Nate Smith, An Affiliate of Academy Travel

02/10/2022

A flow-up from my post last week. Here are more details for future expansions and additions in Disney for 2022-23. ✨🏰✨

https://www.disneytouristblog.com/new-next-disney-world-rides/?fbclid=IwAR3WFjZ9EPIIQBAvHoZT7CZV-mdgslzLGh-j1bL0dWjHCaFPs-fLypK6fis

New rides, restaurants, entertainment, and more is coming to Walt Disney World in 2023. Here's what's next after the 50th Anniversary celebration concludes next year--construction info, expansion plans, and opening dates so you know what

23/09/2022

Future new additions and potential new land concepts coming to Disney World announced at the 2022 D23 Expo…

Spring 2023-TRON Lightcycle Run coming to Magic Kingdom 🚴

Late 2024-Splash Mountain conversion to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure 🐸

New Land concepts in Magic Kingdom - Coco 💀 🎸 / Encanto / Disney Villains

New Land concepts in Animal Kingdom - Moana 🌊 / Zootopia 🦊 🐰

Big things coming…stay tuned!

15/05/2021

May 15....Masks will not be required outdoors at Disney. This is huge news!!! Let’s book a trip.

The time has finally come Insiders! The moment we all have been waiting for…Disney World has officially announced that face masks will no longer be required outdoors starting Saturday, May 15! JUST IN: Walt Disney World has modified its mask policy, making masks optional when outdoors, effective M...

05/05/2021

Big steps...Florida is lifting COVID restrictions; however, Disney to stick to 25% capacity and face masks for the time being. Get all the details here. If you’re waiting to plan a trip until restrictions have lifted, this is a step in the right direction...let’s book you a trip!!!

There has been so much going on this week between Disney news and updates with the Florida governor lifting pandemic restrictions, and it’s only Tuesday! So much news is going around we wanted to compile the basics for all of you Insiders so that you can find all the information in one place! So w...

25/04/2021

When will the dining plan return?!? Most Florida restaurants are operating at full capacity; however Disney is following guidance from the CDC. Here’s a good read with guidance and plan of attack by Disney. Cliftnotes version...we aren’t sure, but the hope is fall 2021 or start of 2022 at the earliest. Oh yeah...let me help you book you next trip...which is NO extra cost to you!

“When will the Disney Dining Plan return?” and “will Walt Disney World bring back Free Dining in 2021?” are two common reader questions. We’ll try to answer based on what we know about the prepaid meal plan and this popular discount, plus restaurant capacity, crowds, Florida’s reopening ...

11/04/2021

This is great news...especially for getting to and from the airport to your resort!

Earlier this year, Walt Disney World made the bombshell announcement that Disney’s Magical Express is ending in 2022. Disney attributed this to the rise of Uber of Lyft, saying there has been an the expansion of transportation options for guests: “Vacationers have more options to choose from tha...

07/04/2021

Capacity being increased, no masks for outside pictures, and don’t need a vaccine passport! Things are looking up at Disney. Let’s book a trip or at least get you a quote for your next trip!

We’re back with another roundup of Walt Disney World news & rumors. This one covers a job listing for a fireworks designer, Cast Members’ incentive for getting inoculated, and why vaccine passports will not be used anywhere in Florida. (Updated April 3, 2021 with official vaccine passport ban de...

30/03/2021

Adding this to my bucket list!!! But until that date comes, let me help you...for FREE...book your next Disney trip!

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Resort is a highly-hyped new hotel coming to Walt Disney World, opening behind Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. This post covers everything you need to know–the latest on when the spaceship Halcyon will open, pricing, concept art & construction photos. (Updated...

28/03/2021

A good read for those of you wanting to go to Disney and the protocols they’ve implemented and what to expect in the future. If you’re ready to do, I’m ready to book a trip for you. And best part is...it’s free of charge to let me do it! Let’s book a trip.

Walt Disney World’s theme parks & hotels have reopened and been safely operating for months amidst the coronavirus pandemic with physical distancing, face masks, and health rules. This planning guide addresses how WDW is keeping guests safe from COVID-19, tips & advice for navigating this period o...

22/03/2021

No valuable Disney info on this post. I am a huge fan of golf and Tony Finau is one of the best. Had to share!

Professional golfer Tony Finau recently visited Walt Disney World Resort on vacation with his family. We took a few minutes to catch up with Finau for a Walt Disney World Minute! We chatted about his Walt Disney World trip, and some of his favorite golf memories – including hitting a golf shot in ...

17/03/2021

I personally love the Magic Bands...everything you need right on your wrist, but we as a society are also on our phones a lot - probably too much. Disney’s new MagicMobile service can be used hand in hand with the Magic Band and will be rolling out soon. First wave will be in Apple products. More great details are listed in the article.

Walt Disney World has announced the MagicMobile service, a new contactless way to use features like theme park entry through iPhones, Apple Watches, and other smart devices. In this post, we’ll share details, address whether the MagicBand is dying, and also speculate on the future. Launching in ph...

11/03/2021

If you are planning a trip to Disney or wanting to, but aren’t sure of the safety measures taken, this is a great read. If you are contemplating making a trip to Disney in 2021 or 2022, get ahold of me and let me book your ideal vacation!

Walt Disney World’s theme parks & hotels have reopened and been safely operating for months amidst the coronavirus pandemic with physical distancing, face masks, and health rules. This planning guide addresses how WDW is keeping guests safe from COVID-19 and offers tips & advice for navigating thi...

04/02/2021

Great insight on the strides being taken by Disney for all park goers!

It’s time for another Walt Disney World news and rumor round-up! This time, we have a range of stories including a new discount, an extension of park hours, and the end of a popular event at WDW–which is actually good news. The most interesting tidbit is tweaks to face mask and physical distanci...

21/01/2021

If you’re planning on going to Disney, check to see what will be out of service while you’re there.

This Walt Disney World refurbishment calendar lists the schedule of ride closures for 2021 at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Attractions need to close for routine maintenance, safety upgrades, improvements, and reimaginings. (Updated January 20, 2021.) While no one want...

18/12/2020

If you’re debating on taking a trip to Disney, give this a read and maybe it will sway you to book a trip...some good deals you could be eligible for!

Walt Disney World is offering a sneak peek at a new discount coming out after the holidays that’ll run through September 2021 and offers two free ticket days. In this post, we’ll share the details of this special offer, compare & contrast it with overlapping room-only discounts, and share analys...

04/12/2020

Disney recently announced they are being back the Hopper Pass at the beginning of 2021. Now characters are returning to the resorts. And bringing meal plans back is in the works! As Disney continues to open more and get closer to how it used to be, it’s a great time to book a trip...Especially for a Holiday gift. Contact me to book a trip!

Some more great news to report this time with characters. We’ve now seen characters return to resorts to interact with guests in a socially distanced way with their “pop up adventures.” We’re used to seeing a lot of characters interact with guests during the holidays and at this time we’re...

30/11/2020

Park Hooper is back at Disney World starting 2021! 2020 has been tough in us all. Let’s start 2021 out in the right foot and let me help you book your next trip to Disney!

20/11/2020

See how well Disney is adjusting to COVID and the current increase in rates. Let’s book a trip!

Walt Disney World Resort recently had a visit from The Orange County Strike team to make sure all health and safety measures/protocols are being properly enforced. The Team inspected Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs. From what was reported by Ashley Carter via Twitter,...

17/11/2020

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was under construction when we visited Disney in February. It’s set to open in spring 2021...so be one of the first to experience the newest ride at Disney and lets book a trip! 🐀 🇫🇷

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a family-friendly trackless dark ride under construction in Epcot at Walt Disney World. The attraction is being added to World Showcase’s France pavilion, in a Streets of Paris expansion with new dining and shopping. This covers everything you need to know about t...

14/11/2020

While things in New York are becoming more restricted, Disney is opening things up. This would be a great time to book a trip. If you, a friend, or family member are even considering taking a trip to Disney let me know!

Disney CEO Bob Chapek confirmed that Disney World will increase the capacity of their parks to 35%. While it is unknown exactly when the new capacity will be put in place, social distancing protocols will still be in place of course plus face coverings will need to be worn. Chapek stated this on yes...

03/11/2020

Looking to plan a trip..First book through me and second see what will be closed when you make your trip. Let me help you book your next trip!

This Walt Disney World refurbishment calendar lists the schedule of closures for 2020 & 2021 at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Rides and other attractions need to close for routine maintenance, safety upgrades, and improvements, hence the need for refurbishments. (Updat...

20/10/2020

This is a great article for anyone planning a trip within the next year...Holiday hours and which days to visit which parks.

Walt Disney World has added new hours through January 2, 2021 for Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, including New Year’s Eve. In this post, we’ll share the updated calendar for the busiest week of the year, plus commentary on best & worst days of the week for each park...

17/10/2020

Walt Disney World vacation packages, and ticket-only purchases, for arrivals Sept. 27 through Dec. 31, 2021 at the Walt Disney World Resort are now available to book. As we are still in a phased reopening, there are some Disney Resort hotels that are not, as of this time, open or scheduled for reope...

17/10/2020

This is only one of two Value resorts open at Disney...we stayed there in February and it was great! Cool theme rooms, suites (only value resort with suites), Skyliner for transportation, and a great pool! Who’s ready to book a stay?

We virtually visit Art of Animation Resort as we continue our Walt Disney World hotel reopening updates. In this progress report, we’ll share details on recent & upcoming construction work, dates for the Big Blue Pool refurbishment, and more. (Updated October 14, 2020.) While we’ve revised this ...

17/10/2020

Things continue to open at Disney! We can book up until January 2022...so get a hold of me to book your next trip! It will be magical.

Earlier this summer, Walt Disney World released vacation packages beginning January 1, 2021 and with checkout dates before September 27, 2021. As of today, resort hotels and Disney Park Pass reservations are available to book through January 14, 2020. In this post, we’ll take a look at some detail...

25/09/2020

More details to come, but this is great news or Disney and those looking to travel there...if that happens to be you, let me know!

Today Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced at a press conference today that Walt Disney World and other Orlando theme parks can open up to 100% capacity. Social distancing guidelines will still in place. This is a breaking news story and we’ll be back with more details as we get them.

23/09/2020

This is a great read for how things are today in Disney World. Things will continue to update frequently, but this is a great summary of what you could expect now through the end 2020.

A lot has changed since Walt Disney World officially reopened in July. In fact, a lot has changed within the last few weeks. Below are all the changes and recent updates for everything you need to know regarding traveling to the most magical place on Earth. Park Hours Just a few days ago, Walt Disne...

23/09/2020

Things are moving in the right direction.

Walt Disney World has just made an update to their scheduled park hours for this weekend. The updated dates are; September 25th, 26th, and 27th. See below for each park’s updated hours. Magic Kingdom Sept. 25th: 9:00 am- 7:00 pm (originally 6:00 pm) Sept 26th: 9:00 am- 7:00 pm (originally 6:00 pm)...

21/09/2020

Things continue to re-open at Disney, which means things are moving in the right direction. Time to make your next trip!

16/09/2020

September is supposed to be the “sleepy” month in terms of Walt Disney World crowds; it’s a stretch that consistently has the lowest attendance and wait times of the year after the holiday weekend. In this post, we’ll look at how things are playing out with higher crowds thus far in Septembe...