Hollywood Studios Darren Wittko Hollywood Studios Darren Wittko

Operational Update to Star Wars Rise of the Resistance

Beginning Friday, July 24, opportunities to join the queue will be available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Beginning Friday, July 24, opportunities to join the queue will be available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

 Since Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopened, I’ve received questions about why the virtual queue fills so quickly each day. 

As you’ve also heard, new health-and-safety measures include limiting theme park attendance and implementing new measures to promote physical distancing. This includes requiring extra space between groups in queues and on attraction vehicles. With all of this in mind, Disney is not able to accommodate as many people on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance as it could before it implemented physical distancing.

For guests with a Disney Park Pass reservation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the attraction will continue to have limited availability accessible through the My Disney Experience app virtual queue. Starting Friday, July 24, guests will have an opportunity at either 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. to join the virtual queue. These two opportunities are intended to give guests more flexibility in their planning, and are also a way to further support physical distancing. 

Here are more details to be aware of before you arrive:

  • First, make sure to download the My Disney Experience app. Once you enter the park, log in to your account at one of the distribution times (10 a.m. or 2 p.m.).

  • Once you have logged in, select “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Virtual Queue” on the home screen. You will be able to view the current status and next steps for joining the virtual queue. 

  • The app will indicate when there is no availability for a specific distribution time. Some guests may join backup groups. 

  • As long as your My Disney Experience account is linked to park tickets for you and the others in your group, you can enroll everyone in the virtual queue at the same time. In order to give as many guests as possible the opportunity to join the Resistance, each guest can enter the virtual queue no more than once per day.

  • Make sure push notifications are turned on for My Disney Experience so you will be alerted if your group is called to return. You’ll have up to an hour from the time of the alert to go to the entrance of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. 

  • Guests who are enrolled in the virtual queue will be able to see an estimated return time indicating when they may be called back to experience the attraction. This time may change throughout the day, so continue to check the app for updates. Also, the tip boards around the park will display the boarding groups that have been called back.

  • Please note that joining the virtual queue does not guarantee the ability to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. 

If you have any questions or need assistance with joining the virtual queue, cast members at Guest Experience Team locations throughout the park are available to assist. While you wait for your virtual queue group to be called, you can enjoy other experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios including our newest addition, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. 

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Universal Orlando Darren Wittko Universal Orlando Darren Wittko

Save Big! Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort

AUGUST 14 - 18, 2020 - AGENCY EXCLUSIVE OFFER

Magical Vacations Travel

  • Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Offer

Book with confidence - cancel up to 5-days prior to arrival for a full refund.

Sample Pricing - A family of 4, staying 3 nights at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, Standard View Room pays only $705.39 (including tax). Theme park tickets can be added at additional cost.

Centrally located at Universal Orlando, Universal's Hard Rock Hotel offers exclusive unlimited ride access which lets ticket-holding guests skip regular lines at Universal theme parks. CityWalk nightlife is 5 minutes' walk away and accessible by water taxi. Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal's Volcano Bay™ water theme park 1 hour before the theme parks opens. (Valid theme park admission required.) A 12,000-square-foot pool with underwater music and rock and roll memorabilia decor is on site. Free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and an iPod docking station are available in each room. All rooms are decorated with rock music-themed decor. 

This offer will sell out, get your quote today. Offer is subject to availability.

Find more offers and discounts on the Universal Orlando Resort Offers Page

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Service Update: Disney's Magical Express at Walt Disney World Resort

Important operational update beginning July 2020

Disney’s Magical Express - Service Update

Disney’s Magical Express - Service Update

Please be aware that while Disney’s Magical Express will continue its service as complimentary airport transportation for guests arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport, beginning Thursday, July 16th, Disney’s Magical Express will no longer provide luggage delivery service.

Luggage assistance will be available at the front of Disney Resort hotels, including luggage storage and/or transport to the room. Upon your departure, you should ensure your luggage is with you and loaded onto the motorcoach so you can check it with your airline once you reach the airport.

The resort airline check-in service will not be offered at this time.

View Current Offers for Walt Disney World Resort

 

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Transportation Darren Wittko Transportation Darren Wittko

What it’s Like to Fly to/from Orlando International Airport Today

What is it like to fly to/from Orlando International Airport these days? It’s terrific! Yes, i’m actually saying air travel is great. I don’t think I’ve ever said that before. Imagine that the airport exists only for you. It’s truly the best experience I’ve ever had flying.

Here’s a quick photo story from my recent journey on a flight from Orlando International to New Jersey.

Orlando International Airport Security check

Orlando International Airport Security check

On a typical July day here in Orlando, you could expect to see crowds of people and strollers in line waiting for the security screening. Lines average 30-45 minutes. Today, there was no wait. The entire process took less than 5 minutes.

Jetblue terminal at Orlando International Airport

Jetblue terminal at Orlando International Airport

Once again, I just want to reiterate that this is July…in Orlando International Airport! We had the place to ourselves. That’s some carpet, isn’t it? Only a few of the restaurants were opened, Burger King, McDonalds and Starbucks. They were minimally staffed so there were short lines.

Plenty of seating at the Jetblue terminal - Orlando International Airport

Plenty of seating at the Jetblue terminal - Orlando International Airport

The terminal was quiet and relaxing. You could actually hear the music playing. At the gate there was plenty of seating. The entire boarding process took less than 1o minutes we left the gate ahead of schedule. It felt more like a VIP/corporate airport than Orlando International. By the way, did you know there are real fossils imprinted in the floor tile all over the airport? I didn’t either, but a Jetblue employee pointed that out to me. I’m sure it would be cost-prohibitive to do that today.

Onboard one of Jetblue’s newest planes. The blue lighting is a nice touch.

Onboard one of Jetblue’s newest planes. The blue lighting is a nice touch.

There were only 10 other people on the plane, all distanced appropriately. Not quite 6ft apart, but we were free to move and find an empty row if we wanted once we got in the air. Some passengers took the entire row to lay down. There was all the overhead luggage space you could possibly imagine. Masks are required for the entire flight except for eating. Everyone followed the rules. Jetblue made a point of telling us the air is NOT recirculated on the plane. They have fresh air intakes and they filter the air. Snacks come in a prepackaged bag with a bottle of water.

Deplaning was a breeze. We were off the plane in less than 5 minutes. That’s always the worst part for me, I can’t wait to get off once we land.

If you have any questions about flying to/from Orlando International, use the comments section below. For current Walt Disney World offers, visit the offers page.

Darren Wittko

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