Page 15 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – March/April 2022

TRAVELER’S GUIDE
located throughout all four of the theme parks with classic characters like Chip, Dale and Tinker Bell, as well as new favorites like Miguel Rivera and Olaf. Most of the Fab 50 are easily spotted, but there are a few that are very well hidden. Recently, Disney announced the return of the popular “Festival of Fantasy” Parade, as well as the kickoff of the brand-new “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade!”
The day ended with the ever-popular Magic Kingdom fireworks show – a brand-new edition called “Disney Enchantment,” featuring a new song “You are the Magic,” with enhanced lighting and projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street. It was remarkable and although they say that the length
of the show is shorter, there are more fireworks to enjoy. We left shortly after the fireworks and got back on the boat to the Wilderness Lodge where we got to see the long-running “Electric Water Pageant,” which also got an update for the 50th anniversary.
In addition to our amazing day in the Magic Kingdom, we also were able to enjoy some of the newer attractions and restaurants. In Epcot, we had lunch at the all-new “out of this world” restaurant, Space 220, located in the Mission Space pavilion. Guests enter through a “virtual” elevator that gives the illusion of taking off 220 miles above the earth. Seating is located on multiple levels with a panoramic and rotating view of space – it was very cool.
If you’re planning to eat here, keep in mind that
it’s one of the most expensive restaurants in
Epcot. We also tried out Topolino’s Terrace
– Flavors of the Riviera, located on the
rooftop of the recently opened Riviera
Resort. Not only were the vistas
amazing but so were the food and
service. There is even an outdoor
terrace where you can enjoy cocktails
while watching the nighttime shows.
We were lucky to get to experience
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure which
had just opened in the France Pavilion
at Epcot’s World Showcase on Oct.
1, in time for the big celebration. Guests
shrink down to the size of Chef Remy in a 4D
ride where you zip around through Gusteau’s restaurant. It was a lot of fun. We joined a virtual queue via the MyDisneyExperience app. Now, guests also have the opportunity to purchase Lightening Lane access in-app
for this attraction day of park visit.
We also visited Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
in Hollywood Studios where we got the chance to ride Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and
Star Wars: Rise of the
Resistance. I have to say I am not particularly
a fan of Star Wars,
but Rise of the Resistance was
simply incredible. As
a trackless, dark ride
and walk-through
with a motion
simulator and drop
ride system, it’s unlike
anything in this world. Fortunately, we rode it
first thing and only waited
less than an hour, and by the time we disembarked, the wait time was more than two hours.
Lastly, we finally got the chance to try
out the new Disney Skyliner, an aerial Gondola that transports guests between Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot (with stops at various
resorts). The resort transportation made it easy for us to get around. For example, we took a bus to
Hollywood Studios from our hotel and from there, the Skyliner took us to the Riviera
Resort for our dinner at Topolino’s. Most of the Gondolas are themed with
favorite Disney characters. Additionally, along with the buses and monorails, some are decked out with the 50th Anniversary logo, “The World’s Most
Magical Celebration.” All in all, and despite the crowds, we had an enjoyable
and memorable visit to our happy place – one that we will remember fondly in the years
to come.
Lynne Schmidt is a AAA Hudson Valley Travel Agent and an Authorized Disney Travel Professional. To plan your Walt Disney World vacation with Lynne, email lschmidt@aaahv.com or call 518-426-1000, ext. 2106.
All photos: © Disney Co.
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