Writer’s Note, News & Views
Last week’s “Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine” in the Gulf of Mexico became devastating major Hurricane Helene. Fortunately, for the part of Central Florida that includes Walt Disney World Resort, the storm’s impact was minimal, and, indeed, there was little rainfall in the immediate area around the Resort (like at my house) and some gusty winds that the area withstood without major reported problems.
Much less fortunate were the Gulf Coast regions of Florida from the Tampa-St. Pete area all the way up to the “big bend” plus a wide swath of Georgia and the Carolinas. As of this publication, the death toll in that storm’s wake is over 180, with property damage that likely will be counted in the billions of dollars. My thoughts are with those impacted by Helene, and yet, my eyes now are on the early tracking for the next “sloppy” low pressure system weather trackers like Mike’s Weather Page are keeping watch over for late into this coming weekend or early next week: this next system could produce more Florida Gulf coastal flooding and a significant amount of rain inland across the Florida peninsula.
The first indication as a local that Helene’s impact around Walt Disney World Resort was likely going to be minimal was that Disney and the other attractions only made minimal closures ahead of the storm even when its center was nearing our latitude. Ahead of Helene, on September 26, Disney cancelled one edition of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (but Magic Kingdom remained open to guests until 8 p.m.), shut down Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and the mini golf locations on property, and made other very minor operational changes at Walt Disney World. Pretty much normal operations resumed on September 27.
Ahead of whatever is next heading toward the Resort, keep your eyes on the Disney World weather updates page of DisneyWorld.com to see what the operational impacts Disney anticipates and that will help you get the most out of your visit. As I said last week, the more severe impacts Disney’s forecasters see for the Resort and for the cast’s ability to get between their homes and the Resort, the more operations that Disney tends to close down ahead of the storm. Fort Wilderness Campground and the Treehouses at Disney’s Saratoga Springs are often the first to close when there is forecast to be significant wind and/or flooding potential; that did not happen with Helene, but the more “sloppy” system forecast next could result in such a forecast and closures. Water parks and general recreational areas (like the miniature golf courses and other outdoor activities) are always subject to weather closing, as was the case with Helene. Significant storm impacts heading for the region can result in Disney limiting the hours or closing the theme parks, and limiting the hours or closing Disney Springs. Disney Resort hotels are built to withstand strong storms, and guests staying in them are usually given additional instructions about food and beverage opportunities and places to shelter. They do not tend to close, but Disney puts cancelation waivers in places to allow folks to cancel or postpone trips when named storms threaten, but those depend on how you purchased the vacation elements. As always, if you have flights scheduled across the southeast, be sure to check with your airlines. If you are driving, be that much more cautious if your path includes the likely path of the storm and its likely impact zone, and, indeed, as of publication, there are still quite a few roads washed out through the Carolinas from the impact of Helene.
For those that celebrate, Shana Tova! Rosh Hashanah, celebration of the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown tonight, October 2, 2024.
First Deals for 2025 Walt Disney World Vacations Released
Yesterday, Disney released its first batch of 2025 vacation discount offers. Guests can save up to $200 per night with a 3-night, 2-day room and ticket package (most nights from February 26 to June 30, 2025), or save up to 25% on room-only bookings at select Disney Resort hotels (February 23 to April 30, 2025). The full details, as always, are available at DisneyWorld.com/offers where you can also find additional discounts for Florida Residents and Annual Pasholders). An authorized travel agent, like MousePlanet’s travel partner, GetAwayToday, can book these offers and more (a few more details later in the Update, as always).
As Disney announced earlier this year, for guests staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel in 2025, there is a new exclusive perk: free check-in day admission to a water park. The Disney Resorts Collection hotels are all Disney owned and operated, so this is one of the perks that those that stay at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin and Shades of Green DO NOT enjoy too. Be aware that neither Disney Busses nor the water parks allow luggage to be brought along (other than small items like a day bag that can be stored in the keyless lockers available for rent at the water parks), so Disney advises guests planning to use the new perk to use Bell Services at their Disney Resorts Collection hotel to store luggage if their room is not yet available when they arrive. Guests may use their MagicBand, MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World Card for park entry, but, of course, everyone doing so must be linked to the hotel reservation. Parking remains free at the water parks.
Ready to plan your 2025 @WaltDisneyWorld vacation? 🧳✨ Our planDisney panel knows a thing (or 7!) about how to save. Plus, new offers are here: https://t.co/kGrM7XKrCZ pic.twitter.com/2VZ1p8qxbo
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) October 1, 2024
This & That & Reminders…
…NEW. Disney and Harry Styles’ Pleasing brand have launched their first collaboration: Disney Fantasia x Pleasing, with apparel, accessories, nails, and skincare. The products will be available in a number of locations, including, for a limited time through the end of October, a new pop-up location at Disney Springs in the former NBA Experience space. (The location may use a virtual queue to handle crowds, though Harry Styles will not be visiting the pop-up according to the information provided to media.) Prices start from $25 to $289. Pleasing and Disney have teamed up to create a bespoke 3D animation honoring the collection and timeless classic film, which has debuted at the pop-up shop. The Disney Fantasia x Pleasing collection will also be available starting Friday, October 4, on Pleasing.com, DisneyStore.com and DisneyStore.co.uk. There is an additional pop-up shop in Houston, Texas.
…NEW. To celebrate National Custodian Appreciation Day, Disney shared how the custodial cast create character water art on the parks’ pavement.
Celebrate National Custodian Appreciation Day by learning how our custodial cast members make a splash: https://t.co/a9Mk1MiF0W 🧹💧 pic.twitter.com/fRXNT8OPr1
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) October 2, 2024
…REMINDER: Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month are being celebrated at Walt Disney World and Disneyland through October 15, 2024. As the resorts do for these sorts of celebrations, the big focus is on food, and Disney Parks Blog has published a Foodie Guide with the highlights for both resorts. Some of the offerings are “currently available” and others are available only through October 15th.
…REMINDER: Disney’s Blizzard Beach will reopen on November 4, 2024, which also means that the last chance this season to visit Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is November 3, 2024. The Disney Water Parks Seasonal Pass is also available for $79 plus tax for a limited-time, providing admission through May 23, 2025. It provides admission to Typhoon Lagoon through November 3, 2024, and then Blizzard Beach starting November 4th. Disney Water Parks offer free parking for all guests. For more information on the seasonal pass, visit DisneyWorld.com.
…REMINDER: Disney Vacation Club‘s new Island Tower addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will open on December 17, 2024, on the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The new 10-story tower will add 268 rooms to the resort, with accommodation types ranging from cozy “duo studios” to its new two-bedroom penthouse villas. Sales will open to current Disney Vacation Club members on October 1 and the public on October 29. DVC Members at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows (including current members that add-on) can book stays with Vacation Points in the new Tower starting October 15; New DVC Members that purchase their first points at Polynesian can book with Vacation Points starting November 5. All DVC Members can book with points starting November 19.
The Island Tower’s new two-bedroom penthouse villas are a new accommodation type for DVC, and they will sleep up to eight guests with a living room area, full-size kitchen, dining area, two bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and an expansive outdoor patio offering views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom Park as well as Disney’s Oak Trail and Magnolia Golf Courses. The one- and other two-bedroom villas in the Island Tower will offer accommodations sleeping up to five and nine guests, respectively. These rooms will also have a dining area, a washer and dryer, and an outdoor patio. The new deluxe studios in the tower have an updated layout, including a seating area across from a kitchenette, a spa-like bathroom, an outdoor patio, and two queen-size beds, accommodating up to four guests. The duo studios sleep two, like at Disney’s Riviera Resort, and includes a queen-sized bed that tucks into the wall to reveal a sofa when not in use.
…REMINDER: Disney Vacation Club recently announced additional Moonlight Magic events for eligible members at Disney’s Animal Kingdom before the end of 2024, and a slate of 2025 events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Typhoon Lagoon. Registration for these events is complimentary for eligible members (“eligible” generally only includes members who have purchased their membership points from Disney) and their guests. Full details and reservation requirements are on this page of DVC’s website (and, in particular, the reservation details will be updated as relevant dates approach).
The additional Disney’s Animal Kingdom 2024 events are: October 24, 2024, November 21, 2024, and December 10, 2024.
The new Disney’s Animal Kingdom Moonlight Magic Events are open to eligible DVC members even if they attended a previous 2024 Moonlight Magic event.
- General Registration – Opens October 8, 2024
The general registration window for the October 24, November 21 and December 10 events is open to all eligible Members (limited availability), including those with qualifying Resort reservations that were unsuccessful in registering during the early window. Be aware that this general registration may close very quickly, as early registration for members with hotel reservations was September 19th! This is a single general registration opportunity to register for one of the three event dates.
The 2025 Moonlight Magic event dates at Walt Disney World are:
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: January 26 and September 1
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: February 12
EPCOT: April 30 and July 17
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: May 20, June 9, and August 11
Registration details for these events have not been published as of this Update’s publication. They probably will be posted to this page of the DVC website as the events approach.
…UPDATED REMINDER: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights are underway at Magic Kingdom, and the remaining 2024 dates are now sold out. The select nights, extra ticket required after-hours events run until Halloween. Remember that if you are visiting the park on a party night and do not have the extra ticket for the party, you will be gently swept out of the park at 6 p.m. and there will be no showing of the Happily Ever After Fireworks that night. If you do have the ticket for the party, at the park’s main entrance, you can get your wristband and mix in with the day guests as early as 4 p.m. without a separate park ticket or reservation. If you have a ticket to be in the park during regular park hours and a ticket for the party, you can find wristband distribution locations scattered around the park where you can have your tickets checked and your wristbands issued.
…REMINDER: Cirque du Soleil has released its performance schedule and opened tickets sales for 2025. Performances will be offered twice a day at Disney Springs, five days a week in 2025, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Matinee shows will continue to be offered on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Beginning October 2, 2024, the Page to Stage Signature Experience will also be available five nights per week following the second performance each day. Tickets for all performances can be purchased at cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life or at the Disney Springs box office and are subject to availability.
…REMINDER: Looking ahead to winter, tickets are now on sale for Breakfast with Santa at Maria and Enzo’s at Disney Springs. Offered on select dates in December, this breakfast experience will include a spread of classic menu items, visits from Santa’s merry band of elves, holiday carolers and take-home treats. After enjoying breakfast, guests will get to meet Santa himself. Children can share their holiday wishes with him, and will receive a keepsake photo from their special meet and greet. Tickets are $45 for children and $79 for adults, and are available with more information here.
…NEW. Before the holidays, Maria & Enzo’s at Disney Springs will present Sips of Italy: Wine vs Beer Challenge at 6:30 p.m. on October 10 and 24, and at 12 p.m. on November 16, 2024. The events feature Italian cuisine from Chef Ben Dodaro, with both a handpicked wine and beer pairing at every step. Expert representatives from Batasiolo wines and Menabrea & Cipriani beer will be on hand to share insights as guests explore. Tickets are $85 for the dinner sessions and $75 for the lunch session, and more information and tickets are available HERE.
…NEW. Also on October 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs offers up A Taste of YOKOCHO Presented By Beam Suntory as a special event as part of Beam Suntory’s Highball Week. Each ticket includes two exclusive Toki highballs and eight bites from an Izakaya-themed menu. Choose from an array of yakitori skewers like chicken thigh with scallion or shichimi-spiced chicken tail, or savory bites from the Yakiniku Station, featuring pork belly, beef tongue, and more. Complete the evening with a sweet surprise from the Japanese shaved ice Kakigori Station.This limited-space event features special guests from Beam Suntory, with open seating on the patio and additional standing room in the Forbidden Lounge. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased HERE.
…NEW. Morimoto Asia Halloween Cocktails:
- Halloween Humor Aperol, gomme-infused sweet vermouth, iichiko Shochu, Pom, Fee cardamom bitters and Fee foam – $17
- Boo Berries & Scream Rémy Martin VSOP, blueberry gomme syrup, cream and St. Elizabeth allspice dram – $16
…REMINDER: At another of Patina Restaurant Group’s Disney Springs Restaurants, Enzo’s Hideaway, when you plan on spending $1,000 or more on your holiday event there, the venue will “throw in a little something extra to make your gathering just that much more special.” For those that book by October 28, 2024, you can receive an upgraded bar package on the house! The offer applies to events held Monday – Thursday between November 22 and December 27, 2024, excluding holidays. Events must be booked by October 28, 2024, and have a minimum spend of $1,000 to qualify for offer. All event bookings are subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Cannot be customized or exchanged. The booking form to contact the group planning specialists is available at: https://www.patinagroup.com/enzos-hideaway/mingle.
…NEW. Enzo’s Hideaway themed fall cocktails:
- Midnight Pumpkin: Absolut Vanilia, Monin pumpkin, Caffè Borghetti espresso liqueur and fresh espresso – $18
- Jungle Bones Brew: Casamigos Blanco, Chinola passion fruit, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime, Monin hibiscus, Reál mango purée – $18
…REMINDER: Before you even get to the holidays, Patina Restaurant Group’s The Edison at Disney Springs has launched a new “Happy Hour.” The Edison invites guests to “indulge in a sampling of signature appetizers and crafted cocktails at reduced prices.” The Happy Hour options include Fried Pickles, creamy Spinach Dip and Electri-Fries, plus a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned, Edison Lager, Frenzy Sauv Blanc and Strawberry Fields Forever, made with Wheatley Vodka, St-germain liqueur, honey, lime juice, strawberry and mint. The Happy Hour runs Sunday through Friday, 3 – 6 p.m. The Edison also continues to offer Cocktail Classes, and it has announced new November dates for its Shaken & Stirred Cocktails Classes where guests can learn the skills to create expert-level cocktails during a hands-on experience with a private bartender. Featuring three cocktails and a light lunch, class options include “Organic & Sustainable” on November 9 and “Big Screen Cocktails” on November 23. Tickets start at $100 and begin at 1 p.m. Visit this page on the Tock event site for more details.
…NEW. The Edison’s Halloween Beverage Offerings:
- Blood Donor: Espolòn Silver, Solerno, Aperol and lime juice – $19
- Zombie Jamboree: Casamigos Blanco, Licor 43, Amaro di Angostura, fresh espresso and real vanilla – $19
…REMINDER: The deadline for applications for the 2025 Disney Dreamers Academy event is October 31, 2024. High school students looking to achieve their dreams can be nominated or apply themselves at www.DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. Disney Dreamers Academy is an annual four-day transformational program at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, designed to broaden career and personal development for a select group of 100 teens from Black and underrepresented communities across America. The 100 selected students receive an all-expense-paid trip, along with one parent or guardian, to Walt Disney World Resort to experience a combination of inspiration, education and fun at The Most Magical Place on Earth. MousePlanet has been hosted by Disney at several past editions of Disney Dreamers Academy and has reported on them in past Walt Disney World Resort Updates.
…REMINDER: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic celebrates 15 Years this year with the return of its Food & Wine Classic on Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. The event runs a half-hour longer each evening than in the past, giving guests more time to enjoy the sips, flavors and music. Tickets are available now at SwanDolphinFoodAndWineClassic.com, including a bundle offering with a 15 percent discount for tickets for both Friday and Saturday night. The discounted bundle gives attendees a taste of everything the Food & Wine Classic has to offer, with different menu items featured each night. Additionally, favorite stations from years past will make an exclusive return, paying tribute to the event’s early years. MousePlanet has been invited to a media preview of this year’s event coming up next week, and we will share what we learn on social media.
To celebrate the event’s 15th year, the menu lineup features 45 dishes, the most in the Food & Wine Classic’s history. The Swan & Dolphin says, “A tribute to the resort’s award-winning restaurants and passions of its incomparable culinary team, guests will embark on a global culinary journey without ever leaving the resort.”
New dishes on the 2024 menu include:
- Baja Style Fish Taco with shaved cabbage, pico de gallo, Rosa Mexicano white sauce and corn tortilla from Rosa Mexicano
- Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib with browned butter potato gnocchi, porcini mushroom purée, pecorino romano, fennel and parsley salad from Il Mulino
- Korean “No Mayo” Salad with rice noodles, bean sprouts, cucumber, kimchi, cashew and bibim from Cabana Bar and Beach Club
- Hand-Made Harissa Spiced Lamb Sausage with bulgar wheat, smoked yogurt and fennel-onion salad from Amare
- Slow Roasted Pernil with garlic and sour orange marinated crispy skinned pork, white rice, black beans, sweet plantains and fresh lime from For the Love of Florida specialty area
Returning favorites include:
- Roasted Linz Heritage Black Angus Beef Tenderloin with baked marble potatoes, caramelized onion purée, horseradish and béarnaise sauce from Shula’s Steak House
- Signature Classic Guacamole en Molcajete with fresh tortilla chips and roasted tomato salsa from Rosa Mexicano
- Butter Poached Bay Scallops with Florida corn purée, charred scallion vinaigrette, radish threads and shallot butter from For the Love of Florida specialty area
- Dragon Roll with crispy shrimp, yellowfin tuna, avocado, cream cheese, kewpie mayonnaise and eel sauce from Kimonos
- Gua Bao with sweet and spicy glazed pork belly, pickled cucumber, red chile, toasted sesame and hot sauce from Chinatown specialty area
All-new dessert options will include:
- Caramel Banana Crème Brûlée
- Nougat Rum Dark Chocolate Mousse
- Pistachio Raspberry Mousse with white chocolate foam
- Mandarin Cream Beignet
The complete 2024 Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic menu can be found at https://swandolphin.com/wp-pdf/foodandwine/FWCMENU.pdf.
This year’s event features three interactive seminars taught by members of the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team, allowing guests to expand their knowledge in what the resort says is “a delicious way”:
- (NEW) Beer Here! will take guests on a flavorful journey through Florida’s craft beer scene, celebrating the vibrant and diverse brews of the Sunshine State
- (NEW) Salud! A Journey Through Spain guides attendees through Spain’s rich winemaking heritage, with cuisine pairing tips and more
- Craft Cocktails, a fan favorite, breaks down the components of a great cocktail and how to make a perfect drink in your own home
All seminars will take place at the Swan Reserve on Saturday, November 16 from 4:30-5:30 p.m., just prior to the outdoor festival, and are $85 per person, excluding tax. Seminars require separate tickets and space is limited. More information can be found at swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com/seminars/.
For the latest information or to purchase tickets, guests can visit SwanDolphinFoodAndWineClassic.com, like swandolphinfwc on Facebook, or call 1-888-828-8850. Discounted hotel packages are available with proof of ticket purchase.
…For those planning to sail aboard Disney Treasure’s inaugural season, on Disney Parks Blog, Disney Cruise Line has unveiled some of its first merchandise collections guests may find on their voyage.
Merch reveal! 🚢✨ Three new collections debuting exclusively onboard the Disney Treasure during its 2024 inaugural season: https://t.co/sJIgOtif5r pic.twitter.com/9gmE8ktPiv
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) September 30, 2024
…REMINDER: Give Kids the World Village, the 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Kissimmee that provides cost-free week-long trips to critically ill children and their families, announced that its Gingerbread Run is returning this fall and will take place at night – under the holiday lights! On Saturday, November 23, you’ll have the chance to run, roll or stroll a 5K or family fun run through the whimsical storybook Village illuminated by thousands of holiday lights. Information and registration is available on this page of the Village’s website.
…REMINDER: Give Kids The World Village will again host its Holiday VIP Tours this upcoming winter holiday season. Guests can enjoy the opportunity to experience the Village all decked out for the holidays with these special features:
- A behind-the-scenes, themed storytelling tour.
- Festive dessert party.
- Access to select venues on the Avenue of Angels, illuminated with more than 1 million holiday lights.
- Decorated vignettes from Village partners.
- Fun props and holiday photo backdrops.
Proceeds from the event help to ensure that the Village can provide magical, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses. Tickets are onsale for December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, and 22. Tickets are $88.13 (including EventBrite service fees) per person. Be aware that the tour entails 90 minutes of walking and storytelling, and may not be suitable for young children.
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Resort Reservations, Ticket Advice & Special Offers
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update.
Disney Rewards Visa Card users can get a free dining plan when using the card to purchase a non-discounted 4-night/4 day Walt Disney Travel Company Package including room at select hotels and tickets with Park Hopper Option for arrivals most nights December 9 – 21, 2024. More details, restrictions, information, and the opportunity to book are on this page of the DisneyWorld website.
Florida residents can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights through October 3, 2024. Which resort qualifies for which discount and booking opportunities are available on this page of DisneyWorld.com. A similar offer is available for most Sunday to Thursday nights from October 6 to November 21, 2024, and for most nights from November 24 to December 25, 2024, with the details on this page of DisneyWorld.com.
Details and more special offers are available on this page of DisneyWorld.com.
MousePlanet’s travel partner Get Away Today is available to help you book rooms and packages. Here’s a current sample 2025 package including room, tickets and dining:
How about another example for the 2025 travel season, this time from the Deluxe Resort end of the spectrum?
REMINDER: Get Away Today’s Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages can now be booked completely on its website! No cumbersome quotes needed! Simply compare all your favorite Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Get Away Today’s hand selected off-property hotels in a few clicks, and then customize for your included tickets for your vacation.
Get Away Today’s Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages now have the option to add Layaway Plans, which allow you to pay the total balance up to eight days prior to travel. You can also add their popular “Peace of Mind Plan” when booking a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, which allows any reschedules and cancellations up to five days prior to travel with no penalty.
When booking with Get Away Today, all Walt Disney World Resort on-site packages include Get Away Today’s e-concierge, which includes its Best Price Guarantee, Dining Reservation Reminders, access to their Concierge Team email for help before and during your vacation, and more.
Looking to go beyond Walt Disney World Resort when visiting Central Florida? Check out Get Away Today’s Universal Orlando Resort ticket offers and resort package stay offers too. Right now, for example, you can get 2 days free with a 2-Park, 3-Day ticket for 5 days of fun when you book with Get Away Today! Enjoy all of the thrills, entertainment and fun that Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure has to offer for as low as $62 per day. Upgrade to a 3-Park ticket to experience Universal Volcano Bay water theme park (which may be closed on some dates). This offer is valid for travel now – April 16, 2025.
Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or a travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today! As always, we remind our readers that Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel benefits. Historically, non-Florida residents tend to benefit the most by purchasing tickets in advance (and, of course, being mindful of the rules relevant to those tickets). Don’t get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside Disney property stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and may result in denial of entry. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks.
