Bob Sehlinger's Blog, page 1261
January 17, 2014
A Trip Around The World: America
By Daisy Lauren
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Hello! And welcome to the halfway point on our tour around the world! Can you believe we’ve already visited Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, and Italy? Today we’re bringing you the best pavilion around the World Showcase Lagoon – the U.S.A! And what a lovely pavilion it is:
When entering the USA from Italy, the first thing you will see is coffee and donuts. While I can’t start my day without a cup of joe, I have to point out the irony in this.
Next is a really neat looking structure that unfortunately just sells DVC. There is a trend of really interesting buildings being built to house DVC and credit card kiosks in the parks. I really don’t care for it! Is it just me? Does anyone else feel they have no place in the parks?
If you continue on Fife & Drum Tavern is next. One thing to note here is a recent menu change since we updated. If you’re looking for the Jalapeno Cheese Stuffed Pretzel you can find these just down the street at at the new Block & Hans beer stand (photo below). I found this out on New Year’s Eve after waiting in line for 20 minutes! I don’t want anyone else to suffer that fate while waiting for cheesy goodness.
On the other side of the street you can see the America Gardens Theatre. It is so massive! In the other seasons the trees are lush and pretty- but you can see the structure better now that the leaves have fallen. This theater was so busy for Candlelight Processional that it’s nice to see it empty for a change!
If you check out the very first photo you can see that America is one large building from the front. Over to the far left we start with the Liberty Inn. This is a counter service restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating.
Check out this pretty courtyard out front. This is a great spot to sit an listen to the different concerts throughout the year. There is almost always room with no waiting and it isn’t as loud as being in the theater. Add a snack and drink and this is the perfect spot for me to “watch” those performances.
Here is a quick look at the indoor dining room. As you can see, you do not gain more comfortable seats by choosing to sit indoors!
The entry way to this restaurant is lined with flags from U.S. history. I did some quick Googling and didn’t come up with the details on these. I assume they are from the colonies? If anyone has information about these, would you share in the comments below? I’m sure everyone would be interested!
In the center of the main U.S.A. building is the American Adventure. I will warn you before you continue that I did not include the show in this post. That is because I could go on for days about how much I love it. Would anyone like to see a separate post on the show and decor? Let me know in the comments below – I’d love to do it for you!
Just out front is this sign for the attraction. I almost walked right by but realized this was too beautiful not to share!
When you first step into the building, this is the small room you will see first. The entire building is modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello. If you don’t know what it looks like, you can click the link or just look on the back of a nickel, where it is pictured.
Past this room you enter a huge area with a rotunda in the center. Inside this rotunda you can see The Voices of Liberty perform several times throughout the day. The room is huge and features art work from Disney Imagineers and quotes from famous figures throughout U.S. history.
Here is a closer look down one of the walls lined with art and quotes. Considering that this is just one wall of the pavilion makes you appreciate just how large it is. The pavilion takes up 108,555 square feet, if you can believe it!
Below is one of many quotes that are illuminated on the walls. I’m not sure if you can tell from the photo above that between every painting is a quote like this mounted directly on the wall. The lighting is so harsh it doesn’t photograph well, but it is very moving when you see it in person.
In hunting around the building I found the below panels. None of the cast members on duty were able to tell me anything about them. Does anyone know the history on these? I’ve hunted and can’t find anything. They are massive and beautiful, though!
Remember the rotunda I mentioned earlier? Well.. I might have laid in the floor with my fisheye lens and tired to get the whole thing for you guys! It wasn’t quite wide enough but it gives you an idea what it looks like to walk under this impressive 45-foot tall ceiling! The floor under this area is lined with 50 stars to represent the states.
Here is the beautiful arch you pass through to enter the American Adventure Theater. Once you enter there are escalators to the left to take you upstairs to the theater entrance.
To the right of this entrance is the American Heritage Gallery, which is currently housing The Kinsey Collection. I know I’m a big nerd, but I actually went the weekend this opened last year. I was excited to see all the new additions from this private collection that celebrates the history of African American achievements and contributions.
Here is a look down one of the walls inside the gallery. This section is “Belief.” Each of the themed areas is highly interactive, featuring touch panels and some really amazing displays.
Below is a link to a video of one of the lanterns inside the museum. I apologize for the focus – the flame was tough for my camera to track. As the video goes on you can see words and images in the lantern. There are several of these inside this area – each with a different story to tell.
Stepping back outside you can catch a performance of the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps. These guys march through the U.S.A. Pavilion, put on a show,and then stick around to take photos in front of American Adventure.
Moving along, next door you will find Heritage Manor Gifts. Though this building looks huge, it is only the downstairs that contains the store. If you notice the little door to the left – it’s often used to allow guests upstairs for the Chase Lounge during festivals and events.
Here is a quick look inside the gift shop. I would imagine now that Heritage House has closed over at the Magic Kingdom that some of that merchandise will be coming over here.
Exiting the gift shop and moving along you’ll come to the Kidcot station for America. This one is huge! It seems like they could fit several more tables in here. While it was early in the day when I visited for photos, the demand is certainly there for more Kidcot seats later in the day!
Okay, I know, I included a photo of the bathrooms. But these are shiny, new bathrooms!! I’m sure folks will remember the gross ones at the opposite end of the pavilion? If you remember, then you should be very excited to see this photo!! 
Back on the main walkways around World Showcase Lagoon, you’ll find a pin cart that is also utilized for selling CDs of artists performing at the America Gardens Theatre. I mainly mention it because I’ve been told the Candlelight Processional CD is completely sold out and that Disney is producing a new version to be released this summer. This isn’t surprising since the current version is over 10 years old, but if you’ve always wanted it, now is a good time to track down a copy!
Next is the new Block & Hans beer stand, the new home of soft pretzels! It also sells several different beers and a couple wines. I seem to recall at one point this was the DVC booth in America, but I’m just not sure. Does anyone remember for certain?
The last stop leaving America is the Funnel Cake cart. How ironic, right? Donuts on the way in and Funnel Cakes on the way out! But maybe it’s a true measure of America because despite hanging out for 15 minutes (before lunch time), I couldn’t get a photo without someone at the window!
In the photo above you can almost see Japan off in the distance calling us to keep going! I hope you’ll be joining me next time to explore the land of the rising sun. Did I miss anything in America? Did you see something you hadn’t before? I sure hope so! Plese let me know in the comments below and as always thanks for reading!
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January 16, 2014
Disneyland’s Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Find New Home at Knott’s Berry Farm
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Kirk Wall (aka Billy Hill) and the Hillbillies are back at Knott’s Berry Farm
After over 20 years of entertaining faithful fans in Frontierland, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies recently played their last show at Disneyland. As big fans of the Billys, we here at Touring Plans were heartbroken to see our favorite Anaheim performers unceremoniously “retired” by the Mouse after the 2013 holiday season. Now, we are thrilled to report that Billy Hill and the Hillbillies – aka Krazy Kirk Wall and the Hillbillies – have found a new home at nearby Knott’s Berry Farm.
According to the schedule posted on Kirk Wall’s website, the Hillbillies will perform at Knott’s every Saturday and Sunday (plus an occasional Monday and Friday) afternoon, starting Sunday, January 18, and continuing at least through April. We don’t give much coverage to Knott’s Berry Farm, but the Billys may make it worthwhile to take a day detour from Disneyland on your next trip!
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January 15, 2014
Heritage House Reopens as MyMagic+ Service Center
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As we mentioned previously, Heritage House, the former gift shop for Hall of Presidents, closed back on January 4 with little explanation on its closure. We now know that the former gift shop in Liberty Square has reopened as a new MyMagic+ Service Center.
The location is currently available for guests to stop in and make their FastPass+ reservations and ask Cast Members questions.
As a reminder, Magic Kingdom is now FastPass+ only for both onsite and off-site guests, so these MyMagic+ Service Centers, as well as MyMagic+ kiosks, are where off-site guests currently need to go to make FastPass+ reservations.
The merchandise previously found in the gift shop can now be found in other locations throughout the park.
Also, it appears that additional MyMagic+ Service Centers, as well as stand alone kiosks, are continuously popping up throughout Walt Disney World as the full rollout of MyMagic+ moves forward.
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HGTV and DIY Stars Are Back For Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival
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©Disney
Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival is only a little over a month and a half away. Among the unique events that take place during the Festival are the presentations by celebrity guests from HGTV and the DIY Network. These showcases take place on weekends during the Festival.
For those who are excited to learn tips about gardening or designing and decorating your home, we have a list of the celebs who will be on hand giving demonstrations and when. They are:
March 7-9 – Vern Yip “Design Star”
March 14-16 – Chris Lambton “Going Yard”
March 21-23 – Matt Blashaw “Yard Crashers”
March 28-30 – Matt Meunster “Bath Crashers”
April 4-6 – Taniya Nayak “House Hunters on Vacation”
April 11-13 – Amy Matthews “Renovation Raiders”
April 18-20 – John Gidding “Curb Appeal”
April 25-27 – David Bromstad “Color Splash”
May 2-4 – Chip Wade “Elbow Room”
May 9-11 – To Be Determined
May 16-18 – Alison Victoria “Kitchen Crashers”
Please keep in mind that this list is subject to change.
The 2014 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival will take place from March 5 – May 18.
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CityWalk Update: Temporary Universal Studios Store Open, New Restaurant Name Revealed
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The Cigarz sign is already gone as Universal Orlando’s CityWalk construction charges into 2014
Universal Orlando is moving swiftly to reimagine its CityWalk complex before Diagon Alley opens this summer. Here’s our latest CityWalk update as of Wednesday, January 8, 2014.
Universal Studios Store
A temporary Universal Studios Store has opened inside a tent-like structure which sits in front of the CityWalk stage.
Welcome to your home for Universal tchotchkes without a park ticket for the next half-year.
Plenty of Seuss and Despicable Me merch on hand.
Universal’s licensing agreement with Warner Brother and J.K. Rowling mandates that Harry Potter merchandise be sold in its own distinct section. So you won’t see any Potter merchandise in the temporary store.
The selection appears geared to the younger demographic.
There is a small selection of adult clothes.
The facade of the original store has been partially removed, and the store inside has been stripped…
Jaws, Hitch, and other Universal icons are now in a dumpster. Sniff…
…but the televisions inside are still playing.
That’s the parks promo playing in an endless loop to no one.
The temporary store is expected to operate for about six months.
A nighttime look at the temporary store.
Vivo Italian Kitchen
A the recent CityWalk press event, the Italian restaurant that will replace Pastamore was given the working name “Pranzo.” Today we see new signage with the official name, Vivo.
The restaurant will feature freshly made pasta.
Antojitos
Here are some nighttime shots of the Antojitos Mexican restaurant.
[Insert Taco Bell joke here
I participated in the first press preview tasting at Antojitos on January 9 and will report back soon!
Subscribe to our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar to get the best Universal Orlando wait-time data and touring plans, and check back soon for the next update!
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Ranking the Disney World Hotels
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Art of Animation Resort
As a former Cast Member, current Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club Member, and frequent visitor to the Walt Disney World Resort, there are questions that I am routinely asked:
“What’s the best time of year to visit?” To which I reply, “Simple! Check the Crowd Calculator!”
“Where can I find the best deal on tickets?” To which I reply, “Simple! Check the Ticket Calculator!“
“Where is the best place to stay?” To which I reply, “Well….”
You see, among the almost-30 on-site resort choices, to countless off-property hotels, vacation villas, and other accommodation opportunities, guests have a plethora of considerations when it comes to choosing the right Disney World hotel. In an effort to simplify it all, however, I’ve corralled the on-property choices and pitted them against each other, in a play-off style, using content provided by the Touring Plans site and personal experience. Although I personally believe it all boils down to a matter of preference, this ranking should provide a basic foundation in comparison building.
Tier 1 Matchups: Deluxe Resorts
Animal Kingdom Lodge vs. Beach Club Resort (and Villas)
Based on user ratings, this matchup is a close one, as the Beach Club takes a one-point lead over its opponent. Although both resorts feature elaborately themed guest rooms and common areas, the big differentiator in rankings was simply location. Within walking distance to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and situated in the entertainment and dining mecca of the BoardWalk area, the Beach Club provides a much more central point than the somewhat tucked-away Animal Kingdom Lodge.
BoardWalk Inn (and Villas) vs. the Contemporary Resort (and Bay Lake Tower)
In 1971, Walt Disney World opened with just four main elements: the Magic Kingdom, Fort Wilderness, the Polynesian Resort and the bold new Contemporary Resort. While it is debatable as to how “contemporary” the Contemporary is, its appeal is undeniable. Comprised of the main Contemporary resort building, the Garden wing, and the towering Bay Lake Tower addition, it is the only resort within walking distance to the Magic Kingdom. Additionally, the Contemporary boasts two very different, and popular dining experiences: Chef Mickey’s and the California Grill….and what about that cool factor of the monorail passing right through the middle?
Fans of the BoardWalk Inn may point out that its location, across the lake from the aforementioned winner of the last matchup, the Beach Club is also a lovely location – which it is, however, the widespread layout of the resort is also infamous for its endless hallways and unique lobby decor.
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (and Villas) vs. Polynesian Resort
Neighbors on the Seven Seas Lagoon, these two deluxe heavy-hitters serve not only as guest favorites for resort stays, but for their plethora of fine dining options. Guest ratings are neck-and-neck for these two, but the Grand Floridian receives a slight edge not only due to its “flagship resort” status, but also, for its luxurious amenities, such as a full-service spa, state-of-the-art fitness center and picturesque wedding pavilion.
Wilderness Lodge (and Villas) vs. the Yacht Club
Immersive theming characterize both of these resorts, from simple decor, to their signature dining experiences, yet in this matchup, it is the combination of a completely transportive nature, coupled with an undeniable sense of nostalgic Disney magic that give the Wilderness Lodge a definite leg up in the competition.
Opened in 1994, the rustic early-1900′s feeling of lodges in the Pacific Northwest blend seamlessly with neighboring Fort Wilderness, yet with its location off of Bay Lake, it remains within close distance (and boat accessibility) to the Magic Kingdom.
Swan & Dolphin* vs. Shades of Green*
Both of these category closers share a unique distinction; you see, although both are categorized as Deluxe resorts, neither are owned/operated by the Walt Disney Company (Swan & Dolphin are Starwood resorts, and Shades of Green is operated by the U.S. Armed Forces). Comparing these two was perhaps the most challenging, as they cater to more specific guest populations, yet with the big picture in mind, a high number of appealing dining options (on-site and within walking distance) and availability of special booking discounts catapult Swan & Dolphin into the lead.
Tier 1 Matchups: Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Villas
Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (and Treehouse Villas) vs. Old Key West
Sprawling, with expertly manicured lawns,sparkling pools, and recreation opportunities, these two standalone DVC resorts offer unparalleled opportunities for relaxation…and frustration. Coupled with their expansive footprints are common complaints of unreliable bus service, long walking distance between common areas and guest rooms/villas and confusing layouts…yet, they both garner their share of fans. Although Saratoga Springs boasts itself as the only Disney resort within walking distance to Downtown Disney, OKW takes the edge…and here’s why: as the first DVC resort built, the rooms at Old Key West are some of the roomiest available on property, and if you bring your car, you can park right next to your front door!
Tier 1 Matchups: Moderate Resorts
Caribbean Beach vs. Coronado Springs
Moderate resorts are great choices for a wide range of guests: families, couples, groups of friends…and in the case of Coronado Springs, even convention guests! While both of these moderate resorts offer comfortable guest rooms (Caribbean Beach even has Pirate-themed rooms), Coronado Springs has a slight lead due to its elaborately themed swimming area, fitness and business centers.
Port Orleans (FQ and RS) vs. Fort Wilderness Cabins
Perhaps this is an unfair matchup, as the experiences garnered from Port Orleans and Fort Wilderness exist in almost completely different categories (hotel versus cabins), but as a major fan of both of these moderate “resorts,” I’d say these are a very close contest. With that in mind, I’d be more apt to recommend a stay at Port Orleans (French Quarter or Riverside) to a first-time visitor, since the unconventional aspect of staying in a cabin on a Walt Disney World Vacation might add an element of complication to someone unfamiliar with Disney World property and transportation.
Broken down one step further (Riverside vs. French Quarter), French Quarter would be my preference, as that end of the collective Port Orleans is smaller, and feels more intimate, but for families that would prefer a sit-down dining option (FQ only has a food court) or those interested in the ornately decorated “Princess” rooms, Riverside is a great option, too.
Tier 1 Matchups: Value Resorts
All Star Resorts (Sports, Movies and Music) vs. Pop Century vs. Art of Animation Resort
A three-way matchup, essentially between five different properties? Okay, this might not sound fair, but really, we’re comparing two complexes: the All Star, and the Pop/Art. You see, All-Star Resorts were the first in the “value” category, offering economy-priced accommodations on the south end of property. While they function well as clean and neatly appointed facilities, they also carry the distinction of large group bookings, often for tour groups and sports teams. Art of Animation on the other hand, opened later (Spring 2012), and has addressed many of the early concerns of value resorts with increased dining options in its food court, larger guestrooms, and the inclusion of family suites (note: All Star Music has also added family suites to their line up, doubling the square footage from a standard room). To top that off, the rooms and common areas feature familiar character motifs and theming, from the pool areas, to guest room furniture.
Tier 2 Matchups: Deluxe & DVC
Beach Club vs. Contemporary
Although both the Beach Club and Contemporary boast easy walking distance to theme parks, incredible dining experiences and the option for standard guest rooms or DVC villas, Beach Club pulls ahead with its beautiful Stormalong Bay, an exclusive access privilege reserved solely for Yacht & Beach Club guests.
Grand Floridian vs. Wilderness Lodge
Despite the fact that the youngest guests may not grasp the theming of the Grand Floridian, there is certainly something special about the Victorian aura that wafts through the air at this resort, especially with experiences such as their Afternoon Tea. Additionally, the Grand Floridian boasts more fine dining options than any other resort on property, and Disney World’s only AAA 5-Diamond Award dining experience, Victoria & Albert’s.
Swan & Dolphin vs. Old Key West
Location once again triumphs in this resort matchup, as Swan & Dolphin leaps forward. In addition to its convenient spot on the map, an all-star line-up of dining options abound, with nationally recognized restaurants like Shula’s, Todd English’s bluezoo and Il Mulino.
Tier 2 Matchups: Moderates
Coronado Springs vs. Port Orleans
As previously mentioned, Coronado Springs caters to convention and business guests – which is a positive, when it comes to extra amenities, but on the flipside, may be a negative, too. Whereas convention guests may be attending catered events, non-convention guests lament a lack of dining options over its large grounds. Port Orleans, on the other hand, provide several dining options over both the Riverside and French Quarter “sides,” and with its connection to Downtown Disney via Sassagoula boat service, a whole new world of dining, shopping and entertainment is unlocked (note: busses are also available).
Tier 3: Champion
Grand Floridian
Love it or hate it, the Grand Floridian rises to the top of this resort ranking, as the best all-around resort. Although it may not be the best value on property, this 40-acre Victorian seaside resort is certainly the finest. Unparalleled guest service, diverse recreation options, availability of some of the most indulgent spa services and easy accessibility (monorail, boat and bus) are all hallmarks of this imposing facility. With nightly stays starting at $488, however…would you expect any less?
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So, there you have it – an in-depth look at all of the resorts, stacked side by side. Do you agree with my matchups? What would you change?
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January 14, 2014
Observations from the Magic Kingdom: January 7, 2014
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I know there are relative degrees of chill. And of course I know that a cold that freezes a Super Soaker stream before it hits the ground is much worse than the thirty and forty degree temperatures that crept into Florida on this day. But, when you’ve spent the last nine months sweating in places you didn’t know you owned, a sudden plummet to the low 40′s feels pretty frigid. It’s been a long time since I experience a Kingdom Cold Snap, so I decided to find out whether or not anything different happens at Walt Disney World (besides water park closures) when the mercury drops.
First things first, a very (very!) important announcement. I don’t often throw a selfie into a blog post, but this is pretty major. Anyone notice what’s NOT in the background behind me?
That’s right, ladies and gents! The horrible memories banner is gone! Your train station pictures can once again be beautiful! Snap away. That hat’s available in Animal Kingdom, in case you were wondering. I know you want one.
I hate to say it, but technically it’s “slow season,” and that means it’s time to freshen up the parks. Right now there are more construction walls in MK than I think I’ve ever seen at one time in the past. It’s certainly noticeable, and may even be a little obnoxious if you’re on a one-time trip here or an annual journey that you planned around low crowds.
Christmas decorations came down in the Kingdom (the last ones to go) the day after this. While this construction wall at City Hall certainly wasn’t festive, just around the corner I found a very interesting cold-weather happening. As it turns out, certain characters have “winter options” or, in touristy terms, cold weather outfits! The first we spotted? Mary Poppins. In winter gear, she’s called Nanny Poppins.
One of the coolest things is when characters get really into their roles. It was a pretty windy day for Orlando, and Nanny Poppins used a lull in her line to open her umbrella and see where the wind may take her.
Just past Main Street, U.S.A., Casey’s Corner is closed for a brief refurbishment, and a huge portion of the sidewalk is being either replaced or revamped. The construction walls are massive and require a fairly major detour to get around.
Over in Adventureland, we find TWO winter options, the first at the Jasmine and Alladin meet and greet (moved to the terrace temporarily while the Agrabah Bazaar is refurbished).
And second in Tinker Bell’s Nook. Tink’s winter option may be a little harder to spot since she wears the coat more often, but look down. She’s got boots!
Tink’s giving me a little side-eye in this one. I find that happens sometimes when I’m by myself and taking pictures. Through Adventureland there are a couple of different sets of construction walls around the Bazaar and the Tiki Room, all for refurbishment projects.
But, if missing the crowds is your goal, it’s a good time to be here.
In Fantasyland, the Mine Train is progressing, but progress is still slow. So what do we have? Construction walls!
It’s been said that Ariel has a winter option – a nifty cape – but I didn’t manage to get a picture. I did get a picture of some odd refurb tarps and such on the Tomorrowland Speedway, though, as I strolled around toward the castle.
Merida’s line was quite long when I made it to her meet and greet, but the friendly cast members let me take a distance shot to capture her winter option, a gorgeous cloak with celtic knot embroidery.
And last but not least, I discovered Tiana meeting and greeting in her gazebo just behind Liberty Square with a smart embroidered shrug as her winter option.
Cold weather clothing on characters isn’t exactly earth-shattering news, but it’s certainly a charming addition to a chilly Kingdom day. And while the park seems riddled with construction walls at the moment, there is always a lovely picture to be found in the Magic Kingdom. I’ll leave you with this for today, a shot of one of my favorite areas just after the holidays, the lawn edged by red, white, and pink. Until next time, Keep it Magical.
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Universal Orlando Rumor Tour with HateToFly
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Regular readers of my PotterWatch blog series know that many of the juiciest details leaked about the under-construction Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida have come to us through HateToFly, a prolific poster on the Orlando United web forums. Over the weekend, I took a stroll through both Universal Orlando theme parks with the pseudonymous spy himself, and got the latest lowdown on the future of the resort. So grab a grain of salt and settle in for some of the hottest Universal Orlando rumors anywhere on the Internet.
Islands of Adventure
We began our walk at the lovely Sweethaven waterside, which is hidden in the back of Toon Lagoon at Islands of Adventure.
Conversations have recently reignited (after flaring up and sputtering out a year ago) about Universal acquiring the theme park rights to The Lord of the Rings and/or The Hobbit from the Tolkein estate, which has been notoriously difficult to negotiate with. More than one source has speculated that the Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge Rat Barges whitewater rafting ride could be converted into the barrel escape from the most recent Hobbit film.
Moving on to Jurassic Park, the King Kong project is advancing towards an anticipated late 2014 groundbreaking.
This photo op is on the eventual site of the entry path to King Kong.
HateToFly pointed out some survey markers near Thunder Falls Terrace indicating trees scheduled for removal in order to make way for the big ape’s return.
More markers can be spotted around the former Triceratops Encounter, where a Gravity Group family wooden roller coaster is expected to be installed in synergy with Jurassic World‘s theatrical release. The new film will tie into other changes around the island, including a new menu at Thunder Falls Terrace, and possibly a re-routed path past the backside of Hogwarts Castle.
Moving along to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Hogsmeade train station is advancing rapidly, and the structure at the head of the path leading towards it is finally taking form.
The train stations and Gringotts are being built with Universal Express entrances (like Forbidden Journey was), but Express will not be available for at least the first year of operations.
The carnival games in Lost Continent are scheduled to be demolished at the end of January. The space will be used as merchandise storage and an employee break room.
Finally, plans for a Lorax attraction have officially been set aside, but a new family dark ride (most likely based on Illumination Entertainment’s upcoming CGI Grinch reboot) is still in the long-term plans for Seuss Landing.
Universal Studios Florida
Moving over to the other park, I have good and bad news for Transformers fans. The bad news is that following last month’s test of the interactive Transformers meet & greet for executive Bill Davis, the “lipstick” cameras installed to allow the hidden voice actors to interact with guests have been removed. The interactive robots have been a big hit in Hollywood, but Orlando’s higher percentage of non-English-speaking guests may have made management balk at the daily operating cost (reported as $6,000 per day).
The good news is that the Universal Studios’ Classic Monsters Cafe may soon transform into a Cybertron-themed eatery. If that happens, look for the adjacent Bone Chillin’ kiosk to begin selling Energon, an exclusive beverage (not unlike the Flaming Moe) served at Universal Studios Hollywood. However, any online reports of spinning Optimus Prime and Megatron statues being installed atop the structure are simply fan speculation.
A panoramic shot from the center of the London Waterfront.
Finally, we took a look at the progress on Harry Potter’s London Waterfront, where some of the scaffolding has started to be removed.
The main entrance and exit to Diagon Alley are on the other side of this fence.
Construction on both headliner attractions in Diagon Alley are advancing despite some snags. Attraction builder Intamin has come in to help Hogwarts Express synchronize the vehicle movement system with the bus bar that powers the in-car special effects.
The facade of Kings Cross is now mostly exposed.
The black rectangular hole between the windows will hold an audio speaker.
And a late-in-the-project decision to use a spinning tire launch system (like the Hulk) instead of a linear induction accelerator (like Revenge of the Mummy) is reportedly causing headaches at Gringotts.
A unique element of the Gringotts queue will be a photo opportunity staffed by “bank security guards.” You will be able to have your image captured while waiting for the ride, and purchase a personalized “security badge” in the gift show afterwards.
Check back on this blog soon for an exclusive report on HateToFly’s Top 5 Future Universal Additions!
Subscribe to our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar to get the best Universal Orlando wait-time data and touring plans, and check back soon for the next Wizarding World of Harry Potter construction update!
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First Look: Review of Spice Road Table at Epcot
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Spice Road Table opened up on Saturday for previews, and I was able to head over there on opening night.
This new restaurant is found in the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot, situated along the water’s edge. It serves up Mediterranean-inspired small plates, along with an extensive drink menu. The restaurant’s inspiration is drawn from outdoor cafes found along the Mediterranean. You really get the outdoor cafe feel, as most of the restaurant is outdoors, with only a small portion of seats situated inside. In the same complex as the restaurant is a Henna tattoo artist station, as well as a Moroccan shop.
The night the restaurant opened, as my husband and I were walking through Epcot, it started sprinkling. Then it started raining…by the time I reached the restaurant, it was POURING! I looked like a drowned rat, seeing as I’d left my umbrella back at the hotel. (So dumb on my part! I always bring it, and then the one time I don’t, downpour!) So, I ran into the restaurant, observing its beauty with rain water-filled eyes. (PS: keep the rain in mind when dining here. While it is covered, there is the potential for you to get a bit wet, depending on the way the wind is blowing.)
My first impressions were that the whole complex was quite pretty. Disney did a great job in the design and theme. As I walked in, I marveled at the incredibly blue wall behind the bar area. I was also in awe of the lights that hung above.
It was about 8 p.m. and we asked if we could have a spot where we could view IllumiNations. When you walk in, to your left is the outdoor section, in the middle is the bar area, and then to the right are the indoor tables.
We were seated in the outdoors section, and as soon as we sat down, I realized that you can pretty much see the lagoon from every table, though some tables are much closer to the action than others. This will come into play later, as I did have to stand up and move for a better view once IllumiNations started. It appears that most of the indoor tables have a view of the nighttime fireworks spectacular, too.
We sat down and looked over the menu (after I stopped in the bathroom to attempt to dry off even just a little, which didn’t really work). The one thing I noticed is that the bar menu seemed quite extensive. So, for those of you who like to imbibe, there is plenty to choose from. I also asked our waiter, and it seems as though people will be able to just walk up to the bar for a drink from the World Showcase promenade.
The restaurant’s signature beverage is the Sangria, which is made in house and is organic. They also serve up quite a few signature cocktails and have a pretty decent beer and wine selection.
As for me, I’m sort of a plain jane and not much of a drinker, so I stuck with water, but note, on this evening, they were serving up bottles of water and charging for them. Our waiter never once asked me my preference. If you prefer regular tap water, make sure you specify, as I am not sure what they will serve guests on a regular basis going forward.
According to our waiter, small plates are a Mediterranean tradition. People prefer to dine on smaller dishes and don’t typically get over-stuffed that way. The menu had a nice list of 10 small plates to choose from. To me, prices didn’t seem uber-exorbitant (keep in mind, you are at Walt Disney World, so prices are certainly inflated a bit than they would be in the real world), so you can choose a few options to sample. Though for the size of the dishes, I can see how some people would think that it is quite costly.
The menu consists of Mussels Tagine, Spicy Garlic Shrimp, Mediterranean Omelet, Moroccan Merguez Sausage, Fried Calamari, Hummus and Imported Olives, Salted Cod Croquettes, Lamb Slider, Rice Stuffed Grape Leaves, and Harissa Chicken Roll. They also have two sampler platters. They are the Mogador Sampler, which includes the mussels, cod croquettes, and calamari; and the Tingis Sampler, which includes the lamb slider, the chicken roll, and the sausage.
Here is where I think that this restaurant differs from many at Walt Disney World. It appears to me that Epcot is trying to do something a little different in World Showcase lately. Disney has been adding these small plate restaurants all around the promenade. It did this with Italy and Tutto Gusto, in a way at the updated Boulangerie Patisserie, a bit at La Cava del Tequila, and now here in Morocco. These all offer locations that serve up appetizer sized portions and allowing guests to sort of eat (and drink, of course) around the world, without having to eat a full meal. This way they can sample a little bit from a few different countries. I could be absolutely wrong in my assessment, but it appears that is the way things seem to be heading.
Anyway, enough of my rambling and back to the food.
I am not the most adventurous eater. I am actually quite picky. I do not like spicy foods much and tend to shy away from things that seem a bit different. So, trying this place originally made me a little leery; however, in the end, I was perfectly comfortable eating here. I tried a few things that I normally wouldn’t have and found a couple of things on the menu that I wouldn’t mind trying the next time I get the chance to visit. Overall, it seemed like there were a lot of interesting options on the menu to choose from that fit many different palates.
So, what did I sample this time out? The hubby and I decided to sample the Cod Croquettes, the Spicy Garlic Shrimp, and the Fried Calamari. (Wait…I’m gonna eat squid?)
Our waiter brought them over, and I first tried the Fried Calamari. It was actually pretty good. It wasn’t overly fried, the breading was light, and the squid wasn’t tough. There were two dipping sauces we could choose to sample: one being a Harissa sauce (the red sauce) and one being a Capers aioli sauce (the white sauce). I much preferred the Harissa sauce over the other one.
Next, I tried the Spicy Garlic Shrimp. I was a bit apprehensive…spicy is in the name, and I have a very sensitive palate when it comes to spicy foods. Luckily, this wasn’t too bad for me. The garlic taste was the most prevalent, but the spice kicked in at the end. For most people who are used to extremely spicy foods, this probably won’t do much for them, but for those who like a mild spiciness to their dishes, this should be right up their alley. The shrimp were not the jumbo shrimp that were originally mentioned. Instead, they were tiny popcorn sized shrimp. That was a little disappointing.
Finally, I tried the Cod Coquettes. These were just alright. They certainly weren’t my favorite. On the inside, the cod was very minced, and it was a little tough. The breading was a heavy coating, kind of like a hush puppy. I tried dipping it in the two sauces; one being sundried tomato and the other a black olive aioli. Neither one really did anything for me, nor did it seem to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Overall, out of the three dishes that I tried, the Calamari was my clear favorite. (Who knew I’d choose that?!)
But now it was time for dessert. We opted to get the Chocolate Pyramid with Almond Ice Cream. The almond ice cream is made with almond milk and has almonds in it. It was a tiny little dollop of ice cream. I didn’t love it and thought it tasted a bit flowery. If you like almond milk, though, you will probably like the ice cream. Our waiter mentioned that it is made on site.
As for the chocolate pyramid, that I did enjoy. It was sort of a mousse, but not entirely, as there was a hint of chocolate cake on the bottom and white chocolate that came oozing out of the center. It wasn’t overly sweet or chocolaty. Both the ice cream and the chocolate pyramid were sort of light.
Personally, I may not choose to get dessert here again, as I would likely enjoy getting dessert at one of the other World Showcase countries. But if you are there for a full meal, then it’s nice that they have the option.
This brings me to the end of our night. You see, I was there to see this new viewing area for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth! Once things got started, I realized that the view is just ok. There are a few trees that are situated in the middle that sort of block your view from being completely unobstructed. In my mind, it wasn’t a spectacular viewing area, but it is nice to have a new location where you will be able to have a meal and still see IllumiNations at the same time. For me,though, I won’t be knocking down the door to watch IllumiNations from here.
Overall, I thought that the restaurant was a good spot to go if you are wanting to get a drink and maybe an appetizer or two to share among your party. This is not a place to get a full-on meal. If you want that in the Morocco Pavilion, I would suggest either Tangerine Cafe or Restaurant Marrakesh. Spice Road Table reminds me more of a bar with food than a restaurant that serves drinks.
Currently, this restaurant does not accept the Disney Dining Plan, Tables in Wonderland, or any other discount. No word on if that will change in the future.
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Your FastPass+ Priorities at the Magic Kingdom
By Len Testa
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The Magic Kingdom begins exclusive use of FastPass+ today. We’ve updated all 50 of our Magic Kingdom touring plan templates to use only FastPass+. Each plan now lists the suggested FastPass+ start times for the attractions that will save you the most time in line, like this:
Suggested start times for FastPass+ reservations:
Peter Pan’s Flight = 10 AM
Buzz Lightyear = 5 PM
Enchanted Tales with Belle = 7 PM
We also added the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to most plans, as we think that will begin previews sometime next month.
When we updated the plans, we kept track of how many times each attraction was identified as needing FastPass+. It turns out that this is a prioritized list of which attractions you should use FastPass+ for to avoid long waits in line:
While the Magic Kingdom offers FastPass+ for 27 attractions, the touring plan software only identifies 5 as frequently needing FastPass+:
Peter Pan’s Flight
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Why is Peter Pan’s Flight listed so often? Probably three reasons:
Peter Pan isn’t going to be anyone’s choice as the first attraction to visit. If you’ve got small children, you’re probably headed to Enchanted Tales with Belle or (when it opens) the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. If you’ve got older kids, you’re probably headed to Space Mountain or Seven Dwarfs. And no matter where you go first, you’ll probably visit at least one other attraction nearby next. That means you’re not getting to Peter Pan within the first 30 minutes the park is open.
Peter Pan appears on virtually every Magic Kingdom touring plan. It appeals to every age group and demographic, and has no height requirement. It’s a classic, if simple, Disney ride.
Although it’s not a headliner attraction, Peter Pan develops long lines throughout the day. Peter Pan’s wait times over Christmas exceeded 150 to 180 minutes fairly often. Peter Pan’s hourly capacity is around 1,100 guests, or a little more than half of Buzz Lightyear’s, and far less than half of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Enchanted Tales with Belle is probably ranked second because it usually doesn’t make sense to visit it first thing in the morning. Counting walking time to Belle and the elaborate pre-show process, you’d probably be committing about half an hour to that one attraction, whereas you could probably visit 2 or 3 other attractions in Fantasyland or Tomorrowland in the same amount of time.
Big Thunder and Splash Mountain are on the list, too. While they don’t normally get a huge influx of guests immediately at park opening, lines of 20 to 40 minutes can develop around mid-morning at Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain, as crowds make their way from Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.
Space Mountain appears on the list probably because of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. When the Mine Train opens, it’ll be the hot new attraction in the Magic Kingdom, It’ll also have a shorter height requirement than Space Mountain (38 inches vs 44 inches), meaning more families will want to ride it. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is listed as the first attraction to visit in a lot of our touring plans, and it’s usually followed by other Fantasyland attractions to minimize how much you have to walk.
Attractions In Our Touring Plans That Never Need FastPass+
Some FastPass+ attractions seem never to require FastPass+, either because the touring plan gets you to them before long lines develop, or because the attraction rarely sees long waits:
The Barnstormer
it’s a small world
Mad Tea Party
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Magic Kingdom Attractions In Our Touring Plans That Rarely Require FastPass+
These include:
Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Tomorrowland Speedway
The Mickey Mouse meet & greet
Jungle Cruise
Haunted Mansion
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
It’s also worth noting that we don’t usually recommend using FastPass+ for the Main Street Electrical Parade, Wishes fireworks or many shows, so they don’t appear on this list. FastPass+ at parades, fireworks, and shows usually only gets you a guaranteed seat or spot to stand. You still have to arrive early to stake out a prime viewing location, so you don’t end up saving much time. We think you’re better off using FastPass+ to avoid long waits in line.
The Best Times for FastPass+ Reservations at These Key Attractions
Now that you know which attractions most need FastPass+, the next question is when you should make your FastPass+ reservations. Here’s a chart showing the times our Magic Kingdom touring plans use FastPass+ to avoid long lines (yellow=morning times, orange=afternoon):
Our touring plan software tends to recommend Peter Pan a lot in the morning, along with Big Thunder Mountain. All of the other attractions tend to have their FastPass+ recommendations in the middle to late afternoon.
What To Do If You Have Other FastPass+ Attractions or Times
If you can get a FastPass+ reservation for the attractions shown, anywhere near the times listed, the touring plans will work exactly as shown, and your waits in line will be minimized. If you need to choose other FastPass+ attractions or times, our free computer-optimized touring plan software will incorporated those.
For what it’s worth, here’s the process I usually follow to create an optimized touring plan with low waits in line:
Select all of the attractions I want to visit during the day, and enter in all of the meals and breaks I want to take. I don’t enter any FastPass+ times at this step, because I first want to see what the Optimizer identifies as the attractions with potentially long waits.
Click the “Optimize” button and wait for the touring plan to be optimized.
Find the first attraction with a wait over 30 minutes, and see if a FastPass+ reservation is available for that attraction around that time. If I find one, I enter in the FastPass+ time that’s available, and re-optimize the plan.
I repeat Step 3 for the two FastPass+ eligible attractions with the highest wait times throughout the day. I re-optimize the plan after each attraction, because saving a bunch of time on one attraction may allow the Optimizer to uncover other ways to save you time throughout the day.
Another great resource for optimizing touring plans is our Lines Chat forum, where lots of folks are happy to offer suggestions.
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