Extended Evening Hours Report

 

On our recent trip to Walt Disney World, we had the opportunity to take advantage of Extended Evening Hours (EEH) at both Epcot and Magic Kingdom.  This post will take a look how we were able to do that, what we accomplished and whether it's worth the built in cost to use this advantage.

Extended Evening Hours are a relatively new perk offered to guests of deluxe on-site Disney resorts - and ONLY guests of deluxe resorts.  This initially created some outrage in the online community, as there were calls of Disney being "elitist" and pricing out the middle class.  These claims are not entirely without merit.  But Universal offers Express Pass Unlimited (a better service than any FastPass/Genie service Disney has ever offered) with their higher end resorts, and while you can purchase this pass separately, the easiest way to get it is to stay at one of these hotels.  EEH is similar for Disney.

Is Disney Springs Worth Visiting?

 

We're back!  After a trip to Walt Disney World, we have a bunch of stuff we need to discuss on this blog.  I'm starting with something easy today - Disney Springs.  Here we'll talk about what it is, what our impressions were before we visited and if/how they changed and whether you should spend some of your precious vacation time visiting here.

For some basic background, Disney Springs is the former Downtown Disney, located on Walt Disney World property which boasts, according to their official website, 103 shops, 65 places to dine and 25 "attractions, shows and events."  This seems like a lot, and is probably overstated a bit for marketing purposes.  As for attractions, there are things like Cirque de Soleil and House of Blues, but I suspect that going to events such as these are not the same as on a whim deciding to seek out attractions walking around.  

Quick WDW News Round Up: More Favorites Returning, Genie+ Lowered Expectations

 

We're back with a few new stories from this week that didn't warrant their own post.  Let's start with a fan favorite.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Returns:

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is returning this summer.  This show had been around since 1974 (!) and had been closed since the pandemic shutdown in March 2020.  This was one of the more popular entertainment options over the years, especially for something that wasn't even in the parks themselves.  Per the Disney Parks Blog 

The Pioneer Hall Players and cast members will be welcoming back guests to this frontier-style family fun dining experience in Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. First debuting in 1974, Hoop-Dee-Doo will once again offer guests a rousing Wild West performance, singing, zany comedy with lots of laughs and an unforgettable countrified feast full of fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, a variety of savory sides and of course, strawberry shortcake, yum! The menu is sure to make your mouth water and have you hollerin’ for seconds (and thirds!).