With 2024 coming to an end, it’s time for some questions and answers about the company, my experiences and what we can expect for the parks in 2025.
Q: What’s next for Test Track?
A: Test Track closed in June 2024 for another refurbishment. Disney has announced a set opening date in late summer 2025. According to their announcement, cars could be returning to the track with their new look as early as the new year. It will still have the same concept as the old ride, but with new adventures and new storylines. I am so excited to see what they pull from its predecessor, World of Motion! I am also really hoping the track is smoother in the retheme because man, was it a rough ride those last couple months of it being open.
Q: How does the closure and retheme of Dinoland U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom affect the overall theme of the park?
A: Dinoland U.S.A. will be replaced with the Tropical Americas, which will include characters and rides from “Encanto” and “Indiana Jones”. While I think it’s great that these movies will be represented more than before, I think they could have made a new land and not taken over Dinoland U.S.A. I think the theme will fit into the park and I’m excited about what is to come, but I will miss what Dinoland U.S.A. had to offer, especially the carnival games.
Q: What is your favorite childhood Disney memory?
A: I will always remember losing my first tooth on the Disney Cruise Line when I was six years old. I was by the pool and my tooth was wiggly, so I decided to twist it and pull it out. Five minutes later, there were several pool towels covered in my blood! Tinker Bell flew under my pillow and left some money with her pixie dust!
Q: What is your favorite Disney memory as an adult?
A: Even though it just happened and I haven’t experienced it yet, I would definitely say getting accepted into the Disney College Program.
Q: What’s a ‘must do’ every Disney trip?
A: I’m going to give a ‘must do’ in every park because there are way too many things that everyone must do each trip. In Magic Kingdom Park, you have to do The Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover. It is such a relaxing ride around Tomorrowland, typically has a low wait time and is a perfect ride on a hot day because of the breeze. In EPCOT, trying different food and beverages in each of the 11 countries is a must do, and I suggest trying the Tostada de Pollo and the Guacamole from Choza de Margarita in the Mexico pavilion. In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, my must do is Toy Story Mania! It is such a fun and competitive game with great theming, and it’s in air conditioning! Finally, in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, riding Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of my favorite things to do, especially right at park opening or right before the park closes because that’s when the animals are most active.
Q: Is it the best option to purchase Lightning Lanes and Individual Lightning Lanes?
A: I would say yes and no. It is worth it in some parks, such as Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and not worth it in the others, which are EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. To know more and learn why, I have an article on everything you need to know about this offering: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass Explained: Is it worth it in the Walt Disney World Parks?
Q: What is your favorite ride and why?
A: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind HANDS DOWN! This is the coolest coaster and I love every minute of it. I will say that I think the pre-show is too long, but the song choices are all great! PRO TIP: Ask for row nine – the back whips you around and there are two rows in each vehicle, so row nine is the front of the back car!
Q: Which High School Musical movie is the best of the series?
A: Definitely High School Musical 2! The soundtrack is the best out of the three movies and don’t even get me started on the “Gotta Go My Own Way” scene (IYKYK).
Q: What do you think of Disney’s response to Universal’s Dark Universe?
A: I think Disney had a great response to Universal at their D23 expo when they announced the future of the parks! They announced so many great additions including new shows, new lands, new rides and new movies and TV shows. Yes, it is going to take a long time to develop, but a lot of it is in the works and I am extremely excited to see what they do!
Q: What is the best character breakfast you have ever attended?
A: I always really enjoy the character breakfast at The Crystal Palace where you can see friends from the Hundred Acre Woods! I am a big fan of the character interactions, the little parade they do around the restaurant every so often and especially the churro Mickey waffles. PRO TIP: Book a reservation around 10:15 a.m. to enjoy both the breakfast and lunch offerings!
Q: What is your favorite hotel on Disney property?
A: The Boardwalk Inn will always be my home on the property. It’s where my parents and I stay about every time we take a trip to Disney! It’s also where I met Josh D’Amaro, the Chairman of Disney Experiences, and Breedlove from AllEars.Net!
Q: I know working for Disney will be very exciting. What are you most excited about?
A: As I said before, I got accepted into the Disney College Program, so I will be moving to Orlando in January and working for the company! Even though I don’t know my role yet, I think I’m most excited to make friends and interact with the guests!
Q: What do you think the fate is for The Muppets area?
A: The company recently announced the area that houses Muppet Vision 3D will be taken over by Monstropolis, the new Monster’s Inc. land that will include new attractions, restaurants and shops. The Muppets will be featured in the retheming of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Could we see Muppet Vision 3D find a space in the recently closed Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy? I hope so, but who knows? As of right now, it will be a villain show, but that could change (and I hope it does.)
Q: If you could eliminate one ride, what would it be and why?
A: This one is tough and it may be controversial, but my answer would be “it’s a small world”. Yes, the ride shows a variety of cultures and shows how we are all alike, but the whole ride is just that one song that will get stuck in your head all day after riding it. It is also an extremely slow boat ride that could eat up a good amount of your park day if the line is long. I would love it if they replaced it with a “Tangled”-themed ride, but I know that will never happen.
Q: What are your expectations for the Disney College Program? Do you think it will play a part in your future plans?
A: I am extremely excited for the Disney College Program! I’m hoping it will surpass my expectations and I will have the time of my life. I finally received my role and where I will be living. I will be a PhotoPass Photographer in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, but have the opportunity to work at any of the parks. And I will be living in a 2×2 unit, so I will be sharing a bedroom and a bathroom. I definitely would have liked my own room, but I am staying positive! Who knows – my roommate could be my longtime best friend! In regards to playing a part in my future plans, I think it will, especially because of the role I received. I love photography and Disney, so it will give me a great amount of knowledge!
Q: Is Animal Kingdom an exciting venture and what time of year is a good time to see the animals in their element?
A: I personally LOVE Animal Kingdom! Any time of year is a great time to see them, but the animals tend to love the cooler weather, so if you want to see them at their most active, definitely visit between December and February. If you’re visiting in the summer, I would recommend heading straight to Kilimanjaro Safaris when the park opens or right before they close because those will be when the temperatures are the coolest.
Have any more questions or want any clarification on any of my answers? Message me on @HappilyyEverAshley on Instagram.
