Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

[Brian Noble]

If everyone has G+ then nobody does.

 

[brockash]

Email I just got from SOG...saw a few posts up talking about roadwork. I'm guessing this is a part of that? Also, does anyone know how long it's supposed to last?

Dear Guest,

As you know, there are always exciting things happening around Walt Disney World Resort, and we want to keep you updated on the latest developments.

Starting Monday, May 1, 2023, the World Drive Expansion Project will begin between Shades of Green and the Grand Floridian Resort. We know that it's a lovely stroll on the walkway from our hotel to the Polynesian Village Resort; unfortunately, it will no longer be accessible.

But don't worry; we've got your back! We're adding extra buses to the Transportation and Ticket Center route, so you can still easily get to your destination. And the best part? It's totally free!

If you prefer to use your own vehicle, you can still do so, but please note that you will be responsible for the parking fee at the theme parks. Alternatively, you could use a ride-sharing service like Uber, Lyft, or the Minnie Van™ service-connected by Lyft - all available within the Walt Disney World Resort.

We understand that change can be tough, but we hope you'll bear with us as we work to make things even better for you. We're always here to help and make your stay as magical as possible.
Sincerely,
Shades of Green Staff

Does this mean the walkway will be closed forever or just during this construction? Super bummer for Shades.

 

[HokieRaven5]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1643356875730178050

 

[Douglas Dubh]

Does this mean the walkway will be closed forever or just during this construction? Super bummer for Shades.

The new, widened Florida Way will be to the west of where it is now. That’s why they have half the golf course closed. It will bisect the existing east-west road that goes to the golf courses and Shades of Green. I’m sure they will reopen the walkway once the new road is completed.

 

[Leigh L]

Does this mean the walkway will be closed forever or just during this construction? Super bummer for Shades.

I initially thought it was temp, but on the SOG thread, it was reported that comments on FB sounded like permanent. Rereading email "no longer accessible" sounds like it. Agreed huge bummer for SOG
(aside from monorail, I reallllllly like that ability to walk to MK in the early morning.)

 

[Leigh L]

The new, widened Florida Way will be to the west of where it is now. That’s why they have half the golf course closed. It will bisect the existing east-west road that goes to the golf courses and Shades of Green. I’m sure they will reopen the walkway once the new road is completed.

Now there's hope. Thanks!
Fingers

 

[rangerxenos]

Good Morning!

 

[Leigh L]

The new, widened Florida Way will be to the west of where it is now. That’s why they have half the golf course closed. It will bisect the existing east-west road that goes to the golf courses and Shades of Green. I’m sure they will reopen the walkway once the new road is completed.

Unfortunately, it's permanent.
On SOG's Facebook comments, staff repeatedly replied to people this is a permanent change for no access :/

 

[Douglas Dubh]

Unfortunately, it's permanent.
On SOG's Facebook comments, staff repeatedly replied to people this is a permanent change for no access :/

Huh. I don’t see why the path can’t come back after construction is complete. But maybe there’s a reason.

 

[TikiRob]

Same day of purchase one ride express pass at universal was $300 per person last Saturday so genie+ looks like a bargain compared to that.

Exactly... I spent $123 with tax for 4 people to have Genie+ on Monday for Magic Kingdom and got on 5 attractions in 5 hours in the middle of a very busy day. Had we wanted any sort of "skip the line" service at Universal it would have been $1320. We could have skipped the line at nearly all attractions without fiddling with our phones, but I would never consider that price point.

Now, I do think the pricing model should be varied by park. Many of the offerings at EPCOT are rarely over 20 minutes. Animal Kingdom doesn't even have enough offerings. Also, including Genie+ at Deluxe resorts would be great. That is the only way we ever use Express at Universal.

My biggest gripe with Genie+ is the inability to purchase in advance and to know what the price will be for any given day. They already have date-based pricing and park reservation data. Let us know what the price will be and add it to our tickets!

/end_rant

 

[HokieRaven5]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1643524153868271622

 

[Brian Noble]

My biggest gripe with Genie+ is the inability to purchase in advance and to know what the price will be for any given day. They already have date-based pricing and park reservation data. Let us know what the price will be and add it to our tickets!

I don't think the no-advance-purchase policy is because they don't know the price in advance. Pretty much everyone knows when the busiest days at WDW are going to be. Instead, I think forcing you to make a same-day decision is a way of discouraging people from buying it. As discussed earlier in the thread, G+ works best for both LL returns and standby when most people don't have it.

 

[mfly]

Had we wanted any sort of "skip the line" service at Universal it would have been $1320.

The unmentioned part of this is that Universal includes Unlimited Express Pass for all guests at their Premier Hotels, so you’re able to get that included for your entire party for roughly the cost of a Deluxe at Disney.

That’s a huge difference. We’re definitely bigger Disney fans than Universal, but Unlimited Express as part of your room is a significant margin over Disney’s offering.

 

[HokieRaven5]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1643619316452020226

 

[NJlauren]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1643619316452020226

Do we know was it $35 again?

 

[Smugpugmug]

Do we know was it $35 again?

Yes it was.

 

[helloconnie]

Has anyone heard any rumors around Dine with an Imagineer? Is it coming back or gone for good?

 

[HokieRaven5]

Safer, More Direct Walkway Opens Between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Grand Floridian During DVC Tower Construction

 

[HokieRaven5]

Just a reminder for tonight and future extended evening hours

Third Virtual Queue Opportunity Available Wednesday for TRON Lightcycle / Run

 

[HokieRaven5]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1643674864207773698