DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Annual Passes Coming Soon; Star Wars Hotel Price Revealed; 50th Anniversary Merchandise Preview; Disney Wish Construction Update & More
We’re getting closer and closer to what will certainly be the biggest celebration in the history of Walt Disney World. This week we not only got a look at some of the special 50th-anniversary merchandise, we learned that annual pass sales will be coming back just in time. We also finally got an answer to everyone’s biggest question about the new Star Wars-themed hotel, “How much does is cost?” Guest needing transportation to Disney World from the airport can start book rides on the Magical Express replacement, and cruise fans should check out the construction update (with some really cool photos) of the Disney Wish. All this and more in this week’s news roundup below.
1 – Disney Confirms Walt Disney World Annual Pass Sales Coming Soon
Since its reopening in July 2020, Walt Disney World has not been selling new annual passes to guests, though guests with annual passes could renew. Disney has announced that they will again be selling new annual passes. Learn more below.
Click here for more information on new annual pass sales at Walt Disney World.
2 – First Look at 50th Anniversary Merchandise Coming to Walt Disney World
For 50 years, no trip to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has been complete without bringing home a treasured souvenir – a special something that told everyone, “I went to Disney World!” Now, as the resort gears up for its 50th anniversary, guests will soon discover a plethora of new merchandise collections launching as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” an 18-month extravaganza that begins October 1, 2021. Learn more about the different collections that will be available at the link below.
Click here for a first look at 50th-anniversary merchandise coming to Walt Disney World.
3 – Disney Releases Pricing, New Info, Commercial and More for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
The opening of the Star Wars-themed hotel coming to Walt Disney World is getting closer every day. This week Disney released a new commercial and finally revealed some pricing details, a sample itinerary, more information on dining, and more. Catch all the details at the links below.
Click here for details on dining on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser and what you need to know.
4 – Mears Connect, Magical Express Alternative, Now Booking
We’ve known for some time that Disney will no longer offer Disney’s Magical Express service for airport transportation, starting with arrivals on January 1, 2022. However, Disney will continue to operate the service for new and existing reservations made at Disney Resort hotels for arrivals throughout 2021. A replacement service, Mears Connect, will begin in January 2022. This new service is now accepting new bookings. You can learn more about the service and make reservations by clicking here.
5 – Monster’s Inc – Laugh Floor Opens Early to Guests at Magic Kingdom
Monster’s Inc – Laugh Floor opened early to guests on Thursday, August 5, a few days before its scheduled August 8 reopening date. Guests were delighted to enjoy the show and for “that guy” to return to Magic Kingdom.
6 – Disneyland Announces New Annual Pass Program – Magic Key
This week Disneyland announced details on its all-new annual pass program. Disney Cast Member Michael Ramirez shares the details below:
There is so much excitement happening right now at the Disneyland Resort – from exploring the all-new Super Hero-themed land of Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure park, to living out your own Star Wars story in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park. Plus, fireworks are back with Mickey’s Mix Magic, all three of our Disneyland Resort hotels have reopened, and there’s lots of great dining, shopping and entertainment throughout the Downtown Disney District, too.
We know our fans and Legacy Passholders have been eagerly waiting to hear how to visit our theme parks in new and frequent ways; and visiting in a manner that is designed for today’s guests that also fits their individual needs. Today, we are excited to share the next evolution of the Disneyland Resort Annual Pass program, which was informed and shaped by extensive consumer research and feedback from guests and fans.
We are pleased to introduce the Magic Key program, a new, guest-centric offering that will deliver choice, flexibility and value for park admission, special access to unique experiences, valuable saving opportunities and so much more. There will be four options of Magic Key passes, to provide our guests and their families with choices that fit various needs and lifestyle preferences for how they wish to visit the Disneyland Resort.
Here’s a brief overview about the various Magic Key passes with more information on Disneyland.com:
Magic Key Theme Park Reservation System
Our theme park reservation system is a cornerstone component of the Magic Key program as part of our efforts to help provide a great experience for all of our guests. Magic Key holders will make advanced reservations to enjoy Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park on available dates, and be able to hold a certain number of upcoming reservations (depending on the pass type).
Additional Offerings and Benefits
Magic Key holders will have access to an array of special offerings and many features that we know our guests will love, such as valuable saving opportunities for merchandise and food & beverage. Throughout the year, they may also be able to enjoy special benefits such as a dedicated dining experience and custom menu items at the Magic Key terrace, special offerings at our festivals just for Magic Key holders, a Magic Key holder celebration month, plus other unique surprises!
What’s more, we will be introducing an all-new Magic Key portal on the Disneyland app to more deeply engage directly with our community of Magic Key holders in the future.
Be Among the First
For a limited time, we will celebrate the charter members that become Magic Key holders within the first 66 days (as we celebrate 66 years of Disneyland Resort). These guests will receive a special welcome package that will include unique items such as a premium branded pin, celebratory button, magnet, and more! Plus, Magic Key holders who enter Disneyland park will also be celebrated with access to a limited-time experience at Starcade in Tomorrowland (which begins on Sept. 1), where they can enjoy charging stations, a special photo opportunity, and other fun surprises.
Purchasing a Magic Key Pass
Starting August 25, 2021 (no earlier than 10 a.m. PT), guests will be able to purchase their preferred Magic Key pass type. Their first opportunity to “unlock” a visit to Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park with a theme park reservation will be that same day!
A monthly payment plan exclusively for California residents* will be offered—which continues to be a priority for our guests of Disneyland Resort. Magic Key passes start as low as $399 or $19/month for 12 months**** (for Southern California residents, and after a down payment).
Guests will be able to purchase and manage their Magic Key pass through Disneyland.com and the Disneyland app, where they will be able to access an interactive admission calendar for their pass type to view reservation availability and book their theme park reservations.
Extraordinary Time to Visit
This is an extraordinary time at Disneyland Resort; favorite attractions, beloved entertainment, festive foods and characters galore bring joy to our guests every day. Plus, favorite seasonal traditions, like Halloween Time, will return to Disneyland Resort Sept. 3 through Oct. 31, special festivals will be enjoyed throughout the year, and we’ll have even more to share with you, soon. And with all that, we’re thrilled to introduce our guests to the new Magic Key program, beginning August 25!
Theme park reservations and valid pass for the same park on the same date are required for park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, public health orders, and applicable pass blockout dates, and are not guaranteed for any specific dates or park. Additionally, park reservations may not be available on select holidays for certain theme parks. Pass types may be limited in quantity, and may not be available for purchase or renewal at any time. Current Magic Key pass prices are subject to change. A Pass excludes separately priced activities and events, and does not guarantee access to any experience, attraction or offering or to park entry. Subject to Magic Key Terms and Conditions which can be found at Disneyland.com/MagicKeyTerms. Information, including blockout dates, benefits and prices, is subject to change and cancellation without notice.
Some pass benefits and features may not be available during periods of limited capacity. Park experiences and offerings may have been modified and are subject to limited availability or even closure. Please check Disneyland.com/Updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.
*Monthly payments option valid only for California Residents, 18 years or older with valid ID, and living in ZIP Codes 90000–96199. Twelve (12) monthly payments based on remaining balance after one-time down payment on date of Passport purchase. 0% APR. Subject to restrictions, including a retail installment agreement, and change without notice.
**The number of theme park reservations that may be held at a time during a specific booking window is dependent on pass type and is subject to availability and other rules and restrictions, including excessive “no-show” rules.
***Magic Key holder must present their valid pass prior to purchases to receive any applicable benefits or discounts. Benefits/discounts are subject to restrictions and exclusions and are determined solely by Disney or store/location owner.
****Based on purchase of the Imagine Key pass, which is available only to Southern California residents living in ZIP Codes 90000-93599. Monthly payment amount is based on remaining balance after a one-time down payment on date of Passport purchase of $179. Twelve (12) monthly payments and 0% APR apply. Subject to restrictions, including a retail installment agreement, and change without notice.
† Parking benefit is valid for parking, or for discounted parking, for one (1) standard vehicle only at pay-on entry lots at the Disneyland® Resort. Discounted parking must be purchased at the parking lot. Oversized vehicles, preferred parking spaces and valet services are not included in this parking benefit and will require an additional fee. Parking is not guaranteed, and is subject to capacity and applicable Pass blockout dates.
7 – Construction Update on the Disney Wish
The Disney Wish will set sail in June 2022, and great progress is being made on its construction. This week Disney Cruise Line shared a construction update. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for a construction update on the Disney Wish.
8 – Enter to Win Freeform’s ‘grown-ish Getaway Sweepstakes’ for a Chance to Win a Disney Cruise aboard Disney Wish in 2022
Looking for a chance to win a free Disney Cruise? Then you’ll want to enter a new sweepstakes! Disney Cast Member Kean Almryde has all the details below:
Last month, Freeform kicked off the fourth season of “grown-ish” by sending the Cal-U crew on a much-deserved vacation and now it’s YOUR turn to do the same next year in Summer 2022.
Now through August 24, 2021, you can enter the ‘grown-ish Getaway Sweepstakes’ for a chance to win a Disney Cruise Line vacation aboard the all-new Disney Wish where you’ll be among the first to set sail!
The vacation for you and up to three guests includes a four-day/three-night cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Disney Wish, airfare, accommodations, Disney Gift Card, and Castaway Cay getaway package. Prize travel must take place from June 4, 2022, through June 8, 2022.
Here’s how to enter:
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- Like the sweepstakes post on the @grownish Instagram Page
- Follow the @grownish, @Freeform, & @DisneyCruiseLine Instagram accounts
- Comment #grownishGetawaySweepsEntry
- Tag a Friend
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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open only to persons, who are, as of Entry, 18 years of age and older (or age of majority in their state of primary residence, whichever is older), legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 states of the U.S. or D.C. Entries must be received between 11:00 a.m. PT on 7/28/21 and 11:59 p.m. PT on 8/24/21. Get friend’s permission to tag. Click here for full Official Rules and entry details.
And don’t forget to watch new ‘grown-ish’ episodes Thursdays at 8p/7c on Freeform and next day on Hulu.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
2021 Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival – Now Through November 20, 2021
Click here for photos of the menu boards with pricing for easy planning.
Click here for full menus and lots of photos of items available.
Click here for our Instagram Story with photos of food and beverage items, merchandise, and more.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
Upcoming Resort Reopenings
- August 26 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- August 26 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House
- September 16 – All-Star Sports Music Resort
- October 14 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – River Side
- October 28 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- December 9 – All-Star Sports Resort
August 10 – October 31, 2021 – Disney After Hours Boo Bash
October 1, 2021 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
October 1, 2021 – Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure & France Pavilion Expansion Opens
November 12 – December 30, 2021 – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
Click here for details on the 2021 holiday offerings at Walt Disney World.
Jungle Cruise – Updated in Phases, while remaining open to guests in 2021
Star Wars Hotel – 2022
EPCOT Reimagined – Now Through 2022 and Beyond
Click here for what we know about the New EPCOT and what’s coming!
New and Coming Soon to Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort – Now Open
Click here for details on the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – now open!
Halloween Time is Back This Fall at Disneyland Resort
Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure – Now Open
Click here for more on the Avengers Campus! Now open at Disney California Adventure!
Click here for details on food and beverage offerings inside Avengers Campus.
Click here for information on merchandise available inside Avengers Campus.
Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Return to Cruising
The Disney Wish
Click here for information on bookings for the inaugural season in summer 2022.
Click here for more information on new dining experiences on the Disney Wish.
Itineraries in 2022
Click here to learn about Summer 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Early 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea in Early 2022
Click here to learn about Halloween and Holiday Themed Cruises in fall 2022
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.