Disney Genie+ Cost Going Up Next Week

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May 20, 2023

Cost of Genie+ expected to increase as Memorial Day approaches

Memorial Day Weekend is a 3-day weekend that, for many Americans, marks the start of summer vacation season. Walt Disney World resort is a popular destination for the long weekend, resulting in an increase in crowds across the resort. This increase in crowds also has the potential to result in an increase in the cost of Genie+.

When Disney Genie+ first launched in 2021, the fast-pass replacement at Walt Disney World was sold at a flat fee of $15 per guest per day. In October 2022, Disney announced Genie+ at Walt Disney World would start at $15 per guest, with the price fluctuating based on demand. With Memorial Day approaching, we can expect the price of Genie+ to increase well above $15 per guest.

The cost of Genie+ on the day I am writing this article (May 20, 2023) at Walt Disney World is listed as $20 per guest. While more expensive than the base price of $15 per guest, $20 is much lower than the all-time high of $35 guests were charged on April 4, 2023.

The question on many guests minds as they eye a Memorial Day visit to Walt Disney World is will the price of Genie+ meet, or exceed, the April 4 cost? A potential $15 per person per day swing in price can certainly put a damper on the family budget.

What is the most you are willing to pay for Genie+? Leave us a comment to let us know!

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Disney Wins an Award for their Recycling Efforts

By

Chris B

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May 20, 2023

Disney recently received an award for their innovative glass recycling efforts at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

The Disney Company is well known for their conservation efforts. Since 1995, Disney Conservation has directed more than $120 million and the expertise of dedicated teams “to support organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action, and protect the planet.” Recently, Disney learned they were winning an award for one conservation program that turns glass bottles into sand and gravel.

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A post shared by Dr. Mark Penning (@drmarkatdisney)

The glass pulverizer program, launched in early 2023, takes bottles placed in the glass recycling bins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and turns them into a soft-sand mix. The mix is then used to fill in holes on gravel roads around the campground, as well as horseback riding trails.

Disney recently learned they were being awarded an environmental initiatives award for the program. The SEAL awards “celebrate the companies and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability, and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment for centuries to come.”

It is great to see Disney taking yet another step toward helping create a cleaner planet for all of us. The fact the glass pulverizer program also helps keep the beautiful Fort Wilderness resort in tip-top shape is an added bonus.

Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Dozens of Original Shows Being Removed from Disney+ & Hulu to Cut Costs

By

Marc Valentine

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May 20, 2023

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Disney+ will lost Willow as part of a cost cutting measure.

Dozens of Original Shows Being Removed from Disney+ & Hulu to Cut Costs

Disney will start cutting content from its streaming services early next week. Disney has implemented several cost-cutting measures, and culling its library of offerings on Disney+ and Hulu will help the bottom line. Titles such as “Willow,” “The Mysterious Benedict Society,” “Dollface,” and “The One and Only Ivan” are just some of the over 50 titles that will be leaving the streaming giant in the upcoming future.

All of this comes amidst Disney’s plans to increase prices on the Advertisement Free Tier of Disney+ to “to better reflect the value of our content offerings.” Iger made that announcement in an earnings call to its investors, sharing big plans for the steaming platforms.

CFO Christine McCarthy said Disney expects to take a “write-down” of about 1.5 billion by removing content from its streaming platforms. By lowering the value of its content assets, Disney can reduce its tax bill. Iger remained committed to making streaming profitable and announced that Diseny+ and Hulu would integrate into a single-user experience. Currently, the catalogs of content are on separate apps.

See the list of Shows that are being removed from Disney+ and Hulu:

Disney+

America the Beautiful
Among the Stars
Artemis Fowl
Be Our Chef
Better Nate Than Ever
The Big Fib
Big Shot
Black Beauty
Cheaper by the Dozen (2022)
Clouds
Diary of a Future President
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings
Earth to Ned
Encore!
Foodtastic
Harmonious Live!
It’s a Dog’s Life With Bill Farmer
Just Beyond
Magic Camp
The Making of Willow
The Mighty Ducks
Marvel’s Hero Project
More Than Robots
The Mysterious Benedict Society
The One and Only Ivan
Own the Room
Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays
Pick of the Litter
The Princess
The Real Right Stuff
Rogue Trip
Rosaline
Shop Class
Stargirl (2020)
Stuntman
Super/Natural
Timmy Failure
Turner & Hooch
Weird but True!
Willow
Wolfgang
The World According to Jeff Goldblum

Hulu

Best in Dough
Best in Snow
Darby and the Dead
Dollface
Everything’s Trash
Little Demon
Love in the Time of Corona
Maggie
Pistol
The Premise
The Quest
Y: The Last Man

New Disney Planters Spotted At Epcot!

By

Ana Leal

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May 20, 2023

New Disney Planters Spotted At Epcot!

Add magic to your home and start your love for enchanting gardens with these adorable Disney Planters we found at Epcot for $19.99 each!

Bring new life to the forest and to your home with this planted featuring Bambi’s bunny best friend Thumper! You’ll be twitterpated by his bodacious charms and bountiful blossoms therein.

Chip and Dale just might seed their own tree in this planter, maybe someday they will store nuts in a towering treehouse replanted from this tiny pot which comes with a faux succulent!

They are both adorable and a must have in your home! Right now they are only available at Walt Disney World but we hope to see them back in stock online at shopDisney soon.

Auli’i Cravalho Announces She Will Not Be Returning as Moana in Live-Action Remake

By

Chip

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May 20, 2023

Auli’i Cravalho Announces She Will Not Be Returning as Moana in Live-Action Remake

Auli’i Cravalho took to Instagram to share an update regarding her role in the newly announced live-action remake of Moana. In her recent post, she revealed that she would not be returning to portray the beloved character.

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A post shared by Auliʻi Cravalho (@auliicravalho)

“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career,” the now 22-year-old said. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.”

“I can’t wait to find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength,” Cravalho said.

“I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next woman of Pacific Island descent to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures, and communities that help inspire her story, and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo.”

She will however be an executive producer on the film.

Disney’s Live-Action Moana Movie

The live-action film will be produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia through their Seven Bucks Productions, and Beau Flynn via Flynn Picture Co. Scott Sheldo will executive produce the film alongside Cravalho. Jared Bush and Samoan industry leader Dana Ledoux Miller will be involved in production as well.

Live-Action Little Mermaid Soundtrack is Now Available Online

By

Greg Gately

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May 20, 2023

Live-Action Little Mermaid Soundtrack is Now Available Online. Disney’s Massive franchise “The Little Mermaid” live-action remake hits theaters everywhere on May 26th, 2023. Just one week prior to the release, Walt Disney Records released the much-anticipated soundtrack.

Fans looking forward to the soundtrack can expect the music and lyrics from Alan Menken and Howard Ashman that were originally featured in the 1989 version of The Little Mermaid as well as new delights that come courtesy of new lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

You can see the full track listing and listen below. This is not a review! Just letting you hear it before we review The Little Mermaid Soundtrack, let us know what you think in the comments.

Live-Action Little Mermaid Soundtrack is Now Available Online

Old becomes new on the official soundtrack for Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid, which stars Halle Bailey and will be released in theaters on May 26. Welcoming a new princess to the classic film more than three decades after its original release offers a chance for a new generation of children to build their own connection to the story — and the film’s original composer, Alan Menken, is bridging the gap with some help from Lin-Manuel Miranda.

It features the classics, with Daveed Diggs leading “Under the Sea” as Sebastian and Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula powering through “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” but it also includes a lyrically revised recording of “Kiss the Girl,” updated to reflect necessary shifts regarding consent without compromising the heart of the record.

New DVC Booth Kiosk Now Open at World Discovery in EPCOT

By

Greg Gately

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May 20, 2023

New DVC Booth Kiosk Now Open at World Discovery in EPCOT. In World Discovery, next to Creation Shop is a new DVC Booth that will soon be manned by your friendly DVC Sales Cast Member.

The new kiosk has the signature red and white paint scheme as the rest of the new World Discovery in EPCOT. There are 2 benches for you to get off your feet and fans to cool down with.

A beautiful backdrop with a world map, and Mickey heads to the locations of different spots where you can use DVC points. The Map sign reads “A World To Discover”

Membership begins when you purchase a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort that’s represented by Vacation Points. Every year, you can use this yearly allotment of Vacation Points to book vacation accommodations at that Resort, at other Disney Vacation Club Resorts or in thousands of other destinations around the world.

New DVC Booth Kiosk Now Open at World Discovery in EPCOT

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Disney News Highlights: New Ariel Meet and Greet Starts May 26th, Akershus Royal Breakfast Review, World Showcase Lagoon View Restored, Disney World President Issues Statement About Lake Nona

By

Greg Gately

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May 20, 2023

Disney News Highlights: New Ariel Meet and Greet Starts May 26th, Akershus Royal Breakfast Review, World Showcase Lagoon View Restored, Disney World President Issues Statement About Lake Nona

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Bookings to Resume on May 26th without Discounts After a series of discounted offers in recent months, it is anticipated that the final voyages of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will not provide any discounts once bookings reopen. An exception will be made for a special offer exclusively available to those with reservations for voyages following the scheduled closure date.

Live-Action Ariel Meet & Greet Starting May 26th at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Get ready to meet the enchanting live-action version of Ariel at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort starting May 26th, coinciding with the release of the new “The Little Mermaid” live-action adaptation.

Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle Issues Statement on Lake Nona Campus Cancellation Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle Addresses Lake Nona Campus Cancellation and Affirms Commitment to Walt Disney World Expansion.

Fun Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Remote Control Trackless Train Available At Disney World! Get all aboard the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Remote Control Trackless Train we found at Walt Disney World for $149.99! You can also get yours online at shopDisney and have hours of fun.

A Magical Review of Akershus Royal Banquet Hall’s Princesses for Storybook Dining Breakfast Akershus Royal Banquet Hall has reopened with Princess Storybook Dining! We recently had the pleasure of dining at Akershus for breakfast.

EPCOT’s World Showcase Lagoon Restored to Former Glory with Removal of Final Harmonious Barges EPCOT’s World Showcase Lagoon Restored to Former Glory with Removal of Final Harmonious Barges. Later this year Disney100 celebration will come to EPCOT and Disney has finished removing the 50th Anniversary nighttime spectacular Harmonious and its water tacos.

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Disney News Highlights

Top of Splash Mountain Gone as Work Continues on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Top of Splash Mountain Gone as Work Continues on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Strike up the band because we’ve saved a seat for you on this musical journey with Tiana and friends! The all-new adventure which will bring guests into the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “The Princess and the Frog” like never before is coming to the Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland Park in California in late 2024.

Universal Celebrates Jurassic Park’s 30th Anniversary with Special Theme Park Experiences June 11, 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the original Jurassic Park film. Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are marking the anniversary with special theme park experiences this summer.

Enjoy A Tasty Seasonal Menu At The Hollywood Brown Derby This Summer! Get ready to treat your taste buds with some delicious dishes featured on the seasonal menu at The Hollywood Brown Derby! This summer some new and returning eats will be available at the popular restaurant in Hollywood Studios, want to know what you can expect? Take a look at what’s cooking for you this summer

New Moana Cell Phone Accessories Available At Epcot! These new Moana cell phone accessories are calling us! But don’t worry, you don’t have to sail across the ocean to get them, they are available at the Creations Shop at Epcot!

The Walt Disney Family Museum: A Magical Experience for All Did you know Disneyland is not the only place to get a Disney fix in California? If you find yourself near the San Francisco area, The Walt Disney Family Museum is a wonderful place to get a full and comprehensive background of Walt Disney’s life.

Live Q&A with Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro at JP Morgan Conference Next Week The Walt Disney Company has announced that Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro will participate in a question-and-answer session at the 51st Annual J.P. Morgan Technology, Media & Communications Conference that will take place on May 22 – 24, 2023 in Boston, MA.

Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel Transformation Expected to be Completed by Winter Disney’s Paradise Pier at the Disneyland Resort is currently being transformed into Disney’s Pixar Place Hotel! This renovation is expected to be finished by this winter.

Halle Bailey Surprises Families at Disneyland with Ariel Makeover & Movie Premiere The unveiling of Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s upcoming film, “The Little Mermaid,” left audiences spellbound. The trailer not only showcased her remarkable portrayal but also triggered a heartwarming response among children who finally saw themselves represented in an iconic Disney Princess.

‘Fantasmic!’ at Disneyland Closed Until Labor Day, Promising Exciting Enhancements and ‘New Magic’ for the Show

By

Sara

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May 20, 2023

‘Fantasmic!’ at Disneyland Closed Until Labor Day, Promising Exciting Enhancements and ‘New Magic’ for the Show

‘Fantasmic!’ at Disneyland has been closed since the Maleficent dragon caught fire during a performance last month. While there were rumors the show would return sometime this month, Disney has now confirmed the show will be on hiatus until at least Labor Day. The holiday falls on September 4, 2023, this year.

Disneyland released the following statement regarding the nighttime spectacular:

“We are taking this time to evaluate the show and explore opportunities to add new magic and touches for Guests to enjoy. Guests who had a previously-booked “Fantasmic!” Dining Package will be notified of the hiatus. More information will be coming soon on alternate experiences for Guests this summer.”

We don’t know what exactly “new magic and touches” will be added to the show but we are excited to see what Disney brings to ‘Fantasmic!’.

‘Fantasmic!’ debuted at Disneyland on May 13, 1992. The Disneyland website describes the nighttime show as:

“As darkness falls, dazzling special effects transform the Rivers of America into an epic canvas for this extravagant live show.

Fast asleep, Mickey dreams he is the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. With a wave of his hands, he conducts scenes from Fantasia across enormous screens of water while brilliant sparks burst overhead. Pink elephants, swashbuckling pirates, princesses and more—including memorable scenes from Disney classics such as Aladdin, The Lion King, Tangled and Pirates of the Caribbean—appear on and around the Rivers of America.

When Mickey is suddenly pulled into the Magic Mirror, his dream takes a dark turn. The Evil Queen from Snow White conjures up some of Disney’s most dastardly villains! Mickey must use the power of his imagination to vanquish his foes—and save the day.

Featuring a fantastical array of live performers, beloved Disney characters, enhanced special effects, state-of-the-art projections and superb pyrotechnics, this show will wow the entire family.”

Maleficent Dragon Fire

On April 22, during the second performance of ‘Fantasmic!’, the Maleficent dragon prop caught on fire and was completely destroyed. The show was canceled and the areas surrounding Tom Sawyer Island were evacuated.

Disney then suspended all similar fire effects at its parks globally while an investigation was run. The Maleficent dragon that is part of the Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom has since begun breathing fire again in select areas of the parade.

Want to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me today for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, a Disney Earmarked agency, and my services are complimentary.

Dive into the Magic of the Steamboat Willie Splash Pad at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel

By

Sara

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May 20, 2023

Dive into the Magic of the Steamboat Willie Splash Pad at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will be opening later this year! A fun, new water play area, Steamboat Willie Splash Pad, will be available for guests to enjoy.

First-Look-at-The-Villas-Coming-to-the-Disneyland-Hotel

Mickey Mouse captured the heart of audiences everywhere with his nautical shenanigans in the iconic Walt Disney Animation Studios short, “Steamboat Willie.” Soon you will be invited to join his zany steamboat journey in a brand-new splash pad at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel dedicated to the endearing creativity and adventurous spirit of everyone’s favorite deckhand!

Beginning on September 28, 2023, guests staying at this exciting new Disney Vacation Club property will have the opportunity to bask in the California sun in the brand-new Palette Pool area, an inviting oasis designed for relaxation and play.

The new refreshing retreat includes the Palette Pool, Palm Breeze Bar, and a whimsical splash pad incorporating elements from “Steamboat Willie.”

As you can see in the brand-new animation below, a large grayscale model inspired by the boat in “Steamboat Willie” will be helmed by none other than Mickey Mouse as it springs to life with imaginative water play features. From the boat’s cascading waterfall, misty fog effects rising from the boat’s funnels and variety of pop jets and fountains, little ones are sure to have a splashtastic time!

Guests will be able to soak up more inspiration by taking a dip in the crystal-clear, palette-shaped swimming pool or by recharging in the rainbow glow of multicolored lounge areas in this mid-century modern hangout.

Guests can also enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks at Palm Breeze Bar. This delightful outdoor venue will feature modern decor inspired by the imaginative artistry of Disney Legend, Mary Blair. You may recognize Mary Blair’s quirky designs from the timeless attraction, it’s a small world or the fanciful murals in the Grand Canyon Concourse at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort Hotel. However, her unique styling and bold use of color influenced the artistry of so many Disney Animation films, including some featured in the rooms at the Villas at the Disneyland Hotel!

And the Disney magic continues long after the sun sets on the Palette Pool. Families can watch their technicolor dreams come true as the Steamboat Willie splash pad transforms from black and white to vivid colors with the help of some artistic lighting.

Disney Vacation Club members and guests staying at the Disneyland Hotel will be able to experience these new amenities and other popular offerings including restaurants, lounges, shops, and swimming pools. They will also be able to enjoy its ideal location, just steps away from the excitement of Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park.

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will be the fourth tower at the award-winning Disneyland Hotel, offering more than 340 rooms and welcoming guests to a variety of villa-style themed accommodations featuring just-like-home amenities. Each room will showcase modern décor inspired by Disney Animation classics such as “The Jungle Book,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The
Princess and the Frog,” “Fantasia” and more.

We cannot wait for your story to begin at the Villas at Disneyland Hotel when it opens on September 28, 2023!

Disney Vacation Club sales for The Villas at Disneyland Hotel are available for all existing members and open to the public on May 30. Existing Disney Vacation Club members can start making reservations for the brand-new tower using their membership starting today.

Want to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.

Peter Pan’s Flight Reopening Date Announced for Disneyland

By

Sara

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May 20, 2023

Peter Pan’s Flight Reopening Date Announced for Disneyland

Peter Pan’s Flight at Disneyland will be closed for most of June. The attraction will close for refurbishment on June 5 and reopen on June 30.

Peter Pan’s Flight will be closing for refurbishment along with three other Disneyland attractions. The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and Alice in Wonderland will all close on June 5.

The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure in Disney California Adventure will reopen a few days later on June 8. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and Alice in Wonderland, both located in Fantasyland in Disneyland, will reopen on June 16. Those two rides are in the same building as Peter Pan’s Flight so the refurbishment may have to do with the entire structure of the building.

Splash Mountain will be closing on May 31 to begin its transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The new attraction is scheduled to open in late 2024.

Will any of these closures impact your Disneyland trip?

Want to plan your next visit to the Disneyland Resort? Contact me today for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!

Save Money on Disney World Dining at Costco

By

Sara

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May 20, 2023

Save Money on Disney World Dining at Costco

Costco members can save money on Disney World dining with some Landry’s gift cards!

Walt Disney World is not a cheap destination and dining at the parks can start to add up. Costco members can save a little bit by using Landry’s gift cards.

Landry’s owns and operates a few restaurants at Disney World like Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex, and Yak & Yeti. Costco currently has 2 $50 Landry’s gift cards ($100 total) available for $79.99! You can find the gift cards at your local Costco or online.

Those cards offer a savings of $20 on your $100 meal!

Have you ever dined at a Landry’s-owned restaurant at Disney World?

Want to plan your next visit to Disney World? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!