Bob Sehlinger's Blog, page 1214
July 6, 2014
Nature’s Wonderland: The Disney Wilderness Preserve
Cypress trees along Lake Russell at the Disney Wilderness Preserve
The land Walt Disney World is built upon is often described simply as swamp. But like any simple explanation, the word “swamp” doesn’t come close to describing the complex truth. Walt Disney World Resort’s hotels and theme parks are carved out a unique blend of cypress swamp, longleaf pine savannas, and sandy palmetto scrublands–diverse ecosystems that probably deserve their own dioramas in Epcot’s “Living With the Land.” It’s a complex ecology of water and land that begins right on Disney property, and is intertwined with life on the Florida peninsula all the way south to the Florida Keys. Visiting Walt Disney World can give you a taste of Florida’s natural wonders, but for a really good look, visit The Disney Wilderness Preserve.
You’ll get a taste of what Reedy Creek and Bay Lake looked like back when Walt Disney was surveying the land. Just head off the beaten path, driving south of the tourist areas in Kissimmee. Beyond the miniature golf and the go-kart tracks you’ll find The Disney Wilderness Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy. It’s a native Floridian landscape of cypress domes, floodplain forests, and palmetto uplands. After a hike through this unique and delicate country, you’ll come away with not just a greater idea of the land through Walt’s eyes, but the deep ties between humanity and the land.
Partners in Preservation
A Sandhill Crane at Disney Wilderness Preserve. These birds can stand as tall as 5 feet and have an incredibly loud call.
Photo: Keenan Adams, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southeast
The Disney Wilderness Preserve began a new chapter in conserving Florida’s land and water. Most new development in Florida requires wetlands mitigation–if wetland habitat is destroyed for construction, new habitat must be created.
But instead of creating a few acres of isolated wetland in newly urbanized areas, The Walt Disney Company bought a massive piece of threatened habitat: an 8500-acre cattle ranch near Kissimmee, home to the unspoiled, undeveloped Lake Russell. They transferred the land to The Nature Conservancy, one of the largest conservation groups in the world.
The Nature Conservancy has restored the land following its decades of use as a typical Florida cattle ranch, when it was criss-crossed with drainage canals and planted in bahia grass. Today its pine uplands and palmetto savannas are managed with prescribed burns–managed wildfires for fire-dependent habitats–and its habitats are the sites of studies with a variety of scientists.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with Red-cockaded woodpeckers on the preserve; a team from Disney’s Animal Kingdom is studying a massive rookery of the threatened wood stork; the National Ecological Observatory Network and the University of Central Florida are studying carbon storage and climate change.
The residents of the Disney Wilderness Preserve include Florida icons like alligators, but also armadillos, gopher tortoise, fox squirrels, and the southeastern big-eared bat. The birding is incredible–watch for red-cockaded woodpeckers, the threatened wood stork, families of sandhill cranes, and birds of prey like the crested caracara, the northern harrier, and the bald eagle. The preserve is a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail.
The Disney Wilderness Preserve and “The Northern Everglades”
Today, the Disney Wilderness Preserve stretches across 11,500 acres, thanks to a neighboring purchase from the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (wetlands mitigation of their own, for airport expansions), and is a model of modern wetlands preservation. It’s also the northernmost reach and a point of pride in the new Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, a multi-governmental initiative which aims to protect 150,000 acres of what is now thought of as “The Northern Everglades,” from Orlando to Lake Okeechobee.
And Reedy Creek, which Disney fans know as the namesake of the Reedy Creek Improvement District (the government that manages Walt Disney World Resort property), is one of the Everglades’ northernmost headwaters.
A sign on SR-528, near John Young Parkway, reminds Orlando residents and visitors alike that the Everglades is all around.
The Everglades are often thought of as a south Florida swampland, far from Orlando’s theme parks. But Reedy Creek and Shingle Creek, which runs along John Young Parkway (near Sea World and the Orange County Convention Center) are two of the Everglades’ earliest headwaters. They eventually lead to the Kissimmee River, a meandering flow through thousands of acres of wetlands, and on to Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades itself.
The Everglades watershed and the Everglades itself provide water to 40 percent of Florida’s residents, and its slow-moving nature allows it to absorb many feet of rain from summer deluges and hurricanes alike. But twentieth-century enterprise, from cattle ranches, vegetable farming, and subdivisions, ditched the wetlands and sent water hurtling south, bypassing its normal meanders and wetlands.
As late as the 1960s, the Kissimmee River was dredged into a 30-foot deep canal, eliminating its 103 miles of oxbows, wetlands, and floodplains. Animal life vanished. The bald eagle population diminished by 70 percent; 90 percent of waterfowl disappeared, and oxygen depletion destroyed fish populations.
But the dependent nature of Florida’s ecosystems meant the damage went further than the lost river. A typical rainy season now meant high water levels in reservoirs. When excess water was flushed to the coast from Lake Okeechobee and other holding basins, it devastated saltwater life in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Florida floodplains: grasslands with hardwood hammocks and longleaf pine uplands are common to the Northern Everglades region, such as at the Disney Wilderness Preserve.
Restoring the natural flow of water–slow, meandering drifts through miles-wide floodplains–has been a vital piece of Florida conservation and the region’s future. The Kissimmee River is midway through a restoration, partly funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who first diverted the water. Wildlife populations responded almost immediately to the return of the floodplains and wetlands. And bald eagles have become a common sight even in the Disney resort area.
Visiting the Disney Wilderness Preserve
Seemingly a thousand miles away from civilization (but really about 27 miles from the Magic Kingdom), an interpretive center welcomes guests to the wilderness. Outside the doors of this Green Building, a 2.5 mile hiking trail beckons, giving visitors a sampling of natural Florida. The paths wander through saw palmetto (a dense shrub that resembles a palm tree) thickets, to the cypress-ringed beauty of Lake Russell, to longleaf pine flatlands and oak hammocks.
Ranging out into the Florida scrub and wetlands, even on a well-marked gravel path, requires a certain amount of outfitting and timing. Mornings are best, especially in the summer months, to avoid the heat of the day and afternoon thunderstorms. There isn’t much shade in these habitats, so a hat is a good idea. Sunblock, drinking water, closed shoes, and a generous application of insect repellant are a must. If you’re visiting in the rainy season (June-October) or after a significant rainfall, expect some trails to have wet or flooded patches.
The Disney Wilderness Preserve is located at 2700 Scrub Jay Trail, Kissimmee, FL, 34759. Typical hours are Sunday-Friday, 9 AM- 5 PM. Trails may be closed for inclement weather or bad conditions. Call ahead at 507-935-0002 to check on operating hours, trail conditions, or guided trail opportunities. Some areas of the preserve are only available on guided tours, including southern areas where the endangered Florida Scrub Jay nests. Visit The Disney Wilderness Preserve at nature.org for more information.
Please welcome Natalie Reinert to the TouringPlans blog. You can find more of Natalie’s work at Families Go Travel, Glass Slipper Concierge, and That Dis Family.
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July 5, 2014
Hidden Details of the Magic Kingdom
There are many reasons why the Disney Parks stand apart from other theme parks around the world, but one of the biggest has to be Disney’s incredible attention to detail. You can see the extra mile in the form of details just about everywhere on Disney property, from attractions to parade costumes to resorts to transportation to even the bathrooms! Personally, I love the details. They are not only appealing to the eye and fun to find, but almost always meaningful to the history of an attraction or to the story the Imagineers are trying to tell. My favorite place to look for details has to be Walt Disney World’s original park; and so for today, I’m going to zero in on just a few details that most guests miss when visiting the park. Take a look at the hidden details of the Magic Kingdom!
Please welcome Savannah Sanders to the TouringPlans blog team. Savannah’s first trip to Walt Disney World was as an infant. When she’s not traveling to the parks, Savannah teaches high school history, which explains her particular expertise in the details (historic and not) of the theme parks.
Walt Disney window over The Plaza Restaurant.
There are actually two windows on Main Street, U.S.A., that bear Walt Disney’s name. The first can be found on the train station facing the entrance. You can see it when passing through the turnstiles. The other can be found above The Plaza Restaurant, facing Cinderella Castle. This detail is special as the window tributes begins and ends with Walt!
A tribute to the former 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction.
Did you know that New Fantasyland’s Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction now occupies the space that 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, a former Magic Kingdom attraction that closed in 1994, once called home? Imagineers liked to leave little tributes to former attractions, and in this case, they put a weather vane of the squid from the classic film and attraction atop the building just across from Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid.
Maximus’ apples at the Tangled Bathrooms.
Those who have seen Disney’s Tangled know that Maximus the horse had a fetish for red, juicy apples. Evidence of this can be found at the new Tangled themed bathrooms in Fantasyland by a sack of spilled apples just around the corner from the men’s restrooms! If you’re looking for more Maximus, just look down to see his horseshoes imprinted on the pavement.
Pirates of the Carribean book inside of Tortuga Tavern.
This book can be found inside of Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland, along with a few other references to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. This one is my favorite because it lists many of my favorite characters from the films, including Jack the Monkey, Cotton, and Cotton’s Parrot! It also looks like Captain Jack Sparrow did a little editing of his own too…
Sir Mickey’s
Sir Mickey’s is a store tucked behind Cinderella Castle and is themed after the classic Disney toon, “Mickey and the Beanstalk,” as evidenced by the giant beanstalk growing around the outside of the building! My favorite detail in Sir Mickey’s is what you find inside: the giant from the story peeking in under the roof! I guess that’s one way to get inside a crowded store, isn’t it?
Some Beauty and the Beast fans may recognize that this book was the same Belle was reading in the film’s opening number, but have you noticed the corner has been torn away? That’s because in the same number, when Belle is sitting on the fountain, a sheep from a passing flock tears off the corner and turns it into a snack! Remember?
Enchanted Tales with Belle
The Disney Family coat of arms on Cinderella Castle.
This sculpted coat of arms is actually that of the Disney Family. You can find this special detail on both the front and back of Cinderella Castle which I think is the perfect place for it, don’t you?
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe themed counter.
Each room of the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe is meant to represent three different colonial homes as it has three different storefronts. One of the homes is meant to be that of a woodcarver, and one of the details that confirms this is the store counter with stacks of wood piled underneath it. I had walked past this counter for years and only recently discovered it. Who knew that Disney put so much thought into check-out counter? It makes me wonder what else I’ve been missing in the other stores.
Castle Couture window.
Now I love the windows at the Magic Kingdom, and this one is one of my favorites! This window belongs to Castle Couture, a shop located right behind Cinderella Castle, and this book is a clever nod to the magical debate between the fairies in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty over whether Princess Aurora’s dress should be pink or blue!
The Liberty Tree in Liberty Square.
Did you know that the background music played in Liberty Square was composed of only period instruments in order to be historically accurate. It’s something that few guests may notice, but it is a little detail that makes all the difference.
Adventureland’s Jungle Cruise.
The Jungle Cruise is always at the top of my to-do list when I visit the Magic Kingdom, but I only recently realized that the Jungle Cruise sign appears to be made from an old rudder, as well as a paddle that has seen better days!
Pavement near Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
Imagineers almost always use the very ground under your feet to help serve the area’s story. For example, the pavement around the Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland contains bits of broken pottery and jewels, the floor of Storybook Circus’ Big Top Treats resembles the stitched canvas cover of a circus tent, and a dirty, pebbled strip of pavement in Liberty Square is meant to represent how people in colonial times handled their sewage! One of my personal favorite examples of this attention to detail can be found near the timeless Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction where peanuts have been planted into the cement!
So these are a just a few of the many details to be discovered at the Magic Kingdom. Which of these have you found? Do you have a favorite?
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A SATURDAY SIX Salute to All Nations (But Mostly America)
By Derek Burgan
This week’s SATURDAY SIX is a Salute to All Nations (But Mostly America). July 4th weekend brings out the patriotism in all of us, and nothing is more American than our favorite theme parks. Created with the opening of Disneyland in 1955, theme parks — along with comic books and jazz music — are one of the rare forms of art that we in the USA have given to the citizens of Earth. Thankfully, they are all so good that the world forgives us for everything else we’ve given them such as Zima, reality television, and the KFC Double Down. So raise Old Glory up to full staff, put Real American on the CD player, and let’s dive into some theme park American goodness!
# 6 – Voices of Liberty (Epcot)
The Voices of Liberty (photo by Mike Sperduto)
Located at the American Adventure pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase, the Voices of Liberty are an 8 person a cappella group that will have your heart swelling with pride as they belt out some of the most well known songs paying tribute to our country’s rich history. The playlist includes: “America the Beautiful,” “This Land is Your Land,” “This is My Country,” “You Raise Me Up,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”
# 5 – “Toy” Army Men (Disney Hollywood Studios)
An Army Man from Toy Story at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (photo by Brandon Glover)
Growing up in America, one of the rites of passage for many young boys (and girls) is playing with toy army men. Making the list of Time’s 100 best toys, toy army men were ubiquitous in the bedrooms and sandboxes of our childhood. Small, inarticulate, and lacking any accessories, the one thing toy army men did have was the ability to spark imagination. In a world where a pillow becomes a dangerous mountain battlefield and windowsills are the jump off point for paratroopers, toy army men have fought – and remain undefeated in – billions of historic battles in our hearts and minds.
For many of us, toy army men are our first connection of any sort with the US military. These cheap two inch figures plant a seed in our mind of what the brave men and women of our military do to ensure that we have the luxury of being able to leave dozens of them lying on living rooms floors for adults to step on with bare feet.
When Toy Story came out in 1995, toy army men were used in a great scene at the beginning of the film to do surveillance work on Andy’s birthday presents. The scene worked so well because most of us had done similar covert missions with our “bucket of soldiers” growing up. While Buzz Lightyear and Woody may get the longer lines at meet and greets, for this July 4th weekend we are going to stand at attention for the Army Man at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Pixar Place.
# 4 – Electrical Water Pagent (Walt Disney World)
Electrical Water Pageant, as seen from near Magic Kingdom’s monorail station (photo by Brandon Glover)
One of our favorite parades is the incredible Electrical Water Pageant that takes place along Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. We’re not sure what is more amazing: a parade taking place in a lagoon or the fact that it has been doing so in various incarnations for over 40 years! We all have our favorite floats (our personal favorite is King Neptune and the four seahorses), but the parade ends with the floats turning into American flags along with red, white, and blue stars while patriotic music plays. Now that’s how you end a show!
# 3 – Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom)
The Liberty Belle (photo by Brandon Glover)
An often overlooked attraction at the Magic Kingdom, the Liberty Square Riverboat takes guests around the Rivers of America in a uniquely American form of transportation, the steam-driven riverboat. With narration by Mark Twain, the Liberty Belle is a 17 minute voyage that – like the Walt Disney Railroad – takes guests past several sites they cannot see while touring the park by foot. With four decks to explore, a relaxing jaunt on the Liberty Belle could be just what the doctor order as you try to navigate the congested streets of Liberty Square.
# 2 – USA Themed Fireworks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Fireworks at the Magic Kingom (photo by Kendra Hayde
If this doesn’t get your blood flowing, check your pulse, you may be dead (photo by Kendra Hayde)
No one does fireworks better than Disney, but to celebrate American even Disney takes its normal show up to an “11.” Our favorite is at Magic Kingdom, as not only are the outrageous fireworks lighting up the sky with a rousing score, but patriotic displays are also projected onto Cinderella Castle. The sheer over-the-topness of it all screams AMERICA and is an experience no one else in the world offers.
# 1 – Main Street USA (Magic Kingdom)
Main Street, U.S.A., as seen at dawn on the Omnibus (photo by Kendra Hayde)
Main Street USA at night (photo by Mike Sperduto)
Nothing is more American than Main Street, U.S.A., in the Magic Kingdom. Nothing. You could take a picture of a bald eagle eating an apple pie on the top of Mt. Rushmore, and it still wouldn’t evoke the Americana feelings that come when Main Street, U.S.A., reveals itself as you walk under the Walt Disney World Railroad and into the Magic Kingdom. Main Street, U.S.A., sets the tone of your park day, as guests are transported to a different time and place, one in which you can leave your real world worries at the front gates.
A turn of the century small town American street should feel antiquated, but, all things considered, when you take the buildings (both inside and out), the period-authentic vehicles, the streetmosphere, the background music, the parades, and all the “little things” (such as the iconic Mickey balloons), Main Street, U.S.A., is a wonderfully immersive experience that all the theme park lands built afterwards have a hard time competing with. It draws us in without the lure of an E-Ticket attraction or a big movie tie-in and is a reminder of the visionary that Walt Disney was. Main Street, U.S.A., is a slice of America history that most of us today never experienced, but it feels as real as the streets we return to when we come home from vacation.
So there you have it: a SATURDAY SIX Salute to All Nations (But Mostly America.) See you next weekend for the latest edition of the Saturday Six, where we are going to look at the new Hogwarts Express attraction at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Yes, the first attraction in the HISTORY of theme parks to go from one theme park to another. If you had fun, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles, or, for your listening pleasure, check out Pardon the Pixie Dust podcast.
Special thanks to Mike Sperduto, Kendra Hayde, and crack staff photographer Brandon Glover for their assistance in this article. I highly recommend checking out Kendra’s Flickr account to see some absolutely gorgeous shots of the Walt Disney World parks.
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A SATURDAY SIX Salute to All Nations (But Mostly America) is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
July 4, 2014
In Case You Missed It: Disney News and Rumors – Week of July 4, 2014
Happy Fourth of July! I’ve got my sparklers ready to go, and the barbeque is smoking! I’m ready to celebrate Independence Day with style!
So, if you’re enjoying your day off, like I am, you’ve likely got time to kick back and read up on all that you missed this week, and there were certainly some fun things that happened.
In Case You Missed It – Disney and Universal Orlando News and Rumors
Travel & Leisure came out with their rankings of the “World’s Best Awards,” and Disney Cruise Line came out on top for two awards! The first was for the Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line, and the second was for the Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line for Families! Yay DCL!
Have you ever wondered about the ins and outs of the Disney Parks Blog? Thomas Smith, the person in charge of the Parks Blog, recently gave a presentation detailing some of what goes into keeping the blog going. I learned quite a bit about the behind the scenes and bet you will, too.
If you will be in the Walt Disney World Resort over the next few days, and you enjoy local brews, make sure to head over the the Swan and Dolphin Hotels, which in conjunction with Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing will offer the “Taproom Takeover” at the Cabana Bar and Beach Club.The special opportunity will only be taking place until July 8. To find out more information, visit the Disney Food Blog.
Fans of Splitsville Luxury Lanes rejoice! This Downtown Disney West Side bowling establishment is now offering a special early bird deal! If you come in to bowl between Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., you’ll pay $12 for adults and $7 for kids. (Keep in mind, this is subject to change and that blackout dates may apply.) For more info, visit Splitsville’s website.
Have you wondered why Frozen is just this huge hit? This article, from The New Yorker, takes a look at what they believe is they key to Frozen‘s runaway success. (P.S.: Don’t forget, if you are a fan of the movie, Disney just announced Frozen Summer Fun Live! for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which will take place from July 5 – September 1). In addition, if you’ve ever wondered what Frozen would have looked like drawn in 2D animation, here’s a glimpse of some of the concept art.
If you are excited about the upcoming Marvel flick Guardians of the Galaxy and you want to catch a first look peek of 17 minutes of this blockbuster movie, then Marvel and IMAX are giving you what you want! On July 7, at 7:00 p.m., 150 select IMAX theaters will be showing 17 minutes of exclusive footage in a special screening called Guardians of the Galaxy: An IMAX 3D First Look. This first look is free, but screenings are on a first-come, first served basis, and tickets are already unavailable at some locations. To have the opportunity to potentially catch this preview, visit IMAX.com. Guardians of the Galaxy opens officially on Friday, August 1.
Universal Orlando appears to have more up its sleeve. It is clear that the resort certainly isn’t going to be resting on its laurels any time soon, as The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Universal may be planning to build three more hotels. In addition, the Orlando Business Journal wonders if Universal is considering building an all new water park. Things are getting interesting…
In Case We Missed It
What did we miss? Attach your idea to this American Flag Disney Mickey Mouse Racerback Tank and send them to blog@touringplans.com with the words “In Case You Missed It” in the subject line.
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Stretch Your Dining Budget by Sharing Counter Service Meals
Splitting counter service meals is an easy way to stretch your vacation dining budget. Whether you are on the Disney Dining Plan or have decided to pick your spots out of pocket, finding counter service meals large enough to share is a bonus. If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, you can save credits for a resort breakfast before you leave for home. If you are playing out of pocket, you can save $10-15 every time you split a meal. That’s more money for Dole Whips and souvenirs! Appetites can be unpredictable, and I certainly wouldn’t plan on sharing every counter service meal, but knowing that you do have that option gives you some added flexibility when laying out your dining strategy. (If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan and have young ones, don’t forget that kids can order from the adult menu for no extra charge.)
Happy Independence Day! Enjoy this article from new blogger Michael Watson with tips for saving your greenbacks and your waistline. Michael also podcasts and blogs at the delightfully named www.sixthyearseniors.com and knows the power of a good TV theme.
Five Picks for Splitting Your Walt Disney World Counter Service Meals
Carved Turkey Sandwich at Be Our Guest
Be Our Guest (Lunch) – Carved Turkey/Roast Beef Sandwiches: While a dinner in the West Wing usually requires a reservation 180 days in advance, lunch at Be Our
Guest is counter service. Both the Carved Turkey Sandwich and the Carved Prime Chuck Roast Beef Sandwich are sizable enough portions that many guests won’t need both halves of them to fill up. (Not the Croque Monsieur grilled ham sandwich, though – the portion size on that is significantly smaller.) They both come with a side of unseasoned, but tasty, pomme frites, easily shared by two. However, how to split the Master’s Cupcake, complete with the gray stuff (Lumiere did not lie – it is indeed delicious), I will leave that up to you.
La Cantina de San Angel – Tacos de Carne: Dining at Epcot can sometimes be challenging when you consider your breadth of options as you explore the World Showcase. One strategy many find enjoyable is to drink and snack around the world over the course of an afternoon or evening. Why fill up on a full meal when you have so many choices of goodies ahead on your trek? Your best bet is to start in Mexico at La Cantina de San Angel with the Tacos de Carne. Two guests can easily split three tacos, chips, and pico de gallo, even if you get make a mess tearing up the third taco. You definitely don’t need to fill up before moving on, especially with School Bread in Norway, chocolate in Germany, and crepes in France all still to come. Those are what snack credits are for!
Nuggets & Fish Combo at Columbia Harbour House
Columbia Harbour House – Chicken Nuggets & Fish Combo: Columbia Harbour House at Magic Kingdom offers up a variety of seafood and chicken options. If you are looking to split a meal, the chicken nuggets & fish combination platter makes for an easy dinner for two. Five chicken nuggets and two filets of fish can be divvied up several ways, and you have a side of fries to munch on, as well. Unlike the patriotic American spirit flowing through the restaurant, the desserts aren’t adventurous, but with an extra spoon, the chocolate cake makes for a delicious capper to the meal.
Flame Tree Barbecue – Ribs & Chicken Combo or Pork Sandwich: There is a lot of bang to be had for your counter service credit at Flame Tree BBQ at Animal Kingdom. The meat portions are all quite large and scrumptious. The combination plate gives the guest a huge piece of chicken AND a ¼ rack of ribs, plus baked beans and cole slaw. Personally, I can’t turn down pulled pork, and the pork sandwich is also a massive chunk of meat on one big bun. The condiment stations are scattered throughout the seating pavilions, so when you load up on ketchup and barbecue sauce, don’t forget a knife to cut your portions for two.
Club Sandwich at Wolfgang Puck Express
Wolfgang Puck Express – salads/sandwiches: Some guests specifically avoid the few chain restaurants that are located on Disney property. However, if you are looking to cut costs while at Downtown Disney, Wolfgang Puck Express offers several plates that are plenty of food for two. Both the Chicken Caesar Salad and the Rotisserie Turkey Cobb Salad are large enough to split. The Rotisserie Turkey Club Sandwich was also large, not to mention pre-cut, and came with a good-sized side of fries. In addition to being sharable, these options were a nice change of pace from the usual counter service fare at Walt Disney World.
Those are only five examples of what are surely dozens of counter service offerings that can serve two. I didn’t even touch on the numerous options available at the resorts. Which plates are your favorite to share? Do you have other tricks to maximize your Disney Dining Plan? Join the discussion below! Don’t forget to peruse the TouringPlans menus when conquering your next meal-planning puzzle. Menus, restaurant descriptions, and more can be found at the TouringPlans dining home.
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July 3, 2014
Video: Ride Through of Disneyland’s Reimagined Alice in Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland at Disneyland has opened after refurbishment. Besides the outdoor section of the track being completely redone, the inside has received several upgrades. The new upgrades, which include new figures and sections of the ride redone with projection technology, give this Disneyland dark ride modern upgrades while keeping its classic look and feel. Check out our video ride through and let us know what you think!
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Ollivanders Interactive Wands REVIEW
Some of the new models of interactive wands available in Ollivanders at Diagon Alley. (photos by Seth Kubersky)
As PotterWatch wraps up with the approach of Diagon Alley’s July 8 official opening date, I’m proud to present Touring Plans’ first in-depth review of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions. During the recent VIP preview week, I spent nearly 12 hours exploring the expansion at Universal Studios Florida, and was the only member of the media to successfully ride the Gringotts attraction three times. I’ve distilled that first-hand experience into the following Ollivanders interactive wands review, which will appear in edited form in the 2015 edition of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, as well as other affiliated titles.
Bear in mind, the following opinions and information are based on a preview of the attraction, and is subject to change once the area is open to the public. BEWARE: Minor spoilers ahead.
Ollivanders Wand Shop and Interactive Wands
4 STARS
APPEAL BY AGE
PRESCHOOL 4 stars
GRADE SCHOOL 5 stars
TEENS 4 stars
YOUNG ADULTS 4 stars
OVER 30 3 1/2 stars
SENIORS 3 1/2 stars
What it is Combination wizarding demonstration and shopping op.
Scope and scale Major attraction.
When to go Just before or after riding Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
Special comments Audience stands.
Authors’ rating Enchanting; 4 stars.
Duration of presentation 6 minutes.
Probable waiting time per 100 people ahead of you 7 minutes.
DESCRIPTION AND COMMENTS
Ollivanders, located in Diagon Alley in the books and films, somehow sprouted a branch location in Hogsmeade at IOA. Potter purists pointed out this misplacement, but the wand shop stayed put with J.K. Rowling’s blessing and became one of the more popular features of The Wizarding World. It also became a horrendous bottleneck, with long lines where guests roasted in an unshaded queue. In the Diagon Alley version, Ollivanders assumes its rightful place, and with much larger digs. At IOA, only 24 guests at a time can experience the little drama where wands choose a wizard (rather than the other way around). At the Studios, the shop has three separate choosing chambers, turning it from a popular curiosity into an actual attraction. As for the IOA location, it continues to operate.
Whatever the size and style, the new larger Ollivanders is sure to have your wand in stock.
The actual show inside is identical to the original outpost in script and special effects, but the Celtic zodiac-inspired wands ($45) presented in the ceremony are now the new, more detailed interactive models that interact with shop windows throughout the Wizarding World. After the presentation, guests exit into a greatly enlarged gift shop, where interactive wands modeled after those wielded by Harry, Hermione, and Dumbledore are also available, along with non-interactive replica wands ($35) for a vast variety of characters, and toy “learner” wands ($25) for li’l wizards.
Medallions embedded in the ground designate a couple dozen locations spilt between the two Wizarding Worlds, where hidden cameras in storefront windows can detect the waving of these special wands, and respond to the correct motions with special effects both projected and practical. You might use the swish-and-flick of “Wingardium Leviosa” to levitate one object, or the figure-four “Locomotor” spell to animate another. It’s a much more thematically satisfying form of interactivity than the gimmicky games found at Magic Kingdom, but it can take some practice to get the hang of spell-casting; wizards will supposedly be stationed at windows to coach novices and supply loaner wands, but it’s easy to imagine how demand for the experience may prove unmagically unmanageable at peak times. A map provided with each wand purchase details the location and movement for most effects, but there are some secret ones to discover on your own.
TOURING TIPS
If your young ’un is selected to test-drive a wand, be forewarned that you’ll have to buy it if you want to take it home.
Note that the price of the interactive wands includes unlimited activations of the hidden effects; you don’t have to pay to “recharge” your wand on subsequent visits, or even replace a battery.
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Daisy Lauren’s Best Week Ever: July 3, 2014
By Daisy Lauren
Hi everyone! Welcome to the Best Week Ever here at Walt Disney World! This week we’re starting off with some changes to the Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure. If you’ve tried it before, you’re probably used to the ancient flip phones used to play the game. This week those were upgraded, and it has definitely made the game more popular. They actually aren’t distributing phones in Future World anymore to help keep up with demand. Even with that change I had to stop at two different locations before finding an available phone to play with! I don’t think I’ve ever had to wait in the past.
Here’s a look at the new graphics in action. You can really see that the upgrade made a huge difference. However, Disney hasn’t done a great job locking down the phones. My husband was out of the game and playing with other phone features in a minute flat. They’ve actually put a sticker over the camera lens rather than locking down that feature. I imagine this is going to cause some problems down the road.
So you can tell the size, I asked my hubby to model the new phone for you. As you can see, I’m not sure they’re going to survive many drops. With Disney’s relationship with Apple I was surprised to see a Windows phone. Maybe they’re expecting them to get dropped and broken frequently? I don’t even feel like I could throw this phone in my purse without scratching it.
As we walked around the World Showcase playing with the new phone, I spotted this wedding reception setting up. I thought it was worth including for every little girl (or little girl at heart) who is still dreaming of a Disney wedding!
Next, let’s park hop over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to check out the Rock Your Summer Side Dance Party. It seems like this will be one of the shortest lived events in Disney history as it’s being replace next week with the Coolest Summer Ever. I stopped for a few other photos on my way to the stage. Taking a look at the photo below you can see the rumored location for Starbucks under renovation. Personally, I hope those rumors are true! (Of course, now where do we go for all our Duffy needs at the Studios?!)
Another thing that caught my eye was the below sign. If you ever see this, RUN! (Just kidding!) I stopped to talk the to cast members about this sign, and it turns out they have a special FastPass+ process for tour groups. Anyone who was ever stuck behind one person with 100 tickets will be relieved to hear this news. All in all, FastPass+ is slowly but surely getting better. It will be interesting when we head back to Disneyland and try the old system. I’m not sure which I’ll prefer.
Okay, now let’s get over to the Rock Your Summer Side Dance Party! For starters the characters aren’t out for the whole time: the band and the characters alternate. This video will give you an idea what the crowd looked like for Mulch, Sweat, & Shears.
Not bad, right? I was thinking that with it being a slow night, maybe I’d have luck with the characters. But, wow, once they were out they were immediately mobbed. This is as close as I got to my girl, Daisy. 
Here’s another group of characters before the crowds moved in.
I got to dance a little bit with Mickey before he moved on through the crowd.
Dale loved my camera and struck several poses for me.
After my first couple character interactions the crowds pushed in all around me. I’m not one to fight for attention, so I took that as my cue to head towards the back and take it all in. Below you can see a really quick clip of the big crowd swarming the characters.
We decided we were all done with this party pretty quickly, and not just because it was crowded. We were ready to go when they started playing Jason Derulo’s, “Talk Dirty To Me.” Maybe I’m turning into an old lady, but that just isn’t Disney appropriate. How is Daisy supposed to dance to that?! What do you guys think? Am I just an old poot?
Leaving did have benefits. Check out this beautiful pink sunset!
That wraps up the news for this week, so I was left with a dilemma. Do I leave you with a short week? Or add in some park fun? I decided to take you for an evening spin around the Magic Kingdom. You know it’s going to be a good night when there’s a rainbow over the ferry boat.
Here’s the classic look down Main Street from last week. If you’ve been keeping up with my articles the last few weeks you’ll be able to tell from this photo that the crowds are really picking up. I’m sure next weekend will be nuts for the holiday!
We wanted to be in Frontierland for Wishes, so we headed that way. We decided to see Country Bear Jamboree’s last show of the night. Did you know that it normally closes at 9pm even when the park stays open until midnight or later? Make sure you don’t save this one for last. Here’s my favorite part of the show:
I also wanted to be sure to include a photo of Trixie. If anyone was confused about the Park Star from last week then this should clear it up!
After the show we were just a few minutes away from Wishes. I keep talking about doing an article on all my favorite spots for Wishes. This is one of them. Here’s the finale as seen from Frontierland.
After the fireworks we were able to walk right onto Pirates of the Caribbean. I think this is still our favorite scene after all these years!
I also grabbed a few shots from The Haunted Mansion that were worth sharing. This chamber has no windows and no doors!
I also wanted to share this one of the ballroom because it really feels like you’re there.
Next we hopped over to “it’s a small world” for one last ride of the night. Something I don’t think I’ve ever shown before is the queue area. While Disneyland still has us beat by miles, it’s much prettier than it used to be. The clock featured chimes every 15 minutes and displays characters.
I had to share this photo because it’s my favorite from this week. I’m always trying to get a shot of this room that shows all the elements. I think I finally captured it! 
And with that we’ll say goodbye to the week of July 3 and get ready for next week. There’s so much to share!
If you’re heading to Disney World next week, here’s a look at what you can expect:
Crowd Calendar: The July 4th holiday is a very crowded time at Walt Disney World. Be prepared for crowds. Remember, the Magic Kingdom will feature holiday fireworks on July 3. It’s always easier to see them the day before and skip the 4th at Magic Kingdom.
Weather: The heat has been sweltering lately. Be sure to stay hydrated and reapply that sunblock! While the afternoon rain has been missing us some days, it’s always a good idea to come ready for rain or shine this time of year.
Starting July 5 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios there will be an all new Frozen Themed event! You can read all about it here, and you can count on me to share all the fun with you next week!
Remember: the Garden View Tea Room is closed for renovation and won’t reopen until August 30. To see all Walt Disney World refurbishments, click here.
Here’s my top tip for this week: Did you know there are peaceful boats that do nothing but transport guests between Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Yacht and Beach Club Hotels, BoardWalk, and Epcot? It isn’t the fastest way to get around, but it can be the most fun. Here’s a video I took earlier this week as we approached Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Next week I’ll also have some every special, not Walt Disney World news to share with you. But you’ll have to tune in next week to see the surprise!
Do you have any news I missed or any requests for coverage next week? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below, and thanks so much for reading! I’m wishing all of you the Best Week Ever, until next time!
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Daisy Lauren’s Best Week Ever: July 3, 2014 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
July 2, 2014
Walt Disney World Extended Monorail Operating Hours for July 4 Holiday
Late last month, I reported that Walt Disney World was adjusting monorail schedules in order to perform work to update the systems. However, during the busy Independence Day weekend, Disney has adjusted the monorail operating schedule to accommodate the large influx of crowds.
Here’s how the monorail schedule will look over the next three days:
July 3 & 4
Magic Kingdom Resort Beam: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m.
Magic Kingdom Express Beam: 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Epcot Beam: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 a.m.
July 5
Magic Kingdom Resort Beam: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 midnight
Magic Kingdom Express Beam: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Epcot Beam: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
After July 5, the monorail will return to the previously announced summer operating schedule, which is:
Magic Kingdom Resort Beam: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 midnight
Magic Kingdom Express Beam: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Epcot Beam: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Remember, during the busy holiday weekend, make sure to plan just a little extra time into your schedule to make sure you get to your destination on time.
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Walt Disney World Extended Monorail Operating Hours for July 4 Holiday is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
Disney to Offer Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package During the Frozen Summer Fun Live Event
©Disney
Who else is excited about the all new Frozen event, called Frozen Summer Fun Live? The fun takes place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from July 5 through September 1 and guests can choose to experience the excitement by purchasing a special, exclusive package. The Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package will offer guests reserved viewing areas for three different events that will take place during the day’s festivities.
To start off the royal-filled day, guests will meet at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner at 10:30 a.m. to check in and enjoy some refreshments. Guests will also have a reserved viewing area for Anna and Elsa’s Royal Welcome, which starts at 11:00 a.m. The Royal Welcome is essentially a mini-parade featuring Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, skaters, ice cutters, and skiers. Following the procession will be a short ceremony at the Sorcerer’s Hat Stage to officially welcome the visiting royalty.
During the check-in process for the Royal Welcome, guests will be able to schedule reserved seating for one performance of the “For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” show. The show is being performed in the Premiere Theater multiple times throughout the day and will include a comedic retelling of Arendelle history along with several sing-along moments taken straight from the movie.
The evening ends with a private fireworks dessert party, which will take place from 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Guests will get to dine on decadent desserts, as well as specialty beverages. They will also have a reserved viewing spot for the Frozen Fireworks Spectacular, which takes place at 9:45 p.m.
The cost of the package will be $59 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $34 for children (ages 3-9). There are no discounts offered and separate theme park admission is required. To book this premium package, call 407-939-1939.
These premium events certainly seem popular…they keep popping up lately. Thoughts?
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Disney to Offer Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package During the Frozen Summer Fun Live Event 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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