Via wdwnt.com
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto will be opening to guests later today from 3 p.m. until midnight.
A large banner featuring Uh-Oa declares, “Aloha, ahoy, aha! Welcome to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto!” Both indoor and outdoor (Tiki Terrace) areas will be opening.
Via wdwnt.com
Former NASA executive Andrew Tezna received Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program funds intended for COVID-19 relief in amounts over $350,000. The businesses for which he applied for the loans do not exist. Since pleading guilty, he has lost his position at NASA.
Tezna has been sentenced to 18 months in prison and will be required to pay back $285,000. He reportedly spent the money to pay off Disney Vacation Club balances, credit card debt, and more.
According to DVCNews.com, “Tezna and his wife Tiffany listed as owners on a variety of DVC contracts dating back to 2011, totaling 2,376 points. Many of the contracts were later sold, leaving them with 2021 holdings of 225 points at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas and 250 points at Disney’s Rivera Resort.“
As Walt Disney World prepares for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” for the resort’s 50th Anniversary, we too are making our plans to be part of the 18-month celebration kicking off on October 1, 2021. While we’ve learned the old “Extra Magic Hours” for Walt Disney World Resort guests is officially gone, we are looking forward to experiencing the new “Early Theme Park Entry” and “Extended Evening Hours” for select resort guests. We previously shared a list of eligible resorts for the new Early Theme Park Entry. Three notable resorts were missing from the list! Now, we have confirmation they too have been added to the list!
We now have confirmation that the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, and the newest incoming resort, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, will all have access to early theme park entry AND extended evening theme park hours.
As confirmed by WDW Swan & Dolphin: “Guests of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin – including the new Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – to receive extra time to play every day at Walt Disney World theme parks starting Oct. Starting in October, as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” guests of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin will be able to enjoy extra time to play every day in the Walt Disney World theme parks with early theme park entry and extended evening theme park hours.”
Early Theme Park Entry: Starting October 1, 2021, guests of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin will be able to enjoy more fun with 30-minute early entry to any Walt Disney World theme park, every day – available at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks. For early theme park entry, guests will need valid admission, a park reservation and Resort ID.
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours: Also beginning in October, guests of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin can enjoy extended evening hours—experiencing select attractions, shops and dining after regular park hours—in select theme parks on select nights. Together with early theme park entry, guests of the hotels will get to arrive earlier and stay later to maximize their time in the parks during “The World’s Most Magical Celebration!” Specific dates and parks for extended evening hours will be shared later. For extended evening hours, guests will need a valid Resort ID, valid admission and a theme park reservation for the same park on the same day. (Or a ticket or annual pass with the Park Hopper Option, provided you entered the park where you made your reservation earlier in the day.)”
Scott Gustin, a regular Disney reporter, took to Twitter to share: “NEW: The EPCOT Monorail will officially reopen on Sunday, July 18. The EPCOT Monorail last operated in March 2020 when the parks closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Gustin continues in the Twitter thread: “As part of this change, direct bus service to EPCOT will no longer be available from these hotels (and effective dates):
Of course, everything is subject to change – but it sure seems like EPCOT bus service at The Polynesian ending in mid-August means Disney expects to have Polynesian monorail service back online by mid-August.”
The old “Extra Magic Hours” for Walt Disney World Resort guests is gone. Coming soon, guests staying at Walt Disney World’s eligible resorts will have a chance to enjoy the new “Early Theme Park Entry”. While you prepare for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration, you’ll want to take note of the Disney Resorts that will be eligible to take advantage of this new resort guest benefit. You’ll find some go beyond the Walt Disney World bubble.
Disney has announced: “Starting October 1, 2021 as part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Disney Resort hotel Guests and Guests of other select hotels will be able to enjoy more fun with 30-minute early entry to any Walt Disney World theme park, every day. It’ll be a great way to get a jump start on your Disney day, no matter the day!
Valid theme park admission, park reservation and Resort ID are required.”
Participating Hotels: Early theme park entry is a benefit for registered Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels and select other hotels, which include:
Interestingly enough, did you notice despite being on Walt Disney World property, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is not included on the list? There are however several Disney Springs area hotels listed above.
So, what’s the difference between the former Extra Magic Hours and the incoming Early Theme Park Entry? Extra Magic Hours were offered at one park per day. Many Disney resort guests would book their park visit around which day they would be able to enjoy an extra hour in the park. With Early Theme Park Entry, each of Disney World’s four parks are open daily an extra 30-minutes before regular park opening. While yes, this means Disney has cut back 30 minutes of “extra” park time, it is nice to know you can take advantage of the early entry at any park on any day.