Disney Resorts – Page 27 – A Walk With The Mouse

Disney World Is Extending Early Theme Park Entry For All Hotel Guests

Posted on December 20, 2021December 20, 2021 by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Christmas is one of the merriest and most magical times of the year, and spending the holidays at Walt Disney World can add an extra sprinkling of pixie dust to Guests’ festive celebrations. The holidays are a very busy time of year at The Most Magical Place on Earth, so a lot of Guests try to get to the Parks early in order to get the most out of their day.

As a perk for staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, Guests are allowed to get into a theme park of their choice — as long as they have a reservation to that Park — up to 30 minutes before the theme park opens for non-hotel Guests. However, for this holiday season, Disney has decided to spread even more holiday cheer to Guests and has announced that they are extending early theme park entry from 30 minutes to one hour!

The Walt Disney World website currently reads:

As part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select other hotels can take advantage of a 30-minute early entry into Walt Disney World theme parks every day.
As we continue to celebrate the holiday season, from Sunday, December 19, 2021 to Monday, January 3, 2022, the early theme park entry benefit will be extended from 30 minutes to 60 minutes for Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select other hotels.
Valid theme park admission, park reservation and Resort ID are required.

Guests staying at the following hotels can take part in the extended early morning theme park hours:

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World® Resort
B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Holiday Inn Orlando
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Extended theme park evening hours still only apply to Guests staying at Walt Disney World Deluxe hotels and other select hotels on Disney property. Extended evening hours typically happen on Mondays and Wednesdays and are currently only happening at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT.

Disney World Making Changes To Park Hours In 2022

Posted on December 20, 2021December 20, 2021 by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Guests who are visiting Walt Disney World Resort in early 2022 may see a slight change in their plans.

If you’re planning to visit Disney World in mid-to-late February and are staying onsite at a Disney Resort, you should be aware of a change that was just recently made to Park availability.

Disney’s Extended Evening Hours, which is a perk for those staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or a Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, will change beginning February 21.

The Extended Evening Hours began in October and give Guests of select Resorts an opportunity to enjoy the Parks after hours once per week.

Magic Kingdom originally held its Extended Evening Hours on Wednesday and EPCOT held its Extended Evening Hours on Monday. Beginning February 21, the two Parks will be switching nights.

Disney’s official description of the Extended Evening Hours reads:

With the kickoff of the 50th anniversary, enjoy extended evening hours on select evenings in select theme parks when you stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort or, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort or other select hotels. This exciting benefit begins in October 2021—so you can celebrate the spectacular 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort!

Here is the list of participating Hotels and Resorts:

Disney Deluxe Resorts

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Other Select Hotels

Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World®

Just recently, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was added to the lineup of available attractions at EPCOT for Extended Evening Hours.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom do not currently offer Extended Evening Hours.

Woman allegedly electrocuted at Disney World Resort Hotel, files suit against Disney

Posted on December 17, 2021December 17, 2021 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

A woman who was a Guest at the Walt Disney World Resort three years ago in 2018 has filed suit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, part of The Walt Disney Company, alleging personal injury, as she claims she was electrocuted while trying to use an outlet in the Resort Hotel room where she stayed back in September 2018.

On November 4, 2021, attorney Max A. Eichenblatt of Winter Park, Florida, filed suit on behalf of Courtney Randall against Disney in Orange County Circuit Court, alleging negligence on the part of the Walt Disney World Resort that resulted in the alleged electrocution.

Per the complaint filed in court (Ninth Judicial Circuit Court for Orange County filing number 137926812), Randall and her family were Guests of the Walt Disney World Resort in September 2018. On September 9, 2018, while in the family’s Disney Resort Hotel room, Randall and her family noticed an electrical problem with several of the outlets were not in working order. Some of them, per the complaint, hung out from the wall. Randall claims she notified the Resort Hotel and was told that a Cast Member would arrive at her hotel room that day to take care of the issue.

Walt Disney World Resorts - Disney World Resort Hotels

Randall further claims in the complaint that on September 10, the following day, she attempted to use one of the outlets, as she was under the impression that the issues with the outlets had been addressed (possibly while the family was enjoying the theme parks). In court documents filed against Disney, Randall states that she attempted to use one of the outlets and was electrocuted in the process.

The complaint claims that Randall has suffered disability, mental anguish, a loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. It further claims that her alleged electrocution also netted her the expense of medical care, as well as the loss of future earning capacity.

Per the website for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Orange County, “the court is located in the heart of Central Florida and is one of 20 judicial circuits in the state. Serving Orange and Osceola counties, the Ninth Circuit covers over 2,000 square miles and serves more than 1.3 million residents, making it one of the largest circuits in Florida. Additionally, because of Central Florida’s great sunshine, family attractions, and a strong economy Central Florida plays host to nearly 50 million business and vacationing visitors each year, making this the most visited region of the world.”

Disney Is Giving Away a Free Stay on the Galactic Starcruiser BEFORE It Opens!

Posted on December 9, 2021December 9, 2021 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Hollywood Studios

If there is one thing Disney is always trying to do, it is creating new, one-of-a-kind experiences for its Guests at its theme parks around the world. Beginning in March 2022, Guests will be able to board the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser for a 2-day completely immersive experience. The Galactic Starcruiser — named Halcyon — will feature amazing things like Lightsaber Training, a planet excursion to Batuu — located in Hollywood Studios — and unique dining options.

While Guests will not be able to stay onboard the Galactic Starcruiser before March, Disney is hosting a sweepstakes where the winners will be able to stay on the Starcruiser before it opens! That’s right, the whole Starcruiser just for the winner and up to four Guests. Here are more details on the sweepstakes from Disney Parks Blog:

As part of the ongoing “Star Wars Bring Home The Bounty” campaign, Lucasfilm Consumer Products is partnering with Walt Disney World Resort and Lucasfilm Publishing to give one lucky winner the ultimate adventure: a chance to win a 2-night experience on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser before it opens in March 2022, and an exclusive meet and greet with the authors of “Star Wars: The High Republic.”
By entering the Star Wars Bring Home the Bounty: Galactic Starcruiser Sweepstakes, one lucky grand prize winner will receive round-trip airfare for up to four individuals to Orlando, Florida for a 4-day/3-night vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, including a 2-night experience on a test voyage of the Galactic Starcruiser in February 2022. The winner of the grand prize will also get to experience a separate meet-and-greet opportunity with all five authors of “The High Republic” books and comics.

While the Galactic Starcruiser sweepstakes will only have one grand prize winner, there will also be two first prize winners who will win an ultimate Star Wars prize pack. Here’s what the two first prize winners will receive:

Two first prize winners will receive a LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series AT-AT construction set, a Star Wars Galactic Snackin’ GROGU animatronic toy from Hasbro, a Star Wars R2-D2 TAMAGOTCHI, a Star Wars | Corkcicle – Death Star Ice Bucket, Star Wars | DIFF Eyewear – Darth Vader 2.0 sunglasses, Star Wars Jedi Decorative Pillows from Sobel Westex Home, a Star WarsDroids Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away by USPS, a “Star Wars: The High Republic: The Rising Storm” bundle, a “Star Wars: The High Republic: The Republic Fair” T-shirt and the full collection of “Star Wars: The High Republic” books and comics.

The Galactic Starcruiser sweepstakes is open now through December 14, so make sure to enter as soon as possible, as the entry window is not very big. The winners will be announced during a special Star Wars: The High Republic livestream that will take place on January 4, 2022.

The Galactic Starcruiser sweepstakes is open to all US residents from all 50 states who are 18 or older. Those entering the sweepstakes may enter the contest once per day. The grand prize winner must take their Galactic Starcruiser vacation between February 16 and February 23, 2022.

New Characters Join the Galaxy Far, Far Away as Part of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort

Posted on November 18, 2021November 18, 2021 by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Hollywood Studios

Reservations are now open for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the first-of-its-kind, two-night immersive vacation experience in a galaxy far, far away. Debuting March 1, 2022, at Walt Disney World Resort, this Star Wars adventure will make Guests the hero of their own story as they tour the galaxy aboard the glamorous Halcyon starcruiser.

Throughout their voyage, Guests will see, feel and live Star Wars, which includes the possibility of meeting heroes of the Resistance like Rey and Chewbacca, or encountering the malevolent Kylo Ren of the First Order. But the starcruiser also brings with it a host of characters new to the Star Wars galaxy, created especially for this experience.

Let’s meet a few of them for the first time!

Captain Riyola Keevan

Charismatic, respected and trustworthy, Captain Keevan will lead Guests’ voyage aboard the Halcyon starcruiser. She is a strong and decisive leader, endearing herself to both her crew and her passengers by being fair to all and cool under pressure – a skill she’s learned from her … “adventurous” history. Guests will likely find the captain on the ship’s bridge – and they’d be wise to listen carefully and follow her instructions.

Six New Characters Revealed for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel at Walt Disney World - WDW News Today

Cruise Director Lenka Mok

There is much fun to be had aboard the starcruiser, and Lenka Mok is Guests’ go-to crew member to discover it all. As the captain’s right hand, Mok is in charge of onboard entertainment, so it’s her job to make sure every voyage is an adventure. An optimistic and joyful soul, Mok’s happiness is derived from Guests, so this is definitely someone they’ll want to meet!

Lenka Mok from Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser concept art

SK-62O

This astromech droid is Mok’s assistant cruise director, ensuring things run smoothly and on time. He keeps an eye on all the workings of the ship and is devoted to Mok and Captain Keevan. And while he loves to have fun with guests, he’s also good in a pinch if anything should go awry (one of his many hidden talents).

Sammie the Mechanic

Sammie’s proficiency as the ship’s new mechanic is actually not his most endearing feature. His enthusiasm and good-natured personality quickly won over the starcruiser’s crew and that makes him popular among guests who happen across his path. He’s clearly eager to prove himself on such a well-appointed vessel, and his tasks always seem to get done … somehow.

D3-O9

D3-O9 is another droid Guests may see appear on viewscreens onboard the Halcyon starcruiser. Her primary responsibility is running ship logistics, so she certainly knows everyone and everything happening onboard during a voyage. But her favorite part of the job is talking with passengers. Built centuries ago by Chandrila Star Line’s founder, D3 has seen the ship’s history – and the entire galaxy – evolve, and she’s not shy about sharing her knowledge and opinions with passengers.

First Order Lt. Harman Croy

While the Halcyon starcruiser is a pleasure vessel, this is a stormy time in the galaxy as battles rage between the First Order and the Resistance – and it’s often impossible to avoid the conflict. The ambitious and intimidating Lt. Croy is on special assignment to root out and expose any Resistance fighters who are rumored to be aboard the ship. Will you help him? Will you support the Resistance? Will you just sit back and see how the whole thing plays out? The choice is yours.

First Order Lt. Croy from Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser concept art

We’ll have much more on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser as we prepare for its debut in March, so keep following along with us here for all the goings-on from that galaxy far, far away.