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Everything You Need to Know About Spaceship Earth

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 the 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 Spaceship Earth at EPCOT!

What is Spaceship Earth?

Everything You Need to Know About Spaceship Earth
Photo courtesy of Disney.

Spaceship Earth is EPCOT’s flagship attraction and housed inside of its signature 18-story geosphere. The attraction itself is a slow-moving dark ride showcasing major moments in the history of communication.

Where is Spaceship Earth?

Spaceship Earth is located at the main entrance of EPCOT and inside of the park’s icon.

What is the History of Spaceship Earth?

Everything You Need to Know About Spaceship Earth Spaceship Earth opened with the park on October 1, 1982. To date, there have been four versions of this attraction even though the experience and story has remained largely the same through the years. Changes have typically involved a change in narrator and sponsor, as well as adjustments to scenes, score, and some effects. One of the most substantial changes involved the removal of the ride’s descent scenes leading to the unloading area.

Everything You Need to Know About Spaceship Earth To celebrate the year 2000, a Mickey Mouse arm holding a magic wand with the number 2000 appeared next to Spaceship Earth. In 2001, the number of the year 2000 was replaced by the word Epcot. These additions were later removed in 2007.

What You Need to Know About the Queue for Spaceship Earth

Everything You Need to Know About Spaceship Earth
Using a FP+ reservation to ride Spaceship Earth, just tap your band and go.

Much of the queue for Spaceship Earth is outside of the attraction and consists of a series of switchbacks. around the base of the attraction.

What You Need to Know About the Ride Experience

Guests experiencing Spaceship Earth slowly move past animatronic scenes representing major moments in the history of communication as narrated by Academy Award winner Judi Dench.

Guests riding Spaceship Earth will ride through scenes showcasing cave paintings, the Phoenicians using their alphabet to trade goods, Gutenberg’s printing press, and then later the rise of computers. The attraction finale is a projection of Earth from the perspective of space before the ride vehicles gently turn backwards and slowly descend down to the unloading area.

During that descent, guests use an interactive screen to personalize an animated video about their possible future.

What You Need to Know About the Ride Vehicles

Everything You Need to Know About Spaceship Earth Spaceship Earth employs an omnimover system–a continuously moving ride system. Guests step aboard a car from a moving walkway. Each car contains four hard seats with two in the front and two in the back. There are no safety restraints.

Everything You Need to Know About Spaceship Earth Each row has a single interactive touch screen which comes into play towards the end of the attraction. There is one controller per row so you may want to seat kids in separate rows with an adult so each child can control their interactive experience.

What You Need to Know About Accessibility

Guests must transfer to a standard wheelchair and then to the ride vehicle. Guests boarding the attraction should be prepared for a small step up from a moving walkway into the moving vehicle.

Due to the nature of the experience, Guests with service animals should check with a Cast Member at the attraction for boarding information.

What You Need to Know About the Health and Safety Advisories

Disney doesn’t recommend this attraction for guests who are made uncomfortable by enclosed dark spaces; but honestly, there are only a few moments where guests might feel discomfort or confined. For those who are concerned, Spaceship Earth is nothing like what guests experience on Mission: SPACE.

Also, a small number of guests with motion sensitivity may experience discomfort when the vehicle slowly rotates and moves backward at the end of the ride. However, this rotation and backwards movement is very slow and gentle in motion.

What are the Height Requirements?

There is no height requirement for Spaceship Earth! Everyone in the family can enjoy this attraction together.

Does Spaceship Earth Offer FastPass+?

Everything You Need to Know About Spaceship Earth
©Rikki Niblett

Yes, but it may not be necessary depending on what time of day you plan to ride it.

If you want to ride Soarin’ and Test Track before you head to World Showcase, try to get a FastPass+ reservation for around 1 p.m. Or, if you plan on spending the afternoon in Future World and don’t want to use FastPass+, try to ride after 3 p.m.

Does Weather Affect Spaceship Earth?

Everything You Need to Know About Spaceship Earth A June storm pops over World Drive as a rainy afternoon gets started.

Since this attraction is located indoors, inclement weather will not affect the ride’s operation; however, guests waiting in the extended queue may be exposed to the elements.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Experience Spaceship Earth?

Because Spaceship Earth sits at the main entrance of the park, guests tend to ride it first. Try to check it out before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Everything You Need to Know About Spaceship Earth Spaceship Earth Wait Times

This chart shows you roughly how long you’ll wait for Spaceship Earth when you visit on a day with a given EPCOT Crowd Level. The blue bars represent the average “peak” wait time (that is, how long the line will be at its busiest). The bottom and top black lines represent the range of peak wait times to expect (for you fellow nerds out there: it’s the 5th percentile and 95th percentile of peak wait times). Please note that these are estimates, and for a better forecast for your travel dates, see Spaceship Earth Wait Times.

What is the Future of Spaceship Earth?

Everything You Need to Know About Spaceship Earth Spaceship Earth
©Disney

Spaceship Earth was slated for closure and an extensive redo where guests would still travel through time, but the focus would be on storytelling and the human experience.

However, due to the lengthy COVID-19 shutdown, Spaceship Earth is currently scheduled to reopen in its current form on July 15 with its redo rescheduled for some time in the future.

Did I answer all of your questions about Spaceship Earth? Is this attraction at the top of your family’s vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Spaceship Earth appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Attractions, Epcot, Walt Disney World (FL), Disney Attractions, disney world, FastPass+, Spaceship Earth, walt disney world

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Disney Parks Other

So WHY Can’t I Buy Disney World Park Tickets For 2020 Right Now??

The Disney World parks are currently set to reopen in mid-July.

So WHY Can’t I Buy Disney World Park Tickets For 2020 Right Now??

Magic Kingdom

And, while we are now able to book vacation packages for 2021, guests still can’t purchase tickets or hotel reservations for dates in the remainder of 2020. So, what’s the deal?

With all of the moving parts surrounding the reopening of Disney World, it can be tough to decode what’s really going on — and why! Officially, Disney has stated that they will open up ticket sales and hotel reservations for the rest of 2020 “later this summer.” Although, as the situation progresses, this timeframe is subject to change.

So WHY Can’t I Buy Disney World Park Tickets For 2020 Right Now??

©Disney

So, why the hold-up on 2020 tickets and hotel reservations? This comes down to the limited park capacity that will be implemented upon reopening. Prior to the closure, Disney was selling park tickets for 2020 dates based on full capacity. Now that they’ve released that park capacity will need to be greatly reduced this year, they want to ensure those who’ve already purchased a ticket for 2020 are able to visit.

So WHY Can’t I Buy Disney World Park Tickets For 2020 Right Now??

Animal Kingdom Entrance

Essentially, the goal is to determine how many people currently have tickets AND how many are still planning to come to Disney World so that they’re not overselling the limited capacity theme parks. If the number of guests currently holding tickets already meets (or exceeds) the park capacity for the year, opening up ticket sales for 2020 would allow guests to purchase tickets that couldn’t be used.

So WHY Can’t I Buy Disney World Park Tickets For 2020 Right Now??

Tower of Terror

Once those with 2020 tickets have made their Disney Park Pass reservations, Disney will determine whether they have any additional capacity in 2020 and if so, they’ll open up ticket sales at a later date.

So WHY Can’t I Buy Disney World Park Tickets For 2020 Right Now??

Mission: SPACE

With all of the new policies and procedures, it can be tough to figure out exactly what’s happening with your Disney World vacation plans. Which is why we’re keeping a close eye on things as they unfold, to help break it down! If (or when) Disney World ticket sales are resumed for 2020, we’ll report back with the details!

Are YOU looking to get Disney World tickets for 2020? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, Disney Park Pass, Disney Park Pass System, Disney World 2020, Disney World reopening, disney world ticket, disney world tickets, disney world vacation package, Disney World Vacation Packages, walt disney world 2020

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Disney News Disney Parks

Several Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events in Disney World Have Been Canceled!

One of the perks available to Disney Vacation Club Members is the opportunity to attend Moonlight Magic events.

Several Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events in Disney World Have Been Canceled!

Spaceship Earth

These are after-hours events where DVC members can ride attractions with shorter wait times, meet characters, indulge in complimentary snacks and drinks, and attend dance parties!

While the Disney World parks are set to reopen in July, some offerings and entertainment will be temporarily suspended. For example, the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party events have been canceled this year.

Several Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events in Disney World Have Been Canceled!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom

And, for the safety of both guests and Cast Members, Disney has announced that the Moonlight Magic events scheduled during the months of June, July, and August have been canceled.

Several Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events in Disney World Have Been Canceled!

©Disney

There are currently Moonlight Magic events scheduled at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on September 15th, September 22nd, and October 6, 2020. Currently, these event dates have NOT been canceled, however, that is subject to change as Disney continues to monitor the situation.

Several Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events in Disney World Have Been Canceled!

©Disney

We’ll continue to keep an eye out for any updates or announcements regarding the remaining Moonlight Magic dates in 2020!

Did you have plans to attend one of these Moonlight Magic events? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, Disney Vacation Club, Disney World cancellations, DVC, DVC Members, DVC Membership Magic Event, moonlight magic

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Disney Food Disney Guides Disney Lists Disney Parks

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

When people come up with their absolute “must do” activities at Disney World, most travelers think of things like riding Space Mountain, watching the fireworks, and enjoying a delicious Dole Whip.

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Dole Whip from Marketplace Snacks in Disney Springs

But in addition to these fan-favorite attractions and activities, there’s an entire world of unique and perhaps a bit bizarre things you can do at Disney World! Follow along for 10 of the best!

Mail a coconut!

Why mail any old postcard to your friends and family back home when you can mail them a COCONUT!?

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Coconut Postcard

You can purchase a painted coconut (postage comes included!) from Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar by Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom, BouTiki at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Calypso Trading Post at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. They’ll ship anywhere in the US!

Face coffee and beer

Personalized merchandise is one of the more popular souvenirs you can scoop up at Disney World. Getting your name embroidered on a pair of Mickey ears is one thing, but you can get personalized latte art designs at several Joffrey’s Coffee locations throughout Disney World!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Latte Art Sign

Most Latte Art locations offer classic designs like Mickey, but a select few locations offer WAY more variety!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Joffrey’s Reopened

Ripples is an app that lets you pick your favorite logos and designs for your foamy beverage! This also includes the ability to add an image of your very own FACE! Yes, you can get a Latte Selfie on your coffee!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Our Adorable Cast Member and Her Latte Selfie!

Aside from your morning cup of joe, we also recently discovered you can get a special design (as well as your very own FACE!) on beer, too!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Face Beer!

Next time you’re at Disney Springs, stop by Raglan Road Irish Pub to print your face on your next round of beer!

Get a silhouette of your pet on Main Street

Folks might know that you can get silhouette portraits of yourself and your family at the silhouette portrait cart in Magic Kingdom. But did you know you can also get one done of your PET!?

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Mary Poppins Character Silhouettes

Just bring a photo of your furry friend and the artist can add them to your family’s collection of portraits! There are multiple carts around Disney World (that can sometimes be less busy than the Main Street location). Head to Liberty Square, the France Pavilion in Epcot, or to Disney Springs to find additional silhouette carts!

Purchase Shaq’s shoe!

There are tons of unique, one-of-a-kind merchandise items you can find throughout Disney World. For sports fanatics, you may want to stop into the NBA Experience in Disney Springs next time you visit for the opportunity to ‘score’ some special sports memorabilia!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

NBA Experience Store

You can purchase Shaquille O’Neal’s size 22 “Shaq Attaq” sneaker, SIGNED, for $900! Or, you can get a basketball signed by Michael Jordan for the low entry price of $3,000!

Go fishing along the waterways of Disney World!

Disney World is home to tons of recreational activities for you and your family to enjoy outside of the theme parks! Non-park days are a great way to recharge and explore everything else that Disney World has to offer!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Port Orleans

One activity you can take part in is fishing! Guided catch-and-release fishing excursions are offered on several waterways around the resort, including Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, Village Lake, Crescent Lake, and even World Showcase Lagoon!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort

If you don’t have time to head out on a boat, you can rent a casting rod and fish dockside at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside.

Go scuba diving

If fishing doesn’t fit your style and you’re looking for a little bit more adventure, why not swim WITH the fish? You can go scuba diving at The Seas in EPCOT!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Hidden Mickey in Epcot

This three-hour class includes 40 minutes in the water, as well as a backstage tour of the aquarium where you’ll learn all about how the team at EPCOT cares for their animals!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

You must be scuba certified before enrolling in this experience.

Get a haircut

Next time you need to get a trim, wait until you’re on vacation and you can get your hair cut at Disney World! Harmony Barber Shop is located on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom and offers appointments for kids AND adults!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Harmony Barbershop ©Disney

Lots of folks may know about kiddos getting their “first haircut” at Disney World, but adults can get their hair cut there, too! Kid haircuts start at $18, and adult haircuts start at $19. Be sure to get some added pixie dust!

Indulge in a manicure & pedicure

If you’re seeking the ultimate relaxation in Disney World, why not get a manicure and pedicure? Several Disney World Resort hotels have full-service spas that are open to anyone, not just guests at that particular resort.

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

©Disney

In addition to nail salons, you can get massages, facials, and a wide variety of hair services, too! Indulge in ultimate bliss and escape the hustle and bustle of the theme parks by booking a spa package! Call (407)WDW-SPAS to book any services.

(But note, if you’re looking for true luxury, we’d highly recommend using the spa services at the Four Seasons Resort on property in Walt Disney World. Disney World’s spas are OK, but pretty standard fare.)

Take surfing lessons

Ever wanted to learn how to surf? You can do so at Disney World! Surf lessons are available at Typhoon Lagoon on select mornings. Learn how to hang ten from a professional surfer!

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool ©Disney

Surf lessons cost $199 per person and include a light breakfast and a photo!

Decorate a Christmas tree all year round!

Our next bizarre thing you can do at Disney World can be found at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square. Every morning, the first child in the shop gets to decorate one of the Christmas trees in the store with the ornaments available in the store.

Ten ?Bizarre? Things You Never Knew You Could Do at Disney World

Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

The decorator’s name is then added to the tree so everyone who goes into the shop that day can see who decorated the tree! If you’re craving the holiday spirit all year round, you can get your fill in Magic Kingdom!

We hope this list gave you some ideas on how to make your next trip to Disney World truly unique! Everyone knows about the four theme parks, but there are TONS of off-the-beaten-path activities that could add that extra bit of magic to your vacation that you should totally take advantage of! If you want to look for even more ideas, check out our video here:

How many of these activities have you taken part in at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Special Stuff, Walt Disney World, Boutiki, Calypso Trading Post, caribbean beach, disney springs, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Epcot, face beer, harmony barber shop, Joffrey’s, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, latte selfie, Liberty Square, magic kingdom, main street u.s.a., NBA Experience, Pirates of the Caribbean, Polynesian, Raglan Road, scuba diving, senses spa, silhouette portrait, surf lessons, the seas, typhoon lagoon, Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

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Disney Parks

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park Pass Reservations Are FULL for July 14th…BUT More Might Be Coming!

Now that select Disney World resorts have reopened and the Disney Park Pass reservation system is live for guests who have valid theme park admission and a hotel reservation, we know many of you are trying to navigate making plans to visit the parks this summer.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park Pass Reservations Are FULL for July 14th…BUT More Might Be Coming!

Boardwalk Resort

And while we know there were a lot of technical difficulties with the Disney Park Pass reservation system yesterday, it seems like many folks have been successful in getting their needed reservations. So much so, we noticed that Disney’s Animal Kingdom has already filled up on July 14th!

Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are slated to reopen before the other two theme parks on July 11th.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park Pass Reservations Are FULL for July 14th…BUT More Might Be Coming!

Animal Kingdom

After checking out the Disney Park Pass availability calendar this morning, we noticed Disney’s Animal Kingdom is currently showing that all of its reservations have been distributed for July 14th.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park Pass Reservations Are FULL for July 14th…BUT More Might Be Coming!

Screenshot From Disney World’s Website

Disney Park Pass reservations are subject to availability. Though Disney has not released capacity numbers for the reopened parks — we know that there is a significant limit on attendance.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park Pass Reservations Are FULL for July 14th…BUT More Might Be Coming!

Temple Shrine

But theme park reporter Scott Gustin is stating Disney has held back some spots and more reservations and will be released when Disney World’s Annual Passholders have access to the Disney Park Pass system on June 26th.

Disney has confirmed the above days/parks are booked for people with hotel reservations BUT additional spots will be released on Friday when APs are eligible to book.

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) June 23, 2020

Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot are scheduled to reopen July 15th, and so far reservations on July 15th, 16th, or 17th have filled up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well. But according to Scott, APs sould also have a chance to get park reservations for these dates that will be released on Friday.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park Pass Reservations Are FULL for July 14th…BUT More Might Be Coming!

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Things are ALWAYS changing as Disney settles into this new system. So if this changes, we will be sure to let you know.

As we learn more about this new system and the best ways to ensure that you can have your dream vacation, we will be sure to let you know. So stay tuned for hacks, tips, and tricks!!

Were you able to get a reservation for your dates? Let us know in the comments below.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, added days, disney park, Disney Park Pass, Disney World, disney’s animal kingdom, filled up, given out, july 14th, limited capacity, new disney park pass reservation system, reopening, Reservation System, reservations distributed, reservations gone, sold out