Category: Anaheim

Disneyland Annual Pass Program

Magic Key logo

Disney just announced a new program called Magic Key that will be replacing the annual pass program at Disneyland and California Adventure.

There will be 4 levels of the program with different amounts of allowable park reservation days, discounts, and other benefits, so you can see if one of them makes sense for your group. Read all of the details carefully on the Disneyland site’s Magic Key page.

I know the initial cost of an annual pass, or now a “key” (is that what we’ll call them now?), seems daunting at first, but do the math on how many days you’ll be going in a year, along with the discounts that may apply to you. With the increasing cost of individual day tickets, you may be surprised. If you do long trips or several short trips a year, it actually may be more cost effective to get one. Or see if it makes sense for at least one member of your group to get one just for the discounts. Again, do the math on that. It still could work out if you spend alot on dining and shopping.

Dsney World Passholder logo

On the other coast, Disney World has also confirmed that the Passholder program will be available for sale again before the 50th Anniversary on Oct 1st. More details are supposed to come out by the end of the month, so stay tuned.

Disney masks required again

Mickey mask

Well, it looks like the recent spike in Covid cases caused by the unvaccinated folks has ruined things for everyone. Disney World and Disneyland California just announced that masks will be required again, starting July 30th, at all indoor settings and attractions. Here’s the text snippet from the Disney site:

Beginning July 30, face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors and in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status. This includes upon entering and throughout all attractions. Face coverings remain optional for all Guests in outdoor common areas.

For the full details on this and other current restrictions, refer to the Disney World experience updates page and the Disneyland experience updates page.

This was just announced for the Disney World and Disneyland California locations, but I’m sure the same will be applied to other Disney locations and other theme parks soon, unfortunately. Hopefully, this won’t lead to further restrictions or even another shutdown.

Let’s hope that everyone gets vaccinated soon and stops the spread!

Update: As of Thursday, August 19, 2021, masks are now optional, not required, on outdoor parts of ride queues and outdoor rides, like Dumbo. I have a feeling this will be a constantly changing situation, so always check for the latest information on the official Disney sites listed above.

In case you missed it…

All Disney Parks Castles

New things are being announced and existing things are changing literally every day at the Disney parks. It’s hard to keep up. Here’s a quick summary for you, at least of some of the big things as of mid June. There are too many to list every single thing.

  • Disneyland Paris has finally reopened, so all Disney Parks around the world are now open.
  • Disneyland California has reopened to out of state guests too.
  • Most important: Park reservations are still needed in all parks, in addition to your park ticket, and they do run out fast! Check for availability before you buy your park tickets or lock in hotel or flights incase you need to adjust your dates based on availability.
  • PhotoPass photographers are now allowed to use your phone/camera to take pictures for you again. Though, there is also a relatively new 1 day PhotoPass plan if you want a limited, cheaper plan.
  • They are no longer providing free MagicBands for resort guests. You can still buy them for $10+, or use a previous one though.
  • For Disney World FL, you can set up Mobile Pass on your phone now, like a digital version of your MagicBand, if you don’t want to wear a MagicBand. It can be stored in your digital wallet and tied to an Apple watch so you can scan that instead of your phone everywhere where you’d scan your magic band.
  • Disney World FL advanced dining reservations now start booking at 60 days before your check-in date.
  • Disney World FL nighttime shows are returning on July 1st at Magic Kingdom, “Happily Ever After”, and Epcot, “Epcot Forever”.
  • Disney World FL announced the Boo Bash after party event, which replaces the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this year. Tix on sale now.
  • Disney World FL has announced events opening Oct 1st for the Magic Kingdom 50th Anniversary – Magic Kingdom “Disney Enchantment” nighttime show, Epcot “Harmonious” nighttime show and new Remy ride, Animal Kingdom “Kite Tails” daytime show.
  • Many favorite restaurants and resorts are finally re-opening again.
  • All previously buffet style restaurants are serving food platters to your table family style instead but still all-you-can-eat.
  • Menu items at all restaurants may still be reduced, though starting to expand again, so check the posted menu on the actual Disney site or app for the latest n greatest to make sure your favorites are there.
  • Masks are optional for guests and cast members in all park areas besides the Disney monorail, buses, and Skyliners.
  • Social distancing restrictions and plexiglass dividers have been removed in most stores, queues, and ride cars.
  • Ride pre-shows are returning.
  • Disney rides and transportation are loading at full capacity, including multiple parties together.
  • Single rider lines are returning on most rides also.
  • Mobile ordering is strongly encouraged in most quick service restaurants. It’s great actually, cuts your wait time tremendously.
  • FastPasses and dining plans are still not back, so plan your ride and food strategy accordingly.
  • Rope drop is available at most parks again, where they are likely to let you in the parks almost an hour before park opening.
  • Parking lots may not let you in as early if you’re not using Disney transportation though, so use Disney transportation if you’re rope dropping.
  • Learn the strategies for getting boarding groups for rides with virtual queues beforehand – Rise of the Resistance in FL and CA and the new Spiderman ride in CA.
  • The new Marvel land, Avengers Campus, has opened in CA.
  • Disney World’s Magical Express will no longer mail you a confirmation letter for check-in. As long as you’ve added your flight info to your resort reservation, you can just use your magic band to scan into the Magical Express check-in at the airport. If you don’t have your magic band yet, they can look up your reservation there. If you have a magic band from a previous trip that you haven’t deactivated, then you can still use that.
  • Magical Express is ending at the end of 2021, but there will likely be another transportation option to the resorts.
  • Disney Cruise Lines has revealed more details about their newest ship, the Disney Wish. Inaugural sailings will start in June 2022 and sailings through Dec 2022 are open for booking now.

OK, this list got pretty long and there are more. See, there are just so many recent changes. Feel free to contact me if you want more info about any of these points, or anything else.

Disneyland California reopens

Disneyland characters

Disneyland parks in California finally reopened to state residents last month. And starting June 15, 2021, they will be open to out of state residents as well!

There are still some restrictions though, so be sure to know before you go. Most notably, you will also have to make park reservations, in addition to buying your tickets, so plan ahead.

Also of note, if you’re into Marvel, the Avengers Campus is opening tomorrow!!

We hope to go soon!

Support Disney cast members

carousel

You may have heard by now that Disney has been hit hard by Covid too. The parks were affected by lengthy shutdowns, and even upon opening, still have limited attendance and restrictions. This has caused them to need to lay off thousands of employees.

Here are some efforts that have sprung up so far to help these folks that have given us so much joy over the years. We’ve donated already. If you are able and willing, please look into these also.

Of course, there are many, many others around the world affected by Covid as well. Please support your local community resources also.

Thanks!

Disney Parks Updates

Know Before You Go

The Disney parks will be drastically different from your last trip due to Covid safety. Stay up to date on the latest here, especially on the need to make park reservations for entry, in addition to having your ticket. Things are changing day by day, so check back often, and some of it can be a little confusing. Feel free to contact me if you want help with your plans.

Key Dates for Disney World Reservations