Author: Ray

I am a lifelong fan of everything Disney. My first trip to a a Disney park was to Disneyland as a child in 1970, but didn't make to Walt Disney World until I went with my wife and first child in 1990. A year doesn't go by with out at least one trip to either Disneyland or Walt Disney World. My wife and I are Disney Vacation Club members and also Charter Members of D23.

Disneyland Resort Announces Return Dates for Nighttime Spectaculars

If you recall, Disney announced last November at Destination D23 that Disneyland Resort’s nighttime spectaculars would return this spring.

Today Disney announced that on April 22, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular will return to Disneyland, and “World of Color” will return to Disney California Adventure. The resort also announced that “Fantasmic!” will return to Disneyland on May 28th.

But that’s not all!

In the announcement Disney also announced that upon its return to Disneyland, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” will be celebrating its 50thanniversary.

In honor of this milestone, the Disney Live Entertainment team will introduce exciting new elements to the “Main Street Electrical Parade” that will continue to evolve this beloved spectacular.

In honor of the parade’s 50th anniversary, this nighttime spectacular will return with an all-new, enchanted grand finale that celebrates the theme of togetherness.

According to Disney, when the new grand finale passes by, guests along each side of the parade route will see different scenes from classic and contemporary favorite stories such as “Encanto,” “The Jungle Book,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Aladdin,” “Coco,” “Mulan,” “Brave,” “The Princess and the Frog” and more.

“Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” will be shown for a limited time at Disneyland. When “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular comes back on April 22, it will run weekends only (Friday through Sunday). “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will present its high-energy, projections-only show during the week (Monday through Thursday). In late spring, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks will then run nightly in the summer.

“World of Color” and “Fantasmic!” will return to their regular schedule upon re-opening.

While not a regular visitor to Disneyland, I go often enough that I’m excited by this announcement.  I cannot wait to see all of these in September when I’m there for the D23 Expo.

 

 

Reminder – Disneyland’s Mickey’s Toontown to Close Soon

As we previously reported, Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland will soon close in order to begin its transformation into a vibrant symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations with some all-new experiences, more play and interactivity, with a focus on families and young children.

Mickey’s Toontown will be closing on March 9, 2022, and will re-open in early 2023, alongside the new attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

So, if you want to see Mickey’s Toontown one more time before the reimagining begins, be sure to visit between now and March 8!

When Mickey’s Toontown reopens in 2023, it will still be home to favorite attractions such as Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Mickey’s House and Minnie’s House! Plus, other attractions will be reimagined in new and exciting ways, including Gadget’s Go Coaster, Goofy’s House and Donald’s Boat.

Walt Disney World Increases Prices of Multi-Day Theme Park Tickets

It’s that time of year again….Walt Disney World increasing the prices of multi-day theme park tickets.

For example, the cheapest 5 day base ticket is now $484, an increase of just over $20 from $463. On the other end of the spectrum, the 10 day ticket sees the largest price increase, from $553 to $582, a $29 rise.

Right now, one and two day tickets across all types have not seen any price changes.

Date-based pricing means that each ticket type has a range of possible pricing, all summarized below (including tax) –

Walt Disney World Base Ticket Pricing February 2022

For guests that want admission to one theme park per day for each day of their ticket.

1-3 day remain unchanged
4 day was $434.83 – $596.74, now $447.70 – $596.74
5 day was $463.56 – $630.85, now $484.52 – $646.87
6 day was $477.79 – $645.91, now $496.43 – $672.25
7 day was $492.06 – $661.56, now $511.10 – $694.96
8 day was $518.17 – $678.83, now $545.19 – $716.20
9 day was $536.00 – $691.93, now $563.46 – $738.66
10 day was $553.69 – $703.65, now $582.09 – $752.40

Walt Disney World Park Hopper Pricing February 2022

For guests that visit more than one park on the same day. 

1-2 day remain unchanged
3 day was $415.77 – $555.88, now $416.37 – $555.88
4 day was $525.35 – $687.27, now $540.89 – $687.27
5 day was $554.09 – $721.38, now $572.47 – $739.92
6 day was $568.32 – $736.44, now $586.96 – $762.77
7 day was $582.59 – $752.08, now $601.63 – $785.48
8 day was $608.69 – $769.36, now $628.04 – $810.55
9 day was $626.53 – $782.46, now $649.96 – $827.00
10 day was $644.22 – $794.17, now $671.55 – $841.86

Walt Disney World Park Hopper Plus Pricing February 2022

If guests visit more than one park on the same day, plus enjoy a certain number of visits to a water park. A 1-day ticket allows one visit, a 3-day ticket allows 3 visits and a 4-day ticket allows 4 visits.

1-2 day remain unchanged
3 day was $437.07 – $577.18, now $437.67 – $577.18
4 day was $546.65 – $708.57, now $559.53 – $708.57
5 day was $575.39 – $742.68, now $593.53 – $761.22
6 day was $589.62 – $757.74, now $612.02 – $784.07
7 day was $603.89 – $773.38, now $622.98 – $806.78
8 day was $629.99 – $790.66, now $653.57 – $828.03
9 day was $647.83 – $803.76, now $678.94 – $844.66
10 day was $665.52 – $815.47, now $698.43 – $863.16

Disney Announces Plans to Develop Residential Communities with new ‘Storyliving by Disney’

The Walt Disney Company announced earlier this week that they plan to introduce ‘Storyliving by Disney’, a new business to develop master-planned, new home communities with the attention to detail and special touches that are Disney hallmarks.

According to Disney’s announcement –

The vibrant new neighborhoods are infused with our special brand of magic. Each community will feature distinctively designed spaces, unique amenities and Disney’s brand of world-renowned service.

Disney cast members will operate the community association at each location, including some neighborhoods for residents ages 55+. Through a club membership stated Disney stated that they will also provide access to curated experiences, such as wellness programming; entertainment ranging from live performances to cooking classes; philanthropic endeavors; seminars and much more.

Where will the first community be? None other than a place that has known the footsteps of Walt Disney himself! Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community, will be built in the heart of the Coachella Valley in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The brilliant mountain-ringed valley in the Greater Palm Spring area was once a rejuvenating retreat for Walt and Lillian Disney!

Disney Drops Mask Requirement for Fully Vaccinated Guests at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort

Disney has dropped mask requirements on February 17th  at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort for all fully vaccinated guests.

Disney will no longer require masks to be worn at it’s domestic theme parks and hotels for fully vaccinated guests, except when on transportation systems.

Disney issued a statement addressing the change on both coasts –

Beginning February 17, 2022, Face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. We expect Guests who are not fully vaccinated to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters. Face coverings will still be required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on enclosed Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.

Even though technically the change only affects guest who are fully vaccinated, Disney has made no mention of asking for verification of vaccination status.  From a practical and historical standpoint, it’s unlikely that Disney will do so.  Prior to the re-introduction of the mask requirement at Walt Disney World, Disney didn’t ask for or check vaccination status in order to enforce the previous no-mask requirement for fully vaccinated guests.  They will likely continue this policy and operate on the “honor system” with guests.

 

 

Mattel Wins Battle for Disney’s Princess License

In anticipation of the buying power of fans of Disney’s Princess franchise, Mattel shares jumped today after the toy manufacturer said it won the license to make toys based on Disney’s princess lineup, including the very popular “Frozen” franchise.

This announcement marks a significant triumph for Mattel after it lost the license to rival Hasbro in 2016.

Hasbro countered this announcement by stating that it has extended its relationship with Lucasfilm by renewing its long-standing licensing deal for the “Star Wars” franchise. It also struck a new agreement to develop products based on the “Indiana Jones” franchise, which it hasn’t done since 2008.

Mattel’s stock rose more than 6% in premarket trading, While Hasbro was down more than 1%.

Mattel stated that it will start selling the new Disney toys in 2023, and the business will be managed by the same group that oversees its Barbie franchise. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

Mattel stated that the new licensing deal builds on its existing licensing relationship with Disney for Pixar Animation Studios’ “Toy Story” and “Cars” franchises, as well as the recently announced global licensing agreement for “Lightyear.”

In the announcement Mattel President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Dickson said –

As the worldwide leader in dolls, we look forward to bringing our unique Mattel Playbook approach to brand management, product and marketing expertise.

Hasbro, meantime, said the “Indiana Jones” items will be on sale in the U.S. in 2023, aligning with the release of the franchise’s feature film.

Disney Cruise Line Announces ‘Pixar Day at Sea’ on Select Disney Fantasy Sailings in 2023

Previously Disney Cruise Line announced the great destinations that they will sail to in early 2023.  Now they are adding yet another reason to trade in your winter blues for the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean… Pixar Day at Sea!

Beginning in January of 2023, select seven-night sailings on the Disney Fantasy will include a day-long celebration dedicated to the beloved tales of Pixar. Guest on these sailings will be able to dine, play, dance, sing and swim with their favorite Pixar pals.

There will be a Pixar film festival, exclusive merchandise and photo opportunities.  Pixar Day at Sea will include a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences, including:

Character Encounters

  • From morning until night, your family will dance, play and interact with your favorite Pixar pals, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Bo Peep from “Toy Story”; Mike, Sulley and Boo from “Monsters, Inc.”; Joy and Sadness from “Inside Out”; Dug and Russell from “Up”; and everyone’s favorite supers – Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone from “The Incredibles.”

Immersive Entertainment

  • A new nighttime spectacular will call upon your family to help the Incredibles save the day.
  • A first-of-its-kind theatrical experience will bring to life the beloved story of Miguel and his family from “Coco” through live music and puppetry.
  • Families will be able to join their favorite characters from the beloved Pixar films for a dance party bash.

Dining Filled with Character

  • A new, interactive character dining experience hosted by Sheriff Woody, Jesse and Bullseye will kick-start your day with sing-a-longs, cowboy serenades and all the country breakfast fixins.
  • Enjoy a Pixar-themed dinner with dishes inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios’ California locale.
  • Immerse yourself in undersea magic while dining in Animator’s Palate with visits from some of your favorite “Finding Nemo” friends, including interactive conversations with Crush.

Walt Disney World is Adding Character Meet & Greets to Genie+

Walt Disney World has announced that three popular character meet and greet locations will be joining Disney Genie+ this week.

The three character meet and greets that will be added to Genie+ on January 26th will be –

  • Mickey at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom
  • Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom
  • Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom
  • Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Currently the meet and greets are standby only, but they will now be moving to offering Lightning Lane access with Genie+ and a standby line.

Disney Announces Performers for Garden Rock’s Concert Series

The Garden Rocks Concert Series will be returning to the 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.  The series was missing last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2022 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival begins March 2 and runs through July 4 for 125 days.

The line-up will see the return of The Guess Who, Rick Springfield, The Pointer Sisters, Plan White T’s and new for this year The Commodores.

On January 19, guests can make reservations for Garden Rocks Dining Packages.  The packages include guaranteed seating at the show and dining at an EPCOT restaurant.

Shows will be featuring internationally recognized artists Friday – Monday, with local Orlando are bands playing Tuesday – Thursday.

Here is the full line-up –

  • March 4-5 – The Guess Who
  • March 6-7 – Rick Springfield
  • March 11-12 – Melina Leon – NEW to Garden Rocks
  • March 18-19 – Mike DelGuidice, currently on tour with Billy Joel – NEW
  • March 20-21 – Kool & The Gang – NEW to Garden Rocks
  • March 25-28 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
  • April 1-2 – The Spinners
  • April 3-4 – The Pointer Sisters
  • April 8-9 – Blue October – NEW to Garden Rocks
  • April 15-16 – Tommy DeCarlo, singer of the band Boston – NEW
  • April 17-18 – Don Felder, Formerly of The Eagles
  • April 22-23 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
  • April 24-25 – Claudia Leitte – NEW
  • April 29-30 – Berlin
  • May 1-2 – TobyMac
  • May 6-7 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
  • May 8-9 – The Commodores – NEW to Garden Rocks
  • May 13-14 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett – NEW
  • May 20-21 – A Flock Of Seagulls
  • May 22-23 – Collin Raye – NEW
  • May 27-28 – Thelma Houston – NEW
  • June 3-6 – Simple Plan
  • June 10-13 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
  • June 17-20 – Plain White T’s

Standby Queue Coming to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT

Beginning on January 10th, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will discontinue the use of the virtual queue, and will offer a standby queue.

Even though the virtual queue is ending, the Individual Lightning Lane purchase option will continue to be available.

With the removal of the virtual queue it means that no Walt Disney World attractions are currently using the system.  Disney did say today that, “virtual queues continue to be helpful with the launch of popular attractions and the debut of new experiences and offerings, so we may use it again from time to time for select attractions in the future.”

Based on Disney’s statement that it would seem likely that we will see virtual queues deployed with the upcoming openings of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind,’ and TRON Lightcyle Run.

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