Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2024 Edition

[wabbott]

Darn, we get in on the 28th. We'll just miss it!

We'll miss it, too. But hey, it gives us an excuse to go back to DLR/DCA.

 

[soniam]

We'll miss it, too. But hey, it gives us an excuse to go back to DLR/DCA.

They don't always show Soarin' Over California at DCA. It's usually Soarin' Around the World, like at Epcot.

 

[wabbott]

They don't always show Soarin' Over California at DCA. It's usually Soarin' Around the World, like at Epcot.

Coming back to DCA, according to this. I can't find anywhere that a date is specified. Wish it was permanent, though.

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disney-california-adventure/soarin-over-california/
Glide above the Golden State’s natural and man-made wonders—as part of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival—scheduled to return in 2024.

 

[soniam]

Coming back to DCA, according to this. I can't find anywhere that a date is specified. Wish it was permanent, though.

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/attractions/disney-california-adventure/soarin-over-california/
Glide above the Golden State’s natural and man-made wonders—as part of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival—scheduled to return in 2024.

I had forgotten about that. We will get to see Over CA twice then, because that's what was showing when we went after xmas. We have a trip to DLR during F&W. Our first time for it at DLR.

 

[Gusey]

Epic Mickey Getting Nintendo Switch Remake
Disney's Epic Mickey is getting a remake for Nintendo Switch later this year called Epic Mickey: Rebrushed.

Announced during the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase on February 21, no release date beyond a vague 2024 was given for the game but a "faithful remake of the beloved classic" was promised.

"Join Mickey Mouse on a colourful adventure as he traverses Wasteland, a world inspired by Disney classic stories," the synopsis reads. "Play the 2010 classic along with a variety of upgrades in this enhanced remake of the action-adventure 3D platformer originally released on the Wii console.

 

[mickey916]

Easter Displays & Grand Cottage Returning to WDW
One of the best parts about the spring at Walt Disney World Resort is the incredible delights our culinary teams whip up, especially for holidays like Easter. This year is no different because, once again, select Disney Resort Hotels will be transformed with dazzling Easter egg displays and delicious treats alike.

These spectacular displays are hand-painted and designed by the talented pastry chefs who put months of dedication and talent into bringing these creations to life. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Resort are all joining in on the egg-travaganza with offerings for you to enjoy.

And the fun doesn’t stop there; there are also plenty of tasty treats on the way that will leave you and your taste buds hoppy – I mean happy! You’re in luck because I’ve got a first look at some of the bites coming to the Grand Cottage at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on March 3. But be sure to keep an eye out on the Disney Parks Blog and Disney Eats for our full Foodie Guide with even more Easter goodies coming soon.

Let’s kick things off with a trip over to the Seven Seas Lagoon, where the pastry team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been hard at work creating Easter egg displays for you. This can’t-miss tradition is a staple of the Easter season at the resort and showcases the artistry and talent of these cast members. Each has a unique theme and story that the culinary cast member brings to life with their own creative touch. I’ve put together some of my favorite eggs from years past so you can get an idea of what you can experience this year! But there are plenty of new ones coming inspired by cherished characters, stories, and treats, like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Disney Animation’s “Beauty and the Beast,” and Disney snacks. With so many new creations, it’s worth a revisit if you’ve seen them before.

But that’s not all for the resort. The team has also been whipping up some delicious items for you to indulge in this spring. The Grand Cottage is back for the third year to bring to you a plethora of festive (and adorable) treats you won’t want to miss from March 3 through April 1.

• Bunny Pop Flower Pot: Chocolate flower pot filled with jelly beans and three chocolate bunny pops (New)
• Fruity Cereal Mickey Pop: Mickey-shaped fruity cereal crisped treat
• The Easter Treat Box: Dark chocolate filled bunny, carrot blondie pop, marshmallow pop, carrot cake chocolate bark, confetti pop, and meringue nests
• Easter Marshmallow Pop: Three large marshmallows dipped in a yellow chocolate coating topped with Easter quins
• Bunny Burrow Dirt Cup: Layers of chocolate cake, chocolate buttercream, and cookies ‘n cream pieces with springtime décor (Plant-based)
• The Grand Egg: White chocolate egg filled with jelly beans sprayed in spring colors

The Bunny Burrow Dirt Cup and Fruity Cereal Pop will both also be available over at Gasparilla Island Grill from March 3 through April 1.

Also nestled over at Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney’s Contemporary Resort will once again be home to its fair share of mind-blowing egg displays. The team here has brought their creativity to the egg to create works of art that will leave you amazed (and craving some chocolate). Once you set your eyes on this year’s lineup, you won’t believe that these hand-painted displays are real. Here’s a glimpse of some of last year’s talented creations to give you an idea of what to expect when this year’s eggs are on full display starting March 3. Much like at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the displays here also will be filled with brand-new eggs inspired by characters from stories, like “Elemental” and “Hercules.”

Last, but certainly not least, we’re heading to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort where these waterside resorts are once again bringing in some truly egg-cellent displays to life this year. The pastry teams at the resort are joining in on the fun and have been working on creating their own detailed eggs for you to dazzle in this spring.

This year, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will take a journey on the water side with a brand-new Moana-inspired display. See some of the beloved characters and scenes from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film brought to life in egg form. You can catch this new creation starting March 3 in the lobby of the resort. Last year, the team crafted a “Finding Nemo”-inspired display that made quite the splash, as you can see!

Right next door at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a display inspired by none other than the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, which can be found just around the corner from the resort. The team has meticulously crafted miniature versions of some of the iconic topiaries available at the festival, bringing a floral touch to the lobby of Disney’s Beach Club Resort. You can get a peek at what’s coming here as this creation premiered last year and is coming back again starting March 3, so be sure to drop by the resort to see them for yourself.

As you can see, there is plenty to see (and taste) this spring at Walt Disney World Resort. The adventures are truly endless at Disney Parks! I can’t wait to see what the culinary teams have created this year when the displays premiere on March 3.

Be sure to check out the Disney Eats topics page and follow us @DisneyEats on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest tasty updates coming to Disney Parks.

 

[wabbott]

This is the kind of stuff that makes me misty-eyed...

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2024/02/disney-cast-members-make-childs-dream-come-true/

Wed, February 21, 2024
Disney Cast Members Make Child’s Dream Come True
by Josh Higgins, Communications Manager, Walt Disney World Resort

Rowan might be in second grade, but he is already living out his dreams thanks to a letter to Disney PhotoPass cast members.

The Disney PhotoPass team received a note from Rowan’s mother Katie about her son’s passion for photography, sharing that he dreams of working for Disney and admires the cast members who make magical memories each day. Rowan often shares gifts with Disney PhotoPass cast members during his visits, and the Disney PhotoPass team wanted to show their appreciation in return. The team sprung into action to make Rowan’s dream a reality – putting together the ultimate surprise for him during his family’s recent visit to Walt Disney World.

Rowan was named an honorary photographer for the day at Magic Kingdom Park, where he spent time learning about the job he hopes to have one day and even got to take some photos himself!

When Rowan and his family arrived at the Magic Kingdom, Disney cast members greeted them at the park entrance and led them to Cinderella Castle, surprising Rowan with his own name tag and costume, along with an exclusive photography session so he could learn how to frame and capture good photos. Then it was Rowan’s turn behind the camera. He posed his family for photos then had the ultimate photo session with a visit from Pluto!

Rene Villa, an Operations Integration Associate Project Manager for Disney PhotoPass, was one of the cast members who helped make this moment happen, and for him, it was a full-circle moment. At his desk at the Disney PhotoPass office, he has a framed childhood letter his mother saved and gave to him, saying that he wanted to run away to work at Walt Disney World.

Rene started his Disney career at a Disney Store, but the endless professional and personal growth opportunities offered at Disney led Rene to Walt Disney World, where he ultimately landed on the Disney PhotoPass team.

“I keep that letter from my childhood as a reminder that dreams do come true,” Rene said. “Reading about another child wishing to work at Disney inspired both me and my larger team, and we knew we wanted to make the day special.
It’s an honor to work at Disney to create happiness for others.”

For kids like Rowan, Rene’s journey is a testament to always follow your dreams.

“It’s inspiring to see the next generation following in your own footsteps,” Rene said. “It’s a reminder to always follow your dreams – because they absolutely can come true. For me, making dreams like these come true is what being a cast member is all about.”

“It was magical!” Rowan said with a grin after completing his personalized Disney PhotoPass training. He said he can’t wait to come back and eventually take photos at Walt Disney World as a Disney PhotoPass cast member because he loves to make people smile.

Good Morning America captured on camera the magical moment when Disney PhotoPass cast members surprised Rowan as Magic Kingdom’s honorary Disney PhotoPass photographer. Head to GoodMorningAmerica.com to watch the story, and stay tuned to the Disney Cast Life blog for more stories celebrating our cast members.

Disney PhotoPass cast members capture magical memories to last every day. Disney PhotoPass photographer is one of the many unique roles available at Disney. Where else can you spend your days taking photos for families next to Cinderella Castle or in a galaxy far, far away? If you want to become a Cast Member, be sure to check out Disney Careers to see the latest openings.

 

[wabbott]

https://dapsmagic.com/2024/02/bob-w...ney-imagineering-to-be-honored-by-ryman-arts/

Bob Weis, Former President of Walt Disney Imagineering, To Be Honored By Ryman Arts
Feb 22, 2024
by Roger Rabbit
in Disney, Entertainment

The 4th annual Marty & Leah Sklar Creative Visionary Award will be presented to Bob Weis, a philanthropist, creative leader, and longtime champion of Ryman Arts at Celebration of the Arts. The Sklar Creative Visionary Award is presented annually by Ryman Arts to an individual whose distinctive contribution to the creative community and whose leadership in the art world has made a significant impact. Bob Weis, whose impact on the community has been tremendous, truly exemplifies this award. Bob spent 35 years as an Imagineer, including 6 years as President, and a year as Imagineering Global Ambassador and currently leads Global Entertainment at Gensler.

The Marty & Leah Sklar Creative Visionary Award is presented annually to an individual of singular creative vision and leadership who has made a distinctive contribution to the creative community: illuminating, inspiring, and expanding the impact, relevance and reach of the arts through their work and creative vision. Created in 2018, it is named for two visionaries who were co-founders of Ryman Arts. Leah Sklar has been active in community and educational initiatives throughout her life, including a key role in the development of Ryman Arts’ mission and program. Marty Sklar was the legendary President of Walt Disney Imagineering, leading the creation of Disney theme parks around the world.

Previous honorees of this award include Kevin Feige of Marvel Studios, Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli, and Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter.

In a post on the Walt Disney Imagineering Instagram account, they shared that throughout his tenure at Disney, Bob led over 200 projects globally, leaving an indelible mark on the themed entertainment industry. His unwavering dedication to Ryman Arts, spanning rom encounters with Herbert D. Ryman to active support in fundraisers, underscores his commitment to cultivating the talents of future artists.

“We can think of no other individual who encapsulates the lifelong dedication to inspiring others through leadership and who is actively paving a way for future generations to be creative visionaries for our community. Bob is the ideal person to receive the 4th annual Sklar Creative Visionary Award.” – David A. Price, Ryman Arts Board President.

Bob’s career at Disney started as work was ramping up on two major projects: EPCOT at Walt Disney World in Florida and Tokyo Disneyland. EPCOT was by far the bigger priority — it had a large team at its headquarters in Glendale, California, and the entire company was putting various resources behind it. The Tokyo group was much smaller, because most of the work was going to be done in Japan. As a young person who hadn’t really traveled much, Weis liked the idea of going to a far-off place like Tokyo and working with a tight group of senior Imagineers as well as a bunch of kids fresh out of school like him.

Weis took on the design and artistic disciplines as a coordinator, which involved managing the process of translating the design intentions for their collaborator, Oriental Land Company (OLC). Weis learned pretty much everything — how to build steam trains, how to paint ride vehicles and signs, and even figuring out the architectural ornamentation of the castle. This opportunity gave him a great understanding of how the Company worked and how the different groups supported each other.

Another thing he learned that stuck with him for his entire career was the importance of being generous with collaborators abroad. The Japanese have a rich, storied culture, and it was critical for Imagineers and others to appreciate that and work closely with local vendors and craftspeople. OLC had assembled some incredible talents who had never done something like this before in Japan. The OLC Team really got to know and trust the Disney Team, which was key to making this project work. When Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983 the audience embraced it as their own and it very quickly became a national landmark.

Years later, Bob joined the Tokyo team again when they offered Oriental Land Company something that would complement the original park while still being bold and different. They started fixating on the “land” part of “Disneyland” and then its natural counterpart — water. That led Imagineers to come up with a park that would be linked by various ports of call around the world, which became the concept for Tokyo DisneySea. Imagineering put together a pitch and took it to OLC, and it was exactly what they were looking for.

Weis was also involved in the transformation of Disney California Adventure. The original park had not resonated with audiences as well as they hoped, so Bob was asked to lead the creative aspects of an expansive reimagination plan. When they spoke to guests to understand where Disney had missed the mark, they discovered a recurring theme: there was an intangible “something” that guests got in our other parks that they just weren’t feeling at this one. One of the primary goals was infusing the park with that elusive thing called “Disney magic.”

Like everything done at Imagineering, they started with a story. The entrance to the Park was converted into the entry sequence now known as Buena Vista Street, which is reminiscent of the Los Angeles Walt would have known in the 1920s and ’30s. In Cars Land and a Little Mermaid attraction to immerse guests in more Disney storytelling. The nighttime spectacular “World of Color” opened, and guests had incentive to stay into the evening hours. 1,200 trees were planted, and elements were taken out that felt like guests could be in any sort of non-Disney amusement park.
Little by little, changes were made all across the park — and by the time the project was done, Disney California Adventure had really come into its own. It’s now one of our most popular destinations and continues to grow through recent enhancements that include Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier, along with additional plans for the future.

One final project before being named President of Walt Disney Imagineering was working on Shanghai Disney Resort. China is a vibrant place with a dynamic culture, and Imagineers knew they couldn’t just bring Disney over as-is. Bob Iger coined a term that perfectly summed up their mission — “authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese” — which led Imagineering to diversify their teams and include local writers, artists, craftspeople, fabricators and many others. They had a huge impact on the park and guided us on everything from color theory to the appropriate use of language. The premiere of Shanghai Disneyland was a beautiful moment. It had been an enormous project: seven square kilometers of property with the theme park, two hotels, Disneytown, subway lines, lakes and boats. On opening day, you saw the culmination of the efforts of those who made it go from muddy fields to a fully realized, magical place. And then you see the public come in with such a sense of awe and wonder — it’s very emotional to stand there and watch that.

Bob Weis now leads Global Entertainment for Gensler. As former President of Walt Disney Imagineering, Bob brings more than 30 years of leadership creating, designing, and developing some of Disney’s most iconic projects around the globe. His experience in pioneering largescale groundbreaking and story-driven experiences further expands Gensler’s ability to drive design innovation that meaningfully shapes the human experience. In leading Entertainment at Gensler, Bob collaborates with the firm’s global leaders to envision and bring to life unique experiences for clients spanning across Gensler’s 33 practice areas, including entertainment, lifestyle, hospitality, retail, sport, mixed-use, cultural institutions, wellness, and workplace. Bob has been recognized with numerous industry accolades and awards and remains closely connected to his Disney roots. Bob is the recipient of multiple honors from the Themed Park Association, including Best New Theme Park for Shanghai Disney Resort and the Buzz Price Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been awarded an honorary Ph.D. from Cal Poly School of Environmental Design, where he graduated with a degree in Architecture.

Ryman Arts, a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has engaged over 38,000 youth from diverse communities around Southern California since 1990 through its core studio art program and outreach activities, helping them prepare for a creative life through college and beyond. Many alumni currently work in positions in the creative and arts field. The Sklar Creative Visionary Award will be presented at the Celebration of the Arts on Thursday, April 4, 2024, 5:30 – 9 PM. Grand Central Air Terminal, 1310 Air Way, Glendale, CA.

Tickets will be available to the public and will go on sale, February 29, 2024. This event will be an affair of creativity and a celebration of the artistic journey, inviting guests to honor and celebrate our Visionary Award recipient, Bob Weis, while perusing the artwork of artists in our community. All proceeds from the evening will benefit Ryman Arts.

Ryman Arts transforms lives by creating access and opportunity for a diverse community of young artists through rigorous education in fundamental art skills and mentoring – at no cost to the students. Almost all graduates go to college, many go on to work in creative industries, and all are poised for personal success. A nationally recognized non-profit organization, Ryman Arts was founded in 1990 to honor the legacy of legendary Disney artist Herbert D. Ryman. Their mission is to reach students with the greatest need to ensure all young artist reach their full potential. Ryman Arts is a 501(c)(3). For more details about Ryman Arts or the 2024 Celebration of the Arts, visit: rymanarts.org.

 

[Gusey]

Disneyland Paris had a really good year in 2023. 2.4 billion turnover, profitable operating result (175 million) for a net result of 161 million euros.2023, a record year for Disneyland Paris!

https://twitter.com/x/status/1760994351973310600

 

[sherlockmiles]

Part of the new "First Editions" releases from Department 56.
https://department56.com/blogs/from...LZgEkkniMDEF0ICi-21yCyWS3v_xWBJE0JZfpL.YpQNqM

 

[Pens Fan]

Drone testing spotted in Disney Springs:

https://www.wdwmagic.com/attraction...ing-speculation-of-future-nighttime-shows.htm

Tom Bricker is speculating it could be for an Animal Kingdom show:

https://www.disneytouristblog.com/drone-show-paris-nighttime-spectacular-disney-world/

 

[Naomeri]

Drone testing spotted in Disney Springs:

https://www.wdwmagic.com/attraction...ing-speculation-of-future-nighttime-shows.htm

Tom Bricker is speculating it could be for an Animal Kingdom show:

https://www.disneytouristblog.com/drone-show-paris-nighttime-spectacular-disney-world/

It’s about time we got a new nighttime show at AK—what’s the point of all the ”bioluminescent“ stuff in Pandora if there’s hardly any time after dark to see it

 

[wabbott]

https://wdwnt.com/2024/02/english-tea-garden-shakespeare-garden-return/

English Tea Garden & Shakespeare Garden Return for 2024 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Toni Ferrigno
February 25, 2024

With the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival only days away, the United Kingdom Pavilion’s English Tea Garden and Shakespeare Garden are being installed.

English Tea Garden

EPCOT’s World Showcase will be home to a number of Global Gardens for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, which runs from February 28 to May 27. In the front garden of the United Kingdom Pavilion, guests can find the still-in-progress English Tea Garden. This Global Garden highlights plants that are used in some of Twinings’ teas.

This section of the U.K. Pavilion has just recently reopened, as the façades of the shops, include The Tea Caddy, which sells Twinings teas and hosts tours of the English Tea Garden during the festival, were just repainted.

The plants are sat in planters shaped like tea cups. They will all eventually have signs describing the plants and which teas they are used to produce.

Sponsored Video
Watch to learn more
Sponsored By Advertising Partner
The official Walt Disney World site describes this garden as:

English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings® – World Showcase – United Kingdom Pavilion
Unearth the history and art of tea-blending at this elegant English tea garden—featuring plants used in some of Twinings’ finest blends.

Shakespeare Garden​

Outside of the newly-reopened United Kingdom Pavilion restrooms, the Shakespeare Garden has begun to take shape, with a bust of William Shakespeare installed at the center.

The returning Flower & Garden Festival Global Garden highlights different plants that Shakespeare referenced throughout his works. Eventually, different signs will be placed in the garden to give guests details about each of the plants and their related works. Disney describes the garden as follows:

Shakespeare Garden – World Showcase – United Kingdom Pavilion Explore the works of Shakespeare in this idyllic garden featuring excerpts from some of the bard’s most famous sonnets—and the dazzling flowers that influenced them.

The year’s Flower & Garden Festival will see two new Global Gardens in World Showcase. In the China Pavilion, guests can explore the China Penjing Gargen which encourage visitors to, “Discover ancient Chinese art that recreates miniature landscapes.” Over in the Germany Pavilion, guests will find the Gnome Garden, where they can, “Discover topiary versions of magical garden gnomes, originating from German folk tales.”

 

[wabbott]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1762147002509303942

 

[kylenne]

Interesting announcement today in the world of resort perks. Free water park admission on check in day for 2025.

https://blogmickey.com/2024/02/wate...ests-staying-at-a-disney-world-hotel-in-2025/

This is surely aimed at mitigating the Stormalong Bay refurb but it's a weird choice to have it JUST on check in day...how many folks are heading to water parks on arrival day? Of course maybe that's the point...

 

[wabbott]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1762175898281803906

 

[Smugpugmug]

it's a weird choice to have it JUST on check in day...how many folks are heading to water parks on arrival day? Of course maybe that's the point...

That was my thought too and yes I do think it is intentional.

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

Interesting announcement today in the world of resort perks. Free water park admission on check in day for 2025.

https://blogmickey.com/2024/02/wate...ests-staying-at-a-disney-world-hotel-in-2025/

This is surely aimed at mitigating the Stormalong Bay refurb but it's a weird choice to have it JUST on check in day...how many folks are heading to water parks on arrival day? Of course maybe that's the point...

check in day makes sense some will use it many won’t but it gives a nice perk for those with early arrivals that want something to do but don’t want a full park day.

 

[goingthedistance]

Interesting announcement today in the world of resort perks. Free water park admission on check in day for 2025.

https://blogmickey.com/2024/02/wate...ests-staying-at-a-disney-world-hotel-in-2025/

This is surely aimed at mitigating the Stormalong Bay refurb but it's a weird choice to have it JUST on check in day...how many folks are heading to water parks on arrival day? Of course maybe that's the point...

Doesn't really help those of us coming in from the West Coast. By the time I land and get to the hotel it's pretty much hotel check in time, unpack, and head to dinner.

 

[wabbott]

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...-adds-water-park-perk-for-2025-resort-guests/

Disneyparks.com

Mon, February 26, 2024

Walt Disney World Adds Water Park Perk for 2025 Resort Guests​

by Victoria Zicari, Communications Specialist at Walt Disney World Public Affairs

For me, nothing is better than the excitement that comes with the first day of a vacation. Here at the Walt Disney World Resort, we’re about to make those already awesome arrival days even better with a NEW perk.   

Start Your Vacation at a Disney Water Park      ​

Disney Resort hotel guests arriving in 2025 can enjoy admission to one of our water parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, on their check-in day – included in their stay. Our water parks have something for everyone: big thrills, lazy rivers, wave pools, interactive play areas for younger kids and even water slides the whole family can enjoy together. The fun can start on day one at a Disney water park when you stay in the Disney Resorts Collection! Click here to learn important details about this benefit and water park availability.
Tip: Be sure to check the water park operating hours closer to your 2025 arrival to plan your check-in day.

 More Disney Resort Hotel Benefits  ​

There are so many reasons why I prefer to stay at a Disney Resort hotel. Here are a few of my favorites:  

• Close to the theme parks: If you plan to visit one (or all) of the Walt Disney World theme parks, then nothing beats the convenience of staying at a Disney Resort hotel. Many resorts are just a hop, skip and a jump to a theme park! When I am on vacation, simplicity and ease are top planning priorities for me, so the theme parks being so close to where I sleep is perfect.  
• Complimentary transportation: Not only are the theme parks near my resort, but they’re easy to get to. With several complimentary transportation options, such as buses, boats, monorails and Disney Skyliner, I can get anywhere I need to go.  
• Extra time in the theme parks: Disney Resort hotel guests can get extra time in the theme parks with 30 minutes of early theme park entry. Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts can maximize their time with extended evening hours at select parks on select nights. Early theme park entry and extended evening hours require valid admission, a Disney Resort hotel ID and a park reservation, if applicable. Psst – both will continue through 2025!  
• Early access to dining reservations: Don’t forget this perk: Disney Resort hotel guests can make dining reservations for their entire stay (up to a 10-night stay) 60 days before the first day of their vacation. This helps make planning simpler, so you don’t need to check every day for reservation openings.  
• Recreation & fitness activities: Even during a vacation, wellness is one of our top priorities. Our Disney Resort hotels offer several wellness activities through Disney Family Wellness. Some of my favorites include dancing to Disney songs, family fun walks and, yes, even pickleball! Check DisneyWorld.com to see what activities are available at your resort.

Of course, the magic of our Disney Resort hotels also includes the theming, attention to storytelling and world-class guest service you cannot get anywhere else.
If you prefer to pack light, then check out our MagicBands that let you enter the theme parks (with valid admission, of course), unlock your Disney Resort hotel room, link Disney PhotoPass photos, charge food and merchandise purchases to the Disney Resort hotel room you’re staying at and more – just with a tap of your band. Disney Resort hotel guests may receive a special price on a MagicBand+ if they purchase online before arriving for their stay.

When can I book my 2025 Disney Resort stay?​

If you just can’t wait for your Disney vacation, then get ready: Walt Disney World Resort stays and theme park tickets for 2025 are available to purchase beginning February 27, 2024. There is something for everyone and you can customize your visit by choosing from a wide range of options, including value Resorts like Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. Once you book your stay, start your countdown clock for your 2025 check-in day where you can enjoy fun in the sun at a Disney water park.
If you’re like me and need a dose of Disney magic in 2024, there are special offers available now for 2024 Disney Resort hotel stays and theme park tickets. Book now to get one step closer to day one of your vacation (aka the best day ever).   
For my 2025 travelers, I’ll catch ya at a Disney water park!