5 Things Disney World Needs to Fix Now
Small changes that would have a big impact on guest satisfaction.
Disney World is a great place to go on vacation, but there are some adjustments that Disney could make to improve guest satisfaction. Now, I’m not talking about big ideas that would take years to complete or require massive investments.
In my latest YouTube video, I present 5 realistic things that Disney can easily fix to improve guest satisfaction.
Watch this on YoutTube now >
#5 Gratuities With Disney Dining Plans
The Disney Dining Plans are back and even Free Dining has returned for select dates. The regular Disney Dining Plan includes Table Service Meals of course. It’s a nice way to make your vacation at Walt Disney World feel a little more all-inclusive. If you stick to just what your table service meal includes, you won’t have to pay out of pocket, you simply redeem your dining credits. But it doesn’t cover the gratuity for your server.
At the end of your meal, your server will bring you the bill with the cash total on it. You only have to pay for things you ordered that are not included on the dining plan. For me, this is rare. The total is provided to help you determine how much of a tip you should leave.
It would be so much easier if the gratuity was included as well. I personally never carry cash, especially in theme parks, I’m always afraid I’ll lose my wallet on a ride or leave it somewhere.
And charging your server’s gratuity to your credit card or Magic Band doesn’t seem right either.
I’m sure Disney doesn’t include gratuities so the cost of the dining plan seems cheaper. But I think Disney should borrow an idea from the cruise line industry where you have the option to prepay your gratuities in advance for the included meals. On a cruise ship, you simply get up and walk away when you're finished. All you have to do is show up and have a great time.
I find that most menu items are similarly priced so unless you want to split hairs on the total cost of the meal, the server should still make a decent tip. And in some cases, they may do better if the customer would otherwise be a lousy tipper.
The whole idea behind the Disney Dining Plan is to make it convenient for the guests. Disney knows you’re going to leave a tip, so why not just include it from the beginning?
# 4 Daily Housekeeping at Disney World
The trend of limited or even no housekeeping began across the hotel industry during the pandemic. But now it’s becoming the industry norm. I expect more from Walt Disney World, a company that prides itself on excellent guest service and often uses terms like the Disney Difference to demonstrate how they are better than other resorts.
To be fair, Universal Orlando has a similar policy and Royal Caribbean has cut housekeeping back to just once per day.
But when Disney cut daily housekeeping to every other day at its Value and Moderate Resorts, it made national news, as it often does. And housekeeping is limited to new towels and trash removal. I believe the term for this is now skimpflation.
Daily housekeeping is offered at Disney Deluxe Resorts which often hover around $750 per night. But room and ticket packages at a Moderate hotel can easily be $5,000 or more. For that kind of money, it would be nice if the bed was made.
Being pampered is part of the fun of staying in a hotel. It’s time to bring back daily housekeeping.
#3 Disney World Theme Park Hours
In recent years the Orlando theme parks have been closing earlier than in the pre-pandemic years. While Magic Kingdom often stays open until 10 or 11 pm, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios often close at 9 pm. And Animal Kingdom can close as early as 6 pm. Universal Orlando is the same, sometimes closing both parks before 8 pm.
Epcot used to open in phases, first Future World, and then World Showcase would open at 11 am and often stay open until 10 pm or later. Today, the entire park opens at once. I would be ok with a phased opening if it means being in the parks later. Now the only way to stay in the Epcot later at night is to stay in a Deluxe hotel that includes a Monday night stay.
Being in the parks at night, especially in the summer months when afternoon temps are in the high 90s, is the only escape from the heat parkgoers have. And I think the parks are more fun at night.
#2 Seating at Disney’s Quick Service Restaurants
Remember when you had to be online at 6 am, 60-days in advance to make your dining reservations for Walt Disney World? Especially if you wanted Be Our Guest Restaurant.
Today, you can often get into Be Our Guest as a walk-up. Table service dining at Disney just isn’t as popular as it used to be. I still recommend making reservations 60-days in advance, but there is a lot more availability than in previous years.
Today, Disney World Quick-Service Dining is where it’s at. I think this is for two reasons.
Quick-service meals are good! Disney has really upped its game here.
Now that guests are paying for Genie+, they feel like they don’t have time for a lengthy table service meal or it might conflict with a Genie+ return time.
This means quick-service restaurants are crowded these days and it’s very hard to find a place to sit.
Disney has experimented with different ideas to help people find seats. A few years ago, Disney tested out a system where guests would enter a queue after they got their food. A Cast Member with a radio headset would talk to other Cast Members who were out scouting seats. I didn’t like having to wait in another line, but I knew I was going to get a table. At the Connections Eastery at Epcot, Cast Members were only allowing people to sit at tables who had trays of food. This is loosely enforced today.
Disney needs to find a way to provide seating so guests are not meandering around with trays of food and balancing soft drinks with no lids - because Disney banned lids on cups. But that’s another show.
#1 Simplfy Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane
I’m aware that Disney Genie+ is a very controversial topic. I’m not here to say we should eliminate it and go back to paper Fastpass tickets, (but I know I’m not the only one who would love that!)
Disney could make a small change that would make a big difference. Why do we have 2 terms that describe the basically same thing? Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane. Have you heard a Cast Member trying to explain the difference between the two? Not to mention Individual Attraction Selection and Virtual Queus. And while we're at it, PhotoPass and Memory Maker too. This is straight from the Department of Redundancy Department
I think they should just call the whole thing Lightning Lane. Ultimately that’s what guests want. No one is buying Genie+ for the Photopass lenses, or the in-park audio features. Call it Lightning Lane and tell guests they get some free perks with it. And while we’re at it, Individual Attraction Selection doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue and it only refers to a handful of attractions. Can't that just be absorbed into Lightning Lane at this point? I seriously think the reason some people don’t visit Disney World is because Genie+ feels overwhelming to them.
I’m sure these 5 things won’t solve every issue, but I think these are some realistic changes Disney could make to enhance guest experiences at Walt Disney World Have something that Disney needs to fix?
Do you agree or disagree with my list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Disney's Beach Club Resort Tour
Photo Tour: of Disney’s Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World
Arrival and Lobby Areas
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a charming, New England-style hotel located just outside of Epcot. The pools, lagoons and spas of Stormalong Bay make this property unique. Sharing many amenities with its more formal sister, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort is within walking distance to Epcot, Disney Skyliner and a convenient boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Best Rooms at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
In this video I show you my recommended rooms to request here at Beach Club. I also show you where to find the Standard, Resort and Water Views at this hotel. Check out the video here:
Room Categories
Most standard hotel rooms are 380 square feet and come with 2 queen beds and a sofa bed.
There are a handful of rooms that do not have the sofa bed.
If you need the sofa bed, let me know so I can enter a request for you. Requests are not guaranteed but Disney does try hard to honor this one in particular.
If you have a party of 5, you will almost certainly get a room with a sofa bed automatically, but I would still note it on the reservation.
Rooms have full size balconies, patios (ground level) or what I call mini-balconies. These are balconies that have just enough room for one person to stand on. If you prefer a full-size balcony or a patio, this should be entered as a request. (Requests cannot be guaranteed).
Standard View - Views of Disney's Beach Club Resort Rooftop or Parking Area, 1 King Bed Or 1 King Bed And 1 Day Bed Or 2 Queen Bed Or 2 Queen Bed And 1 Day Bed. Sleeps up to 5 Adults
Garden or Woods View - Views of Disney's Beach Club Resort Gardens. 1 King Bed Or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed Or 2 Queen Bed Or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Day Bed Or 2 Queen Bed and 1 Day Bed. Sleeps up to 5 Adults
Water View - Views of Stormalong Bay, Crescent Lake or Quiet Pool. 1 King Bed Or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed Or 2 Queen Bed Or 1 Queen Bed and 1 Day Bed Or 2 Queen Bed and 1 Day Bed Sleeps up to 5 Adults
Deluxe Room - Views of Stormalong Bay, Crescent Lake, Quiet Pool or Parking Area. Deluxe Room is larger than a Standard Room. 2 Queen Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa. Sleeps up to 6 Adults
Standard View Club Level - Views of Disney's Beach Club Resort Rooftop or Parking Area. 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa Or 1 King Bed Or 2 Queen Bed. Sleeps up to 4 Adults
Garden View Club Level - Views of Disney's Beach Club Resort Gardens or Parking Area. 2 Queen Bed. Sleeps up to 4 Adults.
Water View Club Level - Views of Stormalong Bay, Crescent Lake or Quiet Pool . 1 King Bed Or 2 Queen Bed Or 1 Queen Bed And 1 Day Bed Or 2 Queen Bed and 1 Day Bed Sleeps up to 4 Adults.
1 Bedroom Suite with Club Level Access - Views of Disney's Beach Club Resort Gardens, Woods or Crescent Lake. 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa. Sleeps up to 4 Adults
2 Bedroom Suite - Club Level Access. Views of Disney's Beach Club Resort Gardens, Woods or Crescent Lake. 1 King Bed And 2 Queen Bed and 1 Day Bed. Sleeps up to 7 Adults
Nantucket Junior Suite Club Level - Views of Crescent Lake, Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Stormalong Bay. 1 King Bed. Sleeps up to 2 Adults
Newport Presidential Suite - Club Level. Views of Crescent Lake, Epcot, Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Stormalong Bay. 1 King Bed And 2 Double Bed And 1 Day Bed. Sleeps up to 7 Adults
Room Rates
Room rates at Disney’s Beach Club Resort vary by season, weekday vs. weekend, overall availability, and the number of adults staying in the room. Contact me for an exact price.
Additional fees:
An additional fee applies if you park a vehicle overnight at the hotel. Parking at the theme parks is complimentary.
Disney charges a fee for having additional adults (ages 18+) staying in the room. This fee does not apply to the first two adults.
Room Amenities
Rooms & Suites
AMENITIES
Coffee Maker
In-room safe
Hairdryer
Iron & ironing board
Telephone with voicemail
Mini fridge
Free WiFi
Pool Towels
Television
Coffee & Tea Set Up
Patio or Balcony
Rooms & Suites with Club-Level Service
AMENITIES
Includes all the amenities above, plus:
Access to Concierge service at the Stone Harbor Club
Complementary health club access
Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services
Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
Club Level
Club Level service at Disney’s Beach Club Resort provides access to concierge services at the Stone Harbor Club, located top floor of the hotel. When you stay in a Club Level room, you’ll receive personalized front desk and concierge services and secured key access to the club-level lounge. The Stone Harbor Club Lounge offers complimentary refreshments and beverages (including beer and wine) 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
Stone Harbor Club
See my Easy Guide to Club Level at Walt Disney World for full details about this experience.
Hotel Services
Check-In – 4:00 PM
Check-Out – 11:00 AM
Overnight self parking (fees apply)
Valet parking (fees apply)
Bell services
Complimentary theme park transportation
Laundry and Dry Cleaning
Self-service laundry rooms
Spa services
Fitness Center
Salon Services
Poolside Cabanas Rentals
Hotel gift shop
Arcade
Pool and Recreation
The best feature of this resort, other than being within walking distance to Epcot, is Stormalong Bay.
Inside Beach Club’s pool complex you’ll find a 50 ft. water slide, stemming from an old shipwreck, a sand-bottom lagoon pool, 2 whirlpools, lazy river, an in-pool volleyball net, and poolside entertainment.
Movies Under the Stars - Watch favorite Disney films at complimentary screenings in the Solarium or on a lawn outdoors near the volleyball courts.
Poolside Cabanas Rentals - Stretch out and relax when you treat yourself to a poolside cabana rental—featuring cocktail service and delightful amenities.
Tennis - Located near the Admiral Pool. Complimentary tennis balls and racquets are available from Ship Shape Massage and Salon Fitness for all Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel.
Fire Pit - As the sun sets, head out to the beach and make some S’mores over a supervised fire pit. Then stay for Movies Under the Stars.
Dining Options
Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers a number of dining selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also enjoy the dining options at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk, and Epcot.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort has the most dining option available nearby than any other Disney World hotel, including two that are very popular even with locals: Beaches and Cream and Cape May Cafe.
Restaurants at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop -
Satisfy your sweet tooth with old-fashioned ice-cream favorites or savor delicious hot-off-the-grill items at this 50s-themed eatery.
Cape May Cafe - Start your day with a hearty buffet breakfast or visit later for signature seafood and turf dishes.
Beach Club Marketplace - Enjoy a hot, made-to-order meal, grab a quick bite or stock up on snacks before heading out for a day of fun in the parks.
Ale & Compass Restaurant - Set your sights on Yankee comfort food and seafood classics at this cozy gastropub-inspired eatery.
Ale & Compass Lounge - Navigate your way to a cozy lounge with a great wine list, light snacks and overstuffed chairs
Martha’s Vineyard - Gather for a glass—or bottle—of wine at this casual lounge reminiscent of a New England beach house.
Yachtsman Steakhouse - Premium dry-aged beef, fresh seafood and signature drinks at this New England-style steakhouse.
Theme Park Transportation
Complimentary boat service to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is provided.
Walking paths are also available. Epcot is about a 10 minute walk away and often the fastest way. Hollywood Studios is a 20 minute walk but there is limited shade. I recommend taking a boat.
Complimentary bus service is provided to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Disney water parks, and Disney Springs.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
Want to plan your vacation to Disney’s Beach Club Reosrt? I can help! Contact me today!
Epcot: Spaceship Earth Secrets and Fun Facts
Over the years Spaceship Earth at Epcot has received a few updates to keep it relevant - such as the car and garage scene. Have you ever wondered how the set pieces were brought up to the top of the ball?
Spaceship Earth is one of the last remaining opening-day attractions at Epcot in Walt Disney World. It’s a complex ride system with powerful Disney storytelling. In this article/video, I’ll share some of my favorite secrets and fun facts about Spaceship Earth.
Spaceship Earth is not just fun, it’s also very smart.
In the late 1970’s, Disney frequently held intellectual symposiums with several museums and universities to ensure that the scenes were historically accurate, in both what you see and what you hear.
Spaceship Earth takes us through a journey of human communication, of course. But did you ever notice the mural on the right-hand side just before the entrance?
This is my favorite mural in any Disney park.
Study it closely and you’ll discover that it depicts two different aspects of communication: the development of communication over time (from caveman to future man), and communication over distance (from Earth to space.)
Once on the ride, the first scene we see is the cavemen battling a mammoth.
While it may look as though they are hunters attempting to catch their dinner, there’s actually a story here and we learn about them in the next scene.
From the story being depicted on the cave wall and from the story being told, we learn that the mammoth arrived and became a threat.
People in the tribe worked together to scare him off. And with teamwork, they no longer felt alone.
The late Disney Historian Jim Korkis has some great research on this.
The Roman Empire scene is another iconic moment of Spaceship Earth.
The infamous burning charcoal scent has become a cult classic at Disney World.
You can even buy candles with that same scent, which to me smells like smoked paprika.
As we pass by the Fall of Rome scene the scent is coming from your right.
It blows across the ride vehicles and then gets sucked into an exhaust fan so it doesn’t fill up the building.
And while most people are looking left at the burning embers of what used to be Rome, I recommend you look to your right.
You’ll see a wall with graffiti.
This is a copy of actual graffiti found in Pompeii.
Over the years Spaceship Earth has received a few updates to keep it relevant - such as the car and garage scene.
Have you ever wondered how the set pieces were brought up to the top of the ball? Well right behind the Jewish-Islam scene, there’s an elevator.
The back wall slides open from right to left revealing a massive freight elevator.
Jewish and Islamic scholars often met with each other in the 10th century to trade research on astronomy, so we also see a gentleman using Quadrant, a precursor to the sexton.
The sleeping monk scene is not only funny but another classic moment.
Guests with a keen eye for detail (or a good zoom lens) may notice the Bible on the far right side of this scene.
It contains the names of Disney Imagineers, Walt Disney, and even a hidden Mickey on the bottom.
And behind the sleeping Monk is an access point to the outer ball. Spaceship Earth is really two separate systems - the inner ball, which is the ride, and the outer ball which is the silver exterior Alucobond panels.
There is about 2 ft of space separating the two with a network of catwalks running in between them. This is how the exterior lights were installed.
One of the most beautiful vignettes in Spaceship Earth is the Sistine ceiling scene. Michael Angelo is up there painting it, but in real life, it was set on its side and hand-painted by a Disney Imagineer.
Audio Animatronic figures are expensive so it’s not uncommon for Disney to duplicate certain characters across Walt Disney World.
For example, in the Rome scene, the Centurian is US President Zachary Taylor from the Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom.
How about Gutenberg as James Buchanan of the Hall of Presidents and yeah, that’s Andrew Jackson operating the press.
As with many Disney dark ride attractions, the ride track is lined with Intrusion mats. If someone were to hop out of their ride vehicle, they would step on the mat, which would in turn stop the ride immediately.
It’s amazing all of the things Disney has to consider when building a ride.
Spaceship Earth’s ride track is made up of hollow steel tubes that are filled with a non-toxic gas.
Sensors monitor the pressure in the tubes. A Loss of pressure would indicate that a piece of track is broken. The ride will stop to prevent disaster.
Spaceship has many historic artifacts on display. In the telegraph scene, those are actual log books from the 1890s on the desk in the background.
And the operatorswitch board is authentic - it’s from 1898 and was supplied to Disney by AT&T, one of the original sponsors of the attraction.
Want to watch the video? Check out my YouTube Channel here.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Mysterious Trailers Arrive at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Dozens of trailers have arrived at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. It’s unclear as to what they are going there or if it’s related to the construction taking place.
Dozens of trailers have arrived at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park. It’s unclear as to what they are doing there or if they have anything to do with the construction taking place.
We observed trucks backing up to the trailers and hauling them away. Others arrived with trailers, parked them in the lot, then drove off.
Cast Members at Winter Summerland said the trailers began arriving in the lot about 2 weeks ago.
Blizzard Beach, one of two Disney World water parks has been closed since March of 2023. Disney has not provided many details on why the water park has been closed but large cranes have been spotted as well as a numerous work vehicles.
The Walt Disney World website does not list a reopening date for Blizzard Beach, other than it is “closed.” However, the Disney Parks website hints that it might reopen in late November.
“Currently, Typhoon Lagoon is the only water park open and there haven't been any announcements so far indicating when Blizzard Beach will open for the season. Last year, it reopened after refurbishment in November, so that could be an indication of a general time we can hope for it to open this year.”
Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney World
Disney recently closed the parking lot to Winter-SummerLand Minature Golf Course and is instructing guests to park in the Blizzard Beach lot.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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3 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World this Christmas Season (2023)
Why Christmastime is the best time to visit Walt Disney World.
Here are my top 3 reasons to visit Walt Disney World during the Christmas holiday season - in no particular order by the way.
#3 Experience the Holiday Magic at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade at Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event packed with ways to celebrate Christmas at Magic Kingdom.
Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are limited and can be purchased online beginning July 6.
But guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing tickets as early as June 29. 2023!
Popular events include:
“Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” stage show
“Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks”
“Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates 2023:
November 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30
December: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22
The Christmas parties at Magic Kingdom are extremely popular and I expect all dates to sell out again this year.
Ticket prices for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Ticket prices will range from $159-$199 per person.
#2 New Nighttime Holiday Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney Jollywood Nights - a new, separately ticketed event from 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on 10 select nights from November 11 through December 20, 2023.
Jollywood Nights Highlights
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! I highly recommend this show! It’s been on hiatus for a few years but so glad it’s returning in 2023! Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! is a nighttime spectacular that is jam-packed with music, fireworks, special effects, and dazzling state-of-the-art projections.
Holiday music throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios with live entertainment
Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy host a live holiday special at Theater of the Stars
Snap selfies with unique photo opportunities throughout the night
Meet Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and the rest of the iconic gang in Animation Courtyard on a hot set with holiday props
Enjoy after-hours access to some of your favorite rides and coasters under the stars
Slinky Dog Dash, Rock N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and more
See 10 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World this Fall / Holiday Season ▸
Disney Jollywood Nights is a limited-capacity holiday event. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Shades of Green can buy tickets starting June 29.
Tickets for Jollywood Nights may be purchased by all guests starting July 6. Ticket prices will range from $159 – $179 per person.
Jollywood Party dates are:
November: 11,18, 20, 27, 29
December: 4, 6,16,18, 20
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
#1 Save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney World Hotels.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Hotels across Walt Disney World have elaborate Christmas decorations and displays.
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World this festive is easy when you book with me.
Discover cheerful decor and jolly touches like our larger than life gingerbread displays at select Disney Resort hotel lobbies during the holiday season.
Now you can save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays this fall and wintry season.
Even more, Disney+ subscribers can save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays select nights this holiday season.
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Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Secrets and Easter Eggs in Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Walt Disney World
Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is loaded with hidden detail Here are some of my favorites.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ inside Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is packed with hidden details. From floor to ceiling, Imagineers included hidden references and story elements everywhere you look.
The restaurant was created by Andy, the boy who owns the toys from the Toy Story films. Andy used whatever he could to build a restaurant for his toys.
Notice the twisty tie holding up the lantern on the sign, and a scrap piece of low-voltage wire for the other lantern on the right.
Andy used whatever he had available to make his restaurant.
As soon as you enter Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you are shrunken down to the size of a toy.
This theme is carried into the Roundup Rodeo as well. You’ll notice that most objects appear larger than life.
Notice how big the cardboard toy cutouts are, and even the Christmas lights are huge, in our smaller, toy-like size.
In the lobby of Woody’s Roundup Rodeo, we see a mural of “The Amazing Ropin’ Woody” with “spring action.”
We see that Andy has drawn in Buzz Lightyear’s nemesis, Emperor Zurg who now appears to be lassoed by Woody.
We know Andy drew him in because Zurg would not appear on anything from Woody’s Roundup playset.
These characters only exist together in Andy’s world.
As you enter the restaurant, you’ll notice that Andy has arranged his toys just like the picture on the box: Woody has lassoed Zurg.
There are references to many of the Toy Story characters if you know where to look - and if you know where to listen.
Listen for some audio references that play occasionally over the restaurant’s PA system.
You may hear a recording from Partysaurus Rex, or even Sarge who warns that Andy is coming.
The entire restaurant, staff included, freezes in position (because we’re all toys, remember?) While we never see Andy, we can hear that he is nearby.
When we hear Andy leave, we get the all-clear from Sarge and it’s safe to move again. It’s cute!
Although the story is focused on Woody, there are references to most of the main Toy Story characters.
The more I looked around the restaurant, the more I found them.
I’m sure I missed quite a few but I can only wander around the restaurant for so long before it gets weird lol. I get the look of “Why is this guy taking pictures of the walls and ceiling??
Even secondary characters are present like the Little Green Aliens and the romantic and flirty Bo Peep.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Every square inch of the ceiling has some type of reference to Toy Story and/or something Andy created.
In one part you’ll see a page of an actual Woody comic strip that was created just for the restaurant.
The walls of the restaurant are made from toy boxes, a puzzle, and scrap cardboard.
Disney Imagineers created two board games, one with a space theme and one with a frontier theme. You can see the game boards on the ceiling of Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
These are real games that Imagineers actually played. They even wrote directions on how to play them.
Can you find Buzz Lighyear’s rocketship? Yep, that’s in there too!
The Triple R Ranch is also referenced at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. I just mentioned it in my video tour of Ft. Wilderness as well.
The Tri-Circle D Ranch at Fort Wilderness is home to the 90+ working horses of Walt Disney World. The name is a reference to the Triple R Ranch.
Triple R Ranch is a reference from an old spinoff of the beloved Mickey Mouse Club called “The Adventures of Spin and Marty.” The Triple R Ranch was the summer camp that the two boys attended in the series.
Can you spot the Hidden Mickey?
Look directly at the base of Trixy and you’ll spot a 3-dimensional Hidden Mickey.
You can see his head, nose, and of course, ears.
The back wall of Roundup Rodeo is made from a nearly completed puzzle.
Notice that 2 pieces are missing.
The missing pieces can be found somewhere in Toy Story Land. If you can find them, post where you spotted them in the comments below.
Russell, our favorite Wilderness Explorer from Disney Pixar’s Up has a cameo in Roundup Rodeo and is the only non-Toy Story character to appear in the restaurant.
Oh, and the character on the far left - is made in the likeness of the lead Disney Imagineer on this project.
Remember Minnie Moo from the 1980s and 1990s? She was the infamous dairy cow who was born with a Hidden Mickey patch on her side.
Photo Credit: Disney Wiki
Minnie Moo can be found on the side of Andy’s milk carton inside the restaurant.
And the expiration date on the milk carton refers to the date the first Toy Story film was released in theaters: Nov 22, 1995.
And the 01:13 is not there by accident either. “A113” is a classroom number at the California Institute of the Arts where character animation is taught.
Many of the Pixar staff have used the number in their professional works. It is said to appear in some way, shape, or form in every Pixar film (and restaurant!)
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Lock in Your Disney Vacation Now, Before the Price Hike
Ticket prices are increasing. Lock in your Disney World vacation now with the refundable, $200 deposit.
Ticket prices will increase for Disney World to its four parks next month — with the cost of entering the Magic Kingdom expected to nearly double for the holidays.
Magic Kingdom Park | Walt Disney World
⚠️ Let me help you get ahead of the price increase and lock in your Disney World vacation now.
You can secure your vacation package with a refundable $200 deposit. Contact me today to get started.
Currently, the lowest price for a one-day ticket to any of Disney World’s Orlando theme parks is $109.
With the increase, Magic Kingdom prices will start at $124 and increase to $189 depending on the date and demand for the parks.
The tickets will cost closer to the $189 price point specifically during the week of Christmas to New Year’s. However, more than 99% of its one-day, one-park tickets will be under $189.
The price to enter Epcot will go up as well, new prices range from $114 to $179, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios will cost $124 to $179. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be the only park to keep its current price range at $109 to $159.
Multi-Day Tickets
It’s important to highlight that the above prices refer to single-day tickets only. If you purchase a 5-Day ticket, you’re not spending $189 per day.
When you add multiple days to your theme park pass, the per-day ticket price decreases significantly
Park Hopper Price Increase
On Dec. 8, Disney World will update pricing on select add-on options, including the Park Hopper Option and Park Hopper Plus Option.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
Travel Hack: How to Get 50% off Your Deposit with Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World
Right now you can use the current deposit policy at Disney Cruise Line to your advantage when you add a Walt Disney World Land and Sea package to your cruise.
Right now you can use the current deposit policy at Disney Cruise Line to your advantage when you add a Walt Disney World Land and Sea package to your cruise.
Yes, “Disney World Land and Sea packages” are still offered but they are now called “Disney Cruise Line Add-on Packages.” I still like to say Land and Sea (I’m old school).
You can also take advantage of select cruises currently being offered at a discount. Discount promotions from Disney Cruise Line are extremely rare, so take advantage of it while you can!
In short, here’s how the deposit hack works:
Book your Disney Cruise with me by March 11, 2022, and you’ll automatically get 50% off the required deposit.
Include a Walt Disney World room and ticket package to your Disney cruise. You can visit Walt Disney World before or after your cruise, it’s your choice.
No additional deposit will be required for the Walt Disney World portion of your vacation when booked as part of your Disney cruise. You only pay the Disney Cruise Line Deposit and you’re getting 50% off!
See more about Disney Cruise Land and Sea vacations
50% Off Disney Cruise Line Deposits
Disney Cruise Line is allowing guests to book now and pay only half of the required deposit. To use this offer, you must book your cruise by March 11, 2022.
This offer is valid on select cruises sailing between June 18, 2022 and May 31, 2023, that do not require full payment at time of booking.
Remaining balance will be due at time of final payment.
walt Disney World - Land and Sea Package
Port Canaveral is about an hour away from Disney World. Disney provides coach bus transportation for a small fee.
Many clients often book a 3 or 4 night Bahamas Cruise on the Disney Dream followed by 3 or 4 nights at Walt Disney World Resort. You’ll have 2 vacations in one week.
The normal Walt Disney World package deposit is $200. But when you book as a Disney Cruise Line add-on package, no additional deposit is required.
For over 12 years I have been helping clients plan Disney World Land and Sea packages from Florida. My clients enjoy:
The best available rates offered by Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World.
A Disney cruise onboard credit to be used towards upgraded dining, alcoholic beverages, excursions, spa treatments, souvenirs and more.
Expert advice and recommendations
Excellent customer service. I’m your personal account manager from planning to payments.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Parades Coming to Magic Kingdom! Plus Even More Entertainment Coming Soon
More entertainment coming to Magic Kingdom Park for the 50th Anniversary Celebration
We now have a date for the return of the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom, aka “the 3 o’clock parade” plus even more character experiences are set to return. If you love seeing Disney characters in the parks, especially Magic Kingdom, this post is for you!
More entertainment coming to Magic Kingdom Park for the 50th Anniversary Celebration
Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade! - Feb 11, 2022
Starring nearly 30 of your favorite Disney and Pixar friends, this super-sized cavalcade features Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” José Carioca and Panchito from “The Three Caballeros,” plus Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, and more – including the Magic Kingdom debut of Miguel from “Coco” in his mariachi best.
Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade!
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire - Feb 25, 2022
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire returns to Magic Kingdom on Feb 25, 2022
“Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” will make its debut on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage.
The show, newly enhanced for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, will incorporate favorite scenes inspired by “Frozen,” “Tangled,” and “The Princess and the Frog” – plus a new opening and a new finale with Mickey Mouse and all his friends in their sparkling, EARidescent fashions.
Presented multiple times a day, the show will also include an all-new, original song entitled “Where the Magic Feels Like Home.”
Festival of Fantasy Parade March 9, 2022
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire
I’m excited to share that the beloved Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade returns to Magic Kingdom Park beginning March 9
This classic Disney World parade will wind its way through the park not once, but twice each day!
The Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade features characters from “The Princess and the Frog,” “Tangled,” “Peter Pan” and more bringing their individual stories to life on enchanting floats that look as though the characters themselves had a hand in crafting them.
Looming 26 feet above the parade route and 35 feet in length, the fire-breathing Maleficent Dragon float returns just as menacing as ever.
Ready to start planning your Walt Disney World vacation? Get expert advice and answers to all your questions without waiting hours on hold! Contact me today!
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Update to SaveatWDW.com Coming Soon
SaveAtWDW will soon change to OrlandoParksGuy.com to reflect Orlando as a destination, rather than just Walt Disney World.
Today I’m excited to share that my website, SaveAtWDW.com, will be changing to OrlandoParksGuy.com.
SaveAtWDW.com will soon be OrlandoParksGuy.com
This is a name change only, I will still be the one providing offers and travel guides for Walt Disney World.
I am busy as ever with Magical Vacations Travel too!
OrlandoParksGuy.com is more encompassing of the services I provide to my readers and clients. Over the past few years I’ve gotten more requests about Orlando as a destination, rather than just Walt Disney World.
Plus, as an Orlando resident, I am watching the city grow well beyond Walt Disney World.
Universal has already started work on a 4th theme park, high speed train service will soon connect Orlando to Tampa and Miami, and Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal is expanding to accommodate more cruise ships, including the mega ships like Wonder of the Seas.
In addition to the new name, I gave the offers pages a new look and I’ve made it easier to bundle a Walt Disney World vacation with Universal Orlando or an Orlando-based cruise.
As we begin to get back out there, I am here to help you get the most out of your next Orlando vacation!
Look for the website change very soon! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
P.S. you’ll also notice that my social media channels are also being updated to reflect the new name and content as well. Check them out at Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
Many consider Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort the best hotel at Disney World. Here’s why.