DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Changes to Park Reservation System; Another Policy Change Unfriendly to Guests; New Design Details on Upcoming EPCOT Attraction; Disney Revamps Enchantment Fireworks in Response to Widespread Criticism; EPCOT Tours Returning & More
After a couple of quiet weeks, we have a bunch of news out from Disney. Disney announced changes to the park reservation system and also quietly implemented yet another guest-unfriendly policy change for room reservations. We have more information on EPCOT’s ongoing transformation and some can’t-miss fall offerings. With some changes, Disney has finally responded to guests’ many (and deserved) complaints about the poorly received Magic Kingdom fireworks show Enchantment. All this and more are below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Disney Makes Changes to Park Pass Reservation System – New Features and Improvements
The Disney Park Pass reservation system is here to stay, and to help with guests’ experience, Disney has rolled out new features and improvements to the reservations system. Learn more at the link below.
2 – New Design Details Released for Journey of Water Coming to EPCOT
EPCOT continues its multi-year transformation with many projects under construction. This week Disney shared a first look at design details of the upcoming Journey of Water attraction, inspired by Moana, coming to EPCOT. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for new design details on the upcoming Journey of Water attraction coming to EPCOT.
3 – Four Amazing Fall Offerings at Disney World You Don’t Want to Miss!
The fall season is here at Walt Disney World! Have you been thinking of visiting this fall? Then, visit the link below to learn all about what you don’t want to miss!
Click here for more on the fantastic fall offerings at Walt Disney World.
4 – Popular EPCOT Tours to Return in October
Disney has slowly been bringing back more and more popular guest experiences. Disney recently announced that several behind-the-scenes tours will return to EPCOT in October. These tours have not been offered since March 2020. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for all the details on popular EPCOT tours returning in October 2022.
5 – Disney Updates “Disney Enchantment” Fireworks with New Opening
The nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment,” has been met with mixed reviews from guests who see the show at Magic Kingdom. Many have criticized that it lacks magic and does not celebrate Magic Kingdom’s 50th Anniversary (seriously, the new fireworks show you debut on the 50th Anniversary doesn’t even mention the 50th Anniversary??) or Walt Disney. However, Disney has listened to the feedback and debuted a new opening sequence that addresses those complaints this week. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for information, including photos of the updated opening sequence of Disney Enchantment.
6 – Disney Announces Increase in Merchandise Discount for Annual Passholders
In a surprise move, Disney announced that the merchandise discount for Walt Disney World annual passholders would be raised from 20% to 30% for a limited time this fall. Disney states this must be for personal use. Learn more, including when passholders can take advantage of the increase at the lin below.
Click here to learn about the limited-time merchandise increase for annual passholders.
7 – Disney Announces Disney+ Day and Park Celebrations
Disney Parks are celebrating Disney+ Day this September with special offerings and perks just for Disney+ subscribers. Learn more at the link below.
Click here for information on how Disney Parks are celebrating Disney+ Day.
8 – More Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Dates Selling Out
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party ticket sales were slow going this summer, but now that the full party experience has returned and guests response has been overwhelmingly positive, ticket sales have picked up dramatically. The party is now sold out for all of August, and most of September, with some dates in October. If you want to visit this year’s party and have not purchased your tickets, we highly recommend doing so as soon as possible. Visit the links below for our review of the party, the can’t miss entertainment offerings of the party, and a link to purchase tickets.
Click here for our review of the 2022 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Click here for the can’t-miss entertainment at this year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Click here to purchase tickets for the party.
9 – Disney Announces Rule Change for Room-Only Reservations at Walt Disney World
For those like us who like to plan ahead and make reservations for the most popular times of the year well in advance, the latest policy change from Disney will make that a lot harder.
Here is the statement from Disney:
Beginning August 19, 2022, room-only reservations can only be booked as far out as annual product release dates. As a result, [travel agents] will no longer be able to book room only reservations beyond released annual product dates.
Beginning August 19, [guests] may book room-only stays through our current available booking window, which goes through December 31, 2023. For [guests] wishing to book past our current available dates, new annual packages and expanded date availability typically becomes available in late spring.
10 – Disney Skyliner Refurbishment Scheduled for January 2023
Disney has announced that the Disney Skyliner will undergo routine maintenance in January 2023. Please be aware that all lines of the Disney Skyliner will be closed for routine maintenance from January 22-29, 2023. Bus transportation will be available at all Disney Skyliner Resorts throughout the planned closure so you can reach their desired destinations across Walt Disney World.
11 – runDisney Announces Theme for 2023 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend
runDisney has announced the theme of the 2023 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend. The race weekend will be held April 13-16, 2023, at Walt Disney World. The recently announced race weekend theme will be a treat for fans of Disney and Pixar as runners will feel the magic of Pixar along courses inspired by some of the most iconic characters.
The four-day runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend features a new theme annually. This year, it will spotlight fan-favorite Pixar characters from Cars, Monsters, Inc., and Toy Story during events ranging from a 5K to a 19.3-mile multiple race challenge.
The 2023 Springtime Surprise Weekend will feature:
- runDisney Springtime Surprise Yoga (April 13) – Happening for the first time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney Pixar Cars 5K (April 14)
- Disney Pixar Monsters 10K (April 15)
- Disney Pixar Toy Story 10-Miler (April 16)
Runners can test their stamina in the runDisney Springtime Surprise Challenge by participating in all three races for a total of 19.3 miles. Participants will even earn three individual race medals plus a special Finding Nemo-themed medal for completing the “challenge.”
Click here for more details on the race weekend, and click here to register.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
The New Disney World Normal: Visiting Post Pandemic – What You Need to Know
Click here for what you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World post-pandemic.
Disney Genie, Genie+, and Lightning Lane – New Planning Tools & Paid Access to Lighting Lane
Now through October 31, Select Nights – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Click here for our review of the 2022 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Click here for the can’t-miss entertainment at this year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Now through November 19, 2022 – 2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Click here for details on the 2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
Click here for photos of the menu boards for the Global Marketplaces with pricing for easy planning!
Now Open – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Now Through Spring 2023 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
Click here for Disney World 50th Anniversary Merchandise – What’s New & What You Need to Know
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 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
Now Open – Drawn to Life
Click here for our review of Drawn to Life the new Cirque du Soleil show now open at Disney Springs.
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
November 8-December 22, Select Nights – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
Click here for dates, pricing, and details for the 2022 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Wish
Click here to learn more (and watch) the Christening Ceremony Celebration of the Disney Wish!
Click here to learn about staterooms and our room review on the Disney Wish.
Click here to learn about upper deck fun and the AquaMouse – the first Disney attraction at sea!
Click here for an overview of family dining on the Disney Wish!
Click here to learn more about stage show entertainment on the Disney Wish!
Itineraries in 2022 and 2023
Click here to learn about early 2023 itineraries on Disney Cruise Line
Click here for information on Pixar Day at Sea coming in early 2023!
Click here for information on Marvel Day at Sea on Disney Cruise Line in 2023.
Click here for information about Disney Cruise Line’s Summer 2023 Itineraries.
Click here for details on Disney Cruise Line Fall 2023 Itineraries.
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.