The Walt Disney World Updates You Need to See (D23)
These are the new LANDS and RIDES coming to Walt Disney World Resort!
Want to catch up on all the news for Walt Disney World? Here are the new rides and experiences announced during D23 Event 2024 that are coming to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
MONSTERS, INC. LAND JOKES AROUND AT HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS 2025 — It’s laughter they’re after when Sulley, Mike, and the rest of the crew from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” move into Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and let humans inside the factory for the first time.
Picking up after the events of Pixar’s beloved film, humans have now been invited to visit the world of Monsters, Inc. — and the monsters need laughter to power the city and keep it running smoothly. But it’s not a true visit without the factory itself.
You’ll be able to see the sights, hear the laughs and zoom through the building just like James P. Sullivan (a.k.a. Sulley) and Mike Wazowski — via a door!
Yes, a door. If you’ve been dreaming of riding through the door vault since the movie was released in 2001, you’re not alone
You’ll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park.
Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? Disney is doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.
DISNEY CARS COMING TO MAGIC KINGDOM
ZOOMING TO CONSTRUCTION IN 2025 – Start your engines, fan favorite stories and characters from Pixar’s “Cars” race into Magic Kingdom Park with two new attractions and fun for the whole family.
“Cars” will be coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom.
Don’t get too comfortable in Radiator Springs because it’s time to leave the pit stop and head west into exciting new frontiers. On this adventure, guests will be able to experience not one but two exciting new “Cars”-themed attractions.
Are you noticing the scenery in the background? This looks amazing - and will add an incredible amount of detail to Frontierland in Magic Kingdom!
One attraction will invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains. Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes.
But what about smaller racers? The second attraction will be geared towards them and will be fun for the whole family.
Get ready to start your engines! Work on this new space in Frontierland will begin in early 2025.
VILLAINS LAND AT MAGIC KINGDOM
SOMETHING WICKED BEGINS CONSTRUCTION SOON — This is no happily ever after. Get ready to see a darker side of your favorite fairytales when the Villains cast a spell over Magic Kingdom.
Disney remains pretty vague on this new land but shared the following:
The evil ambition of all these Villains means that the possibilities are endless for the stories that can be told — and visitors to the dark and thorny land should be prepared for whatever chaos might come their way.
We will now have 2 evil lands in Orlando as Universal announced plans for a classic monsters land for Epic Universe.
TROPICAL AMERICAS AT ANIMAL KINGDOM
SPROUTING TO LIFE IN 2027 — Indiana Jones, and the Madrigal family will be the center of a new Tropical Americas land that will come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom featuring everyone’s favorite archeologist and the magical casita from “Encanto.”
Work on this new 11-acre section of the park is set to begin later this year. Just like Harambe, the land feels lived in, with a long, rich history — plus there’s a large hacienda which will be one of the largest quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort.
The space will be lush and sprawling, featuring a large fountain in the center where the villagers like to gather and tell stories. Additionally, a woodcarver has created a giant working carousel featuring his favorite animals from Disney stories. It’s a new take on a classic attraction that young families are going to love.
That’s not all that will be located here – the new land will include not one but two signature attractions!
Indiana Jones at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A new Indy experience is set to arrive in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and will be different from any other Indiana Jones experience around the world.
In this new venture, the man with the hat has recently discovered a perfectly preserved Maya temple, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to explore it.
He’s heard rumors about a mythical creature deep within the temple — and he’s got to see it for himself. So, he brings us along on the adventure… but will there be snakes? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Encanto
If you’re a fan of drawers, floors, and doors, let’s go! The first-ever “Encanto”-themed ride-through attraction is coming to Animal Kingdom, featuring the beloved Madrigal family from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film.
Inside the Casita, Antonio has just received his special gift — the ability to communicate with animals — and his room has transformed into a rainforest. It’s time to go explore alongside him, and you never know what member of the family you might bump into…
Construction on the land is set to begin this fall and will open in 2027 — but don’t worry, you’ll still have plenty of time to experience Dinosaur again (and get that dino).
And, elsewhere in Animal Kingdom, there are more exciting updates coming, too! The newest show coming to the Tree of Life Theater features Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and all their friends from Disney Animation’s Zootopia. The show, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” will take guests on an adventure through different biomes seen in the film and opens next winter.
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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Update on Disney Treasure’s New Show
Disney Treasure’s new show will feature a massive puppet on stage.
Disney Cruise Line revealed new details about the Disney Treasure — setting sail later this year! — where guests will get to see the brand-new stage production, “Disney The Tale of Moana.” The show will also include a giant puppet on stage.
Te Kā will appear onstage as a 15-foot-tall puppet – the largest we’ve ever produced for a Disney Cruise Line show.
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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13 Ships in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet
Four new ships coming to the Disney Cruise Line fleet!
What’s better than one new Disney Cruise ship? How about four brand new Disney Cruise Line ships joining the fleet?
Disney revealed that four ships will be joining Disney Cruise Line’s ever-growing roster of family-friendly ships These 4 new ships will arrive between 2027 and 2031.
Five ships are currently in the fleet, with four others already in the works. These new, four additional ships will bring the fleet to a total of 13, giving you 13 different opportunities to experience everything that Disney Cruise Line is known for. The ship names, designs, and exciting itineraries are still in development, but go ahead and start dreaming about your next sailing!
Disney also revealed that the signature production aboard the Disney Destiny — which starts sailing next year — will be “Disney Hercules,” featuring the music and characters you know and love from the classic Walt Disney Animation Studios film.
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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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A 3rd Harry Potter World Coming to Universal Orlando: Ministry of Magic
Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe reveals details on new Harry Potter / Fantastic Beasts land at
Universal Orlando Resort revealed new details for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic, one of five worlds being added to Universal in 2025. The new attraction, which will be in the new Epic Universe park opening next year, will feature dining, retail, entertainment, and a new, boundary-pushing ride.
Ministry of Magic is the third Harry Potter-themed world at Universal Orlando, joining The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.
The adventure begins when guests travel by Métro-Floo—a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the Floo Network seen in the films—to journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge.
Upon arrival, guests will enter the Ministry’s grand atrium and venture through other departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial take place—until Umbridge attempts to escape.
Guests then join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and a house-elf named Higgledy in a chase that will propel them throughout the Ministry as they try to capture Umbridge—all while dodging attacks from Death Eaters, rampaging creatures and more along the way.
For the first time ever in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests can enjoy a live, full-scale theatre experience in the heart of the land with Le Cirque Arcanus. This show features live performers and aerialists, puppetry and special effects.
Guests also can shop for wands designed by Cosme Acajor in the premier Parisian wand shop Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique. They can find a selection of spell-casting sticks packaged in unique three-sided boxes, each containing a list of locations throughout the Wizarding World where guests can practice casting magic.
Armed with wand in hand, guests can interact with fantastic beasts such as Nifflers, Bowtruckles and a Demiguise, and engage with enchanted objects in many of the storefront windows and other areas throughout the Place Cachée.
The new Wizarding World also features themed dining and retail locations designed to extend the immersive experience.
Café L’air De La Sirène serves French sandwiches, plats du jour and desserts.
The mysterious Le Gobelet Noir has a menu of soups and salads as well as a variety of entrées and desserts.
American witches and wizards can enjoy a taste of home at Bar Moonshine, where they will find exclusive beers, wines and cocktails served amid the U.S. Quidditch team pennants and other items of wizarding Americana.
Bièraubeurre Cart dishes out the famous Butterbeer, the frosty, fan-favorite beverage.
Guests also can shop for memorabilia in Les Galeries Mirifiques, enjoy French sweets at K. Rammelle, or pick up Ministry of Magic-inspired items at the Métro-Floo gift shop Tour En Floo.
A new collection of merchandise inspired by the upcoming themed environment is now available for sale for a limited time and can be purchased at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal CityWalk
For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit my Universal Orlando vacation 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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Must-See Lounges Coming to the Disney Destiny Cruise Ship
Pirates of the Caribbean Theme Lounge and more on the Disney Destiny Cruise Ship
Disney Cruise Line gave us a new update on the ship, which will showcase Disney heroes and villains in an assortment of spaces and experiences inspired by some of Disney’s most legendary schemers, scoundrels, and specters.
Cruella De Vil’s Piano Lounge on the Disney Destiny
Disney Cruise Line says voyages aboard the Disney Destiny will embrace the dynamic duality of every great Disney story, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their destinies.
A diverse range of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel characters will be the inspiration behind themed venues and entertainment aboard the ship, including brand-new lounges celebrating Cruella de Vil (pictured above) and the Pirates of the Caribbean.
An evening at De Vil’s piano lounge will be a lavish affair emblematic of the bar’s namesake, the fabulously over-the-top villain Cruella de Vil of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “One Hundred and One Dalmatians” and the acclaimed 2021 live-action film.
Cruella’s infamous flair for style and wickedly bold attitude will be reflected in the Hollywood Regency-inspired aesthetic of the adult-exclusive lounge, where everything will be adorned in her signature color palette of red, black and white.
Amid sultry tunes from the spotted piano, guests will wind down in style with trendy martinis, chic cocktails, and glamorous wines and bubblies.
One side of De Vil’s will be open to the Grand Hall, allowing guests to sit back with a drink and a prime view of the ship’s premier gathering space.
Whether patrons choose to bask in Cruella’s legacy or savor the energy and entertainment of the Grand Hall, their experience at this one-of-a-kind lounge is sure to be anything but “miserable, darling.”
Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge on Disney Destiny
At Cask and Cannon, which sounds just like a lounge from Royal Caribbean, guests will join the ranks of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” for an evening of revelry, recreation, and yes, rum.
Inspired by the iconic characters and scenes from the beloved Disney Parks attractions around the world, the new pub will be an eclectic yet cozy watering hole furnished with treasures “acquired” (read pillaged and pilfered) during the pirates’ many voyages around the globe.
Visiting buccaneers will regale one another with tales of their own high seas’ adventures, cheer and jeer during live televised sporting events, and indulge in an extensive menu of rare, specialty, and vintage rums and a selection of “bootlegged” brews developed specially for the venue and served straight from the barrel in true pirate style.
Nothing like a pirate-themed sports bar.
Disney Destiny will introduce a quirky new storyline filled with Disney Animation villains to AquaMouse, DCL’s signature attraction at sea—a 760-foot-long water ride towering over the upper decks of the ship.
Featuring an original soundtrack written exclusively for DCL by Emmy award-winning composer Christopher Willis and lyricist Elyse Willis, the new show will exemplify the signature silliness of Mickey Mouse animated shorts.
In “Sing a Silly Song,” Mickey and Minnie will lead guests on a seemingly ominous trek to the peak of Villain Mountain.
When faced with some of the most fearsome villains of Disney Animation lore, the duo will employ a silly song—and a bit of pixie dust—to transform each chilling encounter into a wacky surprise.
Guests will laugh and splash along as Queen of Hearts (“Alice in Wonderland”), Scar (“The Lion King”), Chernabog (“Fantasia”), and others find themselves in unconventionally hilarious situations.
“Sing a Silly Song” will be one of four shows available on AquaMouse aboard the Disney Destiny, all complete with music, lighting, special effects, and splashtacular surprises.
Both heroes and villains from across the Disney universe will take center stage aboard the Disney Destiny. Guests will encounter formidable foes—including Maleficent, Hades, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and Oogie Boogie through a variety of shows, meet-and-greets and special appearances throughout the ship, along with some of Disney’s most mischievous and misunderstood personalities, like Captain Jack Sparrow, Bruno and Loki.
Disney Destiny also will introduce exclusive ways for guests to interact with their favorite villains, rogues, and mischief-makers during all-new events and activities.
This will complement a host of popular programs from across the DCL fleet, including a frighteningly fun dance party in Oogie Boogie’s shipboard lair and an interactive Disney trivia event that often gets interrupted by a cast of Disney villains.
Haunted Mansion Lounge on Disney Destiny
Foolish mortals will be welcomed to sip spirited craft cocktails among the 999 happy haunts of Disney Parks lore at the Haunted Mansion Parlor.
Reminiscent of a first-class drawing room from the classic cruise liners of the golden age, this experience—which will first debut aboard the Disney Treasure in December 2024—will invoke inspiration from the original theme park attraction with a nautical twist exclusive to DCL.
The venue will follow the nostalgic art style of the 1969 Disney Parks classic, blending humor with Disney’s distinct brand of spooky storytelling.
Legendary characters from Haunted Mansion attractions around the world will come out to socialize in mysterious ways throughout the experience, along with a few new seafaring arrivals and an original storyline focused on a ship captain.
A custom musical arrangement inspired by the attraction’s original score will set the stage for an ever-escalating anthology of illusions that immerses guests into the next chapter of Haunted Mansion lore.
At the Haunted Mansion Parlor, grim grinning guests will sample a selection of ghostly cocktails that capture the spirit of the story, and an exclusive array of haunted homewares and spooky souvenirs inspired by the bar will materialize in shopping venues aboard the ship.
Disney Destiny will displace roughly 144,000 gross registered tons and will be powered by liquefied natural gas. Its delivery is part of a multi-year expansion of the DCL fleet that includes the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure; the Disney Adventure, which will homeport in Singapore; the recently announced agreement with Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. to bring Disney cruise vacations to Japan in 2029; and a new island destination in the Bahamas: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
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 Royal Caribbean is Using Utopia of the Seas for Short Getaways
Behind Royal Caribbean’s strategy for placing a mega ship in Port Canaveral for 3 and 4-night itineraries.
Royal Caribbean is undertaking a unique experiment with its newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Typically, cruise lines repurpose their older ships for short three- and four-day voyages offering lower prices to those new to cruising. But Royal Caribbean has taken a bold step by dedicating its newest and largest Oasis cruise ship for shorter getaway cruises, including stops at its private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay.
Vacations vs Getaways
According to Royal Caribbean, there are vacations and there are getaways.
If you don’t have the time or money for a full vacation, why not opt for a quick getaway?
Short trips are ideal for new-to-cruise guests to get their feet wet and learn more about cruising.
These shorter sailings also can be combined into longer vacations if desired, espeially in Orlando with Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando being less than an hour away from Port Canaveral.
Utopia of the seas is the largest Oasis Class cruise ship by Royal Caribbean. SHe is currently sailing 3 and 4 night itineraities to the Bahamas from Orlando (Port Canaveral) Florida.
Why Royal Caribbean is using its Largest Ship for Short Getaways
With 11 complimentary eateries, 12 specialty restaurants, and myriad ice, water and comedy shows, Utopia of the Seas offers so many food and entertainment choices that it’s almost impossible to everything in just three or four days.
So why use this newest and biggest Oasis-class ship for quick getaways?
Solarium Suites on Utopia of the Seas are a new concept.
Utopia is designed to both delight and pleasantly frustrate passengers who cannot possibly experience more than the tip of Utopia’s iceberg.
To support the short cruises , much of the ship is designed to reinforce a high-energy getaway, where food, activities and entertainment can be experienced in a “grab and go” environment.
Royal Caribbean believes this will create a strong desire to return, setting up Utopia up for significant repeat business.
I have been on most of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships, Symphony of the Seas and my personal favorite, Wonder of the Seas. For the most part, Utopia is similar enough but it does have some very cool unique features.
How Utopia of the Seas Compares to Other Oasis Cruise Ships
Solarium Suites are a new concept and sit over the bridge wings. These luxury suites offer panoramic views of the ocean, similar to what the crew seas from the bridge.
On Utopia of the Seas, the Solarium Suites offer private areas and amenities, including access to a dedicated pool, lounge and dining options.
Designed for adults, these suites include enhanced services, including concierge access, and are located at the front of the ship in various room configurations.
On Utopia, the Solarium Suites do not need balconies, because they have floor-to-ceiling windows with 280-degree ocean views from the bedroom and living areas.
They feature a bath and a half with one of the largest showers at sea, access to the suite sun deck with a plunge pool and in-water loungers, a suite lounge for cocktails and socializing, and five-star dining at Coastal Kitchen.
Royal Railway: Brand new and not featured on previous Oasis ships, the Royal Railway is a novel entertainment and dining concept that offers a 90-minute dinner experience combining visual immersion, a show and a matching culinary experience.
The first theme produced is a Wild West train journey featuring two train cars set up with 24 seats arranged in banquettes of fours and twos.
The experience includes ambient surround sound, eight high-definition screens disguised as train windows, steam and other stage effects, all timed to create the feel of a real train ride.
The journey includes interactions with actors in period costumes and a story line that unfolds throughout the meal.
Future story lines will include a date-night experience themed around Marco Polo’s return journey to Italy from China, as well as other stories that will take guests to wine and whiskey tastings around the world.
This was a smart investment by Royal Caribbean, as the system’s amazing versatility means the sky is the limit in terms of dining entertainment options.
I look forward to a trip into space eventually with the right story line and effects.
Pesky Parrot: The Pesky Parrot is a new tiki bar concept featuring a raucous parrot named Brian as its mascot.
While Brian was not aboard at the time of the naming, he is expected to be in place by Utopia’s first revenue sailing.
This bar replaces the previously popular Bionic Bar and offers a vibrant, Caribbean-inspired tiki experience with the added attraction of Brian greeting guests in a humorous and tipsy manner.
The Pesky Parrot serves locally inspired cocktails that blend the flavors of the Caribbean in a traditional tiki style.
A favorite among guests are the four frozen drink machines that dole out three different tropical fruit drinks.
Izumi in the Park: Izumi, the Japanese restaurant on board, has been expanded to offer multiple dining experiences.
It now includes a takeout window in Central Park, double the hibachi grills compared to other Oasis-class ships, and a sushi bar.
A new addition is the multi-course omakase table, providing a set menu curated by the chef.
This setup allows guests to enjoy a variety of Japanese cuisines, from elaborate dining experiences to takeout sushi, all under one roof.
As mentioned previously, Utopia was designed for those interested in a quick getaway, and “grab and go” sushi is a perfect example of how Royal Caribbean supports that style, which enabled me to get to my next event quickly.
Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant: This eatery continues to serve a variety of classic Italian dishes, but it has been relocated to Decks 11 and 12, where Wonderland was previously situated.
This new location offers expanded seating with an outdoor alfresco terrace. Encompassing two decks with high windows, the restaurant is now has a lot more space and overlooks the aft of the ship.
The Spare Tire: The Spare Tire is a food truck located on the Sports Zone deck, providing a convenient dining option for guests who are enjoying outdoor activities and attractions.
Constructed from what looks like an actual food truck, it offers a variety of casual dining options, including burgers, taco and other classic American fare.
Again, this is another venue created to support those wanting a quick “grab-and-go” alternative.
The Ultimate Abyss: The Ultimate Abyss on Utopia of the Seas is notable for several reasons compared to its predecessors on sister ships.
First, it is the longest dry slide at sea, measuring 259 feet, which is 43 feet longer than any previous version.
Second, it includes transparent racing windows for a clear view outside. It also has been redesigned to be faster than earlier versions using zoom booster rollers for increased speed, and features 300 LED lights.
Want to book a cruise on Utopia of the Seas? Contact me right now to get all available discounts plus exclusive offers and perks!
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 Yacht Club Resort
Looking for the best rooms at Disney's Yacht Club Resort? Look no further! In this video, I provide insider tips and tricks to help you choose the perfect room for your magical Disney vacation. From room views to amenities, I cover everything you need to know to make the most of your stay at this Disney Deluxe resort. Don't book your room before watching this guide!
Stay tuned for all the details on the best rooms at Disney's Yacht Club Resort!
Disney’s Yacht Club is the sister resort to Disney’s Beach Club Resort - in fact, they are both part of the same building. One the east side of the resort complex is the Beach Club, the west side is the Yacht Club. Both resorts have separate check-in areas but they share the same amenities. Rooms are nearly identical in size and have similar floorplans.
I encourage you to watch the video below, I include detailed maps of the resort:
Yacht Club is a little more sophisticated than Beach. sister. It has more upscale dining, the lobby is darker with warm wood accents, and houses a collection of nautical decor. It resembles the elite Yacht Club s found throughout New England. But make no mistake, this is Disney, so it still feels casual. Now, Beach Club is brighter, and more casual - almost as if you were staying at a family beach house, and it’s just a little closer to Epcot. Yacht club is a little closer to Hollywood Studios.
Quick-service dining at this hotel can be found at the Ale and Compass Market - which has a better layout than Beach Club and a better menu. You;ll find mostly hot and cold sandwiches like a ham, egg, and cheese on a pretzel roll for breakfast and a turkey and bree sandwich for lunch and dinner, just to name a few.
One of the best features of Yacht Club is Stormaling Bay, which is a min-water park right behind the hotel. Stormalong Bay is shared with Beach Club but with 750,000 gallons of water, it’s big enough to handle the crowds. One of the most unique features of Stormalong Bay is that the bottom of the pool is covered with sand and it has one of the longest water slides of any Disney World Deluxe hotel.
Yacht Club is a sprawling hotel, ranging from 3-5 stories tall. Most rooms at this resort sleep 5 people with 2 queen size beds and a day bed. But there’s a critical variation that will soon be revealed.
Disney prices the 630 guest rooms based on view, Resort View and Water View.
Resort View rooms are the most economical and overlook the hotel’s driveway, roof, gardens, or woods. Rooftop views are not pretty and there are a lot of them at Yacht Club. Rooms that overlook gardens and wooded areas are of course, more desirable.
Water View at Walt Disney World means anything that is wet. Your view may be of the quiet pool (if you have a direct view of the pool), Stormalong Bay or Crescent Lake. Water View rooms that overlook Crescent Lake may also have distant views of Disney’s Boardwalk.
Resort View and water-view rooms come in a variety of configurations here.
Most will have either 1 king bed or 2 queen beds. But here’s that critical piece of information. Most rooms that have 2 queen beds also include a day bed, which is a sofa that folds flat into a twin bed. Not to be confused with a pull-out sofa. Notice I said “most rooms.” Some rooms simply have 2 queen beds without the day bed. This is important to know because if you are counting on the day bed as a separate sleeping arrangement, there’s a chance you may not get it. This could be a problem if you have 2 guests who cannot share the same bed. If you need the day bed, I like to make to this request for my clients well in advance.
Now, if you have 5 people Disney should automatically assign you a room with the daybed. Otherwise, where’s the 5th person going to sleep?
Yacht Club also has rooms with 1 king bed and just as you might automatically trigger a 5-person room with 5 people, you might also trigger a king bedroom with just 2 people. Some king rooms at Yacht Club also come with a Day bed, but some do not! If I have clients who do not want a king bed, I call the hotel to let them know in advance. If you need help with any of this be sure to contact me here.
There are also 70 Club Level rooms on the 5th floor which include access to the Regatta Lounge. Most of the Club Level rooms are standard hotel rooms, but some suites are located on other floors throughout the hotel and come with access to the lounge. The turret suites at this hotel are among the most popular at any hotel in Walt Disney World and book up far in advance. I had a chance to stay in one many years ago, and I would highly recommend it if you’re in the market for a suite.
Regular rooms at this hotel have either a balcony or a patio.
So, we covered room categories, club level, balconies, and sleeping arrangements, but what about the best room locations at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort?
There’s no doubt that the best rooms with views are on the higher floors. The 4th floor is best especially if you have a water view room, you’ll likely have great views of Stormalong Bay or The Boardwalk and or Crescent Lake.
Rooms that are closer to Epcot and close to Stormalong Bay are found in the block of rooms that end in 185 through 241. And if you would like to be closer to the walking path to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, request rooms that end in 001 through 065.
Some rooms at the yacht Club might have a view of the Epcot fireworks. Keep in mind that most of the Epcot fireworks are lower to the ground so it will be difficult to see most of the show. But if you’re ok with a glimpse of a few high-flying shells, I would request odd-numbered rooms on the 3rd or 4th floors that end in 011 through 027 and 067 through 081.
Yacht Club is one long building, so if your ideal room is to be closer to transportation - being the bus, boat, or parking lot, requesting a room near the lobby would be ideal Ground floor rooms in particular. Rooms 1149 through 1163 are excellent rooms - a good mix of resort view and water view rooms.
If you want both a convenient location AND a great view, 4th-floor rooms 4149 through 4163 are best.
What about The best water-view rooms, well that could be a few different things. Remember that water view means anything with water - so Stormalong Bay Cresent Lake, or a combination. My picks are rooms 4161 and 4163- 4th floor of course. These rooms look straight to Crescent Lake and Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.
The best scenic resort view rooms are odd-numbered rooms between 4143 and 4151. They are somewhat close to the main lobby, but they also have partial views of both Crescent Lake and Stromalong Bay. So you’re getting some water views at a resort view price. But even more than that, you’re on the more scenic side of the resort - the back. The front of the resort overlooks the entrance, so there isn’t much to see on that side. Something else I like about these rooms is that they are the lobby elevator. These same rooms on floors 2 and 3 are also acceptable. Just keep in mind that these rooms are located in the heart of the resort, so there isn’t too much privacy from your balcony.
Now speaking of privacy, if you would rather a resort view room that is located in a quiet area, I like rooms on the far west side of the building. These rooms overlook a wooded area and they are closer to the quiet pool and tennis courts. Even numbered rooms ending in 092 through 112 have lots of shade and almost no pedestrians walking by. So for example, rooms 4092 (4th floor), 3092 (3rd floor), and so on are all great for privacy.
What about a water-view room that’s in a quiet location? Some water view rooms overlook Stromalong Bay, and while the view is nice, you’ll definitely hear noise from the people in the pool and during the afternoon, there’s a DJ that plays music and poolside games.
So, water-view rooms that overlook Crescent Lake are going to be your most quiet options. Odd-numbered rooms on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors ending in 003 through 009 will have excellent water views and far from the noise of the pool. I didn’t select ground floor rooms however because there’s a busy walkway that runs past these rooms. And by the way, these rooms have amazing sunset views as well.
I help my clients with room requests all the time so feel free to contact me for your next Disney World vacation. Together we can come up with the perfect room request.
Room requests have a better chance of being honored if you make them within the category you booked.
For example, if you book a Resort View room and request to have a view of Crescent Lake, that request would have very little chance of being honored. This is like asking the hotel for a free upgrade. Sure you might get it, but odds are you won’t. A request for a room with a full-size balcony, overlooking woods and gardens, has a much higher chance of behind honored. You should also keep room requests as general as possible. Provide a range of room numbers rather than a specific room. Or request a room similar to a specific room. This gives the room assignor more possibilities when searching for your room. Keep in mind that room requests are not guaranteed but Disney tries hard to honor them.
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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Sneak Peek at Royal Beach Club in Nassau, Bahamas
An insider look at the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island - Royal Caribbean’s new private beach in Nassau, Bahamas.
I just attended a workshop with Royal Caribbean about Utopia of the Seas but at the end, we were treated to a sneak peek of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opening in Nassau, Bahamas sometime in 2025.
This was perfect timing because I was just in Nassau and could see that there was a lot of work taking place. I have been wondering what the finished product is going to look like.
Well now, I have pictures to share!
If you haven’t been to Nassau in the past few years, you’ll notice that it has been completely renovated. The port area is now bright, cheerful, and well-thought-out.
Previously Nassau was dingy, felt unsafe and there wasn’t anything worth doing. It’s all been cleaned up now.
Now you can go shopping, listen to live music, and get your hair braided, all in one complex without having to stray far from the ship. And that’s a good thing because Nassau is a big city with big city problems.
Royal Caribbean is taking things to the next level by developing a new beach resort for guests.
They purchased a strip of abandoned property that runs alongside the harbor, where the cruise ships park. If you’ve been to Nassau before, you might have seen this strip of land - it had an abandoned mansion on it and a few boat slips.
On the opposite shore of this island, the north shore, you’ll find amazing views of the ocean.
With more details to be revealed in the coming months, we now know that were will be family-friendly pools, chill pools with music, and adult-only areas.
There will three pools with swim-up bars and private cabanas, four island-style spots for quick bites and local fare, and experiences that feature local artisans and live music.
Here’s a first look at the one of the new cabanas coming to Royal Beach Club.
Once complete, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is expected to host an average of 2,000 guests. Vacationers will access the beach club via a ferry ride from the Nassau Cruise Port and return through historic downtown Nassau near the world-famous Straw Market.
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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Watching the $1.3 Billion Utopia of the Seas Pull into Port Canaveral
Utopia of the Seas has arrived in Orlando! What it was like watching the world’s 2nd largest cruise ship come through the channel.
On July 11, 2024 Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest Oasis Class cruise ship, arrived in Port Canaveral, Florida - just outside Orlando.
I was on a conference call with Royal Caribbean the day before and it was mentioned that Utopia of the Seas was scheduled to be pier-side by 8am. I wasn’t sure when exactly she would arrive but figured after sunrise so the media could get their shots.
I arrived at Jetty Park in Port Canaveral at sunrise, about 6:45am and a small crowd had already gathered.
It was a beautiful morning, cloudy with a steady breeze. Sometimes the shore looks better when it’s cloudy, this was one of those mornings.
Fox 35 Orlando was already there setting up for live coverage.
I was watching Utopia on cruisemapper.com and could see that she was just off the coast of Cocoa Beach.
At about 7:20am some people near me spotted the glass dome over Utopia’s Solarium coming into view over the trees.
It was so unnatural to see the massive glass dome, some 18 stories up, gliding by the treeline without being able to see the rest of the ship. It was like watching a spaceship coming into view.
Within a few minutes, she was in full view and everything made sense again.
Utopia came in with several blasts of the horn to celebrate her arrival and to give the media a good show. The horn is a low, deep sound, but you can feel it in your chest.
I captured Uptoia of the Seas on video:
Utopia of the Seas Arriving in Port Canaveral with horn blast.
The crew, who had been onboard for 12 nights for Utopia’s transatlantic crossing, came out to wave. They were on the bow and up on the top deck. Some of the crew were in their staterooms and came out to the balcony to wave.
The top deck entertainment team began blasting Meghan Trainor music. Trainor will be the ship’s Godmother.
As she went by, I got a sense of just how big Utopia is.
Utopia of the Seas is the second largest cruise ship in the world, larger than her sister Wonder of the Seas, and smaller than Icon of the Seas.
And speaking of Wonder of the Seas, Orlando - Port Canaveral - will now be home to two of Royal Caribbean’s newest Oasis-class ships.
Wonder of the Seas will be doing 7 night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries while Utopia will be doing 3 and 4 night Bahamas sailings.
Disney Cruise Line will surely take notice. And while both Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer very different experiences, it’s hard to ignore the sheer size and of these Oasis Class ships, which are packed with family activities.
So while you might not have character meet and greets, you’ll have about 10 times the amount of activities like laser tag, Ultimate Abyss Slide, a water park with water slides, over 20 restaurants, a shopping mall, Flow Rider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, miniature golf, live musical performances, shows, an aqua theater show, ice skating and ice shows, and more.
I think Disney is very good at what it does, but for families who want a variety of experiences, Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are the way to go.
But if you prefer to meet Disney characters and see Disney shows, then there’s nothing like a Disney cruise! It’s even better than being in the theme parks.
One of the things that makes Utopia of the Seas different from other Oasis Class ships is that she has a longer Ultimate Abyss slide.
You can see more about how Utopia is going to be different from other Oasis Class ships in my video 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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Are Royal Caribbean's Western Caribbean Ports Worth Visiting?
Do you need to book excursions on your Western Caribbean cruise? Let’s check out the port towns to see what there is to see and do on your own.
Are you considering a Western Caribbean cruise with Royal Caribbean? Stick around to see what the ports of call are like and if they are even worth visiting!' It’s coming up right now on…
A 7-night Western Caribbean cruise with Royal Caribbean usually includes two stops in Mexico - Cozumel and Costa Maya plus a stop at Roatan, Honduras.
Like most experienced cruisers, we look forward to port days because we pretty much have the ship to ourselves. This means no long lines at Flowrider, the Ultimate Abyss slide, and plenty of seating by the pool.
But we are on vacation and in a foreign country, so it can still be fun to get off the ship and do a little exploring. But what is there to do? And is there anything you need to be careful of?
I’ll take you on a tour of the 3 most popular ports of call so you can see for yourself.
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel, Mexico
We were on Wonder of the Seas from Orlando so our first stop was Cozumel, Mexico. Cozumel is the most authentic port I’ve seen in the Caribbean.
See, most of the Caribbean ports you visit whether it be Mexico, Jamaica, or St. Thomas, and so on, are all manufactured ports.
These are not rlittle towns that exist naturally. They are full-blown tourist traps. But that’s ok, we’re tourists. Orlando, Dollywood, and Las Vegas, all follow the same principles.
These fake little towns are in a high-security compound, so you’ll only find fellow cruise passengers here and licensed vendors.
The first thing you’ll notice about Cozumel is that it’s a bustling city - a real city. After getting off the ship you’ll stop for a quick security screening and then you're inside the port complex.
There are several bars like Margaritaville and Senor Frogs. Their main draw is that they promise a party atmosphere - similar to a college frat party. If this is your thing, more power to you, but they are famous for overpriced drinks, allowing people to get drunk rather quickly, and serving lousy food.
On our visit, we kept walking past the bars and entered the outdoor shopping district.
I like Cozumel in particular because the area is generally well kept and they have a lot to look at. Almost all of the stores sell the same things like t-shirts and Mexican-themed souvenirs. Other stores sell diamonds, silver jewelry, and leather goods.
I like to look for stores that might have something unique. Maybe they have someone making personalized souvenirs or offering hair braiding.
Now don’t be weirded out if the store owners call out to you. This is customary in Mexican culture. I saw some people get super offended by this and began yelling back.
Others stopped to offer an excuse. It’s perfectly ok to ignore them and just keep walking.
This is cultural and you will not hurt their feelings if you just walk by.
We continued walking and found a covered shopping area as well. The stores in here seemed to be a little nicer but still offered the same kinds of things.
I did a little research before our cruise and saw on a map that there was an additional shopping area across the street. It was a little hard to find the back exit, but eventually we got there.
I liked being out here because it felt to me like we were getting away from the fake Mexico and getting into more authentic territory - but without straying too far.
There was another outdoorsy mall but hardly anyone was there and some of the shops were closed. It looked like this was a failed attempt at expanding the port. But it was a nice area, maybe someday it will come back.
As we reached the end of the shopping area, we found ourselves across the street from a small resort right next to the harbor. I went to look around, I love to explore hotels. I spoke with the front desk staff and it turns out they sell day passes to use their pool and facilities.
There was a massage area and a restaurant. I wouldn’t go here if you’re looking to swim at the beach because you’ll be swimming in the harbor,
but the beach and pool are nice places to relax and get some great views of the ship. There are plenty of beach resorts if you want to book an excursion, but if you’re just looking to stay near the ship, this place would be great.
It’s called the El Cid Resort - and for about $65 US per adult, $33 US per child, you’ll get unlimited food and drinks, free WiFi, an open bar, 90 minutes of snorkeling and use of the facilities and pool.
There’s also a $25 package that includes wifi, use of the pool, 90 min. Or snorkeling. So basically it doesn’t include the food or drinks. Children on this package are $13 US.
Now being in Mexico, I wanted to see if I could find an authentic taco.
I live in Orlando the capital of chain restaurants. So I wanted tacos not one from the tourist areas, but a local place.
I had read about a guy who sells tacos out of a blue truck but didn’t know if it was any good.
I asked the bellman at the hotel where I could find authentic tacos. He told me to go see the guy in the blue truck two blocks away. Ok so now I know this guy must be legit.
It was a leap of faith because we had to leave the tourist area to walk down a busy road with barely a sidewalk. But Sure enough, we saw the blue truck.
He makes tacos in the bed of an old pickup truck. When we got there, the guy was using a machete to chop vegetables.
Now I must warn you, this is the ultimate Mexican street food ok, not the most sanitary so you need to be willing to overlook a few things.
But if I wanted to know what I’m missing when I go to Chipotle. This is what I was looking for - street food in Mexico.
The chicken tacos were awesome I watched him make them on a flat top. There were no cruise passengers around and the Locals were so happy that we were there.
They couldn’t stop talking about how good the tacos were. Everyone was very friendly. Oh, and he takes American money. Now if you want to find him, just search Google for Blue Taco Truck in Cozumel - you’ll find it.
After a couple of hours in Cozumel, we walked back to ship and enjoyed a really quiet day at the pool.
Roatan, Honduras
Day 2 was Roatan Honduras. Roatan is a large island just off the mainland of Honduras. It’s the smallest port town on Royal Caribbean’s Western Itinerary and it was recently refurbished to look like a small village.
The most popular excursions here are to visit the animal sanctuaries, ATV tours through tropical rainforests, and beach passes. Keep in mind that the cruise lines use different ports in Honduras. So if you’re on Royal Caribbean, be sure you look up Coxen Hole.
Other cruisers have told me this is one of their favorite ports of call and that may be true if you have an excursion, but if you’re just planning on getting off the ship to check out the port, I’m afraid it’s a little disappointing.
When I say the port is small, I mean it’s actually smaller than the cruise ship. There are just a handful of souvenir shops but they are still fun to walk through. I found them to be well-kept and organized. Most will take American money and credit cards.
The refurbishment added tiki huts and some water features, plus a few nice restaurants and bars. But you can walk through here in less than an hour..
Just for a little adventure, I wanted to see what was beyond the port complex like I had done in Cozumel. That’s where things took an interesting turn.
As soon as we left the secure boundary of the port, we were immediately swarmed with dozens of people asking if we wanted a ride.
They were negotiating and outbidding each other and I hadn’t even said I wanted a ride. I felt like Indiana Jones returning to the village after the quest.
There were so many guys, that it was nearly impossible to keep walking, it was not a great position to be in.
I found it disturbing that they had to post signs all over reminding us that human trafficking is a crime.
Hopeful that things would get better once we got away from the taxi drivers, we ventured out a little further. But several guys began following us and some approached us asking if we wanted a walking guide.
While everyone was friendly, I just got bad vibes.
The immediate area surrounding the port was not great - there were no sidewalks and there wasn’t anything to see.
We turned around and went back into the secure port.
My advice is to stay within the boundary of the port. If you do want to book an excursion, book it through directly Royal Caribbean so you know they are vetted and reliable.
We had a very short day in Roatan. Other passengers were telling me how much fun they on their excursions. But my advice is that Roatan is not a do-it-yourself port of call.
Costa Maya, Mexico
On Day 3 we returned to Mexico, this time Costa Maya. Of the 3 ports, this was our favorite. If you’ve been to Disney World and enjoy themed entertainment, you’ll like Costa Maya.
The port is quite large and oval-shaped, so you can walk around and return to the same place you started. There are a few side streets with additional shops within the compound as well.
Inside, there’s a resort-style swimming pool, but I don’t think it looks very appealing. Granted on the day I was filming it was raining, but even on previous trips, I hardly ever see anyone in the water.
You’d be surrounded by tourists and shoppers, not quite the best pool atmosphere.
There’s an elevated bird aviary that takes you above the rooftops, this is a popular activity, especially with kids. You’ll also find a few performances from mariachi bands and ancient Mayan dances.
If you would like to swim with dolphins without straying far from the ship, you can do that here right in the port.
The shops pretty much sell all the same things. Just like Cozumel, look for shops that have something a little unique or one that offers personalized souvenirs.
My son wanted a leather bracelet with his name on it. Watching it be made was pretty entertaining. It’s amazing to see the craftsmanship and how fast they can work.
By now you know I was on a quest for great tacos. On a previous trip, I found a great taco stand inside the port, so I was on a mission to go there once again. It’s located in the back, down a little alley. This one is clean and well-kept, not located in the back of a pickup truck.
The vendors here take American money and credit cards. The atmosphere is pretty relaxed here you won't have vendors calling out to you like Cozumel.
Now, if you didn’t book an excursion here in advance, but would like to, there are kiosks located in the port. On a previous trip, we rented a golf cart and drove it down to the beach where we found additional shops, bars, and restaurants. You can also take a taxi, but a golf cart is way more fun.
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Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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3 Royal Caribbean Ships with BIG SAVINGS!
No need to look any further! Royal Caribbean and I have you covered with three showstopping ships offering BIG SAVINGS! Book your short getaway and score incredible deals that are sure to make this vacay the ultimate memory-maker.
For a limited time, Royal Caribbean is offering an additional way to save money - up to $50 extra off your cruise fare. This is an addition to these following offers:
Up to $275 Off your cruise fare
60% off the second guest. discount with code
Allure of the Seas
Offer Details
Don’t miss this limited-time extra savings of up to $50 off when you book your next Royal Caribbean cruise with me.
Booking Window: June 24 – July 12, 2024
Sailing Window: Sailings 5-Night or less on Allure of the Seas, Independence of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas departing between August 1 – December 30, 2024
$25 instant savings for Interiors and Oceanview staterooms
$50 instant savings for Balcony and Suite staterooms
Independence of the Seas
starting from $269
sailing from Miami, Florida
Allure of the Seas
starting from $309
sailing from Miami, Florida
Navigator of the Seas
starting from $269
sailing from Los Angeles, California
Plus you’re also going to earn 60% off your second guest! Act fast, this brag-worthy deal won’t last long. Availability is limited.
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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Spy Photos of New “Magical Express Style”Buses at Disney World
Magical Express look-alike buses have been spotted in Disney World, Port Canaveral.
What are these new buses doing at Walt Disney World? And why are they painted in a similar livery as the old Magical Express buses? I’m a huge nerd when it comes to Disney World transportation, here’s what I’ve been noticing.
New Academy buses have been spotted shuttleing Disney Cruise Line guests between Disney World and Port Canaveral.
Most of us Disney-fans know that Disney’s Magical Express was a complimentary transportation service that shuttled guests between Orlando International Airport and Disney World. The program ended in January 2022.
Magical Express was operated by Mears Transportation Group for many years. Mears also operated the Disney Cruise Line buses that serviced Port Canaveral.
But in 2022, the Disney Cruise Line contract was awarded to Academy Transporation, one of the largest transportation companies in America.
Mears continues to offer airport transportation to Disney World, known as Mears Connect, but it is unaffiliated with Disney. They use the very same buses, just without Disney branding.
Mears, who owned all of the Magical Express buses began removing the Disney graphics on the buses in late 2021. What was left were stripped-down blue buses, without any graphics or references to Disney.
Former Magical Express bus with Disney graphics removed.
In early 2022, Mears began adding its own graphics to the former Magical Express buses. Today, there is a variety of designs that Mears uses but you can spot the Magical Express blue paint from miles away.
Lately, however, brand-new buses have been spotted around Orlando. Specifically on 528 between Disney World and Port Canaveral, and on Walt Disney World property. They have that classic Magical Express blue paint.
An Academy logo is on the front, across a white panel. That white panel is nearly identical to the look of the former Magical Express buses.
These are brand-new buses, not repainted or rebranded.
One of several new Academy buses spotted near Walt Disney World. It’s painted in a similar livery as the former Magical Express buses.
So then, why is Academy taking delivery of new buses painted in the basic Magical Express livery?
Disney Cruise Line buses are navy blue with Disney characters and branding.
When Academy was awarded the Disney Cruise Line contract, it ordered several brand-new buses in the classic navy blue color. Shortly thereafter, the buses began arriving in Orlando and were eventually outfitted with DCL graphics.
Spy photo taken in July 2023 of a new Disney Cruise Line bus, operated by Academy Bus, just before getting Disney branding and graphics.
Disney and Academy obviously have something in mind for these new buses. Could it be the return of Disney’s Magical Express?
When Mears operated both Magical Express and Disney Cruise Line buses, it was common for Mears to use Disney Cruise Line buses as Magical Express buses, when needed.
It’s worth noting that Disney cited low ridership on Disney’s Magical Express as the reason for stopping this service.
These new Academy buses look nearly identical to the former Magical Express buses, just without the graphics. Several of these buses have been spotted in Disney World and in Port Canaveral.
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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Here’s What Will Replace Disney World Genie+
Disney Genie+ is going away. Here’s a new, simple way to skip the lines at Disney World.
Funny story. When Disney World had FastPass, guests could make ride reservations up to 60 days in advance. But guests didn’t like it because they had to plan every minute of their day, 3 months out. So, Disney announced Genie+, which offered same-day reservations for rides.
But then guests complained about same-day reservations because they wanted to have the ability to plan in advance!
It appears Disney World just can’t make everyone happy. But there’s some big news that should make almost everyone happy; Genie+ is going away!
Genie+ will go away on July 23, 2024, to make way for a newer, more user-friendly system that will begin on July 24th. Good riddance to Genie+! Very few people liked it, and hardly anyone fully understood the difference between Lightening Lane, Genei+, and Individual Attraction Selection.
I wrote several articles and made a video that mentioned that these names were too confusing. I specifically questioned why we have two names for the same thing: Genie+ and Lightening Lane!
Maybe someone at Disney was paying attention to my channel. Either that or thousands of guest complaints.
Lightening Lane Multi-Pass
On July 24, Walt Disney World will introduce a new skip-the-line program.
Disney Genie+ service will cease and become Lightning Lane Multi-Pass.
Individual Lightning Attraction Selection will now be known as Lightning Lane Single-Pass.
Disney World will also be updating Lightning Lane passes to help guests:
Make Lightning Lane plans before you arrive at the parks.
Choose your experiences and times before purchasing, so you know what you’re getting.
Book Lightning Lane passes for multiple vacation days, all in a single day.
Here’s how Lightning Lane passes will work beginning July 24, 2024
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass
When you purchase Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, you may make up to 3 Lightning Lane selections in a theme park, in advance. You’ll also be able to choose available times as you make your selections. On the day of your visit, once you use a selection, you may check the Disney World mobile app for availability to make additional selections.
Lightning Lane Single-Pass
Lightning Lane Single Pass will work much like it does today, where you can secure a time to ride one of Disney World’s most highly demanded attractions, but you’ll now be able to make your purchase and plan in advance.
How to Plan Ahead
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel or other select hotels (Shades of Green Resort, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels) you will be able to plan Lightning Lane passes up to 7 days in advance, for your entire stay (up to 14 days).
All other guests can plan up to 3 days in advance. These advance purchase windows will let you secure some of your must-do rides and experiences after you’ve had some time to decide what dining reservations you want to book and any other plans you may need to consider.
The Disney World App Will be More User Friendly
You may purchase a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, a Lightning Lane Single Pass, or both. The app will also be updated to make it quicker and easier to purchase and plan, with fewer steps and a new option to purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi-Pass in one transaction.
Lightning Lane passes will blend features from Disney World’s current services and the previously offered FastPass+ service, giving guests the choice to plan ahead and removing the hassle of planning during your vacation.
When can you Purchase Lightning Lane?
Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi Pass each can be purchased in advance, depending on eligibility, at 7 a.m. Eastern. Guests may pre-plan their experiences and return times at the time of purchase.
7-Days Prior
Guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green Resort. can purchase and begin pre-planning up to seven days prior to their check-in date for the length of their stay (up to 14 days).
3-Days Prior
Guests with date-based Disney Theme Park Tickets and those who have Disney World packages in Good Neighbor or Disney Springs Area hotels (like the Drury Plaza Hotel) can purchase and begin pre-planning up to three days prior to their ticket’s start date, for the duration of their ticket.
Guests with other forms of admission (such as non-dated tickets, Annual Passes, and Main Entrance Passes) can purchase and begin pre-planning up to three days in advance of each day of their visit. Theme Park reservations are required.
Day of Visit
Guests can utilize standby queues throughout the Theme Parks (included with admission).
Guests can sign up for Virtual Queues at select attractions (included with admission), subject to availability.
Guests can purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, subject to availability.
Guests with a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass can select return times for additional experiences, one by one, after their first experience of the day has been redeemed, subject to availability.
Available with Theme Park Admission (no extra cost)
Standby Queue
Virtual Queue
Available for Purchase in the Disney World App
Lightening Lane Single Pass
Lightening Lane Multi-Pass
Lightning Lane Single Pass
Guests can use the Lightning Lane entrance at some of Disney World’s most in-demand attractions (up to two per day, per Guest).
Lightning Lane Single Pass experience times can be selected at the time of purchase.
Guests may purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass for a given experience only one time per day.
If their admission includes Park Hopper benefits, Guests may pre-plan their Lightning Lane Single Passes for experiences in two different Theme Parks.
Guests may purchase Lightning Lane Single Passes with or without purchasing a Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
Lightening Lane Multi Pass
Guests can use the Lightning Lane entrance at select experiences during a specified return window (once per experience, per day).
Up to three Lightning Lane experiences at one Theme Park can be pre-planned in advance, at the time of purchase.
Attractions Tiers/Groups
Experiences at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are divided into two groups. Guests may pre-plan up to one experience from Group 1 and the remaining experiences from Group 2.
Throughout the day, once a selection has been redeemed, a new one can be booked from any group (subject to availability)
Park Hopper Tickets
If your admission includes Park Hopper benefits, Guests may select experiences in any of the four Theme Parks after your first selection of the day has been redeemed.
Group 1 - Lighting Lane Attraction Groups
Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Jungle Cruise
Peter Pan’s Flight
Space Mountain
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Epcot
Frozen Ever After
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Soarin’ Around the World
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Slinky Dog Dash
Animal Kingdom Park
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
DINOSAUR
Expedition Everest- Legend of the
Forbidden Mountain
Feathered Friends in Flight
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue...and
Beyond!
It’s Tough to be a Bug
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Na’vi River Journey
Group 2 Lightening Lane Attraction Groups
Magic Kingdom
The Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Haunted Mansion
“it’s a small world”
Mad Tea Party
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the
Pooh
Mickey’s PhilharMagic 3D Spectacular
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Pirates of the Caribbean
Tomorrowland Speedway
Under the Sea-Journey of The Little
Mermaid
Epcot
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Journey Into Imagination With
Figment
Living with the Land Presented by
Chiquita
Mission SPACE
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Spaceship Earth
Turtle Talk With Crush
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Alien Swirling Saucers
Beauty and the Beast – Live on
Stage!
Disney Jr. Play and Dance!
For the First Time in Forever: A
Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt
Spectacular
Muppet*Vision 3D
Star Tours-The Adventures
Continue
Toy Story Mania
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
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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Save at Disney World This Fall With These New Offers (2024)
Fall and holiday offers coming soon for Walt Disney World travel!
Disney World just released news that Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be returning in 2024. That’s great news! But I have even more great news to share. Hmm, actually let me put it like this, “But wait! There’s more!” (That’s better.)
Disney World will also have a room offer for fall and holiday travel dates, plus a FREE Park Hopper offer.
Disney World Holiday Discounts and Offers 2024
Starting on June 27, 2024 guests can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights from
October 6 to November 21
November 24 to December 25
FREE Disney World Park Hopper Offer
Guests can also get free Park Hopper option added to their tickets when they upgrade to a Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a non-discounted 4-day or longer date-based ticket.
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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Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2024
What you need to know about the 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!
Every year people ask me if they should attend Mickey’s Very Christmas Party. My answer is always a big, “YES!” Now I know ticket prices are more than what most people expect, and I assume this is why people want to know if it’s worth it, but like most things at Disney World, you get what you pay for.
I have yet to hear from anyone who didn’t have a great time.
Plus, there’s something extra magical that happens here if you’re a fan of rides. I’ll explain more further down. It’s the NUMBER 1 reason I go to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the Christmas season than at Walt Disney World! And this party is the highlight of the season.
I am so excited to hear that those delicious complimentary cookies and hot cocoa will be offered throughout Magic Kingdom once again in 2024. This is maybe the very reason I go!
Here’s a tip: The free cookies are big, so there’s no need to consume them all in one night. It’s perfectly ok to bring a backpack or bag so you can save them for later.
Of course, Main Street, U.S.A. will be decorated beautifully but so are some of the attractions.
And speaking of attractions, it’s time to reveal why I go to MVMCP each year!
Space Mountain. Yep. That’s it.
During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and only during the party, you can ride Space Mountain with red and green lights on.
How many times have you been on Space Mountain and wished that maybe the work lights would come on so you can see what it really looks like?
Starting 1 hour after the party officially begins, Space Moutain will get a holiday makeover complete with Christmas music rock and roll style and flashing red and green lights.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2024 Dates
November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29
December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a limited-capacity five-hour holiday event, kicking off November 8 and running on select nights through December 20 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Buying Tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2024
Guests of select Disney Resorts hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting on July 2.
For all other guests, tickets will go on sale July 10.
Mark your calendars to experience the wonder and delight of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. There’s no better way to get into a magical holiday spirit!
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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Guide to Disney World Jollywood Nights 2024
Dates and ticket prices for Jollywood Nights 2024 at Walt Disney World
Disney World has announced major details on Jollywood Nights 2024. Here are 5 new and returning offerings that will you look forward to your ultimate holiday getaway to Walt Disney World Resort!
Disney Jollywood Nights Dates
November 9, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
December 2, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21
Jollywood Nights runs from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. This is a limited-capacity, separately ticketed event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Get ready to gather on Hollywood Boulevard for a new dazzling skating spectacular set to favorite holiday tunes. Several times each evening, take in the grace and skill of international champion skaters in an awe-inspiring twist on the traditional ice show.
This year’s event includes over 20 unique character experiences featuring both new and returning favorites.
Reunite with beloved characters like Phineas and Ferb, Santa Duffy, and Santa Stitch, and look forward to fresh new faces such as Bo Peep, Lotso, Baloo, and King Louie from TaleSpin. Don’t forget, Disney PhotoPass digital downloads are included in your event ticket!
An iconic Gertie cookie will be available alongside new treats.
Upon exit, each guest will also receive one sweet treat created by Wondermade!
Disney Jollywood Nights surprises!
In addition to meeting favorite characters, indulging in delicious treats, and shopping, the night will be packed with entertaining shows like What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, Disney Holidays in Hollywood, and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
The Holiday Fiesta en la Calle will move to the Animation Courtyard, and guests will be able to spot Jose Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros!
Meanwhile, The Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club located in the Tower Courtyard will have guests dancing throughout the night! Jazzy Holidays at the Hollywood Brown Derby will return – I recommend getting a reservation due to limited space.
Tickets for Jollywood Nights
Guests of select Disney Resorts hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting on July 2, 2024. For all other guests, tickets will go on sale July 10.
With more Saturday dates added, there are plenty of opportunities to join in the holiday fun.
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 Rides for People Who Hate Rides
Guide to mild rides at Walt Disney World that most people will enjoy.
oin me on a virtual tour of Disney World as I explore the perfect Disney World rides for those who aren't big fans of rides! Ive got you covered with the best attractions to enjoy at the happiest place on earth. Let's make the most out of your Disney World adventure, even if you're not a ride enthusiast!
Even if you hate rides, you still have plenty of options at Disney World. These top attractions will change your mind - trust me, you won't want to miss this!
Are you one of those who tend to steer clear of rides at Disney World because of fear or motion sickness? Well, this vlog is just for you!
Let's dive into the magical world of Disney rides and how they can be quite daunting for some visitors.
So, picture this: you're at the happiest place on earth, but the thought of hopping on those thrilling rides just doesn't sit well with you. The struggle is real when you're not a fan of rides at Disney World, right?
But fear not, my friends! There are plenty of alternative activities at Disney World that can still whisk you away into a world of enchantment without having to endure those intense rides. See, Disney World is family-friendly and while there are plenty of big thrills, most rides are designed for families to enjoy together. The rides on my list a free of big drops and intense spinning.
Now, the moment you've been waiting for - let's shine a spotlight on specific attractions, at Disney World that are tailor-made for ride-haters like you. Get ready to discover a tamer side of Disney magic!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has some of Disney World’s biggest thrill rides like Tower of Terror, Rise of the Resistance, and Rock N Roller Coaster. Of the 8 rides at this park, there are 2 most people would enjoy.
Immerse yourself in a zany Mickey Mouse cartoon at Disney's Hollywood Studios! Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway whisks you on a five-minute adventure through a lively carnival, a wacky farm, a swirling tornado, and even an underwater escapade. Goofy, the engineer, takes you on a train ride after interrupting Mickey and Minnie's picnic. Prepare for special effects, and dazzling visuals, as you experience the world of a Mickey Mouse cartoon firsthand. This exciting ride is perfect for families of all ages and there is no minimum height requirement.
Toy Story Midway Mania is a smooth ride, perfect for guests who want to blast their way through some interactive Toy Story games. The ride vehicles glide along a track but there is some fast movement as the ride vehicle travels between rooms. Overall it’s a gentle ride focused on friendly competition and sharpshooting fun. So rest assured, you can join the toys without any worries about a rough ride.
Animal Kingdom
Kilimanjaro Safaris is a safari adventure across the Disney-re-created African savanna. You’ll board an open-air truck tour that lets you observe a variety of animals roaming freely in their natural habitat, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. While there are no sharp drops or spins, there can be some bumps along the dirt trail and the truck sometimes accelerates quickly to add a little excitement to the ride. But overall this attraction is about viewing the animals on the savanna, not big thrills from the ride vehicle.
Na'vi River Journey is a gentle boat-ride attraction through a bioluminescent rainforest on a mystical riverboat. You glide around on woven reed boat, surrounded by glowing plants that pulse with light. Your journey will also offer a glimpse into the Na'vi culture, as you might spot a scout or an entire tribe. The grand finale awaits in a bioluminescent grotto, where the awe-inspiring Shaman of Songs animatronic showcases the Na'vi's connection to their world and the all-encompassing life force, Eywa. This slow-moving boat ride is perfect for all ages, offering a captivating escape into the beauty of Pandora.
The Wildlife Express Train is a leisurely train ride that takes you out to Affection Section, a remote land in Animal Kingdom where you can see how the animals are cared for and pet some happy goats. The steam train chugs along at a gentle pace, offering scenic views of the park's landscapes and glimpses of the backstage facilities. Perfect for all ages, especially young children or those seeking a calmer experience, there are no drops, bumps, or sharp turns to worry about. Just sit back, relax, and forget to say hi to the goats when you reach the Affection Section!
Epcot
Epcot has a lot of rides for people who hate rides. Not as many as Magic Kingdom but I’ll get to that one in a moment. That’s the big one so I need a lot of time there. Spaceship Earth at Epcot offers a gentle journey through time. Forget about drops and intense speeds – here, the focus is on learning and exploration. The ride vehicles take you on a slow-moving tour highlighting the history of communication, from cave paintings to the rise of modern technology. Expect some darkness and movement from the animatronic figures, but nothing scary or thrilling. So, if you're looking for a relaxing experience with a touch of education, Spaceship Earth is the perfect ride for you.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot is a dark ride that takes guests on a slow-moving undersea adventure with Nemo and his friends. This omnimover ride system takes you through one of the largest aquariums in America with real sealife. The ride is perfect for guests of all ages, including young children. It's a great way to experience the wonders of the ocean and see some of your favorite Finding Nemo characters come to life.
Living with the Land boat ride in Epcot takes guests on a gentle cruise tour featuring an informative narration showcasing futuristic agricultural techniques, that actually work. The ride begins with a tour through greenhouses showcasing various agricultural environments, including rainforests and deserts. You'll see how Disney cultivates a variety of crops using hydroponics, aquaculture, and other innovative methods. t's a great ride for all ages and a relaxing experience.
Soarin' Around the World won't give you heart-pounding drops or wild movements. See, the whole idea behind Soarin’ it that it’s graceful and relaxing. This simulator ride takes you on a scenic adventure, almost as if you were hang gliding. You'll soar smoothly through the air, comfortably seated and enjoying the high-definition visuals on a giant dome screen. There are a couple of things to keep in mind though. The initial feeling of lifting high and gentle dips and dives might cause a slight thrill for some riders. But overall, Soarin' is a great choice usually getting high marks with older adults in particular.
Journey into Imagination with Figment has a cult following even though it’s one of the lowest rated attractions at Epcot. It’s all about using your imagination, not getting your adrenaline pumping. It's a gentle ride perfect for all ages. You'll be comfortably seated in a car that glides along a track, with no drops or sudden turns. The atmosphere is playful and whimsical, filled with bright colors and Figment's silly antics. There's even a touch of learning about the senses and imagination sprinkled in.
The Gran Fiesta Tour at Epcot is a gentle boat ride, perfect for a leisurely cruise through the sights and sounds of Mexico. Forget about drops or high speeds – you'll be, floating along as the vibrant scenes of Mexico unfold around you. The music is calming, and the atmosphere lighthearted, with the main focus being a fun story of finding Donald Duck alongside the Three Caballeros. So, if you're looking for a relaxing and scenic experience to soak up the Mexican spirit, set sail on the Gran Fiesta Tour!
Magic Kingdom
Calling the Jungle Cruise at Disney World a thrill ride would be like calling a nature documentary extreme sports. It's a humorous boat tour through a meticulously crafted jungle environment, perfect for adventurers of all ages. You'll set sail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the scenic landscapes and the witty commentary of your "skipper." Their hilarious puns will keep you entertained throughout the cruise. The excitement comes from spotting animatronic animals and witnessing first-hand, the backside of water. And remember to be a good audience for your skipper, the more you laugh, the more they get into it.
Pirates of the Caribbean is Disney’s most classic attraction and won't leave you white-knuckled like a roller coaster. It's a scenic boat ride taking you on a leisurely journey through the world of pirates. You'll float along at a relaxing pace, surrounded by animatronic pirates, fantastic music, and special effects. The ride weaves a story of pirate adventures, with some spooky elements that are more atmospheric than scary. There's even a small waterfall drop, but it's a mild surprise rather than a heart-pounding plunge. Pirates of the Caribbean is suitable for most ages, with no minimum height requirement.
The Liberty Belle Riverboat is a relaxing river cruise aboard a vintage paddle-wheeler. Set sail for a leisurely journey around the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. The gentle pace allows you to soak in the beautiful scenery of Magic Kingdom Park from and from a unique perspective. You'll glide past Frontierland, Liberty Square, and other themed areas of the park. I encourage you to explore the boat while onboard and visit the different decks, bow and stern. Other than that, not much happens onboard the Liberty Belle Riverboat so it’s the perfect way to rest and recharge.
The Haunted Mansion isn't your typical scream-inducing haunted house. Instead, it's a delightfully spooky adventure for the whole family (with a few exceptions). You'll embark on a slow-moving journey through the creepy corridors of a haunted mansion aboard your very own "Doom Buggy." There won't be any drops or white-knuckled moments, but the ride vehicle does gently turn as it makes its way through the various rooms. This attraction houses some of the best special effects Disney has ever created including some ghostly gags to create a humerous atmosphere. Most people will find it playful with a spooky twist.
"it's a small world" is the happiest cruise that ever sailed. It’s as gentle and slow-moving as it gets and it’s especially loved by young children. You'll set sail on a leisurely cruise through a whimsical world, serenaded by the iconic (and possibly unforgettable) theme song. The boat glides slowly, revealing colorful scenes populated by animatronic dolls dressed in traditional costumes from around the globe. There are no drops or scary surprises, just a cheerful atmosphere celebrating unity and cultural diversity through a fun and lighthearted lens.
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid is a slow moving dark ride perfect for families, especially those with little ones who adore The Little Mermaid. Instead of heart-pounding thrills, you'll be cruising comfortably in a clamshell-shaped ride vehicle. The journey unfolds through familiar scenes from the movie, with colorful lighting, charming music, and everyone's favorite underwater characters like Ariel, Sebastian, and Ursula coming to life with special effects.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is a great family-friendly ride but don’t let the word “spin” throw you off. While it does have the capability to turn slowly, it doesn’t spin. The intent is not so much to spin, but to turn your ride vehicle in the direction of the targets you want to hit. You control the movement through the use of a joystick. You'll be aiming at targets with your very own laser gun. The real thrill comes from racking up points and becoming a top space ranger!
Buckle up for a journey through time, but hold on loosely – The Carousel of Progress is a more relaxing trip down memory lane than a ride. Instead of speeding through loops and dips, you'll be comfortably seated in a slowly rotating theater. The magic unfolds around you as the show uses animatronics and narration to tell the story of 20th century American innovation. The atmosphere is light and positive, focusing on the advancements in technology and lifestyle that have shaped our lives.
Soar through the skies above Neverland, but ditch the devlish thrills! Peter Pan's Flight is a whimsical dark ride perfect for flyers of all ages. Instead of stomach-dropping plunges, you'll be nestled comfortably in a pirate ship that glides along a track. There are no inversions or scary surprises, just heartwarming views and classic scenes from Peter Pan brought to life with special effects, lighting, and charming animatronics.
All aboard for a relaxing journey, not a heart-pounding experience! The Walt Disney World Railroad is a leisurely train ride around Magic Kingdom. Forget about speeding through loops – this charming train chugs along at a gentle pace, offering a laid-back tour of the park's diverse landscapes. Settle into a comfortable seat and soak in the scenery as you travel past different themed lands, spotting glimpses of your favorite attractions. It's a perfect way to take a rest and maybe even discover some hidden gems you wouldn't have otherwise seen.
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover in Magic Kingdom is the epitome of a ride that everyone can do. It's the perfect antidote to a busy day in the park too, usually with a short wait. This continuously moving ride glides smoothly along an elevated track, offering a fantastic view of Tomorrowland and Magic Kingdom from above. You'll travel at a relaxed pace, soaking in the sights of the various attractions. It's a great way to rest your legs, get your bearings in Tomorrowland, and maybe even score some ride inspiration for later!
In a nutshell, even if you're not a fan of rides, there's no need to miss out on the wonder and joy that Disney World has to offer. With the right approach, ride haters can still have an absolutely amazing time at the theme parks.
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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Riding The Wheel at Orlando’s Icon Park
One of Orlando’s best attractions is not in Universal or Disney World!
For years I have driven by The Wheel here in Orlando, but never actually went for a ride. At 400 ft. tall it dominates the Orlando skyline and looks especially cool at night.
We decided to give it a try. So glad we did! This is one of the best non-theme park attractions in Orlando.
This one-of-a-kind wonder has been a part of some pretty incredible Orlando milestones.
From hosting celebrities to throwing some of the hottest parties in town, The Wheel at Icon Park has become an ambassador of local hospitality and symbol of pride for Central Florida.
In April 2019, after claiming fame under several different monikers over the years, Orlando’s star attraction finally received a name worthy of singular footprint in the community – The Wheel. Simple and plaintive, it represents the unpretentious spirit of family and friendship shared across the city of Orlando.
You’'ll find The Wheel at Icon Park just outside of Universal Orlando Resort, and just up the road on I-4 from Walt Disney World.
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 is Going Back to Free Carry-On Bags
JetBlue, one of Orlando’s largest airlines is going back to free carry-on bags with the Blue Basic Fare.
JetBlue. one of the largest airlines in Orlando International Airport is elevating the value of its Blue Basic fare by including a free carry-on bag for customers flying beginning Sept. 6, 2024, regardless of purchase date.
Previously, customers who wished to bring a carry-on bag would need to purchase one of JetBlue’s other fare options or purchase an Even More Space seat.
The change makes JetBlue’s basic economy one of the industry’s best values for price-conscious consumers. In addition to the new carry-on bag allowance, all fares, including Blue Basic, receive JetBlue’s award-winning, customer-centric experience, including the most legroom in coach, seatback entertainment at every seat and fast, free, unlimited Fly-Fi on all flights.
“Carry-on bags are an important part of travel to customers, and when presented with a choice between JetBlue’s award-winning service and another carrier’s basic offering, we want JetBlue to be the easy winner,” said Marty St. George, president of JetBlue.
“We’re always looking for ways to evolve our offering in response to customer preferences.
This is a win-win as we improve the customer experience and keep JetBlue competitive in our industry.”
While many of JetBlue’s aircraft are outfitted with larger overhead bins to accommodate more customers, in the event of space constraints, customers may be required to check carry-on bags at the gate for no additional charge.
All bags remain subject to size and weight restrictions and other fees apply for oversized or overweight bags.
For more information about bag allowances, please visit www.jetblue.com/at-the-airport/baggage-information.
Through JetBlue's variety of fare options, customers can focus on what is most valuable to them—the lowest fare, advance seat selection, priority boarding, points earned and more—while still receiving the best travel experience.
“As flying becomes cheaper and more accessible for a spectrum of customers, a one-size-fits-all offering no longer works,” said St. George.
“Whether a customer prefers more included benefits, or they shop solely on price, our fare options coupled with our great onboard service, makes JetBlue the best choice.
No matter what fare a customer prefers, we provide clear and transparent information on what that selection includes.”
Customers who want to board earlier to use overhead bin space will now find even more value in purchasing the more flexible Blue fare—JetBlue’s second lowest fare that comes with free advanced seat selection, no cancellation or change fees and general boarding.
Blue Basic customers remain the final group to board and Blue Basic fares are subject to a cancellation fee that does not apply to any other fares. To learn more about JetBlue’s fare options, visit www.jetblue.com/flying-with-us/our-fares.
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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How to Celebrate July 4th at Walt Disney World 2024
July 4th celebrations at Walt Disney World Resort.
Patriotic hues of red, white and blue will sparkle as Walt Disney World Resort in Florida celebrates Fourth of July with a spectacular lineup of fireworks, food and festive entertainment.
July 4th fireworks at Magic Kingdom will take place on both July 3rd and July 4th in 2024.
Crowds on the 4th of July at Disney World
If you’re expecting big crowds at Disney World on the 4th of July, I have great news.
While you might think that there will be massive crowds coming in to see the fireworks, it’s actually not that busy at all - for Disney World anyway. The entire week of July 4th is relatively quiet.
Something that helps is that Disney celebrates the 4th of July over 2 days, so there will be fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom and Epcot on both July 3rd and July 4th.
Of the two parks, Magic Kingdom will feel more crowded than Epcot.
Which park has better fireworks? Personally, I think Epcot is the place to be. Magic Kingdom has a terrific performance indeed, but if you really want to be blown away, there’s nothing like the finale at Epcot. I guarantee you’ve never experienced anything quite as powerful as this show.
You will feel the noise inside your chest and the ground will shake.
Free Dining
Right now if you book a Disney World vacation package for at least 4 nights, with 4-day Park Hopper tickets, and with a Disney Visa card, you can get a Disney Dining Plan for free during the first week of July. Contact me now for a quote.
Here are 15 ways guests can celebrate the stars and stripes this Independence Day at Walt Disney World.
15: Fireworks over Magic Kingdom Park
“Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will light up the nighttime sky over Magic Kingdom Park with a booming nighttime spectacular.
A simultaneous fireworks display over nearby Seven Seas Lagoon creates an unforgettable experience for guests in the park and nearby Magic Kingdom Resort Area hotels.
This special fireworks show will take place July 3 and July 4 at 9:20 p.m.
14: Be inspired by Veterans Portraits in The American Adventure at EPCOT
“Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors” is a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute that debuted June 9, 2024, at EPCOT.
Reflecting President Bush’s commitment to military veterans and the ongoing work of the Bush Institute’s Veteran and Military Families Program, this extraordinary art exhibit brings together more than 60 oil paintings by President Bush of service members and veterans who have served in military uniform with honor since 9/11 and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office.
13: Party throughout Magic Kingdom Park
Magic Kingdom guests can dance the night away with DJs mixing tunes at a dance party in front of Cinderella Castle and throughout the park during extended park hours: July 3, 8 a.m.-midnight and July 4, 8 a.m-1 a.m.
12: Heartbeat of Freedom following Luminous The Symphony of Us at EPCOT
This patriotic fireworks display, “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” will follow the new nighttime EPCOT fireworks show “Luminous The Symphony of Us.”
Performances will take place July 3 and 4 at 9 p.m
11: Voices of Liberty harmonies at EPCOT
While visiting EPCOT, guests will be treated to the sounds of Americana as the legendary a cappella vocal group Voices of Liberty performs patriotic numbers in the rotunda of The American Adventure. Performances will take place throughout the day.
Special photo opportunities with patriotic Disney pals
Favorite Disney pals will be dressed for the occasion in their “Spirit of ’76” attire and meet with guests throughout the day at The American Adventure at EPCOT.
10: Spaceship Earth at EPCOT glitters in red, white and blue
In celebration of the holiday, the iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will be illuminated in bright red, white and blue colors at night. Guests can bask in a patriotic glow that will reflect across World Celebration, which is part of the park’s recently completed multi-year transformation.
9: Food that’s worth a salute
For a limited time, Walt Disney World guests can dine on all-new indulgences debuting this year across the resort and the return fan-favorites such as the Barbeque Pulled Chicken Sandwich available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse at EPCOT.
8: Gear up with Disney Americana Collection
Resort guests can celebrate in style with a special collection of merchandise featuring red, white and blue colors and patriotic Mickey Mouse.
The Disney Americana Collection includes a Loungefly Mini Backpack and Ear Headband along with a variety of tees.
Guests can discover these treasures for a limited time at
World of Disney at Disney Springs
Emporium at Magic Kingdom
Creations Shop at EPCOT
Discovery Trading Company at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
7: Celebrate at Disney Resort Hotels
Select Disney Resort hotels get into the spirit with classic summertime fun, from surprise character appearances, campfires, sing-alongs and marshmallow roasts to Movies Under the Stars and children’s activities.
Or just enjoy an afternoon poolside or a leisurely boating excursion on sparkling lakes and waterways.
6: View the nightly Electrical Water Pageant
Guests staying in Disney Resort hotels on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake can cap off their day by viewing the nightly Electrical Water Pageant.
This cavalcade of sea creatures in lights includes a patriotic grand finale featuring the American flag and stars all in sparkling lights.
More information about special activities is available in each resort’s daily schedule.
5: Commemorate the spirit of America every day
America is honored year-round at Walt Disney World, with popular attractions that pay tribute to the country’s history.
4: Stroll Down Main Street
Inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street U.S.A. is a step back in time to a quintessential American town at the turn of the 20th century.
The colorful Victorian setting is where guests can enjoy the famous Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, horse-drawn carriages and the high-flying revelry of the Main Street Philharmonic.
3: Witness the Daily Flag Retreat
Since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the daily Flag Retreat ceremony has retired the American flag for the night in a celebratory tribute to U.S. Veterans. Veterans often participate in the ceremony, receiving warm recognition for their service and sacrifice.
2: See History in Liberty Square
Set in the Revolutionary War era, Liberty Square pays tribute to daily life in the original 13 colonies. Guests can get up close to a replica of the Liberty Bell and meet all 45 different presidents of the United States in the Hall of Presidents, a stirring show tracing the nation’s history.
A walk along the Rivers of America from Liberty Square through neighboring Frontierland reflects a journey through the country’s era of westward expansion.
1: Experience The American Adventure
The American Adventure in World Showcase at EPCOT features a dramatic production including 35 audio-animatronic figures that retell pivotal moments and events throughout the country’s history.
From the landing of the Mayflower to Valley Forge, the Civil War to the Great Depression all the way up to today, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain guide guests on this trip through time.
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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Beginning Jan. 22, a gratuity increase will take effect for all sailings beginning January 23, 2025 or later.