disney world – Jump The Park

Disney Genie Service to Come to Walt Disney World and Disneyland

August 21, 2021jumpthepark

BIG news coming this fall!

Unfortunately, Disney’s FastPass+ and MaxPass services are officially retired – R.I.P

But, Disney will be having a new pass system to give guests the flexibility to schedule ride times and it comes with a few extras! So let’s dive in!

This new free service is called Disney Genie. It is a convenient digital service designed to create the best day possible for you. This new technology will guide you through the theme parks with tips that can help them reduce their wait times and help plan the rest of your day.

Disney Genie will be part of the My Disney Experience app and the Disneyland app. You do not need a separate app to access Disney Genie. This includes a personalized itinerary feature that can map our your entire day. This includes park attractions, food experiences, entertainment, character interactions like Disney Princesses and Star Wars characters, thrill rides and more!

You will receive itinerary updates all throughout the day. You’ll also be able to see current and forecasted wait times for attractions. With this, you will be able to enter a virtual queue for certain attractions, make dining reservations and mobile order food. This Disney Genie service is at no cost to you.

To add to the flexibility, Disney is adding two options to enjoy attractions.

Disney Genie+ Service

This add-on service will cost $15 per person per day at Walt Disney World and $20 per person per day at Disneyland. You will then be able to choose the next available time to use the Lightning Lane entrance (essentially the FastPass lane). You’ll only be able to select one ride at a time, but can claim passes throughout the entire day. Arrival times for the Lightning Lane will be an hour-long window.

Disney Genie+ will also include Disney parks-themed audio experiences and photo features to capture your memories – augmented reality lenses for those visiting Walt Disney World Resort and unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads from your day if you are visiting Disneyland Resort.

Individual Attraction Selection

You can schedule a time to arrive at up to two highly demanded attractions each day using the Lightning Lane entrance.

What attractions can be booked with the Individual Lightning Lane entrance? Right now we know Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Radiator Springs Racers. These are most likely attractions not included with Disney Genie+. More info will come shortly!

Lightning Lane selections will be made on the same day of your visit at 7am. Day guests can access these features once they enter the park. These can also be used across multiple theme parks, which is convenient for park hoppers.

Note that Star Wars: Rise Of The Resistance will continue to have their virtual queue system.

Disney is also making some enhancements to their Disability Access Service (DAS) program, including new options to enroll in the program pre-arrival and for DAS participants to select arrival windows for attractions directly in the app. These options will be available in addition to their existing, in-person DAS program.

Now it’s time for some FAQs!

When will you launch Disney Genie?

Disney Genie will launch this fall at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

What is the difference between Disney Genie and Disney Genie+?

Disney Genie is a complimentary digital planning service with personalized itineraries, tips that can help reduce time in lines and other features to help you plan your best Disney day. The Disney Genie+ service is an add-on option available for purchase that will let Guests choose the next available arrival time for the Lightning Lane entrance – one at a time, throughout the day – at a variety of attractions (attractions subject to limited availability). The service also includes photo features and audio experiences. Arrival times for the Lightning Lane entrance will be an hour-long window.

Can Guests purchase Disney Genie+ service for just one day of their multi-day visit?

When purchased with a Guests’ ticket or vacation package ahead of your visit, Disney Genie+ service is purchased for the length of stay (all days of a multi-day visit). When purchased on the day of visit, you will purchase Disney Genie+ for a single day

Do Guests have to purchase Disney Genie+ to have access to attractions?

No. Attractions will continue to have a traditional standby queue, or a virtual queue at certain attractions.

Do all Guests need to pay to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Radiator Springs Racers or WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure?

No. Guests can join attractions offering a virtual queue via Disney Genie in the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps. If Guests are unable to secure a place in the virtual queue, purchase of the Lightning Lane entrance may be an additional option to experience the attraction, subject to limited availability. There is no traditional standby queue for these attractions at this time.

Will Annual Passholders or Magic Key holders receive discounts on Disney Genie+ service and individual attraction Lightning Lane purchases?

At this time, there are no discounts available for Disney Genie+ or individual attraction Lightning Lane purchases.

Without the advanced FastPass+ booking window, are there any benefits for Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels?

Each day at 7 a.m., Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels will have the first opportunity to purchase up to two individual attraction selections for the Lightning Lane entrance (subject to limited availability), before other Guests who will be able to do so upon park opening. Guests staying at Walt Disney World hotels will also have more time in the parks during the 50th anniversary, with new early theme park entry and extended evening hours benefits.

Do Guests need a separate app to access Disney Genie?

No. Disney Genie service is complimentary for all Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort via the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps.

How does this impact Disability Access Service?

Disney is making some enhancements to their Disability Access Service (DAS) program, including a new option to enroll in the program pre-arrival and select return times for attractions directly in the app. This option will be available in addition to the existing, in-person DAS program.

More information will be released soon! Hit that subscribe button to receive notifications for all the latest Disney info.

If you’re looking to plan your next trip, or just need guidance with an upcoming trip, Email me at kira.burns@magicalvacationplanner.com.

8 Reasons Why You Should Book With A Travel Agent

July 23, 2021jumpthepark

Planning a Disney vacation at this time of the year can be stressful. With limited park capacity, you’re least likely to get the dates you need. Not to mention you need tickets AND a park reservation to enter the parks.

People are wanting to travel now more than ever. That means hopping on the train and planning your next Disney vacation ASAP! The best way to do this, is to book with a travel agent. A Disney travel agent.

Why should you book with a travel agent? Well, let me tell you why

Services Are 100% FREE!

This one should get you hooked from the start. All services are completely free. From finding resort deals to dinning reservations, everything I provide to your vacation will not cost you a cent. So why not try it out?

2. Save Time

There’s a lot of planning that goes into each Disney vacation. Making sure every little detail is perfect can take some time. Travel agents are here to do all the work for you so you have more time for other things. We can book dinning reservations, tickets, resort packages and anything else you’d like us to do.

3. Save Stress And Headaches

Not only do we save you time, but we also save you the stress of making every detail perfect. We know the ins and outs of all things Disney and strive to give you the BEST vacation possible. We wake up at 6am for you to make dinning and fast past reservations when you need them.

4. Save Money!

What else can we save you? MONEY! This is a big one. Not only are our services free, but we can find hidden deals to save you money on tickets, rooms, dinning reservations and more!

Some people believe booking with a travel agent is more expensive than booking directly with Disney. This is far from the truth! No matter where you book your vacation, the price you pay is the same all around. Unless you book with a travel agent. That’s where I come in!

Finding new deals from Disney is what I do, and Disney is always coming out with ways to save money. So why not get in on these deals and save that money for your next Disney trip?!

5. One Point Of Contact

If you book a vacation through Disney, each time you call you’ll get a different cast member. You’ll have to explain any necessary issues multiple times and not to mention waiting on hold forever.

When you book with a travel agent, your agent will be your main contact throughout the entire process. Every question you have will go directly to your agent. You develop a personal relationship with your travel agent and it makes the process go smoothly.

6. Travel Emergencies!

I know no one likes to think about this, but things happen. An emergency might happen on vacation and it’s nice to have someone to back you up when things go south.

Travel agents are always there when you need them. Even while you are on vacation. Just pick up the phone and we’ll get to work on what ever situation pops up. If you booked tickets through Sam’s Club or Costco, I can assure you they won’t be there to help you out.

7. Excellent Recommendations

We authorized Disney travel agents have a “Disney” degree. Meaning Disney approves of us to book magical vacations. Because of our Disney enthusiasm, we’ve been to Disney more times than we can count. Meaning we’ve rode every ride, eaten at almost every restaurant, stayed at almost every resort, and so on!

We know what to skip and what are must do’s for your vacation, and if this is your first Disney vacation, we give excellent recommendations on what are good fits for you and your family.

8. FastPass and Dining Reservation Assistance

Worried about not getting a reservation to your favorite restaurant? Let us take care of that. We wake up early for you to snag those perfect reservations. Enjoy the luxury of sleeping in on a Saturday, while we book all your FassPass and Dining reservation needs.

Need help planning a vacation? That’s why I’m here! You can email me at kira.burns@magicalvacationplanner.com or find me on social media at jump.the.park. I look forward to working with you!

Epcot Food and Wine Festival: 2021 Guide

July 8, 2021jumpthepark

Epcot’s Food and Wine festival is back starting July 15! The festival will run until November 20 giving us 129 days of delicious treats. Taste your way around 6 continents and celebrate the best food and drinks from around the world.

Are you ready? Check out the complete list for this years festival below!

But, before we get into that, I should let you know about the brand new food booths that will be waiting for us! We have…

The Noodle Exchange
Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina
The Rotunda Bistro
The Swanky Saucy Swine
Brew
Lobster Landing – Opening Oct. 1
Mac & Eats – Opening Oct. 1

Isn’t this exciting? There’s always a diverse array of food waiting for us at Epcot.

But, this festival isn’t JUST about food. There are plenty of fun activities to do if you’re not into eating different dishes. You can check out Emilie’s Fromage Montage. Grab a festival passport and purchase a few cheese dishes to collect your stamps. Once you fill out your passport, head over to Shimmering Sips to collect your special prize!

You can also check out Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak. This is a family favorite scavenger hunt where you can look for Remy hidden all throughout World Showcase!

Alright, enough chit chat. Let’s get to the food!

Below is a complete list to the 2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Enjoy!

The Impossible Burger from Earth Eats 2020

Earth Eats hosted by Impossible™

Food:

The Impossible Burger Slider with Wasabi Cream and Spicy Slaw on a Sesame Seed Bun (plant-based)
Impossible Three-Bean Chili (gluten/wheat friendly; plant-based; new)

Beverages:

Spiced Apple Twinings of London Chai Tea (non-alcoholic; new)
Stephen Vincent Pinot Noir, California (new)
Spiced Apple Twinings of London Chai Tea with Whiskey (new)

NEW! The Noodle Exchange

Food:

Traditional Spicy Vietnamese Beef Pho with Shaved Beef, Enoki Mushrooms, and Thai Basil (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
Char Siu Pork Udon with Enoki Mushrooms, Bok Choy, and Soy Pickled Egg (new)
Shrimp and Coconut Curry Rice Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Thai Basil (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
Tofu Pho with Enoki Mushrooms and Thai Basil (gluten/wheat friendly; plant-based; new)

Beverages:

Playalinda Brewing Company Yaupon Brothers Green Tea Pale Ale, Titusville, FL (new)
A to Z Riesling, Oregon (new)

Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE

Food:

Shimmering Strawberry Soft-serve in a Waffle Cone
Banana Bread with Mixed Berry Compote (plant-based)

Beverages:

Tropical Mimosa with Sparkling Wine and Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava Juices
Key Lime Mimosa with Key Lime Sparkling Wine and Cranberry Juice
Blood Orange Mimosa with Sparkling Wine and Blood Orange Juice
Mimosa Flight
CORKCICLE Stemless Flute

Australia

Food:

Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper, Onion, and Snap Peas (gluten/wheat friendly)
Roasted Lamb Chop with Sweet Potato Purée, Bush Berry Pea Salad, and Pistachio-Pomegranate Gremolata (gluten/wheat friendly)
Deconstructed Pavlova with Pastry Cream, Citrus-macerated Berries, and Lemon Myrtle Meringue (gluten/wheat friendly)

Beverages:

Coopers Brewery Original Pale Ale
Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc Semillon (new)
Robert Oatley Chardonnay (new)
Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon (new)
Wine Flight

Refreshment Port hosted by Boursin^®

Food:

Braised Beef Poutine: French Fries, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce, Cheese Curds, and Gherkin Relish (new)
Maple Boursin Cheesecake with Whipped Boursin Maple Bourbon Cheese and Candied Pecans

Beverages:

Numanthia Termes Tinta de Toro Red Wine (new)

Ireland – Opening Oct. 1

Food:

Fisherman’s Seafood Pie
Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard
Roasted Irish Sausage with Colcannon Potatoes and Onion Gravy

Beverages:

Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale
Guinness Baileys Shake
Bunratty Mead Honey Wine

Canada

Food:

Canadian Cheddar and Bacon Soup served with a Pretzel Roll
“Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce (gluten/wheat friendly)

Beverages:

Collective Arts Audio/Visual Lager, Hamilton, Ontario (new)
Château des Charmes Cabernet-Merlot Old Vines (new)

Appleseed Orchard

Food:

Apple Crumble Tart (new)
Apple Chips (gluten/wheat friendly)

Beverages:

Frozen Apple Pie (non-alcoholic)
Cinnamon Apple Cider (non-alcoholic; new)
Collective Arts Brewing Circling the Sun Hard Cider, Ontario, Canada (new)
Original Sin Hard Cider McIntosh, New York, NY (new)
Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Saint Chéri Bourbon Barrel Aged Cherry, Armada, MI (new)
Big Storm Brewing Co. Apple Blonde Ale, Clearwater, FL (new)
3 Daughters Brewing Apple Pecan Brown Ale, St. Petersburg, FL (new)
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company Apple-y Ever After Green Apple Sour Ale, Orlando, FL (new)
Apple Blossom Sky: Fanta Apple, Ginger Beer, Floodwall Apple Brandy, Maple Syrup, and Mini Marshmallows
Beer Flight
Cider Flight
CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

Brazil – Opening Oct. 1

Food:

Moqueca: Brazilian Seafood Stew featuring Scallops, Shrimp, and White Fish with Coconut-Lime Sauce and Steamed Rice (gluten/wheat friendly)
Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato, and Onions(gluten/wheat friendly)
Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread (gluten/wheat friendly)

Beverages:

M.I.A. Beer Company Limāo Lager, Doral, FL (new)
Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

Belgium – Opening Oct. 1

Food:

Beer-braised Beef served with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache
Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream

Beverages:

St. Bernardus Witbier
Delirium Red Fruit Beer
Chimay Dorée Gold (new)
Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
Beer Flight
Belgian Abbey Ale (new)

NEW! Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina

Food:

Fried Falafel Pita with Tahini Sauce (plant-based; new)
Grilled Kebabs with Couscous, Tomato-Onion Salad, and Garlic Aïoli (new)
Lemon-Garlic Chicken
Moroccan Spiced Lamb
Harissa-marinated Beef Tenderloin Tips
Stone-baked Moroccan Bread with Hummus, Zaalouk, and Zhoug Dips (new)
Pistachio Cake with Cinnamon Pastry Cream and Candied Walnuts (new)

Beverages:

Fresh Orange Juice (non-alcoholic; new)
Fresh Blood Orange Juice (non-alcoholic; new)
3 Daughters Brewing Fig Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL (new)
Bold Rock Ginger Turmeric Hard Cider, Nellysford, VA (new)
Woodchuck Cinnamon Nutmeg Hard Cider, Middlebury, VT (new)
Fig Cocktail with White-Cranberry Juice and Fig Vodka (new)
Cider Flight
CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

Greece

Food:

Spanakopita
Griddled Cheese with Pistachios and Honey (gluten/wheat friendly; Emile’s Fromage Montage; new)
Lamb Moussaka (new)

Beverages:

Mylonas Assyrtiko White Wine (new)
Skouras Zoe Rosé (new)
Kir-Yianni Naoussa Xinomavro Dry Red (new)
Wine Flight

Hops & Barley

Food:

New England Lobster Roll: Lobster with Herb Mayonnaise on a Griddled Roll
Hot Beef Sandwich with Horseradish Cream and Pickled Vegetables (new)
Freshly Baked Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Beverages:

81Bay Brewing Co. Strawberry and Lime, Tampa, FL (new)
SweetWater Brewing Company Hazy IPA, Atlanta, GA (new)
Lord Hobo Brewing Boom Sauce DIPA, Woburn, MA (new)
Bold Rock Roast Coffee Hard Cider, Mills River, NC (new)
Longevity Chardonnay, California (new)
Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon, California (new)
Beer Flight

NEW! The Rotunda Bistro

Food:

Chilled Smoked Shrimp Salad (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
Wild Mushroom and Truffle Tart with Gruyère and Crème Fraîche (new)
Chilled Crab and Avocado Parfait with Caviar (gluten/wheat friendly; new)

Beverages:

Domaine Carneros Cuvée Brut Rosé, California (new)

Spain – Opening Oct. 1

Food:

Charcuterie with a selection of imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses, and Olives with an Herb Vinaigrette (gluten/wheat friendly)
Spanish-style Paella with Rice, Chorizo, and Shrimp (gluten/wheat friendly)
Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar, and Smoked Paprika (gluten/wheat friendly)

Beverages:

Estrella Galicia Cerveza Especial Lager (new)
Avaline White Blend (new)
Faustino VII Rioja Rosado (new)
Espelt Garnacha
Wine Flight

Germany

Food:

Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham, Onions, and Cheese(Emile’s Fromage Montage)
Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce

Beverages:

Gaffel Kölsch, Cologne (new)
Weihenstephaner Lager, Freising
Schöfferhofer Wild Cherry Hefeweizen, Mainz (new)
Selbach-Oster Riesling
Beer Flight

The Alps – Opening Oct. 1

Food:

Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Alpine Ham, Baby Potatoes, Cornichons, and Baguette
Warm Raclette Swiss Cheese with Baby Potatoes, Cornichons, and Baguette
Blueberry and Almond Frangipane Tart with Crème Fraîche

Beverages:

Huber Vision Grüner Veltliner, Austria (new)
Cave De La Côte Rosé Gamay, Romand
René Favre Dôle, Chamoson
Frozen Rosé
Wine Flight

Kenya – Opening Oct. 1

Food:

Kenyan Coffee Barbecue Beef Tenderloin with Sweet Potato & Corn Mealie Pap and Kachumbari Slaw (gluten/wheat friendly)
Piri Piri Skewered Shrimp with Citrus-scented Couscous

Beverages:

Tusker Lager

Refreshment Outpost

Food:

Spicy Githeri with White Beans, Pigeon Peas, Ben’s Original Quinoa & Ancient Grains Medley, and Kachumbari Slaw (plant-based)

Beverages:

3 Daughters Brewing Allspice Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
CORKCICLE Classic Tumbler

India – Opening Oct. 1

Food:

Warm Indian Bread with Pickled Garlic, Mango Salsa, and Coriander Pesto Dips
Korma Chicken with Basmati Rice, Crispy Chickpeas, and Spiced Yogurt Sauce (gluten/wheat friendly)
Madras Red Curry with Roasted Cauliflower, Baby Carrots, Chickpeas, and Ben’s Original Basmati Rice (gluten/wheat friendly; plant-based)

Beverages:

Mango Lassi (non-alcoholic)
Taj Mahal Premium Lager (new)
Sula Brut Tropicale Sparkling Wine, Nashik (new)
Sula Chenin Blanc, Nashik
Mango Lassi with Sōmrus Chai Cream Liqueur

NEW! The Swanky Saucy Swine

Food:

Crispy Barbecue Pork Rinds with Pimento Cheese (gluten/wheat friendly; Emile’s Fromage Montage; new)
Roasted Porchetta with Pork-fat Roasted Rosemary Potatoes and Lemon-Parsley Salsa Verde (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
Soy-glazed Sticky Ribs with Green Onions and Peanuts (new)
Crispy Pig Ear Salad with Fire Roasted Tomatillo Sauce, Pickled Red Onions, Queso Fresco, Roasted Corn Salsa, and Avocado Cream (gluten/wheat friendly; new)

Beverages:

Parish Brewing Co. SIPS Pinot Noir Black Currant Sour, Broussard, LA (new)
Rombauer Zinfandel, California (new)
Bourbon Bloody Mary with Labrot & Graham Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey (new)

Hawaii

Food:

Kālua Pork Slider with Sweet-and-Sour DOLE Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
Teriyaki-glazed SPAM Hash with Potatoes, Peppers, Onions, and Spicy Mayonnaise
Tuna Poke with Eel Sauce, Spicy Mayonnaise, and Crispy Shrimp Chips (new)
Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts (Emile’s Fromage Montage)

Beverages:

Kona Brewing Co. Hanalei Island IPA, Kailua-Kona, HI (new)
Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
AULANI Sunrise: Vodka, DOLEPineapple Juice, and Grenadine

NEW! Brew-Wing at the EPCOT Experience

Food:

Garlic-Parmesan Wings with Celery and Ranch (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
Barbecue Wings with Celery and Ranch (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
Teriyaki-Sesame Wings with Celery and Ranch (new)
Traditional Buffalo Wings with Celery and Ranch (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
Mango-Habanero Wings with Celery and Ranch (gluten/wheat friendly; new)
Cheese Flatbread (new)
Pepperoni Flatbread (new)

Beverages:

Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company Pineapple Vibes Blonde Ale, Orlando, FL (new)
Central 28 Beer Company Groveland Road Blood Orange IPA, DeBary, FL (new)
Wicked Weed Brewing Watermelon Dragonfruit Session Sour, Asheville, NC (new)
Bold Rock Honeycrisp Hard Cider, Nellysford, VA (new)
Starcut Ciders Magpie Hard Cider, Bellaire, MI (new)
Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Apple Lantern Roasted Pumpkin, Armada, MI (new)
Beer Flight
Cider Flight

The Donut Box

Food:

Candy Jar Donut made with M&M’S, SNICKERS, and TWIX (new)
Sriracha-glazed Donut (new)
Chef’s Donut of the Day (new)
The Donut Box: Pack of the 4 Daily Donuts
Crispy Chicken on a Sriracha-glazed Donut

Beverages:

Strawberry Smoothie (non-alcoholic)
Left Hand Brewing Bittersweet Imperial Coffee Milk Stout, Longmont, CO (new)
Black and White Coffee Cocktail

Flavors from Fire

Food:

The Corned Beef Corner Route: Smoked Corned Beef with Crispy Potatoes, Cheese Curds, Pickled Onions, and Beer-Cheese Fondue (Emile’s Fromage Montage)
The Chimichurri-up Offense: Charred Chimichurri Steak on a Smoked Corn Cake with Pickled Vegetable Slaw and Cilantro Aïoli (gluten/wheat friendly)
The S’mores Whoopie Pie-lon: Smoked Chocolate Cake, Graham Cracker, Marshmallow, Chocolate Ganache, and Candied Bacon

Beverages:

Saugatuck Brewing Company Bonfire Beer, Douglas, MI (new)
Four Virtues Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel, California (new)
Swine Brine featuring Jim Beam Bourbon

NEW! Lobster Landing – Opening Oct. 1

Food:

New England Lobster Tail with Lobster Bisque Sauce (new)
Lobster Chowder with Bacon, Corn, Potatoes, and Oyster Crackers (new)
Baked Lobster Dip with Old Bay Chips (gluten/wheat friendly; new)

Beverages:

Coronado Brewing Co. Salty Crew Blonde Ale, San Diego, CA (new)
Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa (new)
Sean Minor Chardonnay, California (new)
Cape Codder: Vodka with Cranberry, Pomegranate, and Lime (new)

NEW! Mac & Eats – Opening Oct. 1

Food:

Traditional Macaroni and Cheese with Herbed Panko
Truffle Macaroni and Cheese with Herbed Panko (new)
Cowboy Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Pork Belly, Brisket Burnt Ends, Pickled Peppers, and Onion Straws (new)
Macaroni and Cheese with House-made Italian Sausage and Peppers (plant-based)

Beverages:

81Bay Brewing Co. Lemon Hazy IPA, Tampa, FL (new)
L’Ecole No. 41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines, Columbia Valley, WA
Evolution by Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR

Mexico

Food:

Chilaquiles con Chorizo: Crispy Corn Tortillas tossed in Salsa Verde and Monterey Jack Cheese topped with Crema Mexicana, Queso Cotija, Pickled Onions, and Ground Chorizo (new)
Taco de Ribeye: Shaved Ribeye, Red Onions, and Poblano Peppers on a Corn Tortilla with Ranchera Salsa, Cotija Cheese, and Chives (new)
Capirotada de Chocolate: Abuelita Chocolate Bread Pudding served with a Chocolate Crème Anglaise

Beverages:

Mexican Craft Beer: Tulum Artisanal Lager crafted with Citrus notes and made with Mexican Caribbean Seawater
El Tigre Margarita: Ojo de Tigre Mezcal with Pomegranate, Prickly Pear, Pineapple, and Ginger Juices served on the rocks with a Hibiscus Salt Rim (new)
La Clásica Reyes Margarita: Centinela Blanco Tequila, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, Lime Juice, and Agave Nectar served on the rocks with a Chile Piquín Salt Rim (new)
White Passion Fruit Sangria: White Wine, Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur, and a hint of Ilegal Mezcal (new)

France

Food:

Beignet aux Trois Fromages: Warm Beignet filled with Three Cheeses (new)
Croissant aux Escargots: Escargot Croissant with Garlic and Parsley
Coq au Vin, Pommes Dauphine: Chicken braised in Burgundy Wine with Bacon and Puffed Potatoes (new)
Crème Brûlée au Grand Mariner: Vanilla Crème Brûlée with Grand Marnier Liqueur (contains alcohol; new)

Beverages:

Evian Sparkling Cucumber and Mint Water with Magnesium and Zinc (non-alcoholic)
Strawberry Rose Mimosa: Pol Remy Sparkling Wine, Orange Juice, and Monin Strawberry Rose
Rosé Pétillant Méthode Traditionnelle Champenoise: Rosé Sparkling Wine, Pink Flamingo
Chardonnay, Louis de Camponac
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Blend, Bordeaux, Château de Prieuré
La Passion Martini Slushy: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, Cranberry, and Passion Fruit Juice

Italy

Food:

Mezzelune Croccanti: Crispy Half-moon Breaded Mozzarella-filled Ravioli with Pomodoro Sauce (new)
Ravioli: Grilled Chicken Ravioli with Alfredo Sauce, Romano Cheese, and Prezzemolo (new)
Bomboloni: Cream-filled Italian Doughnut with Raspberry Sauce and Powdered Sugar

Beverages:

Pinot Grigio
Chianti
Prosecco
Rosa Regale
Moscato
Italian White Sangria with Prosecco
Italian Red Sangria with Cabernet Sauvignon
Italian Margarita with Tequila and Limoncello
Peroni Pilsner

China

Food:

Pan-fried Chicken Dumplings with House-made Sweet and Spicy Sauce
ZiRan Beef Bao Bun: Grilled Beef with Cumin (new)
Crispy-fried Pepper Shrimp with Spicy Sichuan Noodles

Beverages:

Mango Bubble Milk Tea: Assam Black Tea, Whole Milk, and Mango Syrup (non-alcoholic)
ByeJoe Punch: Chinese BaiJiu Spirit, Lychee Syrup, Soda Water, and Piña Colada Mix
Dragonfly: Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, Absolut Vodka, Orange Juice, and Mango Syrup
Kung Fu Master: Absolut Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango Syrup, and Orange Juice
Jasmine Draft Beer

Japan

Food:

Teriyaki Chicken Bun: Steamed Bun filled with Chicken, Vegetables, and Teriyaki Sauce
Tempura Shrimp Sando: Crunchy Shrimp served with Yuzu Crab, Green Onions, and Eel Sauce served on a Bun (new)
Spicy Hako Sushi: Spicy Tuna and Salmon served Box-style with Red Tempura Crunch and Volcano Sauce (new)

Beverages:

Kochi Lemon Drop: Vodka, Yuzu, and Lemon Juice garnished with a Lemon Jelly (new)
Ozeki Platinum Sake: Junmai Daiginjo (Refreshingly Dry with a Fruity Flavor) (new)
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company Urayasu Rice Lager, Orlando, FL (new)

Funnel Cake

Food:

Mini Candied Bacon S’mores Funnel Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Joffrey’s

Beverages:

The American Adventure – Cinnamon Chai: Refreshing Iced Chai topped with Whipped Cream and Cinnamon (non-alcoholic)
Near Disney Traders – Double Trouble Chai: Tantalizing Iced Chai with a Single Shot of Espresso topped with Whipped Cream and Cinnamon (non-alcoholic)
Near Canada – Tropical Tea Breeze: Iced Tea and Frozen Lemon with a splash of Coconut Syrup (non-alcoholic)
Near Mission: SPACE – Cocoa Cold Brew: Kona Mocha topped with Whipped Cream and drizzled with Chocolate (non-alcoholic)

Thinking about all this food is making me hungry. I better go make dinner!

I am so excited to visit this years festival. I will be at Epcot at the end of July, so make sure you follow along on Instagram and Facebook at Jump.the.park.

Feeling stressed over planning your next Disney vacation? Let me take over so you can have more time doing the things you love! Email me at kira.burns@magicalvacationplanner.com today!

Disney Springs Flavors of Florida: 2021 Guide

July 7, 2021jumpthepark

Disney Springs along with over 30 restaurants will participate in the Flavors of Florida. This event starts July 6, 2021 and ends August 12, 2021. For 37 delicious days, these shops will celebrate the best food from the sunshine state.

Check out this list from Foodie Guide to help plan your Disney Springs Flavors of Florida trip!

Amorette’s Patisserie

Florida Sunset Éclair – Blood orange, dulce de leche mousse infused with orange liquor and decorated with candied orange zest

Chef’s Art Smith’s Homecomin’

Tender Fried Gator Bites – Marinated gator lightly seasoned and deep fried served with house-made remoulade and hot sauce
Floradora Cocktail – A mix of gin, freshly muddled raspberries, freshly squeezed lime juice, house-made simple syrup, and a splash of ginger beer

City Works Eatery & Pour House

Grouper Tacos – Cajun-spiced grouper, blackened, Key lime coleslaw, pineapple salsa, micro cilantro, white corn tortillas, and olive oil-parsley fries
Golden Honey Margarita – Tequila, honey syrup, fresh orange juice, and fresh lemon juice

Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar

Coca-Cola Orange Cream Float – Soda fountain favorite with Florida flair

Dockside Margaritas

Specialty Margaritas – Chipotle or wine margarita served from this laid-back waterfront bar themed after a 1960s Florida fruit stand

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

Orange Blossom Cupcake – Moist vanilla cake with sweet orange-flavored frosting

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

Key Lime Pie Donut – Glazed donut filled with citrus custard piped with sweet meringue and sprinkled with tendrils of lime zest

Frontera Cocina

Shrimp Ajillo Tostada – Roasted garlic-guajillo Florida pink shrimp, citrus-soy vinaigrette, avocado, jicama, local heirloom cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and orange
Watermelon Pink Flamingo – Fresh watermelon and lime juice with tequila and orange liqueur with a chili powder rim

Gideon’s Bakehouse

Chocolate Chip Key Lime Pie Cookie – Chocolate chip cookie infused with Florida Key lime juice covered in dark chocolate and coated with crunchy pie crust crumbs
Key Lime Pie Cake – 3-layer vanilla Key lime cake with tangy Key lime cream cheese frosting and house-made graham cracker crust accents

Goofy’s Candy Co. & Disney’s Candy Cauldron

Key Lime and Strawberry Cupcakes
Key Lime and Strawberry Marshmallow Pops
Key Lime and Strawberry Crisped Rice Treats

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar

Key Lime Pie – Key lime filling layered on a graham cracker crust topped with toasted coconut
Green Gator – Toasted coconut rum mixed with melon liqueur, simple syrup, and pineapple juice

Jaleo by José Andrés

Pancetta de Valencia – Cured classic pancetta drizzled with orange sauce served with potato purée
Agua de Valencia – Refreshing blend of orange juice, gin, vodka, and Spanish cava

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

Florida Shrimp Tacos with Watermelon Salsa – Jerk-spiced shrimp served in a grilled corn tortilla with watermelon pico de gallo

Marketplace Snacks

DOLE Whip Watermelon – DOLE Whip Watermelon piled high on a slice of fresh watermelon or layered in a parfait with Key lime mousse and sprinkled with chocolate chips

Morimoto Asia

Florida Frog Leg “Lollipop” Tempura – Frog leg nuggets sweetened with an orange blossom honey glaze rolled in toasted sesame seeds and served on one-bite skewers
Florida Sunshine Lager – American-style beer brewed by a local brewing company in Winter Garden, Florida

Paddlefish

Florida Shrimp Feast – Peel and eat Key West pink shrimp with red potatoes and sweet corn on the cob
An easy-to-drink wheat beer with hints of blood-orange flavor crafted by a local brewing company

Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas

Blood Orange Margarita – Tequila, blood orange tequila, and fresh lime juice mixed with a splash of agave nectar
Florida Sunshine Orange Cake – Sweet Florida orange layer cake with white chocolate frosting

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

Florida Key Lime Salmon – Whiskey-cured house-smoked salmon, Florida Key lime and herb crushed potatoes, pea texture, and horseradish-crusted crispy skin
A signature pale ale from local brewing company brewed with Florida grapefruit

Splitsville’s Bamboo Bar

Golden Spider Roll – Tempura-fried softshell crab, cucumber, and avocado wrapped in soy paper and sushi rice topped with diced mango, honey wasabi, eel sauce, and micro greens
Hemingway Daiquiri – Dark rum, maraschino liqueur, fresh lime and grapefruit juices, and splash of house made grenadine served in a coupe glass

STK Orlando

Market or Fresh Catch – Ceviche with passion fruit, lime, and chilies
The Florida Sunset – Rum, passion fruit syrup, strawberry purée, and orange and pineapple juices garnished with a strawberry and orange slices

Terralina Crafted Italian

Creamsicle Panna Cotta – Italian “cooked cream” infused with orange served with raspberry purée and cookie crumbles
Summer Sangria – Pitcher of special blend of white wine and vodka and garnished with fresh Florida citrus (serves 4)

The BOATHOUSE

Key West Peel and Eat Shrimp – A seafood classic served with hot drawn butter and cocktail sauce
The BOATHOUSE signature beer – refreshing and flavorful lager with light and crisp fruity undertones

The Ganachery

Key Lime Ganache Pop – White chocolate blended with Key lime juice and fresh lime zest covered with dark chocolate

The Polite Pig

Shrimp and Grits – Southern classic with a Florida peach and habanero glaze
Bees Knees – Lemon juice, honey syrup, and gin with a splash of soda

Vivoli il Gelato

Lemon Blueberry Cookie Sandwich – Blueberry gelato sandwiched between two lemon cooler cookies
Key Lime Cheesecake Shake – Cheesecake gelato blended with Key lime juice and chunks of Key lime pie topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and graham cracker crumbs

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

Local Tomato & Burrata Salad with fresh stone fruit, blackberries, granola, and honeycomb.
Strawberry Basil Margarita – Tequila mixed with strawberry and lime juice garnished with fruit and fresh basil sprigs

YeSake

Watermelon Boba Slushie – Refreshing summer drink with watermelon and boba pearls

Be sure to pick up a Flavors of Florida event guide upon arrival at the Disney Springs Welcome Center or any participating location. Have fun tasting your way around Florida!

2021 Epcot Food and Wine Festival – Food Booths

June 10, 2021jumpthepark

You’ll smell it, before you even see it! Epcot’s 2021 Food and Wine festival is rapidly approaching. The festival will run from July 15 to November 20.

Below is a complete list of all the food booths that will be at this years festival.

**The Impossible Burger Slider from Earth Eats 2020**

The Alps – Opening October 1 — Here you’ll be able to grab items including the warm Raclette Swiss cheese served with a baguette
Australia
Apple Seed Orchard
Belgium – Opening October 1 — This booth will serve up treats like a fluffy Belgian waffle or savory beer-braised beef dish

Brazil– Opening October 1
Brew-Wing at the EPCOT Experience — NEW! — This booth will feature things like chicken wings, flatbreads and assorted beers and ciders
Canada
China — This booth will be serving up popular Chinese plates, mango bubble milk tea, draft beer, and cocktails
The Donut Box

Earth Eats — This booth will serve up plant-based dishes featuring Impossible™ foods, as well as wine, chai tea, or a chai tea cocktail
Flavors From Fire
France
Germany
Greece — this booth will serve up traditional Greek dishes including spanakopita and lamb moussaka.
Hawaiʻi

Hops & Barely — This booth will feature all-American craft beer and wines
India – Opening October 1 — You’ll be able to munch on things like Madras red curry and Korma chicken here
Ireland – Opening October 1 — This booth will serve up favorites like Irish sausage and seafood pie, which you can pair with Irish ale and mead honey wine
Italy
Japan
Kenya – NEW! Opening October 1 — This booth will serve up traditional Kenyan food and beer

Lobster Landing – NEW! Opening October 1 — This booth is meant to give guests a taste of New England with luscious lobster creations
Mac & Eats – NEW! Opening October 1 — Here you’ll find some unique macaroni and cheese combos
Mexico — At the Mexico booth, you’ll be able to enjoy chilaquiles, tacos, Mexican craft beer, and margaritas
The Noodle Exchange– NEW! — Here Disney notes that you’ll be able to “savor the flavors of the Far East served up in delicious noodle dishes”
Refreshment Outpost
Refreshment Port — This spot will serve up chicken nuggets, poutine, and soft-serve ice cream

Rotunda Bistro – NEW! — Here you can grab some fresh seafood and produce in the American Adventure Pavilion
Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE® — This will feature sweet treats and mimosas
Spain – Opening October 1 — Here you can grab paella, seafood salad, and charcuterie, along with beer and wine
The Swanky Saucy Swine — NEW! — This booth will have pork dishes as well as wine, beer, and cocktails
Tangierine Cafe: Flavors of the Medina — NEW! — Here you’ll be able to grab some traditional Moroccan dishes, like grilled kebabs and a falafel pita

Well, there you have it! The complete list of food booths at Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival 2021. Check back soon for a more detailed list of all the food items the festival has to offer. Subscribe to my website to receive updates on new blog post!

What Are Fuel Rods? And Where To Find Them!

November 6, 2020May 20, 2021jumpthepark

For those of you who are new to this concept, FuelRods are these portable chargers you can find around the Disney Parks. You find a FuelRod kiosk, and swap out your used FuelRod with a newly charged one.

Guests can sign up for the FuelRod system for a one time fee of $30. These kiosks accept all major credit cards and will dispense a kit that includes:

• One fully charged portable battery

• One 6” USB to micro-USB cable to use for Android devices

• Apple Lightning to USB cable for iPhone devices

The new FuelRod policy states that anyone who purchased a FuelRod before October 26th, 2019 can be granted a “founders Status.” This means that those users can continue to exchange their chargers for free!

Those who purchased a FuelRod after October 26th, 2019 are required to pay a $3 exchange fee.

When you are ready to swap chargers, you’ll need to find a FuelRod kiosk. See below for Disney FuelRod locations!

Once you locate a FuelRod kiosk, open the FuelRod app on our phone. FuelRod will give you a scannable QR code that you will use to confirm your subscription. Then you’ll insert your old FuelRod into the kiosk and a new FuelRod will pop out!

So where are these FuelRod kiosks located?

Check out my list of Walt Disney World FuelRod kiosk locations!

Magic Kingdom

• Curtain Call Collectables on Main Street USA

• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Frontierland

• Tomorrowland Light and Power Company

• Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland

• Big Top Souvenirs in Storybook Circus

Epcot

• Gateway Gifts

• Disney Traders

• International Gateway closest to Mexico

Animal Kingdom

• Island Mercantile

Hollywood Studios

• Celebrity 5 & 10

• Rock Around the Shop

Disney Springs

• Welcome Center

• Sundries

• Disney PhotoPass Studio

Have you found any more of these FuelRod kiosks around the parks? Let us know below.

I love using these FuelRod chargers as they are small and compact. You can easily fit them into a bag or fanny pack.

What are your experiences with FuelRod. Do you like to use them or do you bring your own chargers?

If you’re looking for the best Disney information, you really need to subscribe to my blog. You’ll get updates on all my new blog posts! And best of all.. it’s FREE! What could be better than that!?

If you have an upcoming trip, follow my Instagram account. You can find a link in the side bar to the right. My team and I post wonderful tips and tricks to surviving a Disney vacation! Come join our Disney community to see the hype!

4 Convincing Reasons Why You Should Stay At Disney’s Art Of Animation Resort

October 23, 2020May 20, 2021jumpthepark

Disney’s Art Of Animation Resort is one of my favorite places to stay on property. It’s relatively new and the themes make me feel like I’m in a Disney movie.

Art of Animation recently opened in 2012. It’s a value level resort, but also has a combination of moderate level rooms.

If you’re on the fence about stay at Art Of Animation, here are 4 convincing reason why this resort is the one for you!

1. Impressive Themeing

If any resort has the best themes, it’s Art Of Animation! The overall theme of this resort, is Disney and Pixar animation.

This resort is themed after 4 movies. Each theme has a few buildings dedicated to that movie. The themes are The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo and Cars.

My favorite part of these themes, is that large statues of the characters are out around the resort! It’s the perfect place to take pictures with some of your favorite characters!

Take a stroll through Cars Land and you’re bound to see Lightning McQueen and his friends!

Not only are the rooms amazingly themed, but the lobby is gorgeous as well! It’s so colorful and is filled with sketches and concept art from the Disney movies.

There are so many details throughout this resort that you have to take a look at!

The sidewalk in the Cars section looks like roads and some of the plants in The Little Mermaid section look like undersea plants. The trees near The Lion King section make you feel like you’re in the jungle!

This resort definitely feels like a “Disney” resort with all the themes and characters to explore.

2. Large Quick Service Area

Since Art of Animation is a value resort, there is no table service restaurant. On the other hand, there is an amazing food court that you have to check out!

One of the main reasons why I love Art Of Animation, is this large dining area in the main building, Animation Hall.

Inside Animation hall, you have the Ink and Paint shop, which is the resorts gift shop and you’ll definitely want to check that out! You’ll also find Landscape Of Flavors.

Landscape Of Flavors is the quick service dining area for this resort. Unlike Saratoga Springs, this area is large and has plenty of dining space. It also has multiple options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mickey waffles are always the best!

You can grab a quick pastry like a blueberry muffin or chocolate croissant. There’s also a fridge section where you can grab a carton of milk, yogurt or some apple slices

There’s also a refillable mug station, multiple actually. At Wilderness Lodge, there only seems to be one or two in the seating area. At Art Of Animation, there’s a whole area dedicated to refill stations and mug wash stations!

Enough about the drinks, let’s talk decor!

Art Of Animation has 4 main themes: Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid.

Each area in Landscape Of Flavors is dedicated to those 4 movies and I love it! I feel like I’m in a Disney movie and nothing could feel more magical!

If any of those movies are your favorite, you absolutely have to stay at Art Of Animation!

3. Skyliner Station!

My favorite type of Disney transportation is the new gondola system! Better yet, this Resort has a station within walking distance.

With this gondola system, you can travel to Epcot and Hollywood studios right from the resort. This way of travel seems faster than riding the bus. If you have the chance to take the Skyliner, do it! It saves time and is a lot more exciting.

From Art Of Animation Resort, you’ll take the Skyliner to the main station near Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. From there, you can take the line to Hollywood Studios or the line to Epcot.

In total, you’ll probably take 2 gondola lines to get to each park. It’s seems like a lot of waiting in line, but I’ve never waited more that 10 minutes to ride the Skyliner!

It’s so much faster than the bus. Believe me!

You’ll thank me later!🤗

4. Multiple Pools

Art Of Animation is a large resort, so it’s great how they have a few pools scattered around the property.

The main pool is called The Big Blue Pool. It’s up front near Animation Hall, just outside of the dining area.

If you couldn’t guess, The Big Blue Pool is Finding Nemo themed as it is located outside the Finding Nemo buildings. It’s a great pool. There is plenty of space to swim and there’s even a little splash pad for the little ones.

There’s also a pool located near the Cars themed rooms called The Cozy Cone Pool.

It’s really cute!

They have giant cones around the pool to make it feel like you’re actually in Radiator Springs. The pool is right in the center of the buildings, so you can’t miss it!

There’s one more pool located on this property. It’s called the Flippin’ Fins Pool and it’s by The Little Mermaid theme rooms so naturally it’s Little Mermaid themed.

The Big Blue Pool is the biggest out of the three and has the Splash pad area. The other two pools are smaller and only have the pool. So if you’re looking for a little bit more fun, the Big Blue Pool is where you’d want to go.

5 Tips For Busy Park Days

September 26, 2020May 20, 2021jumpthepark

Let’s face it. The parks are busy almost every day if the year. Some busier than others. Whether the parks are at a crowd level 9 or crowd level 4, here are 5 great tips to use during those busy park days.

1. Don’t bring more than you need

While it’s great to be prepared, consider bringing only your essentials. This can be your phone, any cards or IDs you need and maybe sunglasses or a raincoat.

Bring less so you don’t have to carry more than you need. When you bring excess things, you’ll need a bag or purse to carry them in. If you don’t bring excess things, hopefully you won’t need a big backpack or need one at all.

Not having a bag when scanning into the parks is a big advantage because you won’t have to wait in the bag check line. On busy park days, bag check lines may have a wait time of 15+ minutes.

Bringing less will allow you to scan into the parks faster and ride Test Track before the crowds set in.

Remember, what you bring into the parks is what you’ll be carrying around the parks. There are no storage lockers except the lockers at Animal Kingdom near Kali River Rapids.

2. Arrive at the parks before they open.

If Magic Kingdom opens at 9am, don’t show up at 9am. The rush is already there and you’re going to be waiting 30+ minutes to get into the parks.

Instead, arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the park opens. Transportation usually starts 30 minutes before the parks open so be on that first bus or consider driving over. Annual Pass holders receive free parking! You can also take a Lyft in a Minnie Van.

So many choices, which one will you choose?

If you’re one of the first people into the parks, head directly to the ride that you couldn’t quite score a Fastpass+ for. Rides are less busy in the morning if you get there quick enough. Some rides have a 2 hours wait before the parks officially open!!

Okay, what?!

Parks will let people scan in and start walking throughout the main parts. Rides won’t be open yet, so you’ll have to stand in line for about an extra 10 to 15 minutes.

This is a great method to use if you didn’t snag Fastpasses for Rock n Roller Coaster or Expedition Everest.

3. Take advantage of Mobile Ordering

Mobile ordering is the best! When it works.

Sometimes Disney Wifi can be weird. It likes to kick me off every few minutes.

Once you get past the wifi, you’re golden.

Use the My Disney Experience App to mobile order food from quick service restaurants. You can order and pay all on the app. There’s no waiting in line to get food. You simply order and pick up in the designated mobile order area.

My recommendation is to order before you get the restaurant. For example, if you want to eat at Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe and you are in Frontierland, order before you start walking to Tomorrowland. That way your food will be ready as soon as you walk up!

This process saves so much time. You don’t have to wait in line to order and then another line to pick up. Its fast, simple, and easy and thats what Disney is all about!

4. Eat during odd hours

No I don’t mean eating only at 11am, 3pm or 5pm.

I’m talking about eating when no one else is.

People like to east during those normal hours like eating lunch at 12:30pm. While there’s nothing wrong with that, but that’s what every other family in the park is doing.

So while everyone is eating lunch around noon and 1pm, lines will be shorter. Take advantage of this and then eat when the wait times pick back up.

5. Plan, plan, PLAN!

Please, never ever travel to Disney without a plan!

Unless you live like 15 minutes from the parks.

Having a plan is very essential to ANY Disney vacation. Make sure you plan out your Fastpass+ reservations, dinning reservations, extra events, time to shop, etc.

Once Fastpasses come back, you’ll want to make reservations 60 days in advance. Plan out before that 60 day mark what days you’ll be at which park, and what fastpasses you would like to have.

You can make dinning reservations 180 days in advance, so check out menus before hand so you’ll know where you want to eat.

Writing down any extra or paid events you’ll be attending will help set the flow for the rest of the day. Make sure you are aware of what events are on which day!

It’s also helpful to plan when you would like to shop. I recommend after the parks close, since most gift shops are still open. You won’t have to waste riding time for shopping time.

I also love shopping last so that way I don’t have to lug all my bags around the park. We can shop and head straight to the buses, which we usually end up waiting for a while anyway. It’s the perfect time!

8 Common Myths About Disney World

September 11, 2020May 20, 2021jumpthepark

1. Cast Members Have To Agree To Everything

While this could be seen as true, it’s not.

Some people think that Disney cast members are not allowed to decline a request. Boy are they wrong.

Cast members do not have to do everything they are asked to do. For example, you can’t ask a cast member to ride Space Mountain or any other ride. They will also decline any request that involves harming others. They will not put others or themselves at risk.

2. A Person Controls The Camel

You know which camel I’m talking about!

The one in Adventureland, right?

I’m not going to lie, the first time I visited Magic Kingdom, I thought the camel was controlled by a person.

That seems legit.

Well I’m here to tell you that the camel is not controlled by a human. This fake camel is an animatronic and spits water every so often on its own.

3. Cast Members Can Disassemble The Castle

Okay, what?

As much as I’d like that to be true, it isn’t. Cinderella’s castle can not be dismantled.

I still wait for the day for cast members to disassemble the castle, and reassemble it in my backyard.

Hey, I can dream.

The castles structure is quite permanent. There are no joints, seams or folds in the castles exterior. Cinderella’s Castle was built with concrete, steel and fiberglass.

It’s kinda hard to dismantle a fiberglass castle I assume.

The castle was built to withstand Florida weather. This includes heavy winds, thunderstorms and hurricanes. There wouldn’t be a need to deconstruct the castle.

I suspect weather conditions were the primary reason for this rumor. Rest assured, the castle will not be coming down anytime soon.

4. There Is A Dome Over The Parks

Wouldn’t this myth solve all our problems!

Maybe, yes.

One of my biggest struggles is trying to bring a raincoat and stuff it into my fanny pack. Not always the best idea. I strive to carry as little as possible while at the parks and a raincoat really gets in my way.

Unfortunately, there is no dome over the parks, so it will rain at Disney. It’s Florida.

Yes Disney is magical and is the most perfect place on Earth, but be prepared. It will rain and you will need an umbrella or a raincoat. Check the weather before you head out in the mornings.

5. Walt Disney’s Body Is Cryogenically Frozen

Yes people believe that Walt Disney himself, was frozen and his body is somewhere near the parks.

One of these people being my husband (facepalm)

This seems to be a very popular myth. Walter Elias Disney passed away in 1966 and was cremated two days later. He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in California.

6. Disney World Never Closes

As much as I would love to ride Space Mountain at 5:30 in the morning, it just isn’t possible.

Disney World is not open 24 hours a day. Each park opens and closes at its appropriate times.

Disney will also close due to bad weather. If a hurricane is suspected to hit the area, they will close until it is safe to continue.

Disney World closed for about 4 months during the Covid-19 pandemic. They will close if it is deemed necessary.

7. Toy Story Characters Fall To The Ground When They Hear “Andy’s Coming”

When a guest walks by and shouts “Andy’s Coming” at Toy Story characters, they drop to the ground like they do in the movies.

At one point this happened. There have been videos and pictures of the characters falling to the ground from this action.

However, Disney has banned this practice due to safety reasons. This gag went viral a few years ago and everybody wanted to see it happen for themselves!

It got to the point where it happened way too often and Disney had decided that was enough.

8. There’s A Secret Suite In Cinderella’s Castle Where Guests Can Stay

Yes, there is a secret suite in Cinderella’s castle.

Just think of that jaw-dropping view in the morning! But not everyone can stay in such a luxury. Most people who stay win a contest.

There’s also a rumor saying that this suite was intended to be Walt’s apartment. There’s really no evidence that this was true. Walt Disney passed away before Cinderella’s Castle was built.

The suite was made out of an unused storage space in the top of the castle. It was made for Disney’s Year Of A Million Dreams celebration in 2006. So it’s highly unlikely Walt wanted to have a suite in Cinderella’s Castle .

Have you heard these myths going around? Are there other myths you’ve heard over the years? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear them.

Please subscribe to my blog to receive updates on new blog posts!

A Guide to Disney’s Riviera Resort

July 16, 2020May 20, 2021jumpthepark

Hey everyone! I am so excited to be back at Walt Disney World this week. We were able to stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort for 2 nights and I want to give my honest review of this Disney Vacation Club resort. In a previous post, I ranked Riviera one of the top 5 resorts. Now, after we’ve had a chance to stay here, I would definitely move it up the list. It’s absolutely wonderful and the theme is gorgeous!

We stayed in deluxe suite, which can sleep 5 people. It has a queen bed and a queen size pull down bed from the wall. There is also a twin bed that folds from the wall under the Tv. one thing I really like about this room, is that there are a few drawers under the main bed, and a few in the coffee table. This comes in handy when storing personal belongings. We also have a kitchenette which includes a small fridge, a microwave and a sink. There are also some cabinets to store things. In the bathroom, there is an area with the shower/bath combo and the sink. There is also an area that connects with a toilet and another shower. This is great because it allows two people to get ready at the same time. It’s great for early mornings! Our room also had a balcony which had the perfect view of Epcot!

At the Riviera, there are two pools. pictured above is the main pool. The main pool is next to the play area, S’il Vous Play. The smaller pool, Beau Soleil Pool, is just across the way. Both pools were wonderful, but the main pool has a water slide which is always fantastic. Each pool has its own hot tub that is great for cooler nights. The S’il Vous Play kiddy area has a few small slides and fountains to play in. Across from the small pool, there is an athletic gym that opens at 7am for you early birds.

For the foodies out there, Riviera has a quick service restaurant called Primo Piatta, check out the picture above. They have American style foods like burgers, sandwiches and salads. They also have a more traditional style breakfast with bacon and most importantly, Mickey Waffles! You also might want to try Topolino’s Terrace. It’s on the expensive side, but it’s a character meal. You will meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy as you dine on French and Italian cuisine. Lastly, there is a great pastry cafe located on the second floor near the lobby. It’s called Le Petite Cafe and they have some of the best desserts. Check out the lemon cheesecake below! It’s definitely one of those must do’s if you happen to pass by.

I really enjoyed staying at this resort. I hope to be back in the near future. One main reason why I love this resort is it’s on the Disney Sky Liners system. We couldn’t really use the Sky Liner while staying here, because neither Epcot or Hollywood studios were open, but I know in the future, it will definitely be a big plus while staying.