#HollywoodStudios - Disney Castle Dreaming Travel

Five Key Tips to a Magical Disney Vacation

Get an Early Start to Your Disney Days

This may be unpopular with some vacationers that prefer to sleep in while on vacation. However, trust me when I tell you that the benefits to getting up early and getting into the theme park early are HUGELY worth the inconvenience.

Five key tips to a magical Disney vacation — Wake up!

If you are staying on Disney property or in a Disney Good Neighbor hotel, you have access to Disney’s Early Entry — this allows you to enter the theme park 30 minutes before it opens to the general public. This may not sound like much time, but you would be surprised at what an advantage this is!

Disney vacation tips sleeping — Rise and Shine DeMarco Photo: Linda Harkness

Number one, MANY people like to sleep late on vacation. These people will still be in bed while you are getting on rides with very short or non existent lines! I love to sleep in as much as the next person; however I love short lines on Disney rides a lot more. Generally speaking, the morning crowds are SIGNIFICANTLY lighter than the afternoon crowds. Around 11 am, the crowd levels start climbing and they generally peak around 3:30 pm.

In the Florida heat and humidity, crowds can feel really intense and overwhelming. Especially as I get older, my tolerance for thick crowds on hot days has really shrunk!

I’m not promising that you’ll have NO lines all morning but the lines are markedly shorter in the mornings than they will be from noon on.

Five key tips to a magical disney vacation; Soarin' — Soarin’ All to Ourselves in the morning!

Plan to Sit Down in Air Conditioning for Lunch

People underestimate the benefit of taking 45 minutes to an hour and sitting down and getting rest in air conditioning for lunch. Often people are so focused on trying to DO everything, they rush through lunch and don’t take any time to rest. Generally, these are the same people that you will observe yelling at their crying four year old around 4pm.

I cannot stress enough how much everyone, all ages, benefits from taking the time to sit down, cool off and rest. Yes, ultimately, you may end up doing one less ride during your day; however, you will actually ENJOY the rest of your day MUCH more. Now, if you are age 15 – age 30, this may not apply to you. However, I have traveled with families with young children, I have traveled with older family members and family and friends aged 2 to 80 and almost without exception–people were happier and had a much better time after taking a 45 minute lunch break to cool off and calm down.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ; five key tips for a magical Disney vacation — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Brooke Hudson

This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to do a table service meal every day for lunch (although I highly recommend that if you can plan ahead and make reservations). There are many quick service restaurants that are inside locations that are air conditioned or have lots of ceiling fans. I highly recommend taking advantage of mobile ordering whenever possible to minimize time standing in line, especially if the line is outdoors like at Flame Tree Barbecue (Animal Kingdom).

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

Know the Shows or Rides Where You Can Rest

You may think I’m crazy when I tell you this, but take a few minutes in the morning to identify rides or shows in the theme park you are in where you know you can sit down for at least 20 – 25 minutes and get a little break.

Disney Parks News Festival of the Lion King Cast and Crew Laid Off — Festival of the Lion King Photo: Brooke Hudson

For example, the Festival of the Lion King show is a 20 minute show. You’ll take your seats 15-20 minutes before start of the show. The theatre is air-conditioned, and you’ll be seated for approximately 30 minutes. The show itself is really good, and I highly recommend it. BUT, it’s also a great opportunity to get a little break. Pay attention to how you are feeling. Your kids might not notice if they are getting overheated or over tired–but you will. There is nothing wrong with accomplishing two things at once! Enjoy an attraction or a show AND get a little break from the Florida heat and humidity at the same time.

Here are some of my suggested attractions that will double as a “break” for you and your family.

Magic Kingdom:

- - Walt Disney World Railroad
  - Enchanted Tales with Belle
  - Carousel of Progress
  - Mickey’s Philharmagic
  - Tomorrowland Transit Authority (People Mover)
  - Country Bear Jamboree
  - Honorable mention: Pirates of the Caribbean: This a really nice and air conditioned line once you get inside the building and the ride itself is fairly long for a Disney ride.

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EPCOT:

- - Living with the Land (ride)
  - Spaceship Earth (ride–usually shorter lines)
  - Awesome Planet (10 minute movie)
  - The American Adventure (really plush comfortable seats)
  - Impressions de France (18 minute movie)
  - Beauty and the Beast Sing a Long (movie)
  - Honorable mention: Japan has a very large very air conditioned store, Mitsukoshi. There’s no where to sit, but there is a LOT to look at and do while in the store.
  - Entertainment at Canada Mill Stage (Musical acts)
  - Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros: This is a relaxing boat ride in Mexico. This usually has a short line.
  - Honorable Mention: China has a movie in an air conditioned theatre that is definitely worth a watch–there are no seats but there are places to lean. There is also a large air conditioned series of shops in China. Again no where to sit down, but lots to look at.
  - Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

- - Festival of the Lion King
  - Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…And Beyond
  - Wildlife Express Train (Short Train ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch)
  - Honorable Mention: Feathered Friends in Flight (35 minute show in Asia). This is in an outdoor theater, but there are lots of shady spots, plenty of seats, and fans.

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

- - Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
  - For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing A Long Celebration
  - Walt Disney Presents (there is a movie at the end where you can sit down)
  - Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie
  - Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
  - Muppetvision 3D
  - Fantasmic!

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Take an Afternoon Break

If you follow my advice and have an early start on your park days, by lunch time, you may be starting to wilt a little bit. Especially if you are traveling to Florida from cooler climates–the Florida heat and humidity can have a really adverse effect on your energy levels.

Generally speaking, the hours between 12pm and 5pm are the hottest and most crowded in theme parks. we usually try to leave whatever park we are in by around 1-2pm and go back to our resort and relax for a few hours. We’ll take short naps or go hang out by the pool. We might take the opportunity to get some laundry done. We might have afternoon cocktails on the patio or a late lunch by the pool. Sometimes we will even order pizza or DoorDash dinner in.

Old Key West, Pool, five key tips for a magical Disney vacation — Old Key West Pool Photo: Brooke Hudson

Later, we will either return to the same park for evening rides, fireworks or shows OR if you are an Annual Passholder or have park hoppers, you can visit a DIFFERENT theme park at night.

Disney cancels dining reservations and other experiences — Magic Kingdom Fireworks Photo: Brooke Hudson

Build in a Rest Day

If you are visiting Walt Disney World for 4 days or more, I HIGHLY recommend building in a rest day. Multiple park days in a row can get exhausting. Trust me when I tell you that your whole group will benefit from a rest day at the resort. I don’t mean don’t do ANYTHING, I mean take a day off from the theme parks. Take advantage of the amenities at your resort. Enjoy the pool. Enjoy the bar. Visit one of Disney’s four miniature golf courses. Sleep late, have a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a more relaxed day.

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Many people don’t know that the average theme park visitor will walk more than 5 miles in a day during their visit to a Disney theme park. My family often averages 7 miles per day during our trips–and that’s with the breaks that I build in. (Read here for tips on training for your Disney vacation.)

I’m not kidding around when I promise that your vacation will be much more enjoyable overall if you build in some rest time. Not to mention: Disney resorts (and MANY of the non Disney resorts) are really nice places to spend time. The pools are usually beautiful. Disney resorts offer fun activities most days and show movies many nights out by the pool. You can even roast marshmallows at fire pits at many Disney resorts. You’re paying for all the amenities at your resort–but most Disney guests never take advantage of any of the amenities their resort offers.

Disney offers many activities throughout the resort that have nothing to do with the world famous theme parks. There are three highly rated, professionally designed golf courses. There are two fun miniature golf courses. There are boats you can rent. You can go bowling, go shopping, go see a movie…There are a TON of options outside the theme. Granted some are more restful than others, but active rest can be good too!

Winter Summerland; five key tips for a magical Disney vacation — Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Photo: Disney Parks

Five Key Tips for a Magical Disney Vacation — The Bottom Line

You are investing a lot of money in your Disney vacation. Most likely, you are also investing time planning your trip, thinking about your trip, getting excited about your trip, and budgeting for your trip. Once you are actually ON vacation, you would think you wouldn’t have to do any more thinking. And you will have a good time on your vacation as long as you pack some good shoes, a good attitude and a little bit of patience. But these five key tips will help you to have a more magical Disney vacation.

- - Get an early start
  - Plan to sit down in air conditioning for lunch
  - Know the shows or rides where you can sit down and rest
  - Take an afternoon break
  - Build in a rest day

What do you think? Do you have any favorite tips that you will employ on your next Disney vacation? Please comment below.

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent — Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Closing for Long Refurbishment

Walt Disney World has announced that the popular attraction, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, will close for refurbishment on January 8, 2024.

Over time, every attraction must temporarily close for refurbishment. Depending on the attraction, the closure may last days, weeks or even months. If the attraction is being redesigned or overhauled, the closure could last YEARS. When this occurs, the end result is usually a completely different attraction.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Closing for Refurbishment January 2024 — Photo: Disney Parks

This Will RUIN My Vacation!

Whenever Disney announces that a ride or show or even a restaurant is closing for any length of time, we inevitably hear a chorus of “why does this have to happen during MY vacation?” and “this is going to RUIN our vacation!”.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster closure screaming woman — #image_title

Please keep in mind that EVERY ride, attraction, show, gift shop and restaurant must occasionally close for refurbishment. In the case of rides, it’s important for safety reasons. Every ride needs to be maintained on a regular basis to keep it functioning properly. Also, regular maintenance is important to keep the ride from breaking down during regular park operations. Shows, shops, and restaurants all close periodically for redesign, décor or structural changes.

However, I promise you–one attraction being closed during your vacation will NOT ruin your vacation unless you let it! There are still lots of terrific attractions that will be open and fully operational to keep you and your family entertained. Even if the closed attraction is a family favorite, there are still many things to do and see, you will still have a wonderful vacation. Just try not to focus on what you can’t do, and focus on all the fun things you CAN do!

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster closing for refurbishment — Photo: Disney Parks

How Long Will Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster be Closed?

Generally, when Disney announces a planned closure for refurbishment, they also include the length of the refurbishment, or the projected reopening date for the attraction. In the case of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, however, we do not have a firm length of time for the refurbishment, nor do we have a firm reopening date for the attraction. What we have currently is a vague “reopens Summer 2024”.

What could this mean? Well, this is interesting because this same attraction was also down early 2023 for a multi-month refurbishment. Generally, the same attraction will not be down for long periods of time for more than one year, unless it’s a long term closure and the closure spans long periods longer than one year. But it is unusual for the same attraction to be closed for 3-4 months one year, and then closed for another 3-4 months (or longer) the next year.

Could This Be The End of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?

So, two lengthy refurbs two years in a row is unusual. So what? This may mean nothing at all. This may mean that the refurbishments needed last year were unable to be completed during the planned closure last year, so they needed to plan more time for this year. It could mean that last year’s refurbishment was for scheduled cleaning and maintenance and that all was completed as planned. BUT maybe something new came to light over the last few months and required a lengthy refurbishment this year to address.

Situations like this are also usually when we start hearing lots of speculation and theories. We’ve been hearing for a while now lots of theories that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster might be rethemed to a different rock band. Another theory that has been floating around is that the ride might get an entirely new storyline altogether. We’ve also heard that the ride might close permanently, and the ride building be used for a completely new attraction completely. Almost ANYTHING is possible.

What is This Ride All About?

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith opened to the public on July 29, 1999. This indoor roller coaster features limousine themed trains that accelerate to 57 mph in 2.8 seconds. The premise behind the thrill ride is that the coaster trains are limousines heading to an Aerosmith concert “across town” and everyone’s in a hurry so go! go! go!

Each coaster train plays a different Aerosmith song during the ride, and the band appears in the pre-show video. Inside the ride, there is a lot of neon as you race through the darkness to get to the concert venue. The “driver” whips around sharp curves and the “limo” even goes upside down very briefly a couple of times. Post pre show, you head out into the “alley” to get loaded into your limo. The theming out here is really well done. When you arrive at the venue, it does have sort of a red carpet entrance look to the disembarkation area. Once you exit the vehicle, you’ll head down the hall to a gift shop (of course)!

The preshow has undergone some minor updates over the years, but the ride itself has not changed much over the years.

Does Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Need Updating?

Well, it IS an attraction that is more than 20 years old. Generally, MOST attractions need some kind of updating after 20 years. However, there are many classic Disney attractions that have gone largely unchanged for many more years than that without guest outrage. There are some elements of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster that can make the attraction feel dated.

For example, Aerosmith, the band. Aerosmith was formed in 1970 in Boston. Over the years, Aerosmith has had many hits. One of their biggest surges in popularity came in 1998, when the band released the single, “I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing”. This song was featured in the Bruce Willis/Ben Affleck film, Armageddon. The band has continued to release music and tour throughout the 2000’s, announcing Peace: The Farewell Tour in Fall 2023. The songs featured in the limousine coaster trains are all pre-2000 Aerosmith hits. So while the songs are all popular Aerosmith songs, there is a bit of nostalgia to them.

Disney fans that don’t love Aerosmith have long argued that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster needs to be overhauled. Aerosmith mega fans argue that the ride is should never change.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster closed for refurbishment — Photo: Disney Parks

Has Disney Given Any Hints?

At this time, Disney has said NOTHING. All they have said is that the attraction is going down for a scheduled refurbishment on January 8, 2024. If it lasts the three months that the 2023 refurbishment did, we can anticipate that Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will reopen mid-April. The longer the refurbishment, the later the reopening will be. IF this refurbishment extends for 8 months or more, I think we can start thinking some of the theories may be coming to fruition. If that happens though, hopefully, Disney will make some kind of announcement as to what is happening. The rumor mill may just go crazy otherwise!

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Photo Opp — Photo: Disney PhotoPass

The Bottom Line

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is closing on January 8, 2024 for at least a few months for refurbishment.

Will this affect your vacation planning? Is this one of your favorite attractions? Are you in the camp that thinks this ride needs to be redesigned or the camp that thinks this ride is perfect as it is? Please comment below and let us know your thoughts.

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner — Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Restaurant Review

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Entrance. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Hollywood Studios has needed more table service dining options for a long time. We were very excited when Disney announced that Toy Story Land was getting its own Western themed table service restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened in April fully booked, and it remains a popular table service option. This is likely to be a hard to get table service reservation for months, if not years, to come.

Most of the preliminary reviews I read for Roundup Rodeo BBQ were positive if not glowing. We went into this meal primed to love it. We were excited to have a new option for lunch or dinner, and I was thrilled to have secured a dinner reservation for our first planned Hollywood Studio visit of the trip.

The Good

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is themed perfectly to Toy Story Land. It fits right in, and the decor feels very similar to Toy Story Mania or Slinky Dog Dash. The design and decor of the restaurant itself, as well as the exterior waiting area and entrance to the restaurant area, are really well done and very cute. The colors are bright and cheerful, and there is a LOT to look at.

The final design looks a lot like the original concept art Disney gave us when they first announced Roundup Rodeo BBQ was coming. You can check that out Here or Here.

We absolutely loved the theming. If you aren’t aware, the premise of Roundup Rodeo BBQ is that Andy has assembled all his toys in the backyard for a Rodeo. There are audio tracks playing throughout your meal that feature Toy Story characters announcing various Rodeo events or activities. A fun element is that every so often the Green Army Men will announce that Andy is coming, and all cast members in Roundup Rodeo BBQ (and lots of participating restaurant guests) freeze.

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Another good thing we liked about Roundup Rodeo BBQ is the price point. Adults are $45 per person plus tax for all you care to enjoy, and children 9 and under are $25 per person plus tax, again for all you care to enjoy. The food is served family style, and guests are welcome to request more food if they desire. Meals include biscuits with jam, three salads, four meats, dessert and a soft drink, tea, coffee, milk or juice. Specialty beverages are available for an additional cost.

The Bad

You can review the full menu for Roundup Rodeo BBQ Here.

Unfortunately, as happy as we were with the theming and the price point, we were disappointed by the food. Specifically, we really did not like the entree options for this meal. Disney has elected to go with hickory smoked for the entree meats, and hickory smoked is a very strong flavor. I have no doubt that the meats themselves are of high quality; however the hickory smoked flavor overrode the taste of the meats themselves. If you are a fan of hickory smoked, I’m sure you will love these meats.

Roundup rodeo bbq meats — Roundup Rodeo BBQ meat basket. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Here are the meats you get with your meal: (Note there’s a plant based option that you can order instead of the meats—we did not try that option.)

Enjoy a Platter of all the Following House-Smoked Items

Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs | Buttercup’s Beef Brisket | There’s a Sausage in my Boot – Fire-grilled Pork Sausage | BBQ Chicken – with Style!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu smoked meats — Photo: Disney Parks

While I normally really enjoy barbecue, I have to admit that the overpowering hickory smoked flavor of these meats was NOT something I liked. Rodeo Roundup BBQ provides three different BBQ sauces for guests to add to their meat selections, and I tried all three. All three sauces were flavorful and tasty on their own, and offer BBQ flavors popular all over the United States. One sauce was sweet (my favorite), one was tangy and the third had more kick.

I was hoping that adding the sauce would temper the overpowering hickory smoke flavor—this was most successful with the chicken, but it still didn’t make this a successful meal for us.

The ribs, in my opinion were inedible. They were very hard, almost a beef jerky texture. The beef brisket was cooked well, but again that hickory smoke flavor was so strong, the brisket was difficult to enjoy. We had suggested to our waiter that he leave the fire grilled pork sausage out of our meat basket, since neither one of us are big fans. Our waiter was insistent that we should try it—he said it was SO good, and that we really needed to try it. So we did. It was good, I’ll agree, but the andouille sausage I’d had the day before at Tucker House was better!

The Ugly

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu sides — Photo: Disney Parks

I’m sorry to say that we found the sides even more disappointing than the meats were. We were told to choose four options from the various side options available. Sides offered include:

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Sides — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Mean Old Potato Salad

The biggest disappointment was the Cowpoke Corn on the Cob. The description on the menu said “Grilled Street Corn”. We weren’t expecting the corn to have so much “stuff” on it. When we asked the waiter, he explained that it was “Mexican Street Corn”. I have had Mexican Street Corn before, but it was nothing like this. I’m sure there are lots of different ways to make the dish, but I’m not sure this preparation is the best choice for such a large and varied audience that includes so many children. I could see a lot of kids refusing to eat this corn. The waiter told us that the corn can be ordered as just buttered grilled corn on the cob—that would likely be more appealing to a wider audience.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Cowpoke Corn on the Cob. Photo: Brooke Hudson

We ordered the fried dill pickles just to try them — we weren’t expecting to love them, but we wanted to try them. I thought they would be crispy, but they were soft and kind of soggy. We didn’t like them at all, but I can imagine that they would appeal to some people.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Fried Pickles Photo: Brooke Hudson

The campfire roasted vegetables were just ok. We had high hopes for these as we both love roasted vegetables, but they were kind of soggy and not very flavorful.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Campfire Roasted Vegetables. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Final Thoughts on Roundup Rodeo BBQ

We will most likely not be returning to Roundup Rodeo BBQ for a table service meal in the future, unless we hear they make changes to the menu. While we loved the theming, the atmosphere and most of the cast members we talked to, the food just was not enjoyable for us.

roundup rodeo bbq biscuits — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Biscuits with Sweet Pepper Jam. Photo: Brooke Hudson

I loved the biscuit with the sweet pepper jam, and could have cheerfully eaten more of those—they were buttery soft, warm and scrumptious. Another highlight for me was my adult beverage. I tried the Rattler Rum Punch and loved it!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Rum Rattler Punch. Photo: Brooke Hudson

We both got Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie for dessert—that was a perfect sized portion, and all the dessert options looked terrific.

I’m glad we tried it, and we really enjoyed the environment and the theming. I’m also really happy that there is an additional table service restaurant available in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and specifically in Toy Story Land. While I’m sure Roundup Rodeo will appeal to many families—please keep in mind the strong hickory smoke flavor—if your family does not like that flavor, this meal will not be the success it could otherwise be.

You Might Love it!

As I said at the beginning, I really wanted to love Roundup Rodeo BBQ. I’m sad that I didn’t love it—and I’m even more disappointed that I didn’t even like it enough to return. Please keep in mind that these are my opinions, and your mileage may vary. Anecdotally, I did talk to a few other guests during our trip that had also tried Roundup Rodeo BBQ, and they shared similar thoughts and opinions—but that could absolutely have gone the other way, I’m sure.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu desserts — Photo: Disney Parks

So, here’s the big question: Have you tried Roundup Rodeo BBQ? What did you think? If you haven’t tried it yet, do you plan to? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Disney Parks News 11.04.20

In this week’s Disney Parks News, we have big changes coming for the virtual queue at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. We also have Disneyland Paris closure news, and Disney’s official statement on the entertainment layoffs we saw last week. For these stories and more, please check out our YouTube video below.

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For those of you that prefer reading to watching, the written version is provided below. Last week’s Disney Parks News can be found here.

Disney Parks News

The Holidays have Arrived at Disney World!

Halloween is over and the Holidays have arrived at Walt Disney World! It’s amazing how quickly Disney makes the transition from Fall and Halloween décor to winter holiday décor.

Here is the full statement from Disney:

“Walt Disney World Resort offers a treasure trove of experiences for guests of all ages. We recognize that part of the magic of visiting any Disney park is seeing favorite Disney friends and discovering one-of-a-kind shows and performances. Since reopening, we’ve continued to offer modified character experiences and entertainment throughout our resort, while also taking the appropriate steps for the health and safety of our guests and cast members.

Recently, we’ve had to make some difficult decisions to reduce our workforce as the business impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic have become more long-lasting than anyone could have predicted. As a result, we’ve had to pause many live shows and entertainment experiences at our resort for longer than originally anticipated.

While it’s impossible at this time to fully replace the incredible entertainment that existed throughout our parks before the pandemic, we are offering live entertainment in new ways wherever possible, including character cavalcades in all four parks and pop-up appearances, like discovering Joy from “Inside Out” frolicking on the lawn near the Imagination! pavilion in EPCOT.

Additionally, we’re featuring modified shows such as the popular “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and live musical performances like the Main Street Philharmonic in Magic Kingdom or the Discovery Island Drummers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This extends to our seasonal offerings, with Halloween underway and the holidays right around the corner. In fact, the fan-favorite Voices of Liberty are set to make their return and join the JAMMitors and Mariachi Cobre at the American Gardens Theatre during the upcoming Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, beginning on Nov. 27.

Determining which shows can return and when is a complex process. As with the rest of our phased reopening, we will also consider the guidance of health officials and government agencies in determining when the time will be right to adjust capacity, and as soon as it is appropriate, we will start to bring additional entertainment back.

Like most of our fans, we know that our beloved entertainment cast are an incredibly special and essential part of the Disney experience. We look forward to the day when we can welcome back more live entertainment to our parks, and we will share more news about these announcements as we’re able to do so.”

Reactions

I find this statement both disappointing and frustrating. Do I understand that Disney feels they cannot allow most shows to resume due to social distancing requirements? Honestly? Yes and no. They have been able to re-introduce the Frozen Sing Along Celebration successfully, and that’s a show. And many of the theatres in the parks are outdoor venues. It seems that some shows could return, with seating clearly marked and restricted to provide proper social distancing.

Disney Entertainment Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage — Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (Photo: Disney Parks & Resorts)

To me, it seems almost convenient to blame the ongoing (and perhaps escalating) Covid-19 crisis as the reason there is almost no entertainment, rather than the more probably budget cuts. Why are the JAMMitors ok to perform in EPCOT on the Mill Stage in Canada, but not the amazing Taiko Matsuriza drummers in Japan?

Disney has also made a very important, very helpful change to the virtual queue situation. Now, guests who hope to ride Rise of the Resistance can request to enter the virtual queue at 7 am from their hotel room (or breakfast or wherever). The only thing that is required is a park reservation for Hollywood Studios that day (which of course requires a ticket).

Why does this change to the required location to join the virtual queue matter? Here’s why: OPTIONS. For example, let’s say you really want to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. You have a park reservation for today, and you are planning to visit Hollywood Studios. Let’s say you try, but are unable to join the virtual queue and get a boarding group at 7am. Now, you have some OPTIONS.

- - You can go back to bed. You don’t need to make sure you are in Hollywood Studios by 10am.
  - Based on reservation availability, you could decide to save Hollywood Studios for a different day. In that scenario, you would cancel your Hollywood Studios park reservation. Then, you could book a new park reservation at a different park. (Note: I highly recommend you check park reservation availability before you pull this trigger.)
  - You might decide NOT to visit Hollywood Studios until the afternoon.
    - - Spend the morning playing at the pool
      - Enjoy a round of golf
      - Ride the Skyliner for a while
      - Relax at your resort
      - Visit Disney Springs

The 2 pm virtual queue does still exist. That virtual queue DOES require guests to be physically inside the park to join the queue.

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Review — Star Wars Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)

It is my hope that these changes will loosen up the stranglehold that Rise of the Resistance has been having on visitors for months. With these changes, perhaps more guests will be able to ride. If that happens, theoretically fewer guests will crowd into Hollywood Studios in the hopes of riding that one attraction.

Our Upcoming Disney Vacation

Next week, we will be at Walt Disney World ourselves, and will be able to test out the new system. I will update you on our success (or lack thereof) with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Next week’s Disney Parks News Update will be filmed while we are on site at Walt Disney World. As a result, the video may end up a little on the rough side. However, we will do our best to still get the video posted on Wednesday. Thank you in advance for your patience. We are really looking forward to updating you with our in person, on the ground experiences in the parks.

Happy dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Parks News 10.28.20

In this week’s Disney Parks News, we have hundreds more cast members getting news of their layoffs. We have Disney’s first shot in the theme parks vs. the State of California battle. We have holiday festival news for EPCOT, including a new Olaf adventure for guests. For these stories and more, please watch this week’s YouTube video below.

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If you missed last week’s Disney Parks News, you can find it here.

For those of you that prefer reading your news to watching a video, please read on.

Disney Parks News

Entertainment Cast Layoffs

Our top Disney Parks News story this week is a sad one. We’ve learned that ALMOST ALL of Disney World “Entertainment” Cast Members around the theme parks have received their notice that they will not be returning to work. These layoffs are part of the 28,000 planned layoffs announced last month.

While most of the shows affected have remained dark since the parks reopened, these layoffs eliminate hopes of any of these shows returning to the parks ANY time in the near future. Our hearts go out to ALL the cast losing their jobs during this time. Many of the cast members have been with Disney for many, many years. This news has been devastating for them.

I find these entertainment layoffs particularly heartbreaking because it is the talented performers in the shows and the street actors that really add so much magic to Walt Disney World.

Disney Parks News Citizens of Hollywood Laid Off — Citizens of Hollywood Entertaining the Crowd (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Which Parks and Shows were Affected?

Here’s a quick list all the entertainment that was hit by this round of layoffs (so far):

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom lost the Citizens of Main Street and the entire cast and crew of Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios was the hardest hit, losing the Citizens of Hollywood, the entire cast and crew of Beauty and the Beast–live on stage, the entire cast and crew of Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, the entire cast and crew of the Jedi Training Academy, the Green Army Men, and the entire cast and crew of the Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

Disney Parks News Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Cast and Crew Laid Off — Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

You guys, this makes me want to cry!

Animal Kingdom

Over at Animal Kingdom, we lose the entire casts and crews of two of the most amazing shows on Disney property: Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo the Musical.

Disney Parks News Finding Nemo the Musical Cast and Crew Laid Off — Finding Nemo – The Musical (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

The cast members that drive the Pandora utility suit were also laid off.

EPCOT

EPCOT had already quietly laid off MOST of the World Showcase entertainment in the spring (and this continues to be a troubling decision), however they added some members of Voices of Liberty to the casualty list in this round of layoffs.

Resorts

Finally, the entire cast and crew of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground has been laid off. You may also remember from previous news reports that the Grand Floridian Orchestra was also let go a few weeks ago.

Potential Impact of these Layoffs

Again, most of these cast members have been off since the parks closed in April. Nonetheless, I had high hopes that steps were being taken to bring at least some of this entertainment back on line in the coming weeks. These losses are heartbreaking.

Of course, this doesn’t have to mean that these layoffs will be permanent or that these shows will remain dark forever. Nonetheless, it certainly implies that these shows will remain dark for the foreseeable future. And these talented performers are likely to seek work elsewhere. The performers may not even be available when (if???) Disney decides to reintroduce entertainment.

Streetmosphere Actors in Permanent Danger?

I’m most worried about the Streetmosphere actors. The Green Army Men, the Citizens of Main Street and the Citizens of Hollywood. These actors add SO much to the guest experience. Unfortunately, I can envision Disney just never bringing them back at all. This would be a HUGE loss to all of us.

I really get the feeling that the current management structure of the Parks undervalues the Entertainment element of the Disney Parks experience. But really, it is the talent of the entertainers that elevates the Disney Parks above other theme parks.

Disney Parks News Streetmosphere Actors Laid Off — Citizens of Hollywood in Action (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

The Streetmosphere actors, interacting with guests in character; putting on quick little shows in the street; entertaining guests as they wait in line, or stand in the hot sun? These actors are an INTEGRAL part of the Disney magic.

The wonderful shows that offer guests not just high quality entertainment, but usually magical uplifting messaging as well? Again, part of what makes Disney theme parks stand out.

I understand that with COVID-19 restrictions, the stage shows and Streetmosphere interactions cannot happen right now. But I continue to hope that Disney will work vigorously to return these things to us when things begin to return to normalcy.

Disney Parks News Streetmosphere Actors layoffs — My Nephew Vinny and a Green Army Man (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

On our Disney trips, at the end of every day, we talk about the day and document the highlights. I cannot tell you how many times those highlight moments have been because of a Disney Streetmosphere player or scene.

What Message are Fans Sending Disney?

It is the entertainment that makes Disney tickets worth their price. I sincerely hope that Disney doesn’t get the wrong message from guests continuing to visit the parks right now, even though the offerings are a fraction of what they normally are. Fans are eager to return to Disney, yes. It’s been a really tough year for so many of us, and we are anxious to escape our current reality, and a trip to Disney fulfills that for many.

However, while we may be satisfied with Disney offering “partial” value right now, given the circumstances, I have a hard time believing that even Disney’s most die hard fan base (myself included) will continue to accept high ticket prices for a FRACTION of the experience. If entertainment does not return, I’m concerned that many guests will choose to visit their local Six Flags, rather than invest in a trip to Disney. I can’t believe I’m saying that, but what guests are willing to accept in the short term given this unique situation is unlikely to be acceptable for the long term. I’m really curious as to what you all think. Please let me know in the comments below.

Disney vs. California: Shot Fired?

Last week, we talked about California’s release of their guidelines for large theme parks to reopen in their state. We also discussed that these new guidelines will make it virtually impossible for Disneyland and California Adventure to reopen this year. In fact, it is likely to be next SUMMER before the strict guidelines can be met, and Disneyland and California Adventure could reopen.

We said at the time that we didn’t expect Disney to take this situation quietly, and already the first shot is fired!

Disney Parks News Downtown Disney Expansion — Elias & Co. on Buena Vista Street in Disney’s California Adventure (Photo: Disney Parks)

Disney has announced that Downtown Disney is expanding in November to include Buena Vista Street. For those of you not aware, Buena Vista Street is INSIDE Disney’s California Adventure theme park.

But…HOW??

Guests that haven’t visited the California theme parks may not understand how this will work. In Florida, Disney has TONS of land, and all the theme parks and Disney Springs are very spread out. In California, the Disneyland/California Adventure/Downtown Disney footprint is MUCH smaller, with everything really close together.

Downtown Disney is basically an area that is on one side of the two theme parks, filled with restaurants and shops, with access to the main pathway that leads to both theme parks. In the middle, there are entrances for each theme park on this path, across from each other, and totally accessible from Downtown Disney. This makes it really easy for guests to pop out of one theme park, have drinks or a meal in Downtown Disney, and then pop back into the OTHER theme park for evening entertainment, for example.

Disney Parks News Disneyland California Adventure Map — Map: disneyland.com

Downtown Disney has been open for a couple of months, enabling guests (primarily local guests) to shop and dine. In Disney’s first effort to combat the stringent guidelines established by the State of California, Disney is opening Buena Vista Street in California Adventure to Downtown Disney, and calling it an “expansion” of Downtown Disney.

All the shops and restaurants on Buena Vista Street will be open for Downtown Disney guests to visit and enjoy. No theme park ticket will be necessary as the theme park itself is not opening, just the shops and restaurants on Buena Vista Street. I think this is a clever way to get some of the theme park back up and running and some of those cast members back to work without actually opening the theme park.

Buena Vista Street: What is Opening?

The following shops and restaurants are reopening:

- - - - Elias and Co.
      - Julius Katz & Sons
      - Kingswell Camera Shop
      - Trolley Treats
      - Fiddle, Fifer & Practical Café
      - Carthay Circle Lounge
      - Smoke Jumpers Grill

Disney has not shared whether they are making any modifications to Buena Vista Street to accommodate its addition to Downtown Disney, or how the areas outside of Buena Vista Street inside California Adventure will be inaccessible by guests, but I’m confident they will get it all worked out by November 1.

I can’t wait to see what Disney does next!

Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Disney Parks News Taste of EPCOT International Holiday Festival — EPCOT and the Holidays (Photo: Disney Parks)

The holiday season returns to EPCOT on November 27 this year with the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (Presented by AdventHealth). This holiday “Taste of EPCOT” Festival will run through December 30. This festival will include global, seasonal cuisine at the Holiday Kitchens, located throughout World Showcase. In addition, there will be three Holiday Kitchens located inside the World ShowPlace Events Pavililon. Some of the seasonal selections you will find include slow roasted turkey from the American Holiday Table, pork schnitzel at the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen and Beef Bourguignon from the Yukon Holiday Kitchen.

Holiday Entertainment

During this EPCOT holiday festival, guests will also be treated to holiday character cavalcades traveling through World Showcase. Anna and Elsa are touring in the Frozen Holiday Promenade, while Mickey and friends are traveling in Mickey & Friends Holiday World Tour. Santa Claus will also be making his first appearance in an EPCOT character cavalcade this year—he’ll be taking a horse drawn tour around World Showcase, calling out holiday wishes to everyone.

Holiday Music

The holiday season will not be without musical celebrations. The America Gardens Theatre will feature holiday carols sung by the Voices of Liberty. In Mexico, the Mariachi Cobre will bring to life Las Posadas, a celebration of Mexican holiday customs through music and dance. In Canada, the JAMMitors will perform on the Mill Stage. (I don’t think the JAMMitors are Canadian, but I’m happy they will be so easy to find!)

Holiday Cookie Stroll

The Holiday Cookie Stroll returns to EPCOT again this year, with a complimentary cookie as a reward for completing the stroll. The options to Stroll include cookies from five different locations throughout the park. You can also pickup an adorable cookie jar to collect all your cookies, available at the Holiday Markets all throughout World Showcase, while Supplies last.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition

EPCOT Frozen Ever After — Frozen Ever After (Photo: Disney Parks)

New this year is Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition”. This fun for the whole family adventure is a festive trek around World Showcase. Guests can purchase the expedition map at Mouse Gear, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway. Once you have the map, you’ll look for hidden Olafs all throughout the World Showcase Pavilions. After you’ve found them all, you’ll receive a “gift worth melting for” (while supplies last).

Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Sticking with EPCOT news, EPCOT has certainly learned that FESTIVALS are the key to their success. EPCOT is now home to FOUR festivals, and each one’s “Season” is getting longer every year (it appears). In addition, EPCOT seems to have embraced the power (and perhaps profitability) of food and beverage in these festivals, as they all now seem to include the “Taste of” phrase in the festival name. And these Festival names were already fairly long to begin with. But that’s ok, we love them anyway, right?

Disney Parks News EPCOT International Festival of the Arts MURAL — Collaborative Paint by Numbers Mural (Photo: Disney Parks & Resorts)

EPCOT’s first festival after the holidays will be the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, beginning January 8, 2021. While I’m partial to the International Flower and Garden Festival, many fans claim the Festival of the Arts to be EPCOTS best Festival of the year. This year the Fesitval will run through February 22. We’ll enjoy:

- - - More than 15 Food “studios” serving “culinary art” around World Showcase.
    - A ton of diverse work of Disney and other artists on display in marketplaces all around World Showcase Lagoon.
    - Special Photo locations where guests can “step into the scene”.
    - A paint by number mural for EVERYONE to participate in that serves as a collaborative art project.
    - Watch as visiting artists create magic.
    - Favorite EPCOT musical artists Mariachi Cobre and the JAMMitors.
    - Artful scavenger hunt to search for FIGMENT around World Showcase.
    - Festival exclusive merchandise.

Disney Parks News International Festival of the Arts — Watch talented artists in action! (Photo: Disney Parks & Resorts)

I love that with each Festival, the pop up food stands and stores get different names, themed to the event. For the Holiday Festival, the food stations are “Holiday Kitchens” and for the Arts Festival, they are food “Studios”. So fun!

Walt Disney World Entrances Get a Makeover!

We’ve talked before about Disney’s efforts to “spruce” things up around Walt Disney World in time for their big 50^th Anniversary next October. There are lots of construction projects going on, designed to improve the guest experience. Over the spring and summer, Cinderella Castle got a makeover, and the castle is looking really spectacular these days.

Cinderella Castle is Getting a Makeover — Concept Art – Disney Parks

This week, Disney World started work on the entrances that greet guests as they arrive on Disney property. These signs are archways that go over the road, and feature Mickey and Minnie Mouse on either side.

WDW Entrance Sign — Windshield Photo of Walt Disney World Entrance (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

For most Disney fans, these signs are the true beginning of vacation. I have countless “through the windshield” or “out the window” pictures of these signs. These signs have started to fade over the last few years and look a little worn and tired.

At last, these wonderful signs are getting a makeover. This refresh shouldn’t take long, and guests visiting for the holiday season should see the Walt Disney World entrance signs in all their new glory. I’m hoping at least one will be finished or nearly so when we visit mid-November. If so, we’ll be sure to get pictures for you guys! To hold us all over until then, here’s a look at the concept art Disney released for the new look.

Disney Parks news WDW Entrances Get a Makeover — Here’s the AFTER (theoretically, at least!) Concept Art: Disney Parks and Resorts

As someone devoted to Cinderella Castle (some would say unhealthily so…for example, my husband😉) I am disappointed to lose the Castle from the entrance sign. However, I think the new look is really terrific and updated.

That’s it for this week’s Disney Parks News!

What are your thoughts on this week’s stories? Are you excited to see at least one street opening in Disney’s California Adventure theme park? What is YOUR favorite EPCOT Festival? Are you as worried as I am about the entertainment cast member layoffs? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

Happy dreaming!

Brooke

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Now Open!

There’s great news for all of us that love new attractions at Walt Disney World. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is now open! On Wednesday, March 4, 2020, Disney officially opened Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway to visitors–human and cartoons alike!

Early Reactions

Predictably, kids that watch Mickey Mouse shorts on the Disney Channel right now are the biggest fans of this new attraction. However, I think this attraction will find big fans of all ages. But let’s face: when you base an attraction on Mickey and his friends, you’re going after the kids in a big way. And it looks like it worked!

I could just die from the cuteness. Check out the video below from Disney.

I think you’ll agree that these kids are very excited that Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is now open!!

What to Expect?

FUN! This is a FUN attraction. It’s filled with bright colors, tons of animation and crazy antics from Mickey and his friends. Basically, as you move through the queue, you are leaving the human world and entering the cartoon world. The attraction does a great job submerging you in that cartoon world.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway Now Open — Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Photo: Disney Parks)

Mickey and Minnie are going on a picnic. But Goofy is the train conductor. As you might imagine, things go a little bit wonky! The ride then leads us through various scenes inspired by Disney’s Emmy winning Mickey shorts series.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a trackless dark ride. Your car is not actually linked to the cars in front of and behind you. It moves independently. This enables the attraction to feature some surprises, and adds to the repeatability of the attraction.

Disney released this video “Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Now Open”. See what you think!

There is a LOT going on in this attraction, and I think you’d have to ride it a few times to take everything in. It’s a little frantic at times in the way it moves through scenes, but that’s kind of how cartoons work, isn’t it?

The Imagineers have done their best to make two dimensional cartoons feel like they are three dimensional. I think they are mostly successful. There are scenes with a lot of physical depth to them, and you definitely feel surrounded on all sides by the particular scene you are in.

This is the first ride in Disney Parks history to feature Mickey Mouse. It’s also the first ride to feature Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto or Donald Duck.

Will I Still Miss The Great Movie Ride?

That depends on how much you loved it. In a perfect world, perhaps we would have both the old beloved attractions as well as all the new attractions. New attractions are vital to any theme park’s long term growth and survival. Mickey and Minnie have long deserved to be the stars of an attraction, and now finally, they are. I think the new attraction is a great addition to Hollywood Studios, and I think guests are really going to enjoy it. It’s a lot of fun, and I think there are lots of hidden gems in the scenes that it will take many rides to find.

Having said that, I personally still miss The Great Movie Ride. I love movies, and I always loved being able to “ride through the movies”. I loved the tributes to classic films, and I loved the cheesy live-action elements with the cast member taking us on our tour. Many people felt that it needed updating, and perhaps they were right. However, I think The Great Movie Ride was unique and really a integral part of what Disney’s Hollywood Studios (originally Disney MGM Studios) was trying to be. There really isn’t anything left at Hollywood Studios that feels like it’s a part of the movies or a tribute to movie history.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is an immersive experience that makes you feel like you are in those movies, true. You can feel like part of the story in Galaxy’s Edge, and it is both nostalgic and mind blowing. But it’s a different experience that what you got from The Great Movie Ride. That was more typical dark ride–riding through classic scenes, taking them in. The nostalgia factor was there, certainly. There was a little bit of camp and silliness. But for all the things I loved about The Great Movie Ride, I know lots of people were bored by or didn’t enjoy.

Change HAS to Happen

Walt Disney always said that the theme park has to change and grow with its audience. He said the park was not a museum. (Although wouldn’t a museum where you could go ride attractions that have been replaced be a fun place to go? Horizons, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Timekeeper…so many attractions in the attic of my memory. Sheesh, maybe I really am getting old!)

I recognize that today’s audience is different from the audience I grew up with. Today’s audience has a shorter attention span and require more activity and stimulation. To that end, I think Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway accomplishes what the Imagineers were going for. It’s a fast attraction with a lot going on. There’s a lot to look at, and there is a lot of stimulation. I think young audiences and fans of the Mickey shorts are going to LOVE this attraction.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway Mickey Shorts Posters — Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Posters (Disney Parks)

Personally, I don’t love the Mickey shorts, but I suspect that’s also my age showing. I grew up watching more traditional Mickey Mouse cartoons, and today’s Mickey shorts don’t look “right” to me. However, even though I’m not a fan of the current Mickey shorts, I still find a lot to love in this new attraction. It’s a lot of fun. I definitely think its an attraction you can joyfully ride many times without getting bored.

But I still miss The Great Movie Ride.

Fast Pass Reservations

Now that Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is open, you can of course make Fast Pass+ reservations. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is in Tier One of the Hollywood Studios Fast Pass+ reservation system. Basically, this means you have to choose between three of the park’s most popular attractions for one of your Fast Pass+ reservations. Your other two Fast Pass+ selections will come from Tier Two. (To learn more about the Fast Pass+ reservation structure, read this post.)

If you are in the midst of vacation planning for a trip this year, I would definitely plan on using your Tier One Fast Pass+ at Hollywood Studios for this attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. The newest attractions are ALWAYS the most popular, which automatically means long lines. And when a new attraction gets good reviews? That just makes it even more popular. If there isn’t any availability for this attraction, Slinky Dog Roller Coaster is probably your next priority, followed by Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. While Slinky Dog is the oldest of these three Tier One attractions, it’s still barely 2 year old, and remains incredibly popular. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is also extremely popular; however, most afternoons, you can ride with waits under 30 minutes.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is Now Open — Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Photo Disney Parks)

Booking a Fast Pass+ Reservation

Given that this is Disney’s newest attraction at Walt Disney World, I anticipate that Fast Pass+ reservations will continue to go very fast for several months to come. The only thing that MIGHT slow down demand will be if Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance moves over to Fast Pass+ system and is a Tier One attraction. (Currently, Rise of the Resistance is using a virtual queue system that assigns visitors to boarding groups. Learn more here.)

When booking Fast Passes for your vacation, I always recommend you book the hardest to get Fast Passes on your list FIRST, rather than working through your list day by day. [This is assuming you are staying on Disney property, and can book Fast Pass+ reservations for your entire stay (up to 10 days) sixty days prior to your vacation. If you are NOT staying on Disney property, you can book Fast Pass+ reservations, one day at a time, 30 days prior to the date of your visit.]

For example, if you are planning to visit Magic Kingdom on Monday, Hollywood Studios on Tuesday, Animal Kingdom on Wednesday and Epcot on Thursday, you might not necessarily book your Magic Kingdom Fast Pass+ reservations first, even though that is the first day you’ll be visiting the parks. You’ll want to take advantage of your full window, and book the hardest to get Fast Pass+ reservations first. Think about each park, and the attractions you want to make sure you get Fast Pass+ reservations for, if at all possible. Then consider which Fast Pass+ reservations disappear the fastest.

If Minnie and Mickey’s Runaway Railway is high on your list of must-ride attractions, you may want to book that Fast Pass+ reservation first or second as you work on your Fast Pass+ reservations. (For me personally, Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom is almost always the first Fast Pass+ reservation I book, followed by Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom. I will have to think about moving this new attraction in front of Seven Dwarfs as I plan our next trip.)

To visit Disney’s webpage for this attraction or to book your Fast Pass+ reservations (if you are in the window), click here.

What if I Can’t Get a Fast Pass+ Reservation?

Whenever you book your Fast Pass+ reservations, it’s very likely that you will be disappointed with at least one reservation you wanted. With so many guests visiting Disney every day and using the Fast Pass+ system, it’s impossible that we all get exactly what we want!

Don’t panic! Yes, it’s a bummer when you can’t get a Fast Pass+ reservation for a ride you really want to to ride. However, if you don’t get a Fast Pass+ reservation, it doesn’t mean you won’t get to ride the ride. It just means you will have to rely on the standby queue for your ride. (Side note: you should ride this attraction at least once via the standby queue as the Fast Pass line bypasses some really cute elements that are part of the standby queue.)

Start Early

As always, getting an early start is one of my top recommendations for shorter standby lines. So many guests like to sleep in during their vacations, or have a leisurely breakfast prior to heading to the parks. I love a good breakfast as much as the next person, but I like being in the parks with lighter crowds MORE.

Getting to the park early doesn’t mean NO line at your favorite attractions; however, it almost always means a shorter line than you’ll find later in the day. You will notice a surge in traffic as the park opens and guests head to the attraction they’ve chosen for their first ride.

At Magic Kingdom, the surge usually either heads towards Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland or Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. At Hollywood Studios, the surge usually headed towards Toy Story Land and Toy Story Mania and Slinky Dog Coaster. Thrill seekers head towards the Rock n Roller Coaster or the Tower of Terror. Now that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has opened, a large portion of the morning “surge” heads directly towards Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge when the park opens.

If you can enter the line for your chosen attraction during the first 10 – 15 minutes the park is open, your lines (generally) will be fairly short, and you can move on to your next attraction. However, don’t run and please don’t run over small children to get to that first attraction. Sometimes in their enthusiasm, people forget to be kind–don’t be one of those people!

Ride at Night

Another tip for riding popular attractions? The end of the night. If you are in line before the park closes for the night, you WILL be able to ride the attraction. You may still have to wait in a fairly long line, but usually the lines at the very end of the night are much shorter than they’ve been the rest of the day.

Pay Attention to the App

I’m of two minds when it comes to the My Disney Experience App. I LOVE having access to my PhotoPass pictures right away. It’s really cool to book Fast Pass+ reservations on the fly via the app after you’ve used your first three of the day. I really like being able to take advantage of Mobile Ordering for Quick Service Restaurants via the app. And I really like being able to see wait times in the App.

However, I am also not a fan of seeing people with their heads buried in their phones while on vacation at one of the most magical places they could possibly be! Don’t let “checking the app” become your favorite past time. If you find yourself spending more time checking attraction wait times than talking to your kids, maybe turn off the phone for awhile.

Know How Long You’re Willing to Wait

Monitoring the wait times for one – three attractions you really want to ride can help you plan your park touring though. Briefly checking on those one – three attractions while you are waiting in line or taking a short break? That can show you when the lines have gotten shorter. Decide in advance what your threshold is.

For example, I am usually willing to wait 20 – 25 minutes for an attraction I really want to ride. 10 minutes if I’ve already ridden, but would like to ride again. If I check the app, and wait times have dropped below 20 minutes, I would probably adjust my plan to head to that attraction. For some attractions, you might be willing to wait longer, even up to an hour. (Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom is TOTALLY worth it!) Just know your threshold. If not riding a particular attraction is going to “ruin” your vacation, your threshold should be a lot higher than 10-30 minutes.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is Now Open!

What do you think? Are you excited that Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is now open? Do you love the Mickey shorts? How soon will you take your first ride? Are you ready for Goofy to be your train conductor? Please comment below with your thoughts!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Fast Pass+ Reservations Now Available!

Disney’s newest attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, opens March 4, 2020 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is the first attraction in Disney parks history to actually feature our beloved Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Other favorite Disney classic cartoon characters will also be making an appearance. Fast Pass+ reservations are now available for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway for rides on March 4 or later.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Fast Pass+ Reservations Available NOW

Earlier this week, we talked about the new Fast Pass tiers for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Significant changes were made to Tier One, removing all the rides previously in that Tier except for Slinky Dog Dash. Disney also added Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run to Tier One. Now, Disney has made another addition to Tier One. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Fast Pass+ reservations can now be made, but the new attraction is in Tier One, which means you will have to make a tough choice.

Fast Pass+ Reservation Refresher

If you aren’t familiar with the two tier structure for Fast Pass+ reservations, here’s a quick refresher. You can book 3 Fast Pass+ reservations per day for each day of your trip (as long as you have a park ticket for that day). If you are staying on Disney property, you can book your Fast Pass+ reservations 60 days prior to your visit. If you’re staying off property, your window opens at 30 days prior to your visit. Your three Fast Pass+ reservations for each day must all be in the same Disney park. The system will not let you book two Fast Pass+ reservations in Magic Kingdom, and then one Fast Pass+ reservation at Animal Kingdom. Maybe someday that will be an option, but it is not at this time.

Disney Toy Story Land Slink Dog Dash Extra Extra Magic Hours — Slinky Dog Dash Fast Pass and Standby Entrance (Photo: Disney Parks)

When you go to book your Fast Pass+ reservations for a particular day, the first step will be to choose which park you plan to visit that day. Then, you will be prompted to choose which members of your party you want to book Fast Pass+ reservations. You can book Fast Pass+ reservations for your whole family at once, which is a nice time saver.

At Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom, there is a Two Tier structure for Fast Pass+ reservations. The most popular attractions are generally in Tier One, and the rest of the parks’ attractions and/or shows are in Tier Two. You will be able to select ONE of your three Fast Pass+ reservations from Tier One, and the other TWO will come from Tier Two.

Example

For example, at Hollywood Studios, there are now three attractions in Tier One. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Slinky Dog Roller Coaster, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. You can choose ONE of these three attractions for your first Fast Pass+ reservation, assuming Fast Pass+ reservations remain for these attractions. Note: If the system does not offer you any Tier One/Tier Two breakdown for Animal Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios, it means that all the Tier One attraction Fast Pass+ are gone for that day. You will be choosing all three of your Fast Pass+ reservations from the Tier Two attractions.

Fast Pass+ Strategy Suggestions

If you are currently planning a trip for later this spring or summer, my recommendation for Fast Pass+ reservation planning at Hollywood Studios is as follows. For your Tier One Fast Pass+, I suggest you book Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway if it’s available. Traditionally, new attractions have the longest lines as EVERYONE always wants to ride the latest, newest thing. Theoretically, this attraction will be able to move a lot of guests through per hour, so the lines may move quickly, but we don’t know that yet. I may change my recommendation once the attraction has been open for a while and we’ve had a chance to see how the standby line moves. However, right now, I’m saying book your Fast Pass+ for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway if you can.

If Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Fast Pass+ reservations are all gone by the time you are able to book, I would book Slinky Dog Dash Fast Pass+ reservations. This remains an incredibly popular attraction, and it does not move as many people per hour as a typical dark ride, so the lines tend to stay long throughout the day. I don’t think you really need to a Fast Pass+ for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run unless your trip plan requires you ride it in the morning. The lines are longest in the morning as everyone rushes to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge first thing. The ride does move a lot of people through each hour, and generally, the lines move quickly during the afternoon and evening.

If you have a trip scheduled in the next 60 days

If you’ve already booked Fast Pass+ reservations for your upcoming trip and ended up with Tier Two attractions you aren’t excited about, you may want to go in and make changes. I suspect a lot of Fast Pass+ reservations will be dropped as people replace them with Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Fast Pass+ reservations.

Also, if you are DYING to ride Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (and you should be, I’m hearing terrific things!), you may want to go in and re-do your Fast Pass+ reservations anyway. I say go for it!

Where is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?

Until Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is Disney’s newest attraction. Many of you may be wondering how you’ll get a Fast Pass+ reservation for this attraction. The short answer: you won’t. At least not in the current season. Rise of the Resistance is currently using a virtual queue system. Once you are in the park, you request a Boarding Group. As long as Boarding Groups remain available, you will be added to a Boarding Group, and given a time to go to the attraction and ride.

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

The good news: you don’t have to use one of your three Fast Pass+ reservations for this attraction. The bad news: Boarding Groups for Rise of the Resistance fill up fast every day, and there is no guarantee that you will get a Boarding Group at all. In addition, if you DO get a Boarding Group, but it’s a high number, there is no guarantee that you will be able to ride. Check out our Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance review for more information.

My theory is that once Disney gets all the kinks worked out, the virtual queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will go away, and Rise of the Resistance will be added to Tier One for Disney’s Hollywood Studios Fast Pass+ reservations. I could be wrong; they also may come up with a smoother, more reliable way for the virtual queue to operate. I will keep you posted as we learn more.

New Marquee is up at the Chinese Theater

Earlier this week, Disney unveiled the new marquee (sign) for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at the Chinese Theater. Formerly the home of the Great Movie Ride, the Chinese Theater will soon be featuring a ride in the cartoon world of Minnie and Mickey and their friends. The new marquee sign is colorful and a little reminiscent (at least to me) of the former Great Movie Ride.

The new sign is in place, but won’t light up until the ride officially opens on March 4, 2020. However, someone we know and love MAY have snuck in to try the lights out a little early. Take a look:

A little cheesy, but fun, nonetheless. Gotta love Goofy.

Take a close up look at the new marquee.

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway Fast Pass+ Reservations Available — New Marquee for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Photo: Disney Parks)

Note: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is coming to Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park in California in 2022.

Classic Dark Ride or Something Totally New?

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be something we haven’t seen before. I mean, how has Disney been in the theme park business for more than 50 years and NEVER had an attraction featuring Mickey Mouse? That seems so crazy to me.

The new attraction IS a classic dark ride, in that it is a (mostly) constantly moving ride system (think Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, or Pirates of the Caribbean). However, we are entering Mickey & Minnie’s world here, and it’s not like our world at ALL. We are entering the cartoon world via a train with Goofy as the conductor. I mean, what could possibly go wrong? The animation featured throughout the attraction is modeled on the Emmy award winning Disney shorts currently airing on the Disney Channel.

I think we can expect great special effects and lots of colorful craziness. And of course, what would any dark ride be without a memorable theme song? I am confident that Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will gift us a theme song that will haunt us the rest of the day.

All Ages and Heights Can Ride!

There are no height restrictions for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, so kids of ALL ages can ride. Like most dark rides, it initially appears that you will be leaving the strollers and/or wheelchairs behind, and transferring to the ride vehicle. Disney has not yet released specific information regarding wheelchair accommodation, so I’m basing this on most other Disney attractions.

Are you excited?

So, are you rushing to book your Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Fast Pass+ reservations? Are you excited to ride this new attraction? I’ve been so impressed with Disney’s new lands and attractions in recent years (Pandora, Star Wars, Flight of Passage, Rise of the Resistance), I can’t help but be excited. I’m still sad the Great Movie Ride is gone, though. I probably won’t ever get over that. (I know, I know. Change is GOOD. I’m trying!) Nonetheless, it’s gone, and I’m hoping Disney is going to knock our socks off with this newest attraction. Please comment below with your thoughts!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

HUGE NEWS: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge OPENING May 31st and August 29th!!!!

This is really big news all my lovely Disney trip planners and dreamers!!! Just moments ago, Disney announced Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge OPENING DATES at BOTH Disneyland and Hollywood Studios!!!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open, AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, on May 31 at Disneyland in California. At Hollywood Studios in Florida, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open AUGUST 29–this is MONTHS before we’d anticipated!

Disney Star Wars Disney Hollywood Studios Disney Galaxys Edge — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Artist’s Rendering

This is so exciting, I am freaking out right now. However, this isn’t ALL rainbows and roses.

Disney has decided to open ahead of schedule in response to the overwhelming response and interest from guests that want to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which is terrific. BUT the reality is that everything will not really be ready by these earlier than projected dates. So Disney has decided to open Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Phases.

Phase One, Opening Day

On opening day, guests will be able to get into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You’ll explore merchant shops and talk to the people living and working on Black Spire Outpost. You’ll taste galactic food and beverages unlike anything you’ve tried before.

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon- Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)

Perhaps most importantly, you’ll be able to experience the first attraction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. You’re going to be able to get on board the Millennium Falcon, and take the controls and have your own adventure aboard the ship that has starred in so many of our beloved movies and our dreams for so long….

Phase Two, Later This Year

Later this year, the second attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, will open. This attraction has been touted as the most ambitions, immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined. It’s going to put you in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and First Order.

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

Disney released this video earlier today:

What We Can Expect: Limited Capacity

Guests planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland between opening day (May 31) and June 23, 2019 will need valid Disneyland park admission and they will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access Galaxy’s Edge. Disney has not released information yet on how to make these no-cost reservations; I will update you as soon as I know more!

Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels during this period (May 31-June 23) will received a reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered guest); Disneyland Park admission is still required.

Capacity will be limited for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for both Disneyland and Hollywood Studios. Currently, Disney says no reservations will be required to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios. Also, Disney says Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open during Extra Magic Hours for resort guests. More details will be released soon (and as soon as they are, I will share!).

So…Who’s Going to Be There Opening Day?

I cannot begin to tell you guys how excited I am about this news! I honestly believed Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge would open in late June at Disneyland, and most likely would open at Hollywood Studios in mid December. This is CRAZY to me that they are this close to being ready to open, even in Phases!!! I will keep scouring all my Disney sources for more news, and will update you as soon as I know more!

How excited are you by this news? I’m about to BURST! Are you currently checking your calendar and rearranging your life to see if you can be there for opening day?

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

P.S. Don’t forget, if you’d like to book a Disneyland or Walt Disney World vacation, I’d love to help! Using me to book your reservation ensures you get the best availability and rates Disney has to offer, and booking with me doesn’t cost you anything–Disney pays me! AND, if any discounts come out that could save you money before your trip, I’ll apply those discounts in the Disney system to save you money! Contact me today at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com!

P.P.S If you missed last week’s article on cast member costumes for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you can check it out here.

Get an Early Start to Your Disney Days

Plan to Sit Down in Air Conditioning for Lunch

Know the Shows or Rides Where You Can Rest

Magic Kingdom:

EPCOT:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Take an Afternoon Break

Build in a Rest Day

Five Key Tips for a Magical Disney Vacation — The Bottom Line

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This Will RUIN My Vacation!

How Long Will Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster be Closed?

Could This Be The End of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?

What is This Ride All About?

Does Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Need Updating?

Has Disney Given Any Hints?

The Bottom Line

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The Good

The Bad

Enjoy a Platter of all the Following House-Smoked Items

The Ugly

Mean Old Potato Salad

The Married Spuds

The Claw! Veggie Slaw

Force Field Fried Pickles

Campfire-roasted Vegetables

Slinky Doooooooooog’s Mac & Cheese

Buckin’ Baked Beans

Cowpoke Corn on the Cob

Final Thoughts on Roundup Rodeo BBQ

You Might Love it!

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Disney Parks News

The Holidays have Arrived at Disney World!

Here is the full statement from Disney:

Reactions

Our Upcoming Disney Vacation

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Disney Parks News

Entertainment Cast Layoffs

Which Parks and Shows were Affected?

Magic Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

Animal Kingdom

EPCOT

Resorts

Potential Impact of these Layoffs

Streetmosphere Actors in Permanent Danger?

What Message are Fans Sending Disney?

Disney vs. California: Shot Fired?

But…HOW??

Buena Vista Street: What is Opening?

Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

Holiday Entertainment

Holiday Music

Holiday Cookie Stroll

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition

Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Walt Disney World Entrances Get a Makeover!

That’s it for this week’s Disney Parks News!

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Early Reactions

What to Expect?

Will I Still Miss The Great Movie Ride?

Change HAS to Happen

Fast Pass Reservations

Booking a Fast Pass+ Reservation

What if I Can’t Get a Fast Pass+ Reservation?

Start Early

Ride at Night

Pay Attention to the App

Know How Long You’re Willing to Wait

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is Now Open!