Katman1356...Jason

From an email to travel agents but I believe it is circulating elsewhere as well.   I don't mind this idea. Princess and the Frog are a favorite movie and I think Splash Mountain lends itself to retheming to this. 

Today we are thrilled to share a first glimpse of a project Imagineers have been working on since last year. Splash Mountain – at both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom park in Florida – will soon be completely reimagined. The theme is inspired by an all-time favorite animated Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog.” We pick up this story after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.

Tiana is a modern, courageous, and empowered woman, who pursues her dreams and never loses sight of what’s really important. It’s a great story with a strong lead character, set against the backdrop of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou. In 1966, Walt himself opened New Orleans Square when it became the first new “land” added to Disneyland park, so it feels natural to link the story and the incredible music of “The Princess and the Frog” to our parks.

The voice of Princess Tiana and Tony Award-winning actress, Anika Noni Rose, shared, “It is really exciting to know that Princess Tiana’s presence in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will finally be fully realized! As passionate as I am about what we created, I know the fans are going to be over the moon. The Imagineers are giving us ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Mardi Gras celebration we’ve been waiting for, and I’m here for it!”

The approach to retheming or “plussing” attractions (as Walt Disney referred to it) begins with Imagineers asking the question, how can we build upon or elevate the experience and tell a fresh, relevant story? It’s a continuous process that Imagineers are deeply passionate about. And with this longstanding history of updating attractions and adding new magic, the retheming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today. The new concept is inclusive – one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.

Charita Carter, the senior creative producer leading the project at Walt Disney Imagineering shared, “Like Princess Tiana, I believe that courage and love are the key ingredients for wonderful adventures. I am delighted to be a part of bringing this fun-filled experience to our guests.”

For Imagineers, change is rooted in a tradition set by Walt Disney who encouraged new innovations, new ideas, new scenes and current storytelling. And the experiences they create can be enjoyed by guests who visit our parks from all over the world.

As part of the creative development process, conceptual design work is well underway and Imagineers will soon be able to conduct preliminary reviews and develop a timeline for when the transformation can start to take shape.

Stay tuned for more!

13 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Are they only allowing reservations for 2021?  Can you reserve rooms for 2020?

TCD

Only 2021 at this time. They may open 2020 back up later this summer depending on availability. That is for both tickets and rooms. 

Just wanted to remind everyone Disney has opened booking out to 9/26/2021. They have no opened further than that for room only bookings like in the past. If you are thinking about a trip in 2021 let me help you get it locked down. 
 

[email protected]

The three day limit is for those with out onsite or good neighbor hotels (havent seen a specific list of those, Four Seasons, Swan and Dolphin, Disney Springs are all ones I do know) 

Some AP holders with onsite reservations were having issues with only allowing 3 days but that seems to have been corrected to allow for length of stay up to 14 days to now be booked. 

As far as I know that 3 days limit is until you use a day then you can make another. I could be wrong on that but I do not know. Word is though for AP with out a resort they are going to be releasing additional Park Pass availability. Havent seen that direct from Disney though so don't hold me to it. 

And in case anyone hasnt seen this yet here is the Park Pass availability calendar you can check out before booking things. To see availability right now be sure to click on Disney Resort Guests until the other options open up. 

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/availability-calendar/?segments=tickets,resort,passholder&defaultSegment=tickets

Of course the system broke this morning. 
Here is a link to the availability calendar. Be sure to select Disney Resort Guest today to see availability. The rest show nothing as that isnt open yet. 

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/availability-calendar/?segments=tickets,resort,passholder&defaultSegment=tickets

Here is a link to the Disney Parks Pass Reservation system
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-reservations

 

Received this in my email from Disney. Additional Disney Resort Hotel opening dates. 

 

As we continue the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort, we are excited to welcome Guests back to Disney Vacation Club resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, beginning June 22. This includes:

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort 
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge 
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows 
• Disney’s Riviera Resort 
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

As we open these hotels, we are taking a measured and deliberate approach to implement a number of health and safety measures based on guidance from various governmental authorities and health agencies. 

In addition, we currently plan to open the following resort hotels to booked Guests on the following dates. Please note, that given the fluidity of the current environment, these dates are subject to change and Guests’ reservations could still be modified to other resort hotels if needed.

• July 10 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• July 29 – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Aug. 12 – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Aug. 24 – Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
• Sept. 21 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Oct. 1 – Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
• Oct. 14 – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Guests with current reservations at impacted Disney Resort hotels can request help with modifying their reservation starting Monday June 22. Reservations for stays in 2021 will begin booking on Wednesday, June 24.  Only Guests with a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass will be able to access the Disney Park Pass reservation system. 

Given the current situation, there are some resort hotels and other areas that are not, as of this time, being scheduled for reopening yet. We will continue to evaluate the situation and reopen more locations when the environment is right to do so.  

While these plans may evolve, we will be monitoring the constantly changing health environment and its impact on the state of Florida as we find the right time to welcome back even more of our Guests and Cast Members. 

2 hours ago, kadancer said:

I am wondering how long this Park Reservation system will be used.  If I book a trip for next summer will we still need park reservations?  This is WAY too much planning ahead for me.

No time frame given as of now. They are allowing Park Pass reservations our to Sept 26, 2021 when the system opens. That cover AP, and UK, and the park ticket extension dates. 

1 hour ago, fladogfan aka Gretchen said:

Boy Ray that was not nice of WDW. 

A question I have is what are the ticket prices?  Since so much is not being offered at this time it would be nice to reduce the prices.

You know, reduced prices for reduced experiences.

As of now no change in the prices and I have not heard anything so far about them being reduced.

however it is important to note also tickets and new reservations do not have a date for resuming sales as of now. It will depend on availability and may happen later this summer. 

I think I mentioned this in my long ongoing post I made today with information straight from Disney. Not going away anytime soon.  Just not complimentary anymore

New recommended steps for booking a vacation where you want to visit a park.

Check the park availability if visiting the parks is a priority for you to make sure there is availability.

Buy your ticket or package for the dates you wish to go. Purchasing of a ticket for specific dates does not guarantee admission.

Booking a Disney Park Pass Reservation must currently be done on the website. The functionality may be added to the app at a later time. 

I am on a webinar right now with Disney. One thing mentioned is no FP+ at initial reopening. No word on a timeline for return of it. 

Disney has also released a step by step explanation of making a park reservation with the new system.  It is all photos. Not sure how well they will show up here but all in a public post on my page. 
 

There is a ton I will copy and paste it here but will probably be busy at some point if updates are needed and will be keeping my Facebook page updated with the information. This is all straight from Disney. 

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Walt Disney World has shared some information with us today regarding the new Disney Park Pass Reservation system that is coming as well as some other info. I will copy and paste it all below direct from them. I have also uploaded a graphic they gave us with important dates. One of which is 2021 bookings opening by June 28.

Be sure to peruse it all. There is a lot of information in there. Make sure your MDE app is up to date. Make sure any tickets or hotel reservation yous do have are linked.

Also please note that as of reservations beginning January 1, 2021 They will no longer be providing the complimentary Magic Bands. They will still have the discounted purchase option for on site guests and you can still buy them. They will be enhancing the MDE app to pick up a lot of what the bands due according to that section below.

Jason@Mouse Counselors.com

Below is the information we received today.

It’s almost time for magic as we prepare for the reopening of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, starting July 11 with Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom and followed July 15 by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We’re taking a deliberate approach that includes limits on attendance and controlled guest density to align with guidance from health and government authorities on physical distancing. We’re also using technology to power creative solutions as we develop new ways for guests to visit The Most Magical Place on Earth in this unique environment.

To manage attendance during this reopening period we are introducing the new Disney Park Pass system. During this time, all guests with a ticket or Annual Pass will be required to make a reservation in advance for each park entry, using this new online tool on DisneyWorld.com.

Here are a few important details to know about this new system:

Your clients will need a My Disney Experience account, as this is where their Walt Disney World Resort plans are stored and managed.
They'll also need a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass that’s linked to their My Disney Experience account.
If they have a Disney Resort hotel reservation, be sure to link it to this My Disney Experience account beforehand, as well.
Once they've logged into their My Disney Experience account and linked their ticket, they'll have access to a calendar of available reservation dates for each theme park. If they have a multi-day ticket, they will be required to make a park reservation for each date of their visit. Families and friends can link their tickets together and look to arrange theme park entries at the same time.

Please note, park reservations are limited in number and subject to availability. Availability can change until the reservation is finalized. At this time, guests will be able to select one park per day; visiting more than one park per day will be temporarily unavailable upon the reopening of the theme parks due to attendance limitations. Guests with existing tickets that include the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option have options available to them for ticket modifications and cancellations. We hope to bring back the ability to visit more than one park per day soon and will continue to offer these add-ons for 2021 ticket purchases.

For Existing Ticket Holders and Annual Passholders: Beginning this week, we will reach out to existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders with more information on when they will be able to check availability to make their park reservations. We will open the Disney Park Pass system to these guests in phases, beginning with those with future Disney Resort and other select hotel stays. Later this summer, we will resume sales of 2020 tickets and Disney Resort hotel arrivals, based on availability of park reservations, while we continue to provide guests with existing tickets and Annual Passholders the opportunity to make park reservations for 2020 dates.

Planning a New Trip for Next Year: By June 28, all guests will be able to purchase new Disney Resort hotel packages and theme park tickets and make their park reservations for arrivals starting in 2021 as our phased reopening continues. Guests will be able to view park reservation availability on DisneyWorld.com prior to purchasing their tickets.

As you begin planning your clients' upcoming visits, we’re also exploring engaging ways for guests to use their mobile tech to experience the magic – particularly now as the use of phones and apps continues to evolve. In 2021, we plan to unveil an innovative new offering as part of the My Disney Experience app that will bring features of a MagicBand to your smart devices, building on the app’s existing digital key feature. With this new offering on the horizon, we will be retiring our complimentary MagicBand distribution to Disney Resort hotel guests for new reservations with arrivals beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to have the option to purchase new MagicBands at a discount, and we'll be introducing even more colors and designs featuring favorite Disney characters in the future. Guests who prefer not to purchase a discounted MagicBand will be able to use the My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card during their visit. We will still offer MagicBands in retail locations and on shopDisney.com, and guests will be able to continue using the wearables throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

We understand these updates may change the way you plan visits to the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and Disney Resort hotels for the time being. We are focused on making the Walt Disney World Resort experience magical, convenient and enjoyable.

We look forward to welcoming you and your clients back to The Most Magical Place on Earth!

From Disney Parks Blog. 

Short version. New version of Food and Wine starting July 15, no outside bands for Eat to the Beat, Epcot and maybe more music groups instead. 

No MNSSHP or H2Glow nights. 

 

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As we prepare for the reopening of our theme parks next month, we’re taking a measured and deliberate approach to our planning that applies appropriate new health and safety measures. We continue to follow guidance from government and health officials for responsibly operating our theme parks, so we can make the right adjustments to our offerings, including our upcoming fall events. 

One staple of the fall season at the Walt Disney World Resort is the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Today, we’re pleased to share that not only have we cooked up a creative, modified festival experience, it will also be our longest festival yet – giving you plenty of time to enjoy “A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!”

 

This new take on the foodie festival will debut July 15 and continue through the fall, offering over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park. And, if you’ve ever imagined a world where the floral fun of Flower & Garden is sprinkled in with the global goodies of Food & Wine, here’s your chance – guests will be able to see our newest topiary, Remy, in the France pavilion and find Flower & Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt returns. And stay tuned as Food & Wine merchandise joins the fun later on after the festival begins. 

We know the popular musical acts during the “Eat to the Beat Concert Series” often pack the house and, in an effort to accommodate proper physical distancing, we will not be able to host these concerts this year. There will be plenty of music to enjoy at America Gardens Theatre with local EPCOT entertainment such as Mariachi Cobre, the JAMMitors and more. These fan favorites will spread out their performances throughout the day, giving audiences more options to enjoy them. 

While assessing another fall special event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we determined that many of its hallmarks – stage shows, parades and fireworks – are unable to take place in this new, unprecedented environment. With that in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.  Additionally, Disney H2O Glow Nights, the nighttime special ticket event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, will not take place for the remainder of 2020. Guests who have already bought tickets to these events will be assisted with refunds over the coming weeks.

Looking ahead to the holiday season, this may spark questions about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which includes the Candlelight Processional. We are monitoring our new environment closely, and will make a decision on these events as we continue to learn more from government and health officials. As always, our goal is to explore every option and look at ways in which we can still host events and festivals full of Disney magic, while still operating responsibly with the health and safety of our guests and cast members in mind.

6 minutes ago, djsamuel said:

Yes, we received an email several weeks ago saying all dining plans, free or purchased, were being cancelled.  We were hoping that would not be in December, but unfortunately we were wrong.  We had the quick service dining plan and we were paying for that.

I had posted they were all being cancelled. Originally the wording on the TA site said through Sept 26, 2021 but they have changed that now to read through at least the end of 2020.

36 minutes ago, BradyBzLyn...Mo said:

Just ran across this.  Not surprising that Disney is going to change a bunch of menus right now (I still haven't seen anything official about if/how they're going to address buffets), it wouldn't be a stretch to think that also shakes out to the dining plan being put on hold altogether at least for now...

NEWS! Disney World Just Changed A LOT Of Menus...

https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/06/16/news-disney-world-just-changed-a-lot-of-menus-and-weve-got-the-details/

With regards to buffets. When I dug through the Know Before You Go site they set up all of the resorts that are opening in the current round, the buffet restaurants are not.

54 minutes ago, Travisma said:

But yet when you try to book on line or call for just a weekend, they will tell you that Sat/Sun are not available, but when you add Thursday/Friday to the weekend they miraculously appear.

That is soley due to the min/max rules Disney has in place for all the resorts that come into play at certain capacities. And no., we do not know what the parameters of those rules are. 

Deluxe isnt opening. Select DVC Villas are. Word is Coronado will be all NBA and rumor has it Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House may be as well. 

3 minutes ago, Ivy said:

Jason

I just wanted to say Thank You for all the information you provide here.  It is much appreciated!  

Happy to share with the Fiends. The support I get from all of you helps me to keep bringing the information I can back around. 

12 minutes ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

But that is European control isn't it since DCL is an English Company?  The last Cruise was an Oct transition.

Here is the notification that went out today from the travel agent site. 

 

UPDATE – June 8, 2020: Disney Magic Sailings Suspended Through October 2, 2020

All of us at Disney Cruise Line hope you and your clients are staying well. While COVID-19 continues to impact all our lives, we are inspired daily by the stories of care, compassion and resilience around the globe.

With the wellbeing of our Guests and team members as our top priority and in line with direction from health experts and government officials, Disney Cruise Line is extending the suspension of Disney Magic up to and including the October 2, 2020 sailing. This means that your clients’ sailing has been cancelled.

In light of this cancellation, for your clients who are not paid in full, we will automatically refund any payment made toward the booking. This refund will be processed back to the original form of payment, but may be delayed due to the high volume.

For your clients who are paid in full, we are offering them the choice of a 125% future cruise credit to be used for a future sailing that commences prior to March 31, 2022, or a full refund. The credit has been automatically added to their account. You may place a reservation on hold for your clients by applying it as a payment option when booking a new reservation online at DisneyTravelAgents.com. 

For your clients who purchased the Adventures by Disney Cruise or Escape Package on six of the sailings as part of their vacation, the package will automatically be refunded back to the original form of payment.

Impacted departures include:

8/5 – 8-Night Northern Europe 

8/13 – 7-Night Northern Europe

8/20 – 10-Night Northern Europe

8/30 – 7-Night Norwegian Fjords

9/6 – 7-Night British Isles

9/13 – 5-Night Western Europe

10/2 – 10-Night Westbound Transatlantic

Adventures by Disney Cruise or Escape Packages

8/5 – 8-Night Northern Europe:  8/2 Copenhagen Escape and 8/5 Northern Europe Cruise Package

8/13 – 7-Night Northern Europe:  8/10 Copenhagen Escape and 8/13 Northern Europe Cruise Package

8/20 – 10-Night Northern Europe: 8/17 Copenhagen Escape

8/30 – 7-Night Norwegian Fjords:  8/28 London Escape

9/6 – 7-Night British Isles:  9/4 London Escape

9/13 – 5-Night Western Europe:   9/11 London Escape

If you prefer to speak to someone directly, please contact a member of our reservation team at 1-866-325-6685 or 407-566-7797.

Please note that we will continue to protect travel professionals’ commission on the original sailing that is paid in full and cancelled by Disney Cruise Line. For reservations that were booked using a Future Cruise Credit from a sailing previously cancelled by Disney Cruise Line, commission on a second sailing will be earned only if the sailing commences and will not be earned if the sailing is cancelled by Disney Cruise Line. In this instance, commission will be paid following the standard commission payment process. 

Thank you for your and your clients’ patience and understanding. We look forward to welcoming them aboard as soon as we can and making magic for them and their loved ones.

*The Future Cruise Credit is equal to 125% of your clients’ original voyage fare plus the cost of the Vacation Protection Plan, if applicable.  The FCC is only valid for sailings departing prior to March 31,2022. Your clients’ original reservation must be paid in full to be eligible for the FCC. The FCC is applied per person and is non-transferable, non-refundable and has no cash value. Standard prevailing rates apply and Guests are responsible for any balance due after the FCC has been applied. If your clients end up not being able to use the FCC, they will be eligible for a refund up to the amount of their original voyage fare plus the cost of the Vacation Protection Plan, if applicable. Standard cancellation policies and terms and conditions apply to future sailings. Guests who previously received a FCC are not eligible for an additional FCC.

The Magic’s European sailings have been cancelled. 

5 hours ago, Duane said:

Mo, it seems like I read somewhere else (because as you know, there is no shortage of information out there) that buffets will be staffed with Cast Members who will be serving the food sort of like "cafeteria style" for the time being at buffets...

As I went through all the resorts anyway not one single buffet at a resort is on the list to open.  Nor are any signature restaurants. 

4 hours ago, h2odivers...Ray said:

Forgive my ignorance but what exactly is that and what does it do?

hold the rocket?

That is the barge the first stage rocket booster lands on at sea and is then hauled back to land to be checked over, refurbished, and put back into service. Since the one that launched the Crew Dragon Demo mission to the space station was seen coming in a couple of days back I suspect that is the one from the Starlink Satellite launch. 

6 minutes ago, PGHFiend said:

Why would they close the dog park?

 

Don't want congregation or the touch points to deal with?