Haunted Mansion Hotel Room at Walt Disney World?
The Haunted Mansion - Walt Disney World
Glowing footprints appearing on the ceiling, âFloatingâ Doom Buggy beds, A sliding bookcase / hidden passage to the bathroom, ghostly apparitions appearing in the mirrors to âfollow you homeâ and of course the infamous Haunted Mansion wallpaper on the bed linens. These were all part of an idea that was being kicked around at Walt Disney World Imagineering back in 2010 but the idea never came to be.
Haunted Mansion Room Concept for Walt Disney World Resort 2010
Haunted Mansion Room Concept for Walt Disney World 2010
The idea was brilliant: take the rooms furthest away from the lobby (the least desirable rooms) at Disneyâs Caribbean Beach Resort and Disneyâs Port Orleans Riverside and give them a magical makeover with a special Disney theme. Port Orleans. Riverside would be the perfect hotel, given that Disneylandâs Haunted Mansion is located in New Orleans Square. And of course, Caribbean Beach would be perfect for Pirates of the Caribbean, which of course did come to fruition.
A survey had been sent out to some guests asking about what type of themed rooms they would like to see at Walt Disney World. Options included a Pirates of the Caribbean room, a Disney Princess room, a health and wellness room, and one based on The Haunted Mansion.
Concept drawing of the proposed Pirates of the Caribbean themed room at Walt Disney World
Actual pirate themed room at Disneyâs Caribbean Beach Resort - Walt Disney World
Too bad the Haunted Mansion concept didnât win out because there were so many creative ideas in the works. I think the Imagineers would have really had fun designing these rooms, more so than the Royal Rooms that we have now. Theyâre pretty neat too, though. Another nail in the coffin to the Haunted Mansion rooms is that they might not have appealed to all audiences. Can you imagine trying to get a toddler to go to sleep with ghosts waving at him in the mirror?
But they say no good idea ever goes away at Disney, so maybe we will see a version of these rooms return in the future.
What do you think? Would you want to stay in a room themed to The Haunted Mansion?
Universal Orlandoâs Express Pass Unlimited vs. Disney Worldâs Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Which Is Better?
Planning a trip to Orlando? Compare Universal Orlandoâs Express Pass Unlimited and Disney Worldâs Lightning Lane Unlimited to see which line-skipping service saves more time, money, and stress.
When planning a theme park vacation, one of the biggest decisions families face is whether to invest in a line-skipping service. Both Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World now offer premium options that promise to cut down wait times and maximize your day. Universalâs Express Pass Unlimited and Disneyâs Lightning Lane Premier Pass are the two most powerful tools in Orlando for skipping the standby queue. But how do they actually compare? Which offers better value, flexibility, and convenience?
Letâs dive into a detailed comparison of Universal Express Unlimited vs. Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass so you can decide which one is right for your trip.
What Is Universal Express Unlimited?
Universalâs Express Pass Unlimited allows guests to skip the regular standby line and enter an expedited Express queue for most rides and attractions. Unlike the base Express Pass, which only lets you skip each participating ride once per day, the Unlimited version truly lives up to its name: you can ride the same attraction as many times as you want, all through the faster line.
That means if youâre obsessed with Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or Jurassic World VelociCoaster, youâre free to loop back around multiple times with minimal waiting.
Express Unlimited is sold as a per-day add-on to your ticket. Pricing is date-based, and the more crowded the parks are expected to be, the more expensive the pass will be. It can also sell out on peak days.
What Is Disneyâs Lightning Lane Premier Pass?
Disneyâs line-skipping system is more layered and complicated. At Walt Disney World, most guests use Lightning Lane which requires you to book return times for the Lightning Lane Line access throughout the day. However, thereâs also a premium tier often referred to as the Premier Access option.
This option, when available, functions more like Universalâs Express Pass. Instead of reserving time slots, you get one-time access to every Lightning Lane-eligible ride in a single park without booking windows. You simply walk up and scan in.
The catch? You only get one use per attraction. So while youâll save time at nearly every major ride, you canât re-ride your favorites through the Lightning Lane under the Unlimited plan. If you want to ride again, youâll need to join the standby queue.
How the Two Systems Differ
1. Unlimited vs. One-Time Use
Universal Express Unlimited: Truly unlimited. You can ride the same attraction again and again.
Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass: One Lightning Lane entry per attraction. Repeat rides must be in standby.
This difference is huge for thrill-seekers or anyone who wants to ride headliners multiple times.
2. Reservations vs. Flexibility
Universal: No reservations needed. Walk up to the ride when you want and use the Express line.
Disney Premier: While you wonât need to schedule times as with regular Lightning Lane, remember that itâs only one use per ride.
3. Park Access
Universal Express Unlimited: Can be purchased for one park (Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure) or both if you have a park-to-park ticket.
Disney Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Valid only in one park per day.If youâre hopping between Disney parks, youâll need separate purchases.
4. Participating Attractions
Universal: Every ride included, except Pteranodon Flyers.
Disney World: Covers most Lightning Lane attractions, but if Lightning Lane isnât offered, Premier Pass wonât be accepted. Fortunately, most rides have a Lightning Lane.
5. Pricing
Universal Express Unlimited: Prices vary by date and demand, typically ranging from $100â$350+ per person, per day.
Disney Lightning Lane Unlimited (Premier): Also dynamic pricing, with costs varying by park and crowd levels but typicaly fall in the $300 - $400 range per person, per day. For example, in October 2025, prices at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom reached $449 on busy dates.
Neither is cheap, but both can be worth it during peak crowds when lines stretch over an hour each.
6. Availability
Both systems are capacity-controlled. Universal sells a limited number of Express Unlimited passes each day, and Disney restricts its Lightning Lane Unlimited sales as well. If youâre traveling during holidays or school breaks, booking early is essential.
The Guest Experience: What It Feels Like in the Parks
Universal Orlando
Using Express Unlimited is straightforward. You stroll to the ride, flash your pass, and head into a shorter line. Waits are often 10â20 minutes instead of 60+. For popular rides, this can be a massive time saver. Since you can re-ride endlessly, the experience feels indulgentâyouâre truly buying time and freedom.
Families who want to squeeze everything into a short trip often find Express Unlimited invaluable. Itâs also especially nice for thrill-seekers who want to marathon coasters or immerse themselves in the Wizarding World without constantly strategizing.
At Walt Disney World
Lightning Lane Premier Pass simplifies Disneyâs previous Genie+ system. Instead of waking up early, booking return times, and juggling the app, you just head to the rides. For those who dislike planning, this is a huge stress reliever.
However, the one-time limit per ride can feel restrictive. If your kids love Slinky Dog Dash and want to ride it twice, youâll only skip the line once. That means your day still requires some standby patience.
Which One Saves More Time?
This depends on how you tour the parks.
Universal Express Unlimited is generally the bigger time-saver for guests who want to ride a lot, repeat favorites, or maximize a short stay. The ability to skip lines multiple times per ride makes it more powerful.
Disney Lightning Lane Unlimited is more about convenience and simplicity than sheer ride count. It guarantees youâll hit most attractions once without hassle but wonât let you marathon rides.
Cost vs. Value: Who Wins?
Universal: If youâre visiting for one or two days and want to experience nearly everything, Express Unlimited is worth the premium. Youâll easily double or triple your ride count compared to standby guests.
Disney: The Unlimited option makes sense if you hate app-based planning or are visiting on a packed day. But if your group loves to re-ride, its one-time rule might feel limiting.
Who Should Choose Universal Express Unlimited?
Families with older kids or adults who love thrill rides.
Visitors with short trips who want to âdo it all.â
Anyone visiting during peak seasons when wait times explode.
Theme park fans who want the freedom to re-ride without restrictions.
Who Should Choose Disney Lightning Lane Unlimited?
First-time visitors who want to guarantee one ride on each headliner.
Guests visiting on high-crowd days when Genie+ sells out.
Travelers who donât care as much about re-rides but want smoother touring.
Final Verdict
Both systems deliver on their promise to save time, but they cater to different kinds of parkgoers. Universal Express Unlimited is the more powerful option because of its true unlimited nature. You can ride to your heartâs content, and that freedom justifies its high cost for many visitors.
Disneyâs Lightning Lane Premier Access Saves time however, the one-time limit per ride means it doesnât offer quite the same bang for your buck if you love repeats.
If you want the ultimate efficiency and thrill-seeker freedom, Universalâs Express Unlimited wins. If youâre visiting Disney and want to remove the stress of reservations, Lightning Lane Unlimited may be the smarter choice.
Extra Planning Tips
Buy early: Both passes can sell out, especially on holidays and weekends.
Factor it into your budget: The cost can rival or exceed your ticket price.
Check which rides are excluded: Donât assume every ride is open, could be closed for maintenance or technical difficulties.
Consider your groupâs style: If your kids love repeats, Universal is best. If they just want to try everything once, Disney may be fine.
Darren spent nearly 20 years as an Orlando travel agent, helping families plan unforgettable vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond. Today, he has transitioned his passion for travel into writing and video production. As a travel writer and producer, Darren shares insider tips, reviews, and in-depth guides through his blog and his travel channel on YouTube, where viewers can explore destinations, resorts, and theme parks with him. You can find his videos here on his Travel Channel.
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When DINOSAUR Will Close - Disneyâs Animal Kingdom
DINOSAUR is the final attractions that needs to close at DinoLand U.S.A.The new land will feature two signature attractions centered around Indiana Jones and Encanto.
The classic DINOSAUR ride at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom, which first opened in 1998, will permanently close on February 2, 2026 to make way for Tropical Americas.
This marks the final attraction closure at DinoLand U.S.A., paving the way for an exciting new chapter.
The future of Disneyâs Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Iâm especially intrigued by the new land, which will feature two signature attractions centered around Indiana Jones and Encanto. Construction is already underway on Tropical Americas, with an anticipated opening in 2027.
Disney has shared that the new Indiana Jones experience will be unlike any other around the world.
The story involves Indiana Jones discovering a perfectly preserved Maya templeâstrictly for exploration purposes, of course.
Rumors about a mythical creature lurking deep within the temple add to the mystery, and weâre invited to join Indy on this adventure.
As for snakes? Thatâs something weâll have to wait and see.
The Encanto-themed ride will be Disneyâs very first based on the hit film.
It will immerse guests in the magical world of the Madrigal family. Inside Antonioâs Casita, where he has just received his special giftâthe ability to communicate with animalsâhis room transforms into a lush rainforest.
Weâll get to explore alongside Antonio and maybe encounter other family members as well.
All in all, while saying goodbye to DINOSAUR is bittersweet, the future with Tropical Americas looks incredibly promising and full of new adventures.
Darren spent nearly 20 years as an Orlando travel agent, helping families plan unforgettable vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond. Today, he has transitioned his passion for travel into writing and video production. As a travel writer and producer, Darren shares insider tips, reviews, and in-depth guides through his blog and his travel channel on YouTube, where viewers can explore destinations, resorts, and theme parks with him. You can find his videos here on his Travel Channel.
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Universal Orlando Epic Universe 1-Day Tickets Now Available
Universal Orlando has released 1-day tickets to Epic Universe this summer!
Universal Orlando has released single-day tickets for Epic Universe for travel dates starting June 1st! If you have been waiting to add a day at this brand-new theme park featuring Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and more, now is the time!
This summer, 1-day Epic Universe tickets cost about $190 per person; however, this price varies slightly by day. Ticket prices in September drop to around $150 per person, per day.
Epic Universe opens on May 22. Previously, guests could only purchase multiday tickets that included 1-day to Epic Universe, so this is a big change. Florida residents and passholders also have the option to purchase 1-day Epic Universe tickets.
Contact me today to purchase your tickets.
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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5 Things Disney World Needs to Fix Now
Small changes that would have a big impact on guest satisfaction.
Disney World is a great place to go on vacation, but there are some adjustments that Disney could make to improve guest satisfaction. Now, Iâm not talking about big ideas that would take years to complete or require massive investments.
In my latest YouTube video, I present 5 realistic things that Disney can easily fix to improve guest satisfaction.
Watch this on YoutTube now >
#5 Gratuities With Disney Dining Plans
The Disney Dining Plans are back and even Free Dining has returned for select dates. The regular Disney Dining Plan includes Table Service Meals of course. Itâs a nice way to make your vacation at Walt Disney World feel a little more all-inclusive. If you stick to just what your table service meal includes, you wonât have to pay out of pocket, you simply redeem your dining credits. But it doesnât cover the gratuity for your server.
At the end of your meal, your server will bring you the bill with the cash total on it. You only have to pay for things you ordered that are not included on the dining plan. For me, this is rare. The total is provided to help you determine how much of a tip you should leave.
It would be so much easier if the gratuity was included as well. I personally never carry cash, especially in theme parks, Iâm always afraid Iâll lose my wallet on a ride or leave it somewhere.
And charging your serverâs gratuity to your credit card or Magic Band doesnât seem right either.
Iâm sure Disney doesnât include gratuities so the cost of the dining plan seems cheaper. But I think Disney should borrow an idea from the cruise line industry where you have the option to prepay your gratuities in advance for the included meals. On a cruise ship, you simply get up and walk away when you're finished. All you have to do is show up and have a great time.
I find that most menu items are similarly priced so unless you want to split hairs on the total cost of the meal, the server should still make a decent tip. And in some cases, they may do better if the customer would otherwise be a lousy tipper.
The whole idea behind the Disney Dining Plan is to make it convenient for the guests. Disney knows youâre going to leave a tip, so why not just include it from the beginning?
# 4 Daily Housekeeping at Disney World
The trend of limited or even no housekeeping began across the hotel industry during the pandemic. But now itâs becoming the industry norm. I expect more from Walt Disney World, a company that prides itself on excellent guest service and often uses terms like the Disney Difference to demonstrate how they are better than other resorts.
To be fair, Universal Orlando has a similar policy and Royal Caribbean has cut housekeeping back to just once per day.
But when Disney cut daily housekeeping to every other day at its Value and Moderate Resorts, it made national news, as it often does. And housekeeping is limited to new towels and trash removal. I believe the term for this is now skimpflation.
Daily housekeeping is offered at Disney Deluxe Resorts which often hover around $750 per night. But room and ticket packages at a Moderate hotel can easily be $5,000 or more. For that kind of money, it would be nice if the bed was made.
Being pampered is part of the fun of staying in a hotel. Itâs time to bring back daily housekeeping.
#3 Disney World Theme Park Hours
In recent years the Orlando theme parks have been closing earlier than in the pre-pandemic years. While Magic Kingdom often stays open until 10 or 11 pm, Epcot and Disneyâs Hollywood Studios often close at 9 pm. And Animal Kingdom can close as early as 6 pm. Universal Orlando is the same, sometimes closing both parks before 8 pm.
Epcot used to open in phases, first Future World, and then World Showcase would open at 11 am and often stay open until 10 pm or later. Today, the entire park opens at once. I would be ok with a phased opening if it means being in the parks later. Now the only way to stay in the Epcot later at night is to stay in a Deluxe hotel that includes a Monday night stay.
Being in the parks at night, especially in the summer months when afternoon temps are in the high 90s, is the only escape from the heat parkgoers have. And I think the parks are more fun at night.
#2 Seating at Disneyâs Quick Service Restaurants
Remember when you had to be online at 6 am, 60-days in advance to make your dining reservations for Walt Disney World? Especially if you wanted Be Our Guest Restaurant.
Today, you can often get into Be Our Guest as a walk-up. Table service dining at Disney just isnât as popular as it used to be. I still recommend making reservations 60-days in advance, but there is a lot more availability than in previous years.
Today, Disney World Quick-Service Dining is where itâs at. I think this is for two reasons.
Quick-service meals are good! Disney has really upped its game here.
Now that guests are paying for Genie+, they feel like they donât have time for a lengthy table service meal or it might conflict with a Genie+ return time.
This means quick-service restaurants are crowded these days and itâs very hard to find a place to sit.
Disney has experimented with different ideas to help people find seats. A few years ago, Disney tested out a system where guests would enter a queue after they got their food. A Cast Member with a radio headset would talk to other Cast Members who were out scouting seats. I didnât like having to wait in another line, but I knew I was going to get a table. At the Connections Eastery at Epcot, Cast Members were only allowing people to sit at tables who had trays of food. This is loosely enforced today.
Disney needs to find a way to provide seating so guests are not meandering around with trays of food and balancing soft drinks with no lids - because Disney banned lids on cups. But thatâs another show.
#1 Simplfy Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane
Iâm aware that Disney Genie+ is a very controversial topic. Iâm not here to say we should eliminate it and go back to paper Fastpass tickets, (but I know Iâm not the only one who would love that!)
Disney could make a small change that would make a big difference. Why do we have 2 terms that describe the basically same thing? Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane. Have you heard a Cast Member trying to explain the difference between the two? Not to mention Individual Attraction Selection and Virtual Queus. And while we're at it, PhotoPass and Memory Maker too. This is straight from the Department of Redundancy Department
I think they should just call the whole thing Lightning Lane. Ultimately thatâs what guests want. No one is buying Genie+ for the Photopass lenses, or the in-park audio features. Call it Lightning Lane and tell guests they get some free perks with it. And while weâre at it, Individual Attraction Selection doesnât exactly roll off the tongue and it only refers to a handful of attractions. Can't that just be absorbed into Lightning Lane at this point? I seriously think the reason some people donât visit Disney World is because Genie+ feels overwhelming to them.
Iâm sure these 5 things wonât solve every issue, but I think these are some realistic changes Disney could make to enhance guest experiences at Walt Disney World Have something that Disney needs to fix?
Do you agree or disagree with my list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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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AVERAGE NIGHTLY RATES FOR DISNEY WORLD HOTELS
What the Walt Disney World Resort hotels cost per night, on average.
There are several rate seasons that Disney World uses to determine the nightly cost of a hotel room, mostly based on demand.
Itâs important to know that Disney World is price-controlled. Whether you book it yourself, through a travel agent, or even a travel wholesaler, the price is going to be the same for everyone.
Donât stress over nightly rates
Donât drive yourself crazy over prices. In the end, Mickey gets your money. And thatâs ok! We want him to show us a good time.
Think big picture when it comes to Disney packages
There are so many variables that affect the price.
For example, you might find a week with a lower hotel rate, but ticket prices cost more, or airfare is higher. It seems that if one vacation component is cheaper, the other costs more.
Instead, do thisâĻ
Decide on the time of year that you want to go. Traveling when you want has more value. If you donât like heat and humidity, donât come in August just to save a little money. That would be a poor value because youâre going to be uncomfortable.
If price is your primary concern, avoid holidays and spring break.
If your package is coming out too high, try a different hotel category or try a Disney Good Neighbor [off-property] hotel.
Average Cost of Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Average nightly rates for Disney value priced resorts
All Star Movies $144
All Star Music $144
All Star Sports $130
Art of Animation Family Suite $604
Art of Animation - Little Mermaid Standard $285
Pop Century $316
Average nightly rates for Disney moderate priced resorts
Caribbean Beach $271
Coronado Springs $260
Gran Destino Tower $328
Ft. Wilderness Cabin $505
Ft. Wilderness Campsite $95
Port Orleans Resort French Quarter $268
Port Orleans Resort Riverside $265
Average nightly rates for Disney Deluxe Resorts
Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort $509
Beach Club Resort $613
Boardwalk Inn $646
Contemporary Resort $608
Grand Floridian Resort $729
Polynesian Village Resort $704
Wilderness Lodge Resort $533
Yacht Club Resort $621
Average nightly rates for Disney Villa Resorts - Deluxe Studios
Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House $448
Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village $490
Bay Lake Tower $688
Beach Club Villas $622
Boardwalk Villas $610
Boulder Ridge Villas $513
Copper Creek Villas $512
Grand Floridian Villas $808
Old Key West $486
Polynesian Villas $680
Riviera Resort $521
Saratoga Springs $481
Average nightly rates Disney Villa Resorts - 1 Bedroom Villas
Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House $937
Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village $917
Bay Lake Tower $1,344
Beach Club Villas $1,092
Boardwalk Villas $921
Boulder Ridge Villas $879
Copper Creek VIllas $983
Grand Floridian Villas $1.254
Old Key West $722
Riviera Villas $1,206
Saratoga Springs $722
Average nightly rates for Disney Villa Resorts - 2 Bedroom Villas
Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village $1191
Bay Lake Tower $2,122
Beach Club Villas $1,876
Boardwalk Villas $1,948
Boulder Ridge Villas $1,633
Copper Creek Villas $1,684
Grand Floridian Villas $1,951
Old Key West $1,189
Riviera Villas $1,698
Saratoga Springs $1,189
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About Darren:
Darren is an Orlando-based travel writer and YouTuber who specializes in helping travelers make the most of their vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Through detailed travel guides, reviews, and insider tips, Darren gives families, couples, and first-time visitors everything they need to plan magical Orlando theme park trips and unforgettable cruise adventures.
đĨ Watch his latest videos and travel guides on YouTube: Orlando Parks Guy
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Las Modified: July, 2022
Tags: Disney World Hotel Room Prices, Disney World Hotel Rates, Disney World Hotel Costs, How Much Disney World Costs, Disney Room Rates, Gran Destino Tower Room Rates
Update: Summer House on the Lake at Disney Springs
Latest update on Disney Worldâs newest restaurant: Summer House on the Lake
Disney Worldâs newest restaurant is opening soon
Work on Summer House on The Lake, a new restaurant coming in âlate 2023â to Disney Springs is nearing completion, at least on the exterior. A couple of weeks ago the exterior was nothing more than a steel frame.
Itâs amazing how work gets done so fast after sitting partially completed for several years.
The eateryâs parent company, Lettuce Entertain You, is reporting that Summer House on the Lake is on schedule for a late 2023 opening.
I was able to catch a glimpse of the interior, it appears there is still much that needs to be done.
However, given how fast the exterior was assembled, itâs entirely possible crews could button up the interior in time.
According to the Disney Springs website, Summer House on the Lake will have flavorful salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and more at lunch and dinner. And on Saturdays and Sundays, delight in a special brunch menu.
Summer House will also feature an in-house bakery where guests will be able to enjoy a sweet finale to their meal Treats include freshly baked cookies, brownies, and other goodies.
In addition to the bakery, there will be a cookie bar, a dessert-focused market within this Summer House serving up freshly baked cookies and house-made pastries, wine, beer, handcrafted cocktails, nonalcoholic beverages, and more.
Summer House on the Lake is located on the west side of Disney Springs, near the AMC movie theater. Stay tuned for more updates.
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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Epcot: Spaceship Earth Secrets and Fun Facts
Over the years Spaceship Earth at Epcot has received a few updates to keep it relevant - such as the car and garage scene. Have you ever wondered how the set pieces were brought up to the top of the ball?
Spaceship Earth is one of the last remaining opening-day attractions at Epcot in Walt Disney World. Itâs a complex ride system with powerful Disney storytelling. In this article/video, Iâll share some of my favorite secrets and fun facts about Spaceship Earth.
Spaceship Earth is not just fun, itâs also very smart.
In the late 1970âs, Disney frequently held intellectual symposiums with several museums and universities to ensure that the scenes were historically accurate, in both what you see and what you hear.
Spaceship Earth takes us through a journey of human communication, of course. But did you ever notice the mural on the right-hand side just before the entrance?
This is my favorite mural in any Disney park.
Study it closely and youâll discover that it depicts two different aspects of communication: the development of communication over time (from caveman to future man), and communication over distance (from Earth to space.)
Once on the ride, the first scene we see is the cavemen battling a mammoth.
While it may look as though they are hunters attempting to catch their dinner, thereâs actually a story here and we learn about them in the next scene.
From the story being depicted on the cave wall and from the story being told, we learn that the mammoth arrived and became a threat.
People in the tribe worked together to scare him off. And with teamwork, they no longer felt alone.
The late Disney Historian Jim Korkis has some great research on this.
The Roman Empire scene is another iconic moment of Spaceship Earth.
The infamous burning charcoal scent has become a cult classic at Disney World.
You can even buy candles with that same scent, which to me smells like smoked paprika.
As we pass by the Fall of Rome scene the scent is coming from your right.
It blows across the ride vehicles and then gets sucked into an exhaust fan so it doesnât fill up the building.
And while most people are looking left at the burning embers of what used to be Rome, I recommend you look to your right.
Youâll see a wall with graffiti.
This is a copy of actual graffiti found in Pompeii.
Over the years Spaceship Earth has received a few updates to keep it relevant - such as the car and garage scene.
Have you ever wondered how the set pieces were brought up to the top of the ball? Well right behind the Jewish-Islam scene, thereâs an elevator.
The back wall slides open from right to left revealing a massive freight elevator.
Jewish and Islamic scholars often met with each other in the 10th century to trade research on astronomy, so we also see a gentleman using Quadrant, a precursor to the sexton.
The sleeping monk scene is not only funny but another classic moment.
Guests with a keen eye for detail (or a good zoom lens) may notice the Bible on the far right side of this scene.
It contains the names of Disney Imagineers, Walt Disney, and even a hidden Mickey on the bottom.
And behind the sleeping Monk is an access point to the outer ball. Spaceship Earth is really two separate systems - the inner ball, which is the ride, and the outer ball which is the silver exterior Alucobond panels.
There is about 2 ft of space separating the two with a network of catwalks running in between them. This is how the exterior lights were installed.
One of the most beautiful vignettes in Spaceship Earth is the Sistine ceiling scene. Michael Angelo is up there painting it, but in real life, it was set on its side and hand-painted by a Disney Imagineer.
Audio Animatronic figures are expensive so itâs not uncommon for Disney to duplicate certain characters across Walt Disney World.
For example, in the Rome scene, the Centurian is US President Zachary Taylor from the Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom.
How about Gutenberg as James Buchanan of the Hall of Presidents and yeah, thatâs Andrew Jackson operating the press.
As with many Disney dark ride attractions, the ride track is lined with Intrusion mats. If someone were to hop out of their ride vehicle, they would step on the mat, which would in turn stop the ride immediately.
Itâs amazing all of the things Disney has to consider when building a ride.
Spaceship Earthâs ride track is made up of hollow steel tubes that are filled with a non-toxic gas.
Sensors monitor the pressure in the tubes. A Loss of pressure would indicate that a piece of track is broken. The ride will stop to prevent disaster.
Spaceship has many historic artifacts on display. In the telegraph scene, those are actual log books from the 1890s on the desk in the background.
And the operatorswitch board is authentic - itâs from 1898 and was supplied to Disney by AT&T, one of the original sponsors of the attraction.
Want to watch the video? Check out my YouTube Channel 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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Mysterious Trailers Arrive at Disneyâs Blizzard Beach Water Park
Dozens of trailers have arrived at Disneyâs Blizzard Beach water park. Itâs unclear as to what they are going there or if itâs related to the construction taking place.
Dozens of trailers have arrived at Disneyâs Blizzard Beach water park. Itâs unclear as to what they are doing there or if they have anything to do with the construction taking place.
We observed trucks backing up to the trailers and hauling them away. Others arrived with trailers, parked them in the lot, then drove off.
Cast Members at Winter Summerland said the trailers began arriving in the lot about 2 weeks ago.
Blizzard Beach, one of two Disney World water parks has been closed since March of 2023. Disney has not provided many details on why the water park has been closed but large cranes have been spotted as well as a numerous work vehicles.
The Walt Disney World website does not list a reopening date for Blizzard Beach, other than it is âclosed.â However, the Disney Parks website hints that it might reopen in late November.
âCurrently, Typhoon Lagoon is the only water park open and there haven't been any announcements so far indicating when Blizzard Beach will open for the season. Last year, it reopened after refurbishment in November, so that could be an indication of a general time we can hope for it to open this year.â
Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney World
Disney recently closed the parking lot to Winter-SummerLand Minature Golf Course and is instructing guests to park in the Blizzard Beach lot.
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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See the List of New Attractions, Lands, Shows Coming Soon to Walt Disney World.
Destination D23 is underway at Walt Disney World Resort this weekend. A number of new attractions, shows, and even lands have been announced for Orlando.
Destination D23 is underway at Walt Disney World Resort this weekend. A number of new attractions, shows, and even lands have been announced for Orlando.
Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh DâAmaro offered a look at whatâs coming to life at Disneyâs Orlando parks.
Haunted Mansion Update
The somewhat controversial Hatbox Ghost is coming to the Haunted Mansion attraction in Florida in late November! Hatbox Ghost will be materializing in the Haunted Mansion as you pass the attractionâs Endless Hallway.
I noticed that work as already begun on the ride, which now has a black curtain up where Hatbox will be going.
Country Bear Jamboree Update
At Walt Disney World, the Country Bear Jamboree is getting new songs and the bears will be performing a new act in 2024!
The bears will be reinterpreting favorite Disney songs, such as The Bare Nesseccities, in different genres of country music.
The Country Bear Jamboree will still have the fun and friendly tone fans enjoy with the same famous characters like the loveable Trixie, Big Al and others.
Pirates of the Caribbean Themed Bar
A new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park.
This new lounge will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Journey of Water at Epcot Opening Date
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will open on Oct. 16, 2023!
Journey of Water is a new walk-through experience located within World Nature â the EPCOT neighborhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty and balance of the natural world.
Moana Character Meet and Greet at Epcot
Also, on Oct. 16 â Moana will arrive in World Nature and make her first appearance in her own dedicated space near Journey of Water.
Epcot Construction Update
At EPCOT, the World Celebration neighborhood will begin welcoming guests this December! I will believe it when I see it. On my last look, they still have a lot of work to do on the other side of those walls.
World Celebration will unite the front of the park, tying together the other two new EPCOT neighborhoods, World Discovery and World Nature.
The completion of the last of the parkâs three neighborhoods will be the latest major milestone multi-year transformation of EPCOT.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
New EPCOT Fireworks Show - Luminous - December 5th
A new nighttime spectacular at EPCOT called âLuminous The Symphony of Usâ will debut on Dec. 5, 2023!
Major Update Coming to Test Track at Epcot
Also at EPCOT, Test Track will be reimagined reaching back into history for inspiration â from the original World of Motion â and bringing that spirit of optimism to the next iteration of the Test Track attraction.
No mention of the Spaceship Earth refurbishment that was originally announced in 2019.
Zootopia Show Coming to Animal Kingdom
A new show based on âZootopiaâ is being created for the Tree of Life theater at Disneyâs Animal Kingdom.
The current concept for the new âZootopiaâ experience has guests visiting the different biomes you only glimpse in the film, traveling along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and other characters.
DinoLand at Disneyâs Animal Kingdom Park to be Replaced
New experiences inspired by âEncantoâ and Indiana Jones are being considered for the reimagined DinoLand at Disneyâs Animal Kingdom!
Figment Meet and Greet Coming to EPCOT
Figment will begin meeting guests inside the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT beginning tomorrow â Sept. 10!
Not Mentioned
There was no mention of the Mary Poppins attraction, the update to Spaceship Earth or the Play Pavilion in Epcot. These projects were announced as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World but were later shelved due to the pandemic.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Easy Guide to Disney Genie+ at Walt Disney World
Explained: What is Genie+? Lightning Lane? Plus 6 Helpful Tips for using Genie+
Genie+ gives you access to Lightning Lanes (formally FastPass) where you can skip the lines at select attractions at each of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks.
A second, Ã la carte option, called Individual Lightning Lane, allows you to purchase a skip-the-line pass for some of the most popular rides without purchasing Genie+.
What is Disney Genie+?
(Available for Purchase in the Disney World mobile app)
Disney Genie+ is the name of the service that lets you use Lightning Lane entrances at select attractions. Lightning Lane is a special line that bypasses the regular (Standby) line.
(Iâll provide a link below to the attractions that offer Lightning Lane).
If you decide to purchase Genie+, you can expect to enter 2-4 attractions or experiences per day using Lightning Lane entrances.
You can hold 1 Lightning Lane reservation at a time. Once your reservation is redeemed, you will be able to make another selection using the app.
Additional perks included with Genie+
Augmented Reality Disney PhotoPass Lenses are included and can be used at all four Theme Parks. Youâll find them in the My Disney Experience app.
Disney PhotoPass Downloads from attractions. This shouldnât be confused with regular PhotoPass. This perk refers only to the on-ride photos/video.
Audio Tales from all four Theme Parks in the My Disney Experience app. These are short fun facts about the parks that can be played from the app. This is a neat feature but itâs difficult to hear the audio while youâre in the parks.
When can I purchase Disney Genie+?
Genie+ becomes available starting at 12 a.m. (midnight) on the day of your visit.
When can I make my first Lightning Lane selection?
On the day of your visit, starting at 7 a.m.
How Much Does Genie+ Cost?
Prices vary seasonally but you can expect to pay $15 - $30 per person per day for Disney Genie+.
How to make a Lightning Lane reservation
Open the Disney World mobile app
Go to âTip Boardâ
Review Lightning Lane attraction entrance times and make a selection. One Lightning Lane selection can be made at a time.
When your arrival window rolls around, use the Lightning Lane entrance. Tap your Magic Band, mobile phone, or Key to the World Card to enter.
Individual Lightning Lane Passes
(Available for Purchase in the Disney World mobile app)
For some of Disney Worldâs most popular attractions, Lightning Lane entry is available to purchase individually as an à la carte option. This is known as an âIndividual Lightning Lane Pass.â
You can purchase individual Lightning Lane entries for up to 2 attractions per day, one at a time.
Youâll be able to choose from a list of available times displayed on the app.
This option is available with or without Disney Genie+.
(Use the link below under âResourcesâ to see which attractions are eligible as an à la carte option.)
When can I make my first Individual Lightning Lane purchase?
For guests staying at Disney World hotels and Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels only:
On the day of your visit, starting at 7 a.m.
All other Guests:
On the day of your visit, starting at each Theme Parkâs opening time
Lightning Lane Tip: Individual Lightning Lane passes often sell out by 10 a.m. Purchase as soon as youâre eligible to do so.
How much does an Individual Lightning Lane pass cost?
Individual Lightning Lane passes range from about $15 - $20 per person. Prices are based on season and attendance levels.
How to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry
Open the Disney World mobile app
Go to âTip Boardâ
Look for the attractions labeled âIndividual Lightning Lane.â Review available times and make your selection.
When your arrival window rolls around, use the Lightning Lane entrance. Tap your Magic Band, mobile phone, or Key to the World Card to enter.
Lightning Lane Resources
1 - Purchase Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane Selections as early as possible.
To get the most out of Genie+ purchase it on the mobile app before 7 a.m. so you can book your first selection as soon as the service unlocks. Time is of the essence here when it comes to booking popular attractions.
2 - Individual Lightning Lane Selections
Stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Youâll be able to make your first Individual Lightning Lane selection at 7 a.m., ahead of the general public.
Those not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can purchase Genie+ when the park opens.
3 - Select Popular Attractions First
When itâs time to make your first Lightning Lane selection of the day, choose one of the headliner attractions. Many will reach capacity early in the day.
4 - A Secret to Lightning Lane reservations with Genie+
Remember you can hold only 1 Lightning Lane selection at a time - but there is a secret way to hold more.
If you book a Lightning Lane selection at 7 a.m. for a return time that is more than 2 hours after the park opening, Disney Genie+ will allow you to make a second selection. The ability to make another selection will unlock 2 hours after the park opens.
For example, letâs say itâs 7 a.m. and you select Slinky Dog Dash. You get a Lightning Lane time for 1 p.m.
The park opens at 9 a.m.
Youâll be allowed to make another Lightning Lane selection at 11 a.m. (because thatâs 2 hours after the park opening time). At this point, youâll have 2 Lightning Lane selections booked.
5 - Make your next Lightning Lane selection right away
As soon as you enter Lightning Lane at your reserved attraction, immediately make your next selection. Every minute counts when it comes to making reservations.
6 - Be open to crisscrossing the park
Genie+ will sometimes recommend attractions that are nearby just because they are..nearby. But the attractions being offered might not even have a long wait.
Instead, look for headliner attractions that have a long wait and use Genie+ for those instead.
This may mean you have to return to an area of the park you already visited but waiting less in line makes it worth it.
BONUS TIP - Watch Your Phoneâs Battery!
At Disney World, youâre going to be on your phone a lot. From Genie+ reservations to photos, youâre battery will likely drain faster than usual.
Make sure you have a full charge before you head into the parks.
I also recommend purchasing a portable phone charger. Disney sells Fuel Rods in the parks for $30, and they can be swapped out for fresh ones for a nominal fee, even if you purchased a Fuel Rod someplace else.
Amazon has other brands starting around $20.
If you need assistance planning your Disney World vacation, Iâd love to help! Start by filling out my Quote Request here and Iâll reply with options!
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Secrets and Easter Eggs in Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Walt Disney World
Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disneyâs Hollywood Studios is loaded with hidden detail Here are some of my favorites.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ inside Toy Story Land at Disneyâs Hollywood Studios is packed with hidden details. From floor to ceiling, Imagineers included hidden references and story elements everywhere you look.
The restaurant was created by Andy, the boy who owns the toys from the Toy Story films. Andy used whatever he could to build a restaurant for his toys.
Notice the twisty tie holding up the lantern on the sign, and a scrap piece of low-voltage wire for the other lantern on the right.
Andy used whatever he had available to make his restaurant.
As soon as you enter Toy Story Land at Disneyâs Hollywood Studios, you are shrunken down to the size of a toy.
This theme is carried into the Roundup Rodeo as well. Youâll notice that most objects appear larger than life.
Notice how big the cardboard toy cutouts are, and even the Christmas lights are huge, in our smaller, toy-like size.
In the lobby of Woodyâs Roundup Rodeo, we see a mural of âThe Amazing Ropinâ Woodyâ with âspring action.â
We see that Andy has drawn in Buzz Lightyearâs nemesis, Emperor Zurg who now appears to be lassoed by Woody.
We know Andy drew him in because Zurg would not appear on anything from Woodyâs Roundup playset.
These characters only exist together in Andyâs world.
As you enter the restaurant, youâll notice that Andy has arranged his toys just like the picture on the box: Woody has lassoed Zurg.
There are references to many of the Toy Story characters if you know where to look - and if you know where to listen.
Listen for some audio references that play occasionally over the restaurantâs PA system.
You may hear a recording from Partysaurus Rex, or even Sarge who warns that Andy is coming.
The entire restaurant, staff included, freezes in position (because weâre all toys, remember?) While we never see Andy, we can hear that he is nearby.
When we hear Andy leave, we get the all-clear from Sarge and itâs safe to move again. Itâs cute!
Although the story is focused on Woody, there are references to most of the main Toy Story characters.
The more I looked around the restaurant, the more I found them.
Iâm sure I missed quite a few but I can only wander around the restaurant for so long before it gets weird lol. I get the look of âWhy is this guy taking pictures of the walls and ceiling??
Even secondary characters are present like the Little Green Aliens and the romantic and flirty Bo Peep.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Every square inch of the ceiling has some type of reference to Toy Story and/or something Andy created.
In one part youâll see a page of an actual Woody comic strip that was created just for the restaurant.
The walls of the restaurant are made from toy boxes, a puzzle, and scrap cardboard.
Disney Imagineers created two board games, one with a space theme and one with a frontier theme. You can see the game boards on the ceiling of Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
These are real games that Imagineers actually played. They even wrote directions on how to play them.
Can you find Buzz Lighyearâs rocketship? Yep, thatâs in there too!
The Triple R Ranch is also referenced at Disneyâs Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. I just mentioned it in my video tour of Ft. Wilderness as well.
The Tri-Circle D Ranch at Fort Wilderness is home to the 90+ working horses of Walt Disney World. The name is a reference to the Triple R Ranch.
Triple R Ranch is a reference from an old spinoff of the beloved Mickey Mouse Club called âThe Adventures of Spin and Marty.â The Triple R Ranch was the summer camp that the two boys attended in the series.
Can you spot the Hidden Mickey?
Look directly at the base of Trixy and youâll spot a 3-dimensional Hidden Mickey.
You can see his head, nose, and of course, ears.
The back wall of Roundup Rodeo is made from a nearly completed puzzle.
Notice that 2 pieces are missing.
The missing pieces can be found somewhere in Toy Story Land. If you can find them, post where you spotted them in the comments below.
Russell, our favorite Wilderness Explorer from Disney Pixarâs Up has a cameo in Roundup Rodeo and is the only non-Toy Story character to appear in the restaurant.
Oh, and the character on the far left - is made in the likeness of the lead Disney Imagineer on this project.
Remember Minnie Moo from the 1980s and 1990s? She was the infamous dairy cow who was born with a Hidden Mickey patch on her side.
Photo Credit: Disney Wiki
Minnie Moo can be found on the side of Andyâs milk carton inside the restaurant.
And the expiration date on the milk carton refers to the date the first Toy Story film was released in theaters: Nov 22, 1995.
And the 01:13 is not there by accident either. âA113â is a classroom number at the California Institute of the Arts where character animation is taught.
Many of the Pixar staff have used the number in their professional works. It is said to appear in some way, shape, or form in every Pixar film (and restaurant!)
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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Tips for Avoiding Crowds at Walt Disney World
Insider tips beating the crowds at Walt Disney World
As a travel advisor, Iâm often asked about the best time to visit Walt Disney World, or when are the parks less crowded?
Here are the most frequently asked questions I receive about avoiding crowds and long lines at Walt Disney World.
Tips for avoiding crowds at Walt Disney World in Florida
What is the best time to go to Walt Disney World to avoid crowds?
Anytime schools are session. If you live in a school district that starts school after Labor Day, consider going to Disney World in late August. Itâs one of the least crowded times of the year!
Other less crowded times:
All of September and October
Early November
Early December
Late April
All of May
Early June
What time should we arrive at the parks?
To avoid crowds at Disney World, I recommend arriving at the theme parks about 30-40 minutes prior to the posted park opening time. If Magic Kingdom opens at 9 am, plan to be at the gate for 8:30 am.
The parks often open early, by as much as 20 minutes.
If youâre at the park when it opens, youâll enjoy 60-90 minutes of lighter crowds. The majority of the guests will begin to arrive mid-morning.
Allow 60-90 minutes to get to the park entrance if using Disney buses in the morning.
Is it worth it for us to buy Genie+?
Yes! If youâre concerned about waiting in long lines and crowds, (I assume you are if youâre reading this article) then Genie+ is a great tool for you. If you donât like standing in long lines, Genie+ is designed for you.
Is Disney World more crowded on weekends?
Yes and no. During peak times there is no difference between a Saturday or a Tuesday. During off-peak times of the year (see above), yes there will be a slight uptick in crowds on weekends, Especially around Halloween and Christmas.
But donât let that discourage you, off-peak is still off-peak and youâll still enjoy fewer crowds.
To help you plan the perfect time to visit Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, contact me now. I can help you find the best time visit for weather, crowds and discounts.
Have a great tip for avoiding crowds at Disney World? Use the comments below to start the conversation.
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For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. Heâs featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations Now Open
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations Now Open for Magic Kingdom Location
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is reopening August 25 , 2022 at Magic Kingdom Park, and reservations are now available!
Fairy Godmotherâs Apprentices will transform kids ages 3 to 12 into some of their favorite Disney characters with hairstyling, makeup, costumes and accessories.
Plus now there are even more options to choose from including a new hair accessory especially designed for textured hair and new costumes featuring some of Disneyâs newest heroes and heroines coming later this year.
Stay tuned for more details about Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations atâ¯Disneyâs Grand Floridan Resort and Spa and Disney Springs, which will reopen at a later date.
You may begin making reservations for the Magic Kingdom Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique through the My Disney Experience app, or at DisneyWorld.com. The easiest way to find the reservation page is to search âBibbidi Bobbidi Boutiqueâ in the app or website.
Valid admission and park reservations are required for entry into Magic Kingdom Park.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Easy Guide to MagicBand+ at Walt Disney World
What does MagicBand+ do and is it worth it?
MagicBand+ has officially arrived at Walt Disney World and comes with a number of interactive features.
As of right now itâs not replacing the standard MagicBand, those are still widely available.
Once you get MagicBand+ youâll need to link it to your My Disney Experience account and pair it to your phone.
This is easy, it happens almost automatically.
You can then use the My Disney Experience app to set up the colors you want MagicBand+ to display and to turn on/off the haptic vibrations - though I recommend that you leave them on to get the best experience.
Youâll also need to download the Play Disney Parks app, a free app that allows you to play games and answer trivia questions while in the parks and even at home.
MagicBand+ Interactive features
The point of MagicBand+ is that it has interactive elements that come alive while you're visiting the theme parks.
I have a feeling that this technology is only in its infancy.
Disney will likely add a number of new features in the future, but here are a few you can have fun with right now.
Disney Fab 50 Quest
As part of the Walt Disneyâs World 50th Anniversary celebration there are 50 golden character statues found throughout each of the four theme parks.
Wave your MagicBand+ in front of each statue and you'll activate a short phrase or a tune.
Youâll use the Play Disney Parks app to keep track of the characters you need to unlock.
Younger children and maybe even some adults will enjoy interacting with the characters.
If you canât find the characters, thatâs ok! MagicBand+ senses when itâs near a statue and will begin to vibrate and light up.
Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters
In Star Wars Galaxyâs Edge at Disneyâs Hollywood Studios your mission is to locate and collect hidden characters.
This is by far the most interesting of all the current MagicBand+ features.
Actually, itâs pretty much the main reason why you would want to buy one.
You start at the job board in Star Wars Galaxyâs Edge where youâre assigned a bounty mission.
The job board at Star Wars Galaxyâs Edge is where youâre assigned your mission.
While you're on the hunt, MagicBand+ will pulse green as you get closer and red if you move further away as you explore Galaxy's Edge.
Search for doors around StarWars Galaxyâs Edge. MagicBand+ leads you in the right direction.
To see if your bounty is located behind the door, tap MagicBand+ on these readers.
My son, age 12, would have stayed all day playing this game. There were a lot of adults playing the game too.
Using MagicBand+ and the Play Disney Parks app, we do a thermo scan to see if our bounty is hiding behind the door. Looks like heâs in there!
When you've located your bounty, you can use your phone via the Play Disney Parks app as a thermal scanner to capture your bounty.
Then youâll return the bounty to an alien who will give you galactic credits.
Once you have located your bounty and your MagicBand+ lights up purple, look for the alien who will give you credits for completing your mission.
Nighttime Spectaculars
MagicBand+ interacts with Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom and Harmonious at Epcot by lighting up and occasionally vibrating during key moments of these performances.
No word yet on whether it will work with Fantasmic but if enough guests have them, it would certainly create a cool effect across the audience.
It also lights up and interacts with Spaceship Earthâs light show at Epcot.
Regular MagicBand Functions
Of course MagicBand+ also functions as a traditional MagicBand so you can use it to access your theme park tickets, open your hotel room door, charge items to your Disney hotel room, link PhotoPass, and tap in for Lightning Lane.
These features work even if MagicBand+ runs out of battery.
Yes, MagicBand+ has a rechargeable battery.
A USB charger is included and itâs important to note that the battery is only 50% charged out of the box.
Battery life is decent, and should last all day on a full charge. Watch your phone battery though, if youâre using the Play Disney Parks app along with Disney Genie and Disney Genie+, you may drain the battery faster than expected.
Is MagicBand+ Worth it?
I say yes! Children will love how their band lights up during the nighttime shows and playing Batuu Bounty Hunters.
One opportunity for improvement is that itâs difficult to see MagicBand+ light up during the day. The Florida sun is bright!
You definitely need to charge it, presumably overnight. If your family has cell phones and watches that also need to charge, you may run out of USB ports in your hotel room.
If you have a USB charging hub at home, you should pack it in your luggage so you can charge all your devices at night.
MagicBand+ starts at $35 for a solid color design, but some special designs cost $45.
Regular, 2nd Generation MagicBands range in price from $12 to $35.
If youâre primarily looking for access to the parks and Lightning Lane I would skip MagicBands altogether and and use Mobile Magic.
Mobile Magic turns your phone into a MagicBand and is available for free in the My Disney Experience app. You can manage your entire family with Mobile Magic
Where to Get MagicBand+
Bands are currently available in your My Disney Experience account.
You can also purchase them through shopdisney.com or from these locations at Walt Disney World:
Magic Kingdom Park: Emporium
Epcot: Pin Traders â Camera Center
Disneyâs Hollywood Studios: Celebrity 5 & 10 and Tatooine Traders
Disneyâs Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Discovery Trading Company
Disney Springs: Disneyâs Pin Traders
I do not recommend you buy them from sites like eBay. According to Disney, MagicBand+ is non-transferrable. Once itâs assigned to an individual, it cannot be reassigned to someone else.
Even if the seller claims that it hasn't been used, thereâs no way to verify that until you try to link it to your account.
Will my old MagicBand still work at Walt Disney World?
Yes. MagicBand+ is not replacing the regular MagicBand, at least not yet.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Why is it so hard to find a 2 or 3 bedroom villa at Disney World?
Why are 2 and 3 bedroom villas so hard to book?
1) There arenât many 2 and 3 bedroom villas available across Disney World so they tend to book up faster than other villa types.
2) DVC members are able to book these rooms before the general public. After about 6 months out, villas that have not been reserved by DVC members will be placed into inventory for the general public.
Great places to start your search are Disneyâs Old Key West Resort and Disneyâs Saratoga Springs Resorts, they often have availability set aside for non-DVC members.
You might also want to explore the vacation cottages at Margaritaville Orlando:
https://orlandoparksguy.com/margaritaville
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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How to Find Your Car at Walt Disney World
Use your phone to help find your car at Walt Disney World
As an Orlando local, and travel advisor, I spend a lot of time in the Disney World theme parks, which also means I drive to the parks. One thing the makes me go bonkers is the constant sound of car alarms going off across the parking lot. At any given time, 5 or 6 alarms will be going off and itâs really annoying.
No, Disney isnât a high crime area. Itâs people activating the panic button on their remote to help them find their car in the vast, seemingly endless parking lots of Walt Disney World.
Soon, Disney World will be adding a new feature to its mobile app called âCar Locatorâ which will help people locate their car in the parking lots.
But did you know your smartphone already has this technology built in? You can use your phone to help you locate your car in any parking lot, even outside of Disney World.
Most newer phones automatically remember your vehicleâs location whenever they are disconnected from Bluetooth.
Hereâs how you can use your phone to find your car, in all parking lots, but especially Disney.
iPhone Users
How to turn on the Parked Car feature
The Parked Car option should be enabled by default, but just in case it's not, it's easy to turn it on manually. Just be sure to set it up while your phone is connected to your vehicleâs bluetooth system.
Open the Settings app.
Tap the Maps setting.
Scroll to the bottom of the screen.
Make sure the Show Parked Location toggle is switched to the On position.
How to find your car
Open Maps and tap Parked Car.
You can even ask Siri to help, just say âHey Siri, Whereâs my Car?â
Android Users
How to save where youâre parked
On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app.
Tap the blue dot that shows your location.
Tap Save your parking.
How to find where you're parked
Open the Google Maps
Tap the search bar and then Parking location.
On the bottom, tap Directions.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Is Disney Worldâs Travel Protection Plan Worth it?
The Walt Disney World Travel Protection Plan helps protect you and your family for unexpected covered losses from the moment that you step out of your front door until the moment you safely arrive back home.
Youâre very excited for your Disney World vacation and the big day has finally come. You arrive at the airport only to find out your flight is delayed. After several hours of waiting, the airline cancels the flight. Unfortunately this is all too common these days.
Youâre in a difficult situation now because, according Disneyâs terms and conditions, you cannot cancel your vacation inside of 24 hours to arrival.
The penalty? Forfeiture of the entire package price.
The good news is that Disney is not some little bed & breakfast who is going to stick it to you for cancelling last minute. Odds are you will be offered some type of solution.
But what happens if you donât like the solution? It could be anything from a 50% credit if you rebook, or maybe a partial refund back on your credit card. Itâs really up to Disney, all you can do is go along with it.
You will almost certainly be reminded that Disney Travel Protection was an option when you booked your vacation package.
If you purchased travel protection, this is easy. Just file a claim! As long as your claim is for a covered reason, youâll get your money back.
You can then make new vacation plans without the headache of dealing with partial refunds and future credits, or worse, losing the entire package price.
The cost of Disney Travel Protection is well worth the peace of mind. And I always say, you can never have enough insurance.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers. Contact me today to get the most out of your vacation.
How much is Disney Travel Protection?
Disney travel protection is $95.00 per adult, and children age 17 and under are free with a paying adult.
It helps protect you and your family for unexpected covered losses from the moment that you step out of your front door until the moment you safely arrive back home. This means your airfare is covered too.
Disney Travel Protection Plan can be purchased any time prior to final payment for your trip.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Will Older MagicBands Still Work When MagicBand+ is Released?
MagicBand+ will be arriving at Walt Disney World this summer. Soon youâll be able to engage with Disney moments like never before as it reacts to nighttime spectaculars with lighting effects and gesture recognition.
MagicBand+ will be arriving at Walt Disney World this summer. Soon youâll be able to engage with Disney moments like never before as it reacts to nighttime spectaculars with lighting effects and gesture recognition.
MagicBand+ coming to Walt Disney World
Features of MagicBand+
Customizable color-changing lights
Haptic vibrations let you feel the magic with light vibrations that bring experiences to life
Gesture recognitionâyour movement enables magical surprises!
Will Older MagicBands Still Work When MagicBand+ is Released?
Yes! If you have a MagicBand from a previous trip to Walt Disney World, you will be able to use it even after the newer model has been released.
Youâll be able to use older MagicBands to enter the theme parks, pay for merchandise and dining, and for Disney PhotoPass.
Disney says thereâs a tiny battery inside the MagicBand that is designed to last for two years.
Some of my clients have reported that MagicBands from several years ago still worked.
I have one from 2019 that I use on a regular basis and it works just fine.
Itâs also important to make sure that any older MagicBands are listed as âactiveâ in your My Disney Experience account.
In the My Disney Experience app, to My Profile > MagicBands & Cards to see a list of active and inactive bands.
Have questions about planning your Disney World vacation? I can help! OrlandoParksGuy.com
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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What can we do with our luggage if we have a late departing flight?
How to store luggage at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World
Your departure day at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando can still be a day in the parks, so book that later flight! Especially if your coming down for a long weekend.
On your departure day, youâll need to check out of your hotel room by 11 am. Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando hotels will gladly store your luggage for you.
Simply call Bell Services from your room and let them know you would like your bags stored.
Alternatively you can bring your bags down to the bell desk if you prefer not to wait for a bellhop to arrive at your room.
A gratuity of about $2 per bag is customary when dropping your bags off and when picking them up again.
If you have any items that need to be refrigerated, just let them know which bags need to be kept cold.
You can also store your luggage the at the theme parks. Visit the area where they rent strollers and scooters.
By the way, this also works on your arrival day. If youâre room is not ready by the time you arrive, just store your bags at the bell desk and start your vacation right away!
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Plan a smooth visit to Universal Orlando with this helpful accessibility guide for guests using wheelchairs and mobility devices. Learn how ride transfer requirements work, what to expect in queues, and how to navigate the parks confidently in 2025.