This phase alone should get anyone of all ages excited for a vacation to Universal Orlando Resort. That being said, there might be someone in the family, like your teenager who’s been glued to their phone for months, who could use a healthy dose of enthusiasm for this upcoming adventure. So, here are seven tips to get your crew pumped for your visit to Universal Orlando Resort.

Your wallet will be thrilled when you purchase discounted admission to Universal Orlando Resort through your pals at Orlando Informer. It’s an easy way to save some dough to use on experiences with your family!

Get everyone involved in the planning process

We know you’re the mastermind behind those plane tickets, park passes, and hotel reservations. But hold on – before you start crafting the perfect itinerary, gathering everyone’s input will really make this trip one for the family scrapbook. From thrilling rides to delicious dining, there’s something for everyone.

Let’s start with the little ones. Ask them what their favorite characters and movies are. Have they been reading books about the world of Dr. Seuss? Do they run around the house pretending to be a superhero? Visit the park websites with them and see what they are interested in. This is also a good time to see if your little Slytherin is tall enough (or brave enough) to experience Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. 

If you have older kids and teens at home, you’ve likely gotten a good handle on their interests by now. Have them take the reins and help shape your family’s park experience. Are they craving a milkshake from Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen? Do they want some wave pool time at Volcano Bay? Taking their preferences into account keeps everyone on the same wavelength and makes the trip fun for all!

Browse vacation planning tools and websites together

Knowledge is power, so understanding the parks inside and out will aid you in getting the most out of your trip. Getting a lay of the land will help in making a plan with some wiggle room for spontaneity. Dive into vacation planning websites together to answer any outstanding questions and learn helpful travel tips, all while you bond over your collective excitement.

We at Orlando Informer just so happen to have over 200 pages covering Universal’s theme and water parks, hotels, and more for free. Our OI Universal Center is filled with tips, photos, videos, and reviews to help your family become park aficionados.

Plan themed movie nights

Leading up to your trip, set aside one night a week for a family movie night dedicated to the cinematic stories that will soon unfold before your eyes.

It’s perfectly fine to use this time for your 800th viewing of Despicable Me. However, the best use of movie night is introducing your kids to stories they don’t know. It will also gauge their ability to handle loud noises, scary things, and moments of peril.

For example, E.T. Adventure will be a lot more meaningful if they know who E.T. is. Stream one of the Bourne movies to see if they are interested in watching The Bourne Stuntacular. Bonus points if your family sits down to enjoy every Fast & Furious film together.

With a plethora of attractions based on films in a theme park that celebrates the magic of the cinema, family movie night becomes a preview into the adventures that await at Universal.

Start a countdown

Nothing helps build the excitement for a trip than counting down the days until it begins. Sure, you can cross the days off on a calendar. But why settle for the mundane when you can explore your creative side?

Design your own advent calendar, where each day unveils a travel necessity or accessory to pack away in your luggage. Or, opt for the tear-away countdown, eagerly ripping off each number every morning to unveil a new day of anticipation.

Have your kids earn their souvenir and snack money

Does your child long to wield a wand from Olivander’s Wand Shop? Is your teen itching to get their hands on the Instagram-worthy pink box of donuts from Voodoo Doughnut? Have them earn their souvenirs through doing chores and making their grade goals.

No big ticket item in mind? Well, let’s get creative! Divide your reward system into different categories: Splurges $50 and over, budget-friendly under $30, snack over $15, shirt under $35. The idea is to score their vacation wants by putting in the effort.

Get pumped about walking

Let’s talk vacation fitness. When both kids and parents are used to a desk-bound daily routine, stepping into 8+ hours on your feet all of a sudden can be a bit of a shock to the system.

On my most recent visit to Universal Islands of Adventure, I logged 12,789 steps. That’s 6.1 miles! Let’s prepare for this by getting your family on their feet. Start with 15-20 minute walks around your neighborhood with everyone clad in comfortable sneakers.

While we know that this might not get someone “excited,” it’s a step (thousands of them, really) towards setting the expectations of the experience.

Don’t over-excite your family

This last tip seems counter to what we’re talking about here. Keeping everyone excited about your Universal Orlando trip is fun, but be weary of pre-trip burnout. 

Be respectful of your group’s activities outside of theme park planning. Don’t shove attraction videos in your kid’s face immediately after school. While some of us live and breathe all things theme parks (raises hand), your family might not be on the same rollercoaster of enthusiasm. So, hold off on shoving POV attraction videos in your kid’s face the minute they come home from school. Let them do their own thing and understand when it’s time to ease in and out of the planning. 

If you drive them crazy with praise about the 70-mile-per-hour launch on Jurassic World VelociCoaster, their interest in this thrill could become nothing more than “Let’s get this over with.” Remember to save some magic and excitement for the parks. Everyone will enjoy it better that way.

Do you have a unique idea to share with our readers? Share and discuss with 160,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads,  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Seven Tips to Get Kids Thrilled for Your Universal Orlando Vacation appeared first on Orlando Informer.

So far, after going through our first 11 subjects, Universal and Disney stand tied (we ignore those areas where there is no clear winner). This makes this the tie-breaker round!

Get caught up by reading the first and second articles. I’ll just get a coffee and wait here – no rush.

A note about 2020

This article was written during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 and 2021. Both Universal and Disney have had to make operational adjustments during this time. We looked at this post from a “when everything is running at full capacity again” angle but noted coronavirus-related operational adjustments that will be happening until well into 2021.

1. The resorts’ official websites

The official websites of the theme-park resorts are your second stops for vacation planning – obviously, Orlando Informer is your first visit (just paying the bills, folks!). Disney World’s site is robust and photo-friendly, though it does have some navigational quirks. We find it’s easier to use the links at the top of the page to find what you want, rather than scrolling the main page – it takes some getting used to.

Universal’s site is streamlined, with defined categories (such as parks/hotels) and pics. This is easy to navigate and to understand. Disney’s main page feels like a bunch of photos with no context as to where those photos take you; Universal has a “Deals and Specials” tab, which can be helpful if you’re looking for a quick listing (though you may want to read this before booking anything).

Ultimately, both sites take some time to learn how to navigate.

Verdict: Universal

Having the main topics on the front page – rather than a semi-hidden menu – is a big plus.

Room for improvement: Disney

A “Deals and Specials” tab, or central location to find promotions, would be helpful. 

2. The resorts’ official apps

Tapping around the official resort smart-phone apps is an essential part of your visit. The My Disney Experience app lets you book FastPass+ reservations and manage your MagicBands. While FastPass+ is currently not being used until late 2021, the app also gives you so much more – wait times, show times, mobile food ordering, maps, and the ability to purchase tickets. And another key Disney World app is Disney Play, which provides trivia, games, and playlists, as well as unlocking interactive elements inside the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land.

Universal Orlando’s official app lets you reserve a spot in Virtual Lines, order food, and check showtimes. The app gives you info and provides convenience, but it has no entertainment offerings. It’s a missed opportunity for storytelling and engagement.

Verdict: Disney

While it may be a hassle to have two apps, they perfectly complement each other – information/access on My Disney Experience and entertainment/enjoyment with Disney Play.

Room for improvement: Universal

Adding games when you’re in line for specific attractions – Jurassic Park trivia, Fast & Furious car-part information – would be a fun addition. 

3. Value hotels

Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando offer deluxe and moderately priced hotels, but, for this article, let’s say you just want the least expensive place to crash. At Disney, this is Art of Animation, Pop Century, and the All-Star Resorts. These motel-style properties offer no-frills accommodations, featuring pools, food-court dining, and buses to the parks. All of them are themed, but not to the level of, say, Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Universal’s value hotels are Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Aventura Hotel, and the new Endless Summer Resort complex. These venues are well priced and feature nice theming that doesn’t feel “value.” They come with some fun amenities, like lazy rivers and rooftop bars. And, geographically speaking, the Universal value resorts are closer to their parks then the Disney ones are to theirs.

Verdict: Universal

The theming of Cabana Bay has set a new standard for the budget category. Also – bowling alley!

Room for improvement: Disney

New value hotels that upgrade the theming would tip the scales towards Disney as the accommodation king.

4. Attraction-specific merchandise

Sometimes, you want more than a (resort name) and (year) shirt or mug that you could pick up at the airport. Attraction merchandise is a relatively untapped opportunity.

Universal got this rolling with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – house robes, scarves, wands, and hundreds of other items. Outside of that, however, there is little attraction-specific merch. I can get a Skull Island: Reign of Kong shirt, but not an E.T. Adventure one – only generic E.T. stuff.

At Disney, you can get a Banshee in Pandora – The World of Avatar or your own Jedi robes in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. And while you can purchase any number of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror shirts, there is zip for Jungle Cruise.

Verdict: draw

While the newer, immersive theme-park lands thrive with attraction/land merch, individual rides are a mixed bag.

Room for improvement: Disney

There’s opportunity for smaller, specialized attraction paraphernalia – Kilimanjaro Safaris, Soarin’, or Jungle Cruise. (Yes, I just want a Jungle Cruise shirt. [Not sorry.])

5. Parking

Universal Orlando and Disney World have significantly different parking set-ups.

At Universal, you’re sent into a massive maze of a parking structure. Once you’ve parked, there is a nice hike to the official entrance to the resort. Covered escalators, stairs, moving walkways, and elevators will get you there.

Disney parking consists of massive parking lots outside of the theme parks, with the exception of Magic Kingdom; here, you park your car, take a tram, go through security, then take either a boat or the monorail to the park’s entrance. (Due to COVID-19, all Disney parking lot trams are currently closed, meaning… a long walk to the park entrance.)

While walking through the parking lot in the morning may be fun, the same can’t be said after a long day in the park. With little ones. And souvenir bags. (You get it.)

Verdict: Universal

Universal has a slight edge due to the mostly covered walk to/from your car, and you don’t need to trek the massively sized Disney World lots with zero tram service.

6. Attraction lockers

Many Universal Orlando attractions – Men in Black Alien Attack, The Incredible Hulk Coaster – have no room for bags; before boarding, guests must place their belongings in free storage lockers, located near the rides. The process of finding a locker, putting your stuff inside, and then, afterwards, getting your stuff out can take time. Repeat this process throughout your Universal day, and the lockers become yet another thing you’re waiting for.

Walt Disney World does not have any thrill attractions with required locker use; there is designated “space” on Mission Space and Avatar Flight of Passage for bag storage.

Verdict: Disney

Room for improvement: the guest

To make Universal’s locker process easier, go with smaller bags (or none at all!) that can fit inside one locker. Leave the shopping until the end of the day, so you’re not shoving souvenir bags into the lockers, too.

With a final score of three to two (not including the draw, of course), Universal is the victor in round three – and the overall winner of all 17 categories, with a grand total of seven to Disney’s six. Now, let’s see how things change as we continue to move forward, into 2022 and beyond.

What are your own picks? Head on over to either our Universal Community or Disney Community on Facebook to let thousands of other fans know. And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and tips at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Universal vs. Disney: What the two resorts could learn from each other (round three) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

Get caught up by reading the first outing (go ahead – I’ll wait), and then let’s plunge into round two.

A note about 2020

This article was written during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Both Universal and Disney have had to make operational adjustments during this time. We looked at this post from a “when everything is running at full capacity again” angle but noted coronavirus-related operational adjustments that will be happening until well into 2021.

1. Family-friendly attractions 

Walt Disney built Disneyland for families. That idea – attractions that everyone could enjoy – extended into Disney World a decade-and-a-half later. Universal went for thrills and teens; young children, grandparents, and even those with motion sickness or back/heart conditions can be left behind at Universal Orlando.

This carries over to both resorts’ newer additions, as well. Walt Disney World’s (such as Toy Story Land and Pandora – The World of Avatar) have a good mix of family-friendly and thrills. Universal’s, meanwhile (The Bourne Stuntacular and Transformers : The Ride – 3D), can be too intense for young ones. But, looking to the future, the two locations are set to debut new coasters – Tron Lightcycle Power Run at Magic Kingdom and Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure – that will probably leave someone in the family out.

Verdict: Disney

Disney World has way more family-friendly attractions than does Universal Orlando. That said, however, both parks seem to be steering more and more towards thrill rides. Height and health restrictions will no doubt limit enjoyment for families.

Room for improvement: Universal

There is a huge need for a Seuss Landing-equivalent area at Universal Studios Florida – Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone is very limited. A theoretical land based on the works of either Illumination Entertainment or DreamWorks Animation, which would offer something for the little ones, is sorely needed. (Super Nintendo World should help when it arrives in a few years, but this will be stationed down at Epic Universe, the new theme park.)

2. Single riders

Far from a comment on your relationship status, the single-riders’ line can reduce your wait time at select attractions. It’s a ride-operations tactic – by filling in empty seats, cars/coasters are sent out full, shortening the line more quickly.

Disney features four attractions with single-rider options: Test Track, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, and Expedition Everest. Universal features 10 single rider-friendly experiences, including three of the rides in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Verdict: Universal

If you don’t mind breaking off from your party for a bit (and who doesn’t?), you can save time in the single-rider line.

Room for improvement: Disney

It’s not easy to reconfigure current queues to feature a single-rider’s line. Ideally,  new attractions – such as Tron Lightcycle Run – will bring this option into the mix.

3. Classic attractions

Admit it – you like It’s a Small World. Beloved classics that entertain and enchant are found all over Walt Disney World. Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Thunder Mountain are Magic Kingdom staples. Over time, attractions such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Spaceship Earth, and The American Adventure have achieved iconic status.

Universal, on the other hand, lacks nostalgic classics. Since Universal Studios Florida’s opening, the company’s said “hasta la vista” to such heavy hitters as Terminator 2 3D: Battle across Time, Jaws, Kongfrontation, and Twister… Ride It Out. The lone remaining legendary ride here is E.T. Adventure, and who knows how long until he phones home forever?

Verdict: Disney

They may receive tweaks and adjustments, but classic Disney attractions are here to stay.

Room for improvement: Universal

While icons may disappear, there’s always the chance that the characters will return in a new form. Skull Island: Reign of Kong, for example, keeps the big ape around, years after Kongfontation took its final bow. 

4. Shows and entertainment

(Note: many shows, parades, and nighttime entertainment options are not running due to the impact of COVID-19.)

Live shows, parades, and nighttime spectaculars are key parts of a theme-park experience. Disney dazzles guests with shows like The Legend of the Lion King and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. The Festival of Fantasy parade rolls through Magic Kingdom while Happily Ever After, Fantasmic, and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular light up the night.

Universal Studios Florida features many shows, such as Blues Brothers and The Bourne Stuntacular. The park also has one parade and the nighttime Cinematic Celebration. Across the way at Islands of Adventure, there are smaller productions – Hogsmeade‘s entertainment and Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear. There is no parade, but The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle is the evening show (throughout most of the year).

Verdict: Disney

With four parks full of shows and entertainment options, Disney is the clear winner.

Room for improvement: Universal

Space prevents any kind of parade from maneuvering through Islands of Adventure. Yet a night show in the lagoon seems like a no-brainer and would serve as a wonderful “kiss goodnight” that wraps up your day.  

5. Premium holiday events

After-hours holiday events are some of the busiest – and best – times to visit the parks.

At Disney World, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are big draws. These family-friendly events provide special holiday entertainment, characters, treats, and merchandise.

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights features Hollywood-level haunted houses, scare zones, and shows. HHN is the biggest and best Halloween haunt around, but it’s not for everyone – especially the little ones.

Verdict: Universal

While you can’t look at family-friendly versus scary as the factor, Halloween Horror Nights is what puts Universal on top – the detail, craftsmanship, costumes, scare actors, and talent on display is just world-class. Also, Horror Nights constantly changes year after year, while the Disney parties stay (mostly) the same.

6. Seasonal festivals and events

Seasonal events and festivals keep guests coming back beyond the traditional summer vacation. EPCOT is festival central, featuring International Flower & Garden, International Food & Wine, International Festival of the Arts, and International Festival of the Holidays. Universal counters with Rock the Universe, Mardi Gras, Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Verdict: draw

The EPCOT festivals, while excellent, can feel repetitive. Universal doesn’t offer as much, but the theming, detail, and festive foods that are sold are solid.

Room for improvement: Disney

Something that’s not an EPCOT festival would be welcome and may tip the scales in the Mouse’s favor.

With a final score of three to two (not including the draw, of course), Disney is the victor in round two. But when all 11 topics thus far are taken together, the two resorts currently stand tied – four and four. We’ll have to see if the third and final mash-up will allow one company to pull ahead of the other.

What are your own picks? Head on over to either our Universal Community or Disney Community on Facebook to let thousands of other fans know. And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and tips at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Universal vs. Disney: What the two resorts could learn from each other (round two) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

There are also many differences, and both resorts can improve the guest experience. That’s what we’re doing in these articles – we’re going to compare different things about each, and declare which one (if either) does it better. We’ll also give our thoughts on ways that they could upgrade these elements for their many visitors.

For this first (of three) rounds, we’re going to tackle five specific areas and see who comes out on top at this early juncture.

A note about 2020

This article was written during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Both Universal and Disney have had to make operational adjustments during this time. We looked at this post from a “when everything is running at full capacity again” angle but noted coronavirus-related operational adjustments that will be happening until well into 2021.

1. Queue bypass system

Disney World offers the free FastPass+ system (currently not in use due to COVID). There are rumors of a new system that will incorporate FP+ and Magic Bands in 2021. Universal has Virtual Lines for select attractions, as well as a paid upgrade – Express Passes. Basic Express lets you skip the regular line one time, while Express Unlimited is – surprise – unlimited at participating rides. While Disney’s FastPass is free, you can get Universal’s Express Passes for free if you stay at one of the resort’s premier hotels.

Express access is helpful in busy times, but it’s not necessary when the parks are slow. The price of Express changes day to day. Since everyone has free access to FastPass+, that can make the FP+ line longer than the Universal counterpart, which has a limit on the amount of passes sold per day.

Verdict: draw

The limited amount of Express Passes in the park can greatly reduce your wait time, but it’s not very helpful on slower days. FastPass+ is free, but the amount of reservations you use is limited each day.

Room for improvement: Universal

Adding perks, discounts, or other incentives to Universal’s Express on slow days would make this an extra fun value to have. 

2. Annual passes

Walt Disney World has three tiers of annual passes: Platinum, Platinum Plus, and Water Parks. Each one gives you access to the parks for one year, with various blackout dates (except Platinum Plus, which has none). The passes also grant you perks; access to events; hotel, dining, and merchandise discounts; and free parking.

(Due to COVID-19, Disney is capping theme-park attendance. Guests must “reserve” a day though the Park Pass Reservation system. While there are slots set aside for annual passholders, it’s possible you may not get access to a particular park on a high-attendance day. This isn’t technically a blackout date, but some may think limited access with a Platinum Plus Pass is a deal breaker.)

Universal Orlando has four echelons of annual passes: Seasonal, Power, Preferred, and Premier. Each comes in a two- or three-park version, with that third park being Volcano Bay. The perks are fun – discounts on parking, dining, merchandise, and hotel stays, along with early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and, in the case of Premier, free Express access after 4:00 pm.

Verdict: Universal

With no equivalent to the Park Pass Reservation system in place, and the free Express Pass benefit, you can’t beat the value of the Universal annual passes.

Room for improvement: Disney

Providing APs early entry into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Pandora – The World of Avatar would be a big boost.

3. Dining program

(Note: as of now, Disney is not offering its various Disney Dining Plans. They will likely return when current attendance and social-distancing guidelines are relaxed.)

The Disney Dining Plans are pre-paid dining programs. Some offer a set price for dining credits; as an example, the Quick-Service Plan allows you two quick-service meals and two snacks or non-alcoholic drinks per day. You also get a refillable mug to use at your resort. 

Universal’s Dining Plan – Quick Service offers one quick-service meal (with a non-alcoholic beverage), a snack, and another soft drink. There is an additional option that adds on a Coke Freestyle souvenir cup, granting you unlimited refills at select locations in the parks. The mainline Dining Plan, meanwhile, offers great flexibility, with over 100 locations, including many snack carts.

For Disney, it can be stressful to use all of your credits, and there’s a lack of flexibility. If you ordered the Quick-Service Plan, you can’t “upgrade” to a table-service meal. Also, you can’t use the credits at every dining or outdoor vending venue.

Verdict: Universal

Universal’s Dining Plan offers much more flexibility. (Be sure to look at our full article on how the cost breaks down.)

Room for improvement: Disney

Disney needs to expand the amount of locations and lower the price tag so that it’s more closely aligned in value with Universal Orlando’s. 

4. Dining value

The Disney World hotels attempt to provide meals that satisfy every guest’s budget. Quick-service options are priced comparatively between the resorts, with each offering more or less the same kinds of meals – sandwich, fries, salad, pizza. Portion sizes are just about the same.

Disney has far more table-service dining (with or without characters – we don’t judge), but Universal’s can be more affordable; you will be paying a lot more for a family of four to eat at the high-end Tiffins restaurant at Animal Kingdom than you will at Mythos in Islands of Adventure. Universal visitors can bring down their dining prices if they have some meals outside of the park. CityWalk has a wide range of price points, as does the nearby International Drive. Eating inexpensively outside of Disney theme parks is possible – but not as convenient. Disney Springs has plenty of table-service venues but way fewer quick-service or fast-casual options.

Verdict: draw

Both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World offer plenty of options for dining value, though they may not be as convenient/tasty as you would hope. 

5. Dining variety

Over the years, both theme-park resorts have expanded the variety of food and flavors you can find.

Disney has upped its in-park game, with Satu’li Canteen offering unique-yet-familiar dishes. Table-service options include Tiffins, Be Our Guest, and Skipper’s Canteen – each with its own kind of menu. At Disney Springs, restaurants such as Morimoto, Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, Raglan Road, and Rainforest Cafe cater to foodies and families alike.

Universal set a new standard in themed dining with The Three Broomsticks. While Mythos is an award-winning full-service eatery, the other in-park sit-down dining options are unspectacular. And CityWalk may feature many restaurants that are available in other cities – Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Hard Rock Cafe, for instance –  but it has ventured out into new flavors; Bigfire and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen are bold and creative locations that revise the idea of theme-park dining.

Verdict: Disney

Whether in the park or outside of it, Disney has a wider variety of cuisine. There’s also always something that is either familiar or adventurous.

Room for improvement: Universal

Finding celebrity chef-driven concepts to compete with Disney Springs can help up the ante. (Sorry, Emeril!)

With a final score of two to one (not including the draws, of course), Universal is now in the lead. But remember – we still have two more rounds left!

What are your own picks? Head on over to either our Universal Community or Disney Community on Facebook to let thousands of other fans know. And then be sure to follow Orlando Informer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news and tips at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

The post Universal vs. Disney: What the two resorts could learn from each other (round one) appeared first on Orlando Informer.

You: “We’re going to Disney World!”

Them: “Again? Uuuuugh.”

Maybe it’s time to shake up your traditional Walt Disney World Resort trip. The parks and resorts are wonderful places, but Fantasyland fatigue is real. Yet there is another way to make lasting Disney family memories: the Disney Cruise Line. These seafaring adventures include touches of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel magic. And with the recent unveiling of the fleet’s fifth ship, the Disney Wish, taking a cruise is a solid alternative to the parks. Say “bon voyage” to theme-park inconveniences while enjoying the Disney storytelling and creativity that you crave.

Today, we’re going to give you some reasons to consider taking a Disney Cruise instead of visiting Disney World – six, in fact.

1. Embrace the slower pace

Your time in the parks is packed. Reservations. FastPasses. Set your alarm clock or kiss away your chance for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

A voyage on the Disney Cruise Line flows at a much more leisurely pace. Feel like sitting by the pool all day, comforted by tasty libations? Go for it. You are a go for constant sunbathing or repeated AquaDuck water coaster rides. For kids, the Oceaneering Club, Oceaneering Lab, or the upcoming Walt Disney Imagineering Lab (a Disney Wish exclusive) are fun drop-off spots where they can find abundant activity options. And speaking of the Wish, it will feature the AquaMouse, which is billed as the first-ever Disney attraction at sea.

Yes, there are still set times for theater shows and for dinner, but, overall, time is on your side. Gee, a Disney vacation where you can actually relax? Who’s in?

2. Enjoy cabin fever

Resorts like Wilderness Lodge are majestic places to stay – but, on your typical Walt Disney World visit, how often are you in that room? On the Disney Cruise Line, your stateroom is your home, and it’s also an attraction unto itself.

Each of the five ships – Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish – feature staterooms that fit your cruise budget. Concierge rooms are the top places to crash. These spacious rooms can sleep five and have a private veranda looking out onto the ocean. Oceanview staterooms give you a window onto the sea, while verandah rooms feature a small private patio. On most cruise lines, the inside staterooms are windowless and dull, but Disney’s basic staterooms feature Magic Portholes! These screens give you real-time views of the ocean from your stateroom’s point-of-view via camera – sprinkled with some Disney surprises, of course. (The upcoming Wish‘s staterooms will switch up the theming, featuring artwork and decorative touches of iconic elements found in Disney’s films.)

3. On a (private) island in the sun

Imagine if guests of one Disney hotel had exclusive access to one Disney park. IKNOWRIGHT?

On most cruise lines, you will stop at the same ports of call (Nassau, Key West, and such); on select Disney Cruise Line itineraries, you will spend a day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. This small bit of tropical heaven has family snorkeling, beach sports, dance parties (they’re not just for Tomorrowland!), volleyball, boating rentals, and so much more. There are specialized activities and areas for teens and kids, as well. And those 18 and over can head to Serenity Bay for a quieter beach-going experience.

The exclusivity of Castaway Cay puts it miles ahead of other Florida or Caribbean beaches. A Disney location without crowds? Sounds like paradise. 

4. Distinct Disney dining

There’s something special about dining at Disney World. There’s the magic of a meal at Be Our Guest and the top-notch flavors of Tiffins.

Dining on a Disney Cruise Line ship is no exception. For dinner, you will rotate between three different restaurants, each with a unique theme and experience; for example, on the Disney Magic, you switch between Animator’s Palate, Rapunzel’s Royal Table, and Lumiere’s. (And the Disney Wish will offer Arendelle: A Frozen Disney Adventure, as well as Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge.) Each one is family-friendly and offers small magical moments. Adults have the option to dine at Palo, which offers sweeping views of the sea. And outside of dinner, there are plenty of quick-service locations, fast bites, and bars that can also be found around the ship.

5. Can’t miss the magic

Guests flock to Walt Disney World Resort to dip their toes – or cannonball – into the various magical realms and rub elbows with classic characters. That special sauce – fantasy, imagination, and a touch of nostalgia – is something families crave and expect.

None of it is missing on the Disney Cruise Line. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet Captain Mickey and his pals. The live shows and entertainment are on-par with Disney’s Broadway productions. While there’s no Disney Springs on board, you’ll find both familiar and exclusive Disney merch on the ship. And what’s a Disney visit without fireworks? You’re in luck – most cruises feature Fireworks at Sea.

See? All of the Disney magic you need, without the long lines for attractions.

6. A true World Showcase

The rumors are true – visiting the countries of EPCOT doesn’t count as world travel.

Here’s where the Disney Cruise Line leaps ahead of Disney World: cruises are an opportunity to visit places other than America! The Disney cruises offer yearly and seasonal excursions to different locations – set sail for the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Bahamas, Hawai’i , and Alaska (yes, both of those last ones are part of America, but work with me here). These excursions can be eye-opening experiences for yourself and your kids. It’s a small way to discover authentic cultures, food, and people.

There is more to the world than Florida, and sailing on Disney Cruise Line combines magic with discovery.

How have your Disney cruise experiences stacked up to those of your Disney World ones? Let us – and thousands of other Disney fans – know in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

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The original Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood was not only one of the early ways for people to see how movies are made, but also where. There’s a thrill to seeing the actual Bates House from Psycho and the town square where Back to the Future was filmed. And when Universal decided to get a piece of the Central Florida theme-park scene, it set out to further showcase the behind-the-scenes wonder of filmmaking. When Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, it billed itself as a park that doubled as a working production studio. This “flipped the script” on the Hollywood original, which is a working studio that eventually expanded into a theme park.

A major component of Universal Studios Florida was Nickelodeon Studios, a series of “soundstages” where Nick television shows, such as Double Dare and Clarissa Explains It All, were shot. Guests could tour the facility and, even, take the larger Production Studio Tour to get the full filmmaking experience. In the park’s very earliest days, guests may have also been able to see the first full production that took place there, Psycho IV. 

In addition to the Studio Tour, Universal filled its Orlando location with attractions that demystified the filmmaking process. Shows like Alfred Hitchhock: The Art of Making Movies or the Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater (it’s really freaky to think an Angela Lansbury series for adults was placed inside a theme park) were designed to educate guests on pre-production, shooting, and post-production. Even the rides, like E.T. Adventure, had a filmmaking angle to them; Steven Spielberg was your host, and there were studio-set props of lights and a director’s chair placed inside the queue.

Along with the nearby Disney-MGM Studios park (which today is known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios), Universal Studios Florida was poised to make Orlando into “Hollywood East.” Guests would mix behind-the-scenes shows with glimpses of soon-to-be seen blockbusters being filmed nearby – Disney even invested in a full Feature Animation Studio tour. But, like many Hollywood projects, this dream bombed. Over time, the number of film and television productions tanked. And producers didn’t want to film in the state, either – the expense of moving/housing everyone to/in Central Florida, as well as the area’s lack of crew, facilities, and production resources, did not appeal to them.

This reality caused a chain reaction throughout Universal’s park. The Production Studio Tour – the perennial jewel in Universal Studios Hollywood’s crown – was closed after only five years of operation. Nickelodeon packed up for California in 2005. Smaller productions and local commercials continued to shoot at Universal Studios, but those were too rare for visitors. Also – it wasn’t something that could pull people away from Disney. A new approach was needed.

Universal tapped its vast catalog of films for its first round of new attractions that would employ only oblique filmmaking angles. Revenge of the Mummy (which opened in 2004) is a thrill ride that drops guests into the world of the Mummy movies. Its story is about being on set with the director, actors, and a hapless PA (where is my cup of coffee?!), and how their on-location filming sets off Revenge of the Mummy’s wacky hijinks. Twister… Ride It Out (1998) removes the fourth wall entirely, having the cast and crew directly addressing you. Disaster: A Major Motion Picture Ride… Starring You! (2008) is grounded in the financial aspects of show biz, to comic – rather than documentary – effect.

The park’s transition from “riding the moviemakers’ rides” to “ride the moves” hasn’t been an entirely linear one. For years, Universal has been utilizing its movie backlog for attractions completely void of the filmmaking angle – Kongfrontation (1990), Back to the Future: The Ride (1991), and its successor, The Simpsons Ride (2008), had absolutely nothing to do with Hollywood. Terminator 2 3D: Battle across Time (suuper) (1996) and Men in Black Alien Attack (2000) further shoved the whole behind-the-scenes approach into the past. And 1999’s Islands of Adventure was the company’s attempt at an unreservedly transitional theme park with no “you’re in a backlot” marketing angle at all.

While Universal Studios Florida may have had an identity crisis in the early 2000s, a certain Boy Wizard steered the park into its current – and permanent – state. The two halves of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hogsmeade (2010) and Diagon Alley (2014), pushed us directly into Harry’s wondrous world – we could walk into Hogwarts Castles and down a pint of Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks. Other additions, such as Transformers: The Ride – 3D (2013) and the upcoming Jurassic World VelociCoaster (2021), further push us into first-person hero’s-journey roles. 

Today, the Universal Studios that thrills millions of visitors a year hardly resembles the one introduced to the world in 1990. While the Hollywood and San Francisco facades, soundstage-themed exteriors, and general layout remain, the park doesn’t pretend to immerse you in the filmmaking process. That’s okay. We only need to fire up YouTube or watch the special features included on our copy of Jaws or King Kong to get an idea of all that. The mystique of making movies isn’t as strong as it once was; technology and the internet have broken down walls, allowing us to make movies if we so choose.

We clamor for themed entertainment experiences to lose ourselves in other worlds – to step into the past or the future, to walk to the edge of death before being pulled back at the last second. Ask anyone that has zoomed through the Forbidden Forest on Hagird’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (2019) or come face-to-face with Kong on Skull Island: Reign of Kong (2016) – living the adventure is much more visceral and emotional than seeing how your favorite film or show is made. 

Sorry, Angela Lansbury. It’s true. There – I said it. 

What’s your favorite attraction or experience from Universal Studios Florida’s hallowed past? Tell us – and 150,000+ other die-hard Universal fans – in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

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You’ve seen that Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resorts are welcoming back guests. Due to the ever-present coronavirus, though, the theme parks and resorts have made considerable adjustments that will impact your visit. Here are some tips for visiting the parks during the age of the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Review park guidelines

Understanding how the theme parks are currently operating is essential. We have articles on the changes that both Universal and Disney have put in place – take time to read them, as well as the resorts’ official sites. They will help you set your expectations; you won’t be caught off guard as to why, for example, FastPass+ isn’t available. And these guidelines will help inform you of what you need to pack/purchase beforehand.

After looking over the guidelines, you may feel differently about visiting with your family. That’s fine and understandable! The parks will always be there waiting for you. 

2. Advance tickets/reservations

You’ve heard us say this before, but it’s vital now – purchase your park tickets before you arrive. Having your passes in hand means one less line you’ll have to wait in.

For Disney World, there is the extra step of having to obtain a Disney Parks Pass reservation. Remember, you need to purchase your tickets before making a reservation, and understand that the day you want to visit may not have any reservations left. (Also, for now, there is no park hopping at Disney World – keep that in mind as you plan.)

3. Mask up

Masks or face shields are required for your visit to either Disney or Universal. Take a look at the resorts’ guidelines for specific mask/age requirements. But, put basically, masks must be secured under the chin with loops or ties – no gaiters or bandannas. If you’re spending multiple days in the parks, we recommend wearing a new mask each day or washing them between visits. Think of it like this: each day you will wear a new shirt, new mask, and new pair of underwear!

Before you head to the theme parks, find one or two masks that are comfortable and give them a test run. Give extra consideration for kiddos that aren’t used to wearing them. Have a family conversation as to why it’s important that they use them in the parks. 

4. Mobile ready

OMG – you can purchase your pink spirit jersey with your phone! In order to reduce contact, the parks are heavily encouraging paying with a mobile device. Before you arrive, set up payments in Google Pay or Apple Pay and familiarize yourself with how it works. (Note: paying for coffee with your watch is legit life changing).

While you’re at it, download the official apps for Disney World and Universal Orlando. The parks have reduced paper map availability, and the apps also give you wait times and mobile food ordering – as well as pinpointing the location of the nearest restroom (huge win for parents). You also need the My Disney Experience app to make your Park Pass reservation, so that’s another reason to completely rely on your phone for any and all interaction. 

5. Consider your transportation

Disney’s transportation has been adjusted to allow for appropriate social distancing. Those changes can impact your visit.  Buses, boats, Disney Skyliner, and monorails are operating with reduced capacity – you may be waiting for a few buses to “fill up” before getting on. Currently, there are no parking lot trams available at any of the four Disney theme parks. That can be a 10 to 15 minute walk – in the Florida sun – to the main entrance.

If these things worry you, consider renting/traveling in your own car – a mask-free and air-conditioned vehicle can come in handy after a day in the parks.  

6. Other supplies

There are a few other “must haves” to pack on your trip. First off, there are masks – you can bring your own, but know that all of the parks are selling them, too. Personal bottles of hand sanitizer will be very useful, as well. You may take your mask off on some water rides (check the specific attraction), so keep a plastic bag handy to place them in.  Also, consider bringing a personal touchless thermometer with you and keep it in your hotel room. If you find someone in your party is running a 100.4-degree temperature, she will not be allowed in the park – better to figure that out before you make it to the turnstiles.

7. Note relaxation stations

It’s Florida – you need to get out of this confounded mask for five minutes or you’ll go insane! Both Universal and Disney have set up relaxation stations. These are shaded areas where you may take off your face covering and chill for a few moments (just make sure you’re six feet away from other parties). Check the park app or ask a team member to find the nearest location.

8. Manage your expectations

As you’ve no doubt heard, we are living in challenging times. A theme park is a place for escape and reassurance – seeing social-distancing markers is a real-word intrusion on the park-going experience. The companies are adjusting to this “new normal” to keep guests and employees safe while still providing the fun and enjoyment we seek at these resorts. 

Create a new mindset – and set of expectations – before you arrive at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resorts. This won’t be like your last visit; it will be strange to have your temperature checked, wear a mask, and not have the chance to hug Goofy. You may not get your favorite table in The Three Broomsticks or that prime seat on Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith due to social distancing. By following these tips, however, you will still manage to have a tiny bit of magic in an uncertain world.

Discuss your current travel plans to Orlando with 100,000+ other theme-park fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

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Why are dark rides so abundant? They combine all the tricks of classic attraction design – story, emotion, technology, thrills – in a high-capacity system. And here’s how they came to be.

The first dark rides

Today’s modern dark rides trace their origins back to the late 19th century. The country was prospering, giving people free time and disposable income. Amusement parks sprung up as a way for individuals to spend both.

The first dark rides began as a two-person boat attraction, known as a mill ride. The earliest example was called, unsurprisingly, the Old Mill, which opened at Coney Island. On these early versions, visitors would float past scenes, usually scary ones. A subgenre of this ride is the Tunnel of Love; at a time when public displays of affection were frowned upon, these dark rides allowed couples the chance for covert canoodling.

Soon, dark rides began to appear in amusement parks around the country. As their popularity grew, park operators realized that scares weren’t enough. These experiences started to tell stories, sometimes featuring scenes with mannequins. They began experimenting with lighting and sound, and the experiences became thematic and artistic. But just as dark rides were evolving, a new form of amusement attraction threatened to derail their popularity.

The roller coaster has humble beginnings as a cart ride that moved down flat railroad tracks. But that technology evolved, giving people something dark rides could not – adrenaline. The Cyclone debuted at Coney Island in 1927, delivering an experience that riders never had before. Demand for thrill rides increased, and popularity in dark rides plummeted. How could these slow-moving attractions compete? (Another reason for their decline was the acceptance of public affection – people no longer needed to hide inside a dark ride.  [Take it from someone that used to work at Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland – couples, married and unmarried, still use dark rides to, ahem,  “show affection.”])

Enter Disneyland

In 1955, dark rides – and the idea of what an amusement park could be – changed forever. Walt Disney made this type of experience the centerpiece of his Disneyland dream. This park would shun the seedy, thrill-ride-heavy and midway-driven parks that were prevalent in the early 1950s; Disneyland would be a showcase for animated films, such as Snow White and Peter Pan. Walt wanted families to enjoy attractions together. And dark rides – not thrills – were the right vessel to bring these stories to life.

Disneyland showcased dark rides that featured new technology and different takes on storytelling. With Peter Pan’s Flight, the track was not on the ground, but on the ceiling, which allowed you to fly over London and off to Neverland. The story of Snow White’s Adventures left many guests confused. Snow White wasn’t in her own attraction – you were seeing things through her point of view. This perspective switch became part of Disney’s modus operandi; on dark rides such as Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Spaceship Earth, you may be a casual observer, but in others – Haunted Mansion, Horizons, The Great Movie Ride – you are part of the story.

While the storytelling and scope evolved, the slow-moving pace of dark rides stayed the same. But this was about to change.

(Dark) ride the movies

Opening in 1962, Universal Studios Hollywood’s popular Studio Tour had become a must-see addition to a Southern California vacation. Seizing an opportunity to get a bigger slice of the theme-park pie, Universal leapt directly into Disney’s territory. Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, featuring a small collection of classic dark rides, headlined by the flying E.T. Adventure.

Universal had changed the themed landscape, and it was about to change the dark ride forever. Islands of Adventure opened in 1999 and saw the debut of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, which featured rolling motion vehicles, 3D projection, in-your-face special effects, and practical set-piece elements. The dark ride was no longer slow and steady – it was a moving, thrilling, all-out assault on the senses.

You say you want a revolution

Spidey was just the tip of the spear in a decade full of innovation. A few years before, in 1995, Disney debuted its dark-ride thrill in the form of Indiana Jones Adventure, which was the combination of two technologies –  a motion-simulator system on a dark ride track. Men in Black Alien Attack added gamification just a year later. And around the same time, Tokyo Disneyland introduced trackless systems with the revolutionary Pooh’s Hunny Hunt. 

Then Universal took things even further with a step into the dark (ride) arts. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey debuted in 2010, plunging guests into the wizard’s world. The attraction’s ride system, a robotic arm, followed a track as it flung passengers into wrap-around screens, practical sets, and special effects. Its followup – Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – featured a roller coaster track, which allowed ride vehicles to speed up, slow down, and even stop (and also allowed show scenes with Lord Voldemort, who threatened your escape).

The next chapter

In the last year, dark rides have taken another massive leap forward. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a galactic adventure. Combining flight-simulator and dark-ride systems with a walk-through experience, this attraction throws you into battle, surrounded with amazing practical and special effects. Disney’s newest outing, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, features groundbreaking  2½D (3D without wearing glasses). Universal Studios Hollywood opened Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash earlier this year, featuring loads of audio-animatronic figures and projection-mapping (along with some other tricks). 

We know where dark rides are, but where are we going? What will be unveiled to us in Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan or Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure? Dark rides will evolve, but the experience will depend on one thing: story. These entire parks, after all, are built around storytelling, and a dark ride doesn’t need to shake you to be satisfying – it just needs to create the best narrative.

And while some stories demand excitement and others seek to deliver family fun, the most satisfying attractions use technology to evoke emotion – flying over London is just as wondrous as fighting for the AllSpark. Dark rides deliver these amazing experiences, and there’s no stopping their evolution. 

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We don’t have a crystal ball, and even if we did, 2020 has been so wild, we wouldn’t trust it. But that doesn’t stop us from making some educated guesses, especially concerning Walt Disney World and its MagicBand system, which is due for some pretty big changes when the resort reopens in July.

Here’s what we know so far: when the parks come back online, they’ll do so without FastPass+ reservations. And while hotel guests with current bookings will still receive MagicBands, that program will end on January 1, 2021. This has led many to speculate whether the twin items are being phased out, or if they are just on pause while the Disney Park Pass reservation system stays in effect until September 26, 2021.

Join us now as we speculate on how MagicBands – as well as FastPass+ – may change. 

The fall of MagicBands

Disney has invested billions in a system that is suddenly not being used. MagicBands are a key feature to the Disney World experience, especially for hotel guests – it’s your park ticket, room key, and charge card. They are also big moneymakers for Disney – check out a MagicBand kiosk for dozens of accessories and limited editions.

The wristbands will still be used by visitors when the parks reopen, yet those not staying on property will have little – if no – use for them.  Why wear one if FastPass+ isn’t available? Returning resort guests, meanwhile, may still use their MagicBands or purchase one at a discount, but if they choose to go band-less, their tickets and hotel key are placed on a Key to the World card (Disney’s fancy name for your room key card).

MagicBands, in other words, have been given a downgrade. The question now becomes if they will be replaced by your smartphone.

The rise of the My Disney Experience app

Remember the days of asking a cast member what time the 3:00 parade was? The My Disney Experience app already allows you to check park maps and showtimes, as well as order food, from your smartphone, and Disney has mentioned that new and enhanced features will bring the functionality of MagicBands to the app, as well.

Phone technology has increased since MagicBands were first introduced five years ago – picture-flashing your phone at a FastPass+ kiosk instead of using a MagicBand? This app is bursting with potential. The pandemic, though less than ideal itself, seems to be the ideal opportunity for Disney to rethink the entire guest experience, especially its wearable devices.

No touching is the present – and, maybe, the future

COVID-19 has made us very aware of physical contact. A few months ago, we wouldn’t have thought twice of handing a cashier our credit card; seemingly overnight, we’ve gone touch-free. There are already touchless transactions at Disney World – mobile-ordering food, for example, is fast and convenient. MagicBands may play a role in expanding contactless transactions. We see a scenario where you connect a credit card and/or Apple or Google Pay to My Disney Experience – MagicBand purchasing power!

Hotel guests can already purchase with their bands. Look for non-hotel patrons and annual passholders to have access to the same ability – tap to purchase churros, along with both plush and Fuzzy Tauntauns for your crew. Contactless shopping could arrive, too. Think of how many hands have touched that Stitch plush – you’d feel safer scrolling store inventory on your smartphone. Just tap to purchase and pick up at the store!

One MagicBand element that may vanish is using your fingerprint at the theme parks’ entry gates. (Remember, no touching!) Look for admission to be tied into My Disney Experience and for tickets to be paired with a photo. MagicBands – connected with Disney’s or your bank’s app – will be your no-touch credit card alternative at Walt Disney World.

What will happen with FastPass+?

The future of MagicBands hinges largely on the future of FastPass+ . This “virtual line” system dumps people into stores, restaurants, and other attraction queues. Upon reopening, Disney parks are reducing daily attendance and putting in measures to keep parties six feet apart in lines – shutting off FastPass+ sends people into those queues and (in theory) away from places that will have a harder time maintaining social distancing, like shops. 

Also, without FastPasses, the need for MagicBand plummets, especially for non-Disney hotel guests. It’s true that you can still connect your park admission and PhotoPass to your wristband – yet, without attraction reservations attached to it, it doesn’t have nearly as much use as it did before. And, additionally, the need to sell or purchase limited-edition MagicBands disappears.

Once the pandemic subsides and people feel safe traveling, the demand for Disney parks will return – at that time, FastPass+ (or another kind of reservation system) will also probably return. At this time, however, the My Disney Experience app will be how you reserve and use your FastPass+ reservations. (Let’s not forget that mobile ticketing is already common for concerts, airplane tickets, and sporting events.)

What’s that? You can’t picture a park operating with a virtual queuing system that doesn’t require plastic wearables? My friend, we only need to look down the road at Universal Orlando Resort (waves to King Kong) to see how Virtual Lines tied to a phone app works. And at Disneyland Resort, MaxPass is a premium service that allows you to get FastPass reservations on your phone, as well as use them for attraction entry. Attraction reservations and redemption via smartphones is already here – or, I guess you could say, the future is now.

The future is mixed

To wrap up, it’s likely that MagicBands will be downgraded from “essential” to “optional.” It’s easy to look at the fact that Disney hotel guests will no longer get complimentary MagicBands and declare the program dead. But this is due to the Disney Park Pass reservation system – why should the resorts hand out complementary plastic that doesn’t have a key (and heavily marketed) feature?

The future is likely a mix between MagicBands and My Disney Experience working side-by-side. Some guests will go all phone – with their admission, park tickets, and hotel key all on their device. Others will favor the wearable, opting for convenience.

Ultimately, though, no matter what happens, visitors will benefit when Disney creates new and convenient ways to navigate its parks.

What do you think the future holds at Walt Disney World? Discuss it with thousands of other Disney fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

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