How to take your kids on virtual rides at Disney parks around the world
Samantha Rosen was one of the first 20 employees at TPG. She started as the site's first full-time social media editor and also served as its lifestyle editor.
March 21, 2020
•
5 min read
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By now, you probably know that all Disney parks around the globe have temporarily shuttered to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. As of now, they're closed at least through March 31, but that doesn't mean all the magic is gone.
While we're all looking forward to the day we can get back on the road, it's important to stay home to stop the spread of the deadly virus. Health officials agree that the fastest way to return to normalcy is to stop coming in contact with others, including ceasing all unnecessary travel. It's a small world after all — and your actions can greatly affect others around you.
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Until things return to normal, you and your family might have fun enjoying some "virtual rides" from Disney parks around the world. If there are some Disney parks you've never visited, then you'll really be in for a special treat, as every park interprets each ride differently. For example, Pirates of the Caribbean at Shanghai Disneyland is different from what you've seen in the U.S. (Spoiler alert: Many would go so far as to say it's actually better.)
Disney World, Florida
- Space Mountain
- It's a Small World
- Frozen Ever After
- Peter Pan's Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway (This one is brand-new and only opened about a week before the shutdown.)
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Disneyland, California
Disneyland, Tokyo
Shanghai Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland
Disneyland Paris
- Ratatouille: The Adventure Ride
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril Roller Coaster
- Crush's Coaster
- Pinocchio Ride
If you really want to kick things up a notch, stay on the lookout for hidden Mickeys during the rides. What's a hidden Mickey you ask? It's a small (or big) arrangement of three circles in the shape of Mickey Mouse's head and ears.
The truly hidden Mickeys might be hard to spot when you're not physically on the ride, but you can always try. TPG has our own video on hidden Mickeys with the man who literally wrote a book on the subject to get you started on that fun hunt.
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While you're at it (and likely have some extra time on your hands), now's a good time to brush up on your Disney strategy. Check out these resources so you'll be ready to start planning your trip the second the gates to the lands of magic open up.
- The best times to visit Disneyland
- The best restaurants at Disneyland
- Best credit cards for a trip to Disney
- Where to stay at Disneyland
- Ultimate guide to Walt Disney World Resort
- How to save money at Disney World
- The most important thing to bring to Disney World
- 11 new Disney World attractions coming in 2020
Featured image by (Photo by Taylor Rogers/Unsplash)
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees