DisWorldGuide

Disney has announced significant changes to its Genie+ service at Walt Disney World. The changes will take effect on July 24, 2024.

Starting July 24, 2024, Disney World will introduce major changes and new names for its fast-pass service. Disney Genie+ will now be known as Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while individual Lightning Lane will be known as Lightning Lane Single Pass.

The Lightning Lane passes will incorporate some features from the current services but will primarily be very similar to the former FastPass+ service, which Disney says will “give guests the option to plan ahead and eliminate the hassle of planning during the vacation.”

Guests can create Lightning Lane plans before arrival – 7 days in advance for resort guests, and 3 days in advance for non-resort guests.

Lightning Lane Multi Pass

When you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can make up to 3 Lightning Lane selections in one park, ahead of your visit. You will also be able to choose from available times when making your selections.

On the day of your visit, once you have used a selection, you can check the My Disney Experience app for the opportunity to make a new additional selection, i.e., a new Lightning Lane reservation. You must choose from what is then available in terms of attractions and times. You will also be able to change existing selections, both time and attraction, throughout the day. You can always have a maximum of three Lightning Lane reservations at the same time.

The three pre-selected Lightning Lane choices must all be in the same park, but additional choices made on the same day can be in one or more of the other parks, provided you have a “park hopper” ticket or an Annual Pass. A Lightning Lane reservation will normally last for one hour from the time you have chosen. It is not known if you can have overlapping times with the new system. This was not possible with the old FastPass+ system.

Lightning Lane Multi Pass will have 2 levels of attractions in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. There are no levels in Animal Kingdom. You can choose one selection from the first level, and two, or all, from the second level. You cannot choose the same attraction twice, either as a main choice or additional choice. See Disney World’s own website for details on the different levels.

Lightning Lane Single Pass

Lightning Lane Single Pass will work much like individual Lightning Lane does today, where you can secure a time to ride one of the most sought-after attractions, but you will be able to make your purchase and plan in advance, unlike now, where you must do this on the same day you plan to ride the attraction. You can purchase up to two Single Passes per day.

We look forward to seeing how these changes will affect future visits to the parks. There are still some unanswered questions, and we do not yet know what the price level for the service will be.

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Disney marks “Halfway to Christmas” around this time every year, and it’s always exciting to see what they have in store for the upcoming Christmas celebration. 2024 is no exception, with exciting news and events planned for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios.

Disney is known for its spectacular Christmas celebration, and even though we’re only halfway to the big day, preparations are already beginning. At this time of year, Disney begins to reveal what guests can expect when the parks transform into a Christmas and winter wonderland.

In Magic Kingdom, “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” will return for Walt Disney World’s holiday season in 2024. This event will take place on selected nights in Magic Kingdom from early November to the week before Christmas 2024. Here are the official details from Walt Disney World:

The event will take place on the following nights:
November: 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, and 29.
December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 20.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place from 7:00 PM to midnight.

In Epcot, “Festival of the Holidays” will return in 2024. This annual festival celebrates holiday traditions from around the world and will start on November 29th and last until December 30th, 2024. The festival includes food stalls serving seasonal dishes from different countries, as well as live entertainment and special events.

In Hollywood Studios, “Jollywood Nights” will return in 2024 from November 9th to December 21st, offering a five-hour Christmas event on selected evenings. The event will feature a new ice skating show, over 20 unique character experiences, and returning favorites like Phineas and Ferb, Santa Duffy, and Santa Stitch.

So Disney has a lot in store for its guests in connection with Christmas 2024. From exciting new shows to meetings with your favorite characters, there are plenty of reasons to start counting down the days to Christmas already now.

Even if you’re not staying at one of the Disney World hotels, it’s still possible to visit them. Take a break from the parks and enjoy lunch at one of the hotels, or just take a look around. But remember, the pools are reserved only for those staying there.

Disney World is famous for its amazing theme parks, but the hotels are also worth a visit. They offer a variety of activities, restaurants, and beautiful surroundings that can be a welcome change from the parks.

Some of the most visually impressive hotels include the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, known for its Victorian elegance, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge, where you can see African animals right outside your window. The Polynesian Village Resort gives you a taste of the South Seas with its tropical decor.

Each hotel has its own unique activities. At Fort Wilderness Resort, you can enjoy horseback riding and outdoor movies, while BoardWalk Inn features surreal performances every evening on the boardwalk.

When it comes to dining, there are many popular restaurants to choose from. ‘Ohana at the Polynesian Village Resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and delicious Polynesian dishes. At the Grand Floridian, you can enjoy a five-star dinner at Victoria & Albert’s. Just remember to make reservations well in advance.

While it may be tempting to take a dip in one of the many pools, it’s important to note that these are reserved for guests staying at the hotels. This is to ensure that everyone staying there has access to the facilities.

Visiting the Disney World hotels can be a great way to take a break from the parks, whether it’s for lunch, to explore, or just to enjoy the atmosphere. Have a great trip!

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Disney World is a place of constant change, and 2024-2025 is no exception. We have compiled an overview of the attractions that will undergo changes over the next year and a half.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

This attraction is a reimagining of the former Splash Mountain and is coming to Magic Kingdom. Inspired by the Disney movie “The Princess and the Frog,” it takes guests on a musical journey through a sparkling bayou. Visitors will join Princess Tiana and the jazz-loving alligator Louis on their adventure as they prepare for a lively celebration during the Mardi Gras season. The opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is set for June 28, 2024. A virtual queue will be in place when the attraction opens, and guests will need to use the My Disney Experience app to access the attraction.

Test Track

Test Track is one of the most popular attractions at EPCOT and is known for giving guests an exciting experience as test drivers in high-speed cars. The attraction allows visitors to design their own car and then test it on a variety of challenging tracks, which include sharp turns, steep hills, and high-speed straights. Disney and sponsor Chevrolet have planned a renewal of Test Track, which will involve closing the attraction2. The last day the attraction will be open in its current form was June 16, 2024. Details about what the new version of Test Track will include have not been fully revealed, but it is expected that the update will include a tribute to the classic attraction World of Motion, which originally occupied the same building. A reopening date has not yet been announced.

It’s Tough to be a Bug!

It’s Tough to Be a Bug is a 3D film and live show located in Animal Kingdom. This attraction gives guests the opportunity to experience life from an insect’s perspective and is situated in the Tree of Life. Disney has announced that “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” will be replaced by an entirely new “Zootopia” 3-D show. Details about the new attraction are still limited, but it is known that it will be based on the popular Disney movie “Zootopia.” An exact date for when “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” will close or when the new “Zootopia” attraction will open has not yet been announced.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a stage performance that has been part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios since it debuted on January 7, 19925. The show had its last performance in 2020 and did not reopen after the pandemic closure of Walt Disney World. Disney has announced plans to revive “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” with a new show called “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” expected to debut in the fall of 2024. Details about the new show are still limited, but it is known that it will bring an updated version of the classic story back to the park.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

This popular roller coaster will reopen on July 27, 2024, after extensive refurbishment that began in January this year.

Country Bear Jamboree

Country Bear Jamboree is a classic attraction located in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World6. It has been part of the park since it opened and is known for its animatronic bear performance. “Country Bear Jamboree” has been closed since January 27, 2024, for significant refurbishment. The new and improved version of the show will include some significant updates and will officially open on July 17, 2024.

Other Changes and Rumors

There are rumors that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom will close for a major refurbishment as part of an expansion project called Beyond Big Thunder Mountain8. Disney has reportedly applied for a building permit for the refurbishment, which may indicate that the closure could begin as early as later this summer. The refurbishment may include a complete replacement of the track and other upgrades. The Beyond Big Thunder Mountain project was first announced at the D23 Expo in 2022 and is described as the largest in Magic Kingdom’s history.

Dinoland U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be transformed into a new area inspired by tropical America, with a particular focus on Mayan culture. Disney has delved into the art, culture, and archaeology of the Yucatan Peninsula to shape the new theme and is working with 3-D models to bring the vision to life. Visitors can also look forward to an Encanto-inspired attraction, where Casita from the movie will be a central element. In addition, fans of Indiana Jones can rejoice that the DINOSAUR attraction may be transformed into an attraction featuring the iconic adventurer. We do not yet know when this new part of Animal Kingdom will be ready.

There are also rumors that Disney is planning to build a fifth park in Disney World, but this has not been confirmed by Disney.

After a period of updating and renewing the attraction, it is now official that “Country Bear Jamboree” in Magic Kingdom soon will reopen. This classic attraction has undergone significant changes and is ready to welcome the audience back with an entirely new performance.

“Country Bear Jamboree” has been a part of Magic Kingdom since the park’s opening on October 1, 1971. The show has thus entertained the audience for over 50 years. The attraction was originally intended to be a part of Disney’s Mineral King Ski Resort in California, a project that Walt Disney himself worked on in the mid-1960s.

The performance is known for its cheerful country and western musical revue with an ensemble of singing bears. The characters rise to the stage on platforms, come down from the ceiling, and appear behind curtains. The audience also includes animatronic animal heads mounted on the walls that interact with the characters on stage. On July 17, 2024, “Country Bear Jamboree” reopens, now under the name “Country Bear Musical Jamboree”.

The new version of “Country Bear Jamboree” promises to bring a fresh twist to the classic attraction. The show will be a tribute to classic variety shows found in Nashville, Tennessee, and Nashville musicians are involved in the new arrangements. The bears will perform their songs in styles such as country, rockabilly, and bluegrass. In addition to musical changes, the bears will also get an updated wardrobe with new outfits.

With these exciting changes, “Country Bear Jamboree” is ready to start a new era in Magic Kingdom. Mark July 17, 2024, in your calendar, and join in the celebration of this iconic attraction’s reopening! We are looking forward to it!

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Disney World has recently conducted a significant revision of its Disability Access Service program (DAS) to reduce misuse and abuse. Here is an overview of the key changes that came into effect this month.

DAS is a service that provides qualified guests with the opportunity to wait for their turn outside the actual queue of the attraction, by being assigned a return time equal to the waiting time for the attraction at that time. Guests with disabilities can, in some cases and for various reasons, find it extremely difficult to wait in long queues. To make this easier, Disney World Disability Access Service (DAS) was introduced, and it can significantly improve your park experience if you or a family member have a disability.

In June this year, some major changes were introduced to the DAS system both in Disney World and Disneyland, which will affect who is qualified and how you register for this service. Just because you have a disability does not mean that you can automatically use DAS.

The key changes include a new definition of what qualifies for DAS, which is now intended to accommodate guests who, due to a developmental disability such as autism or a similar disorder, cannot wait in a regular queue for a long period time. The registration has also changed, as registration in the park is no longer available, and guests now have to register online. The duration of DAS has also been extended to be valid for 120 days or the length of the ticket’s validity, whichever is shortest.

Another significant change is that the ability to choose up to 2 attractions before arrival has been removed. In addition, the maximum party size for DAS accommodation will be four guests, although exceptions appear to be made for children in larger families.

Disney has also made several updates to its website to provide better clarity on what rules apply and at the same time introduced some additional services for those who do not qualify for regular DAS. Among other things, they have introduced a “return to queue” process for guests who need to leave the queue and come back. Furthermore, Disney is collaborating with Inspire Health Alliance’s healthcare personnel to assist Cast Members when needed to determine eligibility for DAS or other appropriate accommodation.

The reactions to the new rules have been mixed. Some appreciate Disney’s efforts to address misuse of the system, while others are concerned that the changes may be excluding those who need accommodation for reasons other than developmental disabilities.

These changes represent Disney’s attempt to create a more fair and accessible experience for all visitors, while taking into account the unique needs of guests with disabilities.

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Walt Disney World is known for its many attractions, from thrilling roller coasters to peaceful boat rides. But did you know that there are some seats that can give you an even better experience? We will tell you how you can optimize your Disney experience by choosing the best seat on the attractions.

Seat selection can have a significant impact on your experience of an attraction. Some seats provide a better view, while others can provide more excitement. For example, on a roller coaster, the seats in the back seat can provide more airtime and a more intense experience, while the seats in the front provide a better view.

Disney is known for its excellent customer service, and the staff will do their best to accommodate your wishes. If you want to sit in a specific seat or row, you can simply ask for it when you arrive at the boarding area. Remember that it may be necessary to wait a little longer if you ask for a specific seat.

Here are the attractions where we believe seat selection can be crucial to the experience:

Epcot

Soarin’ Around the World: To get the best view, it is recommended to ask to sit in row 1 on Concourse B. Rows 2 and 3 will also work well, as long as it is Concourse B. This will place you directly in the center of the screen for optimal viewing.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: If you are looking for the most intense experience through the galaxy, it is recommended to sit in rows 9 & 10.

Frozen Ever After: There are no specific seats that are better than others on this ride. However, it is recommended not to sit in row 1 if you want to avoid getting wet.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: Each vehicle has two rows. For the best possible experience, smaller children should sit in row 1.

Animal Kingdom

Dinosaur: There are no specific seats that are particularly better than others on this attraction. However, there will be a slightly better view if you sit on one of the sides.

Expedition Everest: Some people like to experience the thrill of sitting in the back seat of a roller coaster, which provides more movement. Others will see the whole picture by sitting in front, which provides a better view and a slightly “calmer” ride.

Kilimanjaro Safaris: The best seats are always the outer seats. However, it is worth noting that the further back you sit, the more bumpy the ride becomes. To get the very best experience on Kilimanjaro Safaris, it is recommended to sit on the left side of the safari vehicle. This will give you a slightly better view of several animals, perhaps especially hippos and crocodiles, than if you sit in the middle or on the right side. Remember that the animals love the rain and are often more active then.

Hollywood Studios

Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run: If your dream has always been to fly the Millennium Falcon, then the pilot position is where you want to sit. Then it is you who are in control, and the pilot seats are also closest to the windows/screens for the attraction, so the view is not blocked.

Rock’n’Roller Coaster: There are no specific seats that are better than others on this ride. However, as with most roller coasters, the first row provides a better view and a slightly less bumpy ride, while the back row will offer a slightly wilder ride.

Slinky Dog Dash: This is a fairly “calm” roller coaster, but the first and last row are also the best here, depending on what kind of experience you are after.

Tower of Terror: The first row, that is what is called row/area 1 and 2 absolutely provides the best view, and the best attraction photo.

Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: For the “wildest ride” it is recommended to ask for a seat in the rear rows. For quieter rides, ask for a seat in the front of the train. Be aware that each row shares the same bar, so you can be “thrown” around a bit. So if you want to avoid that as much as possible, one of the front rows is recommended.

Jungle Cruise: The back seats are preferable because they provide more legroom.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Each side of the boat offers a view of iconic scenes and they are best enjoyed if you sit against the sides of the boat. This is a water attraction where you can risk getting wet and that is not particularly protected against no matter which row you sit on.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: If someone who is not riding is going to take a picture, it may be a good idea to sit on the outermost row.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: Here the experts disagree a bit about what are the best seats. The back of the train apparently provides more attraction time, as you do not have to “hang” downhill while waiting for the train to be pulled over a peak. However, the first row also provides a much better view and better attraction photo and film.

Space Mountain: The best seats on Space Mountain are in the front of each car, if you are a bit large in size, or in the back if you have slightly long legs. Space Mountain has quite narrow seats and it can be a small ordeal to get out of them after the ride is over.

TRON: The first row provides a great experience with a nice view, and is probably the best choice.

Choosing the best seat on the attractions at Walt Disney World can improve your experience and make the trip even more memorable. Remember that you can ask for a specific seat or row, and the staff will do their best to accommodate your wish.

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This new attraction in Magic Kingdom has replaced Splash Mountain and presents a storyline that serves as a sequel to the movie “The Princess and the Frog”. Now we can finally take you on a tour through the entire attraction!

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opens on June 28th, but now you have the chance to experience the entire ride thanks to a video Disney has posted on YouTube! This video gives us a full POV experience of the ride, from the first hill to the final scene.

Check out the video at the bottom of the article, or go to Youtube: (775) FULL Ride POV: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure | Walt Disney World – YouTube

As for how Genie+ will work with this attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be available as part of Disney Genie+. This means that guests can purchase Genie+ for Magic Kingdom (or choose the multi-park Genie+ option) and reserve a Lightning Lane for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

When the attraction opens on June 28th, it will use a virtual queue (in addition to Genie+). Guests can join the virtual queue via the My Disney Experience app at one of two times: 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. Although a regular standby queue will not be available during the attraction’s initial opening days, Walt Disney World expects to open a standby queue shortly after the attraction’s opening.

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Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios now has a confirmed reopening date after a long refurbishment period. EPCOT has also undergone a significant and prolonged transformation, and June 10th marks the end of this. Another exciting attraction opens in Magic Kingdom when the transformation of Splash Mountain is completed.

Disney has now announced the opening hours for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, thereby confirming the reopening of the iconic attraction. Hollywood Studios will welcome guests again on July 27, 2024, after an extensive renovation. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster first opened in 1999, with an Aerosmith theme, and it will soon be ready for new guests.

At the same time, EPCOT has undergone a significant transformation, culminating in the opening of CommuniCore Hall & Plaza on June 10th. This new area will offer a variety of experiences, from food and live music to art, and will be available year-round. One of the most exciting additions is the new Encanto show, “¡Celebración Encanto!”.

Visitors can also look forward to more seating and food choices, as well as a new “meet and greet” for Mickey Mouse & Co. inside CommuniCore Hall. Even though the major transformation of Epcot is then completed, the park continues to evolve, with Test Track closing on June 17, 2024, for a comprehensive update.

Another exciting attraction coming to Disney World this summer is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This new attraction, opening on June 28, 2024, takes guests on a musical journey through the swamps along with Princess Tiana and her friends. Inspired by the Disney movie “The Princess and the Frog”, this attraction will give guests a unique experience of Louisiana’s swamp areas and the Mardi Gras celebration.

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Summer is here, and with it comes even more of the Disney World magic, at least when we talk about the parade in Magic Kingdom. The popular “Festival of Fantasy Parade” is now underway with two daily rounds through the park.

On May 26, 2024, Magic Kingdom started with two daily performances of the “Festival of Fantasy Parade”. The parade, which previously only took place at 3:00 PM, will now also take place at 12:00 PM.

The parade starts in Frontierland, passes through Liberty Square, circles around the Cinderella Castle hub, and ends on Main Street U.S.A. near the train station. With two performances daily, there are now even more opportunities for visitors to experience this fantastic parade.

So, if you are planning a trip to Disney World this summer, be sure to check out the “Festival of Fantasy Parade”.