Less than a year after Disney first introduced Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane attractions, we’re seeing more changes unfold specifically for the upcharge service, Disney Genie+.
Just recently, Walt Disney World announced it is making changes at EPCOT to its current individual Lightning Lane and Disney Genie+ attraction set up. Beginning May 31, 2022, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will join EPCOT’s list of Disney Genie+ attractions. This means both Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be individual Lightning Lane attractions from May 27 to May 30. Starting May 31, however, Cosmic Rewind will be the only individual Lightning Lane at EPCOT as Remy’s rolls onto the Disney Genie+ ride options.
Now, we’re learning Disney is also changing how Guests purchase Disney Genie+, the upcharge service (similar to the former Fast Pass system) that allows Guests to select a few attractions a day to skip the standby line at the rate of $15 per person, per day.
Walt Disney World Resort has announced they are making an adjustment to how Disney Guests purchase the Disney Genie+ service by noting:
“Starting June 8, Disney Genie+ will only be offered for purchase through the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit – we will no longer offer the option to purchase this service pre-arrival as a ticket add-on for dates remaining in 2022 and in 2023.”
“This means that, moving forward, whether you have an Annual Pass, multi- or single-day ticket, you may only purchase Disney Genie+ service on the day of your visit via the app, one day at a time, subject to availability. We’re focused on delivering the best possible guest experience, and this adjustment will help manage the incredibly strong demand our guests have shown for Disney Genie+.”
Disney also reminded Guests of a recent change made to its Disney Genie+ policy that Guests shouldn’t expect to get more than 2 or 3 a day individual attraction selection choices when purchasing Disney Genie+. They go on to note, “We expect that, on average, guests who purchase Disney Genie+ service will continue to enter 2-3 attractions or experiences each day using the Lightning Lane entrance when the first selection is made early in the day.“
Keep in mind, that if you have already purchased a Disney Park ticket for Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom that includes Disney Genie+ service for dates later in 2022, Disney will still allow you to use the service during your visit. It is also noted that this Disney Genie service purchase change does not apply to Disneyland Resort, only to Walt Disney World Resort.
For all the grumbling in the atmosphere from Disney Parks fans who have had their fill with The Walt Disney Company‘s affinity for price hikes at each theme park, Guests sure are spending more while on their Disney vacations.
During The Walt Disney Company‘s Fiscal Year 2022 Quarter 2 earnings call on Wednesday, Disney CEO Bob Chapek and Disney CFO Christine McCarthy had lots to share about the good things happening inside the House of Mouse, including an increase in theme park operating income, better-than-expected Disney+ subscriber growth, and perhaps not quite as earth-shattering losses due to Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland being closed for part or all of the quarter.
“Our strong results in the second quarter, including fantastic performance at our domestic parks and continued growth of our streaming services, with 7.9 million Disney+ subscribers added in the quarter and total subscriptions across all our DTC offerings exceeding 205 million, once again proved that we are in a league of our own,” said CEO Bob Chapek during the call.
When it came to theme park operating income for The Walt Disney Company, Disney’s Parks, Product, and Experiences division reported impressive numbers–numbers that suggest that despite months of unrest over Disney’s newly-revamped (and newly re-priced) Annual Passholder programs at Disney World and Disneyland Resort, increases in food prices in the parks (and smaller portions reportedly being served), and in other prices, Disney Guests are still showing up and still spending cash.
A press release from The Walt Disney Company ahead of Wednesday’s earnings call said it all:
“Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Disney Parks, Experiences and Products revenues for the quarter increased to $6.7 billion compared to $3.2 billion in the prior-yearquarter. Segment operating results increased by $2.2 billion to an income of $1.8 billion compared to a loss of $0.4 billion in the prior-yearquarter. Higher operating results for the quarter reflected increases at our domestic parks and experiences businesses and, to a lesser extent, at our international parks and resorts and merchandise licensing businesses.”
And there was seemingly no attempt to cover the fact that Disney has indeed raised prices for many things across the board, leading to increased profits.
“Operating incomegrowth at our domestic parks and experiences was due to higher volumes and increased Guest spending, partially offset by higher costs. Higher volumes were due to increases in attendance, occupied room nights, and cruise ship sailings. Cruise ships operated at reduced capacities in the current quarter while sailings were suspended in the prior-yearquarter. Guest spending growth was due to an increase in average per capita ticket revenue, higher average daily hotel room rates, and an increase in food, beverage, and merchandise spending. The increase in average per capita ticket revenue was due to a favorable attendance mix and the introduction of Genie+ and Lightning Lane in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Higher costs were primarily due to volume growth, cost inflation, and higher marketing spending.”
It may be the last time the Disney executives can be so chipper on an earnings call for a while, thanks to even more upset about CEO Bob Chapek‘s recent statement about Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill, followed by the Company’s admitted determination to see the bill repealed. Many Disney Parks fans feel that Disney is attempting to “indoctrinate” children with some of its recent content, leading many to “boycott Disney,” even if only verbally.
However, the recent events involving Disney, DeSantis, and Reedy Creek didn’t transpire until the current quarter, meaning the bad news can be pushed aside for a little bit longer. The third-quarter earnings call might have a completely different tone to it.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a revolutionary two-night experience where your clients are the heroes. Now, travel advisors can get a look inside each of the different cabins. These videos are also great to share with clients who are looking to book this out-of-this-galaxy voyage.
Seven new cabin tour videos are now available to view on the Disney Travel Professionals YouTube channel. These video tours offer an inside look at each of the cabin types, from a Standard Cabin to the Grand Captain’s Suite.
Whether it’s the smooth harmonies of the Dapper Dans performing on Main Street, U.S.A., the action-packed thrills of “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” or a warm hug from Anna and Elsa, live entertainment is filling every corner of Walt Disney World Resort these days.
New shows and experiences that debuted at the start of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration continue to dazzle guests. These include two new nighttime spectaculars – “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park and “Harmonious” at EPCOT – and “Disney KiteTails,” which is performed multiple times throughout the day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. As “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” continues throughout 2022, welcoming back fan-favorite entertainment is one of the many ways Disney is continuing to add even more magic to the guest experience. Keep reading for an overview of new, returning and soon-to-debut entertainment.
‘Fantasmic!’ Set to Dazzle Audiences Again Later This Year
The iconic “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will make its much-anticipated return later in 2022 with a new show sequence featuring Disney characters – Mulan, Elsa, Aladdin, Pocahontas and Moana – in heroic moments, as well as new technical enhancements. Guests won’t want to miss this spectacle set on a canvas of water where the forces of good and evil battle it out in Mickey’s dream. The extravagant, open-air nighttime musical boasts more than 50 live performers, massive sets, stunning effects, rousing music and dazzling pyrotechnics.
Revisiting the Big Blue World
This summer, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” marking the freshly reimagined return of one of its most popular musical entertainment experiences. This fully updated, 25-minute stage show incorporates live performers and puppets, along with many favorite production numbers from the original “Finding Nemo: The Musical.” In addition to a new script, the show features new set pieces with a fresh look, and a new LED video wall designed to visually extend the world created by the physical sets on stage – such as a 32-foot-long sunken submarine and a 15-foot-tall fish tank volcano.
Frontier-Style Fun Family Feast
On June 23, 2022, a classic Walt Disney World dinner show, “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, returns to once again offer rousing performances. Since its opening in 1974, this popular family experience has continued to surprise and delight guests with singing, zany comedy and an unforgettable country feast of fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, savory sides, and, of course, strawberry shortcake!
Along with the much-anticipated return of the Pioneer Hall Players and cast members, the show will feature new updates to its script and scenery while staying true to the hilarious, high-spirited family entertainment adored by generations of guests. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged and will be available on DisneyWorld.com starting May 26.
What’s New and Next: Shows, Parades, and Cavalcades
At Magic Kingdom, three exciting experiences recently made their return or debut:
“Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” now winds its way through the park twice daily, offering guests double the chance to see enchanting floats like the fire-breathing Maleficent dragon.
“Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” features favorite scenes inspired by “Frozen,” “Tangled” and “The Princess and the Frog” – plus a new opening and finale with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy in their sparkling 50th Anniversary EARidescent fashions.
“Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade!” stars nearly 30 favorite Disney and Pixar friends such as Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” Miguel from “Coco,” plus Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, Pocahontas and more.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, “Festival of the Lion King” inspires guests with its larger-than-life musical production filled with pageantry and puppetry. And this summer, two popular performances are set to make their much-anticipated return to the show:
Tumble Monkeys, a group of high-flying primates, will soon resume their acrobatic hijinks.
The show’s iconic birds will once again soar above the stage.
Later this year, Magic Kingdom Park will welcome back Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Offered on select dates August through October, this special event haunts the park after normal operating hours (separate admission is required) with a lineup of frightfully fun entertainment:
“Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” showcases floats filled with villains, Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best, and the Haunted Mansion graveyard diggers.
“Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show stars the wicked Sanderson Sisters.
As part of the recent phased return of traditional character greetings across Walt Disney World, guests can now hug Mickey Mouse, share a laugh with Goofy, and get autographs from their favorite Disney princesses. Here are just a few of the available character greeting opportunities:
Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and Tiana at Magic Kingdom
Anna, Elsa, Mulan and Jasmine at EPCOT
Minnie Mouse, Sulley and Doc McStuffins at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Kevin from Disney and Pixar’s “Up!” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Pluto, Goofy and Donald Duck at various Disney Resort hotels
If you are looking forward to the return of Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we have some exciting news for you!
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Fantasmic! was cut from the line of shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, much like many of the other shows. Now, we have seen a ton of entertainment return such as Beauty and the Beast, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Disney Movie Magic, Wonderful World of Animation, and more. And, this is just some of the options available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — all the other Parks have even more options for Guests to enjoy!
Disney Parks Blog confirmed the changes coming to Fantasmic!, writing:
As Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, announced earlier today, “Fantasmic!” will also be returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2022. When this incredible spectacular reopens next year, it will incorporate an all-new sequence featuring live performers, stunts, special effects and more!
Though they did not confirm which films would be represented in the new sequences, after looking at the new poster, it seemed this new sequence would involve characters and scenes from Disney’s Moana (2016), Frozen (2013), and Aladdin (1992). Now, it seems Disney has confirmed some changes, noting:
The iconic “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will make its much-anticipated return later in 2022 with a new show sequence featuring Disney characters – Mulan, Elsa, Aladdin, Pocahontas and Moana – in heroic moments, as well as new technical enhancements. Guests won’t want to miss this spectacle set on a canvas of water where the forces of good and evil battle it out in Mickey’s dream. The extravagant, open-air nighttime musical boasts more than 50 live performers, massive sets, stunning effects, rousing music and dazzling pyrotechnics.
From this, we know that the return of the show is still in the works and there is not yet a certain date that has been announced for its return, but the show will certainly include Mulan, Elsa, Aladdin, Pocahontas and Moana, as well as new technical elements throughout which is very exciting.
Fantasmic! will return to Disneyland Park on May 28.
