Book Review: “America the Beautiful: A Story in Photographs” from National Geographic Takes Readers on a Visual Tour Through Bates’ Classic Poem

If you grew up in the United States, you probably know the first verse of “America the Beautiful,” first written as a poem in 1893 by Katharine Lee Bates and later put to music, most popularly to a tune by Samuel A. Ward in 1910. That’s how an 1882 melody originally called “Materna” and a […]

The post Book Review: “America the Beautiful: A Story in Photographs” from National Geographic Takes Readers on a Visual Tour Through Bates’ Classic Poem appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.

PHOTOS: Werther’s Original Caramel Popcorn Now Available at Walt Disney World Outside of EPCOT

werthers-original-caramel-chocolate-popcorn-main-street-confectionery-4

There’s some sweet news for caramel lovers at Walt Disney World: Werther’s Original caramel popcorn is now available outside EPCOT. We spotted bags of Werther’s Original Caramel Popcorn with Chocolate Flavored Drizzle at the Main Street Confectionery in the Magic Kingdom. It’s currently unknown if they’re available at other locations, but this is the first time we’ve seen it in another park. Typically, the products have been available exclusively at Karamell-Küche in the Germany Pavilion, but it seems one place […]

The post PHOTOS: Werther’s Original Caramel Popcorn Now Available at Walt Disney World Outside of EPCOT appeared first on WDW News Today.

SeaWorld San Diego’s “Red, White & Blue Salute” to Begin November 5

SeaWorld San Diego is honoring the military with their “Red, White & Blue Salute” on select dates from November 5 through November 12. SeaWorld’s “Red, White & Blue Salute” features special in-park activities, including a salute to the military during the prelude to Orca Encounter presentations. Guests to the park can purchase a frozen Jack […]

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PHOTOS: Even More New Christmas Holiday 2020 Apparel and Decor Arrive at Walt Disney World

xmas-collage

As we made our way around Walt Disney World today, we found several new Christmas items, including apparel and decor. Keep reading for each item, its price and where it’s located! Gingerbread House Cookie Jar – $49.99 We found this cookie jar at both Marketplace Co-op in Disney Springs and Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom. Star Wars Santa Hat – $29.99 We found this Santa hat in Star Wars: Galactic Outpost in Disney Springs. Light-up Sign – $39.99 […]

The post PHOTOS: Even More New Christmas Holiday 2020 Apparel and Decor Arrive at Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW News Today.

REVIEW: Select BOOZY Gelato Shakes Are Back At D-Luxe Burger in Disney Springs!

We definitely approve of boozy drinks getting mixed in with a dessert. And we’ve tried a lot of great boozy dessert-like drinks at Disney World!

D-Luxe Burger

We’ve had the amazing Root Beer Bourbon Cream Float at The Polite Pig, along with the incredible Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Mac-Tini at L’Artisan des Glaces. And we’re always happy when fave boozy dessert-like drinks return!

We’re happy to report that D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs has brought back two of their boozy gelato shakes, including the Bananas Foster Gelato Shake! This is Bols Creme de Banana liqueur, toasted marshmallow flavor, crushed graham crackers, caramel, and vanilla gelato. We picked one up to see if it’s still good.

Bananas Foster Gelato Shake

This shake has a strong banana flavor (making it perfect for banana fans) and we like the crunch of graham cracker with each sip. However, we can’t taste the booze, which could be good or bad, depending on your preferences. It is very sweet and basically like drinking a sundae, so YEAH! This shake is $12.

Bananas Foster Gelato Shake

D-Luxe Burger also brought back their Smoked Bourbon Gelato Shake — we didn’t have this one today, but we’ve tried it before and loved its smooth, chocolatey sweet-and salty blend, along with a nice kick of bourbon. Also, it has a BACON GARNISH. This one is $14.

Smoked Bourbon Gelato Shake

Both of these shakes are back by popular demand, and we understand why! And we’ll keep an eye out for more boozy shakes at Disney World and let you know when we find them!

Nutella Brownies? In a Shake? In Disney World? We’ve Got the Details!

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Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Get Your Copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2020 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2019 Edition of the Guide!

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Have you tried either of these drinks? Let us know in the comments!

The post REVIEW: Select BOOZY Gelato Shakes Are Back At D-Luxe Burger in Disney Springs! first appeared on the disney food blog.

VIDEO: Ride Tower of Terror in Disney World With Without Leaving Your Couch!

We’re dropping in to bring you along with us on a journey to another dimension.

Sunset Boulevard

Normally, we’d be calling all thrill-seekers to join us on a trip into the Twilight Zone…but this virtual journey is still fun for even the timidest riders! Prepare for a ride that may just have you feeling thrilled from the comfort of your couch!

With Halloween approaching, now is the PERFECT time to take a deep dive into the spooky and secretive 5th dimension. It’s eye-opening whenever Disney Imagineers share fun facts and secrets that can easily go unnoticed. Disney has shared another “Ride & Learn” video for an iconic attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror!

Tower of Terror

The video shares LOTS of interesting facts about the props, the effects, and the inspiration for some of the scenes in the attraction. Wanna know more? Watch the video below!

It really is interesting to learn behind-the-scenes facts about such popular Disney attractions. The “Ride & Learn” series is a part of #DisneyMagicalMoments which allows Disney fans near and far to feel like part of the magic from home.

Learn all about The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror here!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun!

Get Your Copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!

With more than 750 pages, the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!

With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.

Click here to order your copy of the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2020 to save 25% off the cover price today! Your order will include a FREE instant download of the 2019 Edition of the Guide!

Use code WDW2020 at check-out for 25% off the cover price today!

ready-to-shop-button
Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 🙂

What did you learn from this video? Let us know in the comments!

The post VIDEO: Ride Tower of Terror in Disney World With Without Leaving Your Couch! first appeared on the disney food blog.

PHOTOS: MORE Holiday Decorations Are ALREADY Going Up in Disney World!

Halloween may be on the way, but we’ve seen LOTS of holiday merchandise already released around Disney World.

Holiday Magnet

And, even though Disney announced that Christmas would be starting at the parks on November 6th, we’ve ALREADY seen some holiday decor put up in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Today, we spotted even MORE festive decor around Disney World!

Over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we spotted our very favorite dancers getting ready to kick their way into the holiday season!

Holiday Decorations

We also spotted some sparkly silver details at a gift shop there.

Holiday Decorations

Disney Springs was REALLY getting in the spirit! There, we found these beautiful poinsettia arrangements hanging from the ceiling.

Holiday Decorations

There were also holiday window displays set up at Marketplace Co-Op featuring some of that awesome Disney merchandise we’ve seen released recently.

Holiday Window Display

Inside, we found holiday decorations scattered throughout like these little trees…

Holiday Decorations

…this cute one…

Holiday Decorations

…this one that’s already got some presents next to it, ready to be unwrapped(!)…

Holiday Decorations

…and this wintery tree that looks like it was hit with a blast of snow from Elsa!

Holiday Decorations

Raglan Road Irish Pub was also getting in on the fun and had their bike ready for the holiday season!

Holiday Decorations at Raglan Road

We could practically smell the gingerbread and hear some “fa la la la las” floating in the air! We’ll definitely be on the lookout for more holiday decorations, merchandise, and entertainment all around Disney World. Come back for all the latest updates!

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The post PHOTOS: MORE Holiday Decorations Are ALREADY Going Up in Disney World! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Wait Times Increase as Halloween Approaches – Walt Disney World Wait Times Friday, October 30, 2020

It’s no surprise that crowds and wait times increased today. Fridays usually show us an increase in wait times, and what’s more is we have a busy Halloween weekend ahead of us. Two parks, however, had easy breezy days showing that Animal Kingdom and EPCOT are your best picks for a less hectic day at Walt Disney World, if you’re not visiting on a weekend, that is. Let’s look at the numbers.

Animal Kingdom Wait Times

Let’s go in order of average wait times. Animal Kingdom usually has the lowest average wait times, and today that continues to be true. The attraction with the lowest wait is always TriceraTop Spin and it averaged a 5 minute wait today.

The other dino attraction in the park was relatively easy to ride today, DINOSAUR had an average wait time today of 16 minutes. Its 7-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #182 for the past year.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain had an average wait time today of 27 minutes. Its 7-day average is 26 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #17 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #165 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 77% of the posted wait time.

Surprisingly, Kali River Rapids had an average wait time today of 14 minutes. Its 7-day average is 21 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Today’s wait time being a little higher today is surprising because the weather was much milder today than any recent day, and usually water rides are most popular on a very hot day. Its 365-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #104 for the past year.

Another water ride, though one you won’t get wet on, Na’vi River Journey had an average wait time today of 40 minutes. Its 7-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #169 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 105% of the posted wait time.

It didn’t take too long to uh… fly today as Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 40 minutes. Its 7-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #25 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 102 minutes, so today ranks #176 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 49% of the posted wait time.

EPCOT Wait Times

EPCOT had the second lowest average wait times of the four parks today, and yet all but one attraction reached its number 1 or number 2 highest average wait time for the 7-day average.

With Dias de los Muertos approaching it’s a festive time to ride Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, which had an average wait time today of 9 minutes. Its 7-day average is 7 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 10 minutes, so today ranks #130 for the past year.

Another relaxing boat ride, Living with the Land had an average wait time today of 14 minutes. Its 7-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #10 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #122 for the past year.

The not-so-relaxing Mission: SPACE Orange had an average wait time today of 18 minutes. Its 7-day average is 21 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 26 minutes, so today ranks #21 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #159 for the past year.

Another flight attraction, Soarin’ had an average wait time today of 35 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 67% of the posted wait time.

The classic Spaceship Earth had an average wait time today of 21 minutes. Its 7-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 19 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #126 for the past year.

And the ever-popular Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 60 minutes. Its 7-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 63 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 58 minutes, so today ranks #127 for the past year.

If you’ve got to visit during a busy weekend, have a special tool at your side. Subscribe today and get our Lines app too.

Magic Kingdom Wait Times

The one that started it all, and sure to be very popular on Halloween tomorrow, Magic Kingdom had the second longest average wait times. The attraction with the lowest average wait time, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, still had a wait time over 10 minutes, at 11 minutes. Its 7-day average is 9 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week.

It took about a half hour to help defeat Zurg at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin which had an average wait time today of 31 minutes. Its 7-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #13 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 36 minutes, so today ranks #142 for the past year.

Another spinning attraction, Mad Tea Party had an average wait time today of 14 minutes. Its 7-day average is 9 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #10 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #120 for the past year.

It took quite a while to explore the rivers of the world on Jungle Cruise which had an average wait time today of 43 minutes. Its 7-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #11 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 57% of the posted wait time.

A journey to the second star to the right, Peter Pan’s Flight had an average wait time today of 34 minutes. Its 7-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 34 minutes, so today ranks #13 for the past month. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 86% of the posted wait time.

Another attraction that reached number 1 today, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had an average wait time today of 58 minutes. Its 7-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 365-day average is 83 minutes, so today ranks #161 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 85% of the posted wait time.

A journey to the land of scurvy scallywags, Pirates of the Caribbean had an average wait time today of 43 minutes. Its 7-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #21 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 77% of the posted wait time.

Venturing to out space at Space Mountain had an average wait time today of 41 minutes. Its 7-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past month. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 77% of the posted wait time.

Another great mountain, Splash Mountain had an average wait time today of 50 minutes. Its 7-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 76% of the posted wait time.

A Halloween appropriate attraction, The Haunted Mansion had an average wait time today of 44 minutes. Its 7-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 72% of the posted wait time. So if you went to The Haunted Mansion today your actual wait time would have been around 31 minutes instead of 44 minutes.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Wait Times

No surprise today that Disney’s Hollywood Studios had the highest wait times. The big cheese himself usually earns the highest wait time every day, and sure enough today continued that streak. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway had an average wait time today of 76 minutes. Its 7-day average is 73 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 82 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 70 minutes, so today ranks #53 for the past year.

Another runaway, a runaway elevator that is, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 61 minutes, so today ranks #169 for the past year.

Next door, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith had an average wait time today of 45 minutes. Its 7-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 51 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 65 minutes, so today ranks #172 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 75% of the posted wait time.

Another coaster, Slinky Dog Dash had an average wait time today of 64 minutes. Its 7-day average is 59 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 67 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 76 minutes, so today ranks #162 for the past year.

It’s not all super long waits as Toy Story Mania! had an average wait time today of 27 minutes. Its 7-day average is 26 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #173 for the past year. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 38% of the posted wait time.

And it didn’t take too long to go for a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers which had an average wait time today of 24 minutes. Its 7-day average is 20 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #21 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #174 for the past year.

A galaxy far, far away took less than an hour to get to as Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run had an average wait time today of 53 minutes. Its 7-day average is 53 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 59 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #174 for the past year.

Boarding groups at Rise of the Resistance took a little longer than the last 7 days, but the attraction ran well most of the day.

 

The post Wait Times Increase as Halloween Approaches – Walt Disney World Wait Times Friday, October 30, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

CDC Allowing No-Sail Order to Expire and Establishing Framework for Passenger Cruises to Resume

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced their intent to allow the current no-sail order to expire on October 31, 2020. In doing so, they will be establishing a framework for passenger cruises to eventually resume safely. Phases of the CDC’s plan include testing for crew members, ensuring cruise ship operators have adequate health and safety measures, simulated voyages to test operations, and certification for ships that meet requirements before a phased return to passenger sailings will begin. […]

The post CDC Allowing No-Sail Order to Expire and Establishing Framework for Passenger Cruises to Resume appeared first on WDW News Today.

20th Century Studios Acquires Spec Script for “The Princess” to Star Joey King

20th Century Studios has acquired The Princess, a spec script written by Ben Lustig and Jake Thornton. Joey King is attached to star in the feature that will debut on Hulu. What’s Happening: Deadline is reporting that 20th Century Studios has acquired the spec script The Princess which they’ll produce for Hulu. Ben Lustig and Jake Thornton […]

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