The Test Brick Wall at Disneyland: A Magical Experiment in Perfection
Conceived by a team of ingenious Imagineers, the Test Brick Wall serves as a testament to Disney's unwavering commitment to attention to detail.
Nestled amidst the enchanting realm of Disneyland, hidden away from the prying eyes of eager guests, lies an inconspicuous structure that plays an essential role in crafting the perfect theme park experience.
Known simply as the "Test Brick Wall," this unassuming, brick-laden structure exists as an experimental masterpiece, embodying the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines this magical wonderland.
Conceived by a team of ingenious Imagineers, the Test Brick Wall serves as a testament to Disney's unwavering commitment to attention to detail.
This nondescript wall undergoes continuous modifications and rigorous trials, serving as a testing ground for potential additions and transformations throughout the park. Experimentation with different brick textures, colors, and patterns occurs at the Test Brick Wall, ensuring that every element of Disneyland harmoniously blends together, weaving an immersive and cohesive narrative for each visitor.
Walt Disney wanted to see the difference between a more rustic brick pattern for his turn-of-the-century Main Street versus a more polished look.
Imagineers created a test wall with each type of brick.
It’s unknown as to why Disney didn’t tear down the test wall and rebuild it. Perhaps it was a budget issue, or maybe he was in a rush to get the park opened.
Why do you think this was never replaced? Use the comments below.
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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Universal Orlando Debuts Death Eaters in Diagon Alley in Wizarding World
An ominous presence returns to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort this fall as Death Eaters appear for the first time ever in Diagon Alley on select dates from Sept. 1 through Nov. 4.
Death Eaters at Wizarding World of Harry Potter | Universal Orlando
An ominous presence returns to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort this fall as Death Eaters appear for the first time ever in Diagon Alley on select dates from Sept. 1 through Nov. 4.
Diagon Alley is located in Universal Studios theme park.
A sinister energy will fill the air in Diagon Alley as guests encounter the villainous Death Eaters, devoted followers of Lord Voldemort who do not shy away from the practice of the Dark Arts.
This interactive live entertainment experience puts guests face-to-face with these fanatic witches and wizards as they roam through London, lurking their way through the cobbled streets of Knockturn Alley and challenging guests to join the Dark Lord.
While visiting Diagon Alley, guests also can shop for a variety of Death Eater-themed merchandise to embrace their sinister side.
From dining at the Leaky Cauldron to taking home a unique wand from Ollivanders or even experiencing the multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, there are many ways for guests to immerse themselves in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
For more information, see my Universal Wizarding World of Harry Potter page.
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 World To Restore Parking Tram Service
Disney World has announced the long-awaited return of its parking Trams to two of its parks Sunday.
Disney World has announced the long-awaited return of its parking Trams to two of its parks.
Parking lot tram at Walt Disney World Resort
Parking Trams will return in September – saving parkgoers from the long and brutally hot walk from the parking lot to the front gate.
The Tram is returning to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
This is the first time the services will be offered at all four parks since 2020.
An exact date has not been announced yet.
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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Why Disney World Fans Will LOVE Disneyland
Some have told me that they think Disneyland is too small. That’s right it is small, but not too small. And Disneyland has nearly twice the attractions as Magic Kingdom.
I speak to a lot of people who love Disney World but have yet to make it out to see Disneyland Resort in California.
Some have told me that they think Disneyland is too small. That’s right it is small, but not too small.
And Disneyland has nearly twice the attractions as Magic Kingdom.
A plus is that everything is within walking distance at Disneyland. Others tell me that California is out of their comfort zone and that Florida just seems easier.
Well, Disneyland is surprisingly easy especially when you book with a travel advisor.
So this is Disneyland for those who love Disney World. And it’s coming up right now.
There are two theme parks that sit directly across from each other. Disneyland of course and Disney’s California Adventure.
But in this article, I really want to focus on Disneyland because she’s Magic Kingdom’s big sister. But I’ll touch on California adventure too.
So here’s Disneyland for people who love Walt Disney World (or watch the video below).
Walt’s Lamp on Main Street U.S.A.
Walt Disney never got to see his Florida park but at Disneyland, you can literally feel his presence here.
He designed it, walked it, and even slept here. His family's apartment is located above the firehouse.
Cast Members knew Walt was in the park when they saw the light on in the window. The light is constantly lit today because it symbolizes Walt is always with us.
“it’s a small world”
“it’s a small world” at Disneyland is pretty close to the Walt Disney World version with a few exceptions.
First, it’s the original. The one that was made for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York.
The queue and load area are outside which is different that Disney World’s version.
Inside is similar but there are enough differences that make it a must-see.
Some of the rooms are completely different and you may even spot a few Disney characters along the way like Alice in Wonderland, Woody from Toy Story, and Lilo, and Stitch, just to name a few.
Autopia
Autopia is Disneyland’s version of Tomorrowland Speed Way. Both have miniature gas-powered cars that you drive around a track, but Disneyland’s version is part freeway, part race track, and part dirt road with hills and bridges.
It has a lot more theming than the Tomorrowland Speedway and it kind of makes Disney World’s version seem a little bland.
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
If you’re a Disney World fan, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage will be like going back in time to days when we had 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in Magic Kingdom.
Disneyland still has this attraction but with a Finding Nemo overlay.
The story and augmented reality animations that are very similar to Finding Nemo at Epcot. I know so many people wish Magic Kingdom still had this attraction, myself included.
But if you miss 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea at Magic Kingdom, or wondered what it was like, this is an attraction you want to do.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters is very different from Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom. The rooms are completely different and even the targets are different.
Your blaster isn’t attached to the ride vehicle so you have more control over where to aim.
As with Space Ranger Spin, it’s tricky to figure out where you’re pointing your laser but you can get the hang of it pretty quickly.
Space Mountain
Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom is one of the few attractions that opened in Florida before its counterpart opened in California.
So to me, Space Mountain is really a Magic Kingdom orginal.
However, Disneyland’s version is quite different.
The queue for example has you walk outside onto the roof.
The ride vehicles have you sit in rows of two whereas at Disney World you sit one behind the other.
Disneyland’s version is set to this spacey-rock music.
Disney World has no music, just a few sound effects. And the track at Space Mountain Disneyland is incredibly smooth and faster than Disney World's version.
Big Thunder Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland is very similar to Disney World’s version except that it’s much smoother and less jerky.
But Disneyland’s version has an added special effects scene on the third lift hill.
As you climb the final hill you’ll see that a number of dynamite fuses have been lit and are ready to explode any second.
The effect uses sounds and projection mapping to simulate a large blast in the mine.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
One of my absolute favorite things about Disneyland is that it still has Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.
The Magic Kingdom version was removed in 1998 to make way for the Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh.
Going on this ride at Disneyland is like going back in time.
It’s a classic Disney dark ride with a very simple ride design and plywood cutouts, but there’s just something about this ride that brings me back.
I love the part where Toad gets hit by a train and then goes to hell. It’s hysterical. And it will leave you saying, wait, why don't we have this in Walt Disney World??
Haunted Mansion
Disneyland is home to the original Haunted Mansion.
The Walt Disney World version is nearly identical except that the exterior facade is beastly different.
Oh, and Disneyland’s stretching room is a real elevator whereas in Disney World it’s just special effects.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is perhaps one of Disneyland’s most popular attractions. Disney World fans will love this one especially because it’s nearly twice as long.
Yeah, the Disney World version is about 8 minutes long while Disneyland’s is about 15 minutes long.
Disneyland has so many scenes that we just don’t have in World.
They both have the scene where the jailed pirates are trying to call the dog holding the keys.
But in Disney World, this part marks the end of the attraction. In Disneyland, this scene comes up about halfway through.
Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes
The Davy Crockett Explorer canoes were at one time operational in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on the Rivers of America, even before Tom Sawyer Island was built.
Aside from some special Cast Member events, the canoes have not operated since the early 1990s. But Disneyland still offers the Canoes!
The guides are pretty funny too, similar to Jungle Cruise skippers. Which is also here in Disneyland by the way.
Matterhorn
Some people say the closest match to Matterhorn at Disneyland would be Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom but they are very different rides. Matterhorn would be closer to Space Mountain in terms of ride technology.
Matterhorn Bobsleds is the first Disney coaster ever built and the first tubular steel coaster in the world.
And watch out for the Yeti - he’s terrifying. No joke, he’s really scary.
Mickey’s Toon Town and Star Wars
Mickey’s House
Disneyland has several different lands than Disney World like New Orleans Square, home to Pirates of the Caribbean, Critter County formally home to Splash Mountain, but even more notably Mickey’s Toontown and Star War’s Galaxys Edge.
Disney World had a toon town at one point but it later became part of Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland.
Toontown is home to Mickey and Mnnies houses which are character meet and greets but also Runaway Railway.
The queue for Mickey’s Runaway Railway is very different from the Walt Disney World version which takes place in the Chinese Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is located in Disneyland - at Disney World, it's part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios of course.
The lands are very similar. In fact, at one point I forgot I was in California! Weird.
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Disneyland is of course the first castle park with Sleeping Bueaty Castle serving as the centerpiece of the park.
But did you know that you can actually go inside?
See in Walt Disney World you can only go inside if you want to dine in Cinderalla’s Royal Table.
Other than that, there isn’t much to experience.
But in Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, there’s a walk-through attraction where you can explore winding passageways where the tale of Princess Aurora is told.
Inside you’ll find 3-dimensional displays and special effects.
Don’t miss the climactic final scene, when Maleficent transforms into a fire-breathing dragon.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Disney’s California Adventure Park
Now let's park hop over to Disney’s California adventure. It’s located right next to Disneyland, no transportation is required.
You just walk across the plaza.
This park has a few Disney World favorites like Soarin’ and The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure which aside from having different queues, are nearly identical.
Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout
But DCA is your chance to ride a different version of the Tower of Terror.
Instead of Tower of Terror, we have Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout.
This used to be the Tower of Terror but it was given a Guardians overlay.
The drop sequence will feel similar to you but it has an entirely different theme and story.
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure is definitely something we don’t have in Disney World. The only attraction that might be remotely similar is Toy Story Midway Mania which is also located here in DCA. WebSlingers is part interactive game and park dark ride attraction.
Web Slingers is located in Avengers Campus where you can take in shows meet some characters or dine in the Pym Test Kitchen
Cars Land
One of the most beautiful sections of Disney’s California Adventure is Cars Land. Home to so many great attractions like Luigi’s Rollicking Roadsters and especially Radiator Springs Racers.
To Disney World fans you’ll recognize the ride vehicles, they are similar to Test Track in Epcot.
Like Test Track this is part dark ride and part high-speed thrill ride.
The final scene has you race another car through Radiator Springs.
I think this is one of the best rides in the park.
And here’s a little secret.
If you stand in the middle of the street in Cars Land at sunset (be sure to check your phone’s weather app to get the official sunset time) you can watch Cars Land come to life in neon lights.
After the neon goes on, be sure to walk down the path behind Flo’s V8 cafe to see Radiator Springs lit up as well.
It’s one of the most beautiful parts of any Disney park anywhere so don’t miss it. And Not too many people know about this pathway so you may just have it all to yourself.
Now of course I didn’t cover everything there is to see and do at Disneyland in California but I hope you Disney World fans saw enough about what makes this resort truly unique.
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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Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando at Walt Disney World
As an Official Walt Disney World Hotel, this upscale property features amenities that are on par with Disney World Deluxe Resorts like spacious rooms, convenient transportation, a family-friendly pool and splash pad, scenic views, and a fitness center.
Drury Plaza Orlando Review
The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando is located within the Disney Springs Resort Area, on Disney World property, in Lake Buena Vista. It opened on December 7, 2022, on the site of the form Best Western Hotel complex.
As an Official Walt Disney World Hotel, this upscale property features amenities that are on par with Disney World Deluxe Resorts like spacious rooms, convenient transportation, a family-friendly pool and splash pad, scenic views, and a fitness center.
Dury Plaza Hotel in Disney Springs | Walt Disney World
Drury Plaza Vacation Package - Walt Disney World
What’s included
Complimentary breakfast buffet each morning
Complimentary afternoon snacks
Complimentary Kickback Service each evening
Theme park tickets
Transportation to the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Accomodations at the Drury Plaza Hotel
Dury Plaza Hotel in Disney Springs | Walt Disney World
Can you walk from the Drury Plaza to Disney Springs? Yes! The Drury is located about .5 miles, or about a 10-minute walk from Disney Springs.
How far is the walk from Drury hotel from to Disney Springs? It’s about a 1/2 mile, or 10 minute walk.
The Drury’s new tower was completed in the spring of 2023 for a total of 604 guest rooms and 78 two-room suites.
The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando located within the Disney Springs Resort Area also has 17,000+ square feet of meeting and event space for up to 250 people.
Arrival and Lobby Areas
I arrived by car and found plenty of parking, self-parking is $25 per night.
This is typical for the hotels in Disney Springs, they charge between $20 and $30 per night to park.
The lobby is bright and modern, and a well-staffed check-in desk.
There’s plenty of seating in the lobby so you can get some work done, and enjoy a snack from the hotel’s grab-and-go pantry or the Kitchen + Bar lounge, both are located close to the lobby.
The Marketplace has snacks, Starbucks coffee, cold beverages, and even a Pizza Hut Express.
At first, I thought this was where the complimentary breakfast and evening snacks were served because the lobby is so spacious.
But later found out that there’s an entire section dedicated to this on the second floor, but more on that in a moment.
Just off the lobby, there’s a fully equipped video arcade for the kids and a nearby complimentary coffee stand for adults.
Room Categories
After some exploring of the lobby and amenities, it was time to check out the room.
Check-in is a 4 pm but you can enter a request with your reservation for early check-in.
This is a complimentary service and you may be able to get your room assignment as early as 10 am.
Early check-in isn’t guaranteed, however, but the hotel told me they will contact you the day before if they are unable to accommodate an early check-in for you.
When you make your reservation, be sure to let your travel agent know what time you expect to arrive at the Drury.
If your room isn’t ready when you arrive, you are welcome to use the pool and head off to a theme park or Disney Springs.
There are a number of room categories at the Drury Plaza Hotel. The most common are standard rooms with 1 king or 2 queen bed arrangements and family suites.
Drury Plaza Hotel - Standard Room
Standard rooms come with and without terraces.
I recommend a terrace room as long as you're not afraid of heights (because this is a tower hotel).
The terrace rooms offer spectacular views of the Disney Springs area, and the terrace rooms are a little bigger.
Some guests shared with me that they are able to see Disney fireworks from their balcony, but I did not have that view myself.
Drury Plaza Hotel - Family Suite
If you need more room, the spacious, two-room suite features a bedroom, separate from the living area, as well as a pull-out queen sofa sleeper for additional guests.
The Queen suite sleeps up to six people. The King suite sleeps up to five.
There are no hidden resort fees at the Drury.
Many of the Disney Springs Area hotels, including the Swan and Dolphin in the Epcot Resort Area love to nickel and dime you with hidden resort fees, so it’s nice to see Drury isn’t playing that game with its guests.
Drury Plaza Hotel Room Rates
Nightly room rates at Drury Plaza Hotel are similar to the Disney World value hotels like Disney’s All Stars Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort, so rates are between $150 and $200 per night depending on the time of year.
I like to book this hotel through Disney, specifically a Walt Disney World Travel Company Package because the room and tickets are included with a $200 deposit.
With a Disney World vacation package, your deposit is fully refundable up to 30 days prior to arrival.
Without the package, you’ll need to purchase your tickets separately, pay for them in full, and they are non-refundable.
And from a technology point of view, Disney’s glitchy mobile app works a lot better when you link a Walt Disney package reservation number rather than trying to link a Disney Springs resort reservation number.
Room Amenities
In-room amenities include a 55” smart flat screen television, mini refrigerator, microwave, alarm clock with Bluetooth and charging station, executive workspaces, and in-room safe.
Hotel Services
The Drury Plaza Hotel participates in Morning Extra Magic hours just like the Walt Disney World hotels.
This means you’ll be able to enter the Disney theme parks before they open to the public.
The fitness center is amazing - this is a value-priced hotel but it has a better gym than Disney’s Contemporary Resort! And comparably priced Disney hotels don’t even have a fitness center.
Drury’s gym has treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, weights and more.
Onsite guest laundry is available 24 hours in the laundry room located on the 2nd floor.
Detergent can be purchased in The Market Place located in the lobby.
One thing I’m not a fan of is that housekeeping is only offered once per week.
And this is not exclusive to the Drury - it’s a growing problem across the hotel industry.
I get that I might not need new towels every day and new bed sheets, but isn’t it part of the hotel experience to have the bed made for you and the trash can emptied?
Why do hotels assume we don’t mind overflowing trash cans and messy beds?
But if you would like to request housekeeping, during your stay, just contact the front desk for options.
Pool and recreation
Just off the lobby, there’s an outdoor resort-style pool complex. There’s a salt-water feature pool, whirlpool, and a splash pad for little ones.
Lounge chairs and a few cabanas are available poolside as well.
Dining Options
One of my favorite things about the Drury Plaza is that each morning a complimentary breakfast is served in The Commons, a large space located on the second floor with great views.
And I’m not talking about pre-packaged bagels here. I mean an actual breakfast buffet including a pancake bar, eggs, breakfast potatoes, sausage, a cereal bar, and fruit.
Coffee, juice, and soft drinks are also complimentary.
Between 4 pm and 8 pm, free popcorn and soft drinks are served on the second floor in The Commons and from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, the Drury offers hot appetizers and snacks.
Complimentary coffee, juice, and soft drinks are available as well. This is a terrific benefit.
If you were to get these perks at a Disney World-owned hotel, you’d need to stay in a Club Level category room and the nightly rate would be hundreds of dollars more per night.
Disney’s Value hotels do not serve a complimentary breakfast so this is another great perk of the Drury.
The Kitchen + Bar is located in the lobby and offers quick, casual meals from 5 pm to 12 pm.
Lakeside Bar and Grill is a full-service restaurant bar located right next to the pool.
It has seating in the shade or in the sun, tables or lounge furniture - whichever you prefer.
Theme Park Transportation
Complimentary transportation is provided to each of the Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks.
I recommend that you make a reservation for the buses when you check in so that you’re guaranteed a spot.
Buses run frequently and on a set schedule which changes monthly. Current schedules will be available in the lobby and online.
They run frequently so you won’t have to alter your schedule too much to catch the bus.
During our visit in July, they were running every hour.
When traveling to Magic Kingdom, the bus will drop-off and pick-up a the Ticket and Transportation Center. From there you can take a monorail or ferry to Magic Kingdom.
Disney Springs is within walking distance and located about a half-mile away. Walking at an average pace, you’ll be there in about 10 minutes.
There’s a sidewalk leading directly to Disney Springs and it’s located on the same side of the street, so you won’t have to cross Hotel Plaza Blvd. which is a very busy roadway.
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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First Look: Universal Orlando's Newest Attraction Villain-Con Minion Blast
Universal Orlando Resort said Minion Land on Illumination Avenue will officially open to guests and clients on Aug. 11, 2023
I had a chance to experience Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Villian-Con Minion Blast which is set to open at Universal Studios Florida. It was, well, a blast!
In Villain-Con Minion Blast you’ll blast their way to supervillain stardom. This first-of-its-kind attraction puts guests’ villainous skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to become a member of the Vicious 6—a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”
It’s not only hilarious but really fun! It’s one of the most creative and immersive attractions that has come to any Orlando theme park in a long time. As soon as I got off, I wanted to go again.
This attraction is still in “technical rehearsal” or what Disney might call “soft opening” so I cannot show you everything just yet. But here are a few highlights to give you an idea of what to expect when it officially opens on August 11, 2023.
If you recall from the film Minions: Rise of Gru, the characters travel to Orlando, Florida for Villian-Con, an annual convention for villains. As funny as that is, and of course this being the real Orlando, Universal Creative actually made the queue for this attraction, the convention center.
There are posters for exhibitors as you enter the convention center. They are really setting the scene that you’re attending Villian-Con in Orlando.
Just before entering the attraction, you’ll be issued a blaster. IT has a regular trigger and then a front trigger that’s used to deliver an even strong blast.
You begin by standing on a slow-moving conveyor belt that winds its way through different rooms.
In a way, YOU are the ride vehicle here. Your goal is to aim your blaster at as many moving targets as you can to rack up points. There are lots of Minion shenanigans, of course.
This new ride technology is a game-change for Universal, which can sometimes rely too much on motion simulators. This is not a motion simulator thankfully and it’s one of the best new attractions I’ve experienced here in Orlando.
And in true Oralndo-style, all good attractions empty out into a themed gift shop. But that’s not all. MinionLand is a whole new section of Universal Studios Florida.
Bake My Day Minion Bakery
Bake My Day has Minion-themed desserts, candy, and pastries.
Minion Cafe
You can fuel up for the mayhem with a unique dining experience, Minion Café, a new eatery run by the Minions featuring inventive fare for every guest. Pop-A-Nana, a kiosk featuring banana-flavored popcorn; Freeze Ray Pops, a walk-up window serving refreshingly colorful frozen treats;
Minions Cafe is themed to the Minion’s break room. Lots of funny gags everywhere you look.
Where the Minions clock in for their shift.
There are motivational posters on the wall. They were among my favorite details.
The locker room is filled with gags and hidden details. Be sure to look inside.
Minion’s Cafe dining room has penty of seating.
The guitar and teddy bear from the end scene in the animated movie are on the wall in the dining room.
Pap-A-Nana Popcorn
Pop-A-Nana, a kiosk featuring banana-flavored popcorn, Freeze Ray Pops, a walk-up window serving refreshingly colorful frozen treats.
Minion popcorn buckets are available at Minionland as well. Popcorn is banana flavored.
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 Florida Resident Ticket Offer for Walt Disney World
Disney 2-Park Explorer Ticket is a special 2-day ticket that’s valid for admission to EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park only. It's $159 plus tax.
Disney World has released another summer offer, this time enticing Florida residents to visit the 2 lowest-performing theme parks: Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a decent discount.
The Offer:
Disney 2-Park Explorer Ticket is a special 2-day ticket that’s valid for admission to EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park only. It's $159 plus tax.
Limit one theme park per day—for a total of 2 admissions, on 2 separate days. Theme park reservations are required and are subject to availability.
Florida residents can also add Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park for $35 more plus tax. The water park visit can be on the same day as one of the theme parks or on a separate day.
Tickets and add-on options expire on September 29, 2023.
I have a feeling this is more about boosting attendance at Animal Kingdom than anything else.
To sweeten the deal, Florida Residents can also visit Epcot - the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is currently taking place if you don’t mind the never-ending gardening project taking place in the middle of the park.
Epcot has been walled off now for 4 years. Instead of offing discounts, they need to work day and night now to get this project finished so people can enjoy the park.
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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Icon of the Seas is the Best Family Vacation in the World – here's why
How will you spend your week onboard Icon of the Seas?
The Best Family Vacation in the World debuts in just six short months. Icon of the Seas will be home to a slew of firsts, including record-breaking waterslides, rides, and other family-friendly attractions. Never-before-seen dining options designed to be a treat for the senses.
And 7 pools level up every sun-soaked sea day. With eight sprawling neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe — how will you spend your week onboard Icon of the Seas?
Dial up the daring
Adrenaline-amping adventures converge at Thrill Island. Brace yourself for the largest water park at sea, Category 6. Race to the summit of Adrenaline Peak and pair up for putts at Lost Dunes
Relax and kick back
The go-to spot for sun-seekers, Chill Island is an upper deck oasis built around the biggest pool deck ever to set sail - and rocks with the rhythm of live music and DJs at every turn.
Full-on family fun
The new Surfside neighborhood is all about families, with a Splashway BAy aquapark, 5 places to grab a bite, a retro arcade, block parties, and a beach-themed carousel.
Displays that dazzle
World-class performers take on superhuman stunts alongside a shapeshifting waterfall.
And 5 food stands serve up a smorgasbord of tasty options under the shimmering Aquadome.
“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. ”
Icon of the Seas Vacation
Get outdoors - at sea
Go on a stroll through the lush open-air Central Park - where over 13,000 tropical plants and trees grow along the winding pathways and four living walls soar 5 decks high.
Icon of the Seas Vacation
Upgrade your stay
Discover the Suite Neighborhood, a retreat with indulgences exclusively for suite guests. Like a two-story sun deck, private pool and two exclusive restaurants just for you.
Icon of the Seas from Miami, Florida starting at $1,699 per person. Bookings are available now.
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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10 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World this Fall / Holiday Season (2023)
Disney World Offers and Events - Fall 2023
When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World? In the fall of course! Below you find my Top 10 reasons to visit Disney World this fall - including 2 terrific room discounts.
10 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World This Fall / Holiday Season (2023)
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starting August 11 See more ▸
Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party - starting November 9 See more ▸
Elaborate Halloween and Christmas decorations
Cooler weather
Significantly fewer crowds on non-holiday weeks
Candlelight Processional at Epcot Starting in November
Seasonal PhotoPass backgrounds (great for your holiday cards)
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in the fall
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays See more ▸
Fall discounts and offers in addition to already lower rates
How to save money this fall
Disney World has released new fall and holiday 2023 discounts that will save you up to 35% off the nightly room rates. I’ll share the list of participating hotels below.
Disney+ Subscriber Offer
Disney+ subscribers save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels:
October 22 – November 2, 2023
November 26 – December 25, 2023
Room Offer
Save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels on stays most nights:
October 2 - December 25, 2023
Florida Residents and Anual Passholder Offers
Florida Residents and Disney World Passholders can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights:
October 2 through December 25, 2023
Save up to 30% Offer - Disney World Hotels
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney Saratoga Spring Resort & Spa
Disney’s Yacht Club
Save up to 25% Offer - Disney World Hotels
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Save up to 20% - Disney World Hotels
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Save up to 15% Disney World Hotels
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney's Art of Animation Resort – Standard Rooms
Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Villas
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
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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Best Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
Easy guide to the best rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
In this guide to the best rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter I’ll cover the various room categories that are offered, where you can find them, plus answer some frequently asked questions that I get as a Disney travel advisor.
At just 1,000 guest rooms, Port Orleans French Quarter is the smallest resort at Walt Disney World. To put this into perspective:
Port Orleans Riverside has 3,000 rooms
Coronado Springs has nearly 2,000 rooms
Caribbean Beach has just over 1,500 rooms
Smaller means less crowds and shorter walks to hotel amenities like the pool and dining.
Port Orleans French Quarter is one of the best kept secrets at Walt Disney World because:
it’s centrally located on Disney World property
dining, pool, lobby and bus depot are all a short walk
Transportation to and from the theme parks doesn’t get any easier. This is the only Moderate hotel to have just one bus stop.
Port Orleans French Quarter is technically in the Disney Springs Resort Area but it’s located right behind Epcot. Magic Kingdom is less than 10 minutes away by bus.
Complimentary boat service is provided to and from Disney Springs along the scenic Sassagoula River.
Best Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter
There are 7 buildings at Port Orleans French Quarter, each with 3 stories. All have exterior corridors.
Rooms are about 315 square feet and include 2 queen beds, a small table with 2 chairs, a split bath, and a mini-fridge.
POFQ rooms sleep a maximum of 4 guests, rollaway beds are not offered. If you have a 5 guests, look into Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside or Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort as these resorts offer a 5th sleeper option.
What are the room categories at Port Orleans French Quarter?
Garden View
King Bed Room
Pool View (Buildings 2 and 5)
River View (Buildings 1, 2, 5, 6, 7)
Standard View (Buildings 1, 3, 4, 7)
Standard View is the most economical room followed by Garden View. The difference between Standard View and Garden View is minimal and they are often used interchangeably and most guests wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
Where are the Standard View Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort?
Standard View rooms are in buildings 1, 3, 4 and 7.
Garden View rooms can be found throughout the resort, in all buildings. The same is true for King Bed rooms.
River View Rooms are located in the buildings along the Sassagoula River in Buildings 1, 2, 5, 6, 7. Boats going to Port Orleans Riverside and Disney Springs pass by frequently. River View rooms in Building 2 might have noise intrusion from the boat horns.
Where You’ll Find Peace and Quiet
If you’re looking for a for a quiet room location, book a Standard View or Garden View room and request buildings 1 and 7. These buildings will have less people walking by and you’re far enough from the DJ playing music at the pool.
I will often request a 2nd or 3rd floor room for my clients when they are looking for quiet and/or privacy. Rooms on the upper floors won’t have as many people passing by.
Most Convenient Rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter
If you wish to be close to the lobby, dining and bus stop, book a Standard or Garden room and request Buildings 3 and 4.
Are there Preferred rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter?
Preferred Rooms are not offered at POFQ. Pool View would be comparable to Preferred View because your room will be right behind the lobby and transportation depot.
Does Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter have elevators?
Yes. Elevators are available in each building.
How to Make a Room Request at POFQ
Disney will not guarantee room requests but Cast Members at the hotel do try hard to honor them.
If you want help making room your requests, start planning with me today, because I have a few strategies that I have learned over the years that may increase your chances of having your request honored. My client’s requests are honored about 80% of the time.
TIP: The best way to increase your chances is to make your request practical and within the category you booked. For example, don’t book a Standard View room and make a request for a room overlooking the river. River View rooms are a bookable category and they cost more than Standard View. Disney probably won’t won’t honor a complimentary upgrade request.
Contact me now so you can get the most out of your stay at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort! I have plenty of great advice, recommendations and even exclusive offers!
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
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New Trail's End Restaurant at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is a Great Value
Trail’s End has switched from a buffet/family-style eatery to a grab-and-go and mobile-order restaurant. See why it’s one the best deals at Disney.
Trail’s End Restaurant and Crocket’s Tavern at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort have been reimagined. They reopened on July 27, 2023. Trail’s End has switched from a buffet/family-style eatery to a grab-and-go and mobile-order restaurant.
Crocket’s Tavern received a refresh with additional seating and upgraded furniture and flooring.
So let’s take a look at the new Trail’s End and see why it’s still the best value at Walt Disney World.
Trail’s End has been given a refresh: new flooring, ceiling, tables and chairs, and additional seating as well.
The former buffet area has been converted into the grab-and-go section. Select the items you want, then bring them to a cashier who will ring you up.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Pizza is popular in the grab-and-go section. During our visit they couldn’t make the pies fast enough. Pizza menu at Trail’s End: plain cheese, pepperoni, smokehouse, and veggie.
Soft drinks, juice, milk, beer, and more are available as grab-and-go items in the cooler.
There’s another cooler with grab-and-go items including pre-cooked whole chickens, ribs, salads, and desserts.
A microwave is available if you want to warm something up, or you can take these items back to your RV or cabin.
In addition to grab-and-go items, Trail’s End also accepts mobile orders. The mobile order menu is much more extensive and includes entrees, family meals, pizza, desserts, and beverages.
Some items, such as the family meals can only be ordered on the Disney World mobile app. The cashiers cannot place meal orders - they literally just run the checkout line.
On the night we went, there was a 40-minute wait for mobile orders, so plan ahead.
The family meals are a fantastic value. We ordered the Half-Slab of Ribs and a 4-Piece Fried Chicken Meal for $26. It was more than enough food for 4 people.
Cornbread is no longer included with the family meals but it is available for purchase at the register.
The dessert items like the Lemon-Blueberry Trifal and the Strawberry Shortcake were excellent. And at about $6 each, that’s a great value.
I can’t think of any restaurants at Walt Disney World that have $6 desserts.
Even a Mickey Ice Cream Bar costs more.
We heard everyone talking about the Strawberry Shortcake. And now I know why.
It’s the same one from the Hoop-Dee-Doo-Musical Review, which is legendary
The in-house bakery makes makes bagels, cookies, cakes, and muffins.
Mobile orders will be placed on a rack in the center of the restaurant.
Fresh fruit was available but pricey. $2.29 for a single banana.
Trail’s End Breakfast Menu
Trail’s End Lunch and Dinner Menu
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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Walt Disney World's Secret Restaurant
The secret restaurant you'll likely never get to see at Walt Disney World Resort
Here's a Disney secret...There's a hidden restaurant at Walt Disney World that you'll likely never see. The former Bonfamille’s Café, a defunct table service restaurant, located just off the lobby behind the Scat Cat's Club at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter, closed for good in 2001. Since then, the restaurant has served as meeting space for Walt Disney World management. It's facilities are frequently used as the Walt Disney World test kitchen where new culinary creations are concocted. It most recently opened as a temporary quick service restaurant while Sassagoula Floatworks gets an extensive refurbishment (I hope they don't put the giant face masks back up!) The refurb. is scheduled to conclude in December 2016 so there's still time to go check this hidden gem out.
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Is Epcot Fun for Kids?
Is Epcot fun for kids? While it is a great park for adults, this DISNEY WORLD! Of course Epcot is fun for kids! In fact, Epcot is the second most kid friendly park at Walt Disney World, after magic Kingdom.
Is Epcot fun for kids? While it is a great park for adults, this DISNEY WORLD! Of course Epcot is fun for kids! In fact, Epcot is the second most kid friendly park at Walt Disney World, after Magic Kingdom.
In this guide I’ll share why Epcot is totally worth a visit with kids and review the most popular rides and attractions.
A great feature about Walt Disney World is that most rides and attractions are designed to have either no minimum height requirement or one that’s around 40 inches. Many kids that around 4 and 5 years old can meet a 40 inch height requirement - which is what Disney is aiming for.
The Best Rides and attractions for kids at Epcot
Let’s start with Spaceship Earth.
This is the icon of Epcot and yes, you can actually go inside the giant “Epcot ball.”
Spaceship Earth | Epcot
Spaceship Earth is among the last of the opening day attractions at Epcot and that means it has stood the test of time at this park.
It’s a slow moving dark ride that takes you on journey through time - starting with the dawn of man and going well into the future.
Inside Spaceship Earth | Epcot
Along the way you’ll pass through vivid vignettes of important moments in human communication with animatronics, beautiful music and a kid-friendly narration.
There’s a great interactive play area after the ride too.
Next let’s head over to The Seas with Nemo and Friends. In this attraction you’ll go under the sea, without getting wet, in slow moving “clamobile.”
The Seas with Nemo and Friends | Epcot
You immediately enter Nemo’s underwater world with brightly colored coral reefs and a few familiar friends.
Of course, Nemo gets lost pretty early on so you set out on a journey to find him, passing through jellyfish, a shark infested ship wreck, and you’ll meet up with Crush the infamous sea turtle as he travels the East Australian Current.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends | Epcot
There is no minimum height requirement for The Seas with Nemo and Friends.
After you locate Nemo and your journey comes to end, you can get up close to some sea life in one of the largest salt water aquariums in the country - a massive 5.7 million-gallon, multi-level underwater habitat known as Sea Base.
Sea Base - Inside the Seas with Nemo and Friends | Epcot
The Seas with Nemo and and Friends Pavilion is also a walk through aquarium where you can observe over 2,000 animals including sharks, manatees, clown fish, and eels.
Sea Base - Inside the Seas with Nemo and Friends | Epcot
Here’s a secret: Ask for the complimentary scavenger hunt at the gift shop located near the exit.
Turtle Talk with Crush is a 15 minute interactive show unlike any other you’ve seen. He’s animated, yes, but he interacts live with the audience using improvisational humor. Kids and adults will find him to be hilarious.
Turtle Talk With Crush | Epcot
Crush takes questions from the audience using his “hydrophone” so encourage your little one to ask him about his favorite food or his favorite activity.
He will also introduce to you a few of his pals, like Dory and Squirt.
The show runs every 15 minutes, so feel free to explore the aquarium for a bit.
But you should be in line for the next show about 10 minutes prior so you get a good spot.
After exiting the Sea Base, head next door to The Land Pavilion.
Now just like the Seas Pavilion, there are a number of attractions inside, including The Garden Grill character restaurant. (Reservations are highly recommended).
The Land Pavilion | Epcot
Living with The Land Boat Ride takes you on a cruise through Disney World’s innovative green houses where you can see some futuristic farming techniques like plants growing without soil and a record breaking tomato tree, yes a TREE, that produces over 30,000 tomatoes a year.
Living with the Land Boat Ride
There is no minimum height requirement for Living with the Land and the wait is usually less than 20 minutes.
Soarin’ is one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World because it’s technically one of the big rides, but most people can do it - the young and the young at heart alike.
This gentle ride simulates flight, as if you were in a hang glider, flying over some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks like the Mount Kilimanjaro of China, the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the Eiffel Tower.
Soarin’ Around the World | Epcot
The 80-foot IMAX digital projection screen creates a soothing sensation of flight combined with an uplifting musical score.
Nothing too wild or crazy happens on this ride, its a more graceful experience with beautiful imagery and music. There are no big thrills here.
Soarin’ has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches.
Next, we’re off to the Imagination Pavilion, home to the kid-friendly dark ride, Journey Into Imagination with Figment.
Here you’ll board a slow moving ride vehicle and take a tour of the Imagination Institute hosted by Figment, a little purple dragon, and Dr Nigel Channing.
Figment gets a little too enthusiastic so we end up on a detour.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Along the way you’ll learn about the 5 senses as Figment turns the lab upside down and causes quite a stink in the Smell Lab.
Journey Into Imagination (Figment) | Epcot
After the Journey Into Imagination there are a number of interactive exhibits designed just for little ones in the exit area.
Also in the Imagination Pavilion, you’ll find the Disney-Pixar Short Film Festival in 4D.
Here you’ll don 3-D Glasses and watch 3 cartoon shorts, taking about 18 minutes in all. The floor of the theater reacts to key moments in the films by gently moving up and down.
Disney - Pixar Short Film Festival | Epcot
These film shorts are heartwarming and funny for all ages.
There’s usually no line to get in but I recommend being at the theater at least 10 minutes prior to the next show.
Oh, and it’s a great place to rest and enjoy some air conditioning.
Test Track, located on the opposite side of the park, is the fastest ride in Walt Disney World. This one has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches.
Test Track | Epcot
Inside you’ll buckle up in a 6 passenger sedan and head out on a futurist test track to see how your car holds up to different conditions like weather, speed and maneuvering around objects.
The road test culminates with a high speed around the building’s exterior at 65 mph.
Inside Test Track (SimCar) | Epcot
The wait can be long for Test Track but there are a number of interactive elements in the queue to keep kids engaged.
Next to Test Track you’ll find Mission Space.
Mission Space | Epcot
This motion simulator takes you through a realistic rocket launch into space.
Each member of your crew will assume an important role to fly the rocket. During your flight, you will be instructed to initiate a sequence which means pushing a few buttons on command.
Inside Mission Space | Epcot
Don’t worry, if you don’t push the buttons, the ride still continues as planned.
There are two teams Orange and Green.
Orange Team is an intense experience with significant spinning to create g-forces during the launch.
The minimum height for Orange is 44 inches.
Inside Mission Space | Epcot
Personally I don’t recommend it. I think it’s much too intense.
Fortunately the Green Team is basically the same ride but with light movement and no spinning! Green has a minimum high requirement of 42 inches.
Heading out to World Showcase, one of the first countries you’ll come to, if going clockwise, is Mexico. Go inside! There’s a super kid-friendly boat ride in there.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros takes you on a cruise down the Rio Grande on a musical boat ride through some of the most famous sights and cities in Mexico.
Gran Fiesta Tour | Epcot
There is no minimum height requirement for Gran Fiesta Tour.
Continuing clockwise in World Showcase, you’ll come to the Norway pavilion, home to one of the most popular attractions in the park: Frozen Ever After.
This boat ride attraction is a musical journey through scenes from the film Frozen with Anna, Elsa and their fellow frozen friends.
Frozen Ever After | Epcot
The line for this ride can get ridiculously long, often 80+ minutes so you’ll want to ride it first thing in the morning.
There is no minimum height requirement for Frozen Ever After.
Meet Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus | Epcot
After riding Frozen, be sure to visit Anna and Elsa at Royal Sommerhus, one of the most popular character meet and greet locations at Walt Disney World.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is another ultra-popular ride at Epcot, one that you should consider doing early in the morning before the crowds arrive for the day.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure | Epcot
On this dark ride attraction you’ll join Chef Remy on an adventure though his kitchen, and then scurry along with him as he tries to escape from Chef Skinner.
You can definitely spend en entire day or 2 at Epcot even with little ones. And I didn’t even cover things likes Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (minimum height 42”), the circle vision films in China and Canada, the food, shops like the Mitsukoshi Department Store in the Japan pavilion, the KidCot Fun Stops, the Coke Store where you can sample Coke products from around the world, the Beauty and Beast Sing a Long show and more. Oh and the nighttime fireworks spectacular which runs nightly.
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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Universal Orlando Plans New Dreamworks Animation Land at Universal Studios for 2024
Universal Orlando Resort said it will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animations’ beloved animated characters.
Universal Orlando Resort said it will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animations’ beloved animated characters.
As guests step into this new land, their imaginations will run wild as they take in the vibrant colors, sights and sounds that surround them.
Dreamworks Land is coming to Universal Orlando Resort
Guests will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and explore themed interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda to life in imaginative ways.
The new DreamWorks land, coming to Universal Studios Florida, is part of a collection of new entertainment experiences debuting at Universal Orlando Resort in 2024 and is a continuation of Universal’s commitment to rich storytelling that places guests of all ages in the most incredible and immersive environments.
This new land will replace the former Woody Woodpecker area of the park.
More details will be revealed in the future. For more information on Universal Orlando Resort packages, click 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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Cost of Disney Cruise Line Buses between Walt Disney World and Port Canavearal
The cost to use Disney Cruise Line Buses Between Walt Disney World and Port Canaveral
Disney Cruise Line is charging more for ground transfers starting December 14, 2018.
Disney Cruise Line offers ground transfers between Port Canaveral, Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport. Fares are $39 per person, each way.
When you use Disney Cruise Line buses to travel between Walt Disney World and the ship, Disney will transfer your luggage for you and automatically assign you a port arrival time.
Bus service is also provided to those staying at Hyatt at Orlando International Airport.
Mears Transportation and Sunshine Flyer Have Merged
Today, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer announced that they are merging. Mears will continue to provide roundtrip transportation between Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Today, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer announced that they are merging. Mears will continue to provide roundtrip transportation between Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
The merger brings a new name: Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine, guests will still have access to the following service:
24/7 service
Express service
Pickup from terminals A, B, and C
Sunshine Flyer will no longer offer train-themed motorcoaches.
Guests arriving and departing in July will take their trip with the Sunshine Flyer as planned.
Sunshine Flyer will reach out to all guests who currently have reservations explaining what they need to do.
Related:
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
If you currently have a reservation with Sunshine Flyer, you can visit their FAQ page here. in most cases, the merger will have minimal impact on reservations.
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 Ends Contract with Mears Transportation
On July 1, 2023, Disney’s contract with Mears expired.
For decades Disney Cruise Line contracted with Orlando-based Mears Transportation to shuttle guests between Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando International Airport, and the cruise terminal at Port Canaveral.
Former Disney Cruise Line operated by Mears Transportation
Mears operated the Disney Cruise Line buses for over 20 years but struggled to hire sufficient drivers for both Disney Cruise Line and the defunct Magical Express, a service that provided round-trip airport transfers to Walt Disney World.
On July 1, 2023, Disney’s contract with Mears expired.
Mears began removing all Disney graphics from the buses.
The former Disney Cruise Lines buses are still in service by Mears and are currently being used for group and convention charters, Mears Connect airport shuttle, and as resort transportation at Walt Disney World during peak times.
Disney Cruise Line has now contracted with Academy Bus LLC, the largest privately owned bus company in America.
The new Academy buses will receive the same Disney Cruise Line livery as the former Mears buses.
Disney Cruise Line bus operated by Academy Bus LLC.
Guests will not experience any changes in service and fares will remain the same for the foreseeable future under Academy’s contract.
Disney World has been using Academy to shuttle College Program Cast Members to the new campus at Flamingo Crossings and to support Walt Disney World resort and theme park transportation since 2020.
“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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Easy Guide to Disney Genie+ at Walt Disney World
Explained: What is Genie+? Lightning Lane? Plus 6 Helpful Tips for using Genie+
Genie+ gives you access to Lightning Lanes (formally FastPass) where you can skip the lines at select attractions at each of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks.
A second, à la carte option, called Individual Lightning Lane, allows you to purchase a skip-the-line pass for some of the most popular rides without purchasing Genie+.
What is Disney Genie+?
(Available for Purchase in the Disney World mobile app)
Disney Genie+ is the name of the service that lets you use Lightning Lane entrances at select attractions. Lightning Lane is a special line that bypasses the regular (Standby) line.
(I’ll provide a link below to the attractions that offer Lightning Lane).
If you decide to purchase Genie+, you can expect to enter 2-4 attractions or experiences per day using Lightning Lane entrances.
You can hold 1 Lightning Lane reservation at a time. Once your reservation is redeemed, you will be able to make another selection using the app.
Additional perks included with Genie+
Augmented Reality Disney PhotoPass Lenses are included and can be used at all four Theme Parks. You’ll find them in the My Disney Experience app.
Disney PhotoPass Downloads from attractions. This shouldn’t be confused with regular PhotoPass. This perk refers only to the on-ride photos/video.
Audio Tales from all four Theme Parks in the My Disney Experience app. These are short fun facts about the parks that can be played from the app. This is a neat feature but it’s difficult to hear the audio while you’re in the parks.
When can I purchase Disney Genie+?
Genie+ becomes available starting at 12 a.m. (midnight) on the day of your visit.
When can I make my first Lightning Lane selection?
On the day of your visit, starting at 7 a.m.
How Much Does Genie+ Cost?
Prices vary seasonally but you can expect to pay $15 - $30 per person per day for Disney Genie+.
How to make a Lightning Lane reservation
Open the Disney World mobile app
Go to “Tip Board”
Review Lightning Lane attraction entrance times and make a selection. One Lightning Lane selection can be made at a time.
When your arrival window rolls around, use the Lightning Lane entrance. Tap your Magic Band, mobile phone, or Key to the World Card to enter.
Individual Lightning Lane Passes
(Available for Purchase in the Disney World mobile app)
For some of Disney World’s most popular attractions, Lightning Lane entry is available to purchase individually as an à la carte option. This is known as an “Individual Lightning Lane Pass.”
You can purchase individual Lightning Lane entries for up to 2 attractions per day, one at a time.
You’ll be able to choose from a list of available times displayed on the app.
This option is available with or without Disney Genie+.
(Use the link below under “Resources” to see which attractions are eligible as an à la carte option.)
When can I make my first Individual Lightning Lane purchase?
For guests staying at Disney World hotels and Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels only:
On the day of your visit, starting at 7 a.m.
All other Guests:
On the day of your visit, starting at each Theme Park’s opening time
Lightning Lane Tip: Individual Lightning Lane passes often sell out by 10 a.m. Purchase as soon as you’re eligible to do so.
How much does an Individual Lightning Lane pass cost?
Individual Lightning Lane passes range from about $15 - $20 per person. Prices are based on season and attendance levels.
How to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry
Open the Disney World mobile app
Go to “Tip Board”
Look for the attractions labeled “Individual Lightning Lane.” Review available times and make your selection.
When your arrival window rolls around, use the Lightning Lane entrance. Tap your Magic Band, mobile phone, or Key to the World Card to enter.
Lightning Lane Resources
1 - Purchase Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane Selections as early as possible.
To get the most out of Genie+ purchase it on the mobile app before 7 a.m. so you can book your first selection as soon as the service unlocks. Time is of the essence here when it comes to booking popular attractions.
2 - Individual Lightning Lane Selections
Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. You’ll be able to make your first Individual Lightning Lane selection at 7 a.m., ahead of the general public.
Those not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can purchase Genie+ when the park opens.
3 - Select Popular Attractions First
When it’s time to make your first Lightning Lane selection of the day, choose one of the headliner attractions. Many will reach capacity early in the day.
4 - A Secret to Lightning Lane reservations with Genie+
Remember you can hold only 1 Lightning Lane selection at a time - but there is a secret way to hold more.
If you book a Lightning Lane selection at 7 a.m. for a return time that is more than 2 hours after the park opening, Disney Genie+ will allow you to make a second selection. The ability to make another selection will unlock 2 hours after the park opens.
For example, let’s say it’s 7 a.m. and you select Slinky Dog Dash. You get a Lightning Lane time for 1 p.m.
The park opens at 9 a.m.
You’ll be allowed to make another Lightning Lane selection at 11 a.m. (because that’s 2 hours after the park opening time). At this point, you’ll have 2 Lightning Lane selections booked.
5 - Make your next Lightning Lane selection right away
As soon as you enter Lightning Lane at your reserved attraction, immediately make your next selection. Every minute counts when it comes to making reservations.
6 - Be open to crisscrossing the park
Genie+ will sometimes recommend attractions that are nearby just because they are..nearby. But the attractions being offered might not even have a long wait.
Instead, look for headliner attractions that have a long wait and use Genie+ for those instead.
This may mean you have to return to an area of the park you already visited but waiting less in line makes it worth it.
BONUS TIP - Watch Your Phone’s Battery!
At Disney World, you’re going to be on your phone a lot. From Genie+ reservations to photos, you’re battery will likely drain faster than usual.
Make sure you have a full charge before you head into the parks.
I also recommend purchasing a portable phone charger. Disney sells Fuel Rods in the parks for $30, and they can be swapped out for fresh ones for a nominal fee, even if you purchased a Fuel Rod someplace else.
Amazon has other brands starting around $20.
If you need assistance planning your Disney World vacation, I’d love to help! Start by filling out my Quote Request here and I’ll reply with options!
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.
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Best Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside
How to find a great room at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort plus Resort Map
Looking for the best rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside? You’ve come to the right place! There are nearly 20 individual 2 and 3-story buildings that house about 2,000 rooms.
Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside are accessed via exterior corridors with exterior entry to the rooms.
Rooms at the end of each corridor have an additional side window that allows for more natural light, these are known as, “corner rooms.”
Heat and air conditioning come from a built-in unit under the window. The only moderate hotel to offer central air conditioning is Coronado Springs.
The main pool complex known as Ol’ Man Island is centrally located within the resort. You can access Ol’ Man Island by using one of three footbridges.
There are also smaller, neighborhood pools located throughout the resort.
In this guide, I’ll show you where you can find the best rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside.
Map of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside
Riverside is divided into two sections
Alligator Bayou
Magnolia Bend
Rooms in both sections have nearly identical floor plans but many rooms in Alligator Bayou have a 5th Sleeper which is a small fold-down bed ideal for children up to age 9.
See my full Port Orleans Riverside tour here ▸
Room Requests at Port Orleans Riverside
I make room requests for clients all the time but my disclaimer is that they are never guaranteed. Based on client feedback, requests are honored about 80% of the time.
Room Categories at Port Orleans Riverside
It’s important to understand the various room categories that are offered at this resort because there are quite a few to choose from. In the next section, I’ll show you where each of the room categories is located and the best rooms in each section.
Standard View - views of parking area, gardens, or woods. 2 queen beds. Most economical.
Standard View 5th Sleeper - views of parking area, gardens, or woods. 2 queen beds and a child-size pull-down bed.
Woods View - views of gardens or woods. 2 queen beds.
Woods View 5th Sleeper - views of gardens or woods. 2 queen beds and a child-size pull-down bed.
King Bed - views of garden, woods, or river. 1 king bed. Located throughout the resort, there’s no dedicated section.
River View - views of Sassagoula River. 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds and 1 child-size pull-down bed.
Preferred Room - views of garden, woods, or river. Close to dining, pool, and transportation. 2 queen beds and most have a child-size fold-down bed.
Dog-Friendly Room - Dedicated rooms for just those traveling with their dogs. Located in the Magnolia Bend section. If you do not have a dog, you will not be assigned one of these rooms.
Best Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside
Where are the Preferred rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Preferred rooms are located in Buildings 14, 15, 18 and 27. They are closest to the check-in area, the boat to Disney Springs, the bus stop for the theme parks, Ol’ Man Island pool complex, and the resort’s 2 restaurants: Riverside Mill Food Court and Boatwright’s Dining Hall.
Within the Preferred section, the closest rooms to the resort’s amenities are Buildings 14 and 15.
There’s a walkway that serves as a shortcut between Buildings 14 and 15 and the main bus stop, a terrific benefit when you’re tired!
Where are the Standard View rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Standard rooms at Port Orleans have views of landscaping, walkways, parking areas, or walkways.
This is the most economical room category.
Standard View 5th Sleeper rooms are only found in Alligator Bayou.
If you’re looking for convenience, I like Buildings 15, 16, and 17 as they are closer to the lobby and dining and they have a neighborhood pool nearby.
If you prefer a Standard View with a chance of having a view of a wooded area or manicured lawns, Buildings 80 and 85 in Magnolia Bend are great for this, but far from the lobby.
Where are the Woods View rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Woods view rooms are very similar to Standard View and cost only slightly more.
In most cases, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell Standard View and Woods View apart.
At Port Orleans Riverside, the term “woods” means anything that’s green: trees, gardens, grass, etc.
There is one major distinction, however: Woods View rooms will not have a parking area view.
5th Sleeper rooms are available in the Alligator Bayou section only.
Rooms in Alligator Bayou have a secluded feel which is perfect for those seeking privacy and quiet. Best Woods View rooms are in Buildings 26 and 39.
Where are the Pool View rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Most of the Pool View the rooms in Alligator Bayou will have the 5th Sleeper. There’s an excellent chance you’ll be assigned a 5th Sleeper room if you have 5 people in your party.
Don’t let Pool View fool you. Not one of the Pool View rooms are close to Ol’ Man Island - the feature pool complex at the resort.
At Riverside, Pool View means a view of a “quiet pool” or what I like to call “neighborhood pool.” These are smaller pools, without waterslides and entertainment, that are conveniently located around the resort.
If your goal is to be as close to the the feature pool as possible, request buildings 80 or 85 in the Magnolia Bend section, but remember there are no 5th Sleepers there.
Where are the River View Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Best Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
The Sassagoula River runs through the middle of Port Orleans Riverside and it’s an important part of the resort’s overall story.
Yet there are very few rooms that have a true river view and so they can be hard to get.
Most rooms designated as River View will have a somewhat distant view of the river.
Building 27 contains rooms that have some of the best views.
More great views of the river can be found in the Royal Rooms section, there’s a River View category there as well.
Where are the Royal Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside?
Royal Rooms have a Disney Princess theme.
Located in Buildings 90 and 95 in Magnolia Bend, Royal Rooms come in Standard View, Woods View, Pool View, and River View.
5th Sleepers are not available in Port Orleans Royal Rooms.
While most people adore these rooms for their attention to detail, the downside is that they are far from the lobby, dining and feature pool.
When staying in this section you’ll need to decide if you would like to be closer to the bridge leading to the lobby, or the bus depot. It’s one or the other here.
Floor plan of a typical room at Port Orleans Riverside
The vast majority of rooms have 2 queen beds, a small table and 2 chairs. Across from the bed is a TV and dresser. Rooms that have 5th sleepers will have a fold-down bed instead of a dresser.
Tips for making room requests
It’s better to leave room requests as general as possible. The more general they are, the more likely they will be honored.
Requests for a room near the bus stop, a particular room or building, or “high floor” are viable requests and have a great chance of being honored.
I do not recommend requesting a room that is outside of your category. Free upgrades are highly unlikely because the resorts sell out nearly every night at Walt Disney World.
Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside is located near Epcot and Disney Springs. It’s the closest Moderate resort to Magic Kingdom.
Room Amenities
Complimentary internet
Housekeeping every other day
Designated dog-friendly rooms
Mini fridge
Hairdryer
Coffee maker
Small table and 2 chairs
Club Level
Club level rooms are not offered at Port Orleans Riverside.
Darren is an Orlando-based travel advisor and writer with Magical Vacations Travel, since 2008. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent.
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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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