Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 30, 2024

Happy Halloween! After three long months of Walt Disney World celebrating the holiday, the big day is tomorrow! Right after that, we will get to see the Resort’s quick-change act as it rapidly changes the decor over to Christmas and kicks off its holiday parties at both Magic Kingdom (for its long-standing hard-ticket Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party) and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (with its second installment of Disney Jollywood Nights hard-ticket parties).

On the slower change side, the Florida governmental body responsible for oversight of the Walt Disney World Resort area continues to change over signage of former Reedy Creek Improvement District maintained areas, like the Orange Garage at Disney Springs.

Tis the Season … for Passholder Price Hikes

While Hurricane Milton was passing through Central Florida, Disney Parks instituted its annual price hikes out at Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney World Resort waited until last week to do so.

As you may know, the current Annual Pass program at Walt Disney World has four pricing tiers that relate to the number of blockout dates the pass is subject to: from Pixie Dust Pass which is valid most weekdays but not during peak or holiday periods, to Pirate Pass which does not block out as many weekends, to Sorcerer Pass which blocks out about twenty days a year: a handful of days around Thanksgiving and two weeks around Christmas and New Year’s Day, and the Incredi-Pass. All the Pass types still require park reservations for park admissions on most days before 2 p.m. (and all weekends at Magic Kingdom), the top tier passes can hold more simultaneous reservations than the lower tier except when staying in a qualifying Disney Resort Hotel. If you are not a Florida Resident or Disney Vacation Club Member and want to purchase an Annual Pass, you are only eligible to purchase the top tier Incredi-Pass; Disney Vacation Club Members who are not Florida Residents can also purchase the Sorcerer Pass.

The price hikes over last year’s rates range from $30 for the lowest tier passes to $100 for a first time Incredi-Pass purchase. Renewals are still discounted, and, in fact, those renewing the Incredi-Pass only see a $70 hike rather than the $100 for first time purchasers. For those renewing the Sorcerer Pass there is an increase of $80 over last year’s renewal price, but the total is still $370 below the Incredi-Pass in exchange for being blocked out for the days around Thanksgiving and the two weeks around Christmas and New Year’s Day. (As I mentioned a number of times since the current pricing structure went into effect a couple years ago, I have opted to accept the blockout dates for the cash savings despite all those years that I visited the parks on New Year’s Eve and some of the other blocked out dates, and expect at my next renewal next spring to do the same.)

Passes may be purchased on this page of DisneyWorld.com and that is where the chart below comes from. Remember that since the global pandemic, Disney has, from time to time, acted upon its disclaimer that pass sales may be halted at any time. In the face of the increased competition from Universal Orlando Resort and its opening of the new Epic Universe park next May, I would be surprised if Disney halts any of these Pass sales during the remainder of 2024 or 2025, but you should be aware that it can happen. That competition could mean there are more Florida resident specials coming and, perhaps, even some travel package offerings that include some value we have not seen before, so it can be quite worthwhile to pay close attention if you are planning to visit Walt Disney World Resort in the next 12 months to your options. As always, read all the fine print to make sure that offers that come along match your circumstances, as the “surprise debt” coming out of Disney World vacations is a phenomenon that just seems to be growing.

…UPDATED REMINDER: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights conclude at Magic Kingdom this week, and they are sold out. But if you are looking for the after hours holiday fun of the next season, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights will be underway starting November 8 and on select nights through December 20, 2024. Tickets for the Christmas Party nights start at $169 (plus tax), and are still available for most event nights, though not the first night or the last. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com to check availability and buy tickets (and, if you are a Passholder or DVC Member, be sure to sign in for the discounts offered on select party nights). Like the Halloween Party nights, these extra ticket required after-hours events gently sweep out day guests without party tickets at 6 p.m. and there will be no showing of the Happily Ever After Fireworks on those nights. If you do have the ticket for the party, at the park’s main entrance, you can get your wristband and mix in with the day guests as early as 4 p.m. without a separate park ticket or reservation. If you have a ticket to be in the park during regular park hours and a ticket for the party, you can find wristband distribution locations scattered around the park where you can have your tickets checked and your wristbands issued. On party nights, ticketed guests can see Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show (starting at 10 p.m.), Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade (stepping off at 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.), Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration (stage show at Cinderella Castle at 7:40 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 10:35 p.m. and 11:55 p.m.), .and, of course, special character greetings and dance parties around the park. Of course, there’s a foodie guide for the party published this week by Disney Parks Blog. 

…REMINDER. The 2024 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is coming up this weekend, 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.

…REMINDER: “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.

…REMINDER: 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.

…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. MousePlanet has been invited to the dedication of the opening of the new Island Tower on December 14, 2024, and we will share what we learn during the event on social media and in a future update.

…REMINDER: Disney Vacation Club 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.

…REMINDER. 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.

…NEW. And, speaking of Thanksgiving, some of the other Disney Springs venues and one at EPCOT have shared special seasonal offerings this week too:

…REMINDER: Tickets are 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: 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: 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.

…NEW. Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort just announced a $275 million transformation project including a 120,000 square-foot event space expansion. The expansion will result in 469,000 square feet of meeting space between its three buildings, the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve, to go with its 2,619 guest rooms making it one of the largest convention properties on the East Coast. The additional space will expand the hotel’s largest contiguous event space to 175,000 square feet, making it among the largest hotel spaces in the country. This is the first major expansion of the Dolphin’s meeting space since 2003, and will include a new two-story annex connecting to the hotel’s existing convention space. The Resort says, that its “original Michael Graves design inspiration will carry through the new space with a modern flair, featuring water themes alongside warm, wooden touches.” Groundbreaking is expected in November with estimated completion in late summer of 2026. Enhancements at the Walt Disney World Swan are underway and will be completed in phases, with the final work completed by summer 2025.

…NEW. Disney Cruise Line has taken ownership of Disney Treasure, which will begin its inaugural season sailings in December. The transfer of ownership from the shipbuilder means that sea trials are underway, with the ship’s christening and some preview cruises coming up in coming weeks.

…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.

…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.

Join Our Networks by Following @MousePlanet on…

X (formerly known as Twitter)

Instagram

Threads

…and…

Facebook

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 through November 21, 2024, and for most nights from November 24 to December 25, 2024, with the details on this page of DisneyWorld.com.

The newest Florida resident theme park ticket offer is available on this page of DisneyWorld.com which starts at $119 plus tax for a one day ticket and can be as low as $72/day plus tax for a four day ticket (before the various add-ons). As a date-based ticket, the first date of use has to be selected when purchased and users of a Florida resident ticket will be required to provide proof of residency either at the time of purchase or at a park ticket window prior to first use.

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.