Bob Sehlinger's Blog, page 1141
February 11, 2015
Is It Worth It? – Examining the Value of Memory Maker
By John Kivus
Capturing the Moment – © John Kivus, 2014
Walt Disney World offers a lot of different photography services, but are they worth it? In the past, I have purchased Memory Maker (and its predecessors) for most of my major trips (e.g, week-long vacations, my proposal trip, and my honeymoon (she said “yes” on that proposal trip)). Recently, however, I have wondered whether the ubiquity of available cameras (including cellphones), has reduced the value of Memory Maker. A recent blog post by fellow TouringPlans blogger Maddi Higgins inspired me sit down and flex my valuation muscles with regard to Memory Maker.
Dismissing the Elephants in the Room
First, this post evaluates Memory Maker’s value at the advance purchase price of $169. As Maddi pointed out, this price is only good if you purchase Memory Maker three (3) days before your trip begins.
Second, on a recent episode of WDW Today, the hosts discussed the idea of multiple families going in together on a single Memory Maker purchase (thereby greatly reducing the price.) Though such a strategy would reduce the cost, the variables involved in that strategy (finding the additional family, linking My Disney Experience accounts, etc…) make it too complex for this general value analysis. Consequently, I am ignoring this option for the remainder of this post.
So now, the value analysis of an advance purchase priced Memory Maker for one family’s trip:
Memory Maker remembers:
Character meet-and-greets at Walt Disney World abound in today’s Parks. You can meet classic Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse or Mary Poppins, as well as new stars like Anna, Elsa, and Baymax. Thankfully, Disney almost always provides a Memory Maker photographer at these character meet-and-greets to document the moment.
Disney also provides Memory Maker photographers at key locations throughout the Parks (e.g., along Main Street, U.S.A., facing the Tree of Life, etc…) Again, these photographers are in place to help you document a memory of your vacation, and—hopefully—have their cameras, lighting, etc… set to give you the best picture possible.
A newish feature is the automatic addition of attraction photos and video to your Memory Maker account. While the attraction photos are similar to what Disney has always offered (without the extra hassle associated with collecting the photos), the videos are something new. For each attraction video, Disney mixes stock footage from the attraction with key moments from your individual ride. Together, they combine to create a nice little clip of your experience on that particular attraction.
Memory Maker forgets:
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), Memory Maker photographers are not everywhere. For example, there will not be a troop of photographers accompanying your favorite characters during character dining experiences. There are also no Memory Maker photographers with you during certain attractions, such as Kilimanjaro Safaris, that scream out for documentation; nor are there any Disney photographers documenting your time spent at the various parades or other extravaganzas put on by Disney daily.
Thanks, Narcoossee’s! -© John Kivus, 2014
In other words, though Memory Maker can help you capture certain posed moments, it can NOT help you document a large part of your vacation—including the smaller, “in between” moments that often become magical memories.
A Subjective Look at the Quality of Memory Maker Photos
NOTE: My beautiful, amazing, perfect wife is a professional photographer (and, if you haven’t guessed by now, also one of the people editing this post). I leave it to you, the reader, to determine how that might impact my analysis.
One of the reasons I used to be so in favor of getting Memory Maker on important trips was that I was always impressed by the quality of the photographs provided. Sadly, that is no longer the case. In this age of advanced cellphone cameras, high-end point-and-shoots, and mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, the quality of photographs taken with whatever camera I hand a cast member is consistently on par with or better than the Memory Maker photos. Of course, there are exceptions to this observation — for example, you can’t get a proper nighttime shot on Main Street, looking toward Cinderella’s Castle, without a flash or some other light source configured to properly light you but not fall off so sharply as to black out the castle — but these are definitely exceptions to the broader, general rule. (And for these exceptions — and other situations where a Disney photographer gets a photo that you absolutely must have — you can pay $14.95 to download a high quality version of that picture for your own personal use.)
Han Shot First – © John Kivus, 2014
Alternatives
So what do you do instead of Memory Maker? Well, the ubiquity of smart phones means that nearly every family has at least one camera in a purse or pocket during a trip to Walt Disney World. To make things even better, the cameras in these phones improve with each generation. For taking pictures in almost any well-lit area, most modern smart phones provide a more-than-adequate option to capture your memories.
The Wonderful Thing about Tigger – © John Kivus, 2014
Though actually purchasing a pocket, mirrorless, or DSLR camera is beyond the scope of this particular post, I will point out that one could rent a Sony RX100 III – the camera The Wirecutter calls “the best point-and-shoot camera that you can get your hands on” – from a site like LensRentals.com (including insurance and shipping) for a week-long vacation for approximately $40 less than Memory Maker. That camera would be with you for every moment of your vacation, including those times discussed above when no Disney photographer is available.
Do not forget that for those posed moments where Memory Maker photographers ARE available, you can simply hand your camera or phone to the Memory Maker photographer and he or she will take a picture of you with it. This gets you the exact same location and moment (even the exact same photographer) as Memory Maker; the only difference is camera and cost.
Recommendation
So, while the standard refrain of “it depends” is still applicable when deciding whether to get Memory Maker for your vacation, I generally would not recommend its purchase for most Walt Disney World vacations. I think most families would be better served by renting a high quality point-and-shoot, or by simply taking advantage of the high quality cameras available on modern smart phones.
If you come with your own camera, then by passing up the Memory Maker, the only things you really miss out on are the attraction photos/videos discussed above. But with GoPros and selfie sticks, some of Walt Disney World’s more tech-obsessed guests even have that covered.
To Infinity… – © John Kivus, 2014
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The Demographic Disney Forgot: Best Disney World Restaurants for Teen Boys
The Disney Parks were designed with families in mind, to serve as escapes from the real world where parents and kids can have fun together. But have you ever noticed that a certain element of the family tends to be overlooked? Do you know what it is? It’s the demographic Disney forgot: teen boys. Now I’m not a teenage boy, but I do know that Disney has something for everyone. I have a teenage brother who loves Disney as much as anyone, despite the lack of commercials and ads directed toward his age group; and so, I sat down with him for the scoop on what Disney World has to offer teen boys like himself. But where to start? Food, of course! I mean, we are talking about teenage boys, aren’t we? So for the first installment of this new series, check out The Demographic Disney Forgot: Best Disney World Restaurants for Teen Boys.
by Disney
10. ESPN Club – My Disney Bro is a walking sports encyclopedia in a teenage body and he has been wanting to check out the ESPN Club for the past few years, but it’s just never worked out. But then, last June, we finally got the chance and it just happened to be during NBA Finals! You see, the ESPN Club is the ultimate dining destination for your sports-crazed teen as the walls are covered with dozens upon dozens of television screens and sports memorabilia. Also, this restaurant has a basketball court for a floor and even television screens in the bathroom, just so you won’t miss a minute of the game.
Lebron James on the giant ESPN Club screen!
If your teenage boy has endured a lot of princess dresses and voyages on “it’s a small world,” reward him with a ESPN Club’s VIP Premium Club Seat, where guests get a front row seat in front of the giant screen in a cushy recliner! ESPN Club doesn’t take advance dining reservations, except when it comes to these special seats. If this is something you’re interested in, call (407) WDW-DINE. Now let’s talk about the food. As you might expect, ESPN Club does serve sports bar food, but it’s anything but average and is sure to satisfy those picky, macho appetites and those willing to try anything once. If you’re playing it safe, check out the Pub Nachos or Center-Cup Top Sirloin, or maybe even the chicken and waffles; but if you’re eating adventurously, consider taking on the interesting PB&J Burger. By the way, if you plan visiting ESPN Club for a particular game, my Disney Bro recommends arriving early, especially if it’s an end of the season event. We grabbed a table forty-five minutes to an hour before game time. If you do the same, this means you will be at ESPN Club for a long time. Here’s what he suggests: order one of the many ESPN Club appetizers when you get seated and then put in your meal order when the game actually starts. Finally, the ESPN Club has a connecting arcade and shop filled with ESPN merchandise, a teen boy’s paradise!
Columbia Harbour House Clam Chowder, one of my teen’s favorite snacks!
9. Columbia Harbour House – When interviewing my Disney Bro about his favorite restaurants, he was quick to list the Magic Kingdom’s Columbia Harbour House, a quick service restaurant known for its nautical setting and seafood menu. Now not everyone likes seafood. In fact, my teenage Disney Bro isn’t really much of a fan himself, but he does love Columbia Harbour House’s fried fish and Clam Chowder. He was also quick to add that he likes the second floor of the restaurant. Most guests don’t realize that there is a second level, or that you’re allowed to go up there, but you are! It’s almost always less crowded, sometimes even empty, and with lots of corners and alcoves to retreat to and with windows looking over both Fantasyland and Liberty Square. It’s definitely one of his favorite Disney World retreats.
My Disney Bro’s favorite place to sit at Chefs de France.
8. Chefs de France – Looking to enjoy a cultural experience at Disney World, but not sure if it’s your teen’s thing? If so, my teen Disney Bro recommends Epcot’s Chefs de France. He’s not really into experimenting with his meals and could easily eat pizza and burgers every day of his life, but Chefs de France allows the rest of my family to enjoy international dining while offering something he likes too. First of all, Chefs de France is situated towards the front of Epcot’s France pavilion and is so picturesque that you can easily fool yourself into thinking you’re in Paris instead of Central Florida. The interior of the restaurant is gorgeous, but the atrium and windows at the front offer perfectly postcard views of this pavilion and give diners a chance to do a little people-watching. My Disney Bro actually likes the location, especially if we are seated by a window; but the real draw for him is Chefs de France’s menu with its Pre Fixe Menu, or three course option. Hey, all teens like to eat, right? My teen always orders the French Onion Soup, Croque Monsieur (melted ham and cheese sandwich), and the Vanilla Creme Brulee. I’ve tasted the Croque Monsieur myself and I can personally testify that it is delicious! The Gratin di Macaroni (baked mac n’ cheese) is also incredible, just so you know, and always ask for more bread when offered. My Disney Bro is convinced that the French baguettes served here is the best bread in all of Disney World.
Photo by Darren Wittko
7. San Angel Inn – I must admit, this pick from my Disney Bro surprised me. San Angel Inn is a restaurant found inside the temple at Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion. He recommends the restaurant for teens for two reasons, the first being location. The restaurant is indoors, but looks like your outdoors at night with a smoking volcano and a Mayan ruin to one side and an open-air market on the other. Also, the boats from the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros attraction float past while you dine. Despite all the activity, the restaurant itself is quiet and relaxing, but there is no shortage of things to see so he was never bored. It also wasn’t so fancy that he felt uncomfortable. The second reason is the menu. After all, what teen boy doesn’t love Mexican food? I will warn you that San Angel Inn’s menu is a little more refined than just tacos and fried rice, but it’s still sure to please your teen boy more than other international menus at Epcot.
Pastries on display at Writer’s Stop
6. Writers Stop – While most guests flock to Hollywood Studios’ Starring Rolls bakery for a sugar rush, my teenage boy likes to skip the crowds and retreat to the Writers Stop. Why? It’s tucked out of the way and is often missed by the masses, and he has a slight addiction to chocolate croissants. The Writers Stop is also a cool place because it’s like a hidden coffee shop with comfy chairs and rows of bookshelves stuffed with not only Disney books, but also novels and magazines too. Being a bit of a bookish nerd myself, I’ve found books here that I haven’t been able to find anywhere else on property. My Disney Bro likes to grab a sweet snack and get comfortable while he checks his phone and flips through a book.
Be Our Guest
5. Be Our Guest – Okay, I know what you’re thinking. What teen boy could possibly be exciting about dining in a princess castle, right? Wrong! My Disney Bro listed the Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant as one of his favorite places to grab a meal because this isn’t Cinderella’s Castle, this is the Beast’s Castle with snoring suits of armor, gargoyles guarding the bridge, and a spooky West Wing. Our family ate in the West Wing for dinner during one of our trips and loved it! The claps of thunder, changing portrait of the Beast, and enchanted wilting rose made for one memorable dinner; but we also liked the ballroom. Even my Disney Bro admits that this dining room looks just like what you see in the Beauty and the Beast film, and the variety of dining rooms is one of the reasons he likes eating here so much.
Potato Leek Soup
I must admit, I thought that Be Our Guest’s menu would be lacking in areas as the restaurants draw is the setting, not the food. But I was wrong! The menu for both lunch and dinner were delicious and pleased everyone, including my teen Disney Bro! You see, the Be Our Guest menu is a blend of French and American flavors, so it’s not too exotic for more picky eaters but still satisfying for those of us with more adventurous taste buds. My Disney Bro loves the Pommes Frites, which are really scrumptious french fries, and the Potato Leek Soup which sounds a little out there, but is actually the most delicious soup we have had at Disney World. For dinner, my carniverous teen Disney Bro springs for the Grilled Strip Steak. Our waitress said it’s one of the best steaks on property, and my Disney Bro agreed. Lastly, Be Our Guest has managed to make cupcakes masculine for your teen with the Master’s Cupcake, a chocolate cupcake topped with the restaurants’ signature “Grey Stuff.” Note: Changes are coming to Be Our Guest, read all about them here!
Your Teen Boy will never leave Trails End hungry!
4. Trails End – This Fort Wilderness restaurant is all about the rugged frontier and country cooking and is one of my teenage Disney Bro’s favorite Disney World dining destinations. Trails End has a cozy, log cabin setting with splashes of Americana and Davy Crockett adoring the walls, a much welcomed “macho” setting for the males in your family in comparison to the character meals and fancier restaurants around the Disney property. Trails End offers an a’ la carte lunch, but a buffet for breakfast and dinner. My family tends to head here for dinner towards the end of our vacation, when we’re craving something home-cooked like fried chicken, ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy, and veggies. My Disney Bro also loves the dinner option because he gets to eat what he wants and as much as he wants! Teen boys, after all, are known to have bottomless stomachs. Trails End also offers take-out when on the go or to take back to your Fort Wilderness cabin. The offerings are deliciously impressive, such as biscuits and gravy or sticky buns for breakfast and fried chicken, barbecue pork, pizza, and cobbler for dinner! So yeah, your teen boy is guaranteed to be full and satisfied after a visit to Fort Wilderness’ Trails End.
Copyright – Disney
3. Via Napoli – Ask a teen guy what he likes to eat, and I’m sure pizza will be at the top of the list. Now there are plenty of places to enjoy a slice of pizza at Disney World, but my Disney Bro hasn’t stopped talking about Via Napoli since we first dined here a year ago. For one, like many teens, he loves Italian food; but he also explained that Via Napoli’s pizza was one of the best he’s had. Via Napoli is famous for their huge wood burning ovens named after volcanoes in Italy, such as Stromboli, Mt. Etna, and Vesuvius. The ovens have stone faces, which he thought were cool. Also, Via Napoli is known for importing the flour and spring water used in their pizza dough from Italy! No wonder it tastes so good! The menu was huge with build-your-own pizza options, as well as some special pizzas and pastas and salads. Via Napoli also has delicious desserts, like Tiramisu, gelato, and more. Another thing teens will appreciate about Via Napoli is that, while very nice, it’s laidback and not overly fancy.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. Photo Courtesy of Disney
2. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater – Whenever my family and I are planning our dining reservations for our upcoming trip, my Disney Bro always votes for Hollywood Studios’ Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. Once you have seen this restaurant, it’s not hard to understand why. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater lets guests experience a vintage drive-in experience. The dining room looks like an outdoor drive-in at sunset with a giant screen showing clips of cheesy, old monster flicks, dancing snacks advertising the concession stand, and even clips of Walt Disney. My Disney Bro can’t get enough of this place. For one, you actually get to dine in an old vintage car! Cars and teen boys go together like burgers and milkshakes, which you can also enjoy at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater and which brings me to my next point: the food! We’re talking burgers, ribs, and New York Strip Streak, plus sundaes and even a hot glazed donut dessert.
Copyright – Disney
1. Le Cellier – My Disney Bro requires that we book a reservation for Canada’s Le Cellier Restaurant at Epcot when we are planning a Disney World Vacation. All teen boys love steak, and Le Cellier’s signature Filet Mignon is, according to him, the best piece of meat on property. He also raves about the restaurant’s Cheddar Cheese Soup and Pretzel Bread. He actually recommends dipping your bread in the soup, so keep that tip in mind when you visit. Now Le Cellier is hidden away in the Canada pavilion and the interior of the restaurant is meant to look like you’re dining in a cellar. My Disney Bro thinks this is pretty cool. It’s dark and out of the way, kind of like a hideout. Now if you’re thinking about dining at Le Cellier, keep in mind that this Epcot restaurant is pricey and costs two dining credits on the Disney Dining Plan; but in his opinion, this is one fine dining option that teens will enjoy just as much as their parents.
So what do you think of my teen Disney Bro’s Top 10 Favorite Disney World Restaurants? Do you think your teen would enjoy any of these dining destinations?
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The Demographic Disney Forgot: Best Disney World Restaurants for Teen Boys is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
Disney Cruise Line Adds Star Wars Day at Sea
A definitely not Photoshopped image of what to expect at Star Wars Day.
©Disney
In a refreshing change from the All Frozen, All the Time promotions throughout the Disney properties, Disney Cruise Line announced Star Wars Day at Sea for early 2016 sailings on the Fantasy. The dates are:
January 9
January 23
February 6
February 20
March 5
March 19
April 2
April 16
April 30
These are all 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries. According to Disney, these sailings will include the only at-sea showings of the latest Star Wars film, Episode VII, The Force Awakens. The day at sea will feature a deck party, Star Wars meet and greets, themed food and bev, and, of course, limited edition special merchandise.
What do you think? Reason to book a cruise? Welcome addition to a cruise you’ve already booked? Just happy it’s not princess-themed? Talk about it in the comments.
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Experiences to Enjoy in a Group of All Ages at Walt Disney World
Jenna, an awesome reader of the TouringPlans blog, told me how she traveled to Walt Disney World with her family, ranging in ages 2-82 years old. She expressed how the group wanted to stay together the entire time, but it was hard to think of different attractions the whole group could do together and enjoy.
After hearing Jenna’s story, she inspired me to put together this list of activities and attractions that would appeal to a group of all ages.
You’ll notice that I did NOT include any attractions where a guest would have to get in and out of an attraction vehicle. I did this for two reasons:
A. You won’t have to worry about height restrictions!
B. If someone is confined to a wheel chair or electric scooter, that person will not have to stand or do any walking to get on the attraction.
Also, if you see an asterisk (*) next to an attraction, that means a FastPass+ reservation can be made.
First, a few suggestions when traveling in a larger group:
FastPass+ reservations can be made 60 days in advance if you’re booked at a Disney onsite hotel and 30 days for all other guests. Use this for any attraction you really want to experience.
Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) can be made 180 days in advance. If it’s a really popular restaurant (such as Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table (currently closed for a refurb – at this time, reservations are being taken for March 6, 2015)), book ASAP! MyDisneyExperience.com is a great way to coordinate FastPass+, dining and on-site hotel reservations.
When making ADRs, remember to include any infants in your head count. I made the mistake of not counting my daughter when I made an ADR and we had to wait an additional half hour to be seated. Whoops…
Consider breaking up the day to include plenty of time for rest. It’s exhausting walking around in the Florida heat all day….especially if you’re a young child or senior citizen.
Be sure to set aside plenty of time to get to your destination. That way, you’ll be covered should any unforeseen delays occur within the group.
Okay I’m done blabbing. Let’s get started!
Meet Mickey at Town Square Theatre* – It all started with a mouse, so jump at the chance to meet the Big Cheese himself!
Mickey’s PhilharMagic* – Fantasyland
Festival of Fantasy Parade* – If you’re worried about standing throughout the parade, view it from the balcony of the Main Street, U.S.A. railroad station. It provides a great view and allows you to sit and relax.
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor* – Tomorrowland
Wishes! Nighttime Spectacular* – A beautiful fireworks display.
Liberty Square River Boat – Liberty Square
Dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant - Fantasyland. Watch the cascading snow, explore the rooms of the castle. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Carousel of Progress – Tomorrowland. A great way to cool off and reminisce about the good ole’ days.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth* – World Showcase. A fireworks show that will bring tears to your eyes. Gets me every time!
Venture inside the Seas Pavilion – Catch a glimpse inside Epcot’s 5.9 million gallon aquarium and view the sea creatures within.
Explore the World Showcase – There is something here for everyone. “So much to learn and see!” Here I am quoting Sofia the First. Clearly I have a child.
Club Cool – Future World. Try different Coca Cola flavors from around the world!
Turtle Talk with Crush* – Future World
Voices of Liberty – A flawless a capella group found in the American Adventure.
Innoventions – Future World. Fun interactive games and activities for the whole family!
Teppan Edo – Japan Pavilion. All eyes are on the chef as he/she prepares your meal in a complex and entertaining way.
Serveur Amusant - France Pavilion. A French acrobat who balances from great heights on chairs and…wine bottles?
Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage* – Sunset Boulevard. A tale as old as time….I know I know, so cheesy. I couldn’t help myself!
Fantasmic!*- Sunset Boulevard. Mickey brings you on an adventure of good vs. evil. Who will prevail?!
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular*- Echo Lake
Lights, Motors, Action*- Streets of America. A stunt show full of crashes, fire and explosions!
Voyage of the Little Mermaid * – Animation Courtyard
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre Restaurant – Streets of America. Sit inside classic automobiles as you eat and view campy clips at this drive-in theatre.
Shop along Hollywood Boulevard – So many shops and fun merchandise to peruse!
50’s Prime Time Cafe – Echo Lake. Keep those elbows off the table and make sure you take off your hat…or Ma will do it for you.
Festival of the Lion King * – Africa. Amazing costumes and acrobatics. A must see!
Finding Nemo: The Musical* – DinoLand, U.S.A.
Flights of Wonder – Asia. Get a close-up look at dazzling and exotic birds.
Rainforest Cafe – The Oasis
It’s Tough to Be a Bug* – Discovery Island. Shrink down to the size of an insect in this cute and engaging show.
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail – Africa
Tusker House Restaurant – Africa. Meet Donald and Daisy among other Disney characters while you eat a scrumptious meal.
On Disney Property
Enjoy time by (or in) the pool – Sip on a cool beverage while the kids swim or take a relaxing dip yourself.
Electrical Water Pageant – An oldie but a goodie. Be sure to catch this attraction from a Magic Kingdom Resort.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – Fort Wilderness
Fireworks Specialty Cruise - Enjoy a nighttime cruise with loved ones as you watch the Wishes or IllumiNations fireworks.
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show – Polynesian Resort. A luau full of food and dancing!
Walk along the BoardWalk – This is something I must do every time I visit Walt Disney World. Such a welcoming atmosphere.
Roast marshmallows over a campfire- see a list of resorts that offer this here.
Do some shopping at Downtown Disney.
Watch a movie under the stars! – A great way to decompress after a busy day at the parks.
Have you traveled in a large, multi-aged group? What suggestions do you have? Let me know in the comments!
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Experiences to Enjoy in a Group of All Ages at Walt Disney World is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
February 10, 2015
Your Disney Trip Planning Timeline
By Len Testa
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World and reading this blog, you’ll have already seen multiple references to certain milestone dates for your vacation: You can make most restaurant reservations 180 days in advance of your arrival, for example. And that got us talking about what a comprehensive Disney trip planning timeline would look like.
Sure, we’ve tackled trip planning subjects before, including Erin Foster’s and Evan Levy’s excellent Trip Planning 101 series. But we’ve never tried to fit an entire timeline into one page…until now.
Let us know in the comments if we’ve missed anything.
9 to 12 months before your trip starts
You probably already have a general idea of when you want to visit Disney World. What the trip will cost you, however, may be a surprise. Take a couple of evenings to plan out a budget, an approximate time of year, and narrow down your hotel choices.
Establish a budget. This blog article shows how much Disney vacation you can get for $500, $1000, $1500, and $2000, for various family sizes.
Begin researching resorts and best times of year to visit to avoid crowds.
There are some discounts that Disney puts out about the same time every year. Check Mousesavers.com for a list of these regular discounts, when they’re usually announced, and the travel dates they cover.
Create an account at MyDisneyExperience.com. You’ll need this to make hotel, dining, and ride reservations later.
Make a preliminary resort reservation. It’ll typically require a deposit equal to one night’s stay, and it guarantees you a room. You can change or cancel it without penalty for several months while you continue researching, too.
Research whether trip insurance makes sense for your situation. If you’re traveling to Disney World during peak hurricane season, it might be more worthwhile. Third-party policies, such as those from InsureMyTrip, are usually cheaper than Disney’s trip insurance, and often more comprehensive.
Disney Vacation Club members can make reservations at their home resorts starting 11 months prior to their trip.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, make sure your family’s passports and visas are sorted. Passports typically need to be valid for 6 months beyond your travel dates. An electronic U.S. visa is typically good for 2 years from the date of issue, if you need one. See travel.state.gov/content/visas/english.html for details.
7 to 9 months before your trip starts
Learn all about Disney World restaurants in this part of your trip planning. When Disney’s dining system opens to you (at your 180-day mark), you’ll be ready to make reservations.
Research sit-down restaurants to see which might interest you. We have a complete set of reviews, menus, and prices for every Disney World restaurant, all searchable.
If you’re planning to stay at a Disney hotel, also review the Disney Dining Plan to see if it’ll save you money on the restaurants you’ve identified. With these two steps you’re ready to make dining reservations at the 180-day mark.
Check the best days to visit each park using our Disney World crowd calendar and pick which parks you’ll visit on each day of your trip.
Disney Vacation Club members can make reservations outside their home resorts starting 7 months before their trip.
180 days
You can make advance dining, recreation and other reservations up to 180 days before your trip begins.
Make sit-down dining reservations beginning at 6 a.m. Eastern online or 7 a.m. by phone: (407) WDW-DINE.
Check back on the economics of the Disney Dining Plan after you’ve made dining reservations to verify it’s still saving you money. If not, drop it from your package.
Make reservations for:
Recreation activities, such as boating, by phone: (407) WDW-PLAY
Disney spa treatments: (407) WDW-SPAS
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: (407) WDW-STYLE
Theme park dessert parties: (407) WDW-DINE
4 to 6 months
Now you’ll become familiar with the rides, shows, and attractions at Disney World’s four theme parks, and start planning what you’ll see each day. Doing this now will help identify any potential bottlenecks, which you can address using Disney’s FastPass+ ride reservation system (and our touring plans!). You’ll be able to make FastPass+ reservations in a few weeks.
Review the attractions and shows available in the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Make a list of must see attractions in each park. If your children are unsure about experiencing a particular attraction, try previewing it for them via YouTube videos.
Begin a preliminary touring plan for each park once you’ve got a list of attractions, using the dates you chose previously to visit each park.By starting your touring plan now, you’ll be able to see which attractions would benefit from FastPass+ reservations, which you can make 60 or 30 days before your trip.You’ll also see whether you’ll need the “park hopper” option on your theme park tickets, which you’ll purchase later.
120 days
If you haven’t already done so, purchase park admission at least this far in advance. Use our Least Expensive Ticket Calculator to find the best discounts on Disney tickets.
Link your tickets to your MyDisneyExperience account so that you can make FastPasses at the 30 or 60 day mark.
If you’ll need a stroller while you’re in the parks, you can save money by renting from a third-party company. Several will drop off and pick up at your resort or vacation home.
60 days
Theme for this week is “The 3 F’s”: FastPass, fitness, and refunds. (Put an emphasis on the ‘f’ in refunds if you need to.)
Disney resort guests can make FastPass+ reservations beginning at midnight Eastern. Once you know your FastPass+ reservations, update your touring plans and we’ll make sure you get to those attractions on time.
Start a walking regimen so that you’re ready for the 7-to-10 miles per day you may be walking in Walt Disney World.
You have 2 weeks to cancel most Disney vacation packages without penalty; room-only reservations can be cancelled without penalty until 5 days before arrival (6 if booked online).
You can start your online check-in at Disney resorts 60 days before your arrival.
45 days
Final payment is due for Disney vacation packages. Final payment for room-only reservations is due at check-in.
Customize and order your Magic Bands (if you’re staying on-site).
Make Magical Express reservations (if you’re flying) or other transportation arrangements.
If you want to switch resorts or make dining reservations, check for any availability from people who cancelled their vacations at the 45 day mark.
30 days
Off-site guests can make Fastpass+ reservations beginning at midnight Eastern.
Confirm park hours with our crowd calendar and finish preliminary touring plans.
Download Lines to your Apple or Android phone, so you can follow your touring plan and get updates while you’re in the parks.
14 days
Order your groceries to be delivered to your resort. We recommend GardenGrocer.
If you’re flying to the U.S. from another country, complete the APIS (Advance Passenger Information and Secure Flight) process at least 72 hours prior to your flight. You should be able to do this through your airline’s website, or make sure your travel agent has your information. You’ll need the address where you will be staying in the US, so be certain to have your hotel’s address handy when completing this form.
6 days
Last chance to cancel Disney room-only reservations booked online without a penalty. Call (407) WDI-SNEY to do so.
5 days
Fax your room request to Disney. We can do this for you automatically!
Last day to cancel Disney room-only reservations booked by phone or travel agent, without a penalty.
Check the weather forecast for Orlando and start packing.
4 days
Purchase Disney’s Memory Maker photo package at least 3 days in advance to ensure all photos are linked as soon as you arrive. You’ll also get a $30 discount by purchasing in advance.
1 day before leaving
Check in to your airline online
Finish Disney resort online check-in, if you’ve not already done so.
Cancel any unneeded dining or babysitting reservations
Do one last check of park hours and weather
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Universal Crowd Calendar Report – February 1 to 7, 2015
Although our Universal Crowd Calendar missed by one level some days last week it perfectly matched the shape of how crowds flowed day-to-day. Our wait time predictions tended to be a little high last week but not by much.
Let’s look at how the crowd levels stacked up each day last week on the TouringPlans.com Universal Crowd Calendar Report:
Universal Orlando Resort Crowd Levels – Daily Breakdown
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Universal Studios
4
3
Islands of Adventure saw really low wait times last Sunday, three levels lower than expected on our scale. Flight of the Hippogriff averaged 16 minutes, 10 minutes less than expected.
Islands of Adventure
5
2
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Universal Studios
3
3
Monday’s crowds were much more in line with what the calendar predicted. Men in Black (11 mins), ET Adventure (14) and Revenge of the Mummy (11) all matched our predictions for average wait time on Monday.
Islands of Adventure
3
2
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Universal Studios
3
3
Another ‘3’ for Universal Studios and ‘2’ for Islands of Adventure on Tuesday. Spider-Man had an average wait of 18 minutes (predicted 27) while Forbidden Journey averaged 30 minutes (predicted 23).
Islands of Adventure
3
2
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Universal Studios
3
2
Wednesday saw Universal Studios reach a level ‘2’ on our scale, its lowest level of the week. That means average waits like 17 minutes at Disaster! and 15 at Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
Islands of Adventure
2
2
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Universal Studios
3
2
Islands of Adventure reached its lowest level of the week on Thursday. A 5 minute average for Dragon Challenge, 7 for Hulk Coaster and 6 for Cat in the Hat paved the way for low waits across the parks.
Islands of Adventure
2
1
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Universal Studios
4
4
Wait times jumped slightly higher on Friday driven by increases at Rip Ride Rockit (43 minutes) and Despicable Me (49 minutes).
Islands of Adventure
4
2
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Universal Studios
7
5
Saturday’s crowds were fairly moderate considering Universal Studios hosted a Mardi Gras Concert event. Both parks came in at two levels lower than expected.
Islands of Adventure
6
4
What to Expect This Week
February 8 to 14, 2015
How Crowded is Universal Orlando Resort?
Presidents Day and Mardi Gras will bring busy parks next week so visitors to Universal should enjoy the moderate crowds until this Friday when the influx begins.
To see Universal Orlando Resort Crowd predictions for the days of your vacation, check the Crowd Calendar.
To get details about our predictions of future crowds or details about crowds in the past check out the Crowd Calendar and select “Jump to Date” on the left margin.
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Universal Crowd Calendar Report – February 1 to 7, 2015 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
Disneyland Crowd Calendar Report – February 1 to 7, 2015
Once again, last week brought higher than expected crowds on the weekends but lower than expected crowds during the week. The crowd calendar projections matched that shape, as you can see, although we missed by one or two levels each day.
Let’s look at how the crowd levels stacked up each day last week on the TouringPlans.com Disneyland Crowd Calendar Report:
Disneyland Resort Crowd Levels – Daily Breakdown
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Disneyland Park
6
7
Near perfect predictions by the crowd calendar on Super Bowl Sunday. Monsters Inc. at Disney California Adventure was a surprise with a 30 minute average wait (predicted 12).
Disney California Adventure
7
7
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Disneyland Park
3
2
Monday’s crowds returned to the levels we have seen lately for weekdays across the resort. Attraction level predictions did well with only a few exceptions. We projected a 21 minute average at Indiana Jones Adventure, it was 20.
Disney California Adventure
4
2
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Disneyland Park
3
3
Tuesday’s crowds were lower than average, once again, especially at Disney California Adventure. We saw averages like 15 minutes at Tower of Terror (predicted 18) and 26 at Toy Story Midway Mania (31).
Disney California Adventure
4
2
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Disneyland Park
2
2
Like Monday, Wednesday brought level ‘2’s at both parks. That translates to average wait times like 11 minutes at Big Thunder Mountain, 17 at Finding Nemo Submarines and 15 at Roger Rabbits Car Toon Spin.
Disney California Adventure
3
2
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Disneyland Park
2
3
Wait times on Thursday pushed the crowd levels up one level from Wednesday to level ‘3’s at both parks. By comparison, we saw averages like 15 at Big Thunder, 20 at Finding Nemo and 17 at Car Toon Spin.
Disney California Adventure
3
3
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Disneyland Park
4
3
Friday brought an increase to wait times at Disney California Adventure, its highest level since Sunday. Tower of Terror hit 43 minutes, Toy Story Midway Mania 37.
Disney California Adventure
5
5
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Disneyland Park
7
9
Saturday continues to be the busiest day of the week during the off-season. Every attraction had a double-digit average wait and only its a small world averaged less than 20 minutes.
Disney California Adventure
6
9
What to Expect This Week
February 8 to 14, 2015
How Crowded is Disneyland Resort?
Presidents Day and Mardi Gras are fast approaching and since they occur in the same week this year we expect to see very busy parks. This week is the last chance for locals to experience moderate crowds before the mid-February rush.
To see Disneyland Resort Crowd predictions for the days of your vacation, check the Crowd Calendar.
To get details about our predictions of future crowds or details about crowds in the past check out the Crowd Calendar and select “Jump to Date” on the left margin.
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Disneyland Crowd Calendar Report – February 1 to 7, 2015 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
Disney World Crowd Calendar Report – Feburary 1 to 6, 2015
Crowds at Walt Disney World were down last week compared to last year, especially on Monday through Thursday. We saw wait times dip five to ten minutes lower than expected, on average. We also saw a very rare event on Thursday when all four parks hit a level ‘1’ on our scale. Park hours were increased several days as we predicted on our February Preview article.
Let’s look at how the crowd levels stacked up each day last week on the Touringplans.com Disney World Crowd Calendar Report:
Walt Disney World Resort Crowd Levels – Daily Breakdown
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
5
4
We were surprised when the crowd calendar predicted a level ‘8’ at Animal Kingdom when the other three parks were relatively moderate, even though it hosted Extra Magic Hour morning. But, it turned out accurate with average waits like 24 minutes at Dinosaur (predicted 38) and 33 minutes at Primeval Whirl (predicted 30).
Epcot
4
3
Hollywood Studios
4
3
Animal Kingdom
8
8
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
6
3
Animal Kingdom’s wait times dropped dramatically and unexpectedly on Monday. Dinosaur’s average dipped to 17 minutes and Primeval Whirl to 10 minutes. Kilimanjaro Safaris averaged 16 minutes (predicted 20).
Epcot
4
3
Hollywood Studios
4
5
Animal Kingdom
6
2
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
5
3
Tuesday’s wait times continued the low wait time trend that we would see for four consecutive days last week. At Magic Kingdom only Peter Pan’s Flight (64 minutes) had an average wait time above 35.
Epcot
3
3
Hollywood Studios
3
2
Animal Kingdom
3
1
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
4
2
On Wednesday both Epcot and Hollywood Studios reached the lowest level on our scale thanks to average waits like 47 minutes at Test Track (predicted 51) and 57 at Toy Story Midway Mania (63).
Epcot
2
1
Hollywood Studios
4
1
Animal Kingdom
3
3
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
4
1
Here it is! The rare day where all four parks hit a level ‘1’. We expect these low waits to happen in September, January or on days in off-season where the weather is particularly cold or rainy so seeing it last Thursday was a surprise. Super Headliners can still have substantial waits on a level ‘1’ day however, like Toy Story Midway Mania which averaged 53 minutes.
Epcot
3
1
Hollywood Studios
2
1
Animal Kingdom
2
1
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
6
6
Friday’s crowds returned to levels predicted by the crowd calendar. In fact, predictions at all four parks proved accurate. Toy Story Midway Mania averaged 62 minutes, by comparison.
Epcot
4
4
Hollywood Studios
3
3
Animal Kingdom
5
5
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
6
4
In Fall 2014 we noticed that Saturdays at The Studios were much busier than history would suggest. Now, we’re seeing wait times go the other direction on Saturdays. We haven’t seen a level ‘2’ on a Saturday at The Studios in quite some time.
Epcot
5
3
Hollywood Studios
7
2
Animal Kingdom
6
7
What to Expect This Week
February 8 to 14, 2015
How Crowded is Walt Disney World?
This week is the last week guests can enjoy moderate crowds before the influx of guests to the resort for Presidents Day, Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day.
To see Walt Disney World Crowd predictions for the days of your vacation, check the Crowd Calendar.
To get details about our predictions of future crowds or details about crowds in the past check out the Crowd Calendar and select “Jump to Date” on the left margin.
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Disney World Crowd Calendar Report – Feburary 1 to 6, 2015 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
February 9, 2015
Menu Monday: The Best World Showcase Pavilions for Drinking
Whether you’re attempting to drink around the world or simply want to stop in at one of your favorite spots in World Showcase, there’s no denying that Epcot is a great place to kick back and have a few. A lot of that has to do with the fact that you can take in the sights and sounds of different cultures from around the world in a single day. Many park guests have made it their mission to have a drink in every single one of the World Showcase countries in one day, which isn’t a task to take lightly. If you’d rather just sample a drink or two and need help prioritizing which countries to hit up, you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find my list of the best countries to drink in at World Showcase in Epcot. When I originally set out to do this list, I was going to rank all the pavilions from best to worst but found that a lot of my descriptions were the same because frankly there isn’t that much to do in a lot them drinking wise besides take in the architecture, walk around the gift shop and move on. With that in mind, I decided to limit the list to the five best pavilions.
I based my rankings on five categories. Each category is scored on a 5-point scale, so there is a total possible score of 25 points. The categories are:
Drink Selection
This category focuses on the amount of different drinks available in the pavilion and whether or not they’re any good.
Drink Availability
Nobody likes waiting in line to get a drink. The more places you can order a drink from within a pavilion means less time waiting between drinks. A higher score means less congested drink ordering and more places that serve.
Atmosphere/Immersion
Theming is a huge part of Disney Parks. Any area should make you feel as if you’ve been transported to wherever the theme is emulating. This is especially true for World Showcase pavilions. A higher score means a higher level of immersion.
Food
What’s drinking without great food? Table service dining doesn’t factor into this ranking. Instead, this category ranks the pavilion’s “bar food” style offerings. Think of foods that you can grab on the go or eat quickly before moving onto your next drinking destination.
Entertainment
Live entertainment and outdoor drinking go hand in hand. A higher score means more quality live entertainment offerings. You may not be able to take that drink with you onto an attraction but you can enjoy it while listening to a great band.
After the score, you’ll also find my drink of choice for each pavilion. With that, here are the best World Showcase pavilions for drinking at Epcot.
5. Morocco
Morocco is a surprisingly deep pavilion. What I mean by this is that most pavilions usually consist of a table service restaurant, a counter service restaurant, some kind of food/beverage stand and a gift shop. Morocco though is very immersive if you take the time to explore. There’s actually a lot to take in ambiance-wise the further you go back into the pavilion. It’s winding and has a sense of verticality that makes you feel like you’re actually walking the alleyways of the country. You can be outside in certain areas and not be able to see anything else in Epcot, which is a level of immersion I really appreciate. I think people often skip Morocco because it’s the most different of the pavilions but you’d be missing out if you didn’t grab a drink and take the time to explore it for a little while.
When talking about drinks at the Morocco pavilion, you’ll probably hear a lot of people bring up their Sangria. I was underwhelmed though. Sangria Sunday was a thing at one of the bars at my college and it tasted much better than what the Morocco pavilion has to offer. It was also only $5 for a pitcher but that’s a whole different issue.
As for food, your best bet is to grab something from Tangierine Café. Personally, I don’t usually stop to eat in Morocco but I’m also not the most adventurous eater so keep that in mind. (Ed. – Tangierine Café is one of the our staff’s two favorite counter service restaurants at Epcot. The other is Sunshine Seasons, but no one wants to drink there.) Although, if want, you can pretend you’re one of The Avengers and eat shawarma, which is pretty awesome.
Drink Selection: 3/5
Drink Availability: 3/5
Atmosphere/Immersion: 5/5
Food: 2/5
Entertainment: 3/5
TOTAL: 16/25
Drink of choice: Habibi Daiquiri or go for a Mimosa if you just woke up.
4. Germany
The plaza in the Germany Pavilion
Even without taking Biergarten into consideration, Germany is still a great pavilion to have a drink in. There’s folk dancing and music, which are both sure to get you in a festive drinking mood. There’s also Weinkeller, which isn’t quite a full bar but is a great place to relax and hang out at one of the standing tables. It definitely fosters an environment where you’ll not only have fun with your own group but maybe even make friends with other guests as well. Sommerfest also offers all the kinds of foods that you’d want after having a few beers. I’d personally recommend the nudel gratin, which is basically macaroni and cheese but there’s no need to mess with a classic. My favorite part, however, is a miniature German village complete with model trains. It’s incredibly detailed and something completely unique to the Germany pavilion within World Showcase. Have a beer and watch some trains.
Drink Selection: 4/5
Drink Availability: 3/5
Atmosphere/Immersion: 4/5
Food: 5/5
Entertainment: 2/5
TOTAL: 18/25
Drink of choice: Beer, duh! Last time, my girlfriend got the Schofferhofer Grapefruit, which I tried. I would definitely get my own next time.
3. Italy
Italy is arguably the most beautiful pavilion in terms of architecture. As mentioned earlier, I think ambiance is a key factor in determining where you want to hang out and have a drink. Even with its stunning architecture, until 2012, Italy wouldn’t be on this list. What puts it this high now is Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar. Opened in 2012, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar is arguably the most relaxing drinking experience at Epcot. If you want a quieter, more intimate environment in which to drink, I’d definitely recommend spending most of your time in the Italy pavilion. They also serve Meatball Sliders, which is pretty much perfect when it comes to bar food. Also, even if you’re not a wine drinker, you can go to the Italian Gelato Kiosk and grab a Moretti, which is a good Italian beer that I’ve also had at Via Napoli.
Drink Selection: 5/5
Drink Availability: 4/5
Atmosphere/Immersion: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Entertainment: 3/5
TOTAL: 20/25
Drink of choice: I’ve got to be honest. I’m not a wine connoisseur. I usually ask my server what to get while we’re there, which involves him or her giving me something delicious off of my horribly vague description of what tastes I like. There are over 200 bottles available so if there isn’t something you like, that’s on you.
This is where the list gets seriously contentious. Either could’ve been my favorite country to drink in (They actually have a tie score!) but as of this writing I went with my gut. #2 and #1 are definitely the closest as far as quality drinking experiences in World Showcase.
2. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom pavilion is a great place to drink thanks to its combination of outdoor entertainment and a lively pub where I could easily spend more than a couple of hours. As for the former, you could have a drink while laughing out loud at an improvisation group in the spirit of British comedy or even see a cover band of some of England’s most legendary rock groups like The Beatles or The Who. If that was all the UK pavilion had to offer, it’d still be awesome but we’re not done yet.
The Rose & Crown is the best pub in Disney World that isn’t named Raglan Road. Although it can get too crowded at times, one of the things I love about Rose & Crown is the piano player. She plays festive songs while interacting with patrons and incorporating them into the music.
The food and drink offerings aren’t too shabby either. This is the best beer selection you’re going to get at any of the Disney parks. If you’re hungry, I’d recommend getting Fish & Chips, which are available in the Rose & Crown or outside at Yorkshire County Fish Shop. With Rose & Crown being crowded on the busier days, it’s good to know that I can still get good food and beer at Yorkshire right outside.
UK Pavilion Fun Fact: They decided on the name Rose and Crown because “Rose” and “Crown” were the two most common names found in British pubs.
Drink Selection: 5/5
Drink Availability: 5/5
Atmosphere/Immersion: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Entertainment: 5/5
TOTAL: 23/25
Drink of choice: For beer, go Golden (half Bass, half Stella). If I want a cocktail, I usually get the Welsh Dragon.
1. Mexico
The Mexico pavilion is unique in that it’s mostly indoors but still creates the illusion of being outside at nighttime. You first ascend the steps of the Mayan temple where you’ll usually encounter Mariachi Cobre performing, and then enter a lobby filled with various pieces of art before finally descending into a marketplace beneath a faux starry night sky.
The drinking centerpiece of this pavilion is La Cava Del Tequila. Ask any Disney drinker what their favorite bar is in all of Disney World and I bet you’d get La Cava Del Tequila more than any other answer. The ambiance is warm and welcoming thanks to the variety of seating options from standing tables to comfy chairs but lively enough that you can’t help but be excited to drink. It’s not only a great bar but the servers are excellent as well. I was last there on New Year’s Eve (aka the busiest day of the year at Disney World) and I was impressed at how well they handled the crowds. There was a short wait to get our drinks but it was hardly the disaster I was expecting.
I don’t pretend to have any level of knowledge when it comes to tequila but the staff there is always helpful and friendly when I need some assistance in making a drink choice. Every time we drink in Epcot, we always start out with a tequila shot in Mexico and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Drink Selection: 5/5
Drink Availability: 5/5
Atmosphere/Immersion: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Entertainment: 3/5
TOTAL: 23/25
Drink of choice: Tequila shot and a Dos Equis Lager.
After putting this list together, it’s surprising that most of the pavilions don’t offer a whole lot to do in terms of drinking. The best of them are great but the amount of actual bars is lower than you’d expect. While I’m sure this is a purposeful move by Disney so as to not turn Epcot into Bourbon Street, it’d be nice to have at least one more full service bar to alleviate crowds at current ones. Give me a colonial pub in the America pavilion so I can drink like a Founding Father! That’s just my opinion, though. I want to hear from all of you. Which is your favorite country to drink in and why? Let us know in the comments below.
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Menu Monday: The Best World Showcase Pavilions for Drinking is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
February 8, 2015
Hollywood Studios AtMousePhere: The Music of the Backlot
By Claire Nat
Happy Sunday everyone!
Our AtMousePhere segment this time around features the music of the Backlot in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. No, not the permanently-closed Backlot Tour, but the area in the back of the park that includes Commissary Lane and the Streets of America heading all the way back to Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.
(I also figured I should get this article out while this area still exists in this form…)
This area features many different varieties of music because the area has many different attractions and shows. We’ll break down the music based on that wonderful variety you can find! Let’s get started.
Assistance for this article was taken from ParkTunes.com.
If you are a fan of the Muppets and their movies, then you will be singing along to these great instrumental versions of their most popular tunes! From The Muppet Movie are the songs “The Rainbow Connection,” “I Hope that Something Better Comes Along,” and my favorite of the bunch, “Movin’ Right Along.” From The Great Muppet Caper are “Hey, a Movie!” and “Steppin’ Out With a Star,” and from The Muppets Take Manhattan are “Together Again,” “I’m Gonna Always Love You,” and “Right Where I Belong.” There are others, but the biggest standout of the bunch is from The Muppet Show, “Mahna Mahna.” (Doo-doooooooo-doo-doo-doot!)
One of the times where the Streets of America gets loud!
This is one of the few areas that has no music, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any audio! Instead, the sounds you hear are the sounds of traffic – cars and trucks driving past, horns honking, and other fun audios. This is a wonderfully peaceful area (unless you’re there during the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights), and the music of the area fits that perfectly.
Commissary Lane
This small area doesn’t house much, but if you enjoy ABC shows you should probably stroll down this lane once on your vacation. The reason? They play theme tunes from various television shows past and present! From classics like Batman and Betwitched to themes from the past 20 years, like Home Improvement, Roseanne, and as recent as Grey’s Anatomy, you’ll probably hear something that you recognize!
I love this little corner of the park, and while it might be experiencing some large changes in the next few years (if you believe the rumors), it still provides a great place to perk up your ears and listen to something that enhances the experience!
Do you get a kick out of the Muppet instrumental music? Do you instinctively look around you as you hear the traffic sounds in the Streets of America to make sure a car isn’t going to cut you off? What television theme songs do you enjoy hearing in Commissary Lane? Comment below!
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Hollywood Studios AtMousePhere: The Music of the Backlot is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
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