You Must Do The Jingle Cruise

The Jingle Cruise is all about the homesick skippers of the Jungle Cruise. To make everything feel more like home, the skippers have decorated the queue with items that have been mailed to them. Some of the items they have even made themselves. Basically, the Jingle Cruise is just like the Jungle Cruise, just with some holiday cheer added. The scenes throughout the adventure will have some festive decorations to help the skippers celebrate the season. You will also notice while on your “trip” that the skippers have added some holiday jokes to lighten the spirit a little more.

Not only are the scenes and the queue transformed, but so are the boats! Make sure you pay close attention to the names of the individual boats because the skippers have also changed them up a bit. Those skippers know exactly how to create the perfect holiday! Just a few examples; Sankuru Sadie becomes Sleigh Ride Sadie, Congo Connie becomes Candy Cane Connie, Mongala Millie becomes Mistletoe Millie and Amazon Annie becomes Eggnog Annie, just to name a few!

Height Requirement

Same as the Jungle Cruise, there is not a height requirement for Jingle Cruise. No matter what age, or height, everyone in your party will be able to enjoy this attraction. Such a great family fun attraction that you definitely need to add to your list. Have you really done the holidays in Disney World if you haven’t done the JINGLE CRUISE at least once?

Get ready to see the BACKSIDE OF WATER, holiday edition!! So much fun!

Accessibility and Other Information

• You may remain in your wheelchair or ECV to ride Jingle Cruise.
• Assistive Listening and Language Translation devices are available upon request. Sign Language services are also available upon request.
• Social distancing is in full effect and guidelines will be followed.
• Don’t forget your face mask! This will be strictly enforced.

Tips

• FastPass+ is offered for Jingle Cruise. Fast passes are not available as of right now.
• Children under 7 years old must be accompanied by someone 14 years or older.
• Jingle Cruise runs from early November to early January.
• Bring your sense of humor, the cornier the better!

Have you tried the holiday version of the Jungle Cruise? Did you enjoy it as much as the original? Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to tell us all about it and to discuss other Disney related topics. For more holiday fun, check out the TOP 5 MUST DO’S during the holidays!

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Video: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

This is my family’s favorite parade when visiting Walt Disney World Resort during the holidays! Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is exclusive to Magic Kingdom. You must purchase a separate event ticket to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to view this parade.

Parade Times

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade runs twice during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The first is at 8:30pm and the second is at 11:00pm.

Parade Route

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade begins in Frontierland. It ends near the entrance of the park in Town Square close to the Fire Station.

Best Viewing Location

If you want the easier/less crowded viewing location, then Frontierland is the place for you! However, I always suggest Main Street U.S.A. for the best viewing location of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Viewing the parade from Main Street U.S.A. will give you an excellent view of Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season Fireworks which is after the parade. If you plan to catch the second parade, you can view the fireworks from Main Street U.S.A. and then grab a spot on the curb for the parade.

Tips

• If you want a front row seat to Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, you will have to sit for quite a while before parade time to save that great spot!
• It’s easiest to get a good spot to watch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade if you choose the Frontierland area versus the Castle hub or Main Street U.S.A.
• Do you want an even more magical experience? Reserve the Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace and have reserved viewing of the parade and fireworks. What is not to love about reserved viewing and enjoying sweet treats?
• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade runs twice during each Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The second parade is less crowded.
• Pick up a special event Times Guide when entering Magic Kingdom. The Times Guide will list the times for the parade and all other happenings going on during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
• About a week before Christmas, you will have the opportunity to view this parade without attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. At this point, the parade is shown during the day time at Magic Kingdom.

Join us at Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and any other Disney related topic!

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Video: Magic Kingdom Main Street Trolley Show Christmas Edition

If you haven’t seen the Christmas edition of the Main Street Trolley Show then you are missing a show that will definitely put you in the holiday mood! With festive costumes, dancing and Christmas music, it is a show you don’t want to miss!

Where the Trolley Stops

The performers ride the trolley until it stops at several different places on Main Street U.S.A. The show takes place several times a day. Make sure you grab a Times Guide at the entrance to Magic Kingdom to know exactly when the Main Street Trolley Show will be performed.

The Main Street Trolley Show consists of twelve performers, six on each side of the trolley. Once the trolley stops, the performers hop off and begin their show! With singing and dancing to Christmas music and holiday décor, it is a beautiful show. The songs performed are “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Jingle Bells”.

Tips

• The Main Street Trolley Show lasts about five minutes.
• Grab a Times Guide at the park entrance to see what time the Main Street Trolley Show will be performed.
• Since there are six performers on each side of the trolley, both sides of Main Street U.S.A. have a great view.

If you are visiting Walt Disney World Resort during the holiday season, make sure you see all of the holiday additions at each of the four parks. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is another great way to celebrate this magical season!

Have you seen the Christmas edition of the Main Street Trolley Show? Did you love it? Join us at Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.

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Video: Dance with Muziki in Harambe’s Drum Circle

I hope you enjoy the video! Yes, I know…Mom isn’t the best at video making, but hey, my kid was performing!!

Muziki

Imagine walking through Africa in the Animal Kingdom park and suddenly an 8-10 foot man takes the hand of your little one. All you can do is smile because, of course, your little one is nearly jumping into his arms!! That is exactly how it happened, out of no where…this beautifully dressed, stilt walking man gently takes my little one’s hand and off they go to where several drums and instruments are in place with other children waiting anxiously. He gathers them up and begins teaching them all about African music by letting them be official “drummers of the day”. It was amazing to watch this one man interact so gently and so enthusiastically with all of these little ones. He was having as much fun as they were.

Muziki can be found during certain times of the day. These times vary, so check out a times guide as you enter the park for the day! This is certainly something that you do not want to miss!

Harambe Awakened

Harambe has been “Awakened” this summer in Animal Kingdom with lots of new things going on! Muziki is just a preview of all of the fun to be had with Animal Kingdom’s new nightlife. Check out all of the exciting fun going on right here from Disney Parks Blog.

This will always be one of our best and magical memories of Walt Disney World (and believe me, we have many!). We enjoy spending a lot of time in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom and have had many great moments in that area of the park. There is always something fun and exciting going on in Harambe! Be sure to hit up the nearby “Tamu Tamu Refreshments” for a Dole Whip! For more great snacks in Animal Kingdom, just click this link!

Walt Express would love to see you over in our Facebook group: Disney Express Lane. We talk about all things Disney and other awesome finds at Disney World!

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Epcot’s Father Christmas in the United Kingdom

As we heard the “bells tolling”, we gathered near the English Garden in the beautiful United Kingdom. Father Christmas arrived dressed in green with a beard as white as snow. Carrying a bell and counting, the children were all enthralled and curious as he began to tell his story of why the “bells toll”. He explained that each bell heard represents a year since the birth of Christ.

Learning about all of the different cultures and how each one celebrates this magical season was such a wonderful experience.

A Spot of Tea?

For a special treat, be sure to stop by the “The Tea Caddy” and have a “spot of tea”.  Everyone knows that the British know a thing or two about fine tea! Sometimes, this little quaint shop will give away samples!

Festival Of The Holidays

Every year, Epcot hosts “Festival Of The Holidays“. You are able to visit all eleven of the different countries and see what each Holiday Season is like. From holiday foods, to parties with singing and dancing and even down to Santa! Yes, Santa! Let me tell you, this is something that you DON’T want to miss. You can grab a times guide from the Showcase Plaza and find out at exactly what times the shows and events will take place in each country. ***Please Note: Valid park admission is required to Epcot (Festivals of the Holidays is a FREE event).

Don’t forget to check out Epcot’s Pere Noel in France video too! If you are looking for MORE Santa, click HERE and find out where you will find him!

Don’t forget to join us for more LIVE Facebook videos.

Be sure to join our Facebook group: DISNEY EXPRESS LANE for more Magical Disney fun!

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What to Expect

You can find the Casey’s Corner Pianist outside Casey’s Corner in the Magic Kingdom. He plays all kinds of show stopping hits that will remind you of days gone by. Grab a bite to eat, take a seat and listen to all of the mesmerizing sounds coming from the piano. You will have a great view of Cinderella Castle too!

Every time I have seen this toe tapping show, the pianist always has a smile on his face as he tickles the ivories. He is also quite funny and loves to interact with guests. Do you have a request? Go ahead and ask nicely between sets. He can play anything from ragtime music to current Disney hits. This makes for a great break from walking around the Magic Kingdom. So, take a seat and relax as you take in all of the sights and sounds of the Magic Kingdom.

If you want to see and hear this talented pianist, make sure you pick up a Times Guide at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom or go HERE for show times.

Main Street USA Extras

There are so many things that can entertain all of the senses walking down Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom. From the characters in Town Square, the Main Street Trolley that makes it’s way down Main Street USA, the Dapper Dans Barber Shop Quartet, The Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It! Street Party!, or the Main Street Philharmonic, you will not be disappointed.

What is your favorite Main Street pastime?

Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.

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Location

Located in Hollywood Studios’ newest land: Toy Story Land!

Tier 1 Attraction

Toy Story Midway Mania is a Tier 1 attraction at Hollywood Studios. This refers to Disney’s Fastpass+ system that puts the most popular rides in one tier and the other rides in a second tier. Attractions at Hollywood Studios are separated into two tiers when making your initial FastPass+ selections. You can choose one attraction from the Tier 1 list and two attractions from the Tier 2 list. If Toy Story Midway Mania is a must for you, you will either want to choose it as your attraction from the Tier 1 list or be at Hollywood Studios at opening and head straight for the stand-by queue.

Queue

The queue for Toy Story Midway Mania, like most Disney World attractions, is extremely themed. There are some great picture opportunities along the queue so don’t put that camera away! You will find jumbo crayons and oversized playing cards. You will also see monkeys hanging from the ceiling and even a Candy Land game board! At a point in the queue you will be able to get your 3D glasses for the ride! Don’t miss the Tinker Toy Construction Set that is built above you when boarding your game vehicle!

The Ride

Your ride tram consists of two “cars” and each one will seat two guests in the front and two guests in the back. The games are all aim and shoot games. You each have your own launch controller. According to the tram you board, your controller will be red, blue, yellow or green. All you have to do is aim and pull the string! You can also keep up with your score on the dash beside your controller. Before heading straight into the games, you will have a practice session with Woody and Rex.

Hamm & Eggs

The first game you come to is Hamm & Eggs and is set on a farm. You will be launching eggs at ducks, pigs, cows and donkeys for points. Don’t worry, this game is animal friendly so no animals were harmed! Aim and hit as many as you can to rack up those points!

Rex & Trixie’s Dino Darts

The second game is Rex & Trixie’s Dino Darts. Throw those darts to pop balloons for points. Don’t let the bubbling volcano in the background distract you! Aim higher to hit the targets at the top of the screen that will give you more points.

Green Army Men Shoot Camp

Up next is the Green Army Men Shoot Camp game. In this game you are at an Army firing range. Throw those baseballs hard to break as many plates as you can. Make sure you aim for the plates that have the most points!

Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers

The next game is Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers. Think of the game ring games at your local carnivals where you toss and try to ring the bottles for a prize. Here you are tossing rings at the Little Green Men. When you ring one, he will fly out and you get points! Be aware that when the Little Green Men shoot up you will be hit with puffs of air.

Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery

The final game is Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery. This game is based on the Woody’s Roundup television show. You are shooting suction cup darts at mining town targets. Your tram will begin to move but keep shooting. You go from the mining town to the hills that has the entrance to the mine and then you are underground with mine-cart targets. The more you hit the targets on the mine cars, the targets will be worth more points.

What’s Your Score?

Once you are finished with the final game, your tram will take you around and you will see your score. Then you will move to another screen and find out the high score for your vehicle. This is the important one for me! A little history, my husband and I go head to head on Toy Story Midway Mania. It is all about the win and I hold the streak of being undefeated. As you can hear in the video, I won again! I plan to never lose at Toy Story Midway Mania, but I promise if he ever beats me I will definitely update this blog and give him credit!

Tips

• FastPass+ is available for Toy Story Midway Mania and recommended.
• Toy Story Midway Mania is a Tier 1 attraction at Hollywood Studios.
• If you don’t FastPass Toy Story Midway Mania you will want to be at Hollywood Studios at opening and head straight to it. The lines get very long right after park opening and stay that way throughout the day.
• Your tram will spin when moving between games so if you are prone to motion sickness this could bother you.
• In each game make sure you aim for the moving targets as these will give you the most points!
• The queue and game are both inside so it’s a great attraction on a hot or rainy day.
• Children less than 7 years old must be accompanied by someone 14 years or older.

Height Requirement

There is not a height requirement for Toy Story Midway Mania. Everyone in your party no matter how tall or small can enjoy this attraction.

Accessibility & Other Information

You are not able to take your scooter through the queue and must transfer to a wheelchair. You then must be able to transfer from the wheelchair to the tram.

Audio Description and Video Captioning are available upon request.

Do you love the thrill of the win on Toy Story Midway Mania or are you laid back and just play for fun? Join us at Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to talk about Toy Story Midway Mania and everything Disney!

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Magic Bands are without a doubt, the number one, “top”, must have fashion accessory on your next Disney World vacation! Check out: Disney 101: Magic Bands…Don’t Leave Home Without Them! to find out why!

Disney 101: Magic Bands…Don’t Leave Home Without Them!

This cute little wrist accessory is not just for showing off your “Disney side”…it has a ton of other uses and will be your best friend once you get into Disney World!

Magic Bands are fairly simple and they were made to make your life easier while you are on your magical vacation. All of the “must haves” in ONE place! Keys to the room, park tickets, dining information, credit cards…the list goes on. The Magic Band makes traveling back and forth to the parks easier and a whole lot lighter! Let’s face it, sometimes we DO get pretty weighed down with things we need in the parks.

They have been known to have a glitch or two in the past, but Disney is on top of the matter and is always working out the kinks to improve any issue. My family and I have been plenty of times since the start of Magic Bands and I will be honest in the fact that there has been a time or two that we have not been fans of the Magic Bands. Yet every time we go they get better and better and now we are very pleased with these handy, dandy accessories. So don’t be afraid of the new technology, embrace it! (I have to remind myself of that everyday!).

What will Magic Bands do?

• First and foremost, Magic bands are small, waterproof, all-in-one wristbands that allow you to access your vacation plans and reservations that are stored in My Disney Experience.
• Magic Bands will unlock your Disney Resort room.
• Magic Bands replace your key to the world card.
• Magic Bands are your “ticket” into Disney Theme Parks and Water Parks with valid park admission. Special admission ticketed events can also be linked up to the Magic Bands!
• Magic Bands allow you to check in at Fast Pass entrances.
• Magic Bands allow you to connect your Disney Photo Pass images to your My Disney Experience account. This is done automatically now! Instantly see your photos and even videos! If you have pre-purchased Memory Maker, you can even start downloading and sharing your images right from your phone.
• You can charge merchandise and food on your MagicBand during your Disney Resort Stay. (Don’t take it home and expect it to work the same way for you.) Make sure you add your credit card information into the check-in portion of My Disney Experience, so you are able to have the payment option from your MagicBand. Even after doing this, STILL check with the resort during check-in. We always say it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• If you are on any of the Disney Dining Plans, all of your information will be on your Magic Band.

• If you are staying on property in a Disney World Resort, you will also receive “magical extras“. These include luggage tags and MORE!

Magic Bands are all about convenience. These wrist bands mean you have one less thing to keep up with. It’s always on your wrist! Plus, all Magic Bands have a sensor touch point that you will scan each time you do any of the above things. Just place the Mickey to Mickey at any touch point area and watch the magic take place.

How do I get a Magic Band?

You will receive Magic Band if you are staying on Disney Resort Property or if you are a Walt Disney World Passholder for no additional fee. If you are not staying on Disney Resort Property or Passholder, you have the option of buying a Magic Band in the parks or in Disney Springs.

Magic Band Tips

• A four-digit pin number will be needed in order to make purchases with your Magic Band. Add this in your My Disney Experience account before leaving home.
• The same pin number will also be needed if you are using the Disney Dining Plan.
• Magic Bands are available in the following colors: RED, GREEN, ORANGE, BLUE, YELLOW, PINK, PURPLE and GRAY.
• Also available for an additional charge are all kinds of cute decorations for your bands. These are available all over Disney World and online!
• They WILL fit. From the smallest or arms to the larger ones, the adjustable band makes it super easy!
• Magic Bands are available in select limited edition and special event designs!

Make sure to pack your Magic Bands FIRST! If you are flying, you will want to have them in your carry-on luggage. When driving, make sure you keep them close by also! You will need them to enter your resort area.

If you are using a Disney Vacation Planner, they will link all of your reservations to your My Disney Experience. You can do the same as you plan your magical vacation! I hope this helps with all of your vacation planning and as always, if you have more questions feel free to let us know.

Walt Express Favorites!

Here are a few of our favorite custom MagicBands!

Do you love the ease of the Magic Band? It makes traveling back and forth around Disney World SO easy!

Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.

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Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special event party that requires a separate ticket to attend. The party takes place on select nights during September and October at Magic Kingdom. Happy HalloWishes can only be seen if you attend one of these parties.

Viewing Locations

Just like with the nightly Wishes fireworks that takes place at Magic Kingdom, there are many great viewing locations to watch Happy HalloWishes. My personal favorite is anywhere down Main Street U.S.A. or the hub in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Just be aware that it will be very crowded.

Happy HalloWishes

Happy HalloWishes is a fireworks show that begins at 10:15pm during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and lasts about 12 minutes. The Haunted Mansion’s Ghost Host invites you to drop in on Happy HalloWishes. Disney Villains help light up the night sky with their evil ways. Make sure to pay attention to Cinderella’s Castle too because you will find a myriad of colors crawling all over it!

The Disney Villains get things into full swing with their scary tunes. Maleficent, Ursula, Jafar, Oogie Boogie and Cruella de Vil join in to do their best to steal the show.

Songs

Happy HalloWishes includes some of our favorite sinister songs:

• “Grim Grinning Ghosts” from the Haunted Mansion
• “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid
• “Never Smile at a Crocodile” from Peter Pan
• “The Skeleton Dance” from Silly Symphony – The Skeleton Dance
• “Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf” from The Three Little Pigs
• Oogie Boogie’s Son” from The Nightmare Before Christmas
• “Night on Bald Mountain” from Fantasia

Can’t get enough of these frightful songs? Click this link and grab them all!!

Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package

If you want to experience Happy HalloWishes in a unique way, you can purchase the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package experience. You will have premium viewing for Mickey’s Boo To You Parade. Following the parade, you can enjoy Halloween themed treats at a private dessert party with excellent views of Happy HalloWishes. You can delight in chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, cheese and seasonal fruits.

This premium package is available for $84 plus tax for Guests ages 10 and older and $50 plus tax for Guests ages 3 to 9. For reservations, you can book online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.

Click HERE for a little more information about whether the premium events are worth it or not.

If you aren’t able to visit Walt Disney World this fall to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, make sure to plan to attend next year because you will have a spooktacular time!

Have you watched Happy HalloWishes during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Did you love this fireworks show? Leave us a comment below or join us at the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney topics.

photo credit: WDWNEWS

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Check out: Video: Mickey’s Boo To You Parade At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, for lots of tips and tricks!

Video: Mickey’s Boo to You Parade at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

If you are travelling to Walt Disney World this fall, you need to check out the Video: Mickey’s Boo to You Parade at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This is a special event party at Magic Kingdom you don’t want to miss. A special feature at the party is Mickey’s Boo to You Parade. You can only see this spooktacular parade by attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Parade Route

Mickey’s Boo to You Parade follows the usual Magic Kingdom parade route. It begins in Frontierland, then makes its way through Liberty Square before crossing the bridge to enter the Castle circle. The floats follow around on the TomorrowLand side of the circle and then finally head down Main Street U.S.A.

Viewing Locations

There are many excellent viewing locations on the entire parade route. The obvious places are the Castle Circle, Main Street U.S.A. and the entrance of Magic Kingdom. A lot of people don’t even think of Frontierland down to Liberty Square, and these locations are going to be a little less crowded.

The Parade

You don’t want to be late for this parade. If you are, you will miss the ride of The Headless Horseman. That’s right, The Headless Horseman himself starts the festivities off with a ride through Magic Kingdom. He is sure to get you in the mood for some frightening fun!

If you have seen a parade at Walt Disney World, you already know how spectacular Mickey’s Boo to You Parade is going to be! It is kicked off by Mickey & Minnie and Donald & Daisy on their very own gazebo float. Following them is a line of all your favorite Disney Characters dressed in their Halloween costumes. Don’t miss Captain Jack Sparrow and his scallywags. Then the spooks from the Haunted Mansion join in the fun; the grave diggers, dancing ghosts and even the three Hitch-Hiking Ghosts! Of course we can’t forget who comes out a lot at Halloween time, all of the Disney Villains!

Tips

• You have to purchase a special event ticket to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
• Mickey’s Boo to You Parade runs twice during each party; 8:30 pm and 11:15 pm. The best strategy is to hit the popular attractions during the first parade and catch the second once since it seems to be the least crowded.
• Make sure to save your spot early so you don’t miss The Headless Horseman.
• For more great tips, check out: TOP TIPS FOR MICKEY’S HALLOWEEN PARTY!

Have you been to Mickey’s No-So-Scary Halloween Party and seen Mickey’s Boo to You Parade? If so, we would love to hear about it. You can leave a comment below or join us at Disney Express Lane Facebook Group and discuss this and many other Disney topics!

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