Tag Archives: WDW

More Musings on My Disney Experience / MyMagic +

Posted on by

IMG_2531In a couple of weeks, The Fam and I will be able to make our FastPass+ selections for our upcoming Walt Disney World Vacation (pretend that last part was said in a loud booming voice with an echo!).  I’ve been listening to a ridiculous number of podcasts, pouring over other Disney blogger’s posts, and surfing Disney message boards in preparation.

Now, I feel I need to preface the remainder of this post with a disclaimer:  This is my blog and the words you are about to read are my personal, amateur, Disney non-specialist opinions…Opinions formed by all the unofficial research I’ve been doing.  There, now, I may proceed with a clear conscience.

The FastPass+ portion of the My Disney Experience / MyMagic+ is still a very hot topic.  Overall acceptance to the new way of vacationing at the World is gaining traction – people seem much more positive today than they were even a month ago.  More users are reporting positive experiences with the structure of the program as it stands today (still in testing, according to Disney).  I am absolutely certain we are going to love Magic Bands!  I also believe that Disney is indeed still actively testing and we still haven’t seen the final version of the experience.

That being said, there are still two areas that remain sources of angst I want to address:

  1. Folks still do NOT like the 3-FastPass, 1-Park, Tiered-attraction aspect.  A very decisive IMG_2608person normally, I find myself on the fence.  I’m okay with the 3-FastPasses (we very rarely used more than 3 in a single day, ever).  I think I can be okay with the 1-park restriction as we’d always planned (from the first time we heard about this) to book our FastPasses for the afternoon – do rope-drop (arrive prior to park opening) at park #1, ride E-Ticket attractions early (no FastPasses needed), then hop over to park #2 where we’ve booked our FastPass usage.  The tiered-attraction aspect is, most likely, going to hurt.  Attractions are tiered at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  In the old system you could have FastPasses for all the E-Ticket rides you could score in a day, no restrictions – as long as they were available and you were willing to use the specified return time.  I’m mulling this over and working out different strategies based on park hours and where we’re eating (Advance Dining Reservations booked months ago).  I’ll let you know what plan I decide on later.
  2. IMG_3040The forced planning of FastPasses 60 days in advance is troubling for many vacationers.  The biggest complaint being it’s too restrictive; it’s killing the magic and spontaneity.  This is a very hot issue!  And, never one to shy away from controversy, I have to say I completely disagree with these people!  The number one thing I did NOT like about the former system was how restrictive I thought it was with FastPass return times.  One of us, carrying all our park tickets, would run to gather FastPasses for a favorite ride, only to find out that the fast pass return time would not work for us at all.  It was either too late in the day or smack dab in the middle of a dining reservation.  Also, obtaining and using the legacy FastPasses often required a LOT of schlepping around, back and forth, across a park, in the summer sun!  I believe, if people would be a little open-minded, they could potentially find this pre-planning actually less stressful and more freeing.  No more sending a runner, no more having to go back out to a park at night specifically to use FastPasses that you would have much preferred using earlier in the day.  I’m picturing our commando-touring style still working for us – but we’ll know our FastPass times are times WE chose, not obtained at the mercy of the machines cranking out slips of paper to the other guests who got there before us.  There is positive feedback coming from actual users who are embracing these changes and making it work – believe it or not, they’re still having great vacations!  I’m convinced we will, too.  I’m fairly happy/content in stand-by lines up to about 40-45 minutes long.  Yes, that’s mainly due to not having small children, but even with little ones, some creativity can make waiting in line bearable.

Final Thoughts:

IMG_2522

Photo Credit: Nicholas Maglio

If you are unfamiliar with which rides are the most popular and would normally require a FastPass (to avoid wait times in excess of 30 minutes – sometimes as high as 90 minutes or more) – this may cause you to dislike the new system.  See, here’s the dealio:  With this new set up, FastPasses were added to rides that never had them before.  These are rides with normally low wait times (relatively speaking).  Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, and Pirates of the Caribbean come to mind at the Magic Kingdom.  So if you don’t choose wisely, you may end up with 3 FastPasses you don’t need at all and subsequently face very long stand-by lines for the rides you should have chosen instead.  To resolve this issue I suggest you research like crazy (online, books, podcasts) OR consult a travel agent that specializes in Disney travel.  A competent travel agent could be invaluable in helping you choose dining and attractions and then…wait for it…the travel agent will actually book everything (dining, FastPasses, tickets, accommodations, transportation etc.) for you so all you have to do is show up for vacation!!!  If planning, strategizing, and/or research is not your thing – just call a travel agent.  They don’t cost anything!

Okay – now it’s your turn.  Do you have (or have you taken) a Disney vacation this year?  What are your thoughts on My Disney Experience / MyMagic+ / FastPass+?

If you missed my previous posts about using MyMagic+ and Magic Bands and want to know what I said, go here.

10 Fun Things to Look For While Waiting in Line at Disney World

Posted on by

DSCN2608No matter what time of year you go or how savvy you are with rope-drops and FastPass+, you will inevitably find yourself – at some point during your vacation at Walt Disney World – waiting in line.  It’s not like waiting in line at the grocery store or at your local movie theater’s concession stand.  Disney (as with everything else) adds a bit (and sometimes a LOT) of pixie-dusted details, even to queues.  That’s why I encourage friends that are planning their very first visit to Walt Disney World to embrace the line.  Become zen with the waiting, so to speak.  Folks with little ones may want to bring games and toys to make waiting easier.  Personally, when I’m waiting, I like to soak up all the tiny, but magical details.  Really try to be in the moment…I mean, even waiting in line, I’m still on vacation at Disney World, right?

Now that we’ve established that we’re going to wait, whether it’s a few minutes or several, those special Disney touches to the queue areas for rides and attractions can be a form of entertainment all on their own.  So, my dear blog-reading friends, I give you….IMG_5255

10 Fun Things to Look For While Waiting in Line:

In the Magic Kingdom

  • Haunted Mansion – Since HM was re-vamped in 2011 to add the super-cool interactive queue, I find I love it even more than I did before (which was a lot).  I’d heard about the bride’s ring that can be found in the cement along the queue and I just had to find it.  Locating the elusive piece of jewelry was excellent entertainment for a hot, crowded day.  Lots to see in this queue even if you can’t find the ring.  You’ve gotta find it now, though, dontcha.
  • It’s a Small World – No, the line’s not very exciting while you’re waiting for your turn to board the “Happiest cruise that ever sailed”, but if you stand there long enough, keep your eye on IMG_2547the clock.  Every 15 minutes, the clock opens up and displays the time.  No, I cannot explain what I find so special about this particular detail.  I just think it’s pretty neat – and getting little ones to watch for it as the time draws close for the clock to open, makes waiting a little more entertaining.
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – This ride (to me) has particularly hilarious details that go with Big Thunder’s backstory.  There are genuine pieces of antique mining equipment and tools, but the best part is what’s printed on the crates.  They’re from the Lytum and Hyde Explosives Company!
  • Splash Mountain – The part of the queue inside the mountain is really neat – the walls andIMG_3313 rough wood beams are very realistic, but the best part to me is outside in the courtyard.  Look for the fancy and adorable bird houses…not sure if it’s the whimsy or the little special details, but I always imagine the kinds of birds that must live there to be like the one’s that help Cinderella.

In Epcot

  • Soarin’ – Right before you board (while you’re still in line), there’s a video that explains what to expect and what actions are necessary on your part.  The video is hosted by Patrick IMG_5054Warburton (Kronk!), who I adore.  During the video, as Patrick explains how to properly stow loose items – there’s this guy.  He’s wearing an Earhat that he must, sadly, place in a storage area for safekeeping.  That guy!  He just cracks me up.  A lot.  G’head…watch and see what I mean.  Every time I wait in the line for Soarin’, I look forward to that Earhat man and the dejected expression he has when he’s got to take off his hat.
  • Mission: SPACE – If you read my previous post on Mission: SPACE, you know how I feel about it, but there’s still some pretty awesome stuff to see if you decide you’ve got to ride it.  On loan from The Smithsonian (National Air and Space Museum), is an actual really real Lunar Roving Vehicle.  Take a minute or two to check it out – think about how tough it would have been to design a vehicle that would drive around in a place with no air and little gravity.  Not into that sort of thing?  Then spend your time reading the posted health warnings – there are enough of those to keep you entertained while you wait.IMG_3024

In Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • Rock’n’ Roller Coaster – The queue for this isn’t that great to me until I actually make it into the garage to board the limo – then I love the details and most especially the Hidden Mickey’s and the very clever license plates on the limos.  So, once you step through the door, take the time to look all around.  It’s pretty exciting to see the limos shoot off into the tunnel – knowing you’ll soon be doing the same.
  • DSCN2558Star Tours – This queue is awesome.  You will wind your way through a spaceport terminal complete with flight information displays, droids (like C-3PO and R2-D2) working, and luggage being screened.  Pay particular attention to the luggage screening – it’s hilarious!
  • Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – There’s loads of cool stuff to see, but I’m particularly partial to one certain Hidden Mickey inside the hotel lobby.  Look for the desk – the glasses on the desk form a Hidden Mickey.  It’s subtle, the special effects that make everything look old, dusty, and run down add just the right amount of creepy-ness and in the midst of it all is that cleverly placed detail.  Love.  It.

In the Animal Kingdom

  • Expedition Everest – I love the stand-by line for EE almost as much as I love the ride.  It is myIMG_3405 favorite attraction at Walt Disney World.  Part of the queue will take you through a Yeti Museum – and this, to me, is the coolest part of all.  Take it all in!  Especially the plaster cast of the Yeti footprint and the remains of an expedition gone bad – clearly, by the evidence, they were attacked by some mysterious and destructive creature.  This is GREAT stuff, you guys, don’t miss it!
  • Kali River Rapids – Thousands of details and artifacts await the waiters (in line, that is) at this white-water attraction in Asia.  When you get to the Tiger Temple pavilion, please take the time to look up at the beautiful, extremely detailed artwork – it’s one of the amazing things that makes Walt Disney World so special.  While you’re waiting, there are tons of cool things to see, but I also want you to listen.  Disney’s focus on the evils of deforestation includes the sounds of chainsaws and falling trees!  Seriously.  Listen.

I limited myself to just 10 things to tell you about today – it was pretty hard.  I love riding rides and seeing shows, but I also love just being on a Disney vacation, soaking up the magic in all its forms.  Next time you find yourself at the World, take the time to enjoy the wait and tell me….

What do you do for fun while you’re waiting in line at Walt Disney World?

Disney Pin Trading – Chaser Pins Explained

Posted on by

IMG_2382If you’ve never tried Disney Pin Trading, you can read about getting started here.

Once you’ve dipped your toe into the pin trading pool, so to speak, you can’t help but come across the silver Disney Chaser Pins.  These metalic doppelgangers of some of our favorite, colorful pins first appeared in 2011.  They are “Hidden Mickey” pins (small Mickey head appears on these).  All Hidden Mickey pin collections (painted and chaser) are released on Cast Member lanyards.  Chaser pins, interestingly, are not released as part of the set they seem to belong to – they’re released (after the original, colorful ones) as part of a larger set of chaser pins belonging to a particular year.  Disney releases other chasers that are painted and also pins called “completer” pins, but today I’m just focusing on what little I know about the silver Hidden Mickey Chasers.

Steven Miller (Disney Merchandise Communications Manager) is a contributing writer on the Chaser 3Disney Parks Blog.  Mr. Miller describes chaser pins this way, “These pins are slightly more rare than their full color counterparts.  We don’t have as many produced which prompts the “chase” to find them (though I encourage walking carefully and slowly to your next trading destination :-))”

I’ve traded for chaser pins before, but had absolutely no idea what they were – only that the ones I received were silver duplicates of pins in a set I was collecting.  I actually felt they were an inferior, colorless, boring substitute for the “real” pin I was trying to find – little did I know that they were more rare and belonged to a set of their own.  Now that I know the Chaser pins are limited edition pins and are more challenging to locate – I’ll be giving them the respect they deserve!

In case you missed it and are a pin collector (or thinking about becoming one) – Mr. Miller has a fantastic post about pins for 2014 here.  I cannot wait to get to Disney World and dive back into pin trading / collecting – I’ve got a certain flying Orange Bird to find.  I’d also love to pick up an Chaser 1Alice in Wonderland Doorknob pin (one of the new ones this year).

So?  What about you?  Are you a pin collector?  Do you have many silver chaser pins in your collection?

What-if Wednesday: The ONE Disney Restaurant Dilemma

Posted on by

What if WednesdayLadies and Gentlemen!  Once again, it is time for What-If Wednesday!  The game show where we use our Disney imaginations to debate a weekly “What if?” question.  Contestants from Twitter and Facebook go head to head and compete to invent the most popular answers.  Get ready to let your
imagination run wild!  As Drew Carey would say, this is ”the show where
everything’s made up and the points don’t matter.”  Let’s talk about FOOD!

This week’s What-if:  You’re going to spend a week at Walt Disney World!  (YAY!)  What if you had to eat every meal in the same restaurant then entire time?  Which place would you choose?

Holy Guacamole!  I should have known food would really get people talking – and thinking!  So many participants this week – I’ve divided the answers into three categories…

Category 1 – Table Service

In this category, we’ve got the folks with a particularly discerning taste and a BIG budget.  If IMG_5074you’re going to eat in the SAME table service restaurant every day for the duration of your Disney vacation, you have a passion and you don’t care how much it costs to feed it!  I admire that in a foodie!  So who fell into Category 1 and where will they be eating?

-A (@SaratogaSprings) voted quickly and decisively for “‘Ohana…soooo delicious”  Yes, indeed, ‘Ohana (at the Polynesian Resort) has a lot to offer.  Personally, I’m not as enamored with the meat (served Brazilian Barbeque style) as I am with the starters!  Noodles, salad, wings, dumplin’s …oh, MY!  I’ve always been so sad they stopped serving those cheesy potatoes.  Anybody remember those?

Disney Tutor (@Disneytutor) weighed in with “Raglan Road for every meal-great entertainment & food options, could never get sick of the bread&butter pudding” – Having eaten at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney several times myself (with an upcoming ADR there, to boot!) – this is an excellent choice.  Super fun atmosphere, great food, Irish dancers…and what a beer selection!  Yes, Disney Tutor, you do know how to pick ’em!

IMG_5077Raymond (@Southpaw9989) – said, “It would have to be Jiko. Such great food.”  A man near and dear to my heart (I’ve been married to him nearly 25 years) voted for a table service restaurant (at the Animal Kingdom Lodge) with a bit of fancy style, upscale atmosphere, and terrific food – someday we’ll get to eat there alone (without the offspring) and see if it’s as romantic as we think it may be!  In the mean time, the food at Jiko is truly excellent.  As is the service.  Oh, and the wine.  Good choice, Honey!

Bill Maguire (@wfmaguire) played in this week’s What-if round with this response:  “Good Q!  I’ll take Kona Cafe please.  4 reasons:  Tonga Toast, Sushi!!, The rest of the menu, and Kona beer!!”  Okay, Bill – you have a point!  Even though (I must confess), I’ve never had even one bite of Tonga Toast, I can appreciate the huge fan base this breakfast confection has cultivated over the years (at the Polynesian Resort).  I am a huge sushi fan – would not be put off eating it every day, and Bill had to trump it all with the beer!  Certainly a hearty breakfast, raw fish, and BEER! have all the makings for vacation dining perfection.  Well played, Bill, well played.

Disney Sophisticate (@StyleOfDisney) – new Twitter follower (Welcome and Thanks) jumped right on into the game with gusto, “Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria – at Epcot! Authentic, fresh  ingredients and wood-fired pizza to dream about” – way to join the game!  I have to disclose – we are huge Tutto Italia (also table service in Epcot’s Italy pavilion) fans and have never tried Via Napoli in spite of all the rave reviews.  Disney Sophisticate’s enthusiasm is pretty convincing – we’ve got to give this place a chance!

Les Davis (@LesDavis) – is going all out!  It IS vacation, after all.  Here’s what Les had to say: ” V&A, of course . . . Sorry to be so obvious with my answer.”  Way to dream BIG, Les.  Bravely willing to dress for dinner daily, Les would be dining in style and enjoying gourmet meals (hopefully with the appropriate wine pairings) at the Grand Floridian’s Victoria and Albert’s (affectionately referred to in our home as Vicky and Bert’s).

DisneyPrincess83 (@OzGoofyPrincess) – A return player for this week’s game, the Princess chose Epcot’s Teppen Edo (World Showcase, Japan pavilion).  “Love the food and feel of the restaurant.  And family style is a great way to meet other people.”  Food and friendship!  Who could ask for more?  Plus, watching those chefs cook the food ON your table is highly entertaining.

‏Category 2 – Counter Service / BuffetDSCN2611

Wesley Snyder (@365DaysOfDisney) – Would choose Tusker House at the Animal Kingdom Park.  Wesley didn’t say what it was about Tusker House that makes it his choice, but I bet I can guess!  Start of each day with Donald’s Safari Breakfast and enjoy a wide variety of unique dishes at every meal.  The special kids’ station serves food like corn dog nuggets, chicken drumsticks, and mac & cheese + much more.  Let me add: warm banana cinnamon bread pudding.  ‘Nuff said.  Good choice, Wesley!

Rebecca Kelly (rkellyWDW) – Rebecca took her time deciding – thought it over – and settled on Boma at the Animal Kingdom Resort.  This was the first thing that popped into my mind when I first thought of this particular “What-if” question.  Rebecca’s choice of this extraordinarily varied buffet would allow her to eat for a week and try different things everyday.  And eat unlimited Zebra Domes!

IMG_5370BRGUEST (@goodbye7407) – Like Rebecca, BRGUEST chose a great buffet, but this one is over at the Contemporary Resort – Chef Mickey’s!  “Food is great and will be with the characters always.”  Oh, yeah – Chef Mickey’s serves breakfast and dinner so you could start and end the day with the Fab Five entertaining you while you dine.  Also, while it’s a buffet that’s trying to cater to all eaters (even picky ones), the food’s pretty good.  I can’t imagine anyone not being able to find something tasty to enjoy.

Another Character Buffet fan, Amanda Payne (@RavenAven82) is going with “The Crystal Palace. They have the best food and endless Eeyore hugs!”  While we’ve not yet eaten there, Crystal Palace seems to have a lot of fans – Characters from Winnie the Pooh, beautiful location in the Magic Kingdom,

Paul Boudreau (@YoPaulieNJ) – Paul brought to the table (cough, pun intended) the well-thought out, Sunshine Seasons.  This counter service gem in Epcot’s Land pavilion has everything you’d want in a one-stop shop if such a vacation restriction actually existed.  Plus, it has THE chocolate croissant I love so much.

Dennis (@oakmanner) waded right on into the fray with Port Orleans Riverside food court (aka Boatwright’s Dining Hall).  I can vouch for Dennis’s choice.  We’ve stayed and dined at Port Orleans Riverside and the food court was great!  Fun atmosphere (themed as a boat-builders workshop), good variety of food with a Cajun flair.  Need a hearty Southern-style dinner?  This is DSCN2612the place.

Finally, Niki on Facebook had a very difficult time choosing, but in the end said, “my heart tells me Cosmic Rays….my belly tells me Cape May Café”.  Let’s take a quick look at each, shall we?  Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café is located in the Magic Kingdom.  This eatery, specializing in American fare, is a very large and popular cafeteria.  Ray’s is the place to be if you need to satisfy a varied group of eaters with things like burgers, sandwiches, and salads for a reasonable price.  Cape May Café is a buffet within walking distance of Epcot over at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort area.  The addition of many delicious seafood items to this particular smorgasbord is what makes it so special.

Category 3 – Food Item Obsession!

Daniel Grote (@dangrote) wanted to know, “Does the Main Street popcorn cart count? I could live off popcorn for a week…”  This popcorn has its own cult following.  Seriously – people wax poetic about it.  Jump on in and comment if you have absolutely any idea WHY!?! – Other than everything tastes better at Disney World!

David Hodges (@thedislife) – would live off waffles.  No, not Mickey waffles, but the very popular and unique “Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich at Sleepy Hollow (Magic Kingdom). All day, Every day.”  Waffle obsessed, Dave then added, “while you’re there you need to pick up a Nutella Waffle also. It will be like a meal with dessert”  I cannot resist the idea of these waffle-meals.  So, yes!  I’m going to give them both a try in the very near future.  They sound GREAT!

Honorable Mention: 

Our Hawaiian friend, Dave Tupper (@dstupper) did not choose a restaurant at all.  Dave’s vote was for enjoying each meal in our DVC villa.  Dave’s confidence in my cooking abilities was absolute – he said, “Because I’m sure your cooking is Da Bomb Digity!”  Dave also asked a question of his own, “Can you make Cheesecake?”  Indeed, Dave, I can.  And it’s pretty epic – My Aunt Millie’s recipe, in fact, cranks out what I affectionately refer to as MOAC (the mother of all cheesecakes).  Served with a homemade caramel topping and you’ve got something really special.

That wraps it up for this week, folks!  As always, thanks so much for playing.  Watch Twitter and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife) for the next chance to play What-if Wednesday!