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!
Walt Disney World’s new Skyliner Transportation system has reached an important milestone. Can you believe that Disney Skyliner has already transported its one millionth guest?
As you may remember, Disney Skyliner opened on September 29, 2019, so in just a few short weeks, one million guests have already ridden on the new system! Guests are raving about the system. Common reports are that the system is smooth and fast. Many guests talk about how beautiful the views are, and how secure they feel in the system.
Disney posted a new video to celebrate one million guest riders on Skyliner:
Doesn’t that look like fun? I can’t wait to ride the darn thing personally, and I’m afraid of heights! I think it looks amazing, though.
Nothing is Perfect: Skyliner Accident Shuts Down System
Of course, as you have probably heard, Skyliner has not completed it’s first month without some challenges. Two weeks ago, there was a minor malfunction at the Disney Riviera Resort Skyliner station. One of the gondolas got stuck, and several Skyliner gondolas collided in the station.
Photo Credit: @Ada58974405 on Twitter
The Epcot Skyliner line was immediately shut down, and fortunately no one was seriously hurt. Guests were inconvenienced, having to stay in the gondolas out on the Skyliner cables. Some guests were stuck in the gondolas for as long as three hours; and it appears that Disney did NOT communicate with them what was going on. Ultimately, three guests were transported to the hospital to get checked out.
Evacuation
Ultimately, quite a few guests ended up being evacuated from the gondolas. Disney had purchased special equipment for the Reedy Creek Fire Department specifically for Skyliner gondola evacuations, and of course, LOTS of testing for the evacuation procedures had been done prior to opening day. The good news is that the Reedy Creek Fire Department and Disney team members reacted quickly and the evacuations went smoothly. Nonetheless, no matter quickly or how smoothly the evacuations were handled, I’m sure it was pretty scary for those guests.
Photo Credit: Aaron Murray @WaltyDis on Instagram
Photo Credit: Aaron Murray @WaltyDis on Instagram
Photo Credit: Aaron Murray @WaltyDis on Instagram
What Happened?
Several gondolas were lightly damaged during the incident. The gondolas that collided in the station all had their plexiglass vents open to allow for maximum ventilation. When the gondolas collided, those vents broke in some cases. Fairly minor problem, and I’m sure they were repaired quickly. The gondolas are equipped with insulated edges, and are designed to be stored, nestled against each other. So the actual structure of the gondolas and the gondolas themselves were not damaged at all; it was just the glass in the vents that were on the exterior of the gondolas that was damaged.
Photo Credit: @Ada58974405 on Twitter
Disney released a statement on Sunday, October 6, 2019, the day following the incident. “We have a team diligently looking into the cause of the malfunction on the Epcot line of the Disney Skyliner. We have been in contact with the guests, many of whom were on the Skyliner for more than three hours until we were able to restart the system. We express our sincere apologies for the inconvenience and continue to work with each guest individually.”
I suspect this statement means that the guests that were inconvenienced were compensated by Disney in some way for the incident. At least I hope so. I mean, if I were stuck in a gondola 30-60 feet off the ground for three hours, I would probably be a basket case! I did read that the guests were eventually told there were emergency packs under their seats that contained water and cool packs. Good to know. Scary situation though!
How Did Disney Respond?
As a result of the incident, the Skyliner system was shut down for several days. Disney brought in the manufacturer and conducted a comprehensive review of the Skyliner systems and operations with them. After the review, Disney released a statement indicating that they making adjustments to their processes and training. Disney also stated that they would be improving how they communicate with guests during their travel on the Skyliner system.
The Skyliner system and gondolas were designed by Doppelmayr Garaventa Group. Doppelmayr is an Australian company known for manufacturing chairlifts, cable cars and gondolas for amusement parks and ski resorts. Doppelmayr also builds urban “people moving systems”. They’ve produced more than 14,600 installations in 89 countries. Given the high visibility of any Disney project I suspect Doppelmayr has done everything they can to make sure this system is one of their best.
Photo: Disney Parks
Disney also stated that Disney Skyliner may slow down or come to complete stops during the ride. These “slow downs” or stops are primarily due to accommodating guests that need extra time to load into their cabin. As smoothly and as quickly as the system moves, it moves too fast to safely load wheelchair bound guests, slower moving guests, or special needs guests without slowing down or stopping the Skyliner. Looks like the moral of the story is that Disney doesn’t want guests to panic anytime they get stopped on the line, thinking it’s another accident. I am choosing to believe that Disney and the manufacturer have figured out what caused the accident, and taken steps to ensure that it will NOT happen again.
A Magical Way to Travel the World!
There are a few things you may want to know before your first ride on Disney’s Skyliner.
Because Skyliner is designed as a transportation system rather than an attraction, you cannot board Skyliner and just stay on it and ride around the whole system. There are six total stations, visiting four Disney resorts and two Walt Disney World theme parks. (Note: one of the stations is a “turn around” station, located between Epcot and Disney’s Riviera Resort. This is a pass through station for guests; gondolas will not load or unload at this station).
Certain stations are “end of the line” stations, and will necessitate that you exit the gondola. If you are continuing on to another destination, you will be changing to another line on another gondola.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort/Disney’s Pop Century Resort
These two resorts share one station. Both resorts are located on either side of a small man made lake, and each resort has a pathway to the Skyliner station.
Skyliner Station Pop Century/Art of Animation Photo Credit: Amy Micari
This station is the beginning of the Skyliner line (or the end of it, depending on whether you are coming or going!). If arriving at this station, you will always be required to exit your gondola. If you want to continue your ride, you can get back on again, and travel on from here.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The Skyliner station at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is the central hub for the whole system. Extra gondolas are stored here, and this is the largest station. All the various Skyliner lines ultimately go through here. If you boarding at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you will be taken directly to your destination without having to disembark your gondola. From here, you can travel directly to Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Disney’s Riviera Resort or Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
Photo: Disney Parks
If you have come to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort’s Skyliner station from another station, you may have to get off your gondola and change lines and board a different gondola, depending on your destination. For example, if you depart Disney’s Art of Animation Resort/Disney’s Pop Century Resort and want to go to Epcot or Disney’s Riviera Resort, you will be transferring gondolas at the Caribbean Beach Resort Skyliner station.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
If you board the Skyliner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and are going to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort/Disney’s Pop Century Resort, you will not transfer at Disney’s Caribbean Resort Skyliner Station. You will continue on through the station directly to your destination. However, if you are heading to any other destination, you will need to exit your gondola at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and transfer to another gondola heading to your destination.
Art: Disney Parks
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s newest resort, the European themed Riviera Resort doesn’t actually open until December, so right now, guests can’t board Skyliner from Disney’s Riviera Resort, nor can they disembark here (except in the case of an emergency.) Currently, the gondolas pass through the station without stopping. The station is staffed with cast members, and is ready for its opening day on December 16, 2019.
Computer Rendering: Disney Parks
Once the Resort and station are open, guests that board here heading for Epcot will not need to transfer at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. However, guests heading to any other Skyliner destination will need to transfer at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
Also, guests heading to Epcot from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will pass through Disney’s Riviera Resort Skyliner Station and continue on to Epcot.
Epcot
Epcot is an end-of-the-line station. All guests arriving at this station must exit their gondola. If you’re planning to continue on to another destination, you will board a different gondola and head to Disney’s Riviera Resort station. If you are planning to go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort/Disney’s Pop Century Resort or Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you will stay on your gondola through the Riviera station, and continue on the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station, where you will disembark and either end your travels, or transfer to a different line.
Photo: Disney Parks
Traveling on the Skyliner System
When you arrive at Caribbean Beach Resort station and want to transfer and take a different Skyliner route to another destination, you will exit your gondola. You will pick where you want to go, and enter the line for that route. Be prepared for at least a short wait (5 – 10 minutes) in the new line if you are traveling during busy times.
The busiest stations for loading are currently Epcot and Hollywood Studios. You can expect long waits at park close (up to 40 minutes on busy days), much as you would expect with the parking lot trams, buses and monorails at this same time.
Your Skyliner gondola accelerates as you exit each station, and decelerates as you approach the next station, even if it is a turn around or pass through station. The maximum speed of the gondolas in transit is 11 mph. When they are passing through the station, they slow down to about 1 mph for loading/unloading. (For comparison, most people start their treadmills at 2.5 – 3 mph). The gondolas load very similarly to the PeopleMover or Spaceship Earth. The gondolas will be stopped if guests need more time to load and/or unload.
Photo: Disney Parks
Travelers
Each gondola CAN seat up to ten people, however, Disney does not seem to be “packing them in” at this time. Most gondolas seem to be traveling with 5-8 guests, based on anecdotal stories from guests. That may change as busier days approach, of course. Generally if you have 5-8 people in your group, you will likely have a gondola to yourselves. Smaller groups or single riders can expect to share with others.
All guests MUST be seated at all times in the gondolas, no standing is allowed.
Strollers are allowed on the gondolas, as long as they fit within a 30″ x 48″ area.
There is no height restriction for guests to ride Skyliner. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, however.
Wheelchairs, Scooters and Mobility Devices
There are special gondolas designed to fit wheelchairs and ECV’s (scooters). Keep in mind, these gondolas are limited to six guests. There is a special loading area for guests with mobility issues, or that have wheelchairs and ECVs. The gondolas come to a complete stop in this area, and rejoin the main line once loaded. Guests will just need to inform a cast member when they arrive that they have wheelchairs, ECV’s or mobility issues.
No Air Conditioning
As you may have heard, the gondolas in the Disney Skyliner system do NOT have air conditioning. However, the gondolas do feature reflective glass and cross ventilation. According to Disney, these features will help ensure the gondolas remain “comfortable”, regardless of exterior temperatures.
I’m not sure how effective these features will be in the high heat of summer, when temperatures top 100 degrees; the Skyliner system opened at the end of September. While some hot days do still occur in October and November, we generally can expect temperatures to stay in the eighties and nineties, rather than exceed 100 degrees.
Early reports from guests indicate that while the gondolas are moving, there is a nice cross ventilation going if the vents are opened. Mentions have been made that on rainy days, water does “rain in” if the vents are open, but if the vents are closed, it gets a little stuffy. Time will tell if those are isolated incidents or common occurrences. Perhaps the vents can be angled to keep out the rain? I haven’t been able to check this out personally yet, but I will keep you posted!
Travel Times
Disney has released these time estimates for the various Skyliner routes. Based on guest reports, these seem to be pretty accurate.
Traveling between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: Less than four minutes.
Traveling from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Riviera Resort: Two to three minutes.
Skylining from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Five to six minutes.
Traveling from Disney’s Riviera Resort to the International Gateway at Epcot: Approximately nine minutes.
Skylining from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to the International Gateway at Epcot: Ten to twelve minutes.
Photo: Disney Parks
The Skyliner system official operating hours are 45 minutes before park opening (Hollywood Studios and/or Epcot) and one hour after park close (also Hollywood Studios and/or Epcot hours). Keep in mind that hours are subject to change due to inclement weather. Skyliner will not operate during high winds, heavy rains or when there is lightning. Basically, if Disney would shut down Test Track or tell you to get out of the pool, assume that Skyliner will not operate.
Disney Skyliner Transports Its One Millionth Guest
Despite the brief setback, Skyliner is going strong! Disney reports that Skyliner transported its one millionth guest this week. At that rate we will be talking about 100,000,000 riders sometime next year. Crazy!
Here’s another video from Disney featuring guest reactions to Disney Skyliner.
Do you have any questions about the Disney Skyliner system? Please comment below, and I will find the answers for you!
Disney has released a bunch of new trailers and featurettes in the last couple of weeks, so I thought I would pull them together for you to find in one easy spot.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
First up, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. Coming out on October 18, 2019, Disney is doing a full court press with tv spots and special featurettes for this one. Given it’s Angelina Jolie’s first film in a while, I am hoping this one meets my expectations (or exceeds them!)
The original teaser, released in the spring, really intrigued me. (Click here if you missed it.) The first trailer, released in July, (see it here if you missed it) looked very interesting and mysterious.
These three TV spots, released over the last week, appear to focus on the “scary” in honor of Halloween:
We also got this Maleficent: Mistress of Evil “Special Look”:
This “Return to the Moors” Featurette:
This fun look at Angelina Jolie’s transformation into Maleficent:
And finally, this “Tickets on Sale Now” TV Spot:
I’m fairly jazzed for this one. I thought the first one was a little odd, but beautiful and interesting. I think Michelle Pfeiffer is a great addition to this cast, and I’m hoping we get to see a bit of HER dark side.
Are you looking forward to Maleficent: Mistress of Evil?
Mulan
The first teaser trailer for Disney’s live action Mulan has been released, and I think it’s gorgeous!
Disney has chosen to take a more serious approach to the live action Mulan, so it won’t be a musical like the original animated version, and, I strongly suspect, there will be no wise cracking dragon voiced by a comedian.
I think these are good choices, and I hope that Mulan will be the powerful and inspiring “girl power” movie it should be.
Scheduled for release on March 27, 2020, Mulan is only the second Disney movie directed by a female director (Niki Caro) with a budget above $100 million. Based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored Chinese warrior who disguised herself as man to take the place of her ill father and fight for the Imperial Chinese Army against the Huns. Mulan features Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Gong Li, and Jet Li.
Based on the teaser, I think the film looks visually stunning. I really hope it lives up to its potential!
Frozen 2
The second trailer for the long awaited sequel to Frozen has been released, and it’s a doozy!
If you missed the first trailer, you can find it here.
Frozen 2 opens in theaters November 22, 2019, and appears to be focused on discovering the origin of Elsa’s magical gifts, and the impact of that search on Arendelle, the sisters and their friends. I’m a little disappointed that we still aren’t hearing any of the music for this new film, but I’m sure once it’s released, we’ll all hear way more of it than we want to, so I’m surviving, haha.
Both these trailers look a little dark–I suspect this is going to be a bigger adventure than the first film, and more serious. I’m very curious to see if Frozen 2 can approach the success of the first Frozen, the highest grossing animated film of ALL TIME!! Frozen also won two Academy Awards AND two Grammys.
What do you think? Are you as anxious to see Frozen 2 as I am?
Noelle (Streaming on Disney +)
Noelle is one of the first trailers released for films produced exclusively for Disney’s new streaming service, Disney +. Starring Anna Kendrick, Shirley MacClaine and Bill Hader (ok, let’s face it, whoever put that cast together deserves a BONUS!), Noelle is the story of Santa Claus’ sister, Noelle, and her adventures to make sure her brother does his job. Played by Bill Hader, Nick Kringle isn’t quite sure he wants the job and Christmas is in DANGER!
I think this looks like a lot of fun, and a great way to kick of the holiday season. This film will be live on the new Disney streaming service when it goes live November 12, 2019. Have you signed up for Disney + yet?
Lady and the Tramp (Streaming on Disney +)
Another new “live action” remake of a Disney classic animated film, Lady and the Tramp comes to Disney’s streaming service, Disney +) on November 12, 2019.
I have to admit, I’m not very excited about this one. This really feels like a case of “we didn’t need this”. But I realize this one isn’t really for me, it’s for the new generation, and they will probably love it. Because, dogs. Cute right? I will reserve judgement until I’ve seen it…but I’m not feeling optimistic, sadly.
Artemis Fowl
Artemis Fowl was originally on the schedule for this summer. Originally planned for release on August 9, 2019, the film’s release has been pushed back to May 29, 2019. I’m not sure why, but it’s possible Disney felt that having ensured they will have all of our money this year, they wanted to make sure to get some next year. Who knows?
Artemis Fowl is based on a popular children’s book series by Eoin Colfer, and features Dame Judi Dench, Josh Gad, Nonso Anozie, and two newcomers in the young main character roles: Ferdia Shaw as Artemis Fowl and Lara McDonnell as Holly Short.
The film is directed by Kenneth Branagh, who reports that the author has been involved with the film.
There haven’t been any new trailers, but I never posted the original teaser, so I’m including it here:
I’m not sure what to think of this one. I’ve not read these books, but I may have to check them out before May as the teaser looks intriguing.
Have you read these books? Are you looking forward to the film’s release?
It looks like we have lots of movies to look forward to over the next few months. Are you excited? Which of these are you planning to see? 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.
It’s finally time! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is HERE!! In just a few days, Walt Disney World guests will be able visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios. I am so excited to get in there and take a look. Even though we’ve already had lots of reports out of Disneyland visitors to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, I really want to check out the land at Hollywood Studios.
I don’t expect many differences, based on what I have heard so far, but you never know! Until we can all get in there and take a look, hear the sounds and smell the smells—anything is possible.
A View From Above
Disney release this terrific video with an aerial view of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Take a look below:
How cool is that??
TIME Magazine: World’s Greatest Places
Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2019 includes Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (Photo: Disney Parks)
TIME Magazine has included Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in this year’s list of the World’s Greatest Places. Each year, TIME Magazine releases a list of 100 of the World’s Greatest Places, featuring destinations that offer visitors groundbreaking, unique experiences. It’s a great honor that TIME has recognized Disney’s newest theme park achievement, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
TIME Magazine took a look at a variety of factors when evaluating Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including innovation, originality, quality, influence and sustainability.
More Than 1,000,000 Smugglers Served
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at Disneyland on May 31, 2019. Already, Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run has proven to be an extremely popular attraction. Already, more than 1,000,000 guests have experienced the fun of this exciting attraction!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon- Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)
The largest themed land in Disney parks history, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has astonished and amazed guests. Guests have raved about the many immersive experiences and adventures they’ve had while visiting Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu in a galaxy far, far away.
An Aerial View of the Famed Millenium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (Photo: Disney Parks)
Rise of the Resistance
Recently, Disney announced that the second, highly anticipated attraction planned for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Rise of the Resistance, will open in Florida at Hollywood Studios in late December.
Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will join the resistance with their version of the attraction opening in late January 2020.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)
Take a look at this post-there’s a teaser trailer for Rise of the Resistance, as well as some info about the music we’ll hear throughout Black Spire Outpost.
Dressing for Success
Many guests planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge want to “look the part” and join in the immersive World as much as possible. For some, this means choosing outfits that might blend in with the “locals” on Black Spire Outpost.
Photo: Disney Parks
For children 13 and under, costumes ARE allowed. This can include masks, as long as the eye openings allow the eyes to be fully visible beneath the mask, and as long as the mask permits good peripheral vision.
Costumes and masks cannot be worn by adults (or children 14 or older) at any time, except in the event of special events (like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party) that specifically allow costumes and have their own rules.
While Disney encourages adult guest to dress in looks inspired by the Star Wars films, or specifically to choose outfits inspired by Batuu residents, there are some big no-nos.
There are First Order Storm Troopers patrolling Black Spire Outpost so any armor, uniforms, helmets or weapons are prohibited.
Photo: Disney Parks
Chewbacca is a frequent visitor to Black Spire Outpost, so to avoid any confusion or conflict, no other Wookiees are allowed.
Disney recommends that guests wishing to fit in with the locals choose muted earth tone colors, and consider natural fiber fabrics with a handmade or rugged look.
Here’s some Disney approved examples:
Photo: Disney Parks
Please review Disney’s guidelines for guest attire here if you have more questions.
Out of This World Grub
Are you ready to try some food from another galaxy? Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has LOTS to offer. Guest reviews of the food at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland have been great, so I’m very excited to get to Hollywood Studios and try some of this out of this world food for myself!
Check out the feedback from these visitors:
I really want to try some of that Blue Milk. Don’t you?
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Beverages: Blue Milk and Green Milk can be found at the Milk Stand. (Photo: David Roark/Disney Parks)
Bonus: Mobile Ordering will be available for Ronto Roasters, the Milk Stand, and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo to help reduce time spent in lines!
Have You Planned Your Adventure?
I can’t believe the long awaited opening date for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios is finally here! Are you ready? Have you planned your first visit to Black Spire Outpost yet?
Please like this post and comment below with when you will be visiting a galaxy far, far away.
It’s not too late to book your adventure for this year, if you’re on the fence. Contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information.
Happy Dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!
P.S. For more information on what Cast Members will be wearing on Black Spire Outpost, check out this post.
P.P.S For more information about food and beverages coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge look here.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Reservations are now available for select Star Wars: Galaxy Edge Experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Opening on August 29, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the long awaited addition to Hollywood Studios, featuring an immersive guest experience in a Star Wars themed “world” like nothing Disney has done before. (Well, except for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, haha). Book your reservations NOW for sure-to-be popular experiences and dining adventures at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This will enable you to guarantee you’ll be able to take part in these experiences–if you have both the desire and the dollars to do so!
Build a Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop
At Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, guests will have the opportunity to customize and craft their own lightsabers. In this exclusive experience, guests will feel like a Jedi as they build these elegant weapons from a more civilized age. (Photo: Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)
I suspect Savi’s Workshop is going to be one of the most popular destinations for guests visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. What Star Wars fan hasn’t dreamed of owning their own lightsaber? At Savi’s Workshop, you assume the role of a Jedi, and craft your own lightsaber. You will be able to choose from different hilts, accessories and kyber crystals.
What does it cost?
While Disney says there will be walk up availability, I suspect it will be very limited, and those with advance reservations will take priority for this experience. Purchase of a lightsaber is REQUIRED for this experience. You must pay before the experience begins ($199.99).
The advance reservation requires a credit card deposit of $199.99. You can cancel your reservations with no penalty by cancelling at least 24 hours in advance. No shows will be charged the full price of the experience. You can bring one person with you to observe your lightsaber design skills. (While kids as young as 5 can enjoy this experience, at least one member of the party must be 14 or older.)
Only 14 people at a time (and their “observer/paparazzi” member) can go through this experience at a time. The experience is about 20 minutes in length, and full of the ceremony and mystique you’d expect from a Jedi building their first lightsaber. The lightsaber you build at Savi’s Workshop will not be a plastic junky version, like the ones you used to be able to buy at toy stores (and at WDW!).
This lightsaber has some heft, and the hilt is made of metal. Your hilt will be themed to one of four styles available–and based on your choice, you will be given various parts that you will use to build your lightsaber. Each light saber will include one hilt, two sleeves, one emitter, one pommel cap and one activation plate and switch. The completed lightsaber will light up, and your hilt will produce various sounds. Your $199.99 purchase price includes a carrying case. Other accessories for your lightsaber, as well as a variety of pre-built lightsabers and other treasures are available for purchase at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.
Concept Art for Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
No refunds are available, nor are there any discounts available.
Build a Droid at the Droid Depot
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Droid Depot Photo: Disney Parks
Another spot I think is going to be VERY popular is the Droid Depot. I know I am not alone when I tell you that while I love Han Solo and Princess Leia, BB8 and R2D2 have a deeper hold on my heart. At the Droid Depot, you’ll be able to build and customize your own Droid friend. You’ll pick parts off a conveyer belt to construct one of two core model droids (BB-Series or R-Series). After your Droid is constructed (and paid for $$!), it will be able to interact with various elements throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. How fun does THAT sound?
As with the lightsaber experience, some walk up availability will exist; however, if this is something you really want to do, advance reservations are strongly recommended. If you have a reservation, you may bring one person with you to observe your experience.
What Does It Cost?
The base price of your Droid is $99.99 plus tax. This includes your basic handbuilt Droid and a carrying box. There are a lot of add-ons available–with additional price tags to match. I suspect at minimum you’ll want to add on a personality affiliation chip for $12.99–there are six to choose from, and this is what will give your Droid its personality, and inform how it interacts with the Star Wars world around it. Of course there are lots of other things you can add on–make sure your impulse buyer is NOT in control, or you will have a very expensive day!
Droid Depot, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Photo: Disney Parks
As always, you can cancel your reservation without penalty as long as you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If you no-show, your credit card will be charged the full $99.99. Kids as young as 3 can build a Droid, but at least one of the two people in the party must be at least 14.
There are no refunds and no time limits for your custom built Droid. Your end result will be remote controlled, and will interact via bluetooth with the World. There are no discounts offered, so no passholder or DVC discounts at this time. (Bummer!).
Even if you don’t want to build your own Droid, you will definitely want to do a walk through visit at the Droid Depot. It’s filled with fun stuff to look at, and there are lots of audioanimatronic Droids to catch your attention.
Oga’s Cantina
Book your reservations now if you hope to spend some time at Oga’s Cantina and enjoy some “out-of-this-world” refreshments!
Oga’s Cantina, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Photo: Disney Parks
At Oga’s you never know when you might meet smugglers, bounty hunters or other travelers from around the galaxy. You’ll be able to try unique, themed food and beverages at Oga’s Cantina. If you really want to immerse yourself in the Black Spire Outpost experience, a visit to Oga’s Cantina should be high on your list.
Oga’s Cantina, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Photo: Richard Harbaugh/Disney Parks)
Some walk up guests will find availability; however, as with most Disney table service restaurants, reservations are highly recommended.
Book Your Reservations NOW!
Are you getting excited about visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? I can’t believe opening day at Hollywood Studios is finally almost here! If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World and want to include Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in your agenda, I suggest you make your reservations for the experiences you want to participate in as soon as you can.
Which of these experiences are you most excited about? While I can’t wait for my first drink at Oga’s, I’m pretty psyched to build a Droid with my nephew!
Please comment below if you’re planning to try one of these experiences, and which one.
Happy Dreaming,
Brooke
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!
P.S. For other Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge information, please check out the following posts:
Happy Tuesday, Everyone! Disney has made an exciting announcement today–FREE DINING IS BACK!! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Disney has released another free dining promotion for 2019. It is fairly unusual for Disney to release this many free dining promotions in one calendar year. I suspect Disney is not seeing the reservations for Fall and Winter this year they’d expected.
If you’ve been thinking about planning a trip to Disney this fall or winter for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party, or to enjoy the winter holiday magic at Walt Disney World, NOW IS THE TIME TO BOOK.
The Details
Guests booking a five night/six day Walt Disney Travel Company package at a Disney resort, along with a Park Hopper park ticket are eligible to add free dining to their package.
Package must be booked BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2019.
This offer applies to packages for guests arriving during the following windows:
September 1 through September 18, 2019
November 17 – November 27, 2019
December 8 – December 23, 2019
Surprisingly, if you look at the dates above, you can see that you would be able to book a trip that includes Thanksgiving (as long as you arrive by November 28) or Christmas (as long as you arrive by December 23). That’s CRAZY unusual for a free dining promotion!
Magic Kingdom Train Station (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Guest who book stays in Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts or Disney Deluxe Resorts will be eligible for the Free Disney Dining Plan. Guests booking visits in Disney Moderate Resorts or Disney Value Resorts will be eligible for the Free Quick Service Dining Plan. Note: Not ALL resorts are included in this promotion and availability for this promotion IS LIMITED.
Resorts Included In Free Dining Promotion
Old Key West Resort (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Eligible Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Riviera Resort (after it opens, December 16, 2019)
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Eligible Disney Deluxe Resorts
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Eligible Disney Moderate Resorts
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Eligible Disney Value Resorts
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Family Suites Only)
Disney’s All Star Music Resort (September Dates Excluded)
Disney’s All Star Sports Resort (September Dates Excluded)
Disney’s Pop Century Resort (September Dates Excluded)
The Fine Print
The number of rooms available for this promotion is LIMITED.
Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
Minimum 4 night length of stay; minimum four day theme park tickets with Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion
The following room types are excluded: Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Table service restaurants may have limited or no availability at the time of package purchase. Meal reservation availability is not guaranteed with this promotion.
Children ages 3 – 9 must choose from the children’s menu, if there is a children’s menu available at the chosen restaurant.
Gratuities are not included.
Character Meals ARE included in the Disney Dining Plan! (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Guests staying in Value or Moderate Resorts will be eligible for the Quick Service Dining Plan. Guests Staying in Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts will be eligible for the Disney Dining Plan. Guests wishing to upgrade from the Quick Service Dining Plan to the Disney Dining Plan may do so by paying the difference between the two plans for each guest on the reservation.
Don’t Care About Free Dining? Here’s ANOTHER Great Offer from Disney
Disney’s Riviera Resort (Artist Rendering:Disney)
Disney also released an up to 20% off promotion for rooms at select Disney Resorts. Reservations must be booked by September 29, 2019. Most nights between September 1 and September 28 are included. Most Sunday through Thursday nights between September 29 and November 7 are included.
The up to 20% off on rooms at select Disney Resorts may also be booked by December 24, 2019 for stays most nights, November 10-December 24.
20% Discount Tier
20% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, most nights September 1 – September 28, most nights November 10 – December 24. This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7. (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019. Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort (for stays beginning Dec. 16 or later)
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
15% Discount Tier
15% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, select Disney Deluxe Resorts and select Disney Moderate Resorts. Discount available most nights September 1 – September 28 and November 10 – December 24. This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7. (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019. Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
10% Discount Tier
10% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, select Disney Deluxe Resorts, select Disney Moderate Resorts and select Value Resorts. Discount available most nights September 1 – September 28 and November 10 – December 24. This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7. (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019. Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites Only
Disney’s All Star Movies Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
Disney’s All Star Music Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
Disney’s All Star Sports Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
Disney’s Pop Century Resort(November 10 – December 24 only)
The Fine Print for this Room Only Discount
The number of rooms available for this promotion is limited.
Additional per adult charges may apply if there are more than two adults per room.
This offer can’t be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Theme park admission is NOT included.
The following room types are excluded: Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.
Length of stay requirements may apply.
Florida Resident?
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
Florida residents can save up to 25% at select Disney resorts from September 1 to December 24 when they book by December 24, 2019. Note: the number of rooms available for this offer is limited. Proof of Florida residency will be required at check in.
25% Discount Tier
25% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Riviera Resort (for stays beginning Dec. 16 or later)
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
20% Discount Tier
20% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Moderate Resorts are participating too. Moderate Resorts listed below are offering a 20% discount for Florida residents for most nights, September 1 – October 3 and November 10 through December 24. Most Sunday through Thursday nights, October 6 – November 7 are also included.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter (15% Discount)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (15% Discount)
15% Discount Tier
15% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The Value Resorts listed below are offering a 15% discount for Florida residents for most nights, September 1 – October 3 and November 10 through December 24. Most Sunday through Thursday nights, October 6 – November 7 are also included.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s All Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All Star Music Resort
Disney’s All Star Sports Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
The Fine Print for Florida Residents
Proof of Florida residency is required at check in.
This offer can’t be combined with any other promotion or discount.
This offer does not include theme park admission.
Additional per adult charges may apply if more than two adults are staying in the room.
The following room types are excluded: Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.
Length of stay requirements may apply.
Free Dining, Room Only and Florida Residents, Oh MY!!!
So, in a nutshell, there are a lot of discount offers available for you if you are considering taking a trip to Disney World this Fall or Winter. There is a LOT to think about, and it can be overwhelming to figure out which discount (or which meal plan, for that matter) is best for you and your family.
That’s where working with a Disney Travel Agent (like me!) can help. It doesn’t cost YOU anything, and I can take care of all the headaches you don’t have time or desire to take on. I can help determine which package is best for you, and I can help with your trip planning as well! I can even help with meal reservations and Fast Pass bookings. Working with me will save you time, headaches, aggravation AND money.
Reach out today, brooke@disneycastledreaming.com. I’d love to help you plan your next Disney dream vacation.
Happy Dreaming,
Brooke
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!
P.S. – If you’d like to read more on the difference between the dining plans, and what you should consider when deciding if Free Dining is right for you, please check out the following posts:
