Writer’s Note, News & Views
Yes, indeed, the MousePlanet transition to a new server has some rough spots to it and our Chief Technology Officer, Tony Phoenix, is working very hard behind the scenes to get things working smoothly. I have seen a few people ask whether or when the MousePlanet forums will come back, and the groundwork for that is still a few steps down the road. This week, I found that our installation of WordPress has a built-in image slider block, so, rather than the custom-coded, yellow boxed rows of photos I created and have been inserting in our Walt Disney World Resort Updates (and some other posts on our site) for several years, this week, I have one of those built-in slider blocks activated in the This & That & Reminders section below. Unlike last week, though, I do not have very many new photos to share, as I only visited EPCOT for a few hours on what turned out to be a rather busy day this past week.
Before we get into this week’s little bits of Walt Disney World Resort news, I want to take just a moment to wonder aloud (well, in type) why various departments at Walt Disney World Resort do not seem to coordinate with each other as well as guests would appreciate. In this case, I am thinking about the rather regular lack of coordination between parking, security, and front gate cast. I visited EPCOT at around 6 p.m. on Saturday. Part of EPCOT’s parking lot is unavailable as a race weekend approaches (more on that below), and the cast directed cars to general parking over in the Eve lot in the shadow of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind gravity building on the eastern edge of parking.
When the entry area of EPCOT was redesigned, it included a redesign of the tramways, and the separation of boarding for an “Earth” side (west) and a “Space” side (east). A new security screening station was built near the Space side to supplement the screening station under the monorail station on the Earth side which also serves all guests arriving by buses, ride share, and so forth. I have yet to visit EPCOT at a time when the Space side security stations were open to guests, including on Saturday evening, when I parked as far in Space as you can go.
The next challenge after that is finding which touchpoints are open to enter the park. My experience has not found a pattern in recent years. Wouldn’t it be a nicer guest experience for those arriving on the east, to go through security on the east, and then through touchpoints on the east? For a local who walks a lot, this is not really a big deal, but how about the average guest experience here? As for the latest thoughts about the pending changes to the Disability Access Service, or DAS coming May 20 at Walt Disney World Resort and on June 18 at the Disneyland Resort, I defer to our Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix and the commentary based on she provides over in yesterday’s Disneyland Resort Update for April 15, 2024 based on her experiences over the years.
Yet More Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Details
Quoting the song from Disney’s The Princess and The Frog, which introduced us all to Tiana and her story, Disney likes to keep telling us “we’re almost there” for the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom, but we still only know that it’s expected to open “this” Summer. In last week’s Update, we noted the introduction of several of the new critters that will inhabit the new attraction. Since then, Disney Parks Blog introduced more.
Last week’s Update included a photo of one of the former Splash Mountain’s former merchandise locations. This week, Disney Parks topped that with a Facebook post announcing the names and showing some images of the two merchandise locations that join in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s story at Magic Kingdom, Critter Co-Op and Tiana’s Bayou General.
2024 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend is April 18-21
This coming weekend, April 18-21, is the 2024 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. It races start with the Peter Pan and Tinker Bell-inspired Neverland 5K, then the Adventure Is Out There 10K, and, finally, the Hakuna Matata 10-Miler, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of The Lion King. Those that complete all 3 races of “Stitch’s ‘Ohana Challenge” earn a commemorative medal symbolizing “unity.” All the races are sold out.
For those visiting the Resort that are not runners, be aware that some roads get closed for parts of race days, and runners get some right-of-way in the parks that the races run through.
All guests can visit the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex during the following dates and times:
- Thursday, April 18, 2024: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday, April 19, 2024: 12 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, April 20, 2024: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registered runners and yoga participants may have some status to enter earlier, and, indeed, will need to visit the Expo to pick up race bibs and other registrant materials. For to access to the first day (April 18, 2024) of the runDisney Merchandise Shop, enter the virtual queue on the My Disney Experience App, as it will be the only way to access the shop that day. A virtual queue may be implemented on additional Expo days, so you should check the My Disney Experience App before venturing over to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Disney Parks Blog previewed this race’s merchandise here.
“v.i.passholder days” Return May 1 through June 26
Walt Disney World Resort once again salutes Passholders with “v.i.passholder days” from May 1 through June 26, 2024. That catch-all term includes a number of limited time perks, including some perks that are only available for some of those dates. Like past editions, there will be a new Passholder magnet available somewhere. So far, only a tease about its theme has been posted, but not pick up information.
A perk that is available for a little less than all of the v.i.passholder days is the Passholder Lounge at Restaurant Marrakesh in EPCOT from May 1 through June 18. While the restaurant itself closed with the temporary closing of the park at the onset of the global pandemic back in March 2020, the air-conditioned space has been used for a number of different lounges over the years since the park’s phased re-opening. The Passholder Lounge is scheduled to operate from noon until 8 p.m. daily, and is designated a “Passholder Exclusive,” requiring a valid pass and matching photo I.D. (standard park admission rules apply too, including a park reservation on days and hours those are required), and the description of the perk does not include any non-Passholder guest admissions. Complimentary snacks and water, mobile device charging stations, and a complimentary Passholder button are available in the lounge.
As in the past, Disney says that v.i.passholder days will include discounts. So far, there are not any published details for discounts that may be available around the Resort; rather, the only one Disney has shared is for DisneyStore.com: from May 5 to May 24, 2024, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can save 20% on purchases. Be sure that your Annual Pass is linked to your My Disney Experience account, that you use the same log-on information for My Disney Experience and the Disney Store website, and that you use promo code WDW20 at checkout. Terms and exclusions are spelled out on this page of DisneyWorld.com.
This & That & Reminders…
…REMINDER: Earth Month is now underway! Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, and that’s the park that gets most of Walt Disney World’s Earth Month celebrations. Disney Parks Blog has kicked off Earth Month with digital wallpaper offerings featuring photos taken inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it is promoting some of the Disney PhotoPass Service Magic Shot offerings too. And what is a celebration without a Foodie Guide too? The guide features not only Disney’s Animal Kingdom specialty food and beverage offerings, but Amorette’s at Disney Springs has The Plant in The Boot Petit Cake (inspired by Wall-e), and a Raindrop Tart at The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
…REMINDER: EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall and Plaza, including its new Mickey & Friends meet and greet area are scheduled to open on June 10, 2024.
…REMINDER: Tutto Italia Ristorante at EPCOT Walt Disney World has extended its 20% Annual Passholder discount through September 30, 2024. Although the news we received did not explicitly say so, assume the prior restrictions apply: offer applies to regularly-priced food and nonalcoholic beverages and exempting certain holidays, special events and dining packages.
…REMINDER: Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs has increased its Annual Passholder Discount to 20%. The discount applies to all regular priced food and non-alcoholic beverages during lunch hours, which run from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday through Monday. The offer excludes service at the sushi bar, as well as major holidays, including Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
…Speaking of Disney Springs, Enzo’s Hideaway will feature its Bootlegger’s Dinner, featuring Brugal rum pairings, May 16 or 22 • 7 p.m. It is $75 + tax and gratuity for “a trip back in time, to the days of prohibition, speakeasys, and rum-running.” The evening starts with a tropical Brugal 1888 cocktail, paired with coconut shrimp arancini. Next, it explores “the complex depths of a Brugal Visionara concoction,” served with paccheri al ragù cinghiale. Finally, it provides “a luxurious Brugal 1888 dessert drink” to accompany its “decadent affogato.” Adventurous guests can add a 1 oz. pour of Brugal Maestro Reserva for $25. Space is limited, and guests must be 21+ to attend. More information and tickets are available on this page of the Tock website.
…Also at Disney Springs, on April 20, Jaleo offers guests the opportunity to “experience the passion and vibrancy of Spanish culture without leaving Central Florida” at its first-ever Flamenco Master Class. The family-friendly day of dancing, dining and drinking (well, for those of appropriate age), starts at noon and ends at 3 p.m. Guests will learn the intricacies of flamenco dance during a 90-minute class led by renowned local dance group, Flamenco de Perfil. Afterwards, they will dig into a savory four-course brunch, prepared by Head Chef Kristoffer Anderson, featuring dishes like Carne asada con huevo frito— grilled flat iron steak with fried egg, potatoes and mojo verde — and Tortitas de Aceite de Oliva — olive oil pancakes with house-made blueberry compote and Florida honey. A choice of one of Jaleo’s signature and refreshing sangrias or a non-alcoholic beverage will be available for guests. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased on this page of Jaleo’s website. Tickets include the dance class, brunch, two beverage tickets, tax and gratuity.
…Jaleo is also celebrating Spain’s National Cocktail, the Gin & Tonic, now through April 28. Specialty G&Ts and fried tapas are available.
…REMINDER: Walt Disney World Golf is again offering its series of four-week Junior Golf Clinics during April and May 2024. With on-course coaching and playing clinics and separate skills development clinics, these are two different options for junior golfers, ages 7 to 17. The clinics will be hosted at Disney’s Palm, Magnolia and Oak Trail Golf Courses, and all are led by PGA of America Professionals. For more information, visit this page of the Walt Disney World Golf website.
…REMINDER: Walt Disney World Golf is also hosting a series of Summer 2024 Skills and On-Course Junior Golf Camps from June to August for young golfers ages 7 to 17. The camps focus on full swing, short game, putting and separately, with on-course instruction, led by its PGA of America Professionals. More details are available on the Walt Disney World Golf Blog.
…REMINDER: Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic event nights are scheduled on select nights into the summer of 2024. The complimentary, after-hours events feature select attractions with shorter-than-usual wait times, plus character greetings, entertainment and more. The remaining events are:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom – April 23.
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – June 4 and July 11.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – August 27.
Early registration opens for eligible Disney Vacation Club members (namely, those that have bought a certain number of points directly from Disney) with a qualifying Disney Resort hotel reservation on the event date(s). Pending availability, all other eligible Members may try their luck at reservations for the event on the other General Registration specified dates. A link to the event registration queue is posted online shortly before the registration windows open. If you are an eligible member and have a hotel reservation for an event date, keep an eye on your email for a registration reminder which also includes the link. All of the relevant 2024 registration dates are now posted on the event website.
The relevant dates for the remaining 2024 Moonlight Magic events are:
| Moonlight Magic Event | Dates | Hotel Reservation Finalization (Party Size) by 11:59 p.m. Eastern | |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom | April 23 | ||
| Registration | Closed | N/A | |
| Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park | June 4 | July 11 | |
| Early Registration | May 2 | May 2 | April 28 |
| General Registration | May 9 | June 27 | N/A |
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios | August 27 | ||
| Early Registration | August 1 | July 28 | |
| General Registration | August 15 | N/A | |
…REMINDER: Speaking of Disney Vacation Club, over on the Treasure Coast on the Atlantic Ocean, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort returns its popular character breakfast at Wind & Waves Grill on April 20 with a brand new menu. Some highlights are available on Disney Parks Blog. Goofy and Pluto will be making the rounds to visit each table, dressed in their beach best. The character breakfast will be available on Saturdays only from 8 a.m. to noon. Reservations are now open for booking on OpenTable.
…REMINDER And for the next DVC Resort, the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, last week, Disney Parks Blog shared an inside look at their construction along with the local Central Florida business building them. The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, are open for DVC bookings with stays starting September 27, 2024.
…REMINDER: Give Kids the World Village, the 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Kissimmee that provides cost-free week-long trips to critically ill children and their families, announced that its Gingerbread Run is returning this fall and will take place at night – under the holiday lights! On Saturday, November 23, you’ll have the chance to run, roll or stroll a 5K or family fun run through the whimsical storybook Village illuminated by thousands of holiday lights. Information and registration is available on this page of the Village’s website.
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Resort Reservations, Ticket Advice & Special Offers
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update.
The 4-day Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket is $235 ($59 per day), plus tax, and offers admission to one theme park per day. The ticket valid from April 2, 2024 through September 28, 2024, and park reservations are required. The ticket can be used on consecutive or non-consecutive days, and there is no fuse, so you can use the first admission in April and space out your remaining visits over the summer.
A 3-day version of the ticket is also available for $219 ($73 per day).
Both of these tickets also offer optional upgrades:
- Park Hopper Option
—$40 More Per Ticket, Plus Tax.
Visit more than one theme park on the same day.
- Water Park and Sports Option
—$35 More Per Ticket, Plus Tax.
Visit one theme park per day. Plus, get a certain number of visits to a water park, golf course or miniature golf course based on the length of your ticket. For example, if you purchase a 3-Day Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket with the Water Park and Sports option, you can visit a Walt Disney World theme park on 3 days with an advance theme park reservation—and visit a Disney water park on 3 additional days by September 28, 2024.
- Park Hopper Plus Option
—$55 More Per Ticket, Plus Tax.
Visit more than one theme park on the same day. Plus, get a certain number of visits to a water park, golf course or miniature golf course based on the length of your ticket. This option is a combination of the Park Hopper option and the Water Park and Sports option.
It really is important to stress the necessity for making your park reservations as soon as you complete your purchase. Disney is only setting aside a limited number of reservations for this ticket type each day, and states, “Reservations may be unavailable for any particular date or park, especially as you get closer to the date of visit or ticket expiration date.”
If you are not a Florida Resident, or you are, but park reservations are not available for the dates you want to visit, Disney is also offering the 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket from $99 Per Day, Plus Tax (Total Price from $396, Plus Tax). The 4-Park Magic Ticket includes one admission to each of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks—Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios—for a total of 4 admissions, on 4 separate days. Limit one admission per theme park, one theme park per day. This is a date-based ticket, so it does not require a theme park reservation to enter a park, but you must pick a start date from April 2 through September 22, 2024, and the ticket must be used within 7 days of the selected start date. This ticket cannot be used to enter the same theme park more than once.
If you are willing to skip Magic Kingdom, Disney is also offering a Special 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom only, starting from $89 per day, plus tax (total price starting from $267, plus tax). This is also a date-based ticket that does not require a theme park reservation to enter a park, but you must pick a start date from April 2 through September 24, 2024, and the ticket must be used within 5 days of the selected start date.
Disney+ subscribers can get a FREE dining plan when purchasing a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option. This offer is valid for arrivals most nights July 1 through September 30, 2024. Visit DisneyWorld.com/SpecialOffers for additional offer details!
NEW! Disney Rewards Visa Card users can get a free dining plan when using the card to purchase a non-discounted 4-night/4 day Walt Disney Travel Company Package including room at select hotels and tickets with Park Hopper Option for arrivals most nights July 1 – 31, September 1 – 7, and December 9 – 21, 2024. More details, restrictions, information, and the opportunity to book are on this page of the DisneyWorld website.
Florida residents can save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights from July 8 through October 3, 2024. Which resort qualifies for which discount and booking opportunities are available on this page of DisneyWorld.com.
Details and more special offers are available on this page of DisneyWorld.com.
MousePlanet’s travel partner Get Away Today is available to help you book rooms and packages.
REMINDER: Get Away Today’s Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages can now be booked completely on its website! No cumbersome quotes needed! Simply compare all your favorite Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Get Away Today’s hand selected off-property hotels in a few clicks, and then customize for your included tickets for your vacation.
Get Away Today’s Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages now have the option to add Layaway Plans, which allow you to pay the total balance up to eight days prior to travel. You can also add their popular “Peace of Mind Plan” when booking a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, which allows any reschedules and cancellations up to five days prior to travel with no penalty.
When booking with Get Away Today, all Walt Disney World Resort on-site packages include Get Away Today’s e-concierge, which includes its Best Price Guarantee, Dining Reservation Reminders, access to their Concierge Team email for help before and during your vacation, and more.
Looking to go beyond Walt Disney World Resort when visiting Central Florida? Check out Get Away Today’s Universal Orlando Resort ticket offers too.
Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or a travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today! As always, we remind our readers that Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel benefits. Historically, non-Florida residents tend to benefit the most by purchasing tickets in advance (and, of course, being mindful of the rules relevant to those tickets). Don’t get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside Disney property stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and may result in denial of entry. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks.
