Latest news with #DisneyWorld
Business Insider
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
I'm a Disney World fan who went to Dollywood for the first time. It was cheaper, less crowded, and exceeded my expectations.
I'm a longtime Disney World fan, but this summer, I visited Dollywood for the first time. The park in Tennessee was cheap, had fewer crowds, and had great snacks. Dollywood pleasantly surprised me and will make me think twice before booking another Disney trip. Disney World has long been my dream vacation. Since I was a kid, I've loved heading down to Florida and spending time in the parks, jumping on some of my favorite rides like "Soarin'" and " Pirates of the Caribbean." I'm a far cry from a Disney Adult, but I've also been going to Disney every few years with friends. This summer, I decided to switch it up. I've heard great things about Dollywood in Tennessee, but I was unsure if it would be worth the trip. After talking with a few friends, we decided to bite the bullet and book the trip. I was pleasantly surprised. Immediately, I was impressed with the cheaper ticket prices. The grand entrance rivaled that of a Disney park. Magic Kingdom's Main Street USA is a staple at Disney World, and I was surprised to find Dollywood had its own version. The buildings at the front of the park housed theaters, shops, and restaurants. It was my first indication that Dollywood could stand against Disney World. My first stop at the park was the Dolly Experience: Songteller, which is a museum of the singer's life. Walking through a museum while at an amusement park was a new experience, but it set the tone for the rest of the day. This wasn't an amusement park set around an IP of movies and TV shows. It was a place to celebrate Dolly Parton's life. Exploring an amusement park devoted to one celebrity was unique and fun. Disney World is obviously centered on the many different characters and franchises that Disney owns. On the contrary, Dollywood is focused solely on Dolly Parton — her childhood, her music, and her other achievements. This helped the park feel cohesive and completely immersive in a way Disney does not. From the moment you enter the park, you explore different parts of Dolly's life. I entered replicas of her childhood home and schoolhouse. The whole park is a celebration of her hometown: the Smoky Mountain region. I wasn't expecting much from the rides at Dollywood, but there was plenty to do. As someone who hates roller coasters, I always loved Disney World because the parks are home to calmer, iconic rides. When I saw the list of rides at Dollywood, I was hesitant. There were a lot of roller coasters, and I am decidedly not a thrill seeker. Even though I only went on a few rides, they were comparable to some of my favorites at Disney. Plus, there were plenty of shows to keep me busy throughout the day. There was no Dole Whip, but Dollywood's cinnamon bread changed me. Disney's frozen treat, Dole Whip, is iconic, and I certainly missed it while in Tennessee, but Dollywood arguably had something better: cinnamon bread. Throughout the park, you could smell the warm scent of cinnamon all day long. When I finally got my hands on a loaf, I instantly melted. The fluffy dough was the perfect treat in the middle of the day. Though it wasn't as refreshing as Dole Whip, it was as delicious. Dollywood wasn't as crowded as I expected. No matter how much you enjoy Disney, it's just not a pleasant experience in the summer. The crowds are unimaginable. I've been to the parks in July and August, and during that time, the crowds are seemingly never-ending, and the lines for rides can go up to two hours. Thankfully, Dollywood was the opposite. Even though it was July, the park was not packed, so I felt more relaxed. It was easy to move around. Lines for rides were manageable, too; none of them exceeded 45 minutes. Unfortunately, Dollywood doesn't come to life at night like Disney does. The one aspect I really missed about Disney while at Dollywood was how the park transforms at nighttime. The castle in Magic Kingdom lights up, and the fireworks show is something you just have to brave the busy crowds for. Plus, the concession stands stay open and offer food through the closing of the park. Main Street USA also becomes a prime spot, as crowds fill the street, shopping and eating. However, at night, Dollywood seemed to lack any energy. The park emptied out entirely. While the rides were still open, all of the restaurants and concession stands closed. There was a fireworks show at night, which also included a drone show, but we didn't stick around because the park just didn't seem lively enough. Pigeon Forge has just as much to offer as Orlando does. Disney World is located in a large city, Orlando, which has a lot to offer. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is also a tourist town, and I loved visiting. It's filled with every activity you can imagine: mini golf, go-karting, dinner shows, shopping, carnivals, and world-class restaurants. I stayed on Margaritaville Island in Pigeon Forge and loved being close to the stores and restaurants. The view of the Ferris wheel from the hotel pool was also great. My first visit to Dollywood far exceeded my expectations. I didn't know what to expect when I first booked my trip to Dollywood, but I was pleasantly surprised at every turn. Dollywood was a great vacation spot because of the rides, the immersive theme, and the food. Since I saved money and felt more relaxed at Dollywood, I might think twice before booking my Disney trip next time.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Woman Reports 'Altered State of Consciousness' While Riding Dr. Seuss Carousel, Plus More Strange Theme Park Injuries This Year
There have been 12 injury incidents at Orlando's Walt Disney World, Universal Resort and SeaWorld in the second quarter of 2025 A number of injuries have been reported across various Florida theme parks — including the Walt Disney World Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando — in the second quarter of 2025. According to an updated report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which is reworked multiple times a year, there were 12 injury incidents between April and July at the Orlando-based travel destinations. At Disney World, two injuries took place at the Magic Kingdom Park, when a 76-year-old woman fell and injured her right leg while exiting Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin in April, and when a 44-year-old man had right arm pain while at the Liberty Bell attraction in June. In May, an 87-year-old guest with a pre-existing condition lost consciousness after riding Dinosaur at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Multiple injuries took place at the Universal Orlando Resort, including one in April, when a 60-year-old woman suffered wrist pain while riding One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish at Islands of Adventure. A 77-year-old man dealt with chest pain after riding The Incredible Hulk Coaster at the park in June, and a 22-year-old woman said she suffered an altered level of consciousness after riding the Carou-Seuss-el that same month. Over at the theme park's Universal Studios, a 72-year-old woman reported feeling weak and dizzy after spending time on the Jimmy Fallon Race Through New York attraction in May. At Universal's newest theme park, Epic Universe, which opened in May, a 32-year-old man dealt with chest pain after riding Hiccup's Wing Gliders that month, and in June, two resort goers faced issues after riding Stardust Racers — a 63-year-old man who suffered from dizziness and an altered state of consciousness, as well as a 47-year-old woman who was numb and had visual disturbance. Both riders had a pre-existing condition, per the report, but further details about those were not shared. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! At SeaWorld Orlando, two total injuries were reported within the four-month timespan. A 78-year-old woman became unresponsive while on the Sunny Day Carousel in June, and a 24-year-old woman experienced a medical condition while on the Infinity Falls attraction that same month. Meanwhile, Busch Gardens, which is located in Tampa, and the Legoland Florida Resort, situated in Winter Haven, reported no injuries. Both theme parks didn't report any injuries in the first quarter of 2025 as well. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the report "is a compilation of data collected from the exempt facilities and reflects only the information reported at the time of the incident." "Due to privacy-related concerns, the Department does not receive updates to initial assessments of a patron's condition," the organization added. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Major theme parks within Florida must self-report visitor injuries and require at least 24 hours of hospitalization, per Florida Politics. The Walt Disney World Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Read the original article on People
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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
I'm 30 and My Mom Is 58, and We Both Swear by Teva Sandals for Logging 25,000+ Steps During Summer Trips
As a New York City resident of 10-plus years and a frequent Disney World visitor (some might say a Disney adult, but that's neither here nor there), comfortable walking shoes are a major priority. I've tested out brands like Adidas, Brooks, Ryka, and more, and while I have favorite pairs from each of them, nothing quite compares to my beloved Teva sandals. In particular, the Teva Flatform Sandals are my go-to pair for warm weather, whether I'm trekking through the sweltering summer city streets or racking up 25,000+ steps across the Disney World parks. I've even got my mom hooked on Teva sandals, and we're often sporting our pairs together, whether on our annual trip to Disney or to the beach in our hometown. I've been wearing Tevas for years, but the flatform style is easily my favorite; I love that this design keeps my feet elevated above the ground (crucial when walking through New York City), yet it offers a supremely comfortable base for all-day walking. $70 $52 at Amazon $75 at Zappos $75 at The first time I wore these Teva sandals was on a week-long Disney vacation. Like previous Tevas I've owned, these didn't require a break-in period, which was great because I wore them for a full 15,000-step day before running a 10K race the next morning. I certainly couldn't afford any blisters! From first wear, I found the platform base to be extremely supportive and comfortable. The EVA midsole is designed with a heel cup for stability, while there is plenty of arch support in the middle to save my flat feet during a long day of walking and standing in lines. And, their ultra-lightweight design makes these sandals easy to pack in my carry-on. What I love about these sandals is that they offer an often much-needed break from restrictive sneakers on a walking-heavy vacation. Yet, unlike many other sandals, you aren't sacrificing support for comfort. I was so happy to wear these sandals after one of my most intense Disney days to date, which included 44,000 steps. My feet were unsurprisingly exhausted when I woke up the next day after being shoved into sneakers for roughly 20 miles—so I slipped on my Teva Flatforms instead. I racked up 25,000 steps with zero foot, leg, or back pain, despite the trials I put my body through the day before. $75 at Amazon $75 at Zappos $75 at Clearly, my Teva platform sandals are comfortable, but the perks don't stop there. These shoes double as waterproof sandals and are ready for everything from the beach to the waterpark. I wore them all day at Blizzard Beach, one of Disney's water parks, and was shocked at how quickly they dried, even after submerging them completely underwater on the lazy river and down a few waterslides. I thought for sure they would rub and give me blisters, but I was left in complete comfort all day. But don't just take my word for it—my mom swears by her Teva sandals at the parks, too. Because she's a waitress who is on her feet for hours, my mom takes her footwear pretty seriously. Although her pair is thrifted and isn't sold in stores anymore (it's the Terra-Float 2 Knit Evolve Sandals), these sandals are the first thing she packs, right alongside her MagicBand and sunscreen. 'My Tevas are not only comfortable, but they make everything so easy,' she says. 'They provide excellent arch support, so my feet never get tired, and they're adjustable so I can make them a bit tighter if I'm on a crazy ride, or I can loosen them when I'm resting in the shade, having a snack on top of a Disney garbage can.' (If you know, you know.) Because they're thrifted and a discontinued style, her shoes definitely had a life before her—so the fact that they're still holding up to tens of thousands of steps is a testament to Teva's durability. $70 at Amazon $75 at Zappos $75 at Clearly, my mom and I have nothing but fantastic things to say about our Teva shoes, whether you're headed to Disney or on a walking-heavy vacation (like the time we wore our Tevas during a 10-day Italian vacation!). For more supportive, comfortable sandals for women, read on for styles at Amazon, starting at $36. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Disney mom faces child abuse charge after she allegedly grabbed a teen in a fight as crowd gathered to watch Magic Kingdom parade
A tourist visiting Disney World faces a child abuse charge after grabbing a teen girl as crowds gathered to watch the parade in Magic Kingdom - in a move that allegedly left nail marks on the victim. Martha Zapata-Echeverri, 51, from Kissimmee, Florida, was arrested on a charge of child abuse after the altercation broke out at Disney's Magic Kingdom on Monday night, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said. Zapata-Echeverri allegedly grabbed a 17-year-old girl during a confrontation on Main Street U.S.A. in front of Cinderella's Castle, just before the amusement park's nightly parade was set to begin, Fox 35 reported. The teen sustained a bruise and abrasion on her arm after she was pulled aside by Zapata-Echeverri, authorities said. Authorities said there were no independent witnesses who saw the fight, or surveillance footage of the incident, which happened in a densely crowded area where large groups were gathering ahead of the parade. It was not immediately clear what kind of argument the teen and Zapata-Echeverri had leading up to the physical contact. Each gave a statement to authorities. The teen told authorities that the fight broke out when Zapata-Echeverri placed a hand on her in an attempt to make space in a crowded area. When the teen asked her to not touch her, Zapata-Echeverri allegedly grabbed her arm and pulled her aside. The altercation resulted in visible injuries on the teen, according to authorities. In Zapata-Echeverri's retelling of events, she said she was following her daughter to the parade route when the teen started pushing into her and claiming the space was hers. Zapata-Echeverri then demonstrated for police how she pushed the girl back with her left arm. When authorities asked how the teen sustained nail marks on her arm, Zapata-Echeverri gave an unclear response and gestured that she had used an open hand. In an arrest report, deputies wrote that Zapata-Echeverri 'knowingly and willfully' touched the girl in a way that was likely to cause injury.
The Independent
6 days ago
- The Independent
Disney mom faces child abuse charge after she allegedly grabbed a teen in a fight as crowd gathered to watch Magic Kingdom parade
A tourist visiting Disney World faces a child abuse charge after grabbing a teen girl as crowds gathered to watch the parade in Magic Kingdom - in a move that allegedly left nail marks on the victim. Martha Zapata-Echeverri, 51, from Kissimmee, Florida, was arrested on a charge of child abuse after the altercation broke out at Disney's Magic Kingdom on Monday night, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said. Zapata-Echeverri allegedly grabbed a 17-year-old girl during a confrontation on Main Street U.S.A. in front of Cinderella's Castle, just before the amusement park's nightly parade was set to begin, Fox 35 reported. The teen sustained a bruise and abrasion on her arm after she was pulled aside by Zapata-Echeverri, authorities said. Authorities said there were no independent witnesses who saw the fight, or surveillance footage of the incident, which happened in a densely crowded area where large groups were gathering ahead of the parade. It was not immediately clear what kind of argument the teen and Zapata-Echeverri had leading up to the physical contact. Each gave a statement to authorities. The teen told authorities that the fight broke out when Zapata-Echeverri placed a hand on her in an attempt to make space in a crowded area. When the teen asked her to not touch her, Zapata-Echeverri allegedly grabbed her arm and pulled her aside. The altercation resulted in visible injuries on the teen, according to authorities. In Zapata-Echeverri's retelling of events, she said she was following her daughter to the parade route when the teen started pushing into her and claiming the space was hers. Zapata-Echeverri then demonstrated for police how she pushed the girl back with her left arm. When authorities asked how the teen sustained nail marks on her arm, Zapata-Echeverri gave an unclear response and gestured that she had used an open hand. In an arrest report, deputies wrote that Zapata-Echeverri 'knowingly and willfully' touched the girl in a way that was likely to cause injury.
