Category: Disney Parks News

Book Your Reservations NOW for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Experiences at Hollywood Studios!

Reservations are now available for select Star Wars: Galaxy Edge Experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Opening on August 29, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the long awaited addition to Hollywood Studios, featuring an immersive guest experience in a Star Wars themed “world” like nothing Disney has done before.  (Well, except for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, haha).  Book your reservations NOW for sure-to-be popular experiences and dining adventures at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  This will enable you to guarantee you’ll be able to take part in these experiences–if you have both the desire and the dollars to do so!

Build a Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop

Star Wars Galaxys Edge Build Your Own Light Saber
At Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, guests will have the opportunity to customize and craft their own lightsabers. In this exclusive experience, guests will feel like a Jedi as they build these elegant weapons from a more civilized age. (Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)

I suspect Savi’s Workshop is going to be one of the most popular destinations for guests visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  What Star Wars fan hasn’t dreamed of owning their own lightsaber?  At Savi’s Workshop, you assume the role of a Jedi, and craft your own lightsaber.  You will be able to choose from different hilts, accessories and kyber crystals.

What does it cost?

While Disney says there will be walk up availability, I suspect it will be very limited, and those with advance reservations will take priority for this experience.  Purchase of a lightsaber is REQUIRED for this experience.  You must pay before the experience begins ($199.99).

The advance reservation requires a credit card deposit of $199.99.  You can cancel your reservations with no penalty by cancelling at least 24 hours in advance.  No shows will be charged the full price of the experience.  You can bring one person with you to observe your lightsaber design skills. (While kids as young as 5 can enjoy this experience, at least one member of the party must be 14 or older.)

Only 14 people at a time (and their “observer/paparazzi” member) can go through this experience at a time.  The experience is about 20 minutes in length, and full of the ceremony and mystique you’d expect from a Jedi building their first lightsaber.  The lightsaber you build at Savi’s Workshop will not be a plastic junky version, like the ones you used to be able to buy at toy stores (and at WDW!).

This lightsaber has some heft, and the hilt is made of metal.  Your hilt will be themed to one of four styles available–and based on your choice, you will be given various parts that you will use to build your lightsaber.  Each light saber will include one hilt, two sleeves, one emitter, one pommel cap and one activation plate and switch.  The completed lightsaber will light up, and your hilt will produce various sounds.  Your $199.99 purchase price includes a carrying case.  Other accessories for your lightsaber, as well as a variety of pre-built lightsabers and other treasures are available for purchase at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.

Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities
Concept Art for Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities

No refunds are available, nor are there any discounts available.

Build a Droid at the Droid Depot

Reservations to build a droid at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Now Available
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Droid Depot                                                                                Photo: Disney Parks

Another spot I think is going to be VERY popular is the Droid Depot.  I know I am not alone when I tell you that while I love Han Solo and Princess Leia, BB8 and R2D2 have a deeper hold on my heart.  At the Droid Depot, you’ll be able to build and customize your own Droid friend.  You’ll pick parts off a conveyer belt to construct one of two core model droids (BB-Series or R-Series).  After your Droid is constructed (and paid for $$!), it will be able to interact with various elements throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  How fun does THAT sound?

As with the lightsaber experience, some walk up availability will exist; however, if this is something you really want to do, advance reservations are strongly recommended.  If you have a reservation, you may bring one person with you to observe your experience.

What Does It Cost?

The base price of your Droid is $99.99 plus tax.  This includes your basic handbuilt Droid and a carrying box.  There are a lot of add-ons available–with additional price tags to match.  I suspect at minimum you’ll want to add on a personality affiliation chip for $12.99–there are six to choose from, and this is what will give your Droid its personality, and inform how it interacts with the Star Wars world around it.  Of course there are lots of other things you can add on–make sure your impulse buyer is NOT in control, or you will have a very expensive day!

Droid Depot Merchandise
Droid Depot, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge                            Photo: Disney Parks

As always, you can cancel your reservation without penalty as long as you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.  If you no-show, your credit card will be charged the full $99.99.  Kids as young as 3 can build a Droid, but at least one of the two people in the party must be at least 14.

There are no refunds and no time limits for your custom built Droid.  Your end result will be remote controlled, and will interact via bluetooth with the World.  There are no discounts offered, so no passholder or DVC discounts at this time.  (Bummer!).

Even if you don’t want to build your own Droid, you will definitely want to do a walk through visit at the Droid Depot.  It’s filled with fun stuff to look at, and there are lots of audioanimatronic Droids to catch your attention.

Oga’s Cantina

Book your reservations now if you hope to spend some time at Oga’s Cantina and enjoy some “out-of-this-world” refreshments!

Book Reservations Now for Oga's Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Oga’s Cantina, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge                                                                          Photo: Disney Parks

At Oga’s you never know when you might meet smugglers, bounty hunters or other travelers from around the galaxy.  You’ll be able to try unique, themed food and beverages at Oga’s Cantina.  If you really want to immerse yourself in the Black Spire Outpost experience, a visit to Oga’s Cantina should be high on your list.

Ogas Cantina Reservations Now Available
Oga’s Cantina, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge     (Photo: Richard Harbaugh/Disney Parks)

Some walk up guests will find availability; however, as with most Disney table service restaurants, reservations are highly recommended.

Book Your Reservations NOW!

Are you getting excited about visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?  I can’t believe opening day at Hollywood Studios is finally almost here!  If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World and want to include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in your agenda, I suggest you make your reservations for the experiences you want to participate in as soon as you can.

Which of these experiences are you most excited about?  While I can’t wait for my first drink at Oga’s, I’m pretty psyched to build a Droid with my nephew!

Please comment below if you’re planning to try one of these experiences, and which one.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

P.S. For other Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge information, please check out the following posts:

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Update January 2019

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Updates: March 2019 PART I

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge UPDATE

Skyliner Gondolas Open September 29!

Great news!  Disney has announced that the new Skyliner Transportation system will officially open for Disney World guests on September 29!  Testing has been going on for several months now, and I don’t know about you, but I have been DYING for the official announcement of WHEN the Skyliner gondolas would be ready for passengers.  And finally, we have our answer!  The Skyliner gondolas will be ready for YOU to ride on September 29, 2019.  Whooooooo Hoooooo!

Disney released this happy video along with the announcement:

Surprised?

I’m a teensy surprised that the Gondolas won’t be “LIVE” before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Hollywood Studios on August 29.  I had thought Disney would try and open the Skyliner Transporation System before that deadline to provide additional transportation options for guests, PLUS provide another “attraction” to absorb guests.  My thought was Skyliner Gondolas could help with crowd management.  However, it makes sense that it opens a month later.  I suspect Disney has their hands full already with making sure they are ready for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge when it opens.

Disney Skyliner to Open September 29
Photo: Disney Parks

How gorgeous does that look?  I mean, seriously!  I am SUPER excited to ride one of these Gondolas through the whole route.  Remember: The Skyliner Transportation System will visit four resorts, plus Epcot and Hollywood Studios.  Here are the four resorts:

      • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
      • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
      • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
      • Disney’s NEW Riviera Resort (opens in December)

Just the Facts, Ma’m.

TECHNICALLY, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are sharing one Skyliner Station.  The Station is located on the lake between the two resorts and is a short walk from either resort.  So, one stop on the Skyliner Transportation System, but TWO resorts served.  More bang for the buck, I guess.  But it sounds like the line goes further than it does when I say it goes to four resorts and two theme parks, so I wanted to clarify.

Disney Skyliner Station Pop Century Art of Animation
Skyliner Station Pop Century/Art of Animation                   Photo Credit: Amy Micari

There are more than 300 gondolas on the Skyliner Transportation line.  Each gondola (also being called “cabins”) can seat up to ten guests.  All gondolas are wheelchair accessible, according to Disney.

I’ve done several articles about the Skyliner system previously.  If you’d like to check those out, please go to any of the links below:

Excited Yet?

So, does knowing Skyliner Gondolas will officially open on September 29 have any impact on your vacation plans for this year?  If you’ve been on the fence about a Fall 2019 visit to Disney World, does this push you over the edge?  What about Holiday 2019 planning?  Does the official opening of the Skyliner system make you MORE eager to visit Disney World for the Holidays this year?

There are still some great packages available for fall, and I’m expecting holiday 2019 packages to be released any day now.  If you’re thinking about visiting Disney in 2019, NOW is the time to plan.  Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information or to get started!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

 

Disney World 2020 Vacation Packages NOW AVAILABLE for Reservations!

Are you thinking about visiting Walt Disney World in 2020?  I have good news!  Disney World 2020 vacation packages are now available for reservations.

What Does This Mean For You?

Until this week, you could only book your Disney vacation through dates in December 2019.  If you wanted to price a vacation for March 2020, you were out of look.  However, that is no longer the case.  All 2020 dates are now available for Disney World vacation packages or park tickets reservations.

Lots of people were waiting for 2020 to visit Walt Disney World because originally, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge wasn’t expect to open at Hollywood Studios until late 2019.  Of course, earlier this year we learned that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will actually open August 29, 2019 at Hollywood Studios.  Despite this earlier planned opening date for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, many people still elected to wait until 2020 in hopes that the second attraction, Rise of the Resistance, will be open before their visit.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance               (Photo: Disney Parks)

If you’re not sure exactly WHEN you want to visit, but you know you want to visit in 2020, it’s time to start figuring out when you want to go.  Now that ticket prices are date-based, it’s important to know WHEN you want to visit in order to get an accurate estimate for your vacation.

Book Now

If you DO know when you want to visit, you can book NOW.  An initial deposit of $200 will hold your reservation, and the balance of your vacation costs will be due no later than 30 days before your vacation.  You can make payments, or pay the balance all at once.

What’s the advantage of booking early?

The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get exactly what you want.  Do you have a particular resort that you want?  A particular type of room?  The earlier you plan, the better the odds that you will have the most control over your dates, resort and room rates.

Disney World 2020 Vacation Packages
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort                 (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)

Many popular resorts book up more quickly than you might expect.  Room rates often rise in response to demand, as well.  This could mean that the room rate we see today for a particular week in 2020 at a particular resort may increase as we get closer to 2020.

What About Free Dining (Or other Discounts?)

Disney has not yet put any discount programs in place for 2020.  Free dining IS possible, but we won’t know for a while yet.  Disney usually enables discounts or Free Dining promotions with the intent of driving reservations due to lower than expected demand or reservations.  To be honest with you, I’m not sure we are going to see reduced demand in 2020.  SO many people held off on booking vacations in 2019 specifically to visit in 2020.

However, IF you book your 2020 vacation package with an authorized Disney vacation planner (like me), you will have access to any discounts Disney may release later that could benefit you.  [Shameless plug].  Basically, Disney travel agents have the ability to apply discounts to vacation packages they have booked if a discount is released prior to final payment and/or 30 days before travel.

There is minimal risk to locking in your reservation now.  Get the resort you want and the dates you want.  If Disney releases discounts in the future that could save you money on your vacation package, your Disney travel agent will be able to apply that discount to your package.

What is a Vacation Package?

A vacation package is a reservation that includes both your resort reservation AND your park tickets.  It may also include one of the dining plans.  In addition, you can add other items like Memory Maker to your package.  Usually, it is more economical to book your resort and park tickets as a vacation package than it is to book a resort reservation and park tickets separately.  Magic Bands (solid color) are included with all Disney vacation packages.  (Special themed Magic Bands are available at an additional price.  See this post for more information.)

New Magic Bands Coming Soon for Disney Resort Guests
(Photo: Disney Parks)
Ticket Days vs. Resort Nights

Often, people want to buy park tickets for a different number of days than their resort stay.  Regardless of how many nights are on your resort reservation, you can purchase park tickets for 1 day – 10 days (or an Annual Pass).   If, for example, you want to stay on property for 5 days and then move to your Grandma’s condo for 3 more days–you can absolutely do that.  You can include park tickets with your resort reservation to make a package, and those tickets can be for any number of days.

One Park Per Day vs. Park Hopper vs. Park Hopper and MORE

The next tough question is what TYPE of tickets do you want to include in your package?  Note: I did a very detailed post on ticket options that you can find here.

One Park Per Day

The most economical tickets are the one park per day tickets.  For many people, these are the best choice.  These tickets limit you to one park per day, but you can leave and return to the same park on that day as many times as you need to.  Some people think a one park per day ticket means they can visit each park only once.  This is NOT the case.  If you have a 5 day one park per day ticket, you could (if you wanted) choose to visit Epcot for all five of those days.  You can use each day of your ticket for any park you want to.

Park Hopper

Park Hopper tickets give you the ability to visit multiple parks each day of your ticket.  For example, you could start your day at Magic Kingdom and end your day at Epcot.  You don’t HAVE to change parks on any of your park days, but the Park Hopper gives you the power to do that if you WANT to.  Personally, I LOVE the flexibility of the Park Hopper ticket.  I like to be able to switch parks if I think my first choice is getting too crowded.  I like to be able to pop back into a park for a meal or to visit a particular attraction or shop.  However, that flexibility does come at a higher price.  Only you can decide if the higher cost is worth it.

Park Hopper and more

The Park Hopper and More ticket gives you additional flexibility.  You have park hopping capabilities for each day of your ticket, just as you do with the regular Park Hopper.  The Park Hopper and More costs more than a regular Park Hopper, but it includes extra benefits.  Based on the number of days on your base ticket, you get extra days you can use to visit one (or more) of the following attractions:

      • Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
      • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
      • ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
      • Disney’s Fantasia Garden Miniature Golf Course
      • Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course
      • Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course

Start Your 2020 Planning NOW!

In addition to 2020 Disney World packages, most other 2020 Disney destinations are now available for booking.  Most 2020 Disney Cruise line itineraries are  available to book.  2020 Adventures by Disney trips are available for booking now–AND if you book your 2020 Adventure prior to July 19, you can save up to $750!

If you’d like to learn more about 2020 Disney travel options, please reach out to me today at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.  I would love to help you plan your vacation.  If you are too busy to plan, get in touch with me.  I do offer packages where I handle all aspects of your vacation planning, including booking your fast passes and managing your meal reservations.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Launches Free Dining Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

P.S. Want to add a few days at Universal to your Disney vacation?  I’m also  certified on all Universal theme parks and vacation packages, and would be happy to talk to you about all the options available.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge NOW OPEN at Disneyland

Can you believe it?  After all our anticipation, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is NOW OPEN at the Disneyland Resort.  I’ve got lots of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge news and updates for you, including information about the live streaming of the opening dedication, what you will need to know before you go, and updates on food, beverage and MERCHANDISE.  Read on, because we have lots to chat about today.

Go Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Check out this terrific video Disney released, taking us inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.

How amazing does that look?  I can’t WAIT to go and see for myself!

 

Are you planning a visit to Disneyland to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?  There are some things you should know BEFORE you go!

Good Morning America’s Visit

Good Morning America’s Ginger Zee got to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland a few days ago.  Lucky for us, she’s sharing a sneak peek of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with GMA viewers (and all of us!)

Here’s a quick look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with Ginger Zee that GMA posted earlier this week:

ABC News Sneak Peek

On Wednesday, Good Morning America posted a more in depth look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including Ginger Zee’s ride on Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run!  Click the link below to check out the video and article.

GMA Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Opening Dedication LIVESTREAM

In related news, Inside Disney Parks live streamed the Opening Dedication for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort.  The live stream aired Tuesday night.  I tried to watch, but the feed keep kicking me out for some reason.

The good news is that Disney has released a link to a replay of the 40 minute livestream.  You can watch it below:

Know Before You Go: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Here’s the latest “Know Before You Go” video from Disney Parks:

Here are important things to know, whether you are visiting right away, or later in the year:

      • Reminder: Reservations are required from May 31 – June 23, 2019.  Guests without reservations will NOT be able to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge from May 31 – June 23, 2019.  The only way to get a reservation at this point is to book a resort reservation at one of the three Disneyland resorts (Disney’s Paradise Pier Resort, Disneyland Resort, or Disney’s Grand Californian Spa and Resort) during the reservation period.  Resort guests are automatically granted a reservation during their stay to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
      • Disneyland theme park admission IS required.  If you have a reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge but do NOT have a ticket to get into Disneyland, you will NOT be visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
      • If you have a reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you may check in for your reservation up to two hours early; however, you don’t NEED to check in early.  If you have a reservation, you WILL get in.
      • If you do not have a reservation, you will NOT get in to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  There will NOT be a queue for guests without reservations to gain access.

Stormtroopers Will Escort You OUT…

We are in the home stretch now.  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland on May 31, 2019, and I can’t wait to hear all the first hand accounts of visitors from those first few days!

As we’ve discussed on this blog before, Disneyland is requiring reservations for Disneyland guests that wish to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during this first few weeks.  Guests visiting between May 31 and June 23, 2019 had to request free reservations to be awarded a four hour window within which they will be able to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  It appears that each guest with a reservation will be given a color coded wrist band to help cast members verify that the guest IS visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the appropriate time.

Here’s the fun part: If a guest “overstays their welcome” at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, they will be asked to leave BY STORMTROOPERS!  In fact, it appears that Disney is planning for Stormtroopers to escort guests that have stayed too long out of the new land entirely!!

Food and Beverages

Here’s a “Know Before You Go” video that Disney released about the food and beverage options we have to look forward to inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Here are some pictures Disney has released of the food and beverage offerings:

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Now Open Milk Stand
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Beverages: Blue Milk and Green Milk can be found at the Milk Stand. (Photo: David Roark/Disney Parks)
Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Now Open Rontos Roasters
The Ronto Morning Wrap can be found at Ronto Roasters and is scrambled eggs, grilled pork sausage, shredded cheese and peppercorn sauce wrapped in pita. (Photo: David Nguyen/Disney Parks)
Star Wars Galaxys Edge Olgas Cantina
Left to right, non-alcoholic drinks: Carbon Freeze, Oga’s Obsession provision and Cliff Dweller can be found at Oga’s Cantina. (Photo: Kent Phillips/Disney Parks)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Where’s the Merchandise?

There is going to be TONS of fun stuff for us all to drool over and add to our Star Wars merchandise collections.

Disney released another “Know Before You Go” video featuring the merchandise we have to look forward to.

It looks like SOME items will also be added to the Star Wars Launch Bay gift shop in Hollywood Studios and at Disneyland.  This means even if you can’t get in to the new land right away, you may still be able to get your hands on some of that limited time only merchandise.

We previously did a blog about some of the merchandise coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  If you missed it, click here.

Here’s some new pictures Disney released.

Star Wars Galaxys Edge Now Open Droid Depot
Guests visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be able to stop by the Droid Depot to build their own R-series or BB-series droids that will act as a friend throughout the village of Black Spire Outpost. (Photo: David Roark/Disney Parks)
Star Wars Galaxys Edge Build Your Own Light Saber
At Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, guests will have the opportunity to customize and craft their own lightsabers. In this exclusive experience, guests will feel like a Jedi as they build these elegant weapons from a more civilized age. (Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)
Star Wars Galaxys Edge Marketplace
Guests will be able to wander the lively marketplace of Black Spire Outpost and encounter a robust collection of merchant shops and stalls filled with authentic Star Wars creations. (Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run Extra Extra Magic Hours
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon – Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is now open, but there is only one of its two flagship attractions open at this time.  Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is open, and looks really terrific.

For all of us that have WISHED we could fly the Millennium Falcon someday, it looks like we’re going to get our chance!

Disney released this video to show us what we can expect.  We get to go through the queue and see some of the hidden treasures we can look for.  We even get to go for a quick ride (Don’t watch this if you’re avoiding spoilers!)

Star Wars Galaxys Edge Millennium Falcon
Inside Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will take the controls in one of three unique and critical roles aboard the fastest ship in the galaxy. (Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge NOW OPEN

When are you going to visit?  Everything I’ve seen so far from the press and early visitors is VERY positive, and I cannot wait to check this place out!

How about you?  Are you excited to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?  Do you already have a trip planned?  Please like this post, and let us know below when you are going!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

New Magic Band Options Coming for Disney Resort Guests

UPDATE: 5/20/19: New Magic Band upgrades are NOW available!

Good news!  There are new magic band options coming for Disney resort guests!  For the last few years, Disney has included magic bands for every resort guest as part of their resort reservation.

As you start planning your trip, one of the fun steps has always been choosing the colors of the magic bands for each person in your group.

New Magic Band Options Coming Soon

It didn’t take long for people to start decorating their bands.  All kinds of different types of decorations emerged.  From intricate, hand painted designs, pre-printed stickers designed to specially fit magic bands, to bands covered in Swarovski crystals, magic bands have become expressions of individuality, special occasions, relationships and celebrations.

Disney Magic Band Decorations
Magic band stickers, sold on Etsy                                    (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Disney Magic Band Decorations
Original style magic bands decorated with stickers from Etsy.                      (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Disney Special Edition Magic Bands

Now we know Disney, and Disney doesn’t leave money on the table.  It didn’t take long for Disney to come out with special, decorated magic bands.  Disney sells a variety of magic bands at the Disney store and at the gift shops in the parks and resorts.

The Disney Store has lots of limited edition magic bands.  Check them out here.  If you have park tickets, but are not staying on property, you may want to purchase magic bands to pair with your tickets.  That way you can use your magic band for park entry, instead of having to pull out your tickets every time you need park access, or to use a Fast Pass reservation.

Solid color magic bands are available for $14.99. Most of the special decorated magic bands are priced at $24.99 – $29.99.

Iron Man Magic Band
Wall-E Magic Band
Main Street Magic Band
Minnie Mouse Magic Band
Inside Out Magic Band
Tower of Terror Magic Band

New Magic Band Options for Resort Guests

New Magic Bands Coming Soon for Disney Resort Guests
(Photo: Disney Parks)

Disney has decided to make special magic bands available for resort guests as an add-on option.  The solid color bands will continue to be available for no charge with your reservation.  However, if you want to “upgrade” your bands to special custom bands, you will have that option.  The price to upgrade will be $14.99, and you will have more than 30 magic band options available.

These special “upgraded” magic bands will be available to Disney resort guests.  They will also be available to new and renewing annual passholders.

Disney released a video about the new magic band options.

I think this is pretty good news, what do you think?  Will you be upgrading your next magic band?  Please comment below.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

 

Disney TRON Construction Update

It’s time for another Disney TRON construction update!  If you missed our previous post on the new TRON attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, click here to check it out.

The First Vertical Columns Are Going UP!

While construction began on the TRON “coaster” style attraction began more than a year ago, there wasn’t a whole lot of VISIBLE progress.  So much has to happen to prepare the ground to support the weight of the attraction, and even more has to happen to support the electrical needs of the attraction and the technology the ride will require.  To the casual observer,  the early phases of any attraction construction project often look like there’s not a whole lot going on.

Luckily, we’re not casual observers, right?  Disney has announced that they have begun installing the steel columns that will support the attraction.

Check out this terrific video that Disney released!

Where IS the TRON Attraction?

TRON is being built in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.  It’s going next to Space Mountain, mostly in space that was previously empty.

Disney has modified the Speedway slightly to make room for TRON.  They’ve also stopped running the Walt Disney World Railroad for the forseeable future, while construction proceeds on TRON.  I don’t know if this means the Railroad is ultimately being rerouted, or if the current track will still be in place once construction on TRON is completed.  It’s entirely possible that once it’s safe for the Railroad to resume circling the park and traveling behind Tomorrowland, we’ll be able to tell that nothing changed on the route.  However, I suspect that the Railroad track may need to move over a bit to make room for TRON.  Too soon to tell.

Regardless, we do have a pretty awesome artist rendering of what the TRON attraction is expected to look like.

Disney Tron Construction Update Artist Rendering
Disney Tron Attraction Coming to Magic Kingdom: Artist Rendering

We also got a new picture of the steel column that cast members signed.  As we discussed in the previous Disney TRON construction update post, an important milestone of the TRON project was when Disney invited cast members involved in the project to sign one of the steel columns that will become a part of TRON.

Disney TRON Construction Update
TRON Construction Milestone                                        (Photo: Disney Parks)

When Can We Ride?

While there’s no “official” opening date (it’s WAY too soon!), it looks like the expectations are that TRON will be completed in time for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World in 2021.

Are you excited about this attraction?  From the brief glimpse we get in the video above, I think TRON looks like it will be very different from anything else we have at Disney.  I’m hoping it will be a ton of fun, and that it will absorb a lot of guests.  I’m always a fan of attractions that can swallow up a lot of the crowd.

What do you think?  Please like this post, and comment below with your thoughts!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Launches Free Dining Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

Disney Skyliner Testing: Cabins Unveiled!

Disney’s latest transportation innovation, the Skyliner Gondola system, has been in testing mode for several weeks now.  Testing appears to be going very well so far.  This week marked an exciting step forward for Disney Skyliner testing—more than 50 of the cabins have been unveiled!

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s…Mickey Mouse?

For most of the testing we’ve seen so far, Disney has sent the Skyliner gondolas out on the system shrouded in white covers.  Briefly we saw some units without the white covers, but the units we saw did not have any character graphics on them yet.  Check out this post, Disney Skyliner Update: April 2019 to learn more.

Over the past few days, Disney has uncovered  more than fifty of the gondolas, revealing beautiful character graphics on each colorful cabin.  The graphics are gorgeous, and there appears to be a wide variety of different character themes.

Disney Skyliner Gondolas Testing Character Graphics Revealed
Disney Skyliner Gondolas: Character Graphics Revealed! (Photo: Disney Parks)

See the Skyliner Gondolas in Action

Disney released a terrific video showing the unveiled gondolas out on the cables.  In the video, you can see multicolored cabins, their gorgeous character graphics clearly visible, moving through the Skyliner system.  It’s a beautiful sight, and I can’t wait to see them in person.

When Can I Ride a Skyliner Gondola?

The WHEN is still an open question.  Disney will not get any more committed than “later this fall”.  They are staying pretty cagey about when the Skyliner Gondola system will go live for guests.  From a safety perspective, that’s probably a good thing.  Disney has an excellent safety record, and are legendary for having very few accidents involving guests on their attractions.

So, I’m guessing they are going to test the HECK out of these things before they let us get near them.  Which makes the part of me that is scared of heights very happy.

However, I’m also eager to know an exact date of when guests will be able to ride on the Skyliner system.  As I plan trips for my clients and my family, I want to know if I can include Skyliner as a transportation option.  I am DYING to ride on this system, and I’m sure a lot of you are as well.

I had thought MAYBE it would be live by the time Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Hollywood Studios on August 29, but the powers that be seem to be trying to discourage that expectation.  That could be because they want Skyliner to have it’s own exciting opening day and subsequent media attention.  I could see not wanting to get lost in the excitement of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Disney has spent millions of dollars on Skyliner, and I would imagine they want some excitement and attention to accompany it’s opening day.

Disney Skyliner Gondola Testing Cabins Unveiled
Disney Skyliner Gondola Testing: Cabins Unveiled (Photo: Disney Parks)

Alternatively, it could simply be that they have a lot of testing to do, and third parties that have to approve the various phases.  I suspect Disney is hesitant to put a timeline for Skyliner opening day out there until anything outside their control has finished.  So if there are any government bodies or third party agencies that have to review the Skyliner system perhaps, or any tests that have to be approved by parties outside Disney Parks and Resorts, it would make sense that Disney would postpone announcing a “go-live” date until that’s all completed.

I don’t know, but I’m certainly excited to find out!

What do you think?  Does seeing Disney testing Skyliner cabins unveiled make you more excited to ride?

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

P.S. If you haven’t seen the inside of a Skyliner gondola yet, visit this post.

NEW Extra EXTRA Magic Hours Coming to Walt Disney World

If you’ve ever stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you probably know about Extra Magic Hours.  Extra Magic Hours (EMH) are just one of the benefits of staying on Disney property.  EMH are a HUGE advantage for guests who want to minimize their time waiting in lines.  With regular Extra Magic Hours, there are certain days each week when Disney resort guests can enter the EMH park one hour earlier than all other guests.  Alternatively, EMH may mean staying up to three hours later than all non-resort guests at the EMH park.

This fall, Disney is taking Extra Magic Hours to a whole new level with Extra EXTRA Magic Hours!

Disney Extra Extra Magic Hours
Photo: Disney Parks

DAILY Extra Magic Hours

Beginning August 29, 2019 and running through November 2, 2019, Disney will begin offering DAILY Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Extra Extra Magic Hours (EEMH) will be offered in three of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom: Extra Extra Magic Hours will happen every day from 7 am to 8 am at the Magic Kingdom for resort guests.  Just like with regular Extra Magic Hours, not all attractions are open during Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Extra Magic Hours and Extra Extra Magic Hours feature the same attractions–favorite rides in both Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.

Disney's Magic Kingdom Disney vacation planning Disney trip planning tips top reasons to visit Disney Extra Extra Magic Hours
It’s a beautiful day to be at the Magic Kingdom! Let’s pretend the crowds will be this light ALL DAY!  (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Animal Kingdom: Extra Extra Magic Hours will happen every day from 7 am to 8 am at the Animal Kingdom.  Pandora – The World of Avatar attractions ARE included.  Also included are other attractions throughout Animal Kingdom. (The same attractions currently open during regular Extra Magic Hours).

Disney's Animal Kingdom Extra Extra Magic Hours
Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)

Hollywood Studios: Extra Extra Magic Hours will happen every day from 6 am to 9 am (That’s THREE HOURS PEOPLE!!!).  The EEMH WILL include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land and select other attractions.  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity.  NOTE: From August 29 – 31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at 6 am to ALL guests, not just resort guests.  The Extra Extra Magic Hours for Hollywood Studios for Resort Guests will begin September 1.

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run Extra Extra Magic Hours
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon – Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)

Wait, What About Epcot?

Epcot absorbs crowds better than any of the other three theme parks.  In addition, Extra Magic Hours are not as necessary or popular at Epcot as they are at the other three parks.  Also, at Epcot, Future World opens at 9 am (usually) and then World Showcase opens at 11 am.  Morning Extra Magic Hours may frustrate Epcot visitors that wanted to visit World Showcase during EMH but World Showcase is not part of morning EMH.

Epcot will continue to have regular Extra Magic Hours on select days, just like it does now.  Epcot will NOT be getting Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Note: Of course this policy COULD change later in the summer, but I don’t expect it to.

Also, keep in mind that the popular Epcot Food and Wine Festival will be running during this time, and that’s the big attraction at Epcot in the fall.  Opening at 7 am wouldn’t be very beneficial as I don’t think they want to open all those wine and food kiosks that early! 😉

Disney Epcot Extra Extra Magic Hours
Epcot! (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)

Why?

Disney has introduced these new Extra Extra Magic Hours in anticipation of record crowd levels this fall.  With the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios coming August 29, interest in a Walt Disney World vacation has never been higher!  Disney is anticipating very high guest demand for its most popular attractions throughout Walt Disney World, but most especially at Hollywood Studios, for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Disney is trying to ensure the satisfaction of resort guests by guaranteeing them more opportunities to access the parks with smaller crowds, before the parks open to the public each day.  Theoretically, if guests are early risers and willing to be up and at the parks early in the morning, they are more likely to be able to visit more of the attractions they’ll want to visit.

This policy also helps add more value to staying on Disney property.  Disney is always looking for ways to get more guests to stay on Disney property and these new Extra Extra Magic Hours are a great step in that direction.  All those extra available hours EVERY DAY add a lot of value to your theme park tickets!

The Fine Print

Extra Extra Magic Hours require a valid theme park admission and hotel ID.  Note: If you are using your Magic Bands as your room keys and your theme park tickets, your Magic Band will serve as both theme park admission and hotel ID.

If you do NOT have the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option on your tickets, you will be spending the day in whichever park you choose for Extra Extra Magic Hours.  In other words, if you DON’T have Park Hopper, and start your day at 6 am at Hollywood Studios, you will be in Hollywood Studios for the entire day (unless you leave the park and go back to your resort, of course).  You will NOT be able to visit a different park after Extra Extra Magic Hours are over.

If you DO Have Park Hopper, you can “hop” to any other park you choose throughout the day, regardless of where you go for Extra Extra Magic Hours.

All Attractions are NOT Part of Extra Extra Magic

Not all Walt Disney World attractions are available with Extra Magic Hours or Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Park hours and participating attractions for Extra Magic Hours or Extra Extra Magic Hours are subject to change without notice.  All participating attractions and experiences are subject to capacity limitations and cancellation.

Fast Passes are NOT available during Extra Magic Hours or Extra Extra Magic Hours.

Will Extra Extra Magic Hours Be Extended After November 2?

I don’t know.  This is the first time Disney has offered DAILY extended hours for resort guests.  Obviously, this will significantly impact Disney’s daily operating costs–a lot will depend on how successful this program is during its initial offering.  Guest response and feedback will also significantly impact whether Disney either extends Extra Extra Magic Hours, or ever offers it again during busy periods.

Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Extra Extra Magic Hours
Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Is there anything better than visiting your favorite attractions with lighter crowds and shorter lines? (Photo Credit: Disney Parks)

If it has a major impact on guest satisfaction and crowd flow AND they see profits from people staying longer in the parks and spending more money, I think its very likely that we could see something like this again in the future.

Until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is actually open, and we see the way Disney manages crowds in and around that new “Land”, it’s difficult to anticipate WHAT will happen from a crowd flow capacity in ALL the parks, once Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is finally open.

What do YOU think?

What do you think of this new policy?  As someone who almost always stays on property, I’m pretty excited!  We are early risers on vacation, and always take advantage of EMH.  However, we often park hop later in the day if the “chosen” park gets too crowded.  It will be interesting to see what happens when three parks are the “chosen” park, won’t it?

Please like this post and comment below.  Does this new Extra Extra Magic Hours policy have you planning a visit for this fall to take advantage?  I can help! brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

P.S. There is still time to book reservations for YOUR fall vacation to Disney World. You can check out the amazing new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and take advantage of all these extra park hours through Extra Extra Magic Hours.  Contact me today to get started: brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

P.P.S If you don’t want to wait for fall, there are still some great promotions running for Summer Vacations.  Check out these posts for more information:

FREE DINING for Disney Visa Cardmembers

FREE Quick Service Meals on YOUR Summer Vacation?

Reservations for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge SOLD OUT

Disney has just announced (12pm Pacific time) that there are no more reservations available to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland between May 31 (opening day) and June 23, 2019.   Reservations for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have sold out!  Granted, these were no-cost reservations, so technically “sold out” isn’t the right term, but I’m not sure what else to call it.

There are still Disneyland Resort hotel reservations available during that time, May 31 – June 23 2019; every Disneyland Resort hotel guest staying during that time automatically receives a designated reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their visit.  Please see today’s earlier post, How to Make Reservations for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for more details.

If anyone had ANY doubts about the popularity of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and it’s potential impact on future crowds, I think these reservations going so fast is pretty indicative of the interest people have to get inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  I think the post June 23 crowds are going to be MASSIVE.

What do you guys think?  Is this crazy or what?  Or did you expect them to go this fast?  We don’t know how many reservations were available, but presumably there were thousands available this morning.

Please comment below with your thoughts!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

 

How to Make Reservations for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

***Update: 12pm Pacific time— At this time there are no reservations available to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for May 31 – June 23 through the Disneyland.com.  Essentially, all the non-Disneyland Resort Hotel Reservations are SOLD OUT.

So this means that you will either need to wait until AFTER June 23 to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and hope, based on capacity limitations, you will be able to get in OR you will need a Disneyland Resort Hotel reservation to stay at least one night during the May 31- June 23 reservations required period.  There are still rooms (and therefore reservations) available.  Contact me at Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com if you’d like to book.***

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If you are planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland between May 31 (Opening Day!) and June 23 2019, a reservation is required.  Reservations will be limited, and are not guaranteed.  Earlier this morning, Disney released more information as to how to make your reservations to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  I am sharing these details with you below.

Reservations open today, May 2, 2019 at 10 am Pacific time.   There is no additional cost to make a reservation, but reservations are subject to availability.  For more information, please review yesterday’s post, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservation Information.

How to Make Your Reservation

Starting today, May 2, at 10 am Pacific time, visit Disneyland.com and log in to your Disney Account.

Before you log in, you should have the names of everyone (up to six guests total per reservation) that will be part of your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation.

Have a few alternative dates and times in mind, in case your first choice isn’t available.

You won’t need to have valid theme park admission to make your reservation; however you will have to have valid theme park admission to enter Disneyland and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

To enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with your reservation, you will need valid theme park admission, your reservation information and a valid government issued ID.  The guest that made the original reservation, as well as any guests on the reservation 18 or over 18 will be required to show a valid government ID.  Children under the age of 3 will not need a Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation.

Only guests that are listed on the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation will be admitted, and they must have proper ID.

Once your reservation has been made, no changes or modifications will be allowed.  If you transfer or sell your reservation to someone else, your reservation is void.  Unused reservations will be cancelled and not replaced.

How to Make Reservations for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open May 31, 2019, at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, and Aug. 29, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Disney Parks)

Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests

Guests who are staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, or Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel) between May 31 and June 23 do not need to make a reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.com.  All resort guests will receive a designated reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay.

Each registered guest will receive a designated reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Valid theme park admission and valid government issued ID will be required to use your reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at your appointed date and time.

*Note: If you cancel your Disneyland Resort reservation, your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation will also be cancelled.

The Fine Print

Reservations will be limited, and subject to capacity.  Experiences within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be subject to capacity and are not guaranteed.

Disney Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Merchandise
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Park Exclusive Merchandise (Photo: Disney Parks)

After June 23, 2019, reservations will NOT be required to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  However, access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and any Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attractions and experiences will be subject to capacity.  Access is not guaranteed.

Good Luck!  Please comment below if you are planning to visit between May 31 and June 23, and tell us when your reservation is!  We’d love to hear about your experiences!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Launches Free Dining Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

P.S.:  If you want to guarantee a reservation to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge between May 31 and June 23, there are still Disneyland Resort rooms available.  Contact me today at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com to learn more!