Tomorrowland Transit Authority

Odds and Ends…2

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover reopened this week with a new color scheme! It isn’t complete, yet, as the Astro Orbiter is still under refurbishment which effects part of the TTA’s theming and appearance. But, at least one of My favorite attractions is back in business!

Frozen Summer Fun is getting an extended stay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The fun will continue through September 28, 2014. Premium Packages are available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only! The cost is $59 for adults, and $34 for kids! The cost includes tax!

Magic Kingdom first aid is moving on Sunday, August 10! The temporary location is at a lounge near Space Mountain. No word on why or how long this relocation will be needed.

Move It! Shake It! Celebrate it! will be touring Main Street U.S.A. in the evenings only at 5:40p and 7:00p while some concrete work is being completed during the day. The dates for this work are August 12, 13, 19, 20, and 29.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the It’s Tough To Be A Bug refurbishment is going to take a bit more time than expected. Originally scheduled for July 7 – August 11, it is now scheduled to reopen on September 28.

And, finally, Bob Iger said in an interview this week, that there WILL BE a stronger Star Wars presence in the parks in the U.S.! But, of course, there was no discussion of a timeline for this presence to be revealed! I don’t mind that Disney takes it’s time to get attractions up and running. I think they have more of a do it right attitude! But, it’s already been years! How about a bigger bone of information?

I hope you enjoyed reading, please come back soon! Or, better yet, follow this blog!

Have a Blessed and Magical Day, my friends!!

WDW In Summer!

Tips, Refurbs, and other stuff!!

While I am sure many of you know these tips, but it never hurts to put together a few reminders. When traveling to WDW during the summer months is hot, humid, and pretty darned uncomfortable if you don’t prepare for the weather in Central Florida. For starters, pack light colored clothes to help with the sun and you may also want lightweight to help. Also, don’t forget to take sunscreen with you! The sun can be very strong through the summer around Orlando and it doesn’t take long to get a sunburn. Hats would be a good idea to help keep the sun off of your face, as well. Take a break if needed and head back to your resort pool. One tip to consider is making use of early morning and later evening hours. The temperatures are typically cooler and the lack of sunshine means that the parks take on a different personality. Also, you can buy cases of water before you get to your resort to carry into the parks, or just ask at any counter service location for a cup of ice water, it’s free!!

As for scheduled refurbs, WDW is actually doing a couple of major projects this summer. Here is the list as of this time…

Magic Kingdom

Carousel of Progress – May 16 – 22, 2014
Tomorrowland Transit Authority – Peoplemover – Jun. 2 – Aug. 4, 2014
Astro Orbiter – Jun. 2 – Sep. 19, 2014
Liberty Square Riverboat – Aug. 4 – 8, 2014

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Festival of the Lion King – Jan. 6, 2014 – June 2014
It’s Tough to be a Bug – Jul. 7 – Aug. 11, 2014

And, don’t forget, Disney’s Polynesian Resort is undergoing refurbishments that include the DVC addition and changes to the Great Ceremonial House as they prepare for the return of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Finally, expect crowds to be heavy, especially on the weekends! There will be people everywhere! But, with a good plan and enough Fastpasses, you can do all you desire and have a fabulous vacation!

I hope you are having a Blessed and Magical week, my friends!!

Updated Prices, Refurbs, etc. for WDW

Walt Disney World has been quietly slipping the cost of things up a bit, with no fanfare of any kind! Most notably is the price of a One-Day, Single Park Ticket. The price slid up $5. Magic Kingdom is not $99 for one day. EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are $94 for a single day’s visit. It is believed this is a strategy to trim the one day visitors in favor of multiple day guests. The cost for parking at a Disney Park has also made a quiet move up the ladder going from $15 to $17 per day.

Here is the list of current Refurbishments at Walt Disney World:

Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain April 7-9, 2014
Pirates of the Caribbean April 28 – May 1, 2014
Tomorrowland Transit Authority – Peoplemover – May 3 – Jun 30, 2014
Astro Orbiter May 3 – August 20, 2014

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Festival of the Lion King is still under refurbishment with no official date announced for re-opening in a new theater in the Harambe area of the park. Expect sometime late May or June!

Of course, there is major construction around the Polynesian Resort in preparation of adding Disney Vacation Club. There are changes taking place to the Great Ceremonial House, as well! Keep this in mind when planning your vacation!

Thanks for reading, and please feel free to share if you find the information helpful! Have a Blessed and Magical Day, my friends!!

What’s The Attraction: TTA

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover (TTAP) is one of the most popular attractions in all of Walt Disney World. It’s easy pace, short queue lines, and areas of interest make it a nice way to slow down a little and get a small break from an otherwise hectic day. Let’s take a look at some of the history of this attraction!

Wanna take a ride?

Opening on July 1, 1975 as the WEDway PeopleMover, this ride was based on the original at Disneyland with some distinct differences! There were no more rubber tires to roll along on, but the new version made use of a newer technology, Linear Synchronous Motors, using a magnetic series of conductors to move the cars along the track. These motors are very quiet and efficient.

Jack Wagner voiced the original narration and he was well-known as the voice of Walt Disney World. He also was the original voice of the Monorail and the Welcome greeting at the Transportation and Ticket Center! Now, the TTAP is voiced by Mike Brassell. He does a very nice job and can be heard on a recent episode of the Disney Parks Podcast, Episode 72.

While riding the TTAP, you will get a birdseye view of the Tomorrowland Speedway, make a pass through Space Mountain, and get previews of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, and Monster’s Laugh Floor.

But, in my humble opinion, the greatest reason to take a ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover, is the ability to people watch! You can see a lot of what’s going on below you, it can be quite entertaining!

One of Walt Disney’s hopes, was that this could become a part of everyday life in local communities. He believed that this was a conservative, legitimate method of transportation within metropolitan areas. And, there have been a few take advantage of this concept. And, many airports have been using a similar concept for many years. But, there are many communities that believe the initial investment is too expensive. I wonder?

That’s it for now, my friends! As usual, I hope you have a Blessed and Magical Day!!