Bob Sehlinger's Blog, page 1221
June 10, 2014
Wishes: Is It Worth Your FastPass+?
By Daisy Lauren
Last week I visited Epcot to find out if IllumiNations is worth your FastPass+. This week I thought I’d share some information about the Wishes FastPass+ viewing. Obviously, this is one of the hottest FastPass+ options in all four parks, often not even showing available 30 days in advance. The viewing location is in the Rose Garden and gives guests enough room to comfortably spread out and sit in the grass. If you’re lucky enough to score this viewing spot, then you’ll be able to also watch Celebrate The Magic from here. Without a doubt this option will get you the best view while waiting the least amount of time for the show.
However, if you check out the photo to the left you can see the view from the Rose Garden is slightly obstructed and off to one side. I’m not saying this is a bad view at all, but I don’t know that it’s worth tying up your 3rd FastPass+ all day long. What if I told you there was a less popular FastPass+ that would give you an even better view?
The Main Street Electrical Parade might not come to mind when you’re thinking of great spots for Wishes, but it’s something you should consider. If you’re visiting on an evening with a parade one hour before Wishes, then the parade is the FastPass+ reservation you want. Take a look at the photo to the right. This viewing spot gives you a complete view of the castle without any obstructions.
I recommend not trying to be at the front of the parade viewing area. The FastPass+ reserved space backs up to a planter, and I’ve had good luck leaning against the railing for the parade. Immediately after the last float goes by, the ropes are removed from the FastPass+ viewing area. This means that the masses can enter, but you’re not asked to leave. From this spot you have a perfect view of Celebrate The Magic and Wishes both, all with just an often forgotten FastPass+ for the Main Street Electrical Parade.
A few notes to remember: this only works when there are TWO parades and you are able to get FastPass+ for the first parade. Also, this method does not avoid the crowds. Immediately once those ropes are removed you’re mixed in with the masses. However, I’ve found being against the planter railing helps as you’re only surrounded on three sides. The Wishes FastPass+ is the only way to have an excellent view of the fireworks without being cramped in with everyone else on Main Street.
I hope this helps with your vacation planning. What’s your best FastPass+ tip? Do you think Wishes is worth your FastPass+? Please let us know in the comments below. As always, thanks so much for reading and commenting!
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Wishes: Is It Worth Your Fastpass+?
By Daisy Lauren
Last week I visited Epcot to find out if IllumiNations is worth your fastpass+. This week I thought I’d share some information about the Wishes fastpass+ viewing. Obviously, this is one of the hottest fastpass+ options in all four parks, often not even showing available 30 days in advance. The viewing location is in the rose garden and gives guests enough room to comfortably spread out and sit in the grass. If you’re lucky enough to score this viewing spot then you’ll be able to also watch Celebrate The Magic from here. Without a doubt this option will get you the best view while waiting the least amount of time for the show.
However, if you check out the photo to the left you can see the view from the rose garden is slightly obstructed and off to one side. I’m not saying this is a bad view at all but I don’t know that it’s worth tying up your 3rd fastpass+ all day long. What if I told you there was a less popular fastpass that would give you an even better view?
The Main Street Electrical Parade might not come to mind when you’re thinking of great spots for Wishes, but it’s something you should consider. If you’re visiting on an evening with a parade one hour before Wishes, then the parade is the fastpass you want. Take a look at the photo to the right. This viewing spot gives you a complete view of the castle without any obstruction.
I recommend not trying to be at the front of the parade viewing area. The fastpass+ reserved space backs up to a planter and I’ve had good luck leaning against the railing for the parade. Immediately after the last float goes by the ropes are removed from the fastpass+ viewing area. This means that the masses can enter but you’re not asked to leave. From this spot you have a perfect view of Celebrate The Magic and Wishes both, all with just an often forgotten fastpass+ for the Main Street Electrical Parade.
A few notes to remember: this only works when there are TWO parades and you are able to get fastpass+ for the first parade. Also, this method does not avoid the crowds. Immediately once those ropes are removed you’re mixed in with the masses. However, I’ve found being against the planter railing helps as you’re only surrounded on three sides. The Wishes fastpass+ is the only way to have an excellent view of the fireworks without being cramped in with everyone else on Main Street.
I hope this helps with your vacation planning. What’s your best fastpass+ tip? Do you think Wishes is worth your fastpass+? Please let us know in the comments below. As always thanks so much for reading and commenting!
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Honoring a Loved One at Disney World
By Erin Foster
Disney World is seen by many visitors as their “happy place.” Frequent guests may find that their visits are filled with ritual, memory, and meaning, taking on an almost spiritual aura. For guests who move often, Disney may well be a faithful constant, a touchstone to which they can return no matter where they reside. It is not hyperbole when guests call Disney World their home. Not surprisingly, some people want to use this joyful and, for them, near scared space as a place to commemorate the passing or honor the memory of a loved one.
You may find the Magic Kingdom wishing well to be a place of comfort.
Before I offer suggestions on ways that you might use a visit to Disney World to commemorate the passing of a friend or family member, I must state up front that Disney World is unequivocally not a place to deposit you loved one’s cremains. Scattering ashes at Disney World is illegal and unsanitary, even in small amounts. No matter how much grandma adored It’s a Small World, its waterways are not the place for her to spend eternity. Indeed, if Disney discovers any covert dispersal of ashes on an attraction, it will be closed and cleaned, and you may face charges. Please do not attempt this.
Another memorial which will not be possible is the placement of a permanent commemorative marker. There is currently no way to place a enduring symbol at the parks. Sales of the Walk Around the World bricks found at the Transportation and Ticket Center and near the entrance to the Magic Kingdom were discontinued in 2000. The Leave a Legacy engraved markers at Epcot were discontinued in 2007. I don’t know of any plans to revive these programs or anything similar.
Now let’s move on to the things you can do at Disney World to mark a passing in a positive way.
Volunteer or Donate
In my opinion, one of the nicest ways to honor a loved one is by creating positive energy in their memory in the form of volunteering. Disney itself does not have volunteer opportunities for guests, but there are a few ways to volunteer that are part of the Disney spirit:
Run your Disney race in support of your loved one’s favorite charity.
Give Kids the World . This is a wonderful organization that brings joy into the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses, providing support and respite for their families, and allowing them an escape from the burdens of everyday life. Give Kids the World has countless opportunities to volunteer and accepts donations in the names of loved ones. You can buy a permanent paving stone here to serve as a marker of your service.
Support a charity through runDinsey. Several Charity Teams have affiliations with runDisney. By running for charity, you can simultaneously support a favored cause, bring attention to a worthy endeavor, and get some exercise yourself – perhaps ameliorating a portion of your grief or stress.
Create Random Acts of Kindness. Spend your day at Disney World spreading kindness. Offer your place in line to another family; covertly buy dinner for another guest at your restaurant; buy a stuffed animal for a crying child (with the parents’ permission, of course). Sometimes the best way to honor someone is by thinking of them while you all love to the universe.
Support the Wildlife Fund. The Animal Kingdom offers numerous ways to donate to their Conservation Fund. This is a nice way to honor an animal lover.
Give a balloon. In the past, balloon releases have been a popular way of sending love into the heavens. Lovely balloons are available in many Disney locations. However, given the proximity of the Animal Kingdom and the dangers involved in releasing a non-biodegradable object near a wildlife preserve in imprudent. A more positive version of this would be to buy a balloon and give it to another guest as an act of kindness.
Say Something Special
Bring kindness into the world by thanking a service member.
Privately say a few words about your missing loved one. You can do this on your own, or with a small family group. A few ways to do this include:
Make a wish at the wishing well. Located in a quiet spot in the shadow of Cinderella Castle, the wishing well can be an apt spot for a brief memorial word. Any coins tossed into the well are later donated to children’s charities.
Raise a glass at special meal. Gather friends to dine at the departed’s favorite restaurant and toast to his or her memory. Some guests will find it meaningful to leave an empty seat at the table as a symbol of their missing friend.
If the departed had a military connection, honor them by thanking a fellow service member. There is a nightly flag retreat at the Magic Kingdom in which a veteran or service member participates. Add meaning to their experience by thanking them for their work.
Show Your Spirit
Plant a tree in your loved one’s memory.
If your departed loved one was a big Disney fan, perhaps the best way to honor their memory is to live the Disney spirit.
Go on all their favorite rides.
Wear custom tee shirts with the departed favorite phrase.
Purchase a meaningful holiday ornament which will remind you of your loved one as you hang it each year.
Honor your loved one’s bravery by being brave enough to experience the scary attractions.
Bring a photo of your loved one and ask his or her favorite character to pose with it.
Start a Living Monument
The Land pavilion at Epcot sells seedlings of many tree and shrub species. Purchase one and plant it at home. As it grows you will be reminded of the continuing Circle of Life and the departed’s place in that circle.
Have you found solace at Disney World following the passing of a friend or family member? Did you find a meaningful to celebrate their life or honor their memory while at Disney World. Please share your thoughts.
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June 9, 2014
Disney World Crowd Report – June 1 to 7, 2014
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Early June crowds at Walt Disney World have been surprisingly light. History tells us that this time of year brings above average crowds in the range of ‘6’ to ‘9’ on our scale. Instead, this past week we saw crowds at or below average levels. In some cases, well below average. In particular, attractions at Disney Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot (in that order) have shown wait times significantly lower than expected.
Our theory is that some school districts have pushed back the last day of school to account for days lost due to weather, and that families have postponed or cancelled their visits to the parks as a result. Magic Kingdom, the park most likely to attract families with pre-school children is inherently less affected. It is just a theory but seems to be the most likely explanation.
What it means for visitors is that the greater the number of school days lost to weather between September and May, the lower the expected crowds will be in early June. If your child’s school board does not have to extend the school year, early June may make a great chance to plan a trip with lower crowds.
Let’s look at how the crowd levels stacked up each day last week:
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
7
6
Sunday was the first of many days last week when wait times came in lower than expected. Wait times at Disney Hollywood Studios hit a level ‘5’ on our scale despite hosting Star Wars Weekend. Magic Kingdom’s Extra Magic Hour evening kept the park open until 3:00am for resort guests but that didn’t push wait times higher than a level ‘6’ for most rides. Normally, a closing time of 1:00am would indicate large crowds but even Space Mountain only averaged 47 minutes (predicted 72).
Epcot
5
4
Hollywood Studios
7
5
Animal Kingdom
7
6
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
7
6
Monday was the only day of the week when our resort-wide estimates hit the mark. All parks were within one index level and Hollywood Studios had the lowest crowd level again. Epcot’s Mission: Space (Orange) had an average wait time of 49 minutes between 10:00am and 5:00pm, a ’10’ on our scale and much higher than a normal day (we predicted 29 minutes). Wait times at other Epcot attractions were close to our predictions.
Epcot
6
6
Hollywood Studios
5
4
Animal Kingdom
7
6
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
8
6
Both Disney Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom had wait times below predictions while Animal Kingdom missed by one and Epcot hit the mark. The Studios continues to host underwhelming crowds on weekdays, a trend that began in mid-may. Tuesday’s wait times at Star Tours and Great Movie Ride were basically non-existent all day (14 minute average) while Toy Story Mania averaged a measly 60 minutes.
Epcot
7
7
Hollywood Studios
6
3
Animal Kingdom
6
7
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
7
6
Wednesday’s crowd at the Studios was even more surprising. History would tell us that because almost half of the largest U.S. school districts are finished school, crowds should be large. Instead, Disney Hollywood Studios saw some of the lowest wait times of the week on Wednesday. It is strange that the low crowds are focussed at The Studios. We see that although crowds at the other three parks are lower than expected, they are much more in-line with predictions. This may be because the Studios attractions appeal to older youth and those older youth may be less likely to miss school if the last day of school was pushed later into June.
Epcot
5
4
Hollywood Studios
8
3
Animal Kingdom
7
5
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
7
6
Thursday’s crowds were similar, with all parks coming in lower than our predictions although we missed by a much smaller margin. Jungle Cruise averaged 39 minutes (predicted 41), Spaceship Earth 21 (predicted 22), Great Movie Ride 14 (predicted 15) and Kali River Rapids averaged 31 minutes (predicted 29).
Epcot
5
4
Hollywood Studios
5
3
Animal Kingdom
6
4
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
6
5
Our resort-wide predictions rarely miss by more than two levels (less than 1% of the time) but Friday’s wait times were low enough across the board to pull the resort-wide crowd level to a ‘4’, three down from the ‘7’ we predicted. Good news for those of you in the parks, bad news for the statisticians. Even Disney Hollywood Studios which hosted Star Wars Weekends on Friday only reached a level ‘3’ on our scale, including an average wait time of only 18 minutes at Star Tours. This is the lowest crowd level recorded during Star Wars Weekends since 2009.
Epcot
6
3
Hollywood Studios
8
3
Animal Kingdom
7
5
(Click to view overall details for this day)
WHAT WE
THOUGHT
WHAT WE
SAW
ANALYSIS
Magic Kingdom
5
5
The Studios wait times were even lower on Saturday. Perhaps the special Star Wars events were popular enough to (a) draw guests away from the attractions and/or (b) keep non-fans away from the park. Mark Hamill attended the festival this weekend for the first time in the event’s 18-year history so that surely had something to do with it. Regardless, we can’t remember ever having a day at the Studios during Star Wars Weekends with wait times that low.
Epcot
5
3
Hollywood Studios
7
2
Animal Kingdom
7
5
What to Expect This Week
June 8 to 14, 2014
The Crowd Report
Disney Hollywood Studios continues to be a great choice during the week. Just as we have seen a dip in attendance while schools push ahead the last day of school we might see a bump in attendance when the majority of schools complete the school year. By the end of June, nearly 100% of the major school districts will be out of session and many of them will be on vacation.
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 Report – June 1 to 7, 2014 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
Guardians of the Galaxy Preview Coming to Disney Parks
©Disney
Late this summer, a brand new Marvel blockbuster called Guardians of the Galaxy will hit theaters. To prepare for this huge release, beginning on July 4, guests at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland can catch an exclusive sneak preview, giving them an extended look at this upcoming film.
At Walt Disney World, guests wishing to see this preview can head to the ABC Sound Studio (the former location of Sounds Dangerous) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. At Disneyland, the preview will take place at the Magic Eye Theater in Tomorrowland (where Captain EO is currently playing. Disney does say Captain EO is expected to return at a future date).
The preview will be shown in 3D at both locations daily. This is similar to a sneak preview that is currently taking place surrounding the movie Maleficent.
Guardians of the Galaxy hits theaters on August 1.
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Where to Watch the World Cup Live at Walt Disney World
ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill ©Disney
Are you a fan of soccer? If so, and you don’t want to miss a minute of the action from the 2014 FIFIA World Cup (which takes place in Brazil from June 12 through July 13), there are a few places around the Walt Disney World Resort where you can partake in the fun.
The main stop you should make, at least while visiting Epcot, will be The Odyssey Restaurant, which is located near World Showcase Plaza, kind of between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion. The Odyssey will be showing all the games live on multiple screens, and guests will be able to purchase beverages, snacks, and other merchandise in the lobby area.
In addition, at Epcot the Germany Pavilion will be celebrating with a special soccer experience, and guests will be able to stop in the World Showcase Plaza area and have their photo taken with a topiary version of Goofy, who is attempting to play the popular sport.
If you will not be inside Epcot, never fear! There will be many other locations where you can watch the games live. Here is the full list of resort locations where you will be able to watch the action:
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – Silver Screen Spirits Pool Bar and World Premiere Food Court
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – Intermission Food Court and Singing Spirits Pool Bar
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort – End Zone Food Court and Grandstand Spirits Pool Bar
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Sanaa Lounge, Maji Pool Bar and Uzima Springs Pool Bar
Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Martha’s Vineyard
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – ESPN Club and Big River Grille and Brewing Works
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Banana Cabana Pool Bar
Disney’s Contemporary Resort – The Wave … of American Flavors
The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – Crockett’s Tavern
Disney’s Old Key West Resort – Gurgling Suitcase
Disney’s Polynesian Resort – Tambu Lounge and Barefoot Pool Bar
Disney’s Pop Century Resort – Everything POP Shopping & Dining
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter – Scat Cat’s Club
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside – River Roost
Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Rainforest Cafe
Guests can also visit the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, along with select restaurants and bars found throughout the Downtown Disney area.
Speaking of Downtown Disney, if you’re looking to purchase soccer merchandise so you can cheer on your favorite World Cup team, make sure to visit the all new United World Soccer store, which specializes in gear, accessories, and more. The store is located at Downtown Disney West Side, in the former location of BLINK by Wet Seal.
As you can see, for those who would like to watch any part of this exciting month-long event, there are plenty of options available.
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PotterWatch: Diagon Alley’s London Waterfront Walls Are Down
As Laurel Stewart shared in a newsflash a short time ago, the construction walls around The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley came down late last night, unveiling the new London facades without walls for the first time to this morning’s guests (including myself). Without further ado, we present a long-awaited PotterWatch milestone, without our first full look at the expansion with the London Waterfront walls removed.
A first look at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley and the London Waterfront without walls (photos by Seth Kubersky)
The door to the Leaky Cauldron
Across in Islands of Adventure, the ticketing station for the Hogwarts Express’ Hogsmeade Station was also revealed, with costumed Team Members inside seen practicing scanning tickets.
Be aware that the construction walls being removed is not a guarantee of soft opening (technical rehearsals), and there is still no announced opening date beyond “summer.” In the meantime, follow our #Potterwatch on Twitter!.
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Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Food Court To See Lengthy Refurbishment
©Disney
The Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort will see an extremely extensive refurbishment from August 1 until December 20, reopening on December 21.
During the refurbishment work, guests staying at the resort will have a few dining alternatives. First, the Note-able Games arcade, found in Melody Hall, will be converted into a grab-and-go area, featuring sandwiches, salads, desserts, and bakery items. A Rapid Fill refillable mug refill station will be available there, as well. Guests may also choose to visit the Singing Spirits pool bar, which will serve select menu offerings. In addition, in-room pizza delivery will also be available from 3:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
For guests looking for a substantial meal, Disney will provide transportation to Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, where guests can visit the End Zone Food Court,as well as to Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, where the World Premiere Food Court is available for guests. Guests can also choose to walk to either resort. (Walking to All-Star Sports will typically be the closest option.)
The refurb work that will take place at Intermission Food Court will be similar to what happened last fall at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, which concluded in a completely updated seating area, as well as renovated meal stations, featuring many create-your-own meal options.
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Newsflash – Construction Walls Are Down at Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley has reached another milestone as it approaches its (as yet unannounced) soft openings – the construction walls that have surrounded it were removed last night. Seth Kubersky, PotterWatcher extraordinaire, has been onsite to get the latest for you.
For photos, check out our Twitter feed – @TouringPlans.
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Walt Disney World Hard Ticket Event Fever – Poll
This weekend marked the debut of Harambe Nights – a hard ticket (that is, extra admission) event at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And earlier this week, Disney announced the one-night only (for now) Villains Unleashed party at Hollywood Studios, which sold out of discounted tickets for Annual Pass and DVC members the same day they were offered (regular price tickets go on sale today). These events, along with the After Hours Wind Down at Epcot’s World Showcase, are new money-making ventures for Disney that promise lower crowds, exclusive entertainment, and special food and beverages for people willing to spend money for an extra admission ticket. It’s a strategy that has been wildly successful at Magic Kingdom with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – the combined seasons of which seem to now last a third of the year.
The prices vary from $35/guest plus gratuity and tax for the Epcot event to a whopping $134 plus tax for Harambe Nights for adults with premium seating (which sold out for all dates this summer, by the way). Keep in mind these prices are per guest. For a family of four (2 adults, 2 children under 10) to experience Harambe Nights, the cost is over $400 for a single night’s entertainment (including food and beverage, but not including any “commemorative merchandise” you pick up at the event).
So here is our question for you, readers:
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
Vote and talk about your answers in the comments.
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