Adventures by Disney Announces 2024 River Cruise Itineraries

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January 11, 2023

Adventures by Disney Announces 2024 River Cruise Itineraries

The 2024 Adventures by Disney river cruise itineraries have been announced! With 22 river cruise departures planned, Adventures by Disney guests will once again experience the unparalleled beauty of European landscapes and vibrant culture with sailings on the Rhine River, the Danube River and the Seine River. Each itinerary will offer Disney’s signature storytelling with the convenience of hassle-free travel and attention to detail provided by a team of Disney-trained Adventure Guides.

Headlining the 2024 lineup is the new “Danube River Cruise: Magical Holidays,” departure which marks the first time the guided group travel company will offer a themed river cruise voyage during the New Year’s holiday. Guests will sail on the Danube River in a beautifully designed river cruise ship, ring in the new year with a celebration and champagne toast and explore famous and picturesque sites and landmarks across Germany, Austria and Hungary.

Bookings for 2024 River Cruises open to the public on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, with early booking available for the following travelers:

Jan. 17, 2023 – Adventure Insiders with 3+ previous Adventures
Jan. 18, 2023 – All Adventure Insiders
Jan. 19, 2023 – Disney Vacation Club Members, Disney Cruise Line Gold & Platinum Castaway Members, Golden Oak Residents
Jan. 20, 2023 – Bookings open for general public

Travelers interested in booking a 2024 River Cruise can take advantage of Adventure by Disney’s early booking offer when they book before April 18, 2023, with savings up to $750 per person on select departures.

Additionally, travelers on all 2024 River Cruise departures can also save 50% per person on the nonrefundable deposit required at booking when they book before April 18, 2023.

New in 2024: New Magical Holidays-Themed Departure, Plus Favorite Seasonal Sailings Return

In late December 2024, Adventures by Disney will invite guests to ring in the new year with an adventure like none other as they set sail on the “Danube River Cruise: Magical Holidays” departure. Guests will board the ship in Munich and be greeted with an authentic German welcome, including oompah music. The ship will transport guests to Austria where they will enjoy privately guided tours in Mondsee with views of the Austrian Alps, a visit to the Benedictine Abbey in Melk, and more. Following the Christmas holiday, the city of Schonbrunn will transform its traditional Christmas market into a special New Year’s market where guests will experience the beauty and splendor of a European winter. The voyage continues with onboard and in-town activities, plus ice skating in Vienna before sailing to Hungary for enriching tours, carriage rides and making and eating goulash. Throughout the trip, special Disney magical moments are enjoyed along the way.

Returning favorites join the 2024 lineup, including the seasonal Oktoberfest and Christmas Markets river cruises — and the popular Food and Wine sailings feature delectable meals, desserts and beverages local to the region.

River Cruising with Disney: Sight-Seeing from the River and Up-Close on Land

Guests become part of the story on an Adventures by Disney river cruise, and itineraries are designed for everyone in the family. The masterful narratives, knowledge of the places visited and the culture and history are brought to life by the Adventure Guides. Through these experiences, families discover real world magic in a way only Disney can do. They include:

Dashing through the Black Forest on an Alpine toboggan ride (Rhine River Cruise).

Admiring the Notre-Dame Cathedral and imagining life nearly 900 years ago when its construction first began (Seine River Cruise).
Exploring the historic Schonbrunn Palace and its immaculate terrace garden named The Orangery (Danube River Cruise).
Dreaming of ballrooms and glass slippers while marveling at picturesque castles along the Rhine Gorge (Rhine River Cruise).
Gazing at the nighttime skyline view of the Eiffel Tower in the City of Light (Seine River Cruise).
Twirling on a hilltop and visiting the beautiful Mirabell Gardens (Danube River Cruise).
Honoring history by visiting the Normandy beaches, including Omaha Beach, the American cemetery and Les Braves Memorial (Seine River Cruise).

Not only will the sights from aboard the ship or walks through towns and villages take center stage, scenery is also explored up-close through optional bicycle excursions. Pedaling through the provincial towns in France, touring the quaint town of Rudesheim, Germany and surrounding wine country, or biking to the Klosterneuburg Abbey or along the Danube River in Vienna further enhances the travel experience.

River Cruising with Disney: A Taste of the Destination

On every adventure, guests are invited to tap into all the senses, including taking part in hands-on culinary activities for a true flavor of the destination. In Vienna, Austria, a traditional apple strudel tasting transforms into a cooking demonstration and baking lesson. At the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany, chocolate sampling becomes a create-your-own chocolate bar activity. In Strasbourg, France, macaron cookie ingredients magically transform into fine delicacies as guests become baking experts.

River Cruising with Disney: Unpack Once and Explore Europe in Style

With Adventures by Disney, guests sail on elegant ships offering stunning views and world-class service, all in collaboration with AmaWaterways. With the added convenience of knowing their “hotel” travels with them, guests unpack only once. Staterooms are artfully designed with luxury and comfort in mind, the expansive windows provide optimal viewing and internet access and in-room entertainment are available for families to enjoy. Most meals are provided, as locally sourced cuisine and wine are served onboard. Itineraries are planned to balance adventures and excursions with wellness activities and relaxation, and special activities are planned just for kids, aka “Junior Adventurers.”

If you’d like to learn more about Adventures by Disney river cruises, or book one, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary!

25 Things to Know About Rock the Universe’s 25th Year at Universal Orlando Resort

By

Sara

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January 10, 2023

25 Things to Know About Rock the Universe’s 25th Year at Universal Orlando Resort

Rock the Universe is returning to the Universal Orlando Resort for its 25th year! From January 27 to 29, guests can experience Florida’s biggest Christian music festival. Here are 25 things to know for the event’s 25th year!

Rock-the-Universe-at-Universal-Orlando-Resort

Rock the Universe is Florida’s biggest Christian music festival!
Hosted at Universal Studios Florida, Rock the Universe is a separately ticketed event held
every winter.
The event began in 1998 and is celebrating its 25th anniversary of faith, fun and fellowship.
There are endless musical and worship experiences with three stages: Music Plaza Stage,
Hollywood Stage and the Coca-Cola FanZone Stage.
This year’s headline acts, performing on the Music Plaza Stage Friday night, include Tauren
Wells, Skillet and Rend Collective.
Artists performing on the Hollywood Stage Friday night are Bethel Music, Evan Craft and
Katy Nichole.
Saturday’s headlining acts on the Music Plaza Stage are Zach Williams, Matthew West and
Anne Wilson.
Hollywood Stage’s musical acts on Saturday night include Dante Bowe, We Are Messengers
and CAIN.
Our musical guests love Rock the Universe! Zach Williams, Tauren Wells, Skillet, Matthew
West, Bethel Music and Rend Collective are all returning acts this year.
GRAMMY-nominated rock band, Skillet first performed at the event in 2001 and has
returned 11 times since.
Christian rock band, Newsboys holds the record for the most Rock the Universe
performances; they have performed 12 different years.
In total, this year’s headline acts have a combined total of 14 nominations for the Grammy
Awards, plus 74 nominations and 19 awards for the GMA Dove Awards.
Located in the New York section of the park, the FanZone Stage presented by Coca-Cola
will feature live performances from up-and-coming acts, plus DJ Promote, who will be
playing both nights.
Performers on this stage include Ryan Ellis, Jordan St. Cyr, Gable Price & Friends, Ben
Fuller and Stephen Stanley.
Keep the party going – Electronic dance music will continue at the FanZone Stage after the
live performances.
Fans can meet performers each night during the Coca-Cola FanZone Autograph Sessions.
Beyond the main stage performances, festival attendees can enjoy worship experiences –
including a powerful, non-denominational Sunday morning worship service at 9:30 a.m. and
10:45 a.m. to wrap up the weekend.
The Mosaic Church Band from Winter Garden, FL leads the worship service’s musical
direction.
During the event, Youth Leaders can relax in select lounges throughout the park, located at
Lombard’s Seafood Grille and the Pantages Theatre.
Rock the Universe attendees have exclusive access to thrilling Universal Studios attractions
during event hours. Rides include Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Transformers: The Ride – 3D
and Revenge of the Mummy, to name a few.
At the heart of the event, Rock the Universe supports youth group ministries.
Universal Orlando offers special pricing, exclusive vacation packages, benefits and
opportunities for groups of 10 people or more.
For group rate tickets, chaperones get in for free for every 10 tickets purchased.
A Rock the Universe 3-park Rock Your Weekend Ticket includes entrance to both Rock the
Universe events, plus three days of admission to one theme park per day at Universal
Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay.
To purchase Rock the Universe tickets and vacation packages, visit
www.RocktheUniverse.com.

Will you be attending Rock the Universe this year?

If you’d like help planning your next Universal vacation, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are free. I’d love to help you plan an epic vacation!

Disneyland Paris Shares NEW Details on 30th Anniversary Grand Finale Celebration

By

Sara

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January 10, 2023

Disneyland Paris Shares NEW Details on 30th Anniversary Grand Finale Celebration

Disneyland Paris has been celebrating its 30th anniversary and soon it will come to an end. Before that happens, the resort has shared details about the 30th anniversary Grand Finale celebration!

With the first-ever Marvel drone show daily performed in a Disney Park, the return of the iconic Disney Dreams! nighttime spectacular, an exclusive new show which brings guests on a journey alongside their favorite Pixar characters, and many other surprises, the Grand Finale of this incredible anniversary is a can’t-miss celebration!

During the 30th anniversary celebration, the resort has entered a new era of creativity and innovation, delivering a more immersive and unforgettable Guest experience than ever before.

Building on the incredible success of this celebration, which has been recognized with some of the most prestigious awards in the attractions industry, including an IAAPA Brass Ring Award and a Park World Excellence Award – Disneyland Paris has announced the outstanding new offerings that guests will get to enjoy as part of the Grand Finale of its 30th Anniversary celebration, which can be enjoyed until September 30th, 2023.

In addition to the recent openings of Marvel Avengers Campus and the Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, guests will be offered another breathtaking Marvel experience: “Avengers: Power the Night”. This brand-new nighttime drone show will light up the sky nightly at Walt Disney Studios Park, beginning January 28th through May 8th, 2023.

This worldwide exclusivity within the Disney Parks all around the world, the very first nighttime drone show daily performed and dedicated to Marvel Super Heroes, in a Disney Park will combine music, lights, pyrotechnic effects, video projections and up to 500 drones that will form an awe-inspiring series of icons representing the powers of iconic Super Heroes, including Captain America, Captain Marvel, Scarlet Witch and for the first time at Disneyland Paris, Shang-Chi.

Countless Disneyland Paris Cast Members – including show directors, special effect designers, lighting and motion designers – have combined their expertise and creativity to develop this exclusive show, which will feature a soundtrack comprised of some of the most iconic Marvel scores that have been specially reorchestrated with a symphony orchestra composed of more than 70 musicians at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.

To continually push beyond the boundaries of innovation, the laser video projectors that are used for this show boast energy-efficient technology while delivering high-quality images.

This show was yet another opportunity for Disneyland Paris to collaborate with the European leader in drone shows, Bordeaux-based company Dronisos, who were recently named as the official technology provider of the resort for the second year in a row. This collaboration has notably paved the way for the creation of the resort’s 30th Anniversary’s nighttime drone show “Disney D-Light,” which has been dazzling guests of all ages each night since March 6th, 2022 and was even named “Best Live Entertainment 2022” during the Park World Excellence Awards Ceremony that was held in London in September 2022.

With Marvel Avengers Campus, the Disney Hotel New York® – The Art of Marvel, and “Avengers: Power the Night”, Disneyland Paris has become the ULTIMATE destination in Europe for Marvel fans who want to enjoy an immersive experience alongside their favorite Super Heroes.

For the Grand Finale of the resort’s 30th Anniversary celebration, the incredible “Disney Dreams!” nighttime spectacular, which has received one of the highest satisfaction rates since the opening of the resort, will make its big comeback – giving a new generation of guests the opportunity to discover this iconic show.

Beginning April 12th, 2023, “Disney Dreams!” will once again dazzle guests each night at Disneyland Park by taking them on a magical and emotional journey following the “Disney D-Light” drone show – a powerful combination of experiences that will result in an unforgettable nighttime sequence.

Guided by Peter Pan’s shadow, guests will discover or rediscover some of the greatest Disney stories projected on Sleeping Beauty Castle during an extraordinary journey featuring iconic songs from Disney and Pixar fan favorites Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Lion King, Tangled, and many others.

“Disney Dreams!,” which originally debuted in 2012, offers an incredible burst of colors and light using state-of-the-art technology, dazzling projections, spectacular lasers and fountains, and sensational pyrotechnic effects. The mapping technology used for the show also creates illusions of rotating towers and swinging motions on the walls of Sleeping Beauty Castle!

The 2023 version of “Disney Dreams!” will be even more exceptional, as Sleeping Beauty Castle’s rooftops will be decked out with innovative LED technology that light up in sync with the show’s nostalgic soundtrack. An additional upgrade to the show’s technical equipment includes the installation of energy-efficient laser video projectors, which will make it possible to reduce energy use by 50%, while delivering a breathtaking show.

In Summer 2023, a brand-new show called “Pixar: We Belong Together” will await Walt Disney Studios Park’s guests, who will be invited to take part in a musical adventure at Studio Theater alongside their favorite Pixar pals. During this show, which will combine state-of-the-art stage technology, lighting effects, choreography and iconic songs, guests will find out how music and friendship brings us together.

Through the creation of this original show, Disneyland Paris reiterates its desire to immerse guests into memorable Pixar stories and to give them the opportunity to explore incredible paths alongside a wide variety of Disney Characters.

After being closed for refurbishment, the happiest cruise that ever sailed will finally reopen in the Spring of 2023 to enchant Disneyland Paris guests. Nestled in the heart of Fantasyland since the Park’s opening in 1992, this can’t-miss family attraction will invite guests of all ages to go on a wonderful journey around the world to one of the most iconic Disney Parks’ songs.

For almost 60 years, this beloved attraction has featured hundreds of dolls (Audio-Animatronics) wearing national costumes and singing an emotion-filled song called “it’s a small world” to celebrate global unity. The refurbishment work contributed to reviving the highly colorful appearance of its outdoor façade and allowed for several technical upgrades.

In addition to the new offerings, guests will still be able to enjoy all of their favorite 30th Anniversary offerings until September 30th, 2023, including:

• The “Dream… and Shine Brighter!” daytime show, which features more than 30 performers and Disney Characters, colorful floats, two songs specially recorded for the occasion and a catchy mashup of Disney songs.

• The “Disney D-Light” nighttime show, which offers an unforgettable experience with its magical combination of video projections, fountains, lighting effects, fog, and lasers around Sleeping Beauty Castle – complete with the first-ever drone choreography in a Disney Park. This never-before-seen sequence was notably recognized with a Park World Excellence Award.

• The unique Gardens of Wonder displays, which invite guests to wander through nine enchanting, themed worlds featuring 30 kinetic sculptures of Disney and Pixar Characters, who “come to life” right in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

• Limited edition merchandising items dedicated to the 30th Anniversary celebration of Disneyland Paris

• Delightful food & beverage options prepared just for the occasion. Guests of all ages can enjoy Mickey-shaped pizzas and sandwiches, ice creams, macarons, madeleine cakes and waffles. Walt’s – an American Restaurant and Toad Hall Restaurant even have brand-new menus!

If you’d like to experience the 30th anniversary celebration at Disneyland Paris, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary. I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!

Disneyland Resort Announces New Updates, Special Offers, and More for 2023

By

Chip

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January 10, 2023

Disneyland Resort Announces New Updates, Special Offers, and More for 2023

Happy New Year! We’re just over a week into 2023 and already we’re so excited about all that’s to come to Disneyland Resort – and incredibly proud of the experiences Guests will get to enjoy here this year. We’re grateful for everyone who plans to visit us, whether it’s to celebrate Lunar New Year from January 20 to February 15, or Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival from March 3 to April 25, to introduce families to the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown when it opens March 8, sing and dance along to the “Magic Happens” parade upon its highly anticipated return starting February 24, or enjoy the Disney100 celebration at the Disneyland Resort when it launches January 27 with special offerings all year long.

Here is all of the exciting news…

Switch between parks even earlier with your Park Hopper ticket, beginning at 11 a.m. PT starting February 4

Beginning February 4, 2023, guests who enter a Disneyland Resort theme park with a Magic Key pass or a Park Hopper ticket may begin crossing over between the parks two hours earlier – starting at 11 a.m. PT!* This means even more magic and more fun in a day as Guests enjoy the best of what both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park have to offer.

Even more opportunities to visit with a $104 park ticket

Ready, set, book! We’re happy to share that the Disneyland Resort reservation calendar will offer nearly two months worth of $104 park ticket dates throughout 2023, which means additional opportunities to enjoy our lowest one-day, one-park ticket price while creating moments destined to become memories.** And with so many exciting new offerings from the two new nighttime spectaculars –”Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland park and “World of Color – ONE” at Disney California Adventure park – to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, all opening January 27, plus returning favorite festivals, classic attractions, delicious food and beverage offerings and so much more, 2023 is a fantastic time to visit the Disneyland Resort!

Complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital attraction photos for you to take home as a souvenir

So many of us have treasured memories captured in the form of attraction photos – whether it’s huge screams on your first Space Mountain ride or victorious smiles crossing the finish line on Radiator Springs Racers, these are some of the best moments to take home from your visit. As a ‘thank-you’ to our incredible Disneyland Resort Guests, we’re excited to make Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads captured on any Disney PhotoPass available attraction during a park visit, complimentary for all ticketed park guests on the Disneyland app starting February 4, throughout the Disney100 celebration at the Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland Resort Announces New Updates, Special Offers, and More for 2023

More opportunities to join the Magic Key program

We’ve been thrilled to see the incredible ongoing demand for our Magic Key program, which provides reservation-based admission to one or both Disneyland Resort theme parks throughout the year – not to mention the chance to unlock the magic visit after visit! Disneyland Resort will make select Magic Key passes available for new sales from time to time throughout 2023 as pass inventory becomes available. Continue to check Disneyland.com/MagicKey for pass on sale dates and availability.****

And as we shared before, our Southern California resident ticket offer is a golden opportunity for eligible guests to purchase a special 3-day weekday ticket valid through May 25 and enjoy what this new year has in store for Disneyland Resort. See you in the parks!

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Entertainment, experiences, and offerings are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Both Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

*The ability to visit the other park will be subject to that park’s capacity limitations, operational hours, closures and other restrictions, and is not guaranteed, and Park Hopper hours are subject to change without notice. Please check the Park Hopper calendar and the Disneyland app for the most up-to-day Park Hopper hours, as they could change, depending on the day and park.

**Park reservations are also required for park entry, and reservations are limited and subject to availability. Please check for ticket and date availability at Disneyland.com.

*** Disney PhotoPass benefits may not be redeemed for cash or credit and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Magic Key holders with Disney PhotoPass digital download privileges may not apply any discounts or credits towards their Magic Key pass or otherwise, based on the complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital attraction photo download benefit. Disney PhotoPass terms and conditions and expiration policy apply, and online registration required.

**** The quantity of passes and pass types available for renewal or purchase may be limited and passes or a pass type may be unavailable from time to time or at any given time. Both a park reservation and valid pass required for park entry. Magic Key park reservations are limited and subject to the availability of park reservations allocated to Magic Key passes, blockout dates, and capacity. Park entry is not guaranteed for any date for any pass. Magic Key Terms and Conditions at Disneyland.com/MagicKeyTerms apply.

Disneyland Resort Offering $104 Discounted Theme Park Tickets in 2023

By

Chip

-

January 10, 2023

Disneyland Resort Offering $104 Discounted Theme Park Tickets in 2023

If you are thinking about heading to Disneyland in 2023 Disney has a special offer coming soon that will save you money off your theme park admission.

Here are the details:

We’re happy to share that the Disneyland Resort reservation calendar will offer nearly two months worth of $104 park ticket dates throughout 2023, which means additional opportunities to enjoy our lowest one-day, one-park ticket price while creating moments destined to become memories.

And with so many exciting new offerings from the two new nighttime spectaculars –”Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland park and “World of Color – ONE” at Disney California Adventure park – to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, all opening January 27th, plus returning favorite festivals, classic attractions, delicious food and beverage offerings and so much more, 2023 is a fantastic time to visit the Disneyland Resort!

Disney Genie+ to Include FREE Attraction Photo Downloads at Walt Disney World

By

Greg Gately

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January 10, 2023

Disney Genie+ to Include FREE Attraction Photo Downloads at Walt Disney World. What a day for Disney news. We now know the opening date for Tron Lightcycle Run, April 4th. We got a return date for Happily Ever After, and Epcot Forever. Plus we now have a welcome to 2023 welcome letter from Disney parks president Josh D’amaro with more news regarding Walt Disney World.

Attraction photo downloads will be included with Disney Genie+ service

Beginning in the next few months, guests purchasing Disney Genie+ service will also receive digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photos, taken in the park on the day of their purchase, at no additional charge. Attraction photos are taken while in the parks at more than a dozen of our most popular attractions including Space Mountain, Slinky Dog Dash, Test Track, Expedition Everest, and more.

FREE Attraction Photo Downloads at Walt Disney World

I always love looking back at family photos at our favorite attractions – it’s a perfect way to remember and celebrate your theme park visit together. An exact launch date will be announced at a later time. Disney PhotoPass terms and conditions and expiration policy apply.

Free Self-Parking Returns to Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

By

Chip

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January 10, 2023

Free Self-Parking Returns to Walt Disney World Hotels

We have great news to share, free Self-Parking is returning to the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels starting today!

Beginning this evening, Jan. 10, overnight self-parking will once again be offered complimentary to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World.

This is a Disney difference many of you have asked us to bring back, and we’re happy to reintroduce it to make your vacation a little easier and more affordable – whether you’re road-tripping across the country, renting a car or vacationing as a local Florida resident.

As a reminder, Disney Resort hotel guests also continue to receive complimentary standard parking at Walt Disney World theme parks, daily early theme park entry (with valid admission and a park reservation), and complimentary on-site transportation options such as buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner.

Are you excited that Free Self-Parking is returning to Walt Disney World?

Walt Disney World Annual Passholder Park Reservation relaxed after 2:00 PM

By

Greg Gately

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January 10, 2023

Walt Disney World Annual Passholder Park Reservation relaxed after 2:00 PM. Disney parks President Josh D’amaro today just announced some exciting changes happening at Walt Disney World. In a welcome to 2023 letter just released Mr. D’amaro let it be known that the AP Park reservation system is making a huge change.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders: Park reservation requirements will be relaxed for visits after 2 p.m.*

Beginning in the next few months, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Pass blackout dates will continue to apply as they do today.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholder Park Reservation

While the theme park reservation system remains important to manage attendance in our parks, especially on busier days, we realize our Passholders enjoy more spontaneous visits – and this change will make that possible.

Passholders will also receive access to Disney PhotoPass lenses and one complimentary Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories experience (age restrictions apply). Visit Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories and Disney PhotoPass Lenses for details, restrictions, and other information.*

We’ll share a start date with Passholders soon for when these offerings will become available, as well as information about a new offering that is planned where you can create and share short Disney-themed video slideshows with favorite photos from your theme park visits.

Major Update to Walt Disney World Resorts from Disney Parks President Josh D’amaro

By

Greg Gately

-

January 10, 2023

Major Update to Walt Disney World Resorts from Disney Parks President Josh D’amaro. We have some major news coming in from Disney today. Already we have heard about the return of Happily Ever After Fireworks, Harmonious going away and being replaced by Epcot Forever. Tron’s opening date was also announced, and now we have Disney parks President Josh D’amaro changing things at Walt Disney World.

Happy New Year from Walt Disney World Resort! 2022 was a big year for us as we continued our 50th Anniversary celebration with the cast, guests, and the community, debuted our newest groundbreaking attraction with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and reopened beloved experiences from Fantasmic! to the Walt Disney World Railroad.

2023 brings, even more, to look forward to – from the triumphant return of the Happily Ever After nighttime spectacular to the opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom Park, and one I personally can’t wait to experience, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT!
Today, we’re excited to announce a few other updates we’re making to improve the guest experience and to let our fans know we are listening to their feedback, including Annual Passholders, who are some of our most loyal guests:

Enjoy complimentary self-parking when staying at a Disney Resort hotel
Beginning this evening, Jan. 10, overnight self-parking will once again be offered complimentary to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World. This is a Disney difference many of you have asked us to bring back, and we’re happy to reintroduce it to make your vacation a little easier and more affordable – whether you’re road tripping across the country, renting a car or vacationing as a local Florida resident. As a reminder, Disney Resort hotel guests also continue to receive complimentary standard parking at Walt Disney World theme parks, daily early theme park entry (with valid admission and a park reservation) and complimentary on-site transportation options such as buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner.

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders: Park reservation requirements will be relaxed for visits after 2 p.m.*
Beginning in the next few months, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Pass blackout dates will continue to apply as they do today. While the theme park reservation system remains important to manage attendance in our parks, especially on busier days, we realize our Passholders enjoy more spontaneous visits – and this change will make that possible. Passholders will also receive access to Disney PhotoPass lenses and one complimentary Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories experience (age restrictions apply). Visit Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories and Disney PhotoPass Lenses for details, restrictions, and other information.
We’ll share a start date with Passholders soon for when these offerings will become available, as well as information about a new offering that is planned where you can create and share short Disney-themed video slideshows with favorite photos from your theme park visits.

Major Update to Walt Disney World Resorts

Attraction photo downloads will be included with Disney Genie+ service
Beginning in the next few months, guests purchasing Disney Genie+ service will also receive digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photos, taken in the park on the day of their purchase, at no additional charge. Attraction photos are taken while in the parks at more than a dozen of our most popular attractions including Space Mountain, Slinky Dog Dash, Test Track, Expedition Everest and more. I always love looking back at family photos at our favorite attractions – it’s a perfect way to remember and celebrate your theme park visit together. An exact launch date will be announced at a later time. Disney PhotoPass terms and conditions and expiration policy apply.

Tron Lightcycle Run Cast Member, DVC, and AP Previews Announced

By

Greg Gately

-

January 10, 2023

Tron Lightcycle Run Cast Member, DVC, and AP Previews Announced. Disney has finally released an opening date for Tron Lightcycle/ Run at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, which will be April 4th, 2023. With that information, Disney also announced previews will be happening for Cast members, Annual Passholders, and select DVC members.

Multiple Disney sources have said they are coming, let us check out a few of those.

From Jeff Vahle President of Walt Disney World Resorts “Exciting news today! We just announced the April openings for Happily Ever After, EPCOT Forever, and TRON Lightcycle / Run. Our Cast Members will be the first to preview the coaster, with guest groups to follow. TRON Lightcycle / Run is so much fun and I’m excited for people to experience it!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jeff Vahle (@jeffvahle)

Steven Miller -Manager of External Affairs shares “Before the attraction officially opens, cast members will be the first to enter the Grid during special previews. And I heard preview opportunities are coming for guests too, including Annual Passholders and eligible Disney Vacation Club Members.”

The story of TRON Lightcycle / Run picks up after “TRON: Legacy” where Kevin’s son, Sam Flynn, has opened a second gateway into a digital realm called the Grid. The first of these portals he created is found at Shanghai Disneyland with the original TRON Lightcycle Power Run.

321945707_708282494210402_8661325024345291434_n — On April 4, guests will enter the Grid and climb aboard their very own lightcycles on TRON Lightcycle / Run, one of the fastest coasters in any Disney park. As part of Team Blue, guests compete against fierce Team Orange to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates in a dark, computerized world.

Tron Lightcycle Run Cast Member

No word yet on the exact dates, but we will keep you up to date on this breaking news from Disney.

LIMIT: NOT FOUND_

Lean forward into the ultimate race of survival! Leave the real world behind and join Team Blue in an epic quest across the Grid—the dark, computerized world with no horizons from TRON. Here, there’s no limit to the excitement.

Climb aboard your very own Lightcycle and take off on a high-speed adventure, racing against the Grid’s most menacing Programs. Surge past your fierce opponents as you attempt to cross through 8 Energy Gates and secure your team’s victory—so you can survive to race another day.

Scheduled to open April 4, 2023, TRON Lightcycle / Run will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.

From the Big Screen to the Theme Park

In 1982, Disney made filmmaking history with TRON, the first production of its kind to mix live action with computer-generated visuals and backlit animation. This iconic film went on to inspire video games, comic books, an animated series, and the 2010 sequel TRON: Legacy—as well as this new Disney theme park attraction.

TRON Lightcycle Run Opens April 4th at the Magic Kingdom

By

Chip

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January 10, 2023

TRON Lightcycle / Run Opens April 4th at the Magic Kingdom

Greetings, Programs!

TRON Lightcycle/Run presented by Enterprise officially opens on April 4th at Magic Kingdom Park!

The story of TRON Lightcycle/Run picks up after “TRON: Legacy” where Kevin’s son, Sam Flynn, has opened a second gateway into a digital world called the Grid. The first portal was built at Shanghai Disneyland with the original TRON Lightcycle Power Run.

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When guests enter the queue at Magic Kingdom, they’ll feel as if they’ve been digitized and transported to the Grid for a special Lightcycle race. It’s your Team Blue against the Grid’s menacing Program, Team Orange. Your goal is to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates and secure victory. The attraction will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.

Before the attraction officially opens, cast members will be the first to enter the Grid during special previews. And we heard preview opportunities are coming for guests too, including Annual Passholders and eligible Disney Vacation Club Members.

Scheduled to open April 4, 2023, TRON Lightcycle / Run will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.

Custom Disneyland Sign To Add To Your Room!

By

Ana Leal

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January 10, 2023

Custom Disneyland Sign To Add To Your Room!

How adorable is this custom Disneyland sign you can add to your kid’s room? It’s created by CMSDesignStudio on Etsy with a starting price of $69.95 depending of the number of letters. You can order yours here!

The sign is inspired in the Disneyland entrance sign and you can make it your own by personalize it with your name and colors you prefer or go best with your room decor. So cute!