Select Disney World Hotels will Remain Pet Friendly
I love animals so when I shared with you that some of the Walt Disney World hotels would allow pets, I didn't think twice about it. But then I began hearing from my clients who had raised concerns that I had not thought of. Some even asked to change hotels. Fortunately I was able to address each concern by working directly with Disney. And I have not heard one complaint or negative experience since the program started.
Today Disney announced that they are going to continue with this program and allow pets. In my experience, I have learned a few things that are worth pointing out regarding pet friendly rooms at Walt Disney World:
- Rooms that accommodate pets are designated "pet rooms" and are not typically offered to guests without pets.
- Disney performs a thorough cleaning of the room after a pet checks out.
- All pets must be registered at the front desk and no more than 2 pets per room are allowed (more on this below).
- Rooms that allow pets are confined to one particular area of the resort
- All dogs must be on a leash - no exceptions.
- Disney has a very strict policy regarding animal behavior. Unofficially speaking, I've been told that if Disney receives a complaint about an animal, the pet's owner will likely be asked to board their pet at Best Friends Pet Care or Disney will assist the guest in finding another hotel. This includes excessive barking and aggressive behavior. I've been told there are no second chances given once a complaint reaches the front desk.
When a guest registers his/her pet with the front desk they will receive notification of the pet policies they must adhere to. These include reminders about proper care and behavior, as well as the need for the dog to remain on a leash at all times while in public spaces. Guests must be able to provide documentation that their dog’s vaccinations and inoculations are up to date, upon request.
Pet Friendly Hotels at Walt Disney World
- Disney’s Art of Animation ResortDisney’s
- Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Disney's Yacht Club Resort
For more information on Pet Friendly hotels at Walt Disney World, call (407) 934-7639
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Work on Tron Coaster Has Begun but Brings These Closures
Tron Coaster coming soon to Walt Disney World
On my last trip to Magic Kingdom it was clear that work has begun on the new Tron-themed coaster in Tomorrowland. This new ride is going just to the left of Space Mountain. Also, Disney has erected a new Tron-themed billboard that’s now visible from Storybook Circus.
A Tron coaster billboard has been erected at Magic Kingdom Park
Ride Closures
Due to the construction of Tron, Disney has announced two new ride closures:
The Walt Disney World Railroad will temporarily close beginning in December 2018. A reopening date has not been announced.
The Tomorrowland Speedway will close for a portion of 2019, as the track is adjusted. It will reopen as the same attraction in the summer of 2019. Personally, I'd love to see a total redesign of this attraction as well.
For exclusive offers to Walt Disney World, visit the Offers Page
2019 Bookings for Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Now Available
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is now available to book for arrivals January 2019-April 2020.
New Dessert Party Coming to Walt Disney World
VIP Dessert Party at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
Starting August 6, 2018, you can book a new Rivers of Light Dessert Party over at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
The party will include a buffet of Disney’s Animal Kingdom-themed desserts, snacks, and drinks followed by VIP viewing of “Rivers of Light.”
Guests start by checking in 60 minutes prior to the main show (8:15 p.m. for a 9:15 p.m. show) at the Rivers of Light Asia Viewing Area Terrace located across from Expedition Everest.
Starting today you can book your reservation by visiting Disneyworld.com, by calling 407 WDW-DINE, or your Disney Travel Agent.
The price is $79 for adults and $47 for children (tax inclusive) and must be paid for in full at the time of booking.
Rivers of Light | Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Exclusive Offers
Save big on these Agency-Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel.
Holiday Happenings at Walt Disney World Resort 2018
Holidays 2018 at Walt Disney World Resort
The return of the holiday season to Walt Disney World Resort starts Nov. 8, 2018.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The return of Sunset Seasons Greetings featuring impressive new laser effects and “snow,” holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel with spectacular projections of Disney Characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Olaf sharing their favorite seasonal stories.
Another returning favorite is the nighttime spectacular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! The new Toy Story Land also gets special seasonal fun including holiday songs on Alien Swirling Saucers and more!
Epcot
11 World Showcase nations during Epcot International Festival of the Holidays beginning Nov. 18, 2018. One of my favorite holiday traditions at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional and this year it starts performances on Nov. 22, 2018.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
New this year the magic of nature will receive a holiday touch with the inclusion of Diwali, the holiday Festival of Lights in India, as part of the new live show UP! A Great Bird Adventure.
Walt Disney World Bus Times Now Available
Wait Times for Walt Disney World Buses now in real time.
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida just introduced a new bus time feature in the My Disney Experience mobile app that enables you to view up-to-the-minute estimates for when the next bus will depart from your Disney Resort hotel and when you will arrive at your destination.
The app regularly updates in real time to provide the most current estimates for buses heading to all four theme parks, two water parks and the Disney Springs area. Guests can access this feature by tapping “See Bus Times” when viewing an active Disney Resort hotel reservation.
Currently wait times are only offered for buses departing resort hotels to theme parks, not from theme parks to hotels.
Disney released this video to demonstrate how it works
Get Started on 2019 Walt Disney World Reservations Now
Earlier I shared with you that 2019 Walt Disney Travel Company Packages for Walt Disney World Resort will become available on June 19, 2018. I anticipate this to be a very busy day here. If you'd like to begin the process early, you can send me your information in advance by using my Online Quote Request Form. This will allow me to prepare a quote for you faster on June 19.
Also, special offers may be available for select dates in January and February 2019. Be sure to check the Offers Page for updates. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
FastPass Strategy at Walt Disney World
As a travel agent I'm asked all the time about how to maximize Disney FastPass. Today I found a great article from TouringPlans.com that offers a great strategy for obtaining additional FastPasses after the first three selections have been used.
How to Maximize the FastPass System at Walt Disney World
Darren specializes in Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney Travel Co. Packages Available June 19, 2018
Today the Walt Disney Travel Co. announced that 2019 pricing will be available for packages and room-only reservations for the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on June 19, 2018. Magical Vacations Travel customers can expect that Agency-Exclusive offers should be available by fall 2018.
You can view all current offers on the Resort Offers Page
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.