Who is the Imagineer? Is This Piece of Concept Art for El Rio Del Tiempo Real or AI?

Just arrived on my computer, a supposed piece of Disney concept art for EPCOT Center's magnificent El Rio Del Tiempo, an opening day attraction at World Showcase in Mexico. I can't make out the artists signature. Is it real? If so, who is the Imagineer? Inquiring minds need to know. Somebody help me out.

Sunday Morning Surprise: Splash Mountain Pre-Opening Art

Here's a nice piece of concept art that was released prior to the opening of Disneyland's iconic Splash Mountain. Its style is almost logo like, nothing like the beautiful pieces you can find to depict the attraction. To be 100% honest, I'm not sure how it was used. Perhaps for early park guide maps like the ones that were printed for decades before Disney went to simple fold out maps. 

I haven't forgotten about my Disneyland Resort trip report! It's just that I ran across something as I was looking for a different piece by Tony Baxter. Again Tony, where's your book?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

An Easy Fix: A Revolutionary Idea for Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion

We Disney theme park fans leave it to the Imagineers to build us some good old fashioned fun and some revolutionary attractions. Over at the great WDWMagic Boards, a discussion is brewing about the future of Liberty Square, the Hall of Presidents, and even the beloved Haunted Mansion. Some are saying that the mansion doesn't belong other than what the exterior looks like. I say, it's a very easy thing to fix: Just add a handful of Audio-Animatronic figures of Revolutionary War ghosts into the graveyard in the Mansion. An easy prompt from ChatGPT, and its created. Problem fixed!

 

Epcot's Unbuilt and Unknown Switzerland Pavilion

Is this the work of Imagineer Herb Ryman? This piece of concept art for the unbuilt, unrealized Switzerland pavilion at Epcot looks the part, but something is missing. It feels too plain, too generic, too blah. So, who crafted this piece? Probably AI as I'm looking closer and seeing duplicate people with red shirts and blue pants or shorts.

Could the second Disney park in Florida use something like this? Yes- a thrill ride actually themed to the park it is in. World Showcase would be all the better! And then Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind could have appeared in Disney's Hollywood Studios where it really belonged. 
 

Celebrate the U.S.A. at 250 Years at Walt Disney World

Today is American Independence Day. As we celebrate our 250th year , it is time to give thanks to the Lord who has blessed us as we have sought to honor Him. We've had it so good for so long. Yet, I do not think we honor Him as much anymore given the current broken state of distrust, corruption, and division in our politics and how we handle ourselves in the global community.

Yet, I think it's time to focus on our blessings once again. For our sakes as well as for the benefit of those around us. Thankfulness is a good thing!

As an independent tour guide, I travel all over the world. Believe me, there is no nation on the globe where its citizens are as free as we are in the United States of America! We're not perfect- not even close, but we can complain all we want about laws, our government, and our politicians. That's one of the greatest things about our country. We have a voice and we can use it freely. Others cannot do that. We have the wisdom of the founding fathers to thank for this, and we have the sacrifice of our military veterans to thank for keeping those liberties. 

Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall! 

Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!

Psalm 144:15

Let's tie it all back to Disney, since this is a Disney theme park fan site. Imagineering great artist Herb Ryman created this gorgeous painting for the American Adventure.  Way back in 1979, EPCOT Center was finding its focus, and the Disney executives needed art such as this one to inspire corporations the world over to pour their funds in the new project. They also needed this kind of concept art to inspire travelers to send their hard earned cash to come to Walt Disney World when this second park made its debut. The park's Future World would draw them in as any world's fair might, but it would be World Showcase that would celebrate the cultures of other nations including the U.S.A.

Patriotism was not a new thing at Disney parks. It began with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland, but the Imagineers really expanded on the idea when it came to Florida's Magic Kingdom. 

Here's a beautiful piece of concept art for the Magic Kingdom's brand new Liberty Square at Walt Disney World. I could almost do an entire blog piece on when reality is better than Imagineering art on this land alone! It is stunning in its beauty and design detail, making it my favorite land of all those in this eastern kingdom. Does the land hold my favorite attractions? No, not at all. But as the sum of all its parts, it's the closest Florida has to the elegance of Disneyland's New Orleans Square.

When plans for the Magic Kingdom finally came to the surface, the Imagineers included this tribute to the patriots of the past, those hard working, God-fearing men and women who sought freedom for all.  

With all the gorgeous details everywhere you look, it is a place of quiet dignity and peace. The stunningly sober Hall of Presidents reminds guests of the great sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. 

So, today, July 4th, let us thank God Almighty for shedding His Grace on us for 250 years!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Universal Kids Resort: Universal Creative Builds Its Own Disney California Adventure 1.0

What in the world is going on? How is it the brand new Universal Kids Resort theme park make Disney California Adventure 1.0 look like an Imagineering masterpiece? Universal Creative has hit home runs with Harry Potter attractions and just above every aspect of Epic Universe. As this photograph from the Attractions 360 vlog shows, the place is a wasteland of concrete and static figures. Bright colors alone do not a theme park make! Even if it's seven "themed" lands with about 30 rides or so- probably mostly off the shelf carnival ones- had potential, they certainly tossed it by the wayside in favor of an even wider cheap and edgy version of Anaheim's second Disney park at opening. Can they / will they correct course and end up with something high quality? It certainly does not look like it. You can be sure I will not be recommending this park to my sister who lives nearby.
 

Attraction Poster for the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park

Around here, Disney attraction posters are one of the favorite things Disney theme park fans love! It all began with Disneyland, of course, but it soon expanded. By the time Walt Disney World's Disney-MGM Studios theme park was announced, these Imagineering gems had sort of gone by the wayside. But here it is, in all it's glory!
 

When Reality is Better Than Imagineering Art: Magic Kingdom's Pirates of the Caribbean

To hardcore Disney theme park fans, Walt Disney World's Pirates of the Caribbean has long been considered the lower class version of the iconic Disneyland attraction, but that does not mean it is without its own charms or great design detail! Here above is the original ending scene, courtesy CardCow.com. Those poor soldiers protecting the treasure are overtaken by the rowdiest group of pirates ever to assemble in a Disney park.

When the gold standard of attractions made its debut at Disneyland in 1967, there was nothing like it- and there still isn't to this day! 

Never, ever had anyone in the entertainment industry created a theme park attraction that was almost 15 minutes of one stunning seaworthy discovery after another. Unbelievably, when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, it was not on the opening day attraction roster at Walt Disney World! 

As us Disney geeks know, the expansion plan for the Magic Kingdom included a full scaled Wild West styled version of the pirate adventure, Western River Expedition. The Marc Davis imagineered area Thunder Mesa included many other attractions built into one magnificent and very expensive structure.  

There were no plans for this until Magic Kingdom guests demanded it.

It'd be easy to blame it on the energy crisis or the wait and see attitude of Disney accountants, but Western River Expedition and all the attractions at Thunder Mesa were not to be. Park guests won out with their numerous complaints. Executive Card Walker made the decision to toss out Davis' unbuilt masterpiece in favor of a sure bet where most of the hard design work had already been accomplished.

Construction in full swing.

See this concept art in full size! Just click on it.

When it came time to add the Pirates attraction for Florida's Magic Kingdom, Imagineer Marc Davis wanted to add elements that would bring the rowdy story to light in different ways than the one found in Disneyland's New Orleans Square. In Florida, the fan favorite would find its home in an expansion of Adventureland known as Caribbean Plaza. The pirate story would begin as guests entered an old Spanish fort El Castillo (later renamed Castillo del Morro). Good beginning!

Starting in the queue, there would be hints of what was to come, like the dueling pirate skeletons at the dust covered chessboard locked in an eternal stalemate. The biggest change overall would be the brand new conclusion. I've always loved the original ending in Florida. There the Spanish soldiers protecting the fortress are tied up while the pirates grab all that glittering treasure. The concept art was good, but the final execution was just brilliant!

Nothing they could do about it!

Over the years, the attraction lost its steady stream of visitors, but it didn't take long to regain them. Once the films based on the attraction became very popular, both the Disneyland original and the Florida version added Johnny Depp aka Captain Jack Sparrow to the mix. Purists scoffed, but fans of the Black Pearl series and Mr. Depp loved it. Crowds returned to the Florida attraction, filling the queue once again.

Photo by Mike Thomas at Magic and Memories. 

Changes are constantly in play with the attraction. Additions have included other characters from the film and even a hint of deadly mermaid activity in the caverns. Those have been installed and subsequently removed. 

In 2027, Pirates of the Caribbean celebrates its 60th Anniversary at Disneyland. I wouldn't be surprised if the Imagineers are planning for some new surprises to celebrate and honor this landmark attraction. 

(Unless denoted, art and photographs copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Does Monstropolis Scream "Must Visit"?

Let's start with the obvious- that is a pretty nice Monstropolis logo! When the Imagineering team gets it right, it is fantastic. Let's hope the skyline in the logo, both of them, is something that really shows up when the land opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Certainly the door coaster will be a hit and satisfy thrill seekers and Harryhausen’s eatery may become the foodie stop of the season. Will shopping, that show at the Glob Theater (RIP Muppet*Vision 3D) other experiences keep guests coming back? Without a family friendly dark ride, perhaps Mike & Sully to the Rescue from Disney California Adventure, all that's left is a playground. I'm not so sure the area will be the sure fire hit that suits think. 

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

New Carousel of Progress Attraction Poster Highlights Changes Coming

Is there's a great big beautiful tomorrow coming? Let's hope so! Disney has just announced a major upgrade coming to Tomorrowland's classic Carousel of Progress. The attraction poster is a nod to the past, but the storyline has shifted significantly. According to the press release, once an Audio-Animatronic version of Walt Disney opens the show, the show scenes are as follows:

Act 1 — The 1960s Set in the summer of 1969, the family gathers around the television to watch the Apollo moon landing.

Act 2 — The 1980s It's Halloween night, 1985. For the first time in the attraction's history, Sarah takes center stage, showing off new appliances and gadgets. John is on the porch handing out candy, while Uncle Orville returns — this time in the bathroom complaining about the lack of privacy.

Act 3 — New Year's Eve, 1999 The family rings in the new millennium as the internet begins connecting the world. Grandpa falls asleep before midnight, while Grandma quietly switches the TV to wrestling.

Act 4 — The Future The finale moves to a distant future home, featuring a helpful robot and space travel. Imagineers drew on original concept sketches by Disney Legend John Hench to shape this new scene.

The concept art for the final Act seems nice if not a bit bland. That said, it is nice to see some love given to the show that originated at the 1964 World's Fair before making its way to Disneyland and eventually the Magic Kingdom. 

Even nicer is seeing the suits honoring the World's park history! What a switch from the money grab move of tearing down the iconic Rivers of America!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Perhaps the Rarest Photo of the Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion

Welcome Foolish Mortals to perhaps the rarest photograph of Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion. Taken around 1971, this is a rare promotional sheet from the Imagineering files. Giving the viewer the perfect look at the attraction from the now long lost Tom Sawyer Island. Plying the Rivers of America, these beautiful canoes and a trip into the wilderness was an opening day attraction not to be missed. Liberty Square was a perfect setting for the old abandoned mansion. Guests couldn't stay away once they discovered the 999 Happy Haunts in residence. The Imagineering masterpiece has drawn in unsuspecting visitors for over 50 years now... much longer number of years than those Cars at Piston Peak will ever reach.

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Soarin' Across America Attraction Poster #2

This attraction poster is even better than the first one we saw months ago! Soarin' Across America is sure to be a crowd pleaser! Whether you're in Epcot at Walt Disney World or out in Anaheim at Disney California Adventure, the film is a worthy and memorable addition to the attraction line up. How long will it stay around? Probably for decades. :)
 

Disney's Country Bears and Pixar's Cars Take Over Colorado

Count this Colorado man very surprised to see Disney characters in Audio-Animatronic form outside of one of the theme parks. And not just a Country Bear Musical Jamboree bear but a "Car" as well! They both had as much motion and expression in their eyes as any of the characters in the parks. Surprising? Absolutely! Where was this whole thing? We were in Scheels Sporting Goods store in Colorado Springs, Colorado- and this was their shooting gallery. Just goes to show Disney inspiration is everywhere!

 

The Charm of the Magic Kingdom's Rivers of America

When it came to color design and creating a mood, there were a few standout Imagineers of the first generation. You'd have to add artist Herb Ryman to the top side of the list! This concept art captures the simple beauty and charm of a Frontierland now long gone. The Rivers of America delivers a serene landscape of dreams as several folks sit by on land watching the world go by. The originally named Admiral Joe Fowler riverboat sails on.

This being a theme park means contrasting buildings exist. At Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, the beautiful Cinderella Castle in her glorious original color scheme is seen in the distance and the lower level buildings of Liberty Square peacefully co-exist with everything else. 

The vibe was definitely chill. While Piston Peak and the world of Cars will bring a different energy, I'll be curious if the charm factor will still exist. What do you think?

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Indy's Temple Takes Shape

Thanks to Bioreconstruct, we can see that Countdown to Extinction aka DINOSAUR at Disney's Animal Kingdom is quickly becoming the temple entrance to the new Indiana Jones Adventure. This will be the next in a series of temples in Walt Disney World. First, there are those in the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom. Next we have the pyramid and interior temples at the Mexico pavilion at Epcot. Now, this. We can debate whether or not Encanto and Indy fit, but the look and feel of Tropical Americas aligns perfectly with the park. Is it just my vivid imagination or is Disney's Animal Kingdom becoming the new World Showcase one step at a time?
 

The Very First Walt Disney World Resort Map

Ever heard of Blackbeard's Island? Yes sir, it is there to be found on the very first report map of Walt Disney World back in 1971. There's a few other unique features as well depicted by the artwork: the original and great 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Submarine Voyage attraction in Fantasyland and the Gulf Car Care Center. You could even surf on the Seven Seas Lagoon back in the day. The whole thing just fills the senses with its retro / vintage goodness!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)
 

Contemporary Resort Gains and Losses

Once upon a time, Walt Disney World only had two resort hotels and one theme park. There was the Polynesian Village Resort and the Contemporary Resort. These beautiful places seemed far apart and were accessible by monorail or by walking through the parking lot. Both had incredible but different views of the Magic Kingdom. In this kinder, gentler, much less expensive world, there was no need for advance reservations for attractions or dining. You could go for a visit of several days and relax during and before your visit. What a novel concept. 

Speaking of concepts, here's one captured on film by Disney Journey with Jim Shull. The sleek lines and elegant form of the main tower is lost in modern times because it sits nexts to a less spectacular structure housing Disney Vacation Club units. Ah, the things lost by wanting to gain a quick buck! 

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

St. Paddy's at Raglan Road: Worth the Stop?

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day? Eating and drinking at Disney Springs' lively Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is certainly a memorable experience! In fact, we like this place so much, that we have eaten there our very first night for our last two trips. If you're in Florida, you might look at it as a place to experience. But is it worth it when there are so many great places at Disney Springs? Are there better places to splurge? How's the entertainment? The drinks? The food? Would I recommend it and will we dine there again? Would I recommend it if it weren't St. Patrick's Day? Read on for the latest Dine or Ditch.

The live entertainment is good-

but you may end up seated in an out of the way location.

Why has this been our first stop on our last two trips? Well, traveling with our youngest son. Although his ethnicity is very mixed, the lad  identifies with the Irish piece of his heritage more than his German, English or Italian sides, so Raglan was the place we chose to begin our trip and let the vacation kick off in high gear. 

I can't tell you what mid-week looks like in the restaurant, but on the weekend, my bet is Raglan is one of the most popular choices. It was the first place we booked on line when reservations became open, and it was the most difficult of all to get the time we wanted. Once we arrived, the entertainment district was mobbed. When guests go to the Springs, they go to party. 

Our wait was about 15 minutes from the time we finally checked in. We were seated in the back left side of the restaurant in a dark, moody, corner as far away from the stage as could be, but it was a perfect setting to have a long and relaxed meal and a drink. Surprisingly, part way through our drinks, one of the dancers came and set up a mini stage next to us and began dancing. It was great! We felt like part of the action and not second their tourists because we were not in the main seating area in front of the larger stage. 

The Whiskey Flight.

"Irish Rage" is one happy guy tonight!

I began with a gin based drink and my wife chose something lighter. Not our son! He's a hard liquor guy and was very pleased to sample the menu's Whiskey Flight- even if it did cost more than our meal. Our drinks were actually pretty good! Vacation had started! I knew Raglan was my son's top choice for a meal on the Disney property, and I didn't want to disappoint him when he suggested it again. I'm glad I gave in to his preference. 

One of the tastiest appetizers we had the entire trip.

We began with complimentary bread and butter that was a meal in itself.   Our waiter was prompt, relaxed, and knowledgable. Never pushy and an excellent listener- which is not always the case when you're shoving through hundreds of guests a night. He let us sit, drink, and relax, bringing in a second basket of bread. There was no rush to take an order or push us out once our meal was complete. This was the kind of service offered by professionals and something so needed on a vacation that can be overwhelming with tight schedules and big crowds. He was rewarded well for his approach as is also our custom. 

Pull the Boxty is not the name of a kid's prank. Instead, it is a potato and hamhock creation that is every bit worth the very high price tag. The list of appetizers was extensive but when we ordered this one, our server told us it was one of the most popular for a very good reason. It was in fact one of the most flavorful dishes we ordered the entire trip. And it was no small plate! Hearty and heaping, everyone had their fill. I would have been happy to order this as my main meal, and I will probably do so if we ever go back.

The slow braised short ribs were a quick and easy choice for my beef-loving son. My wife picked the pot pie and was very pleased with her choice. Flaky crust, rich, hearty, and generous filling, all very well presented. I stuck with my preferred choice of fish and chips when I'm in a restaurant that is known for great fish. My beer battered cod was not as crispy as I normally like it, but it was undeniably excellent and flavorful, much milder than I expected. The chips were standard fare, which was rather surprising. The short ribs were easily the best of our lot with a mouth watering reduced red wine jus, but the accompanying roasted veggies almost stole the show. Almost.

The desserts were tempting, but were passed as by the time we left, if was very late, and we were stuffed. The music was bright and upbeat. We were actually close enough to enjoy it but also could hear each other speak. In short, the room that seemed farthest away was actually the one that struck the perfect balance for the kind of "first night of vacation" that we wanted it to be.

Then came the bill. 

Including our very generous tip for excellent service, our night out at Raglan Road was actually the most expensive meal of this vacation, close to $200 price tag for a pub trip. That's just about more than $65 a head. Yes, that is a lot. Keep in mind that this is cheaper than the in-park hard to book meals. And it included live entertainment that had nothing to do with Disney rubberheads. 

We found Raglan Road - the only one outside of Ireland itself- worthy of its reputation and worth the price for a special event, but you may feel differently. If my wife and I go back without my son along, we'll probably pick a different place for our first night at the Springs. But he is carrying on his own tradition as he will take his new bride to Disney for her first trip. Raglan Road will be their first stop. Some traditions are meant to be carried on!

Considerations: 

• Book early. Really early! Try to get something after dark for the best authentic atmosphere. 
• Nighttime is not kid friendly, so try brunch if there are children in your group. Or the take away shop next door if you just want the excellent food and don't care about the entertainment.
• Decide ahead of time what type of experience you want. Seating places a big role in this restaurant. 
• The live entertainment is excellent- but it is a very loud restaurant.
• Go hungry or don't go. If you've filled up on a big lunch, choose this for another day.

Let me end with this traditional Irish blessing:

"May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.

May the soft winds freshen your spirit.

May the sunshine brighten your heart

May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.

And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love."

Want more Dine or Ditch?

Check out these other reviews:

Sci-Fi Dine In at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Be Our Guest at Magic Kingdom

Garden Grill at Epcot

Cafe Orleans at Disneyland

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Orlando Resort

San Angel Inn Restaurante at Epcot

Nomad Lounge at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Cafe Orleans at Disneyland

Mythos at Islands of Adventure

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

A Villains Land for All! One for Families and Those Wanting a Darker Side

Josh D'Amaro and the Imagineers at Disney have their work cut out for them when it comes to designing a Villains themed land that will please everyone. Is it even possible? Some will want it darker to match the tone and emotional thrill factor of Epic Universe and their Dark Universe. Can you really blame them for wanting it? No. I mean, come on now, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment has to be one of the best rides of the genre ever created. Those in pursuit of a family friendly approach won't go for this! They couldn't even handle the excellently funny and a bit scary Alien Encounter two decades or so ago. Some folks would prefer a more humorous vision for the land. Maybe, in small doses, I could go for this. How about a blend? I'd like to see something along these lines:
 

The family friendly portion is in the front of the land. This makes it approachable for kids of all ages. The environment has to look a bit different than what's in Fantasyland, however. The rides for smaller kids focuses on attractions with less scary villains, while rides like the big rollercoaster use much darker ones. In the village, use the Queen of Hearts, Captain Hook, and even Cruella De Vil. This will be the spot for a few character meet and greets- one along the lines of Enchanted Tales with Belle, a couple of classic "C Ticket" level dark rides, a spinner hidden within a show building, a theater show, friendly themed shops, (a candy store themed to Pinocchio's Pleasure Island would work well here) and a couple of quick service spots that would appeal to the family. Just one more thing: add a 'middle ground" roller coaster somewhere between the intensity of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Big Thunder Mountain Railway.

What about those guests to the land wanting more "bite"? Let's take a shot of creating a foreboding place with the scarier, darker, more thrill focused portion in the back. Make it accessible through three hidden entrances as you walk into the village. Think of how Universal handled Diagon Alley and the entrance to Knockturn Alley, but with multiple entry points.   Use other, creepier villains for an incredibly themed boat ride using Shanghai Disneyland's famous Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure technology. Maybe the water villains like Ursula and her friends. Let the boats approach two different paths, but take the one that is darker and more suspenseful than the one that looks more bright and cheery.

Save Malificient, Chernabog, Dr. Facillier, Jafar, and Hades for the big, big, thrills that call out to teenagers and thrill seekers. A giant, very well themed coaster with a much higher height requirement- and cleverly disguised if not almost totally hidden track. Leave some showing as a tease, but make it themed. It doesn't have to be taller than Cinderella Castle to be thrilling. Play up the suspense factor. Have riders go totally underground first. Send the sounds of screams outside to the open areas, much like what the bakeries in the parks do with their "smellitizers"- or whatever they are called. Does a giant dragon on top (like in the concept art) need to be there? Or would the designers just be imitating what's been done with their competitors down the street?

This more serious themed area needs a spookier dark ride as well. Start with a version of the Haunted Mansion. After walking in, it's' time to get on the Omnimover. Then begin with one of a series of two or three different rooms acting as the first show scene. Each room can use a very different set of villains. Each room can be in a different setting as well. Make one set of dialogue funny, another frightening, and another with an entirely different tone- maybe arguing about how to best eliminate the good guys. All before they discover us and decide they have to eliminate us as well. As the cars go past, then let the riders experience different routes from there on out. (Can you imagine what the Haunted Mansion would have been like with trackless vehicles traveling to different rooms. Every journey could be different. And think of the Lightning Lane passes you'd sell!) Want more? 

Add in a highly desirable sit down dining experience that plays up the chill factor (use a style like the West Wing room of Be Our Guest as a way to pull it off) and a great bar or two. Quick service better play a role here, too. Think Gideon's Bakery for inspiration. Go BIG on this! Multiple attractions for the little kid friendly area and the scarier one. Invest now and wow everyone.

This year's D23 should be interesting! I'm not even an Imagineer, and I can come up with some great ideas. What are yours? 

(Art copyright Mark Taft.)

Four Perfect Slow Travel Days in Walt Disney World- with a Universal Orlando Resort Stop Along the Way

Slow Travel. A brand new trend for the overburdened, stressed out, and frankly tired traveler. It's about time! Can I get an "AMEN!" Is it even possible to go to the theme park capital of the world- Orlando- and have a great time using the slow method? What about all that trip planning for Walt Disney World? Or that list of must-see brand new attractions at Universal Orlando Resort's stunning new Epic Universe? Can I still experience Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry using the slow travel method? I'd say "Yes!" to all the above- and here's how to do it.

1- Set Realistic Expectations- No, you're NOT going to be able to do everything you want on a trip of this duration and with Slow Travel being the emphasis. Once you have that firmly established in mind, it's time to proceed to step number 2.

2- Choose Your Two Must-Do Experiences- Limit your theme park priorities to just two individual experiences and then plan around them. Is it Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry or it is Harry Potter attractions in all three worlds? Perhaps you absolutely must experience Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or you have to have a day at the beach. Choose carefully. Is eating or drinking at Epcot's newer Space 220 a must? What about the Beak & Barrel bar in the Magic Kingdom's Adventureland? The truth is, the leisurely way of visiting the parks where you could just go in and decide on the spot which restaurant or attraction you wanted to experience are over. (I miss that!) Unless you are willing to go having no preferences in mind. 

3- Determine What Will Your Downtime Will Look Like- A priority with slow travel is, well, slowing down and relaxing. Taking things at an easy pace. For me, time by the pool or even better, a day at the beach, works wonders in getting me to relax. A long lunch, touring the resorts, riding the waterways or just sleeping in are some options which will help you really enjoy your time when you tour this way.

Now it's time to begin planning by laying out your days before making reservations. 

Try the following if you need help sorting it all out:

1- Choose One of the Following: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom.

2- Choose One of the Following: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe

Option: Select SeaWorld or Busch Gardens as an alternative choice.

3- Select Two of the Following: Disney Springs, City Walk, Resort Touring, Recreation Day, Pool Day, Beach Day

What comes next? Placing your selections in a day by day schedule that will be most relaxing and enjoyable for your personal preferences,  When it comes to a theme park day, in order to make it the most enjoyable and relaxing, do a little preplanning from home and choose Lightning Lane for your theme park day at Disney. Now, is not the time to skip it and waste hours and energy when you're trying to relax. The same goes for if you are visiting Universal Orlando Resort. Take advantage of their Express Pass option. Bite the bullet. Pay for it up front. You'll be very glad you did when your park day happens.

If you have any Must-Do restaurants on your list, plan ahead to reserve them as soon as you can. Even if you cannot get your preferred time, take what you can get and use it as a starting point.

Other tips: 

Choose a resort closest to your preferred theme parks. 

If waiting for resort transportation is inconvenient, book an Uber or a similar transport. 

Should you want to avoid getting reservations for meals, choose now to be satisfied with walk up food booths or stands if you can't get into what seems good to you when you are there in person.

Consider the resort restaurants as choices for the most relaxing meals. Combine this with a walk around the resort for exploration and relaxation.

Do your souvenir shopping at the resorts or shopping districts but not at the parks. The parks offer very little if anything that cannot be purchased somewhere else. 

Did you do something that really brought you joy and a peaceful attitude? Consider repeating it later in the trip or choose something similar. 

 

Now that you've considered your options, here's my plan for the (hopefully) perfect slow travel getaway:

My Must-Do Experiences and Downtime Plan: A day at Epcot, my favorite Disney park in Florida. Time at the Beach. A day at Epic Universe. Relaxed time at Disney Springs. Explore the resort hotels.

My Schedule: 

Travel Day -Arrive in the early evening. Head off to Disney Springs or our hotel restaurant of choice.

Day One- Epic Universe. Why is this the first full day of our trip? Since I have been to the other Disney and Universal parks, this will be the one I am most likely to try and see everything. The pace will be more hectic and even frantic. We will still be in "busy mode" from the previous work days, so this is a good place to continue that before we truly wind down and take it slow. 

Day Two- Time to head to Disney after checking out. This is a tour the themed resorts and a Disney Springs kind of day. A nice change of pace from cramming in a very full day at Epic Universe. Not a full breakfast but a coffee at our hotel beginning,  so we can save our first meal for lunch. We'll finish it all off with some evening pool time.

Day Three-The Beach. Let's really relax now and take in a bit of what made Florida famous long before The Mouse ever showed up. Both the beaches of Tampa and Cocoa Beach are a fairly easy drive. There's nothing like the sound of the sea, toes in the sand, and a fresh seafood lunch to bring on the mellow vibe. No agenda, no time restraints other than returning to the hotel at a decent time.

Day Four- Epcot. I saved this for last because the memories of our time here last long after the vacation is over. For us, nothing says "Walt Disney World" like a great day at this once innovative theme park. We will bypass festival food booths for a sit-down lunch inside at one of our favorite World Showcase locations. After a day of exploring at a casual pace, we will end our time with the nighttime show and a walk around the beautifully lit countries surrounding World Showcase Lagoon. 

Travel Day- Back to our home turf. There's always a bit of negotiating to by done when choosing our return flight. Do we opt for a later flight and spend some time doing one last item on our list? (You can guess where I land on this compared to my wife.) Or do we head home and get some downtime before reality rushes back in?

Or do we come back home and begin planning the next trip?

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)