Breaking Disney News: Dining Plans Officially Coming Back, Park Pass Reservations for Dated Tickets Say Cya Later, and More

 Disney announced some very good news for Walt Disney World visitors today that beginning in 2024, the Dining Plan is coming back, park pass reservations for date-based tickets will be going away, good-to-go dates will be coming for Annual Passholders and Cast Members, extended park time will continue and even simplifying the ease of Genie+ by allowing for planning ahead of your trip.

Beginning January 9, 2024 guests visiting Walt Disney World who's reservations include date based tickets will no longer require Theme Park Reservations. Date-based tickets for reference are the standard tickets that guests purchase. For other admission types, including non-dated tickets, theme park reservations may be required to help Disney to continue managing attendance and delivering a great experience for everyone.

Also for reservations for January 9 or later guests may begin purchasing the Disney Dining Plan. The Dining Plan finally returns after being halted in July 2020 after the parks reopened during COVID. Packages for 2024 will open for purchase May 31. Guests will have the option to choose between the Quick Service Dining Plan and the regular Dining Plan. Pricing has not yet been released for the return of the Dining Plan.

For Annual Passholders and Cast Members, Disney is introducing good-to-go days. These select days will allows annual pass holders and cast members to enter the 4 parks without a reservation. Once introduced, good-to-go dates at the park will be rolled out on an ongoing basis. Good-to-go days will vary by park and  pass block out days as well as park capacity limitations will continue to apply. More details on good-to-go days will be released in the future.

Disney will continue to offer extended morning park hours at all four theme parks for guests staying at Walt Disney World Resorts in 2024. Extended evening hours will also continue to be available for Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villas guests for select days and select parks.

Finally, Disney will also begin offering the ease of planning your days with at the park ahead of your trips with Genie+. While a date of this rollout was not announced they do plan on releasing more details on this feature at a later date.

ICYMI: Be Our Guest Becoming Signature Dining for Dinner Plus a Brand New Menu

News broke mid-week with a blog post on the Disney Parks Blog that a new enhanced dining experience would be coming to Be Our Guest. With this new menu the restaurant that has been highly popular since it opened almost 5 years ago will now become a Signature Dining experience for dinner and if you are on the Disney Dining Plan it will cost 2 Table-Service credits. The restaurant will remain a quick service location for lunch and will remain serving breakfast as well. 

Back to dinner as now the new menu will be a prix fixe menu that will boast delectable French-inspired dishes and new offerings. The new and unique experience will allow guests to enjoy a wonderful 3-course meal with there choice of an appetizer and an entree, and then ending with a personal dessert platter. 

To start off the meal, the appetizer menu will include favorites like the French Onion Soup in addition to rich new offerings like Charred Octopus with citrus-laced fingerling potatoes, pickled hearts of palm and red pepper coulis; Escargot with herb garlic butter and toasted gremolata (pictured above); and a selection of assorted meats and artisanal cheeses such as chicken liver pâté, chorizo sausage Manchego, and truffle tremor.

For the main course, feast on mouth-watering entrées such as Grilled Center-Cut Filet Mignon with potato au gratin, Romano beans, Cipollini marmalade and a cherry-laced red wine reduction(pictured below) and the Smoked Black-Eye Pea Tortellini with roasted seasonal vegetables, tomato relish and basil-scented tomato water. Other enticing dishes include Poulet Rouge Chicken, Saffron-Infused Seafood Bouillabaisse, Roasted Lamb Chops and Kurobuta Pork Tenderloins (pictured above).

The chefs are currently working on a new dessert menu as well as a kids menu for this new and exquisite dining experience. Stay tuned in the coming months for updates on those menus as well. The new enhanced dining experience will begin July 27 and you now can make reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or by booking online.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Mobile Ordering Now Available for Disney Dining Plan Users

Last year, Walt Disney World introduced us to Mobile Ordering through the My Disney Experience App but only credit card users could use it up until now. Today, a new update was introduced to the app with Disney Dining Plan users now able to use Mobile Ordering. You can now redeem meals and snacks all through your phone. 

All three Disney dining plans are available with Mobile Order: the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. To access Mobile Order, tap the “Order Food” button under “My Plans” in the app. Watch the video below to see the convenience of using Mobile Order with a Disney dining plan – whether you’re redeeming a snack credit for a Dole Whip at Aloha Isle or a quick-service credit for a Pandoran feast at Satu’li Canteen.

Other updates introduced to the My Disney Experience app this time include room charge viewing, Online Check-in Service and wayfinding that are sure to help prove the overall experience for Walt Disney World guests. Are you excited for Mobile Ordering now accepting the Disney Dining Plan?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

2018 Walt Disney World Packages Out Plus Changes Confirmed to Disney Dining Plan

It's here, it's here, the day has finally arrived. 2018 Walt Disney World Magic Your Way packages are officially out and as previously reported the changes to the Disney Dining Plan have been confirmed. Specialty alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages have been added to the 2018 Disney Dining Plans. Prices have slightly increased from 2017 but overall not to bad with alcoholic beverages being added to the adult portion of the dining plan. Here is what guests can expect:

Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy the following beverage options with their Dining Plan meal:

• Artisanal milkshakes
• Fresh Smoothies
• Premium hot chocolate
• Soda, coffee, or tea

Guests 21 and over will be able to chose the following to enjoy with their Dining Plan Meal:

• Beer or cider
• Wine or Sangria
• Mixed drinks and specialty cocktails such as a Rum and Coke

Here are the price changes for adults purchasing the Disney Dining Plan. This is per day.

                                  

                                    2018                   2017

Quick Service:           $52.49                  $48.19

Disney Dining:           $75.49                  $69.35

Disney Deluxe:          $116.24                 $106.68

So overall not to bad a $4 and change increase to the Quick Service Dining Plan. A $6 and change increase to the Basic Dining Plan and almost $10 increase to the Deluxe Dining Plan.

2018 Magic Your Way Packages are officially out, where guests can now book through October 31, 2018. Here are some other changes to note to Magic Your Way packages for 2018.

Disney has also added to their Magical Extras options. Magic Your Way guests can now receive discounts at Planet Hollywood, EARL OF SANDWICH, Wolfgang Puck Express, Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, JOHNNY WAS, Live Trends, Set the Bar, Sublime Gifts and Finds, Sugarboo & Co., UGG, Vince Camuto and Basin. Discounts at The Hairwraps Company and Shore were removed from the 2018 options. Disney has also addressed tee times in the Magical Extras options, guests may book tee times up to 180 days in advance (subject to availability). Disney also notes that the last date of a Guest’s 2018 Magic Your Way Package may not be more than 499 days in the future and most airlines can not be booked more than 331 days in the future.

So contact your local travel agent or your favorite Disney travel agent to begin booking your 2018 Walt Disney World vacation.

Are Alcoholic Beverages Coming to Disney Dining Plan?; Star Wars Land Pavilion at D23 Expo

Are Alcoholic Beverages Coming to Disney Dining Plan in 2018?:

A rumor has begun circulating that alcoholic beverages could become part of Walt Disney World's Dining Plan in 2018. The new plan will allow guests 1 specialty (non-alcoholic) or alcoholic beverage (if they are over the age of 21).

A single serving non-alcoholic specialty beverage may includes items such as Artisanal Milkshakes, Smoothies, Premium Hot Chocolates, Soda, Coffee, or Tea. A single serving alcoholic beverage might include items such as Beer or Cider, Wine or Sangria, or even Mixed Drinks such as specialty cocktails.

An official announcement is expected sometime this week. With the new entitlement it is expected that the Dining Plan's price will once again rise for 2018. Guests who have already booked trips in 2018 will already get these new entitlements at no extra charge.

Source: WDW News Today

A Pavilion Entirely Dedicated to Star Wars Land Coming to D23 Expo:

We are just a few weeks away from D23 Expo 2017. The excitement is just beginning after the 2015 Expo when Star Wars Land was announced. This year Walt Disney Parks & Resorts along with Walt Disney Imagineering will have a whole pavilion dedicated to the new land coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios.

At the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts pavilion, guests will discover “A Galaxy of Stories,” with an exclusive first-look at some of the locations, starships, creatures, and droids that will bring Star Wars to life when the new lands open in 2019––not to mention the fully detailed model of the overall vision! The pavilion will be available to “ooh” and “aah” over all weekend long on the D23 Expo show floor.

In this announcement they also announced the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts panels and presentations that will happen throughout the weekend. Check out what's coming at the D23 Expo 2017:

Friday, July 14

Pirates of the Caribbean: 50 Years of Swashbuckling Adventures in Disney Parks (3:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena) - If ye be seekin’ adventure, you’ve come to the right place! Dead men may tell no tales, but these amazing Imagineers will during this swashbuckling session tracing the attractions early origins to the latest technical achievements of Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disneyland.

Saturday, July 15

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (3 p.m., Hall D23) - Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek will take the stage during this presentation to share what’s new and what’s next at Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe.

Sunday, July 16

Inspiring Women of Imagineering (12:15 p.m., Stage 28) - Get a good dose of girl power with this awesome panel featuring just some of the many talented women of Walt Disney Imagineering. Expect to hear some inspiring personal stories and get an insider’s look at the Imagineering process from these creative and technical professionals building on Disney’s rich legacy of female Imagineers.

Voices of Disney Parks (2:30 p.m., Stage 28) - Put names to some of the most recognizable voices heard across Disney Parks as these talented voice actors share stories from their vocal vocations.

2017 Disney Dining Plan Increases Prices; Express Bus Service Prices Raised

2017 Disney Dining Plan Increases Prices:

The 2017 Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World saw prices increased effective immediately. Adults will see an almost $2 increase per night while child dining plans have seen an increase that is generally under $1. Here is the rundown:

Quick Service Plan

• Adult – $48.19 (up from $46.34)
• Child – $20.88 (up from $20.18)

Regular Dining Plan

• Adult – $69.35 (up from $67.33)
• Child – $24.95 (up from $24.22)

Deluxe Dining Plan

• Adult – $106.68 (up from $103.57)
• Child – $38.75 (up from $37.62)

Source: Blog Mickey

Express Bus Service Sees Prices Raised Already:

Disney has already raised the prices of their recent new add-on service for guests with a park hopper option on their tickets. The service picks up guests and drops them off inside the parks bypassing the main entrance. 

Prices have seen an increase of $4 for single-day service and $5 for multi-day service. Single-day service is now $19 up from the $15 introductory price. Multi-day service is now $29 up from $24 when it was introduced.

Disney's Express Bus Service was introduced in December 2016.

Source: WDW News Today

Disney Dining Plan Makes Changes for 2017; "Finding Dory" Swims to Opening Weekend Animation Record

Disney Dining Plan Makes Changes for 2017:

2017 will bring changes to the Disney Dining Plan, but not the changes most thought would be coming. One major change will be coming to the Quick Service meals where a dessert will no longer be offered, instead guests using the Quick Service Plan will now have 2 snack credits per day per person. The Basic Dining Plan is also expected to receive two snack credits a day per person. The quick service meal will no longer offer a dessert either Nothing is expected to change on Disney's Deluxe Dining Plan.

Yesterday, when the 2017 brochures released one change which was expected after a glitch earlier this month isn't happening. Many thought that many of the Character Meals with the exclusion of Cinderella's Royal Table will remain as 1 Table Service credit. A glitch earlier this month showed on Disney's dining site that Chef Mickey's, Akershus, and Tusker House would be listed as two table service credit meals. That however has not change as many thought for 2017 as they remain just 1 meal credit. 

Here is run down of what will be available to guests on both the Quick Service and Basic Dining Plans:

Quick Service Dining Plan-

•  2 quick service meals (Entree & Drink) per person per day
•  2 snack credits per person day

Basic Dining Plan -

• 1 quick service meal (Entree & Drink) per person/day
• 1 table service meal (Entree, Drink, and Dessert) per person/day
• 2 snack credits per person/day

No word on what the Dining Plans will cost for 2017 but guests can begin booking 2017 Disney World vacation packages tomorrow June 21, 2016.

"Finding Dory" Swimming to Opening Weekend Animation Record:

"Finding Dory" is swimming into the record books after its opening weekend. The sequel which returns our favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, smashed the opening animation weekend record, held previously by Dreamworks' "Shrek the Third" since 2007, grossed $136. 2 million on its opening weekend. More than $12 million more than its predecessor. 

Pixar's previously held the number 2 film on the list when "Toy Story 3 was released in 2010 and it made $110.3 million. Analysts expected the film to open with $100 million-plus numbers, but never thought it would smash the record. Paul Dergarabedian, comScore's senior media analyst said, "The thought was: 'Could this be the movie to eclipse "Toy Story 3's" opening?' not 'Could it become the biggest animated opening of all time? That's the power of the Pixar brand."

2016 remains a huge success for Disney at the Box Office as "Finding Dory" becomes Disney's third film this year to hold the box office crown along with "Zootopia" and the live-action remake of "The Jungle Book." "Finding Dory" may have hold of no.1 at the box office for at least a few more weeks until Universal's animated film, "The Secret Life of Pets" hits theaters on July 8. 

Menus Released for Tiffins Restaurant & Nomad Lounge Opening Next Week; Echo Lake Eats Opened Today

Menus Released for Tiffins Restaurant & Nomad Lounge Opening Next Week:

The new nighttime experiences at Animal Kingdom aren't the only things debuting next week. The new Tiffin's Restaurant and adjoining Nomad Lounge will open near Pizzafari and what will soon be the entrance to Pandora - The World of Avatar. Today, the Disney Parks Blog showed off the menus for both Tiffins and the Nomad Lounge take a look:

New Dining Packages will also be available beginning May 28 for both Tiffins and the Tusker House Restaurant and allow you reserved seating for the new limited nighttime engagement in Jungle Book: Alive with Magic. At the Tusker House the dining package will be available for the all-you-care-to-eat meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner same day (you have to dine at least 2 1/2 hours before the show). At breakfast it will cost $37 for adults and $23 for ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. For lunch and dinner, it will cost $49 for adults and $30 for ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Tusker House is on the Dining Plan and costs 1 meal credit.

At Tiffins, the package will include a choice of appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage for either lunch or dinner. The package here will cost $67 for adults and $32 for children ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Tiffins will cost 2 dining plan credits on the Disney Dining Plan. 

Reservations open tomorrow, May 21,  for both Tiffins and the new Dining Packages. Reservations can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/DINE or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Echo Lake Eats Opened Today at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Last week, it was announced that the new Echo Lake Eats would open around Echo Lake at Disney's Hollywood Studios with three new quick-service kiosks. Today, the three kiosks opened with some summertime eats. Here are the menu's for Bocados del Lago Nachos y Empanadas, Sliders to the Stars, and Hollywood Waffles of Fame:

Bocados del Lago Nachos y Empanadas

• Loaded Chili Cheese Nachos with Guacamole 
• Beef Empanadas, roasted corn and black bean salsa, Queso Fresco with cilantro sour cream
• Dulce de Leche Cookie

Sliders to the Stars

• Pulled Beef Brisket Sliders with arugula, pickled onions and horseradish aioli on sesame bun served with chips
• Pulled Barbecued Chicken Sliders with coleslaw and chipotle aioli on a brioche bun served with chips
• Mickey Brownie

Hollywood Waffles of Fame

• Shaved Turkey and Gouda Waffle Sandwich with mixed greens, bacon, tomato and herb-cheese pesto served with chips
• Shaved Ham and Cheddar Focaccia with water cress and spicy mustard served with chips
• Freshly-baked Chocolate Chip Cookie

Try these new amazing summertime eats for a limited time at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Free Dining to be Announced Tomorrow?; Dress Code Change for Palo on Disney Cruise Line

Free Dining to be Announced Tomorrow?:

Just two weeks ago, we learned the possible dates for free dining at Walt Disney World. It now appears as through another leak through several travel agencies that Disney will be make the official announcement tomorrow morning, April 25. The dates are the same as they were with the first leak of course they could be changed, but here they are again:

• August 14 - October 1, 2016
• November 15 - November 21, 2016
• November 26 - November 28, 2016
• December 10 - December 21, 2016

Guests must book between the dates of April 25 through August 31, 2016. Here are the restrictions for the deal:

• Minimum 3 nights, maximum 14 nights
• Must be booked with a minimum 2 day Magic Your War Ticket including Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More option.
• Can not be booked with Magic your Way Base Ticket
• Guest may also upgrade to Deluxe Disney Dining Plan at a discounted rate
• Offer discount is on the DDP only. No discount on Magic your Way tickets
• Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter is not apart of the offer. Riverside is only available between Aug 14th to Oct 1st.

Now of course none of this is official but once it is announced (most likely tomorrow) I will have the official details here on the blog. 

Dress Code Change for Palo on Disney Cruise Line:

One of Disney Cruise Line's adult-only restaurants, Palo, has recently changed its dress code to now allow jeans as long as they are in good condition and have no holes. Previously, jeans were not allowed to be worn inside the restaurant. Here is the new dress code taken from the Disney Cruise Line website:

“To preserve the elegant ambiance of this restaurant, you are asked to adhere to a dress code when dining at Palo. We recommend dress pants or slacks and a collared shirt for men, and a dress, skirt or pants and a blouse for women. Jeans may also be worn if in good condition (no holes). Please no tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, shorts, hats, cut-offs, torn clothing, t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics, flip-flops or tennis shoes."

The new dress code applies for both brunch and dinner. Disney Cruise Line's other adults-only restaurant, Remy aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, has not changed its dress code for its guests.

Possible Free Disney Dining Announced, Disneyland & Hollywood Studios Break Ground on Star Wars Land, & More

Possible Free Disney Dining Announced:

We have been waiting for months now about when Disney World would announce it's annual free Disney Dining deal. Through a glitch in the system on the Disney travel agent website the dates appeared, although they were quickly removed, we now may know when free dining will be offered. Here are the presumed dates:

8/23/16 - 10/1/16

11/15/16 - 11/21/16

11/26/16 - 11/28/16

12/10/16 - 12/21/16

While this hasn't been announced yet, I would imagine that the information on the promotion will be released really soon. Stay tuned for the official details.

Disneyland & Hollywood Studios Break Ground on Star Wars Land:

Over the last week and a half the Disney Parks Blog has somewhat left fans guessing with previews of Star Wars Land with special sneak peaks from both BB-8 in Disneyland and R2-D2 at Hollywood Studios. Today, the DPB revealed just what our favorite droids were looking at as they announced ground has officially broken on the 14-acre land on both coasts. 

We are certainly excited especially for the groundbreaking in Hollywood Studios. Although we didn't get a look at Florida's construction. They did release a 360 degree photo view of just what Disneyland  is looking like now a days as construction on Star Wars Land has begun. You can view the 360 degree photo and the special inhabitants of the photo here courtesy of Littlstar.

Two New "Captain America: Civil War" Clips Released:

We are less than a month away from the release of Marvel's next hit in "Captain America: Civil War." Over the last few days, two new clips have been released. The two clips focus on Team Captain America. In the first clip we see Cap join forces with Falcon and the Scarlet Witch as they prepare for battle. The clip is entitled: "Just Like We Practiced" -

The next clip show's Ant-Man joining forces with Team Cap as he fawns over meeting Captain America. Check out "New Recruit" below:



"Captain America: Civl War" hits theaters May 6, 2016.

Disney Dining Plan Sees 3% Increase, Are Resort Fees Coming to Disney World?, and Much More

Disney Dining Plan Sees 3% Increase Effective Today:

Today, the Disney Dining Plan rates at Disney World saw a 3% increase across the boards for all dining plans. The rate increases are effective immediately. Here is the run down:

The Quick Service Dining plan which includes 2 quick service meals, 1 snack, and 1 refillable mug will now cost $44.13 for adults up from $42.84 and $19.04 for children up from $17.47.

The Basic Dining plan which includes 1 table service, 1 quick service, 1 snack, and 1 refillable mug will now cost $63.70 for adults up from $61.84 and $22.85 for children up from $20.96.

The Deluxe Dining plan includes 3 table (or quick) service meals, 2 snacks, and 1 refillable mug will now cost $115.08 for adults up from $111.73 and $35.49 for children up from $32.56.

Are Resort Fees Coming to Disney World?

The question that is going around Disney Social Media today is: Are resort fees coming to Disney World? Disney has recently sent out a survey asking guests how they would feel about paying a nightly resort fee when staying at a Walt Disney World Resort. Scott Gustin on Twitter took a snapshot of the survey and posted it on the social media website.

Disney survey asks guests how they would feel about $15/night resort fee to cover DME, MagicBands, FastPass+, EMH pic.twitter.com/KYteMjQGD0

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) March 9, 2016

As you can see they are asking guests how they would feel about paying a $15/night resort fee to cover the following: Disney's Magical Express, MagicBands, Priority FastPass+ (with planning up to 60 days before arrival), Resort entertainment and children activities, Wi-Fi, Extra Magic Hours, and parking at the resort and theme parks. This is a very common thing at hotels that cover things like Wi-Fi and things such as maybe the gym or parking.

It is also known that both the Swan and Dolphin hotels that are on Disney property but not owned by Disney have resort fees of $25/night. That covers Wi-Fi, domestic phone calls, the health club, and 2 bottles of water. At this point though it is just a survey question and nothing is definite. The question remains though how would you feel about paying a nightly resort fee while staying at a Walt Disney World resort?

Joy and Sadness Are Coming to Epcot Character Spot Next Month:

Jump for joy as Joy and Sadness from "Inside Out" will be coming to Epcot's Character Spot next month. The long awaited rumor was confirmed by the Disney Parks Blog today. 

The two will join Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy who are in their cartoon clubhouse of the future and just across the way is Baymax and Hiro from "Big Hero 6" who just recently were added to the character spot a few months ago. On the way to "Headquarters" you will travel along Riley's long-term memory where you will catch a glimpse of her Islands of Personality before you are greeted by Joy and Sadness. 

Are you filled with emotion to finally be meeting with Joy and Sadness? I know I am. 

"Captain America: Civil War" Releases Two Teasers Ahead of Tomorrow's Trailer Release:

Today, just days after releasing posters for both Team Cap and Team Iron Man, we received two teasers ahead of what should be the final trailer for "Captain America:Civil War." We received one from Team Captain America and one from Team Iron Man. Check them out:

Team Captain America:

Team Iron Man:



"Captain America: Civil War" hit theaters nationwide May 6, 2016.

New "Finding Dory" Poster Released:

Today, Ellen DeGeneres along with Pixar released a brand new poster for "Finding Dory." The film is the sequel to "Finding Nemo" in which Dory (DeGeneres) is on the search for her parents and family. The film is due out in theaters on June 17, 2016. The poster says, "An unforgettable journey she probably won't remember."

Four New Disney World Discounts Now Available

Four New Disney World Discounts Now Available:

Four new Walt Disney World discounts are now available for guests booking a trip to the most magical place on Earth. The discounts are for this winter/early spring. The first is the "Play Stay Dine Offer" where a family of 4 can save up to $500 on a 6 day/5 night vacation with room, tickets, and Regular dining at select Moderate and Deluxe Walt Disney World Resorts. Guests staying at Value Resort can save up to $300 on room, tickets, and a Quick Service Dining Plan. The offer is for stays most nights from December 13-19, and stays from January 2 through March 7, 2016. Guests can now book this offer today September 28 through December 23.

Exclusions are: campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, the villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Art of Animation - Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, the Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter, and Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside (December dates only).

The second offer is the "Early 2016 Room Offer" where guests can save up to 25% on rooms at select  Walt Disney World Deluxe and Deluxe Villa hotels. Lower savings may be available for suites and rooms at other select resorts. This offer is available for booking for most nights January 2 - April 13, 2016. Guests must book this offer beginning today September 28 through December 23.

Exclusions are: 3-bedroom villas, campsites, the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, and Disney's Art of Animation - Little Mermaid Standard View Rooms.

The third offer is the "Disney Junior Offer" that is specifically designed for families with small children. This offer includes savings and a Disney Junior Park Pack that will include goodies from: Disney Junior, Disney Publishing, Walt Disney Records, and GoGo Squeeze. Park Packs will be delivered to guests upon arrival and guests will receive one Park Pack per reservation.

This offer is available for most stays January 2 through April 13, 2016. Guests must book between now September 28 through December 23, 2015. Exclusions for this offer include: campsites and 3-bedroom villas.

The fourth and final offer is the "Magic Together Package" where guests can experience a 4 day/4 night room and tickets in a standard room at Disney's All-Star Music Resort for a family of 4 starting at just $1,822. This offer is for stays during select Sunday through Thursday nights with dates including: January 3-6, January 10-14, and January 18 through February 4, 2016. Other great rates are available at select Disney Resort hotels through April 13, 2016. Exclusions for this offer include: campsites and 3-bedroom villas.

4th of July Festivities at Disney World, Dining Plan Prices for 2016, and Rumors of The Magic of Disney Animation Closing

First off I want to say I'm sorry for the lack of blogs the last few days. I decided not to post anything on Friday after a long week. Then I had the wind knocked out of me on Saturday when I woke up with a pulled muscle in my back. This completely knocked me out of doing anything the whole weekend. I tried yesterday but I just could not begin to think about sitting down to write a blog. Today I feel a little bit better after working so hopefully we will be back to our normal schedule now.

4th of July Festivities Announced for Walt Disney World:

The 4th of July is next Saturday and Walt Disney World today announced its plans for the upcoming patriotic holiday. It will be a 2-day celebration of our nation's Independence Day starting July 3 with themed souvenirs, characters adorned in festive attire, and of course fireworks bursting in the air. The patriotic firework displays will light up the sky in the evenings of July 3rd and 4th. 

On both nights at the Magic Kingdom guests will be able witness a 14-minute firework spectacular will rocket into the air above Cinderella Castle at 10 p.m. called "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky." At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the "Coolest Summer Ever" dance party will lead into the "Rockin' Fourth of July Celebration" fireworks show, a pyrotechnic, rock 'n roll trip across America, where the DJ will kick things off at 5:45 p.m. with the party going until the fireworks set off at 10:15 p.m. At Epcot Illuminations will have a special red, white, and blue finale at 9 p.m. on both nights.

Epcot will have additional fanfare on the 4th with the Voices of Liberty performing a Fourth of July concert at the America Gardens Theatre at 12:30, 1:45, and 3 p.m. as well as in the American Adventure pavilion at 4:15 and 5 p.m. The Sounds Like Summer concert series will continue at the American Gardens Theatre with "Don't Look Back - A Boston Tribute band" will have performances at 5:15, 6:30, 7:45, and 9 p.m. Special patriotic character greeting will be available throughout the day. At the Walt Disney World Resorts guests will be treated to patriotic poolside activities including Fourth of July-themed crafts and games, pool parties, and movies under the stars at select Walt Disney World resorts. 

Walt Disney World Announced Prices for it Dining Plan in 2016:

The 2016 Disney Dining Plan prices have been released and there are slight increases to all the plans. Here are the details:

• Quick Service Dining Plan: $42.77/night for adults, previously $41.99 and $17.54/night for children ages 3-9, previously $16.03
• Regular Dining Plan: $61.82/night for adults, previously $60.64, and $20.98 per child, previously $19.23
• Deluxe Dining Plan: $111.73/night for adults, previously $109.53, and $32.56 for children, previously $29.86.

Rumor: The Magic of Disney Animation to Close at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

In an article today by WDW News Today, reported a rumor that The Magic of Disney Animation is set to close at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It will be closing for major changes to the area. Rumor is that it will close in a few weeks time leaving the park without the "Mushu film," the Animation Academy, and the character meet & greets throughout the area. The Incredibles meet & greet has already been moved out and beed replaced by a Doc McStuffin's meet & greet in the Disney Junior area of the park.

In the new space the Animation Academy would return in a new and expanded space with possible multiple theaters to help with the ever-expanding guests wanting to learn how to draw. Details on the rest of the space remain unclear and sketchy the article says. Maybe Joy and Sadness from "Inside Out" will get a meet & greet in the area. The only solid information the article states is that the space will be closing very soon and that it has to do with the rumored expansion of Disney's Hollywood Studios. This will be a park-capacity change that will help handle the crowds during the periods of heavy construction.  

Big Changes Coming to Disney Dining Plan?; New Show for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Could Big Changes Coming to Disney Dining Plan Soon:

The Disney Dining Plan could soon be changing with big changes as rumors are swirling reported by the Inquisitr. Here are some of the rumored changes that may be coming as of reportedly to begin May 31, 2015:

All single-serve non-alcoholic beverages that are not in a souvenir container (single serve is equal to or less than one liter and excluding beverages sold at recreation counters);

All ice cream novelties;

All hand-scooped ice cream offerings, including sundaes that do not exceed two (2) scoops or are not served in souvenir container;

Additional items considered single-serve previously excluded are now included, such as Caramel or Candy Apple (with or without peanuts, excludes character-inspired apples),

large Mickey Cookie,

Tin Mints (1.5 oz), fresh-popped, scooped popcorn (only applies to Big Top Souvenir and Karamell-Kuchelocations).

Note: Pre-bagged popcorn of any kind is no longer included in the Dining Plan.

Other changes include meal entitlement conversions where guests may substitute one meal entitlement for up to 3 eligible snack entitlements all within the same transaction. For example guests could use one quick service entitlement for an apple, a bottle of soda, and a bag of chips. The list of meal entitlement restaurants can be viewed in the article here. 

New Show to Debut During Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party:

This morning the Disney Parks Blog revealed a new show is set to debut exclusively during this year's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The "Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular" will debut with hosts Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson the famous sisters from Disney's "Hocus Pocus."

With the help of Disney villains, the three mischievous sisters gather together sinister shadows, nefarious nightmares, and the power of their frightful friends to conjure the Hocus Pocus Party Potion and cast a spell on Magic Kingdom. Villain appearances will include: Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent, and other Disney villain greats. Dancers, projections, and other special effects will combine for a can't miss Halloween treat. The "Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular will be seen exclusively during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party which will be held select nights from September 15, 2015 to November 1, 2015.