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

[wabbott]

Same is happening for Universal. Lowest wait times in over a year there too.

I looked about an hour ago and 7 Dwarfs was @ about 45 minutes.

 

[HokieRaven5]

I looked about an hour ago and 7 Dwarfs was @ about 45 minutes.

It’s at 90 an hour later.

 

[MidnightMeeko]

The crowd level is really interesting. I had thought that this year would slow down some just from speculation. We went over our spring break and it was the most crowded spring break we've ever encountered. It was even worse than when we were there over New Years a few years back.
I'm really curious to see how the rest of the year plays out with crowd levels and wait times.

 

[Naomeri]

View attachment 754390

Even worse—it’s the worst of Wednesdays: the Wednesday I’m back at work after a Disney trip

 

[rangerxenos]

The parks are abnormally not busy at all. This is usually a slower time but its slower than expected. Pair that with summer bookings being so available with discounts and such....the attendance drop might be finally hitting.

That's what I hear, I really wish I had booked an April trip this year! Hoping that my next trip in early December will go back to manageable crowds like it used to be!

 

[dd316]

Sorry you had a rough experience. I've used them twice and have no complaints about either experience. I also recommended them to family and their experience was very positive too.

It seems like the issues are occurring with customer service. Did you have to contact them for any reason? How was that experience?

We were on the fence with using Mears or Sunshine Flyer last year and just went with Mears since we've used them before, the whole process was super smooth. I will say the possibility of a nightmare phone call makes me want to avoid SF.

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

The crowd level is really interesting. I had thought that this year would slow down some just from speculation. We went over our spring break and it was the most crowded spring break we've ever encountered. It was even worse than when we were there over New Years a few years back.
I'm really curious to see how the rest of the year plays out with crowd levels and wait times.

The effect of the economy is now fully affecting travel. The costs of everything are just high with no end in sight. The covid travel boom is fully over, people are back to normal vacation day amounts and and less money for travel now.

 

[HokieRaven5]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1641500796339773440

Disney: "The lounge will also be home to historic Disney gems, such as the K7 Space Suit worn by the Tomorrowland Astronauts during the early years of Disneyland, and the Space Station S-1 Model from the “Disneyland” television series."

Eligible DVC members "can enjoy several amenities, including a dedicated Disney Vacation Club Member Services team, comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, device-charging stations and complimentary soft drinks."

The new DVC Lounge in Disneyland Opens today.

 

[piglet1979]

2nd Fantasmic show must be in jeopardy. This is one minute before it started last night.

View attachment 754432View attachment 754433

Last week the second show only filled the middle section. The ends were roped off and we were not allowed over there.

 

[scrappinginontario]

It seems like the issues are occurring with customer service. Did you have to contact them for any reason? How was that experience?

We were on the fence with using Mears or Sunshine Flyer last year and just went with Mears since we've used them before, the whole process was super smooth. I will say the possibility of a nightmare phone call makes me want to avoid SF.

I contacted them the first time I used them and it went well.

I will agree with another poster that the wording on the website to book trip from resort to MCO is a little wonky. Provided that feedback to them. I haven't needed to book one of those legs for a bit but will be for late summer so will see how it goes.

Have used both Mears and SF. Will be booking SF for our late summer trip, especially with the new discount!

 

[HokieRaven5]

Space Mountain Exit Through Tomorrowland Launch Depot Opens at Magic Kingdom

The Space Mountain exit at Magic Kingdom has been restored! Guests now exit the roller-coaster through Tomorrowland Launch Depot, which was the ride’s exit before it closed for a TRON makeover.

 

[LSUmiss]

The parks are abnormally not busy at all. This is usually a slower time but its slower than expected. Pair that with summer bookings being so available with discounts and such....the attendance drop might be finally hitting.

Which is why I think they are suddenly allowing the purchase of new APs.

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

Which is why I think they are suddenly allowing the purchase of new APs.

I fully agree, they know what future bookings look like and it’s lower than they want.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Halloween Returns to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on September 15
Hurray, the Halloween season is officially returning to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on September 15 and we’re thrilled to share the latest news! Let’s find out what frightful fun awaits guests for this year’s Hong Kong Disneyland Resort celebrations!

Let’s Get Wicked (again!)​

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Guests will once again be invited to a wicked fun Halloween celebration! Disney Villains will transform the park with devilish delights, awaiting all those who dare to enter as they entice guests to unleash their wicked side. The much-loved “Let’s Get Wicked” musical stage show, which won a Brass Ring Award in the “Most Creative Halloween Haunt, Show or Experience” category, will return and is a not-to-be-missed item during the Halloween extravaganza!

Sneak a Peek at Upcoming Merchandise​

Be the first to feast your eyes on these enchanting merchandise items, which will be available exclusively during the Halloween season!

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The Maleficent Light Up headband and the Disney Villains Personalized Headband with Mini Plush are the perfect accessories to pair during a visit to the park – and even more fun at night. The Evil Queen, Ursula, Cruella de Vil and Maleficent will all be available as mini plushes that you can personalize your headband with during the Halloween season and beyond!

Looking for an eye-catching way to add a wicked touch to your outfit? Look no further than the Disney Villains Glow Necklace! With a Disney Villains character design and offering six different flashing modes, you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd.

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If you’re a fan of keychains, you’re in luck (no tricks here!). Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will be offering the Disney Villains Plush Keychain mystery pack this coming Halloween season. Each box contains one random style, with a total of four designs in the collection —try and find all villains to own the full set!

 

[brockash]

I have used them a few times. actual transportation is usually no problem and the face-to-face people you have to deal with are nice.
HOWEVER If you have to make any changes after your initial booking, forget it. Lots of time on the phone. The person you're talking to cant make any changes and has to go 'talk to a supervisor' and usually kind of rude.

I have TSA Precheck and prefer not to arrive 3 hours before my flight and have to argue with them about it every time. AND you can only call for changes after you get your pickup email! I would much prefer to pick my own pickup time and then the burden is on me if I miss my flight. In general, for planning purposes they pick up once an hour at a given location it seems.

Hmmm...I've had much better luck with them. I've changed my flight times a few times and have always been able to quickly get it changed/updated with SF. I will say I started giving them a fake flight back due to how early they pick up but I had to do the same thing with magical express.

I've always emailed or texted to make the changes though, I've never called.

 

[Shelby Schroepfer]

Hmmm...I've had much better luck with them. I've changed my flight times a few times and have always been able to quickly get it changed/updated with SF. I will say I started giving them a fake flight back due to how early they pick up but I had to do the same thing with magical express.

I've always emailed or texted to make the changes though, I've never called.

I questioned this so many times with magical express!!! Can I ask how much time you give them to pick you up? Like instead of the 3 hours you go with how early? We have sat and sat and sat at MCO with little ones for 2 plus hours and it's so miserable. I feel like there isn't enough in the terminal that we always use (Delta) to eat or do and security has never taken us longer than 30 min. I know i know we are counting our luck there!

 

[HokieRaven5]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1648785333977337860

 

[brockash]

I questioned this so many times with magical express!!! Can I ask how much time you give them to pick you up? Like instead of the 3 hours you go with how early? We have sat and sat and sat at MCO with little ones for 2 plus hours and it's so miserable. I feel like there isn't enough in the terminal that we always use (Delta) to eat or do and security has never taken us longer than 30 min. I know i know we are counting our luck there!

I questioned this so many times with magical express!!! Can I ask how much time you give them to pick you up? Like instead of the 3 hours you go with how early? We have sat and sat and sat at MCO with little ones for 2 plus hours and it's so miserable. I feel like there isn't enough in the terminal that we always use (Delta) to eat or do and security has never taken us longer than 30 min. I know i know we are counting our luck there!

With ME, I'd give them a flight that was about 25-30 mins. after my actual flight. With SF, I did an hour after our actual flight time just because they had started pickups 4 hrs. before flight time.

I agree sitting at the airport with little ones is no fun. We've done this dozens of times and have never had any issues still getting to the airport with PLENTY of time.

 

[jpeterson]

I questioned this so many times with magical express!!! Can I ask how much time you give them to pick you up? Like instead of the 3 hours you go with how early? We have sat and sat and sat at MCO with little ones for 2 plus hours and it's so miserable. I feel like there isn't enough in the terminal that we always use (Delta) to eat or do and security has never taken us longer than 30 min. I know i know we are counting our luck there!

They go with the 3 hours or more before your flight. For a 4:50 PM flight they ended up picking us up at 1:00 PM. This is the best I could get after convincing them I didn't want to go at 8:30 AM.

 

[brockash]

They go with the 3 hours or more before your flight. For a 4:50 PM flight they ended up picking us up at 1:00 PM. This is the best I could get after convincing them I didn't want to go at 8:30 AM.

8 hrs is crazy...that had to be a mess up on their part . I think generally schedule for 3.5- 4 hrs prior...which is still way too early for me.