There’s evidence of Disney increasing the capacity of certain attractions throughout Walt Disney World, including it’s a small world. At Magic Kingdom yesterday our team noticed one of the boats at it’s a small world now has plexiglass at every row of the boat. Since the reopening in July 2020, most boat-style rides at Walt Disney World were being loaded at every other row, without any plexiglass dividers.
Plexiglass dividers added to one boat at it’s a small worldFantasyland near it’s a small world
With this boat at it’s a small world it is clear Disney is testing out increasing the capacity of this attraction, at the very least. This is purely speculation, but it would stand to reason that such changes could be implemented at other boat-style attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean. These type of attractions have seen their average wait times increase beyond what is typical due to the physical distancing being followed.
Plexiglass dividers added to one boat at it’s a small worldit’s a small world loading area
We’re at the parks daily so we can ensure our Lines app and other tools are up-to-date. We’ll keep you updated as things progress.
Have you been to Walt Disney World recently? How do you feel about the potential for ride capacity to be increased through the use of plexiglass dividers?
It’s been a very cold few days by Central Florida standards, but things are thawing out. Other nearby drive-in destinations in the southeastern states have improved weather in the past 24 hours. Both of these aspects could be some of the reasons wait times today increased compared to yesterday. Still, wait times aren’t as high as they could be, especially at EPCOT.
We received 153 actual wait times in our Lines app today – thank you, Liners! Let’s take a break from the holiday clean-up and look at the numbers.
EPCOT Wait Times
Let’s start at the park that really seems to be missing Gold and Silver Annual Passholders right now. Ever since the black outs started the wait times at EPCOT have noticeably decreased. Even then Disney’s posted wait times have been inflated. The actual wait times have been around 60% of what Disney is posting.
EPCOT Wait Times 12-27-2020
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros had an average wait time today of 10 minutes. Its 7-day average is 9 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 9 minutes, so today ranks #12 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #116 for the past year.
Mission: SPACE Orange had an average wait time today of 43 minutes. Its 7-day average is 49 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #4 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #35 for the past year.
Soarin’ had an average wait time today of 53 minutes. Its 7-day average is 40 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #4 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #44 for the past year.
Test Track had an average wait time today of 66 minutes. Its 7-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #59 for the past year.
Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 34 minutes. Its 7-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 63 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #194 for the past year.
Magic Kingdom Wait Times
Magic Kingdom’s wait times picked up a little bit today, but today was still a reasonable day to visit the Most Magical Place on Earth. Today ranks as number four out of the past 30 days for average posted wait times.
Actual wait times show to be about 70% of Disney’s posted wait times. Showing actual wait time data and expected wait times to compare against Disney’s posted wait times help our Lines app users better plan their day and avoid wasting precious time.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 34 minutes, so today ranks #64 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 57% of the posted wait time.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant had an average wait time today of 26 minutes. Its 7-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 79% of the posted wait time.
“it’s a small world” had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 53 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #8 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #38 for the past year.
Magic Kingdom Wait Times 12-27-2020
Jungle Cruise had an average wait time today of 44 minutes. Its 7-day average is 55 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #19 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 49 minutes, so today ranks #122 for the past year.
Pirates of the Caribbean had an average wait time today of 58 minutes. Its 7-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past year.
Space Mountain had an average wait time today of 68 minutes. Its 7-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 49 minutes, so today ranks #2 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 53 minutes, so today ranks #75 for the past year.
Splash Mountain had an average wait time today of 63 minutes. Its 7-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #6 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #49 for the past year.
The Haunted Mansion had an average wait time today of 29 minutes. Its 7-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 40 minutes, so today ranks #151 for the past year.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had an average wait time today of 82 minutes. Its 7-day average is 88 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 74 minutes, so today ranks #4 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 76 minutes, so today ranks #88 for the past year.
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid 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 25 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 34% of the posted wait time.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Wait Times
In the land of Hollywood wait times picked up today. Part of this is indeed due to the improve weather, but also Rise of the Resistance’s performance slowed down just a hair today. Today ranked number four out of the past 30 days in terms of average posted wait times.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Wait Times 12-27-2020
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith had an average wait time today of 47 minutes. Its 7-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #15 for the past month. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 78% of the posted wait time.
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue had an average wait time today of 41 minutes. Its 7-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 51% of the posted wait time.
Toy Story Mania! had an average wait time today of 44 minutes. Its 7-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. We received 10 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 52% of the posted wait time.
Slinky Dog Dash had an average wait time today of 69 minutes. Its 7-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 76% of the posted wait time.
Alien Swirling Saucers had an average wait time today of 41 minutes. Its 7-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 62% of the posted wait time.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway had an average wait time today of 46 minutes. Its 7-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past month. We received 11 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 71% of the posted wait time.
Rise of the Resistance is having a decent day. There are no major delays, and it is performing on pace with the past 7 days. Some of the last few days have outperformed compared to today, meaning higher number boarding groups were reached. This may be one of the reasons we are seeing slightly higher wait times across the park today.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Wait Times
Although Animal Kingdom is great in cooler weather, thanks to the animals being more active, sometimes when it gets too cold it’s outdoor attractions aren’t as fun. Today ranked number three out of the past 30 days, though actual wait times showed to be about 64% of Disney’s posted wait times.
DINOSAUR had an average wait time today of 66 minutes. Its 7-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 98% of the posted wait time.
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain had an average wait time today of 39 minutes. Its 7-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past month. We received 16 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 49% of the posted wait time.
Kilimanjaro Safaris had an average wait time today of 51 minutes. Its 7-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. We received 9 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 45% of the posted wait time.
Na’vi River Journey had an average wait time today of 72 minutes. Its 7-day average is 60 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 83% of the posted wait time.
Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 87 minutes. Its 7-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #3 for the past month. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 72% of the posted wait time.
“Welcome Home” is a phrase that used to be very special to me. As a Disney Vacation Club Cast Member for years it was a special phrase reserved for DVC Members. Then Disney began rolling it out everywhere, and its meaning lost its luster. Well, now that select Disney Vacation Club Resorts have reopened yesterday, “Welcome Home” is once again very special.
You may be wondering what it is like inside the DVC accommodations now that cleanliness and health is of the absolute most importance. Take a look at some of our photos as our field research team checked into a Bay Lake Tower Deluxe Studio for the first night of regular operations at Disney’s Bay Lake Tower.
Here are some of the highlights of the precautions taken inside the rooms. These are similar to measures that other big hotel brands around the country are taking as well.
Decorative linens and pillows have been removed
Utensils are still in the room, with extra cleaning measures taken
Plates, bowls, and cups are disposable and individually wrapped
Remote controls are sanitized and wrapped
A sign in the kitchenette area points out high contact areas at which extra cleaning has taken place
A letter is included that describes the cleanliness measures and amenities available
Certain extra amenities, like a pack and play crib or high chair, are no longer in the closets, but are available by request
Welcome Home Cleanliness and Amenity Letter Bay Lake Tower StudioBay Lake Tower Studio Bed and Couch Lack of Extra Linens June 2020Bay Lake Tower Studio Bed Lack of Extra Linens June 2020Utensils and Coffee CondimentsIndividually Wrapped Cups Plates and Bowls Bay Lake Tower StudioEnhanced Cleaning Sign inside Bay Lake Tower StudioCovered Remotes in Bay Lake Tower Studio June 2020
If you’re researching for your potential Walt Disney World vacation then check out our free TouringPlans Room Finder. This tool will help you find the ideal rooms for your stay based on your specific needs such as views or proximity to the elevator.
What do you think of some of the changes inside the rooms?
From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Disney Vacation Club, Resorts, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, disney covid-19, disney reopening
Right on the heels of an announcement from the Walt Disney Company that Disneyland California will be reopening, comes a petition from fans to delay the event. The park is still awaiting state approval for its July 17th plan, a date that coincides with Disneyland’s 65th anniversary, but some park-goers are uncomfortable with any date before new COVID-19 case numbers have dropped.
The petition on change.org has gained more than 28,000 signatures as of Saturday and is gaining momentum. Signatures come from fans, Annual Passholders, and even some Cast Members who cite concerns over their own health and that of their family members.
The petition’s description states “As you know, Covid-19 cases are rising and have not dropped. Many people have lost loved ones due to this pandemic and by reopening the parks they are endangering cast members and guests to be exposed to Covid-19. There are more cases now than when the parks closed on March 13th, 2020. Health officials have stated that the 2nd wave of Covid-19 will be worse. So reopening before the 2nd wave even hits us is irresponsible and greedy.”
Walt Disney World is opening on July 11th, and representatives of both parks are claiming to have new safety measures to implement. Capacity will be severely limited at first, relying on a new reservation system for guests, masks will be required, and many live events such as parades, fireworks, and character meet-and-greets will be suspended; other guidelines have yet to be released.
It remains to be seen whether this petition will affect current plans. What do you think of Disneyland’s reopening plans? Is it too soon or right on time?
Photos courtesy of Disney
From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Disney California Adventure, Disneyland, News, Parks & Resorts, Disney Reopening, Disneyland California, Disneyland Closure, Disneyland Reopening
We’d be kidding ourselves if we said wearing a face mask wasn’t really, REALLY hot at times. It definitely the hardest part of the whole face mask-wearing lifestyle we’ve recently procured for ourselves (along with everyone else)! Mid-day when the sun is beating down (not to mention Florida is VERY humid) we’ve been noticeably sweating uncontrollably!
Universal Lines
But here’s the thing — if you’re like us, you’re already used to shvitzing half of your body mass in sweat and having your clothes cling to your body! Being outside this time of year can be hot, sticky, and uncomfortable even without a mask.
Universal
Luckily, we did a little pre-theme park conditioning before we hit Universal Orlando — and we highly recommend taking some long walks outdoors with your face masks and see how well you handle the heat. Chances are you’ll find it tolerable — but you’ll probably have to work up to it!
We weren’t exactly sure what would happen to our face masks once we went on a rollercoaster for the first time since we know what usually happens to loose articles! Bye-bye favorite sunglasses!
But with face coverings that fit snugly against your nose and mouth, this isn’t an issue! The only time we felt our mask start to slide was on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit — one of Universal’s more-intense rides. And even then, our face mask stayed in place. We recommend giving your mask a quick tug to make sure it’s secure before take-off!
Mask vs. Excitement
Does wearing a face mask take away from rides? This was something we were the MOST curious to find out!
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
So what did we think? We still had a great time on the rides, despite wearing face coverings. In fact, on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and The Incredible Hulk Coaster, there were moments we totally forgot we were wearing them!
But here’s the thing — if this is your first time visiting Universal Studios or experiencing these rides, you might not get the full experience! We’ve been on the rides before, so for us, it’s just exciting to get to enjoy them again. If you’re only planning on visiting Universal (or Disney World) once, you might want to wait until face masks aren’t mandatory.
Masks vs. Eating
We weren’t about to let a face mask stop us from consuming as much Butterbeer (and Butterbeer Ice Cream!) as Muggle-ly possible! And like our experience at CityWalk and Disney Springs, eating and drinking with a face mask isn’t much of an issue.
Universal
Guests are allowed to lower their masks while eating or drinking and since tables at restaurants have been spaced apart, you’re free to remove your face covering while you enjoy your meal. Universal employees were keeping a watchful eye on everybody and any time a guest had their mask lowered but wasn’t holding a snack or drink, they were asked to re-cover.
We didn’t have any children with us on our trips to the theme parks this week, but we understand many of our readers are concerned about being able to get their young children to wear face masks for the duration of their visit. The kids we’ve seen so far have been doing a really good job keeping their face masks on, and waiting until they got to a restaurant or U-Rest Area before taking them off!
Line for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
While we think this will be a matter each parent will need to address with their children individually, we think having the flexibility to remove face coverings when sitting down for a meal or in a designated U-Rest Area will provide some extra relief for families with younger kids. It’s also possible you might need to plan shorter park days than you’re used to — at least for the time being!
Honeydukes
Overall, face masks do take some getting used to. But that being said, wearing a mask in a theme park didn’t feel TOO much different from a mask all day at Disney Springs. We found out some lessons the hard way, so we have some top tips for wearing a face covering here!
Our most important tip is probably to have back-up. Bring at least two masks (and maybe three) for each person in your party, just in case one does fly off on a ride, or you’re stuck in a rainstorm and the mask you’re wearing is no longer effective.
Thunder Falls
And remember — YOU get to decide when you’re ready to go back out in public and if you’re ready to go to a theme park right now. But we were pleasantly surprised that face coverings didn’t actually put too much of a damper on our day!
From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, News, Disney, Disney reopening, disney springs, face covering, hulk, Islands of Adventure, Mask, reopen, reopening, theme park, Universal, Universal Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort
