Tag: #disneyvacationplanning

The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: EPCOT’s Newest Restaurant

Today we have exciting news from Epcot.  There’s a brand new restaurant open at Epcot.  The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue has opened at Epcot’s American Adventure pavilion.  The Regal Eagle Smokehouse is named after Sam the Eagle of the The Muppets.  Epcot’s newest quick service restaurant is themed to a barbecue cook-off, featuring competitors from across America.

New restaurant open at Epcot Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Restaurant Logo, Disney Parks

Perhaps best of all?  Mobile Ordering IS an option for the Regal Eagle Smokehouse through your My Disney Experience app, helping to minimize your time spent in LINE.

Liberty Inn Closed June 2019

For years, the food at the American Adventure pavilion was an embarrassment!  It always amazed me how bad the food was at the American pavilion.  It was such basic theme park food.  Cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and [watery] pulled pork sandwiches.   None of these items stood out, and all were disappointing (especially the pulled pork!).  There was no theming to speak of, in my opinion.  It just felt like a big fast food restaurant.

There is so much great food in the United States; the abysmal food at Liberty Inn aggravated me for years.  It made me sad that visitors from all over the world could come to Disney and think THIS represented America.  But that’s all old news, thank goodness.  The Liberty Inn closed in June 2019 to make way for a new quick service restaurant.  Finally, we have our new restaurant: The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue hosted by Coca-Cola.

The Regal Eagle Smokehouse

At long last, the American Adventure pavilion has an American themed restaurant to be proud of.  I think the choice to include the Muppets in the theming for this restaurant is genius.  It’s subtle, but it iso great to see the Muppets in Epcot!  Sam the Eagle is atop the logo and featured on the menu.  We see other Muppet characters in sketches around the restaurant.  The Muppet presence isn’t super overt, and of course, as a big Muppets fan, I wish there were more of it.  However, these days ANY sign of the Muppets at Walt Disney World is a good thing, as far as I’m concerned.

The theming throughout the interior space is sprinkled with classic Americana.  It’s got a little bit of a retro feel.  The walls feature lots of brick and tile.  There is red, white and blue bunting on the ceiling, and even the condiment station features Americana decor.  There’s a tin ceiling, and there are lots of copper pots and old timey accessories throughout.  The tables are flanked by backless benches, and the indoor seating area feels very large, bright and open.  The overall look is really sharp.

New Restaurant open at Epcot Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Regal Eagle Smokehouse                                                                                                       (Photo: Disney Parks)

Outdoors, the large seating area is all classic picnic tables with umbrellas to help protect guests from the Florida sun.  There’s also a large classic smoker on display in the outdoor seating area.  I’m not sure if this is just for show, or if we may see it in use during busy periods.

Barbecue Flavors From Across the United States

I think the Regal Eagle Smokehouse’s approach to “American” by using barbecue flavors found in different parts of the country is really smart.  Since summer cook-offs are such a big part of festivals throughout the country, I thought choosing to theme the restaurant as “Sam’s Centennial Cook-Off” was also a terrific idea!

New restaurant open at Epcot Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Source, Disney Parks

Entrees are themed to Texas, South Carolina, Missouri, Tennessee and North Carolina.  Meats are smoked for 14 hours, and the quality of the meats and sides are very high, especially for a theme park quick service restaurant.

Menu Options

There are a lot of options on this quick service menu!  There are a variety of sandwiches and platters.  All sandwiches and platters include a side.

New Restaurant Open at Epcot Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Great food can be found at the new Regal Eagle Smokehouse at the American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT (Photo: Disney Parks)

The American Platter is $18.99, and I suspect it will be VERY popular, especially for first time visitors.  It includes three choices from the meat options, one side of your choice and a piece of garlic toast.   The meat options include Sliced Texas Beef Brisket, Kansas City Smoked Half Chicken, Memphis Dry-Rub Port Ribs, North Carolina Chopped Smoked Port Butt, and South Carolina Smoked Sausage.  The brisket and smoked sausage are available as sandwiches, and the other three meat options are available as single meat platters.  There is also a BBQ Burger, which is a burger topped with pulled BBQ pork and an onion ring.  A Power Greens Salad is on the menu, and includes chilled pulled chicken and fresh citrus.  For those that prefer plant based sandwiches, there is a BBQ Jackfruit Burger.  This is a plant based burger topped with BBQ Jackfruit.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Regal Eagle Smokehouse, The American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT (Photo: Disney Parks)

Side options include House Made Pickles, French Fries, Beer-Battered Onion Rings, Creamy Coleslaw, Macaroni and Cheese, Garlic Toast, and Baked Beans with Burnt Ends.

For dessert, you can choose from the Fresh Watermelon Cup (But WHY?  Just kidding!), the S’mores Brownie and Banana Pudding.  The banana pudding even has vanilla wafer cookies in it.  So classic!

The kids menu features a cheeseburger, chicken salad, BBQ chicken leg and BBQ rib platter as options.  Most of these come with one or two sides, and a choice of Chocolate Milk, Apple Juice or small fountain beverage.

Beverages

Inside you’ll find the traditional quick service restaurant Coca-Cola fountain beverage station, featuring the same Coca-Cola beverage options you find all over the parks.  But at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse, you’ll also find Iced Unsweetened Tea, Sweet Tea and a few varieties of flavored iced teas that I think are a nice inclusion.

The menu inside also features a variety of American draft beers and ciders, wine and some specialty cocktails.  There are more beverage options at the outdoor bar as well.  (Read on for more about the outdoor bar!).

Meat Lovers Paradise

While there is a plant based option on the menu, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse is primarily for those of us that eat meat.  If you are vegan or vegetarian, you will be happier at one of the other pavilions around World Showcase.  If, however, you are a meat lover, you will most likely find at least one item on this menu that you’ll love.

The other thing that makes me happy is that the entrees are not drenched in sauces.  Regal Eagle Smokehouse offers a variety of sauces on the side at the condiment bar, and you can add as much or as little sauce to your meats as you want to.  I think this will appeal to a wide range of customers.

Sauces

The condiment bar features a variety of bbq sauces for you to try with your entree.  There are four sauces, plus ketchup on the condiment bar.  Sauce options include:

      • Mustard Guild “Old Glory” Sweet Mustard Sauce
      • Blue Ridge Vinegar League
      • Blue Ribbon Brisket Sauce
      • Sizzlin’ Pit Dry Rub Coalition Classic Smokehouse Sauce

Options for Those With Allergies

There are options available for those with gluten or wheat allergies, egg allergies, milk allergies, peanut or tree nut allergies, and soy allergies.  To review the complete menu, along with the allergy related options, please visit here.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Outdoor Bar

One of the highlights of the new outdoor area at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse is the new outdoor bar.  Many of the beverages offered at the outdoor bar can also be found inside the restaurant; however, I suspect the outdoor bar will satisfy a lot of patrons that aren’t interested in a meal.

The menu features a variety of American draft beers and ciders.  There is also a selection of California wines on the menu, as well as a few “specialty cocktails”.  Specialty cocktails include a Frozen Mint Julep, a Tennessee Lemonade (featuring Jack Daniels), a Texas Mule, a Frozen Strawberry Daquiri and a Moonshine Sour.  There are two non alcoholic options on the outdoor bar menu as well: Berry Sparkler and Frozen Iced Tea Lemonade.  Prices range from $4.50 (non alcoholic specialty beverages) to $14.00 (specialty cocktails).  While anyone who knows me well knows I’m am very partial to the Grand Marnier slushie available at the Champagne Kiosk in the France pavilion, I am eager to try the Tennessee Lemonade at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse!

At Last, Good American Food at the American Adventure Pavilion

I am happy to report that at long last, we have good food available at the American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT.  Of course, if you prefer table service, or eat good old American barbecue fairly frequently, the Regal Eagle Smokehouse might not be high on your list.  Also, I suspect it won’t be a preferred stop for vegans or vegetarians.

However, if you want a good quality quick service option, you can’t go wrong with the Regal Eagle Smokehouse.  The food is flavorful and the environment is fun and well themed.  And hey, there are some Muppets touches.  Good pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs and old fashioned banana pudding?  Count me in!

Muppets Sam the Eagle
Sam the Eagle, The Muppets (Photo: Disney Parks)

What do you think?  Are you going to check out the Regal Eagle Smokehouse?  Please comment below.  If you’ve already had a chance to try it, please share your thoughts!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

P.S. There are lots of updates coming to EPCOT this year and next.  Have you heard about  EPCOT’s space themed restaurant coming later this year?  Check out this post to learn more.

 

 

Cinderella Castle is Getting a Makeover

In preparation for next year’s big 50th Anniversary celebration, construction projects are ongoing throughout Walt Disney World.  I’ve been wondering what Disney had in store for my beloved Cinderella Castle.  Honestly, I’ve been worried.  In previous years, they have done some questionable things to the castle.  But now the mystery is over.  Disney has officially announced that Cinderella Castle is getting a makeover.

25th Anniversary: Cinderella Castle Becomes a Giant Birthday Cake

Here’s one of the reasons I was worried.  Does anyone else remember (with horror) the “birthday cake” Cinderella Castle that Disney did for the 25th Anniversary? If they’d done if for a day or a week, I probably wouldn’t cry every time I think about it, but it stayed like this for more than a year!!!  They painted the castle bright PINK.  Now I like pink as much as the next girl, but not on Cinderella Castle for goodness sake!  As if the pink wasn’t bad enough, they attached all these inflatable things.  It was AWFUL.  I mean, the concept was cute I guess.  But the beautiful Cinderella Castle looked like this for more than a year.  1996 was NOT a good year for Cinderella.  I think maybe she let her Fairy Godmother decorate after a few too many nightcaps!

Cinderella Castle is Getting a Makeover Disney 25th Anniversary
Cinderella Castle as a giant birthday cake for the 25th Anniversary of the Magic Kingdom (Photo: Disney Parks)

50th Anniversary: Cinderella Castle is Getting a Makeover

Fortunately, it looks like I didn’t need to worry.  For this anniversary, Disney has decided to go classy instead of tacky.  Disney announced this week that Cinderella Castle is getting a makeover.  The castle is going to be repainted and additional gold accents are being added.  I’m assuming all the gold is in recognition of the golden anniversary.  If you aren’t already familiar, a 50th anniversary is the golden anniversary.  Magic Kingdom opened in October 1971.  October 2021 will be the 50th (golden) Anniversary for the Magic Kingdom, and by extension, Walt Disney World.  Magic Kingdom was the only park at Walt Disney World until Epcot opened in 1982.

Here’s the concept art that Disney has released showing what Cinderella Castle will look like after its makeover.

Cinderella Castle is Getting a Makeover
Concept Art – Disney Parks

What do you think?  I think it looks pretty good.  This is pink, but it is not the hideous BRIGHT pink of the 25th anniversary.  I think the gold accents and trip pieces look pretty, and will likely be sparkly in the Florida sunshine.  There are a lot of scary things Disney could have done to the Castle for the big anniversary.  I am relieved that they have chosen to go classy.

The Downside of Cinderella Castle Getting a Makeover

Unfortunately, there is a downside to Cinderella Castle getting a makeover.  In all likelihood, this repair work is will last all summer and possibly into the fall.  This will mean scaffolding around the castle.  It could mean crane work.  I’m not sure exactly what will be involved, or how dramatic the equipment and workers around the Castle will be.

I know everybody always complains when the crane is out for a couple of weeks in the fall to put the icicle lights on the castle for Christmas.  People often get upset about the crane being in their pictures.  I know I have a series of crane Castle pictures that I don’t love.

Cinderella Castle Getting a Makeover

Nonetheless, I expected Disney was going to do something with Cinderella Castle for the big 50th Anniversary.  If they’re going to do something, this is about the least offensive thing they could do.  I also don’t think it’s gonna take a super long time to complete.  Hopefully by the end of the summer, this will be a completed project.  It’s likely they will do the work in phases.  For example, they will have scaffolding on one area of the Castle at a time, so the whole Castle won’t be covered.  This way, guests will be able to get pictures from certain angles without scaffolding in their photos.

It’s All About the Attitude

I recommend that if you are visiting Walt Disney World this summer, know that you are likely to see scaffolding on the castle.  I understand that is disappointing.  Cinderella Castle is a beautiful icon and I completely understand that you want great pictures from your vacation.  Mostly likely, you were not planning to have scaffolding or other construction equipment or workers in your photos.  I get it.  However, keep in mind there are a TON of other locations around the parks where you will get fabulous pictures that won’t feature scaffolding.

Additionally, I suspect there will be some angles of the Castle that will still be lovely and without scaffolding.  Perhaps from the rear of the Castle.  The Castle is actually very lovely from the back.  The Castle is also very lovely from each side.   I believe there will be angles for photos where the scaffolding won’t be an issue.  However, I don’t know that for sure.  Disney hasn’t shared how they’re going to approach this project.  They also haven’t given us a firm end date for the project.  So far, they’ve just indicated the work will begin soon, and will continue throughout the summer.  So, if you are visiting this summer, you are going to probably going to see the Castle in process of being painted.

Cinderella Castle is getting a makeover
Cinderella Castle at Dawn                                                                                                     (Photo: Disney Parks)

Look on the Bright Side

On the other hand, if you have Castle scaffolding in your pictures, you are getting a very unique picture.  This isn’t a common occurrence, and not many guests will see this project while its underway.  So if you ARE visiting this summer, try to have as positive an attitude as possible about the project, and manage your expectations.  If you expect there to be a lot of scaffolding, and when you arrive, there’s only a small amount, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.  I’m a big believer in your attitude determining how terrific (or not) your vacation is.  Read this post for more on this topic.

The Good News

There is some good news here.  Of course, first and foremost, Cinderella Castle is going to look beautiful when it’s finished.  The popular daytime show, Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, that takes place multiple times each day on the Castle Forecourt Stage, will not be disrupted according to Disney. It’s a cute show that features the Fab 5 and has a little fireworks at the end.  This show will go on, which I think implies Disney is not doing major construction.  They’re just putting up scaffolding and painting, primarily.  This will be a relatively minor incursion into the public Castle spaces.

Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire
Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire                                                                                      (Photo: Disney Parks)

Disney also stated that Cinderella’s Royal Table and the Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo Boutique will not be affected.  This should mean you will still be able to walk through the Castle throughout the day to access Cinderella’s Royal Table and the Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo Boutique.

Happily Ever After

Disney has also promised that Happily Ever After will not be affected by the makeover for Cinderella Castle.  Happily Ever After is the nighttime fireworks spectacular choreographed to music.  The show is filled with lots of intensely colorful projections of scenes and animation onto Cinderella Castle.   I interpret this statement from Disney to mean that all of the projections currently shown on the Castle during the show will continue to be shown.  I’m guessing that we won’t even notice any scaffolding during the show.  The projections are so bright and so detailed and play such clever tricks on our eyes, I suspect they will obscure any actual construction materials.  The nightly fireworks show is an integral part of any visit to the Magic Kingdom for many guests, so I am happy that the show will not be affected by the makeover project.

Disney Happily Ever After Cinderella Castle
Happily Ever After                                                                                                                   (Photo: Disney Parks)

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think Cinderella Castle getting a makeover is a good thing.  I’m very happy that Disney is taking the 50th Anniversary so seriously.  They’ve been sprucing up all over the parks and throughout Walt Disney World property in preparation.  Epcot is getting a major update, some of which has been needed for a very long time.  A number of new attractions are coming over the next year, too.  The new Tron coaster at Magic Kingdom, the Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster at Epcot.  We getting the Ratatouille attraction in Epcot this summer, as well as a new quick service restaurant in France.  Almost every country in Epcot that has a film in their pavilion has gotten or is getting a new film.  Hollywood Studios is practically bursting at the seams now with all the new stuff that has come on line in the last year!

There are a lot of really positive things going on right now.  There have been some years that pretty big anniversaries were not recognized or celebrated at all.  I’m happy that the 50th is a really big deal for Disney.  I think the park next year, 2021, especially in the fall is going to be amazing.  I really think if you can come in the fall of 2021 you’re going to see all four parks and in general Disney property in the most beautiful condition it’s ever been in.  It’s all very exciting.

What Do YOU Think?

Please comment below with your thoughts.  What do you think?  Are are you looking forward to this makeover?  Do you think the project is necessary?  Were you hoping they were going to do another birthday cake? (I know there are some of you out there!)

If you haven’t started planning or 2021 trip yet, it’s time!  I’d love to help you have a magical Disney vacation.  Please reach out to brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

How to Build Excitement for Your Upcoming Disney Vacation

Planning a first time trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland for your family or friends?  Are you anxiously waiting for Disney trip that is a long way off?  Are you looking for ways to get your family (or friends) excited about the trip?  There are lots of great ways build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation.  I get a lot of questions about keeping family members excited about a Disney vacation that is a long way off.  Since many people are planning their Disney vacation for up to 2 years in advance, the long lead time can sometimes seem never ending and frustrating.

Toy Story Mania Disney Vacation
Super Patient Kids Waiting in Line                                  (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

When Should You Tell Your Kids They Are Going to Disney?

There are some different ways to approach this.  You know your kids better than anyone else does, and what is right for your kids may be different than what is right for someone else.  There is no absolutely right or wrong way to do this, no matter what “experts” on Facebook or Instagram might tell you.  Follow your instincts—and use what you learn for the next trip.

Option: Tell Your Kids as Soon as You Start Planning

For a lot of us, planning a Disney vacation is a very exciting time.  It can absorb a lot of your time and attention, especially if you are doing a lot of the planning  yourself.  You may find you want to talk about it a lot.  You may want to get opinions and find out about wish lists.  That can make keeping a secret for any length of time super challenging.

If you have older (teenagers +), I think it often makes a lot of sense to involve them in the planning, or at least some aspects of it.

Sharing the planning process with the whole family can be fun.  Having family planning meetings to discuss the trip can help build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation.

Fast Pass Planning Build Excitement
Fast Pass+ Planning (Photo: Brooke Hudson

However, sharing the planning process can also be stressful.  If your family has a lot of strong personalities, planning can turn into arguing very quickly.  One person not liking a character or movie that someone else loves can result in hurt feelings or anger.

If you are planning a trip more than one year in advance, which is extremely common, family members, especially younger kids, can get very frustrated with the long wait or vacation.

For this reason, I generally don’t recommend telling little kids about the upcoming trip until you are just a few months out.  Kids don’t really understand time yet, and “next year” or “year after next” just aren’t concepts that make sense to them.  As a result, they may drive you crazy asking when you are going to visit the Mouse’s House until the actual trip.

Again, you know your family.  I just want to give you some things to consider as you make these decisions.

Option: Big Announcement or Gift Presentation

Some parents decide to announce the upcoming Disney vacation with a lot of bells and whistles.  There are tons of super cute videos on YouTube of kids being surprised with the news they are going to Disney.

As a scavenger hunt girl, this one is a favorite:

The Ellen show did a cute little montage of suprise reactions to the news:

Another fun idea is to present the trip as a gift for Christmas, birthday or graduation.  This isn’t an idea just to surprise your kids with, either!  Surprising your spouse or significant other with a Disney trip is super fun and can be very romantic, too!

Here’s a cute Christmas surprise:

Again, the time lag between the big announcement and the actual trip is something to consider.  If you get your kids super excited with a big presentation but the trip is a year away, you may find they lose the excitement over time.   Of course, there are LOTS of fun things you can do to build excitement every month, or even every week as the trip approaches.

Option: Tell Them Right Before the Trip (Or even ON the trip!)

Some parents prefer to spring the trip on the kids right before they leave.  I’ve had clients who told their kids they were going to visit Grandma, and then surprised them in the car with the news they were going to Disney WITH Grandma instead.  There are a couple of fun videos on YouTube where parents woke their kids up really early in the morning with the surprise that they were leaving immediately for a trip to Disney.  The kids are too sleepy to really understand the surprise at first.  Pretty cute.

Here’s a pretty great one where they find out they’re going and leave immediately.  The mode of transportation to the airport is part of the surprise. It’s so cute!

What Works Best for Your Family?

As you can see, there are lots of different schools of thought on when to involve your family in the planning.  When you tell the family way before the trip, you might run into “it’s NEVER going to be time” frustration or planning fatigue.  When you choose to surprise the family right before the trip, you avoid the months of “when are we going?” questions, but you also don’t get to do fun things to get everyone excited.   You have to think about your family, the time until your trip and how you want to handle the big news.

Personally, I like to have at least some time before the trip to build excitement.  I want everyone to be looking forward to the trip, and I like to have time to build some anticipation and enthusiasm.  However, I also tend to mostly plan everything out, based on my knowledge of the people I’m planning for.  This can help avoid any planning drama or arguing.  Again, you know your family, so involve them as much (or as little) as makes sense for your group.

Build Excitement for Your Upcoming Disney Vacation

Disney Family Movie Night

One of my favorite ideas to build excitement for an upcoming Disney vacation is a Disney Family Movie Night.

Build Excitement for your upcoming Disney Vacation Star Wars Movie Poster

Scheduling regular Disney family movie nights where you all sit down together and watch a Disney movie is a terrific way to build excitement and minimize frustration.  Because you’re at home, you can plan a mid-movie intermission for bathroom breaks.  Before starting the movie back up, you could talk about the first half of the movie as a family.  You could talk about what characters you might see at Disney when you visit.  You could ask questions about favorite moments that could maybe someday turn into an attraction.

The idea is to have quality family time, good conversation with your family AND to talk Disney!

A Disney Family Movie Night is great Disney vacation preparation, even if your family members don’t know they have a Disney vacation in their future.  It’s also a terrific way to pass the time between trips, or to lessen the post vacation blues.

Build excitement for your upcoming disney vacation disney family movie night toy story

I’ve learned that many of the classic films that are such an integral part of the Disney parks are not that familiar to younger kids today.  Many kids under 10 (or even under 20!) have never seen classics like Snow White, Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty.  You may have family members  that have never seen Peter Pan, the Jungle Book or Swiss Family Robinson.

Knowledge is Power

While having familiarity with all the movies and animated series featured in the Disney parks is certainly NOT necessary to enjoy the parks, having seen these movies adds an extra layer of fun to any parks (or Disney Cruise Line) visit.

For example, if you have a meal inside Cinderella Castle, you may or may not notice two colorful little mice located high up on one wall, watching Cinderella greet her guests.  If you’ve never seen the movie, you might not care about the mice.  However, if, like me, you’ve seen the movie, you probably LOVE Gus-Gus and Jacque, those two mice perched up on the wall watching the fun.  It’s a fun little detail that adds to the magic.

Cinderella build excitement for your upcoming disney vacation disney family movie night

If you’ve never seen Snow White, you’ll still love Seven Dwarfs Mine Train—but if you HAVE seen the movie, the details in the queue and in the scenes you pass through will be much more fun and interesting.  Visiting during Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival?  The Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs topiaries are really cool, but if you’ve grown attached to them in the movie, you’ll rush to take pictures with them!

Snow White Build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation Disney family movie night

If you’re a Star Wars fan, walking into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is truly mind blowing.  You feel like you’ve walked into one of the movies.  If you’ve never seen a Star Wars movie, much of the creativity and detail won’t mean as much to you.  You will probably think it’s a cool world, but it won’t pack much emotional punch or meaning for you.

The Force Awakens Disney Family Movie Night Star Wars

The moral of the story is: If you have a few months before your trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, consider implementing a Disney Family Movie Night.  You’ll build some important family time, watch quality family entertainment, and hopefully spark some interesting discussions.  Even if you’ve chosen not to let your family in on the secret (upcoming vacation), you will all have fun on Disney Family Movie Night.  And as a bonus, when you do take the trip, everyone will have even MORE fun because they’ll recognize characters and themes from the films.

Build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation Disney Movie Night
Rey and BB-8                                                                                                                               (Photo: Lucasfilm)

Disney+ and the Public Library

There are a lot of great ways to find classic Disney movies.  When I was making the list for my own family, I inventoried my DVD library, and made sure everyone knew they could borrow from Auntie Brooke.  You might be surprised how many Disney movies you have in your own library, especially if you love Disney.

Many public libraries will have DVD copies of most Disney films in their collection that you can check out for free.

NetFlix still has some Disney movies in their library, although not as many as they used to.  Of course, you can buy Disney movies to your heart’s content, either digitally or on DVD.  Amazon, Itunes, the Movies Anywhere app, WalMart, Target and many more are great sources of new copies of Disney DVDs.  Like garage sales?  Keep your eyes out for used Disney DVDs to pad your collection.  You might be surprised at the great deals you can find.

Disney+

Disney+ is a TREASURE TROVE.  I am so happy with Disney+, I can’t even stand it!  There is SO MUCH here.  Tons of classic movies, lots of Disney channel shows, classic Disney animated shorts and lots of new Pixar and Disney shorts.  There’s also ALL the Star Wars movies and animated series, as well as the new Star Wars series, The Mandalorian, which you can ONLY watch on Disney+. (It’s FANTASTIC).

Disney Family Movie Night
The Mandalorian                                                                                                              Photo: LucasFilm/Disney

If you’ve been seeing this cute little guy EVERYWHERE and wondered where he came from, he’s in The Mandalorian.  Another great reason to watch!😉

The Mandalorian                                                                  (Photo: LucasFilm/Disney)

Disney+ also includes National Geographic programming.   There is just so much on that app, it’s amazing.  If you don’t already subscribe, I highly recommend it!   Our movie list for Disney Family Night has more than 20 movies on it, and they are ALL on Disney+.  In fact, there are some movies that weren’t on my original list that I may add as bonus entries, just because they’re on Disney+ and I want my family to see them.😉

Countdown Calendar

Another terrific way to build excitement for a Disney vacation that is a ways out is a countdown calendar.  These can be simple or super detailed.

You can even download monthly calendar templates from the internet, and print them out.  Put a giant sticker on the day you leave for vacation, and let the kids cross off each day as you get closer and closer to the trip.

Countdown Calendar Build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation
Calendar designed by Linda Harkness                                      (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

We’re in the midst of planning big family trip for October.  My mom made these amazing calendars on Shutterfly, using lots of pictures from our previous family trips.  She gave them to us for Christmas, so everyone has a countdown calendar for the time until the trip.  It’s super nostalgic and fun, especially because our two littlest vacationers don’t even remember their first trip.  The pictures are proof they were there (even if they don’t REALLY believe us!)  It’s so fun imagining them on this next trip.  They won’t forget this one!

Countdown Calendar Build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation
Calendar designed by Linda Harkness (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Mom incorporated the Disney Family Movie Night idea into the calendar, and put movie suggestions throughout the calendar, with a different movie suggested every two weeks until our trip.  She also highlighted important dates for the grown ups, reminding us when to look for airfare, and when deposits are due, etc.  She even included lots of Disney trivia and information about where we are staying.

Countdown Calendar build excitement for your upcoming disney vacation
Calendar designed by Linda Harkness (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

It’s super fun and colorful, and it’s really fun looking at it every month.  The little ones are crossing off days as we get closer, and I know the excitement will build really high when we get into that final few weeks before the trip.

Disney Food Themed Meals

These days, even a trip to the grocery store can help build excitement about your upcoming Disney vacation!  There are so many Disney branded foods available in grocery stores now.  There is everything from apple slices to ice cream branded with Mickey Mouse or one of his pals!  Here’s a couple examples of some of the stuff you can find.  You could pack Disney themed snacks in your kids’ lunches one day a week, with a sticky note reminding them how many days until vacation.

(Note: These are Amazon affiliate links.  If you choose to click through my link to Amazon, I will earn a small commission on your purchase.  This does NOT affect your pricing in anyway.  Thank you!)

Here’s another idea: you could  incorporate some of these branded items into your meal planning.  For example, as your trip approaches, you could have a special Disney Food Themed Meal night.  You could have Disney brand hot dogs, Mickey Mouse tater tots and Mickey bars for dessert.  If you want to avoid using the Disney branded foods, you could choose a movie, and serve foods inspired by that movie.  Alternatively, you could choose a theme park, and serve foods inspired by that theme park.   You could even pull recipes from one of the Disney cookbooks and serve something that you might even find at Disney on your trip!  There are a lot of Disney cookbooks. Here are a few that I really like.

You could even make foods in the SHAPE of Disney icons.  Mickey shaped pancakes or cookies can be a fun addition to breakfast time or snacks.  Be sure to talk about the trip during these special themed meals.  Talk about some of the fun things you’ve got planned, characters you might see.  You can even talk about the food you might eat, haha.

So Many Ideas!!

There are so many great ways to build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation.  In this post, we’ve focused on Disney Family Movie Night, Countdown Calendars, and Disney Food Themed Meals.  This article is going to the the first in a series of three, all designed to help you and your family get ready and get excited for your trip.  The next article in this series will be out in two weeks.  Please comment below with your favorite way to build excitement for an upcoming family or Disney vacation.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

 

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises 2021

Do you have dreams of visiting Europe?  Of sailing the Danube or the Rhine, drinking in the beautiful sites?  Do you long to tour a castle or visit a cafe at the foot of the Eiffel Tower?  Do you dream of Adventure?  If so, an Adventures by Disney European River Cruise Vacation is exactly what you are looking for.  There are 30 Adventures by Disney European river cruises scheduled in 2021, more than ever before.  Extra cruises have been added in response to the popularity of these amazing, unforgettable trips!

Adventurers can choose to travel along one of four enchanting European rivers: Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Seine.  Some departures are reserved exclusively for families traveling without children, including Food and Wine and Oktoberfest-themed cruises.

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises

Rhine River Cruise

This seven night cruise will take you to stunning destinations in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands.  Experiences include a Rhine Gorge Castle Cruise, a Heidelberg Castle Tour, an Amsterdam Canal Cruise and a Walking Tour of Cologne, among others.

There are also special Rhine River Cruise sailings, including a Food & Wine Rhine River Cruise and a D23 special fan club sailing

Danube River Cruise

Visit four countries and make eight stops on this seven night cruise through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.  Experiences include a visit to Durnstein Castle, a tour of Vienna, a Hallein Salt Mine Adventure, a Danube River Bike Ride, Exploration of Budapest, among many others.

Special Danube River Cruise sailings include Oktoberfest (an adult exclusive sailing), and Christmas Markets, which will include stops in Germany, Hungary and Austria, all decorated for the holidays.

Rhone River Cruise

This seven night adventure will take you through the south of France, with visits to Lyon, Tournon, Avignon and Arles.  Experiences include Biking in Lyon, Truffle Hunting at Les Pastras Farm, Tour La Cite du Chocolate, and take a Steam Train in Gorges du Doux, among others.

Seine River Cruise

Explore the essence of France on this eight day, seven night cruise along the Seine.  You will visit Paris, Conflans, Les Andelys, Vernon/Giverny, Rouen, and Le Harve.  Experiences include visits to Normandy’s Omaha Beach, French Castles and Ruins, Monet’s House and Gardens, among others.

All Inclusive Luxury Vacations in the Heart of Europe

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises
Adventures by Disney River Cruise (Photo: Adventures by Disney)

AmaWaterways

All Adventures by Disney European River Cruises sail with AmaWaterways.  AmaWaterways is a premier luxury river cruise line.  AmaWaterways consistently receives awards for the highest rated ships in Europe.  They’ve received many honors and accolades.  They’ve won Town & Country River Cruise Awards for “Best Overall”, “Best for Food”, “Best Onboard Activities”, and “Best for On-Shore Activities”.  Cruisers’ Choice Cruise Critic consistently rates AmaWaterways five stars, and includes them in their top 3 European River Cruise Line recommendations.  Cruises’ Choice has awarded AmaWaterways their Editors Picks award for the last several years.  AmaWaterways has also won Reader’s Choice Awards for “Best River Cruise Line” from AFAR and Recommend magazines.

Your cruise aboard an AmaWaterways ship will be the ultimate in luxury traveling.  Your cruise will feature locally sourced wine and cuisine, a comfortable deluxe stateroom, unforgettable views, and state of the art amenities, including internet access and in-room entertainment.

All Inclusive ABD European River Cruises

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises are all inclusive.  All your food, beverages, activities and gratuities are included in your cruise fare.

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises
Aerial shot of Danube River (Photo: Adventures by Disney)

Some of the accommodations, services and amenities you can expect while on your Adventure:

      • Deluxe cruise accommodations in an outside stateroom
      • Services of Adventure Guides
      • Access to local experts
      • Authentic cultural experiences
      • Private sightseeing tours
      • Services of the onboard Cruise Director and staff
      • Onboard Wellness Coach on most Adult Exclusive River Cruise Sailings
      • Fine dining (breakfast, lunch and dinner) served on  board ship
      • All gratuities onboard and at restaurants
      • Chef’s Table specialty restaurant featuring a tasting menu
      • Unlimited local wine, beer and soft drinks with each lunch and dinner onboard
      • Select meals off the ship for special experiences with regional cuisine
      • Daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
      • Cocktail reception, special welcome dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner
      • Bottled water in all staterooms, replenished daily
      • Onboard entertainment including a nightly piano lounge, karaoke nights, baking classes for kids and more
      • Special theme nights, including “Disney Bounding” where guests dress as casual, contemporary versions of their favorite Disney characters in regular clothes they have
      • WiFi in all staterooms and public areas

Adult Exclusive Sailings Available

While Adventures by Disney is a family vacation specialist, we understand that sometimes you want a trip away from the kids.  Perhaps you are planning a honeymoon or an anniversary getaway.  Maybe you want a more sophisticated vacation adventure.  Disney has several sailings set aside each year as Adult Exclusive Sailings.

Contact me if you’d like more information, specific dates and itineraries for the Adult Exclusive Adventures by Disney European River Cruise Sailings.  brooke@disneycastledreaming.com, or via instant message on Facebook, DisneyCastleDreaming, or via direct message on Instagram, @disneycastledreaming.

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises
Adventures by Disney, in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower (Photo: Adventures by Disney)

Family Fun for All Ages

Adventures by Disney vacations are truly extraordinary for adventurers of all ages.  Each Adventure by Disney vacation has some activities that specific for kids of various ages.  There are activities and experiences geared to teens, while others are designed for younger children.  Your Disney Adventure Guides will ensure that your children have the experience of a lifetime–exactly right for them, and their age group.

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises
Adventures by Disney Family Fun (Photo: Adventures by Disney)

While your kids are enjoying their kid-specific activities, you’ll have time for more adult-oriented exploring, activities or tours.

See what USA Today had to say about Disney’s family friendly Adventures by Disney River Cruise Vacations here.  Here’s an insightful review of an Adventures by Disney Danube River cruise from Travel + Leisure.

The Disney Difference

Worldwide, the Disney name is synonymous with quality.  We all know that we can count on Disney to give us an amazing experience whenever we find the Disney name.

Adventures by Disney ensures that you can count on Disney’s high standards throughout your vacation, no matter where in the world you are visiting.  If you are traveling with Adventures by Disney, you are guaranteed a culturally immersive, once in a lifetime experience that will show you that all vacations are not created equal!

Adventure Guides

On every Adventures by Disney vacation, your group will be accompanied by two or more trained Disney Adventure Guides.  These Adventure Guides attend to every detail of your trip, letting you immerse yourself in the adventure.  Adventure Guides are storytellers, and they work to make sure the story of your vacation is unforgettable.  The Adventure Guides take pictures, lead excursions, educate, and spend time with each person on the trip.  They work with local experts to guide your family and ensure that you will feel a connection to the people, culture and traditions of each destination you visit.

Cultural Experiences

It’s important to Disney that if you are visiting these wonderful, historical destinations, you have the opportunity to learn about the customs, traditions and daily life of the people, places and culture you visit.  Adventures by Disney vacations bring you a unique and authentic experience that only Disney can provide.  Each Adventures by Disney vacation is designed to feature special excursions or activities that enhance your experience and ensure that you leave a place truly understanding more about the culture you have visited.  Adventures by Disney vacations include things you won’t necessarily find in the typical guidebook–but your experience will be more special and memorable as a result.

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises
Photo: Adventures by Disney

Insider Access

The Disney name, in addition to carrying a reputation of excellence in customer service and dedication to creativity and detail, also carries a lot of clout.  That clout helps Adventures by Disney provide access to extraordinary opportunities that aren’t available to the general public.  Adventures by Disney give you a backstage pass to the world!

Family Fun

Each Adventures by Disney trip offers unique itinerary options.  There are more sophisticated experiences designed for adults, and special Junior Adventurer activities tailored to kids.  You will discover lots of special opportunities to create and share unforgettable memories you will all cherish forever.

Book Early and Save

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises for 2021 just opened up for booking this week.  Book early and save up to $750 per person on select 2021 river cruise vacations when you book by March 27, 2020.  Contact me for more information!

Adventures by Disney: Destinations Around the World

Adventures by Disney offers more than thirty different adventures across six continents.  You can explore the wonders of Japan, Greece, Peru and many other countries with Adventures by Disney.  There are adventures in Montana, New York, Yellowstone and Southern California.  There are adventures in Australia and Africa, and throughout Europe.  Most adventures by Disney vacations are 7-9 nights in length.  There are a few Adventures by Disney Escape vacations, which are 2-4 nights in length, and give you a brief taste of an adventure.  These Escapes are often available as add ons to other Disney or Adventures by Disney vacations.  For example, there are several European Escapes that can be added on to an Adventurers by Disney European River Cruise vacation, further extending and enhancing your vacation.

Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney

If you would like information about Adventures by Disney destinations, please email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Happy dreaming!

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

Epcot’s New Space Themed Restaurant: Space 220

Disney’s EPCOT theme park is well known for lots of good and even great dining options—but the fast majority of those can be found in Epcot’s World Showcase.  Coming soon to Epcot’s Future World is a space themed restaurant we’re hoping will knock our socks off!  Epcot’s new space themed restaurant is called Space 220, and it’s expected to open sometime this spring.

Announced last year, Space 220 was originally projected to open during the fourth quarter 2019.  That was fairly aggressive, and proved to be a deadline the new restaurant couldn’t meet.  Later, February 2020 appeared to be the planned opening target, but more recently I’m seeing projections of late February/early March.  I suspect we may see soft openings sometime in March, with the official opening happening in April.  That’s not from the powers that be, that’s just my supposition, based on what I’ve been seeing and hearing as the project progresses.

I’m excited about the theming and story of this new restaurant.  The story is that you are traveling to the Centurian Space Station for your meal.  The Centurian Space Station is 220 miles above the Earth’s surface (that’s where the Space 220 comes from).  While you dine, you’ll have stunning day and night views of Earth below and the Space that surrounds the Space Station.  Doesn’t that sound like fun?  Guests will enter a special space elevator that will quickly take them to the Space Station, with spectacular views along the way.

Location

Space 220 is located backstage, behind Mission Space.  The entrance for Space 220 will be part of the Mission Space building.   Have you ever been to Coral Reef at the Living Seas Pavilion?  Coral Reef is part of the Living Seas Pavilion, but it has its own separate entrance around to the side.  I believe Space 220 is using a similar configuration.

Epcot Mission Space
Epcot’s Mission Space. (Photo Disney Parks)

It is my understanding that Space 220 is set in the Mission Space universe—so we are a little bit in the future but not TOO far.  The Centurian Space Station is a resource for the missions that happen at Mission Space.  We may see some Mission Space tie-ins inside Space 220, but that has not been confirmed.

Food

We don’t have a menu yet for this new space themed restaurant in Epcot’s Future World, however, I feel confident that we will NOT be served Tang and freeze dried Ice Cream.  Space 220 is being operated by the Patina Group, a company behind many of the most successful restaurants at Disney Springs and across the country.  The Patina Group already operates several of the better restaurants at Epcot, including Via Napoli and Tutti Italia.  They are also responsible for Morimoto Asia, Maria and Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, Pizza Ponte and The Edison at Disney Springs.  I especially love Morimoto Asia, which is very elegant and lovely.  The food is really good too!

Morimoto Asia Disney Springs
Morimoto Asia (Photo Disney Parks)

The Patina Group has more than 60 restaurants across the country, including Tortilla Joe, Napolini Pizzaria, Catal Restaurant and UVA Bar and Restaurant at Downtown Disney in California.

We haven’t been given much information yet about the food.  All we know is “American Modern”.  I’m not exactly sure what that will mean.  Hopefully, now that we are getting closer to an actual opening, menus will be released soon.

Concept Art

We don’t have any official interior pictures from Disney yet for this  new restaurant.  I suspect we will get pictures when Disney is ready to give us an opening date and makes Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) available for Space 220.

We do have some concept art for this new addition to Future World, however.

Epcot’s new space themed restaurant Space 220
Space 220 Concept Art. (Art by Disney Parks)

Based on the concept art, it looks like we can expect tiered seating, so everyone will have a view from their table of the giant windows looking out into Space and down at Earth.

Since the concept is that we are dining on the Centurian Space Station, I think we can expect the views out the windows to change as we move through Space, 220 miles above the Earth.

Epcot’s new space themed restaurant Space 220
Space 220 Concept Art, Disney Parks

Advance Dining Reservations

As I mentioned above, we do not yet a have an official opening date for Epcot’s new space themed restaurant, Space 220.  Disney has also not yet made Advance Dining Reservations available for the new restaurant.  I think we can expect ADRs to be available shortly before the new restaurant opens, and the standard 180 day window to apply thereafter.

I’m sure this will be a very popular reservation, at least initially.  Anytime there is anything new, we all clamor to check it out as soon as we can.  Ironic, given how loud we yell whenever Disney changes anything, or god forbid, eliminates an attraction.  Yes I’m still bitter that Horizons is gone.  😉

Once initial reviews are out about the food and the experience, we may see demand level off.  However, if the experience is good (which I’m assuming it will be!) and the food is decent, I suspect Space 220 will join the list of “must get” ADRs for Disney trip planners.

Stay Tuned for Opening Date Announcement

As soon as Disney announces an opening date or makes Advance Dining Reservations available for Space 220, I will send out an alert  and update the Blog.  If you want to make sure you don’t miss the announcement, please click here to join our email newsletter mailing list.  We send out email newsletters weekly.  Occasionally, you will get an email alert from us when there’s big news.  In my opinion, Space 220’s opening date and ADR availability is BIG news.

I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.

Update:  Rumor Mill is reporting March 30 as a potential opening day for Epcot’s new space themed restaurant, Space 220.

I don’t have anything confirmed yet, but I am hearing a lot of rumors about March 30 from various sources.   I will let you know once we have a confirmation from Disney.

Are you excited to check out Space 220?  Do you agree that Future World needed a new restaurant?  Please like this post and comment below.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Disney Launches Free Dining Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

Rise of the Resistance Review

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been open for a few months now at both Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida.  The newest Star Wars themed attraction, Rise of the Resistance, opened in early December in Florida, and in mid January in California.  Read on for our Rise of the Resistance review.

Rise of the Resistance Review

Rise of the Resistance is one of the most immersive and stunning attractions Disney Imagineers have ever created.  It is truly an outstanding attraction, especially for long time Star Wars fans.  If you love Star Wars, this attraction is going to push ALL your buttons.  You will come as close as you will ever come to actually BEING in one of the movies.  Even if you are not a Star Wars fan, I think you will find it very challenging not to love this attraction.

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Review
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
Rise of the Resistance has all of the components of Disney’s BEST attractions:
  • It is incredibly detailed and excels at making you feel you are part of the story.  Disney’s best attractions have always been the rides that tell a story and bring you into it.  Rise of the Resistance uses excellent pre-show segments to get you into the story from the moment you enter the queue.  Rise of the Resistance also uses cast members better than any other attraction I can remember.
  • It has giant, memorable set pieces.  There are wonderful special effects throughout the attraction, and there are both audioanimatronic figures and screens that make you feel like you are part of the story, interacting with characters you know and love.
  • It is a long attraction–about 18 minutes.  The best attractions are long enough to make you feel like you really DID something.  Your time in line was WORTH it.  Rise of the Resistance is definitely worth the wait!
  • It has great music.  Rise of the Resistance features memorable, recognizable, heart pounding music that deepens your emotional involvement in the story.  (Note: the music composed by John Williams for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge won a Grammy this past weekend!)
  • Most importantly, in my opinion: It is repeatable!  There is so much going on in this attraction, I think I could ride it a dozen times and still notice something new.  This is the true hallmark of a GREAT Disney attraction.  I’ve ridden Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion tons of times over the years and I never get tired of it.  I think Rise of the Resistance will join that camp of attractions we can ride again and again and always enjoy.  Boredom will not be an issue with this attraction, I promise you!
Unlike Any Other Disney Attraction

I can’t compare Rise of the Resistance to any other attraction.  It’s unique and full of new technology.  In fact, Disney has applied for several patents for elements of this attraction–that’s how special and new the technology is in this ride.

Rise of the Resistance Review of Ride
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Rise of the Resistance                                               (Photo Credit: Disney Parks)

I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t go into more detail about ride specifics.  This is an incredible attraction, unlike anything Disney has done before.  There are several pre-show segments that keep you entertained and immerse you in the story.  The ride vehicles are trackless, so you feel much more free and like anything can happen.  There are different elements and phases to the attraction to keep it interesting and surprising.

I really hope this attraction is a sign of future Imagineering at Disney.  This attraction is truly amazing, and a wonderful addition to both Disney World and Disneyland.

What are people saying?

Disney released this short video a few days after Rise of the Resistance opened at Hollywood Studios Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  I think the excitement and enthusiasm is really fun to see:

Virtual Queue and Boarding Groups

Rise of the Resistance is NOT currently part of the Disney World Fast Pass+ system.  It also does not have a standby line.  For Rise of the Resistance, Disney is using a virtual queue system.  Basically, the idea is that when you enter the park, you tell the system you want to ride via the My Disney Experience app or by visiting with the Guest Experience Team (if you don’t have a smart phone).  The system will then assign you to a Boarding Group, and give you an idea of when your Boarding Group will be called to ride.  Later in the day, when your group is called, you will have a window during which you will go to Rise of the Resistance and be able to ride.

Availability of Boarding Groups

You won’t have access to request a Boarding Group until after you’ve passed through the touchpoints at the park entrance (where you scan your Magic Band or ticket and scan your finger).  Boarding Groups are not available until the official park open time, either.  So while I always recommend you arrive at the park early as you will often be let in before the official park open time, you will not have access to Boarding Groups for Rise of the Resistance until AFTER you’ve entered through the touchpoints AND the official park open time for the day has arrived.

Boarding Group availability each day is based on the projected number of guests that Disney expects to be able to ride during that day, based on the hours the ride is expected to be functioning.  They have built in some downtime.

Rise of the Resistance Review of Ride
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance                                                             (Photo: Disney Parks)

The Good

You don’t have to hover around Rise of the Resistance for hours, waiting for a chance to ride–you’ll get an update in your My Disney Experience app, notifying you of your Boarding Group being called.  You can go about your day and enjoy many other attractions and shows at Hollywood Studios while you wait.  Assuming there is availability, using the app to request a Boarding Group is fairly easy and user friendly–as long as the app doesn’t crash.  Once you are notified that your Group has been called to ride, you have a window of time.  In most cases, this is two hours, so you don’t have to rush right over or worry if you’re in line for another attraction.  Note: sometimes the window is one hour, so be sure to read your notification carefully so you know how long you have.

The Bad

Currently, the Boarding Groups are filling up VERY fast.  Most days, all the Boarding Groups for the day are filled within minutes of the park being open.   The impact of thousands of guests all trying to get access to Boarding Groups at the same time via the My Disney Experience app is that the app often crashes or locks up, making it very challenging to get a Boarding Group before they are all gone.  Adding to this, the attraction has unfortunately been breaking down fairly frequently, which is also limiting the availability of Boarding Groups for visitors.  The notification window for Boarding Groups has been fluctuating — some groups are given two hours, while others receive one hour.  It is important to read your notification carefully so you don’t miss your window.

Intriguingly, Disney has been surveying Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance guests this week about the virtual queue and possible alternatives.  I’m interpreting this to mean all is not going as well as they’d hoped with the system, and changes may be coming.

Ride Breakdowns

The biggest challenge right now is that Rise of the Resistance breaks down pretty frequently.  I think because this attraction is so huge, and has so many moving parts and so much new technology, breakdowns at the beginning are inevitable.  In my opinion, Disney rushed this attraction a bit and announced open dates that were premature.  I don’t think this attraction had enough time to work out all it’s kinks, and guests are bearing the brunt of that right now.

Currently, guests impacted by a ride breakdown are often given passes enabling them to return and ride the next day, or to ride later the same day.  I think guests directly impacted are being adequately compensated; however, this does not address the indirect impact.  With the ride experiencing downtime almost every day, and often, several times a day, Disney is not moving as many guests through this attraction as they anticipated.  As a result, many guests are not being able to ride the attraction at all.

While this is always the case with a popular new attraction (queue times for Flight of Passage still often top 90 minutes most days), the anticipation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is significantly higher than for any other land or attraction in Disney history.  Most guests visiting Disney this year are EXPECTING to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and expecting to ride both attractions.  With the current situation, many guests are leaving disappointed by not being able to experience this attraction.

Star Wars Galaxys Edge Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance                                             (Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)

What Can We Expect?

I’m confident that Disney is doing everything it can to fix the problems with the attraction, and hopefully, these breakdowns will soon be a thing of the past.  I’m very anxious to see what happens with the virtual queue situation.   So far, there is a lot of very loud frustration coming out of guests actually experiencing the virtual queue system, so I suspect some kind of change will be forthcoming.

Earlier this week, Disney made changes to the Fast Pass+ tier system (read here for more information).  Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is now part of the Hollywood Studios Tier One.  If the virtual queue system doesn’t work, I suspect Rise of the Resistance will soon be joining Tier One as well.

Even with all the challenges to actually ride the attraction, I cannot stress enough: This is an AMAZING attraction!  I promise, even if you struggle with some frustration is getting to ride, it will be WORTH IT!  This is a MUST-RIDE attraction if at all possible!

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance                                                             (Photo: Disney Parks)

What do you think?  Do you think Disney will end up adding a stand-by line and Fast Pass+ reservations for Rise of the Resistance, or do you think they will improve the system for the virtual queue and Boarding Group system?

Have you had a chance to ride yet?  I’d love to hear your Rise of the Resistance review if you have one.  Please comment below!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

 

 

 

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Opens March 2020

We finally have an opening date for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway  coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios next spring!  Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens March 4, 2020 in Florida.  In more good news, the attraction will roll into Disneyland Park in 2022.

Disney's Hollywood Studios vacation planning trip planning tips top reasons to visit Disney Disney vacation planning advice

Replacing The Great Movie Ride

When Disney originally announced that longtime favorite “The Great Movie Ride” was being replaced by a new attraction, I was heartbroken.  I don’t know about you, but I always loved The Great Movie Ride.  Granted, it desperately needed some updating.  Nonetheless, it was classic, and one of the few attractions left from the days when Disney Hollywood Studios was  focused on the “movies”.

These days, most of the “Studios” has left Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  There doesn’t seem to be much of the original focus on the “magic of the movies” left.  Hollywood Studios has continued to be a beautiful park, and feature favorite attractions like the Rock n Roll Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror–but what the heck do either of these have to do with MOVIES?????

Disney Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror Holiday
Disney Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror Holiday

However, with the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge this year and Toy Story Land last year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has returned to a MUST NOT MISS park after a few years of construction and many closed attractions (to make way for Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge).

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
Disney Parks: Concept Art

Adding this new attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, is sure to add even more juice to a park that is currently fairly jam packed with must-do attractions.  Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway has no height or age restrictions.  Hopefully this new attraction will appeal to guests of all ages.

Disney released a short video featuring the new attraction.  Check it out below:

Can you believe Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be the first theme park ride to actually feature Mickey Mouse and his friends??  How crazy does that seem?  It all started with a mouse. Mickey’s all over the parks, but he’s never had his own ride before.

Disney Parks Concept Art

That all changes with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.  And in a not-so-surprising twist, this attraction will feature more “hidden mickeys” than any other attraction in Disney history or around the world.

Modern Disney Animation

The animations in this attraction are modeled after the Mickey and Minnie cartoons currently airing on the Disney Channel.  Kids who watch cartoons on the Disney Channel today will feel VERY comfortable with these characters.

For those of us that grew up with a different style of Disney animation, the animations look a little strange; however, I’m sure we will get used to them.  They are cute, just different.  The current Disney shorts in this style have won awards and are VERY popular, so I think this newer style is here to stay.

Behind the scenes of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
Behind the scenes of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway    (Photo: Disney Parks)

We’ll visit the Chinese Theatre to join Mickey and Minnie on a magical adventure in the cartoon world where mouse rules apply.  We’ll ride a train with Goofy as the Engineer, and as you can imagine, hijinks ensue!

I’m always overjoyed when a new attraction comes to any of the Disney Parks.  This one promises to include new technology.  I love that it is an “all ages” attraction.  I think the best attractions are the ones that bring whole families together.  Grandma can ride, and so can the littlest of grandchildren!

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway Disney Vacation Planning Disney trip planning top reasons to visit Disney
Disney Artist Rendering Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Are you looking forward to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway?  I suspect I will always miss The Great Movie Ride, but I’m happy to see a new attraction in Hollywood Studios.  We’ll need something to keep us busy outside of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, haha.

Are you planning to check out this new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?  Please comment below!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Disney Launches Free Dining Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

 

Disney TRON Construction Update

It’s time for another Disney TRON construction update!  If you missed our previous post on the new TRON attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, click here to check it out.

The First Vertical Columns Are Going UP!

While construction began on the TRON “coaster” style attraction began more than a year ago, there wasn’t a whole lot of VISIBLE progress.  So much has to happen to prepare the ground to support the weight of the attraction, and even more has to happen to support the electrical needs of the attraction and the technology the ride will require.  To the casual observer,  the early phases of any attraction construction project often look like there’s not a whole lot going on.

Luckily, we’re not casual observers, right?  Disney has announced that they have begun installing the steel columns that will support the attraction.

Check out this terrific video that Disney released!

Where IS the TRON Attraction?

TRON is being built in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.  It’s going next to Space Mountain, mostly in space that was previously empty.

Disney has modified the Speedway slightly to make room for TRON.  They’ve also stopped running the Walt Disney World Railroad for the forseeable future, while construction proceeds on TRON.  I don’t know if this means the Railroad is ultimately being rerouted, or if the current track will still be in place once construction on TRON is completed.  It’s entirely possible that once it’s safe for the Railroad to resume circling the park and traveling behind Tomorrowland, we’ll be able to tell that nothing changed on the route.  However, I suspect that the Railroad track may need to move over a bit to make room for TRON.  Too soon to tell.

Regardless, we do have a pretty awesome artist rendering of what the TRON attraction is expected to look like.

Disney Tron Construction Update Artist Rendering
Disney Tron Attraction Coming to Magic Kingdom: Artist Rendering

We also got a new picture of the steel column that cast members signed.  As we discussed in the previous Disney TRON construction update post, an important milestone of the TRON project was when Disney invited cast members involved in the project to sign one of the steel columns that will become a part of TRON.

Disney TRON Construction Update
TRON Construction Milestone                                        (Photo: Disney Parks)

When Can We Ride?

While there’s no “official” opening date (it’s WAY too soon!), it looks like the expectations are that TRON will be completed in time for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World in 2021.

Are you excited about this attraction?  From the brief glimpse we get in the video above, I think TRON looks like it will be very different from anything else we have at Disney.  I’m hoping it will be a ton of fun, and that it will absorb a lot of guests.  I’m always a fan of attractions that can swallow up a lot of the crowd.

What do you think?  Please like this post, and comment below with your thoughts!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Launches Free Dining Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

NEW Extra EXTRA Magic Hours Coming to Walt Disney World

If you’ve ever stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you probably know about Extra Magic Hours.  Extra Magic Hours (EMH) are just one of the benefits of staying on Disney property.  EMH are a HUGE advantage for guests who want to minimize their time waiting in lines.  With regular Extra Magic Hours, there are certain days each week when Disney resort guests can enter the EMH park one hour earlier than all other guests.  Alternatively, EMH may mean staying up to three hours later than all non-resort guests at the EMH park.

This fall, Disney is taking Extra Magic Hours to a whole new level with Extra EXTRA Magic Hours!

Disney Extra Extra Magic Hours
Photo: Disney Parks

DAILY Extra Magic Hours

Beginning August 29, 2019 and running through November 2, 2019, Disney will begin offering DAILY Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Extra Extra Magic Hours (EEMH) will be offered in three of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom: Extra Extra Magic Hours will happen every day from 7 am to 8 am at the Magic Kingdom for resort guests.  Just like with regular Extra Magic Hours, not all attractions are open during Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Extra Magic Hours and Extra Extra Magic Hours feature the same attractions–favorite rides in both Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.

Disney's Magic Kingdom Disney vacation planning Disney trip planning tips top reasons to visit Disney Extra Extra Magic Hours
It’s a beautiful day to be at the Magic Kingdom! Let’s pretend the crowds will be this light ALL DAY!  (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Animal Kingdom: Extra Extra Magic Hours will happen every day from 7 am to 8 am at the Animal Kingdom.  Pandora – The World of Avatar attractions ARE included.  Also included are other attractions throughout Animal Kingdom. (The same attractions currently open during regular Extra Magic Hours).

Disney's Animal Kingdom Extra Extra Magic Hours
Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)

Hollywood Studios: Extra Extra Magic Hours will happen every day from 6 am to 9 am (That’s THREE HOURS PEOPLE!!!).  The EEMH WILL include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land and select other attractions.  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity.  NOTE: From August 29 – 31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at 6 am to ALL guests, not just resort guests.  The Extra Extra Magic Hours for Hollywood Studios for Resort Guests will begin September 1.

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run Extra Extra Magic Hours
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon – Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)

Wait, What About Epcot?

Epcot absorbs crowds better than any of the other three theme parks.  In addition, Extra Magic Hours are not as necessary or popular at Epcot as they are at the other three parks.  Also, at Epcot, Future World opens at 9 am (usually) and then World Showcase opens at 11 am.  Morning Extra Magic Hours may frustrate Epcot visitors that wanted to visit World Showcase during EMH but World Showcase is not part of morning EMH.

Epcot will continue to have regular Extra Magic Hours on select days, just like it does now.  Epcot will NOT be getting Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Note: Of course this policy COULD change later in the summer, but I don’t expect it to.

Also, keep in mind that the popular Epcot Food and Wine Festival will be running during this time, and that’s the big attraction at Epcot in the fall.  Opening at 7 am wouldn’t be very beneficial as I don’t think they want to open all those wine and food kiosks that early! 😉

Disney Epcot Extra Extra Magic Hours
Epcot! (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)

Why?

Disney has introduced these new Extra Extra Magic Hours in anticipation of record crowd levels this fall.  With the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios coming August 29, interest in a Walt Disney World vacation has never been higher!  Disney is anticipating very high guest demand for its most popular attractions throughout Walt Disney World, but most especially at Hollywood Studios, for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Disney is trying to ensure the satisfaction of resort guests by guaranteeing them more opportunities to access the parks with smaller crowds, before the parks open to the public each day.  Theoretically, if guests are early risers and willing to be up and at the parks early in the morning, they are more likely to be able to visit more of the attractions they’ll want to visit.

This policy also helps add more value to staying on Disney property.  Disney is always looking for ways to get more guests to stay on Disney property and these new Extra Extra Magic Hours are a great step in that direction.  All those extra available hours EVERY DAY add a lot of value to your theme park tickets!

The Fine Print

Extra Extra Magic Hours require a valid theme park admission and hotel ID.  Note: If you are using your Magic Bands as your room keys and your theme park tickets, your Magic Band will serve as both theme park admission and hotel ID.

If you do NOT have the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option on your tickets, you will be spending the day in whichever park you choose for Extra Extra Magic Hours.  In other words, if you DON’T have Park Hopper, and start your day at 6 am at Hollywood Studios, you will be in Hollywood Studios for the entire day (unless you leave the park and go back to your resort, of course).  You will NOT be able to visit a different park after Extra Extra Magic Hours are over.

If you DO Have Park Hopper, you can “hop” to any other park you choose throughout the day, regardless of where you go for Extra Extra Magic Hours.

All Attractions are NOT Part of Extra Extra Magic

Not all Walt Disney World attractions are available with Extra Magic Hours or Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Park hours and participating attractions for Extra Magic Hours or Extra Extra Magic Hours are subject to change without notice.  All participating attractions and experiences are subject to capacity limitations and cancellation.

Fast Passes are NOT available during Extra Magic Hours or Extra Extra Magic Hours.

Will Extra Extra Magic Hours Be Extended After November 2?

I don’t know.  This is the first time Disney has offered DAILY extended hours for resort guests.  Obviously, this will significantly impact Disney’s daily operating costs–a lot will depend on how successful this program is during its initial offering.  Guest response and feedback will also significantly impact whether Disney either extends Extra Extra Magic Hours, or ever offers it again during busy periods.

Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Extra Extra Magic Hours
Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Is there anything better than visiting your favorite attractions with lighter crowds and shorter lines? (Photo Credit: Disney Parks)

If it has a major impact on guest satisfaction and crowd flow AND they see profits from people staying longer in the parks and spending more money, I think its very likely that we could see something like this again in the future.

Until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is actually open, and we see the way Disney manages crowds in and around that new “Land”, it’s difficult to anticipate WHAT will happen from a crowd flow capacity in ALL the parks, once Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is finally open.

What do YOU think?

What do you think of this new policy?  As someone who almost always stays on property, I’m pretty excited!  We are early risers on vacation, and always take advantage of EMH.  However, we often park hop later in the day if the “chosen” park gets too crowded.  It will be interesting to see what happens when three parks are the “chosen” park, won’t it?

Please like this post and comment below.  Does this new Extra Extra Magic Hours policy have you planning a visit for this fall to take advantage?  I can help! brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

P.S. There is still time to book reservations for YOUR fall vacation to Disney World. You can check out the amazing new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and take advantage of all these extra park hours through Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Contact me today to get started: brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

P.P.S If you don’t want to wait for fall, there are still some great promotions running for Summer Vacations.  Check out these posts for more information:

FREE DINING for Disney Visa Cardmembers

FREE Quick Service Meals on YOUR Summer Vacation?

New Table Service Restaurant Coming to Toy Story Land

Exciting news this week is coming from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  We’ve got a new table service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land!

We don’t have a date yet, so most likely it will be sometime in 2020 or even 2021.  However, additional table service restaurants are needed throughout the Parks, and I think a new one themed to Toy Story Land will be a welcome addition!

Rodeo Play Area

Apparently, Andy has decided to set up a new play area in the backyard.  This new area will be a rodeo play area, and lots of our favorite toys are very excited to join in the fun!

This new rodeo play area will feature western town and train station playsets, and lots of rodeo themed activities.

Toy Story Land's Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant
Toy Story Land’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Artist’s Rendering                                     (Source: Disney Parks)

Of course, this is Toy Story Land, so this may be a really unique rodeo.  Lots of toys that we know and love aren’t exactly “western” themed.  Mr Potato Head, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, the green army men and the dinosaur toys are all bound to add some color and very unique elements to the rodeo theme!

We don’t know anything about the food that will be served here yet, but I suspect it will be western themed–perhaps BBQ ribs and chicken?  I’m not sure, but I’m really excited to find out!

I think we WILL be able to count on a fun, family friendly atmosphere that will be lots of fun to visit.

Until this new table service restaurant opens, you can still find great food in Toy Story Land.  Check out Woody’s Lunch Box, a quick service restaurant that specializes in sandwiches, lunch box tarts and more!

Toy Story Land Restaurants
Toy Story Land’s Woody’s Lunch Box            (Photo: Disney Parks)
Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Photo: Destinations in Florida)

I’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available on this latest addition to Toy Story Land.

What do you think?  Are you looking forward to a new table service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?  Please comment below with your thoughts.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!