Disney Genie+ is complicated. Many have complained that it is too complicated. In recent months, Disney has promised that they hear those complaints and are working to simplify the process. Over the past few months, changes have trickled out to make the experience easier. Today they issued an update that makes it MUCH easier.
Disney Genie+ is a paid service offered by Disney theme parks that allows visitors to access shorter wait times for popular attractions. With Genie+, guests can use the app to book reservations for a selection of rides and shows. This service replaced FastPass in 2021 and has been the source of many complaints due to it being overcomplicated.
Simply finding rides to book has proven difficult for many guests. In the past, the app’s tips board listed Lightning Lane rides alongside non-Lightning Lane rides. This made booking a Lightning Lane reservation difficult because you’d have to wade through everything to find the ride you wanted. Since there are a limited amount of Lightning Lane reservations available, this costs valuable time.
Disney has now fixed this issue with a small but meaningful change. As of today, August 21, 2023, guests can now sort the list to show Lightning Lane attractions only. This filter will be helpful when planning your day and making your Lightning Lane selections. It’s a minor change that will have a big impact.
Guests on X (formerly Twitter) have praised the change but hope for more. Currently, you’re only allowed to select a Lightning Lane for a specific attraction once per day. Because of this, fans hope the app will hide attractions that have already been chosen in the future so that only eligible (to you) attractions are visible.
Hopefully, this change will come soon. As always, stay tuned right here, where we will keep a close eye on the developments.
Beep beep! This September, parking trams will return to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With this update, trams will once again be available at all Walt Disney World theme parks.
Florida residents and Guests at Disney World are being warned about a serious threat to anyone visiting the Resort’s four theme parks this week.
More than 22 million people call the state of Florida home, making the Sunshine State the second-most populated state in the Union, surpassed only by the state of Texas with more than 29 million residents, and followed by New York, which boasts more than 19 million residents. More than 8 million Floridians make their homes in Central Florida, which includes the counties of Orange and Osceola, where the Walt Disney World Resort is located.
In 2022, Florida welcomed more than 137 million visitors–a record for the state. And in the first three months of 2023, Florida hosted 37.9 million visitors–another record for the state, which boasts a nearly $102 billion tourism industry, thanks in part to the many theme park resorts and other tourist destinations located in the area.
But while the Sunshine State is at the top of the list when it comes to popular family vacation destinations in the United States, the state is not without its dangers–both natural and manmade. You don’t have to live in Florida to know that the state is home to several species of snakes–some that are venomous, like coral snakes, rattlesnakes, and water moccasins. And the countless bodies of water found throughout Florida often double as hangouts for crocodiles. Though they are rare, crocodile attacks on humans have happened in Florida–the most notable incident in recent years having taken place near the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Because Florida is a coastal state, it is often in the direct path of dangerous hurricanes–some of which have caused billions of dollars in damage, as well as loss of lives over the years. But an even more frequently occurring threat lurks within the state of Florida–one without the bells, whistles, and news coverage of an Atlantic hurricane, one that attacks its victims quickly and nearly silently, and one that some people–residents and tourists alike–don’t seem to take seriously.
Because Florida is a peninsula, bound by water on three sides–the Gulf of Mexico to the west, the Straits of Florida to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east–moisture plays a big role in Florida’s climate and weather patterns. July and August are the warmest months in Florida, with average temperatures hovering at 90 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. And though those temperatures aren’t like the triple-digit heat experienced by residents of other states like Texas and Arizona, the humidity in Florida wreaks havoc on unsuspecting visitors–especially on Guests at the Central Florida Disney Parks, where enjoying all the Resort has to offer requires being outdoors for a significant amount of time.
Though temperatures at Disney World during the Florida summers can exceed 90 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, the heat index, or “real feel” temperatures, can be much higher. In late July 2023, Disney World Guests experienced very warm temperatures and even warmer heat index values–values that often reached and sometimes exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit. And the excitement, the busyness, and thoughts of how much is being spent on a Disney vacation can often cloud Guests’ memory about the dire need to stay hydrated throughout the day.
But August looks to take the crown from July when it comes to high heat index values in Central Florida. Central Florida meteorologist Brian Shields tweeted about the “serious heat” forecast for the week of August 7, 2023, calling it the “hottest week of the year” and cautioning those in the area to use caution.
Hottest week of the year — please use caution. This is serious heat, even by Florida standards🔥 pic.twitter.com/DO8UsN3ht1
The warning is just the latest in a string of warnings and advisories this summer in Central Florida, as large swaths of the southern United States have been in a seemingly endless heat wave since early June 2023.
This week’s forecast includes daily high temperatures as high as 97 degrees Fahrenheit and heat index values as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Floridians and visitors to the state have already seen heat index values of nearly 100 degrees after midnight, as reported by LocalConditions.com. During the day, as heat from the sun beats down on Florida, those values will increase dramatically, putting visitors at the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and other vacation destinations at greater risk for heat exposure, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
A Heat Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida, for Central Florida for the early part of the week, and more advisories are expected.
The National Weather Service urges those in the affected area to take the risks of heat-related illnesses seriously and suggests the following:
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.
It might feel a little early to think about the holidays – but if a Disney World party is a part of your plans, now’s the time to start.
At Disney World, the holidays are a serious business. From the moment the clock strikes November 1, it’s out with the pumpkins and orange decor and in with the Christmas trees, lights, and festive snacks.
While Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom all celebrate Christmas to some degree, this year, it’s the first two Parks going big for the holidays. As is tradition, Magic Kingdom will host Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – an after-hours, ticketed event in which Guests can enjoy the likes of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show, seasonal dance parties, and, of course, free hot cocoa and Christmas cookies.
Over at Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World is introducing a new holiday celebration: Disney Jollywood Nights. While not all the entertainment has been confirmed yet, the party will include an all-new stage show (including The Muppets!) and the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular.
Both holiday parties will kick off in mid-November, running until the middle of December for Jollywood Nights and the end of December for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party start at $159 for adults and $149 for Guests aged three to nine, going up to $199 and $189.
Meanwhile, tickets for Disney Jollywood Nights are priced the same for both adults and young Guests, ranging from $159 to $179.
Tickets are now available to purchase for both Jollywood Nights and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on the Walt Disney World Resort website – thankfully, free of the bugs that plagued the sale of Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash last week…
Parties can (and do!) sell out, so we recommend booking your Disney World holidays plans ASAP to avoid disappointment.
July is almost here, with it lots of unique and limited-time treats at Disney Parks that celebrate Independence Day! Some of these items are available the entire month of July, and some just for a few days, so take a look below to see what you can enjoy at Disney Parks in July!
From a Disney Cast Member;
Get ready to get patriotic! Fourth of July is just around the corner and here at Disney Parks, the culinary teams have been bursting with delicious ideas to fill your stomach. From Walt Disney World Resort to Disneyland Resort, there are plenty of tasty ways to celebrate Independence Day this year.
If you’re looking for sweet or savory selections to satisfy your taste buds, you’ll be happy to indulge in new items like the Fourth of July Shake from Sunshine Seasons and the Red, White & Blue Sundae from Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream. There’s also a variety of returning favorites to get a taste of, including the Lemon Mousse Cake at Roaring Fork. I think it’s time we light up your appetite with the full list of can’t-miss items coming to Disney Parks this Fourth of July. Let’s get to the Foodie Guide!
Walt Disney World Resort
EPCOT
Connections Cafe (Available July 4 only)
Fourth of July Liege Waffle: Brioche dough with pearl sugar
Fife & Drum (Currently available)
The American Dream: Frozen Fanta Wild Cherry, vanilla ice cream, and Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry slushy
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Currently available; mobile order available)
Celebrate the regions of American backyard barbecue with classic dishes (Some plant-based items available on the menu)
Sunshine Seasons (Available July 1 through 31)
Fourth of July Shake: Red velvet shake with whipped cream and red velvet cake pieces
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Backlot Express (Available July 1 through 31)
Mickey Apple Pie Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with an apple pie filling, topped with a salted caramel buttercream, cinnamon streusel, and garnished with rainbow silver sparkle and red, white, and blue Mickey Ears
Woody’s Lunchbox (Available July 1 through 31)
4th of July Lunch Box Tart: Cherry pie filling, vanilla fondant, and star sprinkles
Disney Resort Hotels
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Intermission Food Court, World Premiere Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available through August 31; mobile order available)
Sweet Summertime Favorites: Hot dog éclair with chocolate buttercream, iced sugar cookie ‘fries’, and raspberry dipping sauce
Disney’s BoardWalk
BoardWalk Deli and Carousel Coffee (Available June 27 through July 4)
Independence Day Cupcake: Cinnamon cupcake, apple pie filling, and vanilla mascarpone cream
Freedom Cheesecake: Red velvet brownie base, vanilla cheesecake, sweet cream, crisp pearls, and white chocolate garnish
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Contempo Café (Available July 1 through 8; mobile order available) Fourth of July Fruit Tart: Blackberry custard topped with fresh berries and a vanilla panna cotta popsicle
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill (Available July 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Star-spangled Brownie Bar: Graham cracker crust and chocolate chip fudgy brownie topped with a brown butter caramel mousse, popping candy, and chocolate décor
Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available June 27 through July 4; mobile order available at The Artist’s Palette only)
Fourth of July Layer Cake: Layers of red velvet cake with white and blue buttercream filled with a patriotic sprinkle surprise
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory, Riverside Mill Food Court (Available July 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Star-spangled Brownie Bar: Graham cracker crust and chocolate chip fudgy brownie topped with a brown butter caramel mousse, popping candy, and chocolate décor
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Bar Riva (Available June 30 through July 14)
Patriotic Wave: The Mediterranean Wave with the addition of blue curaçao and hibiscus to celebrate both Independence Day and Bastille Day
Le Petit Café (Available June 27 through July 4)
Patriotic Top Hat: Vanilla bean cheesecake with morello cherries on a Riviera brownie (New)
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Roaring Fork (Available June 27 through July 4; mobile order available)
Lemon Mousse Cake: Lemon cake and white chocolate lemon mousse with a blueberry compote center and chocolate star décor
Available at Various Disney Resort Hotels (Available June 30 through July 9)
Red, White, and Blue Colada: Bacardi Raspberry Rum blended with flavors of coconut, pineapple, and raspberry purée topped with a float of Bols Blue Curaçao
Red, White, and Blue Gin and Tonic: Empress 1908 Gin, tonic water, and cranberry and pomegranate juices (New)
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Available July 1 through 4; mobile order available)
Fourth of July Donut: Cotton candy icing donut filled with strawberry compote, red, white, and blue whipped topping and sprinkles (New)
Plaza Inn (Available July 4 only)
Fourth of July Dining Package: Slow roasted BBQ pork, fried chicken thigh, smoked sausage, watermelon wedge, small corn on the cob, broccoli salad, sharp cheddar mac & cheese, bread roll, specialty dessert, and specialty beverage (New) (Reservations strongly encouraged) (Kids version available)
Disney California Adventure Park
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Available June 30 through July 5; mobile order available)
Red, White & Blue Sundae: Strawberry and blueberry sorbets topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, and sprinkles in a waffle bowl (New)
Disneyland Hotel
The Coffee House (Available June 30 through July 9; mobile order available) Red, White, and Blue Cupcake (New)
Downtown Disney District
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (Available June 30 through July 4)
Red, White, and Blue CakeShake: Vanilla shake featuring a vanilla frosted rim with red, white, and blue sprinkles topped with red, white, and blue cake, whipped cream, more sprinkles, and a cherry
Blue Ribbon Corn Dog (Available July 4 only)
Fourth of July Mozzarella Dog: Red, white, and blue mozzarella cheese, dipped in batter, rolled in panko crumbs, fried, rolled in sugar, and served with a side of sriracha dipping sauce (New)
Available at Various Locations at Disneyland Resort including Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, Pooh Corner, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, and Marceline’s Confectionery (Available June 30 through July 4)
Fourth of July Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears, enrobed in blue-colored white chocolate and red-colored white chocolate, striped with white chocolate, and sprinkled with sugar stars
Fourth of July Marshmallow Wand: Marshmallows dipped in caramel, enrobed in blue, white chocolate and red, white chocolate, striped with white chocolate, and sprinkled with sugar stars
Fourth of July Cereal Treat: Mickey-shaped cereal treat enrobed in blue, white chocolate and red, white chocolate, striped with white chocolate, and sprinkled with sugar stars
Fourth of July Cake Pop
No matter the time of year, there are endless possibilities for foodie fun at Disney Parks.
I hope you have a lovely (and tasty) Fourth of July!
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
