First Look: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Walt Disney World

Are you as excited about the Seven Dwarf Mine Train as I am?  It's going to be an amazing experience when it officially opens this Spring!

Today, Disney released a first look of this new attraction and a little bit about what guests can expect while they are riding!  Take a look:



Also, stay tuned, as Mike and Pam from the podcast are both down in Walt Disney World and will be gathering the details about all the new fun that's occurring in the parks! So I will be sharing all the details here! 

Enter to win the Best Moments Ever Sweepstakes for a Walt Disney World Vacation

I don't usually post these, but this one was too good to pass up!  You see with this contest, you could win a trip to Walt Disney World!  So, yay!  

Every Disney Princess has had their best moment ever. Merida changed her fate. Tiana opened her dream restaurant. Rapunzel finally saw the lights. Share YOUR best moment ever and enter for a chance to win a Disney Parks vacation and participate in the Disney Royal Family 5K in The Best Moment Ever sweepstakes, running through May 14, 2014. 

To enter, submit a photo that portrays a moment of achievement in any activity whether it be recreational, educational or a significant moment in time. With your photo, submit a caption that best describes your moment (less than 140 characters). Check out examples in the Best Moment Ever Photo Gallery and for more detailed instructions, visit Disney.com/BestMomentEver and read the official rules.

Prizes include:

·         1 GRAND PRIZE WINNER will receive a 4 days/3 nights Disney Parks Vacation for 4 to The Walt Disney World® Resort:

o   Roundtrip coach Airfare*

o   2 Nights at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel

o   1 Night at the Cinderella Castle Suite in the Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney Worldc Resort

o   4 Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper® Option

o   4 Tickets to the runDisney “Royal Family 5K” as part of the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World® Resort on February 20, 2015

*If winner resides more than 250 miles from Orlando International Airport

·         1 FIRST PRIZE WINNER will receive a $1,000 Disney Store shop card

·         3 SECOND PRIZE WINNERS will receive a $100 Disney Store shop card

Visit Disney.com/BestMomentEver to enter now.

What an awesome sweepstakes!  Enter today!  

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 4/21/14 - 4/27/14

News


Disney's Hollywood Studios

• The park will be celebrating it's 25th anniversary on May 1st.  Here is the schedule of events: 
• At 10:00 a.m.: guests will be invited to join Disney’s Hollywood Studios Vice President, Dan Cockerell, for a short re-dedication ceremony.
• At 7:00 p.m.: the park will hold the “Stars of the Studios” motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard, featuring many favorite animated Disney stars.
• Following the parade, The Sorcerer’s Hat Stage will feature a dance party.
• At 9:30 p.m.: the skies will light up in front of the Sorcerer’s Hat with a spectacular fireworks extravaganza. The show will pay tribute to 25 years of show business stories, that have been told throughout the park.
• In addition, commemorative merchandise will be for sale, featuring the 25th anniversary logo. Merchandise will include shirts, pins, key chains, bags, and more. Plus, a 25th anniversary cupcake will be for sale, a chocolate Nutella cupcake, which can be found at many counter service dining establishments.

•  The celebrity list for this year's Star Wars Weekends have been announced.  They include:
  Weekend I:May 16-18 
  
• Ahmed Best: Jar Jar Binks (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
• Peter Mayhew: Chewbacca (Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope; Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi; Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
• Vanessa Marshall: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend II: May 23-25

• Warwick Davis: Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi); Wald (Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace)
• Jeremy Bulloch: Boba Fett (Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi); Capt. Jeremoch Colton (Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith)
• Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend III: May 30-June 1

• Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace)
• John Ratzenberger: Major Bren Derlin (Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back)
• Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend IV: June 6-8

• Mark Hamill: Luke Skywalker (Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope; Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi); Darth Bane (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
• Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace)
• Billy Dee Williams: Lando Calrissian (Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Episode - VI Return of the Jedi)
• Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend V: June 13-15

• Dee Bradley Baker: Captain Rex/the Clones, Bossk and several additional characters (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
• Cat Taber: Padmé Amidala and several additional characters (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
• Tom Kane: Yoda, the series’ narrator and several additional characters (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
• Matt Lanter: Anakin Skywalker and several additional characters (Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
• Steve Blum: Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels)

• In addition, Disney has also released the new Feel the Force Premium VIP Package, which grants guests the right to a reserved premium viewing area for both the Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade with beverages and snacks, and the Symphony in the Stars fireworks with a Star Wars themed dessert party.  The cost for is $54 for adults and $32 for children ages 3-9. 

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Mr. Kamal's will be closed until May 10th.

General Walt Disney World News

• The FastPass+ perks of additional FastPass+ options per day and park hopping will be added starting on Monday. For more info, see this post. 
• A new sundae is available at a few locations around property.  Known as the Mickey Kitchen Sink, it includes Vanilla, Strawberry, and Chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and cherries. 
• FastPass+ kiosks will soon have Spanish functionality.
• Wine on tap is now available at The Wave at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

Rumors

• A new Soarin' film seems to be being created for Epcot, to debut soonish. 
• A couple of new restaurants for Disney Springs include The Hangar, STK (a steak restaurant), Morimoto (a Japanese restaurant). and The Edison. 

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Walt Disney World Travel Tips: Participate in Kidcot Fun Stops at Epcot

One of the best parts about Epcot is exploring the countries, learning about the different cultures represented.  One way to do that is to participate in the Kidcot Fun Stops that can be found in each of the 11 World Showcase countries found around the lagoon.  While the Kidcot experience is geared towards kids, don't fear participating if you are a little bit older either.  (Of course, to me, the kiddos are going to get more of an opportunity to learn.  This is one of the best educational experiences I think that can happen at Epcot.)

To partake, guests are invited to stop by any of the Kidcot Fun Stop locations.  It doesn't matter which one you start with, though, if you are attempting to make your way completely around to each country in one day, it makes sense to start in either Mexico or Canada. 

At each station, guests have the opportunity to choose (for free) to color either a Duffy the Disney Bear or a Perry the Platypus cut out that's attached to a stick.  The stations all have markers and I've seen some extremely creatively designed cut outs. Once you've created your masterpiece, then, the fun begins.  

Each country has at least one Cast Member, who is from that particular country, stationed to answer questions about their country, as well as to write a message on the back of your cut out.  You are encouraged to interact with the Cast Member as much as you would like, so if you are there to learn, make sure you have some good questions in mind. 

Guests may also choose to purchase a Passport that is sold in many of the World Showcase store, or you can create your own passport ahead of your trip, maybe including one question that each Cast Member can answer. (Again, it is a great learning experience for all ages.) 

On my last trip, I decided to take the journey around all the countries as a way to explore each pavilion a little closer--more in depth.  I felt as though too often, I was guilty of just skimming the surface and walking right by.  By participating in the Kidcot Fun Stops, it forced me to take my time in each pavilion and explore what they had to offer, often finding areas that I either hadn't been in a very long time or discovering new bits of the pavilion that I'd never seen before.  Yes, even as an adult, I was fascinated by this activity!  

I started in Mexico, where I picked a Duffy to take around with me. The Cast Members will either draw something representative of their country (usually a flag, but some of the countries were a bit more creative with their decorations) or would write my name in their native language, and they also stamped the stick of my Duffy indicating each country.  As I made my way around, I was having a fantastic time and was excited to see what each new Cast Member would have in store for me. 

By the time I had collected my last country's stamp and drawing, I was sad to see it was all over. The best part was that the Kidcot stations were not always in the most obvious locations, so you did sometimes have to search to find them, but that was part of the fun.  I thought of it as my own personal scavenger hunt. 

I highly suggest that on your next trip, you partake in the Epcot Kidcot Stops, no matter what age. I personally can't wait to attempt to do it again on a subsequent trip down to Walt Disney World!  

Have you ever taken part in the Kidcot Fun Stops with your family? Which is your favorite country to stop in?  If you haven't...why?  Let me know in the comments or on Facebook.

If you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word about A Disney World After All!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pinterest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!  

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 4/14/14 - 4/20/14

News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News

Magic Kingdom

• Anna and Elsa are now meeting guests at the Princess Fairytale Hall.
• Carousel of Progress will see a refurbishment.  It will be closed from Aug. 25 - Sept. 4.
• Disney will be testing free phone charging lockers in both Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.  The service is expected to work like this:  Guests will swipe a credit card (simply used for identification, so that it can tell which locker is associated with your phone). Guests will follow the touch screen prompts, connect their phone and close the door. When more or less charged, guests will have to swipe their credit card to unlock the locker.  Only cell phones will fit inside the lockers.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• May 1 is the 25th anniversary of Disney's Hollywood Studios.
• A special cupcake will be available from 4/21 - 5/15 themed for Earth Day and will resemble the famous Worms in Dirt dessert.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• A new entertainment offering is taking place in Dinoland, as a professor of the institute, named Professor Parker Woodson, is accompanied by a pet velocoraptor named, Val. This is a test that scheduled to run for a few weeks.
• It's Tough To Be a Bug will see a refurb from July 7 - Aug. 11.

Rumors

• Big Thunder Mountain may see the same upgrade in Florida that the California version saw. 
• Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid may see it's ending refurbished, like the rumored refurbishment that's expected to take place in California. 
• Is a new DVC resort coming to the Epcot area behind World Showcase?
• Stitch may be coming to Star Wars Weekends, dressed as the Emperor. 

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A Walk-through for Making FastPass+ Reservations at Walt Disney World

The hubby and I have trip planned for Walt Disney World during the beginning of May.  Because of that, I decided to make our FastPass+ reservations ahead of time. (Annual Passholders and those staying off-site can now make reservations up to 30 days ahead of their vacation, where as Disney resort guests can make their reservations up to 60 days ahead of time.)

Today, I thought I'd show you a walk-through of the process of making your FastPass+ reservations via the My Disney Experience app.

First things first, after you log in to the app and make sure that you have linked your ticket media into your account, you can then begin to make your FastPass+ reservations. 

When you log on via the app, you will need to select which day you want to make your FastPass+ reservations for and you are asked if you want to choose new experiences or modify current ones.  To start, we'll choose new ones.  

After that, you will need to select who among your traveling party you want to make your FastPass+ reservations for.  If you have other friends and family in this section, you can choose to make the same FastPass+ reservations for all of them, or you can pick and choose who this particular FastPass+ reservation is for.  

You'll then need to decide which park you are making your reservations for.  Currently, you can only make reservations for one park, per day.  Park Hopping will be allowed in the near future.

From there, you will be given a list of FastPass+ attractions that are available for you to make reservations for.  You get to choose three attractions from the list.  (Though, keep in mind that if you are choosing at Epcot or Disney's Hollywood Studios, they have two different tiers to choose from.  In Column A, you can only choose one attraction and in Column B, you can choose two.)

You may be asked to prioritize your list.  You will then be given 4 different options of different return times you could potentially choose from.  Keep in mind that these time can be changed later, so choose the one that is closest to when you are looking to experience attractions.  If not everything you selected is available during your entire day, they will let you know and give you similar suggestions.  (Which happened to me today when I tested the ability to get the popular Enchanted Tales With Belle FastPass+ option.  It was still available, but the times were late in the evening.  The afternoon options were for me to be able to visit Ariel.)

Once you choose an option, you will be asked to confirm.

From there, you can choose to make new FastPass+ reservations, change your selections, copy them, or cancel them.

I decided I wanted to change mine, because I didn't like the original times given to me.  (Like I mentioned earlier, choose the times that are nearest to what you want and then change.) So, I went in and had to pick which attraction I wanted to change around. 

I picked Space Mountain, and had the option to change the time, or if I wanted to, I could change the entire experience all together.

I needed to confirm that I want to change the time for all the people in my party.  I can also choose to change just a few members, if I wanted to. 

Then, I get to go in and pick the new time I want to experience the attraction at.

After confirming that it's correct, it's done!

I know it can seem very intimidating, but it's actually very simple to make FastPass+ reservations. The app and website both walk you through, step by step, and you can always go back and change things up if you completely change your mind.  (Given that there are FastPass+ options to change it to.)

You can also let Disney select FastPicks, if you just have no clue what you want to choose, but I would not suggest that.  You can have them choose which park you go to and which attractions you visit,or they can choose everything for your entire visit.

Instead, I would suggest making sure to pick so you have the exact attractions that will appeal to your family.  If you need suggestions on what to pick, check out my list of attractions to choose FastPass+ for. (Though, I will admit, the FastPick can be nice if you just want to go where the wind takes you!)


What do you think?  Does this seem easy enough or are you still a bit intimidated?  Let me know your thoughts on the Facebook page or in the comments.

If you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word about A Disney World After All!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pinterest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs! 

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 4/7/14 - 4/13/14

News


Magic Kingdom

• Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny will be meeting with guests in Town Square until April 20th.
• An Easter themed pre-parade will occur on April 19th and 20th and will feature the Easter Bunny, spring characters, and the Azalea Trail Maids.
• Until April 20, Peter Pan will meet guests in Adventureland.

Epcot 

• A new after hours experience will take place called After Hours Wind Down.  Here, guests can choose one of four lounges to dine in.  They include La Cava del Tequila (Mexico), Spice Road Table (Morocco), Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar (Italy), and Rose & Crown Pub (United Kingdom). Menu offerings include small bites and one beverage flight. The event is scheduled to take place Thursdays - Sundays from 9:20 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.  Cost is $35 per person and for ages 21 and up.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• D-Tech Me is returning for Star Wars Weekends.  This year, guests can choose from one of four characters to get a 3D figurine of.  They are Alderaan Princess, X-Wing Pilot, Stormtrooper, and Carbonite.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Celebrate Earth Day (April 22nd) with the Party for the Planet.  Guests can participate in nature activities, learn about the brown bear, talk to Cast Members about conservation, and more.
• A street band, Viva Gaia, will be performing in Discovery Island until April 20th.

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Video of Seven Dwarfs on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom

While I am waiting impatiently and hoping with bated breath that the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at the Magic Kingdom opens to guests (at least for previews) by the time of my next trip (May 3...and with the media event scheduled for May 2nd, I think I have a pretty decent chance of seeing it somehow) I have been watching the various updates that Disney has been sharing about this new attraction.  Most of them I sort of half pay attention to, but this latest update really made me excited. 

In this video, Disney shares a glimpse of what the new Audio-Anamatronics of the Seven Dwarfs will look like in the mine section of the attraction.  Holy wow!  That's all I can say.  This is the new kind of Audio-Anamatronic that Disney has included in their newest attractions, like Radiator Springs Racers and Enchanted Tales With Belle.  The characters are so fluid and their faces are so realistic.  It is just incredible to see how this version of technology has advanced. 

If you want to check out the video to see what I was wowed over, here it is.  But warning, it does include sort of smallish spoilers, so if you don't want to know about the attraction, avoid the video!



So, what are your thoughts now that you've seen this video?  Are you excited about this attraction even more, like I am?

If you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word about A Disney World After All!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pinterest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs! 

The Little Things: Frontierland

Welcome back to The Little Things!  Over the past few editions, we've been sticking with the Magic Kingdom and we've looked at Main Street USA, Tomorrowland, and Adventureland, and today, I thought I would head back to Frontierland. 

Oddly enough, Frontierland has never been one of my favorites.  Don't get me wrong, it's done exceptionally well, but I always tend to take in the major attractions, but not spend a whole heck of a lot of time here.  I need to remedy that next trip.

With that being said, there are some great hidden gems found throughout the land that you should check out.  Here are just a few of my favorites.

One of the fun, but often bypassed attractions in this park is the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade.  Here, guests pay a small fee ($.50 for 25 shots, though you can purchase more) to have the opportunity to take your replica rifle and shoot a laser bullet at nearly 100 interactive targets and score points.  What's fun is that if you make a hit, the game will indicate by making a noise or a movement.  The game can actually last a while and it can be super fun to compete with your family members.  (Brian and I are super competitive at this kind of thing.) It is absolutely not something you expect to do on your vacation, but I can tell you, it is absolutely a fun diversion and yes, even though there is a cost associated with it, it is completely worth getting to do.

Are you a fan of irreverent and definitely hokey comedy?  Then look no further than my next tip.  Do not miss out on Country Bear Jamboree.  It can feel a little dated, but that's part of the attraction.  The songs are a little goofy, and some may find it some songs a little inappropriate (There was blood on the saddle...)  Most people find it all in good fun.  

If you are a fan of characters and dance parties, have I got a fun experience for you!  Make sure to take in the Frontierland Hoedown!  Here, some of your favorite rustic characters come out to do-si-do and perform line dances with guests!  It's also fun because a lot of unique characters take part, such as the Country Bears, Br'er Rabbit, and Clarabelle Cow.  Really, what could be better?

One of the biggest parts that I think people miss is Tom Sawyer Island.  Even I'm guilty.  I've done it a couple of times, but for the most part, this is one attraction I end up skipping.  I think part of the reason people skipping it is that it takes a while to get to.  You have to take a raft to not only get there, but also get back.  But once you do, there is a ton of fun things for the whole family to take part in.  Kids will especially like Injun Joe's caves (though they can be dark and somewhat claustrophobic, at least to me they were).  I particularly enjoyed the barrel bridge!  Perhaps the best part about heading over to Tom Sawyer Island are the views you can get that are so unique. 

Heading over towards Splash Mountain, there are a couple of great little gems that I absolutely love. The first is the Briar Patch shop.  Take a look inside as there are a ton of unique nods to this fantastic attraction.  Make sure to look up and all around, as the details are everywhere! 

Another one of my favorites is the Br'er Fox, Br'er Rabbit, and Br'er Bear statue that sits outside of Splash Mountain's entrance.   It's such a nice nod to the attraction and shows what mayhem you are in store for during your flume ride! 

My last Little Thing is found on Big Thunder Mountain.  Of course, be on the lookout for the name of the train you are riding on this wildest ride in the wilderness.  You should also be on the lookout for the show scenes which are sometime harder to see, with you whizzing right past!  But perhaps my favorite little detail is to ride Big Thunder at night.  The attraction takes on a different feel and the lighting is spectacular, but what I'm really talking about is to ride during the fireworks.  Now, I don't suggest doing this if you've never seen Wishes, but if you have, you get some great views of the fireworks while gliding along.  Then, after you get off the attraction, you can see the remainder of the fireworks from the exit.  Again, another very unique vantage point! 

So, that's my listing of my favorite details that can be found in Frontierland, but you know I know I missed something.  Let me know what that something is in the comments section or on the Facebook page!  Or let me know what I missed on Twitter. 

If you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word about A Disney World After All!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pinterest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!  

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 3/31/14 - 4/6/14

News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News


Magic Kingdom

• The Diamond Horseshoe will be open for the busy Spring Break/Easter season.  It will be open for lunch from April 11th - 28th, from 11am to 3pm.The restaurant will serve a family style turkey dinner from April 13th - 19th. 
• New details have been released about the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.  There will be three elements to the queue.  They include Jewel Sorting, Jewel Washing, and The Vault. If you want to know spoilers that share the ride scenes and how everything will flow, read further...if not...stop reading. I'm warning you...this will tell you all the details of the ride.                       You enter your mine car, and depart, winding down and around before starting up a steep hill.  Near the peak, beware the broken track that lies before you,and the two vultures perched atop an abandoned jib crane. You'll peer beyond the empty crates and barrels.  But make sure to listen closely as you hear a familiar song being sung from the mountain. Your cart heads over the crest, traveling down and around the mountain and deep into the mine shaft. Once inside, you happen upon the Seven Dwarfs hard at work, while collecting jewels.  All the dwarfs are there, as you make your way through the cavern and climb back into the outside.  Once you reach the top, you'll get a gorgeous view of New Fantasyland.  You'll then pass behind a waterfall, and then have the opportunity to peer into the cottage where Snow White and friends are dancing.  After that, the ride comes to an end.
  

Epcot

• A brand new scavenger hunt has started in Epcot themed around Muppets Most Wanted.  Guests can choose from two adventures and will search for clues.  The hunt is expected to last until May 11.
• The Sounds Like Summer Concert Series artists have been announced. The concerts take place at the American Gardens Theater.  This year's acts include: 
• June 8-14: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles
• June 15-21: Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey Tribute Band
• June 22-28: Good Vibrations – A Tribute to The Beach Boys
• June 29-July 5: Don’t Look Back – Boston Tribute Band
• July 6-12: Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
• July 13-19: Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
• July 20-26: 2U – A Tribute to U2

General Walt Disney World News

• Disney has announced that they will be increasing the number of FastPass+ reservations guests will potentially be able to pick up in a day and they will soon allow for Park Hopping.  Read my latest blog post for more info.

Download the all NEW Disney Food Blog Guide Walt Disney World Dining!  Read about all the fantastic delights the parks have to offer!

New FastPass+ Perks Headed to Walt Disney World Soon

Updated: 4/24/14

These new perks will be rolled out starting Monday, April 28.

FastPass+ at Walt Disney World has been an ever changing animal.  We've seen it evolve from random testing; to testing by only resort guests; to testing park-wide, getting rid of Legacy FASTPASS; to just this week when advanced FastPass+ reservations were rolled out to all guests.   (For those who missed the announcement, Guests who are staying off-site now have the ability to make advance FastPass+ reservations, up to 30 days in advance.  See this blog post for more details about the entire FastPass+ and MyMagic+ experience.)  It really has been such a roller coaster following it all.

With that said, there have been some hiccups and issues that people have had and it seems that Disney is now trying to address those issues all thanks to guest feedback!  (See, sometimes answering those surveys works!)

The first issue that people generally had with FastPass+ was they just didn't offer guests the ability to get enough FastPass+ reservations in a day.  Disney was only offering guests the chance to make three.  People, especially Disney fanatics who were used to getting more FastPasses than three per day, were very upset by the limit.  It appears that Disney is now going to address this issue!

It was announced that they are working on giving guests a fourth rolling FastPass+ entitlement.  Here's how it will work.  Once a guest uses all three of their FastPass+ reservations, they will then be allowed to head to one of the FastPass+ kiosk in the park to make an additional reservation.  The best part is that this reservation will be rolling, so once you use it, you'll be able to head back to the FastPass+ kiosk to make additional reservations throughout the day! (On a one FastPass+ a time basis.)

This is a wonderful idea and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.  First, it still keeps things fair for those who make their reservations day of (there will always be those guests and they should get the chance to have a legitimate pool to choose from...I know some may disagree with me on that, but they paid the same money to get in the door you did, they shouldn't get shafted.) But this change will allow people to still get the additional FastPass+ reservations they wanted to be able to have, but couldn't.  This opens up so many possibilities.

This of course, changes the ball game.  This means that the strategy of making your FastPass+ reservations for later in the day not as appealing.  Also, I wonder if that will mean that standby lines will get even longer for those attractions that didn't used to have lines, like Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean?  Currently the lines for these kinds of attractions have ballooned. Though, now that we'll be able to make additional FastPass+ reservations for those attractions if we want to, it may end up making these lines shorter...hmmm.....I'm just not sure how that will all shake out yet and will intriguing to see how it does.

Overall, I am happy with this change and I like that it will be rolling, allowing guests to take advantage of the perk, if they choose.   (I wonder if they will allow you to re-do a ride you've already done, if the availability is there.  Guess we'll find out when it rolls out.)

It will also be interesting to see how this plays out at both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, where guests have to choose from tiers.  I'm guessing that once you start choosing your fourth FastPass, it will potentially allow you to access any of the attractions, if they have times available. 

The second change that Disney will be making will be a service enhancement that allows for Park Hopping.  Previously, guests were limited to only choose their FastPass+ reservations from one park, per day.  With the addition of the Park Hopping feature, it will open up this perk again to guests (because previously, who would want to pay for Park Hopping if you couldn't have access to the FastPass+ system.)

Again, this is a welcome perk, because I am a Park Hopping fan.  I enjoy being able to head to Animal Kingdom in the morning, leave by lunch, and then head to Epcot for the evening.  Having to choose which park to make FastPass+ reservations was very difficult.

Overall, I think these changes are VERY welcome and will be happy to see them roll out in the near future.  Of course, Disney didn't announce any sort of roll out date for these perks, but I expect they will happen within the next few months (cause why announce something that they won't be rolling out until 6 months down the road.)

What are your thoughts though?  Think these are nice additions? Or still think FastPass+ is the most awful thing to hit Walt Disney World and these additions won't change your mind.  Let me know in the comments section or on the Facebook page.

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