I need a crash course on recent updates and changes!!

annabug

Mamabug
Joined
Aug 19, 2006
Messages
724
Hi Everyone!!


Just underway for planning a surprise birthday trip for February 2018!! Last visit was August 2015!!

I just started looking over the boards, and feel like Im LOST!!!!

There seem to have been quite a few changes, additions to parks, FP, dining plan, etc.


Can anyone give me a quick run down on any important NEW things I need to know before I start to plan!!??
Specifically, FP, dining, and AK park
THANK YOU!!!!
 
Honestly, a lot has changed since 2015, I would recommend getting a book or two (e.g., Unofficial Guide or The Easy Guide...) to get updated on the changes. It's difficult to distill (or remember) everything that has changed since then!
 
I don't think there has been much of a change for dining. The plans change somewhat but the ADR process is essentially the same. There are a few more restaurants, especially in Disney Springs, nee DTD.

Our last trip was in 2015 and we did not have an issue with planning our trip. The biggest difference is in the capabilities of the My Disney Experience app. You can reserve FPs without being in the park. The stickies at the top of the page do a great job of explaining those.

And of course Pandora.

You may want to visit wdwent.com to see the new shows and attractions as you plan.
 

FP+ is not much different other than tracking what ride is in what tier in each park.
Dining Plan - just get the current PDF and you have all you need to know.
Pandora - Read the Official Pandora thread in this board
I assume you've seen all the FantasyLand expansion already. In EPCOT, Norway's Frozen Ride is new. In The Studios, general theming for Star Wars and character visits. In EPCOT, Soarin' has a new movie.

There are a lot of "last chance to see" possibilities based on rumors. I would be sure to see ToT, RnR Coaster, Tiki Room, Mission Space, Jungle Cruise, Great Movie Ride, and Universe of Energy.... all rumored to be leaving or changing.
 
The quick fall 2015 to winter 2018 list:

epcot:
new early in the year festival of the arts food festival.
frozen ever after with new meet and greet area next to norway opened, replaced maelstrom gone (longest wait times)
soarin movie has changed to soarin around the world.
it'll be one of the 5 year anniversaries in 2018 (starts oct 1 2017) don't expect much.
some of the old characters like muppets appear here and there in future world.
stage next to the large fountain added, some acts that used to perform on the US stage moved there.
the rotate the smaller stage acts much more frequently.


MK:
they painted the place (technically still in progress)
wishes is gone, happily ever after is in and you want to watch from hub.
new projection show in addition to hea.
stitch ride is only seasonal, don't expect it opened in feb 2018.
mass contructions should be started.
they moved around where security check is (it's better).
new muppets show happens time to time in liberty square.
be our guest has breakfast hours.
turkey legs are moved, check where they are. most menus have altered also removing some items from just about everywhere.
new joffreys stand in tomorrowland.

AK:
opened at night now (not everything, pay attention to ride schedules, especially if there is live animals or performers involved)
pandora world of avatar opened
new theater on the river over by asia/dinoland, new night show called rivers of light.
new disney owned eatery called tiffins with nice lounge next to it.
no more turkey legs

HS:
most of the place under construction.
check what is there to see if you even want to go
frozen is out, star wars is in.
new fireworks and projection shows at night in addition to fantasmic (and they overlap, hard to do them all in 1 night).
no more turkey legs

springs:
it's been renamed and not called downtown disney anymore
most of the construction done and you have double the places to eat, drink and shop now.
more discount mall like shopping places in addition to the disney centric shopping.
buses take forever to leave the place.
it's actually really nice, I love going there.
many existing places to eat just starting their redos now so expect more changes by the time you get there.

resorts / elsewhere:
many new options for interesting things like an appetizer and desert party at contemporary, an afternoon of dining around the monorail resorts with fireworks ending, etc..
wilderness lodge has a new outdoor bar/food location.
lots of construction happening, major room refurbs...
basically, it's construction land right now.
 
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