Category: Disney World FL

Disney Pilots New Lightning Lane Premier Pass

Lightning Lane Premier Pass

UPDATE:  Beginning Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, Walt Disney World will expand the Lightning Lane Premier Pass pilot to all Disney Resort hotels. Guests staying at Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa, Moderate, Value Resorts and other select hotels will be eligible to purchase up to seven days before the first day of their Resort stay – for their entire length of stay (up to 14 days).

Beginning mid/late October 2024, Disney World and Disneyland California will begin piloting a new service providing expedited entry to theme park attractions: Lightning Lane Premier Pass.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be offered in very limited quantities and will give guests one entry to each available Lightning Lane entrance in the theme park they are visiting that day. This includes attractions included in both Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, but with Lightning Lane Premier Pass, guests do not need to select an experience time.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be an optional premium offering, and prices will vary based on the date and theme park guests are visiting.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass is separate from the current Multi-Pass and Single-Pass options. Guests can purchase any or all options once on a given day. The Premier Pass can only be purchased for only one park per day though, while the other two options allow guests to use them in multiple parks a day if they have park hopper tickets. Except for the few rides that are only available via Virtual Queue, guests can also use the free Standby lines instead of buying any of the pass options.

This new Premier Pass option offers great flexibility to guests who do not want to pick return times for rides and attractions throughout the day as they do now with the other two options. This is also a good way to bypass the standby wait when Multi-Pass or Single-Pass options are already sold out for their park day. This Premier option is very similar to the Universal Studios Express Pass, which many guests have been asking for for a long time since it is so much easier to use than the current Lightning Lane options. If this pilot goes well, Disney will probably offer this with greater availability. More details will probably emerge once this goes live and guests start using it.

At Walt Disney World, it will be available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts and may be purchased up to seven days in advance of their stay. It will only be valid for use in one park of the guest’s choice per day. It will also include digital downloads of select attraction photos and videos from your day, captured with Disney PhotoPass Service, as well as access to PhotoPass Lenses in the MDE app to create some fun photos with Disney-themed, augmented-reality effects.

Prices for Lightning Lane Premier Passes vary by date and theme park. At launch, prices will range from $129 to $449 (per pass, plus tax), with the highest prices falling on a limited number of days over peak travel periods. Eligible Guests will be able to view prices in the My Disney Experience app. Valid resort reservations and theme park admission are required. Park reservations may also be required, depending on the type of admission and date of your visit.

The first date it will be available at Walt Disney World is October 30, 2024.

Update: Starting Feb 25, 2025, Disneyland guests may be able to purchase the Premier Pass 7 days before their trip. Visit the Disneyland Premier Pass page for more details.

At Disneyland Resort, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available first come, first served beginning two days in advance of a theme park reservation and will be valid for use in both theme parks. Get unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos from your day, as well as access to PhotoPass Lenses in the MDE app to create some fun photos with Disney-themed, augmented-reality effects.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be priced at $400 per person, per day for park visits through December 31, 2024. Beginning in 2025, pricing will vary by date and demand within a $300 to $400 range.

Prices will be displayed in the Disneyland app up to 2 days in advance of your park visit, starting at 7:00 AM Pacific Time. Valid admission and a park reservation are required in order to purchase a Lightning Lane pass. To visit more than one park in the same day, your valid theme park admission must include the Park Hopper benefit.

The first date it will be available at Disneyland is October 23, 2024.

For more details on the current Lightning Lane options, please refer to my Lightning Lane Guide.

Feel free to contact me if you would like to chat more about Lightning Lanes or planning your next Disney trip.

Pics ©Disney

Hurricane Milton Closures

Storm Closures

As of Monday, October 7, 2024, Hurricane Milton has been upgraded to a Category 5 and is projected to make a direct hit across Tampa, Orlando, and most of Florida later this week.

Evacuation orders have already been given to several areas near Tampa. Orlando and Tampa airports have announced closures. Some attractions have announced closures and changes to cancellation policies. Of course, more changes will likely be made as it gets closer. Check with your specific transportation, lodging, cruise, and attraction source.

For the latest information on the following locations, please visit these sites:

If you have a trip to Florida planned through the upcoming weekend, it will most likely be affected. Please modify your travel plans or check for changes if you still have to travel. Work with your travel sources or your travel agent.

Of course, it is more important for everyone to stay safe. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for everyone in the path of the storm. Be careful!

Hurricane Helene Closures

Storm Closures

Due to the impending landfall of Hurricane Helene in Florida on Thursday, September 26, 2024, some attractions have announced several closures already. Of course, more changes may be made as it gets closer.

Update Thursday September 26, 2024

Tampa International Airport suspended all commercial and cargo operations beginning at 2 a.m. Thursday ahead of Hurricane Helene, with the Airport remaining closed to the public until it can assess any damage after the storm. 

Walt Disney World has announced the following changes for Sept 26th:

  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is cancelled. Guest tickets will be refunded.
  • The Magic Kingdom Park will close at 8pm. The other parks will operate within their usual hours as of now.
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will be closed.
  • Miniature golf courses will be closed.

For the latest information, check the Disney Weather Updates page.

Disney has stated that they are “closely monitoring the path of the storm as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.”

Universal Orlando has announced the following closures for Sept 26th:

  • Volcano Bay will be closed.
  • Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled.
  • Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will close at their regularly scheduled times – with Universal Studios closing at 5 p.m. and Islands of Adventure closing at 8 p.m.
  • Universal CityWalk will close early at 8 p.m.
  • Our hotels remain operational as they focus on taking care of our guests.

If you have a Halloween Horror Nights single night dated ticket or Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass for Thursday, Sept. 26 it will be automatically honored for a single night use through Sunday, Sept. 29.

For the latest information, check the Universal Orlando Weather Updates page.

The SeaWorld family of parks has announced the following changes for Sept 26th:

  • SeaWorld Orlando will close at 2pm.
  • Busch Gardens Tampa will be closed.
  • Adventure Island will be closed.
  • Aquatica Orlando will be closed.
    All date-intended tickets for closure days have been extended through September 30, 2024 and requires no action to be taken.
  • Discovery Cove will be closed.

For the latest information, check the SeaWorld Orlando Weather Updates page.

Orlando International Airport is currently operating as usual, but check your airlines’ flight status for flight changes from the airlines.

For the latest information, check the MCO site and your airline’s site.

If you have an upcoming cruise, check with your specific cruise line’s site for any changes to your cruise.

Port Canaveral has made the following statement:

Because of the effects of Hurricane Helene, we are anticipating cruise vessels scheduled to arrive at Port Canaveral on Friday, Sept. 27 will be delayed. These delays will likely impact guest embarkation times for outbound sailings. All cruise guests planning to sail from Port Canaveral on Friday, Sept. 27 or Saturday, Sept. 28 are advised to contact their cruise lines to confirm their embarkation and ship’s departure time.

If you have a trip planned through the upcoming weekend, some components of your trip may be affected. Please check for changes before traveling and work with the vendors or your travel agent. Of course, it is more important for everyone to stay safe. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for everyone in the path of the storm. Be careful!

Tron Ending Virtual Queue

Breaking News! Disney just announced that the Tron ride at the Magic Kingdom Park at Disney World will stop using the Virtual Queue after September 8, 2024! Starting September 9th, you can ride it by walking up anytime in the Standby line, or by buying the Lightning Lane Single Pass for it. It is not included in the Multi-Pass selections.

Visit my Lightning Lane Guide for more details about Lightning Lanes.

Feel free to contact me if you want to chat more about planning your next Disney trip.

2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Starts Tomorrow

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival will start tomorrow, July 29th, and run through November 23, 2024, this year. This is one of our favorite Disney World events!

Take a taste tour around the world at appetizing marketplaces featuring authentic global cuisine and beverages. This is foodie heaven with delicious 2 dishes, fine wine, craft beer, spirits, and other beverages sure to satisfy every palate.

For a full list of the numerous marketplace menus, check out the festival page below:


Hear live musical performances from renowned artists and fresh, local talent at the Eat to the Beat concert series with performances nightly starting at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM at the America Gardens Theatre.

For a full performance schedule, see below:

Eat to the Beat Comcert

Participate in the Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak or Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit scavenger hunts. Commemorate your trip with special photo ops. And of course, there will be plenty of merch if you want to do some souvenir shopping.

Don’t skip EPCOT on your next Disney World trip!

Feel free to contact me if you want to chat about this festival or planning a Disney trip in general. We love going to Disney World during these festivals!

Remy

New Lightning Lane Service Starts Today

Lightning Lane Guide

Today, July 24, 2024, the Disney World Genie+ service will be renamed to Lightning Lane, with a few major changes. I’ve created a guide with all of the details you need to know.

View Lightning Lane Guide

I’ll update the guide as new details emerge. Check back often and Subscribe to my site to get notified of new posts.

Please contact me if you have any questions or if I can help plan your next Disney trip.

Have a magical day!

Jollywood Nights 2024

Jollywood Nights

Disney World is bringing back Jollywood Nights, the after-hours holiday party that started last year in Hollywood Studios!

You can dance the night away with live bands, see festive stage shows, and cap the night off with the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular. In addition, enjoy lower wait times for your favorite attractions, meet beloved characters dressed in their holiday finest, enjoy unique entertainment, and feast on new holiday treats.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM Nighttime Spectacular

This event will take place on select nights from November 9 to December 21, 2024.

Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can purchase tickets starting today, July 2, 2024, for event dates during their stay. If you’re not staying at a Disney Resort, you can buy tickets starting July 10, 2024.

This is a separate party from the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party that I talked about yesterday, but tickets to both events are on sale at the same time.

2024 Event Dates

November 9, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
December 2, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21

This special event takes place from 7:30pm to 12:30am but ticket holders can enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios as early as 6pm on the date of their ticket. No theme park reservation is needed to enter after 6pm. Come dressed to impressed.

Ticket prices start at $159. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket, valid for all event nights.

Jack Skellington

NEW! Gather for a dazzling skating spectacular on Hollywood Boulevard, set to your favorite holiday tunes. Take in the grace and skill of international champion skaters in an awe-inspiring twist on the traditional ice show.

Join Jack Skellington at Hyperion Theater for a dreamlike adventure inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Sing along with the Pumpkin King to songs from the film as you follow 2 friends on a larger-than-life journey.

Don’t miss Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy as they host a star-studded holiday music and dancing extravaganza in the Theater of the Stars, with appearances from Tiana, Belle, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and more, accompanied by a talented cast of singers, dancers, and jazz musicians.

Jollywood Nights Kermit and Miss Piggy show

Experience Holiday Fiesta en la Calle, a lively holiday street fair in the Courtyard with colorful décor and spirited musicians performing Latin holiday tunes, as well as appearances from José Carioca and Panchito from The Three Caballeros.

Gather around Echo Lake for a 1990s-2000s throwback bash where you may spot Phineas, Ferb, and Max Goof as Powerline. Plus, Baloo and King Louie from Talespin will join the fun in 2024!

Jollywood Nights characters

Celebrate in Pixar Plaza at a dance party with the incomparable Edna Mode.

After all that excitement, join a Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club, a swingin’ celebration in the courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Hotel. Purchase your cocktails and unwind in style while a live band swoons and croons holiday tunes.

Twilight Soirée

Cap off the night with Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, a nighttime spectacular of fireworks, lasers, lights, music, and projections of holiday moments from favorite Disney films against the iconic Chinese Theater.

Pose for pics all night since PhotoPass digital photos and videos from the event are included with your ticket! Be on the lookout for magic shots and specialty image captures.

Commemorate your exciting evening with Disney Jollywood Nights themed apparel, accessories, collectibles, and more.

Jazzy Holidays

For an extra indulgence, reserve Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby. On event evenings, guests can sip craft cocktails and enjoy an event-exclusive menu of light bites while a pianist plays smooth holiday tunes at The Hollywood Brown Derby. This restaurant fills up very quickly so reserve this ASAP if you’re interested.

As always, feel free to contact me if you want me to book these events for your next Disney trip.

Jollywood Nights

©Disney

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2024

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2024

As crazy as it seems, we’re halfway to Christmas already! This year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park in Disney World will take place on select nights from November 8, 2024 to December 20, 2024. It goes from 7pm – midnight ET, though you can get into the park after 4pm with the party ticket. No park reservations are necessary for the party.

Event Dates
Nov- 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29
Dec – 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Throughout the evening, you can:

  • Delight in the amazingly festive Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show!
  • Gather to watch Disney Characters give a yuletide nod to the season during Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
  • Head over to Cinderella Castle for a yuletide stage show, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration!
  • Join Elsa, Anna, and friends for a Frozen Holiday Surprise as the Cinderella Castle is turned into a frozen wonderland.
  • Get the perfect picture and Magic Shots with Disney pals dressed in their Christmas best!
  • Make your night extra sweet when you explore the park searching for cookies and cocoa, plus many other holiday treats and merch. 
  • Dance the night away at several dance parties with your favorite characters.
  • Take in the elaborate decorations that bring the spirit of the season to life!
  • Delight your taste buds with delicious holiday sips and bites.
  • Bring home festive finds to remember this seasonal celebration with unique festival merchandise.
  • Enjoy lower crowds on rides and shows, some with holiday overlays and decor.
  • Meet Santa!
Festival treats

For an extra indulgence, enjoy a sweet treats buffet and priority viewing for Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks with a Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace or with a Plaza Garden viewing. Tickets for this additional add-on will go on sale in September.

Meet the characters.

Tickets range from $169 – $219. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save $10 per ticket on select nights before Dec 5th.

Tickets are limited and will go on sale July 2, 2024 if you’re staying at a select Disney resort during your party day and July 10, 2024 if you’re not.

This is a very popular event and certain days will sell out fast. If this is a must-do and you’re limited to certain days, you may want to buy your tickets as soon as you can.

Festival merchandise

If you’re not going to the party and you only have one Magic Kingdom day, you may want to go to a different park on a party day since Magic Kingdom will close early to non-party guests. If you do have multiple Magic Kingdom days, then you may actually want to go to Magic Kingdom on a party day since crowds may be lower from other non-party-goers avoiding a short day there.

We’ve been to this party in the past and it was really fun. Please contact me if you want to chat more about this or to help book your party tickets.

Meet Santa

©Disney

Disney World Fall and Holiday 2024 Savings

Disney Summer Offers

Disney announced new Disney World Resort savings offers for Fall through the 2024 Holiday Season. On sale now. Lock in your next vacation now with just a $200 deposit!

Even if you already have a trip booked, you may be able to get one of these offers applied to it if your booking fits the criteria.

Save up to 30% on rooms for stays most nights from November 24 to December 25, 2024.

Enjoy other savings for stays most Sunday to Thursday nights from October 6 to November 21, 2024.

Plus, get FREE Park Hopper benefits when you take advantage of this offer and upgrade to a Walt Disney Travel Company room-and-ticket package that includes nondiscounted 4-day (or longer) date-based theme park tickets! With Park Hopper benefits, you can visit multiple theme parks each day of your ticket.

Florida Residents: Save Up to 30% on Rooms

Florida residents can save 10% – 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for 1 – 14 night stays most nights from Oct 6 – Nov 21, 2024 and Nov 24 – Dec 25, 2024.

Proof of Florida residency is required at check-in.

Annual Passholders: Save Up to 40% on Rooms

For 1 – 14 night stays from Oct 6 – Nov 21, 2024 and Nov 24 – Dec 25, 2024, annual passholders can save 10% – 40% depending on the resort.

Proof of Annual Pass required at check-in.

Fall and Holiday Resort Deals

This is a good time to book a trip while these offers are going on. Lock in a deal with just a $200 deposit for packages with rooms and tickets or the first night rate for room-only bookings before they sell out.

The number of rooms allocated for any of these offers is limited and excludes certain room types. Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same room.

Please contact me to check if your desired resort has availability for any offers.

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

©Disney

Breaking News: Genie+ Changes Announced!

Genie+ Changes

Big News! Disney just announced changes to Genie+ starting July 24, 2024 in an effort to make it less confusing and more user friendly.

First, to make it explicitly clear what you’re buying, they’ve renamed the two types of passes. Disney Genie+ service will become Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while individual Lightning Lane will now be known as Lightning Lane Single Pass.  

Second, at Disney World in Orlando, you can now select rides in advance so you don’t have to wake up at 7am each day of your trip anymore! Yay!

You can select up to 3 rides using your multi pass and/or 2 single pass rides. You’ll also be able to choose specific return window times when you make your selections, so you can plan around dining reservations and other plans.

Selections can be made as soon as 7 days before your trip for each day of your trip if you’re staying at a Disney resort or 3 days if you’re not.  On the day of your visit, once you use a selection, you may check the My Disney Experience app for availability to make additional selections. 

At Disneyland, Genie+ must still be booked the day of. Everything will work the same as it does now except for the name changes.

If you’re familiar with the old FastPass system when it used to let us pick 3 rides in advance, it’s basically returning back to that paradigm. There are some nuances to be aware of, such as picking rides from a tier system, and how all this effects your strategy of which rides to get first now. I’m sure more will be clarified in due time too.

I’ll update my Disney World Lightning Lane page with all of the details as it gets closer. For now, I just wanted to give you a quick heads up incase you have an upcoming trip soon after July 24th. If you do, feel free to ping me if you want to chat more about this.

Contact me if you want me to book your next Disney trip.