by Military Diva

This month, many Cruise Lines began making major changes concerning their Covid-19 Policies. Several have even begun welcoming un-vaccinated guests back on board. While Disney Cruise Line is being a bit more cautious with its changes, they are still making moves in that direction. In addition, Disney World has made some major changes to its Park Pass Reservation System and Genie + accessibility. And there’s news out of Disneyland concerning their Magic Key Program.

Read on below for the full list of announcements, refurbishments, and changes from the Disney Travel Company this month!

Walt Disney World Updates

 

 

• Disney World Park Pass Modifications-Disney World is still requiring Park Pass Reservations as well as valid park admission to enter the parks. Fortunately, the reservation system received some fantastic updates this month!
  • Guests with different types of tickets can now make Park Pass Reservations together.
  • Guests with multiple tickets can select which ticket they are using for each Park Pass Reservation.
  • Reservations can be made for up to 30 ticketed guests at the same time.
  • Park Pass Reservations can now be modified!  They do not need to be canceled and rebooked.
  • Guests will now receive both a confirmation number and an emailed confirmation.
  • During the booking process, guests can select the email address where the confirmation is sent by selecting “change” next to the lead guest’s email.

 

• Disney Genie+ Updates-guests can now view their next Lightning Lane booking time on the banner of their Tip Board!  No more remembering when you booked your last Lightning Lane and no more second guessing if it is 2 hours after the 7 am booking or 2 hours after park opening (It’s 2 hours after official park opening or after scanning into your first Lightning Lane, FYI!!). Just look to your tip board and you will see the exact time when you can make your next Genie+ selection!

 

• Room-Only Reservation Changes-for many years, guests could book room-only reservations 499 days in advance of check-in. As of this month, the Disney Travel Company has shortened this booking window. Room-only reservations can now only be booked as far in advance as Annual Package Reservations. The current booking window for packages and room-only bookings ends on December 31, 2023.

 

• Refurbishments
  • Disney’s Skyliner, which connects Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney’s Pop Century, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be closed for refurbishment from January 22-29, 2023. During this time, guests traveling between these locations will be offered bus service as an alternate.

 

• EPCOT Enchanting Extras Tours return on October 2!! Three favorites will be returning and are available to book now.
  • Behind the Seeds Tour (Living with the Land)
  • EPCOT Seas Adventures-Dive Quest (The Seas with Nemo & Friends)
  • EPCOT Seas Adventures-Dolphins in Depth (The Seas with Nemo & Friends)

 

Disneyland Updates

 

• Park Pass Reservations as well as valid tickets are still required for Disneyland theme park entry. Be sure to check the availability calendar prior to purchasing your tickets or packages!

 

• Disneyland Ticket and Package Updates
  • Packages for 2023 travel dates are now available to book. These packages include check-in dates from January 1-December 21, 2023.

 

• Magic Key Annual Pass updates-Guests in their renewal window can now renew into one of four new passes. Additional details have been provided by Tinker Belle Diva in her “Disneyland Magic Key Renewal Faq’s”
  • Inspire-$1599 per guest
  • Believe-$1099 per guest
  • Enchant-$699 per guest
  • Imagine-$449 per guest

• Holiday Celebrations are returning to Disneyland!
  • The celebrations will run from November 11, 222-December 8, 2023
  • Disney California Adventure will celebrate with their annual decorations and the return of “World of Color-Season of Light”. Guests can also purchase the “Sip and Savor Pass” and catch an evening concert. Of course, the festival wouldn’t be complete without “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” parade, “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!”, and of course Santa Claus!
  • Disneyland Park will celebrate with their own holiday decorations and festively dressed characters. “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks, and nightly dance parties will keep guests entertained.

 

• Resort Updates
  • Early Park Entry and Resort Package Delivery has returned for guests of Disneyland Resorts…Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel participate in this benefit.

 

• Park Attraction and Experience Updates
  • Disneyland’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks are ending on September 1, 2022.

 

Disney Cruise Line Updates

 

• Updates to Covid Policies
  • Vaccine changes beginning on September 1, 2022- guests age 12 and older are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 if departing from a US or Canadian port. This change removes the previous vaccine requirement for guests 5-11.
  • Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Dover to New York-all guests over the age of 2 must now apply for Bermuda Travel Authorization if their sailing includes a Bermuda stop.  The cost for the Authorization is $40/guest. The approved form must show a paper or electronic approval before boarding the ship. In addition, all guests 12 and older must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

 

• Disney Cruise Payment Policy Updates
  • Final payment due dates have been temporarily extended to 60 days prior to the sail date for guests in unrestricted rooms, sailing prior to March 31, 2023.
  • Cancellation policies for sailings departing now until March 31, 2023 have also been updated. Be sure to watch for your personal email with details if you are currently booked; visit DisneyCruiseLine.com and look over the details carefully if you are anticipating a future booking.
  • Future Cruise Credits offered due to Covid-19 disruptions will expire on September 30, 2022. Guests must book and use their FCC before this date to avoid a non-refundable forfeit of these funds.

 

• Disney Wish Updates
  • Two original Broadway-style stage productions have opened to grand reviews!  “Disney Seas the Adventures” with Captain Minnie Mouse and “Disney the Little Mermaid” are delighting guests with their upbeat songs and immersive storylines.
  • “Inside Out: Joyful Sweets” offers a nod to the film’s 5 emotions with signature sweets dedicated to Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear. Guests can also choose from sweet treats, ice cream, gelato, and fresh waffle cones when strolling on the upper deck.
  • “Arrendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure” is Disney’s first dinner show experience! Guests will enjoy a delicious meal “inside” the Arrendelle Castle while celebrating Anna and Kristof’s engagement.

 

Well, that’s a wrap on our August updates. For many of us, it also means the end of summer. We’ll soon be facing hectic schedules, schoolwork, and shorter days. But don’t let that stop you from dreaming of your next vacation!  Now is the perfect time to get started planning for next year. And Patricia with All for Dreams Travel can help make that happen!  Patricia is an independent agent with Gateway to Magic Travel, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.