Visit Jellyrolls For a Fun Night Out at Walt Disney World
Sometimes it is hard to remember that adults like to have fun at Walt Disney World also. Besides the normal activities there are a number of activities that are geared strictly towards adults on the Walt Disney World property.
Today I will write about Jellyrolls, the Boardwalk's Dueling Piano Bar.
Located at the end of the Boardwalk, Jellyrolls can be reached by either walking out of the International Gateway of Epcot, taking a boat from Hollywood Studios, or taking a Disney Transportation Bus from Downtown Disney or any Park to the Boardwalk Resort. For those of you with your own transportation, you could also drive and park in the Boardwalk parking area.
However you choose to get there, you will be glad you did when you finally arrive.
Today I will write about Jellyrolls, the Boardwalk's Dueling Piano Bar.
Located at the end of the Boardwalk, Jellyrolls can be reached by either walking out of the International Gateway of Epcot, taking a boat from Hollywood Studios, or taking a Disney Transportation Bus from Downtown Disney or any Park to the Boardwalk Resort. For those of you with your own transportation, you could also drive and park in the Boardwalk parking area.
However you choose to get there, you will be glad you did when you finally arrive.
This past October, while my wife and I took a short trip to Disney World without the children, we decided to visit this place that had always eluded us on earlier trips. So with some trepidation we headed there one night, not really sure what we were getting ourselves into.
There is a $10 cover charge per person, which I considered to be a kind of "commitment fee". Once I paid the fee, I was committed to check this place out.
Inside Jellyrolls, the place is rather sparse and smaller than I expected. There are bars on the extremities to get your favorite beverage and the center is dominated by a small stage with two pianos facing each other. There is a section of tables for people to sit at and a row of stools along the back of the lower level. There are additional standing room only spots in the upper level which is only about 3 steps elevated above the lower level, to improve viewing from the back, I'm sure.
The place wasn't too crowded when we got there after watching the Epcot fireworks from the Boardwalk, so we were able to get a drink and grad a stool on the lower level. Then we proceeded to be entertained by the very talented piano players/singers.
They took turns playing requests and entertaining the crowd with their witty banter. I was quite amazed at the number of songs that they performed well. The regulars in the crowd sang along to some of their favorites, including a rousing rendition of Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline. The crowd grew as the evening progressed and by 11:00pm it was pretty full.
I had been to a place with a similar theme elsewhere, but the quality of the singers here was far superior. I guess I shouldn't be surprised by the quality of talent that Disney would attract.
I can't say enough about how much fun we had that night. I was truly a fun, entertaining evening and I would highly recommend it for an adult night out, without the kids. ( You must be 21 to enter).
So put this one on your list to check out the next time that you get the opportunity. I do not think that you will be disappointed.
Top 7 Attraction Queues at Disney World
A large part of the magic that is Walt Disney World comes from the storytelling and the great attention to detail that is used in and around each attraction.
Today, I am going to list (in reverse order) Only WDWorld's Top 7 Attraction Queues at Disney World. These are the attractions before the attractions. The theming and exhibits that you notice while you are waiting in line or on your way to board your ride. These are the areas that present and sell the background stories. These are the areas that Disney spends more money on and does better than any other amusement park chain in the world.
So here goes Only WDWorld's Top 7:
7. Star Tours – Starting with the full scale AT-AT (All Terrain Armored Transport) Walker located outside the entrance of the building, you get the sense that you are entering the world of Star Wars. Upon entry into the building you see the transport shuttle and R2D2 and C3PO. Further along the queue you continue to see a variety of droids and robots. When you are finally outside of the ride vehicle you receive a briefing video that again reinforces the feeling that you are part of the world of Star Wars further enhancing the experience.
6. Haunted Mansion – This attraction queue certainly sets the stage for what is to come. You are instantly put in the mood by the cast members that greet you as you enter the queue line. The outside portion of the line has tombstone markers that are enjoyable to read. Once you enter the building you are taken to the now famous stretching room, where you are introduced to the Haunted Mansion and given your initial scare. It took many trips before I could actually get my children past this part of the queue to experience the actual ride.
5. Test Track – You are fully immersed in a GM auto testing facility and you see the elements that go into the testing and design of new cars. The focus of the variety of durability and safety/crash related testing, with full scale representations of the testing equipment. The preshow sets the stage to remind you that you are in an automobile testing facility and the tests that cars go through.
They went all out in putting this together and used a large space to demonstrate all of the testing equipment.
4. Toy Story Mania – Hollywood Studio’s newest attraction has shrunk you down to toy size as the ride queue takes you on a winding tour of Andy’s room. Disney spent a great deal of effort putting this together and it is really quite amazing. The Mr. Potatohead “Barker” character is the most advanced audio-animatronics figure ever built. You have to remind yourself that this is just the attraction queue.
3. Rock ‘n Roller Coaster- The infusion of Aerosmith into this attraction was well done and they do a great job of selling the backstory with this ride queue. Once you enter the building, you think you have entered the offices of G-Force records. You are taken to the recording studio where you will see Aerosmith and Steven Tyler sets the stage for the “Limo Through LA” to get to across town to the concert. The area where you board the limos is also set to look like a back alley.
2. Tower of Terror- The entire building and grounds of this attraction set up the story. Even the landscaping and the purposely aged and dried up fountains outside are there to make you believe this is an old run down, once prominent hotel. Once inside the lobby, you again see wonderful detail to make you believe you are in an aging hotel, where everything seemed to have eerily stopped in time many years ago and just sat and collected dust. You then enter the spooky library and see a television video from Rod Serling (Twilight Zone) that explains what has happened to the Hollywood Tower Hotel and how you are being taken to ….the Twilight Zone. Finally you exit the library and proceed to the realistic looking boiler room to wait your turn to board the service elevator.
1. Expedition Everest – When Walt Disney Imagineering set out to design this attraction, they just weren’t focused upon a roller coater and a audio-animatronic Yeti. They set out to create a mountain and an authentic looking village to “sell the story”.
The resulting attraction is amazing and the queue shows off what Disney is capable of when they want to do it right.
6. Haunted Mansion – This attraction queue certainly sets the stage for what is to come. You are instantly put in the mood by the cast members that greet you as you enter the queue line. The outside portion of the line has tombstone markers that are enjoyable to read. Once you enter the building you are taken to the now famous stretching room, where you are introduced to the Haunted Mansion and given your initial scare. It took many trips before I could actually get my children past this part of the queue to experience the actual ride.
5. Test Track – You are fully immersed in a GM auto testing facility and you see the elements that go into the testing and design of new cars. The focus of the variety of durability and safety/crash related testing, with full scale representations of the testing equipment. The preshow sets the stage to remind you that you are in an automobile testing facility and the tests that cars go through.
They went all out in putting this together and used a large space to demonstrate all of the testing equipment.
4. Toy Story Mania – Hollywood Studio’s newest attraction has shrunk you down to toy size as the ride queue takes you on a winding tour of Andy’s room. Disney spent a great deal of effort putting this together and it is really quite amazing. The Mr. Potatohead “Barker” character is the most advanced audio-animatronics figure ever built. You have to remind yourself that this is just the attraction queue.
3. Rock ‘n Roller Coaster- The infusion of Aerosmith into this attraction was well done and they do a great job of selling the backstory with this ride queue. Once you enter the building, you think you have entered the offices of G-Force records. You are taken to the recording studio where you will see Aerosmith and Steven Tyler sets the stage for the “Limo Through LA” to get to across town to the concert. The area where you board the limos is also set to look like a back alley.
2. Tower of Terror- The entire building and grounds of this attraction set up the story. Even the landscaping and the purposely aged and dried up fountains outside are there to make you believe this is an old run down, once prominent hotel. Once inside the lobby, you again see wonderful detail to make you believe you are in an aging hotel, where everything seemed to have eerily stopped in time many years ago and just sat and collected dust. You then enter the spooky library and see a television video from Rod Serling (Twilight Zone) that explains what has happened to the Hollywood Tower Hotel and how you are being taken to ….the Twilight Zone. Finally you exit the library and proceed to the realistic looking boiler room to wait your turn to board the service elevator.
1. Expedition Everest – When Walt Disney Imagineering set out to design this attraction, they just weren’t focused upon a roller coater and a audio-animatronic Yeti. They set out to create a mountain and an authentic looking village to “sell the story”.
The resulting attraction is amazing and the queue shows off what Disney is capable of when they want to do it right.
The Imagineers took many trips to the Himalayas to collect artifacts and view the architectural styles of the region. They also researched the various legends of the Yeti.
The Disney created village is called Serka Zong, which is supposedly located in the foothills of the Himalayas.
As the story goes, the Himalayan Escapes tour company led by Norbu and Bob, have refurbished a steam train and are using it to transport trekker to their base camp, using a shortcut that passes though the “forbidden mountain” that is guarded by the mythical yeti.
As you make your way through the queue you will see authentic artifacts from the region and a multitude of trekking items used. You will also pass through a yeit museum of sorts that tells of the legend of the yeti and report of a lost expedition that may have run into the yeti during their attempt to cross the forbidden mountain.
The detail truly is wonderful and as mentioned earlier most of the artifacts are authentic from the region. You are fully immersed in the story. The whole attraction was very well done and the results are amazing.
Honorable Mention:
Others that garner honorable mention include: Kali River Rapids, Stitch’s Great Escape, The Great Movie Ride, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Mission Space, Soarin’, and The Living Seas.
A Great New Way to Experience Disney World From Home
Disney World has teamed up with Google to create a great new way to experience Walt Disney World from home.
Through the use of Google Earth 3D you can actually explore a 3D version of the Disney Parks and resorts from your computer.
This is really cool and you have to check it out.
The information to get you started, along with a short information video clip are located here: Disney World Google Earth 3D
You can literally simulate walking through the parks and see all of the detail. You can change the settings a take a bird's eye view and fly over the parks. This is something that you could spend hours checking out.
So, if you've been to Walt Disney World a hundred times or you are looking to visit for the first time, this is something that will be a lot of fun to check out prior to you next trip!
Tags:
Trip Planning
Become a Part of the Movies at The Great Movie Ride
What would a visit to Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios be without an attraction that pays homage to the great Hollywood movies?
The Great Movie Ride attraction not only pays homage to the great Hollywood movies, but allows you to feel like you become a part of them.
The building that houses the attraction is a full size reproduction of the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood where the hands and footprints of the celebrities are immortalized in the cement.
While in the ride queue you will first see props from several famous movies. Then the queue will take you into a large theater where a continuous loop shows clips from a multitude of famous movies, ranging from the present to the beginning of movie making.
Now it is time to actually board the ride. You get into a large ride vehicle that can accommodate nearly a hundred people at a time. You are led by a live guide, who will narrate during your journey.
The ride vehicle starts moving and you're off! It takes you through a number of scenes of movies from different genres and eras. You will recognize many of them like: Mary Poppins, Singing in the Rain, Alien, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Wizard of Oz, and Casablanca.
During the ride your tour guide will get into a bit of trouble, but like all good movies the good guys win out in the end. As always Disney does a great job creating the audio-animatronic figures that populate the scenes. Many look very lifelike. You can see several pictures from the Wizard of Oz scenes at the end of this post.
This is a good ride for all ages, but younger children may get a little scared during the scene from Alien. So you may want to have them close their eyes during that section if they scare easily.
This is a nice relaxing ride that is air conditioned and can be a great way to beat the heat on a hot day a Walt Disney's Hollywood Studios.
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Hollywood Studios
Meet DeVine - Disney's Animal Kingdom's Unique Entertainment
Am I going crazy or did that vine just move? If I am at Disney's Animal Kingdom, I really may have noticed the vine move.
She wears a costume that does an excellent job of camouflaging her, and combined with slow movements, she blends into the jungle background.
Many times I have walked past without realizing that she was there.
The costume also includes stilts which adds to the vine-like look.
The next time that you are at Disney World's Animal Kingdom, be on the look out for DeVine. She does not show up on the entertainment schedule. She is just an extra bit of Disney magic that you will want to try to see. You'll just have to look real closely.
Explore the Kilimanjaro Safari
The Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safari has to be one of my favorite Walt Disney World attractions. I love seeing all of the animals in their natural habitat settings.
This certainly is an attraction worthy of many pictures. Check out the photo album of pictures from the Safari found after this post.
During the Safari you board the ride vehicle and enter the Harambe Wildlife Preserve. Here you encounter a variety of wildlife on the African Savannah. This is not the kind of animatronic wildlife that you would find on the Jungle Cruise, this is the living, breathing type of wildlife. You will see a multitude of animals including: Lions, Giraffes, Elephants, Warthogs, Ostriches, Wildebeests, Rhinoceroses, Hippopotamuses, Crocodiles, Thompson's Gazelles, and many others.
Disney Imagineers made many research trips to Africa to ensure that the landscapes accurately replicate the experience of taking a safari in Africa. The attraction covers nearly 110 acres which is almost the same size as the entire Magic Kingdom.
This is an attraction that will appeal to the entire family and is a must see for any trip to the Animal Kingdom. You should definitely get a FastPass for this ride and avoid standing in the standyby line in possible. My family usually gets a FastPass before meal time and then we eat before our allotted time comes up. This makes for a more relaxing day and avoids excessive time standing in lines.
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Animal Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom'sTomorrowland Indy Speedway
The Tomorrowland Indy Speedway has been the first driving experience for many children since it opened in the Tomorrowland section of the Magic Kingdom on October 1st, 1971.
As one of the Magic Kingdom’s original attractions, it has been a favorite of kids of all ages for over 35 years. The attraction was originally called the “Grand Prix Raceway”. There have been minor modifications over the years, and the addition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2000 as the main sponsor.
The premise for the attraction is still basically the same. You drive a 9 hp, gas powered car around a curving, guided, 2,260 ft. track at speeds of up to 7.5 mph.
The precursor to this ride was Disneyland’s Autotopia, which was designed when the nation’s highway systems were really starting to evolve. At the time Walt Disney wanted the attraction to help children get used to the concept of driving on a highway. By the time the Disney World version was created in 1971, highway driving was now commonplace, so they chose a race course theme for their attraction.
Because of its popularity, this is a ride that you should try to ride early in the day, before the lines get long.
This is a ride that my own children loved when they were very young and still enjoy it today. It is enjoyable for guests of all ages.
Although the cars have steering wheels, the guides on the track do not allow you to go too far off course and technically, you do not need to steer much at all. The one pedal operation also simplifies the driving for children. You depress the foot pedal to accelerate and when you release it, the disc brakes engage and stop the car.
Did You Know?: The official host
of the ride is called “Al Unserbot.”
As one of the Magic Kingdom’s original attractions, it has been a favorite of kids of all ages for over 35 years. The attraction was originally called the “Grand Prix Raceway”. There have been minor modifications over the years, and the addition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2000 as the main sponsor.
The premise for the attraction is still basically the same. You drive a 9 hp, gas powered car around a curving, guided, 2,260 ft. track at speeds of up to 7.5 mph.
The precursor to this ride was Disneyland’s Autotopia, which was designed when the nation’s highway systems were really starting to evolve. At the time Walt Disney wanted the attraction to help children get used to the concept of driving on a highway. By the time the Disney World version was created in 1971, highway driving was now commonplace, so they chose a race course theme for their attraction.
Because of its popularity, this is a ride that you should try to ride early in the day, before the lines get long.
This is a ride that my own children loved when they were very young and still enjoy it today. It is enjoyable for guests of all ages.
Although the cars have steering wheels, the guides on the track do not allow you to go too far off course and technically, you do not need to steer much at all. The one pedal operation also simplifies the driving for children. You depress the foot pedal to accelerate and when you release it, the disc brakes engage and stop the car.
Did You Know?: The official host
of the ride is called “Al Unserbot.”
Tags:
Magic Kingdom
Great Discounts Announced for the Swan and Dolphin Hotels
Here are a couple of great deals recently announced by the Swan and Dolphin Hotels, which are located in the Walt Disney World Boardwalk Area. I am passing this information directly on to you. Call the numbers listed for more information.
For stays between now and the end of the year:
Early visitors to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort can enjoy all the splendor and magic of the holiday season with rates starting as low as $159*.
Call 1-888-828-8850 and ask for rate code listed below.
STAY DATES RATES RATE CODE
November 23 – December 4 Starting at $159* ETHANK
December 12 – December 23 Starting at $159* EDEC
For stays during 2009:
Below are some great opportunities for various dates in 2009 that have not yet been published.Book your room now and receive a complimentary one-category upgrade!
Give us a call at 1-888-824-8850 and ask for the dates and rate codes that you prefer!And don't forget to ask for your room upgrade!
STAY DATES RATES RATE CODE
January 2 – January 4 Starting at $179* ENWYR
May 20 – May 27 Starting at $169* EMEM
August 19 – September 11 Starting at $149* ESUM
September 25 – October 2 Starting at $149* EFALL
December 13 – December 21 Starting at $149* EDEC9
* Rates are per room, per night based on rate schedule availability and do not include the mandatory $10 per night Resort Service Package, applicable taxes or gratuities. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations or for groups.
For stays between now and the end of the year:
Early visitors to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort can enjoy all the splendor and magic of the holiday season with rates starting as low as $159*.
Call 1-888-828-8850 and ask for rate code listed below.
STAY DATES RATES RATE CODE
November 23 – December 4 Starting at $159* ETHANK
December 12 – December 23 Starting at $159* EDEC
For stays during 2009:
Below are some great opportunities for various dates in 2009 that have not yet been published.Book your room now and receive a complimentary one-category upgrade!
Give us a call at 1-888-824-8850 and ask for the dates and rate codes that you prefer!And don't forget to ask for your room upgrade!
STAY DATES RATES RATE CODE
January 2 – January 4 Starting at $179* ENWYR
May 20 – May 27 Starting at $169* EMEM
August 19 – September 11 Starting at $149* ESUM
September 25 – October 2 Starting at $149* EFALL
December 13 – December 21 Starting at $149* EDEC9
* Rates are per room, per night based on rate schedule availability and do not include the mandatory $10 per night Resort Service Package, applicable taxes or gratuities. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations or for groups.
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News and Announcements
Disney World Announces Special Buy 4 Days Get 3 Free
Special News Announcement Direct from Disney:
Buy 4, Get 3 FREE at select Disney Value Resorts!
Buy a 4-night/4-day package and get 3 nights FREE including Theme Park tickets!
Package for most nights between 1/4 - 4/4 and 4/19 - 6/27.
Example package: A standard room at a Disney Value Resort priced at $1271 for a family of 4 - that's like paying only $46 a night per person.
Plus, when you travel between1/4/09-3/29/09, you'll also get a $200 Disney Gift Card.
The Disney Gift Card will be provided at time of check-in.
Example Rates:
Select Disney Value Resorts – Standard Room
Dates Package Cost Savings
1/4-2/12 $1,271 $316
2/13-3/29 $1,466 $484
3/30-4/4 $1,466 $484
4/19-5/21 $1,375 $416
5/22-6/27 $1,421 $450
Prices based on 2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child. The number of packages available at this rate is limited. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same package. Tickets must be used within 14 days of first use. One park per day.
Book through December 20, 2008 to take advantage of these great rates!
Other packages with similar savings exist for the other resorts. You may book this on-line at DisneyWorld On-line Reservations , call Disney Reservations at: (407) 939-7928 or call your travel agent and use code IUZ
If you are planning on visiting Walt Disney World during the 1st half of 2009 this may be worth checking out!
Buy 4, Get 3 FREE at select Disney Value Resorts!
Buy a 4-night/4-day package and get 3 nights FREE including Theme Park tickets!
Package for most nights between 1/4 - 4/4 and 4/19 - 6/27.
Example package: A standard room at a Disney Value Resort priced at $1271 for a family of 4 - that's like paying only $46 a night per person.
Plus, when you travel between1/4/09-3/29/09, you'll also get a $200 Disney Gift Card.
The Disney Gift Card will be provided at time of check-in.
Example Rates:
Select Disney Value Resorts – Standard Room
Dates Package Cost Savings
1/4-2/12 $1,271 $316
2/13-3/29 $1,466 $484
3/30-4/4 $1,466 $484
4/19-5/21 $1,375 $416
5/22-6/27 $1,421 $450
Prices based on 2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child. The number of packages available at this rate is limited. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same package. Tickets must be used within 14 days of first use. One park per day.
Book through December 20, 2008 to take advantage of these great rates!
Other packages with similar savings exist for the other resorts. You may book this on-line at DisneyWorld On-line Reservations , call Disney Reservations at: (407) 939-7928 or call your travel agent and use code IUZ
If you are planning on visiting Walt Disney World during the 1st half of 2009 this may be worth checking out!
Tags:
News and Announcements
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Trip Planning
Countdown to Holiday Celebrations at Walt Disney World
Every year Walt Disney World transforms itself into a Winter Wonderland, full of festive holiday spirit. This year will be no different.
Each park and all of the resorts will be decorated for the Christmas Holidays. The official start of the season will be the day after Thanksgiving, November 28th.
That is the day that Epcot will start its Holiday activities, including a personal favorite, the Candlelight Processional. That is also the day that Hollywood Studios will turn on the Osborne Family Lights. This link takes you to a previous blog on last year's lights: Osborne Lights
You can see the pictures below showing the lighting that has already been set up.
November 28th is also the date for the start of the Animal Kingdom's Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade.
The only park that starts its celebrations earlier is the Magic Kingdom, which starts its Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parties on November 10th.
So between now and November 28th, you will notice the transition, day by day, as Walt Disney World prepares itself for another wonderful Holiday Season.
If you wish to visit Disney World to enjoy the decorations and special entertainment, the early part of December is usually not too crowded. As you get closer to Christmas, the crowds build. The week between Christmas and New Year's is typically one of the busiest of the year.
If you have never visited during the Holiday season it is really something that you should consider doing. This is definitely a special time to visit and it differs greatly from a summer time visit.
Tags:
Trip Planning
Finding Nemo the Musical at Disney's Animal Kingdom
One of the most recent additions (debuting in 2006) to Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom is the Finding Nemo the Musical Show.
Finding Nemo is housed in the Theater in the Wild, which has been totally remodeled from the days that it held the Tarzan Rocks show. The theater is now totally enclosed and is also air conditioned, which is great on a hot day at the Animal Kingdom. The theater is located in Dinoland on the way to Asia and Expedition Everest.
The show itself is a wonderful, high quality musical interpretation of the animated classic Finding Nemo. It is a condensed retelling of the movie version. The 30 minute performance marks the first time that Disney has made a musical stage show from a non-musical feature movie.
The sets use a combination of live actors and puppets that are colorful and amazing. All of the songs that are sung were created just for this show.
During the show you will see all of your favorite scenes and characters. Just like the movie, I believe that Dorie, the fish with no short term memory, is hilarious and steals the show.
I have had an opportunity to see the show three times now and I truly enjoy it. It is without a doubt the best live show at any of the Disney World Parks right now. This is definitely a must see for your visit to the Animal Kingdom. It is a show that all ages will enjoy.
Tags:
Animal Kingdom
First Time Tips - Disney Restaurant Research
When you visit Walt Disney World, dining can be one of the best or one of the worst parts of your trip. I hoping with the tips that I am providing today and through other posts, I can help make it one of the best.
I have written earlier about the Disney Dining Plan and the benefits it has. For a first time visitor, the pre-paid dining definitely helps keep your trip on budget and their are times of the year, where Disney will include the Dining Plan for free as part of a package.
The topic I wanted to discuss today is determining whether a certain restaurant is right for your family. Besides the recommendations of others, some times it is just nice to know what is on the menu and what the prices are for a particular restaurant.
While today I am going to help you do even better than that! I am going to provide two links that each give you a list of each of the on-property Disney Dining locations, including counter service and snack carts. They also have full listing of menu items and prices for each location.
They are:
Both sites have basically the same menu information, and get updated fairly regularly.
By having this information available to you when you are trying to plan where you may eat is a tremendous benefit. This is especially helpful if you have a picky eater in the family.
So give it a try! Pick a location that you have been thinking about eating at and look up it's menu. Hopefully the menu will have something that appeals to you and your family.
The research will not make the food prices any lower, but you will know what to expect and what to budget for if you do choose to eat there.
This is another case where planning ahead can definitely make your Disney World experience go much smoother. It will also make you a hero to your family for choosing the perfect place to eat every time!
Tags:
Dining
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First Time Tips
Spaceship Earth - Epcot's Iconic Attraction
Today we are visiting Spaceship Earth. Not only is it Epcot’s iconic feature it is also an interesting attraction that should be a part of everyone’s visit to the park.
What differentiates the 180 foot tall Spaceship Earth from the iconic features of the other three Walt Disney World parks is that within the massive geosphere is a dark ride attraction.
The attraction boldly greets you as you enter the main gate of Epcot and you must pass it to get to the rest of the park.
What differentiates the 180 foot tall Spaceship Earth from the iconic features of the other three Walt Disney World parks is that within the massive geosphere is a dark ride attraction.
The attraction boldly greets you as you enter the main gate of Epcot and you must pass it to get to the rest of the park.
The ride cue is typically very short and the line moves fast, since it is a continuously loading ride like the Haunted Mansion. Shortly after getting into your ride vehicle, you will be asked a couple of interactive questions on the on-board monitor that will be used to customize your ride experience. This feature is an addition from the recent refurbishment that was completed earlier this year. It marked the transition to the new principal sponsorship by Siemens.
The ride transports you through a series of scenes of animatronic characters. These scenes take you through the history of man and the role that communication has had. If you have ridden the attraction previously you will notice that many scenes are the same, while others have been dramatically changed. You may also note that the narration has changed. The new narration is performed by the actress Judi Dench.
After reaching the top of the geosphere, the ride vehicle turns 180 degrees for the decent. At this point is the attraction the personal monitors activate again and use the information that you entered earlier to create a personalize scene of what the future may look like for you.
After reaching the top of the geosphere, the ride vehicle turns 180 degrees for the decent. At this point is the attraction the personal monitors activate again and use the information that you entered earlier to create a personalize scene of what the future may look like for you.
Departing the ride vehicle, you will enter a revamped post-ride area that has a number of fun interactive games to play. These post ride areas are often overlooked and are usually well worth the time to check them out. These areas are great if you have 8-13 year old kids.
In summary Spaceship Earth is not only the photogenic icon of Epcot, it is a worthwhile attraction that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
In summary Spaceship Earth is not only the photogenic icon of Epcot, it is a worthwhile attraction that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Tags:
Epcot
