Policy Change for Disney World Resort Hotels
Photos courtesy: @Fireworks_Fairy/Twitter
Starting this week, a new policy is being rolled out across Walt Disney World Resort hotels regarding "Do Not Disturb" signs and room checks by housekeeping staff.
This new policy requires housekeeping to enter a room once per day. Also, "Do Not Disturb" signs will be replaced with "Room Occupied" signs. This comes in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre where the gunman displayed a "Do Not Disturb" sign on his hotel room door for several days as he prepared for the shooting.
This policy is currently being introduced at the Magic Kingdom Area resort hotels first.
Personally, I seldom had a "Do Not Disturb" sign in my room, or if I did display it on my door, some other guest would inevitably take it as a souvenir. The problem is, these new "Room Occupied" signs will make even better souvenirs.
Video: Hall of President Reopens with President Trump
Donald Trump Audio-Animatronic figure at Hall of Presidents - Walt Disney World Resort.
As with every new president since Hall of Presidents opened at Walt Disney World Resort, an Audio-Animatronics figure of President Donald J. Trump has been added to the show. According to Walt Disney Imagineering, it features the latest advances in technology that enable smoother and more lifelike movements.
President Trump personally recorded remarks exclusively for The Hall of Presidents, just as each sitting president has done for the attraction since the early 1990s.
The likeness of the animatronic figure appears to be a little "off" from the presidents that were sculpted in the past. On social media, people are saying the figure looks more like Jon Voight but you be the judge.
Behind the Scenes: Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
Walt Disney Imagineering recently shared a behind-the-scenes look of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge currently being created for Disney's Hollywood Studios. Here's a quick summary of the tour:
Guests will be able to fly the Millennium Falcon at Walt Disney World Resort.
The name of the planet in Walt Disney World's new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening is Batuu - a planet on the outer rim of the Star Wars galaxy.
A fleet of full-size X-wing starfighters are being built.
Inside the Millennium Falcon - coming 2019 to Disney's Hollywood Studios
Retail space will offer toys that appear to be handcrafted by local artisans.
Galaxy's Edge will take visitors into a large-scale hangar of a Str Destroyer.
Update on New Cirque du Soleil Show at Disney Springs
New show coming to Walt Disney World Resort.
La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil is taking its final bow at Disney Springs on New Year’s Eve 2018. I'm told that the new show coming to Disney Springs will pay homage to Disney animation.
An opening date for the new show has not been announced. I'll share details here as they are finalized.
New Benefits Extended to Disney Springs Area Resorts
Disney Springs Resort Area hotels now eligible for some new package benefits
Beginning January 1, 2018, Guests staying at one of the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels, which are designated Official WALT DISNEY WORLD hotels will be able to participate in Extra Magic Hours.
Scheduled to begin Jan. 10, 2018, Guests who book a Walt Disney Travel Company package staying at one of the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels, which are designated Official WALT DISNEY WORLD hotels and who have booked a Walt Disney Travel Company package, will be able to link their hotel reservation on My Disney Experience and can utilize a 60-day booking window for FastPass+ selections.
The Disney Spring Resort Area hotels include:
- B Resort & Spa
- Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort
- DoubleTree Guest Suites by Hilton Orlando
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Palace
- Hilton Orlando Resort Lake Buena Vista
- Holiday Inn Orlando
- Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
Darren Wittko specializes in Disney Destinations
New Delivery Method for Magical Extras Card - Walt Disney World
Magical Extras Card - Walt Disney World Resort
Beginning with Jan. 1, 2018 arrivals, there's a new process for Magical Extra Card and voucher delivery. Instead of receiving a generic booklet including the Magical Extras card and vouchers. guests who purchase a Walt Disney Travel Company package and stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel will now receive information about the Magical Extras in their MagicBand delivery box. Please note this does not apply to Magical Vacations Travel Agency Exclusive offers.
by Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations