Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

Memorial Day 2023: Disney Honors Fallen Military Heroes

While the atmosphere at Disney Parks is filled with magic and happiness, Memorial Day serves as a gentle reminder to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by fallen U.S. military heroes in service to our country. It’s also a time to remember the families that they left behind.

For as long as we’ve been a company, Disney has honored veterans, the military and their families. In recognition of National Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day, members of our SALUTE Veteran Employee Resource Group had the opportunity to welcome Gold Star families to Magic Kingdom alongside the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS for short. TAPS is a nonprofit organization providing support services to the loved ones of fallen service members, also known as Gold Star families.

TAPS group in front of Cinderella Castle

“It was a tremendous honor for TAPS to be welcomed to the Magic Kingdom by Disney SALUTE,” said Diana Hosford, Vice President, Sports & Entertainment of TAPS. “Our group of nearly 50 young adults, who all lost a military loved one, had a day in Walt Disney World to connect, bond, and share. Starting the experience with the Disney SALUTE team of military veterans recognizing the fallen was very meaningful.”

TAPS members sit outside Cinderella Castle
Cast member and U.S. Navy veteran Cappy Surette greets Gold Star family members
These special Gold Star families from across the country came together and shared their stories, connected, and found solace in the support of others who have experienced similar loss. We were honored to help make some magic and create lasting new memories for these special guests while reminding them that they are never alone.

“Moments like this of joy and community are an important part of the grief journey,” said Diana.

Group of 4 TAPS members
Disney cast members Jason Ketelsen, a U.S. Navy veteran and Susan Finnigan, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran helped welcome special guests to Magic Kingdom Park
We also honor all our fallen heroes this Memorial Day weekend with Missing Hero tables at Disneyland Resort hotels and select backstage locations at Walt Disney World Resort. The table is reserved to honor the brave and selfless American military members who gave their lives in service to the country or went missing in action and have not found their way back home.

Table set at Disney Resort

There are several notable features of these tables and their content. Here are just a few:

  • The table is set for one, symbolizing the frailty of one isolated prisoner.
  • A slice of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of the bitter fate of those who will never return.
  • A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those who have sacrificed all.
  • An inverted glass is symbolic of those who cannot toast with us at this time.
  • The empty chair reminds us they are no longer with us.
Diana shared that “for the families of the fallen, every day is Memorial Day as they honor their loved one’s service and their sacrifice for the protection and freedom of our country. Survivors are the living legacy of their heroes, and that is an honor they hold in their hearts and carry with them every day.”
 
Disney releases more information for the returning Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World

Disney Dining Plan Highlights​

Everyone in the party ages 3 and over receives the following during their package stay:

  • 1 Quick-Service Meal Per Night of Stay*
  • 1 Table-Service Meal Per Night of Stay*
  • 1 Snack or Nonalcoholic Beverage Per Night of Stay*
  • 1 Resort-Refillable Mug**
For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Dining Plan, each Guest (ages 3 and up) in your party would receive 4 Table-Service meals, 4 Quick-Service meals and 4 snacks or nonalcoholic beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.

Important Information​

  • Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails.
  • Reservations at Table-Service restaurants are highly recommended and are subject to availability.
  • Guests ages 3 to 9 must order from a children’s menu, where available.
  • Plan must be purchased for entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up).
  • Meals are nontransferable between party members and expire at midnight on day of checkout.
* Specific number of meals and snacks are determined by the number of nights included in the package stay. You can redeem your meals and snacks any day during your stay, until the number associated with your package have been depleted. All unused meals and snacks and the ability to use your refillable mug expire at midnight on your package reservation checkout date.

** Resort-refillable mugs are eligible for refills from self-service beverage islands at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location.

What’s Included​

Quick-Service Meal​

Meals redeemed at breakfast, lunch or dinner will include:

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)

Table-Service Meal​

Meals redeemed at breakfast will include:

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
-OR-

  • 1 Full Buffet (prix-fixe) or Family-Style Meal (prix-fixe)
  • 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)

Meals redeemed at brunch, lunch or dinner will include:​

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Dessert
  • 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
-OR-

  • 1 Full Buffet (If Available) or Family-Style Meal
  • 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)

Alcoholic Beverages​

Guests 21 and older may choose either one nonalcoholic beverage or one-single serving mixed cocktail, beer or wine (where offered) as part of their meal.

A single-serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Beer or Cider
  • Wine or Sangria
  • Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails

Nonalcoholic Beverages​

Guests 10 years of age and older can choose one nonalcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) as part of their meal.

A single-serving nonalcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Milkshakes
  • Fresh Smoothies
  • Premium Hot Chocolate
  • Soda, Coffee or Tea

Snacks​

At Quick-Service restaurants, most Outdoor Carts and select merchandise locations, snacks may include a single serving of items such as:

  • Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
  • 2 scoops of hand-scooped ice cream
  • Popcorn scoop (single-serving box)
  • Piece of whole fruit
  • Single-serve bag of snacks
  • 20-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola® products, including Dasani® water
  • 20-ounce fountain soft drink
  • Single-serve coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, milk or juice
  • Cup of soup
  • Add on toppings or sauces (e.g. side of cheese dipping sauce)

What's Not Included​

  • Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts or a jar of peanut butter)
  • Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a souvenir container
  • Items considered to be merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes and bottle straps)
  • Special dining events offered at certain Table-Service locations

Other Magical Dining Experiences to Redeem Table-Service Meals​

Character Dining​

Dine with some of your favorite Disney Characters! Have your camera ready for this experience that adds a little extra magic to your Table-Service meal.

Two Table-Service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at:

  • Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (at lunch and dinner only)
  • Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
  • Merchandise or photo imaging products that may be offered for sale at Character dining experiences are not included. Gratuities are not included unless otherwise noted.

Fine/Signature Dining Restaurants​

Experience an elegant Table-Service option with a wide selection of cuisines ranging from traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean to premium steaks and fresh seafood.

Each meal from a Fine/Signature Dining restaurant on the Disney Dining Plan includes:

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
  • 1 Dessert
Two Table-Service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at a Fine/Signature Dining experience.

Signature Dining restaurants offer fine dining with a distinctly magical flair. Guests are expected to dress accordingly in attire that respects the restaurant's sophisticated and upscale aesthetic. Clothing should be clean, neat and in good condition. Please, no swimwear.

Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant​

Be Our Guest Restaurant requires 2 Table-Service meals to be exchanged for a single dining experience.

Dinner Shows​

Enjoy family-style dining with live entertainment at a themed dinner show. All dinner shows require advance reservations.

Two Table-Service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at a dinner show experience.

Private In-Room Dining​

When staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, indulge in the comfort and convenience of dining in your room.

Each private in-room dining meal on the Disney Dining Plan includes:

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Dessert (lunch and dinner)
  • 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)
For private in-room dining, 2 Table-Service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining.

Pizza Pickup​

Stop by select Quick-Service locations to pick up a pizza meal, which includes:

  • 1 Large Pizza
  • 2 Single-serving Nonalcoholic Beverages (or Alcoholic Beverages, for Guests 21 and older)
Two Quick-Service meals will be redeemed for each Pizza Pick-up meal. Valid at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.

Disney Quick Service Dining Plan Highlights​

Everyone in the party ages 3 and over receives the following during their package stay:

  • 2 Quick-Service Meals Per Night of Stay*
  • 1 Snack or Nonalcoholic Beverage Per Night of Stay*
  • 1 Resort-Refillable Mug**
For example, if you book a 4-night package with a Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, each Guest (ages 3 and up) in your party would receive 8 Quick-Service meals and 4 Snacks or Nonalcoholic Beverages—which can be used at any time during your 4-night stay.

Important Information​

  • Beverages are included with each meal. Guests under 21 years of age may choose from a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. Guests 21 and older with valid identification may substitute for beer, wine and cocktails.
  • Guests ages 3 to 9 must order from a children’s menu, where available.
  • Plan must be purchased for entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up).
  • Meals are nontransferable between party members and expire at midnight on day of checkout.
* Specific number of meals and snacks are determined by the number of nights included in the package stay. You can redeem your meals and snacks any day during your stay, until the number associated with your package have been depleted. All unused meals and snacks and the ability to use your refillable mug expire at midnight on your package reservation checkout date.

** Resort-refillable mugs are eligible for refills from self-service beverage islands at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location.

What’s Included​

Quick-Service Meal​

Meals redeemed at breakfast, lunch or dinner will include:

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Nonalcoholic Beverage (or Alcoholic Beverage, for Guests 21 and older)

Alcoholic Beverages​

Guests 21 and older may choose either one nonalcoholic beverage or one-single serving mixed cocktail, beer or wine (where offered) as part of their meal.

A single-serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Beer or Cider
  • Wine or Sangria
  • Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails
  • Nonalcoholic Beverages
  • Guests 10 years of age and older can choose one nonalcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) as part of their meal.
A single-serving nonalcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Milkshakes
  • Fresh Smoothies
  • Premium Hot Chocolate
  • Soda, Coffee or Tea

Snacks​

At Quick-Service restaurants, most Outdoor Carts and select merchandise locations, snacks may include a single serving of items such as:

  • Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
  • 2 scoops of hand-scooped ice cream
  • Popcorn scoop (single-serving box)
  • Piece of whole fruit
  • Single-serve bag of snacks
  • 20-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola® products, including Dasani® water
  • 20-ounce fountain soft drink
  • Single-serve coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, milk or juice
  • Cup of soup
  • Add on toppings or sauces (e.g. side of cheese dipping sauce)

What’s Not Included​

  • Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts or a jar of peanut butter)
  • Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a souvenir container
  • Items considered to be merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes and bottle straps)
  • Special dining events offered at certain Table-Service locations
 
Meanwhile I'm worried about the return of the dining plan absolutely ruining the last minute availability of ADRs that is occurring right now. I was at Epcot on friday and every single restaurant was available, including Space 220 (not the lounge, the prix fixe version). Not worried about declining food quality because that's happening even without the dining plan.
 
Karin1984 said:
A reminder, the CM-strikes in DLP are now in full force. Keep in mind when travelling to DLP.
Operations and entertainment are likely to be impacted.

https://www.facebook.com/ED92Magic/posts/pfbid02zXrYmtLya7zYbxXdQ7RYiJmXWo9v53CEMUef7Thwd59qGD9CSMG6pSwC1RhbJhysl
Click to expand...
I’ve noticed a pattern with these occurring the past few Tuesdays … idk if it will continue this way though
Smugpugmug said:
Meanwhile I'm worried about the return of the dining plan absolutely ruining the last minute availability of ADRs that is occurring right now. I was at Epcot on friday and every single restaurant was available, including Space 220 (not the lounge, the prix fixe version). Not worried about declining food quality because that's happening even without the dining plan.
Click to expand...
As a local worried about the same as we tend to go to resort or spring’s restaurants for special occasions just a few weeks ago we got Boma for a party of 7 morning of
 
Moliphino said:
This stood out to me. Are they going to track meal credits by person now? Before you just got a bucket of credits and it didn't matter who used them.
Click to expand...
I can't imagine them adding that workload to servers and QS registers, so hopefully not.
 
HokieRaven5 said:
Walt Disney World's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster closes again for refurbishment after briefly reopening over Memorial Day Weekend

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios is once again closed to guests as its refurbishment continues.

No significant changes have been made to the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster ride experience, with the refurbishment instead taking place on the launch system and general maintenance. Guests who rode the coaster this past weekend reported improved UV lighting through the black light areas. The ride has been experiencing extended downtimes in recent years, and this refurbishment is likely addressing some of those issues.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster initially closed for refurbishment on February 21, 2023, and no reopening date was given. It remains unclear how long the coaster will be closed in this second phase of the refurbishment.
Click to expand...

This was a soft reopening, right?
 
1lilspark said:
I’ve noticed a pattern with these occurring the past few Tuesdays … idk if it will continue this way though

As a local worried about the same as we tend to go to resort or spring’s restaurants for special occasions just a few weeks ago we got Boma for a party of 7 morning of
Click to expand...
I haven't been able to get Homecomin' at Springs at the last minute but basically everything else is up for grabs. I like that the only things left aren't the awful places like Nine Dragons and Planet Hollywood.
 
Smugpugmug said:
I haven't been able to get Homecomin' at Springs at the last minute but basically everything else is up for grabs. I like that the only things left aren't the awful places like Nine Dragons and Planet Hollywood.
Click to expand...
Aw, I like the honey chicken at Nine Dragons. Agreed on Planet Hollywood. Very jealous that you saw last minute availability at Space220 easily... Probably won't be like that when I'm back in Sep
 
1lilspark said:
I’ve noticed a pattern with these occurring the past few Tuesdays … idk if it will continue this way though
Click to expand...
It is getting bigger now, it's more and more in the park. Several times the 30th anniversary show Shine Brighter gets cancelled due to the strikes. And of course, harder to move through Fantasyland if there are 500 CMs protesting ;-)
 
Smugpugmug said:
I haven't been able to get Homecomin' at Springs at the last minute but basically everything else is up for grabs. I like that the only things left aren't the awful places like Nine Dragons and Planet Hollywood.
Click to expand...

Homecoming is pretty easy to do the walk in waitlist though. We have done it a few times sucessfully. It is partially way its hard to get an ADR because they hold so much back for same day waitlist.
 
Bibbidi_Boo said:
Homecoming is pretty easy to do the walk in waitlist though. We have done it a few times sucessfully. It is partially way its hard to get an ADR because they hold so much back for same day waitlist.
Click to expand...
Oh, yeah I always walk up. I've only ever been there with an ADR once. I also never go with a party of more than 4 people.
 
Wish Kid’s Strength Celebrated with Magical Trip to Tokyo Disney Resort

The first visit to Tokyo Disney Resort is always magical, but for 19-year-old Make-A-Wish kid Rei Sayama, whose wish to visit Tokyo Disney Resort just came true, it meant so much more.

2iu8r7yo2guti671gku3r1-613x751.jpg

When Rei was eight years old, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of cancer that affects blood and bone marrow. Her condition was serious, and she needed a constant supply of oxygen. Through treatments, Rei watched Disney cartoons to entertain herself, her favorites were “Lilo and Stitch,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Phineas and Ferb,” and “Kim Possible.” Rei’s doctor recommended she receive a wish from Make-A-Wish Japan, and Rei knew at once what it would be: a family trip to Tokyo Disney Resort.

However, the timing of her wish trip was just before Rei’s second bone marrow transplant, which was a high-risk operation, and the family felt as though “we were on a tightrope as the wrong treatment could be life-threatening.” Unfortunately, her lungs deteriorated due to complications, and she needed a constant oxygen supply for two years. Her physical strength weakened to the point where she could not walk by herself, but despite these setbacks, Rei encouraged herself by reminding herself that “Disney is waiting for me!”

2iu8r7yo2guti671gku3r2-613x817.jpg

The family lost count of the many times they encouraged each other through the painful treatments with the promise that Rei’s wish to visit Tokyo Disney Resort would come true. As years went by, for every Christmas and birthday spent in the hospital room, Make-A-Wish Japan sent gifts to Rei and her family as encouragement: her wish was waiting for her.

Finally, Rei received a miraculous lung transplant, and no longer needs oxygen supplies or a wheelchair. The rehabilitation process was long and tedious, but her goal set with the physical therapist was “to be able to go to Tokyo Disney Resort” and walk around all day.

And now, Rei’s trip finally came true, just in time for Tokyo Disney Resort’s 40th anniversary celebration and World Wish Day! This was the first trip to Tokyo Disney Resort for Rei, her older sister and father, and Rei received the VIP experience.

Make-A-Wish kid Rei and her family at Tokyo Disney Resort

I had the honor of greeting Rei for her special day, along with Managing Director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan and Walt Disney Imagineering Japan George Gross, and special guests Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse!

Make-A-Wish kid Rei at Tokyo Disney Resort

“It was my great pleasure to welcome Rei-san today,” George shared. “I would like to express my gratitude and admiration to Rei-san, thanks to her determination to visit Tokyo Disney Resort, she made her wish come true.”

Make-A-Wish kid Rei enjoying Tokyo Disney Resort with family

For more than 40 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to deliver joy when it is needed most to wish kids and their families around the world. Tokyo Disney Resort has worked with Make-A-Wish Japan since 2012, and together we have granted 636 magical wishes. And today was no exception! It was so heartwarming to meet Rei and hear about her strength through the long journey, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of this special day for Rei and her family.
 
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