Tom Bricker Archive
We invited distinguished scientists from all over the world to come and work here at the Really Top Secret Disney Tourist Blog Labs. Unfortunately, none of them showed up. So instead, the two of us do all of the research and field testing, and would like to think we “walk the walk” so to speak.
This post covers our recent weekend in Magic Kingdom, during which we enjoyed evening in the park despite it closing before sunset. In this, we’ll share photos and offers tips for staying “late” in Walt Disney World, and experiencing nighttime in the parks. As you’re likely aware, Walt Disney World dramatically cut fall hours up
Weekend crowds and wait times have been increasing throughout Walt Disney World this fall, so we return to rope drop Magic Kingdom to see how ‘bad’ the park really is on what should be the one of the busiest days of the week. In this photo report, we’ll share our step-by-step morning and afternoon in
Lights of Winter was a Christmas light display that ran for Epcot’s Holidays Around the World at Walt Disney World. They were a series of archways that covered the walkway between Future World and World Showcase with over 30,000 lights that danced to the area’s music loop. This offers our photo tribute plus rumors about
There’s good and bad news on the Walt Disney World entertainment front, as one stage show returns to Hollywood Studios while another is cut, and with it a 32-year run by a beloved orchestra comes to an end. In this post, we’ll cover what’s ending, what’s returning, timelines, the likely motivation for the changes, plus
Walt Disney World has updated its calendar through December 12, 2020 for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, and extended weekend hours through mid-October. In this post, we’ll share details, cover why this is happening, and offer commentary on what to expect going forward. Let’s start with a brief recap of the park
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a new executive order removing capacity restrictions on bars, restaurants, stores, and theme parks. In this post, we’ll cover details plus what this means for Walt Disney World. DeSantis held a press conference today (September 25, 2020) and unveiled plans for what he called Phase 3 of Florida’s reopening. In
It’s time for another Walt Disney World news and rumor round-up, with a roller coaster of stories ranging from sad news about layoffs to an upbeat rhino announcement. The most interesting topics are in the headline: fireworks being tested at EPCOT, plus new concept art and details released for enhancements to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
This hotel review covers Surfside Inn & Suites, the newly-opened half of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort in Orlando at Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure. We’ll share room photos, amenities info, pros & cons, and how these budget accommodations stack up to Walt Disney World Values & Moderates. While we’ll refer to this as
Caribbean Beach and Riviera Resort are “sister hotels” at Walt Disney World, both located around Barefoot Bay and sharing Skyliner gondola stations. While they’re very different—one a Moderate Resort, the other a DVC property—they share a lot. In this post, we’ll contrast and compare the two, in theme/decor, rooms, dining, transportation, pools, and value for
Les Chefs de France is a table service restaurant in Epcot’s France pavilion at Walt Disney World. This WDW dining review covers the lunch dinner menu at Chefs de France, with food photos, thoughts on cuisine, and whether this World Showcase cafe is worth the money. (Updated September 26, 2020.) As part of Walt Disney
