Category: Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World to End Advanced Sales of Genie+

Starting next month, Walt Disney World guests will no longer be able to buy  Genie+ ahead of their visits, the company announced today.

In the announcement, Disney stated that beginning June 8, the service will only be available for purchase for guests on the day of visit via the My Disney Experience app. It was previously offered for pre-purchase as a park ticket add-on.

Guests who have already made an advance purchase of Genie+ for 2022 dates will not be affected.

In the announcement made on the Disney Parks Blog the Disney said –

We’re focused on delivering the best possible guest experience, and this adjustment will help manage the incredibly strong demand our guests have shown for Disney Genie+.

Why is Disney doing this?  Your guess is as good as anyone’s, because Disney has not officially stated why.

There is speculation though from Disney observers.

One possible reason could be that this update raises the possibility of Disney offering variable date-based pricing for Genie+ and giving them more flexibility in managing sales of the Genie+ service.  Though from a practical standpoint, having advance sale does not preclude this, though by not having advanced sales, Disney does have more flexibility of when having to decide on any variable pricing.

It was noted that a notable change in language today indicates that Genie+ is “subject to availability.” Limiting sales of Genie+ would give Disney help with improving attraction availability for those guests who purchase Genie+.

Some Disney observers have heard that Disney has been exploring the possibility of offering discounted Genie+ to some categories of guests. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Members have been a couple of groups who have felt that they should have some level of Genie+ included with their pass, or at least offered at a discount.

Walt Disney World Provides Some Information Regarding Fantasmic Re-Launch

In part of a press release today, Walt Disney World has provided a few more details on what we can expect from the Fantasmic! re-launch later this year.

In the press release –

The iconic “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will make its much-anticipated return later in 2022 with a new show sequence featuring Disney characters – Mulan, Elsa, Aladdin, Pocahontas and Moana – in heroic moments, as well as new technical enhancements. Guests won’t want to miss this spectacle set on a canvas of water where the forces of good and evil battle it out in Mickey’s dream. The extravagant, open-air nighttime musical boasts more than 50 live performers, massive sets, stunning effects, rousing music and dazzling pyrotechnics.

Work has been underway on refurbishing nearly all areas of the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. This work includes new lighting system, new fountains, and a rebuild of Steamboat Mickey.

Disney has not offered an opening date other than saying that we will see Fantasmic! this summer. Some observers have suggested that this possibly means July 2022.

Walt Disney World Announces ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind’Will Not Have a Stand Bye Queue

Walt Disney World confirmed today what the Genie queue options will be for EPCOT’s “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” rollercoaster that is opening on May 27th at Walt Disney World.

When “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” opens, a virtual queue will be in place. I think to most observers, this was expected. Guests will need to use the My Disney Experience app to enter the attraction’s virtual queue. What might not have been expected, though probably suspected by observers, Disney announced that a standby queue will not be available.

Each Guest will only be available to enter the virtual queue no more than once per day. Boarding groups for a virtual queue will be limited, subject to availability, and are not guaranteed. As with previous virtual queues, not all boarding groups may be called to return, based on availability of the experience.

Guests will be able to purchase Individual Lightning Lane entry for this attraction when it opens, although pricing is not yet available and Cosmic Rewind will not be included with the standard $15 Genie+ option.

Currently, the highest price Lightning Lane queue at Walt Disney World is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at $15, which would seem to be what we can probably expect Cosmic Rewind.

Based on experience with previous virtual queues, we can likely expect availability for Cosmic Rewind to reach capacity within seconds of opening each day, essentially making experiencing the ride somewhat of a lottery.

Walt Disney World Removes All Mask Requirements

Walt Disney World has just announced that it has dropped all requirements for guests to wear masks when on its transportation systems. This effectively makes Walt Disney World mask-free for the first time since summer of 2020.

The new Walt Disney World mask-free policy goes into effect immediately. Even with this change in policy, Disney continues to recommend guests who are not fully vaccinated continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters and on enclosed transportation.

Masks have been a requirement at Walt Disney World in some form or another since the parks reopened from the COVID-19 shutdown in mid-July 2020. This change in policy is another move towards normality for Walt Disney World guests

The parks have gone through various stages of masks requirements, including at all locations, indoors only, to most recently only required on enclosed transportation.

I checked Disneyland Resort’s website prior to publishing this article and their website does not indicate any change in their masking policy as of this time.

Walt Disney World Announces Opening date for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind’ Rollercoaster

This morning Walt Disney World announced that the Memorial Day weekend will have opening date for Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind rollercoaster.

The new $450 million Guardians of the Galaxy-themed rollercoaster will officially have its opening on Friday, May 27th.

The Memorial Day weekend opening does not come as a surprise to many ever since a high-ranking Disney executive let the cat out of the bag via social media following a test ride last month.

Disney also released a video that will be the commercial spot for the attraction.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind’ was initially scheduled to open in Spring of 2021, before the start of Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. The project was delayed due to the COVID-19 shutdown and subsequent cost-control measures that Disney imposed.  The rollercoaster will serve as Disney’s headline attraction to market for the summer and remainder of 2022.

Following the announcement, Disney has updated the attraction’s webpage to include more details and a countdown clock.

Disney has also confirmed that there will be Cast Member previews ahead of the May 27 opening of EPCOT’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.’

Cast-exclusive previews will begin in April, followed by Cast Member previews with friends and family in May.

It is expected that media previews are expected during a multi-day event in the first week of May and should be quickly followed by Club 33 members.

Disney has started emailing notices of advance previews for select groups including Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.

With this email Disney has confirmed that ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind’ previews will be held for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.

It is important to note that today’s email does not provide specific dates for the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind’ passholder previews but says to “be on the lookout for a registration email soon.”

So, if you’re an annual passholder or a DVC Member…stay tuned!

 

All Walt Disney World Resorts Are Finally Open

Minnie, Mickey and Goofy joined Disney cast members at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort at Walt Disney World to commemorate the Disney Resort hotel’s March 31 re-opening.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort is the final resort to re-open at Walt Disney World during the phased re-opening.

This marks the first time since March of 2020 that all of Walt Disney World’s Resort hotels are open to guests.

Walt Disney World Announces Dates for the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

Yesterday Walt Disney World announced the dates for the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival at Walt Disney World.

This year’s festival will begin on July 14 and will run through November 19.  This is the same length as last year’s festival.

According to Disney there will be more than 25 Global Marketplaces located throughout EPCOT. Returning will include favorites like The Swanky Saucy Swine, Appleseed Orchard, Hops & Barley, Earth Eats hosted by Impossible and Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE.

Even though Disney has not released many details, it is known that the Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt will be returning along with Emile’s Fromage Montage.

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue to Return June 23

Yah-hoo, let’s eat!

One of my favorites at Walt Disney World is about to return. The beloved musical dinner show Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will be returning this summer. Reservations will be available starting May 26 for showtimes beginning June 23.

The Pioneer Hall Players and cast members will be welcoming back guests to this frontier-style family fun dining experience in Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

Debuting in 1974, Hoop-Dee-Doo will again be offering guests a rousing Wild West performance, singing, zany comedy with lots of laughs and an unforgettable countrified feast full of fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, a variety of savory sides and strawberry shortcake.

In the announcement Disney mentioned that the show is being updated but didn’t specify as to what the changes are.

Since its opening day almost 50 years ago, this fan-favorite show has continued to surprise and delight our guests, and as Disney grows we look for new ways to elevate and enhance our classic experiences. Hoop-Dee-Doo will return with a few updates to its script and scenery, while staying true to the treasured experience the whole family can enjoy – with the hilarious, high-spirited entertainment that it’s been known for all these years.

State Farm and Disney Parks and Resorts Agree to Multi-Year Partnership

Today State Farm and The Walt Disney Company announced a new multi-year relationship covering the Disney Parks and Resorts and Disney Advertising Sales businesses.

Starting this year, State Farm will sponsor the Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort, Good Neighbor Month celebrations in September, and the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

State Farm will also be sponsoring two venues located at Walt Disney World Resort, State Farm Waterview Park at Disney Springs and State Farm Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

In a statement from Rand Harbert, chief agency, sales & marketing officer at State Farm –

State Farm is honored to team up with Disney on exciting new experiences and opportunities that are only made possible with a good neighbor and a little magic. Both brands strive to help people realize their dreams. Together, we’ll work to do good and spread joy in communities across the country.

State Farm will also be the presenting sponsor of the popular “Five Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend” segment of the weekly D23 Inside Disney podcast and the presenting sponsor of the upcoming Disney Parks planDisney Podcast and.

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