Posts Tagged ‘Disney’s Hollywood Studios’

VITAL STATISTICS

Name: Pluto

AKA: Rover, Pluto the Pup

Favorite Sayings:  “Bark!  Bark!”  “Grrrr”  “Sniff, sniff, sniff”

Memorable Quote: “Kiss me”

Awards: #1 in The Greatest Animated Pets of All Time

Qualifications: cheerful, loyal, fun

Facebook Friends:  Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Fifi, Dinah

CHARACTER COORDINATES

Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.

Meet and Greet

• EPCOT, Future World, Character Spot
• EPCOT, American Adventure
• Magic Kingdom, Town Square
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame (subject to change)
• Magic Kingdom, Liberty Square
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland entrance
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Oasis, main entrance
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey Avenue

Character Dining

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House, Donald’s Safari Breakfast
• EPCOT, Garden Grill
• Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s
• Polynesian Resort, ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast
• Beach Club Resort, Cape May, Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast
• Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque Dinner Show

Shows

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!

Parades

• Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
• Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

Miscellaneous

• Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., small bronze statue in the hub

It’s the peak of summer and at Walt Disney World, visitors can expect longer park hours and extra shows and activities, as well as crowds, heat, and showers.  Scheduling the bulk of your park activities for the morning and evening is the best way to approach a summer visit.

The Fourth of July Weekend features  celebrations around the parks including a wonderful concert at the America Gardens Theatre.   Special fireworks are presented at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with the Magic Kingdom drawing the biggest crowds.

Fast Facts

Special Events: Fourth of July Celebrations

Attendance levels: This is the one time of the year when nearly everyone is out of school for the entire month, making it a very popular vacation time for families.  Some planning and judicious use of FastPasses will make for a more enjoyable experience.  Expect heavy attendance throughout the month with fierce crowds on July 4th in the Magic Kingdom

Weather: Guests who are not used to heat and humidity are often unprepared for the summers in central Florida.  Although July is the rainiest month of the year with nearly 8″ of rainfall on average, it seldom rains for an entire day.  Instead, there is often a quick shower in the afternoon.  While they don’t lower the temperatures, these sudden storms do tend to thin out the crowds in the parks.

Packing: Think tropical!  Light, cool clothing and swimwear will be the mainstays of a summer visit.  Make room in your suitcase for hats, sunblock, and rain gear.  The nights are not much  cooler than the daytime but do offer a respite from the sun.  If you’re prone to blisters and chafing, be sure to pack comfortable shoes and appropriate treatments as the heat tends to magnify these problems.

Beautiful June!  With the sunshine and showers, the grounds around the parks and resorts are lush and lovely.  The remaining Star Wars Weekends are on the calendar for June, joined in 2011 by the USA Gymnastics Open Championships scheduled to take place at the  ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

For nearly twenty years, June has also been the month chosen for the annual non-Disney-affiliated get-together known as Orlando Gay Days.  Participants typically stay at a designated off-site hotel and enjoy  a roster of both family- and adult-oriented activities there, which include parties, literary and film festivals, religious services, and seminars, as well as time in the Walt Disney World parks.

Fast Facts

Special Events: Star Wars Weekends; USA Gymnastics Open Championships

Attendance levels: School’s out and the summer crowds begin to arrive.   Generally speaking, events held at ESPN Wide World of Sports have little effect on park numbers, although participants may be housed at a specific resort,  typically one of the Value Resorts, which may impact the experience of other guests staying there.  The Gay Days schedule calls for a visit to a designated park each day, so those wishing to avoid the additional crowds can choose to visit a different park.

Weather: Although not quite the  rainiest month of the year,  on average, guests can expect rain during 14 of June’s 30 days.  With high and low temperatures ranging from the lower seventies to the low nineties, and the humidity up 5% over May, it’s getting hot and humid and will remain so until October.

Packing: Pack for summer but let your own habits be your guide – some guests like to bring a small hand-held fan or mister, and a day pack large enough to hold a water bottle; others prefer a light-weight, long-sleeved garment to wear in chilly, air conditioned areas.

May storms in with Star Wars weekends, an annual event that attracts thousands to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for meetings, motorcades, and lots of fun activities featuring the heroes and villains of Star Wars fame.  Typically scheduled during the last weeks of May and the first part of June, the weekends begin just as EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival is winding down.

Although Disney’s Hollywood Studios is packed for the special weekend events, overall, May crowds are moderate until the Memorial Day weekend when the numbers ramp up for the summer and remain high through August.  While not yet at summer levels, both the temperature and humidity begin to climb.  The average rainfall, although nearly double April’s precipitation at almost 4”, is far lower than that of June and July, the rainiest months of the year.

Fast Facts

Special Events: Star Wars Weekends

Attendance levels: With the exception of Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekends, crowds are moderate until the Memorial Day weekend

Weather: It’s beginning to feel a lot like summer; the Florida sun is hot bringing temperatures ranging from the high eighties to low nineties dropping to mid- and upper-sixties, with more humidity and rainfall

Packing: Warmer weather invariably means more rain, so be prepared for showers and hot weather

A bit of Muppet Mayhem brought to us by photographer  Dick Martin!

February is a relatively quiet month at Walt Disney World.  While there are schools around the country that have a break at this time of the year, with the exception of Presidents’ Weekend, most days feature low crowds.

The annual event, ESPN the Weekend, generally scheduled at the end of the month, draws a large contingent of sports fans to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.

As with January, those visiting in February will find a number of refurbishments in progress.  One of the two water parks will be closed and work on attractions, dining venues, etc., lasting more than a few days, is generally planned for this time of the year.

Valentine’s Day is a favorite for couples and there are special menus, themed dinners, and even heart-shaped treats available throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

The weather is beginning to get a bit warmer with average temperatures in the mid seventies during the day and low- to mid-fifties in the evening.  A “transitional” month like January, February calls for layers of clothing that can be worn and removed throughout the day as the temperatures rise during the afternoon and fall back at night.  While there may be slightly more rain than during the preceding five months, average precipitation is still less than half of the rainfall expected over the summer.  So, pack an umbrella and a smile, and head off for a fabulous February visit!

Fast Facts

Special Events: ESPN the Weekend

Attendance Levels: Generally low with a major increase over Presidents’ weekend

Weather: A bit warmer than January with expected low- to mid-seventies for highs, and lows in the fifties; average precipitation about 2.8 inches

Packing: Layers with an eye on the forecast to add more warm- or cool-weather items; an umbrella or poncho for occasional showers

They cruise the World Showcase Lagoon and ply the waterways of Crescent Lake, offering a welcome sight to park-weary guests emerging from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  They are Disney’s Friendships; eight boats that ferry their passengers between docks around the World Showcase Lagoon, and make the rounds of Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs, the International Gateway at EPCOT, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Numbered from I to VIII, each Friendship sports its own distinctive trim colors.  Their design was inspired by European canal and river boats and while the seats may not be planned for comfort, the air-conditioning definitely is!  Generally both stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, adverse wind and water conditions may prevent roll-on boarding.  There will be a sign posted at the landing announcing any changes.

Two boats run routes in the World Showcase Lagoon, one between the landings at the Canada pavilion and the Morocco pavilion, the other making the trip from Mexico to Germany and back.  While not always a time-saver, taking the boat is a pleasant way to enjoy the surroundings and avoid part of the 1.3-mile trek around the lagoon.

It’s a relatively short walk from Disney’s Beach Club Resort to EPCOT; a slightly longer journey from Disney’s Yacht Club or Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas.   A longer walking path leads from the Boardwalk area to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.   Most guests, though, feel they get plenty of exercise during a visit to Walt Disney World and opt to hop a Friendship.  Boats travel between these parks,  stopping at the resorts that surround the lake and canal.

Service typically begins around 8:30 a.m. and runs until approximately one hour after park closings.  If you’re lucky, you may find yourself onboard with the birdman.  His pockets are always filled with treats and the birds seem to know he’s coming; flocking to the dock and approaching him when his boat arrives!

VITAL STATISTICS

Name: Goofy

AKA: Goofus D. Dawg; Dippy Dawg

Favorite Sayings: “Gawrsh!” “A-hyuck!”  “Well, whaddya know …”

Prized Possession: green hat

Qualifications: optimistic,  good-natured, kind

Facebook Friends:  Max, Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Pluto, Clarabelle

CHARACTER COORDINATES

Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed. Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional. Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.

Meet and Greet

• EPCOT, World Showcase, American Adventure
• EPCOT, International Gateway
• EPCOT, Future World, Character Spot
• Magic Kingdom, Town Square
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame (subject to change)
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Barnstormer (subject to change)
• Magic Kingdom, Frontierland
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland U.S.A., Chester and Hester’s Dinorama
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat

Character Dining

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House, Donald’s Safari Breakfast
• Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s
• Beach Club Resort, Cape May, Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast
• Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque Dinner Show

Attractions

• Magic Kingdom, Toontown, Goofy’s Barnstormer (subject to change)

Shows

• Magic Kingdom, Castle Forecourt Stage, Dream-Along with Mickey
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!

Parades

• Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
• Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

Miscellaneous

• Magic Kingdom, Town Square, photo op with statue sitting on a bench

A giant Stratocaster, four stories high, offers an iconic welcome to G-Force Records where you’ll enjoy an atmospheric queue before you encounter Aerosmith wrapping up a recording session, and accept the offer of a backstage pass and a lift to their concert across town.

Step into your stretch limo for a ride in the thrill lane.  You’ll experience 5 G’s as you jump from 0 to 57 miles per hour in less than 3 seconds; catapulting 200 feet before moving smoothly into the first of three inversions along more than a half-mile of “California Freeway.”

Each of the five limos blasts a different Aerosmith soundtrack through 125 speakers as you speed past the street signs and neon lights of a Hollywood night toward your destination.  It’s dark and fast and loud and unlike anything else at Walt Disney World.  You’ll disembark and walk the red carpet to Rock Around the Shop where you can purchase the souvenir photo taken just as the ride launched.

More than ten years after it first opened in Walt Disney World, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster remains hugely popular so arrive early and take advantage of FastPasses.  This can be a challenging ride and should be avoided by expectant mothers and those with back, neck, or heart conditions.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sunset Boulevard

Approximately 3 minutes

Guests must transfer from wheelchair and ECV to ride vehicle

48″ minimum height requirement

FastPass available

Park admission required

We’ve shared our fav5 Splurges, both Small and Special.  Now, we’re moving to our top choices for a Significant Splurge!

#1 VIP Tour Services

For those of you who would enjoy the freedom of letting Disney be your guide, we highly recommend their VIP Tour Services.  While your Whimsical World Travel concierge will take care of all the details of your vacation, your private VIP Tour Guide will be your personal navigator during your stay.

After collecting information about the interests and expectations of your group, a custom itinerary will be created just for you.  Your Guide’s special expertise includes an in-depth knowledge of the parks; attractions, geography, trivia; which will guarantee a relaxed and carefree experience for your party of one to ten people.

What you can expect:

• With a touring plan and dining reservations based upon your preferences, your Guide will choose the best routes through the parks, obtaining new FastPasses for your party while you’re enjoying an attraction, to maximize your park-touring hours.
• You will be able to take advantage of special viewing areas for parades and fireworks, and enjoy premium seating at shows.
• There’s no need to worry about finding your favorite character or even the nearest restroom.  Your VIP Tour Guide knows the neighborhood!
• Your Guide has a wealth of stories to share about the parks, the buildings, the attractions, and the thousands of small details that make the Walt Disney World Resort so amazing.
• In the past, guests were expected to include the Guide in their dining plans, and pay for the meal, when a tour ran more than 4 ½ hours.  Currently, you may choose either to dine alone or include your Guide, with Disney picking up the tab for the Guide’s meal.
• The Guide’s pager number is provided to each member of the party, making it easy to reconnect in the event that anyone becomes separated from the group.

What you cannot expect:

• Back-door access to rides – while there may be special arrangements for entrance to shows, you will be expected to utilize regular stand-by and FastPass lines for other attractions.  Your Guide’s experience with crowds, wait times, and schedules will help to minimize time spent standing in line.

• Park admission – the cost for VIP Tour Services does not include admission to the parks which must be purchased separately.

Other services available at additional cost:

• Private transportation can be arranged for pick-up from your resort to the parks and between locations if you hope to visit more than one park on a given day.  This often involves access to the parks from backstage areas which is a real time-saver if you are hoping to experience shows and events scheduled close together in different parks.

• An Unlimited FastPass option allows your party to enter the FastPass lines as often as you want during your touring period.

VIP Tour Guides can be booked 180 days in advance.  Because this department was originally created to service high-profile guests who needed separation from the crowds, those guests remain the first priority and Guides may not always be available for the general public.

Guides must be reserved for a minimum of six hours and you may choose to take advantage of the service for only one day of your vacation, or arrange to be met and accompanied by your Guide from the moment you arrive, for the length of your stay.

Prices are per hour and vary widely depending upon a number of factors including the time of year, whether or not you are a guest at a Walt Disney World Resort, any additional inclusions, and sometimes, who you are talking to.  Current prices start at about $175.00 per hour.

VIP Tour Guides are a terrific option for first-time visitors and those looking for a stress-free, fully-planned experience.  They are wonderful for organizing the park time of an extended family group, and can be quite cost-effective, per-person, for parties of eight to ten.  For busy adults who spend their working hours planning and organizing, VIP Tour Services offers the opportunity to enjoy a true “vacation!”