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

[igrsod]

No mention of dessert included with "meal". AND we used to get 2 snacks. Now only one.

 

[disney-inspired]

Disney Dining Plans Returning, Exciting Park Reservation Updates and More at Walt Disney World

Every guest who visits Walt Disney World has a completely unique experience. The magic of these experiences comes from the little moments, the ones we don’t quickly forget. Like the décor when you step into a Disney Resort hotel, the smell of your favorite Disney treat as you walk down Main Street, U.S.A., the cast member who went out of their way to help you, or feeling the thrill as you race across the Grid on TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise at Magic Kingdom Park.    

Thousands of these unique moments happen every day, creating a deeper connection with Disney. We care about that and continue to listen to your feedback. That is why we recently rolled out updates to improve the guest experience, like bringing back complimentary overnight self-parking at our Disney Resort hotels, adding attraction photos taken in the park on the day of your visit to Disney Genie+ service and more.

And today we’re thrilled to share some more exciting news just in time for the launch of 2024 bookings for theme park tickets, Disney Resort hotel stays and packages at Walt Disney World on May 31. These updates will make planning your future Walt Disney World visits simpler and easier, so you can further enjoy all we have to offer and make more memories:  

Removing theme park reservation requirements for date-based tickets: Starting with park visits on Jan. 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets. You heard that right! When getting your ticket, you will simply select a start date for Jan. 9, 2024 or later, complete your purchase and then you will be all set! For reference, date-based tickets are the standard ticket option we offer to guests. For other admission types, including non-dated tickets, theme park reservations may be required to help us continue managing attendance and delivering a great experience for everyone. You can check which admission types require park reservations by visiting DisneyWorld.com/ThemeParkReservationsbefore you purchase.

Introducing “good-to-go days” for Annual Passholders* and cast members: In 2024, we plan to offer select days on which our Annual Passholders* and Disney cast members may visit Walt Disney World theme parks without needing a park reservation. Once introduced, we will roll out these good-to-go days on an ongoing basis. This will be in addition to the recent update which offers Passholders the opportunity to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Good-to-go days may vary by park, and pass block out dates and capacity limitations continue to apply like they do today. Please stay tuned for more details on good-to-go days.

Bringing back our fan-favorite Disney dining plans: Time to eat! Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with us starting with stays beginning Jan. 9, 2024, which will also open for bookings on May 31. We know our guests – and families in particular – have missed dining plans, which offer guests the convenience and peace of mind of pre-paying for their meals and snacks. Guests will be able to choose from two popular options: Packages that include either the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan. Both plans will be a great value for families with young children with access to many spectacular food and beverage offerings across Walt Disney World.

Continuing to provide extended park time to Disney Resort hotel guests:For those planning to stay at a Disney Resort hotel, we will continue to offer the popular early theme park entry for visits through 2024 – every day, across all four theme parks. This great benefit gives you a jump start on your day. For those staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas, we’ll also be continuing to offer extended evening hours on select dates at select parks through 2024. Early theme park entry and extended evening hours require valid theme park admission and a Resort ID.

Simplifying the Disney Genie+ experience: We have heard from guests that they would like ways to plan with Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane selections before the day of their park visit, and we want you to know we are working on ways guests may do this for visits in 2024. Our goal is to give you the opportunity to spend less time planning in the park and more time enjoying your visit with friends and family. While we are not yet able to share specific details, we look forward to sharing more information at a later date.

Whether you’re getting ready to experience the feelings of a Disney thrill or counting down the days until your Disney visit, we hope these updates make you feel as excited as we are. We look forward to welcoming you to Walt Disney World real soon!

I'm excited for these changes. My family will be so happy that park reservations are going away (finally!).

2024 Disney Dining Plan Info & Details

Disney World is simplifying the Disney Dining Plan – reducing the number of plans from four plans to two plans:​

Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan​

Enjoy a fast and easy meal plan option for those on the go all day. Dine at a variety of Quick-Service locations where you can stop and enjoy a casual meal when you’re ready to grab a bite to eat. Just order at a counter or register and then find a seat—no dining reservations required!
What’s Included
Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 2 Quick-Service meals per night and 1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay*—along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug**. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay.
* Specific number of meals and snacks are determined by the number of nights included in the package stay. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay. Unused meals and snacks will roll over day to day and expire at midnight on day of checkout. Meals and snacks are nontransferable between party members.
** Resort-refillable mugs are eligible for refills from self-service beverage islands at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location.
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).

Dine and Snack at Your Own Pace
Remember, meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay.
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.

Disney Dining Plan​

Want to slow down a little and enjoy sit-down meals—including Character dining experiences? Then the Disney Dining Plan is the perfect choice to experience classic dining options at both Quick-Service and Table-Service restaurants. This option allows you to plan your meals: Quick-Service when you’re on the go and Table-Service when you plan to savor the moment.
What’s Included
Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 1 Table-Service meal per night, 1 Quick-Service meal per night and 1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay*—along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug**. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay.
* Specific number of meals and snacks are determined by the number of nights included in the package stay. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay. Unused meals and snacks will roll over day to day and expire at midnight on day of checkout. Meals and snacks are nontransferable between party members.
** Resort-refillable mugs are eligible for refills from self-service beverage islands at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location.
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 subject to availability and are highly recommended.
• Two table-service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at a Fine/Signature Dining experience, select Character Dining experience or a Dinner Show.
• 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).

Dine and Snack at Your Own Pace
Remember, meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay.
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.

My family loves the dining plan - yes, it's likely cheaper if we paid OOP since we wouldn't be selecting the more expensive meals but I'm paying for the convenience.
2024 is gonna be great!

 

[Gusey]

Curious how Virtual Queues will be impacted if they are still in place by the time this change is implemented.

If I'm remembering correctly, back when Rise first opened in Dec 2019, they just had a 7AM drop, then a 1PM drop for anyone in the park, but anybody could be in the park at 1PM for the second drop, so virtual queues will likely remain for Tron, but it depends on if park hopping is altered

 

[HokieRaven5]

If I'm remembering correctly, back when Rise first opened in Dec 2019, they just had a 7AM drop, then a 1PM drop for anyone in the park, but anybody could be in the park at 1PM for the second drop, so virtual queues will likely remain for Tron, but it depends on if park hopping is altered

Thought that first VQ for Rise everyone had to be in the park and it opened up at park opening?

I know it eventually switched to a 7am because it got crazy in the parks.

 

[kylenne]

Thought that first VQ for Rise everyone had to be in the park and it opened up at park opening?

I know it eventually switched to a 7am because it got crazy in the parks.

Yeah when it first came out you had to physically be in the park. By 2021 it changed to where you could do it from anywhere at 7. Now I’m feeling nostalgic for the old Rise VQ thread and all of our daily practicing.

 

[Sadeesmom]

No mention of dessert included with "meal". AND we used to get 2 snacks. Now only one.

I wondered if I was the only one who noticed the allotments went down....now let's just see how the price compares...

 

[CoachBeard]

So glad my trip starts January 12! I suppose I’ll need to wait for the May 31 details but were folks able to buy the dining plan when renting DVC points?

 

[snikki]

So glad my trip starts January 12! I suppose I’ll need to wait for the May 31 details but were folks able to buy the dining plan when renting DVC points?

You used to be able to purchase the plan if you were renting points. The owner has to purchase it for you.

 

[Gusey]

Yeah when it first came out you had to physically be in the park. By 2021 it changed to where you could do it from anywhere at 7. Now I’m feeling nostalgic for the old Rise VQ thread and all of our daily practicing.

Ah, forgot that was 2021. It's mad to think that Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland has been opened for nearly 4 years now as it feel like its just open

 

[BrianL]

Park Reservations going away? Yes, please!

 

[jpeterson]

Park Reservations going away? Yes, please!

Not quite gone completely but at least headed in the right direction!

 

[Bama Mom]

So glad my trip starts January 12! I suppose I’ll need to wait for the May 31 details but were folks able to buy the dining plan when renting DVC points?

You used to be able to purchase the plan if you were renting points. The owner has to purchase it for you.

I am probably renting points for our February trip and I wondered this too. Not that it would matter much because we will probably skip the dining plan anyways because it wouldn't be worth it for me personally since I'm more of a kids meal eater.

I am so excited about the park reservations going away! WOOHOO!

 

[Teamubr]

I am so excited about the park reservations going away! WOOHOO!

This is probably the best news for me (along with knowing 2024 reservations open on May 31st). We typically go for 10-14 days and get a 10 day ticket. Trying to arrange what days we are going where is nuts. And then half of it changes up because of weather or whim anyway. Now we get to wake up and say "What park do you want to hit today?"

j

 

[HokieRaven5]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1655669289490194452

 

[Naomeri]

It’s really dumb that APs will still have to reserve a park!

 

[OKW Lover]

2024 Disney Dining Plan Info & Details

Disney World is simplifying the Disney Dining Plan – reducing the number of plans from four plans to two plans:​

Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan​

Enjoy a fast and easy meal plan option for those on the go all day. Dine at a variety of Quick-Service locations where you can stop and enjoy a casual meal when you’re ready to grab a bite to eat. Just order at a counter or register and then find a seat—no dining reservations required!
What’s Included
Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 2 Quick-Service meals per night and 1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay*—along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug**. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay.
* Specific number of meals and snacks are determined by the number of nights included in the package stay. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay. Unused meals and snacks will roll over day to day and expire at midnight on day of checkout. Meals and snacks are nontransferable between party members.
** Resort-refillable mugs are eligible for refills from self-service beverage islands at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location.
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).

Dine and Snack at Your Own Pace
Remember, meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay.
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.

Disney Dining Plan​

Want to slow down a little and enjoy sit-down meals—including Character dining experiences? Then the Disney Dining Plan is the perfect choice to experience classic dining options at both Quick-Service and Table-Service restaurants. This option allows you to plan your meals: Quick-Service when you’re on the go and Table-Service when you plan to savor the moment.
What’s Included
Everyone in the travel party (ages 3 and up) will receive 1 Table-Service meal per night, 1 Quick-Service meal per night and 1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night of their package stay*—along with 1 Resort-refillable drink mug**. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during the stay.
* Specific number of meals and snacks are determined by the number of nights included in the package stay. Meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay. Unused meals and snacks will roll over day to day and expire at midnight on day of checkout. Meals and snacks are nontransferable between party members.
** Resort-refillable mugs are eligible for refills from self-service beverage islands at any Disney Resort hotel Quick-Service location.
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 subject to availability and are highly recommended.
• Two table-service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at a Fine/Signature Dining experience, select Character Dining experience or a Dinner Show.
• 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).

Dine and Snack at Your Own Pace
Remember, meals and snacks can be redeemed at any time during your stay.
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.

Well, there goes the food quality/quantity again.

 

[Pluto0809]

Hope I'm wrong but my first thought was that reservations will go away but tickets will become date/park specific.

 

[jpeterson]

It’s really dumb that APs will still have to reserve a park!

I only ever use my AP along with a corresponding resort reservation. So I guess nothing changes for me. I still have to plan out each day. Which is fine for family trips. But the runDisney trips I tend to run a bit looser.

 

[kylenne]

I only ever use my AP along with a corresponding resort reservation. So I guess nothing changes for me. I still have to plan out each day. Which is fine for family trips. But the runDisney trips I tend to run a bit looser.

Same here but the system is deeply glitchy about this tbh, especially if you have a mixed party of AP and non-AP. After I upgraded my 10 day hopper to an Incredipass I went to cancel all our park reservations and rebook them out of an abundance of caution because I saw reports of people’s reservations getting wiped out after tapping in post upgrade. The thing is when I went to rebook, even though I specifically used the link for APs with resort reservations it was still acting like I had no resort stay and was only letting me make 5 plus whatever bonus ones were avaliable. My gf was fine, meanwhile, with just her hopper. I had to call to get it straightened out.

 

[KayMichigan]

Hope they also get rid of 2 pm park hopping restrictions.