Traveling the Globe for the Best Coasters and Theme Parks
After launching our Coaster Line last week, we’re now adding five new pieces to form the Coasters and Landmarks Line. These new pieces take us across the globe to some of the most iconic landmarks in the themed entertainment industry. Carefully chosen and designed based on our love for these remarkable icons, this week’s wonderous landmark designs can’t be missed: Continue reading “SHOP – 5 New Landmark Designs”
After months on top of months of waiting, California theme parks finally received reopening guidelines yesterday during the state’s weekly COVID-19 briefing. Governor Gavin Newsom along with other high-level representatives from the Golden State have decided to split up theme parks into “larger theme parks” and “smaller theme parks”. The placement of a theme park is based on its capacity. The state says it will allow smaller theme parks to reopen at 25% capacity (or 500 people, whichever is fewer) once the county the park resides in is placed into the orange tier. Reservations will be required, all park guests must live in the same county the park is in, and only outdoor attractions will be allowed to operate. For larger theme parks, the restrictions are even more suffocating, with the guidelines stating that the county the park resides in must be in the yellow tier in order to reopen. Like the smaller parks, reservations will also be required and the park capacity will have to be 25%. Continue reading “California Theme Parks – Where Do We Go From Here?”
UPDATED: October 2020
We’ve had the amazing opportunity to travel to all Disney parks in the world, twice! Along with that, we’ve also been passholders for 8 out of the 12 parks! We’re critics – and thus can’t help but compare every experience at each Disney park. We’ve reasoned back and forth and have taken the changes over the past couple of years in account to create this list ranking all Disney parks in the World. (Please note that this article has been completely rewritten from our January 2019 edition). Continue reading “All Disney Parks in the World – Ranked”
It’s been a few weeks since we provided you with a TRON Lightcycle / Run Update from Magic Kingdom. As the project is trucking right along, we get more excited each day. Let’s take a quick look: Continue reading “Magic Kingdom and TRON Lightcycle / Run Update – October 13th 2020”
Disney is truly in a league of their own when it comes to themed areas. Our recent podcast covered this in great detail, but we wanted to produce a follow-up article to make a couple changes and reiterate some of our key points.
Continue reading “10 Best Themed Disney Areas in the World”
A quick trip to Magic Kingdom was even shorter than we anticipated due to the larger crowds. With one side of Space Mountain down, we ended up waiting over an hour and decided to just get some TRON shots and leave. Enjoy this quick TRON/ Magic Kingdom update: Continue reading “TRON: Lightcycle / Run – Magic Kingdom Update – Late-September 2020”
In our brand new podcast episode we discuss Disney’s best themed areas from around the world! Are your favorites on the list? Continue reading “Coaster Kings Radio – Disney Themed Areas Top 10”
Though we had originally made a reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios for today, we ended up switching that to Magic Kingdom. Why? – Well, Rise of the Resistance is running with just one elevator, and with the chances of that being a smooth process being very slim, a trip to Magic Kingdom suddenly was much more appealing to us. Of course we captured TRON: Lightcycle Run construction pictures to share with you! Continue reading “TRON: Lightcycle Run Construction Update – Magic Kingdom – Mid September 2020”
Today we spent the day at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The day turned out to again be quiet and relaxing, allowing for rerides on some of our favorite rides. The highlight, however, was observing the active construction site of TRON: Lightcycle Run. Join us for a construction update of this highly anticipated new coaster: Continue reading “TRON: Lightcycle Run Construction Update – Magic Kingdom – Early September 2020”
We know the claim we make in the title for this article is lofty, but we can explain! With pictures! And words! Our first trip back to Animal Kingdom since Covid-19 shutdowns was a blast, and reconfirmed our love for this extraordinary Walt Disney World park.
Continue reading “Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Back at Walt Disney World’s Best Park”
For the most part, things are quiet over WDW all things considered. EPCOT was no exception, with its 500 acres comfortably swallowing up modest crowds. As far as comfort and peacefulness goes, there may have never been a better time to go!
Continue reading “August WDW: Your Own Personal EPCOT”
Alexander: Our long-awaited return to Disney was one for the books, with crowds well below anything we’ve seen at WDW. Here’s to our first Magic Kingdom update in a while. Continue reading “Magically Quiet: WDW’s Magic Kingdom – August 2020”
Preston: The Disneyland Resort is back! This past Thursday, July 9th, Downtown Disney District reopened after its nearly four-month closure due to COVID-19. In this update, we’ll show you the health and safety measures that have been added to the resort. We’ll also take a look at which locations did and did not open on July 9th. There are also some recently completed construction projects around Downtown Disney that we take a peek at. Continue reading “Downtown Disney is Open! – Disneyland Resort Update – July 13th, 2020”
Alexander: Beginning with resort-saving Space Mountain de la Terre a la Lune in 1995, Disney was the unlikely champion of the modern launch coaster; before Premier Rides, Intamin, and other industry juggernauts had their hand at next-generation launchers, Disney partnered with Vekoma to create the first new catapult-propelled coaster in over a decade (one that, unlike its predecessors, would run multiple trains on a circular track.
Continue reading “The 5 Best Disney Launch Coasters”
Alexander: It’s no secret that the 4 (sorry, 3) Tower Of Terror rides are some of Disney’s most popular and iconic attractions. “Why not rank them?” We asked ourselves (and if you’re wondering how we squeezed a “Top 5” out of this, your answer lies at the start of our list).
Continue reading “Disney Drop Towers Ranked”
Alexander: There’s no Disney ride quite as well-loved as Haunted Mansion. Lightyears ahead of its time, Walt Disney’s home for 999 happy haunts was a showcase for experimental optical tricks that lent themselves marvelously to spectacular specters – little did they know they’d lead to the most cult-obsessed amusement park ride in the world.
Continue reading “All 5 Disney Haunted Mansions & Manors Ranked”
Sean: Disney loves their (mine) train themed coasters and every Disney Resort is home to at least one signature version! Today we take a look at five of the eight spread around the world to make our ranking. The selection ranges from classic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad installations to new-age versions such as Expedition Everest and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Continue reading “Our 5 Favorite Disney Mine Train Roller Coasters”
Alexander: for over 50 years, Pirates of the Caribbean has dazzled Disney parkgoers with its uncanny ability to transport riders into a seamless environment of excitement and danger. As the last ride whose construction was curated by Walt Disney himself, Pirates is often regarded as Walt’s Magnum Opus, as well as his parting gift to the industry.
Continue reading “All 5 Pirates of the Caribbean Disney Rides Ranked”
Sven: As corona spreads everywhere, it was a matter of time before theme parks had to start to take measures. Even though the season hasn’t started, the parks that are open do everything they can to remain open. Have a look at some of the impacts and what we think will come for the start of season.
UPDATE (12/03) on Disneyland Paris, Efteling and Parque d’Atracciones Madrid
Continue reading “Impact of Corona Virus on European Theme Parks”
Alexander: Bonjour!
Two years after a fairly miserable day at Disneyland Paris resort in Spring ’18, we decided it was time to give the troubled French resort another shot – and boy are we glad we did! Our experience was a total 180º from our last visit!
Continue reading “Disneyland Paris – Early Spring 2020 Trip Report”
Sean: In 2020 the name “Space Mountain” is pretty much a household name in regions with Disney resorts. The fascination with lifting off into space and riding a thrilling coaster has been what makes Disney’s Space Mountain roller coasters so appealing. Today, let’s rank all 5 of Disney’s Space Mountains! Continue reading “All 5 Space Mountain Disney Coasters Ranked”
Sean and Alex recently went to Disneyland Paris. Was it as horrible as last time? Could they appreciate the resort while the Walt Disney Studios is one big construction site? Or did they get seduced by the many coasters the resort has to offer? Continue reading “Coaster Kings Radio Episode 7: Jump to Hyperspace”
Sven: “Into the Unknooooooooown…” Yes, not “It’s A Small World” will get stuck in your head when you visit Disneyland Paris this time a year. The Frozen Celebration at Disneyland Parc offers a mini season to attract more guests during the low season. In the Walt Disney Studios, there’s also Legends of the Force -Star Wars. Let’s get to it! Continue reading “Disneyland Paris – Frozen Celebration – January 2020”
Preston: January 17th, 2020 was no normal day at the Disneyland Resort. Yesterday marked the first E-Ticket attraction to open at Walt Disney’s original theme park in over twenty years. We decided to head down to celebrate the special occasion. We have heard such amazing things about Rise of the Resistance from Galaxy’s Edge east over in Florida; we made sure to take off work so we were able to get on the attraction on opening day. In this report, we will showcase the crazy early morning crowds and the actual experience of the ride itself. We’ll also give you a tutorial (and some tips) on how to get a boarding group to ensure you are able to ride on your visit.
Preston: It’s Christmas time! The holidays have returned to Disneyland, and we returned to the resort on the inaugural day of the season. Here’s a look at some of the Holiday cheer that has been spread around both parks.
Continue reading “Christmas at Disneyland! – December 1st, 2019”
Sven: Last Sunday we did our final Halloween park this season: Disneyland Paris. No spooky mazes but lots of entertainment by Disney. The big star this year was Ursula, who sang beautifully to all the unfortunate souls. Next to that, we had a look at what’s new in the Studios including Spider-Man construction! Are you brave enough to read? Continue reading “Disneyland Paris – The Final Day of Halloween – November 2019”
Preston: With the Holiday season quickly approaching, we decided to head over to the Disneyland Resort to check up on some projects they’ve been working on. In this update, we’ll take a look at the newly opened pedestrian bridge, the new security and transportation hub, a new FastPass system in Tomorrowland, and some Christmas snow that has recently fallen on the castle.
Continue reading “Disneyland Resort Update – Early November 2019”
Alexander: It’s so great to finally be back at one of our absolute favorite places, Shanghai Disney! And this time we aren’t freezing our butts off like we were in January of last year!
Continue reading “Shanghai Disneyland – 2019 Trip Report”
Byron: Although Disney parks may not be known for their high thrill attractions, they still feature some of the world’s most iconic and recognizable roller coasters. Disneyland Park in Anaheim California is no exception. Although everyone has their own preferences in rides, below you’ll find my personal ranking of Disneyland’s three major roller coasters, from the worst, to the best. Continue reading “Disneyland’s Roller Coasters Ranked”
Naaaaaaaants igonyamaaaaaaa bagithi babaaaaa! Yes, we recently got back from the Lion King Festival at Disneyland Paris. A special summer season and what a hot and busy day it was. Luckily, we know our way around the park so read all about facing a summer day at the Paris resort! Continue reading “Disneyland Paris – The Lion King & Jungle Festival – August 2019”
Preston: It’s the tail-end of summertime here in Southern California, which means plenty of Disneyland trips to pack in! This week, we’re back with another update for you guys. Today’s feature will have an in-depth look at the new Pixar Pals Parking Structure and ongoing construction that is taking place with the Magic Way Pedestrian Bridge. We also are going to see the beginnings of the new hub area that will connect the Pixar Pals and Mickey and Friends Parking Structure, and we are going to check out some Avengers Campus (OFFICIAL NAME!!!) construction. We got a chance to check out a fun after-hours AP opportunity too. Let’s go!
Continue reading “Disneyland Resort Update – August 28th, 2019”
Sven: It’s hot in Europe and yet, we go out to the parks to enjoy the coasters and more. To celebrate my birthday, I recently went to Disneyland Paris! It was time to visit Henry Ravenswood again after a long refurbishment. Also, the Walt Disney Studios really looks like a construction zone with the new Marvel Land coming up. Lots of tips in this one, see let’s go!
Continue reading “Disneyland Paris – Marvel & Phantom Manor – June 2019”
Preston: I’ve been waiting for this for such a long time! After it being announced in 2015, FOUR YEARS AGO, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at the Disneyland Resort this past Friday, May 31st. I was lucky enough to be able to secure an opening day reservation for the land earlier in the month when they became available. This trip report is going to cover EVERYTHING in Galaxy’s Edge. From Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, to Oga’s Cantina, to the Droid Depot, and everything in between.
Continue reading “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Review – Disneyland Park – June 15th, 2019”
Preston: There are some new things popping up around the entire Disneyland Resort. One of the most intriguing happenings that has gone on recently is the entire renovation of the Downtown Disney District. With new shops, restaurants, and other experiences popping up left and right, it sure is an exciting time to be a local. Today, we’re zooming in on Pop Up Disney. which just opened last Friday, April 26th. Let’s go take a look!
Continue reading “Pop Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration – Disneyland Resort Update – May 1st, 2019”
Preston: We’ve got a lot to check out during this Disneyland Resort Update. Galaxy’s Edge is RIGHT around the corner and Project Stardust is not over with quite yet. In this update, we take a look at Star Wars Land construction, the new Pixar Pals Parking Structure, Jessie’s Critter Carousel, the Grizzly River Run refurbishment, and more!
Continue reading “Disneyland Resort Update – March 26th, 2019”
Preston: It’s been a few weeks since our last trip to Disneyland. Lots of new and exciting things are happening around the resort, but today we are zooming in specifically to California Adventure. In today’s update, we have a full review of DCA’s annual Food and Wine Festival, some exciting World of Color news, along with a look at Grizzly River Run’s refurbishment. Stay tuned! 🙂
Continue reading “Disney California Adventure Park Update – March 8th, 2019”
Sven: During the low season, there are a select few parks that are still open. This includes Europe’s largest resort Disneyland Paris! Even though many rides can be closed, there’s quite some extra entertainment going on. Meet the Princesses, Pirates and Galactic Heroes and Villains! Continue reading “Disneyland Paris Update – February 2019”
Preston: It was a very soggy day at the Disneyland Resort this past Thursday. Though the rain was strong, that did not stop us from heading over to Anaheim to visit the parks. In this update, we have Sleeping Beauty Castle updates, Astro Orbiter updates, some Lunar New Year festivities, and more!
Continue reading “Rainy Day Updates at the Disneyland Resort – Disneyland Resort Update – 1/31/19”
Preston: During the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, we decided to head back to the Disneyland Resort to check out the new “Get Your Ears On” festival. The Holiday festivities ended only two weekends ago, but the entire resort has an brand new fresh feeling due to the new celebration. In this update, we’ll take a look at the brand new offerings for Get Your Ears On, the new parking structure and how it’s coming along, some new (and newly reopened) restaurants at the Downtown Disney District, the new temporary Mary Poppins Returns exhibit in Disneyland Park, as well as some routine refurbishments.
Sean: We’re still more than two years away from the opening of one of the most anticipated attractions Magic Kingdom has ever seen. The TRON: Lightcycle Power Run will not only be a thrilling new addition to the park’s lineup, but also a much needed fresh and modern aesthetic that the park can certainly use. Let’s take a look at the current status of construction. Continue reading “TRON: Lightcycle Power Run Construction Update – January 18th, 2019”
Sean: Disneyland has changed their ticket prices for 2019, as much as 25%, including parking and MaxPass. Let’s take a look at the new prices that Disneyland Resort. Continue reading “New Disneyland Prices – 2019”
Alexander: For years we’ve been compiling a list of the top coasters/attractions in the state of California to cap the end of each season. With 2018 came the introduction of our Florida branch, and so too comes a Top 10 list for the state of Florida.
Continue reading “Florida Top 10 Coasters – 2018”
Alexander: When you run the biggest theme park chain in the world, your biggest successes become household names. I would bet money that the number of households in the U.S. that have heard of Space Mountain outweigh the number that haven’t, and Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most globally-recognized intellectual properties (thank you, Johnny Depp).
Continue reading “10 Underrated Disney Attractions”
Sean: Though I had been to the Tokyo Disney Resort a week or so prior to visiting Tokyo Disneyland, to visit DisneySea, it was finally time for me to visit my last Disney theme park. This was it, all 12 parks within 9 months. I thought that among the shiny and unique Disney parks I had encountered Tokyo Disneyland would not stand out. After all, Disney’s best product (DisneySea) was just next door. I was pleasantly surprised. Tokyo Disneyland has something to offer that no other Disney park can. Let’s find out what that is!
Continue reading “Tokyo Disneyland”
Derrion: We hope everyone is enjoying their holiday. Here is a holiday treat, if you plan on visiting the Disneyland Resort, the iconic attraction is back after its refurbishment. This update will focus on some of the cosmetic changes you can see to the new the Matterhorn Bobsleds.
Continue reading “Matterhorn Bobsleds Now Open!”
Nick: A permit recently filed with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection revealed some exciting new details about the Star Wars hotel, which is currently being built adjacent to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Read on to take a closer look!
Continue reading “New Permit Reveals Star Wars Hotel Details”
Derrion: It may not be the most thrilling place in the world, but it does live up to its reputation as the happiest place on Earth for me. Disneyland is very therapeutic and keeps my inner child alive. This was a great day to visit the parks because it was the first day of the Holiday season at the Disneyland Resort. This won’t be the longest update but it was great to notice some of the changes going on now for the festive celebration.
Continue reading “Disneyland Resort Resort Update -November 9, 2018”
Alexander: Since we haven’t done a Disneyland Resort update in a while, we figured it was time! We’ve definitely been in the mood to soak up as much time as possible at some of our favorite SoCal parks!
Continue reading “Disneyland Resort Update – October 30th 2018”
Sean: The last Disney resort I had yet to visit was Hong Kong Disneyland. It had been a wild 9 months in which we visited all Disney parks around the world, and it ended with the one I knew the least about, the one that was always overshadowed by the more significant Disney parks. Upon visiting Hong Kong Disneyland it became clear why I, and many others, overlook this park. The park’s young age yet old feel has both its advantages and disadvantages. Continue reading “Hong Kong Disneyland”
Alexander: Generally, when planning a visit to Walt Disney World, a stay-length of 3 days minimum is what people consider (because 1 & 2 day passes aren’t exactly a great value – the longer you stay, the cheaper each day is). But what if you had just *1* day to pile on Walt Disney World’s highlights?
Upon being gifted 2 “Magic Your Way” 1-day passes (during a quick visit from our native LA), Sean and I did just that: Walt Disney World in ONE DAY! This was Sean’s first time at any of WDW’s 4 parks, and our goal was to hit as many of the resort’s coasters and signature rides as possible! Let’s GO!
Continue reading “Walt Disney World in ONE DAY!”