Great news! Disney has announced that the new Skyliner Transportation system will officially open for Disney World guests on September 29! Testing has been going on for several months now, and I don’t know about you, but I have been DYING for the official announcement of WHEN the Skyliner gondolas would be ready for passengers. And finally, we have our answer! The Skyliner gondolas will be ready for YOU to ride on September 29, 2019. Whooooooo Hoooooo!
Disney released this happy video along with the announcement:
Surprised?
I’m a teensy surprised that the Gondolas won’t be “LIVE” before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Hollywood Studios on August 29. I had thought Disney would try and open the Skyliner Transporation System before that deadline to provide additional transportation options for guests, PLUS provide another “attraction” to absorb guests. My thought was Skyliner Gondolas could help with crowd management. However, it makes sense that it opens a month later. I suspect Disney has their hands full already with making sure they are ready for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge when it opens.
Photo: Disney Parks
How gorgeous does that look? I mean, seriously! I am SUPER excited to ride one of these Gondolas through the whole route. Remember: The Skyliner Transportation System will visit four resorts, plus Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Here are the four resorts:
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s NEW Riviera Resort (opens in December)
Just the Facts, Ma’m.
TECHNICALLY, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are sharing one Skyliner Station. The Station is located on the lake between the two resorts and is a short walk from either resort. So, one stop on the Skyliner Transportation System, but TWO resorts served. More bang for the buck, I guess. But it sounds like the line goes further than it does when I say it goes to four resorts and two theme parks, so I wanted to clarify.
Skyliner Station Pop Century/Art of Animation Photo Credit: Amy Micari
There are more than 300 gondolas on the Skyliner Transportation line. Each gondola (also being called “cabins”) can seat up to ten guests. All gondolas are wheelchair accessible, according to Disney.
I’ve done several articles about the Skyliner system previously. If you’d like to check those out, please go to any of the links below:
So, does knowing Skyliner Gondolas will officially open on September 29 have any impact on your vacation plans for this year? If you’ve been on the fence about a Fall 2019 visit to Disney World, does this push you over the edge? What about Holiday 2019 planning? Does the official opening of the Skyliner system make you MORE eager to visit Disney World for the Holidays this year?
There are still some great packages available for fall, and I’m expecting holiday 2019 packages to be released any day now. If you’re thinking about visiting Disney in 2019, NOW is the time to plan. Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information or to get started!
Are you thinking about visiting Walt Disney World in 2020? I have good news! Disney World 2020 vacation packages are now available for reservations.
What Does This Mean For You?
Until this week, you could only book your Disney vacation through dates in December 2019. If you wanted to price a vacation for March 2020, you were out of look. However, that is no longer the case. All 2020 dates are now available for Disney World vacation packages or park tickets reservations.
Lots of people were waiting for 2020 to visit Walt Disney World because originally, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge wasn’t expect to open at Hollywood Studios until late 2019. Of course, earlier this year we learned that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will actually open August 29, 2019 at Hollywood Studios. Despite this earlier planned opening date for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, many people still elected to wait until 2020 in hopes that the second attraction, Rise of the Resistance, will be open before their visit.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
If you’re not sure exactly WHEN you want to visit, but you know you want to visit in 2020, it’s time to start figuring out when you want to go. Now that ticket prices are date-based, it’s important to know WHEN you want to visit in order to get an accurate estimate for your vacation.
Book Now
If you DO know when you want to visit, you can book NOW. An initial deposit of $200 will hold your reservation, and the balance of your vacation costs will be due no later than 30 days before your vacation. You can make payments, or pay the balance all at once.
What’s the advantage of booking early?
The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get exactly what you want. Do you have a particular resort that you want? A particular type of room? The earlier you plan, the better the odds that you will have the most control over your dates, resort and room rates.
Disney’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.)
(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
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!
P.S. Want to add a few days at Universal to your Disney vacation? I’m also certified on all Universal theme parks and vacation packages, and would be happy to talk to you about all the options available.
Hello everyone! How’s everybody doing? I’m finally getting some summer-ish weather, and I am SO ready!! Of course, summer brings lots of heat to much of the country. Maybe summer is the perfect time for a quick visit with our favorite FROZEN princesses? Today’s an exciting day in the world of Disney animation. Disney has released the official trailer for Frozen II! Check it out below:
What do you think? We’re getting a lot more information about the core story of Frozen II that we had previously in the teaser trailer. (If you haven’t seen the teaser trailer yet, you can see it here.)
Where’s the Music?
Do any of you think it’s interesting that Disney isn’t giving us any real glimpse of the music or songs that we’ll be hearing in the long awaited Frozen sequel? I am happy that it appears that the sequel seems to be focusing on Elsa’s story. This makes a lot of sense to me. Although Elsa was very important in Frozen, Frozen felt more like a story about Anna’s journey, at least to me personally. It also had a great love story between the sisters, which made it unique in the Disney “Princess” movie genre.
(Copyright Walt Disney Animation)
I’m hoping that Frozen II will continue to emphasize the love between the two sisters, and not be about a romantic love story for Elsa. Having said that, I’m a die-hard romantic, and am a sucker for Disney love stories. I guess we will have to wait and see if the next trailer gives us any more hints.
I can’t wait to see what all the kids that fell in love with Elsa and Anna in Frozen think of this new adventure for them.
It’s Your Turn!
What are your thoughts of the official Frozen II trailer? Are you on the fence about Frozen II? Did this trailer make you any more or less excited to see this movie? Please comment below.
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:
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.
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 Beverages: Blue Milk and Green Milk can be found at the Milk Stand. (Photo: David Roark/Disney Parks)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)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.
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)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)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 Millennium Falcon – Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is now open, but there is only one of its two flagship attractions open at this time. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is open, and looks really terrific.
For all of us that have WISHED we could fly the Millennium Falcon someday, it looks like we’re going to get our chance!
Disney released this video to show us what we can expect. We get to go through the queue and see some of the hidden treasures we can look for. We even get to go for a quick ride (Don’t watch this if you’re avoiding spoilers!)
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!
UPDATE: 5/20/19: New Magic Band upgrades are NOW available!
Good news! There are new magic band options coming for Disney resort guests! For the last few years, Disney has included magic bands for every resort guest as part of their resort reservation.
As you start planning your trip, one of the fun steps has always been choosing the colors of the magic bands for each person in your group.
It didn’t take long for people to start decorating their bands. All kinds of different types of decorations emerged. From intricate, hand painted designs, pre-printed stickers designed to specially fit magic bands, to bands covered in Swarovski crystals, magic bands have become expressions of individuality, special occasions, relationships and celebrations.
Magic band stickers, sold on Etsy (Photo: Brooke Hudson)Original style magic bands decorated with stickers from Etsy. (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Disney Special Edition Magic Bands
Now we know Disney, and Disney doesn’t leave money on the table. It didn’t take long for Disney to come out with special, decorated magic bands. Disney sells a variety of magic bands at the Disney store and at the gift shops in the parks and resorts.
The Disney Store has lots of limited edition magic bands. Check them out here. If you have park tickets, but are not staying on property, you may want to purchase magic bands to pair with your tickets. That way you can use your magic band for park entry, instead of having to pull out your tickets every time you need park access, or to use a Fast Pass reservation.
Solid color magic bands are available for $14.99. Most of the special decorated magic bands are priced at $24.99 – $29.99.
Iron Man Magic Band
Inside Out Magic Band
Minnie Mouse Magic Band
Tower of Terror Magic Band
Main Street Magic Band
Wall-E Magic Band
New Magic Band Options for Resort Guests
(Photo: Disney Parks)
Disney has decided to make special magic bands available for resort guests as an add-on option. The solid color bands will continue to be available for no charge with your reservation. However, if you want to “upgrade” your bands to special custom bands, you will have that option. The price to upgrade will be $14.99, and you will have more than 30 magic band options available.
These special “upgraded” magic bands will be available to Disney resort guests. They will also be available to new and renewing annual passholders.
Disney released a video about the new magic band options.
I think this is pretty good news, what do you think? Will you be upgrading your next magic band? Please comment below.
It’s time for another Disney TRON construction update! If you missed our previous post on the new TRON attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, click here to check it out.
The First Vertical Columns Are Going UP!
While construction began on the TRON “coaster” style attraction began more than a year ago, there wasn’t a whole lot of VISIBLE progress. So much has to happen to prepare the ground to support the weight of the attraction, and even more has to happen to support the electrical needs of the attraction and the technology the ride will require. To the casual observer, the early phases of any attraction construction project often look like there’s not a whole lot going on.
Luckily, we’re not casual observers, right? Disney has announced that they have begun installing the steel columns that will support the attraction.
Check out this terrific video that Disney released!
Where IS the TRON Attraction?
TRON is being built in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. It’s going next to Space Mountain, mostly in space that was previously empty.
Disney has modified the Speedway slightly to make room for TRON. They’ve also stopped running the Walt Disney World Railroad for the forseeable future, while construction proceeds on TRON. I don’t know if this means the Railroad is ultimately being rerouted, or if the current track will still be in place once construction on TRON is completed. It’s entirely possible that once it’s safe for the Railroad to resume circling the park and traveling behind Tomorrowland, we’ll be able to tell that nothing changed on the route. However, I suspect that the Railroad track may need to move over a bit to make room for TRON. Too soon to tell.
Regardless, we do have a pretty awesome artist rendering of what the TRON attraction is expected to look like.
Disney Tron Attraction Coming to Magic Kingdom: Artist Rendering
We also got a new picture of the steel column that cast members signed. As we discussed in the previous Disney TRON construction update post, an important milestone of the TRON project was when Disney invited cast members involved in the project to sign one of the steel columns that will become a part of TRON.
TRON Construction Milestone (Photo: Disney Parks)
When Can We Ride?
While there’s no “official” opening date (it’s WAY too soon!), it looks like the expectations are that TRON will be completed in time for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World in 2021.
Are you excited about this attraction? From the brief glimpse we get in the video above, I think TRON looks like it will be very different from anything else we have at Disney. I’m hoping it will be a ton of fun, and that it will absorb a lot of guests. I’m always a fan of attractions that can swallow up a lot of the crowd.
What do you think? Please like this post, and comment below with your thoughts!
Disney’s latest transportation innovation, the Skyliner Gondola system, has been in testing mode for several weeks now. Testing appears to be going very well so far. This week marked an exciting step forward for Disney Skyliner testing—more than 50 of the cabins have been unveiled!
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s…Mickey Mouse?
For most of the testing we’ve seen so far, Disney has sent the Skyliner gondolas out on the system shrouded in white covers. Briefly we saw some units without the white covers, but the units we saw did not have any character graphics on them yet. Check out this post, Disney Skyliner Update: April 2019 to learn more.
Over the past few days, Disney has uncovered more than fifty of the gondolas, revealing beautiful character graphics on each colorful cabin. The graphics are gorgeous, and there appears to be a wide variety of different character themes.
Disney Skyliner Gondolas: Character Graphics Revealed! (Photo: Disney Parks)
See the Skyliner Gondolas in Action
Disney released a terrific video showing the unveiled gondolas out on the cables. In the video, you can see multicolored cabins, their gorgeous character graphics clearly visible, moving through the Skyliner system. It’s a beautiful sight, and I can’t wait to see them in person.
When Can I Ride a Skyliner Gondola?
The WHEN is still an open question. Disney will not get any more committed than “later this fall”. They are staying pretty cagey about when the Skyliner Gondola system will go live for guests. From a safety perspective, that’s probably a good thing. Disney has an excellent safety record, and are legendary for having very few accidents involving guests on their attractions.
So, I’m guessing they are going to test the HECK out of these things before they let us get near them. Which makes the part of me that is scared of heights very happy.
However, I’m also eager to know an exact date of when guests will be able to ride on the Skyliner system. As I plan trips for my clients and my family, I want to know if I can include Skyliner as a transportation option. I am DYING to ride on this system, and I’m sure a lot of you are as well.
I had thought MAYBE it would be live by the time Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Hollywood Studios on August 29, but the powers that be seem to be trying to discourage that expectation. That could be because they want Skyliner to have it’s own exciting opening day and subsequent media attention. I could see not wanting to get lost in the excitement of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney has spent millions of dollars on Skyliner, and I would imagine they want some excitement and attention to accompany it’s opening day.
Disney Skyliner Gondola Testing: Cabins Unveiled (Photo: Disney Parks)
Alternatively, it could simply be that they have a lot of testing to do, and third parties that have to approve the various phases. I suspect Disney is hesitant to put a timeline for Skyliner opening day out there until anything outside their control has finished. So if there are any government bodies or third party agencies that have to review the Skyliner system perhaps, or any tests that have to be approved by parties outside Disney Parks and Resorts, it would make sense that Disney would postpone announcing a “go-live” date until that’s all completed.
I don’t know, but I’m certainly excited to find out!
What do you think? Does seeing Disney testing Skyliner cabins unveiled make you more excited to ride?
Happy Dreaming!
Brooke
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!
P.S. If you haven’t seen the inside of a Skyliner gondola yet, visit this post.
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!
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.
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).
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.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon – Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)
Wait, What About Epcot?
Epcot absorbs crowds better than any of the other three theme parks. In addition, Extra Magic Hours are not as necessary or popular at Epcot as they are at the other three parks. Also, at Epcot, Future World opens at 9 am (usually) and then World Showcase opens at 11 am. Morning Extra Magic Hours may frustrate Epcot visitors that wanted to visit World Showcase during EMH but World Showcase is not part of morning EMH.
Epcot will continue to have regular Extra Magic Hours on select days, just like it does now. Epcot will NOT be getting Extra Extra Magic Hours. Note: Of course this policy COULD change later in the summer, but I don’t expect it to.
Also, keep in mind that the popular Epcot Food and Wine Festival will be running during this time, and that’s the big attraction at Epcot in the fall. Opening at 7 am wouldn’t be very beneficial as I don’t think they want to open all those wine and food kiosks that early! 😉
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. 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
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!
P.S. There is still time to book reservations for YOUR fall vacation to Disney World. You can check out the amazing new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and take advantage of all these extra park hours through Extra Extra Magic Hours. Contact me today to get started: brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.
P.P.S If you don’t want to wait for fall, there are still some great promotions running for Summer Vacations. Check out these posts for more information:
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.
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 (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.
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.
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!
You will be making your reservation using your DisneyID, so it’s critical that you know what it is and that it works.
Be prepared and ready to go at 10 am Pacific Time on May 2. Disney is anticipating the reservation “windows” filling up fast.
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.
Once you have confirmed your reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you will NOT be able to change it.
You can make ONLY ONE reservation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge per email address (Disney ID at Disneyland.com).
You’ll be able to add up to five additional guests to your Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation.
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?
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
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!
P.S. If you’d like to review our most recent articles about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, please check out these posts:
The good news? Disney has released a new limited time offer featuring free dining for Disney Visa Cardholders. The not-as-good news? It is an EXTREMELY limited promotion, and features a very short travel window. However, if you are a Disney Visa Cardmember, and you are available to travel August 1 – 21, 2019, you might want to JUMP on this new free dining promotion.
A couple of things to be aware of: Any time Disney offers a big promotion, they are offering it to stimulate travel to the parks during a certain period. This USUALLY means projected park attendance and resort reservation bookings are lower than Disney wants them to be for that time period. While this doesn’t necessarily mean light crowds, it most likely means LIGHTER crowds. Of course, if tons of people take advantage of the promotion, crowds could be CRAZY by the dates of travel. But generally speaking, Disney offers promotions for periods where they are projecting attendance to be down.
This particular travel window closes before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 29, 2019. However, there are still a lot of great reasons to visit Disney World this year. Click here to check out my top five reasons to visit Disney World in 2019.
Free Dining for Disney Cardmembers
You can get free dining when you purchase a four-night/five-day Walt Disney resort and theme park ticket package that includes the Park Hopper option. If you book your package at a Value or Moderate resort, you will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan. If you book your package for a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort, you will receive the regular Dining Plan.
You MUST book your vacation by June 16, 2019 to take advantage of this offer.
Your vacation must begin between August 1 and August 21, 2019.
You MUST book your vacation using your Disney Visa card.
Theme park tickets purchased with this package are valid for admission beginning the day of check-in, and must be used within a limited period of time, depending on length of stay and ticket.
Here are the resorts that are eligible for this promotion, along with which Dining Plan you would get if you booked your vacation at that resort.
Disney’s Art of Animation Family Suite (Photo: Disney Parks)
Select Disney Value Resort Hotels – FREE Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites Only
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Select Disney Moderate Resort Hotels – FREE Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
The California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Select Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels – FREE Disney Dining Plan
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
Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels – FREE Disney Dining Plan
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
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 Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Quick Service Dining Plan vs. Dining Plan
If you book your package at a Value or Moderate Resort hotel, you will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan for free with your package. The Quick Service Dining Plan includes two quick service meals and two snacks per person in your room, for each night of your stay. Several beverage options are available–including non-alcoholic specialty beverages and beer, wine and cocktails for those guests who are 21 or older.
If you book your package at a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort, you will receive the Disney Dining plan with your package for free. The Disney Dining Plan includes one quick service meal, one table service meal and two snacks per person in your room, for each night of your stay. You can use table service credits for Character Dining and other special dining experiences. Several beverage options are available–including non-alcoholic specialty beverages and beer, wine and cocktails for those guests who are 21 or older.
The Fine Print
This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
An additional charge may apply if you have more than two adults per room (any one over the age of 9) in a Disney Value, Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa Resorts.
This offer excludes the following room types: 3 bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creed Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Children ages 3 -9 MUST order from the Children’s Menu, if there is a Children’s Menu available.
Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
Must use a valid Disney Visa Card or a Disney Rewards Redemption Card to pay the deposit. The Disney Visa Cardmember must stay in the room.
Availability at table service restaurants is not guaranteed. Advance reservations are recommended and availability is not guaranteed.
Gratuities are not included.
Food For Thought
Many Disney vacationers LOVE the Disney Dining Plan. They love being able to budget and essentially “prepay” for the majority of their meals before their trip, and know that they won’t need to spend a whole lot of money
Character Breakfast at the Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
on food during their vacation. If you fall into this category, and are already a fan of the Disney Dining Plan or the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan, and are already accustomed to making Advanced Dining Reservations 180 days before your trip, you are likely a good candidate for the Free Dining Promotion.
Conversely, if you tend to order in groceries, and eat a lot of meals in your room, or pack picnic lunches for your family to enjoy at the parks, you are most likely NOT a good candidate for the Free Dining Promotion.
It’s important to think about how your family dines on a Disney vacation. Do you eat in table service (sit down) restaurants for most meals? Or, do you eat primarily quick service meals? Do you do many character meals? What about sharing meals? Does your family like to snack? Are you big Mickey Bar or Popcorn fans? Are you comfortable planning your meals in advance?
Chef Mickey Character Breakfast at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
While the promotion is called “Free” Dining, it’s also important to recognize that by getting the dining package for “free”, you are paying full price for your room and park tickets. You are saving a LOT of money on meals, so it is a substantial savings in many, many cases–but again, it’s really important to evaluate how YOU and YOUR family vacations.
If you tend to eat more meals in the room, or pack picnic lunches, you likely will get a bigger savings from a room or package discount that does NOT include free dining.
I Can Help Make Planning Your Trip Easier!
One of the advantages of working with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner is that we have access to ALL the available discounts out there at any one time, whether Disney is actively promoting them or not. We can run comparisons for you to determine what you’ll save by booking your trip with one promotion or another. There is no cost to you to work with an authorized Disney Vacation planner to plan your vacation, and often, we have access to discounts or resort information that is not available to the general public. Working with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner will always save you headaches and aggravation, and will usually save you money as well!
In addition, we have the ability to monitor our reservations and as new promotions are released, update those reservations when it will save our customers money. For example, for all my clients that have reservations booked with me for later this year, we’ve already looked at the free dining promotion to see if it makes sense for them–and where it did, we’ve made the changes.
I don’t just love planning Disney vacations, I am obsessed with making every vacation the best it can possibly be. Planning a great Disney vacation takes time and energy and PLANNING. For a lot of busy people, that sounds like too much work. If that’s you, let me do it for you! Email me today to learn more.
To get more information, please reach out today: brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.
