Orlando (Port Canaveral) Will be Home to 2 of the Largest Cruise Ships in the World
Orlando will be home to 2 of the largest cruise ships in the world: Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.
Upon completion, Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas will become the third largest cruise ship in the world, measuring 1,188 feet long, 211 feet wide, and featuring 18 decks to accommodate 5,668 guests.
Royal Caribbean has said it will call Orlando (Port Canaveral) home when it arrives in July of 2024.
Utopia of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas
Among its remarkable features, Utopia of the Seas will have 5 pools, 3 water slides, 21 dining venues, 23 bars, 2 casinos, 8 hot tubs, and will be the only Oasis-class ship to include 2 Solarium Suites.
Utopia of the Seas will run 3-night weekend cruises from Orlando to the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay followed by 4-night weekday cruises, also the Bahamas and Perfect Day.
Bookings are now open, you can request a quote for Utopia of the Seas here.
But Utopia of the Seas is not the only impressive ship homeported in Orlando.
Wonder of the Seas, currently the largest cruise ship in the world, is sailing from Port Canaveral doing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.
Wonder of the Seas is currently the largest cruise ship in the world. It carries 5,734 guests at double occupancy (i.e., if every cabin held only two people) and 6,988 passengers when completely full.
There is about 2,200 crew members so you could possibly be on a ship with 9,000+ people onboard.
“Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package. ”
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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I went on Epcot's Behind the Seeds Tour (and it wasn't boring)
Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot Review
I love Living with the Land at Epcot. Going through the hydroponic gardens is interesting to me and I’m not even into plants. But I never gave much thought to the Behind the Seeds Tour. You may have seen the tour desk at the exit of the boat ride through Epcot’s greenhouses.
Recently my family took me on Behind the Seeds for Father’s Day. It was more fun than I would have thought!
The tour isn’t free but it’s on the more reasonable side for Walt Disney World extras. The Behind the Seeds Tour is $35 per person and it can be booked in advance on the Disney World website.
If you’re a client of mine, I can book the tour for you as well.
Here are a few highlights from Behind the Seeds at Epcot’s The Land pavilion.
The tour desk for Behind the Seeds is located inside The Land pavilion, between Soarin’ and the exit of Living with the Land.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
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A Troubled History: Stitch's Great Escape at Magic Kingdom
A brief history of Stich’s Great Escape.
By Martin Wittko
Located in Tomorrowland, Stitch, from Lilo and Stitch had a ride about him escaping a cosmic jail cell in an x-vision type circular arena. You smelled, heard, and saw what was happening on the attraction.
Let's go right back to the grand opening of this ride.
This space was originally Flight to the Moon, followed by Misson to Mars, and then Alien Encounter, which opened on June 20th, 1995.
The ride closed on January 12th, 1996 because Disney CEO Michael Eisner thought it wasn’t intense enough.
Disney spent $10 million dollars to “retool” the attraction.
Disney mega fans praised the ride saying it was dark and thrilling, but your average guest, normally with children, described it as “too scary.”
The popularity after all the negative reviews and people hating the attraction was just the start of the problems.
So, on September 21st, 2003 Disney said they were closing Alien Encounter.
A dismantled Stitch animatronic from Stitch's Great Escape at Disney World. (SubstituteHero)
Credit: The MickeyWiki
Many guests were very happy about this. They felt that the movie Lilo and Stitch was more kid-friendly.
Alien Encounter closed on October 12th, 2003, and was later reopened as Stitch’s Great Escape on November 16th, 2004.
With most of the same technology as Alien Encounter, only the story was different, Even the theater was the same!
The people were split. Some people said it was a wonderful replacement with good family-friendly action.
While others had complaints. The most complaints came from his burp which made guests feel sick to their stomachs.
On October 1st the attraction was put on seasonal operation for a year until 2017. The doors were always open for a Stitch meet and greet while the ride was still seasonal.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
But on January 6th, 2018 the attraction closed for a lengthy period of time. In October 2018 the animatronic was dismantled.
In 2019 the ride closed for good and the signage was taken down in August of 2020.
So, what does Stitch's great escape look like now? It’s a cast member break room.
It doesn’t look like anything really. Just a sad image. But that is the downfall of Stitch's Great Escape.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
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Utopia of the Seas will Call Orlando Home and it's On Sale Now!
Orlando will be home to 2 of the largest cruise ships in the world.
Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas will become the second-largest cruise ship in the world, measuring 1,188 feet long, 211 feet wide, and featuring 18 decks to accommodate 5,668 guests.
Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas will be homeported at Orlando (Port Canaveral) and will be running shorter itineraries, similar to the Disney Wish, with 3-night weekend cruises and 4-night weekday cruises.
The ship will include stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in The Bahamas.
Utopia will join her sister ship, Wonder of the Seas establishing Port Canaveral as the homeport for two of the world’s largest cruise ships.
“Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package. ”
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
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Multiple Park Option Coming to Disney Genie+ (Disney Genie Plus)
Disney World announces a new multi-park option for Disney Genie+
Beginning June 27, 2023 guests visiting Walt Disney World will now have the option to purchase Disney Genie+ (Genie Plus) as either a single-park option or a multiple-park option, subject to availability.
With this update, prices may now be lower at some Walt Disney World theme parks compared to others.
Guests will continue to be able to purchase Disney Genie+ service through the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit.
Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom seem to be priced lower. Here are sample prices from June 27, 2023:
Multiple Parks: $27/person
Magic Kingdom: $27/person
Hollywood Studios: $24/person
EPCOT: $18/person
Animal Kingdom: $16/person
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
According to a post from Disney World, this change comes in response to guest feedback who are asking for a simpler program. Disney World also shared that more news about Disney Genie Plus will be shared in the new future.
“We will continue to listen to guest feedback, and look forward to sharing more information about updates to Disney Genie+ in the future.”
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The World’s Biggest Weekend! Utopia of the Seas - Arrives in Orlando July 2024
3 and 4 night cruises on Utopia of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s new mega ships.
Introducing Utopia of the Seas — the ship that's totally transforming weekends for good. I’m talking bigger flavors. Bolder play. And better chill days than you ever imagined.
No craving goes unsatisfied with over 40 ways to dine and drink.
New show-stopping spectaculars cue the applause like never before.
Earn bragging rights daily with seventeen adrenaline-pumping slides, and pool hop till you drop with countless ways to make a splash.
This is the World's Biggest Weekend — arriving in Orlando (Port Canaveral) 2024. Get a quote now >
Bigger Ways to Splash
Seven different pools take splash to the max onboard — and onshore at Perfect Day at CocoCay, including the Caribbean's largest freshwater pool.
Six different beaches put powdery sands and turquoise waters at your feet, and weekday worries miles away.
And daredevils earn bragging rights daily on 17 thrill-inducing slides!
Bigger Ways to Dine
Full flavor goes full throttle in just a few days at more than 20 unique dining venues onboard.
Swoon over soul food brunch staples like fried chicken and waffles.
Refuel with mouthwatering bites just steps from the pool. Indulge in wood-fired pizzas and rustic Italian favorites al fresco.
Or go all-in at Royal Caribbean’s most indulgent buffet ever.
And it's all aboard for culinary adventure at an immersive dining experience that takes the senses across the world.
Bigger Ways to Party
Weekends are for playing hard — and on the new Utopia of the Seas, there are no limits.
Step your bar crawl way up across 21 bottle-popping spots serving craft cocktails and libations.
Five live music venues pull out all the stops with chart-toppers night after night.
Jaw-droppingly spectacular shows blow your mind on stage, ice, air and water. And whatever your game is, bet on big-time thrills with slots, poker and blackjack at two action-packed casinos.
“Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package. ”
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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Short Cruises from Port Canaveral on Utopia of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas will challenge the Disney Wish on 3 and 4 night Bahamian sailings from Orlando.
Royal Caribbean’s new ship, Utopia of the Seas will be among the largest cruise ships in the world, and we now know that it will call Orlando (Port Canaveral) home starting in July 2024. Reservations are available now ▸
This is literally big news.
Utopia is an Oasis Class ship, which will be able to accommodate 5,700 guests and will sail to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
Utopia will follow a similar itinerary as the Disney Wish with alternating 3-night weekend cruises followed by 4-night weekday cruises.
This makes it easy for those who need a short getaway or for travelers looking for a land and sea vacation with Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
Utopia of the Seas coming to Orlando in 2024
Utopia of the Seas - what I know so far.
Utopia will feature a variety of new and returning venues – some reimagined for the vessel – across eight neighborhoods.
She will have over 20 dining options, including a revamped version of the Izumi restaurant with twice as many teppanyaki tables and outdoor seating in the ship’s Central Park area.
Utopia of the Seas will call Orlando, Florida home
Izumi in the Park, a window where you can get sushi and sweet Japanese-inspired treats will be next door.
You’ll also find an expanded, two-story version of Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, and a new extension of the eatery, Gio’s Terrazza, located above the Boardwalk neighborhood.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
New Caribbean bar Pesky Parrot – located on the Royal Promenade – will serve fruity cocktails with rum, gin, and tequila, along with frozen drinks and other items.
There will also be an immersive dining experience that takes guests on an immersive “locomotive journey” with multiple courses and sophisticated technology elements.
Guests can choose from over 20 kinds of accommodations, including the new Solarium Suites, which feature sweeping views and access to the line’s Royal Suite Class experience.
There are also five pools, two casinos, a zip line, rock climbing walls and more.
“Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package. ”
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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JetBlue Introduces New Design for Planes
jetBlue planes will be transformed from all-white to all-blue and will have new graphics.
JetBlue, which has a strong presence here in Orlando, unveiled its new standard livery featuring a bold and all-blue design inspired by its role as an innovative, industry-disrupting brand that customers love and trust for travel to and from Florida.
The new “icon in the sky” gives JetBlue a standout visual design as it expands to new markets.
Recently JetBlue moved into a new hub at Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C, one of the most beautiful and modern terminals in the U.S.
The first aircraft to receive the new livery paint is an Airbus A321 with Mint, aptly named “A Defining MoMint,” which went into service on June 15.
JetBlue plans to refresh all of its current standard liveries as part of its normal aircraft painting cycle.
Watch this Airbus A321 get painted in JetBlue’s new livery (paint scheme).
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
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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.
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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Rock n Roller Coaster
Rock n roller coaster starring: Aerosmith has officially reopened!
That’s right! The classic rock-themed roller coaster is back with no changes.
They kept Aerosmith in it and after 3 months it's finally back!
I personally love this thrilling race to an Aerosmith concert (with backstage passes) through Hollywood.
Jam out to fan favorite Aerosmith hits such as Love in an Elevator, Sweet Emotion, and Walk this Way.
The coaster starts out with a launch that goes around 57 miles an hour which is reached in 2.8 seconds.
It then goes straight into a tall and standard loop to the top of the building blasting the band’s famous smash hits.
The race through Hollywood theme is carried on by neon-painted signs with things like Hollywood and California on them.
The ride is good to start for extreme coasters such as the coasters at six flags and Universal Orlando.
The ride takes drops with one Barrel roll down. It's a very fast ride with a ride time of roughly 2 minutes.
The ride car has a shoulder press and is very spacious. I recommend using shorts with zip-up pockets because the pouches are not always the safest option.
The queue for the ride is a recording studio. When you walk in you see famous posters for Queen and some new Disney movies or songs.
The magic band or your Magic Mobile is read by a little sensor and you might even see your name right on one of the digital posters.
You walk into a recording studio where you see a ton of guitars and the band actually recording - or at least an in-life-like movie they are.
Their manager walks in and tells them they are going to be late to their show, before they leave they get backstage passes and a super stretch limo is called to take them there.
You go out into a back alley-type place where you load onto your limo. The launch right at the start of the ride takes you through reaching high speeds with loops.
This may be a good ride for 9 and up.
It depends on what they really like and their preference.
Rock n roller coaster is open for you to enjoy! Book with OrlandoParksGuy.com to see for yourself!
Written by Martin Wittko “the child” of the OrlandoParksGuy
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
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 Cruise Line: 2024 Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises Coming Soon
Disney Cruise Line Late 2024 Sailings Announced
Disney Cruise Line just announced that 2024 Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises are coming soon.
We had a chance to experience Halloween on the High Seas on the Disney Wish last year and it was one of the best cruises we’ve been on. From Halloween parties to the decorations, it was a great way to enhance our Disney cruise. I highly recommend it.
Disney Wish: Halloween on the High Seas
Also announced are some rare itineraries to Hawaii and the South Pacific and more opportunities to visit Disney’s newest island Lighthouse Point.
When to book
Bookings open to the public on June 26, 2023. Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club and select other groups may take advantage of the following extended early booking windows:
Pearl Castaway Club Members: Monday, June 19, 2023
Platinum Castaway Club Members, Golden Oak and Club 33 Members: Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Gold Castaway Club Members: Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club and Adventure Insiders: Thursday, June 22, 2023
Bookings open to all Guests: Monday, June 26, 2023
Special Disney Cruise Line Sailings to Hawaii and the South Pacific
In addition to the festive-themed sailings, Disney Cruise Line guests can experience bucket-list itineraries in late 2024.
The Disney Wonder will sail from Vancouver, Canada, to Honolulu, Hawaii, in late September with stops on the islands of Kauai, Maui and Hawaii before arriving in Oahu.
From Hawaii, the Disney Wonder will embark on a transpacific voyage to Sydney, Australia, that will take families through the South Pacific to visit once-in-a-lifetime destinations such as Fiji, American Samoa and New Caledonia.
Disney Cruise Line will then set sail on its second season of vacations from Australia and New Zealand, bringing the magic of Disney close to home for local families in the region.
“Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package. ”
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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My Favorite Restaurants at Disney Springs
Martin Wittko shares his Top 5 favorite restaurants at Disney Springs
By Martin Wittko
Disney Springs. The perfect place to dine, shop, and play! There is a lot to offer when you come to this magical place. Many restaurants are available! From sit down to quick service there are tons of options. Now what are OrlandoParksGuy's (and son) Top 5 restaurants?
Number 5: Boathouse. I recommend sitting outside, The boats and the nice breeze of Florida feel great while you sit over the water.
They have a huge bar with bar food like hamburgers.
They also have upscale-style steaks and are also known for their seafood.
Customers can enjoy boats and boating gear inside, have a round of drinks and a burger, or have a wonderful delicious steak or seafood with family or friends.
The service is wonderful with nice staff caring for your every need!
The place is wonderful, but not as good as Number 4, which is Planet Hollywood. Amazing American food with rock music sing-alongs in an observatory-themed area.
Good burgers with movie props from movies like Back to the Future, Nightmare on Elm Street, Home Alone, and many more!
Well, Number 3 is where we start getting serious.
T-Rex is also an American food restaurant but has a prehistoric time period with cool light show effects and meteor showers.
Great service with amazing staff with a gift shop for prehistoric gifts.
The 2nd best restaurant in Disney Springs is Blaze Pizza. It is wonderful to make your own pizza that is charred and crispy.
A fun way to make your day.
It's open for lunch and dinner.
The last one is the best restaurant in all of Disney Springs. This will probably shock you, but our number 1 is Earl of Sandwich!
The best of the best place to get yummy sandwiches is this 1700s-themed restaurant in the back of Disney Springs.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Find a table to enjoy the best sandwich you have ever tasted. The Earl really delivers something great!
That is the top 5 restaurants to try in Disney Springs and if you’re feeling hungry book your next vacation to OrlandoParksGuy.com. He is also on Facebook and Instagram.
(written by Martin Wittko I post Disney pictures and funny Disney pictures follow me at martin._wittko) Written by Martin Wittko “the child” of OrlandoParksGuy
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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Hidden Disney World Deals February - March 2024
Stay in a Disney World Moderate hotel for less than a Value hotel.
2024 Disney World packages just went on sale and while there are no discounts or offers available, there are some hidden deals, especially if you travel in February and March 2024.
What I’m about to show you speaks to why booking your Disney vacation with me is a great value. I am logged into Disney’s pricing system all day, every day so I know where to find great deals, even if there aren’t any officially posted to the public.
Get your Disney World quote today!
So, when is the best time to visit Disney World in 2024?
In the example below we see that a vacation package at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort costs less than the same package at Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
Let me say that again! Caribbean Beach, a Disney Moderate hotel, is being offered for less money than a Disney Value hotel.
For reference, I was quoting a 3 nights, 3-day tickets, and Quick Service Dining Plan.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, a Disney Moderate-category hotel, also costs less per night than Pop Century Resort.
You could argue that Pop Century is on the Disney Skyliner, which is very convenient.
But so is Caribbean Beach. And Caribbean Beach is the hub for Skyliner so it’s even more convenient than Pop Century.
Coronado Springs is the flagship Moderate hotel and has far more comforts and amenities like larger rooms, upgraded softgoods, central AC, several on-site restaurants, and a themed pool with a water slide.
Disney’s Moderate hotels don’t usually cost less than the value hotels.
This is obvious just by the category titles.
But if you know where and when to look, you can snag a great deal. Or you can ask me to do it for you.
I’m also seeing this at the Disney World Deluxe hotels where the rates at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort are lower than Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Here’s a quote I was working on for a 10-night stay. My client asked for a deluxe resort with the regular Disney Dining Plan.
A “Water View” room at the Polynesian offers views of the pool or lagoon. A “Resort View” room at the Grand Floridian has views of a courtyard, pool, or lagoon. So both are very similar there.
But what’s so surprising is the Grand Floridian is Disney’s flagship hotel.
It’s the resort that Disney is most proud of and it typically costs more than any other resort.
It also has the largest standard rooms on Disney property, it’s on the monorail, and it’s within walking distance to Magic Kingdom.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
There could be a number of reasons for these unannounced discounts, but I can only speculate.
One theory I have is that Disney is quietly testing the waters to see what happens if they lower prices. Or perhaps Pop Century and the Polynesian have grown to be super popular and Disney can get higher rates for them.
But one thing I’m sure of is that Disney is attempting to drive bookings in certain directions.
Whatever the reason, it's great for travelers that want to visit this winter.
Every day I help people book magical vacations to Walt Disney World. I offer insider, expert advice. I’d love to help you too. Request a quote 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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New! Tron Lightcycle Run at Walt Disney World
Guide to Tron: Lightcycle Run Magic Kingdom
By Martin Wittko
NEW! Tron: Lightcycle run at the Walt Disney World resort in Florida has recently opened! Here is an ultimate guide to this new futuristic attraction.
Tron Lightcycle Run originally opened in 2016 at Shanghai Disneyland Park.
In 2017 it was announced that the same attraction would open at Walt Disney World in Tomorrowland located near Space Mountain.
It is a big structure, worth the 5 year wait! Tron officially opened on April 4th, 2023.
Tron Lightcycle run is a roller coaster that, at top speeds, goes around 59 miles per hour.
It’s one of the faster rides at Walt Disney World, but still not the fastest. Test Track is 65 mph and is still the fastest attraction.
The ride vehicle is a motorcycle-type vehicle.
Disney has sample ride vehicles at the entrance of the ride.
Some people say the position they’re on the ride vehicles is hard on their knees.
Fortunately, there is a more traditional coaster ride vehicle available. Tron is a very cool experience for all the Tron movie fans out there but, I recommend you do it at night so the outside area lights up.
The ride starts out with a long fast launch at 59 miles an hour which goes up and around over the outside line and into the ride building.
Once inside you will see screens with Team Orange (your opposing team) and hear sounds with lights and colors set to techy music.
The ending for the ride stops immediately which may be slightly displeasing.
The ride is quick due to its speed with an under 4 minutes time period.
The ride definitely is ahead of its time, and timing! In the ride’s queue, you will be digitized (placed into) The world of Tron, and you will see the Lightcycle move right under you which is the launch to start off the ride.
Tron is not faster than Testtrack at EPCOT or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind also at EPCOT
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
But still an exhilarating ride for movie fans and thrill seekers.
While having mild drops and no Loops of any kind, I would say it's an advanced kiddy ride.
While there are no loops or drops it is in the dark which may be scary.
The launch is fast but if your kid can do coasters like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Slinky-Dog Dash, Your youngsters might enjoy it.
That's your ultimate guide to Tron: Lightcycle Run book with OrlandoParksGuy.com for great offers so you can see it for yourself! (Written by Martin Wittko, “The child” of OrlandoParksGuy.com)
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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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