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How to Build Excitement for Your Upcoming Disney Vacation

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.

Toy Story Mania Disney Vacation — 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.

Fast Pass Planning Build Excitement — Fast Pass+ Planning (Photo: Brooke Hudson

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.

Build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation Disney Movie Night — 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).

Disney Family Movie Night — 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.

Countdown Calendar Build excitement for your upcoming Disney vacation — 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!

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.

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!)

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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.

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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.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner — Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

Epcot’s New Space Themed Restaurant: Space 220

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 Mission Space — 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 Disney Springs — 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.

Epcot’s new space themed restaurant Space 220 — 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.

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.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

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

Rise of the Resistance Review

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.

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.

Rise of the Resistance Review of 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.

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 Galaxys Edge Rise of the Resistance — 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!

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!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

NEW Extra EXTRA Magic Hours Coming to Walt Disney World

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

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

Disney Extra Extra Magic Hours — Photo: Disney Parks

DAILY Extra Magic Hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wait, What About Epcot?

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

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

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

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

Why?

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

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

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

The Fine Print

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

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

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

All Attractions are NOT Part of Extra Extra Magic

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

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

Will Extra Extra Magic Hours Be Extended After November 2?

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

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

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

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

What do YOU think?

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

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

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

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

FREE DINING for Disney Visa Cardmembers

FREE Quick Service Meals on YOUR Summer Vacation?

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservation Information

Are you ready? It’s officially less than a month until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disneyland on May 31! Guests planning to visit Disneyland between May 31 and June 23, 2019, hoping to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will need a reservation. Read on to get Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation information.

Disneyland Resort Guests

The easiest way to guarantee a Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation is to stay at a Disneyland resort hotel. If you have a reservation at any of the three Disneyland resort hotels (Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, the Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel) during the “reservations required” window of May 31 – June 23, you will automatically receive a reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during your visit.

Disneyland Resort Hotel Grand Californian — Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa (Photo: Disney Parks)

In fact, you should have already received your designated reservation confirmation if you have a reservation at a Disneyland resort hotel during May 31-June 23, 2019. Your designated reservation confirmation shows your scheduled date and time window for your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge visit. If you have not yet received your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation confirmation, please call 888-854-3104.

If you DON’T yet have a reservation at a Disneyland resort, and would like to guarantee a reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, it’s not too late! You can still book a stay at one of the three Disneyland hotels for any night(s) between May 31 and June 23, 2019. If you do, you’ll receive a designated reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for each registered guest in your party. Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information. I would love to help you visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Disneyland Visitors

Guests planning to visit Disneyland between May 31 and June 23, 2019 that wish to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will need to make a reservation for their visit.

There is no cost for the reservation. Theme park admission to Disneyland is required to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Reservations will open on May 2, 2019 at 10 am Pacific Time. Disney is releasing “how to book” information at 8 am Pacific Time on May 2. I will post an update here as soon as “how-to” reservation information is available.

Disney put together this quick “Know Before You Go” video.

What You Will Need To Make a Reservation

Disney's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Reservation Information — Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservation Information (Photo: Disney Parks)

While we don’t have exact “how to make a reservation” specifics yet, we do know a few things that you’ll need before you make your reservation.

1. Make sure you have your Disney ID account set up at Disneyland.com. If you don’t have one, set it up NOW so you are ready to go when the reservation window opens.
  1. If you already have an ID for Walt Disney World’s My Disney Experience, you will be able to login at Disneyland.com with that ID. Double check to make sure!
  2. You will be making your reservation using your DisneyID, so it’s critical that you know what it is and that it works.
2. Be prepared and ready to go at 10 am Pacific Time on May 2. Disney is anticipating the reservation “windows” filling up fast.
  1. Make a list of a few different dates that will work for you. If your first choice isn’t available, you don’t want to have to scramble for the calendar to figure out your second (or third) choices.
  2. Once you have confirmed your reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you will NOT be able to change it.
  3. You can make ONLY ONE reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge per email address (Disney ID at Disneyland.com).
  4. You’ll be able to add up to five additional guests to your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation.
3. You will only be able to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ONCE during your visit with your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation. You’ll only be able to make one reservation for the entirety of the period of May 31 – June 23 with your DisneyID email. After the reservations required period ends, you will theoretically be able to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge every day, assuming new rules aren’t released, and crowd volumes don’t restrict admittance to the Land.

Visiting Later in the Year

What if you are NOT visiting Disneyland between May 31 and June 23, 2019? If you ARE planning to visit later this year, and want to be sure you’ll get access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, what should you do?

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

At this time, Disney states that no reservations are required to enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge after June 23, 2019. However, they are also saying that access to the land will be limited, and guests will not be guaranteed access. Admittance may be restricted, based on crowd volumes.

What if you plan to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios after it opens August 29, 201? Disney says no reservations required for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Florida. Of course that will be subject to change after Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening weeks.

It is possible that Disney may elect to extend the reservation window into future periods. It is also possible that Disney may use a Fast Pass/Max Pass type reservation to “schedule” access to the Land. Finally, it may just be a free for all. In that scenario, I suspect after a certain number of guests are admitted, no additional guests will be admitted until some guests exit the Land. We just don’t know yet.

Don’t Forget: May 2, 10 am PST Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Reservation Window Opens

I will keep you posted as soon as I know more. In the meantime, make sure you have your Disneyland DisneyID set up at Disneyland.com. Be ready to go tomorrow (May 2) morning if you intend to make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservations for May 31 – June 23, 2019.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

P.S. If you’d like to review our most recent articles about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, please check out these posts:

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise Coming Soon to Disney Parks

Update from the Dark Side: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Coca-Cola

HUGE NEWS: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge OPENING May 31st and August 29th!!!!

Epcot News: Big Changes Coming!

This week, I have EPCOT News! There are lots of changes coming to Epcot over the next three years. Some things you may have already heard about, some things you may have heard rumored before, and some things are brand new updates. Read on for all the latest Epcot News updates!

Former Wonders of Life Pavilion FINALLY Gets a New Lease on Life

Disney has announced that the domed pavilion that was once the Wonders of Life Pavilion, and that has served as the Festival Pavilion a few times for various festivals, is finally getting re-purposed. This new plan sounds tailor made for Epcot’s original theming and vision. Remember the original name? EPCOT: Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

The as-yet untitled pavilion will be a “play” pavilion. It will house an innovative city that will feature interactive experiences and hands on activities. Disney promises the new space will be “devoted to playful fun” and will include favorite Disney characters and lots of entertainment.

Epcot News Epcot Play Pavilion Epcot updates — Epcot: New Unnamed “Play” Pavilion – Artist’s Rendering

I’m fascinated by the city under the dome idea. It sounds like Imagineering is trying to capture at least a little of the spirit of Walt Disney’s original vision for a “prototype community”. It should be fun to see what they come up with! Disney also promises the newly redesigned pavilion will open in time for the 50th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.

Entering Epcot: Revamped & Redesigned

This bit of Epcot News has been a long time coming. Epcot’s entrance area, between the gates and Spaceship Earth is going to be revamped and redesigned. Basically, they’re moving the giant monolithic creepy “Leave a Legacy” stones from this area to an area outside the main entrance. They will be adding a fountain, more green space and pathways. But the main idea? To make the main gateway to the park look a little less like a graveyard.

I’m sure “graveyard” was not the intent when the original designers came up with the Leave a Legacy* stone idea. However, the end result (as professed by thousands of Epcot guests over the years) is, at best, cold and industrial, and, at worst, creepy and gravestone-like. Neither image is the first impression Disney wanted to leave with their guests as they enter the park, so changes are being made. Here’s an artist’s drawing of the new entrance way:

Epcot News Epcot new main entrance — Artist’s Rendering of Planned Redesigned Main Entrance for EPCOT

*For those of you that have pictures on the giant Leave a Legacy stones, please do not interpret this change, or my celebration of it, as a negative commentary on your pictures or your investment. I think it’s a lovely idea, and I think having a piece of your family forever a part of Disney history is a beautiful thing. I desperately want a brick on the Magic Kingdom walkway, so I totally understand! I’m just not a fan of this particular presentation. I don’t think the way they set it up is visually as attractive as it could be. I also think because they didn’t sell as many as they expected and there are so many empty spaces, it just feels a bit cold. This is my opinion, your mileage may vary.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with the Leave a Legacy stones, here are a couple of pictures. (Both Photos Courtesy of Disney):

The giant stones will still be a part of the Epcot landscape. The stones just won’t be located inside the main entrance as the first thing visitors see. So many guests just don’t understand what they are, or why they are there. I think moving them to a garden in a different part of Epcot, or creating a special area for them outside of the entrance with a plaque that explains what they are a little better would do them more justice.

Epcot News Update: Guardians of the Galaxy Themed Roller Coaster in Future World

At this point, the Guardians of the Galaxy themed roller coaster coming to Future World in 2021 is old news for many. Already under construction for more than a year, the new roller coaster will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s complete. According to Disney, this attraction will also be ready in time for the 50th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort. But since not everyone keeps up with Disney news, I thought I would give you all an update on this “coming soon” attraction. (Soon being relative in the land of Disney construction projects!)

What we know so far:

The queue for the attraction will be in the former Universe of Energy building. Ellen and the Dinosaurs have been moved into storage somewhere backstage. Fans of the Science-themed attraction have hopes that someday, we may see them pop up in another attraction somewhere. You never know! (However, it’s more likely they will pop up in John Stamos’ living room, or that of another Disneyphile!)
The attraction will be completed sometime in 2021.
The roller-coaster will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world when it’s finished.
The show building that will house the new coaster will be so big, we are told that FOUR Spaceship Earths could fit inside it! (Now THAT’s a BIG Building!).
This is not going to be a “typical roller coaster. Imagineers have promised that there is a heavy storytelling element to this attraction.
The coaster will feature an innovative ride system, with unique ride vehicles that will be capable of moving in different ways and directions to focus the riders’ attention to the story happening around them.

Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster — Guardian’s of the Galaxy Roller Coaster Proposed Ride Vehicle – Artist’s Rendering

Epcot: France Gets TWO New Attractions

Announced in 2017, two new attractions coming to France are finally starting to look like they are within reach.

First: Coming “soon” to the same theatre where the long running film Impressions de France plays multiple times each day will be a new “sing a long” version of Beauty and the Beast. This new film is not replacing Impressions de France; it is playing in the same theatre, but the two films will play at different times. Most likely to draw new audiences to France, and to perhaps encourage them to then stay and watch Impressions de France, I think this is a great way to capitalize on the popularity of Beauty and the Beast, while still preserving the integrity of the France pavilion.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

A new dark ride, themed to the popular Pixar film, Ratatouille, is set to open in Epcot’s France pavilion in Spring 2020. This ride, rumored to be an English language version of the very popular L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy at Disneyland Paris, is a trackless adventure where the riders are shrunk down to the size of Remy and his Rat friends, and embark on a crazy chase through the kitchen.

We don’t have much concrete information on this attraction yet. BUT, I’ve heard the original is a favorite at Disneyland Paris. Therefore, I’ve decided to be optimistic that we will be happy with this new addition. As we’ve discussed, Disney crowds get larger every year, so the more attractions we have that can absorb crowds, the better, right?

I think that adding a few dark rides in World Showcase is a good direction for Epcot to go. As long as they (Disney) choose rides that stay at least loosely connected to the country’s theming. (And no, I don’t think Frozen is a good fit in Norway! Arendelle isn’t a REAL place!!! That attraction should be in Hollywood Studios! But I digress….).

Ratatouille is a fun Pixar movie set in Paris, and the city is definitely a character in the film. Putting this attraction in France at least makes SOME sense. (And yes, I recognize I’m reaching a bit…). The purpose of World Showcase is to educate and excite people about countries around the world they may never have visited. Rides were never necessarily part of that vision. Films, shops, shows, restaurants, streetmosphere players…of course. But actual rides? Not necessarily.

However, as Walt Disney World crowds swell, and repeat visitors increase year over year, I understand the need for change. I’m not always great with change, but I do accept the necessity. Adding themed attractions to World Showcase is a change that makes sense to me. Certainly Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure might make more sense at Hollywood Studios as it is a movie-themed attraction (LIKE FROZEN). However, it also makes sense in France, as this particular film takes place in France, and it definitely focuses on France and Paris in particular, during many moments of the movie.

More World Showcase Updates

China is getting its own Circle-Vision 360 degree cultural movie experience. I don’t have a date yet, but it’s coming. Canada’s Circle-Vision movie is getting updated, and we’ll soon be seeing the updated version when we visit Canada in World Showcase.

Japan is getting a new signature restaurant. Actually, this was announced early last year, but recently it appears that construction finally began. We don’t know much about it, other than it’s “inspired by the natural beauty of Japan”. Given that construction has begun, I’m hopeful we will see this open sometime this fall.

Odyssey Pavilion Re-purposed

Disney Epcot Odyssey Pavilion — Epcot’s Odyssey Pavilion (Photo/Disney Parks)

The Odyssey Pavilion is that odd building that has been mostly closed for the last 20 years or so. It lives on the World Showcase Lagoon between Mexico and Test Track. This Pavilion originally opened in 1982 and started its life as a restaurant. It is a REALLY big space, and I can’t even remember the last time it was actually opened for regular use.

It’s most often used for special events. Presentations, conference events, sometimes festival events, Odyssey has served many purposes over the years. It’s even been used as a backup venue for outdoor wedding receptions in the event of bad weather.

However, last year, it got a remodel and opened again over New Year’s to offer an additional quick service food station for crowd flow. It was also used during the International Festival of the Arts to host several events.

Disney tells us that later this year, the Odyssey, or at least a portion of it, will be reclassified as The Experience Center. The Experience Center will feature interactive exhibits of upcoming park projects. The goal is to to help park guests visualize (and get excited about!) all the different park transformation projects happening over the next few years, leading up to the 50th Anniversary.

Space Themed Restaurant Coming to Epcot…Eventually?

Announced early last year, the building is finally in place in Epcot for the space themed restaurant coming at some point in the future. Well, it is Future World, so I guess that’s par for the course.

Disney Epcot Space Themed Restaurant — Space Themed Restaurant Coming to Epcot (Photo: Disney Parks)

The restaurant is going to be located between Mission Space and Test Track. It looks like it will be pretty big, based on the size of the building. Of course, these show buildings can be misleading. It IS expected to have some special effects.

In my opinion, this will be a very welcome addition to Future World. Currently, the only table service restaurant in Future World is Coral Reef. For a long time, I’ve thought more table service options were needed. I believe that going space themed, and setting it in Future World makes sense. The location is perfect, especially with the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster under construction in that same area.

The restaurant will be owned and operated by the Patina Group; they already operate a number of successful and popular restaurants at Disney Springs, Downtown Disney and Epcot. Patina restaurants include Via Napoli, Tutto Italia Ristorante, Morimoto Asia, Enzo’s Hideaway and many more–not to mention many restaurants in New York, New Jersey, California and JAPAN!!

Good-Bye Illuminations: Reflections of Earth

We’ve discussed before on this blog that Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, the spectacular long running nighttime show at Epcot is coming to a close later this year. While we haven’t been given an exact “end” date for Illuminations, expectations are that it will end sometime in the summer or early fall.

Imagineers are of course working on the replacement nighttime extravaganza. I’m sure this will be bigger and include more technology and special effects than ever before. Disney tells us that construction is already underway in the World Showcase Lagoon for the new show. The new show will include custom designed LED panels, pyrotechnics, “massive” floating set pieces, moving fountains, lasers, and an amazing soundtrack, no doubt. The new show will not make it’s debut until sometime next year, however.

Disney Epcot Updates Epcot 2020 Nighttime Show — Epcot Nighttime Show, Coming 2020, Concept Art, Artist’s Rendering (Source: Disney Parks)

Between the sun setting on Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, and the sun rising on the 2020 new nighttime extravaganza, there will be a limited time nighttime experience presented at Epcot, called Epcot Forever. I have a feeling this one is guaranteed to tear at your heartstrings if you are a longtime Epcot visitor. It promises to feature a soundtrack of favorite Epcot songs, and will include lighting, lasers, fireworks, music and special effects. I’m really hoping to make it down there to check this one out later this year. I suspect it is going to really be something special.

Disney Epcot Updates Epcot Forever — Epcot Forever Limited Nighttime Experience Concept Art, Artist Rendering (Source: Disney Parks)

Believe it or not, they still have MORE to come!!

As you can tell by the length of this post, there are a LOT of updates coming to Epcot over the next one to three years. What is even more mind boggling is that most of these are considered Phase 1 updates. Phase 1 updates will be in place by the 50th Anniversary Walt Disney World Celebration. However, there are LOTS more updates planned for Phase 2, although much of that is still early planning stages. Everything is subject to change as the world around us changes. Suffice it to say that Disney is investing a LOT of money into Epcot, now and well into the future. I’m loving all these Epcot News updates, and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

One word of advice…if you love Spaceship Earth, you may want to try and ride it a lot over the next year or so. I suspect it’s going to come up on the refurbishment list fairly soon. Once it goes down, it will be down for YEARS. Two years at least, possibly more.

What Epcot News update are you MOST excited about? What are you LEAST excited about? Does anything have you worried? Please comment below, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

Oh my goodness!!! You can tell we are getting closer to the opening for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland because suddenly we are getting lots of new information and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge updates.

Last week, a limited group of press were taken on construction tours of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Ever since, I’ve been combing their stories for updates and information to share with all of you. I’m working on pulling together information from those stories and more.

We still don’t have official opening dates but Bob Iger has said June for Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. For Florida? All we are hearing is “Fall” for Hollywood Studios. Anything more specific as far as actual hard opening dates we do not have. I think once Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge opens, we’ll get more concrete information for Florida’s planned opening.

While I’m organizing all the updates from the press tour, I have a quick cast member costume update. Disney has released information about what the cast members that work in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be wearing.

Planet Batuu Cast Member Costumes

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Costumes — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Costumes (Photo: DisneyParks)

With Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney is creating a world unlike any other it’s ever created before. Disney has promised us it will be more immersive than anything else we’ve ever seen, and while the set pieces and attractions are of course a big part of that–true immersion for the guest begins and ends with the cast members. If the cast members make you believe you are part of Black Spire Outpost, you will be part of Black Spire Outpost!

To that end, Disney has created a wider variety of cast member costumes with more accessories and opportunity for cast member creativity than ever before, especially for the villagers, “living” and working at Black Spire Outpost. Costume designers took inspiration from all the Star Wars films, as well as the animated series when coming up with designs. Unlike costumes for films that only have to survive a few weeks or months, however, these costumes have to be durable, breathable and comfortable. These costumes will be worn in the Florida and California climates for many hours at a time, possibly for years!

This week, Disney released the first images of the costumes we will seen worn by cast members on Black Spire Outpost.

Disney Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Updates Cast Member Costumes — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Cast Member Costumes: The Resistance and The First Order (Photo: Disney Parks)

First Order

Members of the First Order will of course be wearing military style uniforms reminiscent of those we’ve seen on film–very pristine, polished and orderly. The uniforms are dark and very structured, and imply stern authority. This group of cast members will NOT have the flexibility with their costumes that other cast members working in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will have. The First Order does not really tolerate creativity or freedom of expression, do they?

The Resistance

The members of the Resistance wear costumes that are also military inspired, but they have a more well-worn, well used look and feel. They have a more rugged look to them. The vests and jackets feature patches inspired by the communicators worn by members of the Resistance in the Films. Members of the Resistance will have different pants, shirts, vests and jackets to keep the Resistance members looking less regimented, and more like the Resistance we saw in the films. Cast members will also have hats they can wear when needed to protect them from the elements (or to help them hide from the First Order?).

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Costumes: Villagers (Photo: Disney Parks)

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Updates Costumes Villagers

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Costumes: Villagers (Photo: Disney Parks)

Outpost Villagers

Cast members that are Black Spire Outpost Villagers have the most variety and creativity with their costumes. The villager costume collection features different shirts, bottoms, and vests for lots of mix and match options. Cast members will be able to choose their combinations depending on their character, preference and personality. There are also a lot of accessories like scarves, belts, hats, necklaces and pouches to allow cast members to further individualize their looks.

Disney Star Wars Disney Hollywood Studios Disney Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge updates — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Artist’s Rendering

Inspiration and Creativity = Immersive Fun for ALL!

I’m really loving the idea that these cast member costumes won’t all look the same, and that Disney is giving the cast members a little freedom to really create their characters (within established parameters, of course). It sounds like the cast members are all getting a little improv training to be able to interact with guests “in character”. They’re also learning how to “help” move certain story lines along that we may be interacting with as we move around the park. This sounds unlike anything we’ve ever seen from Disney before. I think this is going to help make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge a truly immersive experience. I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait to check it out.

How about you? Are you getting excited? With every new piece of news, I get even MORE anxious for it to open. I really think this new world is going to knock our socks off!

That’s all for PART I of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge updates for March. There’s lots more on the way! Stay tuned!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

P.S. To review previous Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Updates, please check out the following stories:

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (March 2018)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (May 2018)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge UPDATE (November 2018)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Update January 2019

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