Disney Hints at Star Wars Hotel Location
Families visiting the new Star Wars-inspired hotel coming to Walt Disney World Resort will board a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold during their voyage through the galaxy – and every window has a view of space.
Disney has not yet announced where the new Star Wars hotel will be located other than it’s “under development.” We know that it is going to be somewhere near World Drive and on the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We also know that Disney plans to build it near Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to “allow the experience to be seamlessly connected.”
Disney Star Wars Hotel concept
The Star Wars hotel will be different from other Disney resorts in that families will board a starship that will take them to their destination. While onboard, Star Wars characters will appear, stories will unfold for them, and views outside the “windows” will have views of space.
Disney Star Wars Hotel concept
Guests who plan a multi-night stay can participate as a resident of the Galaxy and even dress in Star Wars traditional garb.
Stay tuned for more information.
Star Wars Galaxy Edge Opening Announced
Opening Late Fall 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in late fall 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort. Stay tuned for more details.
Sneak Preview of Toy Story Land Tonight 8PM
Watch “Toy Story 3” on ABC from 8-10 p.m. ET tonight plus check out their new adventure. They join a few new faces – some plastic, some plush – including Barbie’s counterpart Ken, a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants and a strawberry-scented bear named Lots-O-Huggin’ Bear.
And throughout the night viewers will have a front-row seat to the new Toy Story Land opening June 30, 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Darren specializes in the Walt Disney World Resort
2018 Epcot Candlelight Processional Dates
2018 Epcot Candlelight Processional Dates
2018 Epcot Candlelight Processional dates have been announced: The first show begins on Thanksgiving (November 22) and will run through Dec 30, 2018. Previously I shared with you dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, be sure to check that out as well!
Secret Walking Tour at Disney's California Adventure Park
If you've ever had a chance to enter a Disney Theme Park prior to opening, say for an early dining reservation or special tour, you know how magical it can be. There's something about seeing the parks without all the congestion and foot traffic. It can also be a great time to take some photos without other guests in them!
At Disney's California Adventure Park, guests can make reservations for a secret 2-mile walking tour of the Theme Park. The tour is led by a Cast Member who also provides some trivia and Disneyland Resort history. This tour is available to any Disneyland Resort hotel guest - but just remember that advance dining reservations are required. To make a reservation, stop by Guest Services.
VIDEO: Behind the Scenes at Toy Story Land
Here's a peek behind the scenes with Walt Disney Imagineering at Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, opening June 30, 2018. In this this video, we see how Imagineers bring Weezy to life at Slinky Dog Dash.
New Experience Coming to Typhoon Lagoon
Disney H20 Glo Nights at Typhoon Lagoon
With glowing beach balls, inner tubes and other lighting effects, Disney H2O Glow Nights is a rare opportunity for you to experience Typhoon Lagoon under the moonlight. On select nights beginning June 21, 2018, Typhoon Lagoon becomes a nighttime hotspot featuring a DJ Dance Party on the beach, plus special character meetings with Buzz, Woody and Jessie from Pixar’s “Toy Story,” as they visit Typhoon Lagoon for the first time.
Guests can also play party games, try unique food and beverage treats and enjoy all attractions at the water park with minimal wait times, including Crush ‘n’ Gusher, and Miss Adventure Falls, the newest attraction at Typhoon Lagoon.
Adults can visit The Wharf. This adults-only oasis is unique to Disney H2O Glow Nights and is only available when Typhoon Lagoon transforms at nightfall.
Tickets for Disney H2O Glow Nights cost $55 for adults and $50 for children, ages 3-9 (plus tax).
Important Change to Disney Dining Reservations
Recently I discovered that the website used to make dining reservations at Walt Disney World opens at approximately 5:45 AM, not 6:00 AM as it had before.
The Dining Reservations website now opens at approximately 5:45 AM.
I first discovered this while trying to make a dining reservation for Be Our Guest Restaurant 180 days in advance. I was online, logged in, and ready to go at 6:00 AM Eastern Time. But in less than a minute, Be Our Guest was already booked to capacity. While Be Our Guest is popular, it didn't seem right to me that it could have sold out so quickly. I later called Disney to ask if there was an error on the website. The booking agent explained to me that the site had opened to guests at 5:45 AM. So, basically I was 15 minutes late to the party.
I confirmed this on the Walt Disney World website as well. In the FAQ section, Disney explains that the website could open prior to 6 AM:
“Reservation availability for select Walt Disney World restaurants typically begins each day at approximately 5:45 AM.”
When making hard-to-get dining reservations, log into your My Disney Experience account a few minutes prior to 5:45 AM. I recommend testing your username and password the night before just to make sure you are able to log in. You don't want to discover that you forgot your password when it's game time. If you have trouble with your account, you can call 407-WDW-HELP and select option 3 for Disney Internet Help.
I also recommend using the website over the mobile app, but have both ready to go just in case. The website tends to be more stable and will operate a little faster than the app.
Changes to Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World
On select mornings now through June 30, 2018, Guests can enjoy Extra Magic Hours access to the most popular experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, including the newest attractions in Pandora – The World of Avatar, as well as Expedition Everest and Dinosaur.
In July and August Guests staying at select Walt Disney World resort hotels can access Extra Magic Hours daily – yes, daily! – to experience favorite attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the attractions in the all-new Toy Story Land.
For excusive offers on Walt Disney World Resort hotels, check out the Offers Page.
New Attraction Opens at Epcot
I love the cultural exhibits scattered around World Showcase at Epcot. These hidden, gems are great places to escape the crowds and to just find a little peace and quiet. Among my favorites are the Morocco Pavilion and Japan Pavilion. And recently, The Stave Church Gallery in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot has been reimagined to showcase a brand-new exhibit called “Gods of the Vikings.”
Celebrating the legendary Norse gods and goddesses that inspired the ancient Vikings of Scandinavia in their daily lives, you can stop in to learn more about the popular Viking gods Thor, Odin, Freyja, and Loki through displays of authentic Viking artifacts. This exhibit can be found inside the Stave Church located right at the entrance to Norway - yes you can really go inside! Be sure to check it out on your next visit.
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!