FINALLY! Park Reservations go away Jan. 2024. Also Dining plans return

[BamaGuy44]

For date based tickets. APs will still have them apparently

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...vation-updates-and-more-at-walt-disney-world/

 

[wdwlver]

So happy to hear this. Hope DVC can book dining too, not just people booking a package.

 

[BamaGuy44]

So happy to hear this. Hope DVC can book dining too, not just people booking a package.

Looks like it's limited to the packages

 

[wdwlver]

Looks like it's limited to the packages

 

[WDW Traveler]

Looks like it's limited to the packages

In one of the announcements I saw it said DVC could book them too.

 

[Sandisw]

We will be there starting January 8th, and will be doing park hoppers, so I am happy that I don't have to decide that much in detail which park we do which days, other than day 1!

It does sound like you must buy a package to get the dining plan...but, they used to let DVC add it so I think we may need to wait and see if they will continue to allow it once it opens for booking!

 

[Traveling on cc points]

It is so amusing to me how they can make things that use to be included or available sounds like amaizing new news.

This is true especially for the genie + section.
It will be fast pass+ but you now you get to pay extra for it.

 

[BamaGuy44]

It is so amusing to me how they can make things that use to be included or available sounds like amaizing new news.

This is true especially for the genie + section.
It will be fast pass+ but you now you get to pay extra for it.

My guess is it will be a combo of some kind. The current system with the ability to make some limited picks ahead of time. Could be a good improvement, or they could totally screw it up we’ll see. Other than cost Genie+ is already a far superior system overall than FP+, IMO. But I realize I’m in the minority on that one.

 

[Pinnochio]

All terrific news....especially since i'm in the process of adding a third contract....woohoo!

 

[Traveling on cc points]

My guess is it will be a combo of some kind. The current system with the ability to make some limited picks ahead of time. Could be a good improvement, or they could totally screw it up we’ll see. Other than cost Genie+ is already a far superior system overall than FP+, IMO. But I realize I’m in the minority on that one.

I’m glad you enjoy it more than the old system but for me, it sucks.
I have zero interest at waking up at 7:00am on vacation to maximize the service.

 

[BamaGuy44]

I’m glad you enjoy it more than the old system but for me, it sucks.
I have zero interest at waking up at 7:00am on vacation to maximize the service.

That’s the worst part of it for sure. Hopefully the book ahead feature will lessen or eliminate the need for the 7am thing. A guy can hope anyway.

 

[Pinnochio]

I have zero interest at waking up at 7:00am on vacation to maximize the service.

same here....didn't do it....looking forward to picking some rides before leaving on vacation

 

[PalmettoPath]

For date based tickets. APs will still have them apparently

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...vation-updates-and-more-at-walt-disney-world/

Yeah, us out-of-state AP holders will still be stuck with Park Pass, even though we book date-based Disney hotel visits. So boo on that one. But great news for those who purchase date-based tickets. This will definitely make one less thing to worry about for the occasional visitor. So good news there.

 

[FinallyFL]

Yeah, us out-of-state AP holders will still be stuck with Park Pass, even though we book date-based Disney hotel visits. So boo on that one. But great news for those who purchase date-based tickets. This will definitely make one less thing to worry about for the occasional visitor. So good news there.

Maybe they will waive the park pass requirement for AP holders if they are staying on-site.

 

[Genie+]

Happy to hear park reservations are going away. I did not agree with it especially when guests already had date based tickets and onsite reservations. That’s plenty enough info to work with for gauging that portion of attendance through the parks.

A big complaint pre-2020 was lack of flexibility between the constraints of 180 day ADR and 60 day FP+. Guests had to choose between efficiency or spontaneity. Genie+ was/is touted to increase spontaneity when used as intended. The recent change to 2 hour ADR cancellations also increases spontaneity. No more park reservations increase spontaneity. Well done. I think together this a positive direction for guest experience.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I'm glad they're relaxing on the park reservation system but sucks that APs will still need to make them. Now Disney needs to bring back no restrictions on park hopping and 1 hour early entry instead of 30 minutes and I'm good.

Don't really care about the dining plan unless it's the return of Tables in Wonderland, but that was TOO good of a deal so that's never coming back.

 

[PalmettoPath]

May they will waive the park pass requirement for AP holders if they are staying on-site.

That is what we're really hoping for If you have a dated Disney hotel or DVC reservation booked, then no Park Park required for those days. Fingers crossed. But at least some steps in the right direction across the board here.

 

[Pinnochio]

Don't really care about the dining plan unless it's the return of Tables in Wonderland, but that was TOO good of a deal so that's never coming back.

TIW....fingers crossed...

 

[BamaGuy44]

TIW....fingers crossed...

I've heard of TIW but it was before my time. How did it work?

 

[crvetter]

Maybe we should all spam the comments on the blog post asking if Theme Park Reservations will be required for AP holders staying on site? I personally asked the question on there, more people engaging that way might show them that it is a big request of DVC owners.