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Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disney News

Below are all of the Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disney News articles I have posted. If you hear of anything new that Disney is doing, please let me know. Posts are in order of newest to oldest.

3
May
8:30 pm

Disney World Testing New FASTPASS System

in Disney News

Disney is currently testing the new X-Pass system at the Magic Kingdom for the next 2 weeks.

Select guests were given the option of choosing their ride times at specific Magic Kingdom attractions before they arrived. Guests were then presented with a Disney Fastpass card that they scan at the RFID scanner at the entrance of the ride. A Disney Cast Member is standing by with an iPad that displays the guest’s name, any special events the party may be celebrating, and if the guest’s return window is valid. If everything is in order, the guest goes through the entrance just like other FASTPASS users and instead of having their paper Fastpass ticket collected, a second Cast Member scans the card to make sure it is valid and allows the guest to proceed onto the ride.

This new Fastpass system is expected to roll out in 2013. We do not know yet if it will be available to everyone or just to certain guests (such as those staying in Deluxe resorts). As I know more, I will be sure to share it.

If you want to learn more about how this program is being tested and what attractions are included, be sure to read this article on the Touring Plans blog.

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28
Apr
7:30 pm

Sneak Peek of Be Our Guest Restaurant’s Ballroom at Disney World

in Disney News

Here’s a sneak peek of the Be Our Guest Restaurant’s ballroom at Disney World. It should be open in time for Thanksgiving.

We will be eating here on our next trip for sure!

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27
Apr
8:30 pm

Disney News: Reimagining Photos of Test Track Released

in Disney News

This morning, Disney released the first reimagining of the Test Track attraction. This new version of Test Track will allow guests to design their own custom concept vehicle, and then put it through its paces on the exhilarating hills and switchbacks of the Test Track circuit. In the post-show, guests can make a TV commercial featuring their concept car or truck, race their car or truck on our virtual track and take a picture with their custom concept vehicle.

From what I can tell, the ride vehicles are not changing much. Just the queue and the post show. I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.

Test Track is set to re-open around Thanksgiving.

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog!)

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27
Apr
10:45 am

Disney News: Opening Dates For Fantasyland Expansion Announced

in Disney News,Disney World Training

Walt Disney World has just announced the opening dates for the Fantasyland Expansion. As you know, half of Dumbo and the new re-themed Barnstormer ride are already open daily. They will open the second half of the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction and the Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station in July of 2012.

We should see the openings of Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Gaston’s Tavern, and Ariel’s Grotto in November of 2012.

Unfortunately we will not see the opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train until 2014.

After these dates were announced, I am so glad we have decided not to go to Disney World in 2012. Our next trip is scheduled for the last part of January of 2013. When do you plan to go back to Disney World now that these dates have been announced?

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog!)

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23
Apr
7:30 pm

Attention Disney and Starbucks Lovers

in Disney News

Starbucks is coming to both Disney World and Disneyland! In June, the first of 6 locations will go in at Disney’s California Adventure Park this summer followed by locations at all four Disney World parks.

They will have more then just coffee and drinks…be looking for their yummy breads and pastries as well. Snap a shot of it for me while you are there if you can.

(Thanks Destinations in Florida!)

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19
Apr
8:30 pm

Disney News: New FASTPASS System Coming To Disney World?!?

in Disney News,Disney World Training

Last month, I posted about how Disney World is now enforcing FASTPASS return times. It had nothing to do with people abusing the system (I am one of the many who took advantage of the fact that Disney allowed guests to return after their return window had passed) but has everything to do with the NextGen plan that is coming to Disney World. They could not implement this new program if they were not enforcing return times.

At some point in the near future (rumors are the beginning of 2013), Disney will launch their new billion-dollar project dubbed “NextGen.” Part of the NextGen is the introduction of xPASS that will forever change how people visit the Disney parks. This new version of FASTPASS will allow guests to book ride times weeks or even months in advance. Know you want to ride Splash Mountain right after your lunch reservation at Liberty Tree Tavern? You will be able to choose and book your time slot to ride it before you even get to the parks!

Another part of NextGen will be the use of use of a wrist bands embedded with radio-frequency identification microchips, or RFID, that reads your identity and acts as your ticket and credit card. It will also store your credit card information and how many times you have been to the park. There will be RFID sensors throughout the park that will trigger interactive features such as Cast Members greeting you at the attraction by name.

I have heard that this service will be free but I have also heard it will be an additional charge. At this time, Disney is not saying.

I am very interested in seeing what these changes hold for how we all tour the parks. Be sure to read more about NextGen in this article from Fox News.

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14
Apr
4:00 pm

Tinker Bell’s Secret of the Wings Releases October 23rd

in Disney News

Tinker Bell’s Secret of the Wings is set to be released on October 23rd, 2012. This movie will feature Tinker Bell and her fairy friends as they journey into the forbidden world of the mysterious Winter Woods, where curiosity and adventure lead Tink to an amazing discovery and reveals a magical secret that could change her world forever.

 

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5
Apr
1:36 pm

FREE Dining at Disney Announced | Travel between 8/25 and 9/27

in Disney News,Disney World Training,Tickets and Packages

Update: Art of Animation Resort is now included in this promotion!

If you are traveling between August 25th and September 27th, you can get FREE dining if you are staying at select Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts. You must book your reservation before May 18th. If you have an existing reservation, you need to contact Disney or your Authorized Disney Travel Planner to get your reservation switched to FREE dining.

So how much can you save? If you are a family of 4 with one child between the ages of 10 and 17 and one child between the ages of 3 and 9, you can stay in a moderate room for 5 nights with FREE dining and regular park tickets for just $2,073. That is a savings of $848 off rack rate.

 Go here to request a quote from Destinations in Florida.

Disney World is the Most Magical Place On Earth. Be sure to learn how to make the most of your trip by reading the Disney World Training series. You can also browse all the articles I have written in an easy to use outline. And if you are ready to book your trip, be sure to read about the perks of using an authorized Disney vacation planner (plus it’s FREE!).

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1
Apr
8:00 pm

Disney News: Avengers Monorail Debuts at Walt Disney World

in Disney News

Disney has turned the Monorail into a promotional tool again. The Avengers Monorail debuted today at Walt Disney World on the Magic Kingdom line. I don’t like as well as the Tronorail, but it will probably grow on me.

(Thanks Chip and Co!)

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