Happy Independence Day, America! Walt Disney World Resort has shared some of its 2024 Winter Holiday plans, including the return of Disney Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (tickets for both on sale to the public on July 10; certain hotel guests can buy now). Disney also shared details of the next version of the Lightning Lane Pass product that launches on July 24, to allow guests to plan somewhat in advance and skip some lines, and we go through all the complicated details. The new Cabins of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort celebrated their grand Disney Vacation Club opening on July 1, and we were invited to be there. A whole bunch more This & That & Reminders including some of the latest Disney Cruise Line details about both upcoming ships Disney Treasure and Disney Adventure.

Recapping last week’s “This is Magic” invited press event–from Josh D’Amaro again saying that details of Florida expansion plans will be announced in August, to the upcoming opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Country Bears Musical Jamboree; to the opening of Communicore Hall and Plaza and the “conclusion” of the EPCOT “historic” transformation; the closing of TestTrack 2.0; the conversion of the “Shootin’ Gallery” into a DVC members lounge; and the upcoming celebration of the Fourth of July, this is a long Update. Thoughtful discussion welcome. Constructive comments welcome. Social media garbage posts will be treated appropriately at my discretion.