As with several other attractions, physical distancing markers have been removed from the extended outdoor queue for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, which runs throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Walt Disney World is gradually reducing and removing physical distancing throughout the resort. The Smugglers Run queue has sometimes looped into backstage areas. Physical distancing markers are still in place after the official start of the queue. Keep checking WDWNT for updates.
According to CNBC, domestic airfare fares are up 9% since April 1st, while international fares are up 17%. And spoiler: that number just keeps going up. These prices are approaching 2019 levels as high demand — combined with fewer flights per day — drives that cost.
Orlando International Airport Crowds
CNBC cites a report by Bernstein that explains, “For domestic travel, the June line is closest as it has ever been this past year to the pre-pandemic values.” If you’re flying soon, expect a higher price tag and a packed flight.
We’ve got a similar situation goin’ on with hotels: more people are traveling now, driving up hotel prices with their increased demand. According to CNBC, Orlando’s hotel rates averaged at $107 per night in early May, compared to $62 last year. However, that $107 is still below the $133 average in 2019.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney World’s hotel room rates tend to fluctuate, with higher prices at peak demand and lower prices during slow seasons. Thus, with higher demand (Park Pass reservations are already booking FAST), we should see rates continue to rise.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
If you’re looking to save money on your Disney hotel room, we recommend planning a trip during a less crowded time of year.
Why?! Well, in 2020, rental car demand plummeted 90%, causing companies to sell off their inventory. Now, as travel returns, there’s a MAJOR shortage of cars, driving those prices up. You’ll have to spend big bucks — plus hidden extra fees like overnight parking at Disney World — to have one of these on your trip.
If you’re budgeting for your Disney World trip, you’ll really want to look into these costs. We’ll keep an eye on the state of travel and keep ya posted with plenty more Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB!
Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
We’ve had to apologize to our wallets a few times when Disney released new home collections, like the Kingdom of Cute Collection! Now, we’re getting ready to start apologizing again thanks to an all-new Disney Princess collection from POPSUGAR.
The Happily Ever Home collection is a new collaboration between Disney Princess and POPSUGAR that is now available at Target! The collection features products inspired by Moana, Ariel, Tiana, and Belle!
There are a bunch of products that you can get inspired by each of the four princesses. Looking to get cozy? You can snag the Moana Chenille Throw and Eye Mask for $29.99.
Each one is inspired by the color palette of its respective princess. For instance, the Tiana Storage Bin is a pretty combo of purples. These are available for $24.99!
This entire collection is available at Target right now so click on over if you’re looking to snag something! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney merchandise!
Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will not open today at Disneyland Park due to unspecified technical difficulties. The attraction did close early last night, about two and a half hours before the rest of the park. Guests using the Disneyland App are receiving a notification reading “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is unavailable today and we will not be able to board any recruits. We apologize for the inconvenience. We encourage our Guests to explore other areas of […]
Even more new merchandise has made its way to Black Spire Outfitters at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios. We reported on new plushes and a Boba Fett mask & jetpack last week. Well, it seems the days of Black Spire Outfitters serving as only a cosplay costume shop are over, as there’s now a full display of Mandalorian relics. Mythosaur Skull Sculpture – $49.99 If you are in the market to commemorate this creature native to the Outer […]
Have you heard of the Disney Genie planning app? Or maybe you heard of it once, but then completely forgot that it existed (perhaps because Disney hasn’t spoken a lot about it)?
At the D23 Expo in 2019, Disney announced that a new planning offering called the “Disney Genie” was coming soon. But since the initial reveal, updates about Disney Genie have been few and far between. So, what’s the deal?? Here’s what we know so far!
What Is Disney Genie?
Guests that have traveled to Disney World in recent years are likely familiar with My Disney Experience, an online planning tool that allows guests to manage dining reservations, check wait times, place Mobile Orders, and more.
A Look at My Disney Experience
With all of the functionalities available in My Disney Experience, what more will Disney Genie add? Well, Disney Genie will take things a step further. Essentially, Disney Genie will work alongside My Disney Experience to make your planning easier. Genie will provide you with customized vacation itineraries based on your specific interests with just a few taps on your phone.
According to Disney, Disney Genie is designed to “help you make the most out of your visit, whether you’re a first-time guest or a seasoned pro.” Disney has also shared some examples of interests that itineraries can be built around, including “a royal, princess-themed day at Magic Kingdom Park to a trip around the world at EPCOT for foodies and even a perfect day for thrill-seekers.”
What Interests Will You Plan Your Day Around?
But, don’t worry — the plans will also be flexible, so you can change things throughout the day to re-optimize your plans. Guests can receive modified itineraries as their day changes with real-time updates, tips, tricks, and recommendations based on nearby experiences. Disney Genie will even be able to assist with any needed reservations for your whole group!
Interestingly, Disney has also stated that “Certain features of Disney Genie will also be available through your preferred travel professional.”
How Would You Use Disney Genie to Plan Your Day in Hollywood Studios?
You’ll be able to inform the Genie of what your interests are and what you’d most like to do, and the Disney Genie will then be able to make personalized recommendations for you to best optimize your time. The Genie will also inform you about estimated wait times at attractions, as well as your suggested arrival times based on your current location in the parks.
Time to Make Your Magical Day in Magic Kingdom Even BETTER
Essentially, Disney Genie is a more robust and personalized planning tool that’s designed to help guests get the most out of each day of their Disney World vacation.
This app could be a game-changer for guests who don’t have time to plan or just don’t enjoy the planning process. It could also be helpful for those who have been to Disney hundreds of times and are looking for a unique itinerary they may have not created on their own, or just want some helpful tips and tricks.
When Disney Genie was originally announced in 2019, Disney stated that the new offering would launch in late 2020. Then that whole “Disney World closed for almost half a year” thing happened. As of mid-2021, Disney Genie has not yet gone live.
During an interview shared in April of 2021, Josh D’Amaro said that Disney Genie will launch “soon” in Disney World. We still don’t have an exact date, but we’re definitely on the lookout for more details!
We have seen other signs that indicate this project is still in the works. Tilak Mandadi, Disney’s Executive Vice President of Digital and Chief Technology Officer of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, gave a preview of Disney Genie functionalities in November 2020.
That preview was made back in November of 2020 and it was the first news we had heard about the Disney Genie in a WHILE, but at least it was a sign that the system is still in the works.
Potential Patents
We also spotted some artificial intelligence patents in late 2020 that seem like they could be used for Disney Genie. The patents involve an artificially intelligent virtual agent that is designed to have a human-like response to whatever the user says.
As we noted above, in April of 2021, Josh D’Amaro spoke briefly about Disney Genie and how it will debut in Disney World soon. D’Amaro also noted that Disney has a highly talented multi-disciplinary team working on things that will shape the future of guests’ experiences.
Introduction of MagicMobile
In March 2021, Disney launched a new digital planning tool, but it wasn’t Disney Genie. Instead, it was MagicMobile. This new service essentially turns your phone into your MagicBand, allowing guests to use their phones to tap into the parks, link PhotoPass photos, and more. This service is now available for both Apple and Android users.
But MagicMobile mostly just gives guests another option for accessing current features housed in My Disney Experience, rather than adding new functionalities to the planning experience.
The fact that Disney introduced MagicMobile could be a good sign for Disney Genie — showing that Disney is still working on introducing new technology to the parks experience. But the fact that news about Disney Genie has been pretty scarce while an entirely separate technological system has already been introduced and implemented in the parks is not a great sign.
Is There a Cost?
Disney has not indicated whether Disney Genie will be free to use or whether guests will need to pay an additional fee for it. We’re still on the lookout for more information about that!
Overall
Between the updates from Disney’s executive team and potential Disney Genie-related patents we saw in late 2020, it seems that this new planning tool is still in the works behind the scenes, even though Disney really hasn’t shared a lot of details about its eventual release.
We’ll continue to be on the lookout for any announcements from Disney regarding the future of Disney Genie, so stay tuned for all of the latest updates!
Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
You Will Quickly Learn How Beautiful Cinderella Castle Is Though
What are some lessons we’ve learned from our 100+ trips to Disney World that you should know ahead of your next trip? We’re breaking that all down for you here.
1. You Can’t Get It All Done in One Trip
One of the biggest things you learn after going to Disney World 100 times is that you just can’t get it all done in one trip. This is a lesson you might learn after your first trip, or one that might take a few trips to really sink in.
Between the theme parks, water parks, hotels, Disney Springs, golfing, mini golf, etc. there are just way too many things to squeeze into one trip (unless your trip is a month long)!
Instead of trying to fit 100 things into your 5 (or more or less) day trip, the best strategy is just to focus on what’s most important to you and your family and what you can (realistically) accomplish during your trip.
You Could Have Each Member of the Family Pick Their 1-2 Must-Do’s
Try not to set expectations too high. We think it’s better to have a smaller list of must-see items that you can feasibly accomplish and then potentially have time left over for other items, rather than have a GIANT list of things to do that you won’t be able to finish, leaving you feeling disappointed.
Disney World’s theme parks are fantastic. And during your first trip, and even your first 10, 20, or 30 trips to Disney World, the parks might be your #1 priority.
But, after 100 trips to Disney World you might find that really, the hotels are where it’s at!
Have You Visited Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts?
Once you’ve been to Disney World 100+ times and feel like you’ve ridden all you need to ride multiple times, you might not be worried about having to ride Space Mountain 4 times. Instead, you might find your priorities shifting to things like out-of-park experiences or unique dining opportunities. The hotels are a fantastic spot for all that and more.
Each Disney-owned hotel is uniquely themed. You’ll find special dining opportunities and snacks at them, some of which are exclusive to specific hotels. There are sometimes activities available to participate in (like hotel tours or scavenger hunts), and there’s lots to just explore and take in.
Disney’s Riviera Resort is a Beautiful Spot to Visit!
Truly, you could spend an entire day (or even an entire trip) just exploring the hotels. While hotel hopping is somewhat modified right now due to COVID-19, you can still visit Disney World’s hotels if you follow the new policies (meaning book a stay there or book a dining reservation!). And we think this is something you should look into doing if you get the chance!
After visiting Disney World 100+ times, you start to really learn what types of transportation are best for you and what are the best/secret ways to get around property. This can take some time to realize and it can change depending on your trip and what your goals are for that trip. But after many vacations to Disney World you’ll have a general sense of what works for you.
Do You Like Using Disney Buses?
Should you rent a car? Use a Disney bus? Hop on the Skyliner or Monorail? Use rideshare? Or maybe even walk? Sometimes you just have to try it all out to find what works best for you and your family.
Time to Hop on the Skyliner!
And by the time you’ve been to Disney World 100+ times, you’ll know about all the fastest or most convenient ways to get around property. For example, you’ll probably be well aware that bus transportation is sometimes offered from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom and typically doesn’t have a long line like we do (seriously, you’ll probably get to Magic Kingdom before people waiting for the Monorail even board!), or you’ll know that you can walk from the EPCOT area hotels to Disney’s Hollywood Studios if you want to. It all just comes with time!
Hopefully it doesn’t take 100 trips, but certainly after 100 trips to Disney World you’ll learn that Cast Members are really what make the magic.
Your first few trips, you might be so focused on rides, food, etc. that you won’t really have the time to stop and realize all of the work the Cast Members are doing and the magic they’re creating.
Cast Members Are the BEST!
But, after many trips you’ll start to realize that the Cast Members really are the stars here. You could spend an entire day just chatting with them, seeing the work they do, and admiring the way they create special memories for others.
After 100+ trips to Disney World, you’ll start to realize that you probably don’t need all 5,000 things you packed in your park bag, but you do need some essentials!
It’s hard to know exactly what to pack for Disney World sometimes. And particularly if your Disney trips are spread out and you sort-of forget what you packed last time, you may be tempted to bring everything (including the kitchen sink) into the parks every time just in case (p.s. don’t bring the kitchen sink, you can just buy one of those in Disney World! ).
What to Pack?!
After visiting Disney World over 100 times you’ll realize you probably don’t need everything you’ve packed. But you do need some essentials. We recommend a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a phone charger, your MagicBand or phone if you’ll be using MagicMobile, and some other items.
Stay hydrated!
We’ve got quite a few packing posts and videos to help you get planning. Check out our video below for a list of 13 things even the pros forget to bring to Disney World.
6. Traditional Table Service and Even Quick Service Restaurants/Meals Can Be Overrated
Now, this one might seem controversial but hear us out! While there are LOTS of fantastic table service and quick service restaurants in Disney World, after visiting the parks and resorts many times you might just realize, having a traditional meal sometimes can be overrated.
Maybe you just don’t need those larger portions or you’re looking for something the more traditional restaurants just don’t offer. Or maybe you’re more of a snacker. For some, snacking your way around the parks and making meals out of the things you find along the way can be FANTASTIC!
Snacking through the parks instead of having a traditional meal is a particularly good plan when there’s a festival going on in EPCOT.
Spring Rolls and Secret Sauce!
AND don’t forget about those Disney World lounges — places like Nomad Lounge and others. These typically lesser-known spots may fly under the radar for most, but if you order a few dishes here (even if they are smaller in terms of size) you could fashion one delicious meal for yourself (and don’t feel like you’ve got to buy an alcoholic beverage at the lounge — you can always just stop by and munch on some the food they serve there).
After 100+ trips to Disney World, you’ll know how to navigate your way through security like a pro and you’ll probably have a much better idea of what types of things in your bag typically set the sensors off so you can take them out ahead of time.
Security Screening Sign
With Disney World’s updated security system, guests are instructed to keep all of their items inside of their bags and simply carry their bags with them through the screening point. But, you may want to take out umbrellas, metal water bottles, larger chargers, and other bigger items as those can sometimes trigger the sensors, and it can be best to hold those outside of your bag so that they’re easily accessible to be checked.
Nothing screams “I’ve been to Disney World 100+ times” like not even slowing down as you breeze up to security whipping out your items you know you need to remove without skipping a beat! It pays to know what to do to get through security quickly and efficiently.
Okay, getting through security efficiently might show your Disney knowledge, but really one of the easiest ways to identify a Disney expert is based on their knowledge of Disney’s BEST restrooms.This is possibly one of the most important lessons you’ll learn as a Disney pro.
Some of the Prettiest Restrooms in Disney World!
Whether you’re looking for great theming, bathrooms that are SUPER clean, ones with lots of stalls, spots that are less crowded, or something else, after going to Disney World so much, you’ll know exactly where to go when you “gotta go.”
100+ trips to Disney World will also teach you that you’ve got to look really closely at everything in the parks and hotels because (for the most part) nothing has been put there by accident.
After 100+ vacations to Disney you’ll realize that you’ve really got to look carefully for all those hidden details because you never know where you’ll find them. As we mentioned, you’ll also learn that almost everything has a purpose.
That change in stone on the floor? The difference in foliage? That particular color being used on that building? For the most part, everything in Disney World is there for a reason and a purpose. Now that you’ve noticed it, it’s just about finding out what the meaning behind it is!
During your first 10, 20, 30, etc. trips to Disney World you’ll probably be focused on the big rides, big parks, big hotels, etc. — and rightfully so. Those big/popular things attract lots of guests for a reason — they’re typically the most themed, thrilling, newest, etc. places to be.
BUT once you’ve seen and done all of that, you can hit up the underrated restaurants, hotels, and spots.And when you do, you’ll probably fall in love with a lot of them and visit them over and over again!
Have You Ever Been to Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail?
After 100+ Disney World trips, you’ll realize that a quiet corner in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, a ride through Living with the Land in EPCOT, or a seat in the shade with a coffee and treat from Le Petit Cafe in Disney’s Riviera Resort might be how you actually want to spend your time in Disney World.
Your first few trips, you may fall for the “gift shop after every ride trick,” you might book an expensive hotel thinking that it’s the best only to find out a cheaper option would have worked out just fine, or you may book a package that actually doesn’t give you the best deal.
12. There is No “Right” or “Perfect” Way to Do Disney World
And finally, after 100+ trips to Disney World you’re sure to learn that there is no “right” or “perfect” way to arrange a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Everyone has their own style. Some people wake up at the crack of dawn to enter the parks before they even officially open. Others will sleep in but take advantage of lower crowds in the evenings.
You’ve Gotta Do Disney However It’s Best for You!
Some people have to ride every single ride, others are just there to eat. No way is right or wrong — you’ve just got to do what’s best for you and your family. What’s best for you might be totally different than what some people recommend or what your friends do and that’s okay!! You’ve got to plan your trip to Disney World in a way that works for you and makes you happiest.
At the end of the day, all that matters is that you create lasting memories and have a good time (and eat some delicious food too. You’ve gotta throw that in there).
Time to Get Planning Your Next Trip!
And that’s our list of the things you only learn after you’ve visited Disney World 100 times! We’ll keep working on all kinds of tips and tricks for you to help you as you plan your upcoming Disney vacations, and we’ll be sure to share them with you. So stay tuned for more from us here at DFB!
Hopefully you’ve seen all the exciting updates related to the latest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet: the Disney Wish, which sets sail in summer 2022! In case you missed it, the Disney Parks Blog kicked off the first-ever virtual deck party to help ring in the news. We even shared how some of […]
Today, we’re honored to introduce you to Elliot Mills, Vice President, Hotel Operations for Disneyland Resort and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, and share how the Hawai’i-native uses his passion for ho‘okipa (hospitality) and the Hawai‘i community to uphold Aulani Resort’s dedication to celebrating Hawaiian culture.
As of mid-2021, Disney Genie has not yet gone live.
