New Disney World App Coming This Summer
All-New Play Disney Parks App Coming to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort This Summer
This summer you can soon explore Walt Disney World Resort in a whole new way using the all-new Play Disney Parks app! This soon-to-launch mobile app to access exclusive experiences at Walt Disney World through activities that interact with the surrounding environment. The app will be free to download.
Pixar Play Zone Now Open at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Pixar Play Zone is now open at Disney's Contemporary Resort! Here, kids ages 4–12 are now able to star in an adventure-packed evening, including interactive fun, arcade games and dinner. The pilot program will take place nightly, from 6-10:30 p.m. and offer adventures with their favorite characters from Disney•Pixar films “Toy Story” and “The Incredibles!”
Disney World Digital Key FAQ
Disney World has announced that it will soon add a Digital Key feature to the My Disney Experience app. Initially this will be offered at Disney's Wilderness Lodge as part of a test phase but is expected to be installed at other Disney Resort hotels as well. This new feature will allow you to unlock your hotel room door using a digital key on your smartphone through the My Disney Experience mobile app.
Disney World Digital Key FAQ
What exactly is a Digital Key?
The digital key is a feature added to MyDisney Experience mobile app. You can use your phone to unlock the hotel entrance gate, hotel room doors, and most other public areas requiring a key, which may include pools, fitness centers, elevators and club level lounges. If you used Online Check In, you may even use your digital key from the moment you arrive at the hotel without having to stop at the front desk.
How does it work?
To use your digital key, activate the feature on your check-in day through a set up process in the My Disney Experience app. To enter their room, tap the “Unlock Door” button and then simply hold your phone against the door lock. See the video below...
What's the technology behind this feature?
Your phone links to the door via Bluetooth, the same way you might connect your phone to your car's audio system or wireless headphones. Once your phone and the door are linked via Bluetooth, the mobile app sends a command to unlock the door. This of course happens almost instantly.
Doesn't my Magic Band already unlock the door?
Yes. Magic Bands will continue to open doors by tapping it to the reader installed on the door.
What's so great about Digital Key if my Magic Band already unlocks doors?
Obviously there's some future technology and benefits coming that Disney hasn't shared with us yet. Being that this is only available at Wilderness Lodge suggests that it's part of a test phase.
Unofficially speaking, it would appear that Disney might offer a complete alternative to the Magic Band by allowing guests to use the mobile app instead. So perhaps plans to link Theme Park tickets and FastPasses to your smartphone could be in the works. Disneyland is already offering MaxPass, a type of upgraded FastPass service offered though it's mobile app.
Additionally, there have been some concerns from guests about having to wear a Magic Band in addition to devices they already wear such as a Fitbit, Apple Watch or similar device. Perhaps this could be an alternate option for anyone who chooses not to wear a Magic Band. This could also save Disney money if guests decline their Magic Band opting to use the mobile app instead. But this is all just speculation at this point.
Are Magic Bands being eliminated?
No. Disney has stated that Magic Bands are not going away. Not everyone has a smartphone, including children, so there still needs to be a device in place for these guests. Currently Magic Bands are still required to enter the Theme Parks, access PhotoPass, and to redeem FastPasses. If you're an off property guest (not staying at at Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can purchase a Magic Band. Or, you'll be issued a wallet-size card at no additional charge for theme park access and FastPass redemption.
Will the door swing open by itself?
No, that would be cool though. The door simply unlocks for you.
How do I get the Digital Key on my phone?
Digital keys will be coming soon with no specific date set. Initially it will only be available to guests staying at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort. Once it goes live, it will be an option for you within the Online Check In section of My Disney Experience. Stay tuned for updates.
If you have a question not answered here, please send it below.
Pirate Redd Joins Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction - Walt Disney World
New scene opens March 19, 2018 at Pirates of the Caribbean - Walt Disney World
The pirate auctioneer now oversees a sale of the townspeople’s most prized possessions and goods. In this scene, the familiar redhead figure has switched sides to become a pirate named Redd, who’s just pillaged the town’s rum supply and has something to say about it.
Darren specializes in Walt Disney World Resort
New Nighttime Experience Coming to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Starting June 21, 2018, special lighting effects will transform Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park like never before as Buzz, Woody and Jessie throw a Beach Party inspired by their friend, “Partysaurus” Rex.
Disney H20 Glow Nights will take place only at Typhoon Lagoon on Thursdays and Saturdays from June 21-Aug. 11, 2018 from 8-11 p.m.
Disney H20 Glow Nights will take place only at Typhoon Lagoon on Thursdays and Saturdays from June 21-Aug. 11, 2018 from 8-11 p.m.
Disney H20 Glow Nights are a separate ticketed event and the party is not included in daytime admission. Tickets will go sale March 19, 2018 and cost $55 for adults and $50 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax).
Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Parking Rates 2018
Earlier today I shared with you that there will be a fee to park overnight at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. I have been in contact with Disney and was given the following rates:
Nightly Parking Rates for Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Disney Value Resorts: $13 per night
Disney Moderate Resorts: $19 per night
Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $24 per night
Disney Vacation Club:
Members will not be charged for standard overnight self-parking when staying at a DVC Deluxe Villa, regardless of whether they use vacation points or another form of payment. Members also will not be charged to park when using vacation points to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels will now have to pay a nightly parking fee. Effective for reservations made March 21, 2018, and thereafter, standard overnight self-parking will no longer be free. The parking fee will be applied to the guest's hotel folio upon check-out.
Related: Disney Imposes Nightly Parking Fee at Resort Hotels
Darren specializes in Disney Destinations
Disney World Imposes Nightly Parking Fee at Resorts
Disney World guests will now pay for overnight parking at Disney-owned hotels.
UPDATE: Parking Rates Can be found here
Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels will now have to pay a nightly parking fee. Effective for reservations made March 21, 2018, and thereafter, standard overnight self-parking will no longer be free. The parking fee will be applied to the guest's hotel folio upon check-out.
Disney has not yet released the nightly parking rates. Stay tuned for more information.
Epcot Food and Wine Fest 2018
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort from August 30 to November 12, 2018.
November is one of the busiest months of the year at Walt Disney World. I highly recommend booking your resort reservations as soon as possible. Click here to view all Walt Disney World Offers.
It's Offical: Toy Story Land Opens June 30, 2018
Toy Story Land opens June 30, 2018
It’s official! Toy Story Land, the highly-anticipated toy-filled land inspired by the beloved “Toy Story” films, will open to Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios June 30, 2018.
When it opens, Guests visiting Toy Story Land will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard. Here, you can take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit and topped off with Slinky and Jessie.
Families will also be able to take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, a galactic play set that Andy won from Pizza Planet. Here, adorable little green aliens swirl about in their flying saucers with guests in tow in their rocket ship toys, while “The Claw” hangs overhead.
You can also walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, which has been a Guest-favorite attraction at the park since it opened in 2008. Now expanded with a third track, the popular attraction will put even more Guests in the action taking aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games.
Woody’s Lunch Box – actually, Andy’s lunch box that he’s set on its side – will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats from a walk-up window setting. The entire land will serve as a visual celebration of toys, with Crayons, Cooties, Green Army Men, Rubik’s Cubes, Tinkertoys, and other familiar toys and game pieces incorporated into the land’s design.
Related:
Details Emerge on New Walt Disney World Attractions
New Details on Star Wars Hotel - Walt Disney World
Last summer, Disney announced plans for an immersive Star Wars-inspired resort to be built at Walt Disney World Resort. Now, more details on what this thrilling new resort, which will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will be like.
This first-of-its-kind resort will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Guests’ journey through space will start when everyone departs together for a multiday Stars Wars adventure by boarding a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy.
At the resort, Guests immediately become active citizens of the galaxy and can dress up in the proper attire. Every resort window will also have a view into space.
The opportunity for immersion at this resort will also stand out among all Disney resorts around the globe, as it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, allowing guests a total Star Wars experience.
Stay tuned for future updates!
Details Emerge on New Walt Disney World Attractions
Epcot
Guardians of the Galaxy coaster coming to Epcot in 2021.
New details have been released about the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster coming to Epcot in 2021. This one-of-a-kind family coaster will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters inside of the former Universe of Energy show building. The Guardians of the Galaxy coaster will feature a unique story currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering and include a new innovative ride system.
The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
During D23 Expo Japan, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, shared details on a new attraction coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a catchy theme song created especially for the attraction as well as a new experience that defies logic that we’re calling 2 ½-D. No glasses required.
On the attraction, the fun begins when Guests see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie getting ready for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you're the star and anything can happen.
Go Backstage at Disney with This New Tour
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park at the Walt Disney World Resort.
As a part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you can get an insider’s look at some of the ways Disney brings the magic of nature to life in a new limited-time experience called A Path Less Traveled – Disney’s Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary tour.
Go backstage to tour the Vet Hospital and Animal Nutrition Center, perform a nest check on a purple martin birdhouse as part of a Disney’s conservation project, gaze at some of the park’s largest inhabitants during Caring for Giants and end the day with VIP viewing of Rivers of Light.
A Path Less Traveled will be offered daily from April 1-May 5, 2018. Tours can be booked in advance for $59 per person, plus tax, by calling 407-WDW-PLAY (407- 939-7529).
Be sure to check out our exclusive hotel offers for Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Big Changes Coming to The American Adventure, Epcot
The American Adventure inside Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort
Disney announced some major enhancements for The American Adventure show, one of my personal favorites at Walt Disney World. The Golden Dream montage gets me every time. And speaking of the song Golden Dream, Disney has rerecorded it with new voices and a new orchestration.
Other significant enhancements include:
- High definition digital projection technology for the screen segments of the show
- High definition sound system throughout the theater
- The show's finale sequence of famous Americans has been updated to include composer John Williams, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and noted ballerina Misty Copeland.
The American Adventure will re-open late February or early March.
First Look: Alien Swirling Saucers - Walt Disney World
Alien Swirling Saucers
New details emerged today on the new Alien Swirling Saucers attraction, part of the new Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You'll get to climb into a toy rocket and hang on as the little green aliens whisk you about all while set to interstellar music. Plus, if you're lucky, you just might get “chosen” by the claw.
Toy Story Land is scheduled to open summer 2018. No date has been announced yet. For summer offers, visit the Walt Disney World discount page
Also, Disney has confirmed that the Disney's Hollywood Studios name will not change in the foreseeable future in response to numerous rumors.
My Disney Experience Gets 2 New Features Today
Today Disney pushed out an update to the My Disney Experience mobile app.
Guests with Disney dining plans can redeem meals and snacks in Mobile Order, providing them with more free time to enjoy all of the attractions and entertainment experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort. I have personally used this service in beta testing and it's terrific. It makes things so much easier, overall a welcome addition to the app!
To access Mobile Order, tap the “Order Food” button under “My Plans” in the app. Watch the video below to see the convenience of using Mobile Order with a Disney dining plan
Watch the video below to see how it works!
Also, you can now get attraction wait time information in real-time. The app now shows standby wait time information exactly as they appear in the park. I still recommend the Lines App from TouringPlans.com. This service has proven to be more reliable and accurate.
Other updates include improvements to features like room charge viewing, Online Check-In Service and wayfinding, that are helping to improve the overall vacation experience for our guests.
Disney After Hours Events Return for Spring 2018
Cinderella Castle | Magic Kingdom Park
Magic Kingdom Park is once again hosting Disney After Hours events on select nights through March. Available to a limited number of Guests, Disney After Hours allows participants to maximize their time in the park with quicker access to over 25 popular attractions and character greetings. Remaining event dates include Jan. 26, 30, Feb. 8, 15, March 1 and 8, 2018.
View Exclusive Walt Disney World Offers
Visit Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt's Disneyland Apartment and More on This Tour!
Adventures By Disney California Tour
In 2019, Adventures by Disney will offer a new 4-day, 3-night Disneyland Resort and Southern California Short Escape land tour that can be booked as a stand-alone vacation, or in conjunction with Disney Cruise Line sailings departing from the port of San Diego.
This guided group vacation allows you to revel in a behind-the-scenes look at places where Disney magic is made, including rare private tours of The Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, VIP experiences at Disneyland Resort, an exclusive visit to Walt Disney’s Disneyland apartment, a sneak peek at props and costumes from beloved Disney films at the Disney Archives, and more.
This new Southern California Short Escape package is available on select dates in Spring and Fall 2018, making it an ideal pre-cruise option for Disney Cruise Line Guests sailing during this time period.
Bookings for this new adventure open on Jan. 25, 2018.
5 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World in 2018
Toy Story Land Opens Summer 2018
- Amazing Walt Disney World offers so you can do more, and spend less
- Disney Springs Will Welcome Eight New Dining Locations – A total of eight exciting new food and beverage locations are set to make their grand debuts at Disney Springs in 2018. The Edison, along with Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway and Pizza Ponte are scheduled to open early in 2018, while Terralina Crafted Italian, Wine Bar George, Jaleo and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill are set to debut later on in the year.
- The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Celebrates its 25th Anniversary –This year’s festival will run from Feb. 28-May 28, 2018. The 90-day event brings with it a multitude of Disney character topiaries, tasty offerings at 15 Outdoor Kitchens, garden tours, the Garden Rocks music series, new kids’ activities, the Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt and much more.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Celebrates It’s 20th Anniversary – The theme park dedicated to celebrating life in the animal kingdom will mark a milestone 20th anniversary on Earth Day, April 22, 2018.
- Toy Story Land Opens in Summer 2018 – The highly anticipated expansion at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut to Guests this summer, and with it, two new attractions: Alien Swirling Saucers and the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster. You can already catch a glimpse of what’s in store inside the park’s Walt Disney Presents attraction, where they can view the model and some attraction vehicle maquettes.
By Darren W, Specializing in Disney Destinations
Policy Change for Disney World Resort Hotels
Photos courtesy: @Fireworks_Fairy/Twitter
Starting this week, a new policy is being rolled out across Walt Disney World Resort hotels regarding "Do Not Disturb" signs and room checks by housekeeping staff.
This new policy requires housekeeping to enter a room once per day. Also, "Do Not Disturb" signs will be replaced with "Room Occupied" signs. This comes in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre where the gunman displayed a "Do Not Disturb" sign on his hotel room door for several days as he prepared for the shooting.
This policy is currently being introduced at the Magic Kingdom Area resort hotels first.
Personally, I seldom had a "Do Not Disturb" sign in my room, or if I did display it on my door, some other guest would inevitably take it as a souvenir. The problem is, these new "Room Occupied" signs will make even better souvenirs.