Although seeing art at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is a lot of fun, there’s something really special about making your own art as well. One of the favorite activities at the festival is the large paint-by-number mural experience. Located between Future World and World Showcase near the demolition site for Inventions, a giant mural allows guests to EPCOT to paint a single color in individual squares that, when completely filled in, creates a work of art.
Simply pick up a numbered cup of paint and a paintbrush, head to a socially distanced station, paint a square with the same number as your paint, and dispose of your paint and paintbrush — it’s that simple. At the end, you receive a strip of paper with what the finished mural will look like.
There’s no cost to participating in this event, but you may have a short wait in line during peak times.
Have you done the paint by number in previous years or are looking forward to doing it this year?
Walt Disney World isn’t just for the young, but also for the young at heart! Yes, a Walt Disney World Vacation has more to offer adults than Dumbo the Flying Elephant and spinning teacups. In addition to award-winning dining and luxury resort hotels, Disney World offers signature quality and service where everything is an experience.
A number of adults shared their opinions about the dining and attractions at Walt Disney World for our TouringPlans Lines 2.0 app, and I’ve compiled a list of the highest-rated attractions based on those ratings. So which ones made the cut? And will you agree with our user ratings? Let’s take a look!
5. Space Mountain
Space Mountain at Night October 2020
Space Mountain is an indoor, space-themed roller coaster that takes place almost entirely in the dark.
This coaster is one of the few true thrill rides at the Magic Kingdom, but its drops and somewhat jerky movements are understandably responsible for its lower rating among seniors.
Young Adults Rating: 4.7
Adults Over 30 Rating: 4.4
Seniors Rating: 3.8
Why Do Adults Love Space Mountain?
Space Mountain Tunnel Lights
Through the years, Space Mountain has become a bit of a relic in comparison to Disney’s other thrill rides while still managing to hold its own in thrilling and exhilarating guests. It offers nostalgia and something more than a dark ride for adults!
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
Photo: zzgator
Pirates of the Caribbean is an indoor boat ride through a variety of incredibly detailed show scenes showcasing pirates raiding towns and hunting for Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
It appears to be rated about the same by all ages of adults proving it’s a ride everyone can enjoy.
Young Adults Rating: 4.4
Adults Over 30 Rating: 4.4
Seniors Rating: 4.5
Why Do Adults Love Pirates of the Caribbean?
Pirates of the Caribbean is an absolute classic and one of the most important theme park attractions ever created. Granted, Walt Disney World’s version isn’t quite the same, or as long, as Disneyland’s version; but it still offers that famous song, detailed set pieces, and that roguish, tongue-in-cheek charm.
3. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a smooth, swinging family coaster in Fantasyland themed after Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Guests board a swinging mine car and are whisked in and out of the charming mine where a million diamonds shine!
I consider Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to be half family coaster half dark ride. While there are dips and turns around and through the exterior of the mine, the ride slows down once guests enter the mine shaft where audio-animatronics of the Seven Dwarfs at work in the glittering mine.
Young Adults Rating: 4.5
Adults Over 30 Rating: 4.5
Seniors Rating: 4.4
Why Do Adults Love Seven Dwarfs Mine Train?
While, yes, it’s technically a kid coaster, the coaster isn’t as short as the Barnstormer and actually tells a story. In addition, its picturesque setting, and the fact it’s both an indoor and outdoor attraction, make it an enjoyable experience for both little ones and adults.
2. Haunted Mansion
Disney
Guests board “Doom Buggies” for a tour through an eerie mansion home and graveyard filled with both spooky and amusing visual effects and characters.
This is no surprise. Haunted Mansion is a Disney classic and long considered one of the best theme park attractions of all time and Disney Imagineering at its best. The fact it earned a 4.5 rating across the board only confirms its timelessness.
Young Adults Rating: 4.5
Adults Over 30 Rating: 4.5
Seniors Rating: 4.5
Why Do Adults Love Haunted Mansion?
The Haunted Mansion – near Standby Entrance
This ride is one that the whole family can ride that’s teeming with personality and where the scenery, atmosphere, and effects are the star. It’s got a high re-rideability factor that’s only made better by the fact it’s dark, indoors, and lets adults get off their feet for a while.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a runaway train-themed coaster through a detailed mountain set in the Old West at the time of the California Gold Rush.
Being a coaster, it’s understandable why it scored higher with younger adults; but the fact it was still rated a 4.3 by seniors proves this coaster truly offers something for everyone.
Young Adults Rating: 4.7
Adults Over 30 Rating: 4.6
Seniors Rating: 4.3
Why Do Adults Love Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?
Big Thunder Mountain checks all the boxes by managing to be a coaster that’s the perfect balance of wild and mild while offering Disney’s signature detail and storytelling. It’s one of those attractions that’s equally fun for both the young and young at heart.
Do you agree with our Lines 2.0 app ratings? Which of these attractions would you rate as the highest? Let us know in the comments!
Filed Under: Attractions, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World (FL), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Disney Attractions, disney for adults, disney world, Disney World attractions, Disney World Attractions for Adults, Magic Kingdom Attractions, Pirates of the Caribbean, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, walt disney world
January is often one of the slowest months of the year at Walt Disney World, hence the creation of the Festival of the Arts and the Walt Disney World Marathon to fill in some of the gaps. The wait times we’ve seen over the past two days have been some of the lowest of the past 30 days, and today that trend continues. The average posted wait times at EPCOT today is only 17 minutes, and at Animal Kingdom it’s 16 minutes! Other than a few bumps at Rise of the Resistance all attractions seemed to have a pretty smooth day.
We received 113 actual wait times today from our Lines app users. Disney’s posted wait times were about as accurate as we’ve come to expect, with EPCOT being the least accurate. Let’s do the numbers!
Magic Kingdom Wait Times
Magic Kingdom Wait Times for January 11, 2021
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had an average wait time today of 47 minutes. Its 7-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 49 minutes, so today ranks #121 for the past year.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin had an average wait time today of 28 minutes. Its 7-day average is 36 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #147 for the past year.
Country Bear Jamboree had an average wait time today of 5 minutes. Its 7-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #7 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #114 for the past year.
“it’s a small world” had an average wait time today of 34 minutes. Its 7-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #140 for the past year.
Jungle Cruise had an average wait time today of 36 minutes. Its 7-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #172 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 100% of the posted wait time.
Pirates of the Caribbean had an average wait time today of 40 minutes. Its 7-day average is 51 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #161 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 70% of the posted wait time.
Space Mountain had an average wait time today of 35 minutes. Its 7-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 59 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #150 for the past year. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 47% of the posted wait time.
The Haunted Mansion had an average wait time today of 15 minutes. Its 7-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #216 for the past year. We received 9 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 63% of the posted wait time.
Tomorrowland Speedway had an average wait time today of 11 minutes. Its 7-day average is 20 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 20 minutes, so today ranks #191 for the past year.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had an average wait time today of 57 minutes. Its 7-day average is 72 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 81 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 72 minutes, so today ranks #145 for the past year. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 83% of the posted wait time.
EPCOT Wait Times
While wait times at EPCOT’s rides are supremely low right now, lines at some of the Studio Kitchens for the Festival of the Arts are pretty busy.
EPCOT Wait Times for January 11, 2021
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (or should we say Two Caballeros?) had an average wait time today of 4 minutes. Its 7-day average is 9 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 11 minutes, so today ranks #30 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #236 for the past year.
Journey Into Imagination With Figment had an average wait time today of 6 minutes. Its 7-day average is 11 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 19 minutes, so today ranks #30 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #237 for the past year.
Living with the Land had an average wait time today of 5 minutes. Its 7-day average is 8 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 11 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #243 for the past year.
Mission: SPACE Orange had an average wait time today of 23 minutes. Its 7-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #129 for the past year.
Spaceship Earth had an average wait time today of 9 minutes. Its 7-day average is 16 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 19 minutes, so today ranks #189 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 68% of the posted wait time.
Test Track had an average wait time today of 42 minutes. Its 7-day average is 59 minutes, so today ranks #7 for this week. Its 30-day average is 72 minutes, so today ranks #30 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 55 minutes, so today ranks #140 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 57% of the posted wait time.
Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 19 minutes. Its 7-day average is 26 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 45 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #239 for the past year.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Wait Times
Hollywood Studios Wait Times for January 11, 2021
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith had an average wait time today of 34 minutes. Its 7-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #191 for the past year. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 65% of the posted wait time.
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue had an average wait time today of 32 minutes. Its 7-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #25 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #75 for the past year.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror had an average wait time today of 55 minutes. Its 7-day average is 69 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 68 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #98 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 90% of the posted wait time.
Toy Story Mania! had an average wait time today of 27 minutes. Its 7-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 34 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #145 for the past year. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 63% of the posted wait time.
Slinky Dog Dash had an average wait time today of 50 minutes. Its 7-day average is 63 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 68 minutes, so today ranks #181 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 50% of the posted wait time.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway had an average wait time today of 43 minutes. Its 7-day average is 51 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #178 for the past year. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 74% of the posted wait time.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run had an average wait time today of 50 minutes. Its 7-day average is 63 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 69 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 59 minutes, so today ranks #171 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 78% of the posted wait time.
Rise of the Resistance got a slightly late start today and has been running behind pace of the past 7 days. There was also a slight gap in operations around 12:30 p.m.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Wait Times
Kali River Rapids remains closed for its refurbishment, and something interesting is going on at Pandora where Na’vi River Journey had a much longer wait times than Flight of Passage.
Animal Kingdom Wait Times for January 11, 2021
DINOSAUR had an average wait time today of 14 minutes. Its 7-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #185 for the past year.
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain had an average wait time today of 10 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #239 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 29% of the posted wait time.
Kilimanjaro Safaris had an average wait time today of 10 minutes. Its 7-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #228 for the past year.
Na’vi River Journey had an average wait time today of 49 minutes. Its 7-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #120 for the past year.
Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 18 minutes. Its 7-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 69 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 74 minutes, so today ranks #207 for the past year. We received 10 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 67% of the posted wait time.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is usually one of the first locations to offer seasonal treats throughout the year. This year it is the first to debut a Valentine’s Day cupcake. The Valentine’s Day Red Hot Cinnamon Cupcake is available at Gasparilla Island Grill–and the cupcake does not live up to its name. Still, it is worth a try if you enjoy cinnamon.
Valentine’s Day Red Hot Cinnamon Cupcake
The Valentine’s Day Red Hot Cinnamon Cupcake is made of Cinnamon Sponge cake filled with Red Hot Cinnamon Mousse topped with a Heart-shaped Vanilla Buttercream and Mickey and Minnie Chocolate Garnish. The “Red Hot Cinnamon Mousse” was not red hot at all. I was expecting some sweet heat like that of the red hots candy that is popular during the Valentine’s Day season. But alas, this mousse tasted closer to Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. The Vanilla Buttercream was nice and thick and was in the shape of a heart, leaving some unfrosted cake around the edges.
Valentine’s Day Red Hot Cinnamon CupcakeValentine’s Day Red Hot Cinnamon CupcakeValentine’s Day Red Hot Cinnamon Cupcake
In fact, this entire cupcake tasted more like cinnamon coffee cake to me. Now perhaps this was due in part to it being morning time when I mobile ordered this cupcake, and paired it with a Espresso Macchiato. The espresso and cupcake pairing was lovely.
Valentine’s Day Red Hot Cinnamon Cupcake
My toddler son did not care for the bites I offered him, though he did love the sprinkles. It is an adorable Valentine’s Day cupcake and if you are so inclined to kick off the holiday of romance and love, this is a cute and tasty way to do so.
Do you look for seasonal cupcakes when on your Walt Disney World vacation? What’s the best one you’ve ever had?
When it comes to EPCOT’s many festivals it’s easy to play favorites. And with your time and money being so precious we want to help you narrow down how best to spend both. At the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts there is an array of delightful dishes to sample and drinks to sip on. One of our favorite Studio Kitchens of the festival is Deconstructed Dish.
This Studio Kitchen is not for those that prefer to strict to the traditional. But if you enjoy exploring different ways of presenting familiar flavors, you will surely love this booth. Here’s what’s on the menu:
Deconstructed Reuben: Rye Popover, Corned Beef, Gryuère Panna Cotta, and Brined Brussels Sprouts with Broken Thousand Island Dressing – $6.75
Deconstructed BLT: Crispy Pork Belly, Soft-poached Egg, Brioche, Watercress Espuma, and Tomato Jam – $7.00
Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake: Whipped New York-style Cheesecake with Fresh Florida Strawberries and Sugar Cookies – $6.25
Festival of the Arts Studio Kitchen – Deconstructed Reuben
All three dishes are long plates of each individual ingredient separate from the rest. This deconstructed style is a popular, artistic way of presenting modern dishes. It allows the diner to create a unique bite with each forkful. You decide what combination of ingredients to put on your fork. You can even eat each ingredient individually.
Festival of the Arts Studio Kitchen – Deconstructed BLT
Of the three options at Deconstructed Dish Studio Kitchen, the Deconstructed BLT is far and wide the best. The pork belly is cooked perfectly and gives the expected smoky saltiness of bacon, but on an elevated level. The soft-poached egg is cooked in such a way that allows the diner to dab into the yolk as much as they wish, without being runny and touching the other elements on the plate.
The Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake is not the best dessert of the festival, but it is a lovely way to enjoy something sweet that isn’t heavy. And Florida strawberries are in season during the festival; this dish presents them at their peak.
Festival of the Arts Studio Kitchen – Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake
The Deconstructed Reuben is for Reuben enthusiasts only. The heavy flavors of a Reuben usually melt together as the sandwich is served warm. This deconstructed version allows you to taste each savory flavor individually, or through your own unique combination.
Have you been to the Festival of the Arts? What’s your favorite Studio Kitchen?
Pirates of the Caribbean is an absolute classic and one of the most important theme park attractions ever created. Granted, Walt Disney World’s version isn’t quite the same, or as long, as Disneyland’s version; but it still offers that famous song, detailed set pieces, and that roguish, tongue-in-cheek charm.
While, yes, it’s technically a kid coaster, the coaster isn’t as short as the Barnstormer and actually tells a story. In addition, its picturesque setting, and the fact it’s both an indoor and outdoor attraction, make it an enjoyable experience for both little ones and adults.
Big Thunder Mountain checks all the boxes by managing to be a coaster that’s the perfect balance of wild and mild while offering Disney’s signature detail and storytelling. It’s one of those attractions that’s equally fun for both the young and young at heart.
