What earned smiles (and a few frowns)

Orlando: The theme parks here really know how to grab our attention. They’ve got all these flashy new rides and cool attractions. But sometimes, it’s the little things that sneak in and make us smile.

Looking back at 2024, we’ve got a list of ten things that made us grin at the parks. But hey, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. We’ve also got five things that made us frown, and some of those might stick around for a while.

So, what made us smile? First up, the single-rider line for the Star Wars ride at Disney. Sure, you miss some of the cool theming, but you save a ton of time. Then there’s the end of the virtual queue for Tron at Magic Kingdom. We’re ready to take our chances with standby!

And how about that catchy song “Try Everything” at the Country Bear Jamboree? It’s nice to see some love for “Zootopia” and “Coco” in there. Plus, the “Celebracion Encanto” show at Epcot is a blast, especially when kids sing along.

SeaWorld’s happy hour with free beer is a hit, but remember to check before you drink! And the skunk ape petting zoo at Gatorland? Super cute and clever, especially during Halloween.

Universal Studios has spruced up the E.T. ride entrance, giving it a nice national park vibe. And the E.T. float in the Mega Movie Parade? It’s a showstopper! Plus, the augmented reality at Epic Universe is pretty cool.

Now, let’s talk about the frowny stuff. Traffic on International Drive is a nightmare, and it’s wild how some folks walk right into traffic like they’re lost. And those empty storefronts from the pandemic? A sad reminder of tough times.

Then there are those vague announcements that leave us guessing. And don’t get me started on theme park reservations. It’s a hassle, and we’re not alone in feeling that way.

Got thoughts? Shoot me an email at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. You can also find me on BlueSky, Threads, and X. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter for more updates!