Brad Maki, Key to the World Travel (2025)

14/12/2024

Walt Disney World news this week:

The only thing of note this week is that Disney announced the dates for the Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot. It will be held in 2025 from March 5 to June 2. This is just my excuse to post my favorite topiary!

05/12/2024

Walt Disney World news this week:

Disney provided some updated timelines this week on previously-announced projects.

The new stage show at Hollywood Studios will be named "Disney Villains: Unfarily Ever After" and is on schedule to open in the summer. The revamped Little Mermaid show will be renamed "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" and will include the songs Daughters of Triton and Kiss the Girl (new to the show). This also comes next summer.

At Epcot, Test Track will be sponsored by General Motors (rather than only Chevrolet) and feature a new storyline and new ride vehicles. The updated timeline has it opening in late summer 2025.

The new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom will be named "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away" and open in the summer.

At Animal Kingdom, the new "4-D" Zootopia theatre show will open inside the Tree of Life in winter 2025. Disney also announced that Dinosaur will remain open for 2025, after which it is scheduled to be shuttered for the new Indiana Jones ride.

23/11/2024

I haven't posted a news update in a very long time as there hasn't been much to report. But today, Disney announced the closure of my beloved MuppetVision 3D sometime next year to make way for the new Monsters, Inc. door coaster ride. This was the last project Jim Henson had a hand in, and it will be missed a great deal. RIP, MuppetVision!

Disney tried to soften the blow by also announcing a re-theme of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios. They will change it from Aerosmith to Muppets. I can't imagine it will have the same wit and charm of the 3-D movie, but I'll take a wait and see approach!

20/10/2024

Walt Disney World news this week:

We went from almost no news in a month to lots this last week! In order of biggest to least in impact/importance:

Disney announced yet another version of its skip-the-line service, this one called Lightning Lane Premiere Pass. This is a pilot where Disney give guests one-time entry to each available Lightning Lane entrance in the theme park they are visiting that day (it doesn't work across parks for Park Hopping). This includes attractions included in both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, but without the need to select an experience time. Pricing is very high - ranging from $329 per person to $499 per person depending on time of year and park selected. This rolls out October 30 and will be sold to Deluxe resort guests only in limited quantities.

Magic Kingdom ride updates: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close for more than one year starting January 6, not reopening until early 2026. This is likely to help with the construction of the new things previously announced (Cars ride, Villains land, etc.). Jungle Cruise reopened from refurbishment this last week and is rebranded as Jingle Cruise returns for its seasonal update November 2.

At Animal Kingdom, the planned closures of some Dinoland attractions were announced. Triceratop Spin and Fossil Fun Games close starting January 13. Dinosaur will remain open (but look for that to close later in 2025).

At Hollywood Studios, the planned return of Voyage of the Little Mermaid has been delayed to Summer 2025.

Finally, Disney announced its typical lineup of holiday season offerings that begin Nov. 12. This includes the Merry Menagerie puppeteers at Animal Kingdom, the return of the holiday finale at the Frozen Singalong along with a new Holiday Spirit Band in Hollywood Studios, and the Frozen Holiday Surprise show on the castle stage at Magic Kingdom. The International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot starts Nov. 29 and continues through Dec. 30. The Candlelight Processional also returns to Epcot with celebrity narrators. Decor will be up in all parks, Disney Springs, and the resort hotels starting in November.

11/10/2024

It's been a minute since my last Walt Disney World news post. There hasn't been too much new or exciting going on, though the parks did close this week on Wednesday and all of Thursday for Hurricane Milton. Things reopened today with minimal impact. A recap of what's happened in the last month or so (not much!):

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy has permanently closed at Hollywood Studios to start making room for the new Disney villains show that will open sometime next year.

There's a new menu over at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in Magic Kingdom. There is a new double chili con queso burger and several create-your-own bowl options like steamed tamale, nachos, southwest Caesar, and rice bowls that can be customized with chicken, pork, or beef. These come at the expense of a few other burgers and the fajita platter, but it looks much improved! I usually don't report on menu changes, but Pecos Bill is a family favorite, and we also love Chipotle, and this is a big deal to us!

Finally, there is a new discount offer out for dates from January-May 2025. If you already booked with me and the discount applied to your reservation, it's already done! If you are thinking about a trip in early 2025, now is the time to consider booking so let me know and I'll help find you the best pricing available.

05/09/2024

Walt Disney World news this week (so far!):

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academic will be closing by October 7 at Hollywood Studios to make way for a new Disney Villains show that will start in that space in the summer of 2025. Disney says that the live show will feature villains like "Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent each breaking through the glass to take the stage in live production numbers."

TRON Lightcycle / Run will move from a virtual queue to a regular standby queue on Sept. 9! This is great news, as the virtual queues cause a lot of stress and require perfect timing to secure a spot. Virtual queues will remain in place for the new Tiana's Bayou Adventure, and inexplicably (after more than 2 years!) at Epcot's Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Some pretty big news I wanted to get out before the end of the week!

11/08/2024

Huge Walt Disney World news from last night's fan club event, D23! Here's a quick rundown of all the major announcements with more details to come in the coming months (and years):

A new nighttime parade called "Disney Starlight" will debut next summer (2025) at the Magic Kingdom next summer. The Blue Fairy from Pinocchio is the "host" for this parade featuring characters from Peter Pan, Frozen, Encanto, and more.

Tropical Americas is the name of the new land at Animal Kingdom, replacing the current Dinoland USA. It will feature three new attractions when it opens in 2027. The signature attractions are based on Indiana Jones (replacing the current Dinosaur ride) on an all-new adventure and Encanto, a ride through the Madrigal home, encountering animals due to Antonio's gift to talk with them. The new land will also feature a new carousel with favorite wood-carved animals from Disney stories.

Frontierland in Magic Kingdom will be expanded with a new Cars-themed area. The first will be a thrilling ride through the mountains with a smaller attraction geared toward smaller riders. Construction begins early next year.

There will a new land in Hollywood Studios featuring the monsters from Monsters Inc. The signature attraction will be a thrilling suspended coaster through the door vault featured in the movies. Construction begins next year.

A new Star Wars adventure on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run will feature the Mandalorian and the cute little Grogu character. It's scheduled to begin around the same time the feature film featuring those characters drops in 2026.

Test Track at Epcot will reopen next year (2025) with it's all-new experience.

In what may have been the biggest announcement, Magic Kingdom will receive an all-new land themed after the Disney villains! Not much detail was shared other than that it will feature two major attractions, shopping, and dining, but preparation is underway.

Not Disney World, but they also announced that four (yes four!) new cruise ships will be added to the Disney Cruise Line fleet from 2027-2031. These are in addition to the two others that are coming this year and next (Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny).

03/07/2024

Walt Disney World news this week:

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster reopened a little earlier than expected this week at Hollywood Studios after a lengthy refurbishment. Still the same attraction with Aerosmith. So much for a Muppets Electric Mayhem update that I was secretly hoping for!

Peter Pan's Flight is closing for a short refurbishment starting July 8 and going through August 20. No word on what will change (if anything).

Happy 4th everyone!

25/06/2024

Some big news out of Disney World today. Genie+ is going to be gone starting July 24! They are replacing it with a system that combines aspects of Genie+ and the old FastPass+ system. At first glance, it all looks positive (though it still costs money...they will never return to "free" access!).

The system where you can book multiple attractions will be called Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and the current "Individual Lightning Lanes" will be called Lightning Lane Single Pass. Guests staying in a Disney hotel can book up to 3 Lightning Lanes (at times of their choosing) per day of their trip 7 days ahead of time. Other guests can book 3 days before.

My agency has a good article about it that explains the logistics and details:
https://www.keytotheworldtravel.com/walt-disney-world-announces-genie-changes/

25/06/2024

A quick update on Walt Disney World:

Disney announced that Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will return to the Magic Kingdom on select evenings starting Nov. 8 and going through Dec. 20. Tickets are priced at $169 to $219 per ticket this year and go on sale starting July 10. Contact me if you have this in your plans for this year!

Disney also announced the return of the Epcot Festival of the Holidays and Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.

Finally, Disney World released new discounts that work on resort and package stages from Oct. 6 to Dec. 25. If you are already booked with me, I'll reprice your package when the discount goes live on Thursday. If you aren't already booked but want a fall or early winter trip, let me know!

24/06/2024

I haven't been good about getting Walt Disney World news out this summer, but it's been mostly quiet. A couple things of that last few weeks:

The Frontierland Shootin' Arcade's last day of operation was today (June 23). This opening-day Magic Kingdom attraction is closing to make way for a new Disney Vacation Club member lounge.

Test Track in its current iteration had its last day of operation last weekend. It now begins a lengthy refurbishment that Disney announced several months ago. It's probably time. No word on whether the build-your-car feature will be retained or removed.

In other news, Disney Cruise Line has released itineraries for late 2025 through early 2026. If you are interested in a Disney Cruise in the next couple years, let me know so I can get you some pricing.

12/06/2024

Catching up with Walt Disney World news from the past few weeks!

The hubbub has been around the opening of Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom. It officially opens on June 28 (no change), and Disney has released quite a bit of information about the attraction, including a full ride-through video, merchandise shop information, and details for rabid fans. The photo is of my last ride on Splash Mountain with friends and strangers alike smiling for the camera!

Communicore Hall at Epcot has finally opened, and all of the Epcot construction walls are down after more than 4 years! The hall includes space for festival happenings, a stage currently occupied by the Encanto sing-along show, and a new area to meet Mickey Mouse and friends. The Mickey & Friends area is a new addition to Genie+.

The Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom will return July 17. Disney has been releasing snippets of Disney songs reimagined as country/bluegrass tunes. Let's hope the bears haven't lost their sense of irreverence!

The new Polynesian tower guest rooms are now open for booking by both DVC and non-DVC members. They are first available for stays starting December 17, 2024.

24/05/2024

Walt Disney World news this week:

The only big news this week was that they announced that Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios will finally reopen after a long refurbishment on July 27.

Other tidbits: The Oct. 31 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is now sold out. The Disney Dreams that Soar drone show at Disney Springs begins tonight and runs through the summer. And the new Disability Access Service changes have gone into effect across the parks.

Have a great long weekend, folks!

17/05/2024

Walt Disney World news this week:

We have an opening date for Tiana's Bayou Adventure! The attraction (completely redone from the old Splash Mountain ride) will open on June 28, with some previews for Annual Passholders, DVC members, and others earlier in the month. The ride will initially open using a virtual queue system and will also be part of the Genie+ package that you can buy for Lightning Lane access to many attractions. After a short time, the virtual queue will be retired and a traditional standby queue will replace it (while retaining Genie+ access).

Disney Dreams That Soar will open May 24 at Disney Springs and run through September 2. There will be two shows per night of this new drone show featuring 800 drones. I saw a drone show at Disneyland Paris last summer, and it was absolutely spectacular like nothing I've ever witnessed. I'm hoping this one is equally breathtaking and is just a test for someone more permanent in the parks!

10/05/2024

Walt Disney World news this week:

Tickets went on sale for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for dates from August-October this fall. In a bit of news, they moved up the time of the first showing of the Boo to You Parade to 8:15 p.m. The first showing used to be at 9:00, which was sometimes a little too late for the wee ones. I can help with tickets if you are planning a trip!

The World Premiere Food Court at All-Star Movies will undergo refurbishment from July 1-31, 2024 but will remain open on a limited basis for mobile orders. The Fantasia Pool at All-Star Movies will be closed for refurbishment from January-April 2025.

Disney's Yacht Club Resort will have its rooms go under refurbishment between January and May 2025. At this time, Stormalong Bay (the huge pool area) at the Yacht and Beach Clubs will also be closed

26/04/2024

Walt Disney World news this week (last two weeks, really...and it's been quiet):

Pre-payment at the time of reservation is now required for both Star Wars paid experiences...buidling a droid at Droid Depot and building a light saber at Savi's Workshop. When you go to make a reservation, you will now have to provide your credit card and pay for the experience in full.

The 2024 International Food & Wine Festival dates were announced this week. This year's festival is shorter than it's been in the most recent year, and it will take place at Epcot August 29 through November 23. With the closing of Flower & Garden Festival on May 27, that means Epcot will be festival free over the summer for the first time in recent memory. They are planning the opening of Communicore Hall, a new Encanto singalong show, and the closing of Test Track for its reimagining this summer.

Mickey Short Theatre at Hollywood Studios is closing for a refurbishment April 29-May 24. This is where they show the Mickey short Vacation Fun. No word on what they are doing (probably some generally spiffing up of the theatre).

12/04/2024

Walt Disney World news this week:

Disney announced significant changes to its Disability Access Service (DAS) this week that go into effect May 20, 2024. Many of these changes are designed to prevent abuse of the current system and to ensure that guests that truly need the service benefit from it. The most significant change is that the DAS pass will be given to "only those guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time." In the past, it has been given for many kinds of disabilities and medical conditions. The other changes include:
Registration will be via live video chat only, not in-person assistance inside the parks. Those who don't register via chat ahead of time will be directed to an iPad in the park to connect via video chat.
Those given a DAS pass will have it effective for 120 days, up from the current 60 days.
Total party size for those with DAS access will be a maximum of four except any additional immediate family members.
Disney will be using Inspire Health to determine eligibility for DAS.
Disney will roll out a new procedure for those who need to exit a queue line to use a restroom and return later.

A new "free dining" plan was released for the following dates: July 1-31, Sept. 1-7, and Dec. 9-21, 2024 (this offer requires payment via Disney Visa). A room-only discount for the same dates was also announced. If you have plans to travel within any of those dates, let me know and I can run prices for you.

05/04/2024

Walt Disney World news this week:

There were quite a few announcements this week that give us a sense for the development around the parks the next few years.

Test Track will close June 17 to prepare for its reimagining. Disney released the concept art shown but didn't provide additional details.

Animal Kingdom is likely going to take down all the areas of Dinoland USA and replace it with a new section themed around the tropical Americas. It's rumored that the Dinosaur ride will be replaced with an Indiana Jones ride and that there will be attractions for both Encanto and Coco in this new area. No significant details or dates were released.

Disney also announced that permits will be filed to begin the 'Beyond Big Thunder Mountain' project to expand the boundaries of Magic Kingdom. Previously, they released concept art showing that area might include things related to Disney villains and/or the more recent movies like Coco or Encanto.

Brad Maki, Key to the World Travel

14/12/2024

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