DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Genie, Genie+ & Lightning Lane Debut; Festival of the Arts Dates & Details Announced; Very Merriest Party Update; runDisney Medal Reveal & More
This week, the launch of the highly controversial and much-maligned Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane dominated the Disney news discussions and the rough rollout was completely predictable and not a bit surprising. Disney also announced dates and some details of Epcot’s first festival of 2022 and runDisney fans got a peek at the 2022 Princess Half Marathon Weekend medals. This and more are below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane Debuts with Confusion and Problems
The big news this week was the debut of Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane. As we’ve come to expect with a new rollout from Disney, launch day was filled with confusion, problems, and angry guests. Guests reported not being able to access the MyDisney app while in the parks (we had the same problem), confusion over what people thought they were buying, and surprise with certain attractions filling up and Lightning Lane not being offered to guests who had not secured a return time.
While technical problems seemed to have improved, the biggest headache we’ve seen so far is with guests trying to secure an Individual A la Carte Lighting Lane purchase for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This does not come as a surprise since this is the most popular attraction at Disney World at the moment. It also is the most technical ride and goes down a lot. It also usually takes about an hour for the system to reset before the attraction can resume. On launch day, the attraction went down three times, leaving many guests who had paid to secure a Lightning Lane return window unable to ride the attraction. The downtime also meant that Disney shut down the regular standby queue at certain times during the day to allow the Lightning Lane guests the ability to ride. This means that even though guests have been assured that they can still ride without paying by just waiting in the standby queue, that will not always be the case, at least not for Rise of the Resistance.
When Rise of Resistance went down multiple times, it lead to another big ugly. Guests were surprised to learn that no refunds would be given for Individual Lighting Lane purchases if guests were ultimately unable to use their Lightning Lane pass (you read that right). Since Tuesday, and under pressure, Disney has updated its policy for Individual Lightning Lane purchases—if the ride goes down for the rest of the day, guests will automatically get refunds. If the ride has been down but resumes, and you can’t ride it for whatever reason, you’ll need to go to Guest Relations to request a refund. On Tuesday, guests were given refunds by way of Disney Gift Cards and not credit card refunds.
There is still a lot to learn about these new offerings. So far, regular standby wait times have not really been impacted. However, it will be interesting to see how wait times increase as more guests feel the need to pay to ride these attractions. Learn more at the link below.
2 – Dates Announced for 2022 EPCOT Festival of the Arts
Last week, Disney shared a lot of 2021 holiday news, and this week, we’re already looking into early 2022. Disney has released the dates of the 2022 EPCOT Festival of the Arts. In addition to the dates, Disney confirmed that the popular Broadway Concert Series will return! The concert series was absent in 2021. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for the dates and new details on the 2022 EPCOT Festival of the Arts.
3 – Two ‘Disney Very Merriest After Hours’ at Magic Kingdom Events (Finally) Sell Out
After an unheard of slow start to ticket sales (is it possible that Disney has finally found the outer limits of what guests are willing to tolerate in regards to paying more and getting less?), two Disney Very Merriest After Hours events have sold out following the news last week of additional entertainment. The four-hour event will now look even more like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party with the addition of a new stage show, “Mickey & Minnie’s Very Merry Memories.”
Unlike the After Hours Boo Bash that has been running this fall, this Christmas After Hours event will feature the full Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show. There will be a lot to pack into this short event that promises limited capacity. The Boo Bash event sold out fairly quickly, while the Disney Very Merriest After Hours has struggled to sell tickets. This is likely because the prices have been significantly increased. Prices range from $169-$249 per adult or child, depending on the event date. Learn more about the event at the link below.
Click here to learn more about Disney Very Merriest After Hours.
4 – 2022 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend Medal Reveal
This week, runDisney revealed the medals for the 2022 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend! Check them out at the link below.
5 – New Augmented Reality Lenses Debut with Disney Genie+ at Disney World
Disney Genie+ offers more than just access to the Lightning Lanes at select attractions. It also includes new augmented reality lenses that produce some cool images. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for details on the new augmented reality lenses with Disney Genie+ at Disney World.
6 – “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure’ Comes to Museums Across the Country
“The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure,” an exhibit that has been at the American Adventure in EPCOT, will be coming to three different museums over the next year. Disney Cast Member Carmen Smith has all the details below:
At “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure,” Joe Gardner, the musician, mentor and teacher from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” takes visitors on a tour as they discover the rich and surprising history of jazz. The exhibit was first introduced at The American Adventure inside EPCOT – a celebration of the magic that happens when we create together – as a tribute to a musical art form that originated by African Americans and fuses influences from many different cultures. Today, we are thrilled to bring this once exclusive EPCOT experience beyond the parks and into the cities where jazz took root and grew into the genre we know today.
Starting Oct. 26, 2021, and into the following year, the exhibit will come to three museums across the country: The New Orleans Jazz Museum in New Orleans, the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Walt Disney Imagineering partnered with these local museums to recreate an EPCOT experience for visitors and residents to enjoy in their hometown – illustrating the legacy each region impressed upon jazz’s dynamic history and evolving culture.
Musician and co-composer of Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” Jon Batiste, hopes the takeaway from this exhibit is one that makes people want to sing, dance, and feel the transcendence that jazz evokes. Similar to the joy and deeply rooted nostalgia Walt Disney created in his theme parks, “jazz really has the ability to do that and add to that vision in a way that’s tremendous,” Batiste remarks.
Watch as John Dennis, executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering, and Jon Batiste dive into the history of jazz and its ability to bring us together.
Each installment of the “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” experience will feature a unique collection of artifacts curated by local museums. Visitors will also find two maquettes of characters Joe Gardner and Dorothea Williams, and are also invited to make the experience virtual by snapping a photo with Joe and the band, and by testing their knowledge of jazz and interacting with the exhibit by using the Play Disney Parks mobile app.
The first destination of this musical tour begins in a region commonly considered to be the “birthplace of jazz.” At the New Orleans Jazz Museum in New Orleans, the exhibit will open to visitors on October 26.
The exhibit will arrive at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Missouri on December 10, showcasing the region’s lasting influence on the genre, and the prolific musicians who pumped creativity into the arteries of America’s heartland.
In February 2022, “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” will come to the National Jazz Museum in New York City – home to the Harlem Renaissance – where celebrated icons like Duke Ellington once performed.
If you happen to be in one of these marvelous cities, we welcome you to embark on this musical journey with us!
7 – Walt Disney World Resort Donates $3 million, Introduces Disney VoluntEARS Cast Challenge
The Walt Disney World Resort has donated #3 million to six nonprofit organizations in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the resort! Disney Cast Member Tristen Gell shares more below:
For 50 years, Walt Disney World Resort has served as a beacon of hope and happiness in the Central Florida area, bringing the beloved magic found across the resort to children and families in our neighboring communities through programs like Disney VoluntEARS – a program that connects cast members with local leaders and nonprofit organizations to help support important causes and make a difference in our dynamically diverse and ever-changing community.
We recently shared that Disney granted a total of $3 million to six amazing nonprofit organizations in Central Florida in celebration of our 50th anniversary, and we are thrilled to continue delivering on our commitment to the community throughout The World’s Most Magical Celebration, bringing all the love, joy and EARidescent excitement to our Central Florida family during this 18-month event and beyond.
“The Disney VoluntEARS program is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in a BIG way,” Tajiana Ancora-Brown, director of external affairs at Walt Disney World Resort said. “Over the next 18 months, specially themed events will be happening locally and at our domestic sites across the country, connecting Walt Disney World cast members with communities near and far, while also inviting other Disney employees and fans from all over to join us in celebrating this milestone anniversary, together.”
As this is an incredibly special moment in time for Walt Disney World cast members and Disney VoluntEARS alike, there’s some added magic in store for our VoluntEARS who go to “infinity and beyond” in their communities as we launch the 50 for 50 Disney VoluntEARS Challenge. This cast-exclusive challenge will award Central Florida cast members who volunteer 50 hours and attend 50 VoluntEARS events before the end of the celebration with specially themed EARidescent commemorative items – I know I can’t wait to partake!
“I’m extremely excited to participate in the 50 for 50 Disney VoluntEARS Challenge,” Disney VoluntEAR Monica said. “Being a Disney VoluntEAR is extremely special to me as it means I’m able to make an impact on the life of someone else in a positive and uplifting way.”
Not only will cast members have the opportunity for some hands-on helping throughout the entirety of the challenge, but they’ll also be able to turn their personal or company-sponsored volunteer hours into charitable contributions through Disney VoluntEARS Grants. After volunteering at least ten hours, Disney VoluntEARS will have the option to donate $100 to a nonprofit of their choosing. The more volunteer hours completed, the more donations we’re able to provide on behalf of our cast!
As a company that leads with compassion and innovation, we aim to empower all individuals to create a brighter tomorrow, and we’re excited to see our cast members do just that as they rise to the 50 for 50 Disney VoluntEARS Challenge and impact the lives of so many throughout the next 18 months and beyond.
8 – Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail on Streets of New York City with Enchanting Cruise Ship Float in Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®
On November 25, Disney Cruise Line’s brand-new cruise ship float will embark on its maiden voyage in New York City as part of the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. The imaginatively designed “ship” has been christened “Magic Meets the Sea” and is inspired by the fantastical style of the Disney Wish, which sets sail in summer 2022.
“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a treasured tradition at the heart of family holiday celebrations,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line. “We are honored to collaborate with Macy’s for this renowned event and build upon the shared legacy of creating magical memories year after year. Just like the Disney Wish, our float will be a celebration of enchanting Disney storytelling, beloved characters and wishes come true.”
During its inaugural Parade voyage, the float will feature 15 favorite Disney friends who represent the stories and experiences on the Disney Wish, including Captain Minnie Mouse, who proudly adorns the ship’s bow; Princess Tiana, who cooks up the power of imagination in an all-new interactive adventure aboard the ship; Aladdin and Jasmine, whose story has been reimagined into an original Broadway-style stage show on board; and Cinderella, whose beautiful bronze statue will grace the fairytale-inspired Grand Hall.
Showcasing the grandeur of a Disney Cruise Line vessel, the new float will feature iconic design elements including a Mickey Mouse-inspired color palette, towering red funnels and an intricate filigree motif along the hull.
“The entire Macy’s Parade team is thrilled to welcome Disney Cruise Line to this year’s outstanding Parade lineup,” said Jordan Dabby, producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “This magical float will enchant an audience of millions in New York City, and nationwide on television with Disney’s signature brand of imagination and innovation.”
More details about Disney Cruise Line’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance will be announced at a later date.
The 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air nationwide on NBC-TV, Thursday, November 25 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in all time zones. For more information visit macys.com/parade. To follow and participate in the excitement, check out @macys on various social platforms and follow #MacysParade.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
The New Normal – Visiting Walt Disney World During the Current Covid Restrictions
Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane – New Planning Tools & Paid Access to Lighting Lane
Now Through Spring 2023 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
Click here for our thoughts and review of Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom.
Click here for ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
New Openings at EPCOT – As Part of the Historic Transformation of EPCOT
Click here for what’s new and coming to EPCOT as the Historic Transformation Continues.
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Click here for details on the all-new Club Cool at EPCOT.
Click here to learn about the new flagship shopping location at EPCOT – Creations Shop.
Now Through November 20, 2021 – 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
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.
Now Through October 31, 2021 – Disney After Hours Boo Bash at Magic Kingdom
Click here for our review and the 14 things you need to know about “Disney After Hours Boo Bash.”
Click here for details on where to find Halloween treats at Walt Disney World this fall.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
Upcoming Resort Reopenings
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- October 28 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
November 8 – December 30, 2021 – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
Click here for details on the 2021 holiday offerings at Walt Disney World.
Click here for details on the new “Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours” at Magic Kingdom.
Click here to learn about the first round of celebrity narrators and more entertainment returning to this year’s EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
March 1, 2022 – Star Wars Hotel
New and Coming Soon to 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.
Fall Season at Disneyland Resort – Now Through October 31
Halloween Time is Back This Fall at Disneyland Resort
Click here for details on the fall season at Disneyland Resort!
Holiday Season at Disneyland Resort – November 12, 2021 – January 9, 2022
Click here for details on the holiday season at Disneyland Resort.
Click here for all the information on the all-new Disney Merriest Nights at Disneyland Park.
Click here for a look at Mickey and Minnie’s new fashions and merchandise coming to Disneyland for the holiday season.
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 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 Summer 2022 Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line
Click here to learn about Halloween and Holiday Themed Cruises in fall 2022
Click here to learn about early 2023 itineraries on Disney Cruise Line
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.