Welcome back to Barely Necessities: The Disney Merchandise Show! As Disney fans, we know there is so much Disney-themed merchandise out there that it’s impossible to sort through it all. But fear not fellow Disney lovers, we’re doing the searching so you don’t have to! (Please note this article contains affiliate links. Your purchase will […]
Pixar instructed employees to make Riley “less gay” in “Inside Out 2,” New York Public Schools employees took Disney trips from homeless students, Disneyland has a new “Alice in Wonderland” bottle filler, Universal released their 2025 Rock the Universe lineup — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
Disney Vacation Club released the points chart for the new DVC Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and announced points bookings will open in November.
Show your love for The Muppets (and pickle milkshakes) with these new free buttons and stickers at EPCOT.
We found these at The Odyssey, which currently houses the Brew-Wing Lab, a returning Muppets-themed area featuring unconventional food items concocted by Doctor Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker.
Our reporter had to ask a cast member for them as some were kept behind the order counter. Others were left out for guests to take on their own.
There are four buttons and two stickers to choose from.
The first button features Bunsen and Beaker with shocked and/or scared expressions in front of a green background with a grid.
The second is purple with a flaming chili pepper and says “Official Taste Tester” on top and “EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival” beneath.
The third one is yellow-green with the Muppet Labs logo in the center. The logo is written in white stylized font on a black sign and Bunsen and Beaker are depicted above. Behind the sign is a pattern of lines and circles in green, orange, and yellow. Wrapped around the logo says “Official Stamp of Official Approval, Officially Speaking.”
The fourth and final button is blue with a geodesic patterned background reminiscent of Spaceship Earth. Three pickle chips are arranged in the front. “Official Taste Tester” is written on top and “EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival” is beneath the pickles.
One of the stickers is a rectangular banner that says “I Love Pickle Milkshakes” with “love” being replaced by a pickle chip.
The second sticker is a lab safety sign in white and green that says “Safety First!” on top and “This Lab has Gone 001 Days Without an Accident.” “Days” has been scratched out with green pen and replaced by “Minute.”
What do you think of these freebies? Will you be picking any of these up? Let us know in the comments!
Have you ever wished you could live at Disney? Now’s your chance. New Disney-designed master-planned residential communities called “Storyliving by Disney” will feature the attention to detail, unique amenities, and special touches fans expect from anything branded with the Disney name. “For…100 years, Disney has shared stories that have touched the hearts and minds of […]
A new American Story entry is moving forward at FX, with the new American Love Story moving forward, telling the story of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, according to Variety. What’s Happening: A new entry into the American Story franchise at FX is closer to reality as Executive Producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson […]
The Emmy Award winner, known for her work on Hulu’s Under the Bridge, will join the second season of the BBC and Disney+ series. Doctor Who News: Deadline exclusively reports that Archie Panjabi has been cast in the next season of the long running Doctor Who. When the series returns in 2025, Panjabi will be playing a […]
We are back for week 5 of Fortnite: Absolute Doom’s Story Quest series. In this season, Dr. Doom has harnessed the power of Pandora’s Box and infiltrated Fortnite’s Battle Royale island. With new locations, such as The Raft, Doomstadt, and Castle Doom, players will be confronted with Doom’s Latverian army and allies as they try […]
Many guests are calling for Universal to implement a chaperone policy for Halloween Horror Nights after dealing with unruly, unattended teenagers at the event.
Halloween Horror Nights Chaperone Policy
The discussion is underway across social media, in part fueled by Six Flags and Knott’s Berry Farm introducing chaperone policies after merging with Cedar Fair and adopting their rules. At Knott’s Berry Farm and all Six Flags parks (and consequently, the Knott’s Scary Farm and Six Flags Fright Fest events), all guests under 15 must be accompanied by someone 21+ after 4 p.m.
Halloween Horror Nights doesn’t have an age limit, although Universal does not recommend it for children under 13. The Universal Orlando Resort FAQ page also notes the theme parks don’t have a chaperone policy but they “recommend that all guest below the age of 14 have a supervising companion that is 14 years of age or older and meets all other attraction ridership requirements.” But these are just recommendations that aren’t enforced.
Guests under the age of 18 without passes to the theme parks (or separately ticketed events, as applicable) are required to depart at 8 p.m.* unless they are accompanied by a parent/guardian or staying at a Universal hotel, have documented reservations at a CityWalk restaurant or have purchased tickets for Hollywood Drive-In Golf or Universal’s Great Movie Escape. A Universal Orlando Team Member will be available to assist guests under the age of 18 looking to purchase tickets for a specific venue or event at or after the designated departure time.
Team Members check guest IDs at the security plaza after 8 p.m.
Guests report teens being physically aggressive and rude to other guests as well as Team Members, particularly Scareactors.
One Facebook post from an anonymous Scareactor that has been passed around social media reads, “They are hurting us. They are assaulting us. People are quitting over it. The teens are creating an environment inside the houses that is breaking props, damaging sets, and ruining the experience for other guests with their overdramatic collapsing scream trains.”
This can no longer be ignored or swept under the rug. The teen issue (especially on the weekends) has become a massive problem. I’ve been stunned by the number of members of the HHN community who have reached out to me scared, angry, disappointed, and mortified at the teen take over of HHN. They are jumping lines, intimidating those in lines around them, showing signs of violence, and displaying complete and utter disrespect for the customers, the employees (especially the scare actors), and the event in general. Some scare actors have been attacked (both verbally and physically) and are considering quitting the business. Enough is enough and this situation needs to be brought to light for the good of the entire community.
While many note that it’s not all teens and have seen Team Members intervene, others think Universal can do more. IKnowMoreThanYouu continues to say that the “most I’ve (and others) have seen is a ‘good talking to’ by security. Then they go on their merry way and continue with the bad behavior. Something needs to be done – RIGHT NOW – or this escalation will eventually lead to serious injury or worse, which will then lead to legal troubles for the company.”
User THE1andonlyAUZ replied to talk about their experience with Knott’s Scary Farm and said, “I do feel for the teenagers who aren’t part of the problem, but I’m definitely in favor of a chaperone policy for these types of events. I hope Universal takes some action to avoid it becoming an even worse problem.”
Others disagree with a chaperone policy. They point out that many of those complaining about teenagers began going to the event as teens and that going as a teenager shaped their love of the event.
Robert Niles of Orange County Register wrote about the pros and cons of chaperone policies.
“But at some point,” Niles said, “teenagers need spaces where they can do all the dumb, offensive stuff to each other that kids do before they learn better.” He agreed that Halloween Horror Nights wasn’t the ideal place for kids to learn those lessons but “if children are to have chaperones watching over them every waking moment until they become legal adults, a lot of them never will learn how to self-regulate.”
“If we want young people to grow into respectful adults,” Niles concluded, “we need to allow them space in which to learn how to do that. If that’s not to be in a theme park, then we need to find other spaces for teens to call their own.”
How do you feel about a potential Halloween Horror Nights chaperone policy? Let us know in the comments.
For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.
Hold onto your light cycles, Disney fans! The Grid is about to get a whole lot more accessible. Starting September 9, 2024, TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom is ditching its virtual queue system and embracing the traditional standby line. This electrifying change marks a new era for one of Walt Disney World’s most thrilling attractions, and it’s time to power up your park strategies!
As a fellow Disney enthusiast and travel writer, I’m here to guide you through this game-changing update. We’ll explore what this means for your Magic Kingdom visit, how to optimize your TRON experience, and what to expect when you enter the world of TRON. So, grab your identity disc, and let’s dive into the digital frontier!
The End of an Era: Farewell to Virtual Queue
For over a year, TRON Lightcycle / Run has been operating with a virtual queue system, requiring guests to secure their spot through the My Disney Experience app. This system, while efficient in managing crowds, often left spontaneous park-goers feeling left out. But fear not, Programs! The era of virtual queues for TRON is coming to an end.
Welcome to the New Grid: Standby Queue 101
Starting September 9, you’ll be able to experience TRON Lightcycle / Run just like most other attractions at Walt Disney World – by simply getting in line. This change brings both excitement and new challenges for park visitors. Let’s break down what this means for your Magic Kingdom strategy.
What to Expect
Fluctuating Wait Times: On the first day of standby operations, wait times peaked at 105 minutes shortly after park opening. Expect similar patterns, especially during peak seasons.
No Early Entry (For Now): Surprisingly, TRON will not be part of the Early Entry program initially. This could change in the future, so stay tuned!
Lightning Lane Still Available: For those looking to skip the line, the Lightning Lane Single Pass option remains available.
Strategizing Your TRON Experience
Early Morning Rush
With TRON now operating on a standby basis, the rope drop strategy at Magic Kingdom is getting a major overhaul. Here’s what you need to know:
Be Prepared for the Sprint: Expect a significant portion of early arrivals to make a beeline for TRON.
Consider Other Attractions: With many guests rushing to TRON, this could be an excellent opportunity to experience other popular rides with shorter waits.
Midday Maneuvers
As the day progresses, keep these tips in mind:
Monitor Wait Times: Keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app for real-time wait time updates.
Lunch Time Lull: Sometimes, attraction wait times dip during typical lunch hours. This could be your chance to sneak in a ride with a shorter wait.
Evening Strategies
TRON Lightcycle / Run is a whole different experience at night, and many guests know this. Here’s how to approach it:
Night Ride Rush: Expect longer waits in the evening as people aim for that nighttime TRON experience.
Extended Evening Hours: If you’re staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, take advantage of Extended Evening Hours when offered.
The TRON Experience: What Makes It Unique
TRON Lightcycle / Run isn’t just another roller coaster. It’s a full-body, immersive experience that sets it apart from other attractions:
Unique Ride Vehicle: The bike-style vehicle puts riders in a forward-leaning position, enhancing the feeling of speed and excitement.
Digital Landscape: As you race through the Grid, you’ll be surrounded by stunning visual effects that bring the world of TRON to life.
Speed and Thrills: This is one of the fastest coasters at any Disney park, reaching speeds that will leave you breathless.
Accessibility and Comfort Considerations
While TRON Lightcycle / Run is an incredible experience, it’s important to note that the unique ride vehicle may not be comfortable for all body types:
Size Restrictions: Some larger guests have reported difficulties fitting into the ride vehicles.
Alternative Seating: There are a limited number of traditional bench seats available for those who can’t use the standard vehicles.
Test Vehicle: Take advantage of the test vehicle outside the attraction to ensure a comfortable fit before waiting in line.
Maximizing Your TRON Experience
To make the most of your TRON adventure, consider these tips:
Arrive Early: If TRON is your top priority, consider arriving at park opening to minimize wait times.
Use Single Rider: If available, the single rider line can often have shorter waits.
Night Ride: Try to experience TRON both during the day and at night for two completely different experiences.
Utilize Lightning Lane: If time is of the essence, consider purchasing a Lightning Lane pass for TRON.
The Future of TRON and Magic Kingdom
The introduction of a standby queue for TRON Lightcycle / Run is more than just a change in operations – it’s a shift in the overall Magic Kingdom experience. This change will likely impact crowd flow throughout the park, potentially altering wait times for other attractions and changing how guests plan their day.
As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how this change affects the overall guest experience at Magic Kingdom. Will TRON consistently have the longest wait times in the park? How will it impact other popular attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Space Mountain? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the world of tomorrow at Magic Kingdom just got a lot more exciting!
Tron Lightcycle Queue FAQ’s
Q: When does TRON Lightcycle / Run switch to standby queue?
A: TRON Lightcycle / Run will switch to a standby queue on September 9, 2024.
Q: Will TRON Lightcycle / Run be available during Early Entry?
A: As of now, TRON Lightcycle / Run will not be part of the Early Entry program. However, this could change in the future.
Q: Is Lightning Lane still available for TRON Lightcycle / Run?
A: Yes, the Lightning Lane Single Pass option will still be available for guests who wish to skip the standby line.
Q: What are the expected wait times for TRON Lightcycle / Run?
A: Wait times can vary greatly, but on the first day of standby operations, they peaked at 105 minutes shortly after park opening. Expect similar patterns, especially during peak seasons.
Q: Are there any size restrictions for TRON Lightcycle / Run?
A: Yes, some larger guests have reported difficulties fitting into the standard ride vehicles. There are a limited number of traditional bench seats available for those who can’t use the standard vehicles.
Q: Is TRON Lightcycle / Run suitable for all guests?
A: While TRON is an exciting attraction, its unique ride vehicle and high-speed nature may not be suitable for all guests. It’s recommended to check the height requirements and other safety information before riding.
Final Words
The switch to a standby queue for TRON Lightcycle / Run marks an exciting new chapter for Magic Kingdom. It opens up new possibilities for spontaneous park-goers and challenges us to rethink our park strategies. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, this change offers a fresh opportunity to experience one of Walt Disney World’s most thrilling attractions.
Remember, the key to a successful Disney day is flexibility and planning. Keep an eye on those wait times, be prepared to adjust your schedule, and most importantly, enjoy the ride! The Grid is waiting for you, User. Are you ready to take on TRON Lightcycle / Run?
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