Bob Sehlinger's Blog, page 1264

Universal Orlando Park Map Adds Springfield Attractions

By Seth Kubersky

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Universal Orlando has been sliding a number of surprises into visitors’ stocking this holiday season. First, I told you about the stealthy price increase recently enacted on the Universal Dining Plan — Quick Service. Then, Derek Burgan pointed out six things you only see at Universal during peak season. Today we’re bringing you a first glimpse at the new landmarks and attractions of Springfield U.S.A. as they are finally visually represented on the newest Universal Orlando park map.

Here’s how the Universal Studios Florida park map appeared until December 25, 2013:

 

And here’s the Universal Orlando park map’s new look, starting December 26:

 

Note that the new images of Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck, Lard Lad Donuts, Duff Brewery, and Twirl ‘n’ Hurl are not to scale or precisely placed in relation to the Simpsons Ride building, but it’s better than a blank patch of paper…

Also, note that large icons once again designate the locations of certain KidZone attractions, like Woody’s Nuthouse Coaster and Curious George Goes to Town.

Old version:

New version:

These particular symbols were used years ago but had been phased out; could their return say something about the long-term fate of the KidZone branding, or just be a random change?

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Islands of Insanity: Christmas Week Crowd Photos from Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure

By Seth Kubersky

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I’ve never participated in the running of the bulls in Spain, nor rung in the New Year in New York’s Times Square, because I don’t need to: I’ve been engulfed by the Christmas week crowd in Orlando’s theme parks. In the spirit of “taking one for the team,” I took on the challenge of visiting Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure on two of the busiest days of the year — Christmas Eve (December 24, 2013) and the Friday after Christmas (December 27, 2013) — to give you idea of what guests face during 8 to 10 days on our crowd index.

We maintain our Crowd Calendar to help you avoid days like these, and Tourimg Plans to help you navigate should you be meshuggenah enough to ignore the following photos. These Islands of Adventure Christmas week crowd photos should also serve as great advertisement for the unlimited Universal Express access included with an on-site hotel room. And remember, these mob scenes are just a hint of hordes certain to swarm when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley opens at Universal Studios Florida next summer.

Christmas Eve (12/24/2013)

We’ll start with my mid-afternoon stroll around Islands of Adventure on Christmas Eve:

Wait times are substantial with Forbidden Journey posted at 100 minutes.

The the streets of Marvel Super Hero Island are fairly congested.

A couple dozen people are in line to meet the X-Men’s Storm:

Spider-Man maintained waits between one and two hours, and was stopped for “technical difficulties” more than once during my visits.

Spidey’s exterior queue is in full use. Say hello to the statue of JJJ!

The water rides around Toon Lagoon are about the only “walk-ons” in the park, thanks to cool temperatures.

Always a crowd watching Ripsaw Falls, even if Dudley’s logs are mostly empty.

As Derek Burgan highlighted, Wimpy’s hamburger stand made a rare appearance.

Moreover, it sports new digital menu boards, like most of the resort’s quick service eateries. Could this be a sign of more regular operations for Wimpy’s in the future?

More congestion around River Adventure, the only major attraction in Jurassic Park (for now)…

…and approaching the entrance to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Forbidden Journey can handle over 2000 riders per hour, but the wait is posted at 75 minutes.

The locker queue alone looks like it could be 75 minutes. Save yourself time by stowing bags elsewhere, and asking for the “no bags” entry.

Unfortunately, crowd management once inside Hogwarts’ entryway isn’t exactly ideal:

If you managed to survive this madhouse of a merge point and stay to the left, the singe rider line was only about 15 minutes, or approximately 20% of the standby queue.

Exiting the castle, the snowy streets of Hogsmeade are just as claustrophobic and crowded this Christmastime as described in the books.

Seuss Landing wasn’t immune to long lines, like this full queue for the Seuss Trolley:

The Grinch is of course the big draw in this area. His meet and greet had a healthy wait:

And a few people were already lining up for the next performance of his show:

By the time I left around sundown, crowds at Islands of Adventure were becoming more moderate, as guests were possibly shifting towards Universal Studios Florida for the evening’s parades and fireworks.

A last look at wait times as Christmas Eve afternoon ends.

 

December 27, 2013

Seventy-odd hours later I was back at Islands of Adventures, and crowd levels had increased from “James Cameron” (8) to “Charlie Sheen” (10) on the Crowd Calendar crazy meter.

Wait times when I arrived at sunset ranged from yawn (10 min for Dragon Challenge) to yikes (two hours for Forbidden Journey)

The Hulk’s interior queue was packed, making Universal Express access actually useful at this ride for a a change.

Spider-Man was a popular destination with a 100 minute posted standby, and a full exterior queue. So it’s a shame it shut down shortly after I took this shot. It reopened, and I was able to ride before the park closed, but it seems to be having some operational issues lately.

 

Heading into Jurassic Park, I stopped into Thunder Falls Terrace, one of my favorite quick service restaurants in any park.

I’ve heard rumors of changes on the way to this venue. Since it was abandoned at dinner hour while the rest of the park was packed, I’m saddened but not exactly surprised.

The Thunder Falls menu is slightly more sophisticated than the usual theme park fast food, and also a little more expensive (through the ubiquitous bacon cheeseburger is omnipresent).

The chicken and ribs stand up against any served at the resort (including Three Broomsticks) with a pleasant balance of smokiness and char-grilled carmelization from the open flame grill.

The mango BBQ sauce on the meaty three-bone slab is especially noteworthy for not being overpoweringly sweet. The chicken is at least as good as the rotisserie birds from Publix or Pollo Tropical, with a distinct tropical seasoning rub.

But the real standout here are the sides. The whole ear of corn is roasted with the husk still attached, and the potatoes are coated in onions, rosemary, and savory herbs.

Interestingly, the rib dishes here are among the most expensive quick-service entrees that are eligible for the Universal Dining Plan. If you aren’t eligible for an annual pass discount, and you will drink two soft drinks during your day, ask for the UDP when checking out and you’ll essentially get a snack for free.

The gory remains of my Thunder Falls post-Christmas culinary crime scene. Quick, someone call Bones!

Since this day was a 10 out of 10 on our crowd calendar, it wasn’t unexpected that Universal implemented its “return time ticket” system for managing Wizarding World admission. Timed entry passes (similar to FastPasses) are distributed from machines in Jurassic Park. Entry is only permitted through the Lost Continent, and the bridge from Hogsmeade to Jurassic Park becomes exit-only.

Wait times on 12/27 remained high well past sunset.

Note that the Wizarding World street show times, which used to be a secret, are now listed on the wait time board.

By night time, crowds dispersed enough for Universal to stop requiring tickets, which is why we recommend visiting Harry Potter in the evening if you don’t have early entry. But even then, there was still a steady flow of guests queuing to enter near the Wizarding World near the Sindbad stadium.

The Wizarding World appears to be just below maximum capacity.

Simply beautiful. Crazy crowded, but beautiful…

The Forbidden Journey queue was longer, but actually better organized during the evening. I think at night guests move quicker through the entryway, because their eyes aren’t adjusting from sunlight to darkness.

With my luck, the ride came to a stop just before I got to the boarding area. But don’t bolt if this happens to you; it was back up and running in under 10 minutes.

Outside the castle, the long line for Butterbeer.

Smart TouringPlans readers know the Hog’s Head tavern is always quicker, and you can get annual pass discounts inside.

One final look at the crowd in Port of Entry headed towards the exit.

If you are planning to brave the Universal Christmas week crowd crush, Subscribe to our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar and survive with the best Universal Orlando wait-time data and touring plans !

 

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Ultimate 2013 New Year’s Eve Plan

By Daisy Lauren

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New Year’s Eve is one of the most amazing nights of the year at Walt Disney World.  The fireworks are beyond any other party or event – even better than July 4th!  But even more than the fireworks there is an amazing party atmosphere that you never see in the parks.  Last year I saw the queue of Peter Pan’s Flight completely stopped while everyone in line danced to Gangnam Style!  Whichever park you choose there will be unforgettable entertainment and genuine Disney magic.  That is the good news… the bad news is there will be crowds like most people never experience!  But you have nothing to worry about because I’m going to share with you my plan for a stress free New Year’s celebration!  Here is the fine print: this is just what I would do this year.  There are lots of ways to have a great time and I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments.

Before leaving for a crazy busy day in the parks I always pack a survival bag.  If you haven’t experienced it you might be surprised to find out that on a very busy day you could have to wait 30+ minutes for a drink or to use the bathroom.  (Bathrooms aren’t as much of an issue at Epcot where they bring in Portolets)  I always bring snacks, a water bottle, phone charger, and extra layers in case it gets cold.  Rain gear is also a good idea if there are any showers in the forecast.   

To start my day, I would sleep in on NYE.  It goes without saying that you’re going to be staying up late and that takes a lot of steam.  In previous years I’ve gotten up early to open the Magic Kingdom then left for a nap after the crowds became unbearable.  However, fighting traffic twice in one day doesn’t make for a stress free day!  When planning your transit time I would recommend at least doubling the amount of time it usually takes to get from one place to another.  The roads are very, very crowded during holiday events and this will impact you whether you are traveling by Disney transportation or your personal vehicle.

This year my plan would be to head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in time for the 2pm Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special.  I was a huge fan when they performed over at Pleasure Island so I try to never miss a chance to see them in action again!  Personally, I’ll be hanging out here for the 3pm and 4pm shows too before heading to Epcot.  If the Comedy Warehouse reunion wasn’t going on then I would likely head to Animal Kingdom.  It seems to have the lowest crowds on what are historically very busy days.  Not to mention there is never a wait for the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail or Maharajah Jungle Trek!

You’ll notice I’m avoiding rides and this will be my plan for most of the night.  Last year around 6pm the wait for Test Track was over 3hrs.  With all the unique entertainment there is no way I’m missing it to wait in crazy long lines!  Keep this in mind when visiting during these types of events.

To avoid later logistical headaches my plan is to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center to visit Epcot.  I’m leaving myself 2 hours to get from the Comedy Warehouse Special back to the World Showcase Lagoon for the first Illuminations at 6:30pm.  I’ve never had trouble making it in that time as long as I’m not too picky with my view for the fireworks.  The past couple years I’ve had good luck finding a spot in the Adventure Outpost area between China and Germany in the World Showcase.  After the fireworks an amazing party will start all around the World Showcase with DJs in different lands.  This would be a great spot to ring in the New Year but my plan is to head over to the Magic Kingdom.

In previous years it has been very easy to navigate out of Epcot as they open backstage areas to escape.  From there the wait has always been shockingly short to hop a monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center!  Last year I took the ferry boat from here to the Magic Kingdom and made really good time.  I was entering the Magic Kingdom right at 7:30pm.  When entering the Magic Kingdom on New Year’s Eve I always avoid Main Street.  On such a busy night they will have a backstage entrance open on the right that leads right into Tomorrowland.  This seldom seen area will be decorated and dancing is encouraged.  Take your time and enjoy this spot as it will be one of the less busy areas.  Just be sure to make it to a viewing spot in time for the 8:30pm Holiday Wishes fireworks.  I recommend the entrance to new Fantasyland for the best view without getting into the crowds.  On such a busy night you can get there 15-20 minutes early and actually sit on the pavement.  As the time approaches for fireworks the walkways will be filled with people waiting for the show.

After the fireworks I normally walk around, people watch, and stop by rides that normally have little to no wait.  Last year I was able to get on The Peoplemover and Carousel of Progress with less than a 15min wait.  I also saw The Country Bears while I waited for midnight to arrive.  This plan will only work if you don’t plan to watch the fireworks from Main Street.  If you have your heart set on this view you should claim your spot when you arrive to the park.  Last year as it got later in the evening cast weren’t letting anyone enter Main Street.  Even when we rode the train an announcement was made that we would not be allowed the exit at Main Street Station.  (That was just fine with us – looking at the madness we would never have gotten into that mess!)  What I have done in the past is enjoy the midnight fireworks from Fontierland looking over the Rivers of America.  We literally walked up last year with no wait and had a stunning view with the fireworks reflected in the water.  It was so much more enjoyable than fighting the crowds for hours to claim a spot!

After the final fireworks display of the evening it’s time to head to Cinderella’s Castle for an amazing dance party that lasts until 1am!  We had so much fun at this party last year and the energy was electric!  We decided to leave a little before closing in an attempt to beat the crowd.  Unfortunately, the crowd was just everywhere!  This is where creativity comes in handy.  Last year we had planned to walk over to The Contemporary and catch a cab back to our car.  Of course, as we were walking over we realized that this wasn’t a great idea as the traffic was jammed everywhere.  On a whim we wondered up to the monorail station upstairs and were able to hop on when other guests exited the train.  It was definitely a tight fit as they were running very, very full but we didn’t have to wait in a mile long line to cram on the monorail!  Make sure that you consider your exit strategy earlier in the day when you are parking your car.  It will help you later in the day.

Following the above plan you should be able to see three fireworks extravaganzas in one night without even breaking a sweat!  That is my idea of fun!  What do you think?  Do you have an idea to improve the above plan?  Do you think it is worth waiting for hours in front of the castle?  Will you be ringing in the new year in a Disney Park this year?  Please let us know in the comments below and as always thanks so much for reading!

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SATURDAY SIX: Six Things You May See at Universal During the Week of Christmas/New Year’s Day

By Derek Burgan

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This week’s SATURDAY SIX looks at Six Things You May See at Universal During the Week of Christmas and New Year’s Day. December can be a great month for visiting the Universal Orlando Resort. Holiday decorations are out, Grinchmas takes over Seuss Landing, and Macy’s Holiday Parade can be seen over in Universal Studios Florida. However, the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day takes a page from Spinal Tap and brings everything up to an “11,’” giving guests an experience they may not receive before or after this special week. Today we’ll look at six things you may encounter if you are brave enough to battle the crowds during this busy week…

Frank the Pug from Men in Black

# 6 – Characters You Rarely See In The Parks

Guests get to see Men In Black’s Frank the Pug during the underrated Animal Actors on Location show, but during the busy weeks you may also see him out in the park. In fact, while you are battling the crowds between Christmas and New Year’s, you’re going to be treated to a plethora of walk around characters and “streetmosphere” that are much harder to experience during the less busier weeks. In Islands of Adventure your chances of meeting characters like Dr. Doom and the Green Goblin increase, while in Universal Studios Florida you may see an amazing street performance where person builds a tower structure out of wooden chairs and then climbs to the top.

There are more walk around characters, more live music, and overall more things to distract you from the fact that the rides you want to go on probably have a really long wait (more on that later…)

A rarely used bridge connecting the Lost Continent to Jurassic Park

# 5 – The Bridge To Nowhere is Opened

While the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was being built, Universal created a temporary bridge that would allow guests to walk directly from the Lost Continent to Jurassic Park. When the WWOHP opened, this bridge was closed and guests used a second bridge that connects WWOHP to Jurassic Park (and allows guests to walk under the impressive Jurassic Park sign.)

During the busier times of the year, the “temporary” bridge is opened up, allowing guests to go to Jurassic Park or Lost Continent while bypassing the more-than-likely crowded WWOHP. In fact, during the busiest parts of the week guests are not allowed to enter WWOHP from the Jurassic Park bridge and must only enter through main Hogsmeade Village entrance located near the Eighth Voyage of Sinbad.

A queue for a $5 air dryer. Seriously.

# 4 – There Are Lines Where There Shouldn’t Be Lines

Nancy Sinatra has a song titled These Boots Were Made For Walking, but during the week of Christmas those boots were made for Standing. Not only will you see rarely-used extended queues in use (which will have you standing under the covered area outside the Transformers: The Ride 3-D building or allow you to see the statue of J. Jonah Jameson in the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man courtyard), but you’ll even be standing in line for things like the air dryers outside of the water rides like Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls. These dryers cost $5 a pop and during most of the year sit unused, but during busy weeks people actually stand in line for them. Why? Who knows.

Wimpy’s in its normal state, closed.

# 3 – Restaurants That Are Normally Closed Are Opened

If you consider yourself a theme park foodie, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is a great one to go because everything is open. All of the “seasonal” restaurants are open, and a whole bunch of snack and drink carts are rolled out into the park. Restaurants such as Cafe La Bamba, Captain America Diner, and Green Eggs ‘n Ham are not always open during the slower times of the year, but you can bet they will be open when the park is at its busiest. While no one is going to argue that any of those restaurants are fine dining, they each bring something unique to the table for guests: La Bamba with an interesting menu, Cap Diner’s seating area has the best view of the park for any IOA restaurant; and Green Eggs ‘n Ham has the one and only Green Eggs ‘n Ham sandwich.

Wimpy’s during Christmas week.
(Photo by Seth Kubersky)

Personally, every time I go to Islands of Adventure, I look to see if Wimpy’s is open, but it always has a sign directing people to Comic Strip Cafe. However, during Christmas week Wimpy’s is open for business. This holiday season Wimpy’s even has the new digital menus that have only recently started to appear at restaurants that are open all year long like Confisco Grille and Mythos.

With rarely seen characters and restaurants brought back into rotation, in some ways, the week between Christmas and New Year’s is almost like a resort wide Long Lost Friends week for Universal.

 

A line to get into a line.
(photo by Seth Kubersky)

# 2 – You May Not Be Able to Get Into the Wizarding World

Let’s hope this never happens to you, but during some of the busier times of the year, entrance to the WWOHP goes through something similar to Walt Disney World’s phased closures. WWOHP goes straight to their version of Phase 4, though, and just locks down the entire area and forces anyone new to go to a separate standby line or pick up a return ticket.

When the area reaches capacity, the Hogsmeade Village entrance to WWOHP is roped off, and the bridge that leads to Jurassic Park becomes exit only. Guests will see Universal Team Members holding blue signs that will direct them to a standby queue or a place to pick up a return time ticket. I always think it is better to get a return time that will allow you to check out other areas of the park while you wait, but you can always take a chance on getting into WWOHP earlier by getting into the standby queue. Thankfully, even during Christmas week it’s rare for WWOHP to hit capacity.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: 100 Minutes
Despicable Me 2 movie: 98 Minutes

# 1 – Long Wait Times

During Christmas week a few of the more popular rides (including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Rip Ride Rockit, and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem) can have some abnormally high wait times, sometimes even hitting 100 minutes or more. Think about it, 100 minutes. Your average movie is going to run about 90 minutes. While waiting in line for some attractions you could have watched an entire movie. It seems almost unthinkable, but it has become a part of our theme park life.

Look at the bright side, some attractions at Walt Disney World such as Space Mountain, Peter Pan, and Soarin’ have seen 180 to 300 minute waits, while Universal very rarely goes over 100 minutes. On a serious note, with solid planning, realistic expectations, and a positive attitude, going to the theme parks even during the busiest times can be a lot of fun.

So there you have it: six things you may see at Universal during the week of Christmas and New Year’s Day. See you next weekend for the latest edition of the Saturday Six. 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 Seth Kubersky, and Universal NOW!’s Brandon Glover for their assistance with this article

 

 

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In Case You Missed It: Disney News and Rumors – Week of December 27, 2013

By TouringPlans.com

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In Case You Missed It!

Did you have a great holiday week? Here’s what you missed while enjoying precious family and friend time.

In Case You Missed It – Disney News and Rumors

With the holiday season just winding up at Walt Disney World, did you ever wonder about where they store all the festive decor? Here’s a look at the huge Holiday Services warehouse where Disney keeps everything organized and ready for each year. (If only I could be that organized!)

As 2013 comes to an end, Geeks of Doom honors those who passed this year who have made impacts in the Disney Company, in at least some capacity.  Some you automatically think of, like Annette Funicello, but others don’t automatically come to mind, like Paul Walker.

Have you ever wondered what some of Orlando’s theme parks look like from above?  Thanks to this article, we get a glimpse of Suess Landing and Wizarding World of Harry Potter (and more) at Universal Studios Orlando and Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney World.  It’s such a cool view that many will never get the chance to see without the article (or rogue traffic helicopter pal).

While many don’t think about watching movies while sailing the seven seas, did you know that according to USA Today, Disney is one of the best cruise ships for catching a flick while you’re on your cruise? Find out why!

Do you have a favorite float in any of the Magic Kingdom parades?  Over on Babble, they discussed some of their favorite parade moments. (Mine would have to be the Pirate ship that’s usually used in the “Boo To You” parade during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party but I’m looking forward to what the new “Festival of Fantasy” parade will bring. The concept art for those floats look AWESOME!)

Looking forward to 2014 trips? If you’re headed to Orlando, the Orlando Sentinel has an idea of what you can look forward to in the new year, like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Studios and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Walt Disney World.

 

In Case We Missed It

What did we miss this week?  (It was a busy one…we’re sure we missed something.)  Write your idea on a Disney Mickey Mouse One Piece PJ Set (what? it’s cold outside) and send it to blog@touringplans.com with the words “In Case You Missed It” in the subject line.

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New Disney Dollars Series Available at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

By Rikki Niblett

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©Disney

If you love Disney Dollars, Disney has rolled out a brand new series to both resorts, Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

The new design celebrates the Disney Mountain Ranges and features Splash Mountain on the $1.00 bill, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad on the $5.00 bill, and Space Mountain on the $10.00 bill.

So what are Disney Dollars? They work just like cash and are essentially a gift certificate that can be spent towards many different items at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. These can be redeemed at various locations on property.  Many people also collect them, as a souvenir of their trip.

Keep in mind that supplies are limited. This new version of currency will be sold at Guest Relations, at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort Hotels, and at World of Disney in Downtown Disney on both coasts.

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Universal Studios Hollywood Despicable Me Minion Mayhem opens April 2014

By Seth Kubersky

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Despicable Me Minion Mayhem arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood in April 2014

Gru’s lovable yellow Minions have already wreaked Mayhem at Universal Studios Florida, and now we know when their popular Despicable Me simulator ride will arrive at Hollywood. According to the webpage for a contest sponsored by the retailer rue 21, at Universal Studios Hollywood Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem will debut in April 2014.

The new attraction, which replaced USH’s Terminator 2/3D attraction, is largely identical to the Orlando version, but features a much more elaborate facade depicting Gru’s home and neighborhood. Adjacent to the ride (replacing the Coke Soak area) will be Super Silly Fun Land, an amusement park-inspired playground with a “spinner” kiddie ride.

The addition of Despicable Me is the first of many changes coming to Universal Studios Hollywood, including the recent demolition of the revolving tunnel on the Studio Tour, the rumored addition of an expanded Simpsons area similar to the new Springfield USA in Orlando, and the eventual opening of a west coast Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Read the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland for complete info on USH, and keep an eye on this blog for future updates on the evolution of Universal.

 

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Observations From Disneyland and Disney California Adventure: December 23, 2013

By Guy Selga Jr.

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Guy here again with another Observations post. December 23 was a rarity for me: I spent all day in Disneyland/DCA (8 AM until 12 AM). I like to spend a full day in the park at least once a year. It gives me the opportunity to test out our optimizer and submit plenty of wait times to our Lines app. Plus, I had a friend in town making his once-a-year visit. This gave me the chance to tour like a tourist instead of a local (this means actually riding rides).

Our first task of the morning was to grab FASTPASS for Radiator Springs Racers over in DCA. We arrived at the front gate at 7:25 and got through the turnstiles in less than 5 minutes. After entering the park we made our way to the FASTPASS line, which at this point was surprisingly short considering the park was only 30 minutes away from opening. By the time my friend and I got in line, it was only back to Carthay Circle Restaurant.

31 more pictures after the jump:

In the morning it is possible to rapidly acquire FASTPASS tickets if you feel like walking. Disney allows guests to obtain other FASTPASS tickets immediately after getting tickets for Radiator Springs Racers. We took advantage of this and picked up tickets for World of Color Winter Dreams and Soarin’ Over California. We then ran over to Disneyland and picked up FASTPASSes for Space Mountain.

Lets start talking about the crowds. Our Crowd Calendar predicted Monday, December 23, as 8 out of 10, which is obviously pretty busy. But, like most days, the first couple of hours after park opening saw low crowds. During these couple of hours we went on all the attractions that would have massive waits later in the day. We road Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, Soarin’ Over California, Radiator Springs Racers, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and ate breakfast all before 10:30 AM. After that the crowds started to pick up. As you can see in the image above, that is the difference only a half hour can make. The wait time for Space Mountain was only 10 minutes at 9 AM, but then at 9:30 the wait has gone up to 45 minutes!

Speaking of breakfast, we ate the delicious Brioche French Toast from Flo’s V8 Cafe in Cars Land. I find it funny that this is on the breakfast menu, considering it’s basically a giant dessert. I consider this “breakfast, in name only.” Anyway, it’s insane how good this is, especially if you love caramel like I do. As an added bonus you can enjoy a beautiful view of Radiator Springs Racers while you eat!

Our FASTPASS for RSR was for 10:15, so we were ready to go at the gate! At this point DCA has been open for 2 hours and the posted stand-by wait time was 105 minutes.

I’ve written about mornings at Disney California Adventure before, but I’ll say this again: everyone is focused on Radiator Springs Racers in the morning. You can walk on almost anything else in the park for the first couple of hours because almost everyone is headed towards Cars Land.

Lightning and Sally greet us when we arrive in Radiator Springs.

I’ve probably ridden Radiator Springs Racers 50 times at this point, but for some reason I never get the “paint side.” No joke: 95% of the time my car ends up driving in to Luigi’s Tires instead.

Racing through Ornament Valley.

Lightning and Mater at the end of the ride.

A bit later we headed in to Animation Academy to draw some characters. This has always been a fun little side thing in DCA, one that I think most tourists skip over. Whenever I go to a show it seems like the crowd consists of mostly locals. Many times I see people drawing one character and then immediately running to get back in line to draw another. But hey, why not? It’s fun!

My interpretation of Piglet. Our host Chris’s was much better.

I make no effort to hide my love for Mulan.

By 12:30 PM the Toy Story Midway Mania wait time was up to 50 minutes. I’ve seen it worse than that a few times, but this is higher than usual.

But there was no time for Toy Story, we were hungry! We headed over to White Water Snacks to get one of the hidden food gems of Disneyland Resort, the Carnitas Angus Cheeseburger! This beast is covered shredded pork and a huge scoop of guacamole. In my opinion this is the best burger on property. I think if this were sold inside the parks, it would be the most popular quick service entree. It’s that good!

With most of DCA done, we headed back in to Disneyland. At this point crowds were thick in most places of the park, especially the usual bottlenecks like the entrance to Tomorrowland, all of Adventureland, and Fantasyland seen here.

Back in Big Thunder Ranch they had a bird on display! I can’t recall ever seeing that before.

The little cabin inside Big Thunder Ranch has this nice little display inside.

This cow, which we named “Depressed Cow,” didn’t look too happy. But that didn’t stop us from standing and staring at him for at least 10 minutes. All he did the entire time was sit there and chew something.

Like I said a couple of weeks ago, I’m taking every chance I can get to see Billy Hill and the Hillbillies before they retire on January 6. As always, their show was very entertaining and had the entire crowd howling in laughter.

I managed to get a picture with Big Al after the show!

My sweet tooth was raging after eating the gigantic Carnitas Hamburger earlier. Something wonderful happened while we were watching Billy Hill: Disneyland’s Twitter account announced Peppermint Ice Cream was back at Gibson Girl! For some insane reason when the holiday season started the decision was made to only sell the Peppermint Ice Cream at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue (a sit down restaurant) and not anywhere else in the park. This baffled many fans on Twitter because this has been a favorite for many years. But then out of nowhere Disney announced it was back “while supplies last.” Anyway, we promptly made our way to Gibson Girl after the show. Before I tried the Peppermint Ice Cream a few years for the first time, I didn’t think I would like it because I’m not a huge fan of peppermint-flavored foods. But the ice cream has a very light peppermint taste and is still very smooth, with just a hint of cinnamon. Because I was feeling Christmasy after being in the parks all day, I decided to complete the effect and order it in the crushed candy cane cone.

After the yummy ice cream we headed back in to the crowds to use our Indiana Jones Adventure FASTPASS. The stand-by wait was up to 100 minutes!

For a moment the line stopped moving, so I had to grab a picture of the office in the Indiana Jones queue. I’ve always enjoyed all the details crammed in to this small space, but I hardly ever get to see it since FASTPASS pretty much ruined the queue for this ride back in the mid-2000s.

Speaking of details, I love this Sallah Tours sticker on the side of the transports. This is easy to miss by the time you are able to see it you are getting on the ride.

After Indiana Jones Adventure and a few other rides we made our way through crowded Main Street and headed back to DCA for Viva Navidad and World of Color Winter Dreams.

The clear skies made for a beautiful sunset.

We had some time before Viva Navidad started, so we caught the last performance of Five & Dime. I’ve always enjoyed this show, but I kind of wish they would let the group change it up every once in a while. Billy Hill, for example, changes their show multiple times a year and has special seasonal shows. I think Five & Dime would make a great “real” band that would add a lot to Buena Vista Street.

It wouldn’t be a proper trip to DCA without a ride on the Red Car Trolley, a.k.a. The Second Greatest Disney Attraction of All Time (the first being the Main Street Omnibus, obviously).

It was finally time for Viva Navidad. I admit, I Tweet about this show more than any grown man should, but I don’t even care. It’s just so much fun! I enjoy the music and especially the energy the performers bring to each performance. I recently attended a presentation on how Disneyland prepares for holidays in the parks, and they confirmed that Viva Navidad is successful and will be back “year after year!” Anyway, after Viva Navidad my friend and I had been in the park for almost 12 hours, and things were getting a little foggy. We did see World of Color Winter Dreams, but I won’t bore you with pictures (because, let’s be honest, all World of Color pictures look the same). We did make it until park closing at midnight, thanks to several portions of green tea at Starbucks.

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Observations From Disneyland and Disney California Adventure: December 23, 2013 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

A Trip Around The World: Germany

By Daisy Lauren

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Today we’re taking a look at Germany on our next stop around the World Showcase. If you’re just joining us, you might want to visit Mexico, Norway, and China first. I’m sure a few people will catch that I omitted the Adventure Outpost area in between China and Germany. I really don’t understand what it is other than some drums and an ice cream stand. I don’t think it’s a great tribute to any land – so I left it out! Once you’re past this confused little area you’ll start heading into what looks like a storybook, starting with Snow White’s Wishing Well.

I’ve never been to Germany, but if it really looks like this, then I’m in love! Of course, it helps that just on the other side of this is Karamell-Küche. If you are in the market for amazing desserts, this is a can’t miss spot. Morgan did a great post on some of the treats at this location. I tried the salted caramel fudge brownie, and it was kind of a mess – just really tough to eat and not the best thing I’ve had.

Below is another view of the bakery from the outside. Just to the right you can see another door – this leads to the Christmas Shop next door. Ironically, during the holiday season decorations cover the sign to the shop, so I wasn’t able to feature it here!

This is what the inside of the bakery looks like. Just taking a glance at this picture I can smell the caramel and candy! I don’t know if they use scent machines in there or whether it really smells that magical, but even if you don’t plan to stop – wonder by and take a whiff! It’s worth your time.

Connected to Karamell-Küche is the Christmas store. It seems like there wasn’t as much in stock here as there had been the last time I passed through. It might be because they have to make room for all the people visiting this time of year! Even first thing in the morning I had to get creative with my camera angles to not have people in these photos. So for the people who have visited this shop before, who has a Christmas pickle ornament?

Next door you’ll find Stein Saus (which doesn’t block its sign with Christmas decorations!). I included as many signs as I could for this land because they are so bright and different. It is really something that stands out about Germany.

Inside Stein Saus you’ll, of course, find steins! There are also some other clothing and gift items. One of my favorite things is the candy you can find in this shop and sporadically throughout Germany.

Connected to this little shop is a small bar and wine shop. Below are some of the sample sizes that are available. We go to Epcot all the time, and I never really knew this was back there! I’m interested to head back and try something. Has anyone else done tastings at this bar?

There is a view of the shop. It is very small and cozy. Just looking at this photo you can see the details on the bar and photos along the wall on the right. There are tons of little details to check out in the Germany pavilion. How great are those light fixtures?

I also found this amazing carving in the wine shop. I’ve been blown away by all the neat stuff I’ve found while exploring to write these articles for you guys! It’s so different to go check out the lands early in the morning when they first open. I know not everyone has the luxury of going just to walk around – but if you have the time a morning walk around the World Showcase is so worth it!

Next door you’ll find this bright, pretty sign! I love how different the signs are throughout this land. Does anyone want to see if they can read German and guess what this sign says? (No cheating and just scrolling down!)

If you guessed crystal you’re right. Below is the view inside this lovely shop! It makes me wonder if crystal is terribly German since there is also a crystal shop in Mexico!

However, there is no denying that these cool windows found in the shop are very German!

When you exit the crystal shop you have finished the left side of the Germany Pavilion, and now you’re at Biergarten. This is a restaurant that I haven’t tried in quite a while. The dining room features family seating, so the last time we went, our party of two was seated at a table full of kids. Some people might love this, but it wasn’t for us. If you try it keep in mind you may be seated with strangers. The show is also very loud.

If you step under the arch featured above you’ll see this beautiful mural and find Sommerfest. This is a counter service restaurant featuring bratwurst and some of the best soft pretzels in all of Walt Disney World! (What can I say, I’m a pretzel connoisseur.) There is really limited seating here that fills up, so often I grab my pretzel and grab a seat in a neighboring land.

The below photo shows the right side of the courtyard in front of Biergarten. You can see the next couple stops on our tour and the fountain that is a focal point for the land. In doing research for this article I found out that the clock in this photo actually has figures that come out on the hour! I’ve never seen them before, but I plan to make sure I see them the next time I’m there!

Here is a close up of the statue featured on top of the fountain. This is St. George, the patron saint of soldiers. I Googled him, and it looks like he is often depicted poking dragons in the mouth. You just can’t make that stuff up, folks!

Continuing on, you’ll come to one of the cutest signs in Epcot! We’ll have to see what I find on the rest of our adventure around the world, but this might win the contest!

Inside the shop it just gets better. It really looks like the inside of a giant toy chest. There is a very well placed Kidcot station inside this shop that all little ones should visit!

Next door is a pretty neat painting/sign. I know the angle on this photo is a little odd, but it was the only way I could fit everything into frame. For years I have walked by without really appreciating the level of detail that went into this area!

Also in front of this shop is a stained glass window of a clock maker. The photo doesn’t do it justice because of the reflections. The colors are brilliant, and it really shines at night!

As I’m sure you can guess inside you’ll find clocks! The ones found in this store are quite pricey but amazing! I don’t know that I would ever pay to get one, but they are fun to look at. Has anyone reading actually bought one of these? I saw someone paying to ship one home while I was there and was shocked. I guess I didn’t think anyone actually bought them!

The last shop as you leave Germany is Das Kaufhaus, which means “the department store” according to Google Translate. That makes sense as they carry mostly clothing and other gifty odds and ends. The sign for the store is gorgeous!

Again inside you can find beautiful details hidden. This carving was just over a doorway as I was wondering through. Germany was a great land for details if you have an extra few minutes to take a look!

Here is a view inside the store so you can get an idea of the kind of things they carry there.

When you exit the store, be sure to look up at the detail on the building. I did some hunting but didn’t find the story on these guys. Does anyone know the significance of these figures being on the building?

One last stop is the Bier Stand! This is just what is sounds like, featuring German beers and soft pretzels. Don’t let the empty line fool you: this place gets hoppin’ later in the day! Sommerfest is a little more hidden, so when I’m craving a pretzel I head there for a shorter line.

As you leave Germany and start walking towards Italy, you’ll see this kiosk out towards the World Showcase Lagoon. It features carved glasses and steins. Sometimes the carving can get backed up, so if you have your heart set on one, it’s a good idea to visit early in the day.

Of course, no visit to the Germany pavilion is complete without walking through the miniature trains exhibit! I skip a lot of the World Showcase, but I think we stop and look at this every time. It’s fun to see the changes that are made seasonally and all the work that goes into maintaining the garden.

And with that we have finished another stop around the world. Did you see something new in the Germany pavilion? Is there something I missed that our readers should know about? Please let us know in the comments below. I’m always thrilled to hear from you and I hope you’ll be back to take a trip through Italy! As always – thanks for reading!

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Quick-Service Universal Dining Plan Price Increase

By Seth Kubersky

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New Universal Dining Plan Quick Service pricing as of yesterday (photos by Seth Kubersky)

Universal Orlando quietly delivered a lump of coal to guests this holiday week with a stealthy Universal Dining Plan price increase affecting their new Quick Service prepaid food program. The Universal Dining Plan — Quick Service program, which replaced the former all-you-can-eat Meal Deal earlier this year, formerly provided adults with one quick-service entree, two beverages, and two snacks for $18.99.

Yesterday, I noticed that all of the parks’ signage advertising the Universal Dining Plan — Quick Service, the price has increased by $1 to $19.99, and the snack allotment has been reduced from two to one. The children’s plan for those age 3-9 is unchanged.

Universal’s web site about the dining plan was temporarily disabled yesterday, but now it is back online with a new PDF detailing the table service version of the plan; we’ll keep an eye out for updated fine-print on the quick service plan, and share it with you when available.

Universal Dining Plan handbill from early December with old pricing.

Under the former Universal Dining Plan price, an average adult ordering a $9 entree, two $2.69 sodas (only regular-sized non-Freestlye drinks are eligible) and two $4 snacks would save $3.39 using the plan. Now, the same adult ordering one snack will lose $1.61 under the new Quick Service pricing. If you work hard to maximize the plan by ordering a double bacon cheeseburger ($10.64) with Powerades ($3.39 each) and chili cheese fries ($4.99) you’ll only save $2.42.

Pizza Predattoria in Jurassic Park now offers Coke Freestyle.

The bottom line is that while the old quick service Universal Dining Plan price allowed most diners to save a few bucks, the new pricing makes it practically impossible; you are much better off using an annual pass discount and ordering a la carte. If you still want to give it a shot, you can purchase here.

The often-closed Wimpy’s is now open with new digital menu signs.

On a related note, Universal Orlando has recently expanded the number of Coke Freestyle beverage locations, and correspondingly increased the price of a one-day unlimited Freestyle drink cup by $1 to $11.99, with a second day of refills increasing to $9.99. The old prices are still listed on Universal’s website, so you may still be able to purchase online for the lower price.

 

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