Major Change Announced For ‘Star Wars’: Galactic Starcruiser

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Hollywood Studios

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser has been making waves since its inception at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, Southern California. Then, in March last year, the 2-day, 2-night adventure officially opened and welcomed Guests onboard the immersive world of the Chandrilla Star Line’s Halcyon spacecraft.

But, its cost has caused significant backlash and feedback, leading Disney Parks to enact a major change to the pricey experience.

Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando, Central Florida) welcomes millions of Guests each year. Even though The Walt Disney Company has divided opinion in recent years with the introduction of the paid FastPass service, Disney Genie+, and the continuing use of the polarizing Park Pass reservation system and its Park Hopper attribute, Disney fans flock to the Resort for their dose of Disney magic. Though, some say that magic is gone and will “never again” return.

But with over 25 Disney Resort hotels spread over the giant theme park estate, Guests can harness their own wallets to match their chosen Disney experience. From Value Resorts like Disney’s Pop Century Resort to Moderate offerings like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Deluxe hotels like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, vacations to Disney World can vary quite significantly.

Stormtroopers in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

One stay at Disney World sent shockwaves through the fandom when it debuted last year. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opened in the Disney’s Hollywood Studios area last March to mixed reviews. While some applauded its immersive adventure element and feat of Walt Disney Imagineering, most blasted its astronomical price, which sees starting prices for a standard cabin beginning around $5,000.

The 2-day, 2-night adventure welcomes Guests to take part in the storytelling of the Star Wars universe, even going so far as to link Guests up with adventures in the Black Spire Outpost, AKA Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. As part of the experience, Guests will embark on a trip to Batuu at Hollywood Studios where they will be able to ride iconic attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, as well as take in the local delicacies and beverages at Oga’s Cantina or build a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop. They may even encounter some Star Wars characters like Kylo Ren along the way.

When the Halcyon launched, voyages could be booked throughout the year on most days — weekdays and weekends. Since, the company has drastically reduced the number of voyages, seemingly due to the lack of bookings from Guests. Just recently, Disney announced a huge Annual Passholder discount for the following voyages:

  • April 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29
  • May 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25, 29 and 31
  • June 2, 4, 6, 14, 18, 20, 24, 26 and 28

And that Annual Passholder discount has been extended with an additional voyage added on July 2, 2023.

Guests on the Galactic Starcruiser

But that is not the only change that has happened for the Star Wars: Galatic Starcruiser. Disney Parks have just revealed another major pricing change for the costly experience, seemingly in an effort to attract more Guests to the halls of the Halcyon to experience the galaxy far, far away.

Per WDW Info, Disney Visa Cardmembers are now able to book a Galactic Starcruiser voyage at the Disney Park with a 30% discount, much like the Annual Passholders were offered. The dates of these reduced voyages are:

  • May: 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25, 29 and 31
  • June: 2, 4, 6, 14, 18, 20, 24, 26 and 28
  • July: 2, 8, 10, 22, 24 and 30
  • August: 3, 13 and 29
  • September: 8 and 16

For full terms and conditions, head to the Walt Disney World website.

The Star Wars: Galatic Starcruiser offers experiences like the Crown of Corellia Dining Room, the Sublight Lounge, Lightsaber Training, and Bridge Training.

A rainbow crosses the sky over Magic Kingdom's Cinderella Castle

The discount announcement comes as Disney CEO Bob Iger and the Walt Disney World Resort sue Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over his government’s retaliation to their views on his controversial Florida Parental Rights in Education bill and the subsequent fallout, including the dismantling of Disney’s special district Reedy Creek.

Disney World Makes New Restrictions For All Guests, Effective Immediately

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Walt Disney World Resort has a new rule in place that is mandatory for all Guests.

While visiting “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” Disney World Guests are treated to all kinds of magic and entertainment that simply can’t be experienced elsewhere. No matter if you’re visiting Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you’re sure to have a magical time experiencing some of your favorite attractions, parades, snacks, and offerings.

When the day comes to an end, Disney Park fans know all about boarding transportation and making the way back to their favorite Disney Resort. With your feet tired and heart full, there’s nothing else to do than relax on the ride back to the hotel and then make your way back to your room, ready to do it again the next day. Disney Guests staying on-site can use Disney Transportation such as Skyliner, Buses, Ferry, and Monorail to get from one spot to the other.

However, if you’re visiting one particular Disney Resort, you need to be aware of major changes that are making their way to the area. Disney’s All-Star Music Resort now has signs around the area reminding Guests about “quiet hours,” which are between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

“Hey there, Musicians! We hope that you are enjoying your stay! Please remember that quiet hours are between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.,” the signs read.

The All-Star Resorts are considered “Value Resorts” at Walt Disney World Resort. These Resorts oftentimes bring in groups, like cheer groups and marching bands, who are at Disney World for certain events.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort pays homage to some of the world’s most popular music genres, including country, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, calypso, and Broadway-style show tunes. Large-sized, music-inspired icons outside and subtle song-and-dance surprises inside provide a harmonious setting for music lovers of all ages.

350 New DVC Cabins Coming to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground in 2024

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

The cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will be replaced, with the new cabins to open in 2024.

See the concept art above and read the full release below:

Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Vacation Club today announced proposed plans to bring refreshed cabin hideaways to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, offering guests a private retreat in the midst of nature with many of the comforts of home.                                                                                                                                   

Nestled across 750 acres of scenic woodlands, proposed plans call for more than 350 new cabins to replace the existing cabins at the resort, which have delighted guests for many years and will soon be ready for a refresh. Additionally, the proposed cabins would be built with an eye toward the environment, utilizing the footprint of the existing cabins and taking advantage of more energy-efficient features.

Design concepts offer a fresh take on the current cabin experience and are inspired by the resort’s idyllic setting, while also paying homage to the resort’s unique culture and heritage through the magic of Disney storytelling. Each proposed, stand-alone cabin offers spacious accommodations, sleeping up to six adults, and features a bedroom, bathroom, living room, full kitchen and private patio. A select number of cabins are also expected to be dog-friendly.

As with all Disney Vacation Club resorts, the proposed cabins will continue to be open for reservations to all guests, including those who are not Disney Vacation Club Members, based on availability.

The planned cabins are part of a collection of improvement projects underway at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground that are designed to enhance the guest experience. Examples include proposed pool and walking trail enhancements as well as new expanded dining experiences at Trail’s End Restaurant and Crockett’s Tavern, with more exciting news to come.

Located right in the heart of Walt Disney World magic and a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom Park, Members and guests would have easy access to the theme parks and be able to enjoy the resort’s cherished amenities, including horseback riding at the recently updated Tri-Circle-D Ranch, fishing, walking trails, pools, playgrounds for the little ones, Chip ’n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long and rootin’ tootin’ dining and entertainment at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Campsite accommodations will also continue to be available for guests.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort is projected to open in 2024 and would be the  17th Disney Vacation Club resort. Additional Information regarding project details, the start of sales and rental bookings will be released at a later date.

Disney Unveils Special ‘Halfway to Halloween’ Treats

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

We’re approaching six months to Halloween, and so Disney Parks are celebrating Halfway to Hallween! This week guests can find limited-time treats to celebrate the Halfway to Halloween season. 

From a Disney Cast Member;

Welcome, foolish mortals to the latest Disney Eats Foodie Guide. The time has come once again to gather for some sinister sweets and delightful treats because Halfway to Halloween is here – and this year we’re celebrating the Haunted Mansion! We’re kicking off the frightfully fun festivities with all the tasty ways you can celebrate this year.

Walt Disney World Resort has been dusting off the cobwebs to bring to you some items you won’t want to miss – like the return of the Madame Leota Chocolate Cake at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the exciting offerings coming to Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs. Over at Disneyland Resort, you’ll be able to fill your candy basket with sweet treats like the Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat.

But there’s so much more than just food going on for Halfway to Halloween this year. Starting today, there is plenty of excitement happening, with much of it honoring the beloved attraction and soon-to-be-released Walt Disney Studios film – “Haunted Mansion.” Stay tuned all week on the Disney Parks Blog and our social channels for the latest and greatest halfway news.

Well, I think I’ve tempted you long enough. These bites are about to put a spell on you and your tastebuds. Welcome to the Foodie Guide to Halfway to Halloween 2023!

Walt Disney World Resort 

Disney Resort Hotels 

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort 

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping and Dining (Available April 20 through 23))

  • The Whoopie Monster: Spiced apple whoopie pie with marshmallow buttercream and caramel

Disney’s Contemporary Resort 

Contempo Café (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Madame Leota Chocolate Cake: Mini Devil’s Food Cake filled with dark chocolate ganache topped with chocolate glaze and marshmallow webs

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 

Gasparilla Island Grill (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Jack O’ Lantern Mickey Cake Pop: Jumbo pumpkin-spiced yellow cake pop enrobed in orange-colored white chocolate
  • Bewitching Minnie Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake topped with chocolate cream sandwich cookies for ears, an edible witch hat, and Halloween sprinkles

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 

Pineapple Lanai (Available April 20 through 23) 

  • Kakamora DOLE Whip Waffle Bowl: DOLE Whip served in a waffle bowl with Moana-inspired white chocolate and milk chocolate-covered pretzel sticks

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotels (Available April 20 through 23)

Donald Duck Candy Corn Sipper; available at the following (Available while supplies last.):

  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
  • Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Everything POP Shopping and Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney Springs 

Gideon’s Bakehouse 

  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Snack Cakes: This hauntingly delicious gourmet treat features a layer of the softest spice cake topped with pumpkin cheesecake and dipped in high-quality dark chocolate (Limit two per person; available while supplies last) (New) 
  • Gideon’s Trading Card Series: Be on the lookout for free trading cards hidden at the bottom of every medium and large cookie box! You will also get a free Halfway to Halloween Promo Card with purchase for your collection during the event.
  • Barnabas Mephistophelittle Merchandise: Don’t forget to check out new merchandise featuring Gideon’s Halfway to Halloween Ambassador, Barnabas Mephistophelittle, including a collector’s pin and temporary tattoo! (New) 

Marketplace Snacks (Available April 20 through 23) 

  • Jack Skellington Bubble Waffle Sundae: Chocolate soft-serve, marshmallow fluff, hot fudge, orange sprinkles, chocolate shavings, chocolate pocky sticks, and a chocolate Jack Skellington garnish

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. 

  • Donald Duck Candy Corn Sipper (Available while supplies last.)

Magic Kingdom Park 

Columbia Harbour House (Mobile order available) 

  • Happy Haunts Milk Shake: Blackberry milkshake topped with a purple chocolate-glazed doughnut covered with black sprinkles

Disneyland Resort 

Disneyland Park 

Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen and Pooh Corner (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Minnie Witch Apple: Granny Smith Apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate and dipped in white chocolate and orange M&M’S chocolate candies placed all over and rolled in purple sugar
  • Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat: Oogie Boogie-shaped crisped rice treat dipped in green, white chocolate with a dark chocolate face
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop: Vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate with dark chocolate face

Disney California Adventure Park 

Trolley Treats and Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Minnie Witch Apple: Granny Smith Apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate and dipped in white chocolate and orange M&M’S chocolate candies placed all over and rolled in purple sugar
  • Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat: Oogie Boogie-shaped crisped rice treat dipped in green, white chocolate with a dark chocolate face
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop: Vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate with dark chocolate face

Downtown Disney District 

California Churro (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Halloween Churro: A churro rolled in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with peanut butter and chocolate sauce, and topped with peanut butter candy pieces

Kayla’s Cake (Available April 20 through 23) 

  • Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Macaron: Orange Jack-O-Lantern macaron with fruit-flavored crisped rice cereal buttercream filling (New) 

Marceline’s Confectionery (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Minnie Witch Apple: Granny Smith Apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate and dipped in white chocolate and orange M&M’S chocolate candies placed all over and rolled in purple sugar
  • Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat: Oogie Boogie-shaped crisped rice treat dipped in green, white chocolate with a dark chocolate face
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop: Vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate with dark chocolate face

As you can see, the Halloween happenings aren’t just limited to the fall! I hope you enjoy getting in the spirit early as much as I do. The festive fun and memories to be made are truly boundless at Disney Parks!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.) 

Disney World Issues Warning About Permanent Closure at This Disney Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Disney World has issued a new warning about a permanent closure coming to one of its resorts, effective May 1.

For Guests who visit the Walt Disney World Resort, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to interactive attractions, thrilling rides with the latest in cutting-edge ride technology, Broadway-style stage shows, and dining venues that feature menus for every taste and many diets, with gluten-free options, nut-free options, vegan and vegetarian options and more.

Disney World is, by far, The Walt Disney Company’s largest theme Park Resort, encompassing more than 43 square miles, though not all of Disney World’s property is developed at this time. The Resort includes four unique and distinct theme parks–Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as two whimsically-themed water parks–Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

When it comes to dining at Disney World, the Resort offers more than 200 different places to grab a bite, and Guests have three options when it comes to exactly how they want to grab those bites. They can choose table-service dining, during which they are seated and enjoy the comfort and convenience of a server during the meal, or they can choose quick-service dining, which allows Guests to order meals via the My Disney Experience mobile app and pick up their orders at the restaurant to enjoy in a self-seating atmosphere.

Guests also have the option of stopping at a kiosk or pick-up location inside the parks, such as Fife and Drum Tavern at the American Adventure pavilion on the World Showcase at EPCOT. These locations offer walk-up windows and limited offerings, but they’re perfect for Guests who don’t want to miss a beat as they explore the four theme parks.

But there’s perhaps no greater variation in offerings than across Disney World’s Resort Hotels. There are more than two dozen of them, each one complete with specific theming and associated decor and elements, dining options, shops, and other offerings that make for an exciting experience that can serve as a vacation getaway, even without ever visiting a theme park.

From the very first Disney Resort Hotels built in the early 1970s, like Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, to the newest ones, like Disney’s Gran Destino Tower and Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney World’s menu of Resort Hotels is vast, meaning there’s literally something for every Guest. Disney World offers different levels of hotels, and Guests can choose a Value Resort, Deluxe Resort, Moderate Resort, or Villa.

The list of Disney World Resort Hotels from which to choose is extensive and includes Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Fort Wilderness and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Yacht Club, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Coronado Springs, Saratoga Springs, Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts, and more.

Disney World even has a Resort Hotel option on property that caters exclusively to members of the U. S. Armed Forces. Shades of Green originally opened at the Disney World Resort in December 1973 as the Golf Resort. The hotel boasted 151 rooms and was unique in that it was built of wood and volcanic rock and constructed to have the appearance of a country club. It was once owned and operated by Disney World, but today it is operated by the United States Department of Defense.

The Resort is nestled between two PGA championship golf courses in a wooded setting, complete with lush gardens and spectacular vistas. There are more than 600 oversized guestrooms and guest suites inside the resort, many with private patios and balconies from which Guests can watch the sunrise every morning. The Resort books up quickly, and as such, reservations are accepted up to one year in advance of Guests’ planned visits.

One of the most popular experiences enjoyed by Guests of Shades of Green is strolling along a paved walkway from Shades of Green to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The beautiful half-mile walkway offers Guests scenic views as they make their way to the Polynesian, and it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to walk between the two Resort Hotels. The experience is so popular among Guests that Shades of Green issued a statement online on Tuesday, warning Guests that construction related to the World Drive Expansion Project at the Disney World Resort will lead to the permanent closure of the walkway:

“Starting Monday, May 1, 2023, the World Drive Expansion Project will begin between Shades of Green and the Grand Floridian Resort,” the hotel shared in a statement. “We know that it’s a lovely stroll on the walkway from our hotel to the Polynesian Village Resort, [but] unfortunately, it will no longer be accessible.”

Map of the walk from Shades of Green to the Polynesian Village Resort

But Shades of Green offered Guests a reprieve, stating that transportation offerings to and from the Resort Hotel will be increased to help Guests quickly arrive at their destinations around the Walt Disney World Resort:

“But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’re adding extra buses to the Transportation and Ticket Center route, so you can still easily get to your destination. And the best part? It’s totally free! If you prefer to use your own vehicle, you can still do so, but please note that you will be responsible for the parking fee at the theme parks. Alternatively, you could use a ride-sharing service like Uber, Lyft, or the Minnie Van™ service by Lyft – all available within the Walt Disney World Resort.”

shades of green walkway to disney's polynesian village resort

The Resort is one of the Armed Forces Recreation Center Resorts (AFRC) and is available exclusively to members of the U. S. Armed Forces, their families, and other authorized Guests, and eligibility requirements are strict:

Veterans who are Purple Heart recipients, veterans who are former POWs, all veterans with VA-documented service-connected disability ratings, and individuals assessed, approved, and designated as the Primary Family Caregivers of eligible veterans under the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers are eligible Shades of Green Resort users when identified as follows:

Veterans must present a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) indicating at least one of the three acceptable eligibility statuses (PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW, or SERVICE CONNECTED); or HEC form H623A indicating placement in VA health care priority group 8E paired with an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant State driver’s license or a U.S. passport.

To learn more about Shades of Green, click on the video below, or visit the official Shades of Green website by clicking here.