Big Slice Pepperoni, Big Slice Cheese, & Cinnamon Breadsticks (Alien Pizza Planet)
Macadamia Nut Pretzel (Tomorrowland Pretzel Cart)
Churro Carts
And of course, it’s not a Disneyland event without churros.
Castle Churro Cart
Blueberry Cheesecake Churro with Blueberry Cheesecake Dipping Sauce (“it’s a small world” and Fantasyland Churro Carts)
Berry Good Churro (Castle, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland Churro Carts)
Friendship Churro (New Orleans Square and Critter Country Churro Carts)
And those are all the snacks you can try during the Princess Nite event! There are two chances to experience this event — March 7th and 9th, and both are already sold out, so we hope you grabbed your ticket. As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney news.
Disney fans usually have some pretty strong opinions about park changes.
Have you used Genie+ in Disney World?
And whether or not you’re a fan of Genie+, we can probably all agree that it’s going to stick around for a while. If that’s the case, the least we can do is figure out when it makes sense for you to buy it — so let’s dive in!
Disney Genie+ is the new, paid skip-the-line service that replaced FastPass+, and since it debuted in 2021, we’ve seen a LOT of changes. At first, the standard Genie+ price was a flat $15 per day, with Individual Lightning Lanes having variable pricing.
Disney Genie+ allows you to book the Lightning Lane for rides.
Presidents’ Day ushered in plenty of crowds in Disney World, and brought the wait times to prove it, too. On Friday, February 17th, Genie+ reached $22 per person, per day.
Expedition Everest Lightning Lane
But, that price only increased as the actual holiday approached, on Saturday, February 18th, and Sunday, February 19th, Genie+ reached its highest price yet again — $29. And then, something happened for the VERY FIRST TIME in Disney World. Genie+ SOLD OUT — we had seen this at Disneyland, but this was new for the east coast parks.
If you’re heading to Disney World soon, make sure you’re checking the latest attraction wait times and Genie+ info on the My Disney Experience app. We’re also keeping up with the Disney World news you need to know so you can be prepared for your trip, so stay tuned to DFB for more!
Whew. We know that planning a Disney World trip is A LOT. And this Genie+ thing can be so confusing – which is why we bring you posts like this so often But we’ve also put together a complete guide in ebook format that gives you all of the info you need, all in one place! Use code WDW2023 for 25% off our DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World.
It’s a separately ticketed event that takes place in Disneyland after park hours. Each event has its own theme and includes special activities, meet and greets, snacks, and more. Well, a brand NEW After Dark event is coming to Disneyland soon: Princess Nite. And we’ve got a full list of everything coming to the event!
Princess Nite will be held on March 7th and 9th from 9PM to 1AM, although guests with a Princess Nite ticket can enter the park three hours earlier than the official event start time. The event will include some very special meet and greets:
Princess Minnie Mouse and Princess Daisy Duck on Main Street, U.S.A.
Jasmine and Moana in Adventureland
Tiana in New Orleans Square
Pocahontas in Frontierland
Princess Leia in Tomorrowland
Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Elena of Avalor, Kida (!!!), Merida, Mulan, Princess Atta, Raya, Sofia the First, and Snow White in Fantasyland
Snow White
Special photo ops will also be available:
Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite Welcome Window “Be Our Guest”
Be Royally Fierce Storybook in Critter Country
Agrabah Night Scene in Frontierland
Cinderella’s Crystal Coach, Royal Throne, and The Princess Diaries “The Art of the Fan” in Fantasyland
Fantasyland
You want entertainment? There will be loads including a musical performance with special appearances by Disney princesses on the Rivers of America, New Orleans Square at 9:30PM, 10:45PM, and 11:45PM. Other entertainment includes:
The royal arrival of Princess Minnie Mouse and Princess Daisy Duck every half hour at the Disneyland Train Station, Main Street, U.S.A.
A cavalcade with Giselle starting at 9:15PM and running twice per hour on Main Street, U.S.A. starting at 9:15PM
Princess Gowns of the Past at Main Street Cinema on Main Street, U.S.A. from 9PM-1AM
A Struttin Jazz Band on the Cafe Orleans Patio, New Orleans Square at 9PM, 10PM, 11PM, and 12:15AM
A Pop Princess Dance Party featuring Vanellope von Schweetz at Tomorrowland Terrace from 9PM-1AM
Share Your Light — Share a trait and leave your mark on the night — at Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Tomorrowland, from 9PM-1AM
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
But that’s not all, guests will also enjoy popcorn, pretzels, and churros from snack carts throughout the park. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be hosting children’s makeovers for a limited time during the event. Magic Key Holders can pick up a special keepsake from Star Wars Launch Bay.
Star Wars Launch Bay
Special event merchandise will be available at Emporium, The Star Trader, Showcase, and Pioneer Mercantile. Crislu will be having a jewelry trunk show from 8PM-12AM. Arribas Bros. will have special displays set up with princess-themed items.
Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland
More importantly, special snacks will be available during the night:
Princess Sundae (Blackberry, Peach, and Raspberry Sorbets) from Gibson Girl
Daydreamer Macaroon (Raspberry-Coconut Macaroon) and Princess Trifle (White Chocolate Mousse and Mixed Berry Compote with Vanilla Cake) from Jolly Holiday
Curried Beef Hot Dog and Cotton Candy-Cream Cheese Pretzel from Refreshment Corner
Cafe Orleans is hosting one of three tea services with an assorted selection of teas (no reservations required):
Tea Service — Short Rib Sandwich, Caviar Egg, Crab Avocado Toast, Monte Cristo Fritter, Creole Chicken & Apple Pecan Salad Po Boy, Crepe Layer Cake, Blueberry-Almond Scone, Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry-Chocolate Crème Puff
Plant-Based Tea Service — Impossible Sandwich, Roasted Potato, Avocado Toast, Ratatouille Sandwich, Cucumber & Watercress Salad Sandwich, Strawberry Shortcake, Fruit Cobbler, Chocolate Raspberry Bar, Blueberry-Almond Scone
Kid’s Tea Service — Peanut Butter and Jelly, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Meatball Po Boy, Assorted Fruits, Crème Puff
Cafe Orleans
Other snacks include:
Cajun Honey-Glazed Chicken and Loaded Steak Fries and Tea Time Lemon Funnel Cake with Lemon Sorbet at Hungry Bear Restaurant
Escargot Flatbread, Wild Mushroom Flatbread, and Glowing Strawberry Sparkle Tea at Red Rose Taverne
Spicy Huli Huli Loaded Tenders and Royal Sparkling Lemonade at Galactic Grill
Big Slice Pepperoni, Big Slice Cheese, and Cinnamon Breadsticks at Alien Pizza Planet
Macadamia Nut Pretzel at Tomorrowland Pretzel Cart
Blueberry Cheesecake Churro with Blueberry Cheesecake Dipping Sauce at “it’s a small world” and Fantasyland Churro Carts
Berry Good Churro at Castle, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland Churro Carts
Friendship Churro (Rolled in Raspberry-Limeade & Pink Lemonade Sugars) at New Orleans Square and Critter Country Churro Carts
Frontierland Churro Cart
Whew! That is a lot going on AND a lot to eat. We’ll be attending Princess Nite and getting you all the lowdown AND food reviews, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more!
Need a new graphic tee (uh, when don’t you need a new graphic tee!)? We’re dropping new Disney-themed designs! Click here to see ‘em!
So, you’re planning a trip to Disney World, and you know you want to stay close to Magic Kingdom, but might want something a little outside a more traditional hotel vibe.
Wilderness Lodge
But how do you choose between Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge? Well, let’s dive into the deets to see which one is right for you!
Choosing between the Contemporary and the Wilderness Lodge is like choosing a favorite child, a favorite Disney cupcake, or between a Dole Whip or a Mickey Pretzel — there’s enough love to go around! But just like cupcakes and classic Disney snacks (and maybe your kids, too… only you know your family dynamic…), there’s a certain flavor that might just hit the spot for what you’re looking for.
There’s no doubt that Disney vacations are expensive, and no one wants buyer’s remorse when it comes to what can usually be the most EXPENSIVE part of your Disney trip. We’re approaching this chaos-agent of a decision with as much logic as possible, so we’re breaking it down into five categories:
Common Ground
Theme/Rooms
Pools
Food
Transportation
We’re putting each resort through these paces to see where they stand and which one may be speaking to you for your Disney trip.
Common Ground
Before we start down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland of their differences, let’s review the similarities of these resorts. These resorts are both Disney Deluxe Resorts, so they will be at a similar price point, with similar room sizes, and the same perks. They both have the same resort layout with a central lobby building and outer buildings with rooms, and they are both considered Magic Kingdom area resorts, offering transportation to Magic Kingdom and the other resorts. And both offer Disney Vacation Club Villas as additional accommodations.
For the Contemporary, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $550 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $5,594 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit.
For the Wilderness Lodge, that means that for the cheapest room at the cheapest time to visit, you can expect to pay around $453 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts), and it goes up to $1,740 per night (not accounting for any tax or current discounts) for the most expensive rooms at the most expensive time to visit. (Based on 2023 rates)
Wilderness Lodge Lobby
Wow. In the cheapest room, during the cheapest season, Wilderness Lodge is about 20% less than the Contemporary. And for those more expensive options, it’s about 70% less than the Contemporary! Let’s dig a little deeper to see what you can get for the money at these resorts!
These are not your standard hotels. You can stay in the sleek sophistication of the Contemporary, or “rough it” in the woods of this Pacific Northwest-styled Wilderness Lodge. But whether your stay takes you into the heart of modern midcentury modern or into the rustic ambiance of a national forest cabin, you’ll find that both of these options provide top-of-the-line Disney amenities.
The Contemporary
As the name suggests, the Contemporary has a very modern theme. It feels a little less immersive and more upscale and sleek. The lobby recently got an upgrade with colorful artwork and more modern furniture, which sets the tone for the resort. Ok, so maybe it is immersive if you’re looking to be immersed into an art museum.
And the Top of the World Lounge in the neighboring Bay Lake Tower, has also recently reopened with a new Villains-themed look and refreshed menu. So even though this beauty is 50 years old, she’s gotten some TLC and looks better than ever!
Menu
Since the rooms face in on the hotel, it can be a bit noisy because all of the action is in one spot. From the rooms, you can look down and see Chef Mickey’s (which opens pretty early and gets noisy, so it can be hard to sleep in), and the Monorail runs through the resort.
Main area of the resort
There’s also a massive mural on the wall created by Mary Blair, a famous Disney artist. This is a super fun touch for Disney history fans. Remember that art museum vibe we mentioned earlier… um, yeah.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Wilderness Lodge
Welcome to the beauty and grandeur of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Towering redwoods, pristine free-flowing creeks, artifacts, and monuments to American history and its inhabitants. The inspiration for this resort is pulled from various lodges and resorts of the national parks like Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park and Ahwahnee Hotel at Yosemite National Park. Guests feel the full majesty of nature once they enter the grand lobby, soaring ceilings, the massive 82-foot tall Grand Canyon-inspired fireplace, and 55-foot totem poles.
Wilderness Lodge also has two different Disney Vacation Club accommodations, Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek, which include villas ranging from basic studio rooms all the way up to multi-room cabins overlooking Bay Lake.
Bathroom
Some of these cabins face the Contemporary Resort and may provide some obstructed views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Results
When it comes to immersive theming, the Wilderness Lodge wins out. The Contemporary is lovely, the Contemporary is striking, the Contemporary doesn’t really distinguish itself from any other non-Disney resort, like Marriott or Hyatt. And if you enjoy that experience of staying at a Marriot or Hyatt, then you can do so and save yourself quite a bit of dough. Disney had added some Disney flare with the incorporation of The Incredibles in the resort rooms, but we wouldn’t recommend paying those prices just for some nifty Incredible graphics in your room, you better enjoy a lot more of what this unique resort has to offer. So keep reading to see what it has in store!
Pools, splash pads, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, a vacation just doesn’t feel complete without spending some time soaking in some sun by that ol’ cement pond. Which of these resorts is the aquatic champion of water lounging? Only one way to find out…
The Contemporary
There are two pools at the Contemporary: the aptly named Feature Pool and the quieter Bay Lake Pool. There is a waterslide, lounge chairs, and private cabanas to rent, but otherwise, it’s your standard resort pool. So the creativity for the names pretty much sums up any creativity with the pool area.
Contemporary Feature Pool
If you’re looking for a spot to cool down, these pools deliver, and there’s a splash area for the smaller kiddos.
Contemporary Splash area
For those post-swim munchies, the Cove Bar and the Sand Bar will provide you with access to some basic quick service vittles and cocktails to enjoy poolside.
Wilderness Lodge
The Wilderness Lodge brings its A-game to the pool smackdown; it hosts two pools as well: the Copper Creek Pool and the Boulder Ridge Pool. Both pools have the natural feel of swimming in a natural spring. Copper Creek is the main pool, complete with a water slide and the Copper Creek splash area.
Time to swim!
Copper Creek pool overlooks the serene Bay Lake and resort-iconic geyser, Fire Rock Geyser, which spouts off every hour on the hour between 7am and 10pm. But they will turn it off for inclement weather or on particularly windy days. Boulder Ridge pool is a quieter pool closer to the Boulder Ridge section of the resort with rusticly themed cabanas, and close proximity to the Geyser Point Bar & Grill. And don’t sleep on Geyser Point, it’s a destination-worthy eatery with amazing burgers, queso, and unique cocktails, all in a serene atmosphere.
Wilderness Lodge Geyser
Results
Both have two pools, and both have pool bars, a pool slide, lounge chairs, and splash areas. And that’s where the similarities end.
As straightforward as their names imply, the Contemporary’s Feature Pool & Bay Lake Pool are concrete holes filled with water for guests to splash in. They are clean and provide all of the fun a respite you might expect at any hotel or public pool, but there’s not much special about it. And you may ask yourself, who needs a special theme for a pool when you’re visiting Disney World for the theme parks and not the pool? But, if you’re gonna pay that nightly rate, you might want a bit more to your resort leisure experience than rows of lounge chairs staring at a cement waterlogged crevice.
Or would you rather soak in a natural spring with lakeside views, a majestic geyser, and surrounded by serene wooded trails? Wilderness Lodge has two beautiful pools that at least attempt to disguise its concrete with beautiful landscaping It boasts that geyser and close proximity to one of the best burgers on property and unique cocktails.
Copper Creek Springs Pool
There’s no real loser in this category if you’ve found relaxation and joy, but our heart leans towards the Wilderness Lodge!
Because we are Disney FOOD Blog, we take food seriously. Very. Seriously. And we love it all. We love the cheap, comfort of plastic cheese, and we love the high-brow sophistication of a wine flight or a multi-course pre-fixe meal. We don’t discriminate; we are a lover of all foods. Since food is SO important, let’s see how these resorts stack up against each other in the restaurant category.
Contemporary
The Contemporary has ten (10!) dining options, including lounges and pool bars (because those count!)!
The Sand Bar is a modern poolside counter located in the Contemporary Resort’s marina and pool area. While the food menu is limited (you can grab a burger or hot dog here, or a snack like an ice cream treat), there is a full bar menu along with classic beachy cocktails like Mai Tais and Banana Cabanas up for grabs. A few stools are available right at the bar, or you can grab a seat at an umbrella-covered outdoor table. The Sand Bar is a great place to let the breeze blow on your face as you watch the watercraft move around Bay Lake or just enjoy your time by the pool. Or if you’re visiting the Bay Lake Pool, then the Cove Bar serves a selection of quick service meals (think wraps and salads), snacks, and cocktails.
Sand Bar
The Contemporary Resort is one of the few resorts to host its own Joffrey’s Coffee bar. Contemporary Groundsis your go-to location. You’ll find coffee, pastries, and specialty coffee drinks. This spot also offers options forDisney-inspired Latte Art! Those early morning dashes to the parks won’t feel so taxing when you have tasty coffee so conveniently located.
Contemporary Grounds seating area
Contempo Cafe is the main quick service spot here, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are some lighter options, including salads and grilled chicken, as well as your typical fast food fare like chicken fingers and burgers. This is also home to one of our favorite treats — the Peanut Butter Pie. It’s a must-try if you love peanut butter as much as we do!
Peanut Butter Banana Pie
If you need something to wash down your meal or seasonal cupcake from the Contempo Cafe, just a few steps away is the Outer Rim lounge. The Outer Rim is a great place to go for a pre-dinner drink or a relaxing evening right in the middle of all the action of the Contemporary Resort’s 4th Floor Grand Canyon Concourse. Indulge in one of the Outer Rim’s draft beers, wines, bourbons, martinis, or specialty cocktails
Outer Rim Lounge
Still considered part of the Contemporary offerings, The Top of the World Lounge, exclusive to Disney Vacation Club members, is perched on the top floor of the Contemporary Resort’s Bay Lake Tower. Top of the World is open daily from 6PM to midnight, with seating available on a first come, first served basis. Disney Vacation Club Members with access to Membership Extras and who are staying in Disney World Resort hotels can enjoy this exclusive spot, and guests staying on Members’ reservations are also eligible! Grab a drink, an appetizer, and the best view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks here!
Beautiful!
The Contemporary is home to one of the most iconic character meals on property. Chef Mickey’s is one of the most difficult reservations to get on property, and the reason is that at this all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurant, you can meet every single one of The Fab Five character set: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto
Chef Mickey’s
Steakhouse 71 is a NEW restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The “71” is a nod to the opening year of Walt Disney World, and the restaurant itself opened on October 1, 2021, which was the 50th Anniversary of the Resort! Steakhouse 71 offers casual dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (with varying menus for each meal and a steakhouse focus in the evenings) just steps away from the Magic Kingdom. And if you opt for dessert (which is always a good idea), you may want to try the Steakhouse 71 Chocolate Cake, made with “15 layers of whiskey-infused chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and raspberries – one layer for every floor at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.” The accompanying Steakhouse 71 Lounge also provides a spot to enjoy a few bites and unique cocktails.
Steak “Frites”
TheCalifornia Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is truly a masterpiece of fine dining, and has been recognized by the Michelin Guide. California Grill is currently presenting a new, special dining experience for a limited time in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort! The 3-course prix fixe menu was created to “evoke the spirit of 1971″ — the opening year of Walt Disney World (and also the opening year of the Top of the World!). Disney has shared that the meal celebrates the past while offering a nod to the incredible future ahead, featuring dishes such as Braised Short Rib Wontons, Florida Coast Black Grouper, and a 50th Anniversary Celebration Dessert Grand Marnier Soufflé.
Dinner With a View
This limited-time celebration menu will soon be replaced. Starting on April 1st, 2023, things change…slightly. On that date, California Grill will start to serve a 3-course selection menu that they say will feature “contemporary, market-inspired cuisine.” We’ll be on the lookout for more details about the menu, so stay tuned.
With two iconic Disney meal experiences and the rapidly growing popularity of a reasonably priced steakhouse, the Contemporary sure packs a 1-2 punch when it comes to food.
Wilderness Lodge has five dining spots for you to nibble and nosh your way through the wilderness.
Geyser Point Bar & Grill is located near the Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge — it’s a unique space in that it offers two different kinds of service for guests… all in one cozy and lovely setting.
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
It blends two different dining styles (a Table Service lounge and a Quick Service walk-up counter) and two different menus. The Featured Cocktail list at the lounge boasts beverages unique to Geyser Point, featuring spirits from Northwest distilleries in keeping with the theme of the Resort. Hearty appetizers can be ordered from the lounge as well, while full entrees are available at the connected Counter Service.
Bison Cheeseburger
The open-air restaurant offers gorgeous waterfront views and a fireplace for cool evenings.
Formerly a signature restaurant, Artist Point’s setting and menu have been entirely transformed with a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theme for a different experience. Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is a Character Meal at Disney World’s beautiful Wilderness Lodge! Guests enjoy a prix-fixe meal and can look forward to Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy stopping by throughout the dinner. And The Evil Queen is even present for a unique photo opportunity.
Snow White
Shhh…..don’t tell anyone our secret. Territory Lounge is one of our favorite hidden gems at Disney World! If your idea of a good lounge is one with cozy seating, specialty cocktails (as well as beer and even wine flights), and some of the best lounge eats on Walt Disney World property, then Territory Lounge is your place.
Territory Lounge snacks
Boasting its own unique menu of lounge noshes, the Disney Food Blog gives it a hearty thumbs-up. You’ll enjoy items like Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie, Oregon Chardonnay Fondue, and even a Cobbler if you’re in the mood for dessert. The Territory Lounge is a great place to grab a light dinner and drinks with friends in an atmosphere that’s warm and inviting.
Hearty comfort food in a warm, rustic setting…. Welcome toRoaring Fork! Roaring Fork offers a variety of stick-to-your-ribs entrees and counter service basics (along with grab-and-go options) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a serene atmosphere, with seating both indoors and out.
Bear Mousse Cake
Guests will even find specialty coffee drinks available, and fans of Disney cupcakes will often find some really fun and unique options here that change with the seasons.
The other Table Service option at the Wilderness Lodge is Whispering Canyon. Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge is one of Disney World’s “funnest” restaurants ! With a crew of wayward servers with their minds made up to make you laugh and all-you-can-eat down home grub served skillet-style (guests may also choose from a la carte selections), this restaurant is a great one to book for a casual good time — especially if you’re with a group!
It’s so hard to designate a clear winner for food — because we love it all! When it comes to sheer quantity, the Contemporary wins handily, with practically double the dining options. Top that off with two of the most popular and iconic restaurants, Chef Mickey’s and California Grill, and the Contemporary extends the lead. The Wilderness Lodge has a small but mighty team of contenders. In fact, of the five dining options, we hold each of them in high regard.
As much as we might want to declare a tie, the edge for food goes to the Contemporary. We love every spot at Wilderness Lodge, but Contemporary offers a wide variety and delicious and iconic eats. But you can have the best of both worlds and just eat at both since they’re just neighbors across Bay Lake.
Do these Magic Kingdom area resorts offer anything different when it comes to transportation? Let’s see!!
The Contemporary
The Contemporary is on the Monorail loop. It’s the fourth stop after the Transportation & Ticketing Center (TTC) on the way to the Magic Kingdom. If Magic Kingdom is your destination, guests can also walk a quick 7-10 minute jaunt right up to the front gate.
Contemporary Walkway
If Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s busses to transport you over to these parks.
Contemporary Resort’s Bus Stop
And if EPCOT is your park of the day, you can take a bus over or take the monorail over to the Transportation and Ticketing Center and transfer to the EPCOT monorail loop. So, there are some options available to get to two Disney parks without having to set foot on a bus.
Wilderness Lodge
The Wilderness Lodge is not on the Monorail loop. If Magic Kingdom is your destination, there is boat transportation that sails through Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon to the front steps of the Magic Kingdom. There is also a bus option at peak times or when the weather doesn’t permit boat travel.
Boat Dock at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
If EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Springs is your destination, then you can board one of Disney’s busses to transport you over to these parks.
Guests staying at the Wilderness Lodge will have to rely primarily on bus transportation for the free option to navigate around Disney property, though ride share, taxis, and Minnie Vans are also available at an extra cost in case you find yourself in a hurry.
Results
These Magic Kingdom area resorts are both deluxe and some of the best of what Disney has to offer in terms of luxury and amenities. The Contemporary is the winner of the Food and Transportation categories, and interestingly winning both categories by the number of options and how iconic those options are. Is there anything much more distinctly Disney than eating at Chef Mickey’s and riding on the Monorail?
And Wilderness Lodge has taken home the categories of the Theme and Pools. The Wilderness Lodge is a triumph of Imagineering and Disney storytelling, stepping into this resort transports guests to a rustic lodge of the classic national parks and relaxing by natural springs, lakes, and creeks.
Magic Kingdom Entrance
But do beauty and storytelling beat out food variety and convenience? And when it comes to price (the unspoken comparison), the Wilderness Lodge is significantly cheaper! So, which one is the clear winner?
So, who is the ultimate winner in the Contemporary vs. Wilderness Lodge battle? We hate to say it, but it depends! The Contemporary may seem like a clear choice because of its iconic Disney experiences and convenient transportation, but that price tag can be daunting when compared to Wilderness Lodge. If you’re looking for that serene escape from the stimulation of Disney parks while staying in the magic and being immersed in the tranquility of nature, the Wilderness Lodge might be the oasis you seek.
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You’ll get a Reference Guide, a 101 Plan, and a Printables and Resources Guide! 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 a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
Ashley Romans has been cast as a series regular in ABC’s medical drama pilot The Hurt Unit, replacing Jaime Lee Kirchner, according to Deadline. What’s Happening: The Hurt Unit follows a highly skilled team of trauma surgeons and nurses who race into the field to treat the patients who won’t make it to the hospital in […]
Construction in the EPCOT parking lot seems to be for a new ride-share loop and plaza.
A rectangular construction site at the back of the parking lot is visible from the Monorail when approaching EPCOT. We saw this land being cleared a week ago.
A light-colored roadway curves around two strips of dark dirt. No paving has been completed yet.
It looks like there might be two covered plazas for guests to stand at while waiting for their Uber or Lyft.
A small mound of dirt is still at one side of the construction site, where a digger vehicle is parked.
Yesterday we ventured into the wild world of opinions on what attraction has the worst queue to wait in at Walt Disney World. Today, we are flipping the script on this question and looking for your opinions on the BEST queue to wait in. Now obviously, no line is the best line, however since we usually do have to wait, there are some clear standouts among the attractions at Disney theme parks.
A good waiting experience can make your Disney day so much more enjoyable, especially if you are traveling with children. Some of the newer attractions have been designed with this in mind, incorporating almost as much work and detail into the waiting area as the ride itself. Some interactive, others filled with creativity that sets the scene for the attraction’s theme ahead; different styles appeal to different people and I want to hear your thoughts on which attraction has the overall best line to wait in.
I’ll throw my two cents in first. I love the Toy Story Mania! queue in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As an adult, it can be hard to find that connection with some of the rides with a younger focus; you enjoy them, but don’t feel the same immersion as with others. The waiting area for Toy Story Mania! really surrounds you in the toy world of these characters, giving you a sense of their environment before you even step onto the ride, which I think makes this an even more enjoyable experience when on board. I do also love the Expedition Everest queue for completely different reasons.
What’s the Best Queue to Wait in at Walt Disney World?
Disney+ has announced that Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”) will join the cast of the Disney+ Original series “The Santa Clauses” for its second season, and we have the details. Who He’ll Play In season two, the Calvin family is back in the North Pole as Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) continues his role as Santa Claus.… Read More »‘The Santa Clauses’ on Disney+ Casts Eric Stonestreet for Season 2
Six Flags Magic Mountain is bringing Spring Break and Halloween together with the all-new Scream Break after-hours event, beginning March 18th. What’s Happening: Guests can stay in the park after-hours from 9:00 p.m. to midnight on 14 select Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from March 18th – April 16th, during the separate-admission Scream Break event. […]
A new piece by Samantha Schwirck for Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), “EPCOT’s Next Era,” highlights the technical aspects of the new lighting package of Spaceship Earth and the surrounding EPCOT entrance plaza, which debuted in 2021 for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”
Photo: Disney Yellow Shoes/David Roark
“We were asked to ‘dream big’ when it came to EPCOT, so the lighting team knew we had to deliver on a reimagining of the nighttime lighting of the park’s icon,” Jason Scott Read, principal lighting designer for Walt Disney Imagineering, said. “Given Spaceship Earth’s iconic nature, and the fact that it can be seen from all over the park and Walt Disney World resort, it was imperative that the lighting look great for years to come, both during the day and at night.”
The Spaceship Earth luminaires are nestled between the icon’s panels and illuminate in different patterns during shows each night, including a special show celebrating the 40th anniversary of EPCOT. Imagineers had to get creative to make sure the luminaires wouldn’t impact the appearance or structure of Spaceship Earth.
“We were tasked with creating a custom fixture that seamlessly integrated into the structure and ‘disappeared’ during the day, and that would have exceptionally high reliability,” said Read. “We went through many iterations of fixture and system design in order to meet these goals. In the end, we went with a completely custom fixture made of the same materials and finish as Spaceship Earth, and with a system topology that remoted most of the components to indoor locations, where they can be easily maintained.”
Photo: Disney Yellow Shoes/David Roark
The Imagineers designed round luminaires meant to blend into the existing Spaceship Earth architecture. Each one sends light outward through six sets of RGBW emitters and contains six white side-firing emitters that “connect” the light between them.
When it came to the new fountain in the EPCOT entrance plaza — which is inspired by the park’s original 1982 fountain — Imagineers constructed a custom-designed “beam of light” fixture that is hidden in the center.
“It had to be low voltage to comply with NEC contact voltage requirements for lighting adjacent to water that guests can touch, requiring a unique solution,” Read explained to Schwirck.
Photo: Disney Yellow Shoes/David Roark
The pavilion logo flags to the sides of the fountain are uplit by narrow-beam RGBW spotlights. And around the plaza is a 10-inch tall by 900-foot long backlit milk-plex “ribbon” with more than 1,800 individually controllable RGBW fixtures on 6-inch centers.
All of the lights are synchronized to create the nightly shows, with as many as four shows rotating at once during EPCOT festivals. The lights also synchronize with the nighttime spectacular “Harmonious” and are expected to match up with future nighttime spectaculars.
An astronomical time clock runs the system at night. Read explained, “The system also takes inputs to know whether the park is open or closed, when the nighttime spectacular is playing as it synchronizes with that show, and a host of other inputs and statuses to ensure the correct cues are running at the right time and sequence.”
To curb downtime, the luminaires on Spaceship Earth have constant-current power. The drivers and electronics are inside, while the luminaires only contain emitters and a heat sink. More than 60 miles of cable run through Spaceship Earth to achieve this.
“In some ways, everything old is new again,” Read said. “When EPCOT was originally created, thousands of individual cables were home run from a central computer core throughout the park for individual control of every function of the attractions throughout the entire park. We used that same topology here, with over 60 miles of cable threaded through the structure. Doing so minimizes the impact of any failures, and also allows us to keep the fixtures incredibly simple—most of the components are remote so they can be replaced more easily. This also simplifies maintenance, so if a fixture does have to be replaced it can be done easily, without any special tools or programming.”
The new lighting package reflects some of the themes of EPCOT, like connection and communication represented by the lines of light across Spaceship Earth.
“EPCOT is a theme park about hope and inspiration, and how we can all achieve more together,” Read said. “This installation is all about getting us all to look up, both metaphorically and literally, and watch communally.”
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