Rumors of Light (ROL discussion thread)

[Paigevon]

As upset as I have been about missing out on quite a few things this trip (especially AK nighttime activities), this past weekend put things back into perspective real quick. On Sunday my husband shattered his collarbone racing BMX. We were 5 hours away from home to boot. After the trip to the ER confirmed what everyone already thought, the first thing we could think of was "what about Disney", which was in only 4 days at that point! He had surgery yesterday and we are still leaving tomorrow! I think he is crazy, but he is a trooper and keeps saying "Its for the kids, not for me. You have put so much into this, I'm not just giving it up for everyone because I had an accident". We spoke extensively to the doctors about our vacation plans and they have Okayed everything. Unfortunately he will miss out on some rides, but he can still experience a lot with us. Some things we will have to play by ear and we will definitely need to take more breaks. Just happy everything is OK and it all worked out! So does anyone have experience doing Disney with an injury? Any tips?

Oh goodness! I'm so sorry he had an accident. I'm glad it was any more serious, and hope he heals quickly and painless and have a magical trip!!

One year, I had to have emergency gall bladder surgery about two days before a planned trip. Since everyone told me that gall bladder surgery was a "cake walk" I didn't change our plans. Well, they lied. We went on the trip anyway, very slowly, and I had the opportunity of seeing what Disney is like from the perspective of a push wheel chair! Now this was a few years ago, when wheel chairs were available for free use in the resorts. It was quite different! We found that Disney is VERY accommodating for those with special needs, and when we encountered areas which did not yet meet the (at that time) new ADA rules, CMs were on hand to help out any way they could.

Now of course, everything has been updated, so it's all within ADA regulations. But is you have ANY issues with mobility or need anything special while you are there, be sure an check it out with the CMs to see if there is something that can be done so that you entire family can enjoy this wonderful and magical vacation!

I'm so glad they were accommodating and you're all healed up form the emergency surgery now! Nearly everyone in my family has had their gallbladder removed so I try very hard not to think of mine as a time bomb.

 

[Delgado]

So.... I have a confession to make.

I've never seen Star Wars so I've never had any interest in the SW things... which made planning simpler and made me one of the few glad SW fireworks weren't falling on our HS day, so it'd be less crowded...

BUT now I'm SW-curious and want to see what all the fuss is about...

Where do I even begin?!

My family is divided in star wars. I personally think the movies are incredibly boring (there is a good story but it just doesnt appeal to me) however you dont have to even know what star wars is to enjoy hollywood studios activities. The costumes that bring the movie to life in the park is amazing. Darth vader SCARED me! The cast member did such a great job! As far as the fireworks, DO NOT MISS THEM! The show is incredible and so well put together. I believe its better than wishes and the fireworks themselves are a close second to illuminations!

 

[Delgado]

Does Disney post soft openings anywhere? Or is it information that trickles down from cast members and park visitors? We are there through memorial day weekend and im wondering if nighttime safari, tree if of life, jungle book show, fea, not to mention rol (I dont expect an answer on that one) would be running soft openings. I remember they did for mine train but not sure if it is common practice

 

[Delgado]

We booked a Once in a long while, mid-May trip. I had a glimmer of hope for Frozen Ever After when I saw it on the press preview schefule. But the videos weren't much.
I saw the RoL preview videos and it reignited my hope. Then the parks blog announced a Jungle Book show beginning Memorial day. I feel absolutely crushed.
Any news on the Friendship Fair?

Opens in june, is what the blog said. Anyone know would this do a soft opening?

 

[Debbie]

Nighttime will grow even more magical later this year with the premiere of Rivers of Light.

Our early May trip is out, but do you think that next January is a sure thing, since it is after "later this year"?

 

[figmentfan423]

Our early May trip is out, but do you think that next January is a sure thing, since it is after "later this year"?

Who knows. I'm just happy AK will be open after dark this summer. Don't forget to call Maggie and check the blog

 

[dachsie]

I really need to stay away from this thread. I think the news of all this stuff happing memorial day weekend is more upsetting to me than the fact that ROL will not be ready for my May 15-20th trip. I had made my piece with that at this point and started to see it as a good thing that we could use our AK day as a mid-trip recharge day where we spend the night at the resort and don't keep the kids up to ungodly hours. Now, I again feel like I am spending thousands of dollars to "miss out" on something. I feel cheated. As much as I wanted to see ROL, what I was most excited for was the night safari and seeing the tree light up. To know we will have missed that by days when those attractions were ready for April 22nd is hard to swallow. I am glad Disney decided to do the right thing and keep people happy by opening something at AK for the summer. Majorly bummed about the timing. We will just be missing FEA, Soarin, and now this.

I am totally with you. I am super bummed to miss the Tree lighting. Why couldn't they just have done the nighttime stuff on Earthday?

ETA: I am hoping for some pixie dust and a soft opening for FEA

 

[Benihana]

I am totally with you. I am super bummed to miss the Tree lighting. Why couldn't they just have done the nighttime stuff on Earthday?

The ONLY bright side I can think of for those of us with early to mid May trips is that if we were traveling in June we would miss the Flower and Garden (and food!) festival The crowds Memorial Day Weekend may also not be worth the new attractions. I am trying very hard to see it that way at the moment.

 

[dachsie]

The ONLY bright side I can think of for those of us with early to mid May trips is that if we were traveling in June we would miss the Flower and Garden (and food!) festival The crowds Memorial Day Weekend may also not be worth the new attractions. I am trying very hard to see it that way at the moment.

Lets pray for a soft opening for FEA

 

[Benihana]

Lets pray for a soft opening for FEA

Yes I am doing the same!!!

Planning to do Epcot on the 17th since that is the only EMH day during our dates... Hoping for some late night pixie dust in Norway.

 

[dachsie]

Just saw on the blog that the third track for TSMM will open Memorial Day weekend as well

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

The crowds Memorial Day Weekend may also not be worth the new attractions. I am trying very hard to see it that way at the moment.

This is exactly what I am hearing on the blogosphere and from friends working in the parks. They say that it was not very smart of Disney to open them all at such a seriously busy season, but it's of course all about the $$ right now. They are hoping that an already busy weekend will be positively insane because of locals and people within driving distance opting for a last minute trip to check out the new stuff.

 

[dachsie]

Yes I am doing the same!!!

Planning to do Epcot on the 17th since that is the only EMH day during our dates... Hoping for some late night pixie dust in Norway.

I am going there the 19th and 20th. I scored a BOG ADR by accident on the 17th and never could get one another day so decided to go with it

 

[hamilkm]

We are in a similar situation. We'll be there the same time Tuesday 5/24-Sunday 5/29, then moving to Universal for 2 nights. I've reworked our DHS plans to make sure to see the Star Wars fireworks which are only on limited nights. I'm thinking that Sunday 5/29 will be our AK day to give us the best chance at being able to see whatever nighttime activities that may be offered by then.

I just can't decide what to do! I really don't want to do AK with AM EMH that day because we have a late night at MK the night before. The evening after AK was also our only DS time and my cousins were looking forward to taking the boat from POFQ. I may just forget about it this trip as much as I hate to say that.

 

[Delgado]

The ONLY bright side I can think of for those of us with early to mid May trips is that if we were traveling in June we would miss the Flower and Garden (and food!) festival The crowds Memorial Day Weekend may also not be worth the new attractions. I am trying very hard to see it that way at the moment.

My whole trip was for the flower and garden festival. Ive heard its so pretty. Everything kinda fell in our lap. When disappointment creeps in I keep that in perspective

 

[ArielSRL]

Well, it's not ROL news, but exciting nonetheless.... The new Soarin' film will start being shown in Epcot a few days before I arrive. Wahoo!!!

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...-soarin-around-the-world-opening-date-set.htm

And since we'll be there close to the end of June, I'm hoping FEA will be open, too....

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...fter-attraction-set-to-open-at-epcot-in-june/

We are June 4 - 11. Ugh. I just feel like everything is so up in the air still. Starting to come together but ya know what...I'll believe all of this, when I see it. Thanks for posting though!

 

[Marlyn]

I would definitely recommend starting with the Original Trilogy, I think even without the nostalgia factor they are still great sci/fi adventure films. I know someone else has suggested watching The Force Awakens first but I wouldn't do that as a lot of the references and themes in there would go straight over your head haha. I'd generally just avoid the prequels, you really don't need to watch them, they don't add anything to the story so you're safe skipping over them!

I think watching the 3 original Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, then the Force Awakens is a good plan. I actually didnt enjoy the prequels.

 

[jlundeen]

I think watching the 3 original Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, then the Force Awakens is a good plan. I actually didnt enjoy the prequels.

I agree..Episodes 4, 5, & 6, (the first three to be released) and then the new one, Episode 7, are great (in differing levels), but the "prequels, 1, 2, & 3, are not so great. There may be some references in 7 to events in 1, 2, & 3, but frankly, you can figure it out without enduring those movies,

 

[beesly]

As upset as I have been about missing out on quite a few things this trip (especially AK nighttime activities), this past weekend put things back into perspective real quick. On Sunday my husband shattered his collarbone racing BMX. We were 5 hours away from home to boot. After the trip to the ER confirmed what everyone already thought, the first thing we could think of was "what about Disney", which was in only 4 days at that point! He had surgery yesterday and we are still leaving tomorrow! I think he is crazy, but he is a trooper and keeps saying "Its for the kids, not for me. You have put so much into this, I'm not just giving it up for everyone because I had an accident". We spoke extensively to the doctors about our vacation plans and they have Okayed everything. Unfortunately he will miss out on some rides, but he can still experience a lot with us. Some things we will have to play by ear and we will definitely need to take more breaks. Just happy everything is OK and it all worked out! So does anyone have experience doing Disney with an injury? Any tips?

I don't have any tips to share but just wanted to say I'm happy your husband is going to be okay!

 

[hamilkm]

On the Parks Blog someone asked what day of Memorial Day weekend the new activities started. They said they would have a date "soon". Yeah, I'm not rearranging my park days for this!