The Disney Dining Plan is coming back and Disney has released more information about what’s included! Ever since the announcement that Dining Plans would return, fans have wondered if there would be significant changes. This update clears all of that up.
Thankfully, not much has changed. It will still be the same dining plan we all know and love. There are a couple of significant differences, however, that may not sit well with some guests. Overall though, we think guests are going to be very happy with the new Disney Dining Plan.
Both the Quick Service Dining Plan and Regular Dining Plan loose a snack credit when Plans return. Instead of two snacks (or non-alcoholic beverages) per day, guests now will only get one. Guests will need to choose between a drink or a snack for their snack credit (pro-tip: go for the snack. It’s almost always a better bang for your buck).
This change will likely leave fans divided. Many will grumble at loosing the snack credit. I get it, I’d often use one for a drink and one for a snack throughout the day. Others will be OK with the change because “too much food” is a common complaint with the Dining Plan.
Credit entitlements are also changing for some character meals. Cinderella’s Royal Table has always required two table service credits. When last we saw the Disney Dining Plan it was the only character meal that used more than one credit. Now, however, Akershus and Storybook Dining join the list of two-credit-meals. Essentially, if you want to see the Princesses, you’ll need to use two credits.
That change was expected. All three character meals are premium experiences. While we never want to see things cost more, we are honestly a bit surprised the change didn’t happen before now. If using two credits is a no go for you, you’ve still got options. Other character dining remains unchanged at one credit per person.
Pricing has not yet been announced but stay tuned. We expect the prices to be released tomorrow. It would probably be wise to expect a 10-12% increase from the Dining Plan’s 2020 cost (which would put it in the ballpark of an estimated $86/adult for the RegularDining Plan and roughly $60/adult for the Quick Service Plan). As soon as we know the actual pricing, you’ll know.
Late on the night of May 20th, dermatologist Roxanna Daneshjou, took to Twitter to fight for a dying child’s last wish. According to her original tweet, Daneshjou asks Twitter to work its magic in connecting her pediatric oncologist friend with Disney.
Apparently, a pediatric patient has been “fighting cancer for years and is at the end of their battle.” The child’s last wish is to see the Disney+ Star Wars series Ashoka, which has yet to premiere on the streaming platform. Daneshjou tagged actor Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker of the original Star Wars franchise, and Rosario Dawson, the star of the upcoming Ashoka series.
Twitter was quick to reply and get the hive mind thinking. Many immediately suggested that the oncologist reach out to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which is known for granting children with critical illnesses their wishes, and has an extensive history of making Disney-related dreams come true.
Daneshjou mentioned that the child has been fighting cancer for the past ten years and was lucky enough to already have a wish granted by the Make-A-Wish foundation. She noted, however, that sometimes Make-A-Wish will grant another wish in situations like these, where the end of life is imminent.
Twitter, please do your thing. A pediatric oncologist has asked for help connecting with Disney. A pediatric patient who has been fighting cancer for years and is at the end of their battle. Their one wish is to see the new Ahsoka series. @MarkHamill@rosariodawson
Daneshjou shared that the attending oncologist is trying to get the pediatric patient an advanced screening, as the child will not make it to the August release date. The social media outpouring was wholesome. People immediately reached out to their Disney and Lucasfilm contacts, and others offered suggestions and ideas for a GoFundMe page that might help.
One user on the thread even offered hope that Danesdhjou’s search efforts would be fruitful. Apparently, having gone through a similar situation, one doctor shared that they were able to reach out to Disney and get a DVD copy of Toy Story 4 (2019) before it was released in theaters. A Disney rep drove to the hospital to hand-deliver the DVD!
Slightly similar situation a few years ago. Our marketing department contacted Disney and a rep drove up to our hospital with a DVD version of Toy Story 4 (pre release) for my patient to watch.— Faisal Razzaqi ☮️ (@TheDrRazz) May 21, 2023
Luckily, a lead animator at Lucasfilm, Shawn Kelly saw the thread and reached out. Daneshjou updated everyone two days after her original post that Kelly had helped connect her with someone higher up at Lucasfilm. They were hoping for the best.
Roxana Daneshjou’s Twitter has yet to offer a resolution or answer if the child was able to get an advanced screening or not. We hope for another update soon, or at least that the child’s wish may have already been granted.
Walt Disney World Resort is known for its magical experiences, family-friendly attractions, and impeccable attention to detail. Every year, millions of Guests leave the Parks feeling happy and grateful. However, even the most magical place on earth is not immune to rude Guest behavior. Despite Disney’s effort to maintain a positive atmosphere, there are numerous instances every year where Guests’ actions can spoil the magic.
Bad Guest behavior can mean a variety of different things. It basically encompasses any action that negatively affects the enjoyment of a Disney Park or Resort for other Guests and the Cast Members who work there. This includes but is not limited to disrespectful interactions with Cast Members, failing to follow directions or safety rules on rides, cutting lines, littering, and public displays of aggression or vulgarity. Aggression was certainly on display this Memorial Day weekend when a smackdown between a Character Performer and a Guest turned heads.
Guests visiting Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort on Saturday, May 27, were in for a shocking visual display. A shocking disturbance between a Guest and a Character performer occurred after the Guest displayed some rude behavior. A witness of the event described what went down, saying;
“Kylo Ren smacked phone out of obnoxious lady’s hand
I was at Hollywood studios on Saturday and saw the most annoying lady run up to kylo pushing his storm trooper escort out of the way and get in his face demanding a picture with her kids. He smacked her phone on the ground and kept walking, it was worth the price of admission. Wish I had it on video. The disrespect people have for the cast members makes me so mad.”
Fans are overwhelmingly siding with the Cast Member in this situation. The behavior of the Guest seemed incredibly distasteful, and it is understandable that that would be very frustrating. Many Guests seem to forget that Cast Members are people with feelings and emotions like everyone else and treating them as objects is unacceptable.
As of now, no updates or statements from the Walt Disney Company have been provided on the situation. Fans are hoping that no repercussions come for the Cast Member involved.
The cost of a trip to Disney World has undoubtedly increased, especially in recent years. But one family who visited the Central Florida parks was dealt a devastating blow as their week-long Disney vacation ultimately cost them more than $316,000.
For individuals and families who love all things Disney, there’s no better vacation destination than the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. The Resort offers Guests magical experiences, exciting attractions, and heart-pounding rides at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are also two exciting themed water parks–Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon–teeming with thrilling water rides and attractions that make for a fun day outside of the theme parks (and a really magical way to stay cool on those warm days in the Sunshine State).
In addition to the four theme parks and two water parks at Disney World, there are also more than two dozen Disney Resort Hotels, and each one of them is–you guessed it–uniquely themed as well. There’s something magical for everyone to enjoy on a Disney trip, and because it all takes place as Guests are immersed in the wonder and magic of Disney, the opportunities to make long-lasting vacation memories are literally endless.
But while a visit to Disney World is definitely the most magical vacation on the market, it’s by no means the least expensive option when it comes to vacation destinations. Depending on where Guests live, they will incur varying transportation costs, which may or may not include a rental car, as well as the cost of park tickets for each member of the traveling party, meals for everyone during the trip, accommodations, and of course, the almighty, can’t-leave-without-them souvenirs and theme park merchandise. (Yeah, we all say we’re sticking to our budget on that last one, but who are we kidding?)
Recently, Disney trips have gotten noticeably more expensive as prices for theme park tickets, annual passes, merchandise, hotel accommodations, and food have all increased. Call it inflation, call it Disney, call it Disney greed–the fact remains that there aren’t many price breaks when it comes to a Disney vacation. And for one family who visited the Walt Disney World Resort, their trip was not only pricey but continued to cost them more and more as the days went by–long after they’d returned home.
When British father Jon Platt made the decision to take a week-long Disney World vacation along with his immediate family and several of his extended family members, he couldn’t have possibly known what he would face once he and his family returned home to the United Kingdom. Because there were 17 family members going, scheduling the trip proved to be a difficult undertaking. When all was said and done, there was only one week in April of that year that would work with everyone’s busy calendars, despite the fact that school was still in session.
Platt’s daughter was only six years old when it was time for the family’s magical getaway, and while it’s not uncommon for families to take their children to the parks at Disney World during the school year, the decision means missed instruction time at school, as well as absences for the student. But British truancy laws are harsh, and school attendance is mandatory. Failure to comply with truancy laws can result in penalties for the involved parents.
Platt and his family had an unforgettable Disney vacation, experiencing all the magic and wonder of the Most Magical Place on Earth, but as with every Disney trip, the last day finally arrived, and the family reluctantly headed to Orlando International Airport to begin the long flight back to the U.K., their minds still brimming with all of their newly-made magical memories. Platt’s daughter went back to school immediately following the family’s return home from the parks, but the family was met with anything but a warm “Welcome home.”
Platt was fined £120, or approximately $150 USD, for taking his daughter out of school so she could travel to the United States with her family. But the young father had no intention of paying the fine, deciding instead to take steps to dispute it.
According to Metro, Platt was convicted of “failing to ensure his child regularly attended school after a court heard clearing him would ‘undermine Parliament’ and go ‘against public interest’ following a Supreme Court ruling.” That’s right. The government determined that Platt’s decision to remove his daughter from school for a week posed a risk not only to Parliament but also to the general public. During a hearing held at Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court, magistrate Jeannie Walker said that Platt’s actions were clearly a breach of the law.
“The circumstances of this case fall squarely into that breach of school rules,” Walker said during the court hearing, in which Platt was sentenced to a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay an additional fine of £2,020–nearly $2,550 USD. When Platt stepped outside the courthouse that day, he was quoted as saying that he had spent “close to £30,000” [$37,850 USD] over the course of his legal battle up to that point. He further stated that he had no plans to appeal the magistrate’s decision any further.
“This is the end for me now,” Platt explained. “This has gone on for far too long, and far too much money has been spent by me and the taxpayer. I’ve spent close to £30,000, [and] a Freedom of Information request found £140,000 has been spent by the taxpayer, but if you include the Supreme Court legal costs, I think it isn’t far off a quarter of a million [pounds].”
A quarter of a million pounds is equal to approximately $316,000 USD.
“Way too much money has been spent, but I’m not going to appeal it,” Platt continued. “I don’t agree with the magistrate’s decision, but I’m going to respect it. I’m sure there are parents out there that hate me, and I’m sure there are some who think I’m a hero. But at the end of the day, I turned up to court to say ‘not guilty’ to an offense I’m not guilty of.”
In the end, Platt’s attempts to fight the fines imposed on him for taking his daughter to Disney World instead of sending her to school for a week cost him two years of his life. His case was eventually heard by the Supreme Court, as Platt’s attorneys attempted to prove their case by showing that Platt’s daughter had an attendance record in school of 92.3%. But their efforts were in vain, as the entire panel of Supreme Court judges ruled against Platt.
During a hearing before the Supreme Court, one of Platt’s attorneys, Paul Greatorex, argued that the ongoing prosecution of Platt was unfair and unjust. Attorneys went so far as to request that the case be thrown out of court.
“[Attorney] Paul Greatorex outlined his case for an ‘abuse of process’ argument by saying Platt’s daughter had an attendance level between 90 and 95 percent, which the school deemed as ‘satisfactory.’ Mr. Greatorex said the documents Platt received from the school were ‘completely vague,’ and it was not made clear that if he took her on an unauthorized holiday, he would receive a fixed penalty notice and be prosecuted if he did not pay it.
[Greatorex] also said it was ‘grossly unfair’ to ‘criminalize’ Platt despite being told his daughter’s attendance was ‘satisfactory’ and that a holiday would not change that.”
It’s not clear how much Platt paid for his family’s trip to Disney World, including airfare from the United Kingdom to the United States, Disney World theme park tickets, lodging and accommodations, meals, and other expenses. But when those expenses were added to the more than $316,000 in legal costs paid by Platt and the British taxpayer, it’s safe to say that though Platt lost in court, he wins for having the most expensive Disney World vacation–ever.
We invite everyone to become part of our world at Disney Parks as we celebrate the release of “The Little Mermaid,” now playing in theaters! Let’s take a look at all the exclusive offerings coming to Disney Parks that will truly show us all that life is the bubbles!
Meet Ariel at Disney Parks
As previously announced, Ariel from the all-new live-action story “The Little Mermaid” will be making special appearances at select Disney Parks this summer! Starting today, guests can be a part of her world at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Guests can visit Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and make their way through the queue to discover stunning concept art from the development of the new film – vibrant illustrations following Ariel’s journey from sea to land. Then they can step into the picturesque setting of Prince Eric’s shoreside castle, where they are invited to meet Ariel on a beautiful terrace with sweeping views of the sea, pictured above. When Ariel heads to Disneyland Resort, she’ll greet guests in Fantasyland near “it’s a small world.” Guests may discover Ariel where the land meets the sea in a location inspired by Eric’s castle library, complete with whosits and whatsists galore.
While guests are visiting Ariel at Walt Disney Presents, be sure they also check out special props from the film on display along with an exclusive sneak peek of the film.
Delicious “Under the Sea” Sweets and Treats!
Disneyland Resort
Check out the new Purple Pineapple Shell Macaron, a purple macaron filled with blue pineapple buttercream and a chocolate pearl available at Edelweiss Snacks, and the Mermaid Strawberry Cake at the Cappuccino Cart, now available until May 29, while supplies last!
Walt Disney World Resort
Bubbles at Sea, a Gold Peak® sweet green tea, lemon juice, pineapple and guava topped with boba pearls, and a splash of shimmer is available at multiple locations. At Disney Springs, guests can swing by Amorette’s Patisserie to try a new sweet treat: The Little Mermaid Pop, a caramel sea salt pop with ocean fondant decor!
And at Magic Kingdom Park, be sure guests try out the Divinely Diabolical, a fun twist on a classic cookies and cream shake, available for purchase at The Friars Nook. Then they can head over to taste Part of Your World, a delicious DOLE Whip® Strawberry swirled with Purple Cheesecake soft serve available at Storybook Treats.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can check out The Little Mermaid Donut Milk Shake, a mango-guava-ginger milk shake topped with whipped cream and a pineapple-mango seashell doughnut, available at Hollywood Scoops.
More “The Little Mermaid” Fun on “Sand” and Sea!
Downtown Disney
In celebration of the all-new live-action story “The Little Mermaid” releasing in theaters today, guests can come and experience Pandora’s incredible sand art sculpture at Downtown Disney now until June 4.
The Mermaid Classic Shake, a strawberry and blueberry shake topped with whipped cream & mermaid sprinkles is available at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes in Downtown Disney.
It’s time to go “Under the Sea”! Be sure to see “The Little Mermaid” now in theaters!
