The website is back in black as it tries to claw its way toward something resembling relevance. The memories look to have finally begun as the banner allowing their beginning has finally been removed. Or no memories ever began and Disney finally gave up after two years of trying. I really don’t know. How will people know they can remember things if there isn’t a banner? If there isn’t a hashtag? If it isn’t on the Times Guide?
I’m sure a “Show Your #DisneySide” banner isn’t far off. Maybe large enough to cover the entire train station this time.
Buses to and from Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios no longer service the Transportation and Ticket Center. Instead, those buses drop off and pick up at the Magic Kingdom bus loop. Your transportation options are:
From Animal Kingdom:
- To Epcot: Bus to main entrance
- To Hollywood Studios: Bus to main entrance
- Magic Kingdom: Bus to main entrance
From Epcot:
- To Animal Kingdom: Bus to main entrance
- To Hollywood Studios from main entrance: Bus to main entrance
- To Hollywood Studios from International Gateway in between United Kingdom and France World Showcase Pavilions: Walk or take the friendship boat. Both methods take about 25 minutes. The boat is located just outside the International Gateway exit on the left. To walk, exit and take the first left toward the BoardWalk.
- To Magic Kingdom: Monorail to Transportation and Ticket Center. Then transfer to Magic Kingdom via Ferry, Express Monorail, or Resort Monorail. On average, the ferry takes about 15 minutes from the time you arrive at the dock – 10 minutes to arrive and five minutes floating over. The ferry is usually the second fastest option. The Express Monorail is usually the fastest, even when the line is much longer than the Resort Monorail. That’s because it’s a direct route that only takes about three minutes and 3x more monorails service the loop. However, it can be the least pleasant when it’s crowded because cars are so full. It usually takes about ten minutes – six to arrive and load, three in travel, and a minute to wait for clearance. The Resort Monorail is the slowest with fewer monorails servicing the loop. It also takes about 20 minutes to go from the Transportation and Ticket Center due to the number of stops. It’s usually less crowded than the Express, making for a potentially more pleasant trip. My personal preference is the second level of the ferry. It’s a scenic route and there’s almost always plenty of space.
- To Magic Kingdom when Epcot Monorail is down: Bus to main entrance
From Hollywood Studios:
- To Animal Kingdom: Bus to main entrance
- To Epcot main entrance: Bus
- To Epcot International Gateway: Walk or take the friendship boat. Both methods take about 25 minutes.
- To Magic Kingdom: Bus to main entrance
From Magic Kingdom:
- To Animal Kingdom: Bus to main entrance
- To Epcot: Take Ferry, Express Monorail, or Resort Monorail to Transportation and Ticket Center and then transfer to Epcot Monorail to main entrance. I prefer to take the Express Monorail. It’s the fastest and to transfer to the Epcot Monorail, you only have to walk a short distance across a platform.
- To Hollywood Studios: Bus to main entrance
Signs all around the Transportation and Ticket Center update guests. The new direct route is a lot more convenient if you’re actually headed to/from Magic Kingdom as it obviously eliminates the transfer time at the TTC. If you’re trying to get back to your car at the Transportation and Ticket Center (Magic Kingdom parking lot), it adds time as you’ll now have to transfer to the TTC from Magic Kingdom.
Speaking of the Monorail, both the Resort and Express lines are expected to close between 11:30am and 7pm on weekdays from January 21st through the end of March while work is completed on the beams. Buses will pick up most of the slack.
The bus loop is located to the right of the Epcot monorail entrance. It’s less obvious than the ferry and should be considerably faster when the monorail is down.
DVC construction continues at the Polynesian.
Larger: https://i2.wp.com/easywdw.com/reports10/nothingtoseehere.jpg. It will be interesting to see which direction Disney goes with the Polynesian. Construction and the noise, walls, and work that come with it are inevitable. Staying near the Beach Pool and near the DVC construction at Grand Floridian was unpleasant for a lot of guests and resulted in millions of dollars in comps and thousands of guest requests to be moved elsewhere. If Disney ends up reconfiguring current rooms to fit in with DVC standards, the construction would be much less intrusive to regular guests’ stays. Bungalow construction might be a little more disruptive, but still not on the level of the Grand Floridian, where an entire building was constructed within feet of guests’ balconies and its most popular restaurants.
Speaking of the Grand Floridian, its rooms will be seeing a minor refurbishment from early 2014 through the end of July. Disruption should be minimal to nonexistent for most guests. All rooms will receive all-new carpet and wallpaper. The Conch Key building began January 5th. Boca Chica begins February 4th; Big Pine Key begins March 9th; Sago Key begins April 27; Sugar Loaf begins June 1; and the main building begins June 29.
Crowds have died down considerably from their holiday highs. Christmas waits saw it’s a small world hit an unheard of 100+ minutes on multiple days, not to mention 200+ minutes at Soarin’, Test Track,Toy Story Mania, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and Space Mountain throughout the two busiest weeks of the year.
Today, Disney wasn’t bothering to update the wait times board.
Which isn’t to say a couple attractions won’t have waits. I fired up My Disney Experience. After a brief lag and two crashes, it displayed the wait times:
Nominal wait times for the most part here at 5:45pm. Peter Pan’s Flight and Space Mountain had both been down for a few hours earlier in the day, which may contribute to the longer-than-usual evening wait times. Tomorrowland Speedway and Splash Mountain are closed for refurbishment, causing waits at nearby Astro Orbiter and Big Thunder to be a bit higher than usual as well.
Back to Main Street, walls and tarps welcome guests to City Hall.
Town Square.
Casey’s Corner is closed through February 15th.
The outdoor seating section is walled off. All tables and chairs are currently gone.
Legacy FASTPASS distribution to the right of Mickey’s PhilharMagic for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Journey of the Little Mermaid. Two FastPass+ kiosks are located to the right.
Nominal Fantasyland crowds.
Checking on Peter Pan’s Flight, which really does have an 85-minute wait. Looking over the Magic Kingdom Cheat Sheet, you may notice that Peter Pan’s Flight is the #2 FastPass+ priority as well as the first or second attraction visited on the touring plans because it routinely has the longest wait in the Park. It’s an iconic, slow-loading attraction that almost every family wants to experience. While it does continuously load, the vehicles move much slower and there are far fewer of them than omnimovers like Haunted Mansion and Buzz Lightyear.
What was once a nice open courtyard area in front of New Fantasyland has been taken over by strollers.
Walls are down in front of Pinocchio Village Haus, giving way to a second planter/bench seating area. The entire quick service is expected to close for refurbishment from February 17th to March 30th.
Work continues on the Mine Train:
Larger: https://i2.wp.com/easywdw.com/reports10/train100.jpg
Larger: https://i2.wp.com/easywdw.com/reports10/testing.jpg.
Larger: https://i2.wp.com/easywdw.com/reports10/cartbig.jpg. Disney has been actively testing the Mine Train, which might be our first sign that a ride is actually located inside there. Pictured is one of the trains headed up the lift and around the track. It’s only visible in a couple places and cars were empty, but it looked to be a smooth, mild ride. It’s neat how close the edges of the track get to the rest of Fantasyland. As you stand outside Ariel’s Grotto, for example, trains glide just a few feet above.
25 minutes for The Many Adventures at 5:51pm.
10 at Mad Tea Party.
Posted as 20 at Dumbo.
As usual, you can opt in or out of the playground area inside the Dumbo queue.
I got in line at 6pm and was back out front at 6:10pm.
20 minutes at the Grotto.
20 minutes at Journey of the Little Mermaid.
Another Mine Train, apparently, this time across from Enchanted Tales. Larger: https://i2.wp.com/easywdw.com/reports10/mineminemine.jpg.
The proliferation of “slush” topped with whipped cream continues at Magic Kingdom, this time at Pinocchio Village Haus in the likeness of Jiminy Cricket. Kids’ Power Packs continue their charge into the other Parks as well. Most Hollywood Studios’ quick services have offered them for more than a year and they’re slowly trickling out to other locations like Tamu Tamu Refreshments at Animal Kingdom.
Kids may not like the sound of the entrees at Be Our Guest Restaurant. A Kids’ Pack from Village Haus, which is located about three minutes away from Be Our Guest, would be an easily transportable meal should you wish to dine inside Beast’s Castle.
The slush was above average – not as refreshing or unique as Cosmic Ray’s Orange Slush, but better than Pecos Bill’s Root Beer Slush. The whipped cream adds creaminess and saturated fat and helps balance the sugar rush a bit. Whatever “fruit syrup” is did not seem to add much flavor.
This picture did not work out. I don’t think I’d go out of my way to order one of these suckers, like I might with the Orange Slush at Cosmic Ray’s, but it’s about what you would expect if you’re in the mood.
Friar’s Nook launched new macaroni and cheese dishes over the holidays.
The Nook is the rarely open quick service to the right of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and to the left of Princess Fairytale Hall. I was hoping and praying to every relevant deity that it would not reopen with the same items so I wouldn’t have to put myself through sampling Disney™ Grade F Seasoned Taco Beef underneath their famous made-sometime-this-week macaroni and cheese. Fortunately, it wasn’t open, but I would guess we’ll see it over Martin Luther King Weekend when crowds are much heavier.
The Speedway is closed for a brief refurbishment, reopening on the 13th.
I’m not sure what they’re up to – perhaps some paving work or reworking the queue for FastPass+.
Cosmic Ray’s outdoor seating is being enclosed this week. The air-conditioning will be welcome in the summer.
The Stitch, Goofy, Chip, and Dale led dance party has been replaced with “#INCREDIBLESSuperDanceParty.”
No, I’m not making that up.
These dance parties are popular with families and offer an opportunity to interact with the characters in a casual, fun environment.
Frozone and Mr. Incredible meet inside the Animation Building at Hollywood Studios in a fairly bland setting. This is the only opportunity to see Mrs. Incredible these days.
Carousel of Progress is still here, delighting the seven to fifteen guests that don’t walk out on it daily:
I think this was the second time I’ve ever bothered to sit through it. You’ll see a lot of people supporting their heads with their arms on this one. But it is comfortable, air-conditioned, and you should leave the Park immediately if it’s ever so busy that an entire seating section is full.
15 minutes at Buzz.
Some of the last legacy FASTPASSes of the day being distributed at 7:30pm. Space Mountain dropped down to 10.
Part of Stitch’s extended queue is now a dedicated FP+ Service Center.
Popping into Stitch’s Great Escape, which I would argue is not as bad as its reputation. Perhaps only because its reputation is so poor.
How could a medieval looking ride system like this possibly be bad?
Several children out of the 30 or so people in the theater cried hysterically throughout, as is the norm here and It’s Tough To Be A Bug at Animal Kingdom. It’s pitch black for a time as Stitch harasses guests via the shoulder restraints and sweet nothings whispered in your ear. You may want to think twice before bringing kids in here or at least save it for the end of the trip. Terrified children may never trust you again, making it difficult to convince a youngster that anything from Tiki Room to Expedition Everest is innocuous.
I’m putting together a more in-depth look at FastPass+ choices that will hopefully be ready to go by the time the next operating schedule update comes next week.
I really think the amount of strollers there are at the parks is becoming more and more of an issue. They take up so much space in the parks. Great report as always
hey Josh! great report!.. I happen to LOVE the Carousel of Progress!!!
I’m working on FP+ options for an upcoming trip, I’m supposing that the Mine Train will be open in April/May, and penciling it in for after ETwB…would that be right? do you think?
Great report, as always, Josh! We are doing a 4pm arrival at MK on a crowd level 3 day in February and this report makes me so much more excited with my plan! 🙂 Of course, the last time I went it was crowd level 8-9 the entire time, so any relief will make me a happy camper.
Thank you, again, for the all the tips, advice & just LOL fun you create on this site! I can’t wait every day to check and see if you have something new to report.
“The website is back in black as it tries to claw its way toward something resembling relevance.” I give you way more credit. This website is very relevant to us Disney fans. Very much appreciated. Love your on the ground reports….btw I do like Carousel of Progress! 😉 Thanks again!
I also love the carousel of progress. That song is u
Just so damn catchy :p
Do you think the mine train add a lot of noise to fantasy land?
I gotta paint that rumpus room.
Fabulous update, thanks! I particularly loved this part: “Or no memories ever began and Disney finally gave up after two years of trying. I really don’t know. How will people know they can remember things if there isn’t a banner? If there isn’t a hashtag? If it isn’t on the Times Guide?” Lol.
I, and the other 7-15 people, are willing to overlook your disdain of Carousel of Progress. It’s a personal favorite! My family requests that we ride it each trip, along with Stitch so I’m not sure we’re too reliable.
The mine train looks cool, especially at night. I wish they’d hurry up and open that damn thing! It looks like it will be a unique coaster!
I’m with ya on the whole overuse of foam on drinks at Disney. It’s sooooo several seasons ago from Top Chef but whatever 😉
Ohhh……next operating scheudule, as in August?????:)
My daughter’s favorite attraction is COP, I have sent her some of your pics for her to use as her screen savers 🙂
Quick question about the monorail closure – I thought it was only going to be weekdays? Is it for sure every day? If so, I’ll have to rethink an ADR. Thanks!
My 2 year old actually loved Carousel of Progress, not even kidding. She was waving to the man, singing the song, pointing out the dog in each scene. Huge hit.
A family may spend $3,000 to $7,000 on a trip to Disney World in order to have Stitch terrify their children. Disney, please close the Stitch attraction and replace it with something better. Even filling the attraction room with cement and forever sealing it off would be an improvement.
Excellent Carousel pics – thanks!
Carousel of Progress has always been my daughter’s favorite ride! The Mad Hatter actually recoiled in surprise when she told him that at a meet and greet. She also loved that dance party.
Ugh, that monorail closing is really messing up my plans – we picked Bay Lake Tower because of how convenient the monorail was (toddler needs to get back to the hotel for an afternoon nap). Should we switch to Wilderness Lodge?
For a toddler in a stroller, I found monorail-to-BLT was not particularly convenient compared to just walking to/from MK. With the monorail you have to get down escalators or wait in line for the elevator to get to the CR lobby, and then over to BLT. If you mean for getting to/from Epcot, I’d guess the buses they will run from Epcot to the monorail hotels during the monorail closure will end up easier than having to switch at TTC to the resort line monorail. I really found stroller + Contemporary monorail station to be a bad combo, and definitely not worth it compared to walking to/from the MK. So basically I don’t think the monorail closure should be any reason to leave BLT, as you’ll be just as well off without it (and still better off than at WL).
Last time we were at MK, my youngest son wasn’t tall enough for Stitch, so we managed to avoid it. Not this time… Ugh.
I wonder what Carousel of Progress was all about. Our family and 2 other people was in it at Dec. At least now I know how they hook up wires in the olden days.
Funny I thought my DS would freak out in Stitch due to the darkness. But when we came out, he was laughing and saying how funny it was for Stitch to say “you cannot catch” which I think was dark at that time.
If you exit CoP n the rear of the theater the ride immediately stops turning, the show goes dark and before you go 5 steps on the outside you will have a couple of CMs on your tail. Years ago my daughter had to go to the bathroom NOW and so as the rider turned we went out the back. I told them why and they told us to just go.
Great, thank you so much Annie for the reassurance. I’m used to all-adults trips so I’ve been a bit stressed out about going with a toddler! I did wonder if a single bus would be better than switching monorails at TTC, nice to know that it might be, since I won’t have the choice.
Also, I love Carousel of Progress. Might skip it this time (the kiddo would probably hate it? I gather it’s easy to walk out of if she does?) but I love all the attractions with history and educational purpose.
Thanks for the Carousel photos. That attraction is ridiculously themed with TONS of minutia.
For the slush, did you just leave the whipped cream on the top or did you mix it in? The color is awful, but I like Blue Raspberry.
Have to say I adore the 59 cent sticker for the “Add a Mickey straw for only” that appears as if it can be torn off and replaced if Disney needs more of our cash…
They are going to put the “Memories Have Begun” banner on the front of the MyDisneyExperience app home screen, since everyone is expected to be staring at their phones as they seek Disney’s guidance on the Enchanted Tiki Room’s time of operation.
I’m also thanking you for the Carousel of Progress pictures, it is one of our favorites, too! Especially when I need a rest and some quiet time.
So is there a sign that says “Park strollers here”? Or is it one brave soul who parks a stroller and the rest of them follow like lemmings just like at the entrances when the park is opening people love standing in lines regardless of other places to go with no wait.
I did like the cheesiness of the Carousel of Progress, up until the last “future” diorama, when it kept resetting, and I had to listen to the whole thing, after a 2 or 3 people started leaving one at a time, and it’d go through again, and again, and again. Being as my wife and I were “good” guests and an Disney engineer let us out, I think we saw the entire future skit about 20 or so times… that’s enough for a lifetime. I still can’t figure out why the guy in the booth (who did periodically come over the speakers and tell us we’ll be out soon) didn’t just hit an emergency stop or turn off the sound.
You can put me on the CoP fan list as well. I wish they would give it a little TLC. I have big ideas for that ride and the Peoplemover – let’s just say a 4th act Horizons redo and Progress City redux.
‘I really think the amount of strollers there are at the parks is becoming more and more of an issue. They take up so much space in the parks,.’
So true. It’s not even the Disney ones; it’s the super-sized SUV strollers with side-mounted cannons for clearing pedestrians out of your way as you run them over. Some of these strollers are so big they actually have to be registered as street legal.
CoP is okay – I’ve seen it maybe twice now. The song is catchy. Nice pics you took of it. I suppose that slush drink could be ordered without the cream on top? I always order handspun milkshakes elsewhere without any whipped cream (then put it in the freezer so it’ll become more like ice cream to eat later).
I am a huge CoP fan from way back as well. Have never done Stitch. Did the Alien version of it back in 2000. DH took DS on Stitch in 2012. Heading down in less then 2 weeks and think we’ll skip it again even if DD is tall enough to ride this time. Don’t think she’ll enjoy it.
BTW, I’ve now got the CoP song stuck in my head.
Love CoP. Best place to be on a very rainy day or a very hot day or a very crowded day
@Mirielle, yes, it is all too easy for you to walk out. Unfortunately, that screws it up for all of the poor souls still in the theater, as the door opening sets off an automatic reset of the current scene & all kinds of pleading announcements from cast members begging people not to leave. And this happens every time someone leaves, which occurs with increasing frequency, because…. well, once you’ve sat through a scene 4 times & bozos keep exiting “because I’m bored”, why not join the bozos? At least *you’re* out of there. Every man for himself, at that point.
See Mike’s post above. He describes the perfect storm of nuttery that ensues for the people left behind.
If I ran WDW, those exit doors would be electrified & set to stun during the show. Pee against the back wall of the theater as we roll over into the 1950s if you must, teeny-bladders, but NO ONE IS LEAVING until that turkey is burned to a crisp!
Please tell me you guys are joking with the stroller comments. It’s flipping Disney World!!! Walking miles on end with young children is so not fun. I don’t bring a stroller to the mall but no way I’m doing Disney with a 5 year old without one.
@gatorgirl Eek, I had no idea about that! So would leaving between scenes work, or is it just frankly better to skip it?
Carousel of Progress was my favorite ride when I was a kid. Now it’s a good place to take a nap 🙂
I think it’s time you stop putting on a show about your “disdain” for Carousel of Progress, Josh. Everybody knows you love it so you may as well admit it.
I managed the CoP once. Now if I want to annoy y dear friend and Disney traveling companion I just start humming the song… that little bugger gets stuck in your head for days.
@Mireille, I’d think it’s unsafe to leave between scenes, as that is when the auditorium is physically spinning. Once you’ve started the preshow, you’re pretty committed to the whole shebang. It’s quite dastardly of Walt, actually.
If it were me, I’d skip it until you’re fairly certain your toddler could make it all the way through. Like I said, people do leave all the time, but they inconvenience all the others in the theater. I’m not sure they even realize it, since the “reset & replay” happens after they leave.
COP is one of my favorite attractions, cross my heart! We went twice last trip, I love the little details they have scattered through the scenes!
I appreciate the fact that the son in Carousel of Progress is dressed up as Universal’s Wolf Man, and even has a picture of Lon Chaney, Jr. on his wall.
Oh my gosh that stroller picture made me cringe. That was such a beautiful, open area. And I love CoP.. maybe it’s because it reminds me of my trips as a kid.
I totally forgot about CoP and all the times me Dad dragged me onto it when I was a kid… I think I will now have to bring my 4yr old there again next week and make her ride it :)..
I hope it will be a FastPass + attraction.. I enjoying popping into the park just to use FastPass Plus on silly things like Muppet Show 3d and the great Movie ride last week then On Captain EO…
.
We are returning to WDW Jan 30-Feb 1 and a friend referred me to your site, particularly regarding the FastPass+..I was on the phone with Disney this morning after I changed our plane and needed to update the Magical Express time, I asked about the FastPass+ and he put me on hold for a good 4-5 minutes, came back and said that when we visit, the current FP paper system would still be in place. I was concerned about only having 3 FP per day, so I was debating whether to link our tickets to our MagicBands. Not quite sure what to think…I guess check back here after the 14th to see if it has indeed changed? On a side note…thanks so much for the COP pictures…they are great! It is my 11 year old daughter’s favorite ride…she even tried to get a FP for her scrapbook last Dec/Jan when we were visiting, but the CM wouldn’t let her use the machine (of course, because it is never needed!). Thanks for an informative site!
I noticed that the app says the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade is open. Was much changed during the refurb?
Over the holidays, During the parade in liberty square, the wooden sidewalk area was not wide enough for this absolutely giant double stroller to proceed without taking up the entire sidewalk. We had to coordinate over 10 minutes at least 50 people to go backwards , in the dark , on a packed boardwalk, so the stroller could proceed. ( there were also 50 people behind the stroller as well) There was a lot of screaming and cursing ,and fortunately no one tripped or fell down.
Earlier last year, I was in the in the watch store across from the emporium on main street and a jazzy tumbled over after someone’s service dog and the jazzy drivers service dog started fighting in the store. For a moment it was very scary. Several people were injured with bumps and scratches, but none seriously from what I could see. The jazzy driver, who was quite large, was taken away on a stretcher.
The increasing size and number of strollers and jazzys will continue to be a problem until it is addressed by disney.
And With the jazzys thats not even talking about alcohol, or driving and texting.
We’ll see what happens.
Thanks for the update…I was actually at MK the same day and your analysis is spot on. In regards to the strollers…that must be where Disney wants everyone to park them. There are actually cast members milling around straightening them up, etc. When we parked our stroller just outside of Peter Pan, we came out to find it gone, panicked for a bit and then found someone had moved it to the “stroller parking” area for us (although there is no sign there indicating “strolling parking” or signs near Peter Pan indicating no stroller parking) I just figured this was one of those things I didn’t know about…
Yes, the stroller parking stinks. We brought 2 small single strollers for our 2 little ones (2 and 4 yo) just because we’d been warned that getting a double stroller around would be suicide. Stroller parking for most rides is 2 blocks back in the direction you just came from… you walk toward the ride and 2 CMs start gesturing wildly just when you get close that stroller parking is ‘back there’ pointing in the opposite direction. Just allot 10 extra minutes to your make your FP+ window/ADR for that delay. That disaster around the carousel is at least centrally located, though CMs will play musical strollers and move them around while you’re gone leading to a certain amount of panic on exiting. At Epcot, stroller parking near Nemo is like mall parking at Christmas, with you circling the lot looking for anyone that looks like they are leaving… Twice we just made my 4 year old walk, but that just resulted in one of us carrying her for 5 miles out of 8 miles that day!
They should just ad the medieval-style seating found at Stitch to the Carousel of Progress theater. Problem solved!
My family LOVES Stitch! It is a must do! For months afterwards my boys walk around saying, “Cinderella, your prince is here!” in their best Stitch voices. I think it is incredibly creative….very necessary to warn kids of the darkness, though.
pics are fantastic
We toured Disney three years ago in mid February with a tandem stroller for our five and two year old. The stroller parking and the constant re-positioning by the stroller attendants was a big surprise. It does beat the alternative of having all those strollers clogging entrances and exits though.
Make sure you practice folding and unfolding your stroller so you can get fast at it. Your fellow guests will appreciate it. Also pick the lightest one you can. You’ll be picking it up and carrying it for the Railroad, and any buses you take. Space permitting you can push a stroller onto a monorail.
Also, don’t bring your child that can’t walk and has no idea what’s going on to disney world because it’s stupid and what’s the point. Take your infant to the playground near your house, they’ll have just as much fun.
Wow, really? What should one do with the babies? Leave them alone at home… or should all older kids have to wait several years? Babies are a part of life, especially at Disney. They LOVE it btw.
We’re in your first dance party picture! My sister had a great time dancing and was too happy to go again on Friday.
What about buses from resorts – are they going to the TTC or to the MK main gate? We have a reservation at Kona at 7:30 am and we’re staying at Pop Century. Still trying to figure that one out!
I have to admit, I’ve never done Carousel of Progress. From the pictures, it looks like you are in a theater and the stage just moves? Is this correct? So its really not even a ride?
I like CoP too! I only dislike the scene with grandma’s exercise machine from the 20’s that the daughter pulls out in the 50s. Isn’t there enough to show from the actual decade? But my family still says “Omelette superb avec jambon – known in other circles as ham and eggs” (from before the last renovation) and an “Uncle Orville”.
Even if you want to make fun of it, I think the future scene matches up with Spirit of Norway for “mockability”. Highlights: The 80s decorating, the horrible looking virtual reality video game where the grandma becomes “resident flying ace” over the son her first time playing, references to the car phones and laserdiscs as being current technology, and the horrible looking laptop with miniscule screen the mom uses for home automation.
@Martymcflyy85 – It is a show depicting the American family through the century (aligned with the seasons of the year; Valentine’s Day to Christmas). And the audience actually moves around the stage, so you are sort of on a ride. I think those guys that tried to do all the WDW rides in one day included it.
@Anon
Yes, REALLY. Babies don’t buy tickets, merch, or food. Babies don’t know what’s going on. At the same time they generate tons of strollers that congest walkways, are a gigantic eyesore, and often run into the back of my ankle. Babies LOVE jingling keys, big deal.
OMG, I am over the moon about your CoP pictures!! Thank you so much! I’ve tried to take pictures in there, but usually only have my phone, so they don’t come out well. These are beautiful! 🙂
@Aaron
I’m absolutely appalled at your attitude. First off, I’m confused – why do you care that babies can’t spend money at WDW? Do you work there or are you part of the corporation? Otherwise, that doesn’t even make sense…
Second, what Anon said was accurate – there’s no reason to delay a WDW trip simply because you have a baby. On my last trip to WDW I brought my then 9-month old son. Did he know what was going on? Not really, though he did enjoy the rides I brought him on – especially It’s a Small World and Pirates – He like the lights and sounds which was a nice bonus. Did I take him there to create memories or for his specific enjoyment? No. Of course not. You are correct in stating that he has as much fun at the local park as at WDW. However, I think you’re missing the point – it’s not about bringing your infant to create memories for them, or even for yourself (though I do have a few from our trip that I’m very glad of) – it’s about not using the baby as an excuse NOT to go.
I was nervous, but hadn’t been in a while and really wanted to visit while we were in the area, and I’m so glad we did. Not only did we have a great time experiencing the park (I didn’t hit anyone with my stroller once!), my son (who’s extremely sociable) was also a natural conversation starter in lines – I ended up meeting so many different people, from different cultures. The best was a family from Columbia who only spoke a few words of English – yet we communicated and played with him for a whole 20 min wait!
Look, I’m sorry you’ve had such bad experiences with babies at WDW. Just remember that people aren’t bringing their kids there to spite you – it’s to enjoy the park and their family in it.
I will say that when I went it was “off season” and for anyone looking to visit that is the time to go (kids or no kids). I never had more than a 20 min wait (though I also timed the “big wait” rides for early morning, evening, or during parades).