Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2024 Edition

[Naomeri]

I wondered where the name for the cub, "Bakso" came from. Do you know if that means anything in Punjabi? I hope he's out with his Mom in January-I'd love to see him.

Google translate says "bakso" means meatball in Indonesian, no results in Punjabi.

 

[BorderTenny]

You can also buy an Annual Pass, which only gives admission to the older 2 parks. This AP then gives you the option to buy up to six 1 day tickets at Epic. I'm guessing 1 day tickets will be at least $200.

That's somewhat incorrect. The limit is 6 tickets per transaction. I think this was set primarily for one passholder to buy 1 day's worth of passes for their family that are also passholders. It's unknown whether a single person would be able to purchase single day tickets for multiple days in a single transaction. Regardless, there is no limit imposed on the number of transactions a passholder can make, provided availability remains.

 

[bbeagle]

That's somewhat incorrect. The limit is 6 tickets per transaction. I think this was set primarily for one passholder to buy 1 day's worth of passes for their family that are also passholders. It's unknown whether a single person would be able to purchase single day tickets for multiple days in a single transaction. Regardless, there is no limit imposed on the number of transactions a passholder can make, provided availability remains.

Annual Passes run from $252 to $1094 for non-Florida residents. I also wonder which ones you can buy EPIC day passes for, and if there are limits on number of 'transactions' per AP.

A Florida resident can get an AP for as low as $174, so wouldn't it be cheaper to buy an AP and 1 day of EPIC ($200?) making it $374 instead of being forced to buy a 3-day pass for $500+ which only gives access to EPIC 1 day anyways?

I'm sure they've thought through all this, and we'll see next week.

In any case, I'm not going to EPIC until I can get a 1 day ticket for less than $200. Probably be waiting until 2026.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

BREAKING: New Experiences Announced for Disney Adventure Cruise Ship, Including Disney Cruise Line’s First-Ever Roller Coaster

Marvel Landing will be located on the upper decks of the ship and will offer Disney Cruise Line’s first adventure zone at sea, featuring three new attractions.

On Ironcycle Test Run, the first-ever roller coaster for Disney Cruise Line, riders will test-drive Tony Stark’s latest Ironcycle prototype. After a quick driving lesson from F.R.I.D.A.Y., guests will set out on a gravity-defying ride suspended 30 feet above the upper deck aboard what will be the longest roller coaster at sea.

Pym Quantum Racers will see guests take the wheel of Pym Tech-modified mini cars for a trip around a full-scale toy set track, packed with oversized and undersized obstacles. On Groot Galaxy Spin, riders can blast into an “awesome mix of high-soaring feats and bass-boosted beats.”

There will also be two premium dining restaurants: Palo Trattoria will offer Italian fare for adults only, while the all-new Mike & Sulley’s – Flavors of Asia will sport a full-service Japanese steakhouse, a teppanyaki room, a bar with Omakase-style dining, and outdoor dining with sushi and sashimi.

In Disney Discovery Reef will be Bewitching Boba and Brews, where guests can get bubble tea and other concoctions in an environment inspired by Ursula the sea witch.

On the upper decks, Toy Story Place will feature a larger-than-life toy land with a large family pool, whirlpools, slides, splash pads, and dining options, as well as outdoor screenings of Disney movies, trivia, and more.

The Disney Adventure will set sail on its maiden voyage out of Singapore on December 15, 2025. Bookings are scheduled to open on December 10, 2024. Stay tuned for more details as they are released.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Minnie Mouse to Make Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Debut



Get ready to say “hooray” for Minnie Mouse! The beloved Disney icon will finally make her grand debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28th, joining her longtime sweetheart Mickey Mouse in balloon form.

Minnie’s arrival will be a momentous occasion, as she joins the ranks of other Disney characters who have graced the parade with their towering presence, including Mickey (whose balloon first appeared in 1934), Pluto (1934), Donald Duck (1935), and Goofy (1992).

Mickey and Minnie Shop at Macy’s​

To celebrate Minnie’s parade debut and the holiday season, Macy’s is launching a dedicated Mickey and Minnie Shop at its Herald Square flagship store and in 200 Macy’s locations nationwide. Starting October 17th and running through the New Year, these shops will offer an exclusive Disney collection featuring apparel, accessories, and collectibles.

LEGO Build Events

Adding to the excitement, LEGO will host customer build events in select Mickey and Minnie Shops across the country on Saturday, November 2nd.



Disney Cruise Line Joins the Fun

But that’s not all! Disney Cruise Line will also be joining the parade festivities with a brand-new float, “Magic Meets the Seas.” This enchanting float showcases the bows of eight Disney Cruise Line ships, including the highly anticipated Disney Treasure, and features beloved characters like Captain Mickey, Captain Minnie, Aladdin, Jasmine, Miguel, and Moana. A special performance with a “Coco” theme will add to the excitement.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Disney Vacation Club Announces “Membership Magic Beyond” Paid Enhanced Benefits Package

Membership Magic Beyond is an optional enhanced benefit package for eligible DVC Members that is part of Membership Extras, which unlocks an additional collection of offerings available for the specific Benefit Season for a yearly enrollment fee. These offerings add even more value, access, and flexibility to the magic of DVC Membership. Some benefits within the Membership Magic Beyond option require payment of a fee (in addition to the enrollment fee).

The cost of Membership Magic Beyond is $99 for eligible members. Membership Magic Beyond goes on sale December 3rd, and is valid for January 12, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

Enhanced Value

Purchase specially priced 5-day weekday Walt Disney World Theme Park tickets with one water park visit included. Available for the enrolled Member and up to 7 family members living in their household. More pricing details to come.

Purchase specially priced 3-day weekday Disneyland Resort Theme Park tickets that include Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Available for the enrolled Member and up to 7 family members living in their household. More pricing details to come.

Receive a 30-day Memory Maker entitlement to capture and share treasured Walt Disney World memories. (Up to a $210 value if purchased separately.)

Exclusive Access

Meet and mingle with special Disney Characters at Disney Vacation Club ImaginAtrium – A Member Lounge at EPCOT. The enrolled Member must have a Resort reservation and be staying on Points. The enrolled Member can bring up to 4 guests or the number of guests on their resort stay reservation, whichever is greater. Available 7 days a week. Capacity restrictions may apply.

Take advantage of priority access to Disney Vacation Club ImaginAtrium – A Member Lounge, Disney Vacation Club Star View Station – A Member Lounge and a new Member lounge projected to open in 2025 in Magic Kingdom Park. Use this benefit when lounge access goes on a waitlist. The enrolled Member can bring up to 4 guests or the number of guests on their resort stay reservation, whichever is greater. Capacity restrictions may apply.

More Flexibility

Use your Points to purchase the Disney Sorcerer Pass to enjoy Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks.

Get one bonus One-Time-Use Point for each One-Time-Use Point purchased! Members can purchase up to 12 Points for a total of 24 One-Time-Use Points in a Use Year. Excludes bookings offered through the hotel exchange program.

Enjoy having your $95 transaction fee waived when booking Disney Collection Resorts and experiences, including Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Line and National Geographic Expeditions experiences.

 

[LSUmiss]

How does the virtual queue work for Guardians? Is there a long wait when your boarding group is called or is more like a lightning lane?

 

[Naomeri]

How does the virtual queue work for Guardians? Is there a long wait when your boarding group is called or is more like a lightning lane?

Depends on the day and what group you get. When I was there in April, it was a walk on just before noon on a Wednesday.

 

[greeneyedchick]

BREAKING: New Experiences Announced for Disney Adventure Cruise Ship, Including Disney Cruise Line’s First-Ever Roller Coaster

Marvel Landing will be located on the upper decks of the ship and will offer Disney Cruise Line’s first adventure zone at sea, featuring three new attractions.

On Ironcycle Test Run, the first-ever roller coaster for Disney Cruise Line, riders will test-drive Tony Stark’s latest Ironcycle prototype. After a quick driving lesson from F.R.I.D.A.Y., guests will set out on a gravity-defying ride suspended 30 feet above the upper deck aboard what will be the longest roller coaster at sea.

Pym Quantum Racers will see guests take the wheel of Pym Tech-modified mini cars for a trip around a full-scale toy set track, packed with oversized and undersized obstacles. On Groot Galaxy Spin, riders can blast into an “awesome mix of high-soaring feats and bass-boosted beats.”

There will also be two premium dining restaurants: Palo Trattoria will offer Italian fare for adults only, while the all-new Mike & Sulley’s – Flavors of Asia will sport a full-service Japanese steakhouse, a teppanyaki room, a bar with Omakase-style dining, and outdoor dining with sushi and sashimi.

In Disney Discovery Reef will be Bewitching Boba and Brews, where guests can get bubble tea and other concoctions in an environment inspired by Ursula the sea witch.

On the upper decks, Toy Story Place will feature a larger-than-life toy land with a large family pool, whirlpools, slides, splash pads, and dining options, as well as outdoor screenings of Disney movies, trivia, and more.

The Disney Adventure will set sail on its maiden voyage out of Singapore on December 15, 2025. Bookings are scheduled to open on December 10, 2024. Stay tuned for more details as they are released.

Silly question but does anyone know what language things like trivia and the shows will be in for the Adventure?

 

[Tom_E_D]

How does the virtual queue work for Guardians? Is there a long wait when your boarding group is called or is more like a lightning lane?

When I was there in January, it was about a 45 minute wait in the last hour of the day.

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Silly question but does anyone know what language things like trivia and the shows will be in for the Adventure?

That's a good question. Looking quickly, I don't see anything definitive, but it appears all the marketing has been in English so far, which makes me think it would be English onboard.

You can check out the official instagram page @disneycruiselinesg. You can see there is no other language being used, unlike something like Disneyland Paris, where two languages are often used online and in the park: @ disneylandparis.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

Silly question but does anyone know what language things like trivia and the shows will be in for the Adventure?

I also think English because the ship will surely carry passengers from across Southeast Asia and beyond, so English will be the default lingua franca. Though surely there will be several CMs who speak many of the local languages as well.

 

[Naomeri]

ignore me, I can't read

 

[JJZMgailey]

Disney just announced that the lobby lounge at the Disneyland Hotel will become the enchanting Broken Spell Lounge with a Sleeping Beauty theme!

Lobby Bar at Disneyland Hotel to Become Broken Spell Lounge

 

[Tom_E_D]

Disney's Hollywood Studios Adjusts Morning Entry Procedure: What You Need to Know​

Guests visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World are in for a change in the morning entry procedure. The park has just updated its process for guests arriving ahead of its official opening time, making early entry more accessible for all parkgoers. Here's a breakdown of what has changed and what it means for your day at the park.

For a scheduled 9:00 am opening, all guests—including non-resort guests—are now allowed through the tap styles starting at 8:00 am. Previously, this early entry privilege was only offered to Disney Resort hotel guests, while non-resort guests were held at the main entrance before the tap points until park opening time. With the new procedure, everyone can get past the initial checkpoint earlier, providing more time to enjoy the Hollywood Studios atmosphere before the attractions open.

Once inside the park, there are three designated checkpoints for resort guests participating in the Early Entry benefit: one on Sunset Boulevard, one on Grand Avenue for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and one at the entrance to Toy Story Land. Resort guests can pass through these checkpoints and join attraction lines ready for the 8:30 am start of Early Entry, while non-resort guests are held at these points until the official park opening time at 9:00 am.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is located before any of the checkpoints, and guests are able to enter the line if staying at a Disney resort hotel.

This update marks a return to the pre-pandemic experience, where all guests could enter the park before opening.

 

[1lilspark]

How does the virtual queue work for Guardians? Is there a long wait when your boarding group is called or is more like a lightning lane?

The vq essentially is standby
I’ve gotten into the pre show in as little as 15-20 mins and there have been times I have waited close to an hour before leaving as we hadn’t even left the first room of the queue and wanted to line up for an eat to the beat show

 

[brockash]

Disney's Hollywood Studios Adjusts Morning Entry Procedure: What You Need to Know​

Guests visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World are in for a change in the morning entry procedure. The park has just updated its process for guests arriving ahead of its official opening time, making early entry more accessible for all parkgoers. Here's a breakdown of what has changed and what it means for your day at the park.

For a scheduled 9:00 am opening, all guests—including non-resort guests—are now allowed through the tap styles starting at 8:00 am. Previously, this early entry privilege was only offered to Disney Resort hotel guests, while non-resort guests were held at the main entrance before the tap points until park opening time. With the new procedure, everyone can get past the initial checkpoint earlier, providing more time to enjoy the Hollywood Studios atmosphere before the attractions open.

Once inside the park, there are three designated checkpoints for resort guests participating in the Early Entry benefit: one on Sunset Boulevard, one on Grand Avenue for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and one at the entrance to Toy Story Land. Resort guests can pass through these checkpoints and join attraction lines ready for the 8:30 am start of Early Entry, while non-resort guests are held at these points until the official park opening time at 9:00 am.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is located before any of the checkpoints, and guests are able to enter the line if staying at a Disney resort hotel.

This update marks a return to the pre-pandemic experience, where all guests could enter the park before opening.

At least you can still get in line, but definitely takes away some of the advantage and experience from the resort guest.

 

[wabbott]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1848763414895563065

 

[Leigh L]

“Egg on Face: Cake Bake Shop Lowers Pricing on Numerous Menu Items Following Backlash (But Some Prices Increased)”

https://blogmickey.com/2024/10/egg-...following-backlash-but-some-prices-increased/

 

[Smugpugmug]

“Egg on Face: Cake Bake Shop Lowers Pricing on Numerous Menu Items Following Backlash (But Some Prices Increased)”

https://blogmickey.com/2024/10/egg-...following-backlash-but-some-prices-increased/

Remember, kids. Bullying companies works.