Earlier this week, Disney increased ticket prices at both its US theme parks. The price increases came without any official announcement, but not without precedent. Disney has increased prices for its theme parks every year for the last several years, frequently in February. Notably, last year we saw more than one price increase.
Disney Skyliner: Tower of Terror (Photo: DIsney Parks)
Last year’s dramatic increases seemed to be directly in anticipation of increased demand due to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the new Skyliner transportation system.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Photo: Disney Parks)
With new attractions opening soon in both Hollywood Studios and Epcot, I’m assuming this year’s increase is indicative that Disney believes additional demand will soon follow. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens very soon on March 4, 2020. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will open in the France Pavilion at Epcot sometime this summer. We don’t have a firm date yet, but I’m hopeful for early summer.
Disney Increases Ticket Prices – WDW Base Tickets
This increase is almost sneaky. The lowest price for a one day ticket is $109 (plus tax), and the highest price for a one day ticket is $159 (plus tax). However, while the top and bottom prices for a one day ticket remain the same, if you look through the calendar, you’ll see that the prices on many individual dates have increased. For example, last week, a one day ticket for Sunday, February 23, 2020 was $118 plus tax. Today, that same ticket is $125 plus tax.
Disney uses a date-based system for ticket pricing. Prices are highest during the most popular days, and lowest during the least popular days. For example, you’ll find prices higher during spring break and over the Christmas holidays. If you’d like to see ticket prices for your planned dates, please visit Disney’s website.
Disney also incentivizes guests to choose longer tickets over shortest. If you buy a park ticket with 3 or more days, you will start to see a per day discount. The best discount is on the 10-day ticket: With the new prices, a 10 day ticket now ranges from $52 per day to $67 per day (plus tax).
Disney Increases Ticket Prices – WDW Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus Options
The price to add the Park Hopper option to your tickets has increased $5 per Park Hopper. Basically, whatever your base tickets cost, you would add the Park Hopper option to that cost. Here is the new pricing structure for Park Hoppers:
$65 per ticket for 1-day tickets
$75 per ticket for 2-day or 3-day tickets
$85 per ticket for 4-day to 10-day tickets
Personally, I love the flexibility the Park Hopper option provides. For more information about the various ticket options, please check out this post.
Park Hopper Plus tickets allow guest to “hop” between Disney theme parks in a single day, however they also add additional access. With the Park Hopper Plus, you get access to the water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach), Wide World of Sports, the NBA Experience, two miniature golf courses, and Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course. The Park Hopper Plus option is $20 more than the regular Park Hopper option. Here is the new pricing structure for Park Hopper Plus add-ons.
$85 per ticket for 1-day tickets
$95 per ticket for 2-day or 3-day tickets
$105 per ticket for 4-day to 10-day tickets
Disney Increases Ticket Prices – WDW Annual Passes
This one is especially painful as last year’s Annual Pass increase in June was a big one. I (foolish, I know!) was hoping that Annual Passes would be spared another increase so soon. Unfortunately, I was wrong.
Here’s a table showing the old prices and new prices.
Pass Classification
Prev $
New $
Disney Platinum Plus Pass
$ 1,219
$ 1,295
Disney Platinum Pass
$ 1,119
$ 1,195
Disney Gold Pass (FL Residents & DVC)
$ 699
$ 719
Disney Silver Pass (FL Residents)
$ 519
$ 539
Disney Theme Park Select Pass (FL Residents)
$ 439
$ 439
Disney Weekday Select Pass (FL Residents)
$ 349
$ 369
EPCOT After 4 Pass (FL Residents)
$ 304
$ 319
Were You Surprised?
Did this ticket price increase catch you by surprise? Will the higher prices have any effect on your Disney vacation plans? Please comment below.
Disney also increased prices for Disneyland tickets and Annual Passes. I will do a separate post detailing those increases.
Planning a first time trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland for your family or friends? Are you anxiously waiting for Disney trip that is a long way off? Are you looking for ways to get your family (or friends) excited about the trip? There are lots of great ways build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation. I get a lot of questions about keeping family members excited about a Disney vacation that is a long way off. Since many people are planning their Disney vacation for up to 2 years in advance, the long lead time can sometimes seem never ending and frustrating.
Super Patient Kids Waiting in Line (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
When Should You Tell Your Kids They Are Going to Disney?
There are some different ways to approach this. You know your kids better than anyone else does, and what is right for your kids may be different than what is right for someone else. There is no absolutely right or wrong way to do this, no matter what “experts” on Facebook or Instagram might tell you. Follow your instincts—and use what you learn for the next trip.
Option: Tell Your Kids as Soon as You Start Planning
For a lot of us, planning a Disney vacation is a very exciting time. It can absorb a lot of your time and attention, especially if you are doing a lot of the planning yourself. You may find you want to talk about it a lot. You may want to get opinions and find out about wish lists. That can make keeping a secret for any length of time super challenging.
If you have older (teenagers +), I think it often makes a lot of sense to involve them in the planning, or at least some aspects of it.
Sharing the planning process with the whole family can be fun. Having family planning meetings to discuss the trip can help build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation.
However, sharing the planning process can also be stressful. If your family has a lot of strong personalities, planning can turn into arguing very quickly. One person not liking a character or movie that someone else loves can result in hurt feelings or anger.
If you are planning a trip more than one year in advance, which is extremely common, family members, especially younger kids, can get very frustrated with the long wait or vacation.
For this reason, I generally don’t recommend telling little kids about the upcoming trip until you are just a few months out. Kids don’t really understand time yet, and “next year” or “year after next” just aren’t concepts that make sense to them. As a result, they may drive you crazy asking when you are going to visit the Mouse’s House until the actual trip.
Again, you know your family. I just want to give you some things to consider as you make these decisions.
Option: Big Announcement or Gift Presentation
Some parents decide to announce the upcoming Disney vacation with a lot of bells and whistles. There are tons of super cute videos on YouTube of kids being surprised with the news they are going to Disney.
As a scavenger hunt girl, this one is a favorite:
The Ellen show did a cute little montage of suprise reactions to the news:
Another fun idea is to present the trip as a gift for Christmas, birthday or graduation. This isn’t an idea just to surprise your kids with, either! Surprising your spouse or significant other with a Disney trip is super fun and can be very romantic, too!
Here’s a cute Christmas surprise:
Again, the time lag between the big announcement and the actual trip is something to consider. If you get your kids super excited with a big presentation but the trip is a year away, you may find they lose the excitement over time. Of course, there are LOTS of fun things you can do to build excitement every month, or even every week as the trip approaches.
Option: Tell Them Right Before the Trip (Or even ON the trip!)
Some parents prefer to spring the trip on the kids right before they leave. I’ve had clients who told their kids they were going to visit Grandma, and then surprised them in the car with the news they were going to Disney WITH Grandma instead. There are a couple of fun videos on YouTube where parents woke their kids up really early in the morning with the surprise that they were leaving immediately for a trip to Disney. The kids are too sleepy to really understand the surprise at first. Pretty cute.
Here’s a pretty great one where they find out they’re going and leave immediately. The mode of transportation to the airport is part of the surprise. It’s so cute!
What Works Best for Your Family?
As you can see, there are lots of different schools of thought on when to involve your family in the planning. When you tell the family way before the trip, you might run into “it’s NEVER going to be time” frustration or planning fatigue. When you choose to surprise the family right before the trip, you avoid the months of “when are we going?” questions, but you also don’t get to do fun things to get everyone excited. You have to think about your family, the time until your trip and how you want to handle the big news.
Personally, I like to have at least some time before the trip to build excitement. I want everyone to be looking forward to the trip, and I like to have time to build some anticipation and enthusiasm. However, I also tend to mostly plan everything out, based on my knowledge of the people I’m planning for. This can help avoid any planning drama or arguing. Again, you know your family, so involve them as much (or as little) as makes sense for your group.
Build Excitement for Your Upcoming Disney Vacation
Disney Family Movie Night
One of my favorite ideas to build excitement for an upcoming Disney vacation is a Disney Family Movie Night.
Scheduling regular Disney family movie nights where you all sit down together and watch a Disney movie is a terrific way to build excitement and minimize frustration. Because you’re at home, you can plan a mid-movie intermission for bathroom breaks. Before starting the movie back up, you could talk about the first half of the movie as a family. You could talk about what characters you might see at Disney when you visit. You could ask questions about favorite moments that could maybe someday turn into an attraction.
The idea is to have quality family time, good conversation with your family AND to talk Disney!
A Disney Family Movie Night is great Disney vacation preparation, even if your family members don’t know they have a Disney vacation in their future. It’s also a terrific way to pass the time between trips, or to lessen the post vacation blues.
I’ve learned that many of the classic films that are such an integral part of the Disney parks are not that familiar to younger kids today. Many kids under 10 (or even under 20!) have never seen classics like Snow White, Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty. You may have family members that have never seen Peter Pan, the Jungle Book or Swiss Family Robinson.
Knowledge is Power
While having familiarity with all the movies and animated series featured in the Disney parks is certainly NOT necessary to enjoy the parks, having seen these movies adds an extra layer of fun to any parks (or Disney Cruise Line) visit.
For example, if you have a meal inside Cinderella Castle, you may or may not notice two colorful little mice located high up on one wall, watching Cinderella greet her guests. If you’ve never seen the movie, you might not care about the mice. However, if, like me, you’ve seen the movie, you probably LOVE Gus-Gus and Jacque, those two mice perched up on the wall watching the fun. It’s a fun little detail that adds to the magic.
If you’ve never seen Snow White, you’ll still love Seven Dwarfs Mine Train—but if you HAVE seen the movie, the details in the queue and in the scenes you pass through will be much more fun and interesting. Visiting during Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival? The Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs topiaries are really cool, but if you’ve grown attached to them in the movie, you’ll rush to take pictures with them!
If you’re a Star Wars fan, walking into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is truly mind blowing. You feel like you’ve walked into one of the movies. If you’ve never seen a Star Wars movie, much of the creativity and detail won’t mean as much to you. You will probably think it’s a cool world, but it won’t pack much emotional punch or meaning for you.
The moral of the story is: If you have a few months before your trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, consider implementing a Disney Family Movie Night. You’ll build some important family time, watch quality family entertainment, and hopefully spark some interesting discussions. Even if you’ve chosen not to let your family in on the secret (upcoming vacation), you will all have fun on Disney Family Movie Night. And as a bonus, when you do take the trip, everyone will have even MORE fun because they’ll recognize characters and themes from the films.
Rey and BB-8 (Photo: Lucasfilm)
Disney+ and the Public Library
There are a lot of great ways to find classic Disney movies. When I was making the list for my own family, I inventoried my DVD library, and made sure everyone knew they could borrow from Auntie Brooke. You might be surprised how many Disney movies you have in your own library, especially if you love Disney.
Many public libraries will have DVD copies of most Disney films in their collection that you can check out for free.
NetFlix still has some Disney movies in their library, although not as many as they used to. Of course, you can buy Disney movies to your heart’s content, either digitally or on DVD. Amazon, Itunes, the Movies Anywhere app, WalMart, Target and many more are great sources of new copies of Disney DVDs. Like garage sales? Keep your eyes out for used Disney DVDs to pad your collection. You might be surprised at the great deals you can find.
Disney+ is a TREASURE TROVE. I am so happy with Disney+, I can’t even stand it! There is SO MUCH here. Tons of classic movies, lots of Disney channel shows, classic Disney animated shorts and lots of new Pixar and Disney shorts. There’s also ALL the Star Wars movies and animated series, as well as the new Star Wars series, The Mandalorian, which you can ONLY watch on Disney+. (It’s FANTASTIC).
The Mandalorian Photo: LucasFilm/Disney
If you’ve been seeing this cute little guy EVERYWHERE and wondered where he came from, he’s in The Mandalorian. Another great reason to watch!😉
The Mandalorian (Photo: LucasFilm/Disney)
Disney+ also includes National Geographic programming. There is just so much on that app, it’s amazing. If you don’t already subscribe, I highly recommend it! Our movie list for Disney Family Night has more than 20 movies on it, and they are ALL on Disney+. In fact, there are some movies that weren’t on my original list that I may add as bonus entries, just because they’re on Disney+ and I want my family to see them.😉
Countdown Calendar
Another terrific way to build excitement for a Disney vacation that is a ways out is a countdown calendar. These can be simple or super detailed.
You can even download monthly calendar templates from the internet, and print them out. Put a giant sticker on the day you leave for vacation, and let the kids cross off each day as you get closer and closer to the trip.
Calendar designed by Linda Harkness (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
We’re in the midst of planning big family trip for October. My mom made these amazing calendars on Shutterfly, using lots of pictures from our previous family trips. She gave them to us for Christmas, so everyone has a countdown calendar for the time until the trip. It’s super nostalgic and fun, especially because our two littlest vacationers don’t even remember their first trip. The pictures are proof they were there (even if they don’t REALLY believe us!) It’s so fun imagining them on this next trip. They won’t forget this one!
Calendar designed by Linda Harkness (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Mom incorporated the Disney Family Movie Night idea into the calendar, and put movie suggestions throughout the calendar, with a different movie suggested every two weeks until our trip. She also highlighted important dates for the grown ups, reminding us when to look for airfare, and when deposits are due, etc. She even included lots of Disney trivia and information about where we are staying.
Calendar designed by Linda Harkness (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
It’s super fun and colorful, and it’s really fun looking at it every month. The little ones are crossing off days as we get closer, and I know the excitement will build really high when we get into that final few weeks before the trip.
Disney Food Themed Meals
These days, even a trip to the grocery store can help build excitement about your upcoming Disney vacation! There are so many Disney branded foods available in grocery stores now. There is everything from apple slices to ice cream branded with Mickey Mouse or one of his pals! Here’s a couple examples of some of the stuff you can find. You could pack Disney themed snacks in your kids’ lunches one day a week, with a sticky note reminding them how many days until vacation.
(Note: These are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to click through my link to Amazon, I will earn a small commission on your purchase. This does NOT affect your pricing in anyway. Thank you!)
Here’s another idea: you could incorporate some of these branded items into your meal planning. For example, as your trip approaches, you could have a special Disney Food Themed Meal night. You could have Disney brand hot dogs, Mickey Mouse tater tots and Mickey bars for dessert. If you want to avoid using the Disney branded foods, you could choose a movie, and serve foods inspired by that movie. Alternatively, you could choose a theme park, and serve foods inspired by that theme park. You could even pull recipes from one of the Disney cookbooks and serve something that you might even find at Disney on your trip! There are a lot of Disney cookbooks. Here are a few that I really like.
You could even make foods in the SHAPE of Disney icons. Mickey shaped pancakes or cookies can be a fun addition to breakfast time or snacks. Be sure to talk about the trip during these special themed meals. Talk about some of the fun things you’ve got planned, characters you might see. You can even talk about the food you might eat, haha.
So Many Ideas!!
There are so many great ways to build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation. In this post, we’ve focused on Disney Family Movie Night, Countdown Calendars, and Disney Food Themed Meals. This article is going to the the first in a series of three, all designed to help you and your family get ready and get excited for your trip. The next article in this series will be out in two weeks. Please comment below with your favorite way to build excitement for an upcoming family or Disney vacation.
Disney’s newest attraction, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, opens March 4, 2020 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is the first attraction in Disney parks history to actually feature our beloved Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Other favorite Disney classic cartoon characters will also be making an appearance. Fast Pass+ reservations are now available for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway for rides on March 4 or later.
Concept Art: Disney Parks
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Fast Pass+ Reservations Available NOW
Earlier this week, we talked about the new Fast Pass tiers for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Significant changes were made to Tier One, removing all the rides previously in that Tier except for Slinky Dog Dash. Disney also added Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run to Tier One. Now, Disney has made another addition to Tier One. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Fast Pass+ reservations can now be made, but the new attraction is in Tier One, which means you will have to make a tough choice.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Queue Concept Art (Disney Parks)
Fast Pass+ Reservation Refresher
If you aren’t familiar with the two tier structure for Fast Pass+ reservations, here’s a quick refresher. You can book 3 Fast Pass+ reservations per day for each day of your trip (as long as you have a park ticket for that day). If you are staying on Disney property, you can book your Fast Pass+ reservations 60 days prior to your visit. If you’re staying off property, your window opens at 30 days prior to your visit. Your three Fast Pass+ reservations for each day must all be in the same Disney park. The system will not let you book two Fast Pass+ reservations in Magic Kingdom, and then one Fast Pass+ reservation at Animal Kingdom. Maybe someday that will be an option, but it is not at this time.
Slinky Dog Dash Fast Pass and Standby Entrance (Photo: Disney Parks)
When you go to book your Fast Pass+ reservations for a particular day, the first step will be to choose which park you plan to visit that day. Then, you will be prompted to choose which members of your party you want to book Fast Pass+ reservations. You can book Fast Pass+ reservations for your whole family at once, which is a nice time saver.
At Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom, there is a Two Tier structure for Fast Pass+ reservations. The most popular attractions are generally in Tier One, and the rest of the parks’ attractions and/or shows are in Tier Two. You will be able to select ONE of your three Fast Pass+ reservations from Tier One, and the other TWO will come from Tier Two.
Example
For example, at Hollywood Studios, there are now three attractions in Tier One. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Slinky Dog Roller Coaster, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. You can choose ONE of these three attractions for your first Fast Pass+ reservation, assuming Fast Pass+ reservations remain for these attractions. Note: If the system does not offer you any Tier One/Tier Two breakdown for Animal Kingdom, Epcot, or Hollywood Studios, it means that all the Tier One attraction Fast Pass+ are gone for that day. You will be choosing all three of your Fast Pass+ reservations from the Tier Two attractions.
Fast Pass+ Strategy Suggestions
If you are currently planning a trip for later this spring or summer, my recommendation for Fast Pass+ reservation planning at Hollywood Studios is as follows. For your Tier One Fast Pass+, I suggest you book Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway if it’s available. Traditionally, new attractions have the longest lines as EVERYONE always wants to ride the latest, newest thing. Theoretically, this attraction will be able to move a lot of guests through per hour, so the lines may move quickly, but we don’t know that yet. I may change my recommendation once the attraction has been open for a while and we’ve had a chance to see how the standby line moves. However, right now, I’m saying book your Fast Pass+ for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway if you can.
Photo: Disney Parks
If Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Fast Pass+ reservations are all gone by the time you are able to book, I would book Slinky Dog Dash Fast Pass+ reservations. This remains an incredibly popular attraction, and it does not move as many people per hour as a typical dark ride, so the lines tend to stay long throughout the day. I don’t think you really need to a Fast Pass+ for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run unless your trip plan requires you ride it in the morning. The lines are longest in the morning as everyone rushes to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge first thing. The ride does move a lot of people through each hour, and generally, the lines move quickly during the afternoon and evening.
If you have a trip scheduled in the next 60 days
If you’ve already booked Fast Pass+ reservations for your upcoming trip and ended up with Tier Two attractions you aren’t excited about, you may want to go in and make changes. I suspect a lot of Fast Pass+ reservations will be dropped as people replace them with Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Fast Pass+ reservations.
Also, if you are DYING to ride Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (and you should be, I’m hearing terrific things!), you may want to go in and re-do your Fast Pass+ reservations anyway. I say go for it!
Where is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance?
Until Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is Disney’s newest attraction. Many of you may be wondering how you’ll get a Fast Pass+ reservation for this attraction. The short answer: you won’t. At least not in the current season. Rise of the Resistance is currently using a virtual queue system. Once you are in the park, you request a Boarding Group. As long as Boarding Groups remain available, you will be added to a Boarding Group, and given a time to go to the attraction and ride.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
The good news: you don’t have to use one of your three Fast Pass+ reservations for this attraction. The bad news: Boarding Groups for Rise of the Resistance fill up fast every day, and there is no guarantee that you will get a Boarding Group at all. In addition, if you DO get a Boarding Group, but it’s a high number, there is no guarantee that you will be able to ride. Check out our Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance review for more information.
My theory is that once Disney gets all the kinks worked out, the virtual queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will go away, and Rise of the Resistance will be added to Tier One for Disney’s Hollywood Studios Fast Pass+ reservations. I could be wrong; they also may come up with a smoother, more reliable way for the virtual queue to operate. I will keep you posted as we learn more.
New Marquee is up at the Chinese Theater
Earlier this week, Disney unveiled the new marquee (sign) for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at the Chinese Theater. Formerly the home of the Great Movie Ride, the Chinese Theater will soon be featuring a ride in the cartoon world of Minnie and Mickey and their friends. The new marquee sign is colorful and a little reminiscent (at least to me) of the former Great Movie Ride.
The new sign is in place, but won’t light up until the ride officially opens on March 4, 2020. However, someone we know and love MAY have snuck in to try the lights out a little early. Take a look:
A little cheesy, but fun, nonetheless. Gotta love Goofy.
Take a close up look at the new marquee.
New Marquee for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Photo: Disney Parks)
Note: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is coming to Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park in California in 2022.
Classic Dark Ride or Something Totally New?
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be something we haven’t seen before. I mean, how has Disney been in the theme park business for more than 50 years and NEVER had an attraction featuring Mickey Mouse? That seems so crazy to me.
Imagineer at Work (Photo: Disney Parks)
The new attraction IS a classic dark ride, in that it is a (mostly) constantly moving ride system (think Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, or Pirates of the Caribbean). However, we are entering Mickey & Minnie’s world here, and it’s not like our world at ALL. We are entering the cartoon world via a train with Goofy as the conductor. I mean, what could possibly go wrong? The animation featured throughout the attraction is modeled on the Emmy award winning Disney shorts currently airing on the Disney Channel.
Concept Art: Disney Parks
I think we can expect great special effects and lots of colorful craziness. And of course, what would any dark ride be without a memorable theme song? I am confident that Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will gift us a theme song that will haunt us the rest of the day.
All Ages and Heights Can Ride!
There are no height restrictions for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, so kids of ALL ages can ride. Like most dark rides, it initially appears that you will be leaving the strollers and/or wheelchairs behind, and transferring to the ride vehicle. Disney has not yet released specific information regarding wheelchair accommodation, so I’m basing this on most other Disney attractions.
Are you excited?
So, are you rushing to book your Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Fast Pass+ reservations? Are you excited to ride this new attraction? I’ve been so impressed with Disney’s new lands and attractions in recent years (Pandora, Star Wars, Flight of Passage, Rise of the Resistance), I can’t help but be excited. I’m still sad the Great Movie Ride is gone, though. I probably won’t ever get over that. (I know, I know. Change is GOOD. I’m trying!) Nonetheless, it’s gone, and I’m hoping Disney is going to knock our socks off with this newest attraction. Please comment below with your thoughts!
Do you have dreams of visiting Europe? Of sailing the Danube or the Rhine, drinking in the beautiful sites? Do you long to tour a castle or visit a cafe at the foot of the Eiffel Tower? Do you dream of Adventure? If so, an Adventures by Disney European River Cruise Vacation is exactly what you are looking for. There are 30 Adventures by Disney European river cruises scheduled in 2021, more than ever before. Extra cruises have been added in response to the popularity of these amazing, unforgettable trips!
Adventurers can choose to travel along one of four enchanting European rivers: Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Seine. Some departures are reserved exclusively for families traveling without children, including Food and Wine and Oktoberfest-themed cruises.
Adventures by Disney European River Cruises
Rhine River Cruise
This seven night cruise will take you to stunning destinations in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Experiences include a Rhine Gorge Castle Cruise, a Heidelberg Castle Tour, an Amsterdam Canal Cruise and a Walking Tour of Cologne, among others.
There are also special Rhine River Cruise sailings, including a Food & Wine Rhine River Cruise and a D23 special fan club sailing
Danube River Cruise
Visit four countries and make eight stops on this seven night cruise through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Experiences include a visit to Durnstein Castle, a tour of Vienna, a Hallein Salt Mine Adventure, a Danube River Bike Ride, Exploration of Budapest, among many others.
Special Danube River Cruise sailings include Oktoberfest (an adult exclusive sailing), and Christmas Markets, which will include stops in Germany, Hungary and Austria, all decorated for the holidays.
Rhone River Cruise
This seven night adventure will take you through the south of France, with visits to Lyon, Tournon, Avignon and Arles. Experiences include Biking in Lyon, Truffle Hunting at Les Pastras Farm, Tour La Cite du Chocolate, and take a Steam Train in Gorges du Doux, among others.
Seine River Cruise
Explore the essence of France on this eight day, seven night cruise along the Seine. You will visit Paris, Conflans, Les Andelys, Vernon/Giverny, Rouen, and Le Harve. Experiences include visits to Normandy’s Omaha Beach, French Castles and Ruins, Monet’s House and Gardens, among others.
All Inclusive Luxury Vacations in the Heart of Europe
Adventures by Disney River Cruise (Photo: Adventures by Disney)
AmaWaterways
All Adventures by Disney European River Cruises sail with AmaWaterways. AmaWaterways is a premier luxury river cruise line. AmaWaterways consistently receives awards for the highest rated ships in Europe. They’ve received many honors and accolades. They’ve won Town & Country River Cruise Awards for “Best Overall”, “Best for Food”, “Best Onboard Activities”, and “Best for On-Shore Activities”. Cruisers’ Choice Cruise Critic consistently rates AmaWaterways five stars, and includes them in their top 3 European River Cruise Line recommendations. Cruises’ Choice has awarded AmaWaterways their Editors Picks award for the last several years. AmaWaterways has also won Reader’s Choice Awards for “Best River Cruise Line” from AFAR and Recommend magazines.
Your cruise aboard an AmaWaterways ship will be the ultimate in luxury traveling. Your cruise will feature locally sourced wine and cuisine, a comfortable deluxe stateroom, unforgettable views, and state of the art amenities, including internet access and in-room entertainment.
All Inclusive ABD European River Cruises
Adventures by Disney European River Cruises are all inclusive. All your food, beverages, activities and gratuities are included in your cruise fare.
Aerial shot of Danube River (Photo: Adventures by Disney)
Some of the accommodations, services and amenities you can expect while on your Adventure:
Deluxe cruise accommodations in an outside stateroom
Services of Adventure Guides
Access to local experts
Authentic cultural experiences
Private sightseeing tours
Services of the onboard Cruise Director and staff
Onboard Wellness Coach on most Adult Exclusive River Cruise Sailings
Fine dining (breakfast, lunch and dinner) served on board ship
All gratuities onboard and at restaurants
Chef’s Table specialty restaurant featuring a tasting menu
Unlimited local wine, beer and soft drinks with each lunch and dinner onboard
Select meals off the ship for special experiences with regional cuisine
Daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Cocktail reception, special welcome dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner
Bottled water in all staterooms, replenished daily
Onboard entertainment including a nightly piano lounge, karaoke nights, baking classes for kids and more
Special theme nights, including “Disney Bounding” where guests dress as casual, contemporary versions of their favorite Disney characters in regular clothes they have
WiFi in all staterooms and public areas
Adult Exclusive Sailings Available
While Adventures by Disney is a family vacation specialist, we understand that sometimes you want a trip away from the kids. Perhaps you are planning a honeymoon or an anniversary getaway. Maybe you want a more sophisticated vacation adventure. Disney has several sailings set aside each year as Adult Exclusive Sailings.
Contact me if you’d like more information, specific dates and itineraries for the Adult Exclusive Adventures by Disney European River Cruise Sailings. brooke@disneycastledreaming.com, or via instant message on Facebook, DisneyCastleDreaming, or via direct message on Instagram, @disneycastledreaming.
Adventures by Disney, in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower (Photo: Adventures by Disney)
Family Fun for All Ages
Adventures by Disney vacations are truly extraordinary for adventurers of all ages. Each Adventure by Disney vacation has some activities that specific for kids of various ages. There are activities and experiences geared to teens, while others are designed for younger children. Your Disney Adventure Guides will ensure that your children have the experience of a lifetime–exactly right for them, and their age group.
Adventures by Disney Family Fun (Photo: Adventures by Disney)
While your kids are enjoying their kid-specific activities, you’ll have time for more adult-oriented exploring, activities or tours.
See what USA Today had to say about Disney’s family friendly Adventures by Disney River Cruise Vacations here. Here’s an insightful review of an Adventures by Disney Danube River cruise from Travel + Leisure.
The Disney Difference
Worldwide, the Disney name is synonymous with quality. We all know that we can count on Disney to give us an amazing experience whenever we find the Disney name.
Adventures by Disney ensures that you can count on Disney’s high standards throughout your vacation, no matter where in the world you are visiting. If you are traveling with Adventures by Disney, you are guaranteed a culturally immersive, once in a lifetime experience that will show you that all vacations are not created equal!
Adventure Guides
On every Adventures by Disney vacation, your group will be accompanied by two or more trained Disney Adventure Guides. These Adventure Guides attend to every detail of your trip, letting you immerse yourself in the adventure. Adventure Guides are storytellers, and they work to make sure the story of your vacation is unforgettable. The Adventure Guides take pictures, lead excursions, educate, and spend time with each person on the trip. They work with local experts to guide your family and ensure that you will feel a connection to the people, culture and traditions of each destination you visit.
Cultural Experiences
It’s important to Disney that if you are visiting these wonderful, historical destinations, you have the opportunity to learn about the customs, traditions and daily life of the people, places and culture you visit. Adventures by Disney vacations bring you a unique and authentic experience that only Disney can provide. Each Adventures by Disney vacation is designed to feature special excursions or activities that enhance your experience and ensure that you leave a place truly understanding more about the culture you have visited. Adventures by Disney vacations include things you won’t necessarily find in the typical guidebook–but your experience will be more special and memorable as a result.
Photo: Adventures by Disney
Insider Access
The Disney name, in addition to carrying a reputation of excellence in customer service and dedication to creativity and detail, also carries a lot of clout. That clout helps Adventures by Disney provide access to extraordinary opportunities that aren’t available to the general public. Adventures by Disney give you a backstage pass to the world!
Family Fun
Each Adventures by Disney trip offers unique itinerary options. There are more sophisticated experiences designed for adults, and special Junior Adventurer activities tailored to kids. You will discover lots of special opportunities to create and share unforgettable memories you will all cherish forever.
Book Early and Save
Adventures by Disney European River Cruises for 2021 just opened up for booking this week. Book early and save up to $750 per person on select 2021 river cruise vacations when you book by March 27, 2020. Contact me for more information!
Adventures by Disney: Destinations Around the World
Adventures by Disney offers more than thirty different adventures across six continents. You can explore the wonders of Japan, Greece, Peru and many other countries with Adventures by Disney. There are adventures in Montana, New York, Yellowstone and Southern California. There are adventures in Australia and Africa, and throughout Europe. Most adventures by Disney vacations are 7-9 nights in length. There are a few Adventures by Disney Escape vacations, which are 2-4 nights in length, and give you a brief taste of an adventure. These Escapes are often available as add ons to other Disney or Adventures by Disney vacations. For example, there are several European Escapes that can be added on to an Adventurers by Disney European River Cruise vacation, further extending and enhancing your vacation.
Adventures by Disney
If you would like information about Adventures by Disney destinations, please email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.
Disney’s EPCOT theme park is well known for lots of good and even great dining options—but the fast majority of those can be found in Epcot’s World Showcase. Coming soon to Epcot’s Future World is a space themed restaurant we’re hoping will knock our socks off! Epcot’s new space themed restaurant is called Space 220, and it’s expected to open sometime this spring.
Announced last year, Space 220 was originally projected to open during the fourth quarter 2019. That was fairly aggressive, and proved to be a deadline the new restaurant couldn’t meet. Later, February 2020 appeared to be the planned opening target, but more recently I’m seeing projections of late February/early March. I suspect we may see soft openings sometime in March, with the official opening happening in April. That’s not from the powers that be, that’s just my supposition, based on what I’ve been seeing and hearing as the project progresses.
I’m excited about the theming and story of this new restaurant. The story is that you are traveling to the Centurian Space Station for your meal. The Centurian Space Station is 220 miles above the Earth’s surface (that’s where the Space 220 comes from). While you dine, you’ll have stunning day and night views of Earth below and the Space that surrounds the Space Station. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Guests will enter a special space elevator that will quickly take them to the Space Station, with spectacular views along the way.
Location
Space 220 is located backstage, behind Mission Space. The entrance for Space 220 will be part of the Mission Space building. Have you ever been to Coral Reef at the Living Seas Pavilion? Coral Reef is part of the Living Seas Pavilion, but it has its own separate entrance around to the side. I believe Space 220 is using a similar configuration.
Epcot’s Mission Space. (Photo Disney Parks)
It is my understanding that Space 220 is set in the Mission Space universe—so we are a little bit in the future but not TOO far. The Centurian Space Station is a resource for the missions that happen at Mission Space. We may see some Mission Space tie-ins inside Space 220, but that has not been confirmed.
Food
We don’t have a menu yet for this new space themed restaurant in Epcot’s Future World, however, I feel confident that we will NOT be served Tang and freeze dried Ice Cream. Space 220 is being operated by the Patina Group, a company behind many of the most successful restaurants at Disney Springs and across the country. The Patina Group already operates several of the better restaurants at Epcot, including Via Napoli and Tutti Italia. They are also responsible for Morimoto Asia, Maria and Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, Pizza Ponte and The Edison at Disney Springs. I especially love Morimoto Asia, which is very elegant and lovely. The food is really good too!
Morimoto Asia (Photo Disney Parks)
The Patina Group has more than 60 restaurants across the country, including Tortilla Joe, Napolini Pizzaria, Catal Restaurant and UVA Bar and Restaurant at Downtown Disney in California.
We haven’t been given much information yet about the food. All we know is “American Modern”. I’m not exactly sure what that will mean. Hopefully, now that we are getting closer to an actual opening, menus will be released soon.
Concept Art
We don’t have any official interior pictures from Disney yet for this new restaurant. I suspect we will get pictures when Disney is ready to give us an opening date and makes Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) available for Space 220.
We do have some concept art for this new addition to Future World, however.
Space 220 Concept Art. (Art by Disney Parks)
Based on the concept art, it looks like we can expect tiered seating, so everyone will have a view from their table of the giant windows looking out into Space and down at Earth.
Since the concept is that we are dining on the Centurian Space Station, I think we can expect the views out the windows to change as we move through Space, 220 miles above the Earth.
Space 220 Concept Art, Disney Parks
Advance Dining Reservations
As I mentioned above, we do not yet a have an official opening date for Epcot’s new space themed restaurant, Space 220. Disney has also not yet made Advance Dining Reservations available for the new restaurant. I think we can expect ADRs to be available shortly before the new restaurant opens, and the standard 180 day window to apply thereafter.
I’m sure this will be a very popular reservation, at least initially. Anytime there is anything new, we all clamor to check it out as soon as we can. Ironic, given how loud we yell whenever Disney changes anything, or god forbid, eliminates an attraction. Yes I’m still bitter that Horizons is gone. 😉
Once initial reviews are out about the food and the experience, we may see demand level off. However, if the experience is good (which I’m assuming it will be!) and the food is decent, I suspect Space 220 will join the list of “must get” ADRs for Disney trip planners.
Stay Tuned for Opening Date Announcement
As soon as Disney announces an opening date or makes Advance Dining Reservations available for Space 220, I will send out an alert and update the Blog. If you want to make sure you don’t miss the announcement, please click here to join our email newsletter mailing list. We send out email newsletters weekly. Occasionally, you will get an email alert from us when there’s big news. In my opinion, Space 220’s opening date and ADR availability is BIG news.
I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.
Update: Rumor Mill is reporting March 30 as a potential opening day for Epcot’s new space themed restaurant, Space 220.
I don’t have anything confirmed yet, but I am hearing a lot of rumors about March 30 from various sources. I will let you know once we have a confirmation from Disney.
Are you excited to check out Space 220? Do you agree that Future World needed a new restaurant? Please like this post and comment below.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been open for a few months now at both Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida. The newest Star Wars themed attraction, Rise of the Resistance, opened in early December in Florida, and in mid January in California. Read on for our Rise of the Resistance review.
Rise of the Resistance Review
Rise of the Resistance is one of the most immersive and stunning attractions Disney Imagineers have ever created. It is truly an outstanding attraction, especially for long time Star Wars fans. If you love Star Wars, this attraction is going to push ALL your buttons. You will come as close as you will ever come to actually BEING in one of the movies. Even if you are not a Star Wars fan, I think you will find it very challenging not to love this attraction.
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
Rise of the Resistance has all of the components of Disney’s BEST attractions:
It is incredibly detailed and excels at making you feel you are part of the story. Disney’s best attractions have always been the rides that tell a story and bring you into it. Rise of the Resistance uses excellent pre-show segments to get you into the story from the moment you enter the queue. Rise of the Resistance also uses cast members better than any other attraction I can remember.
It has giant, memorable set pieces. There are wonderful special effects throughout the attraction, and there are both audioanimatronic figures and screens that make you feel like you are part of the story, interacting with characters you know and love.
It is a long attraction–about 18 minutes. The best attractions are long enough to make you feel like you really DID something. Your time in line was WORTH it. Rise of the Resistance is definitely worth the wait!
It has great music. Rise of the Resistance features memorable, recognizable, heart pounding music that deepens your emotional involvement in the story. (Note: the music composed by John Williams for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge won a Grammy this past weekend!)
Most importantly, in my opinion: It is repeatable! There is so much going on in this attraction, I think I could ride it a dozen times and still notice something new. This is the true hallmark of a GREAT Disney attraction. I’ve ridden Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion tons of times over the years and I never get tired of it. I think Rise of the Resistance will join that camp of attractions we can ride again and again and always enjoy. Boredom will not be an issue with this attraction, I promise you!
Unlike Any Other Disney Attraction
I can’t compare Rise of the Resistance to any other attraction. It’s unique and full of new technology. In fact, Disney has applied for several patents for elements of this attraction–that’s how special and new the technology is in this ride.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Rise of the Resistance (Photo Credit: Disney Parks)
I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t go into more detail about ride specifics. This is an incredible attraction, unlike anything Disney has done before. There are several pre-show segments that keep you entertained and immerse you in the story. The ride vehicles are trackless, so you feel much more free and like anything can happen. There are different elements and phases to the attraction to keep it interesting and surprising.
I really hope this attraction is a sign of future Imagineering at Disney. This attraction is truly amazing, and a wonderful addition to both Disney World and Disneyland.
What are people saying?
Disney released this short video a few days after Rise of the Resistance opened at Hollywood Studios Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. I think the excitement and enthusiasm is really fun to see:
Virtual Queue and Boarding Groups
Rise of the Resistance is NOT currently part of the Disney World Fast Pass+ system. It also does not have a standby line. For Rise of the Resistance, Disney is using a virtual queue system. Basically, the idea is that when you enter the park, you tell the system you want to ride via the My Disney Experience app or by visiting with the Guest Experience Team (if you don’t have a smart phone). The system will then assign you to a Boarding Group, and give you an idea of when your Boarding Group will be called to ride. Later in the day, when your group is called, you will have a window during which you will go to Rise of the Resistance and be able to ride.
Availability of Boarding Groups
You won’t have access to request a Boarding Group until after you’ve passed through the touchpoints at the park entrance (where you scan your Magic Band or ticket and scan your finger). Boarding Groups are not available until the official park open time, either. So while I always recommend you arrive at the park early as you will often be let in before the official park open time, you will not have access to Boarding Groups for Rise of the Resistance until AFTER you’ve entered through the touchpoints AND the official park open time for the day has arrived.
Boarding Group availability each day is based on the projected number of guests that Disney expects to be able to ride during that day, based on the hours the ride is expected to be functioning. They have built in some downtime.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
The Good
You don’t have to hover around Rise of the Resistance for hours, waiting for a chance to ride–you’ll get an update in your My Disney Experience app, notifying you of your Boarding Group being called. You can go about your day and enjoy many other attractions and shows at Hollywood Studios while you wait. Assuming there is availability, using the app to request a Boarding Group is fairly easy and user friendly–as long as the app doesn’t crash. Once you are notified that your Group has been called to ride, you have a window of time. In most cases, this is two hours, so you don’t have to rush right over or worry if you’re in line for another attraction. Note: sometimes the window is one hour, so be sure to read your notification carefully so you know how long you have.
The Bad
Currently, the Boarding Groups are filling up VERY fast. Most days, all the Boarding Groups for the day are filled within minutes of the park being open. The impact of thousands of guests all trying to get access to Boarding Groups at the same time via the My Disney Experience app is that the app often crashes or locks up, making it very challenging to get a Boarding Group before they are all gone. Adding to this, the attraction has unfortunately been breaking down fairly frequently, which is also limiting the availability of Boarding Groups for visitors. The notification window for Boarding Groups has been fluctuating — some groups are given two hours, while others receive one hour. It is important to read your notification carefully so you don’t miss your window.
Intriguingly, Disney has been surveying Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance guests this week about the virtual queue and possible alternatives. I’m interpreting this to mean all is not going as well as they’d hoped with the system, and changes may be coming.
Ride Breakdowns
The biggest challenge right now is that Rise of the Resistance breaks down pretty frequently. I think because this attraction is so huge, and has so many moving parts and so much new technology, breakdowns at the beginning are inevitable. In my opinion, Disney rushed this attraction a bit and announced open dates that were premature. I don’t think this attraction had enough time to work out all it’s kinks, and guests are bearing the brunt of that right now.
Currently, guests impacted by a ride breakdown are often given passes enabling them to return and ride the next day, or to ride later the same day. I think guests directly impacted are being adequately compensated; however, this does not address the indirect impact. With the ride experiencing downtime almost every day, and often, several times a day, Disney is not moving as many guests through this attraction as they anticipated. As a result, many guests are not being able to ride the attraction at all.
While this is always the case with a popular new attraction (queue times for Flight of Passage still often top 90 minutes most days), the anticipation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is significantly higher than for any other land or attraction in Disney history. Most guests visiting Disney this year are EXPECTING to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and expecting to ride both attractions. With the current situation, many guests are leaving disappointed by not being able to experience this attraction.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)
What Can We Expect?
I’m confident that Disney is doing everything it can to fix the problems with the attraction, and hopefully, these breakdowns will soon be a thing of the past. I’m very anxious to see what happens with the virtual queue situation. So far, there is a lot of very loud frustration coming out of guests actually experiencing the virtual queue system, so I suspect some kind of change will be forthcoming.
Earlier this week, Disney made changes to the Fast Pass+ tier system (read here for more information). Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is now part of the Hollywood Studios Tier One. If the virtual queue system doesn’t work, I suspect Rise of the Resistance will soon be joining Tier One as well.
Even with all the challenges to actually ride the attraction, I cannot stress enough: This is an AMAZING attraction! I promise, even if you struggle with some frustration is getting to ride, it will be WORTH IT! This is a MUST-RIDE attraction if at all possible!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
What do you think? Do you think Disney will end up adding a stand-by line and Fast Pass+ reservations for Rise of the Resistance, or do you think they will improve the system for the virtual queue and Boarding Group system?
Have you had a chance to ride yet? I’d love to hear your Rise of the Resistance review if you have one. Please comment below!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (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
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.
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.
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
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
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 (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!
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!
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!
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:
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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
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!
P.S. To learn more about Skyliner, please check out these previous posts:
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 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!
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 (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.
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.
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.
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.
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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 (Photo: Destinations in Florida)
Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? What did you think? Please comment below.
Happy Dreaming,
Brooke
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.
