Greetings fellow Rope Droppers,
We started decorating our house for Christmas this week. If Disney can do it, can’t we?
We distilled 478 stories into a 4½-minute read: mixed reviews for Animal Kingdom’s newest attraction, fresh holiday decor and treats, and our first sips from a Grand Floridian lobby are just days away.
Gabe
WDW Attraction Photo
New attractions always earn a nod. Tomorrow brings the grand opening of “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” at Animal Kingdom. It’s also a Lightning Lane Multi Pass option. Early demand will likely be high; long-term waits are TBD.
As you probably recall, this replaces “It's Tough to Be a Bug!” in the Tree of Life Theater. There have been several rounds of previews over the past week, and they all agree on a few things: the new Audio-Animatronics are wonderful, the quality of the projection is top notch, and it’s less scary than its predecessor.
That said, we can’t say the reviews are overwhelmingly glowing. Here’s a sampling:
“I often think the rule of theme parks is that the new attraction has to be as good as or better than what came before it, and I don’t know that I fully believe that Better Zoogether is either.”
“While the show succeeds as a safe, kid-friendly addition, it falls short of the standards set by other Disney 3D attractions. In our view, it ranks well below MuppetVision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug! Mickey's PhilharMagic, and even Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. For families with young children, it's a pleasant way to take a break indoors. For everyone else, it's likely a ;one-and-done experience - enjoyable enough, but forgettable.”
“Overall, the new 3-D attraction is a cute and fun addition to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and is already in previews alone garnering bigger crowds into the theater than I’ve seen in a long time. The humor, similar to that in the film, is fantastic with a few laugh at loud moments, and the catchy new original song is sure to please fans everywhere.”
“For the average Disney park guest, Zootopia: Better Zoogether will be a fun 10 minutes with an action-packed video and some fun in-theater effects. For Disney fans who are looking for something more from Imagineering and the Walt Disney World theme park experience, don’t expect Zootopia: Better Zoogether to deliver anything of substance.”
“‘Zootopia: Better Zoogether!’ is a cute show, but it feels like a big ad for ‘Zootopia 2,’ not a permanent attraction in a park where it arguably does not fit.”
Bottom line: Should you see it? Definitely check it out. Verdict’s out on whether this will become a fan favorite or flop.
Will you check out the new Zootopia attraction?
If there is one bright spot with rave reviews, it’s the Zootopia-themed treats that have just landed at Isle of Java.
With the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) of the season happening tomorrow night, and the first Disney Jollywood Nights on Saturday, WDW is in a big transition phase getting decor up and ready.
As we expected, Christmas decorations arrived overnight last weekend at the Magic Kingdom. This week, we also got a preview of the special treats that will be coming to resorts this year.
In the post, Disney also noted the five spots where you’ll be able to find large scale gingerbread displays this season:
Contemporary Resort
BoardWalk
Beach Club
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Wilderness Lodge.
Judging by last year’s tracker, we’ll see this going up in the next week or so, so if you’re on property soon, it may be worth a stop by!
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Very Merry Sellouts: Speaking of holidays, all November MVMCP nights are gone and only select December dates remain ($209–$229 full price), with AP/DVC discounted dates already snapped up. Move fast if you’re still hoping to go. (WDWNT)
Treat Tracker: AstroFizz is now open in Tomorrowland, replacing Cool Ship, slinging Cherry Cola Churros and Coca‑Cola/Fanta slushies; snag the party‑exclusive Cherry‑White Chocolate Slushy during MVMCP. (BlogMickey)
Monorail Reversed: The Magic Kingdom Express is running clockwise most afternoons/evenings (often around 12:30 to 4:00) to match the Resort loop, a test to speed end-of-day train swaps. Plan for about a 1-minute longer TTC ride when it flips and keep an eye on signage as timing can vary. (WDWNT)
Merch Finder: My Disney Experience is testing a “Find Merchandise” tool that lets you search items, see sizes/prices, and check stock… but for now it only covers World of Disney at Disney Springs. Access is limited and rollout is TBD, so treat it as a handy bonus if you’re on a souvenir hunt. (WDWNT)
Disney Parks Blog
We’re days away from the opening of the new birdcage-themed bar at the Grand Floridian. It will be called The Perch, and is slotted for a November 10 opening.
The bar of course is themed around the lobby’s own birdcage fixture. Signature cocktails include the Sunshine State Rum Sazerac and the Floridian 75. There’s also a non-alcoholic Blueberry and Basil Iced Tea.
And if you were thinking earlier in this issue, doesn’t Grand Floridian have a gingerbread house, too? On a normal year, yes of course, but another reminder that it won’t be making an appearance this year because of the ongoing lobby construction.
The Disney Destiny arrived in Florida this week, first making a stop at Port Canaveral. While there, we got to hear all of the latest ship’s new musical horns, including additions like “Go the Distance.” You can listen to them all in this reel!
The ship’s maiden voyage sets sail from Fort Lauderdale on November 20. She’s doing a few rounds of preview cruises until then, and also made her first call at Castaway Cay this week.
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