Disney Treasure is Officially Heading to Florida
Disney Treasure is on the way! She just left the shipyard in Germany and is on the way to Port Canaveral, Florida.
Yesterday, I watched as the Disney Treasure embarked on its transatlantic journey from Eemshaven, Netherlands, to its future home in Port Canaveral, Florida.
With over 4,500 miles separating the Disney Treasure from its destination, I know the trip will take about two weeks to complete.
She will make a quick stop - her first-ever port of call will be the beautiful city of Funchal, Portugal, where it will make a brief stop before continuing its way back out to sea.
I can’t wait to see the final preparations being made during this crossing to get the ship ready for its maiden voyage on December 21.
Disney Treasure will take over the Disney Fantasy routes of 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. These cruise itineraries are already available for booking. Learn more here. I have a special offer available right now as well!
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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10 Ways to Save Money On Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Priced out of a Disney World vacation? Here are 10 money saving tips.
Disney World is a premium vacation destination and it’s priced accordingly. And this isn’t unique to Disney. I hear the same things about Universal Orlando and Royal Caribbean Cruises which are also premium vacation brands. The demand is there, even from international travelers, so it’s unlikely Disney is going to drop prices any time soon.
This is all fine and good, but if you’re priced out, you’re priced out. I'm Darren from OrlandoParksGuy.com and I have 10 tips that will help reduce the cost of a Disney World vacation including tickets, hotels and dining.
#10 Disney World Tickets
I’ll begin with the one that we have very little control over - Disney World ticket prices. Tickets for the 4 theme parks are expensive, there’s no way to put a pretty face on it. But Disney isn’t Six Flags after all. And while you could purchase tickets from a wholesaler, they have confusing cancellation policies and you’ll need to pay for them upfront. Whereas if you book a Disney vacation package, the tickets are refundable up to 30 days before your check-in date and are covered under one $200 refundable deposit. I typically recommend buying them directly from Disney just for the convenience.
Disney uses a variable ticket pricing system, so every day of the calendar year has a different price. So, why not use this to your advantage? You will save money on tickets if you can visit Disney during January, August, and September. You could save as much as $100 per person and you’ll also have fewer people in the parks during this time.
For example, a 4-day ticket in August is $514 per person. But a 4-day ticket starting on February 16 is $685. A saving of $171 per ticket. A family of 4 would save $684. That’s a decent saving.
And if you’re wondering, some of the most expensive ticket prices are seen in March for Spring Break, November because of Jersey Week and Thanksgiving, and December because of all the Christmas events.
#9 Disney Gift Card Hack for Disney World
While Disney World often has room discounts available for most nights of the year, there is a travel hack that gets you an extra 4 to 5% off. Disney Gift Cards sold at Target, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale usually sell for less than the value of the card. For example, a $50 Disney Gift Card might sell for $48 and a $500 Disney Gift Card might sell for $584. I’ve seen e-gift cards sold online with more of a discount than in-store gift cards. So you may want to check both. If your vacation is $3,000, you’ll save another $187 just by paying with gift cards.
Another travel hack I have is to buy additional gift cards to take with me so I can purchase food while at Disney. Nearly every restaurant at Disney World accepts Disney Gift Cards.
See my article on Disney Gift Card Scams
If you’re not a member of BJ’s, check their website, they often have free membership trials available. And if you have the store’s credit or debit card, you may even get reward points for purchases. Disney World and most Disney Travel agents will accept gift cards for payment. But there is one downside.
If you need to cancel your Disney World reservation, Disney will only refund back to the original form of payment. They will not issue a refund check or place the refund on a different card. It’s important to hold on to your gift cards until travel is completed.
#8 Consider your length of stay
When I was a kid, my parents would take me to Disney for nearly a week. we’d stay at the Polynesian, sometimes at a Moderate Resort, and sometimes even off-property in Kissimmee. But today, Disney has outpaced inflation so a week at Disney World will cost considerably more than it did 5 to 10 years ago. If my parents had to pay today’s prices, adjusted for inflation, I’m not sure we’d be going as often as we did back in the day.
So, we may have to come to terms with the fact that 1 week in Disney might now be a long weekend or a 3 to 4-night stay.
Another thing I recommend is to take time off during your vacation. Plan a pool day, go resort hopping, take a ride on Skyliner or the Monodail, and visit Disney Springs. This means fewer ticket days - which is one of your biggest expenses. It’s fun to walk around and explore. And Disney Springs has plenty of complimentary live entertainment. Most packages include complimentary minigolf and 2025 packages include free water park admission on your arrival day.
This is a popular strategy that many European visitors use. They often come to Orlando for an extended vacation, or holiday as it were, but they’re not in the theme parks each day. This means less money on tickets, less money on expensive theme park food, and less money on merch. And you’re still on vacation - at Disney!
#7 Mid-Week vs. Weekends
One of the tips i see a lot online is to book your trip during the week. Disney World hotels follow the hotel industry where Friday and Saturday night stays cost more than weeknights. So, a great way to save a little money is to book your vacation Sunday through Thursday. Disney doesn’t charge a lot more on the weekends, so if that’s when it makes the most sense to go, I don’t think it should hold you back.
And if you’re flying into Orlando, you should also consider airfare costs, which might outweigh the higher cost of a Saturday night stay. I find that the cheapest days to fly are typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. So check airfares first. And it’s widely believed that the best time to purchase airfare is on Tuesady afternoon.
#6 Affordable Ground Transfer to Disney World
At one time Disney used to offer complimentary airport transportation on Disney’s Magical Express. It was free but it was slow - often taking over 90 minutes to get to your resort, as it made multiple stops along the way. And it would take 2-3 hours to bring you back to the airport.
As Uber became more popular in Orlando, more people began using that to travel direct. Often is less than 30 minutes from point A to point B. Likewise, the operator of Magical Express began negotiating for more money when its contract with Disney was up for renewal. Fewer riders + more money - equals why we don’t have this service today.
But you can still use an airport shuttle - you just need to book it directly with Mears Transportation. They were the ones who operated Magical Express by the way. The cost is around $18 per person, each way. I still think you should research the cost of using Uber, especially if you have a larger family. I find that Uber rides between Orlando International and Disney cost around $80 each way. A ride on Mears which will be the slow boat to China, will be in the area of $72 each way for a family of 4.
#5 Do you Need a Disney Dining Plan? Probably not.
Disney offers 2 dining plans and while I do think they are a good value, if you’re budget-minded, I think you should skip it. See, the Dining Plan is a great tool, but it’s not really about saving money. It’s a convenience - really - designed to give your vacation a more all-inclusive feel. I have an entire video that explains the Disney Plans in full. I’ll link to it in the description.
See my video on how the Disney Dining Plans Work
If you plan on a lot of character meals, or eating most of your meals in the parks, for example, the dining plan is the way to go. But you can save money without the plan if you prefer to do it yourself.
#4 Save on food and meals at Disney World
And speaking of doing it yourself, food, beverages, and snacks at Disney are expensive. This should be no surprise because you’re a captive audience here. But the good news is that Disney World is surrounded by grocery stores that deliver. Instacart is my favorite service because you can choose from a variety of stores in Orlando. And if you want to buy from Costco, you don’t even need to be a Costco member with Instacart.
One of my favorite examples to give is that a bottle of water at Disney World costs about $5. But if you use INstacart, you can purchase a case of 50 bottles of water from Costco, for $4. So 50 bottles of water for less than the price of one bottle of water in the Disney parks. Most hotel rooms have a mini fridge that will hold small items, and microwaves can be requested from housekeeping once you arrive, free of charge.
Disney allows you to bring your own beverages and snacks into the parks - that’s perfectly fine. Just remember that you cannot bring glass, alcohol or loose ice into the parks. The loose ice is because it creates a slip hazard if it spills on the ground.
I’ll link to an article I have on my website OrlandoParksGuy.com that provides tips for grocery delivery at Walt Disney World. Instacart, Amazon, Publix, and Walmart all have delivery fees and of course you’ll need to tip the driver, but you can still save money
See my article on Grocery Delivery Services at Walt Disney World
#3 Do you need Park Hopper?
Park Hopping is a ticket add-on that allows you to visit multiple Disney parks on the same day. Generally speaking, it’s a one-time cost of about $100 per person and it will be valid for each day you have a ticket. It’s not possible to purchase a park hopper for just some of your days.
Now this feature can offer great savings, or it can be totally unnecessary. I like to recommend Park Hopper for those who are planning on a short stay. This will allow you to make the most of your days. For example, if you only have a few days at Disney, maybe you want a half day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and a half day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With Park Hopper, you can do that. Or, maybe you just want to experience your favorite attractions, and then hop to the next park.
On the other hand, if you plan a longer stay, you can skip Park Hopper. I also recommend skipping Park Hopper if you have young children. I remember when my son was small, we were lucky to get through one full day at a park, let alone hopping to other parks. The little ones move at a snail's pace, they want to see everything and don’t forget to leave time for a good meltdown or two. This all takes a lot of time. Park Hopping would be a rather ambitious goal with little ones.
#2 Is Lightning Lane at Disney World Worth it?
Lightening Lane, formally Disney Genie+, formally FastPass, allows you to bypass the lines at many of the attractions at Disney. This service used to be free but I can’t think of any theme park in the country that doesn’t charge for this. I know this is a highly debated topic and full disclosure, I still think it should be free. As a Passholder, I’m in the parks all the time, but my only choice is to shell out a lot of money for Lighting Lane each time I go, or wait in a long line for an attraction that I probably experienced a few days ago.
But it’s here to stay and we just need to accept it. But I don’t think you need to purchase every day and for every park. Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood studios offer a lot of value with the purchase of Lightening Lane. This is because there are many opportunities to use it at Magic Kingdom, and there are so few rides at Hollywood Studios.
The studios have a lot of headliner rides like Rise of the Resistance, Rock n Roller Coaster, and Mickey’s Runaway Railway. Everyone is competing for these rides, so if you can use Lightning Lane on seven just or two of them, you’ll save about 2-3 hours in line. The downside to purchasing Ligtening Lane at Hollywood Studios is that there will be long waits in between your selections.
I think you can get by without it at Epcot, just be there for your rope drop. Same thing with Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Get there as soon as the park opens and you’ll have a major headstart that will last until about 10 am. So it’s a great time to the safar and the attractions in Pandora.
#1 Staying Off Disney World Property to Save Money
It’s often debated whether or not you should stay off-property. Now if you’re budget allows you to book a Deluxe hotel like the Polynesian or a moderate hotel like Caribbean Beach, it’s better to stay on Disney property.
But if you’re looking within the value hotel category, so between $120 - $150 per night, and if you’re trying to reduce costs as much as possible, you can get a lot more value at certain off-site hotels.
The new Flamingo Crossing Area located on Disney Property just behind Animal Kingdom is full of chain hotels, a small restaurant district, and a Target Store. These hotels are often under $130 per night and many of them have family suite accommodations.
They all offer free breakfast but the theme park shuttle isn’t free. And if you drive to the parks, you’ll need to pay the parking fee of around $30 per day.
I especially like the Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs. It’s an upscale tower hotel with rooms similar in square footage to the Disney Deluxe Hotels. Rates are usually between $150 and $180 per night, so right on par with Disney’s value resorts - which do not include free breakfast or snacks. The Drury also offers a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning, free snacks during the afternoon, and free evening appetizers. Plus the Drury operates its own Disney shuttle bus - which is provided free of charge.
I reviewed the Drury Plaza Hotel a short time ago, you can see more about this hotel including what makes their breakfast buffet extra special. To see if this is a good option for you, check out my video. I’ll see you over there.
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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Guests are Shocked When They Visit The Cake Bake Shop at Walt Disney World
One of Disney World’s newest restaurants is also among the priciest. But is it worth it?
I was looking forward to The Cake Bake Shop for 2 years as it sat nearly abandoned on Disney’s Boardwalk at Walt Disney World. Then, a few months ago, there were suddenly signs of life as crews began working on the exterior, and a menu was posted outside.
And that’s when everyone started scratching their heads. $32 for a burger, $25 for a slice of cake, $12 for a coffee. Bloggers went wild on social media, shaming Cake Bake Shop for seemingly ridiculous prices.
It got so bad that Cake Bake Shop lowered its prices right before opening this week. A burger went from $32 to $26, and a slice of cake...well that’s still $25.
The Cake Bake Shop in has a score of 2.9 on Google.
I thought it was odd that it opened without a grand opening or even a shoutout from the Disney Parks Blog.
Why didn’t Disney create any fanfare for this?
I, of course, wanted to see it for myself so my family and I visited just 1 day after it opened. That’s because I didn’t know it opened, I just happened to see a review from a blogger I follow.
I read numerous reviews and watched several YouTube reviews. All of them mentioned the higher-than-average prices.
And for good reason: The Cake Bake Shop is currently selling the most expensive desserts on Disney World property. I’m pretty sure the burger could also be the most expensive at $26. It costs more than the Wagyu burger at STK in Disney Springs and the burger at BoatHouse, which I think is the best burger on Disney property.
Full disclosure here, the very best burger I’ve ever had was at the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Orlando. And of course, it’s tough to beat Five Guys.
I get that The Cake Bake Shop is expensive, but is it worth it? See, I don’t mind paying for an upscale experience that involves great food, and atmosphere.
The problem with The Cake Bake Shop is that the food and atmosphere are just, OK.
We didn’t “hate” anything we had, but for the money, something was amiss here.
It comes across as a casual, fun bakery with whimsical confections. On one hand, it has a very upscale atmosphere yet a casual menu. But the prices are not casual - they’re more in line with an ultra-posh restaurant. This is confusing to me.
For example, the burger was a little dry. The roll was hard and crunchy. A burger, to me, is on a soft roll, it’s juicy and maybe even a little messy. This was just missing something. I think it was trying to be fancy. Burgers ain’t fancy! And it wouldn’t have been great even at $12.
But when you pay $26 for a burger, don’t you have high expectations?
The same is true with the desserts. For this, we went to the take-out side because we wanted to eat outside on the Boardwalk. There are two sides of The Cake Bake Shop, the restaurant side with table service, and the counter service side.
I would like to focus on the quick service side because most of the questions I’ve been getting are about sampling the cakes, more than the restaurant.
We ordered a slice of the Millionaires Cake ($25), a Lemon Bar ($14), a chocolate chip cookie ($7), a milk ($8) and a coffee ($11). I was charged $2 for a bag to carry my items and finally, I was prompted to leave a $12 tip on the iPad. I did the math for you; it’s about $80. I asked for a paper receipt and was told the printer wasn’t working.
I suspect they didn’t want me to have evidence of the beating I just took.
Everything looked good in the display cases, but there wasn’t anything that blew me away.
At a good bakery, I usually want everything and have a hard time trying to decide what to get. Here, I didn’t want most of it. I wasn’t interested in Oprah’s Mint Cake, and I don’t like carrot cake (personal preference), and I overlooked a lot just because of the price.
Now, of course, we tip for great service, and the staff here is well-trained. They certainly value guests and truly want to create a great experience. Everyone was so friendly and attentive. The gentleman who made my coffee asked me to take a sip to make sure it was to my liking and offered to make adjustments if I felt it was necessary.
That’s the level of service here!
The pastries are good, but not great. I found them to be beyond rich and sweet.
After every bite, I had to take a sip of coffee. And then I just needed water! For a $26 slice of cake, they certainly give you a large piece. It’s enough for 2 or even 3 people to share. There were 3 of us, and we could only take a few small bites each because it was so rich.
I think a cake should be so good that you can’t stop eating it. And then feel guilty afterward because you overindulged. That wasn’t the case here. I think I would have been sick if I ate more than a few bites.
We moved on to the lemon bar. I love lemon bars! The Cake Bake Shop’s lemon bar was huge but very sweet. I could taste the granulated sugar in the lemon filling. 2 small bites, and I was done. The lemon flavor was STRONG, so you have to love lemons to enjoy this. It was so sweet and tart, I could barely eat it. I would not order that again.
In fact, that was the theme of The Cake Bake Shop overall - I wouldn’t go out of my way to order any of these items again. Nothing was special or unique.
The Millionaire Cake wasn’t much different from the European Bar Cake sold at Costco.
And speaking of Costco, did you know you can buy a cake from The Cake Bake Shop from Costco? The cake is $159. About twice the price of other specialty cakes sold there. But it gets good reviews.
I thought The Cake Bake Shop was a little on the touristy side - I could see this place taking advantage of tourists in Las Vegas or Times Square. Where tourists come in once because they’re visiting and will likely never return.
I know, Disney World is touristy, but generally speaking, the restaurants are pretty good.
For me, there’s a disconnect between the high prices and food quality.
Oh, and being charged $2 for a bag is annoying. No better way to leave a bad taste in your customer’s mouths than to overcharge them for everything, even a bag.
If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience nearby, I recommend the following restaurants:
Yachtsman Steakhouse - Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Bluezoo - Walt Disney World Swan
Flying Fish - Disney Boardwalk
Monsieur Paul - France Pavilion, Epcot
Amare - Swan Reserve Hotel
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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What You Need to Know About Epic Universe Tickets
How you’ll get to see Universal Epic Universe. At least for now.
Now, guests and travel advisors can begin planning an epic 2025 vacation to Universal Orlando to experience the entire destination with the first phase of ticket products and packages, including access to Universal Epic Universe, go on sale.
A variety of multi-day tickets and vacation packages that include admission for three, four or five days to Universal’s theme parks, with one-day admission to Epic Universe. Packages are on sale now for Universal Helios Grand Hotel for stays beginning May 22, 2025.
See below for more details about the Universal Epic Universe-inclusive products that will be available for purchase beginning on Oct. 22.
Additional ticket products for Epic Universe—including single-day tickets for the general public, additional multi-day ticket options, Florida resident tickets, Universal Express passes, and more—will be available at a later date before the park opens.
Multi-Day Tickets: Three types of multi-day tickets including one-day admission to Universal Epic Universe will be available:
3-Day Ticket: Enjoy two days of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, plus one separate day of admission to Universal Epic Universe.
4-Day Ticket: Enjoy three days of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, plus one separate day of admission to Universal Epic Universe.
5-Day Ticket: Enjoy four days of access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, plus one separate day of admission to Universal Epic Universe.
For each of the above, guests also have the option to add access to Universal Volcano Bay, allowing them to experience all four Universal Orlando theme parks during their visit.
Create Your Own Vacation Package: I can create your own vacation package that can save up to $200 (savings based on a seven-night stay) by bundling a two-night or longer stay at a Universal hotel with one of the multi-day ticket options above. You’ll receive the maximum savings of $200 with a seven-night vacation package that includes:
A 5-day ticket that includes four days of access to Universal Studios, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay, plus a separate day admission to Universal Epic Universe
Seven-night hotel accommodations at one of Universal Orlando’s 11 themed resorts
Early Park Admission for Universal Epic Universe, Universal Volcano Bay and either Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure up to one hour before the park opens
Unlimited Plus Ticket: There’s also a 2025 Unlimited Plus Ticket inclusive of a Single Day at Universal Epic Universe. Available for visits in 2025, guests can enjoy the thrills of Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay for 14 days, plus get access to the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park for one day during their ticket validity window.
More details about Universal Epic Universe, including additional ticket products, will be released in the months ahead.
Universal Epic Universe is a radically transformational theme park experience that will fully immerse guests in beloved cross-generational stories that empower them to be the epic heroes of their adventures.
Located just a few miles from Universal Orlando’s current parks, Epic Universe will feature multi-sensory environments, impeccable design and innovative technology throughout, creating an entirely new level of experience that will forever change theme park entertainment.
Guests will explore five spectacularly themed worlds, an array of unique dining, shopping and entertainment experiences, and so much more.
Epic Universe will also be adjacent to three new Universal hotels, co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co., including sister properties Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort and Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, which is located at the theme park.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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How to Book Universal’s Epic Universe
Here’s how to book Universal Epic Universe and how to get there.
In case you missed it, the countdown to Epic has officially begun! We now have an opening date and a detailed look inside. Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated fourth theme park – Universal Epic Universe – will officially open on May 22nd, 2025, unlocking the portals to five astounding worlds that will bring to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imaginations.
You can begin planning your 2025 epic vacation to Universal Orlando to experience the entire destination as the first phase of ticket products and packages that include access to Universal Epic Universe will go on sale.
Specific products launching in this first phase on October 22nd include:
A variety of multi-day tickets and vacation packages that include three, four or five days of admission to Universal’s theme parks – including one day admission to Epic Universe.
Reservations for Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open for stays beginning May 22nd, 2025.
Additional ticket products for Epic Universe – including single-day tickets, additional multi-day ticket options, Florida resident tickets, Universal Express passes and more – will be available at a later date before the park opens.
How to book Epic Universe
Start by filling out my quote request form. It collects important information about your vacation plans. I’ll then look for any available discounts and offers so you can save money. If you book by October 31st, I’ll include an instant savings offer! Get started here.
Exclusive Offer for Epic Universe from Darren
Transportation to Epic Universe
To me, it seems all of Orlando is gearing up for this new park as there is construction everywhere. There will be complimentary resort shuttle bus transportation between Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk, along with all of the Universal hotels.
Epic Universe is about 3 miles away from the main Universal Orlando Resort area. The Kirkman Road extension runs 1.7 miles from Carrier Drive through Sand Lake Road down to Universal Boulevard. Once complete, the stretch will include multiple lanes, including dedicated bus lanes.
One of the main features of the extension will be the elevated traffic circle, situated between Universal Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna Resorts and the south end of Epic Universe. Not only will the circle purpose traffic flow, but Orange County leaders say the circle will serve as a regional landmark.
Kirkman Road traffic circle at Universal’s Epic Universe will serve as landmark in Orlando.
The overall goal of the Kirkman Road Extension is to improve the transportation network for the Orange County Convention Center, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and the UCF Rosen School of Hospitality Management.
Guests will first enter Epic Universe via Celestial Park, which will have a carousel, a roller coaster, stores, restaurants and portals to each of the four other worlds, including Super Nintendo World which I think will be th most popular of all.
Is Disney World worried about Epic Universe?
Disney is certainly taking notice. I mean this will be the largest park Universal has built and they are bringing everything they learned about creating theme parks to Orlando. Here’s a video on how I think Epic Universe will change Orlando.
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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Epic Offer for EPIC UNIVERSE
Epic Offer for Epic Universe! Get instant savings on Universal Orlando vacation packages that include 3-Days of tickets and include Epic Universe. This offer CAN be combined with Universal Orlando offers and discounts.
Book your Universal Orlando vacation package with me, and you’ll receive INSTANT SAVINGS off the package price.
How to get instant savings at Universal Orlando
Request a quote from me using my Universal Quote Form.
Travel anytime starting May 22 through December 31, 2025
Tickets need to be 3-Days or longer and include Epic Universe one-day admission
Must book by October 31, 2025 (subject to availability)
Your instant savings offer will be reflected in the quote. This offer can be combined with Universal offers and discounts!
Your instant savings offer will be determined based on the pre-tax cost of your vacation package excluding airfare, ground transfers, Express Pass, and/or any component that is non-commissionable. New reservations only. Subject to availability.
See so Epic Universe is going to change Orlando (in a good way!)
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Universal Epic Universe Opens May 22, 2025, Select Tickets and Packages On Sale Oct. 22
Epic Universe packages and opening date have been announced.
This changes everything. Now with four amazing theme parks, spectacular themed hotels and more, Universal Orlando offers an entire week’s worth of awesome in one complete vacation destination.
Universal Epic Universe Opens May 22, 2025, Select Tickets and Packages On Sale Oct. 22
Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort Sample Package
Epic Universe Vacation Package Includes:
7-Night Hotel Accommodations
3-Park 4-Day Park-to-Park PLUS 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket1 to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and Universal Epic Universe (Restrictions apply.)
$200 Bundle & Save^ Discount
Early Park Admission2 to Universal Epic Universe, Universal Volcano Bay and either Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure as determined by Universal Orlando up to one hour before the parks open (Valid theme park admission required. Select attractions.)
NOTE: During the phased opening of Epic Universe, guests will be able to visit the new park only once during a package stay.
Watch my video on my Top 10 Reasons Epic Universe will be a game changer in Orlando
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Disney World’s Pricey Lightning Lane PREMIER PASS
You can be part of a pilot program at Walt Disney World with Lightning Lane Premier Pass. How much is will cost and how to use it.
Starting Oct. 30, 2024, Disney World will begin piloting the rollout of Lightning Lane Premier Pass, with very limited quantities available daily for Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, and other select Resorts.
Being sold as a "convenient way to save time in line," Lightning Lane Premier Pass allows one-time entry to each Lightning Lane experience in a theme park.
Guests will be able to buy the passes up to seven days ahead of their visit, except for the launch date, for which no advance purchases are allowed. Disney World's Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be park-specific, with prices varying depending on the park and date.
Disney World Lightning Lane Premier Pass opens Oct 30, 2024
Purchasing a Lightning Lane Premier Pass provides you with one-time access to any Lightning Lane entrance at a single Theme Park.
Attractions that offer Lightning Lane Single Pass can be experienced using a Lightning Lane Premier Pass, without additional purchase.
You do not need to book an arrival window; you simply head to the Lightning Lane entrance whenever you wish.
Guests may purchase a Lightning Lane Premier Pass for only one Theme Park each day.
Lightning Lane Premier Passes include Disney PhotoPass Lenses and digital Disney PhotoPass Downloads of any attraction photos from the day of the Guest’s visit.
Purchasing a Lightning Lane Premier Pass does not prevent you from purchasing a Lightning Lane Multi Pass and/or Lightning Lane Single Passes
When You Can Purchase Lightning Lane Premier Pass?
Guests of eligible Resorts can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes up to seven days prior to their check-in date for the length of their stay (up to 14 days) starting at 7 a.m. Eastern.
Eligible Resorts include
Disney Deluxe Resort
Deluxe Villa Resorts
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels
Shades of Green Resort.
To purchase a Lightning Lane Premier Pass, Guests must have both a valid Resort reservation and valid Theme Park admission linked to their My Disney Experience account.
Some admission types also require a Theme Park reservation like Disney World Annual Passes.
Guests must use the My Disney Experience app to purchase their Lightning Lane Premier Pass and to track the experiences they have visited using the pass.
How Much Lightning Lane Premier Pass Costs
Disney's Animal Kingdom: $129 - $199 plus tax
EPCOT: $169 - $249 plus tax
Disney's Hollywood Studios: $269 - $349 plus tax
Magic Kingdom: $329 - $449 plus tax
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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How Disney After Hours Tickets Work
Linking Disney After Hours Tickets to your phone, wallet, and picking up physical tickets at the theme parks.
Disney After Hours is a ticketed event at Walt Disney World Resort that allows guests to enjoy the parks after they close to the public:
When
After Hours events take place in the evening after the park closes. Guests can enter the park as early as 7 PM and stay until 1 AM.
What
Guests can enjoy shorter wait times for attractions, meet Disney characters, and eat complimentary snacks and drinks. Some events may also include DJ dance parties, trick-or-treating, or seasonal nighttime shows.
Where
After Hours events take place at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT.
Tickets
Tickets for After Hours events are limited, so guests can expect shorter wait times.
How To Link Disney World After Hours Tickets to Your Phone
Using Your Phone’s Wallet
To use your ticket, tap your ticket from your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet at the park entrance.
To save your ticket to your wallet, first link your ticket to your Disney account online at DisneyWorld.com or use the Disney World App.
Using a MagicBand
You may use a MagicBand for park entry as well. Follow the steps above - link the ticket to your Disney account.
Be sure your MagicBand is linked to your Disney account and that it is active. You can do this in the MagicBand tab of the mobile app.
Visit a Ticket Window for a Physical Ticket
If you prefer a physical ticket, visit a park ticket window located at the entrance of the theme park.
You will need the following:
Your ticket confirmation email - either printed or on your phone.
Original credit card, PayPal, transaction receipt, Disney Gift Card, or Disney Rewards Redemption Card that was used to purchase the tickets.
Valid government ID for all adults.
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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Popular Disney World Attraction to Close
This classic Magic Kingdom attraction will close for over a year.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will go down for an extended closure on January 6, 2025. The attraction will reopen with a little bit of new magic in 2026. Disney has not shared any further details.
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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DINOLAND USA ATTRACTIONS CLOSING DATE
This classic Magic Kingdom attraction will be closed for over a year.
DinoLand U.S.A. Closures Begin Jan. 13, 2025
Work on Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is set to begin in January 2025. This means the last day to ride TriceraTop Spin will be January 12, 205.
Tropical Americas concept art for Animal Kingdom expansion.
Fossil Fun Games and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures will also close on January 12, 2025
DINOSAUR, the Boneyard, Restaurantosaurus, Dino-Bite Snacks, and Trilo-Bites will remain open.
In other news, Disney provided an update on “The Little Mermaid A Musical Adventure” coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Update on “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”
As we continue to look forward to “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure," at Disney’s Hollywood Studios we are taking the next steps and filing permits for an all-new marquee. Work on the exterior of the building will begin soon, in preparation for the premiere of this fully reimagined show in summer 2025. We look forward to sharing more details on this exciting new experience soon.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will go down for an extended closure on January 6, 2025. The attraction will reopen with a little bit of new magic in 2026. Disney has not shared any further details.
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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Royal Caribbean Perfect Day at CocoCay Mexico - Everything I Know
Royal Caribbean Heads to Mexico to Create Another Perfect Day!
Royal Caribbean introduces Perfect Day Mexico located in Mahahual / Costa Maya including a beach club with activities, cuisine, and sustainable tourism focus.
When Royal Caribbean introduced Perfect Day at CocoCay, its private island in the Bahamas, it quickly became a new reason to cruise. Based on this success, Royal Caribbean purchased Costa Maya, a made-up cruise port in Eastern Mexico, near Cozumel. I love Costa Maya, even though it exists only for cruises. You can check out my tour of Costa Maya on my YouTube channel here.
Costa Maya has just the right amount of things to do, a bird aviary, souvenir shops, a few restaurants, 2 pools, and a dolphin experience. It’s great if you just want to get off the ship for a little while and do some exploring on your own.
So, I was surprised to learn that Royal Caribbean just announced that it purchased Costa Maya and it will be building another Perfect Day resort here.
Costa Maya is a stop for other cruise lines as well, but it appears that Perfect Day Mexico will only be available to Royal Caribbean cruisers.
Royal Caribbean is also building Royal Beach Club Cozumel, which is set to open in 2026. I expect Perfect Day Mexico will be very successful for Royal Caribbean western Caribbean itineraries with Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Star of the Seas.
I love this idea because the Caribbean ports are not exactly the most interesting - usually centered around beaches, bars, and t-shirt shops. There’s also a concern about safety if you wander off the beaten path.
It’s brilliant for Royal Caribbean to expand on the things that cruise vacationers like best: the private islands.
Now, it’s unclear right now if Costa Maya will still be an itinerary stop for other cruise ships like Carnival, and Disney Cruise Line. Will they have a place to dock, or will it be taken up by Royal Caribbean ships? And will other cruise lines even want to stop at Costa Maya, when the main attraction there will be Perfect Day Mexico?
Either way, Royal Caribbean is making so many great decisions lately and I’m excited to see how this all works out.
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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TOP 10 DISNEY WORLD THIRLL RIDES
Top 10 Spookiest and Thrilling Rides at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is known as a family-friendly resort destination with rides that families can enjoy together. But what about those who want more excitement? Well, Disney rides are masters at storytelling, and a select few have the potential to immerse you into stories with big thrills or big special effects. I have 10 scary must-do attractions at Walt Disney World Resort for thrill seekers and special effects lovers.
The attic in Haunted Mansion is one of the creepiest scenes Disney has ever created.
Number 10: The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion at Disney World is one of the park’s most iconic attractions, blending humor, whimsy, and just the right amount of spookiness. The eerie atmosphere is created by hauntingly beautiful decor and a ghostly soundtrack. And the ride itself takes you through various scenes populated by friendly ghosts and supernatural characters, each with its own story and charm.
The attraction starts with a clever preshow, where you see the foreboding mansion up on a hill, complete with the sound of a distant thunderstorm and a dog howling. One of my favorite tips is to look closely at the windows at night - you may something in the windows. A Cast Member will greet you with a dead serious expression, and will lead you into the foyer and then an elevator, reminding you to step in the “dead center of the room”
I think the stretching room is one of the best special effects Disney has ever created and it’s where you’ll see and hear the attraction's most frightening scene, a hanging body in the rafters, followed by sudden darkness, and the sound of a body hitting the ground. As you progress through the ride in your DoomBuggy, you encounter famous scenes like the ballroom filled with dancing spirits, the ghostly bride, and of course hitchhiking ghosts, It hink they are each designed to entertain rather than terrify.
While there are some dark and creepy elements, the tone remains playful. The humor often shines through, with clever wordplay in the narration and light-hearted interactions that keep things fun. Families with young children often enjoy it together, as the scares are mild and the experience is more about enjoying the spooky atmosphere than feeling genuinely frightened.
Overall, the Haunted Mansion is perfect for those looking for a taste of the spooky side of Disney without the intensity of a traditional theme park blood and guts attraction. It’s a delightful blend of thrills, laughs, and a touch of Disney magic that makes it a must-visit for guests of all ages.
Number 9: Pirates of the Caribbean
When I enter the queue at "Pirates of the Caribbean" at Walt Disney World, I am immediately brought back to my childhood. I loved this attraction as a kid, it all seemed so real to me. Like the Haunted Mansion, this attraction offers a unique blend of storytelling - even though it’s unclear as to what exactly the story is, and mild spookiness, making it a classic attraction for so many of us. The ride begins in a dimly lit Spanish fort, immersing you in a world of pirates, weapons, and treasure. Once aboard your boat, you are transported through various scenes of thunderstorms, skeletons on a beach, and a helmsman who doesn’t seem to know he’s dead, which is my favorite scene in the ride by the way.
Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom
You’re then surprised by a blinding flash, then sudden darkness, and sail over a waterfall. And you emerge right in the middle of cannon fire between a pirate ship and a Spanish fort. Cannonballs land in the water right next to your boat - too close for comfort.
While the overall atmosphere is playful, the dim lighting and dark waters create an eerie feeling, The ride features amazing sound effects, and hilarious classic quotes {dont be chicken}
This is what makes Pirate of the Caribbean such a great attraction. Its scariest moments are balanced with humor, more about the excitement of the pirate adventure than genuine fear, making it a memorable experience for everyone who rides it!
Number 8: Flight of Passage
Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney's Animal Kingdom can feel a bit scary for several reasons, particularly for guests who may be sensitive to heights or intense motion. From the moment you enter the immersive queue, you’re enveloped in the lush world of Pandora. But then you enter very industrial areas in stark contrast to the world you just left. Just listen to the background sound effects in there - I think it’s designed to make you feel uneasy - which builds anticipation for the ride ahead. Once you're seated on the ride vehicle, the experience intensifies as you’re secured into place, heightening a sense of vulnerability.
Flight of Passage at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
As the ride begins, there’s a sensation of soaring on the back of a banshee and it’s amazing. The combination of stunning 3D visuals and physical movement creates a breathtaking but disorienting experience, especially during the rapid turns and drops. The feeling of flying high above the beautiful landscapes of Pandora can evoke a sense of fear for those uncomfortable with heights.
Additionally, the ride incorporates various sensory effects, such as the wind in your face, mist, and the feeling of the banshee breathing beneath you, which really immerses you into the story.
I think the intensity of the experience—combined with the stunning yet immersive visuals— makes Flight of Passage a spectacular ride and provides a thrilling rush with intense experiences!
Number 7: Mission SPACE
It’s not that I find Mission: SPACE at Epcot frightening, I just think it’s scary not knowing if it’s going to make me sick or not. I have never experienced the Orange team for this reason - I’m too afraid. But I do like the less intense Green Team. The Orange Team, For some people, is a great thrill ride with a great story. But for others, it makes them so sick, that they have to go home. If you see someone lying down a bench in Epcot, chances are they just got off Mission Space.
And the ride can be quite intimidating, particularly for those who may be prone to motion sickness or are not fans of enclosed spaces. The ride simulates a space launch, immersing you in a realistic environment that includes intense spins and G-forces designed to replicate the feeling of blasting off into space. As you’re strapped into your seat and the countdown begins, the sense of anticipation builds, heightened by the tight confines of the capsule. The ride’s immersive visuals and sound effects contribute to a feeling of being launched into orbit, which can be disorienting for some.
The intense sensations of acceleration and the spinning motion can create an overwhelming experience, leading to feelings of anxiety or unease. For guests who find the idea of space travel daunting or who may not enjoy high-intensity attractions, Mission: SPACE can be genuinely scary, making it a ride that requires a bit of courage to tackle!
Number 6: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an exhilarating experience that can certainly be considered on the scarier side, especially for those who aren’t accustomed to high-speed thrill rides. The ride begins with a dramatic launch that catapults you from 0 to 57 mph in just a few seconds, creating an adrenaline rush that’s hard to match in Orlando. The ride primarily takes place in complete darkness which adds an element of surprise and suspense.
As you zoom along, the unexpected loops and inversions come at you fast, leaving little time to prepare for the thrilling drops and sharp corners. The combination of the powerful G-forces and the disorienting darkness can be quite intense, making it feel like you're speeding through the streets of Los Angeles. The energetic soundtrack featuring classic rock anthems by Aerosmith only heightens the excitement, immersing you in the exhilarating vibe of a rock concert.
The initial launch, in particular, is terrifying because you know you’re going to launch, but when exactly is that going to happen. Sitting there waiting in suspense is perhaps the biggest thrill of the ride. The ride’s design plays with your senses, blending the thrill of speed with the thrill of the unknown, which can amplify the scare factor.
Overall, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster delivers a wild and intense experience making it one of the more thrilling—and potentially scary—attractions at Disney World.
And while I love Aerosmith, I wouldn’t mind seeing a refresh here. I think the band Coldplay would be a great addition to the ride. What band do you think would be a good fit here?
Number 5: Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom can be quite a scary experience starting with the moment you see it from a distance. And once you enter the queue, you're immersed in the lore of the legendary Yeti and the mysteries of the Himalayas, which sets a suspenseful tone. My favorite scene in the queue is the display of the badly beaten camping gear, and the last few photos the photographer ever took,in his or her last attempt to document their demise. That is some great storytelling.
Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
As you head out on the track, listen to the sound effects - especially as you climb the main lift hill. Everything you hear is unsettling from the prayer music in the temple to the creaking of the bridge. You also have a feeling of vulnerability as you realize how high you are. And then there’s the moment where you run out of track.
And how about the fact that the ride suddenly goes backward into the mountain and into complete darkness? It’s disorienting by design, amplifying the scare factor as you feel a loss of control and that you can’t see where you’re going or where you’ll end up. The darkness of the tunnels and the sudden encounters with the Yeti can be genuinely startling, especially when it appears he’s lunging toward you in the ride’s finale scene. The combination of speed, height, and darkness creates an exhilarating yet very intimidating experience for a Disney ride.
The immersive storytelling, combined with the physical sensations of the ride, makes Expedition Everest a thrilling journey that leaves me saying, only Disney could create this.
Number 4: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios can be a thrilling and somewhat scary experience for several reasons. From the moment you enter the queue, you’re immersed in the tension of a Resistance mission, with atmospheric lighting and sound effects that create a sense of urgency. The story unfolds with unexpected twists, making you feel like you’re part of a high-stakes adventure.
As you progress through the queue, you encounter First Order Cast Members who treat you as prisoners. Making you stand single file. Some may even get in your personal space to look you up and down and further intimate you. They must have so much fun at work every day.
After being placed into a prison cell and an uncomfortable lecture by Kylo Ren, the immersive experience ramps up with a sudden escape. Realistic animatronics and amazing special effects bring the Star Wars universe to life. Your encounter with the First Order can be pretty intense, as stormtroopers confront you with their menacing terrible aim, and the fear of capture adds to the suspense. The ride includes moments of sudden movement, including a surprise drop which elevates the adrenaline.
Additionally, the use of sound effects and immersive storytelling heightens the tension. The sounds of blaster fire, the rumble of a Star Destroyer, and the ominous presence of Kylo Ren all contribute to a sense of danger that feels real. The combination of dark environments, startling moments, and the overarching narrative of being chased by the First Order creates an atmosphere that can be genuinely frightening, especially for those who are fans of the franchise and invested in the storyline.
Overall, Rise of the Resistance blends thrilling ride mechanics with immersive storytelling, making it a heart-pounding experience that keeps guests on the edge of their seats—definitely a memorable adventure for anyone brave enough to join the Resistance!
Number 3 It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
It’s Tough to Be a Bug! at Disney's Animal Kingdom can be surprisingly intense for some guests, particularly younger children and uh, men in their 40s who just happen to have a crippling fear of insects just sayin’
The attraction combines 3D visual effects with live-action elements, immersing you in a world from the perspective of bugs. As the show unfolds, guests encounter various insects, and the atmosphere becomes increasingly immersive and interactive.
The main source of fear comes from the unexpected surprises throughout the show. Guests are subjected to sensory effects like sudden gusts of air and fog when they are blasted with bug spray, vibrations in their seats, and even the sensation of bugs crawling around their seat. These elements can be startling, especially because they occur unexpectedly, creating moments of genuine fright.
The show also features some scenes that portray predators, such as spiders and hornets, which are naturally intimidating to us humans. While the attraction aims to educate and entertain, the combination of sensory effects and unexpected scares can make it a frightening experience.
Number 2: Dinosaur
Dinosaur at Disney's Animal Kingdom is super scary for a variety of reasons, and I’m honestly surprised Disney even created a ride like this. The ride's premise—traveling back to the age of dinosaurs, actually you’re going back in time to steal a dinosaur—creates a sense of urgency, especially with the looming threat of carnivorous dinosaurs all around you.
As you board your time rover and the adventure begins, the darkness of the ride is disorienting, making it difficult to anticipate what might come next. The sudden appearance of massive animatronic dinosaurs, especially the T. rex, is genuinely terrifying. Their realistic movements, combined with loud roars and the sensation of the vehicle reacting to these monsters, create a visceral experience that catch you totally off guard.
Additionally, the ride features quick turns, drops, and the feeling of being chased, all of which contribute to a heightened sense of fear and excitement. The immersive sound effects—such as the growls of dinosaurs and the crashing of trees—enhance the atmosphere, making you feel like you’re truly in the middle of a prehistoric jungle.
Dinosaur can be particularly intense, making it a thrilling experience that uniquely combines excitement and fright! My favorite thing about this ride is the on-ride photos at the end - look at how many people have their eyes closed because they were so scared!
Number 1: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios is widely regarded as one of the scariest attractions at Walt Disney World for several compelling reasons. I can’t think of any other ride at Disney that gets into your head quite like this one. It’s 90% psychological - starting with the queue where you encounter overgrown gardens and dried-up fountains, and I find the echo-y big band music especially haunting. And then there’s the suddenly-abandoned lobby that immerses you in the eerie story of the hotel’s mysterious past. What happened here that hotel guests left their drinks and belongings behind?
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios
The backstory, which revolves around a tragic elevator accident, sets a foreboding tone that builds anticipation and tension.
As you make your way through the attraction, the unsettling ambiance continues to heighten. You’re in the hotel’s basement - because basements are scary. Your surrounded by Steampipes, boilers and of course service elevators. The suspense builds as you board the elevator, which feels old, confined, and claustrophobic.
The ride begins with a surprisingly smooth and rapid lift - which lets you know this ride system has power and speed. There’s just something about that first lift - it lets you know there’s no going back. As your elevator car stops, you’re shown unsettling scenes that make no sense like a shattering window and an oversized eyeball.
The ride itself combines sudden drops and jolting movements that create a feeling of weightlessness. Plus there’s the unpredictability of the ride— the random drop sequences add to the fear factor, as you never know when the next drop or lift will occur.
For me, the combination of psychological thrills and physical sensations makes the Tower of Terror a uniquely scary ride that keeps me on the edge of my seat. It’s a must-do for thrill-seekers and horror fans alike!
Want to add to my list? Let me know what ride you find scary at Walt Disney World. How about it’s a small world? Imagine working on that attraction at night, after everyone has gone home? I’ll be in the comments following along. And if you like the darker side of Disney, check out my video - Abandoned Disney World, where I show you venues that are just sitting abandoned, hiding in plain sight. I'll see you over there.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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DISNEY WORLD OFFERS Winter and Spring 2025
Save money at Disney World with these discounted hotel rates for Winter and Spring 2025!
Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom
Orlando: Walt Disney World Resort Winter Promotion Package
Save up to $200 per night on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays:
January 1 - April 30, 2025 - most Sunday through Thursday nights
Free is always better. Book your Disney vacation with me now through February 10, 2025. My services are free to you. Disney pays me to ensure you have the best vacation plus enjoy special perks.
I’ll work with you to find the perfect Walt Disney World Resort Hotel for your vacation goals and budget. Experience legendary detail, service and storytelling found in Walt Disney World Theme Parks when booking a Disney Resort hotel stay with me. From unique accommodations to distinctive dining options, themed rooms, exclusive theme park benefits, theme park transportation, and more, I help make your trip more magical because you’ll have expert, insider advice.
Choose from Disney World value, moderate, deluxe and deluxe villa properties that exemplify the Disney Difference and suit every budget.
Disney World Vacation Package Extras
Included in your Disney package
Disney World hotel accommodations (minimum 3-night stay)
Disney World Theme Park Tickets
Professional guidance from me (my services are free to you)
Early Theme Park entry
Extended evening Theme Park hours (select Deluxe hotels)
Complimentary Disney Water Park admission on check-in day (starting 1/1/2025)
Transportation to the 4 Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Disney Springs
Free Overnight self-parking at most hotels
Free standard parking at all Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Disney Springs
Magical Extras Discount Card
Walt Disney World Luggage Tags
7-Day headstart on Lightning Lane purchase and selections
The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same package. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Theme park tickets are valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on length of stay and ticket.
Valid Travel Dates
For arrivals most nights from February 26 to June 30, 2025
Length of Stay Requirements
Minimum – 3 nights
Maximum – 14 nights
Package Includes
Room
Theme park ticket(s)
Important Details
The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited.
Savings based on the nondiscounted price of the same package.
Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
Theme park tickets are valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on length of stay and ticket.
Minimum 2-day theme park ticket required.
Minimum 3-night length of stay required.
Advance reservations required.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Offer excludes the following room types: Campsites; 3-Bedroom Villas; Deluxe Resort Suites; Club Level Rooms; Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort; and Bungalows and Island Tower 2-Bedroom Penthouses at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
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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Explore Universal Orlando’s new Helios Grand Hotel near Epic Universe. Get a full tour, review, and travel tips for your next family vacation.