Fastpass System to include Mickey Mouse
FASTPASS TO THE BIG CHEESE: For the first time in Disney Parks history, Magic Kingdom guests will be able to reserve meet-up time with Mickey Mouse.
Magic Kingdom Guests Will Be Able To Determine a Time To Meet with Mickey Mouse Beginning Later This Spring
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Magic Kingdom officials have a hunch a really “hot ticket” in their realm this summer is going to be something other than a ride, a snack or a show. Rather, it’s a first-ever opportunity to nail down a time to meet with Mickey Mouse.
When meet-and-greets with Mickey move into a permanent new location in Town Square later this spring, Magic Kingdom guests will be able to obtain a Disney’s FASTPASS ticket specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs — without waiting in the standby queue. It will mark the first time the complimentary, computerized service has been available for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney Park.
Since spending time with Disney characters is at the top of the “must-do list” of many guests, the FASTPASS ticket will allow them to experience their Mickey Mouse meet-and-greets more conveniently. As a result, guests will be able to devote more time enjoying other Magic Kingdom experiences with family and friends.
The new meet-and-greet location, Town Square Theater, will be located inside the current Exposition Hall area just inside the park entrance. Imagineers already are working to completely transform the space for the new experience. “This isn’t just remodeling Expo Hall; it is completely re-imagining this entire venue as a beautiful Victorian-era theater and the new home for Mickey Mouse,” Jon Georges, WDI Director, Senior Show Producer, said.
Image: Walt Disney Company
“Mickey and Main Street, U.S.A. are great examples of pure Americana that complement each other very well,” Concept Designer Jason Grandt said. “We drew a lot of inspiration from classic Mickey animated shorts such as The Nifty Nineties and Mickey’s Grand Opera. Many of the scenes in these shorts look like they take place right on Main Street.”
Guests arrive at a building befitting Mickey Mouse’s stardom — with a grand-Victorian-theater elevation, including a marquee that glistens with gold-leaf trim and sparkles with lights. Inside, there’s a mosaic floor, lush curtains with gold rope tie-backs and polished-brass chandeliers. Imagineers are creating new elements and surprises for Magic Kingdom guests, including an interactive queue — with an extra touch of Disney magic — and highly themed retail shops.
The queue takes guests “backstage,” where Mickey is waiting to greet them in a rehearsal-room environment amid posters, steamer trunks and stage props.
In addition, during the New Fantasyland construction, royalty will be visiting as the Disney Princesses will be in Town Square Theater to meet and greet their loyal subjects.
Currently, guests can visit with Mickey Mouse in Tomorrowland, in a location to the right of Space Mountain. Meet-and-greet experiences with the Disney Princesses are currently at Adventureland Verandah.
Windsor Palms Resort Shuttle
A shuttle is available from the Windsor Palms Resort to take you to the main theme parks and shopping. It is run by Maingate Transportation of Kissimmee and it can cater for all your taxi or shuttle needs.
Where do they go to?
Currently, Maingate Transportation operates the following shuttle stops:
- Universal Studios
- Islands of Adventure
- Wet n’ Wild
- Sea World
- Orlando Premium Outlets
- Disney’s Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s EPCOT
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
When do they operate?
The regular shuttle service runs to a schedule which changes according to the season and anticipated demand for the service. Typically there is one shuttle run in the morning and one in the evening, however during the busy season, they may run additional times. The latest schedule can be obtained from the Windsor Palms Resort Clubhouse or from Maingate Transportation directly.
Where is the shuttle stop at Windsor Palms Resort?
At Windsor Palms, the shuttle stop is at the clubhouse.
How much does it cost?
At time of writing, the shuttle costs from $10 - $14 per person, return, depending on the destination. (The Disney parks are on the lower end of the scale with Universal/Wet N Wild being on the upper end). Obviously these rates can be subject to change anytime by Maingate Transportation and you can contact them directly for the latest rates. The latest rates are also available at the Windsor Palms Resort Clubhouse.
How do I book the shuttle?
Good question! If there are no guests booked on the shuttle, it may not turn up to the community so it is always better to book it at least the day before. This can be done at the Windsor Palms Resort Clubhouse or by calling Maingate Transportation directly.
Benefits of a resort shuttle service.
Smaller Groups
This is a great option for smaller groups of perhaps up to 4 people. It can work out cheaper on a daily basis than renting a car and paying for parking at the theme parks.
Larger Family Groups
For larger groups with teenagers who want (or demand) more independence from the rest of the group, the teenagers can go to a different park from the rest of the group.
Disadvantages
For larger groups, the cost for everyone to catch a shuttle can be expensive.
The pick up and drop off times work on a schedule and may not suit your plans.
The shuttle pick up point is the Windsor Palms Resort Clubhouse and getting everyone ready and up to the clubhouse on time can be a challenge.
If you have younger children, the flexibility to go back to your vacation home when the children could do with a break is not available.
Its not easy to go out for dinner (outside of the theme park that you are visiting) or purchase groceries.
Other options
Maingate Transportation operate a taxi service and can provide a personal shuttle service to you directly. For larger groups, there may be a good cost savings over the regular shuttle option. A private shuttle / taxi can come and go on your times and pick you up from your vacation home directly for more convenience.
Renting a car is my favorite choice when in Kissimmee. It gives maximum flexibility, we can purchase groceries when we need them, we can travel to the parks on our schedule and we can go out for dinner to local restaurants in the evening. We can also visit the other attractions in the Kissimmee / Orlando area that are not on the shuttle route. We have had good service and rates from LM Car Rental (also known as EZ Car Rental) who are located on airport at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Contacting Maingate Transportation
Website:
www.maingatetaxi.com
Office Address:
15 South Hoagland Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
USA
Phone Number:
407.870.5553
Fax:
407.870.1616
–Kay
- Providing special vacation home rentals and advice for over 5 years to families and friends wanting to make the most of their time and money while visiting Walt Disney World.
- Windsor Palms Resort Vacation Rental http://www.windsorpalmsorlando.com
- Emerald Island Resort Vacation Rental http://www.emeraldislandorlando.com
