Category: Disney
We Try It: The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom
Happy Almost Holiday Season! It’s early November so in Disney reality it’s practically Christmastime, but being into food like we are, we can’t overlook Thanksgiving, arguably the most major of food holidays. The Jotter Family has an annual tradition of eating a pre-Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving meal at Magic Kingdom. Two locations in the park serve up…
Work From Home at Disney World: Is it Common in 2024?
We’re only a blog here, not a news site, so we don’t claim to be experts on the matter. But, we do go to the Disney parks and resorts a lot, often several days a week, so we’ve seen it all–enough that we can shed some light on the question of whether work from home…
Once Golden, Now Dull? An Update on the Yorkshire County Fish Shop
For as long as I’ve lived in Orlando, one Epcot restaurant has always been my go to eatery when visiting the park, the Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the UK pavilion. With its golden battered fish, and savory chips what’s not to like? I especially appreciated the variety of condiments that added flavor to my…
We Try It: Dinner at Cape May Cafe
Cape May Cafe is the New England inspired restaurant at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. It features an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast (which we did not try this visit) is a character meal known as Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast. You can meet Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy, dressed in their beach attire. After…
We Try It: Sweet Treats from The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk
After a long, long wait the Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort is finally open! We were lucky enough to stumble across their soft opening (story here) and did not hesitate to get in line for the bakery. The self-described fairy-tale cake shop did not disappoint. If the outside scene of a pristine white…
The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk is Now Open, but Who is Brûlée?
Sometimes luck just goes your way. We knew we were going to go to one of the Disney World parks today, but weren’t sure which one. We randomly settled on Hollywood Studios so we could take the Skyliner to Disney’s Riviera Resort to get our favorite coffee, the almond cold brew, at Le Petit Cafe.…
We Finally Tried The Completer Treat for the International Food and Wine Festival 2024
We’re two months into the 2024 International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot and we’re just now getting around to trying the completer treat for the festival passport. We actually had all the stamps ready to go for a while, but we wanted to get it while we were hungry and excited for the treat.…
Tip: The Best Days To Go To Disney World If You Want Short Lines
A common question that gets asked of Disney World regulars like us is, “When is the best day to go to the parks?” What they really want to know is when to go to Disney without having to deal with the crowds and crazy long wait times. Nothing can spoil a day faster than long…
Lightning Lane Premier Pass Coming October 30, 2024: Our Thoughts
After spending a day at an unusually crowded Magic Kingdom, with nearly two-hour waits for rides like Haunted Mansion, the idea of skipping lines crossed our minds more than once. So, when we heard that Disney World would be offering a Lightning Lane Premier Pass starting October 30, 2024, we got excited. Then we read…
A Day In the Life of An Annual Passholder
We woke up this morning to see the high temperatures were predicted to be in the low 70’s. After months of extreme heat, it felt like the perfect day to visit Disney World. We booked a reservation for Magic Kingdom and almost missed the virtual queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure before setting off. Our first…
Returning to Disney World After Hurricane Milton
The Orlando area was extremely fortunate that Hurricane Milton weakened as it made landfall, passing through central Florida as a Category 1 storm. While there was a lot of rain, power outages, and even a few tornadoes that forced us to seek shelter, it could have been much worse. The day after Milton hit, Disney…
Hurricane Milton Barrels Down on Disney World
Not more than two weeks ago we were at Disney World during Hurricane Helene. This storm caused major damage in the southeast, but largely spared the Orlando area and Disney World. We documented strong winds, blowing debris, and some minor damage at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but nothing more. Now Hurricane Milton is headed our…
Bidding Goodbye to Disney World’s Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
We first experienced Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios shortly after it opened in June of 2018. We had just moved back to Florida and, although we didn’t know it at the time, were about to become Disney World annual passholders that visited the Disney parks and resorts on a near daily basis.…
SPOTTED: New Guardians Crossbody Bag at Epcot
After riding Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind at Epcot this week, we went into the merch store near the ride exit. Along the back wall on the right side we saw the Awesome Mix Vol 1 cassette crossbody bag. They seem to be popular. We’ve checked back at the store a few times and…
R.I.P. Pecos Bill Tacos – We Try the New Menu
We here at the Jotter are usually excited to see menu updates and new items at Disney restaurants. There’s always a sense of excitement and anticipation around trying something new at the parks and resorts! (Here’s looking at you, Mickey Waffle with Sweet-and-Spicy Maple Chicken at Sleepy Hollow!) But today we are conflicted over the…
How to Brave Soarin’ at Epcot If You’re Not a Fan of Heights
Going to Disney World can be a bit of a challenge if you have a serious fear of heights. Thrill rides like the Tower of Terror and Tron Light Cycle come to mind, but so do more benign experiences like riding the Skyliner or Soarin’ Around the World at Epcot. Soarin’ Around the World, or…
Going to Disney World During Hurricane Helene
Going to Disney World during a hurricane might just be the most Florida thing ever. And we did it. “Why?” you might ask. Well, we checked the weather forecast and Doppler radar and they both predicted fairly mild conditions (safety first!) so we thought, why not? We were also enticed by the short wait times…
Hidden in Plain Sight: The UK Pavilion’s Charming Gazebo
While passing Epcot’s United Kingdom pavilion, you might find yourself in search of the nearest restroom. In your quest, you may stumble upon an unexpected treasure in the depths of the pavilion—the United Kingdom Gazebo Courtyard. Nestled amidst charming British architecture, this quaint gazebo invites visitors with its Victorian-inspired allure. But there’s more to this…
Indulging in Amarula Bliss at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival
We recently indulged in a delicious dessert at the Refreshment Outpost in the Africa Pavilion on Epcot’s World Showcase. This limited-time treat is available only during the International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, which ends on November 23, 2024. If you’ve dined at Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you might recognize the similarity…
Lobster and Shrimp at Epcot: Worth the Price?
Another day, another Epcot festival meal. We’re really starting to look forward to these trips because the food at this year’s International Food an Wine festival have surprised us in a good way. Today, we were tempted by the seafood offerings at Coast Eats. This festival quick service kiosk, located just outside of Creations Shop,…
The One Place at Disney World Where Visitors Can’t Take Photos. Ever.
It may not be surprising that Disney World has some rules about where you can take photos. After all, Disney needs to keep the magic alive for park-goers, and nothing ruins the fun like exposing the secrets behind the magic or blinding performers with a camera flash. Perhaps the most well-known area where photos are…
Staying Cool on the Friendship Boat: A History of Disney’s Air Conditioning Efforts
Here’s a post for the more technically minded readers. It stems from being in the right spot at the right time. You see, we Jotters like to take the Friendship boat from Morocco to the Port of Entry at Epcot. Well, on this hot day one of the passengers asked the captain about the air…
Disney Fidget Plush in Epcot, UK Pavilion!
Today, we stumbled upon a delightful surprise at the UK Pavilion in Epcot – brand new Disney Fidget Plush toys! These adorable plushies, called Blissful Buddies, are a fresh addition to the parks, and they were already a hit among guests. We noticed several people having a fun playing with them in the store. The…
Best Burger at Disney World in 2024? And It’s Leaving Soon??
We admit it. We here at OPJ are kind of burger snobs. We love a nice thick, juicy burger, especially when draped with cheese and smothered in fresh toppings. We pass when it comes to thin cafeteria-style burgers you sometimes find at theme parks and resorts. We’re happy to report that Disney World actually offers…
The Most Fun 30 Seconds at Disney World
Disney World is known as the most magical place on Earth. A big part of what makes Disney so magical is the rides. They come in all varieties, from carousels to coasters, dark rides to water rides, simulators, and even trackless rides. And, of course, don’t forget the spinning rides (we love you, Teacups!). Apart…
Friendship Boat Trivia at Epcot
We were on the Friendship boat taking a relaxing cruise from the World Showcase back to the Port of Entry at Epcot. We were lucky enough to have a fun First Mate. First, he got the passengers on the boat to sing Happy Birthday to people celebrating their birthday that day. Next, he asked fun…
Nap Time Magic: We Found a Nice Spot for a Stroller Snooze at Epcot
We understand – you’re having a great time at Disney Parks with your little ones, and then, out of nowhere, a meltdown happens! You check the time and realize it’s way past naptime. You’ve been running around all day, ticking off activities like a pro, but now the kids are exhausted and the Disney magic…
Are the Disney All Star Resorts Worth It? (2024)
We won’t make you wait for our conclusion. Yes. In our opinion the All Star Resorts are absolutely worth the price… if you are on a budget and want to get the Disney experience. Now, are the All Star Resorts the best value you can get from a Disney World resort? Well, that’s another question.…
Park Eats: Crepes at La Crêperie de Paris in EPCOT
We found the best crepes in Disney World. Oui! You heard that right. La Crêperie de Paris is a table service restaurant in the France Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase. It’s tucked deep into the Pavilion back by Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. The menu features both savory galettes and sweet crepes, and a selection of authentic…
Florida Blue Lounge at the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot: How to Get In and What to Expect
So you have some questions about the Florida Blue Lounge at the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot? Well, we’ve got you covered. Read below to get your questions answered! What is the Florida Blue Lounge? The Florida Blue Lounge is an air conditioned relaxation space available to registered guests that has access to complementary drinks and…
How Anyone Can Get the Best Coffee at Disney World: Almond Cold Brew at Disney’s Riviera Resort, A Beginner’s Guide
Our favorite coffee across all of Disney World is hands down the Almond Cold Brew at Le Petit Café at Disney’s Riviera Resort. This coffee is so good that we often head to Disney World just for this coffee. Yes, it’s so good that it turns Magic Kingdom into an afterthought. We find this particular…
Weathering a Storm on the Skyliner
Disney World offers a variety of transportation options, and one of the most scenic ways to travel around the Epcot resort area is Disney’s Skyliner. While many find gliding through the air to be relaxing, it can be a bit of a thrill for those who aren’t fans of heights. But what happens when the…
The Hunt for Pizza al Taglio: Epcot’s Unpredictable Eatery
Does anyone really know when the pizza window in the Italian Pavilion will be open? It’s not actually called the “Pizza Window”. That’s the name of the walk-up pizza counter on Disney’s Boardwalk. The real name is Pizza al Taglio. And, no. No one knows when it’s open. Not even Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney…
Cheesecake and Frangipane at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival
We Jotters have a sweet tooth! After savoring some delicious grilled meats from Bramblewood Bites during our Epcot visit, we decided to indulge in some desserts. Our first stop was the Hawai’i booth near the Port of Entry, where we shared the passion fruit cheesecake. As if that wasn’t enough, we snuck over to Milled…
Grilled Goodness: Bison and Pork at Epcot’s Bramblewood Bites
Today, we braved the late-summer heat and humidity to explore some festival food at Epcot. To avoid a long trek into the World Showcase, we decided to stick to food booths near the entrance. Our first stop was Bramblewood Bites, located on the walkway between Journey with Figment and the World Showcase. The food here…
Misplaced Your Magic? Retrieve Items at Lost and Found
Losing an item at Disney World can feel like a small disaster in the midst of your magical adventure. But fear not! Disney has a well-organized system to reunite you with your lost belongings, no matter where you misplaced them—be it in one of the parks, resorts, or any other guest area. All found items…
Glizzies in the Hizzy! New Flavors at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival
Sorry for the cringe title, but we couldn’t help ourselves. We love hotdogs and were excited to see a variety of offerings at the Flavors of America booth in the America Pavilion at Epcot. This is one of those rare occasions where the Jotters got to the park and agreed on what to eat. And…
New Vampire Stitch Popcorn Bucket at Disneyland!
The Disney Parks Instagram account just revealed a new Stitch themed popcorn bucket. The Vampire Stitch Bucket will be available on Sept 12 at the Disneyland Resort. The announcement also hinted that it will be coming to Disney Cruise Line at a future date. No word about Disney World or the other Disney parks just…
Lost at Disney Springs? Find Your Way with This Simple Tip
Let’s be honest: Disney Springs can feel like a maze. Even seasoned visitors might find themselves disoriented by the winding pathways and bustling atmosphere. But don’t worry, we’ve got a straightforward solution to keep you on track. Parks Jotter Tip: Open the My Disney Experience app and tap the map icon. Voilà! Instantly, you have…
From Classroom to Theme Park: UCF’s Impact on Space Mountain
While touring colleges I’m considering applying to, I came across something fascinating at the University of Central Florida (UCF). In the atrium of the Engineering 2 Building, there’s a track and train system display with a Mickey Mouse plaque. This plaque highlights how UCF faculty and students collaborated with Walt Disney World through partnerships and…
Do the Impossible: Get a Whole Pizza at the Boardwalk Pizza Window
During a recent trip to the Boardwalk at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, we found ourselves reminiscing about the good old days. Back then, you could stroll up to the pizza window and walk away with a whole, piping-hot pizza, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Those were the days of simple pleasures and delicious memories.…
Yes, Disney Sells Cotton Candy During Rainstorms
This may seem like a silly question, but can you buy cotton candy at the Disney World parks when it’s raining? The question struck us while we were standing in line for snacks with the rain pouring down on us. The stand we were at sells fresh spun cotton candy on a stick. We couldn’t…
We Try It: Pickle Dog and Mexican Street Dog from Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs
Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, already a fan favorite in Disneyland, is finally in Disney World! The eagerly awaited food stand opened on August 23, 2024 at Disney’s Boardwalk and boasts a menu of hand-dipped corn dogs, cotton candy, and fruit flavored lemonades. We finally have the famous Pickle Dog in Florida! This is a big…
Gelato at Riviera: A Sweet Discovery
During our latest visit to Disney’s Riviera Resort at Disney World, we stumbled upon a delightful surprise: the gelato cart! While we’re not sure how long this hidden gem has been serving up frozen treats this summer, we were thrilled to discover it today. It’s called Vivoli il Gelato and it only shows up seasonally.…
Navigating Stroller Rentals at Disney Springs
Planning a trip to Disney Springs with your little ones but dreading the stroller hassle? Don’t worry! Disney Springs offers a convenient stroller rental service, though finding it can feel like an adventure. Let’s make it easy for you! From Resort Bus Drop-Off: From the Orange Garage or Surface Lot: From the Lime Garage: As…
The Secret Behind Disney’s Empty Skyliner Gondolas
Have you ever watched the Disney Skyliner gliding through the sky with empty gondolas and wondered, “Why on earth are they running it with no one on board?” Or maybe you’ve been stuck in line and they let empty gondolas pass by unfilled. It can be quite the head-scratcher. The Skyliner seems to be working…
POP Century Food Court: Still Serving Magic During Renovations!
Despite the ongoing refurbishment at Everything POP Dining, the food court at POP Century Resort remains a vibrant hub for guests. The renovations are set to conclude on September 29, 2024. (Spoiler: see the full menu at the end.) During this period, a modified version of the food court is operational from 7:00 AM to…
Park Eats: What we ate today at EPCOT Food and Wine Festival 2024
Our first visit to the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival 2024 was a rainy one, but we managed to stay mostly dry and enjoy some great festival eats. Mexico Booth: Highly Recommend! Not a bad food item to be had. Flauta de Barbacoa ($8.00): A favorite! The crispy tortilla shell, stuffed with flavorful beef…
Water Eruption at Epcot
Today, when exiting the EPCOT parking lot near where Woodpecker Lane splits, we noticed a mist drifting across the road. We thought it might be a small, localized downpour. However, when we rounded the corner we saw a giant geyser of water erupting from the ground and up into the air. View this post on…
The OPJ Answers Your Search Questions
We took the top Google searches related to Disney and answered them here. Always check the My Disney Experience app during your visit for the most up to date information. MAGIC KINGDOM Does Magic Kingdom have lockers? Yes. All of the Disney World parks have lockers. The lockers in Magic Kingdom are located in the…
How Disney’s Starcruiser Shutdown is Fueling New Adventures
Many Disney fans were heartbroken when the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the immersive Star Wars-themed hotel experience, closed last year. However, there’s a silver lining for Disney amidst this disappointment. Financial Impact and Strategic Savings According to Disney’s latest earnings report, inflation has been hitting their finances hard. The closure of the Starcruiser has provided…
We Try It: Vanilla, Rose Water, and Pistachio Panna Cotta
The 2020 International Festival of the Arts is now underway at Epcot. One of the first food items we wanted to try was the Vanilla, Rose Water, and Pistachio Panna Cotta. It’s a dessert item available at the Masterpiece Kitchen in the Canada pavilion of the World Showcase. It’s also part of Epcot’s Wonderful Walk…
Awesome Planet Debuts at Epcot
Awesome Planet had its world premiere at Epcot today. Now playing in the Land pavilion, this film takes guests on a whirlwind tour of Earth’s different biomes. Narrator Ty Burrell delivers an environmental message that invites guests to work together to take care of our home planet. Awesome Planet replaces the previous film attraction, Circle…
Canada Far and Wide Opens in Epcot
Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 made its world premiere today in Epcot. Now playing in the Canada pavilion and narrated by comedic actors, Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy, the film takes guests on a sweeping tour of Canada’s different regions, highlighting cities and cultural landmarks. O’Hara and Levy make an entertaining narration duo,…
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along Now Playing in Epcot
A new film, Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along, is now open in Epcot. Located in the France pavilion, the film is narrated by beloved actress Angela Lansbury, who played Mrs. Potts in the original, animated film. The film gives a twisted take on the story of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (SEE SPOILER at end…
We Try It: The Black Magic Cocktail Created by Neil Patrick Harris in Disney World
The Black Magic cocktail, created by actor Neil Patrick Harris, debuted in December at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot. NPH is a fan favorite narrator at the Candlelight Processional shows at Epcot during the holidays. His frozen beverage contains Mezcal, blackberry puree, cassis liqueur, lime, and mint. It costs $21. We found the cocktail…
We try it: The Kakamora Float in Magic Kingdom
This adorable Moana-themed drink is now at Aloha Isle in Adventureland. Previously, it was only available during last season’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately-ticketed seasonal event. Now it’s available all day. This treat consists of a generous swirl of Coconut Dole Whip soft-serve floating on your own tiny sea of pineapple juice and…
Next Time You Argue Over Which Theme Park is Best, Think of Flagshipness and Iconicity
Have you ever heard, or maybe even been a part of, a debate over which park is better, Disney or Universal? If you’re a big theme park fan, the answer is most likely yes. The parks might actually benefit from this. Let’s discuss why that is. You may have never stopped to think about it,…
Your Disney Search Questions Answered
We took the top Google search related to Disney and answered them here. Use the Index below to skip to the park you’re interested in. HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS Does Hollywood Studios have fireworks? Yes… kind of. There are three shows that feature small amounts of fireworks. Wonderful World of Animation is a light show projected onto…
We Try It: Cookes of Dublin at Disney Springs
The quick service eatery located in the The Landing at Disney Springs offers Irish style fare in a casual setting. Menu items include their Famous Fish and Chips, Chicken and Wild Mushroom Pie served with Chips, assorted burgers (even a deep-fried one!), chicken sandwiches, and more. See menu photos for full list. The Famous Fish…
Wookie Oatmeal Sandwich Cookie debuts at Hollywood Studios
Keep an eye out for this new snack at the Backlot Express at Hollywood Studios. We happened to spot it while checking out Rise of the Resistance last week. Two chewy oatmeal cookies are held together with a sweet creamy filling and topped with a candy version of Chewbacca’s iconic bandolier. When we tried it…
Study Shows Which Orlando Park Leaves Guests Most Satisfied
Orlando Florida is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world. In 2018, a record 68 million visitors flew into Orlando International Airport. That record is set to be broken in 2019. Mid year data show an almost 7% increase from the previous year. With so much to do in Orlando, tourists have to…
Study Identifies What Delights and Outrages Theme Park Visitors
Theme parks are big business in Orlando. Orlando’s tourism agency, Visit Orlando, counted 75 million visitors to the city last year. According to quarterly financial statements, those tourists brought in billions of dollars to the theme park operators. And as the number of visitors to the region increases, so does competition for their money. The…
