DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: End of Hated Extra Fee; Big Park Reservation Change for Passholders; Opening Date for TRON & Happily Every After; Genie+ Upgrade & More
Last week was an unexpectedly huge week for Disney World news that surprised many in the Disney community. The week was full of news on the opening dates of new major attractions, the reversal of some policies that were very unfriendly to guests, and more. Overall, the biggest news was a sense that, as an organization, Disney is serious about addressing growing concerns among Disney fans about many of the most unpopular changes over the last couple of years. It is encouraging indeed. Full details on this and more are below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Disney World Ending Very Unpopular Extra Fee for Resort Guests
In a sign that returned CEO Bob Iger is serious about returning some of the Disney World magic that has been lost in the last few years, Disney announced today that a very unpopular extra fee for guests staying on Disney World property that many viewed as raw money grab is going away immediately.
2 – Disney Announces TRON Lightcycle / Run Opening Date, Teases Passholder/DVC Previews
After what seems an eternity of waiting, Disney World has finally announced an opening date for the newest major attraction at the Magic Kingdom, TRON Lightcycle / Run. Disney World also teased upcoming previews for Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.
3 – Disney Announces Enhanced Happily Every After Fireworks Return Date
Disney Enchantment, the nighttime fireworks spectacular at Magic Kingdom, was poorly received when it debuted and has never really caught on with Disney fans. In a surprising reversal, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro, at the D23 Expo, announced that Happily Ever After, the predecessor of Enchantment and fan-favorite nighttime spectacular would return to the Magic Kingdom. Disney has now announced the date for the return of Happily Every After, which will be an enhanced version of the original.
4 – Disney World Changing Park Reservation Requirements for Annual Passholders
It’s fair to say that very few people would describe themselves as fans of the Disney World park reservation system. The pandemic-era system was introduced to control park crowd levels and requires guests to make advanced reservations to visit a specific park on a specific day, with reservations selling out months in advance for moderate and high-demand periods. The need to plan and make park reservations so far in advance has dramatically altered the annual passholder experience making it impossible to enjoy one of the best benefits of being a passholder, spontaneous visits to the parks any time the mood hits. Fortunately, Disney World has announced a change coming soon to park reservation requirements for annual passholders that we are thrilled to hear.
5 – Disney Making BIG Addition to Genie+
Like many of you, we have mixed emotions regarding Disney Genie+. Love it or hate it, Disney is continuing to make improvements and enhancements that make it easier to use and add value for guests. In a time where we have more stories about what Disney is taking away than giving to guests, we’re happy with this announcement and expect guests who purchase Disney Genie+ will be too.
6 – Disney Announces Reopening Date for Pete’s Silly Sideshow
While many of the pandemic-era closures have since reopened, some offerings still have yet to come back. This is especially true when it comes to character meet and greets. Fortunately, Disney confirmed the return of one of our favorite character spots in Magic Kingdom, Pete’s Silly Sideshow this morning.
7 – Disney Cruise Line Launches Pixar Day at Sea
Disney Cruise Line launched its latest themed cruise, Pixar Day at Sea, and we were there to enjoy it. Not surprisingly, Disney Cruise Line did a fantastic job incorporating our favorite Pixar characters and Pixar-themed experiences into the cruise. Read all about our voyage to hear more about the experience and our review of all the unique offerings.
Articles with Cruising Tips and Tricks
Learn more about the Disney Cruise line and our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy!
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Getting Ready to Sail!
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 1
Days 2-8 are coming soon!
Instagram Story with Photos and Video of our Cruise
Day 1 – Instagram Story Highlight – Arrival Day
Day 2 – Instagram Story Highlight – Sea Day
Day 3 – Instagram Story Highlight – Pixar Day at Sea
Day 4 – Instagram Story Highlight – Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Pirate Night
Day 5 – Instagram Story Highlight – San Juan, Puerto Rico
Day 6 – Instagram Story Highlight – Sea Day
Day 7 – Instagram Story Highlight – Castaway Cay
8 – New Ticket Offer for Florida Residents Released
To kick off the New Year, Florida residents can get a great value on their next visit to Walt Disney World Resort theme parks with the return of the Disney Weekday Magic Ticket. Floridians can purchase a 2-day ticket for $175 (plus tax) to visit Walt Disney World Resort theme parks Monday through Friday now through April 27, 2023. Certain blockout dates apply.
9 – New Passholder Magnet Available this Week
Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can pick up a new complimentary Dumbo magnet at EPCOT beginning January 18, 2023. The Dumbo passholder Magnet will be available at Creations Shop in EPCOT from January 18 through February 20, 2023. Passholders must have their physical pass or MagicBand associated with their pass and a government-issued photo ID.
10 – 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Arts Opens This Week
EPCOT’s most underappreciated festival, the Festival of the Arts, opens this week. We’ll be visiting and will have a full review and some tips to make the most of this festival. In the meantime, here’s a link to the full menus of the festival kitchens to begin making your list of things to try.
11 – Tiana’s Palace Coming to Disneyland Later This Year
Tiana fans will be pleased to learn that an all-new restaurant, Tina’s Palace, is coming to Disneyland later this year.
Learn more about this exciting new restaurant by clicking here.
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
January 13 – February 20, 2023 – EPCOT Festival of the Arts
Click here to learn more about the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Arts.
Now Open – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Now Through March 31, 2023 – The Most Magical Celebration – 50 Years of Walt Disney World
Coming Soon to Walt Disney World
January 23, 2023 – Splash Mountain Closes
Splash Mountain Closes for Rethemeing into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
April 3, 2023 – Happily Ever After Returns to Magic Kingdom
Click here about Happily Ever After and its return to Magic Kingdom in 2023.
April 4, 2023 – Tron Lightcycle Run Coming to Magic Kingdom
Click here to learn more about TRON / Lightcycle Run coming to Magic Kingdom in spring 2023.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Pixar Day at Sea on the Disney Fantasy – Spring 2023
Articles with Cruising Tips and Tricks
Learn more about the Disney Cruise line and our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy!
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Getting Ready to Sail!
TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 1
Days 2-8 are coming soon!
Instagram Story with Photos and Video of our Cruise
Day 1 – Instagram Story Highlight – Arrival Day
Day 2 – Instagram Story Highlight – Sea Day
Day 3 – Instagram Story Highlight – Pixar Day at Sea
Day 4 – Instagram Story Highlight – Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Pirate Night
Day 5 – Instagram Story Highlight – San Juan, Puerto Rico
Day 6 – Instagram Story Highlight – Sea Day
Day 7 – Instagram Story Highlight – Castaway Cay
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 2023 and 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.
Click here for details on Disney Cruise Line Early 2024 Itineraries.
Coming to 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.