbrellas, making it much less cumbersome to tote multiple bags of food into the parks.
There are fewer restaurants open: Many restaurants in the theme parks are still shuttered due to coronavirus. This means that your favorite items might not be available, possibly making bring-your-own a more attractive option.
Quick service waits are trending longer: Depending on when you visit (weekends and holidays are worse), you may encounter longer waits to get at ready-access food or open mobile order windows that are a hour or more later than you want to eat. If you bring your own food, you can always dine on your schedule.
Outdoor table availability is high: When you bring your own food, sometimes the struggle is figuring out where you can comfortably eat. But with some restaurants currently closed, their outdoor seating is now up for grabs. For example, when Casey’s Corner is open, it can be a real challenge to find seating near the Hub, but with Casey’s closed, their tables are often open.
Disney quick service prices are, well, pricey: Buying a bottle of water in the parks will set you back $3.50. A single apple costs $2.29. Most in-park hamburgers cost between $10 and $13. Adding an order of fries sets you back an additional $4.50. Multiply that by several family members and you’re looking at a significant outlay of funds for a basic meal. Bringing your own can save you big time.
If you bring your own food, you reduce the number of people you’re interacting with in the parks: Everyone working in the WDW food service wears masks, so the risk of COVID contamination there is minimal, but for some folks, any reduction of contact with others is a win.

Have you ever brought meals into the Disney World theme parks? What have your experiences been?

The post Is Now the Best Time to Bring Your Own Food to Disney World? appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Walt Disney World (FL), food, saving money

Tags dining, food, saving money, Walt Disney World (FL)

Disney Parks

A Busy, But Not Overwhelming Day at Walt Disney World – Wait Times for Sunday, November 1, 2020

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date November 1, 2020

Crowds were among the largest of the week at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT today, while the Studios and Animal Kingdom were slower compared to other days in the past month. As part of our ongoing research, we counted 500 guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom today, and 482 of them (96%) were following Disney’s mask guidelines. Let’s do the numbers.

Magic Kingdom Wait Times

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had an average wait time today of 36 minutes. Its 7-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. And Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had an average wait time today of 54 minutes. Its 7-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 60 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month.

Two Magic Kingdom attractions had their highest average posted wait times of the week on Sunday:

Splash Mountain had an average wait time today of 56 minutes. Its 7-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #17 for the past month. We received 7 actual wait times at Splash today, and the actual wait averaged 73% of the posted wait time.
Space Mountain had an average wait time today of 42 minutes. Its 7-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past month.

Secondary attractions had average wait times for the week:

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin had an average wait time today of 29 minutes. Its 7-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today at Buzz, and the actual wait averaged 80% of the posted wait time.
Jungle Cruise had an average wait time today of 39 minutes. Its 7-day average is 34 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month.
Pirates of the Caribbean had an average wait time today of 40 minutes. Its 7-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 79% of the posted wait time.
The Haunted Mansion had an average wait time today of 38 minutes. Its 7-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 86% of the posted wait time. So that means the average actual wait time today was about 32 minutes.

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Animal Kingdom Wait Times

Let’s start in Pandora. Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 67 minutes. Its 7-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 63 minutes, so today ranks #13 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 81% of the posted wait time. And Na’vi River Journey had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. We received 7 actual wait times today at Na’vi, and the actual wait averaged 92% of the posted wait time.

Posted wait times at Kilimanjaro Safaris continue to be about twice your actual wait. Kilimanjaro Safaris had an average wait time today of 24 minutes. Its 7-day average is 16 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #9 for the past month. We received 9 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 48% of the posted wait time. So with the average posted wait time today being 24 minutes, the average actual time spent in line was around 12 minutes.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain had an average wait time today of 40 minutes. Its 7-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #7 for the past month. We received 9 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 65% of the posted wait time.

Kali River Rapids had an average wait time today of 35 minutes. Its 7-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #4 for the past month.

Hollywood Studios Wait Times

Like Kilimanjaro Safaris over at Animal Kingdom, posted wait times at Toy Story Mania! seem to be consistently inflated as well. TSM had an average wait time today of 24 minutes. Its 7-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 34% of the posted wait time, which means the average actual wait time today was under 10 minutes.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith had an average wait time today of 43 minutes. Its 7-day average is 45 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 80% of the posted wait time.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror had an average wait time today of 40 minutes. Its 7-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #189 for the past year. We received 9 actual wait times at Tower today, and the actual wait averaged 74% of the posted wait time.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway had an average wait time today of 64 minutes. Its 7-day average is 70 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 81 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run had an average wait time today of 49 minutes. Its 7-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 59 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month.

Rise of the Resistance ran well today until just before 2 p.m., when boarding groups were paused for almost an hour. Once things resumed, however, Rise ran well again. That’s great to see.

EPCOT Wait Times

Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 70 minutes. Its 7-day average is 53 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #7 for the past month. And Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros had an average wait time today of 14 minutes. Its 7-day average is 7 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #4 for the past month.

Soarin’ had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #8 for the past month. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 81% of the posted wait time.

Living with the Land had an average wait time today of 14 minutes. Its 7-day average is 11 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 34% of the posted wait time.

Spaceship Earth had an average wait time today of 23 minutes. Its 7-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 19 minutes, so today ranks #9 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 58% of the posted wait time.

Test Track had an average wait time today of 61 minutes. Its 7-day average is 49 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #17 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #86 for the past year.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends had an average wait time today of 13 minutes. Its 7-day average is 9 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #12 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #156 for the past year.

The post A Busy, But Not Overwhelming Day at Walt Disney World – Wait Times for Sunday, November 1, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Observations, Walt Disney World (FL), disney crowds, disney wait times, epcot wait times, magic kingdom wait times

Tags disney crowds, disney wait times, epcot wait times, magic kingdom wait times, Observations, Walt Disney World (FL)

Disney Parks Other

Top Four “First Rides” for a Child’s First Magic Kingdom Visit

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date November 1, 2020

The first trip to Walt Disney World can be such a magical experience. Seeing the castle for the first time. First time seeing Mickey Mouse. And, of course, going on your first Disney ride. Although any ride can be a good option, picking a “first ride” that will be something you can remember for years to come can take a bit of thought. If this is your child’s first time at any sort of amusement park, although Space Mountain is a classic, it may not be a good first choice for building happy memories. A young child might not be quite as excited to ride Haunted Mansion as you are to show it to them. Here’s our top four “First Ride” choices for a Magic Kingdom visit, in no particular order.

Dumbo, the Flying Elephant

From strictly a ride perspective, Dumbo is your everyday roadside carnival spinner ride. Yet this spinner ride has such an iconic presence in Disney Parks and has been a staple in many promotional advertisements for years that for some, it just feels like the ride that says “Welcome to Disney”. It is a ride for all ages. If your child is a little nervous, just “fly” low to the ground. Want a bit more excitement? Fly higher, with amazing views of Fantasyland.

It’s a Small World

Odds are good that a child may have some passing familiarity with It’s a Small World before they ever arrive at Walt Disney World. But even if they’ve never heard that cheerful song before, a combination of a slow-moving ride with bright colors and adorable characters is sure to please most kids. It is a classic for a reason.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight may be the quintessential Disney dark ride in Fantasyland. Even though it is an incredibly short ride, the amount of effective storytelling shoehorned into that small space and short time is amazing. People of all ages love that feeling of flying up and away over London and all the way to Neverland. It is sure to make an impression on a child seeing it for the first time.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Combining epic storytelling, stunning effects, and even a mild drop for some first-timer thrills, Pirates of the Caribbean is an excellent choice for a child’s first ride. Even if your child isn’t familiar with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies that have permeated the attraction, they’ll quickly be drawn into the storyline and will probably be sporting a hearty arrr for hours after they have left the ride.

The post Top Four “First Rides” for a Child’s First Magic Kingdom Visit appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: kids, Walt Disney World (FL), first attractions

Tags first attractions, kids, Walt Disney World (FL)

Disney Parks Other

PHOTOS – Saying Farewell to Halloween at Magic Kingdom

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date November 1, 2020

Farewell, Halloween 2020, you certainly were the most unique Halloweens of my adulthood. It’s been nice celebrating Halloween at Magic Kingdom for well over a month. But yesterday marked the end of Halloween at Walt Disney World, and some of the holiday season has started to sprinkle in. Our field research team, and Len himself, were at Magic Kingdom yesterday and we’d like to share with you some of our favorite photos from yesterday’s visit.

We loved having the Cadaver Dans performing what is normally their show reserved for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in recent weeks. It’s been a real treat. And it’s been fun seeing guests wear costumes during the day. Yesterday was the last day costumes could be worn by guests at Magic Kingdom and boy did we see some great costumes! But first, Len needs his traditional pretzel breakfast!

Len and His Traditional Pretzel Breakfast

2020 Dumpster Fire Costumes by KellyKillPack

It was a little slow in the morning at Magic Kingdom, but as soon as lunch time hit we saw the crowds we’ve been expecting this weekend. We also saw the arrival of poinsettias in Main Street Town Square as Christmas décor gets ready to move in.

Pirates of the Caribbean Extended Queue Halloween 2020

Which holiday season do you like the best, Spooky Season or the Christmas and Winter Holiday Season?

The post PHOTOS – Saying Farewell to Halloween at Magic Kingdom appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Halloween, In the Parks, Walt Disney World (FL), disney crowds, disney halloween, disney halloween costumes

Tags disney crowds, disney halloween, disney halloween costumes, Halloween, in the parks, Walt Disney World (FL)

Disney Guides Disney Parks

How to Thank a Walt Disney World Cast Member for Great Service

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date November 1, 2020

To say that right now is a tough time for Orlando’s hospitality professionals is an understatement. And for those that are still able to work in Orlando’s theme parks, it can be very difficult to keep going when so many of your colleagues are no longer working. And so, in the spirit of gratitude as we begin the month of November, the month of Thanksgiving, we’d like to share some ways you can show your appreciation for any Cast Members who help make your trip to Walt Disney World a magical one.

Guest Relations

Each Walt Disney World park, as well as Disney Springs, has a Guest Relations location, generally near the front of the park. You can think of it as the front desk of the park. Many times Guest Relations Cast Members are fielding complaints and problem solving. It usually brightens a Guest Relations Cast Member’s day when someone wants to give praise for one of their colleagues in the park. Usually the Guest Relations Cast Member will fill out a form so that the Cast Member you are praising can receive formal recognition. Many times this form is noted on the Cast Member’s record which can help them in their career with Disney. If the line is too long at Guest Relations there are alternative ways to give recognition.

Guest Services “Welcome Center” at Disney Springs

Email Guest Communications

As big as Walt Disney World is, they provide multiple ways to get in contact with them. Sending an email to the Guest Communications team is a great way to formalize your feedback. You can imagine this department receives a ton of communication on a daily basis. I have had success reaching out using the email address for Guest Communications, but naturally it does take quite a few business days to hear back. Not every email is responded to, it does depend on the nature of the message. Cast Member recognition is very important and Cast Members are formally praised when an email is received about their kindness or performance.

The email for Walt Disney World Guest Communications is wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com. My understanding is this team has unfortunately been reduced as part of the labor cutbacks. If you are able to visit Guest Relations in person that is the ideal way to ensure your praise is formally received.

Magic Kingdom Reopening Be Our Guest Dining July 2020

Sending a Cast Compliment Via Twitter Is No Longer Supported

Many people use Twitter to voice their complaints, especially about airlines. (My heart goes out to social media managers for airlines.) Once upon a time you could give a quick shout out to a Cast Member and tweet to @WDWGuestService with #CastCompliment. Sadly, this account closed up shop months ago. You can still tweet @WaltDisneyWorld, but the formal Cast Member recognition through Twitter is no longer supported. It makes sense to save labor costs, but it’s a shame to lose one of the nicer things about social media.

Bring Your Own Small “Thank You” Sign

When I was a Cast Member a few families over the years gave me a small card to say “thank you”. Many were the size of business cards and had been personalized with messages like “Thanks for spreading the magic, The Smith Family” or “Thanks for making our day a magical one, The Jones Family.” Sadly, it is hard to recommend giving out such cards right now given the importance of physical distancing.

Instead of having individual thank you cards to give out, consider making a small sign. Many Cast Members are welding small paddle-like signs as a reminder to wear your mask properly and so on. Maybe return the favor and make your own paddle sign that’s easy to carry so you can hold it up quickly anytime you want to wish to thank a Cast Member. Get a little creative and think about what you’d want to see as a thank you or word of encouragement if you were a Cast Member in the parks.

Magic Kingdom Reopening Jungle Cruise Plexiglass Ride Vehicle July 2020

A Verbal “Thank You”

A simple and heartfelt “thank you” said to a Cast Member with a smile goes a long way. Times are tough for everyone right now and even a simple “thank you” can help brighten a Cast Member’s day. And chances are the more you dish out the thanks the better you’ll feel. Even a head nod and a wave helps too.

Final Thoughts

Be sure to include their name, and hometown if you catch it, as listed on their name tag, and their work location when submitting a thank you to Disney.
If you have a concern or a challenge, ask for a member of Disney management. It is usually best to give them a chance to right a wrong immediately rather than waiting to write a formal letter, tweet, etc.
Most important of all, the best way you can thank a Cast Member right now is to follow all the COVID-19 safety precautions. Wear your mask properly, especially when talking to a Cast Member.

Has a Cast Member ever helped to make your Disney vacation more magical? What are your suggestions for ways to thank a Cast Member?

The post How to Thank a Walt Disney World Cast Member for Great Service appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, kids, Trip Planning, disney cast members, disney service, walt disney world tips

Tags disney cast members, disney service, Dos and Don'ts, kids, Trip Planning, walt disney world tips