Technology Divide: The impact of Fast Pass for Disney

The other day, I boarded onto Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blaster in the Magic Kingdom. My fast pass allowed me to walk right onto the ride, thus bypassing the stand-by queue that snaked around the ride's lobby. As I did this, it became apparent to that I was seeing the impact of a technology divide.

A technology divide is where those who are tech savvy have an advantage over those who aren't. The advantage might be in education, career, life, or, in this case, enjoying a day at Disney World.

Comprehending the Fast Pass system initially is a challenge for some. And for others, it remains a challenge throughout the encounter (I see the smiling assistants at the Fast Pass kiosks answering the same questions all day long concerning basic functionality of the system). Others, I assume, don't even try to understand Fast Pass.

Even within the ranks of those who understand fast pass, there is a division. Those who expertly understand the system will wear their rfid enabled bands and practically walk into the fast pass line with little trouble. Others try to use cards and are left fumbling to try to find them, and are delayed as they scan a stack of cards into the fast pass terminals.

As I passed into Buzz Lightyear, I had difficulty understanding why anyone would volunteer for the stand-by line. I was able to get my Buzz Lightyear pass very simply: walk up to a kiosk, wave my hand, select the ride, done. The time available for my fast pass was nearly immediate.

I talked to a friend who told me that he went to Disney recently, stood in line for 45 minutes for one ride and was so frustrated and angry that he just left the park and has no plans to return. Obviously, he didn't use the fast pass system. If he had, he would have used his cell phone to schedule his time for the ride before every arriving at the park. Instead of waiting 45 minutes, he could have walked onto the ride at a time convenient to him.

That is where the digital divide exists. Those who are technology savvy (or Fastpass savvy) stand the chance of having a great time at Disney. And those who aren't, stand to stand in line all day.

Fastest way from Davenport to Disney World

The most dreaded way to get from the Davenport area (Rt 27) to Disney is to take Rt. 27 to 192 East. That is a long slow way. In this article, I will explore several options to get you to Disney fast!

OPTION 1: The Secret Back Way

If your vacation villa is just off Rt. 27 and near Rt. 192? Then this is going to be your best way.

The following 2.5 minute movie is a dashcam showing the fastest way to get from Davenport to the Magic Kingdom using the secret back way.
https://youtu.be/i1eadgd-kII

For more information, including a detailed map, see this for the secret backway to Disney.

OPTION 2: Take I4

If you are at Champion's Gate, or, near the I4/Rt. 27 intersection? And it isn't peak traffic time on I4? Then you should consider taking I4.

You can see the 1.5 minute dashcam video goes from the mall in Devenport to the gates of Disney World: https://youtu.be/MfQdIJqWt6U

OPTION 3: Scenic Route

The scenic route is great if you want to avoid a lot of traffic. It may take a few minutes longer, but it isn't too bad.

From Orlando to the Kissimme Villas

I have previously described where the best Disney vacation villas were located - down West 192. How easy is it to get here? In this 2.5 minute video, you'll see how to drive from Orlando to the villa area using I4.

https://youtu.be/OhYoLry5A9Q

Epcot Crowd Cam

Enjoy a nice relaxing day at Epcot's Electric Umbrella with my crowd cam from July 2015:

http://disneytv.gilbertinternettv.com/

Wild side BBQ 2015

We reviewed Wild Side BBQ in 2013 and it won our 2013 BBQ contest. We decided to return this year to see how it was doing.

Wildside BBQ is located on Rt. 192, just west of i4 in Kissimmee, Florida.

We arrived at 3:30pm and the restaurant only had two other tables with customers.The parking lot was pretty full and later we found out why: we watched an employee get into his car which was parked in a prime spot near the front door.

We were sat in the same seat we had in 2013. Along the window sill was what appeared to be a ton of pepper sprinkled, or, perhaps they were small dead insects. We couldn't tell. And when we told our waiter, he didn't seem very concerned.

We ordered the nachos.

In 2013, the nachos were a giant plate filled with meats. In this trip, we received a more modest portion. There was more chili and less meat. Instead of a variety of meats, this only had BBQ chicken. The chicken was perfect, both tender and smokey, and nice size shreds. I was disappointed that the size had decreased, but honestly, the previous size was ridiculously large.

The menu has changed and we decided to try something new: rice bowls.

The first ride bowl was BBQ chicken over white rice, no Pico or Corn Salsa. I don't recall the menu mentioning there would be cheese, but a layer or partially melted shredded cheese sits between the rice and meat. The small cups served with it are sour cream and beans. The beans that came did not have any beans in the cup! just the BBQ sauce that the beans are normally in.We asked if it could be served with tomato chunks and were told no, which seemed odd (they put tomatoes on hamburgers - just cut one up!)

The chicken in the nochos were shredded, and the chicken on the rice bowls was cut into small pieces. The smoked flavor was good, but the chicken was dry and hard. In fact, the entire dish was dry (probably ordering the salsa and/or pico would have helped.

This meal was a mistake to have ordered after the BBQ chicken nachos because it was too much BBQ chicken flavor for one meal. We drowned it in the sour cream so it could be eaten.

The second rice bowl was brisket over white rice, no pico, but with corn salsa. It too came with cheese, sour cream, and beans (this time there were beans). The brisket was good, a little dry, not too much fat, and a light smoke flavor. The beans were both sweet and smokey.

Wildside has two BBQ sauces: a sweet sauce, and a sauce that starts sweet but then kicks in the heat. I love a sweet BBQ sauce, so, after fully tasting everything, I used an ample amount on the white rice. White rice doesn't have a lot of flavor, and adding the BBQ sauce was perfect. The shredded cheese provided an odd texture as it partially melted into the rice, but was OK.

In the end, our view of wildside has diminished - but only a little. The nacho portion was smaller and the first rice bowl was a mistake, and what was on that window sill? But overall it was a good meal. I would return, but I would probably go for the Wildside Platter, a sampling of all the meats, instead of a rice bowl,

Tuscan Hills Review

Here is my review of Tuscan Hills in Davenport Florida. I did not stay here, so I can't speak specifically about the condos or villas, but I did walk through the neighbordhood.

This is a gated community with a wall around the outside. From that aspect, it is very secure from people getting in, and as I learned, getting out! I followed a car in through the main gate, but when I was ready to leave - I couldn't! The sidewalk hate needs a code and a quick google search was unsuccessful. I actually had to escape the subdivision by going through some back yards. That's just a measure of dedication I have for my readers!

The community has tennis courts, a small playground, and a volleyball sandpit.

There are two sections: villas

And condos. The roadway to the condo is like an alley with parking spots

The condos are, as would be expected, all connected together with private pools.

The pools appeared to be OK is size, with excellent attempts at privacy using walls and shrubs.

The neighborhood appeared well maintained. I didn't see trash or overgrown yards, and not too many Palm trees needing attention.

You can often tell a lot about a community by the cars in the driveway. I didn't see anything too concerning except for this condo cluster. There was one car with the hood up and no one working on it, and a car that looked like it had better days parked in the back.

I personally did not like the entrances to the condos. The condo pools looked OK. And the villa area looked excellent. The club house is fairly small with few outdoor amenities. 

As mentioned originally, I haven't stayed here, only walked though it so my report is limited to only what I saw. Nevertheless, I hope this is helpful!

Magic Kingdom's Baked Potato

Looking for something different to eat at the Magic Kingdom? Something healthy and filling? There is a little known food item available: Baked Potato! You won't find it on any quick service or kiosk menu, and it is only available in one spot.

How do you find them?

Go to the market square and go to the cash register. Simply order a baked potato. It is that simple!