Unfortunately, when it comes to the best Hollywood Studios restaurants, offerings are a bit harder to find. Over the years, Hollywood Studios has expanded their dining establishments, so we have put together the ultimate guide on which places to dine, and which to avoid.

What are the Best Quick-Service Restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

Dining quick service is a great option at Hollywood Studios, given the number of attractions and shows you’ll want to check off your itinerary. Akin to typical counter service dining at many fast food chain restaurants, Disney World’s quick service establishments allow you to order and receive your food fast, so you’re back to the magic in no time. Use mobile ordering to expedite your dining experience further.

Below are some of the best quick service restaurants we’ve found in Hollywood Studios.

Best: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Skip: Backlot Express

We recently dined at Docking Bay 7 and it quickly replaced our previous recommendation for quick service, PizzaRizzo. While the latter is still a great choice for a quick personal pie on the go, the variety and unique blend of flavors offered at Docking Bay 7 offers a far better experience.

There are a couple reasons for this restaurant making the best list. The most obvious is the food. Pork ribs, tuna poke and a couple of different versions of Tip Yip are bound to satisfy palettes growing bored with hamburgers and chicken sandwiches.

If you’ve never heard of Tip Yip, don’t be alarmed. We hadn’t either, but decided to be adventurous and give it a try. We were visiting an out of the way space post after all.

We tried both the crispy chicken glazed with chipotle sauce and fried chicken served with macaroni and cheese and had no complaints. If you’ve ever traveled with 5 adults with varying tastes, you’ll know how rare this is.

Besides the food, we enjoyed this restaurant for the ease of ordering, the low wait time to order and receive food, and the unique Batuu themed dining room.

On the other end of the spectrum, we highly recommend avoiding Backlot Express. Backlot Express has bland, and uninspired food options that will leave you frustrated at spending money on food that comes in way below McDonalds standards.

Backlot Express presents burgers, cheeseburgers, a Cuban sandwich, and two salad options. The burgers were overall underwhelming, and the salad inedible. In additional to the subpar food, we had a long wait to order, and a long wait for the food.

For the best Hollywood Studios restaurants, Backlot Express does not make the cut.

Best Table Service Restaurants at Hollywood Studios

Best: Hollywood Brown Derby

Skip: 50s Prime Time Café

The best Hollywood Studios Restaurant for table service has to be the Hollywood Brown Derby. The modern America cuisine is served in an old Hollywood atmosphere that will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time into Hollywood’s Golden Age.

The food is upscale and tastes it! In fact, this restaurant is known for fine dining, and reservations are sought after.

The menu features entrees of filet mignon, risotto, salmon, halibut, the famous cobb salad and a seafood cioppino. Appetizers include shrimp cocktail, the fan favorite lobster bisque, scallops, salads, and more.

Reviews for the Hollywood Brown Derby are more than just positive, they are excellent. One five-star review states “Beautiful restaurant. Grapefruit cake martini absolutely divine. We actually were able to get a rare burger temp. Our waitress Tiffany from Kissimmee was a doll and made our lunch absolutely delightful. 10/10”

It seems the only downside to the restaurant is the high cost. The Hollywood Brown Derby is one of the most expensive restaurants in the resort, but according to many, the price is certainly worth it.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have 50’s Prime Time Café. We have tried over and over to love this restaurant, but we just cannot.

50’s Prime Time Café is designed to transport you into a home in the 1950’s, complete with a mom who gets upset when you put your elbows on the table. Cast members make you feel apart of the family, good or bad.

The atmosphere ranges from fun, to a tad annoying, according to many. Many guests do enjoy the atmosphere and the pretend bossiness of the cast member waitstaff.

Unfortunately, the experience you get does seem to depend on your waiter and how they feel about playing the role. One guest had a great experience one visit, but a horrid one on a previous visit.

This guest left a review saying: “My family and I had gone to the 50’s prime time cafe about 2ish years ago. The waiter was excessively rude and took it way too far. He even made fun of someone in my party for her gluten allergy. So, as you can imagine, we were pretty nervous to go back. But our waiter, Dale, was literally amazing!!! He added just the right amount of comedic rudeness, but didn’t take it too far. He made us feel right at home! He also tells the best jokes!! The food was ok for the Disney price, but really what I think people are paying for is the atmosphere, which was very cool. Anyways, I just wanted to shout out a cast member that most definitely deserves it!!!”

It seems the only good thing Prime Time has to offer is the theming and experience, which is wishy washy at best. In our opinion, the food is seriously lacking. This opinion is echoed in many online reviews like this one which states, “My wife and I recently dined at 50’S. To say the least, the quality has fallen. My wife ordered the fried chicken. She said it was dry and not very appetizing. I had the pot roast. The meat was tasteless. Not even a side of any vegetable. Just a couple of slivers of carrot and celery. At least my wife’s meal came with canned corn!”

During our last visit to the 50s Prime Time Café, the service was slow, and the food was dry and overcooked. To top it all off, this restaurant has a very small and limited menu, and not many allergy options.

Best Lunch Restaurants in Hollywood Studios

Best: ABC Commissary

Skip: Fairfax Fare

During Lunch at Hollywood Studios, it is best to try to eat quick, to get back to the rides faster. Like the other parks, there is a small lull while guests eat lunch, and lines die down a bit. We always find It best to eat lunch quickly to take advantage of this. Therefore, our list for the best Hollywood Studios restaurants at lunch will feature counter service establishments.

One tried and true counter service restaurant for lunch is the ABC Commissary. In the past, the commissary had a bland menu of previously frozen burgers and tasteless salads.

These days, the restaurant has a combination of tacos, sandwiches, and Mediterranean salads. The Commissary serves delicious, fresh food quickly.

The restaurant does get quite busy, but cast members do an excellent job of moving orders along. Additionally, you can always do mobile ordering to get your food even quicker.

The “skip” restaurant for lunch in Hollywood Studios is Dockside Diner. While this restaurant doesn’t necessarily have bad reviews, it is still on the skip list for a handful of reasons.

First, Dockside Diner serves hot dogs, and that’s about it. While Disney is offering some creative options here, it can be pricy for what you get.

Most meals cost around $13 for just a hot dog with various toppings and a side of chips. While the hot dogs are more elaborate than normal hot dogs, many feel for the price, you should get more.

If someone in your group really wants a hotdog, you can try Rosie’s All American Café instead. They serve hotdogs, burgers, salads, and chicken nuggets for a little better variety.

Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Hollywood Studios

If you’re trying to dine with food allergies at Disney World, Hollywood Studios has many restaurants with gluten free options. So many, in fact, it is hard to narrow in on which one is the best. Instead of picking one, here are some honorable mentions so you can choose based on your mood.

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano serves a gluten free spaghetti Bolognese, but unfortunately, does not serve any of their other pasta dishes in a gluten free variation.

Backlot Express does have gluten free chicken tenders, which have a cult following, including one woman who posted “This place has my favorite gluten free chicken tenders! The soda fountains are also an added plus.”

Rosie’s All American Café serves burgers and hot dogs on gluten free buns, and Pizza Rizzo serves gluten free pizza.  The Hollywood Brown Derby features many delectable gluten free options as well such as the filet mignon, mushroom risotto, cobb salad, and salmon.

Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land is chock full of gluten free meals as well. In fact, almost any dish they serve can be made gluten free.

Where to Enjoy a Snack

With the Addition of Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios, new and unique snacks are now available—something  the park desperately needed.

Inside Galaxy’s Edge, you can try Bantha milk. The milk is a coconut rice milk blend with flavoring added. Bantha milk comes in colors of blue and green.

Kat Saka’s Kettle in Galaxy’s edge serves uniquely flavored popcorn snacks.

Woody’s Lunch Box is also a noteworthy place to stop for a snack. The little food stand serves delectable tarts that are described as “gourmet pop tarts” by many guests.

The popcorn stands inside Hollywood Studios sell a souvenir popcorn buckets that are a must for big fans. At one time, they even offered a collectable popcorn bucket shaped like the aliens from Toy Story.

For Disney World snacking purists, locations offering basic ice cream and soft pretzels are scattered around the park.

Best Place to Grab a Cup of Coffee in Hollywood Studios

Best: Joffrey’s Coffee

Skip: Trolley Car Café

Many Disney visitors might feel the need to argue with our ranking for best coffee restaurants in Hollywood Studios, but hear me out.

When inside Hollywood Studios, we tend to choose Joffrey’s for coffee between rides and first thing in the morning. They have many traditional coffee and tea options in both hot and iced.

We love Joffrey’s because the service is quick, with minimal lines and gets us back on the rides in no time. They also serve muffins, donuts and other breakfast goodies.

There are two convenient Joffery’s locations inside Hollywood Studios. One is located at the exit for Tower of Terror, while the other is near Midway Mania.

Trolley Car Café serves starbucks drinks, including frappes, coffees and teas. The reason to skip this stop is due to timing.

The Trolley Café is slow, and the lines are long. You can easily waste 30-40 minutes waiting for your turn to order during park opening. This wait can be the difference between riding Rockin’ Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror before the crowds hit and missing them entirely.

Even during non peak times, this café can still have a wait of 10-20 minutes.

Best Places for a Cocktail in Hollywood Studios

Best: Oga’s Cantina

Honorable Mention: Tune-In Lounge

Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge has wonderful cocktails and a fun atmosphere. Inside, the cantina is themed to match the one on the fictional planet of Batuu.

Droid DJ R-3X, or Rex, plays upbeat music, dances along and chats with guests as a way to keep you entertained while you await your drink concoctions. Drink concoctions are unlike any other.

Many drinks feature boba balls, some drinks magically bubble, and others seem to change color. In fact, some drinks do all three. Not only are the drinks fascinating, they are delicious.

The Tune-In Lounge offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a drink. Oga’s Canteen can be loud and is always very crowded and usually requires an advanced dining reservation.

The Tune-In lounge has a menu full of brightly colored cocktails in addition to wine and beer options. The lounge features 50’s tvs and retro theming. 

Where Can I Get Breakfast?

This is the most asked question when it comes to the best restaurants in Hollywood Studios. The most popular stop for breakfast dining is Hollywood and Vine.

Hollywood and Vine offers a sit-down breakfast with entrees such as French toast, omelets, frittatas, and pancakes, and a salmon topped bagel.

Hollywood and Vine is a character dining spot and is priced accordingly. This is one of the only character dining locations with rotating character experiences, so be sure to check who will be visiting while you dine before you go.

Trolley Car Café serves breakfast sandwiches, pastries, cinnamon rolls, and Starbucks coffee. Unfortunately, during breakfast this counter service location has a line that easily trails out the door and down the street, so you will need patience.

We believe Woody’s Lunch Box to be one of the best breakfast locations inside Hollywood Studios. Woody’s lunch box serves breakfast bowls of potatoes, eggs, and gravy. They also serve breakfast tarts.

There is no shortage of best restaurants in Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. Whether you would like to kick back with your feet up, or grab a bite on the go, Hollywood Studios has really revamped its restaurants in recent years.

For a complete list of the best breakfast restaurants in Hollywood Studios, be sure to hop on over to our top breakfast restaurants blog for this park.

More Disney Tips and Info

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Why Disney World Advanced Dining Reservations Are More Important than Ever (and How to Make an ADR)

The post Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants and the Ones to Avoid appeared first on Seconds to Go.

Before entering the debate, however, we first need to define what is considered a ride. Disney World has 171 attractions, and Disneyland has 91. In Disney terms, attractions do not easily translate to rides.

For example, in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, each animal exhibit counts as an individual attraction. All shows also are counted as attractions.

For the sake of this post, we will consider a ride anything that moves you, the guest. So, Carousel of Progress will be considered a ride, because it moves you, the audience. But Mickey’s Philarmagic is a show, not a ride, because the guests are not moved by the attraction.

Transportation systems that transport you outside of the park such as the monorails, skyliner and boats will also not be counted as rides.

Comparing the Scale: Disneyland vs Disney World

As discussed in our Disney World vs Disneyland article, the parks cover vastly different amounts of acreage. Disneyland comes in at around 500 acres total, while Disney World is about 27,000 acres.

When Walt built Disneyland and proved its popularity, land around the resort began selling quickly to those hoping to make a profit off of the people drawn into the area by the park. As a result, before building Disney World, Walt was adamant he have space to grow his ideas.

Friends of Walt began discreetly buying large chunks of conjoining land in Florida to make Disney World happen. But despite this large size difference, when comparing Disney World vs Disneyland rides, the original park has almost as many rides as its newer counterpart.

Key Differences Between Disneyland and Disney World Rides

When it comes to comparing Disneyland and Disney World, many people tend to think they are the same park. For one thing, the Magic Kingdom park in Disney World was designed off of the original Disneyland. Both parks open onto Main Street and into a central hub, highlighted by the 77-foot tall Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland or the 189-foot tall Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom. (To explore all of the differences, read our Disney World vs Disneyland Castle blog).

However, what most people don’t understand is that Disney World offers far more than the Magic Kingdom. In fact, Disney World is comprised of 4 different and uniquely themed parks. Listed in order of age they are: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Disney World also boasts a shopping center called Disney Springs and over 25 onsite resorts that range from Value to Deluxe and large villas.

Disneyland is located in Anaheim California and is the original theme park created by Walt Disney. It began as one park, simply called Disneyland. After some time, a second theme park called California Adventure was open, right across from Disneyland. Disneyland has three onsite resorts as well.

In California, to get from one park to another, you simply walk from the exit of one, across to the entrance of the other. At Walt Disney World, park hopping requires a bus, train, boat, monorail, or car service due to the number of parks and the extensive size of the resort as a whole.

To learn more about getting around at Disney World, read our complete guide to the Disney World complimentary transportation service or our comparison between Disney World transportation and ride sharing.

Since the Magic Kingdom Park inside Disney World is based off of the original Disneyland park, many rides overlap between the two. And, when we get back to the topic of Disney World vs Disneyland rides, you will see that many of the rides overlap from Disneyland and the other parks at Disney World.

How Many Rides at Disneyland vs Disney World

Despite having half the number of parks, Disneyland is still able to hold its own with the park 54 times its size, offering nearly as many rides (as defined above). Disney World has slightly more rides, but many more shows and other attractions.

Our breakdown for the number of rides in each park, and the resort totals is below. (Remember a ride is considered something that moves you, the guest.)

Shared Rides at Disney World and Disneyland: A Closer Look

To help us narrow down the question of Disney World vs Disneyland, which rides are better, we should weed out the ride copies. Disneyland and Disney World share many rides with each other.

In total, there are 15 rides that can be found in both the Disney World resort and Disneyland resort

These rides and which parks they are found in are listed below.

Not only do these 15 rides share a name, they are essentially copies of each other. While some may offer a few unique features, these are usually slight.  For example, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disneyland is taller, and Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom has a smaller drop.

When comparing Disney World vs Disneyland rides, these 15 rides can be taken out of the running for best experiences as both parks have them.

Exclusive Attractions at Disneyland vs Disney World

Once we take out the 15 rides that overlap, we can compare the leftover 34 rides inside Disneyland resort, and the 36 unique rides in Disney World.

The Disneyland resort has 6 unique thrill rides that cannot be found in any of the Florida parks. These include the Incredicoaster, The Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, Grizzly River Run, Radiator Springs, and Guardian’s of the Galaxy Mission Breakout.

Disney World has 9 unique thrill rides to call its own. These are 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, Test Track, Expedition Everest, Flight of Passage, Tower of Terror, Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Slinky Dog Dash, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Mission Space.

When comparing rides at Disney World vs Disneyland, Disney World does have more thrill rides. But, Disneyland does have more rides in fewer parks. This means you can experience more ride experiences in a shorter amount of time, with less hassle.

Disney World does have more parks though, allowing for more cohesive theming with their rides. Rides are not shoehorned into areas they do not necessarily fit into just to be able to add them to the guest experience.

For example, when you enter Pandora Land at Disney World Animal Kingdom, extensively themed pathways take you out of the main area of the park, thoroughly immersing you into the sights and sounds of Pandora long before you even encounter a ride queue. Having the extensive land for additional theming really transports the guest into the experience, adding to the thrill of the ride.

Top Thrills: Most Popular Rides at Disney World and Disneyland

In the end, Disney World has 12 total thrill rides out of 52 total rides. Disneyland has 54 total rides with 13 total thrill rides.

With that being said, when it comes to considering which park to visit in the future, it’s important to consider the new and unique rides. Disney World has the new Guardian’s of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Tron.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a unique roller coaster experience where guests rotate to become part of the story. The Tron rollercoaster adds some extra excitement to Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland.

In Disneyland, the two new rides are Mickey and Minnie’s runaway Railway, which is also located in Hollywood Studios in EPCOT, and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. The Spider Man ride is a unique take on a shooter game, like Midway Mania, but with web shooting instead. Specialty technology reads where your arms are, so instead of a blaster, you use your arms.

Despite all the numbers and research, we think the debate of Disney World vs Disneyland rides comes down to opinion. All die-hard fans of one park will always prefer the rides where they’ve made memories. In our opinion, however, it’s pretty easy to put the debate to rest. With all the fun and unique experiences that Disney has to offer, why not experience both parks?

Future Rides Coming to Disneyland and Disney World

Currently, as of April 2024, we are all excitedly awaiting the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in both Disney World and Disneyland. While we do not have an exact opening date yet, official statements have declared it will open sometime in 2024, we hope soon!

If you have been to either park recently, you have seen that the exteriors of what used to be Splash Mountain have entirely transformed, and look ready to go. Work continues on the inside of the mountain, and guests have reported seeing the ride undergoing testing.

Additionally, over in EPCOT, Test Track will be closing in mid June for a lengthy refurbishment. This is not just a routine maintenance refurb though. Test Track 2.0 will be becoming Test Track 3.0 with a retheme that brings it back to the buildings roots: World of Motion. For now, that is all the information that has been released.

Lastly, rumors and discussions are flying about Pandora coming to Disneyland, a retheme of DinoLand USA in Animal Kingdom, and a new land beyond Thunder Mountain in Magic Kingdom. We hope we will have more details soon.

The post Disney World Vs Disneyland Rides, Finding the Biggest Thrills appeared first on Seconds to Go.

1. Historic Narratives of Kilimanjaro Safari: Poachers and Baby Red

When Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom opened, it followed a story line involving a poached elephant mother and her orphaned elephant calf. Guests would board the ride vehicles under the premise of a “weeks long safari” only to have the journey interrupted by radio chatter of a poached elephant and missing calf.

The safari guide would then take guests on a bumpy, fast paced chase through the savanna and over a rickety bridge looking for the poachers. The chase would end when the warden came over the radio and informed riders that the poachers had been chased into a trap thanks to their heroic efforts. You would them come upon Baby Red the elephant calf safely rescued and standing in a truck.

This ride iteration was meant to teach the dangers of poaching in Africa and saw some changes over the years until its end in 2012. One little known Disney World Secret about Kilimanjaro safari in Animal Kingdom is that prior to the park’s opening, the storyline for the ride included a fake and gruesome elephant corpse that was made to look like it had been killed by poachers. The corpse even included missing tusks. This scene did not test well and was removed before the park opened.

Over the years, the poaching scene was reduced to a shorter encounter with the warden who made a simple, and seemingly random, announcement over the radio to be on the lookout for a wandering elephant calf. This storyline did end with finding Baby Red in the truck as well, but the chase scene with the poachers quickly became shorter and shorter. By 2012, Baby Red, the poachers, and the radio messages were scrapped in favor of allowing guests to spend more time viewing real animals.

2. How Kilimanjaro Safari Ensures Animal Visibility

During Kilimanjaro safari you will see many different animals. In fact, there are 34 species, but sometimes they do not want to be found. To combat shy animals, the animal caretakers strategically place enticements to encourage animals to come into view of the ride vehicles. For some animals, this means a well-placed salt block or snack hidden in a feeder made to look like a tree stump. For others, like the lions, it means a special air-conditioned rock to encourage long naps in plain sight.

3. Kilimanjaro Safari: The Longest Attraction in Disney World

While there are many secrets about Animal Kingdom, this one shouldn’t surprise many die-hard Disney fans. Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom is the longest attraction in the resort that is not a movie or a show. The ride experience comes in at just over 18 minutes. Although, this can vary somewhat depending on how many stops your ride vehicles needs to make to avoid animals in your path. Occasionally, a stubborn gazelle or zebra will block the path for a few minutes or more.

4. Safety Measures on Kilimanjaro Safari: Protecting Guests and Wildlife

The Safari takes up a whopping 100 acres of land in Animal Kingdom, and it seems like the animals have free roam of this. In reality, most animal species are separated by natural looking barriers to keep guests and prey animals safe. For example, the lions are kept apart from the prey animals on the savanna by an 18-foot wide moat surrounding their enclosure.

Other enclosure elements include fencing inside landscaping, and chains and cattle guards across the roads.

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Learn more about working with a Disney travel planner or contact us today to start planning your magical Disney adventure.

5. Timing Your Trip to Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom

The animals in Kilimanjaro Safari have minds of their own and tend to make their own schedules. This can make it hard to see them all during a safari, but there are certain times of day the animals are more active. Generally, right after park opening the animals are more likely to be on the move. In the morning, the weather is cooler, and the animals are finishing up their breakfasts, so you have a better chance of seeing them.

Another great time to spot the wildlife up and about is during the evening Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom. For a couple short years, Animal Kingdom actually had a nighttime safari with artificial sunset and moon lighting. This provided some unique animal encounters we never had during the day.

For example, at night some animals on the savanna, such as zebras, giraffes, and antelope tend to group together and interact more freely. Unfortunately, Animal Kingdom closed the nighttime safaris. But, by riding the last safaris of the day, you’ll see the animals moving around more, and a bit wound up as they wait for dinner time.

Animals are also more active during the rain, so don’t skip this attraction because of weather!

6. Behind the Scenes: Animal Training at Kilimanjaro Safari

Some of you may not know that the animals do not sleep in their enclosures in Kilimanjaro Safari! Each group of animals is called in nightly to take a break from their “jobs” on the savanna. To call them in, each species is taught to come to a different sound. Some sounds include bells, whistles, drums, and more.

Some animals also call Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge home. These animals are rotated through the savannas of the lodge as well as backstage areas.

7.  The Connection Between Jungle Cruise and Kilimanjaro Safari

Not too many people know that the Jungle Cruise and Kilimanjaro Safari are linked to each other through Walt Disney. When Walt came up with the idea for the Jungle Cruise in Disneyland, he wanted to use real animals. Unfortunately, this was very cost prohibitive at the time, so animatronics were used instead.

Walt continued to dream of an attraction that featured real animals, and when Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, his dream had finally been realized.

8. The Changing Roles of Zebras in Kilimanjaro Safari

There are still rumors flying around that zebras cannot be found at Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom. The zebra Disney World history is a little rocky and confusing. Zebras were on the safari from opening until 2012 when they were removed to backstage areas. Staff said they were removed to make way for a new Zebra enclosure, that would take the place of the old Baby Red scene and close the ride. Shortly after, the Zebra enclosure opened.

Unfortunately, after a few months, guests began seeing addax in the zebra habitat instead. Many guests reported being told by cast members that the new zebra herd was not settling in well with each other or the new habitat. Others were told the zebras were blocking ride vehicles and fighting.

The internet seemed to be up in arms about whether or not the zebras were there. Some guests would see them on certain days, and other days the addex would be in their place.

There is still some confusion as to whether zebras exist at Disney World, but the zebras are very much apart of Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom. Occasionally, the zebras are held backstage while the apex are in the final scene. If you do not see the zebras, come back to the safari on a different day, or time of your trip and you are sure to see them!

Zebras are also featured often on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

9. Unexpected Guests: Non-African Animals at Kilimanjaro Safari

A quite comical fact about Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom is that some non-themed animals call the landscape home. While Disney would prefer to keep these animals out, it is nearly impossible to discourage native Floridian birds from settling into the savanna. While riding the safari you may notice ducks, ibis, and vultures.

In fact, one cast member said these non-themed animal guests created more reactions from her safari passengers than the African wildlife did. This cast member seemed quite miffed and offended by that, so next time you ride Kilimanjaro Safari, try not to exclaim about a duck or two sitting with the flamingos!

10. Wildlife Checklist: What to Spot on Kilimanjaro Safari

While we have already discussed Zebras calling Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom home, there are many more species you may (or may not) see while on your safari. These include: giraffes, elephants, hippos, white and black rhinos, okapi, bongos, nyalas, kudus, common waterbucks, flamingos, impalas, mandrills, gazelle, crocodiles, antelope, wildebeests, lion, cheetahs, elands, ostriches, warthog, scimitar-horned onyx and of course, zebras. There are also many varieties of African birds.

Memorable Moments from Kilimanjaro Safari

During our 20+ years of visiting Disney World, we have been on Kilimanjaro Safari more times than we can count. We always go multiple times a trip, and enjoy it each time.

The experience changes dramatically based on time of day, the animals on the savanna, and the safari guide you get. Some safari guides are more versed in their animal facts. During various safaris at Kilimanjaro Safari, we learned that elephants are afraid of bees. In fact, farmers often use bees to keep the elephants away from crops. We also learned that an Oryx can go 9 months without water and giraffes sleep in 5 minute intervals for total sleep of as little as 30 minutes a day.

My favorite memories of the safari occurred during the night time safaris, during the short years those were offered to general park guests. During these safaris the animals are much more active. We saw hyenas running and yelling, and got to see the lions roaring on their large rock.

If you are wanting a night time safari experience, Disney now offers an exclusive nighttime safari for an added fee.

One of the most intense moments we had during the safari involved the rhinos. One of the rhinos stood directly in front of our safari vehicle, as the other walked right next to where I was sitting. Had i been more daring to break the rules, I could have touched it.

Luckily our safari driver remained calm, kept us safe, and had us on our way again quickly.

Every ride on Kilimanjaro Safari is a bit different, but all of them promise fun, adventure, animals, and surprises.

Contact us to book your trip to Animal Kingdom or keep reading for more information:

25 Secrets of Animal Kingdom: Facts Disney World Rarely Shares

Is Animal Kingdom Park Really Worth It?

Mistakes That Kill the Magic in Animal Kingdom

The post Secrets of Disney World History: Kilimanjaro Safari Animal Kingdom appeared first on Seconds to Go.

If you haven’t traveled Oregon’s Historic Columbia River Highway, then a short history lesson is in order. The Columbia River Highway is an historic marvel, built around the turn of the last century as travel by car was just beginning to strike the American fancy.

The scenic byway wound its course from Portland to The Dalles, traversing some of the most stunning vistas in the state while making its way along the river. While the roadway was an engineering wonder for its time, it proved no match for modern automobiles and was later replaced by Interstate 84. However, portions of the historic highway remain, revealing some of Oregon’s most out-in-the-open secrets.

Known for a series of cascades and the proximity of many adventures to Portland, the regional highlights do see a lot of visitors. However, it would be a mistake to let the popularity of the area keep you away. We found the historic portion of the Columbia River Highway to be fairly lightly traveled, and with a little planning, you can enjoy some of the best sights in relative solitude.

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Is Horsetail Falls Oregon Open?

Due to recent wildfires and the resulting impacts, one of the most common questions is whether Horsetail Falls is open. In a word, yes. More importantly, of the two falls, it is the one most likely to remain open. While really not considered an Oregon hiking trail, a stop at Horsetail Falls can be combined with a jaunt up to Ponytail Falls to create a trek taking in two plunges.

How Long is the Oregon Horsetail Falls Hike?

If you’re the type of traveler who prefers to view the scenic wonders of the world without the effort of a long and strenuous hike, then Horsetail Falls in Oregon is for you. The 176-foot plunge over a basalt cliff offers a geological glimpse into the state’s evolutionary history spruced up with some stunning scenery. Best of all, you’ll only need to walk a matter of feet to reach the viewing area.

If you’re traveling east on the historic highway, you’ll find parking on the left. Leave your car here and cross the road. Step onto a paved walk and follow it a short distance to the stone semicircle. At this point, you’re at the Horsetail Falls viewpoint.

From this vantage, you’ll get a sidelong view of the falls and the plunge pool below. During our late evening visit, most people found this inadequate and had walked down the stairway to reach the water’s edge. Many were wading into the plunge pool for cooling relief from the heat.

While we didn’t do much wading, we did step down to the water’s edge for a better view of the falls. However, if you’re content with what you see from the upper viewpoint, there is no need to walk farther.

Many of the stone walls here were built in 1940 as construction of the historic highway ploughed eastward. The viewpoint makes it easy to see Horsetail Falls, so most people are content to stay there. If you’re like us and always wondering what’s around the next bend, you won’t be satisfied until you’ve made your way up to Ponytail Falls or Oregon’s Upper Horsetail Falls as some have been known to call it.

Horsetail Falls Oregon and Beyond

While a visit to Horsetail Falls Oregon should be a definite stop when exploring the Historic Columbia River Highway, you can reach the more private Ponytail Falls with a little effort. The interpretive sign near the viewpoint for Horsetail Falls indicates that the uphill trek is only a half mile long. Don’t be fooled by metrics. If you’re in less than average physical condition, you’ll feel every stretch of the first quarter mile.

From the interpretive sign, the trail heads up a steep incline. During our visit, a fallen tree across the early part of the trail made for a precarious intersection as we navigated the wobbling protuberance on a narrow two-foot path directly at the cliff’s edge.

Surviving what was undoubtedly the most harrowing part of the experience, we continued onward and upward. Reaching a switchback where the junction with Gorge Trail #400 heads east, we immediately turned west and were temporarily blinded by the setting sun as we continued heading skyward on a steep and narrow trail.

While you’re fighting your way upward, take some time to look around. The Columbia River is a stunning sight to behold from this elevation and the views only get better as the path continues to rise.

It’s also a wise idea to take a break or two for your own physical health as the continuous upward path of the trail can be quite a grind. Just don’t pause for too long. We passed some young men who stopped for a rest and never saw them again. Presumably, they didn’t make it to Ponytail Falls.

We had trekked probably less than quarter of a mile when the woodland intervened, surrounding us with curious trees all bowing downward to offer shade to the newest interlopers. It was a welcome relief from the heat of the day, providing a cooling guidance that propelled us on our way, always moving upward.

Just as we were beginning to question whether the length of the trail as indicated on the sign could be correct, the path began to level out. For some reason, upward trails always seem longer than they should, and the journey to Ponytail Falls was no exception.

Reveling in cliffside vistas of the gorge, we made the rest of the hike to Ponytail in shaded splendor, catching the sound now and again of water rushing over rock.

Eventually, we caught sight of Ponytail Falls. From the first glimpse, you don’t realize how close to the falls the trail will travel, so you’ll probably be inclined to spend a bit of time snapping photos.

As the trail continues, you’ll quickly realize that this hike is one that gets you up close and personal with the star of the show. In this case, the trail leads directly behind the Ponytail Falls cascade into a cavern-like alcove that offers not just a view of the falls from the back, but a view of the gorge through the trees surrounding the downside stream.

For the most part, we had the Ponytail Falls cavern to ourselves, so we made the most of it, exploring the base of the falls, before making the momentous decision to travel onward. We’d heard that a rockslide had closed the trail beyond the falls but being the always curious travelers, we had to see for ourselves.

Even though the light was beginning to fade on the day, we still felt we could make the tour with time to spare. If this sounds brave for two hikers alone on the trail, keep reading to see just how brave or foolhardy we really are.

Horsetail Falls Oregon Loop Hike

From the base of Ponytail Falls, the trail strikes out through the remains of the Eagle Creek Wildfire. Charred trees and wounded stumps surround the trail, opening up the skyline and the vista to the Gorge below.

While wildfires are never a good thing and are certainly not events we’d welcome, the results on the ridge beyond Ponytail are pretty spectacular. As regrowth emerges, the green of Oregon combines with the fading blacks and browns of the fire’s devastation as a sign of rebirth following nature’s fury.

We didn’t travel far without a view of the river beyond. It also wasn’t long before we hit a switchback, taking us higher in elevation and to the remains of the 2021 spring rockslide. It had been cleaned up nicely, but the trail remained rocky and a bit treacherous, prone to sliding.

We made it through and came out to a flat plateau, creating a treelined vista of the gorge below. A single marker lies in memorial to a fallen hiker and acts as a reminder to the rest of us not to get too close to the ridge. Remember that rockslide we just traversed? Thanks to the previous wildfire, terrain here is delicate and easily disturbed, so it’s best to stay on the trail.

Our goal was to follow the remains of the Ponytail Falls Trail to the intersection with the Oneonta Trail and seek out Lower Oneonta Falls. A couple coming toward us confirmed that the trail was indeed open that far.

Rumor has it that the path continues to an area that offers a glimpse into the narrow slot of the Oneonta Gorge. Since this Columbia River marvel has been closed since the Eagle Creek Wildfire in 2017, we were anxious to see what we could.

However, the closure of the 2021 spring rockslide had created something unexpected. Without foot traffic on this part of the trail, weeds and small trees or shrubs had grown in proliferous fashion, nearly blocking the trail in spots and creating a winding forest with little visibility. With no way to see what was coming ahead, no visibility behind and a trail hardy dog that was growing increasingly nervous about something we couldn’t see, we made the choice to turn around.

I feel it’s always wise to trust your instincts in situations like these, especially when they’re backed up by canine senses, but was disappointed to miss the remaining falls on the trail. Had we continued, we could have met up with Lower Oneonta Falls and returned the way we came or picked up the Oneonta Trail to create a loop back out to the Columbia River Highway. A short jaunt down the road would have led back to the parking area.

Back to the Base of Horsetail Falls

From the point of turnaround, we made our way back to Ponytail Falls and enjoyed the views coming from the opposite direction. We marveled again at how much quicker a hike seems on the return and were quickly back at the base of Horsetail Falls.

By this point it was around 7:00 pm on a late July day, and much of the crowds had thinned out. We took advantage of the moment to cool our feet at the base of Horsetail Falls and enjoy the sound of falling water.

If you’re traveling the Columbia River Highway, stopping at Horsetail Falls in Oregon is a must, but for the true adventurer and those wanting a more solitary experience, take the Horsetail Falls loop trail. We plan to do it again in the near future, maybe extending our time to pick up some of the other nearby falls.

Nearby Attractions

Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery, Can’t Miss Gem in the Columbia River Gorge

Visit Multnomah Falls Columbia River Gorge, But Don’t Make Our Mistake

Latourell Falls Hike, One of the Hottest Trails in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge

The post Horsetail Falls Oregon to Ponytail Falls, Mother and Daughter on the Trail appeared first on Seconds to Go.

Exploring Extended Evening Theme Park Hours at Disney World

In a new Disney era where added perks require more vacation dollars, the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours won’t be met with enthusiasm by every traveler. The cost for a single night at a deluxe resort can come in at more than double other on-property hotels, adding up to a hefty bill for the after-hours privilege.

However, it’s important to distinguish between Disney World Extended Evening Hours and other after hours events. The following after-hours openings require a separate ticket purchse:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
• Disney After Hours

On the other hand, Disney Extended Evening Hours puts guests at deluxe resorts in the parks up to 2 hours after official park closing. Guests are issued a wrist band either upon entry or after scanning their MagicBand or MagicMobile pass at one of the distribution stations throughout the parks. You will be asked to show this wristband upon entering rides to prove you are eiligible to attend extended evening hours.

At present, Disney extended evening hours are only available at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom and only for select nights. However, there are times when Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom may offer extended evening hours, mainly when Magic Kingdom is hosting a number of ticketed after hours events. Such times usually include Christmas and Halloween.

When utilizing Disney extended evening hours, guests have the opportunity to experience the parks for two hours post closing. When we have taken advantage of the opportunity, we’ve found low or quite manageable wait times on popular attractions, such as Test Track or Frozen, particularly when we reserved these rides for later in the night.

Disney World Resorts Eligible for Extended Evening Theme Park Hours and Other Added Perks of a Disney Deluxe Stay

Disney resorts come in 3 flavors: value, moderate and deluxe. Deluxe resorts grace the upper tier, offering a true hotel experience with a few added perks, such as bigger rooms and more upscale furnishings. Some even offer added amenities such as the chance to view your own African Savannah from your balcony or the chance to watch Magic Kingdom Fireworks from your hotel balcony or pool.

Admittance to Disney extended evening hours is also now included in the cost of your deluxe resort stay. You’ll gain the incredible opportunity to experience the parks with drastically fewer crowds, without having to purchase separate tickets for your party. If you planned to book a Disney deluxe resort for your trip, this is an obvious perk. However, for guests who have 5 or more their party, booking a deluxe resort could have some less evident advantages.

For one thing, few of Disney’s moderate or value resorts can accommodate 5 people in a single room. To circumvent this, some guests have opted to book 2 separate rooms. However, by the time you pay for 2 rooms at a moderate resort, you may be paying more than you would to book a deluxe stay.

Beyond cost advantages, deluxe resorts offer a better array of amenities, including;

• Proximity to parks: Many of Disney’s deluxe resorts are located near a theme park. Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club and Boardwalk Inn, for instance, are within walking distance to EPCOT.
• Larger Room Sizes: Rooms at Deluxe Resorts are typically larger and more luxurious than those at other resort levels, offering additional comfort and amenities.Room views: Several of Disney’s deluxe resorts boast theme park views and fireworks viewing right from your hotel
• Transportation options: Enhanced transportation options including monorail service and watercraft are typically more readily available at Deluxe Resorts, offering easier access to various destinations across Walt Disney World.
• Health and Wellness Options: Deluxe Resorts are some of the only hotels on Disney property to include fitness centers, spas, and wellness services, providing plenty of options to relax and rejuvenate.
• Exceptional Service: The level of personal service at Deluxe Resorts is generally higher, with amenities such as concierge services to help with dining reservations, tour bookings, and more.

Here is the complete list of resorts eligible for Disney extended evening hours.

Disney Deluxe Resorts

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vaction Club Resort
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Other Select Hotels

• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
• Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World®

If you’re thinking about staying at one of the resorts listed above, you now have another reason to add to your list of pros.

And if you think a deluxe resort stay is out of your budget, be sure to look for resort room discounts, consider our money saving tips and learn how you can cut dollars off the cost of a Disney World vacation. We’re on a mission to simplify your vacation planning and help you have a more enjoyable trip to Disney World.

Let us help you find the deluxe resort of your Disney dreams. Kathleen Hesketh, mom of the mother daughter travel team, is a travel agent with Mickey World Travel. I can help you find hotel discounts and the resort that fits your need, while also offering a host of Disney World vacation planning tips, guidance and advice.

To receive a no obligation Disney World quote, clear here to be taken to our quote form. Be sure to put “deluxe resorts” in the notes section.

Guide to Attractions Open During Disney’s Extended Evening Hours

Here is another important thing to know about Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. Not every attraction will be open during the event, but the most popular are. Select merchandise and food establishments will also remain open during Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

Here are the attractions you can currently expect to experience:

Magic Kingdom Park

• “it’s a small world”
• Astro Orbiter
• Barnstormer
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Country Bear Jamboree
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Haunted Mansion
• Mad Tea Party
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• The Barnstormer
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tron: Lightcycle Run
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Epcot

• Frozen Ever After
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (subject to virtual queue)
• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
• Mission: SPACE
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Spaceship Earth
• Test Track
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends

In addition, guests who attend Disney World extended evening hours are eligible to book a spot in the virtual queue for both Tron: Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom) and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT).

Simply open your My Disney Experience app around 5:58 pm. At 6:00, tap on virtual queue, select your party, and keep your fingers crossed. If you make it into the virtual queue, you’ll be given a boarding position and approximate time to ride. When your boarding position opens, you’ll receive a push notification to your phone via the app. From there, you’ll have an hour to tap into the queue for the ride.

Disney, of course, wants you to realize that the list of available attractions is subject to change as weather-related or other closures might impact the list above.

Comparing Extended Evening Hours to Early Theme Park Entry

In addition to extended evening hours, Disney World also offers Early Theme Park Entry. While both offer extended time in the parks, there are some key distinctions to note.

First, extended evening hours are exclusively available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts or Deluxe Villas, offering an opportunity to enjoy the parks for up to two hours after the regular closing times. This perk is especially valuable for visitors who prefer exploring the parks in a less crowded, more relaxed environment during the later hours of the day. In contrast, Early Theme Park Entry is available to all Disney Resort guests, including those staying at Value and Moderate Resorts, allowing them entry 30 minutes before the parks open to the general public.

Disney World Extended Evening Hours provide a more exclusive experience, typically with shorter wait times for attractions, as fewer guests are eligible to attend. However, Early Theme Park Entry can be beneficial for those who prefer to start their day early and enjoy cooler morning temperatures. This program is particularly advantageous for tackling popular attractions before the parks become more crowded, although it offers a shorter extra time compared to Extended Evening Hours.

Both options enhance the guest experience by providing more convenient access to attractions, but the choice between them may depend on your personal schedule preferences, the type of resort you’ choose, and how you plan to manage your park time. Extended Evening Hours might be the better option for night owls or those seeking a more laid-back park experience, while Early Theme Park Entry could appeal more to early risers and families looking to maximize their day from start to finish.

More Disney World Planning Information

Disney Rider Switch: The Ultimate Parent Hack for Theme Park Fun!

Are You Asking the RIGHT Disney World Questions? Critical Things to Know When Planning a Trip

What is Rope Dropping at Disney World?

The post Disney World Extended Evening Hours: Exclusive Access for Deluxe Resort Guests appeared first on Seconds to Go.

If you’re planning to visit Multnomah Falls in Oregon, it’s best to go prepared. Due to the sheer number of visitors, there may be entrance restrictions in place and highway exit closures to navigate.

Here is what you need to know about visiting Multnomah Falls and some tips for realizing the most enjoyable experience, particularly if you’re bent on photographing this Oregon wonder.

Where Is Multnomah Falls and Why Is It So Special?

Multnomah Falls Oregon is located in the Columbia River Gorge. You’ll find it right off the historic Columbia River Highway, a scenic byway filled with waterfall hikes and breathtaking views of the Mighty Columbia.

The jewel in the crown of the gorge is the 2-tiered 635 foot tall Multonmah Falls, deeded to the town of Portland by lumber baron, Simon Benson in the early 1900s.

Visitors flock to Multnomah Falls for its Instagram worthy beauty and for the chance to ascend to the Benson Bridge, placed strategically in the middle of the falls, allowing you to view both the upper and lower cascades.

What Is the Multnomah Falls Bridge?

The view of the Multnomah Falls bridge with the two-tiered plunge behind it is probably one of the most famous in Oregon history, reproduced across countless social media accounts (including ours), as well as myriad travel magazines, brochures and posters. It’s only fair. After all, the bridge has a long and storied history.

Officially known as the Benson Bridge, this historic structure was nothing more than a fanciful daydream at the start. Samuel Lancaster, lead engineer of the Columbia River Highway remarked how nice it would be to have a viewing structure to the falls. Overhearing the remarks, lumber baron Simon Benson asked how much it would cost to build.

Lancaster quickly ran the calculations on the back of a napkin and Benson committed the funds to build the 45-foot reinforced-concrete deck poised 105 feet above the lower Multnomah Falls. Benson later purchased 1,000 acres in the Columbia River Gorge and donated the 140 acres surrounding Multnomah Falls to the city of Portland as a park.

What Is There to Do at Multnomah Falls Columbia River Gorge?

Beyond viewing the falls and snapping some Instagram-worthy shots, the area surrounding the falls is home to the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Multnomah Lodge is constructed using every type of stone found within the Columbia River Gorge.

It houses a restaurant, offering both take out and fine dining, and features a visitor center exploring the history of the Gorge. If you plan to dine in the lodge, reservations are highly recommended.

We’ve enjoyed both take out and dine in service, and found the food to be delicious, but the real key to dining at the lodge is the chance to view the falls. The best views are provided with carryout service, since a shaded stone patio directly in front of the falls offers a prime viewing locations. However, dining inside the lodge offers a chance to experience this architectural wonder. Some tables will provide a glimpse of the falls, particularly if outdoor seating is available.

Multnomah Falls is also the trailhead for an interesting climb to the top of the falls with a continuing trail to a less populated site you won’t want to miss.

Where We Missed the Boat, So to Speak, On Our Visit to Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is the starting point for one of the most strenuous climbs in the Columbia River Gorge, but if you’re up to the challenge, you’ll experience incredible river views and a chance to look down the length of the plunge from the top of the falls.

The excursion sets off as soon as you cross Benson Bridge. While most people travel only a few steps beyond the falls, we decided to take the challenge and set out on the uphill climb.

We were rewarded soon enough with a view of the sun breaking out over the Columbian River, set apart by the contrasting somber hues of the tree trunks surrounding the trail. From there, the paved path continued upward, shaded by ancient timber that recently survived the 2017 Eagle Creek Wildfire. You’ll see the evidence throughout the climb as the charred trunks are constant companions during the first few switchbacks.

In all, there are eleven switchbacks to the top of the falls. As you approach the third switchback, you’ll round a bend to a new vantage point of the upper tier of Multnomah falls as well as a nice view out over the Columbia. Someone has thoughtfully placed a bench here, giving you a chance to sit and enjoy nature while recovering your breath.

Once you leave the viewpoint, it’s uphill almost all the way. Traversing the remainder of the switchbacks reveals increasingly higher views of the river gorge. It’s nice encouragement as you continue to climb as are the numbered plaques at most turning points, indicating which switchback you’re currently entering.

Eventually, the trail levels out and you round a bend. Soon after, the trail looks to continue straight, but to reach the top of the falls, you’ll need to take a right, stepping down a large stone drop and heading east.

From here, the trail meanders for a bit before hitting another downward stride. As you sink with the trail, it’s hard not to wonder why you just endured so many grueling upward switchbacks only to descend again.

Right before you step onto the viewpoint at the top of the falls, you’ll make your way down a stone stairwell. Watch your step here as it’s easy to get distracted by the view out over the Columbia. In fact, it’s the Columbia that’s the star here as the view of the top of the falls provides little more than a glimpse of disappearing water over the ledge of the upper plunge.  There is a nice small cascade that you won’t see without making the climb, but all in all it’s the outward views that dominate.

It’s at this juncture that we made our fatal mistake. Our itinerary called for a continued trek back to the point where the trail to the upper falls broke off from the main trail. From there, we were to trek the Larch Mountain Trail upcreek past the old junction with the Perdition Trail.

This journey would have rewarded us with a relatively quiet jaunt to the Lower, Middle and Upper Dutchman Falls, an overhang called Dutchman Tunnel and onto Wiesendanger Falls. (A plaque honoring Albert Wiesendanger, a Forest Service ranger, can be found in Dutchman Tunnel.

A bit longer, and we would have reached 4 more switchbacks. Continuing the climb, we would have risen above Wiesendanger Falls, and past the rim  of Ecola Falls. Unfortunately, we failed to view our itinerary and returned back to Multnomah Falls Lodge. Don’t make our mistake as the journey across the multiple falls listed above is rumored to be one of the best Oregon hiking trails and certainly one of the most scenic in the gorge.

We’ll have to take the word of others for now until we make our way back to visit Multnomah Falls again.

Tips for Visiting Multnomah Falls Columbia River Gorge

Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is the most visited site in the Northwest. That means you’ll be joining throngs of other visitors during the peak summer months and may even encounter crowds during other times of the year, particularly on weekends.

If you plan to take pictures of the falls, it’s best to arrive early. We hit the parking lot across from the lodge at 7:15 am on a Saturday, and at least 15 cars were already in the lot. By the time we made our way up to the lower viewing point, there were a few people on the bridge.

We took probably 5 minutes snapping pictures and then started our way up the trail toward Benson Bridge. By this time, there was a couple ahead of us on the trail and another that went racing by us. When we reached the bridge, we were sharing photo ops with a family of 4 and three other couples.

It wasn’t bad compared to what we experienced as we returned ninety minutes later from our hike to the top, but it wasn’t ideal for snapping that winning photo. If you plan to take pictures free of other visitors, try to arrive as the sun rises, come late in the evening or visit during the off season – either before May or after October.

Early mornings are also prime for hiking the trails. We had the switchbacks up to the top of the falls almost to ourselves on the way up. We let one group pass us and met with another couple at the viewpoint rounding the third switchback.

On the way down, however, we passed multiple groups all heading upward. Considering that the viewing platform above the falls has enough room for around ten people, your best bet is to hit this trail early in the morning or later in the evening.

We had a nice early start and then ordered take out from the Multnomah Falls restaurant. We were able to enjoy a hearty meal in full view of the falls by using the tables on the viewing platform across from the coffee kiosk.

All in all, a visit to Multnomah Falls is a must-do when visiting the Columbia River Gorge, but timing is key if you want the chance to enjoy the area with some sense of solitude.

Parking at Multnomah Falls

There are two parking lots for Multnomah Falls. The first is located directly across from the entrance point on the Historic portion of the Columbia River Highway. However, this parking lot is small, has a limited number of spaces and fills quickly during peak visitation seasons.

To ensure you find a place to park, it’s best to use the lot located directly off of Interstate 84 off exit 31. There is ample parking here, and a clever path leading under the highway and railroad tracks will take you directly to the falls without the hassle of fighting for a spot in the closer lot.

Directions to Multnomah Falls

Visitors traveling from Portland should hop on Interstate 84 east and take exit 31 and follow signs for Multnomah Falls Parking. From the parking lot, follow the footpath that leads beneath the interstate to reach Multnomah Falls.

Visitors traveling from points east of the falls should take Interstate 84 eastbound and leave the freeway at Exit 31. However, reaching the parking area from this direction is not always guaranteed. The exit may be closed during some summer months and weekends due to extreme congestion. If this happens to you, continue traveling eastbound and take exit 25.

Before reaching the toll booth to Rooster Rock State park, make a U turn toward Interstate 84 eastbound as shown in the map below. Once on I-84 eastbound, continue to Exit 31. Once you have found parking, take the footpath beneath the highway to reach the falls.

Avoiding the Parking Hassles, Shuttles to Multnomah Falls

Parking at Multnomah Falls can be a nightmare during high traffic seasons. To help guests reach the falls without fighting throngs of fellow drivers or jockeying for a parking space, a number of shuttle services have emerged. Transporation is easily accessible and offers a carefree ride into the gorge, with multiple pick up and drop off points along the way.

• Columbia Gorge Express (provided by Columbia Area Transit): Bus service picking up and dropping off in Portland, Troutdale, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, Hood River. This is a great option if you only plan to visit Multnomah Falls.
• Gray Line Tours: offers a narrated half day excursion to Multnomah Falls on a luxury motorcoach, with stops at the Vista House and Crown point, as well as a hop-on and off trolley, allowing you to visit all of the stops along the Historic Columbia River Highway at your leisure.
• Sasquatch Shuttle offers a number of routes, including direct access to Multnomah Falls via the Multnomah Falls Experess, leaving every 30 minutes from the Sasquatch parking lot in Corbett.

Visit Multnomah Falls – the Timed Entry System

If you plan to visit Multnomah falls, it’s important to note that a timed-entry system will be in place during the summer of 2024. Guests will need to pay $2.00 per vehicle to access the falls and lodge area.

Tickets will be required from May 24, 2024 through September 2, 2024 between the hours of 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.

While this is a generous amount of time to view the falls and check out the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, it’s not nearly long enough if you plan to hike much beyond the falls themselves. Fortunately, guests are free to stay longer if they are hiking the trail to the top of the falls and beyond or dining in the restaurant. However, guests that leave will not be permitted to re-enter.

Booking your timed entry is fairly easy, as long as you have internet access. Simply visit the Recreation.gov website and select Multnomah Falls (I-84) Timed Use Permit. Or you can click here to reach the website booking page directly. You may also use the Recreation.gov mobile app.

Some travelers may get lucky and find a limited number of tickets available without a fee at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale, Oregon and at the Cascade Locks Historical Museum in Cascade Locks, Oregon. However, availability is not guaranteed, so you could easily miss your chance to see this Oregon wonder if you bank on scoring the free tickets. If you are determined to visit Multnomah Falls, it’s best to pay the $2 to schedule your timed entry ahead of your visit.

If you want guaranteed entry with no fee, consider utilizing one of the shuttles that service the Columbia River Gorge and stop at Multnomah Falls. Guests who choose to ride the Columbia Gorge Express Transit, Gray Line Open-Air Waterfall Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley or Sasquatch Shuttle can visit Multnomah Falls without a fee and do not have to worry about finding parking. This can offer quite a benefit during busy summer months and weekends. Cyclists are also permitted to enter the Falls without a timed entry permit.

When can I book my timed entry reservation to Multnomah Falls?

Reservations open on a rolling basis and are available 14 days in advance of arrival. The booking window opens at 7 a.m. Pacific Time, and if you’re visiting at the height of the summer months, it’s advisable to hop on the system as soon as your booking window opens. However, if you miss your chance to obtain a ticket during this time, a secondary window will reopen 2 days prior to your arrival.

Can I modify or cancel my time entry reservation to Multnomah Falls?

Reservations can be cancelled, and guests who change their plans to visit Multnomah Falls are requested to do so. Ticket dates and times may also be modified up until midnight of the day prior to the original arrival.

You can check the Recreation.gov website for more information on reservations to Multnomah Falls.

EXPLORE WITH US

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The post Visit Multnomah Falls Columbia River Gorge, But Don’t Make Our Mistake appeared first on Seconds to Go.

What Is a Disney World Themed Popcorn Bucket?

Before we begin, lets quickly discuss the difference between the collectible themed popcorn buckets and the regular ones.

The themed popcorn buckets, which are shaped to characters or Disney objects, typically cost more, and many are sought out by collectors. These are the types of buckets featured in this article.

Additionally, there are regular plastic tub refillable popcorn buckets. These are much cheaper in price and have characters printed on them.

Top Disney World Popcorn Buckets Collectors Love

1.  Figment Popcorn Bucket

We all know the Figment Popcorn bucket caused quite a stir when first released. Guests were reportedly waiting in lines that could reach 6 or 7 hours long, just to get their hands on this popcorn bucket.

Many guests were buying them to later resell, which angered Disney fans who wanted a Figment Disney World popcorn bucket as a souvenir, but couldn’t get one because they were sold out.

This particular popcorn bucket could only be found in EPCOT and debuted during the Festival of the Arts inside the park.

Shortly after the quick sell-out of these buckets, Disney released more and made purchasing available on the My Disney Experience App, a first for popcorn buckets.   

2. The Star Wars Disney World Popcorn Buckets

There have been two insanely popular Star Wars themed popcorn buckets released. While other designs have been available, none took off quite as much as the R2-D2 and Millennium Falcon popcorn buckets.

While the Millennium Falcon bucket did lack some detail, it was still grabbed up quickly by guests. It didn’t hold much popcorn, despite its large size, but guests did not seem to care. It also featured working lights, which was a big hit.

The R2-D2 popcorn bucket was a very close replica to the character in the films, which guests loved. This popcorn bucket was only available for a limited time inside Galaxy’s Edge. Nowadays, they sell on Ebay for about $50.

3. Mickey Ear Balloon Popcorn Bucket

Another popular Disney World popcorn bucket is the Mickey Balloon bucket. Over the past couple years, we have seen many iterations of this popcorn bucket. Most recently, the “Ear-idescent” versions of this design have been released for the 50^th anniversary celebrations.

These popcorn buckets come in four different colors, which could be found scattered around all four main Disney World parks. The four colors include blue, red, yellow, and green, all with an iridescent sheen to them.

These popcorn buckets are a perfect souvenir if you are visiting during the 50^th, and unlike many of the collectible buckets, they hold a decent amount of popcorn.

4. Toy Story Alien Popcorn Bucket

With the opening of Toy Story Land inside Hollywood Studios, a new refillable Disney World popcorn bucket debuted. This one was shaped like the beloved alien characters from Toy Story.

This bucket quickly became a fan favorite. During one of our trips, we encountered these popcorn buckets being carried everywhere, in every park. Guests had them on as little backpacks, hanging from strollers, and of course, full of popcorn.

Despite being sold only in Hollywood Studios inside Toy Story Land, these little alien popcorn buckets became the souvenir everyone had to have.

5.Cinderella’s Carriage Popcorn Bucket

This Disney World popcorn bucket was shaped like Cinderella’s Carriage, and featured an image of Cinderella herself, inside. This bucket may not have held the most popcorn, but it was very intricate and detailed.

In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful Disney World popcorn buckets I have ever seen.

6. Stitch Popcorn Bucket

Stitch, for whatever reason, has a cult following inside the Disney World parks. In every single park, you can find various types of Stitch memorabilia, so it is no surprise the Stitch popcorn bucket was a big hit.

Just as Stitch is a fan favorite, so was his popcorn bucket.

7. Oogie Boogie, The Halloween Disney World Popcorn Bucket

The Oogie Boogie Popcorn bucket featured a Nightmare Before Christmas theme. It was offered to celebrate Halloween over the past couple years.

It quickly became sought after by all Halloween fans. In the past, it was sold with both popcorn and churros. The eyes light up and glow to add a spooky element to this Halloween-themed Disney World popcorn bucket.

8. Mine Train Popcorn Bucket

This popcorn bucket is actually a bit rare. It was a limited release with the debut of Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train. The Mine Train popcorn bucket was shaped just like a mine train car, filled with jewels. It even rocked back and forth similar to how the actual ride cars do.

This Disney World popcorn bucket saw a limited release, and only a few lucky fans were able to purchase.

9. Simba Popcorn Bucket

The Simba popcorn bucket was sold in Animal Kingdom. It quickly became beloved by guests for the simple reason that it offers a great photo op!

This popcorn bucket is shaped after a baby Simba, from the Lion King. Simba is positioned in the way he was when held up over Pride Rock in the movie.

Just imagine the number of possible photo ops holding Simba up in front of various Disney World attractions and backgrounds.

10. Skyliner Popcorn Bucket

The Skyliner Popcorn bucket may be one of my favorites, and I am not alone. The debut of the Disney World Skyliner as an integral part of Disney World transportation system was a big deal.

Fans could not wait to try the new “highway in the sky” that Disney had to offer.

Soon, the Skyliner Popcorn bucket was released, and fans could not wait to bring a mini Skyliner home.

Disney World Popcorn Bucket Updates: The New Kid on the Block

In the past year or two we have seen a new collectible emerge on the Disney World market: sippers! These sippers typically have a companion popcorn bucket that match! One year we were able to score a Mickey Mouse popcorn bucket with his matching Minnie Mouse sipper.

We’ve also been able to find a candy corn Donald sipper during Halloween.

Thanks to the sellout popularity of the Halloween Donald sipper, Disney World repeated the trend for Christmas, releasing a Donald Christmas tree sipper. Both are too small to hold a beverage, but guests are required to purchase one to be eligible to buy the sipper add-on.

Seasonal and Limited Edition Disney World Popcorn Buckets

Each Disney World party and special event brings about a specialty Disney World popcorn bucket or sipper. If you are attending Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party inside the Magic Kingdom, expect to hunt down that specialty popcorn bucket.

One year the specialty bucket was the light up dog: Zero from the Nightmare Before Christmas. That year the buckets were located at only one stand in Liberty Square, and they were only sold during the party, not regular hours.

Additionally, each season will bring new buckets to the parks for Christmas, Halloween, and other Holidays.

In 2022, we saw the emergence of the Mickey Mummy popcorn bucket. He was introduced to celebrate Halloween and was hard to find the closer time got to the holiday.

Where to Find Disney World Popcorn Buckets

Now that we have gone over some of the most sought after Disney World popcorn buckets, where can you find yours? While many of the popcorn buckets mentioned above are no longer for sale inside the parks, they can be found on Ebay or 3^rd party resale sites.

Current designs can be bought inside all four main theme parks, as well as Disney Springs. They are not available at resorts.

Popcorn buckets are for sale at small popcorn carts scattered around the parks. It is important to note that just because one popcorn cart sells one themed bucket, it does not mean that all popcorn kiosks will offer that bucket. Normally, themed buckets vary by park, season, and cart location.

For example, you may find Halloween themed Disney World popcorn buckets during the Halloween season at carts near the Haunted Mansion, but at no other carts.

Similarly, Animal Kingdom will sell different popcorn buckets than Magic Kingdom, based on the themes of the buckets. At times, you may find the same design across multiple parks with small differences. For instance, many of the 50^th Anniversary buckets were found in every park, but were different colors based on the park you were in.

Guide to Available Disney World Popcorn Buckets

If you are looking to find out what popcorn buckets are available during your trip, the best thing to do is to ask a cast member, preferably on who is working at a popcorn cart.

They should be able to tell you what collectible buckets are available and where.

Another option you have is to search through Disney World news sites. But be aware that many of these sites will lack in-depth info and may not know exactly where the buckets are available.

What is the cost of a Collectible Disney World Popcorn Bucket?

The collectible popcorn buckets vary greatly in price based on the complexity of the bucket design. They tend to vary from $18- $30, or occasionally, even more. Popcorn refills for these buckets cost $2.25 per refill.

Regular refillable popcorn buckets are $13.

Additional Reading

Behind the Secret Curtain: A Personal Disney VIP Tour Review

Narrow in on the 43 Must-Sees in Disney World: The Very Best Experiences You CANNOT Miss

Take a Hidden Cruise down De-Nile, Revealing Disney World Jungle Cruise Secrets

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You’ll find a variety of dining choices across the four theme parks to meet a range of food preferences. Some are better than others, so keep reading for our top picks.

Best Place to Eat in Disney World: Table Service Restaurants

Animal Kingdom’s Asia Is Home to One of the Best Dining Experiences at Disney World

At Animal Kingdom, Tiffin’s might have the fame and recognition, but Yak and Yeti Restaurant isn’t letting that stand in its way when it comes to serving up mammoth-sized proportions in a lively Napalese-themed eatery. Stepping through the doors surrounded by Asian artifacts, it’s easy to imagine that you’ve just disembarked from a week-long journey through the mountains, lived through the yeti encounter on the famed Expedition Everest, and are now enjoying a well-earned meal. If that doesn’t count as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, I don’t know what would.

We were fortunate enough to be seated on the upstairs veranda with open air access overlooking the main waterway through the park. We found the ambiance just right and the food well worth the cost of a table service meal at Disney.

The menu features a number of Asian-inspired meals. The lo mein chicken is hearty enough for two, and the seared tuna appetizer is worthy of a family coming off a seven-day trek. We found the wait staff more than attentive for our needs and were happy to add Yak and Yeti to our list of the best places to eat in Disney World.

If you decide to try it for yourself, keep in mind that there are two Yak and Yeti named eateries at Animal Kingdom. Yak and Yeti café offers Asian inspired short order food and used to be one of the few places where you could grab breakfast in the park. To enjoy the Pan Asian culinary delights and Napalese ambiance, look for Yak and Yeti Restaurant.

What Our Reviewers Said About Yak & Yeti

Yak and Yeti Restaurant receives the following rankings as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World parks, according to our testers.

A Trip to Germany Reveals One of the Best Dining Experiences at Disney World EPCOT

EPCOT park, as home to the world showcase, offers some of the tastiest and most unique fare in all of Disney World. And serving up some of the best culinary delights is the Biergarten Restaurant, located in the Germany pavilion.

For years, we avoided this restaurant thinking German cuisine wouldn’t be to our liking. Several visits ago, we broke protocol and stopped for lunch. We were astounded by the breadth of the buffet selections and by how much our party of six enjoyed the meal.

Biergarten hosts guests buffet style at communal tables serving 8, and serves up some of the best German dishes for the asking, including traditional German sausages, schnitzel and other native side dishes. The restaurant also offers a fair selection of German beers for the adventurous to try.

Taking a meal at Biergarten is like stepping into Oktoberfest, with performances by a lively polka-inspired band with shows occurring regularly. Since this is one of the few restaurants in EPCOT that offers entertainment, it is well worth a visit if you’re taking a trip to Disney World this year.

What Our Reviewers Said About Biergarten

Biergarten receives the following rankings as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, according to our testers.

Take a Visit to the Beast’s Castle

If your family is home to some hardcore Belle fans or you just want to see the inside of the Beast’s magnificent castle, one of the best places to eat in Disney World right now  is in the Magic Kingdom. We’re talking about Be Our Guest, a restaurant that remains one of the most difficult advanced dining reservations to book.

Upon entering the castle, you might find the menu a little unorthodox for a theme park, but even Disney foodies will enjoy the taste and quality of the meal. We had the Center-cut Filet Mignon which was tender and perfectly cooked, accompanied by a smattering of roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.

If the portions appear small at first glance, each meal, including appetizer and dessert, offered plenty of substance to quench our appetites. However, most families joining us for the hour were more interested in the regular appearances of the very regal and accommodating host than in the food itself. Beast makes periodic turns around the various rooms of his castle.

The Beast was certainly at his solicitous best during his regularly scheduled walk-throughs. He made a point of waving to all of his guests and taking the time to offer a courtly bow to those young belles eagerly seeking his attention.

Offering great food and a gracious host, the only drawback to Be Our Guest is the price tag. Lunch for a party of 4 can easily set you back more than a couple hundred dollars, but if you’re looking to splurge while on vacation, we have one more little tidbit that might tip the scales in favor of the Beast. A stop at Be Our Guest is the only chance you’ll have to try the gray stuff and see that it really is delicious.

What Our Reviewers Said About Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest receives the following rankings as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, according to our testers.

Leaving Earth to Find the Best Dining Experiences at Disney World

Normally, you don’t have to go far to find unique or fanciful dining experiences at Disney World, but EPCOT park has always been a little different. From the cultural shores of distant lands to local farm fresh goodness, restaurants within the park have a healthy obsession with serving up the unusual. In 2020, they took that mission to space, and now liftoff daily to a space station miles above the ground.

You’ll board your space lift at a fitting location-next to the Mission Space ride. Once you’re onboard, you’ll rapidly rise the distance into space, watching as the earth disappears below your feet and the space station comes into view above your head.

Once your lift locks into place and the doors open, you’re onboard. Large windows display the curve of the earth below against the black emptiness of space.

As you dine on familiar earthbound fare, you’ll notice that space is actually quite active. Shuttle craft circle your location regularly and astronauts are always at work, keeping the space station in safe working repair. If you keep your eyes open, you might even see an astrodog.

Space 220 serves some interesting options, but tasters reported mixed reviews. Chicken, steak and calamari received high marks while other dishes didn’t rank as high.

What Our Reviewers Said About Space 220

Overall, our tasters gave Space 220 the following marks, while still recommending it as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World.

Say Aloha to the Polynesian Islands: O’hana Restaurant Lunch and Dinner

If space is a little too far to travel for lunch or dinner, the Polynesian Village Resort Hotel offers an extraordinary dining experience a little closer to home. Say Aloha to O’hana, a word that means family in central Pacific communities, and that’s just how you’ll be treated at this all-you-care to eat, family style buffet.

Casual crooners seranade guests with a string of Hawaiian favorites, while attentive hosts servce courses from Signature O’hana bread topped with honey butter to the restaurant’s sought after bread pudding, served a la mode with homemade caramel sauce. In between, dishes of wood-fired meat are served, accompanied by pork fired dumplints, ‘Ohana Noodles, and stir-fry vegetables. It’s a feast for the senses and the soul as you let the island vibes wash away your cares. The restaurant also offers a nice view of Cinderella’s castle, a real boon if you happen to be dining when one of the nightly fireworks shows is displaying.

What Our Reviewers Said About Space 220

Overall, our tasters gave O’hana the following marks, out of 5 possible stars, while recommending it as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World.

Best Places to Eat in Disney World: Counter Service Restaurants

While Disney table service restaurants offer some of the best dining experiences at Disney World, with immersive theming and delightful elements, some of Disney’s quicker food options also double down on the experience factor. Here are our picks for best counter service dining experiences found at Disney World.

Have a Snack with the Beast’s Nemesis

It’s hard to believe that a man who uses antlers in all of his decorating could have a flair for serving up tasty treats, but the dastardly Gaston is full of surprises. A stop at his tavern in the Magic Kingdom reveals some delightful eats, one of them unique within the Disney culinary realm.

La Fou’s brew, named for Gaston’s foolhardy sidekick, is a frozen, slush drink topped with marshmallow mango foam. At first thought, these tastes shouldn’t go together, and yet they do, providing a refreshingly cool way to take a break from the Florida heat.

Gaston’s is also known for larger than life cinnamin rolls, the kind we used to buy and share from the Main Street Bakery. We do the same at Gaston’s. Divvying up one or two of these sweet treats is a great way to rest your weary feet and settle a score with your stomach at the same time.

You’ll also have the chance to view Gaston’s decorating taste in action and catch a glimpse of his fireside chair. One sight of this and you’ll believe he really is the size of a barge.

What Our Reviewers Said About Gaston’s Tavern

Gaston’s receives the following rankings as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, according to our testers.

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Disney World vacation planners and travel agent. Fill out the form to the right for your free, no obligation quote or contact kathleen@mickeyworldtravel.com. You’ll never pay more booking your Disney vacation with a travel agent, but the planning help and service is invaluable.

Just Past Flight of Passage is Satu’li Canteen

While most guests entering Animal Kingdom make a fast and determined beeline toward the Flight of Passage ride, we’ve learned that the land of Avatar is also serving up some of the best food in the park at Sa’tuli Canteen.

Satu’li Canteen is a counter service restaurant featuring the art and culture of the Na’vi people. You’ll enjoy your meal inside a former RDA mess hall, amidst eclectic art adorning a sterile food service environment.

While the theming may be spot on for the Na’vi, we prefer to enjoy our meals on the covered outdoor patio. There is always a quiet cool corner to hide away from the crowds and noise.

As Disney quick-service dining menus go, Sa’tuli Canteen is one of the more unique choices. Dishes here feature several meat options served over your selection of base. When the restaurant first opened, our favorite meal here was the sampler platter, providing a taste of each type of base, including red and sweet potato hash, noodles, rice and beans, and salad. These days, you’ll have to select your brand of protein from the available grilled beef, chicken or shrimp atop a single base option.   

To guide your choices, beef and chicken were most popular with our group over rice or noodles. During our last visit, the potato hash was undercooked though pleasantly flavored.

If you’re wondering what makes this one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, we rank it high for outdoor seating. When you’re escaping the winter chill, it’s nice to sit outside and soak up the warmer temps. We also appreciate the immersive theming and the chance to watch your food spinning on the rotisserie.

What Our Reviewers Said About Satu’li Canteen

Satu’li Canteen receives the following rankings as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, according to our testers.

Smoking up Barbecue in the Animal Kingdom Wilderness

Just around the corner from It’s a Bug’s Life inside the Animal Kingdom theme park, is the sprawling grounds of Flame Tree Barbecue. Flame Tree offers smoked meats and typical sides overlooking the Asian landscape and the rising majesty of Expedition Everest. What the food lacks in cohesion to its atmosphere is more than made up for by the taste.

The cost of a meal at Flame Tree is another definite advantage to eating here. Plating up a half a chicken with two sides isn’t much more expensive than eating at one of the local barbecue restaurants here at home in Connecticut.

Similar to Satu’li Canteen, there is always a quiet corner you can tuck into here and enjoy the sounds and sights of nature. Just be advised that some of those sites will be eager to join you. We are usually approached by several ducks, ibis and other birds scrounging for dropped scraps.

This is one of the reasons we’ve deemed this restaurant one of the best dining experiences at Disney World. Sure, you can walk through animal enclosures and even take an African safari at this park, but there’s nowhere else you can commune with the nature in quite the same way.

Flame Tree Barbecue receives the following rankings as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, according to our testers.

Restaurantosaurus and Cosmic Ray’s, Your Stop for Burgers and Such

When nothing will do but a burger and fries, you’ll find more than a few options across the 4 theme parks. We’ve tried most of them, and since the change over of Pecos Bill to southwestern cuisine, have settled on two.

Cosmic Ray’s, located in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, is by far not one of the best places to eat at Disney World, but as burgers go, it has a few things going for it. One is the toppings bar. Toppings these days are limited to prepackaged tubs and items, but kids find the animatronic performance of the Alf-like Sonny Eclipse oddly mesmerizing.

With kids tucked into a steaming wrapper of comfort food and lulled into silence by Sonny’s antics, parents have a nice moment to kick back and relax. During our visit, that seemed to mean checking emails from work and catching up with friends via social media. You’ll be free to do whatever it takes to make a temporary escape from the endless walking, sites and sounds of a Disney World vacation.

As dining experiences go, it’s easy to miss out on what makes this restaurant special. All you have to do is sit in the wrong area. To revel in all the campy fun, be sure to sit in Sunny’s Lounge.

Though quite similar in menu, Restaurantosaurus at Animal Kingdom received higher marks from our test group. The burgers and fries, while appearing identical to those served at Cosmic Ray’s, seemed more palatable. Food was hotter and fries were fresher. The dino-themed ambiance, was also more agreeable though far less engaging for little ones.

One standout menu item was the cobb salad. Ingredients offered just-picked freshness in an agreeably-sized package for the price.

If we’re evaluating experience, this one is a fun find. Ride the Dinosaur ride just across the way and then visit Restaurantosaurus to extend your adventure. You’ll find plenty of dinosaur memorabilia, making it easy to believe you’ve stepped into the paleontologists’ commisary for a bite to eat.

What Our Reviewers Said About Cosmic Ray’s and Restaurantosaurus

When it comes to evaluating food choices, Restaurantosaurus and Cosmic Ray’s received similar markings, but were considered some of the best places to eat in Disney World for grabbing a burger and fries.

COSMIC RAYS

RESTAURANTOSAURUS

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While service dogs are always welcome at Disney World resorts, on Disney complimentary transportation and at Disney World parks, you’ll need to keep reading to find out whether traveling with your dog to Disney World now is permissable and right for you and your fur kid.

Are Dogs Allowed at Disney World?

To answer the all-important question, dogs are allowed at some Disney World Resorts. In 2017, Disney began welcoming canines at four resorts across the property as part of a pilot program.

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort

Why were these resorts chosen? For one thing, they represent a sampling of all resort categories. Yacht Club is one of Disney’s Deluxe resorts, while Port Orleans and The Cabins at Fort Wilderness are priced as moderates and the Art Of Animation is a Value resort. By covering all of the three resort categories, Disney is making it possible for travelers to bring Fido along no matter what their vacation budget is.

Just as importantly, these four resorts also offer easy access to outside locations, including grassy dog-relief areas, as well as walkways where owners can exercise their dogs.

If you’re thinking that traveling with your dog to Disney World will help you save money and stretch your Disney budget, you should know that there is an additional $50 nightly fee for keeping your pet in the room with you at Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney Port Orleans Resort Riverside and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. Guests staying at Disney’s Yacht Club shouild expect to pay a $75 nightly fee.

Essential Tips for Bringing Your Dog to Disney World

Mickey and his pals are really rolling out the welcome mat for your dog at Disney World. As proof, your furry friend will receive Pluto’s Welcome Kit, complete with all of the amenities Fido will need to make a stay complete:

• Pet Identification Tag
• Food Mat
• Food bowl
• Water bowl
• Bandana
• Map to walking paths
• List of dog friendly areas

It’s exciting news for Disney World lovers who also love their pets, but before we set off the fireworks and release the balloons in celebration, there are some caveats to consider. First, guests are restricted to two dogs per room, and Disney expects all friends of Pluto to mind their manners.

While no penalties for non-compliant canines have been mentioned, it’s worth considering how your dog behaves in public before you book your reservation and head out on your trip. If your dog is prone to barking or lunging at other guests, you and your fur kid may not have the best experience at Disney World.

Second, Disney has some pretty strict guidelines governing where dogs can and cannot go when staying at the resorts. Dogs are not allowed in public areas, such as pools, hotel restaurants or indoor walkways.

These restrictions are partly due to local health ordinances but are also designed to respect other guests. Believe it or not, there are people who don’t like smelling a wet dog that has just come out of the lazy river at Stormalong Bay. Others aren’t comfortable eating in restaurants where dogs are present. Others may have allergies to consider.

Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners on internal buses at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. This is great news since these resorts cover a lot of ground, making it a far walk for some guests to reach amenties such as dining areas. Keep in mind, however, that dogs are not permitted in restaurants or stores at your resort.

Dogs are also permitted to accompany owners when traveling by Minnie Vans, but only service animals are allowed on Disney World buses, watercraft, Skyliner or monorail.

Last, dogs are never allowed in any of the theme parks or water parks, which raises the next question? What do you do with your furry pal while you’re out enjoying the rest of Disney World?

Special Amenities for Dogs at Disney World

While you’re out enjoying all of the magic of a Disney World vacation, its only fair that Fido have his day. That’s why you may want to consider sending your canine friend to the Best Friends Pet Care for the day.

At Best Friends, your dog will enjoy an air-conditioned run when not out for play time with Pluto and his pals. As part of the service, Disney has employed 75 highly trained dog lovers to not only ensure that your dog has a good time but is safe and protected while doing so.

Overall, Best Friends Pet Care receives rave reviews from dog owners. Reviewers say the resort is extremely clean and that workers are caring and honest people who truly love dogs.  One person even considers Best Friends more of a spa than a kennel.

Best Friends offers a variety of services, but the day care option allows you to leave your dog in the company of other humans and canines as opposed to staying in the room alone. Play times are included as part of a package deal, ensuring that your dog will have plenty of socialization.

Day camp takes place in one of two air-conditioned rooms. Each is over 1,000 square feet and opens out into an attached yard for days when the temperatures are cooler.

Best Friends Pet Care even goes out of their way to accommodate dogs who might not care for the company of others. Another reviewer said that their dog was walked alone to make him feel secure while still providing plenty of exercise.

Pick up and drop off is convenient as well. Best Friends Pet Care has staff on hand for pick-up and drop-offs beginning one-hour before the parks open and an hour after the last resort closes.

Options for Dog Boarding at Disney World

If you’re considering a vacation with your dog at Disney World but can’t or don’t want to book a dog-friendly room at one of Disney’s pet-friendly resorts, consider boarding your dog at Disney World’s Best Friends Pet Care. You can visit him or her when you aren’t at the parks and Disney staff provides the care and love in between.

Again, Best Friends Pet Care has received rave reviews from guests who have boarded their dog, most citing a caring and attentive staff, the cleanliness of the facility and the overall relaxed state of their pet upon pick up.

There are four packages available, offering a number of options:

Indoor/outdoor suites

• 36 to 48-square-foot suites
• Indoor bedroom – pet cot included
• Outdoor patio for soaking in the sun
• Includes one walk daily

Indoor only suites

• 32-square foot climate-controlled suite
• Pet cot included
• 2 walks/day

Vacation Villa

• 72-square foot tiled main room
• Raised platform bed
• Private outdoor patio for soaking in the sun (28-square feet)
• Flat panel TV that plays Animal Planet and Disney Channel or your dog’s favorite video from home
• 1 walk per day
• 1 play group session with Pluto’s pals
• Turn-down service each day

VIP Suites (4 available):

• 226-square foot VIP suites
• Tiled main room with glass doors
• Raised platform bed
• Flat panel TV that plays Animal Planet and Disney Channel or your dog’s favorite video from home
• Personal pet concierge to take care of your dog
• Private, covered outdoor play yard
• 2 walks per day
• 2 play group sessions per day
• Ice cream treat
• Bedtime story
• Go-home fresh bath included in a 3-night stay)
• Webcam for owners to check in

You can add ala carte services to all packages above, including play times or walks. You can also add special snacks and individual playtimes.

Avoiding Pet-Friendly Rooms at Disney World: Tips for Allergy Sufferers

While Disney’s pet friendly policy is welcome news to dog owners and all of Pluto’s friends, Mickey hasn’t forgotten those guests who may not be able to count canines on their best friends list. Since only 250 rooms out of Disney’s total hotel inventory of around 28,000 are pet friendly, there is plenty of space for guests who suffer from allergies or those who would prefer not to stay in a room where pets have trod. All you need to do is make sure your preference is noted on your reservation. A quick call to Disney may be necessary to ensure your request is duly recorded.

IS YOUR DOG READY FOR A TRIP TO DISNEY WORLD?

We can help you book a magical trip to Disney for both you and your furry friend. Just email kathleen@mickeyworldtravel.com or fill out the form to the right. Be sure to mention the name of your dog and let me know that he or she will be traveling with you.

Should I Bring My Dog to Disney World?

When deciding whether to travel with your dog to Disney World, there are a lot of factors to consider. If you choose not to take advantage of boarding or daycare at the Best Friends Pet Center and opt to leave you dog in your hotel room while out at the parks, the first question to think about is how your furry friend will do without you in a strange location.  If you regularly travel with your pet, and he or she has no trouble staying in an unfamiliar environment without you, bringing your dog to Disney World should be no problem. However, you should be advised that your dog will need to be crated while you are out of the room.

Another thing to consider is how comfortable your dog is around other people. No matter where you go at a Disney resort, you are likely to run into individuals and families. If this is a stressor for your dog, or your dog tends to be aggressive around strangers, it probably isn’t the best idea to have your dog at Disney World.

On the other hand, if you have a well-trained pet who is comfortable around people in unfamiliar environments, who is also used to being crated when you are away, you should have no trouble traveling with Fido to Disney World. Just remember to allot time in your schedule for regular walks and bathroom breaks or consider day care or boarding at Best Friends Pet Care.

Either way, know that Pluto is enthusiastically waiting to see you.

More Disney Tips and Tricks

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Disney World park hopper tickets offer a magical way to visit Mickey’s world, allowing you to “hop” from one park to another, all within a single day. Park hopping privileges, however, do not come without a cost.

So, what is a Disney World park hopper ticket and how do they compare to other types of park tickets? A standard non-discounted base ticket starts at $109 for a single day and tops out at $164 in 2024. A Disney World Park Hopper Ticket adds anywhere from $79 up to $90 to the cost of each base ticket when visiting a theme park for a single day. To decide if a Disney World Park Hopper ticket is really worth the extra cost, let’s take a look at the advantages as well as some scenarios where a hopper ticket makes sense.

What Is Disney World Park Hopper and How Does It Work?

Disney World theme park tickets come in two basic varieties. The single day ticket allows you to visit one park per day for each day of your trip. If you start your morning at Magic Kingdom and then decide you’d like to ride Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom in the afternoon, you are out of luck. You will not be permitted to enter Animal Kingdom on the same day that you have attended Magic Kingdom.

So what is a Disney World Park Hopper Ticket? Disney World’s Park Hopper pass does just what the name suggests. It allows you to hop from park to park during each day of your vacation. If you start your morning at Hollywood Studios, ride Tower of Terror and Rise of the Resistance, and then decide you want to keep the excitement going with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT, you’re welcome to do so.

If visiting multiple theme parks a day during your trip isn’t enough, Disney has a third ticket option. The Park Hopper Plus allows you to visit multiple theme parks in a single day as well as a limited number of visits to Disney water parks and sporting venues.

How Much Does a Disney World Park Hopper Ticket Cost?

Before delving into the Disney World Park Hopper Ticket cost structure, it’s necessary to explain how Disney prices theme park tickets:

• Single day one park ticket: Allows you to visit one park for one day.
• Single day park hopper ticket: Allows you to visit any number of parks during a single day.
• Multi-day one park ticket: The ticket may be used for multiple days. Guests may visit only one park each day of their trip.
• Multi-day park hopper ticket: This ticket may be used for multiple days, and guests may visit as many of the 4 main theme parks each day as they desire.

So, how much does a Disney World Park Hopper Ticket cost? The additional cost for a Disney Park Hopper ticket varies depending on the dates you will use the ticket and how many days. For instances, the park hopper ticket adds a total of $80 to aa 2 day single park per day ticket for use starting on August 15. That tallies out to $40 per day for the park hopper option.

On the other hand, a the cost to add the park hopper option to a 6-day ticket comes out to a total of $85, meaning you’re actuall paying only $14.16 per day for all of the park hopping fun.

If you’re looking to trim costs on your Disney World budget, it might not be worth the extra expense to purchase a park hopper ticket. Likewise, if you have small children and know that it will take you a solid day to move through each of the theme parks, you could probably dispense with the added park hopper option.

However, there are many instances when purchasing a Disney World park hopper ticket just makes sense despite the added cost.

Is a Disney World Park Hopper Ticket Worth It: When Park Hopping Makes Sense

Despite the added cost of a Park Hopper ticket, we have always purchased the Disney World Park Hopper for our vacations, because we enjoy the spontaneity it provides. Here are some situations that may make a park hopper ticket a worthwhile proposition for you.

You find yourself visiting a park on the day of an after-hours event

Disney offers several special ticketed events, including Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Christmas Party. These events are closed to the public at large and only available to guests who have paid the extra purchase price for a separate ticket, so the parks close early.

Disney has also been known to close certain parks early for private events. Here, entities such as businesses and schools rent out the park for the use of the people associated with the organization. Doors close early to vacationers and regular day guests.

While guests who buy a single day ticket can easily avoid the park that is closing early, you will find that in the case of specially ticketed parties, these events often take place at least four days a week. That leaves you only 3 days to visit that park without worrying about being asked to leave early. If you have a park hopper ticket, on the other hand, you can simply move to another park when the first one closes.

You are a night owl or you’re traveling at a time of year when the parks close early

During less busy times of year, some parks may close as early as 7:00 or 8:00, leaving you with nothing to do in the evening, if you’ve purchased a single day ticket. With a Disney World Park Hopper Ticket, you can jump to a park that’s open later when the first one closes.

Similarly, during the summer and at other more popular times to visit, the parks may remain open late. If you’re a night owl with a park hopper ticket, you can experience all of the attractions at one park, hop to another, and keep going late into the night.

Need Help Selecting the Right Disney World Tickets?

As a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations, I can help. Simply email kathleen@mickeyworldtravel.com or click here to submit a quote request.

• Find the right resort and ticket combination for your trip
• Securely book reservations and receive help linking your My Disney Experience account
• Learn the ins and outs of Disney dining and leave the Advanced Dining Reservations to someone else
• I’ll even book your first Genie+ reservation for each day of your trip.

Contact me today for a free no obligation quote.

You’re taking a shorter trip

Let’s face it, if you’re new to Disney, seeing everything over the course of 3 to 4 days can be difficult, but some of the parks take more time than others to experience everything there is to see. For example, many people breeze through Animal Kingdom and are done by mid-day or late afternoon.

With a Disney World Park Hopper ticket, you’re free to move to one of the other parks, allowing you to spend more time at some than at others. This is very useful during a shorter trip where you are trying to maximize the use of your time. Without the park hopper pass, if you leave a park early, you’ll have to find other things to do outside of the theme parks.

You like to maximize your planning

We’ve found that a Disney World Park Hopper ticket allows us to plan more efficiently. For example, if we want to visit the Magic Kingdom on a day that a special ticketed event is taking place, we can leave that park when it closes early and hop over to Disney Studios to see Fantasmic. Likewise, if a certain park gets too crowded in the afternoon, we can always hop to a different park where the waits look to be shorter. A quick check of the My Disney Experience app lets us view line times for rides and even book new Genie+ passes for the parks.

You like to avoid crowds

We’ve found that certain parks are less crowded at different times of the day. Magic Kingdom, for example, is almost always less crowded in the morning than it is in the afternoon. Animal Kingdom, on the other hand, gets less crowded as the day goes on. For that reason, we will often plan to split our days across different parks, something that’s possible with a Disney Park Hopper ticket.

You plan to enjoy character meals or other in-park restaurants

When planning to eat at some in-park restaurants, such as Be Our Guest or some of the character experiences, you may find that you aren’t able to book the reservation on the day you actually planned to attend that park. With a single day ticket, you’ll be forced to change your itinerary to attend the park on the day of your reservation.

With a Disney Park Hopper ticket, you can simply jump to the park of your choice after your meal or start there and move to the new park before it’s time to eat.

So, Is a Disney Park Hopper Ticket Worth It?

A Disney Park Hopper Ticket is definitely worth the cost if you are a stickler for planning, want to attend certain parks on certain days, are planning a shorter stay and want to split some of your days between different parks or like the ability to spontaneously move from park to park.

If you know that you can fill an entire day at a single park or don’t feel the need to hop from park to park in a single day, you will probably do just fine with a single-day ticket. Additionally, if you’re traveling with little ones and know you will spend your afternoons resting at your hotel, you might easily forego the park hopper pass. Before deciding, take some time to read the scenarios above to make sure that your plan won’t be better suited to a Disney World Park Hopper ticket.

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