Category: Trip Planning

Disney World Fast Pass+ Tiers Are Changing!

Are you planning a Walt Disney World Vacation for later this year?  If so, this is BIG news for you.  Disney World Fast Pass+ tiers are changing to include the new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction!  This is MOST impactful if your trip is within the next 60 days and you’ve already booked your Fast Pass+ reservations.  If your trip is AFTER February 19, 2020, you may want to review your Fast Pass+ and make changes.

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon- Smuggler’s Run              (Photo: Disney Parks)

What are Disney Fast Pass+ Tiers?

If you’re an experienced Disney World vacation planner, you have been dealing with the Fast Pass+ reservation tier structure for a couple of years now.  Skip ahead to the next section to learn about the changes.

However, if you are new to Disney World vacation planning, you may not know about Disney’s tier structure for Fast Pass+ reservations.  Basically, the tier structure is Disney’s way to spread Fast Pass+ reservations out over the most popular attractions.  The tier structure is designed to give you your best chance to reserve a Fast Pass+ for at least one of the most popular attractions.  The most popular attractions at each park are grouped together in one tier, allowing each guest to choose only one for their Fast Pass+ reservation of the day.  The remaining two Fast Pass+ reservations will be booked from the second tier, which will contain the remaining attractions in that park.

Example: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Fast Pass+ Tiers

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, two of the most popular attractions are the two newest:  Pandora’s Flight of Passage and Pandora’s Na’vi River Journey.  In a perfect world, you’d be able to book Fast Pass+ reservations for both of these popular attractions for your Animal Kingdom visit.  However, Disney makes that impossible by putting these two popular attractions in their own tier.  At Animal Kingdom, you can choose ONE Fast Pass+ reservation from Tier One, which has both Pandora attractions in it, and TWO Fast Pass+ reservations from Tier Two, which includes all other attractions.

Disney Animal Kingdom Pandora Vacation Planning
The Islands of Pandora                                                    Photo: Brooke Hudson

In this example, Flight of Passage Fast Pass+ reservations might all be gone by the time you try to make your Fast Pass+ reservations, but you would still be able to book a Fast Pass+ reservation for Na’vi River Journey.  This helps give guests the perception that they are able to book Fast Pass+ reservations for the most popular attractions, even when many of the Fast Pass+ reservations book up super quickly.

Keep in mind that with your Disney park ticket, you are able to book three Fast Pass+ reservations per day.  These three reservations are limited to ONE park.  Once you are at the park and have used all three reservations, you’ll be able to book additional, unlimited, Fast Pass+ reservations, one at a time, through the My Disney Experience app on your phone.  There are also Fast Pass+ kiosks in various locations throughout the parks where you can book additional reservations if you don’t have a smart phone.

Check out this post, this post or this post for more Fast Pass+ planning information.

Disney World Fast Pass+ Tiers Changes

Effective on February 19, 2020, the current tier structure for Fast Pass+ reservations at Hollywood Studios is changing.  Currently, Tier One attractions include Toy Story Mania!, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers.  This all changes February 19, 2020.

Disney Vacation Planning Disney Hollywood Studios Disney Trip Planning
Tower of Terror                                                                     Photo: Brooke Hudson

The new Hollywood Studios Tier One attractions will be Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Slinky Dog Dash.  Guests making Fast Pass+ reservations will be able to choose ONE of these two attractions for their first Fast Pass+ reservation of the day.  All other attractions will now be in Tier Two, and be available for the remaining two Fast Pass+ reservations of the day.

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

Keep in mind, once you have used your three Fast Pass+ reservations, you can book more.  You’ll be able to book additional Fast Pass+ reservations via the My Disney Experience App on your phone.  You can book an unlimited number of additional reservations throughout your day, one at at a time, as you use them.

Disney World Fast Pass+ Tier One Attractions (as of February 19, 2020)

Here’s a list of the Tier One attractions for each park after the changes:

Epcot: Soarin’, Test Track, Frozen Ever After and Epcot Forever (nighttime show)

Animal Kingdom: Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey

Hollywood Studios: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Slinky Dog Dash

Magic Kingdom: There are no Tier One attractions.  All attractions are available for Fast Pass+ booking at the same time.

What About Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the second major attraction at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened in December.  Right now, Disney is experimenting with a virtual queue system to enable guests at the park each day to ride.  There are no immediate plans at this time to add Rise of the Resistance to the Fast Pass+ system.  Depending on the overall success of the virtual queue system, we may see that continue.   If it works well, I bet we will see this with other new attractions as they come online.  If it doesn’t work, we may see it disappear.  In addition, I suspect we will see Rise of the Resistance added to the Tier One Fast Pass+ reservation system in a few months. I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.

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

Fast Pass+ Reservation Strategy Changes?

Do these Disney World Fast Pass+ tiers changing impact your Fast Pass+ strategy? I’m happy with the changes as I thought there were TOO MANY Tier One attractions at Hollywood Studios.  I felt like all my favorite attractions were all clumped into Tier One!  I especially hated choosing between Toy Story Mania! and Slinky Dog Dash!  Now that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has entered the mix, a day at Hollywood Studios is a completely different adventure than in past years.

How do you plan to change your Fast Pass+ strategy?  Please comment below!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

P.S. If you’d like help with your Disney World Fast Pass+ reservation planning and have already booked your vacation, don’t worry!  I offer stand alone trip planning services to help.  I can book your dining reservations, Fast Pass+ reservations and help plan your general daily itinerary.  Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information.

P.P.S. If you haven’t booked your Disney vacation yet, contact me today.  I can help you choose the best package for you and your family.  If you book your trip with me, it doesn’t cost you ANYTHING extra.  As a bonus, you’ll get the benefit of my Disney trip planning expertise.  I’ll be able to help you plan your dining reservations, Fast Pass+ reservations and MORE.  Email today for more information.  brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

 

 

 

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Opens March 2020

We finally have an opening date for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway  coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios next spring!  Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens March 4, 2020 in Florida.  In more good news, the attraction will roll into Disneyland Park in 2022.

Disney's Hollywood Studios vacation planning trip planning tips top reasons to visit Disney Disney vacation planning advice

Replacing The Great Movie Ride

When Disney originally announced that longtime favorite “The Great Movie Ride” was being replaced by a new attraction, I was heartbroken.  I don’t know about you, but I always loved The Great Movie Ride.  Granted, it desperately needed some updating.  Nonetheless, it was classic, and one of the few attractions left from the days when Disney Hollywood Studios was  focused on the “movies”.

These days, most of the “Studios” has left Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  There doesn’t seem to be much of the original focus on the “magic of the movies” left.  Hollywood Studios has continued to be a beautiful park, and feature favorite attractions like the Rock n Roll Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror–but what the heck do either of these have to do with MOVIES?????

Disney Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror Holiday
Disney Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror Holiday

However, with the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge this year and Toy Story Land last year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has returned to a MUST NOT MISS park after a few years of construction and many closed attractions (to make way for Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge).

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
Disney Parks: Concept Art

Adding this new attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, is sure to add even more juice to a park that is currently fairly jam packed with must-do attractions.  Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway has no height or age restrictions.  Hopefully this new attraction will appeal to guests of all ages.

Disney released a short video featuring the new attraction.  Check it out below:

Can you believe Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be the first theme park ride to actually feature Mickey Mouse and his friends??  How crazy does that seem?  It all started with a mouse. Mickey’s all over the parks, but he’s never had his own ride before.

Disney Parks Concept Art

That all changes with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.  And in a not-so-surprising twist, this attraction will feature more “hidden mickeys” than any other attraction in Disney history or around the world.

Modern Disney Animation

The animations in this attraction are modeled after the Mickey and Minnie cartoons currently airing on the Disney Channel.  Kids who watch cartoons on the Disney Channel today will feel VERY comfortable with these characters.

For those of us that grew up with a different style of Disney animation, the animations look a little strange; however, I’m sure we will get used to them.  They are cute, just different.  The current Disney shorts in this style have won awards and are VERY popular, so I think this newer style is here to stay.

Behind the scenes of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
Behind the scenes of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway    (Photo: Disney Parks)

We’ll visit the Chinese Theatre to join Mickey and Minnie on a magical adventure in the cartoon world where mouse rules apply.  We’ll ride a train with Goofy as the Engineer, and as you can imagine, hijinks ensue!

I’m always overjoyed when a new attraction comes to any of the Disney Parks.  This one promises to include new technology.  I love that it is an “all ages” attraction.  I think the best attractions are the ones that bring whole families together.  Grandma can ride, and so can the littlest of grandchildren!

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway Disney Vacation Planning Disney trip planning top reasons to visit Disney
Disney Artist Rendering Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Are you looking forward to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway?  I suspect I will always miss The Great Movie Ride, but I’m happy to see a new attraction in Hollywood Studios.  We’ll need something to keep us busy outside of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, haha.

Are you planning to check out this new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?  Please comment below!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

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

 

Disney Skyliner Takes Flight!

It’s hard to believe, but after more than two years of construction, Disney Skyliner is ready for take off!  Disney Skyliner officially takes flight for Walt Disney World park and resort guests on Sunday, September 29, 2019.  However, Disney Skyliner has been taking special guests and members of the press on test “flights” all week.

Early reports are VERY positive, and I cannot WAIT for my first ride!

Disney Skyliner Takes Flight

I am so excited to check out this latest mode of transportation at Walt Disney World!  Take a look at the latest video of Disney Skyliner, released by Disney earlier this week:

Partly a means of transportation from one park or resort to another, Disney Skyliner also looks like one heck of an attraction!  The views from the Skyliner gondolas look amazing!

Skyliner visits both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Epcot theme parks.  In addition, Skyliner visits four resorts: Disney’s Caribbean Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and the NEW Disney’s Riviera Resort (opening in December).

Skyliner Merchandise

Perhaps most exciting for the shoppers among us, there is LOTS of new merchandise available at Walt Disney World starring Disney Skyliner!

Disney Skyliner Ready for Take Off Merchandise
Photo: Disney Parks

You’ll be able to find Skyliner merchandise in select locations; predominantly at resorts and theme parks on the Skyliner line.  Merchandise will be available at the International Gateway at Epcot, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort, when it opens in December.  There is no official mention of Skyliner merchandise being featured at the World of Disney Store in Disney Springs, but I have a hard time believing we won’t be able to find SOMETHING Skyliner themed there, don’t you?

Check out these ADORABLE Christmas ornaments.  Has a Disney attraction ever been MORE perfect for an ornament?

Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks

Similar to the ornaments are these models.  If you want to have your very own Skyliner gondola in your home, one of these might be for you!

Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks

But wait, there’s more!  (Shocking, I know!)  Check out some of these options:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Annual Passholders, do not fear!  There is (of course!!!) special Disney Skyliner merchandise just for you.  Take a look:

Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks
Photo: Disney Parks

And, of course, because this is Disney and we know they want ALL our money, I feel fairly confident in assuring you that there is much, much more in the Disney Skyliner merchandise line.  And certainly, some holiday themed Skyliner merchandise will be coming.  I don’t know that for sure, but I feel reasonably confident, don’t you?

Are You Ready To Take Flight on Skyliner?

I love how colorful the gondolas (also called cabins) are.  Featuring eight colors and a TON of graphics featuring characters from Disney movies, theme park attractions and traditional cartoons, I think watching Skyliner from the ground is going to be almost as much fun as riding it.

Each Disney Skyliner cabin can handle up to 10 guests, including those traveling in wheelchairs or with strollers.  The gondolas are NOT air conditioned; however, they are vented, and Disney assures us that the cabins will be comfortable as air moves through them as the cabins move through the system.

#DisneyTransportationGoals

I think an excellent adventure plan for Disney guests looking for a challenge will be to plan to enjoy all FOUR methods of official Disney transportation on a given day. For example, you could start your day via bus and head to Hollywood Studios to start your day.  From there, you could take the Skyliner to Epcot, and then travel by monorail to the Magic Kingdom.  From Magic Kingdom, you could take a boat to the Ticket and Transport Center or one of the nearby resorts, and have dinner or drinks to celebrate your success.  Even more fun would be to plan stops along both the monorail lines and the Skyliner lines.  Lots of terrific options for Walt Disney World Resort guests!

Are you looking forward to your first ride on Disney Skyliner?  Please like this post and comment below!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

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

P.S. To learn more about Skyliner, please check out these previous posts:

 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

I’ve decided to run a new series of posts focusing on Disney’s WIDE variety of resorts.  This week, I’m focusing on Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.  Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has long been one of my favorites.  Even when we don’t stay at the Polynesian, we often make sure to stop by and visit the Gift Shop, grab a snack at Cap’n Cook’s or to take a walk on the grounds.

It’s All About the Dole Whip

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the few places outside a Disney theme park when you can get the beloved Dole Whip.  A creamy concoction of pineapple (or other citrus fruits) flavored dairy free soft serve, the Dole Whip has been a Disneyland and Walt Disney World MUST-DO since 1986.  Originally, you could only find the Dole Whip at a kiosk near the Enchanted Tiki Room.  Now, you can find them at larger, more permanent structures, and in more than one theme park.  However, you can’t find a Dole Whip at all the ice cream carts, popcorn stands or churro kiosks located throughout Disney, so Dole Whip feels a bit more like a treasure you have to hunt for.

Dole Whip
Dole Whips Anyone?                                                                 (Photo: Disney Parks)

Side note: Animal Kingdom features a Dole Whip window where you can add RUM to your Dole Whip.  You can also find this lovely rum treat at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.  Honestly, I think this might be what nature originally intended!

Of course, you can find LOADS of recipes on the internet (like this one), or buy the DOLE soft serve mix and make your own Dole Whips at home–but I think that takes all the fun out of it.  I love having treats we only get on vacation at Disney.

The Pineapple Lanai, located just of the lobby at the Polynesian Resort, features several varieties of Dole Whip.  Of course the traditional Pineapple flavor is there, along with Vanilla soft serve; you’ll also find Lime, which is served in a cone and topped with an orchid, and called the Te Fiti Cone (VERY popular).  Not on the menu, but available, is the Lemon/Lime swirl.  It’s pretty TART, though, so make sure you really love lemon and lime before going for that one!

Pineapple Lanai
Try the Te Fiti Cone or the Corazon Blanco Tequila Frozen Margarita Blended with Dole Whip LIME! (Photo: Disney Parks)

Periodically, they will also have special flavors or “themed” treats.  For example, in honor of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, The Pineapple Lanai is offering a “Yoda” cone.  Basically, it’s a Lime cone with two white chocolate “ears”.

If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, you can use a snack credit for a Dole Whip treat at The Pineapple Lanai.  Currently, a regular Dole Whip (Pineapple, Vanilla, or Swirl) is $4.99.  The version with coconut rum is $11.00.  Also available is a Pineapple float $5.99 and the Te Fiti Cone $5.29.  Finally, you can get your Float in a souvenir cup for $10.99, or your Dole whip in a souvenir bowl for $9.99.

Dole Whip Float
Dole Whip Float                       (photo: Disney Parks)

Now that we’ve got all that important Dole Whip information out of the way, I guess we should talk about the REST of the Polynesian Village Resort, hmm?

Take a Tour of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a Deluxe Resort, located on Walt Disney World’s Seven Seas Lagoon.  The Polynesian Village Resort is one of the original two resort hotels at Walt Disney World when the Magic Kingdom opened back in 1971!  In April 2015, Disney’s Polynesian Villages Resort opened its Disney Vacation Club resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.

Watch this video to explore Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.

Advantages of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

      • Proximity to the Magic Kingdom: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows are located very close to the Magic Kingdom.  A short water taxi ride, two Monorail stops or a short bus ride gets you to the Magic Kingdom pretty quickly.
      • Monorail Resort: There are only three resorts actually ON the Monorail line.  Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It’s hard to beat the convenience of being on the Monorail line.  Want to visit any of the other Monorail resorts?  Just hop on the Monorail?  Want to visit Epcot?  Just hop on the Monorail.  Want to go to the Magic Kingdom?  Hop on the Monorail.  Enjoying the restaurants and other amenities located at the other Monorail resorts is super easy when all you have to do is hop on the Monorail.
Polynesian Monorail
The Monorail Departs Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Photo: Destinations in Florida)
      • Design and architecture:  The Polynesian Village Resort has a “South Pacific” theme.  It’s about as close to Hawaii as you are likely to get in Central Florida.  The resort is lush and beautiful, filled with water features and has a very tropical flair.
      • Room Size: The standard rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are larger than the standard rooms at many other Disney resorts.  Standard rooms at the Polynesian Village Resort feature two queen beds and a day bed.  The rooms allow for five people and one child under age three.  Many resort rooms top out at four people, so the Polynesian is one of only a few resorts that allow for 5+ in a standard room.
Polynesian Resort Room
Photo: Destinations in Florida
      • Romantic: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the more romantic resort locations at Walt Disney World.  There are lots of beautiful spots to quietly snuggle and appreciate the scenery.  There are hammocks to relax in, and you can sit on the beach or near the beach and watch the fireworks over Magic Kingdom.  There’s even a picturesque spot where small Disney Fairy Tale Weddings are held.
Disney's Polynesian Romance
Photo: David and Vicki Arndt Photography
      •  Transportation: Disney’s Polynesian Resort gives you access to a wide variety of Disney’s free transportation systems.  You can use the bus system, the water taxi system, or the Monorail system.  You can take the Monorail to two other resorts, as well to Epcot.  From Epcot, you’ll be able to use the Skyway (after it opens September 29), boat or bus to visit Hollywood Studios.  The Skyway will also take you to four other Disney resorts.
      • Entertainment: The Polynesian Village Resort features a variety of restaurants and bars as do most Disney Deluxe Resorts.  However, there is a very popular attraction that can ONLY be found at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort:  Disney’s Spirit of Aloha dinner show is held nightly, and is Walt Disney World’s version of a Luau.  Guests enjoy an all you can eat tropical buffet, featuring Aloha pulled pork, Polynesian ribs, roasted vegetables and more.  The highlight is the entertainment: hula dancers, fire dancers, drummers and more!  (Note: You CAN use Disney Dining Plan meal credits for the Spirit of Aloha dinner show, but two meal credits are required per person.  Current regular ticket prices range from $66 – $78 per adult, $39 – $46 per child.)
      • Character Meal: Most Disney Deluxe Resorts feature character meals.    However, if you are a Lilo and Stitch fan, there is only ONE character meal for you:  the Character Breakfast at Ohana, at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  You’ll not only find Lilo and Stitch at Ohana.  They’ll be joined by some of their Disney pals, dressed in South Pacific vacation outfits.   (Note: Disney Dining Plan meal credits may be used for this Character Breakfast; one meal credit per diner.  Regular prices range from $24.50 for kids, ages 3-9 to $40.47 for adults and kids, 10 years or older.)
      • Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto: a tropical tiki bar, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a fun place to stop in for specialty cocktails, beer, wine or small plates.  Trader Sam’s offers a variety of non alcoholic beverages as well.  Many of the specialty cocktails are available in collectible souvenir cups.  The atmosphere at Trader Sam’s is fun and definitely worth checking out.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Disadvantages

      • It’s Pricey.  There’s no getting around it, Disney Deluxe Resorts are expensive.  And the Deluxe Resorts on the Monorail are among the most expensive on property.  I’m not saying it’s not worth it, because if you can afford it, it’s absolutely worth it.  It’s hard to beat staying so close to the Magic Kingdom, being on the Monorail, and having great fireworks views from the beach.
      • It’s VERY Popular.  Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows is one of the most popular resorts on Disney property.  As a result, it can be very difficult to get reservations there.  If you’re hoping to stay at the Polynesian, plan to book as EARLY as possible–at least 1 year out, if you can.  This helps increase your chances of getting the reservation you want.
      • Rarely Gets Discounted.  Related to the popularity of this resort, the Polynesian rooms or room/theme park ticket packages are rarely discounted significantly.  If/when discounts like Free Dining include the Polynesian, it is usually for a very small number of rooms and goes very quickly.
Photo: David and Vicki Arndt Photography

Not Just Another Hotel

I think my favorite thing about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is that when you are at the Polynesian, you KNOW where you are.  Full of unique sights, smells and sounds, it is clear from the moment you enter the resort that the Polynesian Village Resort is not just another hotel.  There is nothing “generic” about the Polynesian.  It’s special, and feels different than any other Disney resort.  Disney’s strength has always been theming, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows do not disappoint.

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Lobby
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Lobby                      (Photo: Destinations in Florida)

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?  What did you think?  Please comment below.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

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

Looking for a more economical option?  Check out this post about Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is HERE!

It’s finally time!  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is HERE!!  In just a few days, Walt Disney World guests will be able visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios.  I am so excited to get in there and take a look.  Even though we’ve already had lots of reports out of Disneyland visitors to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, I really want to check out the land at Hollywood Studios.

I don’t expect many differences, based on what I have heard so far, but you never know!  Until we can all get in there and take a look, hear the sounds and smell the smells—anything is possible.

A View From Above

Disney release this terrific video with an aerial view of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Take a look below:

How cool is that??

TIME Magazine: World’s Greatest Places

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Time Magazine Top 100
Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2019 includes Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (Photo: Disney Parks)

TIME Magazine has included Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in this year’s list of the World’s Greatest Places.  Each year, TIME Magazine releases a list of 100 of the World’s Greatest Places, featuring destinations that offer visitors groundbreaking, unique experiences.  It’s a great honor that TIME has recognized Disney’s newest theme park achievement, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

TIME Magazine took a look at a variety of factors when evaluating Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including innovation, originality, quality, influence and sustainability.

More Than 1,000,000 Smugglers Served

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at Disneyland on May 31, 2019.  Already, Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run has proven to be an extremely popular attraction.  Already, more than 1,000,000 guests have experienced the fun of this exciting attraction!

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon- Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)

The largest themed land in Disney parks history, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has astonished and amazed guests.  Guests have raved about the many immersive experiences and adventures they’ve had while visiting Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu in a galaxy far, far away.

Millenium Falcon Smugglers Run Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is HERE
An Aerial View of the Famed Millenium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (Photo: Disney Parks)

Rise of the Resistance

Recently, Disney announced that the second, highly anticipated attraction planned for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Rise of the Resistance, will open in Florida at Hollywood Studios in late December.

Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will join the resistance with their version of the attraction opening in late January 2020.

Star Wars Galaxys Edge Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)

Take a look at this post-there’s a teaser trailer for Rise of the Resistance, as well as some info about the music we’ll hear throughout Black Spire Outpost.

Dressing for Success

Many guests planning to visit Star Wars:  Galaxy’s Edge want to “look the part” and join in the immersive World as much as possible.  For some, this means choosing outfits that might blend in with the “locals” on Black Spire Outpost.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is here
Photo: Disney Parks

For children 13 and under, costumes ARE allowed.  This can include masks, as long as the eye openings allow the eyes to be fully visible beneath the mask, and as long as the mask permits good peripheral vision.

Costumes and masks cannot be worn by adults (or children 14 or older) at any time, except in the event of special events (like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party) that specifically allow costumes and have their own rules.

While Disney encourages adult guest to dress in looks inspired by the Star Wars films, or specifically to choose outfits inspired by Batuu residents, there are some big no-nos.

There are First Order Storm Troopers patrolling Black Spire Outpost so any armor, uniforms, helmets or weapons are prohibited.

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Costumes Not Allowed
Photo: Disney Parks

Chewbacca is a frequent visitor to Black Spire Outpost, so to avoid any confusion or conflict, no other Wookiees are allowed.

Disney recommends that guests wishing to fit in with the locals choose muted earth tone colors, and consider natural fiber fabrics with a handmade or rugged look.

Here’s some Disney approved examples:

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Dress for Success
Photo: Disney Parks

Please review Disney’s guidelines for guest attire  here if you have more questions.

Out of This World Grub

Are you ready to try some food from another galaxy?  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has LOTS to offer.  Guest reviews of the food at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland have been great, so I’m very excited to get to Hollywood Studios and try some of this out of this world food for myself!

Check out the feedback from these visitors:

I really want to try some of that Blue Milk.  Don’t you?

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)

Bonus: Mobile Ordering will be available for Ronto Roasters, the Milk Stand, and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo to help reduce time spent in lines!

Have You Planned Your Adventure?

I can’t believe the long awaited opening date for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios is finally here!  Are you ready? Have you planned your first visit to Black Spire Outpost yet?

Please like this post and comment below with when you will be visiting a galaxy far, far away.

It’s not too late to book your adventure for this year, if you’re on the fence.   Contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

P.S. For more information on what Cast Members will be wearing on Black Spire Outpost, check out this post.

P.P.S For more information about food and beverages coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge look here.

NEW: Mid-Day Magic Tickets at WDW

Walt Disney World has a new ticket available for a limited time.  Called the Mid-Day Magic Ticket, these tickets offer a discount for guests that visit after 12 p.m.  Available now through December 15, these tickets are perfect if you prefer a shorter day.  Targeting guests not staying on Disney property, guests purchasing these tickets will be able to secure afternoon and evening FastPass+ reservations (based on availability) 30 days before their start date.

Disney Free Dining Disney Magic Kingdom Disney Mickey Bars Disney Family Vacation
Photo: Disney Parks

One Park Per Day

The Mid-Day Magic Ticket are available for one park per day, valid for admission after 12 p.m.   They do require a start date when purchasing, and are available in 2, 3 or 4 day increments.  As with other Disney tickets, the more days you purchase, the less each day costs.

Here are the prices:

  • 2 Day Mid-Day Magic Ticket: $176 total plus tax ($88 per day).  Expires four days after the start date.
  • 3 Day Mid-Day Magic Ticket: $252 total plus tax ($84 per day).  Expires five days after the start date.
  • 4 Day Mid-Day Magic Ticket: $316 total plus tax ($79 per day).  Expires seven days after the start date.

Advantages of Mid-Day Magic Tickets

If you are someone who likes to sleep in, or go golfing or to the pool in the morning, this new Mid-Day Magic Ticket might be a good fit for you.

If you’re planning a trip for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year, and plan to spend your days mostly at Epcot, this Mid-Day Magic Ticket might be a good value for you, especially if your interest is mostly food and wine and World Showcase, as opposed to Future World attractions.

Mid Day Magic Ticket Epcot Food and Wine Festival
Photo: Disney Parks

If your family has a hard time getting going in the morning, and you find it challenging to make it to the parks before noon, this might be the perfect ticket for your family.

If you like to do Character breakfasts at the resort hotels (for example, Chef Mickey’s), and/or prefer to explore resorts in the morning, this Mid-Day Magic Ticket might be the right ticket for you.

Chef Mickey's Character Breakfast
Chef Mickey’s                                                  Photo: Brooke Hudson

If you are a night owl, and prefer to stay in the parks as late as possible, you may like this Mid-Day Magic Ticket.

This is a full access, regular park ticket.  So you can visit all attractions, parades, shows, nighttime entertainment and restaurants–as long as you go after 12 p.m.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge                                               Photo: Disney Parks

Disadvantages of Mid-Day Magic Tickets

Generally, if you’re staying on Disney property, tickets purchased with your vacation package are the better deal, especially if you want to take advantage of early morning Extra Magic Hours.

Crowds are usually heaviest at mid day, continuing through early evening.

In-park character breakfasts are out of the question.

Shortens the time you have available to spend in the parks.

Park Hopping is NOT an available option at this time.

Mid-Day Magic Tickets Available Now

These tickets are available for purchase now.  Email me, brooke@disneycastledreaming.com, if you’d like to purchase Mid-Day Magic Tickets today!

What do you think of this idea?  I think it’s a great idea for people that prefer to visit the parks later in the day, and spend their mornings doing other activities (like sleeping!).  If this proves to be a popular option, I suspect Disney will expand it, and continue to offer it after December 15.

Please comment below to share your thoughts!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

P.S. If you’d like to learn more about other Disney World ticket options, please check out Disney Park Hoppers vs. One Park Per Day Passes: The Battle Begins.

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

Free Dining is BACK!!

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!  Disney has made an exciting announcement today–FREE DINING IS BACK!!  I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Disney has released another free dining promotion for 2019.  It is fairly unusual for Disney to release this many free dining promotions in one calendar year.  I suspect Disney is not seeing the reservations for Fall and Winter this year  they’d expected.

If you’ve been thinking about planning a trip to Disney this fall or winter for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party, or to enjoy the winter holiday magic at Walt Disney World, NOW IS THE TIME TO BOOK.

Free Dining is BACK

The Details

Guests booking a five night/six day Walt Disney Travel Company package at a Disney resort, along with a Park Hopper park ticket are eligible to add free dining to their package.

Package must be booked BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2019.

This offer applies to packages for guests arriving during the following windows:

      • September 1 through September 18, 2019
      • November 17 – November 27, 2019
      • December 8 – December 23, 2019

Surprisingly, if you look at the dates above, you can see that you would be able to book a trip that includes Thanksgiving (as long as you arrive by November 28) or Christmas (as long as you arrive by December 23).  That’s CRAZY unusual for a free dining promotion!

Disney at the Holidays
Magic Kingdom Train Station  (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Guest who book stays in Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts or Disney Deluxe Resorts will be eligible for the Free Disney Dining Plan.  Guests booking visits in Disney Moderate Resorts or Disney Value Resorts will be eligible for the Free Quick Service Dining Plan.  Note: Not ALL resorts are included in this promotion and availability for this promotion IS LIMITED.

Resorts Included In Free Dining Promotion

Free Dining is BACk
Old Key West Resort                                            (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Eligible Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
      • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
      • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
      • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
      • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
      • Disney’s Riviera Resort (after it opens, December 16, 2019)
      • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Eligible Disney Deluxe Resorts
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
      • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
      • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
      • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
      • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Eligible Disney Moderate Resorts
      • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
      • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
      • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Eligible Disney Value Resorts
      • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Family Suites Only)
      • Disney’s All Star Music Resort (September Dates Excluded)
      • Disney’s All Star Sports Resort (September Dates Excluded)
      • Disney’s Pop Century Resort (September Dates Excluded)

The Fine Print

The number of rooms available for this promotion is LIMITED.

Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.

Minimum 4 night length of stay; minimum four day theme park tickets with Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option.

Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion

The following room types are excluded:  Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Table service restaurants may have limited or no availability at the time of package purchase.  Meal reservation availability is not guaranteed with this promotion.

Children ages 3 – 9 must choose from the children’s menu, if there is a children’s menu available at the chosen restaurant.

Gratuities are not included.

Free dining is BACK
Character Meals ARE included in the Disney Dining Plan!      (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Guests staying in Value or Moderate Resorts will be eligible for the Quick Service Dining Plan.  Guests Staying in Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts will be eligible for the Disney Dining Plan.  Guests wishing to upgrade from the Quick Service Dining Plan to the Disney Dining Plan may do so by paying the difference between the two plans for each guest on the reservation.

Don’t Care About Free Dining?  Here’s ANOTHER Great Offer from Disney

Disney's Riviera Resort Disney vacation planning Disney trip planning tips top reasons to visit Disney
Disney’s Riviera Resort  (Artist Rendering:Disney)

Disney also released an up to 20% off promotion for rooms at select Disney Resorts.  Reservations must be booked by September 29, 2019.  Most nights between September 1 and September 28 are included.  Most Sunday through Thursday nights between September 29 and November 7 are included.

The up to 20% off on rooms at select Disney Resorts may also be booked by December 24, 2019 for stays most nights, November 10-December 24.

20% Discount Tier

20% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, most nights September 1 – September 28, most nights November 10 – December 24.  This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7.  (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019.  Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)

      • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
      • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
      • Disney’s Riviera Resort (for stays beginning Dec. 16 or later)
      • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
      • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
      • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
15% Discount Tier

15% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, select Disney Deluxe Resorts and select Disney Moderate Resorts.  Discount available most nights September 1 – September 28 and November 10 – December 24.  This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7.  (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019.  Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)

      • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
      • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
      • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
      • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
      • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
10% Discount Tier

10% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, select Disney Deluxe Resorts, select Disney Moderate Resorts and select Value Resorts.  Discount available most nights September 1 – September 28 and November 10 – December 24.  This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7.  (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019.  Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)

      • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only
      • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
      • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
      • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites Only
      • Disney’s All Star Movies Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
      • Disney’s All Star Music Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
      • Disney’s All Star Sports Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
      • Disney’s Pop Century Resort(November 10 – December 24 only)

The Fine Print for this Room Only Discount

The number of rooms available for this promotion is limited.

Additional per adult charges may apply if there are more than two adults per room.

This offer can’t be combined with any other discount or promotion.

Theme park admission is NOT included.

The following room types are excluded:  Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.

Length of stay requirements may apply.

Florida Resident?

Florida Resident Disney Discount
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Florida residents can save up to 25% at select Disney resorts from September 1 to December 24 when they book by December 24, 2019.  Note: the number of rooms available for this offer is limited.  Proof of Florida residency will be required at check in.

25% Discount Tier

25% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.

      • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
      • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
      • Disney’s Riviera Resort (for stays beginning Dec. 16 or later)
      • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
      • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
      • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
20% Discount Tier

20% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.

      • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
      • Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Moderate Resorts are participating too.  Moderate Resorts listed below are offering a 20% discount for Florida residents for most nights, September 1 – October 3 and November 10 through December 24.  Most Sunday through Thursday nights, October 6 – November 7 are also included.

      • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
      • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
      • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter (15% Discount)
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (15% Discount)
15% Discount Tier

15% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.

      • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only
      • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
      • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • The Value Resorts listed below are offering a 15% discount for Florida residents for most nights, September 1 – October 3 and November 10 through December 24.  Most Sunday through Thursday nights, October 6 – November 7 are also included.
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Disney’s All Star Movies Resort
  • Disney’s All Star Music Resort
  • Disney’s All Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort

The Fine Print for Florida Residents

Proof of Florida residency is required at check in.

This offer can’t be combined with any other promotion or discount.

This offer does not include theme park admission.

Additional per adult charges may apply if more than two adults are staying in the room.

The following room types are excluded:  Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.

Length of stay requirements may apply.

Free Dining, Room Only and Florida Residents, Oh MY!!!

So, in a nutshell, there are a lot of discount offers available for you if you are considering taking a trip to Disney World this Fall or Winter.  There is a LOT to think about, and it can be overwhelming to figure out which discount (or which meal plan, for that matter) is best for you and your family.

That’s where working with a Disney Travel Agent (like me!) can help.  It doesn’t cost YOU anything, and I can take care of all the headaches you don’t have time or desire to take on.  I can help determine which package is best for you, and I can help with your trip planning as well!  I can even help with meal reservations and Fast Pass bookings.  Working with me will save you time, headaches, aggravation AND money.

Reach out today, brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.  I’d love to help you plan your next Disney dream vacation.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

 

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

P.S. – If you’d like to read more on the difference between the dining plans, and what you should consider when deciding if Free Dining is right for you, please check out the following posts:

FREE DINING for Disney Visa Cardmembers

Disney Launched Free Dining!

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!