Disney Parks – Page 20 – A Walk With The Mouse

Disney Releases Special Pricing for 2024 Park Tickets

Posted on November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World is among the most popular vacation destinations for travelers worldwide, but high ticket prices can catch you off guard as you plan your trip. Disney recently announced reduced ticket prices for select park guests visiting the theme parks in 2024.

Disney offers reduced tickets to various guests, including Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and U.S. Military Members. For 2024, Disney has announced reduced ticket prices for eligible U.S. Military Members. Disney also offers reduced hotel rates for U.S. Military Members.

According to Disney’s site, “‘Eligible Service Members’ are active or retired members of the US Military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the US Coast Guard, the US Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Spouses of Military Service Members also qualify if they are able to present valid and active US Military IDs in the absence of active or retired Military Personnel or Commissioned Corps Members.”

Disney Military Salute Ticket

Disney has recently released reduced ticket rates for U.S. Military Members for 4-day, 5-day, and 6-day Disney Military Salute Tickets with Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus options for 2024. All tickets are now available for purchase; find the rates below:

6-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket
Available for purchase now through December 15, 2024.

With the Park Hopper Option: $409 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $439 plus tax

5-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket
Available for purchase now through December 16, 2024.

With the Park Hopper Option: $389 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $419 plus tax

4-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket
Available for purchase now through December 17, 2024.

With the Park Hopper Option: $369 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $399 plus tax

The Disney Military Salute Tickets are valid for park admission from January 1, 2024, through December 20, 2024. All tickets are subject to blackout dates, including March 24, 2024, through April 6, 2024, and November 24, 2024, through November 30, 2024.

Tickets may be purchased at participating US military sales outlets by Eligible Service Members (see above). All guests using Disney Military Salute Tickets are still required to have daily park reservations to use tickets for valid theme park entry. Guests are also subject to Disney Park Hopper restrictions.

Memory Maker Magic

U.S. Military Members also qualify for a special Memory Maker price when added to a 2024 theme park ticket. Disney’s Memory Maker gives you access to unique photo locations throughout the Walt Disney World parks and resorts, with themed magic shots taken by talented Disney Photopass Photographer Cast Members.

Memory Maker also allows you to download all the photos and videos taken during your Walt Disney World vacation. This way, you can focus on the fun, and the memories await you when you return home. U.S. Military Members can add Memory Maker to a Disney Military Salute Ticket for $98 through December 20, 2024.

Disney Announces Dates for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2024

Posted on November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

As we head into fall, the Disney parks are ready to celebrate, and for EPCOT, that means new festivals. Disney has just announced the dates for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts for 2024!

EPCOT celebrates four featured festivals throughout the year: EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, and EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival.

Each festival features unique dining, entertainment, and merchandise, all offered only during that festival’s time in EPCOT. While the festivals are celebrated throughout the parks, the booths and entertainment are predominately featured throughout the World Showcase. EPCOT’s World Showcase is home to 11 pavilions, each representing a country: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

As we head toward the new year, excitement is building around EPCOT’s festival lineup for 2024. The dates were recently released for EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, beginning on November 24, 2023 ,and continuing through December 30, 2023. This year’s festival will feature the annual Candlelight Processional with celebrity storytellers, Candlelight Processional Dining Packages, and Holiday Kitchens found throughout EPCOT’s World Showcase and World Discovery.

Following the International Festival of the Holidays, Disney just announced that EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts will begin on January 12, 2024. The festival will continue through February 19, 2024. Though Disney has not released all the festival’s details yet, we know that the Food Studios will be returning along with the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. We are excited for more details on specific booths and menus to be shared soon!

In addition to colorful eats and treats, the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series will return to this year’s festival! Guests will be able to enjoy shows featuring their favorite songs from DISNEY ON BROADWAY shows in EPCOT’s World Showcase. The series is presented by AT&T and will be hosted once again in the America Gardens Theatre located in The American Adventure pavilion.

This year, guests can enjoy the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series in a new way with a Dining Package. The DISNEY ON BROADWAY Dining Packages will include a dinner at your choice from select EPCOT restaurants and reserved seating in the America Gardens Theatre, where you will enjoy the show. Disney will release more details about the select restaurants and reservation dates soon.

This year’s EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will also feature live musical performances, Art Defying Gravity performances, and visual art performances throughout World Showcase. Watch in amazement as visual and performing arts come to life all around you throughout the park.

As Disney releases more details about this year’s festival, we will be sharing them with you here at DisneyDining.com. If you’re planning on visiting Walt Disney World to experience this 2024 EPCOTfestival, don’t forget to make theme park reservations during the festival’s dates, January 12 to February 19, 2024.

Mother and Daughter Reportedly Assaulted by Homeless Man Outside Disney Park

Posted on November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Panic has begun to spread after a recent terrifying incident was reported.

For the millions of fans who travel to Disneyland Resort in Southern California every year, this is truly a nightmare. For decades, both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort have been known as wholesome, family-friendly venues where Guests of every age can be entertained without fear. Part of the reason why people choose Disney as their vacation location is because of the sense of security you have within the Resorts. For the most part, Disney does an excellent job of preventing crime on their property.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop horrific incidents from happening just outside the Park’s gates. A recent allegation from one Disney Guest and her family member has left many fans feeling more frightened than ever to visit the Disney Parks.

In a shocking incident that sent waves of panic through the Disney community, a homeless man allegedly assaulted a mother and her child just outside of Disneyland Resort. The news of this distressing event quickly spread like wildfire, leaving visitors and locals alike in a state of shock and concern. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even the most magical places can be subjected to senseless acts of violence just outside.

According to the mother, the terrifying incident occurred just outside the Disney Resort grounds on Harbor Boulevard. This area is often frequented by Guests of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Families and individuals flock to Disneyland Resort expecting a carefree and whimsical experience, but unfortunately, this incident momentarily shattered that illusion for many. Public safety and security are paramount, and this incident highlights the need for heightened vigilance and ongoing efforts to maintain a safe environment.

The incident took place on October 25, 2023. According to the mother, she and her daughter were walking towards the Disneyland Park entrance when a man, whom they assumed to be homeless, assaulted them by throwing coffee at them. The mother shared,

“Assaulted on Harbor Blvd

Today my daughter and I were walking down Harbor Blvd towards the parks, when a man who I assume is homeless threw a full cup of coffee on us outside the McDonald’s by the Fairfield Inn. Thankfully this is all he did, and walked away while looking back at us. We did not interact with him in any way – it was totally at random. We suffered no physical injuries (thankfully it wasn’t hot) but it was definitely upsetting.

I live in a city with a significant homeless population and have never had an issue. I realize this was a totally random thing, and it certainly doesn’t reflect on Disney. But is the area around the parks typically pretty safe? I’ve never felt uncomfortable before, but I also haven’t been back in several years.”

Immediate chaos ensued as the news spread, fans scrambling to comprehend the gravity of the situation. On the Disneyland Reddit page, fans shared their condolences with the mother and child. User r/ashecatcher805 says,

“I’m sorry that happened to you, sounds shocking and unnerving. That said, I do think that was a random unfortunate thing. The area around the parks is well populated, relatively clean for a city, well lit, and heavily patrolled by police and security. I’ve never heard of it being unsafe, and I stay in hotels around that area a couple times a year when visiting.”

The incident serves as a poignant reminder that homelessness is a complex issue that transcends geographic boundaries and can impact even the most iconic destinations. While the motives behind the alleged assault remain unclear, it is crucial to approach this incident with empathy and without generalizing or stigmatizing the entire homeless community. It is important to remember that the actions of one individual do not define an entire group.

This event is also a good reminder for Guests to never get too comfortable on and near Disney Resort property. Unfortunately, dangerous activity can happen anywhere, and it is crucial to remain as vigilant as possible to protect you and your loved ones from a criminal threat. No information or confirmation of the incident has come from Disney at this time. It is also unclear if the Anaheim Police Department or Disneyland security were informed of this crime.

Disney World Drops Virtual Queue Program for Select Guests

Posted on November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Resort has announced that it’s putting an end to a virtual queue program.

Walt Disney World Resort, located in Orlando, Florida, is renowned for providing visitors with unforgettable experiences. One of the strategies Disney has employed to enhance guest satisfaction and manage crowd flow is the introduction of the Virtual Queue System. This innovative solution allows park-goers to secure access to some of the most popular attractions, minimizing wait times and maximizing the magic of their Disney experience.

Disney World is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each Disney park includes different attractions, parades, character meet and greets, and much more.

With Disney World being such a popular tourist location, guests from all over the world come to experience the wonder of Disney and this can cause line queues to be long and areas to become crowded. One of the ways that guests can “beat the line” is by purchasing Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane.

Guests can purchase Genie + to help lower their wait time by going through the Lightning Lane entry. Genie + prices are no longer at a fixed rate but can vary from day to day. This means that guests may not have a clear idea of how much they need to budget in order to have the opportunity to bypass the standby queue. While this may not be a concern for some rides, Walt Disney World Resort has introduced numerous new attractions recently, making Genie+, and Lightning Lane a valuable resource, especially for families with limited time to explore the park.

Lightning Lane allows guests to purchase a certain attraction for a certain time. Guests use Lighting Lane for attractions such as TRON LightCycle/Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind due to the amount of guests wanting to experience this attraction.

Disney World’s Virtual Queue System is a high-tech, time-saving tool that’s designed to minimize the time guests spend waiting in line for some of the most popular attractions and shows in the park. It’s a part of Disney’s ongoing effort to enhance the overall guest experience and reduce the stress associated with waiting in long queues.

So far, Disney’s newest attractions use the virtual queue system, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and TRON Lightcycle / Run, which allows guests to get a boarding pass number that tells them when it is their time to join the line. The virtual queue lines are to help the lines not get backed up and allow more guests to know when it is their turn.

cosmic rewind entrance (left), TRON lightcycle run attraction (right)

It has now been reported that TRON Lightcycle / Run will have massive changes soon. TRON Lightcycle/Run will soon discontinue its virtual queue system in early 2024. This change is part of the newly introduced ticketed events at Walt Disney World. Disney is reintroducing its After Hours event, available at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney Guests may get excited for the news of the Virtual Queue system for TRON Lightcycle/Run being phased out in the near future due to no longer hoping to get a boarding pass. However, for the time being, guests will still need to use the MyDisneyExperience app to secure their reservations or to purchase a Lighting Lane. Please keep in mind that this does not affect regular hours, in which TRON Lightcycle / Run will still operate with a virtual queue, at least for now.

These After Hour Events are available for purchase with a separate park ticket, which allows guests to come into the parks after it has closed to the public. These events are created for fewer guests to be inside the parks which allows guests to experience more attractions and less wait times.

The Disney After Hours event is scheduled between January 11 and April 8, 2024. Disney may add dates, and prices may change. Below are the event dates and prices:

Thursday, January 11 – $155 for all guests, with a discounted price of $125 for Passholders/DVC members
Monday, January 15 – $165 for all guests, with a discounted price of $135 for Passholders/DVC members.
Monday, January 22 – $165 for all guests, with a discounted price of $135 for Passholders/DVC members.
Thursday, February 1 – $165 for all guests, with a discounted price of $135 for Passholders/DVC members.
Monday, February 5 – $165 for all guests, with a discounted price of $135 for Passholders/DVC members.
Monday, February 12 – $175 for all guests, with a discounted price of $145 for Passholders/DVC members.
Thursday, February 29 – $175 for all guests, with a discounted price of $145 for Passholders/DVC members.
Monday, March 4 – $175 for all guests, with a discounted price of $145 for Passholders/DVC members.
Monday, March 18 – $175 for all guests, with a discounted price of $145 for Passholders/DVC members.
Monday, April 8 – $175 for all guests, with a discounted price of $145 for Passholders/DVC members.

Are you excited for the changes coming to TRON Lightcycle/Run?

Disney Skyliner to Close for Routine Maintenance in January

Posted on November 1, 2023November 1, 2023 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

To help our Guests prepare for their visits early next year, we’re sharing that Disney Skyliner will be closed for routine maintenance in January 2024. Please see more information below:

Jan. 16-21
- The line between Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be closed.
- The line between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closed.
Jan. 16-27
- The line between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort and International Gateway at EPCOT will be closed.

Bus transportation will be available at all Disney Skyliner Resorts throughout the planned closure so Guests can reach their desired destinations across Walt Disney World.