Bob Sehlinger's Blog, page 1290

Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue Lunch Review

By Guy Selga Jr.

• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest

I think of Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue as the forgotten Disneyland table service restaurant. While Blue Bayou, Napa Rose, or Carthay Circle enjoy a certain amount of buzz, no one ever really talks about this particular dining establishment. Perhaps it’s because it’s relatively hidden compared to the other restaurants. Or maybe it isn’t yet old enough to have a reputation. Today I will help to boost the reputation of this restaurant, because any place that allows me and my loved ones to stuff my face with unlimited ribs should be loudly and frequently celebrated.

Before I start my review here is a little history lesson on this location. Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue was added to Disneyland in December, 1986 along with the neighboring Big Thunder Ranch petting zoo. It started its life as a quick service restaurant with a menu consisting of turkey legs, chicken, and prime rib, but for whatever reason it never gained the amount of popularity Disney had hoped. For most of its life it remained in the dreaded “seasonal” operating status, meaning it was only open during the busiest days of the year. Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue was closed permanently on January 21, 2001 and it remained shuttered until Disney revitalized the entire Big Thunder Ranch area in 2009. Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue returned as a Family-style, all-you-can-eat table service restaurant. Fun fact: From 1996 to 1998, Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue was rethemed to promote Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame film and renamed to “Festival of Foods.”

Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue doesn’t have it’s own marquee so it may be a bit easy to miss. It is located in the Ranch entrance nearest to Fantasyland.

 

Your first order of business after you arrive is to check in at the building on the right. You won’t actually pay here, you just check in and wait to be seated. Your bill will come after the meal. The current price is $26.99 for adults and $11.99 for children.

When your table is ready you will be taken to your table by a “ranch hand.” He or she will take your drink orders and bring out your buckets of food.

Notice the tables. All tables in Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue are benches. When you check in you will be reminded that seating is “family style” and you may be seated with people you don’t know. I’m not sure why it’s called “family style” if you have to sit with people who are not your family. But then again I’m also not sure why I feel like I need to sleep all day after eating unlimited ribs.

Before we get to the food I should also mention that there is live entertainment while you eat! Tex Tumbleweed and Miss Chris sing various songs while you stuff your face. They will also try and talk to you, so make sure you’re not covered in barbecue sauce.

The entire area is festive and it receives themed decorations for the summer, Halloween, and holiday seasons.

Some of the decorations remind me of when I was a child and my grandma would take me in to antique stores. The smell of old wood and potpourri still makes my stomach sick to this day. Luckily the Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue smells nothing like this. But you may occasionally catch a whiff of the goats in the petting zoo which are about 10 feet away from the restaurant.

The drinks are served in these lovely mason jars. I should also mention that the price of drinks are included in the price of the meal. So if you order a soda or not, your’re still basically paying for one.

Now on to the good stuff! The food! Everything is brought out shortly after being seated. The initial wait for food as well as reorders was brief.

The star of the show is obviously the ribs. I was pleasantly surprised at how good they were. The ribs were cooked perfectly, moist, with not-to-much barbecue sauce. I also enjoyed the chicken but a friend I was eating with said his was dry. I didn’t notice anything wrong so maybe he just got a bad piece. Remember I said the restaurant is all-you-can-eat, initially they will bring out a bucket of chicken and ribs. But after then you can ask for one or the other. Also you can specify what parts of the chicken you would like. This means fans of drumsticks can get their fill. I may or may not have eaten “too much food.” But hey! I’m on vacation!* *I am not on vacation.

Coleslaw and baked beans. These are pretty much number 2 and 3 on my “list of least favorite foods on the planet” (nothing will ever dethrone Sour Cream). So I did not try these two food items but my friends did and they assured me they were edible. Moving on.

Cornbread! These little loafs of cornbread were fresh baked, warm, and delicious. My only warning is that the cornbread is so good that you may fill up on it and leave less room for ribs.

Finally we have the desert menu. All desserts are extra cost but thankfully they all seem reasonably priced. Everything sounds delicious but unfortunately I didn’t leave enough room in my stomach for anything.

But I would be foolish not to take advantage of pumpkin-flavored goodies. Because it is Halloween Time in Disneyland they offer pumpkin ice cream. It was great albeit a bit pricey at $2.29 a scoop. By the way, pumpkin-flavored food should be available all year. The world would be a much better place if everyone could buy pumpkin related food at their leisure.

Was Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue worth it? I thought it was. Some people may balk at the $26.99 price tag but if you think about it you’ll be spending bare minimum $10 for a quick service meal in any restaurant in Disneyland. Considering the unlimited food, included soda, fast and friendly service, and live entertainment I think that makes it one of the best values in the park.

What do you think? Have you ever eaten at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comment section below.

Share on Facebook




Retweet this

Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue Lunch Review is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Sneak Peek: The View at Every Disney World Hotel Room

By Len Testa

• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest

Resort View – Main Page

One of the first decisions you’ll have when booking a Disney World hotel room is which view to select.  If you’re staying at the Yacht Club, for example, do any Garden View rooms  have a view of the Stormalong Bay lazy river?  If you’re on the monorail loop, does a Magic Kingdom View really improve your chances of seeing the Wishes fireworks?  Is Savannah View at the Animal Kingdom Lodge worth the money?

To help you decide, we’ve spent the past year taking pictures of what you’ll see from the window of every Disney World hotel room – more than 30,000 individual photos.  Today we’re giving you a preview of the first resort: Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort.

The first page shows you a map of the entire resort.  On the left side is a set of filter options you can use to find exactly the room you want:

Room Type Includes Disney’s description of the view, and the bed type in the room (if we know it).  All-Star Sports has Standard and Preferred views, most with double beds.  Moderates will show queen beds, and so on.
Walking Distance to Lobby Useful for cutting down on walking time
Walking Distance to Transportation Allows you to find rooms near bus stops, monorails and boats
Floors If you prefer ground or upper-floor rooms, you can specify that here
Sound Level Helps find the quiet rooms at the resort
Accessibility Identifies ADA-accessible rooms by feature, including roll-in showers and more
Our Picks Shows only the rooms which the Unofficial Guide has determined to be the best at the resort.
Prices You can also filter by price by entering the date you’re checking in.

Set any of these options and click “Show Matching Rooms.”  The map will highlight in red all of the buildings which have rooms matching your options.

Click on one of the buildings and you’ll see a map of all of the rooms in that building.  Rooms which match your filter options will be highlighted in red:

 

Click on any of the individual rooms and you’ll see the view from that room:

Once you’re looking at a room’s view, you can do a comparison of nearby views by going left or right one room, or up or down one floor.

Another really great feature on this page is shown in the green text just below the photo: It’s the exact wording to give Disney (or your travel agent) to request that specific room, and rooms like it if this room isn’t available.  During this project we learned that Disney’s reservation system may only have 80 characters of text to make room requests, and we’ve ensured that this text fits in 80 characters or less. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll get the room, by telling Disney the room you want and its alternatives, you increase your chances by using this text.

Why is choosing  a room important?  For one thing, you’re paying a premium to stay on-site.  So consider the three photos below, each of which is a room view you could get at random if you just let Disney make the decision for you.

Room view at what must be All-Star Utilities Resort

Ah, obstructed view seats. Again.

This is more like it.

Should the first thing your family sees every morning to be a giant grey electrical box?  Or a hunk of grey metal support?  Wouldn’t it be better to have a sweeping panorama of the pool and resort grounds, where you can brag to your family that you found this exact room just for them?

You’re also able to leave public reviews and private notes about a room, rate a room, and mark a room as a “favorite.”  When you mark two or more rooms as favorites, you’re able to do a side-by-side comparison of each room’s view by clicking the Compare Favorites link on the left side of the page.

We expect to have every Disney-owned resort in Orlando available by the end of this year.  That includes DVC resorts, suites and more.  Here’s the approximate rollout schedule:

Week Ending
Resort


October 11
Disney’s Polynesian Village

Saratoga Springs Resort

Wilderness Lodge


October 18
Port Orleans French QuarterPort Orleans RiversideCaribbean BeachAll-Star MoviesPop Century


October 25
Coronado Springs

Fort Wilderness (campsites and cabins)


November 1
All-Star Music

Art of Animation


November 8
Animal Kingdom Lodge

Beach Club

Yacht Club


November 15
Contemporary Resort

BoardWalk Inn

Grand Floridian


November 22
Bay Lake Tower

Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas


December 6
Wilderness Lodge Villas

Old Key West

Saratoga Springs Treehouses

 

We had a lot of cooperation from Disney executives and resort staff to help collect these photos.  For the deluxe and DVC resorts, we’ve got pictures of most of the first-floor rooms at every resort.  For upper-floor rooms, we’ve got sample photos from different parts of each wing or building, showing the approximate view you’ll get at each room.  And we’ve built into the site the ability for you to upload photos from these rooms, to help out other TouringPlans folks plan their trips. Whether you’re taking a honeymoon or taking the kids on their first trip to Walt Disney World, we’ll help you find the perfect hotel room.

Share on Facebook




Retweet this

Sneak Peek: The View at Every Disney World Hotel Room is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Eating Vegetarian at the 2013 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

By Derek Burgan

• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest

The 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (see all the menus) is in full swing and continues to pack in the crowds. Some guests like to attempt to “Drink Around The World” and sample all the various drinks, while others like to try exotic food items from countries not regularly found in World Showcase. While eating vegetarian at Disney and Universal can be challenging (especially if you want more than the ubiquitous garden salad or veggie burger), this year’s Food & Wine has many unique options. Below is a list with every vegetarian option at this year’s festival, along with my review of the items I personally tried. (Click on any picture to see a much larger version)

Chili Colorado with House-made Chips and Cashew Cheese (Terra)

We’re going to go through the booths in alphabetical order except to start off, as that spot is going to Terra. Why Terra? Because everything in Terra is vegetarian. That earns it a special spot on the list.

*Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice ($3.75) – A returning favorite from 2012, Trick’n Chick’n is made from Gardein brand chick’n breast with a great spicy curry served over basmati rice. I enjoyed the curry because it had a kick to it, but overall was mild and not overwhelming.

*Chili Colorado with House-made Chips and Cashew Cheese ($3.75) – The chili is made with Gardein brand beefless tips and cashew cheese.  I’m pretty tough on vegan cheeses, as I feel they generally come nowhere close to real cheese (as compared to the incredible advancements in the  meatless meats over the past few years), but this was great. I loved scooping up the chili onto a chip and eating it that way.

*Chocolate Cake with Coconut Mousse and Passion Fruit Sauce ($3.00) – Big fan of the cake. Big fan of the passion fruit sauce. Not a big fan of the coconut mousse.

Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket (Africa)

Africa: Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket ($3.50) – Just a fantastic dish. The pocket itself was nice and crispy which delivered a fantastic flavor dynamic with the spinach and cheese inside. Like the Trick’n Chick’n curry from Terra, there was a just enough spice mixed in to add to the overall experience. Big thumbs up.

Australia: Pavlova (Crispy Meringue Shell with Fresh Driscoll’s Berries and Vanilla Custard) ($3.25)

Cheese: Artisan Cheese Selection: Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Triple Crème Brie, Wijngaard Goats Gouda ($4.75)

China: Silky Spun Ice with Toppings (three flavors: Coconut, Strawberry, and Chocolate) ($3.95)

Desserts & Champagne: Chocolate Orange Cupcake ($1.75) – Might be alone on this island, but I wasn’t a fan of the combination of orange and chocolate. Bananas and chocolate I’m down with. Same with strawberries and chocolate. Orange and chocolate? Not a fan. However, the people I was with enjoyed it.

*Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake ($1.75) – Good – but not great – cheesecake.

*Morello Cherry Pistachio Mousse ($1.75) – They had me with the presentation on this one. Looked great aesthetically and tasted very good.

France: Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar) ($4.00)

Germany: Apple Strudel with Werther’s Original Karamel and Vanilla Sauce ($3.50)

Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey (Greece)

Greece: Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey ($3.50) – Oh man, this was incredible! It’s not often I find cheese dishes that can combine sweet and salty flavors, but this one does and it hits a home run. Add this to the top of your list.

*Spanakopita ($4.00) – This was okay, but if you’re going for a spinach based item just go over to Africa and get the spinach pocket. Grab a Griddled Greek cheese plate to eat while you’re walking over.

*Dannon Oikos Light & Fit Blueberry Greek Yogurt ($4.00) – This was literally a cup of yogurt that you can get at your  local Wal-Mart, Publix or might even be in your refrigerator as your reading this. Very strange. Doritos should open a booth next year right next door (if you haven’t dipped your nacho cheese Doritos into yogurt you’re missing out!)

Hops & Barley: Craisin Bread Pudding with Grand Marnier Anglaise ($3.25)

Kerrygold Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout, Skellig (Ireland)

Ireland: Kerrygold Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout, Skellig ($3.75) – This was a bit different than the Kerrygold cheese selection offered in 2012 and I actually preferred it over last year.  The combination of the cheeses go great with a cold beer.

*Warm Chocolate Pudding with Bailey’s Custard ($3.50)

Youki Tofu topped with Miso Sauce, Edamame and Served with Grilled Vegetables (Japan)

Japan: Youki Tofu topped with Miso Sauce, Edamame and Served with Grilled Vegetables ($4.50) – This was a nice surprise. Well, I guess it’s not too big of a shock considering how much I enjoy the regular dining in the Japan pavilion, but they did a good job with the tofu and the vegetables were very flavorful. Lots of color on this plate which is generally a good thing to have when dining. If i had one complaint its that the tofu was a little more salty than I prefer.

Mexico: Rice Pudding ($3.50)

Morocco: Baklava ($2.95)

Zapiekanki (Poland)

Poland: Zapiekanki (Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House-made Ketchup ($3.00) – This was an item that seemed a bit different from last year but I didn’t mind the changes at all and I’m a sucker for pretty much anything with caramelized onions.

Refreshment Port: Dole Pineapple Fritters ($1.99) – This was not what I was expecting. I actually thought I’d be getting a cup of cubed pineapple pieces. No idea why I thought that, but what actually came were huge cross sections of pineapple. Like coconut, I think a little pineapple goes a long way (count me as proud member of the Cult of Citrus who prefer a Citrus Swirl over a Dole Whip) but it’s hard to go wrong with the price.

In fact, overall eating vegetarian is one of the best values at Food & Wine (along with being much healthier for the most part, but let’s get real, who’s going to Food & Wine to eat healthy?) The vegetarian options are usually  cheaper on the menu and often times you get a relatively large serving.

 

Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties-Griddled Vegetable Cake with Rutabaga and Mashed Potatoes (Scotland)

Scotland: Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties – Griddled Vegetable Cake with Rutabaga and Mashed Potatoes ($3.25) – Possible the all time weirdest food chase, this dish is a vegetarian version of traditional haggis. What is haggis? Let the kid’s leave the room first. Ok, haggis is a sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs) mixed with various spices and stock and all of it encased in the animal’s stomach or a sausage casing. Thankfully you’re actually not getting a vegetarian version of that. We actually found the haggis to be a glorified veggie burger, but the sides of “neeps and tatties” were very good and for the price you get a lot of food.

Our biggest fear is that since the precedent has been set with vegetarian haggis, is vegetarian potted meat or vegetarian black pudding far behind?

*Scottish Banoffee Tart with Bananas, Scottish Whisky Toffee, Walkers Shortbread Crumbles and Sweet Cream ($3.25) – Just wonderful, and another item that I felt delivered a pretty big bang for the buck as this is a good sized tart. Tons of chocolate and the sweet cream and crumbles take this over the top. One of the best desserts I’ve had at Food & Wine.

Special thanks to Brandon Glover for his assistance with this article.

Share on Facebook




Retweet this

Eating Vegetarian at the 2013 Epcot Food & Wine Festival is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Eating Vegetarian at the 2013 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

By Derek Burgan

• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest

The 2013 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is in full swing and continues to pack in the crowds. Some guests like to attempt to “Drink Around The World” and sample all the various drinks while others like to try exotic food items from countries not regularly found in World Showcase. While eating vegetarian at Disney and Universal can be challenging (especially if you want more than the ubiquitous garden salad or veggie burger), this year’s Food & Wine has many unique options. Below is a list with every vegetarian option at this year’s festival along with my review of the items I personally tried. (Click on any picture to see a much larger version)

Chili Colorado with House-made Chips and Cashew Cheese (Terra)

We’re going to go through the booths in alphabetical order except to start off, as that spot is going to Terra. Why Terra? Because everything in Terra is vegetarian. That earns it a special spot on the list.

*Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice ($3.75) – A returning favorite from 2012, Trick’n Chick’n is made from Gardein brand chick’n breast with a great spicy curry served over basmati rice. I enjoyed the curry because it had a kick to it, but overall was mild and not overwhelming.

*Chili Colorado with House-made Chips and Cashew Cheese ($3.75) – The chili is made with Gardein brand beefless tips and cashew cheese.  I’m pretty tough on vegan cheeses, as I feel they generally come nowhere close to real cheese (as compared to the incredible advancements in the  meatless meats over the past few years), but this was great. I loved scooping up the chili onto a chip and eating it that way.

*Chocolate Cake with Coconut Mousse and Passion Fruit Sauce ($3.00) – Big fan of the cake. Big fan of the passion fruit sauce. Not a big fan of the coconut mousse.

Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket (Africa)

Africa: Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket ($3.50) – Just a fantastic dish. The pocket itself was nice and crispy which delivered a fantastic flavor dynamic with the spinach and cheese inside. Like the Trick’n Chick’n curry from Terra, there was a just enough spice mixed in to add to the overall experience. Big thumbs up.

Australia: Pavlova (Crispy Meringue Shell with Fresh Driscoll’s Berries and Vanilla Custard) ($3.25)

Cheese: Artisan Cheese Selection: Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Triple Crème Brie, Wijngaard Goats Gouda ($4.75)

China: Silky Spun Ice with Toppings (three flavors: Coconut, Strawberry, and Chocolate) ($3.95)

Desserts & Champagne: Chocolate Orange Cupcake ($1.75) – Might be alone on this island, but I wasn’t a fan of the combination of orange and chocolate. Bananas and chocolate I’m down with. Same with strawberries and chocolate. Orange and chocolate? Not a fan. However, the people I was with enjoyed it.

*Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake ($1.75) – Good – but not great – cheesecake.

*Morello Cherry Pistachio Mousse ($1.75) – They had me with the presentation on this one. Looked great aesthetically and tasted very good.

France: Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar) ($4.00)

Germany: Apple Strudel with Werther’s Original Karamel and Vanilla Sauce ($3.50)

Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey (Greece)

Greece: Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey ($3.50) – Oh man, this was incredible! It’s not often I find cheese dishes that can combine sweet and salty flavors, but this one does and it hits a home run. Add this to the top of your list.

*Spanakopita ($4.00) – This was okay, but if you’re going for a spinach based item just go over to Africa and get the spinach pocket. Grab a Griddled Greek cheese plate to eat while you’re walking over.

*Dannon Oikos Light & Fit Blueberry Greek Yogurt ($4.00) – This was literally a cup of yogurt that you can get at your  local Wal-Mart, Publix or might even be in your refrigerator as your reading this. Very strange. Doritos should open a booth next year right next door (if you haven’t dipped your nacho cheese Doritos into yogurt you’re missing out!)

Hops & Barley: Craisin Bread Pudding with Grand Marnier Anglaise ($3.25)

Kerrygold Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout, Skellig (Ireland)

Ireland: Kerrygold Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout, Skellig ($3.75) – This was a bit different than the Kerrygold cheese selection offered in 2012 and I actually preferred it over last year.  The combination of the cheeses go great with a cold beer.

*Warm Chocolate Pudding with Bailey’s Custard ($3.50)

Youki Tofu topped with Miso Sauce, Edamame and Served with Grilled Vegetables (Japan)

Japan: Youki Tofu topped with Miso Sauce, Edamame and Served with Grilled Vegetables ($4.50) – This was a nice surprise. Well, I guess it’s not too big of a shock considering how much I enjoy the regular dining in the Japan pavilion, but they did a good job with the tofu and the vegetables were very flavorful. Lots of color on this plate which is generally a good thing to have when dining. If i had one complaint its that the tofu was a little more salty than I prefer.

Mexico: Rice Pudding ($3.50)

Morocco: Baklava ($2.95)

Zapiekanki (Poland)

Poland: Zapiekanki (Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House-made Ketchup ($3.00) – This was an item that seemed a bit different from last year but I didn’t mind the changes at all and I’m a sucker for pretty much anything with caramelized onions.

Refreshment Port: Dole Pineapple Fritters ($1.99) – This was not what I was expecting. I actually thought I’d be getting a cup of cubed pineapple pieces. No idea why I thought that, but what actually came were huge cross sections of pineapple. Like coconut, I think a little pineapple goes a long way (count me as proud member of the Cult of Citrus who prefer a Citrus Swirl over a Dole Whip) but it’s hard to go wrong with the price.

In fact, overall eating vegetarian is one of the best values at Food & Wine (along with being much healthier for the most part, but let’s get real, who’s going to Food & Wine to eat healthy?) The vegetarian options are usually  cheaper on the menu and often times you get a relatively large serving.

 

Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties-Griddled Vegetable Cake with Rutabaga and Mashed Potatoes (Scotland)

Scotland: Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties – Griddled Vegetable Cake with Rutabaga and Mashed Potatoes ($3.25) – Possible the all time weirdest food chase, this dish is a vegetarian version of traditional haggis. What is haggis? Let the kid’s leave the room first. Ok, haggis is a sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs) mixed with various spices and stock and all of it encased in the animal’s stomach or a sausage casing. Thankfully you’re actually not getting a vegetarian version of that. We actually found the haggis to be a glorified veggie burger, but the sides of “neeps and tatties” were very good and for the price you get a lot of food.

Our biggest fear is that since the precedent has been set with vegetarian haggis, is vegetarian potted meat or vegetarian black pudding far behind?

*Scottish Banoffee Tart with Bananas, Scottish Whisky Toffee, Walkers Shortbread Crumbles and Sweet Cream ($3.25) – Just wonderful, and another item that I felt delivered a pretty big bang for the buck as this is a good sized tart. Tons of chocolate and the sweet cream and crumbles take this over the top. One of the best desserts I’ve had at Food & Wine.

Special thanks to Brandon Glover for his assistance with this article.

Share on Facebook




Retweet this

Eating Vegetarian at the 2013 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

The Disney’s in the Details: Fantasyland Part 2

By Daisy Lauren

• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest

In Part One I promised to pick up at the Tangled Toilets in Part Two. That sounds like an odd statement – but this area is a dramatic improvement to the park, removing the old skeleton of the Skyway station and replacing the ancient (and yucky) bathrooms beside Peter Pan’s Flight. While many had held out hopes that a “queueless queue” system like the one installed at Dumbo was coming, that doesn’t appear to be the case. Regardless, this is a nice area full of charming details. For starters this facade looks like it is straight out of the movie!

If you look closely you’ll see some funny wanted posters. Here is a closer look at those (remember you can always click for larger images):

Beyond these posters are the awesome signs for the actual facilities:

I love the look on Maximus’s face!! Other details in this little area also carry on the Tangled theme.

And then there are the facilities themselves. For this I have to admit a reporting shortfall – I was not able to talk my hubby into carrying my big camera into the men’s room and snapping photos! From what I understand they look like the kitchen of the Snuggly Duckling. You’ll have to use your imagination (or Google! ), but I braved the odd looks and ventured into the ladies room for photos. High up on the walls are Rapunzel’s paints.

These are the paintings along the ceiling that continue on through the restroom:

And here are the ones just inside the entry way. These are all so lovely, and they really look hand painted, though I’m not sure they are. These are such a huge improvement over the old facilities! I just wish Rapunzel would visit her little village sometimes.

Leaving the restroom there is one other little plus before you reach Rapunzel’s tower, a stack of apples that Maximus has obviously already taste tested!

If we kept going this way we would obviously see the beautiful tower from Tangled on our right. On our left is a little grassy area where there are hidden Pascals. I didn’t picture them here, but you should hunt them on your next visit – they aren’t easy to find! I’ve mentioned the old Peter Pan facilities a couple times here. It is worth mentioning the only “plus” I’ve seen come out of their closing, the small mural below.

Just around the corner from this mural is “it’s a small world.” I’ve included a photo of the sign out front but not the clock within. A renovation that completed in 2005 added a replica of the Disneyland clock to the indoor queue area of the Magic Kingdom. I’ve always felt this facade crammed into the indoor space is rather forced and not nearly as pretty as its DL cousin.

Continuing in this direction you will come across Pinocchio Village Haus. While I have been trying to focus on outdoor details for this series, this is a building you really have to experience the next time you’re at Magic Kingdom! It boasts upstairs seating, stained glass windows, murals painted on walls, and other lovely little details. The food is passable (see the menu)…but nothing special (RIP Figaro fries!).

Just past this is another classic attraction that is not to be missed. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is so beautiful that I think I could take a photo of every single horse! I still remember which was my favorite when I was a little girl! Here is the current sign for this elegant ride:

More recently the carrousel has marked the entrance for an updated classic – New Fantasyland. While it is tough to visit without just looking at the mangled mess that is currently the new Seven Dwarfs roller coaster I ignored that to bring you more details! Everyone has seen the new castle walls, but the lights and critters are so cute!

Here is a closer look!

Just past these beautiful arches is the newest area of the Magic Kingdom, and you can tell lots of thought went into it! To begin take a look at the walkway. (I’m pretty sure those are Phillipe prints!)

Upon entering this new land the first sign you will see if for Enchanted Tales with Belle. This is another area with too many little details to share but when you visit be sure to look at every light and contraption. They were all very well thought out! Here is the sign out front:

Just in case anyone wondered what it looked like when you park a stroller at Belle’s cottage:

Continuing past this, Be Our Guest Restaurant will be on your left. This is a lovely place to enjoy a meal! It really feels like the Beast’s castle in there! Here are some landmarks from out front:

Just past this you will happen upon Gaston’s Tavern. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see this fountain:

With this little plaque mounted beneath it:

Just past this is a little seating area with lovely little painting on the walls:

I’m still not quite sure what those mean! But there are other great details in this area:

And check out this very unique water fountain:

Just past this is a pretty funny restroom sign. This theme is continued throughout the area.

Turning back around and heading back into New Fantasyland, you will see Village Gifts on your left:

And just past that is a well themed popcorn cart:

Just a little ways past this cart is Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, and that is where we will pick up in our next installment! There is so much more to see in Fantasyland I hope you’ll be joining us! As alway,s thanks so much for reading and commenting!

Share on Facebook




Retweet this

The Disney’s in the Details: Fantasyland Part 2 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Park Hour Changes & Crowd Calendar Report For October 2013

By Fred Hazelton

• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest

October is a month for scary costumes, but there is nothing scary about October crowds at Walt Disney World. October brings in some of the lightest crowds all year: not as light as early September or mid-January, but more manageable than most other periods on the calendar. We noticed some recently adjusted park closing times throughout the month, however, so we thought it might be a good idea to review the crowd profile for October. Changing the official park closing is not unusual, but there were a couple changes to note that fall outside the norm.

What to watch out for at Magic Kingdom

As the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party goes, so go the crowds at the Kingdom. Days on the schedule that include a Party at night (October 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31, November 1) will have low wait times throughout the morning and early afternoon. Normally guests with tickets to the Party will begin to arrive after 4:00 pm. If you are not attending the Party and want to tour the Magic Kingdom in the morning and afternoon, these days can be great for doing so efficiently. However, the trade-off is not being able to see the nighttime festivities.

If the nighttime festivities are a must-do for you, then pick the day without a Halloween Party that has the lowest crowd level rating for Magic Kingdom. We like October 8, 12, 15, 16, 21, 23, 28, or 30.

The Magic Kingdom park closing has been extended to midnight and 11:00 pm on October 21 and 23, respectively. It is rare to see such a late closing time at Magic Kingdom on a weekday in October. We stand by our crowd predictions, however: we just can’t imagine a dramatic increase in crowds for those days.

Some weekend nights have been extended, as well, which is good news for those hoping to tour for a full day when Magic Kingdom does not host a Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Park Hour Changes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Throughout the middle of the month, October 13 through 24, the Studios has moved its closing time earlier. Check the calendar for your dates; you may now notice a 7:30 pm or 8:00 pm closing. That is still plenty of time to tour the Studios effectively, but you may need to revisit your dining reservation times to make sure your itinerary still works.

Food & Wine Festival at Epcot

Our crowd calendar is based on wait times at the attractions. The wait times during the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot don’t tell the whole story. In fact, the wait times are deceivingly low compared to the significant crowds – especially on weekends. If your Epcot day is focused on a touring plan of Epcot’s attractions, then you can do so comfortably in Future World. But trying to meander through the masses of the Food & Wine festival in World Showcase can be daunting at best. This is why we don’t recommend visiting Epcot on weekends in October.

If Food and Wine is a must-do then go ahead – it is great! Go during the week if you can and arrive early.

 

Share on Facebook




Retweet this

Park Hour Changes & Crowd Calendar Report For October 2013 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Details of Disney’s New Accessibility Program Replacing Guest Assistance Cards

By Scarlett Litton

• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest

On October 9, 2013, Walt Disney World and Disneyland will implement a new program for guests with accessibility concerns in the parks. There have been rumors of a new system coming for the last year or so, and Disney has cited abuse of the program one of the major reasons for the change, especially with recent news coverage. This has been a controversial topic on many blogs over the last few weeks, with much speculation about what the new program would bring. Cast Members at Walt Disney World have been going through training on the new system, and we got some details on how it will work.

First, I want to go over how the current (until October 9) Guest Assistance Card program works. Many have referred to this as a “front of the line pass,” and that just isn’t really true. Guests with concerns about accessing rides would visit Guest Relations, explain their needs to the Cast Member, and then (if needed) the Cast Member would provide a Guest Assistance Card. The Cast Member would then fill out information on the card such as guest name, party size, dates valid (either length of stay or two weeks), and would then mark it with a stamp (or stamps) outlining the guests needs. There was a stamp for alternate entrances, to provide a shaded waiting area, front row of ride vehicle, and so on. There was also a “green light” stamp that was used for children on Make-A-Wish Foundation trips and provided more immediate access.

The most common use of the card was for alternate entrances. While sometimes these alternate entrances were just the FASTPASS queue (hence people calling it “front-of-the-line access,” despite often having up to 20 minute waits), guests unable to use stairs or who needed a special ride vehicle were often sent to a different load area that often had much longer than average waits. Especially with rides with only one accessible vehicle (like Toy Story Mania, it’s a small world, and Kilimanjaro Safaris), the alternate entrance waits could actually be much longer than the standby line.

Not only did the FASTPASS queue entrance leave the program open to heavy abuse, but the long lines at other alternate entrances caused a very uneven set of experiences for guests. The new system looks to both end (or at least curtail) abuse and create a more consistent experience for all guests.

There are three new systems being introduced to replace the Guest Assistance Card program: the Disabilities Assistance System (DAS), the Wishes Lanyard, and the Readmission Passes (for wheelchairs).

 

#1= DAS CARD

On the surface this appears to be what replaces the Guest Assistance Card (GAC). DAS originally stood for “Disabilities Assistance System,” and it is what most people have used to refer to the new program. However, Disney has concerns regarding use of the term “disability” and is looking to change the name before launch to something like “Disney Accessibility System.” Though the final name isn’t known yet, the DAS acronym is expected to stay the same. The card will be similar in size to the previous GAC but will be green instead of red (or blue at Disneyland). On the right half of the card are several things printed (not hand-written):

PHOTO ID & NAME- The process to get the new DAS card will take about 20 minutes the first time because Disney now requires a photo on the card. This is to make sure the person who is meant to use it is actually there. The only exceptions are: A) a parent can have his or her photo taken in lieu of their child’s (the child’s name would still be the one listed), or B) you can refuse the photo altogether, but you must show a valid photo ID (like a driver’s license) upon presenting the DAS at each attraction.
DATE RANGE- DAS cards will last for up to 7 days. If you are staying longer than a week, you must get a new one after the first 7 days.
PARK- A feature staying the same from the GAC: Guest Relations writes which park you received your DAS.
NUMBER IN PARTY- Guest Relations has already lifted the rule that each GAC/DAS can only accommodate a maximum of 6 guests. Now your party size will be printed on the card. However, Disney will still try to limit it to a maximum of 6.
NO STAMPS- Gone are the stamps to accommodate for “alternate entrance,” “front row,” and the like. All DAS cards are created equally.

If you look on the front left half of the DAS card, there is now a contract very similar to what one might find in the fine print on the back of a park admission ticket. Things like “we are not responsible for the weather,” “attractions may unexpectedly close at any time,” and “non transferable or redeemable” are there, plus things like “this does not grant you admittance into the park” and “this is not a FASTPASS; that system is meant to be used in tandem but separately from this system.” At the bottom the guest has to sign the card. That way if a guest is found abusing the system, Guest Services can revoke the privilege for breaking the rules the guest agreed to. Also, in the bottom left corner is a QR code that Guest Services can scan. It will pull up your information the next time you need to get a new DAS card, making it a faster process than the first time. Eventually this should also be linked to your MyMagic+ account, but this is probably still a while off.

On the back of the DAS card, you will find a grid that guests familiar with Universal Orlando’s accessibility system will recognize. There are enough spots for about 30 attractions visits (if you fill them up, you will need a new card), and the columns are labeled “Attraction,” “Posted Time,” “Current Time.” “Return Time,” and “Cast”. The way this works at Walt Disney World is the greeter Cast Member at each attraction (NOT special kiosks, as has been rumored) will take the current wait time, subtract 10 minutes, add it to the time on the clock and tell them to come back at that time to enter an alternate entrance. For example, if the wait at Space Mountain is 60 minutes at 3:00 pm, the guest would be told to come back at 3:50 pm to enter the FASTPASS line. This also works at continuous shows, too: if the next show of Voyage of the Little Mermaid is 2:45  pm but the Cast Member knows the last person in line will get into the 3:15 pm show, he’ll tell the guest to come back for the 3:15 pm show. Again, this is to have the guest wait the actual length of time everyone else is waiting while also accommodating the guest’s needs. The guests can go eat lunch or see a show while they wait for the time to come up, and then come back any time after their return time. Guests can only get one return time for an attraction at a time (just like with FASTPASS). If they have a Soarin’ time, but also want to get a Test Track time, they either have to ride Soarin’ first, or the Test Track Cast Member will cross out and void their Soarin’ time and give them a new Test Track time.

On the “Cast” line Disney Cast Members are going to have a code word of the day at each attraction. For example, At Splash Mountain, Monday might be “Briar,” Tuesday ”Falls,” etc. There has also been talk of different colored pens and hole punches in the future. This is all to help combat forgeries.

Disneyland’s system will be very similar except that instead of visiting each attraction for return times, guests will go to a central kiosk where a Guest Relations Cast Member will issue their times.

 

#2= WISHES LANYARD

Previously, Give Kids the World and Make-a-Wish were given GACs with a green traffic light stamp. This meant “go out of your way to accommodate them as best you can.” For example, at character meet and greets there is no alternate entrance for GACs. However for green lights they would either send them through the exit (if it was an indoor meet) or allow them to go in front of families waiting. Now, they will not get a DAS card but a “Wishes Lanyard” with a picture of the Genie from Aladdin on it. It will also have the guest’s name, date range, and party size on the back, and it will still have the same privileges as the green light stamp on the GAC. The guest will receive the lanyard before arriving at the park (most likely by mail). Currently, it is my understanding there will not be any of these given out on property.

 

#3= READMISSION PASSES (for Wheelchairs)

Most queues these days are wheelchair accessible, but there are still about 10 attraction queues in all of WDW that are not. (Most are in Magic Kingdom; Star Tours is another example). Therefore, if guests cannot exit their wheelchairs or stand in those lines for the posted wait time, a Cast Member at the attraction will give them a card about the size of a FASTPASS with a return time (exactly like the DAS), and when they return they’ll be sent in through an alternative entrance. Again, this is to make them wait the time allotted without actually waiting in the queue.

 

Beginning October 9 any guest showing a Guest Assistance Card at an attraction will have the card taken away and will directed to Guest Relations to get a new DAS card. Due to the backlash Disney has already received, there will be extra security stationed at all Guest Relations for the next several weeks.

As with any changes there will be growing pains. Please remember that the front line Cast Members who are working the attractions or providing cards in Guest Relations are not the people who made these changes. If you try the new system and find it frustrating or have any other issues, please do not take it out on the Cast Members in the parks; they are just doing their jobs. Email Guest Communications at wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com with any concerns.

We plan on trying out the new program on launch day and will update the post with our experiences.

Share on Facebook




Retweet this

Details of Disney’s New Accessibility Program Replacing Guest Assistance Cards is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Will Saving Money Hurt My Disney Experience?

By Erin Foster

• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest

While scanning a recent Quora feed, I came across the question, “What are some ways to save money at Disney World without taking away from the experience?”

Over the years, I’ve seen countless requests for money saving tips and read scores of articles proffering advice on how to save money on Disney travel, but very few of them address the quality-of-experience topic. So I’m here to discuss whether saving money will negatively impact the quality of your Walt Disney World vacation. I’ll preface my discussion by saying that almost all of this is subjective. One man’s minor sacrifice will be another man’s major drag.

The main areas of potential savings are: transportation, lodging, food, souvenirs, and tickets. Here are my thoughts on whether utilizing common money saving tips in these areas will negatively impact your trip.

Saving money by not renting a car can be no big deal or a giant drag, depending on where you’re staying.

TRANSPORTATION

Common Savings Tip: Drive instead of fly.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Maybe. Depending on the number of people in your party and the distance you’re traveling, driving instead of flying can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. However, if you’re driving for more than 8 or 10 hours, you’re losing a day of vacation time on both ends of your trip. You’ll also likely arrive at Walt Disney World somewhat tired from the concentration of driving or the frustration of dealing with “Are We There Yet” children.


Common Savings Tip: Use Disney’s free transportation instead of renting a car.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: It depends on where you’re staying at Walt Disney World. If you’re at one of the monorail resorts (Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian) or one of the Epcot resorts (Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club), your travel time to more than one of the theme parks will be shorter using Disney transportation than it would with a car. If you’re at these hotels and spending most of your touring at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot (plus DHS for BW, YC & BC), then not having a car will be no imposition at all. However, if you’re staying at a Saratoga Springs Treehouse, which requires two steps just to get to one theme park, or at one of the larger moderate resorts (Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs) with multiple internal bus stops, then having a car will be a big plus for you.


Common Savings Tip: Bring only carry-on luggage.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Probably not. There are laundry facilities for guest use at every Walt Disney World resort, as well as a range of personal care items for sale in the resort gift shops. I’m no fan of chores on vacation, but most of the laundry rooms are located near the resort pools, so you can spin while you swim. This means that very little fun time will be consumed by clothing maintenance. (And yes, I know that Southwest and JetBlue fliers generally get free checked bags, but not all areas are served by these carriers.)

The value resorts can be a good money-saving option for many guests.

LODGING

Common Savings Tip: Visit during off-peak times.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: No! Much to the contrary – visiting during off peak times will likely save you time as well as money. The lowest hotel cost times are also the lowest crowd times. The only possible negative is that Disney often uses the off season for attraction maintenance. You may find that a favorite ride is out of service if you visit off peak.


Common Savings Tip: Stay in a Disney value resort.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Only if you’re a prima donna. Guests who are used to Four Seasons comfort may be underwhelmed by Disney’s value resorts, but they’re perfectly fine for those of us living here on earth. The value resorts are clean, fun, and include all the perks of staying on Disney property including free Magical Express transportation, resort merchandise delivery, access to Extra Magic Hours, free theme park parking, and more. And if you’ll be spending most of your time touring the parks, you may barely notice that you’re in an economy-style room.


Common Savings Tip: Stay at an off-site resort.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Maybe, maybe not. Offsite guests won’t be able to take advantage of Disney perks like Magical Express and Extra Magic Hours. Depending on the location of your hotel, you may spend extra time in transit, particularly if you plan on taking an afternoon nap at your hotel. On the other hand, some guests like breaking out of the Disney bubble at the end of the day, or have accommodation needs that make on-site stays impractical.

Common Savings Tip: Put the maximum number of adults in a room.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Probably. Each Disney resort hotel has a stated maximum room capacity. For example, the value resorts allow four guests, plus an infant in a crib, per room. The value resorts are great if the occupants are a single, a couple, or a couple and small child. However, four large adults sharing a 260 square foot room, two double beds and one sink/shower/toilet can feel very cramped, very fast. If you plan to put four adults in a value room, make sure you’re very close friends.


Common Savings Tip: Share lodging with extended family.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Maybe. There’s a lot to consider when you’re vacationing with relatives. If your touring styles are totally in synch, then economies-of-scale savings can be substantial, particularly at off-site lodging. However, mismatched personalities can turn a great vacation into torture. Consider whether any amount of savings would make bunking with your grumpy brother-in-law worth it.


Common Savings Tip: Use PIN codes or special offers.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Nope, go for it! Disney often releases special PIN codes, bounce-back offers, annual pass discounts, or other promotional discounts. If you’re able to find these, enjoy the savings.


Common Savings Tip: Use travel aggregators such as Orbitz, Expedia, or Travelocity to book your room.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: No. Even without special codes, you can often find discounts on Disney lodging via the major travel aggregator websites. Last year I priced a stay at the Pop Century resort on the Disney World website and then priced the same stay on Expedia.com. The Expedia price was 15% lower for the exact same room, with all the same perks and amenities. Guess where I booked?

Bringing your own snacks can reap big savings, but you may want to budget for a few iconic treats.

FOOD

Common Savings Tip: Bring snacks into the park.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Probably not. Disney allows guests to bring their own food and beverages into the theme parks. In my mind, a water bottle and an apple are the same whether you pay $3.00 for them in the park or $1.00 at a local grocery. However, some snacks, like the iconic Mickey bar, have no portable equivalent, so you may want to work a few bonus snacks into your budget.


Common Savings Tip: Bring meals into the park.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Maybe. Toting a few snacks into the parks isn’t much trouble, but once you’re talking about full meals, you have to start thinking about serious shopping and food storage, which can cut into your vacation mindset. There are also a number of dining experiences (character meals, dinner shows, themed venues such as the Sci-Fi Dine In) that can be big fun. You may feel that you’re missing out if you avoid those entirely.


Common Savings Tip: Cook in my room.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Probably. You should first be aware that most appliances are forbidden in standard Disney hotel rooms. If you bring your hot plate, waffle iron, electric skillet, or crock pot into a standard room, you’re violating a slew of fire code regulations and are subject to eviction from the hotel. If you’re in family suite or villa (or many off-site accommodations), cooking is OK, but do you really want to be washing pots at Walt Disney World? For folks facing severe food allergies, cooking on your own may be your best alternative. For many others, cooking will be a big vacation downer.


Common Savings Tip: Eat meals at off-site restaurants.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: It depends on where you’re staying and where you’re eating. There are many wonderful and not-so-wonderful dining venues both on Disney property and off. Guests staying on Disney property without a car will find off-site dining untenable. But if you have a car, there are a number of good, affordable restaurants within a 20 minute drive or so. If you don’t mind stepping out of the Disney bubble, and you avoid obviously dicey dining spots, then you’re probably OK with this one.


Common Savings Tip: Share meals.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Probably not. Disney portion sizes are notoriously large. It’s often possible to share an entree between two adults or three small children while fully satisfying the appetites of all involved. If you have light eaters in your party, sharing meals is a great way to diffuse costs.


Common Savings Tip: Get free dining.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Maybe. You should first read Tom Bricker’s excellent analysis of whether free dining is really a cost savings. Then consider whether your personal dining style matches that of the dining plan. For example, the dining plan includes lots of dessert. If you’re not a dessert eater, this may not be for you. Or if your favorite restaurant is not part of the plan, then you may feel frustrated. This one requires lots of research to assess its true value.


Common Savings Tip: Eat only quick service meals.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Probably not. The quick service options at Walt Disney World have improved considerably in recent years. If you’re dining on St. Louis ribs at the Flame Tree BBQ, Tacos de Carne at La Cantina de San Angel, or a lobster roll at Columbia Harbor House, chances are you won’t even notice that you’re having fast food.


Common Savings Tip: Use coupons or discount programs.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: No. A number of Disney and related entities offer dining discounts as part of their plans. If you’re a DVC owner, Annual Pass holder, D23 member, or AAA member, you’re entitled to many dining discounts. There are also coupons in the back of the Birnbaum Guide to Walt Disney World and some local Orlando publications. Assuming that you were going to eat at those restaurants anyway, why not enjoy your meal at a reduced price.

Bypassing souvenirs is a relatively painless way to economize.

SOUVENIRS

Common Savings Tip: Don’t buy any souvenirs.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: It depends on your personality and the decibel level of your children’s pleas. Of course you don’t actually NEED any Disney souvenirs, so this seems like a relatively easy place to cut costs, but the unavoidable ubiquity of merchandise in the parks means that you or your kids are bound to find something that screams, “BUY ME.” More power to you if you can stick to your guns and skip souvenirs or acquire only free items (of which there are many). Remember that the best souvenir may be photos of your family enjoying time together. Take those with your own digital camera and incur no incremental costs.


Common Savings Tip: Buy Disney-themed items to give to kids during the trip.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Not if you’re a good planner. Low cost Disney-licensed merchandise is available in countless locations including dollar stores, discounts stores, and online. Some guests will buy trinkets and tees at these venues, and give them to their kids during vacation in lieu of the more expensive in-park offerings. If you’re a good planner and packer, this can be a viable alternative to big spending. For possibly disposable items like a princess dress, buying off-site can reap substantial savings.


Common Savings Tip: Set a strict souvenir budget.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: No. Everyone needs a budget on vacation, that’s just common sense. Check out our guide to Disney souvenir pricing and tips on how to communicate your family’s souvenir strategy to your children. You’ll be in great shape to craft a plan that makes sense for you.

There are many reputable discount ticket vendors. You can even add your discount tickets to your MagicBand.

TICKETS

Common Savings Tip: Buy park tickets from a non-Disney vendor.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Not at all. There are a number of reputable vendors of discount Disney tickets. These are the very same tickets you can buy from Disney itself, but at a lower cost. Our Least Expensive Ticket Calculator can help you find a deal that meets your needs. Of course, always do your due diligence before buying tickets from anyone other than Disney, there are some scams out there, but most vendors are above board.


Common Savings Tip: Don’t buy the Park Hopper Add-On.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: It depends. Check out the comments on our Park Hopper FAQ article. You’ll see that some guests wouldn’t visit Disney World without it, while other find it a waste of cash. See which touring style matches yours to make the best decision for your family.


Common Savings Tip: Pre-buy tickets ahead of a price jump.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: No. Disney typically announces their annual ticket price hike a few days in advance. If you’re on the ball, you can buy your tickets for next year’s trip during this time, effectively letting you in at last year’s prices. The expiration clock on Disney tickets does not begin until they are first used, so if you’re willing to tie up some cash, you can reap even more savings by pre-buying your tickets several years in advance.


Common Savings Tip: Don’t buy tickets to extra events like the Halloween and Christmas parties and the water parks.

Will This Hurt My Experience?: Probably not. I’m a big fan of the Magic Kingdom parties, but if you’re a first time visitor you may find them overwhelming, or if you’ve done the parties in the past, you may have had your fill. And then there’s a myriad of things to consider if you’re thinking about doing one of the parties with small children in tow. In any case, there are enough things to do in and around Walt Disney World that skipping an evening party shouldn’t have an appreciable negative impact on your vacation.

So what do YOU think? Have you found that penny pinching put a dent in your fun? Or did being frugal make the fun all the better? Let us know in the comments below.




Share on Facebook




Retweet this

Will Saving Money Hurt My Disney Experience? is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Ask Jim Hill Episode 8: SpectroMagic and del Toro’s Haunted Mansion Film

By Guy Selga Jr.

• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest

On this episode, Jim Hill and Len Testa answer a viewer question about SpectroMagic at Magic Kingdom. Is it gone forever? Also, what is the current status of Guillermo del Toro’s Haunted Mansion film? Find out in this week’s episode.

New episodes are posted every Tuesday, so be sure to subscribe on YouTube!

If you have a question about Disney or Universal history, you can submit it to AskJimHill@TouringPlans.com, and Jim may answer it on the air!

Share on Facebook




Retweet this

Ask Jim Hill Episode 8: SpectroMagic and del Toro’s Haunted Mansion Film is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Updated: What to Expect from 2013′s Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland

By Guy Selga Jr.

• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest

Mickey’s Halloween Party is a special extra-ticket event held select nights at at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, during the Halloween season. The party includes a special fireworks show featuring a fly-by of Zero (instead of Tinker Bell), a costumed character cavalcade,  trick-or-treating, dance parties, and more.

Mickey’s Halloween Party takes place in Disneyland on select nights in the fall, typically running from late-September until Halloween. In 2013, the party dates are September 27, October 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30, and 31.

 

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party typically become available in July.

What time is the Party?

Officially the Party runs from 6 pm on some nights and 7 pm on others. The party runs until 11 pm or 12 am, depending on the night. Guests with valid Halloween party tickets may enter the park up to three hours prior to the event’s start time.

Will I need a special ticket to get into the Party?

Yes. Admission requires buying a separate ticket just for this event. It’s not included in any regular theme park tickets or annual passports.

How much do the Party tickets cost?

There’s a range of pricing, including discounts for buying in advance. The official Disney website lists the following prices:

Event Dates

Advanced Purchase Price per Person

Advanced Purchase Price for Annual Passholders

Day of Event Purchase Price


Friday, September 27, 2013 — 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Sold Out

Sold Out

Sold Out


Tuesday, October 1, 2013 — 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

$59.00

$51.00

$67.00


Friday, October 4, 2013 — 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Sold Out

Sold Out

Sold Out


Tuesday, October 8, 2013 — 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

$59.00

$51.00

$67.00


Friday, October 11, 2013 — 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Sold Out

Sold Out

Sold Out


Tuesday, October 15, 2013 — 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

$59.00

$51.00

$67.00


Friday, October 18, 2013 — 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

$67.00

$67.00

$67.00


Monday, October 21, 2013 — 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

$59.00

$51.00

$67.00


Wednesday, October 23, 2013 — 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m.

$59.00

$51.00

$67.00


Friday, October 25, 2013 — 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.

$67.00

$67.00

$67.00


Monday, October 28, 2013 — 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

$59.00

$51.00

$67.00


Wednesday, October 30, 2013 — 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

$74.00

$74.00

$74.00


Thursday, October 31, 2013 — 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

$74.00

$74.00

$74.00

I don’t have a Park Hopper, can I still buy a Mickey’s Halloween Party ticket?

You sure can. Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are totally separate from regular park admission media. If you have a one day, one park ticket, you’re welcome to visit DCA in the morning and then Mickey’s Halloween Party in the evening using a Party ticket. This would not count as a “Park Hop.”

I see that there’s a discount for early ticket purchase, but do I need to purchase tickets early if I’m not sure about attending the party?

Same-day tickets may be available for some parties on the day of the event, but you should absolutely buy your tickets in advance if you’d like to attend. A limited number of tickets is available for each party. The event does typically sell out on October weekends.

Entrance to the park is done through turnstiles labeled with ‘Special Event Ticket’

Depending on what time you arrive at Disneyland, some or all of the entrance turnstiles will be dedicated to Party admission. Look for the signs indicating where to go. When you enter the park with a Halloween Party ticket, a cast member will place a plastic wristband on your arm and hand you a plastic candy collection bag. Also be sure to grab a map/schedule on the way in.

I’m not going to Mickey’s Halloween Party, but I will be in Disneyland during a day when the Party is held. Will they kick me out of the park when the Party starts?

No one will forcibly remove you from the park, but beginning at around 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm (depending on when the party starts) cast members will set up moving checkpoints for wristbands. If you’re not wearing a wristband, then you’ll be directed toward the park exit. Wristband checks occur periodically at the attractions.

I’ll be visiting Disneyland in the afternoon and also attending Mickey’s Halloween Party. Do I have to leave the park at some point?

No. Beginning in late afternoon, several stations will be set up inside the park to distribute wristbands to Party guests who are already inside. Stop by one of the stations; they’ll scan your ticket, give you a wristband, and you can be back to the fun in no time.

It’s a Halloween Party – does that mean costumes?

Costumes are NOT required to attend the Party, but many guests do add to the fun by getting dressed up. There are a few restrictions on costumes (more on that in a sec), but there is no requirement that costumes be Disney-related. Many guests choose to give a nod to Disney in their dress-up (Mouseketeers and pirates are popular choices), but you’ll also see plenty of non-Disney superheros on hand.

Costumes range from just a Halloween-themed tee or pirate eye patch to full on Haunted Mansion ghosts. The choice is really up to you. Personally, I love seeing other guests dressed creatively.

What types of costume restrictions are there?

The goal for costumes is being fun and creative, not frightening. You’ll be asked to change or leave if your costume is too scary or grotesque.

The official language on the tickets states:

Halloween costumes should NOT:

Obstruct the guest’s view or interfere with their ability to board/unload from attractions and/or the the Disneyland Resort transportation system (including monorails, parking lot trams, and buses).
Drag on the ground.
Contain sharp or pointed objects or material that may accidentally strike another guest.
Be offensive to other guests.
Contain any weapons which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.

Additionally, the main Disneyland website contains the following language about general costuming issues:

Attire that is not appropriate for the theme parks (and which may result in refusal of admittance) includes but is not limited to:

Masks (unless you are dressing up for a particular event).
Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics.
Excessively torn clothing.
Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment.
Objectionable tattoos.
“Guests who dress like Disney Characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs.

Any other costume tips?

Autumn temperatures at Disneyland are still quite warm. Particularly for the earlier parties, you might encounter temperatures well into the 80s. This is not the time for fuzzy bear suits or full body armor. Think more along the lines of hula skirts and baseball jerseys for maximum comfort.

The Disney powers-that-be like to restrict adult costumes to the Party itself. If you’re coming directly from your hotel to the Party, then you’re fine wearing your costume on a bus or monorail. If you’re coming from elsewhere, then your best bet is to change into costume once you’re at Disneyland. If you don’t want to carry your street clothes around, Mickey’s Halloween Party is a great time to invest in a locker rental.

What is the crowd situation like during the party?

When I attended the party last year, I was surprised at how busy the party was. I’ve personally found the lines for the rides to be quite short during the Party; however other aspects of the event can feel quite intense crowd-wise. Think of party nights as a regular busy day at the park, or a 6 or 7 on the crowd calendar. I found it impossible to do everything. With so many meet and greets, candy stations, fireworks, and the cavalcade, I did not ride any attractions when I attended the Party. There just wasn’t enough time.

Now that you’ve got the business out of the way, can you tell me what there is to do at the Party?

On to the fun stuff! The Halloween Party has several components:

Rides
Trick or treating
Halloween-themed character cavalcade
Halloween-themed fireworks
Character dance parties
Special character meet and greet opportunities
Villains meet and greet
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy

Are all the rides open during the Party?

Well, not every last one, but most of the rides are fully operational during the Party. In 2012, the following rides were not available to Party guests: Tarzan’s Tree House, Casey Junior, Storybook Land Canal Boats, and Innoventions. Plus all of Mickey’s Toontown is closed during the Halloween party.

Should I go on rides during the Party?

This depends on your priorities. The ride wait times during the Party are usually minimal. If your main goal for the Party is to get some quality Indiana Jones Adventure time in, then by all means ride on. Disneyland does offer two special Halloween attractions (Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday), but these are NOT exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party, and they can attract hefty wait times.

What’s the Trick or Treating like?

Every guest of the Party, children and adults, will be given a trick or treat bag upon entering the park. You’re also welcome to bring your own bag if that’s more your speed. There will be eight treat stations scattered throughout the park. These are noted on the Mickey’s Halloween Party map and can be found in the park by looking for the special large Halloween-themed “lamp posts.”

As you walk through the park, stop by the treat stations, and cast members will add candy to your bag. There are dozens of types of candy available, including everything from off-brand candy corn to name brand mini candy bars. Typically guests report receiving an even mix of sugar-based (Dots, US Smarties, lollipops, Twizzlers, etc.) and chocolate-based (mini Hershey bars, M&Ms, Tootsie Rolls, etc.) candy. Many of the stations will have an alternative treat, such as boxed raisins, to give to guests with food allergies. Be sure to ask the cast members at the trick or treat stations if you have alternative treat needs.

There is no limit to the candy collection. You’re welcome to hit the treat lines as often as you wish. If you’ve got a candy-mad child in your group, this may be his idea of heaven. Here are some things to think about before you invest too much of your time on candy collection:

If you’re trying to maintain healthfulness, do you really want to come home with pounds of candy?
If simply having candy is your goal, it’s more cost effective to go to the supermarket and just buy the kinds you like.
What’s the opportunity cost of spending time trick or treating? Will you miss out on other party activities?
Do you come from a culture that does not trick or treat? If so, the novelty of this experience may outweigh other considerations.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the candy distribution cast members become more generous as the evening wears on. You may get a bigger haul if you visit the lines later in the Party.

Other than candy, what are my food options during the Party?

There are no table service restaurants seating guests once the Party starts. However, if you’re seated at a table service before the start of the Party, you’ll be allowed to finish your meal at a normal pace. You won’t be rushed out.

There are a number of counter service venues open during the Party. In recent years these have included: The Plaza Inn, Jolly Holiday Bakery, Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, Refreshment Corner, Royal Street Veranda, Bengal Barbecue, The Golden Horseshoe, Stage Door Cafe, and Tomorrowland Terrace. These spots give you a range of options from sweets to salads. Check out the restaurant menus for specifics.

It seems silly to me to use a substantial percentage of your valuable Party time for a full meal. To take best advantage of the Halloween offerings, consume your sit-down protein before the party starts. A 5:30 p.m. dinner at Carnation Cafe or Cafe Orleans is a great way to fortify yourself for the long night ahead.

Tell me about the parade.

Mickey’s Costume Party Cavalcade starts near “it’s a small world” at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. As with all parades, depending on where you’re situated on the parade route, it could take 15 minutes or more for the parade to pass your location. The exact parade route is noted on the Mickey’s Halloween Party park map.

Crowds will begin lining up along the route about 30 minutes before the start of the parade. Keep in mind that Disney doesn’t call this a parade: it is a “cavalcade.” What’s the difference? This is not a full blown parade: it features only three floats, and most of the characters walk the parade route.

A special “Halloween Screams” fireworks show is run at 9:30 pm. The show lasts about 12 minutes. Good vantage points can be had anywhere along Main Street, but the best is in the hub. You’ll want to get as close as possible to Sleeping Beauty Castle to see Jack Skellington’s ghost dog reindeer, Zero, fly by on the zip line Tinker Bell uses during the usual fireworks.

The actual fireworks in the sky are fairly standard for Disney, but the music and narration take on a decidedly spooky tone. The show is hosted by Jack Skellington and Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas. There is audio from the Haunted Mansion attraction (Grim Grinning Ghosts). The castle itself is primarily bathed in blues and greens. If you like fireworks, by all means have at it. If you have a child who is fearful of loud noise or creepy tones, then hop on a ride during the fireworks and skip this part. Personally, I think this is one of the best fireworks shows Disney has ever produced; it is not to be missed. Seeing Zero fly around the castle is amazing.

What is a “dance party”?

This year there is one dance party located in Tomorrowland Terrace.

During the dance parties, DJs spin dance tunes and characters are available to boogie with guests. If you’re not shy, it’s possible to get in some time dancing with the characters. Beware that the volume can be quite intense and keep an eye on the kiddos. It’s confusing with lots of mood lighting and other guests trying to get time to boogie.

Can I meet characters during the party?

Absolutely! Not only can you meet characters, but many of them will be wearing Halloween costumes themselves. The 2013 Mickey’s Halloween Party character greetings include:

Friends from Aladdin – Aladdin’s Oasis
Jack & Sally – French Market
Winnie the Pooh & Friends – Critter Country
Disney Pirate Pals (Captain Jack Sparrow, Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Mr. Smee) – Pirate Wharf (Frontierland Dock)
Mickey and Minnie – Big Thunder Rance
Donald, Goofy, and Pluto – Piratepalooza (Rancho Del Zocalo), Frontierland
Disney Villains (Malificent, Evil Queen, Hades, Lady Tremain, Wicked Step Sisters, Dr. Facilier, Jafar, Queen of Hearts, and Cruella de Vil) - Town Square, Main Street USA
Disney Princesses – Fantasy Faire
Disney Fairies – Pixie Hollow
Phineas & Ferb – Innoventions
Toy Story Pals – Big Thunder Rance
Merida – Near It’s a Small World
Star Wars Storm Troopers – Near Little Green Men Store Command, Tomorrowland

The lines for the character greetings, particularly Jack and Sally, can become very long, very fast. Even at the start of the Party, you may face wait times of an hour or more. If character photo opportunities are important to you, but sure to factor wait times into your planning.

What’s new this year?

A new dance party replaces “Club Buzz” in Tomorrowland. Disney’s official website describes it as:

“Monsters U Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace featuring Mike & Sulley in a spirited Monster Scare-Off.”

The performance times for Monsters U Dance Party are 7:45, 8:45, 9:45, and 10:45 PM:

Also new this year is a “Pre-Party in Mickey’s Toontown that runs 6 PM to 8 PM.

What is the Pre-Party?

The Pre-Party is held inside Mickey’s Toontown. At 5 PM the entire land is closed off and cleared out of regular park guests. During the Pre-Party, guests have access to Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin and Gadget’s Go Coaster. There are also character meet and greets and two candy trails. The characters available include: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Chip, Dale, Clarabelle, and Roger Rabbit. At 8 PM the Pre-Party ends and Mickey’s Toon Town closes for the rest of the night.

How might weather impact the Halloween party?

Tickets are non-refundable and the Party goes on rain or shine, even if there’s lots and lots and lots of rain. Some of the Party activities may be postponed, curtailed, or cancelled, but the Party itself will continue. But let’s be honest: it never rains in Southern California.

Is there any special Party merchandise?

Of course there is. Disney will sell Halloween-themed merchandise throughout the parks and hotels from late August until early November. There will also be some items sold exclusively at the Parties. Typically this will include several styles of tee shirts, trading pins, and a Vinylmation. Since the exclusive merchandise only appears during the Party, you can usually find it at or near the registers where the cast members can most easily keep control of it. Try the Emporium for best selection.

How do I know what’s right for me?

The first step is deciding what your priorities are. Are you there to meet characters? Do you want to focus on the unique entertainment? Is collecting a year’s worth of candy your main objective? Do you want ride time with low lines? Each of these scenarios needs a different touring strategy. Once you have have your priorities set, it’s easy to choose a plan.

What tips do you have if meeting characters is my main goal?

Almost every single Halloween party character is available during regular park hours, including the “fab five” in their special Halloween costumes. If meeting characters is your main goal you might want to hunt them down before the party officially starts. Remember, Disney will allow you to enter the party up to three hours prior to the start of the event.If you do want meet characters before the party starts, the main draw will be Jack & Sally and the Disney Villains. During the day, Jack & Sally can be found near the left side of the Haunted Mansion Holiday entrance. The Disney Villains can be found in Big Thunder Ranch.

Photo © Disney

Is Mickey’s Halloween Party worth it?

Personally, I strongly dislike extra ticket events. I think they are a waste of money and exist only as cash grab on behalf of Disney. Almost everything offered for the Halloween Party is also part of a regular park admission, minus the fireworks, character cavalcade, dance parties, and candy. Is this worth almost $70 to you? To maximize the return on your dollar, think about:

Being present for the entire event. Think of it this way: if you pay $69 for your ticket and you stay for a full five hours, you’re spending $13.80 per hour for your entertainment. If you only stay for three hours, then you’re spending $23 per hour for your entertainment.
You’ll have the most “Halloweenish” experience if you focus on events/activities that are unique to the Party. Big Thunder Mountain is the same Big Thunder Mountain with or without a Mickey’s Halloween Party ticket. The Halloween Screams fireworks can only be seen at the Party.
The lines for the trick or treating are rarely long, particularly later in the evening. Try working in your candy collection when you see a short line on the way to another activity.
While some guests will line up for the fireworks 45 minutes or more before start time, to me this is a waste of quality touring time. (And time is money.) Unless you absolutely must be right up front, you can arrive for the parade just a few minutes in advance.
Multitask when possible. If you’ve got to wait around for a parade to start, use this time for your food consumption.

More information, including ticket options, can be found on the official Disneyland website.

 

Party map showing candy trails and live entertainment. Click to enlarge.

Pictures from the 2013 Mickey’s Halloween Party

Even the hub gets a Halloween treatment with character pumpkins and seasonal flowers.

Yours truly with the legendary Roger Rabbit. It’s been over a decade since he has appeared at a meet and greet in Disneyland.

Mike and Sulley lead the Monsters U dance party

Even it’s a small world gets in on the spooky decorations

Piratepalooza is home to a candy trail as well as photo opportunities with Goofy, Donald, and Pluto.

All of the characters in Piratepalooza are in their pirate gear

Halloween Screams Fireworks Spectacular is the highlight of the entire event.

One of the few floats in Mickey’s Costume Cavalcade.

Even the princesses have to walk (Er, dance. Um? Dance/walk) in the parade.

Seeing bears dance in tutus never gets old.

Pumpkin-man-scarecrow-stiltwalker-guys.

One of them gave me “the point.”

The final float of Mickey’s Costume Cavalcade contains the fab five characters.

Donald in a Stormtrooper disguise. This also never gets old.

One of my favorite live entertainment offerings from the party, the Cadaver Dans! They are the Dapper Dans dressed like ghosts. They sing halloween-related songs as they float along the Rivers of America.

Speaking of Rivers of America, the entire river is covered in an eerie layer of fog.

Main Street USA is covered in spooky lighting during the party.

Some lighting effects are synced up with the music. Such as these heffalumps and woozles.

A hidden gem of the party: Near the end of the night all of the villains walk out to the train station and say “Get out, go home, this is our kingdom now and we are going to party all night!”

They literally point to the door as they tell you to leave.

Cast members hand out trick or treat bags as soon as you enter the park.

These cast members are stationed throughout the park checking guests wristbands. Anyone without a wristband is asked to leave.

The Pre-Party in Mickey’s Toontown.

Pictures from 2012′s Mickey’s Halloween Party (that are still applicable to this year):

These Mickey pumpkin lamps are found throughout the park.

Jack Skellington and Sally have a special themed backdrop during Mickey’s Halloween Party.

One of the most amazing features of the Halloween Screams fireworks is Zero. He flies around the castle using the same wire used for Tinker Bell during the park’s regular fireworks.

A scene from Halloween Screams.

So happy haunters, are you planning to attend Mickey’s Halloween Party this year? What are you looking forward to most? What do you usually skip during the party? What are your touring strategies? Let us know in the comments below.

Share on Facebook




Retweet this

Updated: What to Expect from 2013′s Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.