WDW Daily News

For those planning to stay at a Disney Resort hotel, they will continue to offer the popular early theme park entry for visits through 2024. This great benefit gives Guests a jump start on their day. For those staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas, they’ll also be continuing to offer extended evening hours on select dates at select parks through 2024. Early theme park entry and extended evening hours require valid theme park admission and a Resort ID.

Time to eat! Disney dining plans will be coming back as an option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package starting with stays beginning Jan. 9, 2024, which will also open for bookings on May 31. Guests – and families in particular – have missed dining plans, which are pre-paid and offer added convenience and peace of mind. Guests will be able to choose from two popular options: Packages that include either the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan – both will be a great value for families with young children with access to many spectacular food and beverage offerings across Walt Disney World. 

From Disney:

Today we’re thrilled to share some more exciting news just in time for the launch of 2024 bookings for theme park tickets, Disney Resort hotel stays and packages at Walt Disney World on May 31. These updates will make planning a Walt Disney World visit easier, so guests can simply enjoy all we have to offer and make more memories:

Removing theme park reservation requirements for date-based tickets

Starting with park visits on Jan. 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets. You heard that right! When getting a ticket, simply select a start date for Jan. 9, 2024 or later, complete the purchase and you will be all set! For reference, date-based tickets are the standard ticket option we offer to guests. For other admission types, including non-dated tickets, theme park reservations may be required to help us continue managing attendance and delivering a great experience for everyone. Guests can check which admission types require park reservations by visiting DisneyWorld.com/ThemeParkReservations.    

Introducing ‘good-to-go days’ for Annual Passholders

In 2024, we plan to offer select days on which our Annual Passholders* may visit Walt Disney World theme parks without needing a park reservation. Once introduced, we will roll out these “good-to-go” days on an ongoing basis. This will be in addition to the recent update which offers Passholders the opportunity to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. “Good-to-go” days may vary by park, and pass block out dates and capacity limitations continue to apply like they do today. Please stay tuned for more details on “good-to-go” days

Happy (almost) Mother’s Day foodies! We are strong believers that the best way to celebrate the ones we love is with food, and this year, the Disney chefs and mixologists have put together ample ways to honor our loved ones on May 14.

Whether guests are enjoying their time with their mothers, aunts, grandmothers, caregivers, mother figures, or any special person in their life, Disney Parks has something for them to indulge in. From new delights like the refreshingly delicious Mother’s Day Flowers DOLE Whip Float at Pineapple Lanai or the adorable Mother’s Day Donut at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, to returning favorites like the Mother’s Day Cupcake at Roaring Fork, guests tastebuds’ will be as excited as they are this holiday.

In addition to the tasty treats coming, over at Disneyland Resort there are several brunch options and dining packages for guests to feast on until their heart’s desire, like the Mother’s Day Brunch at both Storyteller’s Café and Goofy’s Kitchen.

Gather the special ones in your life and let’s get to the mouthwatering Mother’s Day bites in this year’s Foodie Guide!

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Saber the moment: It’s almost May the 4^th!

And just in time, Disney PhotoPass Service is launching numerous photo opportunities in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! We know some guests are off world and can’t travel at lightspeed to Batuu by tomorrow, so these experiences will continue to be available after the celebration ends. Check them out below.

New Holopuck Magic Shots

Located deep in the Outer Rim near Wild Space, the remote planet of Batuu has become a thriving destination for scoundrels and smugglers, luring bounty hunters from across the galaxy. If guests have come to track down their next bounty, select Image Scanners (known on our planet as Disney PhotoPass photographers) can offer a holopuck that will reveal the details of their next target.

BB-8 Magic Shot

This is the droid you’re looking for. Given the whispers about sightings of individuals associated with the Resistance around Black Spire Outpost, it’s no surprise that guests can spot this loveable and loyal astromech in their image.

Darksaber

Created more than a thousand years ago by Tarre Vizsla (the first Mandalorian to become a Jedi Knight), the Darksaber is an ancient weapon with a long and legendary history. It has been wielded by many beings over the years. Starting tomorrow, this blade can be found across from Oga’s Cantina after dark. Just remember the wise words Kanan Jarrus once shared about this lightsaber: “That sword is old, heavy, but powerful. Respect its strength.”

BD-1 Magic Shot

Never underestimate droids, especially those that beep in the face of danger. Be sure guests capture a scan with this droid companion before setting out on their next adventure.

While on planet, guests may never know what other adventures they might document with the help of Disney PhotoPass Service. A great way for guests to capture a variety of content is to ask each Image Scanner they encounter what special scans they can offer.

May the 4^th be with you, always.

*With the purchase of Disney Genie+ service, Walt Disney World guests can access many Disney PhotoPass Lenses in the My Disney Experience app as soon as they enter the park. Annual Passholders can access many Disney PhotoPass Lenses in the My Disney Experience app starting on the later of March 20, 2023, or the first use of their Annual Pass. Select Disney PhotoPass Lenses are accessible only within designated areas of Walt Disney World Resort. Other Disney PhotoPass Lenses will remain accessible in the My Disney Experience app until 5:59 a.m. on the 45th day after the day on which the Disney Genie+ service was used or, for Annual Passholders, until the expiration or cancellation of the Annual Pass. Certain states and localities are excluded. Annual Passholder offerings are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Many Disney PhotoPass Lenses use technology that detects the coordinates of key points on a guest’s face and/or hands and may be used only by guests 18 years of age and older who have consented to use of this technology. Therefore, guests unable to provide such consent, as well as guests under 18 years of age, will have fewer lenses available to use. To access Disney PhotoPass Lenses, an eligible mobile device with the My Disney Experience app with access to the device’s camera and location is required. Use of Disney PhotoPass Lenses is subject to the Terms and Conditions. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Guests may now complete their online check-in according to their Castaway Club membership level. The following are the new online check-in windows:

• Pearl and Concierge – 40 Days prior to sailing
• Platinum – 38 Days prior to sailing
• Gold – 35 Days prior to sailing
• Silver – 33 Days prior to sailing
• All Guests – 30 Days prior to sailing

Exciting eats are coming from a galaxy far, far away! As May the 4^th draws near, the best treats in the galaxy are landing at Disney Parks with Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort joining in on adventures guests will have to taste to believe.

With can’t-miss novelties like the Acid Spitter Orb Sipper at Disneyland Resort, Star Wars staples like the Lightsaber Churro at Walt Disney World Resort, guests will be ready to conquer all of their out-of-this-world missions!

Beyond May the 4^th, Disneyland Resort also celebrates Black Spire Day in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! The space celebrations are truly endless.

It’s time we jump to lightspeed and explore the May the 4^th Foodie Guide. Let’s go!

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For 100 years, The Walt Disney Company has created unforgettable stories and lifelong memories for generations of families. Some of our favorite memories are tied to visits to Walt Disney World, seeing Disney stories brought to life and getting the chance to experience them in magical ways.

The entire Walt Disney World Cast is excited to join in the celebration of Disney100, and everyone is invited to be part of the fun! We are thrilled to share that everyone can now experience magical, limited-time offerings sprinkled throughout the resort. Here are six great ways to commemorate this momentous milestone, with many more to come. 

Say Hi to Mickey and Minnie in Their Platinum Best 

As previously shared, EPCOT will be the center of the Disney100 celebration later this year at Walt Disney World. Recently opened attractions like the exhilarating family thrill coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and the captivating 4D Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure bring even more family fun to the park where the impossible becomes possible. Even more is in store as the park’s multi-year transformation culminates later this year during the Disney100 celebration.

Has everyone been looking forward to seeing Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their new dazzling platinum outfits? We know we have! guests will be able to hug and take photos with the duo in their platinum outfits at EPCOT later this year. What a way to celebrate this major milestone and the legacy that their beloved stories represent for our Company. We’ll have more details on when and where guests can meet them soon.

Admire Special Spaceship Earth Lighting 

We are excited to announce that the night sky will light up with a dazzling spectacle of colors and lights as Spaceship Earth honors Disney100 with a special display later in 2023. Here’s a first look at what’s sure to be a memorable moment during the celebration. 

Our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering have been dreaming up new ways to honor this important milestone by turning to their own cherished memories and favorite Disney stories as they create this one-of-a-kind display.   

“The Show Lighting Team at Walt Disney Imagineering has been amazed at our guests’ reaction to the nightly shows on Spaceship Earth,” said Jason Read, Show Lighting Designer Principal for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’ve helped celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, EPCOT’s 40^th and the park’s signature festivals. Now, we’re excited to have Spaceship Earth ring in the biggest celebration yet, the 100^th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company.”

“We’re also inspired by many things from the history of the company, its characters, theme parks and shows – even the Disney100 opening logo that plays before our feature films during this anniversary,” Read continued. “You may see homages to everything from the ‘Wonderful World of Disney’ television show opening to Mickey balloons that we sell on Main Street, U.S.A.”

Take a Selfie in Front of a Disney100 Backdrop 

Whenever we make our way to Walt Disney World, we get a rush of adrenaline thinking about the magic that awaits us. guests won’t want to miss this opportunity to snap a few photos as a way to remember their visit during this very special celebration. This photo-op is perfect for the entire family and is a great way to start the day. If guest’s are not going to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, don’t worry. They’ll be able to snap photos with Disney100 backdrops at all four theme parks plus Disney Springs.  

Keep an Eye Out for Surprise Character Visits at Disney Resort Hotels

If guests have ever had the joy of staying in one of our enchanting Disney Resort hotels, they may have witnessed the magic of various Disney characters stopping by for an impromptu photo opportunity. As the Disney100 celebration ramps up at Walt Disney World, guests may run into some of their favorite Disney characters in their platinum best as they pop up at various Disney Resort hotels. They never know when or where they’ll show up next!    

Celebrate With New Food and Drinks 

The celebration doesn’t stop with character greetings and fun photo ops; guests will also be able to indulge in some Disney100 treats across the resort. Beginning May 1, guests can enjoy the Disney100 Petite Cake for a limited time at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. This mouthwatering dessert has layers of vanilla chiffon, berry mousse and berry compote, all topped with a celebratory Disney100 Medallion macaron.

The Disney Culinary team has been dreaming up all kinds of delicious dishes to commemorate the milestone, and this is just the beginning. We were lucky enough to learn about the inspiration behind this yummy dessert from Chef Amanda.

“The culinary team has the wonderful opportunity to use food for storytelling,” Chef Amanda said. “We get to make special themed treats that bring guests into the story, letting them feel immersed in a tangible and very delicious way.”

“The inspiration of this cake pulls from the rich purple and platinum colors used for the Disney100 celebration,” Chef Amanda shared. “The drapery on the sides of the cake represents the traditional bunting that adorns Main Street, U.S.A. for special occasions. And of course, Mickey Mouse is proudly represented on the front of the cake because as we all know: ‘It all started with a mouse.’”

Find the Perfect Disney100 Memento  

Guests may have spotted and already started to collect some of the amazing Disney100 merchandise that’s popping up at Walt Disney World. To help them prepare for what’s to come, a little fairy told us about the new Disney100 Cinderella Premium Bucket that will be exclusive to Magic Kingdom. This dazzling souvenir is intricately designed, great for the entire family, and our favorite souvenir thus far. Stay tuned for more details on when this beauty will make its debut. For now, guests will be able to enjoy drinks and popcorn in the new Disney100 refillable cups available now at the Disney Resort hotels and popcorn buckets at all four theme parks and Disney Springs.        

As everyone can see, the celebration is just getting started at Walt Disney World, and there’s much more to come! Stay tuned for more exciting news as we continue to celebrate Disney100 here!

Life truly is the bubbles at Disney Parks! Beginning in late May, Ariel is trading her fins for human legs and stepping into a world beyond the sea as she appears in the all-new live-action story “The Little Mermaid,” releasing in theaters May 26, 2023. In celebration of the film’s release, Ariel will be venturing out to select Disney Parks where guests will get to meet her this summer.

We’re always looking for ways to build connection through the power of our stories, and we are excited for new and existing fans to enjoy Ariel from both the animated and live action stories this summer at Disney Parks. Check out all the places Ariel from the live-action story will be making a special appearance for a limited time!

Walt Disney World – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

When Ariel’s adventures on land take her to Walt Disney World Resort, guests will be able to meet her by visiting Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Ariel invites guests to be “part of her world” and for a limited time, see a special sneak peek and props from the film available at Walt Disney Presents Theater. Come be immersed in the live-action “The Little Mermaid” story at Walt Disney World!

Disneyland Resort – Disneyland Park

Heading west to Disneyland Resort, Ariel will venture on land to greet guests along the promenade near “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Park. Is life under the sea better than anything they have on land?! Guests will have to come see for themselves at Disneyland!

Starring singer and actress Halle Bailey (“grown-ish”) as Ariel, the film holds an all-star cast, including Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy. Check out Halle’s announcement below!

Be sure to see “The Little Mermaid” only in theaters May 26, 2023!

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of Disney Cruise Line and, to celebrate, the entire fleet will be welcoming aboard a variety of delicious eats and sips inspired by the shimmering seas. We are thrilled to share with everyone a first look at what tasty options they’ll have to sea to believe.

As the “Silver Anniversary at Sea” draws near, the talented pastry chefs and mixologists have been hard at work creating items sure to make a splash, because what better way to celebrate than with flavor?

Let’s jump in and take a peek at all of the shimmering sweets, sips, and novelties setting sail this summer from May through September!

First up, we’re exploring the treats that will be available. The 25^th Disney Cruise Line Cupcakefeatures a decadent vanilla sponge cake topped with vanilla frosting, 25^th chocolate décor, and, of course, shimmering sprinkles. It’s not just beautiful but delicious too! This sweet selection will be available via amenities on the ship.

If guests love chocolate and candy, they’re in luck because there’s a special item specifically crafted for the sweet tooths out there at all the sweet shops on each of the ships – the Mickey Chocolate Sphere. This sweet treat showcases a chocolate Mickey Mouse sphere adorned with the 25^th emblem and is filled – yes, filled – with a variety of candy pieces. Simply crack it open and treat yourself.

At both Cabana’s and Marceline’s Market locations, two of the desserts will be getting a Silver Anniversary at Sea upgrade. The 3 Layer Carrot Cake with lemon frosting will be adding 25^thchocolate décor and the Disney Cruise Line Anniversary Chocolate Marquise will feature rich chocolate truffle crème topped with the 25^th chocolate décor as well!

Fan of chocolate cookies? We ‘shore’ hope so! At the concierge lounge, the Chocolate Cream Cookie enrobes a chocolate cream cookie with dulce de leche filling into rich dark chocolate and is decorated with the Silver Anniversary at Sea logo as well as the signature shimmering sprinkles. Also in concierge, the Celebration Cupcake tops a tasty red velvet sponge cake with vanilla frosting, shimmering sprinkles, and 25^th chocolate décor.

Captain Minnie is also joining in on the anniversary festivities with the Vanilla Crisped Rice Treat offered at all Cove Café locations. This vanilla-flavored crisped rice treat puts Minnie at the helm with special décor for both her and the anniversary.

Last but certainly not least for food, signature desserts throughout the entire fleet will be getting a tasty enhancement. All of these spectacular sweets will be adding a special 25^th chocolate piece to their already stunning presentation. At Palo, the classic Chocolate Soufflé with double chocolate sauce, vanilla crème anglaise, and vanilla bean gelato will also have a chocolate 25^thanniversary piece for everyone to enjoy!

What makes a refreshing Coca-Cola event better? When it’s decked out in Disney Cruise Line Silver Anniversary at Sea décor, that’s what! At Preludes and beverage locations on board, guests will be able to purchase one of these special bottles as a tasty way to celebrate this momentous occasion.

For those over 21, there is an adult beverage guests won’t want to miss at certain lounges across the fleet. The signature Jubilee by the Sea cocktail combines 818 Blanco Tequilla, Luxardo Marashino, and fresh lemon juice with a sparkly, silver dusting and a shimmering blue sugar rim. guests will even get to bring home a special bookmark featuring how to make this tasty cocktail at home.

Additionally, as guests are sipping on their favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktail, they may even see the exclusive 25^th  Anniversary coaster and napkins showcased only during these celebratory sailings.

If guests are looking to take home some of the fun home with them, we’ve also got them covered. Available at coffee shops on board, guests will discover the Specialty Coffee Mug with a unique anniversary design featuring the Disney Cruise Line fleet and even Mickey Mouse himself. These mugs also come with specialty coffee – yum!

The beer drinkers out there can also bring home a special keepsake from their sailing – the 25^thAnniversary Beer Mugsketched with the anniversary logo.

And finally, no Disney celebration is complete without a popcorn bucket! For these special adventures, guests will be able to purchase the Silver Anniversary at Sea Popcorn Bucketshowcasing 25 years of Disney Ships, from the very first, the Disney Magic, all the way to the fleet’s newest addition, the Disney Wish!

If guests are sailing with us this summer, we hope they enjoy this exciting anniversary with their family, friends, and loved ones – and that their trip is filled with the shimmer delights along the way!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)