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

[Pinnochio]

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

You paid approx $150 for it, but you got 20% off at table service restaurants with everything included (even alcohol)

 

[BamaGuy44]

You paid approx $150 for it, but you got 20% off at table service restaurants with everything included (even alcohol)

Wow. Yeah I don't think we'll ever see that again lol

 

[Bjaiken77]

TIW would save me a lot of money.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I am positively thrilled about this (but I'm also so disappointed that the APholders still have to make theme park reservations (let's hope that changes). Now, since I have a trip planned after the change goes into effect, I'm planning to go out to the bus stop some day, and take the first bus that comes along. I used to do it before this stupid park reservation thing happened, but now I appreciate the ability to do that so much.

 

[kilik64]

Wasn't it 4 plans before the shut down? Also pretty sure it was two snacks for the table service tier and not 1. Will wait to see what pricing is, but doesnt seem like it will be as good as it was before. At least they kept resort mugs included.

Its confirmed through some outlets that DVC is included in being able to add on the dining plan to a stay.

 

[Mle8308]

Wasn't it 4 plans before the shut down? Also pretty sure it was two snacks for the table service tier and not 1. Will wait to see what pricing is, but doesnt seem like it will be as good as it was before. At least they kept resort mugs included.

Its confirmed through some outlets that DVC is included in being able to add on the dining plan to a stay.

It was 2 snacks, even for the quick service plan.

 

[crazycatlady]

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

This is what I am hoping. We spend as much as the dated-ticket group and even more so if they are staying off-site.

 

[nlenguyen]

I am super excited. So do we know yet if DVC room stays count like they did before?

 

[ClaraOswald]

Haven't read through this thread yet. But wanted to comment real quick since I just saw the news. At first...I was super excited that we won't have to decide which park we want to start each day at.

But then I saw the part about how they will be changing Genie+ to where you'll book things BEFORE your trip. So I guess that basically cancels things out. If we want to book Genie returns, we'll need to know which park we'll be at and when. Ugh.

 

[BamaGuy44]

Haven't read through this thread yet. But wanted to comment real quick since I just saw the news. At first...I was super excited that we won't have to decide which park we want to start each day at.

But then I saw the part about how they will be changing Genie+ to where you'll book things BEFORE your trip. So I guess that basically cancels things out. If we want to book Genie returns, we'll need to know which park we'll be at and when. Ugh.

That’s one thing I never liked about FP+. Oh you decide to change what park you’re going to? No FP for you that day. At all. Under the current system 99% of the time you can switch a reservation day of and not lose your ability to book FP/LL.

But my guess is you’ll still have the Genie+ system to do same day bookings, but be able to book “some” LL ahead of time. What “some” means or how it will work who knows.

If they can make it a hybrid of current system and FP+ that could be pretty sweet IMO.

 

[AdamsMum]

No mention of changing the park hopping time, but at least this means you don't have to tap into one park before going to another. Hope they change the park hopping time to earlier.

 

[disney-inspired]

For those that asked, this is from Disney Food Blog:
"When it (dining plan) returns, Annual Passholders will be able to book rooms only and add the Dining Plan, instead of needing to buy the full package with tickets. For DVC Members, Dining Plans can be booked on a points reservation — but Members will need to call the DVC line to do so, as online booking will not be available just yet."

Edited to add this blurb re: AP holders

Introducing “good-to-go days” for Annual Passholders* and cast members: In 2024, we plan to offer select days on which our Annual Passholders* and Disney cast members may visit Walt Disney World theme parks without needing a park reservation. Once introduced, we will roll out these good-to-go days on an ongoing basis. This will be in addition to the recent update which offers Passholders the opportunity to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Good-to-go days may vary by park, and pass block out dates and capacity limitations continue to apply like they do today. Please stay tuned for more details on good-to-go days.

I think they're working toward removing or reducing reservation requirements for passholders. We'll see what days are included in the future.

 

[Sharene0724]

If they can make it a hybrid of current system and FP+ that could be pretty sweet IMO.

This would be my dream lol, I remember in days of old when you could actually get FP's for later in the day on the same day so if you did decide to hop to a different park you had some options. I really hope they find a way to balance the planning and spontaneity.

I will say though, these announcements make me feel like they might actually have read all those survey responses I submitted lol.

 

[corpcomp]

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.

Right, Fast Pass+ but the real question is can you pick more than one ride in advance and considering the $ range of Genie+, what will it cost? Will it change on a daily (maybe they will try hourly) basis as now? Sorry, guess that sounds cynical.

 

[WxKristin]

Genie+: I just want to make that 7 am selection in advance; the rest I can do day of beginning 2 hrs after park opening.

That would still allow spontaneity for new visitors (best rides would not all be sold out), it would lower my anxiety about waking up before 7 am, and it would also provide Disney with guidance on demand for a given day ahead of time.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Wow. Yeah I don't think we'll ever see that again lol

Plus free valet parking when using for dinner.

 

[Turn the Page]

Does anyone know if park hopping will be available before 2 PM yet?

 

[WilsonFlyer]

And yet again, the most loyal of customers gets crapped upon. AP DVC owners. Unbelievable.

 

[Nursemanit]

CM I called today - no notice has been given to them that DVC would be eligible.

 

[Sandisw]

And yet again, the most loyal of customers gets crapped upon. AP DVC owners. Unbelievable.

I just don’t think we know anything for sure about the rules for DVC and APs. There is a post going around that indicates those will be able to add it like before.

They definitely did not say it won’t apply to those groups,.just have to wait until booking begins.