Disney Updates Genie+ Attractions

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Guests who purchase Genie+ have access to the Lightning Lane which allows guests to “skip the line” at select attractions at the four theme parks. A second option is to pay for Individual Lighting Lanes at select attractions (two at each park). Disney has announced an update to the attractions included with Disney Genie+. During the busy spring and summer season, Disney will be moving three of the Individual Attraction selections to the Genie+ lineup so that guests have more options when using Genie+.

Here is the statement from Disney with the updated policy:

Between February 25, 2022 – August 7, 2022, the following attractions will be added to Disney Genie+ service*:

    • Magic Kingdom Park: Space Mountain
    • EPCOT: Frozen Ever After
    • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

During this time period, these attractions will not be available for purchase a la carte. This will help to give Guests more options as we prepare for a busy spring and summer season.

*Attractions with Lightning Lane entrances that are Disney Genie+ and individual purchases are limited in availability, subject to change or closure, may vary by date, are not guaranteed and may not be available at all on the date of visit or at the time you make a selection. 

We applaud this move by Disney. Paying for access to Lightning Lanes has come with mixed reviews. Most of those we have talked to, have not had overall positive experiences, and paying for something that was free is always a bummer. Disney changing the lineup does two things that help guests–(1) give those paying for Genie+ more attractions to experience and (2) reduce the amount guests need to spend to use the Lightning Lane by removing the need to pay for three Individual Lighting Lane Attractions. Paying for these attractions costs $7-$15 per person, which offers huge savings to guests who were planning on paying for these attractions. Now, guests have more choices and more value when purchasing Disney Genie+. Well, at least through August 7!

Disney World has new procedures for handling ride breakdowns

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Around every corner, you’ll find more surprises, magic, and pixie dust than you what to do with.

But even the most magical of trips to the parks can have their hiccups, especially when it comes to the technical side of the aforementioned magic.

Attractions at Disney World hinge on some of the most advanced, state-of-the-art ride technology, but as anyone will tell you, even the best technology can have its snafus. The same is true at Disney World, regardless of the pixie dust that abounds.

Have you ever been on a ride when it has malfunctioned and stopped? (Hint: if you’ve ever experienced the Haunted Mansion attraction, there’s about an 80% chance you’ve been on a ride when it glitches.) If so, you know that most of the time, the glitches are more of a “pause” on the attraction, rather than a full meltdown, leading to the need for technical engineers to visit and assess the scenario.

But when a ride does stop for an extended time, Disney usually gives Guests the option of staying in the queue for the ride so they can enjoy it once it’s up and running or exiting the queue and returning later to experience the attraction again. If Guests choose to exit, they are guided to a Cast Member who grants them a “recovery pass,” which functions like a FastPass, once the ride is fully functional again. The pass usually says “Anytime Experience” on the My Disney Experience app.

But thanks to Disney’s new Lightning Lane, FastPass is no more, and, it would seem, that the Anytime Experience passes are a thing of the past as well.

Now, according to reports, when a ride malfunctions and Guests have to disembark from the ride, they will still have the option to stay in the queue and wait or exit. But Guests who choose to exit will have an altogether different experience in the parks.

That’s because Disney World is reportedly not offering a recovery pass for Guests who choose to exit and come back. The only recovery passes granted now will be to those Guests who were forced to evacuate the attraction or queue completely. So if there’s not a directive to evacuate completely from a Cast Member, but a Guest chooses to exit and return, he or she will have to wait in the queue as though there had never been an issue.

Some Guests feel like this protocol is another example of inconsistency in procedures on the part of Disney, while others feel it is an example of what they see as Disney’s greed and its apathy toward the very people who are paying to be in the parks in the first place.

Disney Shares Attractions & Entertainment Details for Phased Reopening of WDW Theme Parks

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

As Walt Disney World prepares for phased reopening, they have just released more insight as to what guests can look forward to experiencing in the parks! Check out the news below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.

As we look forward to the reopening of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in July, we’re excited to share a few details about the attractions and entertainment guests will be able to experience when they return. Though these may look a little different than in the past, there will be plenty of magic for everyone to enjoy when Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park open on July 11, and EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios open on July 15.

Most attractions will be available at each park – for example, live your adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. At Magic Kingdom Park, classics such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean are waiting to welcome guests with thrilling adventures for the whole family. Time travelers, take note that the iconic Spaceship Earth attraction at EPCOT will also continue to be available in its current state while we pause on its planned refurbishment, along with other favorite attractions like Soarin’ Around the World, Frozen Ever After and Test Track presented by Chevrolet. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the magic of nature awaits with Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain and Avatar Flight of Passage. 

Young guests on Prince Charming Regal Carrousel at Magic Kingdom Park

If you’re hoping to see some familiar friends or take in the tunes of treasured performers, you’re in luck! Just as you may have seen recently at Disney Springs, our characters will appear in new and different ways that bring a smile to your face while also being mindful of physical distancing. From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom Park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, to processions along the World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Boulevard, each area will come to life throughout the day. You never know when a party of your pals may come by, so be prepared for plenty of surprises!

For example, after rocketing through space in Tomorrowland you might see that famous Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear; or discover a captive Captain Jack Sparrow as you traverse the Castillo del Morro on your way to Pirates of the Caribbean. You could cross paths with Queen Anna and Elsa as they venture “into the unknown” on a journey around World Showcase at EPCOT or spy members of the Resistance hiding out from the First Order throughout Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.

'Goofy Cavalcade' rendering

Looking beyond our beloved characters, several musical groups will also return. You can look forward to seeing Main Street Philharmonic at Magic Kingdom Park, plus the Mariachi Cobre and everyone’s favorite funky drumming crew the JAMMitors at EPCOT, just to name a few.  

Read here for details on how to make a theme park reservation; and also check out important “Know Before You Go” information at DisneyWorld.com/Updates. We hope to see you back at the parks, making special memories in new ways.

Full List of Attractions, Shows, & Shops That Will Be Open At WDW Reopening

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Alright, Disney fans! Disney has updated their website to share a full list of attractions, entertainment and shops you can expect to find open in each of their four theme parks. We’ll kick off the list with Magic Kingdom, followed by Disney’s Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, then Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We can’t wait to experience all our favorites once again!

Magic Kingdom Park

When Magic Kingdom park reopens on July 11, the following attractions, entertainment and shops will be available.

Attractions

  • “it’s a small world”
  • Astro Orbiter
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  • Country Bear Jamboree
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Liberty Square Riverboat
  • Mad Tea Party
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
  • Space Mountain
  • Splash Mountain
  • Swiss Family Treehouse
  • The Barnstormer
  • The Hall of Presidents
  • The Haunted Mansion
  • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Tom Sawyer Island
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
  • Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
  • Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Entertainment:

  • Main Street Philharmonic
  • Character Cavalcades throughout the day, with Guest-favorite Disney friends appearing along the parade route—which will include:
    • The Royal Princess Processional
    • Mickey & Friends Cavalcade
    • Fantasyland Friends Cavalcade
    • A Goofy Cavalcade
    • Tinker Bell & the Lost Treasure

Shops:

  • Arribas Brothers
  • Baby Care
  • Big Al’s
  • Box Office Gifts
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Photos
  • Crystal Arts
  • Emporium
  • Fantasy Faire
  • Hundred Acre Goods
  • Island Supply by Sunglass Hut
  • Main Street Confectionery
  • Memento Mori
  • Mickey’s Star Traders
  • Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar
  • Rubio Arts
  • Sir Mickey’s
  • Splashdown Photos
  • Strollers & Wheelchairs
  • The Chapeau
  • Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.
  • TTC Cart / Wheelchairs
  • Uptown Jewelers & Cinema
  • Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

When Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park reopens on July 11, the following attractions, entertainment and shops will be available.

Attractions

  • Affection Section
  • Avatar Flight of Passage
  • DINOSAUR
  • Discovery Island Trails
  • Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
  • *NO LONGER AVAILABLE – Festival of the Lion King (the day after Disney released this list, they quietly removed Festival of the Lion King.)
  • Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
  • It’s Tough to be a Bug!
  • Kali River Rapids
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris
  • Maharajah Jungle Trek
  • Na’vi River Journey
  • The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
  • The Oasis Exhibits
  • TriceraTop Spin
  • Wilderness Explorers
  • Wildlife Express

Entertainment

  • Character Cruises throughout the day, with Guest-favorite Disney friends appearing in boats around Discovery River—including the following:
    • Discovery River Character Cruise
    • Discovery Island Drummers
    • Donald’s Dino Boat Bash!
    • Mickey & Friends Flotilla

Shops

  • Africa Hub Cart
  • African Heritage Wood Carving
  • Baby Care
  • Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures
  • Discovery Trading Company
  • Garden Gate Gifts & Strollers
  • Kilimanjaro Safari Cart
  • Mandala Gifts
  • Mombasa Marketplace
  • Out Of The Wild
  • Serka Zong Bazaar
  • The Dino Institute Shop
  • Windtraders

EPCOT

When EPCOT reopens on July 15, the following attractions, entertainment and shops will be available.

Attractions

  • Awesome Planet
  • Canada Far and Wide
  • Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
  • Friendship Lagoon Boats
  • Frozen Ever After
  • Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
  • Impressions de France
  • Journey Into Imagination with Figment
  • Kidcot (modified)
  • Living with the Land
  • Mission: SPACE
  • Reflections of China
  • Soarin’ Around the World
  • Spaceship Earth
  • Test Track
  • The American Adventure
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends
  • *NO LONGER AVAILABLE – Turtle Talk with Crush (the day after Disney released this list, they quietly removed Turtle Talk with Crush.)
  • Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience

Entertainment

  • America Gardens Theatre Presents… featuring popular EPCOT performers such as:
    • JAMMitors
    • Mariachi Cobre
  • Character Cavalcades throughout the day, featuring favorite Disney friends traveling around World Showcase promenade—including:
    • Frozen Promenade
    • Mickey & Friends World Tour
    • Princess Promenade

Shops

  • African Heritage
  • Arribas Brothers
  • Art of Disney
  • Baby Care
  • Canada Cart
  • China Kiosk
  • Disney Traders
  • Galerie Des Halles
  • Gateway Gifts
  • Glas Und Porcellan
  • ImageWorks
  • Karamell Kuche
  • La Bottega Italiana
  • Mexico Indoor Plaza
  • Mission: SPACE Cargo
  • Mitsukoshi
  • Mouse Gear Temporary Location
  • Pin Traders – Camera Center
  • Port of Entry
  • Puffin’s Roost
  • Sea Base Alpha Gift Shop
  • Strollers & Wheelchairs
  • Tea Caddy
  • Test Track Simporium
  • Wood Carver
  • World Traveler

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

When Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopens on July 15, the following attractions, entertainment and shops will be available.

Attractions

  • Alien Swirling Saucers
  • Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • Muppet*Vision 3D
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
  • Toy Story Mania!
  • Vacation Fun (at Mickey Shorts Theater)
  • Walt Disney Presents

Entertainment

  • Character Cavalcades throughout the day, with favorite Disney friends appearing along Hollywood Boulevard—including:
    • Disney Junior Stars Motorcade
    • Mickey & Friends Motorcade
    • Pixar Motorcade

Shops

  • Celebrity 5 & 10
  • Crossroads of the World
  • Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
  • Droid Depot Experience
  • Droid Depot Store
  • In Character
  • Legends of Hollywood
  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
  • Mickey’s Of Hollywood
  • Movieland Memorabilia
  • Once Upon A Time
  • Sid Cahuenga’s One-of-a-Kind
  • Rock Around The Shop
  • Rubio Arts
  • Strollers & Wheelchairs
  • Tatooine Traders
  • The Market
  • Tower Hotel Gifts
  • Toy Story Mania Shop