Skip the Line for FREE at MCO Airport on Your Next Disney Vacation

For many Guests, the worst part of visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort is the crowds. Every year, millions of fans choose Disney as their vacation destination, and with that popularity comes long lines inside and outside of the Disney Resort. After waiting in long lines for the entirety of a vacation at Walt Disney World Resort, the last thing anyone would want to do is wait in long lines at airport security on the way home.

MCO, the Orlando Airport, has gained an unfortunate reputation for having extremely long lines for security. Some people have reported waiting hours in line for security.

Luckily, a new hack is going to change that forever.

MCO Terminal C

MCO Reports Busiest Day Ever

It is no secret that Disney tourism is back and better than ever. Guests are flooding into Walt Disney World Resort, and we are seeing tourism numbers meet and exceed the pre-pandemic numbers. Some people might be surprised to know that Orlando International Airport actually had its busiest day in history on March 11, 2023.

With all these new travelers, the TSA line within MCO airport has gotten longer than ever. Many families travel to Walt Disney World Resort with their young children and large families, and a TSA line after an exhausting theme Park vacation can be a nightmare for parents.

Mco reopening

Fortunately, Disney travelers can now save time with the MCO TSA Reserve program at the Orlando International Airport. This program has become an essential tool for anyone planning a magical Disney vacation.

Orlando International Airport is the closest airport to the Walt Disney World Resort. As one of the busiest airports in Florida, Orlando International can be overwhelming for travelers. The MCO TSA Reserve program brings some much-needed relief for Disney travelers by providing a reservation lane at security checkpoints. This means travelers won’t have to wait in the same long lines as the rest of the airport visitors.

@not_that_jonathan

This is the best tip I heard about flying to Disney and I am so thankful for it. Google MCO Reserve and it’ll take you right to where you need to go. #disney #disneyworld #magickingdom #hollywoodstudios #epcot #flyingtodisneyworld #mco #mcoreserve

♬ original sound – Jonathan

Reservations are completely free and can be made online prior to your trip. The service is not available to those with TSA Pre-Check. They can be made for flights from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.

New Adventures to Colombia Await from Adventures by Disney!

Adventures by Disney has unveiled an exciting lineup of new destinations for 2024, including Colombia, Eastern Canada’s Maritime Provinces, and an enhanced New Zealand itinerary brimming with action and adventure.

Of particular note is the inclusion of Colombia, whose vibrant culture and stunning landscapes inspired the Oscar-winning Disney film “Encanto.” In keeping with the movie’s theme, Disney’s travel experts have curated a one-of-a-kind journey that promises to bring the film to life and offer families an unforgettable set-jetting experience.

Bookings for the 2024 Land Adventures will open to the public on Friday, May 12th. Early access is available for previous Adventures by Disney guests who have traveled on three or more adventures May 9th. On May 10th, all previous Adventures by Disney guests will have the chance to book, while Disney Vacation Club Members, Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Members, and Golden Oak Members can book starting May 11th.

Take advantage of the chance to embark on these incredible adventures!

Save on Select 2024 & 2025 Land Adventures

Plan now, book early and save up to $500 per person on select 2024 & 2025 Adventures by Disney Land Adventure departures.

Offer must be booked by August 5, 2023 for travel on select departures from March 6, 2024 through March 31, 2025. Availability is limited.

Book Early and Save on Select 2024 & 2025 Land Adventures

Save $400 per person on select North America & Central America departures.

Book Early and Save on Select 2024 & 2025 Land Adventures

Save $400 per person on select North America & Central America departures.

NORTH AMERICA

Alaska
Arizona & Utah
Canadian Rockies
Disneyland Resort & Southern California
Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island
Wyoming

CENTRAL AMERICA

Costa Rica

Offer must be booked by August 5, 2023 for travel on select 2024 & 2025 departures from March 6, 2024 through March 31, 2025. Availability is limited.

Save on Select International Adventures by Disney Land Adventure Departures

Save $500 per person on select Adventures by Disney International Land Adventure Departures.

AFRICA

Egypt
Morocco
South Africa

ASIA PACIFIC

Australia
China
Japan
New Zealand
Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia

SOUTH AMERICA

Colombia
Peru

EUROPE

British Isles
England & France
Germany
Grand Europe: England, France & Italy
Greece
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Italy & Amalfi Coast
Italy & Switzerland
Norway
Poland, Czech Republic & Austria
Portugal
Scotland
Sicily

Disney Cruise Line Debuts New Experiences

From the magical mountains of Colombia to the bustling streets of New York City, the colorful worlds of two fan-favorite Disney films – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” and Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” – have come to life for the first time on the high seas with the debut of new family-friendly experiences aboard the Disney Magic. In addition to “Encanto”-themed entertainment and a “Soul”-inspired lounge, the ship’s concierge accommodations were enhanced with new theming and spacious refurbishments during a three-week dry dock project in Freeport, The Bahamas.

“An Encanto Celebration” Brings the Family Madrigal to the High Seas for the First Time

Guests can join the fantastical family Madrigal during an all-new immersive experience, “An Encanto Celebration,” designed to engage families through music, crafts and storytelling. The interactive experience gives guests an opportunity to meet and take photos with Mirabel and the family member we don’t talk about, Bruno, during their Disney Cruise Line debut. Families can also join a spirited sing-along of beloved “Encanto” songs and create butterfly and flower crafts inspired by the film. During the show, guests can experience a true taste of South America thanks to a selection of local Colombian beers, cocktails and sodas along with film-inspired mocktails.

New Soul Cat Lounge Hits the Right Note for Evening Entertainment

The heartfelt story of “Soul” was the inspiration for the brand-new Soul Cat Lounge designed to look like Joe Gardner’s favorite music spot from the film, the Half Note Lounge. The space, located on deck three near Rapunzel’s Royal Table restaurant, instantly transports guests to a classic New York jazz club appointed with decorative details like brick walls, wood accents and plenty of rich leather seating around a stage set for live music, so guests can grab their partner and head to the dance floor for a swinging good time each evening.

The Soul Cat Lounge is adorned with custom artwork from Pixar featuring nods to the film including record labels, concert posters and portraits of jazz legend Dorothea Williams and her bandmates. Thoughtful “Soul”-inspired details are subtly layered throughout the design including record players, instruments and Joe’s hat.

Adults can enhance their big city experience with table-side Manhattans and martinis or choose from a selection of native brews and cocktails made with New York spirits. A fun collection of mocktails, specialty coffees and sodas are also on the menu. In addition to new drink options, guests can take a bite of Little Italy with an order of zeppoles, the classic Italian pastry similar to a fried doughnut, while enjoying the live music.

Redesigned Concierge Retreats Provide an Elevated Experience

For guests seeking the ultimate comfort and service at sea, the concierge spaces aboard the Disney Magic have been elevated and enhanced. The concierge lounge was reimagined and expanded to feature a sophisticated new theme and tropical color palate inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” and an additional outdoor covered seating area on deck 10 where guests can relax with a refreshing beverage while enjoying the ocean breeze. All concierge suites, including one- and two-bedroom accommodations and the two signature royal suites, have been completely refurbished with fresh fixtures, furniture and elegant artwork, further elevating the premium experience for concierge guests.

Shore power technology was also installed as part of the ship’s dry dock project, continuing Disney Cruise Line’s longtime dedication to minimizing its impact on the environment. When available at the port, this will allow the Disney Magic to “plug in” to the port’s electrical grid, reducing the ship’s emissions.

Dwayne Johnson Axed From Disney Franchise Amid $3 Billion Lawsuit

Actor Dwayne Johnson is out of a popular Disney franchise, recent reports indicate.

Dwayne The Rock Johnson has become one of the most recognizable figures in all of Hollywood. He has starred in countless blockbusters, including Disney’s Jungle Cruise (2021), the Fast & Furious franchise, Jumanji (2017), San Andreas (2015), Gridiron Gang (2006), and The Scorpion King (2002).

Recently, The Rock was pegged to return to his role as Maui in a live-action adaptation of the movie Moana (2016), in which he’d star alongside the original voice of the Disney princess, Auli’i Cravalho. The announcement of the movie was met with mixed reviews, as many fans said they were tired of live-action remakes and that Disney had “become lazy” in its quest for storytelling, relying on remakes of its same films instead of coming up with new ones. Nevertheless, Dwayne Johnson made the announcement alongside The Walt Disney Company CEO, Bob Iger, during the company’s annual shareholder’s meeting last month.

However, things have not necessarily been going Johnson’s way as of late.

Dwayne Johnson starred in the Warner Bros. DC Universe film Black Adam (2022) last fall. The movie, which was hyped for months, was a colossal failure at the box office, and as James Gunn moved into the role as the new headman of DC Universe, The Rock’s big sequel was subsequently canceled.

If that weren’t enough, Dwayne Johnson was named a defendant in a $3 billion lawsuit alleging kidnapping that just moved forward in the judicial system. The Rock, alongside many other defendants, is being sued by Trenesha Biggers, also known as Rhaka Khan, during her former TNA and WWE days, alleging that she and her kids were kidnapped.

With all of this surrounding Dwayne Johnson, a new report has now indicated that the actor will not be joining the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise after all. Essentially Sports reports that Johnson will not replace Johnny Depp in the next installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Though this has yet to be confirmed by Disney or Dwayne Johnson, it would make sense, and neither party has indicated if this is a result of the lawsuit.

Of course, this brings many fans to wonder: Is Johnny Depp set to return to Disney after all?

Johnny Depp as a confused Jack Sparrow in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise

While nothing has been confirmed, there still seems to be not much enthusiasm about Johnny Depp and Disney reuniting. It’s not to say that the two parties couldn’t put aside their differences to make another installment of the franchise, but unfortunately, it seems that they are at a wide impasse– at least for the time being– and might be quite a while before Johnny Depp is welcomed back to Hollywood.

Other defendants in the Dwayne Johnson lawsuit include The State of Texas, The El Paso Child Protective Services, The Las Cruces, New Mexico Police Department, The NYPD, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, New York ACS, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Shirley Police Department, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Suffolk County NY, Bank of America, Home Depot, and even the FBI.

Most likely, this is not a result of the lawsuit and more a byproduct of Dwayne Johnson already starring in many other Disney projects already. With Johnson still set to star in the live-action Moana and Disney likely calling his number again for a Jungle Cruise sequel— if that movie is ever made– it would make sense not to utilize the actor in another movie, especially with a role that will be so volatile and could result in major fan backlash.

As far as wrestling is concerned, Johnson has been rumored to make a return to the ring, much like John Cena. He has teased a potential match against his cousin– and also WWE Champion– Roman Reigns. For now, however, we’ll have to wait and see what might happen with the celebrity.

Disney Wish Passengers Stranded On Board

The newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet, Disney Wish, is having a rough time. Its current voyage has been anything but smooth sailing as the ship encountered multiple problems. The issues began right away and did not get better as the journey went on. Reports state that this has been par for the course as Disney Wish seems to be encountering problems regularly.

To begin with, there were issues with embarkation. Computer issues delayed boarding,  which, if you’ve ever cruised before you know that embarkation days are not the way anyone wants to begin their cruise. Boarding the ship is stressful enough without a backlog of people to wade through. There are reports that this same issue with computers preventing timely boarding occurred last Friday as well during a 3-night sailing.

Once everyone was on board, the shop was full steam ahead to Nassau…until it wasn’t. An undisclosed “technical issue” caused Wish to be delayed by several hours. No one knows what the issue was but passengers report that thrusters had to be used to keep the ship on course. Usually, the engine is enough to keep the ship headed in the right direction, thrusters only ever get used for setting sail and docking typically which suggests that Disney Wish is having engine problems.

Nevertheless, the ship was finally able to dock and guests on board were able to depart and enjoy a day in the Bahamas capital city! As far as the guests knew, all was going according to plan. Onboard though, the crew was living a much different reality. Crew members and mechanics were seen scurrying around the ship, presumably attempting to fix the technical issue that caused the delay.

When passengers arrived back on board, however, they were told that they were essentially stuck. The issues facing the ship had not been fixed and the ship would not be departing. Since there was no way to know when the ship would be able to leave, guests were not able to leave the ship.  The ship remained docked overnight on Saturday rather than heading to Castaway Cay.

The ship was able to set sail finally at 11:00 am on Sunday but due to inclement weather, the planned Castaway Cay stop had to be canceled. Due to the very unorthodox sailing guests were compensated and the canceled fireworks were rescheduled.

We will keep a close eye on Disney Wish and watch to see if the issues facing the ship resolve. Disney Cruise Line is currently one of the most expensive companies to cruise with so we want our readers to be well informed of any potential pitfalls to expect before they hit the high seas with Mickey and Friends.