MagicBand2 FAQ
A new MagicBand is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort and I was able to get my hands on one at the D23 conference this past weekend. Here's what you need know:
What's new with MagicBand 2?
MagicBand 2 has a stronger signal so it's not always necessary to physically touch the band to an RF reader. This is especially noticeable on hotel room doors. The doors unlock just by holding the MagicBand within 2-3 inches away. The new bands are lighter and slightly softer than the first generation MagicBands.
Is the center part of the MagicBand 2 removable?
Yes. You can remove the RF reader chip and insert it into a lanyard. Disney will begin selling special lanyards (see prototype image above) that are specifically designed for MagicBand 2 chips.
When will MagicBand 2 be available?
Disney has not set a date yet, but expect them soon.
Will there be any new colors?
Disney has made MagicBand 2 more customizable with the lanyard options. I expect Disney to also begin offering special band designs just as they have with the current Magic Bands. There is no official word on new colors being introduced.
Will the old style MagicBands still work?
Yes, internally they are still share the same technology.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Details Emerge About New Pandora Attractions
This past weekend I attended D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures presentation where details were shared about the opening of Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in summer 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Na’vi River Journey – A family-friendly experience that will send you down a sacred river hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest.The adventure begins as guests set out in canoes and venture down a mysterious, sacred river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest. The full beauty of Pandora reveals itself as the canoes pass by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures. The journey culminates in an encounter with a Na’vi shaman, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends positive energy out into the forest through her music. Na’vi River Journey will open with Pandora.
AVATAR Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — This E-ticket attraction, the centerpiece of Pandora, allows guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage.
Windtraders - The merchandise location where travelers can find Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more
Pongu Pongu – A special drink location with a design that is a eclectic as its Expat owner
AVATAR Flight of Passage – Excursions that offer the jaw-dropping experience of riding on a Banshee over the world of Pandora.
Satu’li Canteen – The main restaurant in Pandora – The World of AVATAR that will feature Na’vi art and cultural items
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
A NEW MAGIC BAND BOX DESIGN IS COMING
New Magic Band packaging is environmentally friendly.
Beginning Nov. 11, 2016, Guests who receive MagicBands at home before their resort stay will have their MagicBands fulfilled in new packaging. The new packaging is fully recyclable and printed on recycled paper, in response to Guests' requests.
The new packaging includes a sleeve on its left side, which is where the Walt Disney Travel Company luggage tags will now be located. The luggage tag straps can be found inside the gray MagicBand holder.
Related:
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
RESERVATION SYSTEM ENHANCEMENT PLANNED FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD
Confirmation Numbers
As a result of a system update scheduled for Friday November 18 and lasting through Saturday November 19, 2016 at the Walt Disney World Reservation Center, confirmation numbers will soon change on select reservations. An email communication will be sent to Travel Agencies within a week of the completion of the system update. Guests who booked on their own will also be notified.
If your reservation number changes, you may use either the old or new reservation number to visit StartYourDisneyExperience.com and link your reservation and engage in MyDisneyExperience to select FastPass+ experiences, book dining reservations, etc.
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Pre-Arrival Communication Outage
During the system enhancement mentioned above , Room-Ready/Online Check-in messages will not be available. Guests who signed up for pre-arrival email or text messages will not receive them.
During Friday November 18 and lasting through Saturday November 19, 2016 the Disney Reservation Center will be unable to book, modify or take payments on package reservations.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
See Who's Coming to Candlelight at Epcot This Year
Candlelight Epcot 2016 Narrators
A few months ago, I shared a preview of the narrators scheduled for the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. And now, I'm excited to announce more narrators for the 2016 Candlelight Processional.
Celebrity Narrators scheduled to make appearances this year include (subject to change without notice):
Nov. 25-27 – Steven Curtis Chapman
Nov. 28-Dec. 1 – Neil Patrick Harris (will draw large crowds - arrive at least 90 min.early)
Dec. 2-3 – Whoopi Goldberg (will draw large crowds - arrive at least 90 min.early)
Dec. 4*-6 – Edward James Olmos
Dec. 7-9 – TBA
Dec. 10-12 – Robby Benson
Dec. 13-15 – Meredith Vieira
Dec. 16-18 – Jim Caviezel
Dec. 19-21 – Joe Morton
Dec. 22-24 – Ming-Na Wen – NEW!
Dec. 25-27 – Jodi Benson
Dec. 28-30 – Cal Ripken, Jr. – NEW!
The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the American Gardens Theatre. Dining packages are available on select nights and include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.
Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $27 plus tax per person for adults and $14 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $47 plus tax per person for adults and $20 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.
>> View Magical Deals at select Walt Disney World hotels
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Disney Dream Secrets You Probably Didn't Know
The Disney Dream dwarfs the nearby buildings when in port.
If you've been on the Disney Dream you know just how big this ship really is. On my last voyage my son and I were playing the Midship Detective Agency game and there were a few times where I honestly couldn't tell which side of the ship I was on nor which direction I was headed. And let me just say I'm very good with navigating, I never have pull the car over and ask anyone for directions. My wife will attest to that.
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So here are a few tips I learned to help you navigate the Disney Dream while onboard. Plus, I thought it would be fun to include a few fun facts and secrets.
If the room plaques have a fish on them you're on the port side of the ship. If you see a starfish, you're on the starboard side of the ship.
These maps in the carpet help you determine which direction you are walking. If you're facing north, you are walking to the front. See those nautical flags? They spell out the name of the ship in signal flags.
Even More Secrets
Disney first got into cruising by partnering with Premier Cruise Line and the Big Red Boat. But there were too many guest complaints about customer service. But Disney was able to establish that there was indeed a market for cruising and in 1994, Disney Cruise Line was born.
The Disney Dream can accommodate 4,000 guests.
Head up to Deck 13 and 14 midship, you'll find an overlook deck.
The Disney Dream isn't black, it's actually blue - Monica Blue to be exact. The color was inspired by a pair of pants worn by a Cast Member at a meeting. Yes, her name was Monica!
The Disney Dream is actually blue, not black.
If you look at the Disney Dream, you won't many many straight lines. Curved lines help give the ship a beautiful design. The design team did everything they could to avoid making it look like a floating milk carton.
The Disney Dream cost more to build than the Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship.
Pub 687 is named for the Disney Dream's working title while it was being built. It's bad luck to call a ship by it's name until it is completed. The Disney Dream is the 687th ship to be built at Meyer-Werft Shipyard in German to is was known as "Project 687" respectively.
The AquaDuck was originally supposed to be a lazy river attraction but engineers studied the design and thought it would make the ship top heavy.
Why did Disney register their fleet in the Bahamas and not the United States? American maritime law requires that 70% of the crew be American. The cruise line industry prefers non-American crew members to save money on salaries. But don't let that fool you, the crew members on the Disney Dream are absolutely amazing.
With the ships being registered in the Bahamas, Disney is required to have its fleet stop in the Bahamas at least once a year.
When a Disney ship goes to drydock for refurbishment, the crew is put to work supervising vendors, hauling trash, running keys, and standing by on fire watch.
>> View the Disney Cruise Line Offers Page
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
PRICE INCREASES AT THIS FAVORITE DISNEY RESTAURANT
Effective Nov. 4, 2016 on the Disney Dream and Nov. 5 on the Disney Fantasy, the price of Remy will increase from $85 per person to $95 per person for dinner, from $55 per person to $60 per person for brunch and from $50 per person to $55 per person for dessert offering.
DISNEY PARKS & RESORTS RECEIVE TOP HONORS IN 2016
Disney Parks & Resorts have once again been named among the top destinations around the world to stay and play in the 29th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. These awards celebrate the best of the best in travel according to travelers.
Visit www.SAVEatWDW.com/resorts for special savings.
Mosquito Prevention at Walt Disney World
For the past several weeks Disney has set up mosquito prevention stations in various locations throughout it's theme parks. Guest rooms also contain a complimentary can of insect repellant. As the cooler, less humid weather approaches, mosquitos are much less common.
New Princess Meet and Greet for Magic Kingdom
Meet Princess Elena of Avalor at Magic Kingdom Park Beginning November 24, 2016.
Beginning Nov. 24, 2016 Princess Elena of Avalor will begin to greet Guests alongside other royal friends at Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. At Princess Fairytale Hall, you can choose between a meeting with Elena and Cinderella or a visit with Rapunzel and Tiana. FastPass+ reservations for dates that include Elena appearances will become available today, Oct. 14, 2016
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Replacement for Osborne Lights Announced - Hollywood Studios
All-New Holiday Nighttime Spectacular “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios November 14.
The all-new Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! holiday spectacular comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort starting on Nov. 14, 2016. Santa Claus is missing and the search-and-rescue mission to get The Big Guy back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve is all part of the fun. The show comes to life on, above and around the Chinese Theater with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and a rousing seasonal musical score.
Also announced is the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party, which includes reserved viewing, desserts, specialty beverages and more. Each dessert party guest will get a pair of 3D HoloSpex glasses to use while watching the show. The glasses create spectacular holographic illusions of gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes and ornaments on any bright point of light.
>> Check out available Walt Disney World Resort hotel offers
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
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New Stage Show Planned for Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration Coming in 2016 to Magic Kingdom Park.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, will make its debut for the 2016 holiday season. In this brand new stage show, Mickey and his pals invite some of their friends for an unforgettable Christmas party filled with music, dancing, color and fun. Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story,” Fantasyland friends such as Peter Pan and Snow White and many more will join the show. Presented on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration features special effects, magical projections and festive holiday music.
Exclusive Offers for the 2016 Holiday Season
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Event Nights 2016
November – 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27 and 29
December – 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 22
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World Tropical Weather Update & Hurricane FAQ
Special Weather Statement From the Walt Disney World Resort and Hurricane FAQ.
October 5, 2016
Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions as we continue to monitor Hurricane Matthew. Recent forecasts indicate that there could be rain and wind in the Central Florida area as early as Thursday evening, Oct. 6, 2016.
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Hurricane Policy for Magic Your Way Packages and Most Room-Only Reservations
What does it mean for my vacation plans if a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date?
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If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way vacation package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.
If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or vacation insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.
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Will I be responsible for any cancellation or change fees or other amounts if a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date?
If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way vacation package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.
If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or vacation insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.
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If I reschedule my vacation to a different date because of a hurricane warning, will I be able to get my same accommodations?
If you are scheduled to arrive within 7 days of a hurricane warning, you may call Disney in advance to reschedule without a Disney imposed change fee. Disney cannot guarantee availability of similar accommodations for the new travel dates. All amounts you paid to Disney for rooms, theme park tickets, dining plans and other Disney products and services will be applied toward your new reservation.
Any discounts or special offers applicable to your original confirmed vacation will not apply to the rescheduled vacation travel dates. You are responsible for applicable package pricing for the new vacation dates.
The policy does not apply to certain special events and dining experiences.
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I received a special offer when I booked my vacation with the Walt Disney Travel Company. If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I reschedule, will I get the same special offer?
Only if an identical special offer is available for your rescheduled vacation dates. All amounts you paid to the Walt Disney Travel Company for rooms, park tickets, dining plans and other Disney products and services will be applied toward your new reservation.
Any discounts or special offers applicable to your original confirmed vacation may not apply to the rescheduled vacation travel dates. You are responsible for applicable package pricing for the new vacation dates.
This policy does not apply to certain special events and dining experiences.
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If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I want to cancel or reschedule my vacation, what should I do with my airline tickets?
If you booked your air travel through the Walt Disney Travel Company and you want to reschedule, Disney will attempt to rebook your air travel. However, you will be responsible for any cancellation or change fees imposed by the airline. If you did not book your air travel through the Walt Disney Travel Company, you should contact your airline.
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A hurricane warning has been issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I did not book my package through the Walt Disney Travel Company. Does the Walt Disney Travel Company cancellation policy apply to my package too?
You should contact your Travel Agent directly for information relating to the cancellation and change policies that apply to your package.
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If a hurricane warning is issued within 7 days of my arrival date and I have a sports or group package, does the Walt Disney Travel Company hurricane cancellation policy apply to my package?
No. The policy only applies to Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way Packages. It does not apply to sports, youth, or other group or special event rooms or packages and does not apply to meetings and conventions.
New Show Coming to Magic Kingdom
Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and The Great Gonzo arrive at Magic Kingdom Park on October 2, 2016 for the opening of their all-new, live show “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History.” Hosted by James “J.J.” Jefferson, town crier of Liberty Square, and Sam Eagle. This wacky new show is set to take place several times daily, just outside The Hall of Presidents. Throughout the day, J.J. and the Muppets share their own unique take on the founding fathers as they recount the tale of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, complete with an original song and plenty of humor.
Darren Wittko - is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
New Fall Finale for Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire at Magic Kingdom
New Fall Finale for Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire at Magic Kingdom
Beginning Sept. 2, 2016 at Walt Disney World Resort, the finale scene in “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” will feature new costumes, décor and choreography. You'll also hear an original song celebrating autumn, from the songwriting duo of Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn who composed the show’s catchy tune “On This Day.”
Darren Wittko - is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
New Bus Service Offers Direct Access to Disney Springs from Theme Parks After 4 p.m
Walt Disney World transport buses are now available to transport Guests to Disney Springs from Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting at 4 p.m. daily. With a drop-off location in the heart of the property, the new service puts you in the middle of Town Center, the newest neighborhood at Disney Springs.
Darren Wittko - is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Disney World Explores Premium Resort Transportation Options
There have been several reports of a survey being sent to select individuals inquiring about a fee-based, or premium resort transportation service at the Walt Disney World Resort. Based on examples provided in the survey, it would appear that a resort-to-resort transportation option is being explored, especially for the purpose of early-morning dining reservations. For example, say you have a dining reservation at Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort at 8:05 AM, but you're staying at Disney's Port Orleans Resort. There's no transportation option that takes you between the hotels. You would have to go to Magic Kingdom and transfer to a monorail or boat to get to the Contemporary. This could take over an hour. Alternatively, you could take a taxi or Uber but it appears Disney is looking to set up their own transportation options.
Other questions in the survey were asking about when a guest would be most likely to make transportation arrangements such as at time of booking, after dining reservations have been made, after FastPasses have been selected and so on.
So what are your thoughts? Would you support a premium resort transportation option?
Darren Wittko - is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
August 19 is #DisneyPhotoPassDay at Walt Disney World
On Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 the Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate the art and fun of photography at Disney Parks through the first-ever #DisneyPhotoPassDay, a one-day celebration that will feature exciting offerings and experiences, including:
Special Character Experiences at Magic Kingdom Park & Epcot
Special character experiences will be available at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot, where Disney PhotoPass photographers will capture you encounter with Pinocchio, Gideon and Foulfellow in Storybook Circus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At Epcot, a friend or foe will join some favorite Disney Characters around World Showcase, including Mushu and Mulan in the China Pavilion; Snow White and Dopey in the Germany Pavilion; and the Queen of Hearts, who will join Alice in the United Kingdom Pavilion.
Check the My Disney Experience app or the Epcot Times Guide on Aug. 19 for these Disney Characters’ schedule.
Complimentary Photo Locations at All Disney Parks & Disney Springs
There will be one location at each of the four theme parks (and Disney Springs) at the Walt Disney World Resort where a Disney PhotoPass photographer will capture you special moment. That photo will be available in the My Disney Experience app at Walt Disney World Resort to download and share at no charge as part of the #DisneyPhotoPassDay celebration. (Normal My Disney Experience registration is required to access the image).
Participate in a Disney PhotoPass Challenge
You can complete a Disney PhotoPass Challenge at any of the Parks at the Walt Disney World Resort to get a Disney PhotoPass photo on us. All you need to do is get their photo taken by a Disney PhotoPass Photographer at each of the designated challenge locations on Aug. 19. Once you've stopped by all of the locations, you can visit a Disney PhotoPass Sales Center to claim your Disney PhotoPass photo. At the Walt Disney World Resort, participants will receive a voucher for one Disney PhotoPass download.
Darren Wittko - is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
The Disney That Didn't Get Built - Live Show This November
Discover why the Persian Resort and many other projects were scrapped in a live show with Jim Hill and Len Testa in, "The Disney That Didn't Get Built" coming November 12, 2016 to New York.
New York: Attend a live recording of "The Disney That Didn't Get Built" with Len Testa and Jim Hill on November 12, 2016. "From the Persian hotel resort on Bay Lake back in the 1970s, to the Spain pavilion at World Showcase in the 2000s, and lots of interesting examples in between, you’ll hear what was supposed to happen–and why it didn’t."
Cost is $60 per person. Contact E.T.C Custom Events for more information and to register.
E.T.C is also offering a kids' activity corner with age-appropriate, curated activities for kids 8 and up for $10 per child.
Darren Wittko - is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Disney To Pull Plug On Main Street Electrical Parade
The Main Street Electrical Parade's farewell show will be Oct. 9, 2016.
The Main Street Electrical Parade, will take its farewell trip through Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort on Oct. 9, 2016. After its last run The Main Street Electrical Parade, will next travel cross-country to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, where it originally premiered in 1972.
The Main Street Electrical Parade at Walt Disney World Resort will not appear during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights. Parade dates and times are available on the My Disney Experience app.
What would you like to see replace this parade?
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World