Disneyland Revises Park Hopping Policies, Lowers Cost of Tickets

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Park Hoppers have been a major asset to Disney Parks, especially at the Disneyland Resort, where Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Parks are closer together and somewhat easier to go back and forth.

As the Parks have reopened since COVID, there have been Park Hopping restrictions, only giving Guests certain times of the day when they could begin Park Hopping to ensure that Park capacity and health regulations were being met. As time has gone on though, these restrictions have been continually modified to comply with health guidelines.

Disneyland made a major announcement regarding Park Hopping restrictions.

Reporter @ScottGustin shared on Twitter that starting February 4, the Park Hopping hours at Disneyland will start at 11 a.m. instead of 1 p.m., which were the previous Park Hopping hours.

The policy lists that starting February 4, Guests who have a Magic Key pass or Park Hopper ticket can begin Park Hopping at 11 a.m., two hours earlier than the previous restrictions allowed. This gives Guests more time to enjoy both Parks.

The new policy also indicates that Disneyland’s reservation calendar would allow Guests to be able to enjoy almost two months’ worth of the $104 Park ticket dates throughout 2023. This price is currently the lowest tier of ticket prices for one-day, one-park tickets.

And, to add icing to the cake, Disneyland is offering free Disney PhotoPasses to all Guests who have tickets and are using the Disneyland app, starting February 4 and lasting throughout the Disney100 celebration at the Resort.

World of color one, new nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure

During this celebration, starting January 27, Guests have the opportunity to view the two new nighttime shows: the new fireworks show “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland, as well as the World of Color – One show at Disney California Adventure.

These current policies are not yet updated on Disneyland’s website, as of now. But we expect these changes to be made relatively soon, especially as Guests buy tickets and Park Hoppers in the next few weeks.

Video Captures Fight Over Guest Attempting to Reunite With Family

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

While we prefer to think of everything at Walt Disney World Resort being covered with magical pixie dust, the truth is, when that many people come together, incidents are bound to happen even in a Disney Park. A recent fight erupted at Magic Kingdom Park, leaving Disney fans to debate what the rule should be for holding spots in line.

From physical altercations to verbal fights, we’ve seemingly seen an uptick in the amount of hot-headed Disney Park Guests. Just this past summer, Magic Kingdom made national news as a massive brawl broke out between two parties of Park Guests as a person left an attraction line to retrieve her forgotten phone, then reentered, passing by others that felt she was skipping the line.

EPCOT has had its share of disruptive behavior, with a fight that occurred near the Living With the Land attraction, as well as a fight that broke out at Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But Walt Disney World Resort is not alone. We’ve also seen altercations unfold at Disneyland Resort despite it being “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

magic-kingdom-fight

Guest behavior can be unpredictable… so much so that it wasn’t too long ago that Walt Disney World Resort issued a statement warning Guests to be courteous. Disneyland Resort followed suit and issued a statement soon after. While there are numerous reasons these fights have unfolded in the Disney Parks, many of them point back to potential line cutting while waiting for an attraction.

A new video captures a verbal fight that took place while Guests were in the notoriously long standby line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park.

As you’ll see in the video below (which contains some language), an individual attempted to reunite with her family after reportedly leaving the line to go to the restroom. She was stopped by a Park Guest that refused to let her pass. @themeparkettes took to TikTok to share the video, along with the message:

“Note: This is not my normal content. I try to share only helpful and fun theme park content and travel tips. But at every park I’ve been to, at least once a day, the question of “is it saving a spot or is it cutting?” comes up. Every so often, it leads to an argument. This one was louder than most. And because of where it was in line, could not have been handled by a Cast Member, so it was really up to the people in line, the “court of public opinion” to decide. But no one seemed to definitively know if it was against the rules or not. What do YOU think the rule should be?”

Check out the video below:

@themeparkettes

Note: This is not my normal content. I try to share only helpful and fun theme park content and travel tips. But at every park I’ve been to, at least once a day, the question of “is it saving a spot or is it cutting?” comes up. Every so often, it leads to an argument. This one was louder than most. And because of where it was in line, could not have been handled by a Cast Member, so it was really up to the people in line, the “court of public opinion” to decide. But no one seemed to definitively know if it was against the rules or not. What do YOU think the rule should be? #themeparktiktok #themeparktok #disneyfights #linecutting #themeparkqueue

♬ original sound – The Theme Parkettes🎢Jessica🎡

The Disney Corporate Shakeup Continues: Chairman Arnold Out, Nike Exec In

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

After Disney fired CEO Bob Chapek and replaced him with his predecessor Bob Iger, everyone knew change was coming. In the days and weeks that followed, heads continued to roll at the Walt Disney Company. Things have slowed down but the Disney corporate shakeup is far from over. Today Disney rejected pressure to install activist investor Nelson Peltz as Chairman of the Board and instead tapped Nike Executive Chairman Mark Parker instead.

This news comes in the wake of current Disney Chair Susan Arnold’s announcement that she will be stepping down from the role. Arnold has held the position since Iger stepped away from the company in 2021 (in fact, she was the one who asked him to return). Disney has made it clear that she has not been fired, and that her departure is “consistent with Disney’s 15-year board term limit.”

Mark Parker

In a statement following the announcement, Bob Iger said, “Mark Parker’s vision, incredible depth of experience and wise counsel have been invaluable to Disney, and I look forward to continuing working with him in his new role, along with our other directors, as we chart the future course for this amazing company.”

Iger also acknowledged Susan Arnold in his statement saying,“On behalf of my fellow Board members and the entire Disney management team, I also want to thank Susan for her superb leadership as Chairman and for her tireless work over the past 15 years as an exemplary steward of the Disney brand.”

Mark Parker has worked for Nike since 1979 In various roles including product research, design and development, marketing and brand management. This, like other recent announcements, is a hopeful step in the right direction for the Walt Disney Company. In recent years the Board of Executives lacked creatives leading to a stagnation that caused the company’s recent implosion.

In addition to his position as Chairman of the Board, he will also be tasked with a “succession planning” committee dedicated to advising the board on the status of CEO succession planning. This comes as a stipulation of Iger’s return as CEO for a two year period in order to find a suitable replacement.

The snubbing of Nelson Peltz is not surprising given his investment firm, Trian, openly opposed Bob Iger’s return as CEO. Nevertheless the firm invested an $800 million stake in Disney and immediately began campaigning for a seat on the board. Trian said they aimed to reduce costs and improve operations. It remains to be seen whether they will be successful at placing a member on the board but it won’t be as Chairman of the Board.

Tiana’s Palace Coming to Disneyland Later This Year

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

Tiana fans will be pleased to learn that an all-new restaurant, Tina’s Palace, is coming to Disneyland later this year.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Just as Tiana transformed an old sugar mill into her dream restaurant in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “The Princess and the Frog,” soon the French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park will be reimagined into Tiana’s Palace!

As we initially shared at D23 Expo, we are excited for the opportunity to tell even more Tiana stories in New Orleans Square. We recently opened Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets, a new retail shop that Tiana opened with her mother, Eudora. Up next will be Tiana’s Palace later this year, followed by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the thrilling attraction that will open in Disneyland park in 2024.

Tiana’s Palace will be the newest restaurant on Orleans Street. Within its peach-colored walls and fancy green wrought-iron balconies, you’ll find elegant fixtures and appointments reminiscent of Tiana’s life and friendships. The new Tiana’s Palace will have much of the same pinch of pizzazz and flair as the restaurant from the film, offering authentic New Orleans flavors inspired by Tiana’s friends and adventures in this quick-service style restaurant. While Tiana’s Palace is not a character dining location, guests may find Tiana in New Orleans Square.

The menu at Tiana’s Palace will expand on many of the current favorites served in the location, explore seasonal flavors and, of course, offer some New Orleans classics. Tiana’s Palace is sure to be a gathering place for friends and family to enjoy great food and celebrate together, just like Tiana and her father James dreamed of.

Disney Imagineers are partnering with Disney Animation artists from the original film to bring this story to life at Disneyland park. In fact, the film designers took inspiration from the exterior of the original French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square when designing Tiana’s Palace for the movie, so this is a long-dreamt homecoming.

To begin this work, French Market Restaurant (and Mint Julep Bar) will be closed beginning February 17, 2023, and will reopen as Tiana’s Palace (alongside Mint Julep Bar with its famous mint juleps and Mickey beignets) later in the year.

Brand New Transportation Option Available from MCO to Disney World Resorts

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Uncategorized

When Disney’s Magical Express ended in 2022, there was a gap in coverage between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Walt Disney World Resort hotels. MEARS Connect seemed to be the frontrunner to replace the service (Disney’s Magical Express was owned and operated by MEARS). However, Sunshine Flyer emerged as a clear stand out.

Neither replacement options are free. Both are comparably priced, with MEARS being a tad cheaper ($32 per supersonic round trip as opposed to Sunshine Flyer at $39 per person round trip). It’s the theming that puts Sunshine Flyer over the top. The motor coaches are themed like Golden Age railroad cars, right down to train conductor uniforms for drivers. It’s just…FUN!

Now, though, they’ve begun a brand new offering: private direct transfers. If group transportation isn’t your thing, you can hire private car transport to and from the airport in advance from Sunshine Flyer. The experience is VIP from start to finish making this an excellent way to splurge on your Disney trip and begin the magic the moment you land.

Rather than traipsing through the airport for a specific meeting location, your driver will meet you at baggage claim and assist with your bags at the airport and your Resort. After that, you’re whisked off to your destination in stylish and modern vehicles that up the wow factor on the entire experience. Unlike with group transfers, your resort is guaranteed to be the one and only stop which cuts down on travel time and starts your fun that much quicker.

There’s also no surprise fees or surge pricing like you typically find with rideshare services. By booking in advance, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that not only is the cost already taken care of (payment is due upon booking), but you’re guaranteed a ride, even if your arrival is during a peak time. With rideshare services, you often run the risk of lengthy wait times if there are no available drivers once you’re ready to go.

Sunshine flyer

The cars aren’t train themed like the buses but kids receive train themed freebies like conductor hats, stickers and games. Safety certified car seats are included at no extra cost which cuts down on the hassle of having to bring your own from home.

Like any VIP experience, pricing is a bit steep:

Sunshine flyer prices

For reference their website says a sedan will accommodate up to 3 people and 3 suitcases. A luxury SUV will accommodate up to 6 people and 6 suitcases. The Sprinter Van accommodates up to 10 people and 18 suitcases.

The website lists the hotels serviced by private transfer. All Walt Disney World hotels are included, including Fort Wilderness Campground and Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.