Watch Here: Virtual Viewing of ‘Happily Ever After’ at Walt Disney World Resort
Tonight, Disney Parks is bringing more #DisneyMagicMoments to everyone at home with a virtual viewing of one of the most spectacular nighttime shows ever created at Walt Disney World – “Happily Ever After.”
Happily Ever After | Walt Disney World Resort
Florida Task Force Meeting — April 24, 2020
The Re-Opening Florida Task Force has been meeting multiple times this week to discuss how to go about allowing businesses to start accepting customers again and what a timeline for that could look like. Although the reopening of Walt Disney World and Universal Resort Orlando have not yet been discussed in detail, we can get a little insight as to how things might look at least from a food and beverage and hotel standpoint.
Here are some key points from the meetings however they are still vague at this point.
Restaurants
Required to thoroughly clean and sanitize all areas
Make hand sanitizer readily available to guests
Modify floor plans to allow for social distancing and not allow guests to congregate in waiting areas or bars.
Taking employee’s temperatures is optional
Hotels in Central Florida
Frequent cleaning and sanitation of guest areas and rooms must occur
Signs encouraging social distancing will be posted
Hand sanitizers and wipes must be provided in public areas
Hotels are also encouraged to utilize online check-in and check-out processes, at Walt Disney World, this can be arranged through the My Disney Experience mobile app. Hilton and Marriott also offer similar technology
Finally, there was a lot of discussion on the idea of consistency across the industries. The Task Force wants all restaurants, hotels, and theme parks to adopt uniform guidelines so that guests feel safe. If they don’t feel safe, they won’t come out.
Related:
Florida Task Force Hints at Walt Disney World Reopening Steps
Disney World Policies in Post COVID 19 Might Be a Welcome Improvement
Book With Confidence! Walt Disney World Deposit & Cancellation Policy Review
UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship at Walt Disney World - Book Now!
The UCA High School Cheer Nationals are being held on February 12-14, 2021 at Walt Disney World Resort. This is President’s Day weekend as well as Mardi Gras, so I do expect Walt Disney World hotels to sell out in record time.
Photo: UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship
The good news is that you can book your room today! Popular hotels at Walt Disney World for this event are Disney’s All Star Sports, Disney’s Pop Century, Art of Animation and Disney’s Coronado Springs and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
Can I book my room, tickets, and dining now?
You can book a ticketless package for right now (just the room), and add tickets and dining on as soon as they become available from Disney. Probably in June or July of 2020.
Are there any room discounts available now?
Not yet, but I do expect winter room offers to become available later this year. We might even an Agency Exclusive Offer here at Magical Vacations Travel, as we typically have offers that cover President’s Day weekend. I can automatically apply an offer or discount if one becomes available for your reservation type.
Should I book now or wait for a discount?
The UCA National Cheerleading Championship falls on one of the busiest weekends at Walt Disney World of the year. As a travel advisor, I am already booking room reservations for February 2021. For the best availability and to get the hotel you want, I would not wait to book.
Can I adjust my dates after I book?
Yes, the cancellation modification policy will be explained to you on your quote, but changes are subject to availability.
How do I get a quote?
Get your quote today by filling out the Quote Form.
#UCAnationals #WaltDisneyWorld
Disney Bedtime Hotline is Back!
It’s official! Disney has announced the return of its beloved Disney Bedtime Hotline to help bring a little pixie dust to fans and families everywhere.
Now fans can hear messages from favorite Disney characters before falling asleep – all from the comfort of home. Call 1-877-7-MICKEY for one of five special messages for little ones from Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck or Goofy.
Click here to view special offers for Walt Disney World Resort
Darren Wittko - Orlando, FL
5 Tips for Bringing a First-Timer To Walt Disney World
Bringing someone to Walt Disney World for their first visit, especially when you’re a seasoned pro, is a lot fun. It’s exciting to play tour guide and show them around the happiest place on earth. It’s even more fun if they are reluctant to go, because you and I both know they will love it once they see it! It’s definitely not Six Flags, right?
Based on my own experiences and the feedback I get from numerous clients, here are my 5 tips to ensure they will have a great time at Walt Disney World.
Pirates of the Caribbean | Magic Kingdom Park
Expect to make new memories together
You may have great memories of Walt Disney World and maybe even some traditions. For me, Magic Kingdom had to be our first and last park. But it’s perfectly ok to write a new chapter together. They shouldn’t feel like they are just tagging along on your vacation.
Let them have a say in the planning
Of course, you’re the expert and they are probably looking to you for expert planning. But make them a stakeholder in the planning too, they will enjoy the parks even more if they are involved on some level. And be careful you don’t object to their ideas. Even if you know that Swiss Family Treehouse isn’t all that exciting, if they think it looks cool, let them check it out.
Go at their pace
If your companion is not quite the Disney fan you are, a grueling pace through the parks can wear them out. Walt Disney World is physically and mentally exhausting. The parks are of course massive and as guests, we are all on sensory overload. The “sleep when you're dead” style of touring might not be for everyone unless they are uber Disney fans too. Allow them time to rest and to process all the mental stimulation they are being bombarded with at Disney World. Schedule breaks, a little more time at the pool, shopping, or going back to the room early on some nights.
Be careful not to overhype experiences
Think of watching a movie with your friend. You’ve never seen it before and yet they know the entire script by heart. Every few minutes they say, “oh watch this part, it’s so funny!” That can get a little annoying, you just want to watch the movie and take it in for yourself. And maybe they hype up a scene so much, that it falls short of your expectations.
Share the reasons why you like an attraction so much rather than try to convince your friend that they will love it too.
Expect the unexpected
The best memories and traditions come from the unexpected. Walt Disney World does require an incredible amount of planning, but it’s also designed to be a place of discovery and adventure. Leave room to do something that is not in the plans. Maybe an unexpected street performance at Epcot or Hollywood Studios or you find a path in Animal Kingdom - see where it goes! So, go ahead and smell those proverbial roses, it’s ok!
2021 Walt Disney World Ticketless Packages Explained
Walt Disney World is making it easy for guests to book 2021 reservations right now!
Book a 2021 Walt Disney World Ticketless Package now!
To book a 2021 reservation, first contact your travel advisor, because you cannot do this online. The advantage is that you can lock in your room today with the $200 package deposit. You’ll be able to add tickets and/or dining plans to your reservation later, without any additional deposit due.
Disney is now accepting reservations through the summer of 2021.
This is a big deal because, in previous years, Disney would not allow you to book a package reservation until ticket and dining prices had been determined, usually by June or July. You would also have to adjust the nightly room rate once those had been determined.
But this year, Disney has already determined room rates through the end of summer 2021 so there won’t be an adjustment after you book your room. Plus you can add tickets and dining very easily once they become available.
How it Works
Book your room reservation now as a ticketless package, availability is wide opened
Add tickets and/or a dining plan when they become available, probably in June or July of 2020. No additional deposit is due when adding tickets/dining.
Apply a future offer if/when one becomes available.
Why You Should Book Your Room Now
Most people want the best available rate at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Most often this is standard view, and garden view. These room categories are among the first to sell out because they are the cheapest. Upgraded room categories like preferred rooms, tower rooms, theme park views, and water view rooms cost significantly more.
As a travel advisor, I always recommend booking early to lock in a cheaper room category. Those who want an upgraded room like Tower, Magic Kingdom View at Disney’s Contemporary Resort should book early some are extremely popular despite the cost and they do often sell out, especially on holidays.
The World’s Most Magical Celebration -Walt Disney World 2021
2021 Walt Disney World Ticketless Package FAQ
What is a Ticketless Package?
This is a room reservation that is left open-ended so you can add tickets and/or a Disney Dining Plan later on.
What’s the benefit of a Ticketless Package?
There are a few benefits.
You can add tickets and or dining later on without having to rebook your room reservation as a package reservation.
You can book your reservation with the $200 package deposit rather than the Room-Only deposit amount.
You lock in the room category and resort you want before the masses begin booking reservations.
What Happens if Disney releases a discount for 2021, will I be eligible?
Generally yes, Disney will allow you to apply offers and discounts to existing reservations, subject to offer type and availability. Your travel advisor will let you know if you need to make some changes in order to get the discount.
What is the cancellation policy on a Ticketless Package?
You can cancel or modify your reservation up to 30-days prior to arrival.
Can I add a dining plan without tickets?
Yes! Tickets are not required.
Can I add tickets but no dining plan?
Yes! Dining plans are not required.
How do I book a 2021 Ticketless Package?
You should contact your travel advisor who will walk you through the steps and the policies. Ticketless Packages cannot be booked online.
When will Disney publish ticket and dining prices?
This can happen at any time, but historically they publish rates for the following year in June or July.
2021 promises to be a big year at Walt Disney World, specifically October 1, 2021, the official anniversary date. But many new attractions are coming online like Tron, Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, and numerous new attractions coming to Epcot. Disney is planning on record attendance levels, especially now that so many people are rebooking their 2020 trips. So don’t wait, get your 2021 Walt Disney World quote today!
Disney World Policies in Post COVID 19 Might Be a Welcome Improvement
During an interview last week Bob Iger acknowledged that shifts in health protocols at the parks will be similar to the security enhancements added since 9/11 and the Pulse Nightclub shooting. Touchless temperature checkpoints are likely, either via handheld thermometer or walk-in booths that look similar to metal detectors. Some grocery stores are already implementing this technology right now.
Rumors have suggested Disney is considering phasing out its touch ID systems at Theme Park entrances. The biometric scanners never worked well anyway so I’m sure guests won’t miss them.
Many theme parks and stadiums already use facial ID systems for admission from companies like Alibaba and Siemens Group. These systems are also are extremely reliable compared to the troubled fingerprint readers.
The new Universal Studios theme park under construction in China will use facial recognition for admissions, payments and queueing. Universal has not officially stated whether or not it will bring this technology to the Orlando parks, however.
Based on what I’m hearing from some insiders at Walt Disney World, we may also see:
Increased access to mobile ordering at quick-service restaurants. I began using it exclusively in the parks even before I was concerned about COVID, it’s a great system.
Guests may be encouraged to use Online Check-in for hotels to limit contact. And why wait in line in the lobby to check-in? With online check-in, Disney texts you the room number and you’re good to go.
The use of Boarding Groups on more rides especially those with indoor queues. Boarding Groups began at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and despite some setbacks with overwhelming demand, it’s a great idea. Disney was likely going in this direction anyway, at least on a few of its attractions. Standing in line for 60 minutes isn’t fun and with Boarding Groups, you won’t have to.
Character meals may no longer offer buffets and will probably go with table-service instead. There has always been concerns about airborne pathogens landing in open trays of food, even before COVID-19. Table-service would be safer and besides, most of us really overdo it at buffets anyway. I’m looking at you, fried chicken at Trail’s End!
While this is not official information coming from Disney, I think we all understand that there will need to be adjustments as we embrace “the new normal.” It’s still too early for us to fully know how Walt Disney World will adapt, but I’m sure it will be fine. I don’t know about you, but I am very eager to get back into the parks.
Book With Confidence! Walt Disney World Deposit & Cancellation Policy Review
During these uncertain times, I find that many people still want to visit Walt Disney World Resort, but are a little uncertain about the deposit and cancellation policies should they need to cancel or postpone their trip.
First, I would not hesitate to book, every day I am hard at work running quotes and booking summer and fall travel, even amidst a pandemic. One thing the Disney fans know, you can’t book a Walt Disney World trip last-minute!
These days, the most popular question I get is about the Walt Disney World cancellation policy. Followed by, “when will Disney World reopen?” No one knows when it will open, but I can provide some general information on the deposit and cancellation policies that might put you at ease if you’re thinking of traveling to Disney World this year.
Walt Disney World Deposit Policies
On Resort Packages (when you combine hotel, tickets, and dining), the deposit is $200.
Room-Only reservations have a deposit amount that is equal to the cost of 1 night’s lodging.
Agency Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel have a deposit amount that is equal to the cost of 1 night’s lodging.
Theme Park Passes (not part of a Resort Package) require full payment at the time of order.
Walt Disney World Cancellation Policies
Under normal conditions, Resort Packages would need to be canceled outside of 30-days prior to arrival for a full refund. Due to the pandemic, Disney World is waiving cancellation fees and penalties through June 30th. This will likely be extended if Disney World continues to remain closed.
Agency Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel, have a cancellation policy of 5-days prior to arrival for a full refund on the room, even if the reservation is paid in full.
Room-Only reservations can be cancelled up to 5-days prior to arrival for a full refund.
Walt Disney World Ticket Orders - tickets are generally non-fundable once purchased. However, tickets with unused days and date-specific tickets with a valid use period that falls within the closure period can be used through December 15, 2020. They can also be saved and used towards the cost of a ticket on a future visit to Walt Disney World.
It’s worth noting that not one of my clients lost any money during this entire pandemic for having to change or cancel their reservations. Disney has been very understanding, it’s really nice to see.
So now is a great time to plan your visit to Walt Disney World. Bookings are way up for fall travel in particular and many of the Agency Exclusive Offers are beginning to sell out.
With such flexible deposit and cancellation policies, there’s no reason to wait! View the Current Offers page for exclusive discounts throughout 2020 and get started today.
Sunrise Over Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
Good morning, I hope you enjoy these sunrise views from a galaxy far, far away! #DisneyMagicMoments
May the Force be with you, always.
New Updates From Walt Disney World
Some important news coming from Walt Disney World today:
New Walt Disney World Vacation Package Offered to Select Guests
There is a new offer available for Walt Disney World guests who booked a vacation package or room reservation from March 16 through May 31, 2020.
Disney World Introduces Summer Recovery Package for Eligible Guests
Eligible Guests can take advantage of a Walt Disney World package offer that includes accommodations at a select Disney Resort hotel, park admission and one of the Disney dining plans. While some unofficial websites are reporting this is a free Disney dining offer, I have not heard that officially.
This offer is valid for arrivals most nights June 1 through September 30, 2020 and you must book by May 31, 2020. The reservation, regardless of your previous reservation, can be between 2 and 14 nights. I minimum 2-day theme park ticket is required.
This offer is subject to availability. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
Sun & Fun Offer Extended for all Guests
Disney has also extended the Sun & Fun Offer that was intended to entice spring travelers. Now everyone can take advantage of this offer through August 31, 2020. Guests can save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Offer excludes the following room types: campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Click here to get a quote today!
Update on Final Payments
Also, Disney has announced that for those Walt Disney Travel Company packages with final payments coming due 30 days prior to arrival, guests will have until 7 days prior to arrival to make final payment until further notice.
For other Walt Disney World discounts, visit the Walt Disney World Current Offers Page.
What’s life like in Orlando? An FAQ with a Travel Advisor
During this difficult time, I have received so many wonderful emails from my clients, many who aren’t currently booked to visit Walt Disney World, just checking on me, the status of Walt Disney World, and even our agency. It’s been wonderful to see how many people care about us!
I have been getting a lot of questions from people so I thought it would be a good idea to share them out for anyone who is curious about what life is currently like in Orlando. Here’s a quick FAQ I put together today while social distancing:
So how’s it going in Orlando? What’s it like down there?
Well, it’s like most places, almost everything is closed. Restaurants are either closed or take out only. All the entertainment venues on I-Drive and 192 like mini-golf and gift shops are closed. I-4 which is usually stop-and-go traffic is wide-opened. It’s really a ghost town. Most of the hotels are closed, all of the Walt Disney World hotels and restaurants are closed.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Is there anything to do in Orlando right now?
No. Literally nothing to do. I’m hearing that a lot of folks from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut want to come down and enjoy the Sunshine State. And those of you living in a stay-at-home community have that for a reason, right? This is not the Florida you would recognize and I would highly encourage people to save their money and come back when the time is right.
Have you been to Walt Disney World since it closed? What’s it like?
I live 2 minutes from Walt Disney World and drive through every other day just to get out to do something. There’s no one around except for security and police who are patrolling. Security has the hotel entrances blocked off with cones, no cars on the roads and parking lots are empty except for the fleet of WDW buses.
Is Disney using this time to get work done in the parks?
There are some small construction projects taking place, the old entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is coming down for example. No work can be seen on the new Tron ride. I’m told that Disney is following CDC recommendations to avoid gatherings, so that would include most construction projects.
When do you think Disney will reopen?
I wish I could say for sure, we are all waiting on that news. The Orange County mayor will enact a stay-at-home order on Thursday March 25th. This means that all non-essential businesses, public parks, and government offices are to close through April 19, 2020. While we have not yet heard anything from Disney, Universal Orlando has announced it will adhere to the mayor’s order and remain closed.
Disney already canceled the Star Wars Half Marathon that was set to take place in May. But it’s worth noting that this event is poorly attended anyway compared to the other Disney races that sell out in minutes.
What do you think the parks will be like when they reopen?
Hard to say but I do know Disney is very good about making things work. When the time is right, Disney will have something in place to reassure guests that they are taking every precaution. I don’t think we are there yet, but once we see things getting back to normal, I expect to see some new policies in place.
Should I hold off on booking my summer or fall vacation to Walt Disney World?
No. I have so many clients rebooking and I am already seeing very limited availability in summer and fall dates, even without discounts. The cancellation policy on a package is 30-days prior to arrival for a full refund of the $200 deposit. On room-only reservations, the cancelation policy is 5-days prior to arrival for a full refund of the deposit. The deposit on a room-only reservation is equal to one night’s lodging.
I am still booking Walt Disney World vacation packages. Visit the Current Offers page to see what we have for special rates.
I know we cannot wait for all this to be over, to know that we are safe to travel again and to have fun once again at Walt Disney World. And please remember to support small businesses as much as you can, like restaurants, food delivery, mom and pop stores, and travel advisors! We are all eager to get back to work.
If you have a question, feel free to ask. I’ll do my best to answer it.
Important Information on the Temporary Closure of Walt Disney World Resort
May I get a refund on my ticket?
Unexpired multi-day theme park tickets with unused days, or date-specific theme park tickets with a start date on or before March 31, 2020 will automatically be extended to use any date through December 15, 2020. If you are unable to visit by December 15, 2020 you may apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date.
Florida Resident Discover Disney Tickets may be used through July 31, 2020.
If you have purchased tickets for Disney After Hours, Disney Villains After Hours and Disney Early Morning Magic from March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020 they will be automatically refunded.
Temporary Closure of Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks
How does the closure of Walt Disney World impact annual passes?
Walt Disney World annual passes will be extended by the number of days the parks are closed, March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020.
I have a reservation while the park is closed. What does that mean for my vacation package?
For stays between March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020, you may modify or cancel your Disney Resort room reservation or Walt Disney Travel Company package up to your original check-in date. If no action is taken, Disney will automatically process a refund to the original form of payment within seven days of the original check-in date.
What if I decide to cancel my resort reservation after the parks reopen?
Disney will waive all Disney imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in through June 30, 2020.
I have a pre-paid dining reservation or experience reservation like Build a Droid during the time when the parks are closed. Will I receive a refund?
Yes. All pre-paid dining and experience reservations will be automatically refunded if scheduled between March 16, 2020 through March 31, 2020.
What happens to dining reservations that required a credit card at the time of booking?
Reservations made at locations impacted by the closure will not be charged a cancellation or no-show fee.
To move your trip to later in the year, please check out the Current Offers page to find special offers for Walt Disney World.
New Experience at Epcot's The Seas With Nemo & Friends
You can become a sea-sleuth with Finding Dory’s Friends, a new self-led journey through The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at EPCOT. You can grab a complimentary scavenger hunt booklet where you’ll follow a map through the pavilion to solve rhyming puzzles and look for clues to help Dory remember and locate her marine friends!
Get Ready for a Fin-tastic Scavenger Hunt Adventure Coming to The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT!
This new experience offers an interactive way for guests of all ages to learn more about our friends under the sea.
The booklets will be located on the first floor inside The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion.
Click here to view Exclusive offers for Walt Disney World
by Darren Wittko
New Tour at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
The new “A Path Less Traveled Tour” – a unique experience being offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the 25th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund.
Experience ‘A Path Less Traveled Tour’ as a part of Earth Month Celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
On this walking tour, you’ll learn more about the authentic details, clever construction and imaginative design throughout the theme park.
You’ll also have the chance to meet with animal care experts to learn how Disney cares for the hundreds of animals in the park and what we’re doing to save wildlife species worldwide.
This limited-time opportunity provides a glimpse into what it takes to bring the magic of animals, culture and conservation to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The tour will be $69.00, plus tax per guest. Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m. and the tour runs 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. daily from March 29 – May 2, 2020, with the exception of April 21, 2020. All guests must be 10 years of age or older to participate.
Tour participation requires park admission and ticket cost is not included in the tour price.
Check out exclusive hotel offers for Walt Disney World Resort here
Darren Wittko
New Sign for Gusteau’s Restaurant at Epcot
Gusteau’s is the famed Parisian establishment that is home to Chef Remy from Disney and Pixar’s “Ratatouille.”
Look for Gusteau's sign the next time you're on the Disney Skyliner. It's visible from the gondola as you approach or depart the International Gateway station.
It’s also the soon-to-be setting for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, the new attraction opening this summer at Epcot. This family-friendly experience will take you on an adventure with Chef Remy, where you’ll race through Gusteau’s kitchen in special trackless ride vehicles.
Disney Introduces Club Run Disney
I love to run the Disney half marathons and 10ks so I am especially excited to share a new opportunity for fellow Disney runners: Club runDisney, a new membership opportunity for runners who love to run at Walt Disney World Resort. Club runDisney will offer three different one-year-long membership levels – Silver, Gold, and Platinum – featuring a range of special benefits that will run from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021.
All Club runDisney members will receive a welcome package including an exclusive jacket and will have access to the lowest race registration pricing all year, a new Virtual 10K in Fall 2020 that is exclusively for Club runDisney members, and special Club runDisney designation on race bibs during on-site events. All of these benefits are included with a Silver Membership.
Gold Membership will include these perks, along with early registration access with a guaranteed spot in the half marathon or marathon distance each race weekend.
Platinum Membership will have all of these benefits, plus early registration with a guaranteed spot in one distance each race weekend; upgraded corral placement; and an exclusive Expo experience with early admittance to the runDisney Merchandise Shop, a special character meet and greet, and access to a Club runDisney Lounge with expedited race packet pick-up.
Club runDisney memberships will go on sale on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 10 am ET, just prior to the start of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.
If you are interested in learning more, check out https://www.rundisney.com/club-rundisney/ or visit the Club runDisney booth at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Health & Fitness Expo, which kicks off Wednesday at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Florida Resident Ticket Offer
New Florida Resident TIcket Available for Walt Disney World
The Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket includes admission to any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks (one theme park per day).
Tickets are available for purchase Jan. 2-June 27, 2020, and can be used any three or four days (depending on ticket purchased) from Jan. 2 through June 30, 2020.
3-day Discover Disney Ticket for $175 plus tax ($59 per day, plus tax)
4-day Discover Disney Ticket for $195 plus tax ($49 per day, plus tax)
Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus options available This special ticket can be used any days through June 30, 2020, and has no block-out dates, so it’s a great way for Florida residents to discover unforgettable experiences across all four Walt Disney World theme parks in 2020.
Disney Villains After Hours returns to Magic Kingdom Park
New Villains Caravan and More Coming to Disney Villains After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park Next Year
Disney Villains After Hours returns to Magic Kingdom Park for 24 select nights starting February 7, 2020.
Based on the popularity of Maleficent dragon’s journey through the park, Disney is including even more villainous fun. New this year, the Villains’ Cursed Caravan will join Maleficent the dragon as she creeps through the park twice nightly. The procession will feature Gaston, Oogie Boogie, Cruella DeVil, Captain Hook and more! As a reminder, this event does not include character greetings.
For offers on Walt Disney World, check out the Current Offers Page
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance - Walt Disney World - Virtual Queue
Here’s what to know:
Virtual queue will be available at the published park opening time. Disney may welcome Guests onto Hollywood Boulevard prior to opening the rest of the park, and limited nearby locations will be open for your convenience. This includes Trolley Car Café aka Starbucks.
At the park’s published opening time, the virtual queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens along with offerings throughout the rest of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests must be in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to access virtual queue in the My Disney Experience app.
Disney will continue to distribute backup boarding groups after the initial planned groups have been filled. Backup boarding groups will only be called if all of the initial planned boarding groups have been called back and there is capacity for more riders that evening. If Disney is able to accommodate boarding groups that evening, Guests will be notified through the My Disney Experience app by a push notification (if enabled).
New Hotel Coming to Disney Springs in 2021
Drury Hotels is developing its largest property to date, the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista, and will begin to welcome guests by spring 2021. The new hotel will be located in the Disney Springs Resort Area and the entire project will be completed by the end of 2021, with its first set of rooms available by spring 2021.
Drury Plaza Hotel | Walt Disney World Resort
The new property is located just steps away from Disney Springs: a walkable, 120-acre outdoor complex outside of the theme parks featuring an eclectic mix of unique boutiques, one-of-a-kind eateries, and entertainment. The hotel will be able to be booked as part of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation package. Drury also will offer transportation to and from the theme parks, as well as to other surrounding attractions.