A Blog About Disney Stuff

Welcome to 2021! It is exciting to kick off the new year with our first recap of the day’s wait times. We want to wish you a wonderful new year and thank you for starting the year with us! Today all but Disney’s Animal Kingdom saw a slight decline in the average posted wait times. Animal Kingdom had its highest average wait times of the past 30 days.

We received 156 actual wait times from our Lines app users today. EPCOT had the most inaccurate posted wait times of the four parks, which has been the case for some time now. Let’s do the numbers, for the first time in 2021!

Magic Kingdom Wait Times

Today ranks at number 6 of the past 30 days at Magic Kingdom. We do typically see a decline in wait times when comparing New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had an average wait time today of 56 minutes. Its 7-day average is 59 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #12 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #70 for the past year. We received 14 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 51% of the posted wait time.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin had an average wait time today of 39 minutes. Its 7-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 34 minutes, so today ranks #97 for the past year.

Peter Pan’s Flight had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #8 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 98% of the posted wait time.

Pirates of the Caribbean had an average wait time today of 55 minutes. Its 7-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 53 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #48 for the past year. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 64% of the posted wait time.

Space Mountain had an average wait time today of 67 minutes. Its 7-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #6 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #75 for the past year.

Splash Mountain had an average wait time today of 84 minutes. Its 7-day average is 67 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 53 minutes, so today ranks #4 for the past month. We received 10 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 58% of the posted wait time.

The Haunted Mansion had an average wait time today of 27 minutes. Its 7-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #19 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 84% of the posted wait time.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh had an average wait time today of 28 minutes. Its 7-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #19 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #112 for the past year.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had an average wait time today of 84 minutes. Its 7-day average is 88 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 78 minutes, so today ranks #6 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 74 minutes, so today ranks #84 for the past year.

EPCOT Wait Times

EPCOT’s posted wait times have been much higher than the actual wait times, and today is no exception. At Soarin’ the average wait time today was 74 minutes. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 55% of the posted wait time, meaning the actual average wait was around 40 minutes instead of 74 minutes.

Journey Into Imagination With Figment had an average wait time today of 32 minutes. Its 7-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 20 minutes, so today ranks #2 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #10 for the past year.

Living with the Land had an average wait time today of 16 minutes. Its 7-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #6 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #63 for the past year.

Spaceship Earth had an average wait time today of 42 minutes. Its 7-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #2 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 20 minutes, so today ranks #7 for the past year.

Test Track had an average wait time today of 103 minutes. Its 7-day average is 93 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 71 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #4 for the past year.

Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 56 minutes. Its 7-day average is 53 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 57 minutes, so today ranks #144 for the past year.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Wait Times

Despite a bumpy day for the Resistance at Rise of the Resistance, Disney’s Hollywood Studios had a fairly average day.

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue had an average wait time today of 39 minutes. Its 7-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 34 minutes, so today ranks #6 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 44% of the posted wait time.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror had an average wait time today of 70 minutes. Its 7-day average is 69 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 57 minutes, so today ranks #53 for the past year.

Toy Story Mania! had an average wait time today of 30 minutes. Its 7-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #13 for the past month. We received 9 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 50% of the posted wait time.

Slinky Dog Dash had an average wait time today of 68 minutes. Its 7-day average is 70 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #12 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 75% of the posted wait time.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway had an average wait time today of 42 minutes. Its 7-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 67% of the posted wait time.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run had an average wait time today of 70 minutes. Its 7-day average is 69 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #8 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 59 minutes, so today ranks #55 for the past year.

Rise of the Resistance started the new year by sleeping in. The first Boarding Groups were not called until a little after 9:00 a.m. and there were some slow downs in operations around 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. It is behind pace compared to the past 7 days.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Wait Times

Today the busiest park at Walt Disney World was Animal Kingdom, which is rare. Pandora – World of Avatar’s two attractions had the highest wait times which is pretty much always the case.

DINOSAUR had an average wait time today of 63 minutes. Its 7-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #7 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 94% of the posted wait time.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain had an average wait time today of 42 minutes. Its 7-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #6 for the past month. We received 14 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 46% of the posted wait time.

Kilimanjaro Safaris had an average wait time today of 34 minutes. Its 7-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #7 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 41% of the posted wait time.

Na’vi River Journey had an average wait time today of 87 minutes. Its 7-day average is 77 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 74% of the posted wait time.

Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 100 minutes. Its 7-day average is 85 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 68 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 75% of the posted wait time.

The post 2021 Starts With a Slow Down – Disney World Wait Times for Friday, January 1, 2021 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Attractions, Observations, Trip Planning, disney 2021, disney crowds, disney wait times

With limited crowds due to the reservation system for COVID-19 safety, New Year’s Eve at EPCOT was significantly different than any time in its past. No dance parties or fireworks, and closing well before midnight, meant that it was a calm and relaxing place to do an early ringing in of the new year. The EPCOT Christmas tree, which is normally removed to allow for additional space for fireworks viewing, was still removed ahead of New Year’s Eve, even without the need for fireworks viewing space. Overall, aside from audio announcements wishing everyone a Happy New Year, it could have been any random 2020 night at EPCOT.

Here’s some of the peaceful images our field team took as they took a leisurely time to ring in the new year.

Happy New Year from the TouringPlans team. Stay safe and healthy in 2021!

The post Silent Night — EPCOT on New Year’s Eve 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), COVID-19, Epcot, New Year’s Eve

Even though 2020 is now officially behind us, quite a few Walt Disney World restaurants and bars remain closed, including the beloved Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. However, Tambu Lounge in the lobby of the Polynesian now has a way for you to get your tiki fix.

The Citrus Surfer tiki cocktail is served with a special Citrus Surfer Tiki Mug. It has a deep blue and white glaze with a tiki style surfer on the front. The mug and drink are $32.00, which is in line with the pricing of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto specialty mugs served with a themed drink. The down side is that the Trader Sam’s experience is not part of it.

The Citrus Surfer drink is made with classic tiki drink ingredients: Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Orgeat (Almond), and Falernum, with a blend of lime, lemon, and grapefruit juices. Both of the rums are pretty middle of the road, and are used in quite a few Trader Sam’s cocktails. The orgeat and falernum are staples are any traditional tiki cocktail and add a layer of spice and earthiness. The lime, lemon, and grapefruit juices are the perfect blend of a tiki cocktail served in Florida. This is definitely a tart and dry cocktail, but not too sour.

The drink is served in a regular cocktail glass if you’re enjoying the limited seating in the Tambu Lounge area, or to-go. The tiki mug in presented in bubble wrap and a box. This makes it possible for you to stroll around the Polynesian or sit on the beach enjoying your drink without worry of damaging the mug.

Are you a tiki mug collector? Do you miss Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto?

 

The post REVIEW – Sail into 2021 with the NEW Citrus Surfer Cocktail and Tiki Mug appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Adults, Drinking, Resorts, disney bars, disney drinks, disney tiki mugs, disney’s polynesian resort, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

One of the great things about eating at EPCOT is being able to pick up quick bites at each of the World Showcase pavilions. At the Italy Pavilion there is a pizza window that is only open during peak periods like the winter holidays and spring break. If you’re ever at EPCOT when Pizza al Taglio is open, be sure to stop in for a slice. That’s exactly what our field team did during the New Year rush.

What makes Pizza al Taglio so good?

You’re able to enjoy the same quality pizza served at Via Napoli, but by the slice. This can save you money because of the smaller portion, but also because it is a casual walk-up window rather than a table service experience. When dining at a table service restaurant you’re likely to order an appetizer, or specialty drink, or a dessert. The experience can add up quickly.

The pizza at Via Napoli and its pizza window, Pizza al Taglio, is made with lots of care to be true to pizza from Naples, Italy. This includes importing water from Italy to the kitchen at EPCOT in order to create authentic crust. It makes a big difference you can taste. Our readers give it a 91% thumbs up rating and rank it 20 out of 106 quick service options at Walt Disney World.

If you’re wondering, “pizza al taglio” loosely translates to pizza by the slice.

The Pepperoni Pizza slice we were served would satisfy anyone craving fresh, authentic Italian pizza, but would also be shared among two people who were sampling the tastes of World Showcase. The sauce was rich, the mozzarella cheese was fresh and melty and the pepperoni slices were small, salty, and crispy, nice and bite sized.

The one downside is that the price has increased. It was $8.50 for this slice of pepperoni, but it is delicious. We were told that Pizza al Taglio will close up on January 3, 2021, with plans to reopen in March around spring break time.

Have you ever visited the Pizza al Taglio window at EPCOT? What did you think?

The post REVIEW – If You’re Ever at EPCOT When Pizza al Taglio is Open, Eat There! appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dining, Epcot, Snacks, disney dining, disney pizza, epcot dining, epcot snacks

2020 brought changes and uncertainty to many things in our world. In the world of Disney, the future of special programs like the Table in Wonderland discount membership became uncertain. The reason for this uncertainty is that Disney is currently not selling any new Tables in Wonderland memberships.

Additionally, existing members of the program are struggling to get information about renewing. We stopped in at Guest Relations in one of the parks and asked about the program. One piece of good news that we were told is that like many annual passholders, Tables in Wonderland members are receiving an automatic four-month extension to reflect the four months of closure in 2020. This is confirmed on the Tables in Wonderland webpage.

In terms of the future of the program, the Guest Relations Cast Members were not sure. We asked two different Cast Members at different times and received the same information, which is that they do not have any information and are unsure of its future. Only time will tell if the program continues, is modified to something else, or goes away completely.

For those unfamiliar, Tables in Wonderland is a membership that annual passholders, Florida residents, or Disney Vacation Club Members can purchase. It provides the membership holder with discounts on dining, including alcoholic beverages, which is a rarity.

On Disney’s website it states: Please note that the Tables in Wonderland office will be closed until further notice. If you need assistance during this time, please call (407) 566-5858.

Are you a Tables in Wonderland member? Are you concerned about the future of this program?

The post Here’s What We Were Told When We Asked About the Future of Tables in Wonderland appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dining, Saving Money, Annual Passholders, disney dining, disney discounts, disney vacatio club, Tables in Wonderland