50th Anniversary Park Passes at Capacity for Magic Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World is gearing up to celebrate their 50th Anniversary on October 1, 2021! As the excitement of the 50th builds for all of us Disney fans, we hope you’ve planned ahead if you were planning to visit Magic Kingdom for the big day. Currently, the Park Pass calendar shows no availability for Magic Kingdom on October 1, 2021.

As you’ll see in the three screen shots below of the Walt Disney World Theme Park Reservation Availability calendar, all three tiers (Theme Parks Tickets, Disney Resort Guests, and Annual Passholders) show Magic Kingdom is no longer available for the 50th:

Did you snatch a Magic Kingdom Park Pass reservation for the 50th? If not, you’ll have to keep checking back in hopes that Disney releases more. In the meantime, you may want to grab one of the other three parks which still have full availability. Happy planning, Disney fans!

Walt Disney Co. Halting Political Contributions to Certain Lawmakers

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

As previously shared, Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, issued a statement regarding US Capitol January 6, 2021 events. Now, the Walt Disney Company is halting political contributions to lawmakers who voted to reject certification of electoral votes for Joe Biden.

As shared by Deadline: The Walt Disney Co. is halting political contributions to House and Senate lawmakers who voted to reject the certification of electoral votes for Joe Biden.

A Disney spokesperson said, “The insurrection at our nation’s Capitol was a direct assault on one of our country’s most revered tenets: the peaceful transition of power. In the immediate aftermath of that appalling siege, Members of Congress had an opportunity to unite—an opportunity that some sadly refused to embrace. In light of these events, we have decided we will not make political contributions in 2021 to lawmakers who voted to reject the certification of the Electoral College votes.”

Disney Cruise Line Extends Suspension of All Departures

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

The latest official cancellation announcement has come from Disney Cruise Line, which is cancelling all sailings departing through March 2021. Previously, DCL had pulled these sailings from their online booking site.

Affected Guests who have paid their reservation in full will have the choice of a 125% future cruise credit to be used for a future sailing prior to May 31, 2022, or a full refund. The credit has automatically been added to your guest account. Guests that have not paid their reservations in full will automatically receive a refund of what they have paid so far. Affected Guests will also receive an email from Disney Cruise Line outlining details and next steps.

Below is the full list of cancelled voyages:

  • Disney Dream through 3/29               (3/29 – 4/2)
  • Disney Magic through 3/29                (3/29 – 4/3)
  • Disney Wonder through 3/28             (3/28 – 4/2)
  • Disney Fantasy through 3/27             (3/27 – 4/3)

Below is a sample communication guests will be receiving in light of these cancellations:

Dear [Guest],

All of us at Disney Cruise Line hope you and your family are staying well.

Our team at Disney Cruise Line remains focused on the health and well-being of our Guests and team members. We are carefully preparing for a return to service following the guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As we continue to refine our protocols and await further technical guidance from the CDC, we are cancelling all sailings departing through March 2021.

We are offering affected Guests who have paid their reservation in full the choice of a 125% future cruise credit to be used for a future sailing prior to May 31, 2022, or a full refund. The credit has automatically been added to your account. Once you have decided on an alternate sail date, you may contact your travel agent. Your agent may place a reservation on hold for you by applying this credit as a payment option when booking a new reservation online. Guests that have not paid their reservations in full will automatically receive a refund of what they have paid so far.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these times. We look forward to welcoming you aboard as soon as we can and making magic for you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Cast & Crew 

Disney Cruise Line

“The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” Exhibit Coming to EPCOT This February

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Via wdwnt.com

The historic transformation of EPCOT will take another step forward in early February with “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure,” a new exhibit debuting inside The American Adventure. Featuring Joe Gardner from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” – now streaming on Disney+ – you’re invited on a musical tour of America to learn about this inspiring genre of music.

Check out this new video from Walt Disney Imagineering’s Carmen Smith to hear more about what’s in store for this experience. 

Mears Issues Statement on Disney’s Magical Express Service Suspension

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

As we reported earlier yesterday, Disney’s Magical Express service, which provides guests with transportation between Orlando International Airport and the Walt Disney World, will be ending in 2022. The service was operated by Mears Transportation, which has seen a number of layoffs due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has since issued a statement regarding the suspension of the service.

Mears Transportation issued the following statement to Spectrum News 13

“Walt Disney [World] made us aware of their decision. While we are disappointed Disney will no longer offer this service, we intend to continue offering transportation services between the airport and all area theme parks and hotels to meet the demand of our visitors now and in the future.”

Disney’s Magical Express service is set to end on January 1, 2022. For more information on Mears Transportation options to the theme parks, including shared shuttles, Mears taxis, and even private cars, click here.

Disney’s Magical Express service was launched back in 2005, offering guests complimentary motorcoach transportation between MCO and Walt Disney World Resort hotels as a benefit of staying on-property. Other popular benefits for Disney Resort hotel guests have also been modified or suspended:

  • Complimentary MagicBands are no longer offered for resort stays
  • Souvenir luggage tags and Magical Extras booklets are now only available by request at resort front desks
  • Extra Magic Hours will be replaced with “Early Theme Park Entry”, providing just 30 minutes of early access to parks—however, guests now have the option to choose which park