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

More hardware arrives in EPCOT's World Showcase lagoon for 'Luminous The Symphony of Us'

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More hardware for the upcoming Luminous nighttime spectacular took to World Showcase lagoon last night for systems tests as preparations for the December 5 debut continue.

Two of the barges were out in the lagoon, complete with six mini firework barges transported inside the main barges.

Luminous features a large number of barges, with six main central platforms, each containing multiple smaller barges that will deploy out in a spoke design.
At the moment, even if the current barges stay out most of the time, the view isn't as bad as Harmonious barges (yet?)

Hopefully they do plan to move them in/out, but surprised they couldn't come up with a barge that Raises/Lowers in height if they were to be permanent.
 
New ‘Wish’ Merch and ‘Wish Together’ Campaign Helps Bring Wishes to Life

Earlier this week, we were excited to share new Wish” merchandise on shopDisney. Today, we’re upping the magic with the “Wish Together” campaign to celebrate more than 40 years of working with Make-A-Wish to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, and bring some extra magic to you in honor of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic new musical comedy, “Wish.”

While the film doesn’t release until Nov. 22, I’ve got just the thing to help everyone get excited for what’s sure to be a breathtaking (and emotional) film – a handful of ways we can have a transformative impact on wish kids and their families alongside Make-A-Wish and Disney. Talk about the power of a wish!

What are these “handfuls of ways,” you ask?

First, the incredible “Wish Together Sweepstakes” gives fans a chance to win a dream come true on land and sea with a very special family vacation for four.* The prize includes a 3-night stay in a Club Level Concierge room at a Disney Deluxe Resort hotel at Walt Disney World Resort along with a Disney Cruise Line vacation to The Bahamas aboard the Disney Wish in a 1-bedroom Concierge Suite with verandah and an array of merchandise from shopDisney and more. But the best part is that for every free entry received now through Jan. 31, 2024, Disney will donate $5 to Make-A-Wish up to $1 million to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.**

We’re also excited to share that Disney is donating 10% of each individual item’s sale price of brand-new merchandise from “Wish” up to $1 million to Make-A-Wish for all products from this collection purchased at U.S. Disney stores, shopDisney.com, Disney-owned locations within Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney WorldResort, and select Disney Cruise Line sailings.

Now, let’s check out what this marvelous collection has in store.

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First up, we’ve got the Asha Singing Doll, a highly detailed doll with styled hair, a layered costume, and tiny Star companion. Push the button on her back to hear her sing “This Wish,” an all-new song from the film! I have a feeling “This Wish” is going to become my new favorite Disney tune.

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After all that singing and dancing, you’ll definitely need a rest, and what better pal could be found than the helper of wishes– Star! Perfectly soft and cuddly, this plush is large enough to hug and cozy enough to dream alongside during nap time. Speaking of nap time, all dreams and wishes are sure to be granted to the wearer of the Star Sleep Set for Adults, which reminds you that you too are a star.

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No kingdom is complete without a dynamic duo, and Asha’s best friend, Dahlia, makes an appearance in our lineup as a soft plush doll with embroidered features, including her signature glasses, soft hair, and a satin ribbon. There’s even a matching Asha plush available to also bring along on all your adventures.

Next, fashion! Whether you’re lounging around your palace, or looking to visit our Disney parks, we’ve got the perfect items that are sure to be atop your wish list.

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The Wish Fashion T-Shirt for Kids pictures Asha with her besties while Star floats above, leaving a golden, glittering trail of magic around the group of friends. There’s also an adult version of the T-shirt coming soon, so adventurers of all ages can show off their love for Asha and her friends! Kids are sure to become fast fans of Asha’s pajama-wearing pet Valentino, and the talkative goat makes a splash on the Valentino Pullover Hoodie for Kids with the phrase “Speak Your Mind” printed on the front.

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Ever wanted to sparkle as bright as a star? The Adaptive Wish Sequined Ear Headband for Adults leaves you shimmering with sequined details, a dual bow, and Star ornament. The adaptive ear headband also contains an adjustable chinstrap with self-stick fabric to aid in keeping its wearer comfortable and stylish. Available soon will also be the Wish Sequined Ear Headband for Adults, without the adaptive feature.

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And, saving what I think may be the best for last, the Star Light-Up Plush! Complete your “Wish” collection with your very own wishing Star inspired by the film. When squeezed, this plush glows and transforms from a yellow exterior to a warm fiery orange.

For more than 40 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to grant life-changing wishes for kids facing critical illnesses and their families, starting when the first official wish was granted at Disneyland Resort. Disney is honored to be the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish, joining together to make more than 150,000 wishes come true globally. These life-changing experiences help bring strength, joy, and a greater sense of hope to wish kids and their families when it’s needed most.

To learn more about the “Wish Together” sweepstakes, explore the enchanting “Wish” product collection, and discover other ways you can contribute to the magic of Make-A-Wish, visit Disney.com/WishTogether.

Until next time, I’ll be here wishing upon a star …

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter the Sweepstakes between 10/4/23 at 2:00 AM PT and 1/31/24 at 11:59 PM PT. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C.; 13+. Limit 1 entry per person per day. GRAND PRIZE WINNER MUST BE ABLE TO TRAVEL MAY 3, 2024 – MAY 10, 2024 OR AUGUST 23, 2024 – AUGUST 30, 2024. Maximum donation is $1 million dollars. Donation by Disney to Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. Visit http://disneywishtogether.com/rules for full details on how to enter, eligibility requirements, odds of winning, prize descriptions and limitations. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: ABC, Inc., d/b/a Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 500 S Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521.

**Donation will be made directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America on or before March 31, 2024 following completion of Sweepstakes period on Jan. 31, 2024. No fees or other amounts will be deducted from donation by Disney.
 
Savings, Tips and New Offer Coming Soon for Families

New Offer Coming Soon for Families! Kids Play & Dine for 50% Off*

On Nov. 14, 2023, Walt Disney World will introduce a special package offer for families looking to save on a spring vacation! Children’s (ages 3 through 9) theme park tickets and dining plans will be half off with the purchase of a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Co. package for you and your children that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel, theme park tickets and a dining plan. Valid for stays most nights March 3 through June 30, 2024, this will be a great option for those who also want the convenience of having their tickets, room and meals already paid for before they arrive!

Visit DisneyWorld.com/SpecialOffers beginning Nov. 14 for additional offer details!
 
Two Disneyland Resort Attractions Will Be Added to Genie+ Next Month

According to Disneyland, two family-friendly attractions will be added to the Disney Genie+ skip-the-line bundle next month. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be demoted from Individual Lightning Lane to Genie+ and Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will join the lineup. Here’s the announcement:

We are bringing two family-friendly rides to the [Disney Genie+] bundle – Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming soon, and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will be joining next month!
 
Disneyland Resort Announces Limited-Time Kids’ Ticket Offer

Disneyland Resort is launching a new, limited-time kids’ special ticket offer for use early in the new year! Beginning Oct. 24, 2023, you can purchase a child’s ticket (valid only for children ages 3-9) to a Disneyland Resort theme park for as low as $50 per child, per day with this kids’ special ticket offer. You will be able to choose from 1, 2 or 3-Day Park tickets, with upgrades such as Park Hopper tickets or Disney Genie+ service also available to add-on. These limited-time child tickets are a great value and will be valid for use between Jan. 8, 2024-March 10, 2024 (no blockout dates, subject to park reservation availability)*. Keep an eye on Disneyland.com on Oct. 24 for more information about this upcoming ticket offer

Later this month, guests purchasing or holding theme park tickets will be able to view the theme park reservation calendar and book visits out even further – for dates up to 180 days in advance
 
Disneyland Resort Announces Limited-Time Kids’ Ticket Offer

Disneyland Resort is launching a new, limited-time kids’ special ticket offer for use early in the new year! Beginning Oct. 24, 2023, you can purchase a child’s ticket (valid only for children ages 3-9) to a Disneyland Resort theme park for as low as $50 per child, per day with this kids’ special ticket offer. You will be able to choose from 1, 2 or 3-Day Park tickets, with upgrades such as Park Hopper tickets or Disney Genie+ service also available to add-on. These limited-time child tickets are a great value and will be valid for use between Jan. 8, 2024-March 10, 2024 (no blockout dates, subject to park reservation availability)*. Keep an eye on Disneyland.com on Oct. 24 for more information about this upcoming ticket offer

Later this month, guests purchasing or holding theme park tickets will be able to view the theme park reservation calendar and book visits out even further – for dates up to 180 days in advance
Interesting it seems they are trying to draw families back in. In more recent years, many have said it seemed that Disney was more interested in catering to families without children or older kids.
 
Interesting it seems they are trying to draw families back in. In more recent years, many have said it seemed that Disney was more interested in catering to families without children or older kids.

When we were there in November it felt that about 50% of guests were child free. Even MK had lots of childless adults. Several times on the friendship boats there weren’t kids on packed boats. It stuck out to me so much that I mentioned it to DD.

They need kids to get the Disney bug so they can bring their kids next generation. DINKS and single adults without kids spend a lot at the parks but they aren’t passing down that Disney love to the next generation.
 
Savings, Tips and New Offer Coming Soon for Families

New Offer Coming Soon for Families! Kids Play & Dine for 50% Off*

On Nov. 14, 2023, Walt Disney World will introduce a special package offer for families looking to save on a spring vacation! Children’s (ages 3 through 9) theme park tickets and dining plans will be half off with the purchase of a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Co. package for you and your children that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel, theme park tickets and a dining plan. Valid for stays most nights March 3 through June 30, 2024, this will be a great option for those who also want the convenience of having their tickets, room and meals already paid for before they arrive!

Visit DisneyWorld.com/SpecialOffers beginning Nov. 14 for additional offer details!
Hmmmmmm off to do some math for our June trip.... we don't generally do the dining plan but with two kids it might work in our favor.
 
There is another kid type package coming to wdw in Nov for next year.
Sure but that's hardly new. They've been doing those for quite a while now for WDW. The 4-parks (but not hopper) for summer for example. Disney knows all the numbers and hedges when during the year they may need or think they will need xyz. The pandemic certainly threw off timing of things who knows if that will stick. Either way you quoted a Disneyland offer to speak about WDW leading me to point out it was about DL.
 
Sure but that's hardly new. They've been doing those for quite a while now for WDW. The 4-parks (but not hopper) for summer for example. Disney knows all the numbers and hedges when during the year they may need or think they will need xyz. The pandemic certainly threw off timing of things who knows if that will stick. Either way you quoted a Disneyland offer to speak about WDW leading me to point out it was about DL.
I quoted that one b/c it was the 2nd kid type discount released today. I don’t remember there being a discount at wdw like the one that was announced today in any recent times. Of course, I understand that Disney knows the numbers, but it’s interesting that their aim is families with young kids again which it has not really been in at least 5 years.
 
I quoted that one b/c it was the 2nd kid type discount released today. I don’t remember there being a discount at wdw like the one that was announced today in any recent times. Of course, I understand that Disney knows the numbers, but it’s interesting that their aim is families with young kids again which it has not really been in at least 5 years.
Perhaps that's your perspective. I would call any offer that is age-specific to be targeted towards that group, for Disney that is going to only be towards kids as once you're 10 you're an adult to them. Offers for kids have been going on even during the pandemic.

The dining plan hasn't been around so of course you can't include that in there. The only different thing here compared to past age-specific offers during the pandemic is the dining plan addition which makes sense because the dining plan is back. What this tells me is interest in the dining plan is softer than they hoped but not too too soft after their May booking time where they did free dining for plans starting Jan 9th. This newer 50% offer covers spring and early summer, they could have done free dining but kids are mostly in school march, april and most of may so the benefit to the kids during those months are less anyhow. Gives them more profit and less chances for parents to use them.
 
And, saving what I think may be the best for last, the Star Light-Up Plush! Complete your “Wish” collection with your very own wishing Star inspired by the film. When squeezed, this plush glows and transforms from a yellow exterior to a warm fiery orange.
This is so adorable, I bet both the light up and the other star plush will be big hits
 
Perhaps that's your perspective. I would call any offer that is age-specific to be targeted towards that group, for Disney that is going to only be towards kids as once you're 10 you're an adult to them. Offers for kids have been going on even during the pandemic.

The dining plan hasn't been around so of course you can't include that in there. The only different thing here compared to past age-specific offers during the pandemic is the dining plan addition which makes sense because the dining plan is back. What this tells me is interest in the dining plan is softer than they hoped but not too too soft after their May booking time where they did free dining for plans starting Jan 9th. This newer 50% offer covers spring and early summer, they could have done free dining but kids are mostly in school march, april and most of may so the benefit to the kids during those months are less anyhow. Gives them more profit and less chances for parents to use them.
Perhaps. But, have you been to wdw lately? I have been almost every other month. Last visit was in July & next visit will be in oct. I have definitely noticed a decline in families with young kids. Many ppl I know have sworn off wdw b/c of the cost & headache of bringing young kids. Many ppl on these boards also said & observed the same thing. Another posters just posted her observation of something similar. It could be the dining plan too but there is a reason they have targeted families with kids 3-9.
 
Perhaps. But, have you been to wdw lately? I have been almost every other month. Last visit was in July & next visit will be in oct. I have definitely noticed a decline in families with young kids. Many ppl I know have sworn off wdw b/c of the cost & headache of bringing young kids. Many ppl on these boards also said & observed the same thing. Another posters just posted her observation of something similar. It could be the dining plan too but there is a reason they have targeted families with kids 3-9.
I know how frequently you go and we know your feelings towards WDW with young kids. I don't think anyone was debating shifts in who are in the parks, you were saying that Disney was going after families, my point was they've had offers for that same age group throughout the pandemic. The only real difference is the dining plan aspect which makes sense as the dining plan is back. The dining plan isn't back until January 9th, 2024.

I think you're taking the exact ages to mean something different here. That's why I mentioned the Disney adult part. Kids to Disney are ages 3-9 that is the only age part to it unless you're talking about international parks. What other ages do you expect them to use? They don't generally just say kids offers because tickets and dining are based on ages 3-9 only. All of their offers that have kids are for ages 3-9 because that's what Disney considers is kids. And if you're under the age of 3 you don't need a ticket so there's no benefits to really offering something there.

Many people this year and into next year are taking the opportunities to go to Europe and Japan, never mind viewing something as minute as parents choosing to go to WDW. 2022 started the more revenge travel trend, 2021 was still quite risky for many to travel (those who could lived much closer to the parks likely partook in more trips), and of course 2020 was not the year to go with kids. The whole world has been wonky the last few years in terms of travel and add in school as well.

I suppose we'll see the actual dates it's good for when the offer is good for (like what days of the week, does it exclude spring break or easter) comes out for but it's still restrictive even considering how more willing parents are to taking their kids out of school or those who delayed kids starting school. Win/win for Disney
 
I know how frequently you go and we know your feelings towards WDW with young kids. I don't think anyone was debating shifts in who are in the parks, you were saying that Disney was going after families, my point was they've had offers for that same age group throughout the pandemic. The only real difference is the dining plan aspect which makes sense as the dining plan is back. The dining plan isn't back until January 9th, 2024.

I think you're taking the exact ages to mean something different here. That's why I mentioned the Disney adult part. Kids to Disney are ages 3-9 that is the only age part to it unless you're talking about international parks. What other ages do you expect them to use? They don't generally just say kids offers because tickets and dining are based on ages 3-9 only. All of their offers that have kids are for ages 3-9 because that's what Disney considers is kids. And if you're under the age of 3 you don't need a ticket so there's no benefits to really offering something there.

Many people this year and into next year are taking the opportunities to go to Europe and Japan, never mind viewing something as minute as parents choosing to go to WDW. 2022 started the more revenge travel trend, 2021 was still quite risky for many to travel (those who could lived much closer to the parks likely partook in more trips), and of course 2020 was not the year to go with kids. The whole world has been wonky the last few years in terms of travel and add in school as well.

I suppose we'll see the actual dates it's good for when the offer is good for (like what days of the week, does it exclude spring break or easter) comes out for but it's still restrictive even considering how more willing parents are to taking their kids out of school or those who delayed kids starting school. Win/win for Disney
I disagree that we have those kinds of discounts in a long time. And yes they gave an age group b/c families with young children are their target for this particular offer. I don’t consider over 9 to be that category.
 

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