Visiting Walt Disney World as a Resort Hotel Guest? Take note, as Disney has revealed, it is beginning to test its brand new “Hey Disney!” feature via the Alexa platform.
Walt Disney World Resort is promoting “A More Magical Stay Starts with “Hey Disney!” – its brand new high-technology offering that will feature an Alexa in Disney Resort Hotel rooms.
As shared below by @ScottGustin, Guests currently staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort have been informed “Hey Disney” testing has officially begun at the Deluxe Hotel:
Walt Disney World confirms "Hey Disney" is "beginning its rollout in limited rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort" before expanding to other hotels. pic.twitter.com/rLtsboN88T
Disney previously announced this new feature was on the way to its Resorts, but this is the first testing we have seen. Here’s one of the first announcements of the Amazon Echo device from September 2021:
With a simple “Hey Disney,” Guests can ask the in-room Alexa to set a wake-up call message with Mickey Mouse and friends, order more towels to arrive in their room, ask “Hey Disney” to tell jokes, Disney trivia, and stories, as well as experience interactive experiences with characters from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and the Muppets.
Furthermore, if you don’t have the My Disney Experience App pulled up at the moment on your phone, “Hey Disney” can easily answer Disney Park questions. Guests can ask the Alexa things such as, “Hey Disney, when is Disney’s Animal Kingdom closing today?” and “Hey Disney” will respond with the answer.
With “Hey Disney” featuring the Amazon Alexa platform, are you a Disney Resort Guest that wants to have Disney listening into your conversations… just awaiting the “Hey Disney” words?
The good news is while many Resort Guests will enjoy this addition, Disney has said this complimentary feature is also an OPTIONAL new Guest perk.
This may be the first time we’ve seen Disney testing “Hey Disney,” but when Walt Disney World Resort opened its newest Hotel experience, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, it too featured a test program similar to “Hey Disney” with advanced voice-assistance technology in driod form.
Check out all the details here about this latest in-room technology, “Hey Disney!,” coming soon to all Disney Resort Hotels.
You’ve dreamed, planned, and saved for the Walt Disney World Resort vacation of a lifetime. Whether you’re eagerly awaiting to share the experience with family and friends, excited to see your children beam with excitement, or are treating yourself to a solo trip… a Disney vacation is a magical getaway!
While we like to dream that every moment of a Disney trip is a perfect one, the truth is hiccups happen… and sweet, four-year-old Jack recently discovered this on his own.
But, what could have been a sad childhood memory has been turned into an incredible story supporting Jack and bringing together the Disney fandom in the greatest way.
Jack and his family arrived at Walt Disney World Resort on Monday, November 21, 2022, and set off to explore Disney Springs, where the family purchased a Mickey and Minnie Mouse balloon for Jack.
Not only is a balloon a perfect Disney gift for a child, but it is also useful. Jack’s mother, Laurie, notes, “We remember how these balloons helped us find our stroller in the sea of stroller parking, so we wanted to get the balloon early in on our trip.”
The next day, Tuesday, November 22, 2022, the family decided to ride the Resort Monorail to one of Disney’s most popular Resort Hotels, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
The Resort is an especially popular location this time of year as Guests arrive to see the stunning Christmas tree, holiday decorations, and Gingerbread house.
Jack’s family took pictures of the beautiful Resort lobby, all decked out for the holidays. As the family turned the corner to grab some delicious treats from the Gingerbread shop, Jack’s Mickey balloon escaped from its string.
Laurie recalls, “There was nothing I could do but stand there and watch Mickey float away, all the way to the top of the Grand Floridian!”
This moment is practically every child’s worst nightmare! We can likely all recall a moment of losing a balloon with that utterly helpless feeling as it floats away.
Laurie goes on to share, “The minute Jack noticed the string hanging from his stroller, he put two and two together and realized it was his Mickey balloon floating away. His little heart shattered, and he and I both stood there and shed some tears.”
But, what could have been a difficult moment for Jack was instead rescued by his brilliant mother!
When the balloon finally rested at the top of the Grand Floridian lobby and was looking down at Jack, Laurie notes, “I told him that his Mickey balloon wanted to escape and become a new “hidden” Mickey for other people to find!”
Laurie put Jack’s balloon story out on social media within Disney fan groups. She asked if anyone sees it to please use #JacksMickeyBalloon and let them know where they are visiting Disney from. She would be compiling a memory book for Jack.
Now, a full week later, #JacksMickeyBalloon is trending on social media! Disney fans are sharing images throughout Laurie’s post for Jack to see his balloon still surviving as a hidden Mickey.
Jack’s mom, Laurie, adds, “I never realized his balloon would become so famous and that people would want to go to the Grand Floridian to find #jacksmickeyballoon. The Facebook comments and posts of his balloon pictures have really become a highlight of our trip! His little face lights up every time I read him a new message!”
Disney fans understood the message, and Jack is receiving several notes from Guests visiting Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort lobby sharing photos of the balloon with Jack’s hashtag on social media.
As of November 28, 2022, the balloon remains up on the lobby ceiling. Laurie has shared, “I’m hoping that once Mickey comes down that we can receive the original balloon so I can frame it for him. We also plan on printing all the Facebook pictures and posts along with the comments and making him a memory book of #jacksmickeyballoon!”
And, no worries, Disney was exceptional about Jack losing his balloon. The family took the balloon string and weight to another balloon location, where Cast Members were happy to replace the balloon.
We’re pretty sure Winnie-the-Pooh (A.A. Milne) said it best, “Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon.” Thank you to Jack and his mom, Laurie, for sharing their sweet story and spreading cheer with a single Mickey balloon.
Walt Disney World Resort’s newest hotel has been met with mixed reviews. Even though Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser only just opened in the Spring of 2022, it seems like Disney has decided to start throwing out discounts to draw in Resort Guests.
With much of the Disney news circulating around the big announcement that The Walt Disney Company has removed CEO Bob Chapek and replaced him with Disney’s former CEO Bob Iger as of November 20, 2022, we can’t help but read into this newest Disney Resort discount as a good sign.
Walt Disney World has announced a 30% discount for Disney Vacation Club Members to experience the Star Wars voyage of a lifetime. Disney Vacation Club (DVC) sent the following message via email:
“AN ENTIRE GALAXY OF POSSIBILITIES: Step into your own epic Star Wars story and enjoy 30% off original Points Chart values on select 2-night Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser adventures! Eligible Disney Vacation Club® Members can book with Points or a combination of Points and cash. Terms Apply*.”
“Be a part of the most immersive Star Wars story ever created. From wielding a lightsaber to engaging in secret missions alongside new and familiar Characters – there’s something for everyone on this unforgettable journey. Check DisneyVacationClub.com for participating voyage dates and other important offer details.”
Is this a good sign that the new CEO, Mr. Iger, is already hard at work?
Disney CEO Bob Iger has his plate full as he has arrived into several missteps taken by the former CEO Bob Chapek. Iger has already sent out a heartfelt message to Cast Members, made it clear he is here to work his magic, and has already diagnosed Disney’s issue is that it was losing its “soul.”
Whether or not offering the first-ever discount on Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser was already in the works prior to Iger’s arrival, we think it was a decision that needed to be made.
Unfortunately, the newest Disney World Resort Hotel has been met with mixed reviews. The cruise-like itinerary and Star Wars storytelling experience is exceptional, but definitely has a target market audience for Star Wars fans and those willing to pay thousands of dollars for the experience.
Hopefully, this 30% discount for Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser will help fill the hotel, but only time will tell if Disney Vacation Club Members are interested and willing to spend the Disney vacation budget or DVC points on such an experience.
Interested in booking a stay as a DVC Member on the Starcruiser? Details about the 30% on select voyages in 2023 include:
“Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members can enjoy 30% off original Points Chart values on select 2-night voyages. This offer can be booked with Points or a combination of Points and cash. Terms Apply*. This offer applies to the following departures in the winter of 2023:”
January 11 – 13, 2023
January 17 – 19, 2023
January 19 – 21, 2023
January 21 – 23, 2023
January 25 – 27, 2023
January 31 – February 2, 2023
February 12 – 14, 2023
February 28 – March 2, 2023
March 2 – 4, 2023
Review important offer details:
Members must be eligible for Membership Extras to take advantage of this special offer. Limit one cabin per offer.
Points must be used to pay for at least one Member; a combination of Points or cash may be used to book additional Guests. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts, is not transferable or redeemable for cash, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.
Activities, entertainment and Characters are subject to change.
Reservation must be made prior to the last 4 months of your Use Year for stays during that Use Year.
Reservation is subject to Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Terms and Conditions—which can be found on the Booking Confirmation Email received after booking—and the Disney Vacation Club Cancellation Policy.
Offer is only available for standard cabins and not valid for suite accommodations.
Offer dates are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice.
*A nonrefundable $95 transaction fee applies per confirmed Disney Collection reservation. You will receive a call requesting payment within 72 hours of completing your booking. If payment is not received within 72 hours following this call, Disney Vacation Club reserves the right to cancel the reservation.
Check out all the details about this 30% discount and book on Disney’s website here.
This week, we shared a first look at the new Cake Bake Shop coming to Disney’s BoardWalk in 2023! This sweet addition is just one of the charming enhancements coming to Disney’s BoardWalk as the location continues to add new offerings, refreshed spaces and more.
We’ve seen things reopening, like restaurants, returning, like popular shows, and even some new stuff, like a new ride! We learned earlier this year that some MAJOR changes would be coming to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, like the new deli that has already opened, and a new look for the lobby. There is also a new restaurant on the way — The Cake Bake Shop! And, we just got a first look at some concept art.
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk in 2023, and it looks like it’s going to be located where the old ESPN Club was on the BoardWalk, and it’s getting a whole new look! Here’s what the design will look like on the outside, according to The Cake Bake Shop’s Instagram.
We don’t know much about the restaurant yet, except for what we can expect according to the other locations (but nothing is confirmed yet). We have an idea of what the menu could look like, and we’re sure to find out more as the opening draws closer. We DO know that the restaurant will be a table service spot and open sometime in 2023.
The holiday atmosphere here at Walt Disney World Resort is so warm and cozy (and not just because of the weather!), and Disney PhotoPass photographers love making guests’ photos even merrier with some holly-jolly props, Magic Shots, and more! Below, check out some of our favorite photo ops available this holiday season from Disney PhotoPass Service around Walt Disney World Resort, and note where photographers will be capturing each of them.
After dark in front of the Christmas trees at EPCOT, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs
On the bridge leading from Oasis to Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, on Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at all World Celebration locations at EPCOT, at theDisney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and at the following locations at Magic Kingdom Park: entrance, the Disney PhotoPass Studio inside Sir Mickey’s, and on Main Street, U.S.A.
At most locations at all four theme parks, the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and select resorts
In front of the Christmas tree at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, on Sunset Boulevard and Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, near the main entrance to World Showcase at EPCOT, and at the entrance and in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park
In front of the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, at select Hollywood Boulevard locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs, and starting November 25 when guests can meet Santa Claus at EPCOT
At all three Disney PhotoPass Studios, which are located at Disney Springs, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Magic Kingdom Park
In the Norway pavilion at EPCOT (starting November 25) and at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs
At all World Showcase locations at EPCOT starting November 25, and at Echo Lake and select Hollywood Boulevard locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
If guests want to deck their halls with all these photos, have them consider purchasing Memory Maker. With Memory Maker, guests can download all the Disney PhotoPass photos and videos from their vacation, including those taken onboard attractions – all for one price.*
*Disney PhotoPass Service and Memory Maker are subject to the applicableterms and policies. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for Memory Maker One Day or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). If Memory Maker is purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days of the date Memory Maker is purchased are not included and must be purchased separately. A MagicBand, or an eligible mobile device with Bluetooth technology enabled for the My Disney Experience app, is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to theexpiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations.
