Main Street USA
The first major change, of course, is the need to make park reservations in order to go to the parks. You only have to choose the first, but you can't hop to a second one until after 2 pm. And the second, which I am not a fan of, is that they have done away with free Fastpasses, and you can now pay for Genie+ to allow you to have roughly the same service you used to get for free (now called Lightning Lane). You can also pay for some individual attractions. I paid $15US to skip the line for Avatar Flight of Passage. Was it worth it? Maybe, but you used to have a chance to do it for free.
Galaxy's Edge
Galaxy's Edge is the new (to me) Star Wars area in Disney Studios. It boasts heavy theming, two new Star Wars themed rides, and food and drink based in George Lucas' universe. The Cantina has a dj, instead of the band, which some might consider a missed opportunity, but imagine working there, and hearing that one song over and over! Probably best for cast mental health that that is not the case. All the drinks there are pre-mixed, and Star Wars themed. My favourite was the Fuzzy Tauntaun, which is basically a fuzzy navel, with a foam added that makes your mouth tingle. It's an interesting experience.
Cantina
Fuzzy Tauntaun
Rise of the Resistance is an incredibly elaborate attraction. It's not just a ride, really, it's immersive, and very exciting. I did it twice, and lined up for close on 2 hours both times. I didn't resent the wait either time. Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run is also good although I never lined up for it, since it has a single riders line which I was fortunate enough to have active. The one thing about MF is that it is a little rough, and is probably going to have to join Universal's Simpsons ride as one I should avoid with my neck issues.
Rise of the Resistance
More Rise of the Resistance
Since the last time I was at WDW, the Toy Story land at Disney Studios has also filled out. I haven't done all the rides yet (I have a year, and multiple visits, so I'm not rushing anything), but I did try the Alien Swirling Saucers. It was cute, somewhat like Teacups, but you don't twirl yourself, and there's interesting mechanics on how rockets change which turntable they're on.
Alien Swirling Saucers
The hottest dinner ticket is Space 220. In my next post, I'll talk about how I got a reservation, but for now, it's enough to know I got it. The theming is quite good, and the food is really good, although the portions are a little... not little. I wish I'd brought an extra person to help me eat. I did enjoy the experience, though, and watching the 'tourists' play outside the restaurant was fun.
Viewport in the Space 220 "elevator"
View in Space 220
Attention to detail - Space 220
Hilariously, the theming in the restaurant is sufficiently extensive that you don't really get an idea what's going on back 'on Earth'. This is why I walked out of the restaurant, having taken the elevator back down from 'space', and into a massive, Florida-patented electrical storm and deluge. I thought, fondly, about the poncho that was sitting in my hotel room, as I ducked and ran like blazes to purchase a new one. I was already soaked by the time I got it, but at least I didn't get more soaked.
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure was another new ride I tried this trip. It's similar to Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railroad as far as tech goes. The major differences were that the line was longer, and it broke down for 10 minutes while I was riding it. The queue theming is really good, and the ride technology is interesting, but to me, it lacks the wow of Flight of Passage or Rise of the Resistance. I wouldn't line up for more than 45 minutes to go on it again.
Queue theming for Ratatouille
More Ratatouille theming - this means you're close
I saved some attractions for my next trip, so you'll have to stay tuned for my September visit.
Next: Part III - In Which I Am Spoiled
No comments:
Post a Comment