Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 22, 2024

Writer’s Note, News & Views

Hurricane Milton sure made a lot of noise, but, fortunately, did not seem to do major damage around Walt Disney World Resort (or its immediate neighbors, like me). The toll from Milton elsewhere was certainly severe, and our thoughts are with those folks. Disney announced that it is investing $3 million that will be used to assist cast members, the local community and nonprofits aiding in recovery efforts. Disney also activated the Disney Employee Relief Fund to assist any Disney employee whose primary home was impacted by the storm, and is providing other personalized assistance for cast, including repair services, mental health resources, backup adult and child care, and food, water and ice distribution.

Right after Milton passed through Central Florida, I took a previously scheduled trip to visit friends in the Northeast. It was certainly nice to get a brief visit with fall foliage and weather!

Around the same time I left town, Disney announced its new Lightning Lane Premier Pass which, to my eyes, answers the question that many guests ask: how much extra above the price of a ticket does it cost to skip just about all the lines in a theme park without hiring a V.I.P. guide? While there is a little variation in the versions offered between California and Florida, the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be offered for sale in limited quantity (and, in Florida, only to Deluxe Resort guests), with the daily purchase price per person differing by park and day.

At roll-out, in California, the price is $400/person, plus tax, and can be used in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure on the same day. In Florida, the top price is $449 for Magic Kingdom on a peak day and as low as $129 on a non-peak day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, per person, plus tax.

The Premier Pass grants one entrance to every operating attraction with a Lightning Lane queue (single and multi-pass) and, in Florida, one entrance each to attractions with virtual queues too. Select on-ride photos and videos are included, as are the Disney PhotoPass lenses. More details are on Disneyland.com and DisneyWorld.com. The pass does not change any of the other Lightning Lane options and the usual ticket entrance requirements and, where applicable, park reservations are still required.

I am not particularly surprised by the amount of Disney Parks fan outrage at the new offering, as it is another huge up-charge opportunity. Frankly, I am surprised by how much Disney publicized the new offering, as it has often more quietly offered its menu of V.I.P. services at high prices to the elites. It is unclear how, if at all, this new offering will impact the average guest that does not opt to purchase the up-charge services: will it further increase standby times in traditional queues? To my mind, once upon a time, visiting a Disney Park was considered the premium experience for which all guests were paying a premium price, but, like the rest of the travel industry, Disney Parks has evolved to offering a menu of price points. The traditional airlines all offer basic, economy, economy with more leg room, and one or more premium level products: Disney Parks is copying that model. The disappointing thing is that Disney used to be a leader and an innovator in the travel business, but, in this regard, it looks to me to be another example of Disney playing follow-the-crowd.

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Returns January 17 to February 24, 2025

The fairly new, little, early-in-the-year festival that was once Walt Disney World’s best kept secret but now packs in the crowds, returns when the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts runs January 17 to February 24, 2025. As is the now tried-and-true formula with EPCOT festivals, Festival of the Arts will include specialty food and beverage offerings: culinary arts celebrated at Food Studios around the park. Live musical performances will return to World Showcase Plaza, and the park will again welcome performances by Art Defying Gravity and performing speed-painters. Animation Academy returns with Disney character drawing sessions led by an animator, chalk artists will create new works (and kids will have an opportunity to create their own), and a paint-by-numbers mural will welcome guests to participate during daylight hours. Walk-in photo opportunities will again be placed around the park, and guests can again help Figment “learn about art” by Figment’s Brush with the Masters scavenger hunt.

The nightly headliners of Festival of the Arts are the Disney on Broadway Concert Series performances on the America Gardens stage. Three times nightly, Disney on Broadway stars take the stage and perform songs from the Disney songbook (which, at least last year, has started to include some acquired through the company’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets like “The Greatest Showman”). Guaranteed seating for a specific concert will again be available by purchasing a dining package, though neither this year’s participating performers nor the dining venue options have yet to be released. Keep an eye on the official ArtfulEPCOT.com website for the latest details.

A Few More Holiday Celebration 2024 Details

Last week, EPCOT released the list of this year’s celebrity narrators for the three-times nightly Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays coming up between Thanksgiving and the end of the year: 

• 11/29 – 11/30 Josh Gad  

• 12/1 – 12/2 Nico Santos (NEW) 

• 12/3-12/5 Chrissy Metz 

• 12/6 – 12/7 Whoopi Goldberg  

• 12/8 – 12/10 Tituss Burgess (NEW) 

• 12/11 – 12/12 Brendan Fraser 

• 12/13 – 12/14 Ralph Macchio (NEW) 

• 12/15 – 12/16 Gary Sinise 

• 12/17 – 12/18 Neil Patrick Harris 

• 12/19 – 12/21 Pat Sajak  

• 12/22 – 12/23 Gloria Estefan 

• 12/24 – 12/26 Edward James Olmos  

• 12/27 – 12/28 Sterling K Brown   

• 12/29 – 12/30 Jodi Benson 

The Candlelight Processional, for those that do not know, is the telling of the traditional story of Christmas, accompanied by a mass choir, the Voices of Liberty, and a full orchestra. For guaranteed seating at a specific performance, dining packages are available at fifteen locations, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options (varying by location). The full details are available on this page of DisneyWorld.com and dinner package reservations open on October 29, 2024. The other holiday storytellers will return during the Festival as well, all around World Showcase.

Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the holidays this year, rather than riding a motorboat on Discovery River, Santa Claus will meet and greet guests up close and in person. The 75th Annual Dino Institute Holiday Party will be held on the patio at Restaurantosaurus featuring Santa from November 12-December 24, 2024. Of course, this may be the only time to meet Santa at Restaurantosaurus, as that venue will be closing to make way for the Tropical Americas land construction at some, as yet, unannounced date probably in mid-2025. The Merry Menagerie performers will return to Discovery Island, as will Tree of Life Awakenings.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will offer three new entertainment acts for the holidays starting November 12 (days and showtimes to be posted to My Disney Experience). The acts are “Juggling Elves” (juggling and comedy), the “Holiday Spirit Band” (a brass musical group), and “Seasons Jukebox” (a marching band). The Frozen Sing-Along will return its holiday elements, Santa will meet and greet at It’s A Wonderful Shop, and Sunset Seasons Greetings on The Hollywood Tower Hotel with Disney-snow along Sunset Boulevard will return as well.

At Magic Kingdom, the “Frozen Holiday Surprise” returns with the gang from Arendelle celebrating the holidays by transforming Cinderella Castle “into a shimmering crystalized palace.” The Jingle Cruise returns on November 2 as well.

At Disney Springs, the Christmas Tree Stroll returns with themed trees in the neighborhoods of the entertainment/shopping/dining district. MagicBand+ will interact with some aspect of it, and Disney-snow will return (in recent past years it has fallen in Town Center neighborhood, but Disney has not yet specified it for this year). Disney Parks Blog has already highlighted some Christmas Shopping items you might consider.

“Sip, Savor & Stroll” also returns to Disney Springs for a special holiday edition on November 7th. Guests will enjoy holiday-themed food and drink pairings as a host leads them through The Edison, Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s, with various available time slots between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Start at Enzo’s Hideaway for a speakeasy-style, Thanksgiving-inspired bite and beverage, next head to Maria and Enzo’s for winter-themed Sicilian pairing featuring executive chef Ben Dodaro’s handmade pasta, and then end the evening with a toast to a Roaring ’20s with a bite and sip perfect for the New Year. Tickets are $85, with an optional truffle experience upgrade for $60, and can be purchased HERE. Ages 21 and older only.

At the Disney Resort Hotels, the holiday decor will be back. The usual resorts are expected to have their huge gingerbread displays, but the details have not yet been released.

This & That & Reminders…

…NEW. MagicBand+ will now interact with some of the live shows in the Walt Disney World theme parks including For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. MagicBand+ continues to interact with the nighttime spectaculars, the golden character statues, and the interactive bounty hunter game in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, as well as offering the features of the MagicBand 2.0 and MagicMobile service (touch-points, PhotoPass, etc.). In fact, for the holidays, Disney says the “Fab 50” golden characters will have different holiday reactions, and there will be interaction activities at the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll.

…NEW. The 2024 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is coming up October 31-November 3, and runDisney has provided a first look at the merchandise for this year’s event.

As usual, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will host the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo during the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, and the merchandise will be available there (while supplies last). Guests, runners and non-participants are invited to attend during the following dates and times: 

• Thursday, October 31, 2024: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. 

• Friday, November 1, 2024: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. 

• Saturday, November 2, 2024: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

During the first day of the Expo, entrance to the merchandise shop will be by virtual queue only. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app to join the queue and follow its directions for entry to the shop.

…NEW. Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed a new tiger cub.

…REMINDER: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close as of January 6, 2025 for a year-long refurbishment, and will reopen sometime in 2026. Disney says the refreshed ride will reopen “with a little bit of new magic” The last day for fans to ride before the closure is January 5, 2025.

…NEW: Disney Vacation Club has announced a new option for those members eligible for Membership Extras named, “Membership Magic Beyond.” It is a new slate of optional benefits available to members that pay an annual fee (on top of the usual DVC dues). Its initial offering is $99, and will be available for purchase starting December 3, 2024, with benefits available January 12 through December 31, 2025. The monetary value of the benefits offered in that first year can exceed that price for those members that already plan to spend money on some of the categories offered. For example, a 30-day Disney PhotoPass service Memory Maker entitlement for Walt Disney World is included (which Disney values at up to $210.) Also included are available discounts (amounts not yet published) for 5-day weekday Walt Disney World theme park tickets (plus one water park admission) for the Member and up to 7 family members in the same household; 3-day weekday Disneyland theme park tickets including Lightning Lane Multi-Pass for the Member and up to 7 family members in the same household; and waiver of the $95 transaction fee when booking Disney Collection Resorts and experiences (think Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Line, Disney hotels that are not part of DVC, etc.). An interesting benefit for those that enroll (that DVC has not yet published a point chart for) is that members can use DVC points to purchase the Walt Disney World Disney Sorcerer Pass; and for those that purchase One-Time-Use Points for bookings other than hotel exchanges, a bonus One-Time-Use Point for each purchased (up to 12 Points for a total of 24 One-Time-Use Points in a Use Year).  There are also some lounge benefits with character meet and greet opportunities when staying on a points reservation for those that enroll. The details published so far are posted on this page of the DVC website.

…UPDATED REMINDER: Reservations are now open for DVC Members who own points at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows to book stays in the new Island Tower addition. New DVC Members that purchase their first points at Polynesian can book with Vacation Points starting November 5. All DVC Members can book with points starting November 19. The new tower opens December 17, 2024.

DVC revealed this week that the new Island will include a splash pad play area called “Moana’s Voyage” and, this past week, it took the wraps off of life-size sculptures of Moana and her iconic canoe in that area.

…REMINDER: Disney Vacation Club recently announced additional Moonlight Magic events for 2025 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Typhoon Lagoon. Registration for these events is complimentary for eligible members (“eligible” generally only includes members who have purchased their membership points from Disney) and their guests. Full details and reservation requirements are on this page of DVC’s website (and, in particular, the reservation details will be updated as relevant dates approach).

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: January 26 and September 1
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: February 12
• EPCOT: April 30 and July 17
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: May 20, June 9, and August 11

Registration details for these events have not been published as yet. They probably will be posted to this page of the DVC website as the events approach.

…NEW. On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th, roast turkey fans can enjoy a classic Irish Thanksgiving feast served all day at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant. Its special menu ($39.99 adults/$19.99 children):

• Butter and herb roasted turkey
• Sausage meat stuffing and red wine jus
• Mashed potatoes
• Duck fat roasties
• Honey glazed carrots
• Bacon braised Brussels sprouts
• Cranberry sauce

Guests who prefer to order from the restaurant’s All-Day menu can choose from a variety of seafood, meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes. Raglan Road Irish dancers and bands will perform throughout the evening.

…REMINDER: Cirque du Soleil has released its performance schedule and opened tickets sales for 2025. Performances will be offered twice a day at Disney Springs, five days a week in 2025, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Matinee shows will continue to be offered on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. The Page to Stage Signature Experience is also be available five nights per week following the second performance each day. Tickets for all performances can be purchased at cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life or at the Disney Springs box office and are subject to availability.

…REMINDER: Looking ahead to winter, tickets are now on sale for Breakfast with Santa at Maria and Enzo’s at Disney Springs. Offered on select dates in December, this breakfast experience will include a spread of classic menu items, visits from Santa’s merry band of elves, holiday carolers and take-home treats. After enjoying breakfast, guests will get to meet Santa himself. Children can share their holiday wishes with him, and will receive a keepsake photo from their special meet and greet. Tickets are $45 for children and $79 for adults, and are available with more information here.

…REMINDER: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic celebrates 15 Years this year with the return of its Food & Wine Classic on Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. The event runs a half-hour longer each evening than in the past, giving guests more time to enjoy the sips, flavors and music. Tickets are available now at SwanDolphinFoodAndWineClassic.com, including a bundle offering with a 15 percent discount for tickets for both Friday and Saturday night. The discounted bundle gives attendees a taste of everything the Food & Wine Classic has to offer, with different menu items featured each night. Additionally, favorite stations from years past will make an exclusive return, paying tribute to the event’s early years. MousePlanet has been invited to a media preview of this year’s event (which was rescheduled to November 4th due to Hurricane Milton), and we will share what we learn on social media.

To celebrate the event’s 15th year, the menu lineup features 45 dishes, the most in the Food & Wine Classic’s history. The Swan & Dolphin says, “A tribute to the resort’s award-winning restaurants and passions of its incomparable culinary team, guests will embark on a global culinary journey without ever leaving the resort.”

New dishes on the 2024 menu include:

• Baja Style Fish Taco with shaved cabbage, pico de gallo, Rosa Mexicano white sauce and corn tortilla from Rosa Mexicano
• Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib with browned butter potato gnocchi, porcini mushroom purée, pecorino romano, fennel and parsley salad from Il Mulino
• Korean “No Mayo” Salad with rice noodles, bean sprouts, cucumber, kimchi, cashew and bibim from Cabana Bar and Beach Club
• Hand-Made Harissa Spiced Lamb Sausage with bulgar wheat, smoked yogurt and fennel-onion salad from Amare
• Slow Roasted Pernil with garlic and sour orange marinated crispy skinned pork, white rice, black beans, sweet plantains and fresh lime from For the Love of Florida specialty area

Returning favorites include:

• Roasted Linz Heritage Black Angus Beef Tenderloin with baked marble potatoes, caramelized onion purée, horseradish and béarnaise sauce from Shula’s Steak House
• Signature Classic Guacamole en Molcajete with fresh tortilla chips and roasted tomato salsa from Rosa Mexicano
• Butter Poached Bay Scallops with Florida corn purée, charred scallion vinaigrette, radish threads and shallot butter from For the Love of Florida specialty area
• Dragon Roll with crispy shrimp, yellowfin tuna, avocado, cream cheese, kewpie mayonnaise and eel sauce from Kimonos
• Gua Bao with sweet and spicy glazed pork belly, pickled cucumber, red chile, toasted sesame and hot sauce from Chinatown specialty area

All-new dessert options will include:

• Caramel Banana Crème Brûlée
• Nougat Rum Dark Chocolate Mousse
• Pistachio Raspberry Mousse with white chocolate foam
• Mandarin Cream Beignet

The complete 2024 Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic menu can be found at https://swandolphin.com/wp-pdf/foodandwine/FWCMENU.pdf.

This year’s event features three interactive seminars taught by members of the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team, allowing guests to expand their knowledge in what the resort says is “a delicious way”:

• (NEW) Beer Here! will take guests on a flavorful journey through Florida’s craft beer scene, celebrating the vibrant and diverse brews of the Sunshine State
• (NEW) Salud! A Journey Through Spain guides attendees through Spain’s rich winemaking heritage, with cuisine pairing tips and more
• Craft Cocktails, a fan favorite, breaks down the components of a great cocktail and how to make a perfect drink in your own home

All seminars will take place at the Swan Reserve on Saturday, November 16 from 4:30-5:30 p.m., just prior to the outdoor festival, and are $85 per person, excluding tax. Seminars require separate tickets and space is limited. More information can be found at swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com/seminars/.

For the latest information or to purchase tickets, guests can visit SwanDolphinFoodAndWineClassic.com, like swandolphinfwc on Facebook, or call 1-888-828-8850. Discounted hotel packages are available with proof of ticket purchase.

…For those planning to sail aboard Disney Treasure’s inaugural season, on Disney Parks Blog, Disney Cruise Line has unveiled some of its first merchandise collections guests may find on their voyage.

…REMINDER: Give Kids The World Village will again host its Holiday VIP Tours this upcoming winter holiday season. Guests can enjoy the opportunity to experience the Village all decked out for the holidays with these special features:

• A behind-the-scenes, themed storytelling tour.
• Festive dessert party.
• Access to select venues on the Avenue of Angels, illuminated with more than 1 million holiday lights.
• Decorated vignettes from Village partners.
• Fun props and holiday photo backdrops.

Proceeds from the event help to ensure that the Village can provide magical, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses. Tickets are onsale for December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, and 22. Tickets are $88.13 (including EventBrite service fees) per person. Be aware that the tour entails 90 minutes of walking and storytelling, and may not be suitable for young children.

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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.

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 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 most Sunday to Thursday nights from through November 21, 2024, and for most nights from November 24 to December 25, 2024, with the details 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. Here’s a current sample 2025 package including room, tickets and dining:

How about another example for the 2025 travel season, this time from the Deluxe Resort end of the spectrum?

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 and resort package stay offers too. Right now, for example, you can get 2 days free with a 2-Park, 3-Day ticket for 5 days of fun when you book with Get Away Today! Enjoy all of the thrills, entertainment and fun that Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure has to offer for as low as $62 per day. Upgrade to a 3-Park ticket to experience Universal Volcano Bay water theme park (which may be closed on some dates). This offer is valid for travel now – April 16, 2025.

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.