Last week, I had a sudden craving for Dole Whip. That’s notable because it has been a decade or so since I’ve purchased the Adventureland treat. I’m just not a pineapple fan. Why would I be daydreaming about that super-sweet, gooey, ice-creamy concoction? Maybe because it falls into the You Want What You Can’t Have category. With Walt Disney World — and all other Orlando attractions — closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, Dole Whip is squarely on the no-can-do list.
An annual passholder I interviewed had a similar feeling, she said, although she combined her Dole Whip longing with quality time sitting in the “grass” near the base of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. I hear that a lot: People who aren’t wanting to ride coasters or see their favorite shows so much but are wanting to get back the vibe that comes from the theme park atmosphere.
For some people, that sounds nice and peaceful. It isn’t easy to find peace of mind with today’s world conditions, but here I am daydreaming again. One day/some day we’ll be back, and those simple pleasures will be available again. Here’s a list of 10 places and moments across our attractions that work for me. I plan to go and have a not-so-heavy sigh. Eventually.
Rock steady
On the front porch of Magic Kingdom’s Town Square Theater are about a half-dozen rocking chairs, and they are the perfect perch for watching incoming park guests. Some enter with extreme purpose and specific destination in mind. Some grab a park map and huddle and say “What do we want to do first?” as if it’s the first time they’ve considered that. Additional MK rocking chairs are on porches in Frontierland, around the side of Hall of Presidents and in the former (waterfront) smoking area near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Square deal
It’s so peaceful in this boxy bit of building in Epcot’s Morocco pavilion that I’m always startled if someone else is in there too. (Go through the archway just past the Gallery of Arts and History. The tile work is soothing and the opening in the ceiling keeps the experience from being claustrophobic.
Bar harbor
The Backwater Bar at Universal’s Islands of Adventure has a nice patio with big umbrellas, and it’s a nice spot for people-watching. It actually extends a little bit toward Seuss Landing for a more intimate gathering space. That set-up always reminds me of a talk show LIVE FROM IOA. Warning: If you’ve taken this spot when I’m ready for it, you might (undeservedly) get the stink eye.
Mind over Manta
It’s surprisingly calming to watch people ascend to a nice height before plummeting. That’s the sensation while sitting beneath one of the big nets of the Manta roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. Riders are in a ground-facing position as the train moves up. Many folks are anxious, and that can be fun if you’re standing on solid ground.
Flume meeting
All our big water-log rides have spectator areas where built-in entertainment is guaranteed. But remember, if you’re lurking at Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain, SeaWorld’s Infinity Falls or Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls at IOA, you are in the splash zone.
Wander in
Hmm, apparently, I have a mild porch fixation. Here’s the third one on this list: the outdoor, wrap-around seating for Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The bar’s interior is nice, and dare I say it stimulates the imagination. The porch is a little more one with nature, even if it’s the fictional nature of Pandora — the World of Avatar. (Recommended: A soothing side trip along the pathways below the park’s Tree of Life.)
Step on it
When I sit on a (faux) storefront stairs in the New York street section of Universal Studios, I feel transported. If it weren’t for the looming giant Transformer nearby, it would be right up there with Diagon Alley as far as immersion. But it’s relaxing, and if you sit more toward the edge of “town,” you’re less likely to be required to shake your tailfeather during the enjoyable Blues Brothers stageshow.
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Two if by Seven Seas
For years, I was on the fence on the enduring burning question at Walt Disney World’s Ticket & Transportation Center: Monorail or ferryboats? I like both, but sometimes the boats seem to take forever. But lately, I’ve been enjoying the peaceful quality of them and that you could maintain a 6-foot distance from other guests fairly easily. Plus, if someone looks like a sneezer, you can simply drift away, unlike the alternative where you’re stuck in an enclosed capsule on an elevated rail. Gesundheit!
Unique eats
I’m not considered a theme-park foodie. But right now, I could go for a butterbeer (original recipe; sue me). I never got back over to IOA’s Green Eggs and Ham place this year. Granted, butterbeer and Who Hash doesn’t sound like a delightful combo. Disney folks, I prefer citrus swirl to the Whip, but my go-to is Mickey bar a.k.a. Mickey Premium. I lucked into a box of those treats (Mickey head-shaped vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate on a stick) at the grocery and thought they’d be a surprise treat for friends. But that was when you could have friends over. So, we wait. If a hurricane comes, all bets are off.
Sky high
I never request to fly solo in the Disney Skyliner, but it is a pleasure when it works out. The gliding, the ever-changing landscape, the other cabins passing by, the breeze have made the gondola system a respite. But I’m amazed by what people will say out loud on the gondolas. Some of it is crazily inaccurate, and some of it just, well, crazy. When this is all over, look for my book (eh, or newspaper column) titled “Overheard in the Disney Skyliner.”
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