Walt Disney World Cuts Ticket Prices For Kids This Summer

Taking kids on a summer vacation to Walt Disney World just got cheaper.

The Florida theme park announced this week it is offering half-price tickets for kids ages 3 to 9, plus other family-friendly discounts and entertainment this summer.

Here is what to know about the offerings.

Half-price kids tickets valid through Sept. 20

Half-price kids tickets are now available for purchase.

The 50% discount is valid on three-day tickets or longer and on visits from May 27 through Sept. 20, 2025.

Adult pricing for Disney World tickets begins at age 10. Guests under age 3 may enter for free.

Return of the free dining plan deal

Disney-goers can get a free dining plan with the purchase a non-discounted four-night, four-day (or longer) package that includes a room at select Disney Resort hotels, and a ticket with a Park Hopper option.

The offer is valid for visits on select dates from June 29 through Dec. 22, 2025.

Kid zone experiences at Magic Kingdom, Epcot

From May 27 through Sept. 1, new experiences will open in Magic Kingdom and Epcot designed specifically for kids.

Kid zones at Magic Kingdom in Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland will offer new activities and opportunities to interact with Disney characters.

At Epcot, Goofy will take over CommuniCore Hall, where kids can cool down and have fun in what Disney describes as the "ultimate game party and play space."

New shows and a nighttime parade

A new nighttime parade is coming to Magic Kingdom later this summer, featuring characters from "Peter Pan," "Frozen," "Encanto" and more.

The Disney Starlight parade is the first nighttime parade at Disney World in almost a decade, according to the company.

At Hollywood Studios, two new shows for kids will debut on May 27 -- "The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure" and "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After."

Character visits at select Disney hotels

This summer, select resorts -- Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's Wilderness Lodge -- will feature character visits and new Disney-themed activities for families.

https://abcnews.go.com/author/GMA_Team

Travelore News: Florida Governor, Disney Reach Settlement In Lawsuit Over Special District

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney World opens new tab have reached a settlement to end a high-profile state lawsuit over the control of the special district that includes Walt Disney World in Orlando, the company said on Wednesday.

The settlement ends all litigation pending in state court of Florida between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, according to the company. A district board appointed by DeSantis to oversee development around Disney's Florida theme parks had sued the company last year to void "backroom deals" favorable to the entertainment giant.

The lawsuit in state court in Orange County, Florida, had sought to invalidate an agreement prior board members made with Disney, arguing it amounted to a one-sided deal that was rubber stamped.

"This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district," Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle said.

Reporting by Aditya Soni in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur, Reuters

Disney World: Face Masks Optional For All Areas Of Resort

Walt Disney World has lifted the last of its mask requirements, meaning face coverings will be optional for visitors at all locations on the central Florida Disney property.

The rule change was posted Tuesday on Disney’s website. Masks are still recommended, though not required, for guests who are not fully vaccinated in indoor locations and enclosed transportation.

In February, the park made face coverings optional for fully vaccinated visitors in all indoor and outdoor locations, with the exception of enclosed transportation, such as the resort’s monorail, buses and the resort’s sky gondola. The new rule change removes the transportation exception, as well as the requirement to be vaccinated.

The change comes a day after a federal judge in Florida threw out a national mask mandate for public transportation. The ruling gives airports, mass transit systems, airlines and ride-hailing services the option to keep mask rules or ditch them entirely.

Major airlines were some of the first to update their rules after the court decision. United, Southwest, American, Alaska, Delta and JetBlue announced that effective immediately, masks would no longer be required on domestic flights. The ride-sharing companies Lyft and Uber announced on their websites Tuesday that masks will now be optional while riding or driving.

Walt Disney Imagineering Presents The EPCOT Experience Closing Permanently On March 14, 2022.

Statement from Disney about the closing:

"Since its 2019 debut, Walt Disney Imagineering presents the EPCOT Experience has welcomed more than two million guests, as travelers from around the world enjoyed an immersive look at the past, present and future of this beloved park. This attraction gave our team a chance to share a first-person view of the vision coming to life during this ongoing “state of becoming.” It’s a rare moment to see these milestones unfold, and we’ve been inspired and deeply grateful to have this opportunity to pull back the curtain on our thinking.

With the transformation now well under way and many of those projects now open – including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Harmonious and the upcoming debut of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind this summer – we have decided it is time to close the EPCOT Experience on March 14 and make way for exciting new activations of the Odyssey pavilion to create a great experience for our guests.

I’m proud of the work and storytelling that our Imagineers put into this incredible 360-degree presentation, as it beautifully set the stage for the largest transformation in the history of EPCOT, and provided an in-depth look at the exciting attractions and experiences being developed for this beloved park. I always like to say to our team that EPCOT is a park about people – our dreams, our curiosity and our ability to make magic possible when we work together. The EPCOT Experience was a showcase of all those things, inviting each of you to dream with us as we create the future of EPCOT together.

We have a lot more to share in the weeks and months ahead, and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide an in-depth look at the process through our Imagineering lens. Follow along with me here as we share more exciting details about this historic EPCOT transformation, including Journey of Water inspired by Moana, the ongoing evolution of World Celebration, and more!"

Source: https://wdwnt.com/

After Almost 2 Years, Water Park Reopens At Disney World On January 2nd

Orlando- The big waves are returning to Walt Disney World.

The theme park resort said Tuesday that it will reopen its Typhoon Lagoon water park after an almost two-year hiatus.

The water park closed in March 2020 as the coronavirus started spreading throughout the U.S. While Disney World’s other theme parks reopened in summer 2020 with virus safety protocols in place, the water park stayed closed.

Visitors to Typhoon Lagoon will be able to swim in its massive wave pool, slide down its water coaster and meander down its lazy river starting on Sunday.

Mickey’s Flashy Dress, Glowing Castle Mark Disney World 50th

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Walt Disney World in Florida turns 50 in October.

To help celebrate, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be wearing flashier threads and iconic structures such as the Cinderella Castle and the golf-ball-like Spaceship Earth are getting new lighting, Disney officials said Friday while unveiling the first details of how the massive theme park resort will mark its milestone anniversary.

Plans for the 18-month celebration which starts in October are being made amid one of the toughest stretches the resort the size of the city of San Francisco has faced in its nearly 50 years. Last spring, Disney World closed for two months to help stop the spread of the new coronavirus, leading to the temporary furlough of 43,000 workers.

Last fall, the company announced layoffs for 28,000 workers from its parks division in Florida and California due to limits on attendance and other pandemic-related issues. Disney officials said last November that revenue at its parks, experiences and products business fell 61% to $2.6 billion.

Before the pandemic, Disney World employed around 77,000 workers.

“If ever the world needed some pixie dust and a little extra magic from our cast, that time is now — and we hope you join us in the excitement,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort in an email to community leaders.

Disney World has high hopes the 50th anniversary celebration provides Disney fans enough reason to return to the theme park resort during a time when vaccines will be more widely distributed.

For starters, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other costumed characters will be getting sparkling clothes that include iridescent fabric and embroidery with renderings of the Cinderella Castle. The resorts’ iconic structures — the castle at Magic Kingdom, Spaceship Earth at Epcot, the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom — will be glowing with special lighting during the celebration. The Cinderella Castle also will be made over with gold bunting and other golden embellishments.

“It is going to be the world’s most magical celebration,” said Dana Carlson, an associate broadcast producer for Disney Live Entertainment.

Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels Offering Magical Family Getaways With Exceptional Savings On Hotel Stays & Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets Now until June 18, 2021

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – No one creates a magical family vacation experience like the Disney Springs Resorts Area Hotels in the Walt Disney World® Resort, and now is the perfect time to book that long-awaited escape with exceptional rates for stays in your choice of six Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels. With rates starting as low as $76 per night*, a stay at any of these hotels has the added benefit of a complimentary bus shuttle to all Walt Disney World® Theme Parks (check individual hotels for bus information), plus a “Passport to Savings” booklet featuring discounts and specials from Disney Springs® merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining, and advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World® golf courses. Make your Disney Springs Resorts Area Hotels room reservation at https://disneyspringshotels.com/magic21/.

With all that the Walt Disney World® theme parks and Disney Springs® has to offer, the decision is easy to plan your stay at one of the six Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels. Situated on Walt Disney World Resort property, all six hotels are ideally located within easy walking distance to Disney Springs®, which now features more than 150 retail, dining and entertainment establishments. This includes exceptional dining options -- ranging from casual fare to extraordinary restaurants by renowned James Beard Award-winning chefs – as well as outstanding shopping, unique attractions, and numerous choices to enjoy outdoor entertainment. Among the new offerings at Disney Springs® are Gideon’s Bake House, Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brews, M&M’s Store, Rustic Cuff new pop-up location, and Fit 2 Run is back in a new location.

In addition to their convenient location and exceptional values starting at only $76 per night*, the six Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels are known for their first-class facilities and on-site amenities. Additional benefits of staying at one of the six hotels include the ability to purchase Disney Theme Park Tickets at the hotels’ website, www.disneyspringshotels.com and at their Guest Service’s Desk.

2021 Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket Offers include a 4-Day Ticket for only $199 + tax (only $50/day), OR a 3-Day Ticket for only $179 + tax, OR a 2-Day Ticket for only $149 + tax. Both a Theme Park reservation via the Disney Park Pass system and valid admission for the same park, on the same date, are required for each person, ages 3 and up. Reservations are limited and subject to availability. Create the perfect Disney Theme Park experience today! Purchase tickets at https://disneyspringshotels.com/magic21/.

For families that like to enjoy multiple theme parks, Park Hopper® is available, allowing the guest to visit more than one park per day. Guests must make a Theme Park reservation via the Disney Park Pass reservation system for the first park they plan to visit. Guests will be able to visit a second park starting at 2 pm, subject to the park’s capacity limitations.

To take advantage of these Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels’ special rates, book your stay now through March 28, 2021 for travel between now and June 18, 2021. These special rates are:

· B Resort & Spa – room rates from $79 per night;

· DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – room rates from $78 per night;

· Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – room rates from $109 per night (promo code V2);

· Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – room rates from $89 per night (promo code V2);

· Holiday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area – room rates from $79 per night;

· Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista – room rates from $76 per night.

For more information on the special hotel rates, or to make a reservation, https://disneyspringshotels.com/magic21/. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. Resort fees, taxes, gratuities and daily parking, if applicable, are not included in above rates. This room rate offer is not valid with any other offer or promotion, or on existing reservations, or for groups.

Discover exciting new offerings as well as the classic favorites at Walt Disney World® Resort. For a quick glimpse at what you’ll enjoy at the Magic Kingdom®Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, or Epcot® visit here: https://disneyspringshotels.com/magic21/.

Theme Park Highlights:

· Magic Kingdom® Park – Enjoy whimsical Character Cavalcades throughout the day, with some favorite Disney friends appearing along the parade route. Explore your favorite iconic attractions including the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Pirates of the Caribbean and “It’s a Small World”.

· Disney’s Hollywood Studios® -- The whole family will love Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – a new adventure! Plus, you can take an adventure in a galaxy far, far away at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; or the very popular Toy Story Land with Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers.

· Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – Celebrate the magic of nature at Pandora – The World of Avatar where you can fly on the back of banshee, hike amid floating mountains or take a mystical boat into a bioluminescent rainforest! You will explore a lush African savanna on Kilimanjaro Safaris and have a quacking good time with Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Launchhpad McQuack on Donald’s Dino Boat Bash!

· EPCOT® -- Celebrate the arts and savor culinary creations at the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, Jan 8 – Feb 22, 2021. Enjoy a hang-gliding adventure across the globe, or board an ancient Norwegian vessel and be whisked away to the kingdom of Arendelle! Plus, the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is only a month away, debuting March 3 and continuing through July 5. This annual family favorite includes gorgeous topiaries of Disney characters, 20 stunning garden areas throughout the park, more than 20 outdoor kitchens featuring specialty cuisine and libations, live music daily and more.

*Room rates are based on availability and do not include applicable taxes and fees. Some blackout dates may apply and availability may be limited. Daily parking fee, (if applicable), and gratuities are not included. This offer is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, reservations, or for groups.

Walt Disney World February 2021 Refurbishments

Disney World frequently updates their attractions, which means that closures are often inevitable. Typically, an attraction refurbishment will not heavily affect your time at Disney Word, but to ensure you face no surprises, it is always good to know which attractions are down while you are visiting the Mouse!

Today, we will take a look at all of the attractions that will be closed for the month of February at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom has quite the list of attractions that will not be available for the month of February.

Walt Disney World Railroad – Frontierland – Temporarily Unavailable Closed for Refurbishment Walt Disney World Railroad – Fantasyland – Temporarily Unavailable Closed for Refurbishment Walt Disney World Railroad – Main Street, U.S.A. – Temporarily Unavailable Closed for Refurbishment

The Walt Disney World Railroad has been closed for quite some time, since December 3, 2018, to be exact. The train is a popular option for Guests to travel around the lands of Magic Kingdom in style, but has yet to reopen. The construction for TRON: Lightcycle / Run overlaps with sections of the railway, so it is likely that the attraction will not open until the coaster’s construction is no longer interfering — this has not, however, been confirmed by Disney.

Disney recently drained the Rivers of America, which caused both the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island to close. Recently, we reported that Disney was refilling the river and Guests will soon be able to once again travel along the waterway! As of February 5, 2021 both attractions will once again be operational.

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover has been closed since before the pandemic shut down the parks! After five delays, the TTA is now set to open in March. That being said, since the attraction’s reopening date has already been pushed back multiple times, I personally am not holding my breath for a timely opening of the attraction.

The Hall of Presidents is currently closed as the attraction is adding in the new President Biden animatronic, as the United States is now under a new administration. The attraction closed down the day of the Inauguration, and will remain closed throughout the month of February.

Mad Tea Party will be closed as of February 20, 2021, so if you were planning on spinning your way out of February, think again!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s list only includes one attraction under refurbishment for the month of February.

It is important to note that this attraction closes down every year for routine maintenance and refurbishment. It is likely that once the ride reopens to Guests, that it will be the same soaker of an attraction that is perfect for those hot days at Walt Disney World. Currently, Kali River Rapids is set to reopen on April 2, 2021. That being said, Disney’s refurbishment schedule is subject to change

EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios do not have any scheduled refurbishments during the month of February, so Guests should be able to ride any attraction their hearts desire!.

Source: https://insidethemagic.net/

Walt Disney World To Reduce Theme Park Hours, Starting September 8th

GREGG NEWTON/Gregg Newton/AFP via Getty Images

Visitors drive past a sign welcoming them to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida

Walt Disney World is reducing the operating hours at all four of its theme parks, following the phased reopening last month amid a surge of COVID-19 cases in Florida.

Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios will close an hour earlier than usual, while Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort and Disney's Animal Kingdom will be open for 2 less hours each day. The changes will begin Sept 8. and remain in place through October. 

After months of being shuttered due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Walt Disney World began a phased reopening in mid-July with masks being mandatory for guests and staff, and other safety measures in place such as guidelines for social distancing and increased sterilization and cleaning requirements. To be admitted to the park, guests would need to have a reservation and a ticket, as the capacity was capped at a certain number — which wasn't made public — but assumed to be around 30 percent. 

Last week, the Walt Disney Co. revealed the financial impact of its parks being shuttered, noting a fiscal third-quarter loss of $3.5 billion. "Parks, Experiences and Products revenues for the quarter decreased 85 percent to $1.0 billion, and segment operating results decreased $3.7 billion to a loss of $2.0 billion," Disney's quarterly report indicated on Tuesday. "Lower operating results for the quarter were due to decreases at both the domestic and international parks and experiences businesses and to a lesser extent, at our merchandise licensing and retail businesses."

Walt Disney world came under fire last month for a "Welcome Home" promotional video that was posted to its social media channels, featuring masked employees welcoming guests back to the park. Some users on Twitter and Instagram accused the park of putting their staff and visitors in danger by reopening too early, and encouraged them to consider closing. 

Any further updates or changes to operating schedules will be posted to the Walt Disney World website at: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/

Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/

Walt Disney World Presenting Plans For Reopening Parks, Now Targeted For July 11. #Disney

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Walt Disney World is presenting its plans for reopening after being shuttered along with Florida’s other theme parks since mid-March because of the new coronavirus.

Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando will present their proposals for phased reopenings before an Orange County task force on Wednesday, said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. If Demings signs off on them, the plans will be sent to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval.

With 77,000 workers, Disney World is central Florida’s biggest employer.

Last week, Disney World allowed third-party businesses at its Disney Springs dining and shopping complex to open with new restrictions.

All workers and visitors older than 2 at Disney Springs must wear masks, temperatures are checked at entrances to keep out anyone with a temperature 100.4 degrees (38 degrees Celsius) or higher and a limited number of people are admitted to allow social distancing at the high-end outdoor shopping area with restaurants, movie theaters, a bowling alley and a Cirque du Soleil theater.

Crosstown rival, Universal Orlando, presented its reopening proposal last week to county officials, saying it was aiming to reopen June 5. Officials approved those plans and sent them to the governor. Universal also has opened up its dining and entertainment complex with restrictions similar to Disney Springs.

Earlier this month, Shanghai Disneyland became the first of Disney’s theme park resorts to reopen, with severe limits on the number of visitors allowed in, mandatory masks and temperature checks.

Hilton Hotels In Orlando Disney Springs® Area Offer Disney FastPass+ Benefits

Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista - Disney Springs® Area, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace - Disney Springs® Area and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs® Area Offers Select Disney Resort Hotel Benefits in 2018:

Benefits Now Include Longer FastPass+ Selection Window

 Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista - Disney Springs® Area, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace - Disney Springs® Area and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando - Disney Springs® Area, are pleased to announce an additional Disney benefit now available to all resort guests with a valid theme park admission – access to Disney FastPass+ service – up to 60 days before guests arrive! 

Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista - Disney Springs® Area and Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace - Disney Springs® Area, which are designated as Official WALT DISNEY WORLD hotels as well as DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando - Disney Springs™ Area, the only all-suite Disney Springs™ Resort Area hotel, have a long-standing relationship with the Walt Disney World Resort. Through Dec. 31, 2018, guests can take advantage of the theme park Extra Magic Hours benefit, and now have the ability to make FastPass+ selections up to 60-days prior to arrival, through the MyDisneyExperience app, with valid Walt Disney World theme park ticket or ticket confirmation number and the hotel confirmation number.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our guests access to a plethora of special Disney benefits, coupled with our convenient location, in order to provide a great experience while visiting Orlando,” said James Grosso, Complex General Manager of the two Hilton Orlando Disney Springs resorts. 

To access the 60-day booking window for FastPass+, hotel guests, who have a valid theme park ticket or confirmation number and a hotel reservation number, will be able to link their hotel reservation on MyDisneyExperience.com, and with a linked, valid theme park ticket, these guests can utilize the 60-day booking window for FastPass+ selections. Guests should connect with their travel provider to ensure the provider can give the Guest the necessary ticket confirmation and hotel reservation number needed to utilize this benefit. Plus, once they’ve arrived, guests can modify Disney FastPass+ plans on the go, on a mobile device or at in-park kiosks.

In addition to Disney FastPass+, guests of the three Hilton Disney Springs® Area properties will also have access to Disney Extra Magic Hours benefit.  Each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks opens early or extends later for guests to enjoy select attractions, and during select dates, the Extra Magic Hours benefit may also be offered at a Disney Water Park. Guests can view the Extra Magic Hours calendar at disneyworld.com/park hours, or request a copy of the printed Times Guide, available in the hotel lobby.

Walt Disney World Resort has a powerful magic that provides an experience like no other vacation. Amazing festivals happen nearly all year long at Epcot, including artful experiences during Epcot International Festival of the Arts, inspiring displays at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, the culinary indulgences of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and finishing off the year with the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. There is so much to see, do and eat at Epcot year-round! Another not to be missed, magical moment is the grandest of finales at Magic Kingdom Park with Happily Ever After — the newest, most spectacular fireworks show in the park’s history! “Toy Story” pals can’t wait to have theme park guests join them in Toy Story Land, opening summer 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Kids and grown-ups alike can experience all-new adventures in the so-much-larger-than life setting of Andy’s backyard.

Guests who need to purchase a Walt Disney World theme park ticket may do so at the Guest Service Desk or the Disney merchandise location in the hotel. To use the Extra Magic Hours benefit on a Disney vacation, guests can create a Disney account and either link their hotel reservation number and theme park ticket or confirmation number on MyDisneyExperience.com, or each guest will need a valid Extra Magic Hours voucher from the hotel and a valid Walt Disney World theme park ticket. To begin the process of using the FastPass+ hotel benefit, guests need to engage with the same information on MyDisneyExperience.com, and will then have the ability to make FastPass+ selections up to 60-days prior to arrival.

This hotel benefit is available from Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2018, and is subject to change without notice. Guests without the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option added to their ticket must use their ticket for admission to the same theme park where they would like to enjoy the Extra Magic Hours benefit.

Disney Increasing Park Tickets For Certain Times Of Year

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Walt Disney World and Disneyland are increasing single-day tickets at certain times of the year and setting expiration dates on tickets in hopes of preventing overcrowding during the theme parks' busiest times, company officials said.

The single-day ticket prices are either staying the same or increased no more than $5 under the new price structure that went into effect Sunday. Last year, Disney rolled out a pricing plan that allows visitors to view a planning calendar from eight to 11 months out to determine which days are considered "value," ''regular" or "peak" times. Visitors pay more on "peak" days, which are the busiest times as forecast by park officials.

Disney is hiking its prices following a 5 percent decline in attendance at its U.S. theme parks during its most recent quarter that included the holiday season.

The goal of the varied price structure is to give park visitors an incentive to come during times that are not "peak" so that the experience can be better enjoyed by all, officials said. There have been times during holiday and spring break where the crowds have been so large that Disney has had to stop selling tickets.

"Our pricing provides guests a range of options that allow us to better manage demand to maximize the guest experience and is reflective of the distinctly Disney offerings at all of our parks," said Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Wahler.

Starting Sunday, "value" days for Magic Kingdom cost $107 for adults and $101 for children, a $2 increase. During "regular" time, park visitors pay $5 more with prices jumping from $115 for adults to $109 for children. The "peak" prices remain the same at $124 for adults and $118 for children.

At Disneyland, prices for single-day tickets also increased by $2 to $5. The regular price of admission at the Anaheim, California, park rose to $110, up from $105, beginning Sunday. A single-day ticket during peak periods climbed to $124 from $119. And the value ticket costs $97, up from $95.

At Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, "value" one-day tickets are now $99 for adults and $93 for children, which is a $2 bump for both. "Regular" times for adults are $107 for adults and $101 for children, and "peak" tickets jumped to $119 and $113, respectively for adults and children. The new prices represent a $5 increase across the board during "regular" and "peak" seasons.

All tickets now have expiration dates. In the past, only one-day and Florida resident tickets had expiration dates. Also guests will be able to save $20 on multiday tickets when they purchase them in advance. Park visitors can purchase the multiday tickets online at any time prior to entering the park to receive the savings.

Contributed By TERRANCE HARRIS

Travelore News: Dates Announced For 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, September 14th Through November 14th

Contributed by Victoria Lim, Managing Editor, Walt Disney World 

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My taste buds are already doing a happy dance: the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off September 14 and runs through November 14 this fall. That means almost two additional weeks – from 53 days to 62 – of deliciousness, foodie fun, culinary events, celebrity chefs, seminars, music concerts and more.

Keep reading the Disney Parks Blog for more details – we look forward to sharing what we’ll be serving up in 2016 soon.

13 Walt Disney World Secrets You’ve Never, Ever Heard Before

Whether you’re a Disney World die-hard or new to how it all works, you probably know the basics: there are a system of tunnels underneath the Magic Kingdom called Utilidors, plenty of hidden Mickeys throughout the property, and the windows lining Main Street are insider dedications to those whom made Walt Disney World possible.

As interesting as those are, there are plenty more mysteries, tricks, and no-way-that’s-true! tidbits lurking in the shadows of the four parks that comprise Walt Disney World. From little-known facts about your favorite rides to construction secrets, and more, here is a bit of insider knowledge straight from house of mouse:

1. Have you heard the one about Magic Kingdom piping in the scent of freshly baked cookies onto Main Street? It’s true—the system still exists in the utilidors to prove it. The park did away with the practice, deeming the odor too artificial, but one thing is still piped in over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: the screams for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Riders are screaming like crazy throughout drop sequence, but what you hear from the ground is primarily pre-recorded. Listen closely enough and you’ll notice how identical each run sounds.

2. Tinker Bell flying over the Magic Kingdom is one of the most iconic parts of the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, but it doesn’t happen with magic alone. Tink is given a hefty push from the window of Cinderella’s Castle, but if she’s not shoved hard enough, she won’t have enough momentum and will need to hand-over-hand her way towards the end. Cast members who audition for this part are said to need major upper body strength—turns out, they really do have to fly!

3. The most harrowing part of putting on EPCOT’s nightly show, IllumiNATIONS: Reflections of Earth, is actually getting the globe to the center of the World Showcase Lagoon. When it’s transported from backstage through the canal, there are only six inches on each side for the LED-covered orb to pass through—which explains the dark scratch lines on the walls!

4. Even with its replica Liberty Bell and Liberty Tree, Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square is much more authentic than you may have realized. Because there were no modernized bathrooms in the colonial days, it’s said that there technically aren’t any within this land either. Been to the ones in Liberty Tree Tavern or Columbia Harbor House? Well, those are so far back in the restaurant that they’re technically in other lands, keeping it truly authentic to the time period.

5. Be Our Guest is Walt Disney World’s toughest restaurant reservation, but if you’re lucky enough to end up inside, don’t miss the artwork throughout the ballroom. The snow outside the ornate windows was created from original movie animation cells, and the lifelike cherubs lining the ceiling mural bear the faces of children of the Imagineers working on the project—as well as the Imagineers’ baby faces themselves!

6. Magic Kingdom’s Main Street is lined with our nation’s flags—only they’re not technically American. Because regulations require traditional flags be raised, lowered, and flown at half-mast, each is missing a star or a stripe In order to be left up permanently. They serve double duty, too, as the flagpoles are actually lightning rods in disguise protecting guests below from inclement weather.

7. Supposedly, the Imagineers working on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror liked to play pranks on each other, many of which involved a certain jar of pickled sausages. They hid and surprised one another with the jar, until an Imagineer mistakenly left it behind one night, which just so happened to be when every prop was being glued down. The jar still sits behind the photo pickup area today as an insider nod to Disney’s geniuses having fun while on the job.

8. The Jungle Cruise is one of WDW’s most iconic rides, so it’s fitting that it would quietly feature a handful of props recycled from across the property. The spiders inside the temple are leftovers from Haunted Mansion and the monkeys foraging for gold are actually repurposed from Living With The Land at EPCOT. Trader Sam sports a bit of Disneyana as well, as his striped loincloth is an homage to the original fabric lining the top of Jungle Cruise boats. The most surprising duplication, though, is the face of the explorer on the bottom of the totem pole. On this ride, he’s being poked in the rear by a rhino horn, but the same character can be seen in The Haunted Mansion’s graveyard scene, complete with shaking knees and a pouty old pup nearby.

9. The turbulent prehistoric thriller Dinosaur! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland aren’t just similar—they feature the same ride track. And, if you think Animal Kingdom’s turbulent trip backwards through time is scary now, just know that Dinosaur in its original form, Countdown to Extinction, was so terrifying that its original soundtrack, motion and interaction had to be toned down.

10. Disney pays incredible attention to detail, right down to the sidewalk you step on. On Main Street, the differing colors help to subconsciously guide guests and keep them from tripping at night and at Liberty Square, well, the brown wavy path down the center of the road is said to represent how colonial-era residents would dispose of their waste back in the day. (Kind of ruins the craving for fried fish, doesn’t it?)

11. Though the true reason varies between Disney experts, the current monorail stop at EPCOT is not originally where it was intended to be. Sinkholes made building so challenging that the monorail had to be rerouted, which is why it now travels completely around EPCOT before stopping. Some say there were actually supposed to be two monorail stops—one at Future World and one at World Showcase, so they could function as separate parks—so we may have Floridian swampland to thank for saving us the cost of a second ticket.

12. You can buy nearly anything you can think of with Mickey Mouse on it, but there’s one thing you can’t get—the color of his shorts. The exact hue of the famed character’s bottoms is proprietary and will never be shared publicly!

13. The exotic species on Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safari are treated exceptionally well, but naturalists do use exercise and feeding to their advantage. Staff shoot raisins out of cannons to get the gorillas to move out and about by the safari vehicles and put elephants to work for honey, their treat of choice, by smearing it on their roof so they need to use their trunks to earn it. If you see the lions out on your next trip, know that there is behind-the-scenes magic happening for that one, too—the top rock is actually air conditioned to entice them to spend time there!

by Carlye Wisel , www.travelandleasure.com

Travelore News: Star Wars-Themed Lands Coming to Walt Disney World And Disneyland Resorts

At the D23 EXPO 2015, The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced to an audience of more than 7,500 fans that Star Wars-themed lands will be coming to Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., and Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., allowing Star Wars fans to step into the stories from a galaxy far, far away.

Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced at D23 EXPO 2015 that Star Wars-themed lands will be coming to Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., and Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Fla., creating Disney's largest single-themed land expansions ever at 14-acres each. These authentic lands will have two signature attractions, including the ability to take the controls of one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle. (Disney Parks)
Ambitious plans to bring Star Wars to life in the two parks include creating Disney's largest single themed land expansions ever at 14 acres each, transporting guests to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life.

"I am thrilled to announce the next chapter in the long and exciting history between Disney Parks and Star Wars," said Iger. "We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever. These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance."

These authentic lands will have two signature attractions. Along with the thrilling battle experience, another attraction puts guests behind the controls of one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, as they take on a customized secret mission.

Iger also shared concept images of the Star Wars-themed lands, giving fans a glimpse at what is to come for Disney parks.

The partnership between Disney and Lucasfilm dates back to 1987, when the successful Star Tours attraction, inspired by George Lucas's legendary Star Wars film series, opened at Disneyland. The attraction was then redesigned, emerging as "Star Tours – The Adventures Continue" in 2011 and featuring more than 50 different story outcomes and the possibility to visit five different planets.

For 60 years, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has been delighting millions of people with fantastic storytelling, exceptional entertainment and extraordinary experiences, creating places where guests can make life-long memories with their friends and families. This announcement marks an unprecedented time of growth with exciting developments happening around the world – from Disneyland Resort's Diamond Celebration to the anticipated opening of Shanghai Disney Resort in China.

Travelore News: Disney Hikes Ticket Prices At US theme Parks

Visiting Mickey and Minnie just got more expensive.

The Walt Disney Co. raised ticket prices to attend Disneyland, Walt Disney World and the rest of its U.S. theme parks, effective Sunday.

A one-day ticket for either Disneyland or California Adventure in Anaheim, California, is now $99 for anyone 10 or older, the company said. That's up from $96.

Single-day tickets for the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, are now $105, up from $99.

Disney has continued to see strong attendance growth at its theme parks and resorts.

For the quarter ended Dec. 27, revenue for the segment rose 9 percent to $3.9 billion, as attendance at the company's California and Florida parks climbed 7 percent, with Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort each setting all-time quarterly attendance records.

A measles outbreak linked to Disney's Southern California theme parks hasn't hurt attendance.

Earlier this month, CEO Bob Iger said in an interview with CNBC that the company was seeing no discernible impact on attendance or bookings from the outbreak, which was revealed last month.

More than 70 people in California, including six Disneyland employees, and about two dozen others in six states, Mexico and Canada have been sickened in the outbreak.

Among other price changes that took effect Sunday: A one-day ticket to Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom now is $97, up from $94.

Disney also bumped up ticket prices for children ages 3 to 9.

Kids in that age bracket will be charged $93 for a single-day ticket at Disneyland. That's up from $90. For the Magic Kingdom, that ticket is now $99, up from $93. For the other theme parks it's now $91, up from $88.

Disney typically raises ticket prices at its U.S. theme parks annually, said Suzi Brown, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman.

"We continually add new experiences, and many of our guests select multiday tickets or annual passes, which provide a great value and additional savings," she said.

Contributed by ALEX VEIGA, AP

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Travelore News: Disney World Plans Frozen Attraction At Epcot

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) - Walt Disney World is planning a new attraction inspired by the ever-popular "Frozen" movie.

The "Frozen" attraction will go up at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot at the theme park near Orlando, Florida.

The new attraction replaces the Maelstrom boat ride. It will take guests to the fictional land of Arendelle and recreate moments and music from the film.

The pavilion will include an area where guests can meet the movie's sister characters Anna and Elsa.

"Frozen" themes will also be a major part of holiday activities at the Magic Kingdom Park this year. Cinderella Castle will turn into an ice palace nightly starting in early November, and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will include appearances by Anna, Elsa and other "Frozen" characters including Kristoff and Olaf.

10 Things NOT To Do At Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is the most-visited vacation resort in the world. Yet as magical as it is, it can also be extremely overwhelming for parents, grandparents, and even children themselves. For over 20 years, Fodor's Travel has helped families travel smarter to Disney with its annual Walt Disney World with Kids guidebook. The authors of the book, Kim Wright Wiley and Leigh C.W. Jenkins, are the ultimate Disney World Experts: they've been there over 100 times combined, and Leigh even worked there for three years. Here are their top 10 things not to do at Disney World.

SLEEP IN AND ARRIVE AT THE PARKS WHENEVER YOU FEEL LIKE IT
Ordinarily, one of the perks of going on vacation is getting to sleep in--but not at Disney! The number one mistake first-time guests make is thinking they can arrive at the parks at 11 a.m. and see everything in a couple of hours. The park is least crowded in the first hour after opening, so this is your best chance to get on the big-name rides without long waits. Later you can have an afternoon siesta.

EXPECT TO DO IT ALL
A fact to ponder: Walt Disney World is twice the size of Manhattan. With four theme parks, two water parks, and countless sporting, shopping, and dining options, it's impossible to see everything in the course of one vacation. (In fact, they designed it that way to make sure you'll come back.) Rather than treating the vacation like some military assault, consider the age, stamina, and risk tolerance of everyone in your party and prioritize accordingly. Reading up on the parks in advance will give you a good sense of which attractions are "must dos" for your family, which are nice if you have the time, and which are skippable. And you don't have to do everything together: strapping Grandma onto Space Mountain against her will or hoping a three-year-old sits still through The Hall of Presidents is a recipe for disaster.

MAKE THIS A TOTALLY PARENT-PLANNED TRIP
Parents often plan a vacation for their kids without consulting the very people they are trying to entertain. Besides helping the kids get excited about the trip, letting them in on the decision-making will prevent temper tantrums and fighting while you're on vacation. One strategy is to let each family member choose three must-see attractions in each park and then agree to honor those choices. (This can also help you create the basis of your FastPass+ list.)

"WING IT"
Thanks largely to FastPass+, the My Disney Experience app, and the ever-expanding size of the parks, gone are the days where Disney can be tackled without a plan. If you're thinking, "We'll just show up, get a map, and see what everybody feels like doing," you're likely to find yourself shut out of the best restaurants and most popular attractions by families who made advance reservations. This is especially true if you're traveling during summer or over a major holiday.

STAY ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF ORLANDO
There is a reason good deals can be found at hotels on the eastern side of Orlando (I-4, exits 80 and higher)--they're the farthest away from Disney. Staying in this area guarantees you'll be fighting Orlando rush-hour traffic every morning, on top of the traffic Disney itself draws. If you plan on spending most of your time in the parks and not on the highway, make sure to stay in hotels that are off exits 79 and below.

EAT NOTHING BUT FAST FOOD
Not many people associate Disney with culinary delights, but you should! Disney goes to great lengths to provide an array of dining choices to its guests, with both variety and quality increasing steadily every year. One of the best ways to find out where to go? Ask a cast member where their favorite place to eat is. No one knows the parks--and its food--better!

KEEP THE FAMILY TOGETHER 24/7
It may seem counterintuitive to split up--this is a family vacation, after all--but little breaks will make the time together better, so schedule time apart to explore or just to relax. Older kids can split off from the group to ride a favorite over and over, or one parent can take the younger kids to Fantasyland while the other tackles the coasters with the older ones. Babies, older family members, and anyone who has just plain had it can go back to the room while the teens stay in the parks. (Granted, this is easier if you're staying on-site at a Disney-owned hotel and can use their transportation system to come and go whenever you please.) Parents, look into in-room babysitters or the kidsitting programs provided at most hotels so you can enjoy an evening at one of Disney's upscale, adult-centric restaurants.

HAVE TUNNEL VISION
The Disney parks are full of wonderfully creative details. While walking down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, look up to the store windows to find the names of people who have influenced the Disney Company. In the Animal Kingdom, spend time studying the Tree of Life and its more than 300 animal carvings. Hollywood Studios has some of the best Streetmosphere performers--actors and actresses who walk around like they're in 1920s Hollywood, interacting with guests and putting on small shows. Epcot has shows going non-stop around the World Showcase in the afternoon and many, like the young acrobats in China, are especially fun for kids. And the number one thing to notice? The cast members! Many guests report that the highlight of their trip was getting to know the men and women who make Walt Disney World the magical place it is.

GIVE YOUR KIDS MICKEY-PHOBIA
Many toddlers and even a few older kids will find the experience of meeting Mickey Mouse and friends to be intimidating. If your kids seem overwhelmed when they gets through the gates and find that the main mouse is actually five feet tall, start them off slowly by meeting the face characters--those like Aladdin or Cinderella who don't wear a mask. And instead of forcing kids into the picture, allow them to watch the characters before approaching. Employees have been trained to be sensitive around nervous children and are good at slowly inviting them to participate on their own terms. If you schedule a character meal, save if for the last day. By then, even the most cautious kids usually will have warmed up.

ASSUME ALL RIDES ARE APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
Sure, Disney is for families, but some of the attractions can pack quite a wallop. It's easy to figure out that a ride called Tower of Terror might be terrifying, but keep in mind that Disney does scary atmospheres as well. The Haunted Mansion, It's Tough to be a Bug, Stitch's Great Escape--all of these are tame rides with elements that might frighten some youngsters. When in doubt, let a parent ride first and come back with the verdict, or do a baby swap.

Contributed by Leigh C.W. Jenkins and Kim Wright Wiley, Fodor's 

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