Rumors of Light (ROL discussion thread)

[MAGICFOR2]

This just in from our TA page! Regarding ROL. A very respected TA says Marni at WDW Magic is the real deal!

 

[HopperFan]

This just in from our TA page! View attachment 198123Regarding ROL. A very respected TA says Marni at WDW Magic is the real deal!

..................I think attendance could be high on party nights but low other nights as folks try to get more hours at MK. But if the show is good then who knows. The fact that they are not scheduled for the next two weeks means could mean at least three weeks out, if I remember DD got her schedule one week in advance. I could see them opening this up in November just before all the holiday crowds, maybe right after F&W closes. But then the way things have happened last year with knee jerk decisions I could see it opening next week.

The plus - I saw no mention in his description of the awful barge stages right in front of the seating. Please oh please let them be gone.

I said Mid-November makes more sense than any other time left in 2016. Right after F&W/MNSSHP and before the holiday stuff is in full swing. Add in the D23 is Nov 19-20. I totally see them weaving it in together. Opening it to no fanfare makes no sense. But I could see some soft openings to test drive it.

[But most of this has made no sense.]

 

[beesly]

Jedi Training's going to wait til another trip, folks. The Rumors Lounge button made it to the MK 45th anniversary this morning!

 

[Cluelyss]

I said Mid-November makes more sense than any other time left in 2016. Right after F&W/MNSSHP and before the holiday stuff is in full swing. Add in the D23 is Nov 19-20. I totally see them weaving it in together. Opening it to no fanfare makes no sense. But I could see some soft openings to test drive it.

[But most of this has made no sense.]

Heard a "rumor" that soft openings to the public would start at the end of October, so that timing certainly makes sense. Though, as pointed out, when has any of this made sense?!

 

[HopperFan]

Well the 9:30 MK 45th Anniversary "Welcome Celebration" was brief and provided NOTHING other than Pandora will open "next year" and they don't want to tell us yet of more pixie dust to come .... by 2021.

HUGE crowd in the hub for a couple songs and confetti string. But all the cute buttons, maps etc are fun.

 

[HopperFan]

Here is the official Disney release on the Annual Passholder Benefits. Looks good at fast glance and much to keep up with. The reason to tell folks to hold off is you get 13 mos for the price of 12.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Wrapped in exciting fall events, the merriest of holiday happenings and a 2017 filled with spectacular openings, Walt Disney World Resort is marking its 45th anniversary — and unwrapping three special offers for passholders.

Popular Walt Disney World passes, good for theme park admission, valuable Disney savings and other perks throughout the year, gets even sweeter to mark the anniversary:

• New dining and merchandise benefits – Passholders will receive 10 percent off food and nonalcoholic beverages at select table-service restaurants at theme parks and Disney resort hotels and 20 percent off purchases at Disney owned-and-operated merchandise locations. These new benefits will continue even after the anniversary comes to an end on Sept. 30, 2017.

• Even more savings exclusively during the 45th anniversary – In addition to the ongoing benefits, passholders can save up to 20 percent off the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages at select restaurants in the theme parks, resort hotels and Disney Springs, as well as dinner shows. Passholders can choose from 45 restaurants participating in this special offer during the 45th anniversary year that runs now through Sept. 30, 2017. Among the great restaurant choices: Signature Dining (Flying Fish, Artist Point, Citricos) and Family Dining (Jungle Skipper Canteen, Wave of American Flavors). And, for the first time in forever, savings are available at select quick-service locations.

• Get 13 months for the price of 12 – Guests who purchase a 12-month pass will enjoy 13 months of unsurpassed passholder magic filled with seasonal events, unique attractions and stellar entertainment. New passes must be purchased between Oct. 2, 2016 and Jan. 3, 2017. Prices vary depending on pass type selected – Weekday Select, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus.

In addition to offering theme park admission, passes include special savings on resort hotel rooms, merchandise, recreation, sports, tours and spa treatments. Passholders will find still more savings on admission to special events and entertainment. Passes also add value and convenience with benefits like standard parking, park-hopping privileges and a Magic Band.

With all the magic happening now and coming soon to Walt Disney World Resort, there’s never been a better time to be a passholder. Here’s just a sampling of events and happenings:

• The 21st Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, on now through Nov. 14, features celebrated chefs, more than 30 marketplaces, wine seminars, workshops, dining and tasting events, and the Eat to the Beat Concerts.

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, on select dates now through Oct. 31, brings spooktacular fun to the Magic Kingdom with a Halloween parade, themed fireworks, trick or treating, and a stage show featuring Disney villains.

• Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort means enchanting fun with dazzling lights, spirited song and snow flurries. Events include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and an all-new stage show at Magic Kingdom, Candlelight Processional at Epcot, plus caroling, tree-lighting ceremonies and visits by Santa himself.

• Pandora – The World of Avatar (2017) – The awe-inspiring land envisioned by filmmaker James Cameron comes to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with floating mountains and bioluminescent rain forests.

• Disney Springs completes its build out, reimagined from Downtown Disney. There’s more shopping, dining and entertainment than ever before all set among beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. With more than 150 establishments, Disney Springs include trendsetting brands like UNIQLO, kate spade new york and Zara along with and one-of-a-kind boutiques. Foodies can savor everything from tasty food-truck treats to celebrity-chef restaurants.

http://wdwnews.com/releases/2016/10...vr.it&utm_medium=twitter#sthash.Y3cQ30KT.dpuf

 

[Cluelyss]

Confirmation of the 20% discount for AP holders.

Do we all think the 13 month time period counts for renewals as well??

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...sort-with-new-special-offers-for-passholders/

 

[HopperFan]

Jedi Training's going to wait til another trip, folks. The Rumors Lounge button made it to the MK 45th anniversary this morning!

Our OFFICIAL Rumors of Light Lounge Ambassador!!!

 

[HopperFan]

Confirmation of the 20% discount for AP holders.

Do we all think the 13 month time period counts for renewals as well??

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...sort-with-new-special-offers-for-passholders/

That was my thought as well. Won't help me, DS1 and I just did in August. DS2 is up in December so wondering if he gets it. I know he can wait until last day but would still be in their window of renewal ............... except he is getting a totally different pass so I assume maybe he won't get a renewal rate.

 

[jlundeen]

So am I reading it correctluy - no price increase on the Annual Pass? Sweet deal if that's true...

I don't see anything about the Memory Maker still being included though.

EDITED: I do see the Photo Pass Downloads checked as a benefit on the Disney Website for both Platinum Plus and Platinum...

 

[HopperFan]

So am I reading it correctluy - no price increase on the Annual Pass? Sweet deal if that's true...

I don't see anything about the Memory Maker still being included though.

EDITED: I do see the Photo Pass Downloads checked as a benefit on the Disney Website for both Platinum Plus and Platinum...

And Gold pass.

 

[Cluelyss]

That was my thought as well. Won't help me, DS1 and I just did in August. DS2 is up in December so wondering if he gets it. I know he can wait until last day but would still be in their window of renewal ............... except he is getting a totally different pass so I assume maybe he won't get a renewal rate.

Well, I can renew mine beginning today. Not sure if I'm going to, but this may sway me. Will it show me my new renewal date before I pay?

 

[jlundeen]

Well, I can renew mine beginning today. Not sure if I'm going to, but this may sway me. Will it show me my new renewal date before I pay?

I think when you renew, it keeps the same original date. That's why I'm going to pay the difference between a renewal and a new one on our end of November trip - bridging our PH passes we bought before the price increase last fall - so that I can extend the dates to cover a trip next year.

So far, I don't see a downside of the changes....

 

[Iowamomof4]

If I were to buy an ap during our trip from 11/28-12/7 (price bridging our package tickets to ap's), would it make a difference if I purchased it at the end of November vs the beginning of December? I'm probably not going to, but I had thought our next trip might be January 2018, so the idea that tickets purchased in December 2017 would still be good in January 2018 does make me consider it.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Confirmation of the 20% discount for AP holders.

Do we all think the 13 month time period counts for renewals as well??

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...sort-with-new-special-offers-for-passholders/

That was my thought as well. Won't help me, DS1 and I just did in August. DS2 is up in December so wondering if he gets it. I know he can wait until last day but would still be in their window of renewal ............... except he is getting a totally different pass so I assume maybe he won't get a renewal rate.

Was wondering about the renewals as well. But I noticed the new 13-mo. promotion pass just needs to be PURCHASED by Jan 3, 2017. Doesn't mean it needs to be ACTIVATED by then, I assume. Depending on when one's upcoming trips are and when the current AP expires, could be worth just buying the new promotion ones...

 

[jlundeen]

If I were to buy an ap during our trip from 11/28-12/7 (price bridging our package tickets to ap's), would it make a difference if I purchased it at the end of November vs the beginning of December? I'm probably not going to, but I had thought our next trip might be January 2018, so the idea that tickets purchased in December 2017 would still be good in January 2018 does make me consider it.

When you BUY the AP doesn't determine the expiration date....when you ACTIVATE it the first time by entering a park, for example, sets the expiration date. So if you want to bridge you package tickets to purchace the AP, it's my understanding that even if you don't do that until the calendar turns to December, the expiration date is still the date that those package tickets were first used.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I"m wrong...I asked the same thing a while ago on an AP thread, and this was the response I recieved.

 

[HopperFan]

Well, I can renew mine beginning today. Not sure if I'm going to, but this may sway me. Will it show me my new renewal date before I pay?

I don't know. I think this is going to be a learning process for all; guests and CMs alike ....

Was wondering about the renewals as well. But I noticed the new 13-mo. promotion pass just needs to be PURCHASED by Jan 3, 2017. Doesn't mean it needs to be ACTIVATED by then, I assume. Depending on when one's upcoming trips are and when the current AP expires, could be worth just buying the new promotion ones...

I agree that if you buy the pass, it is not activated until you activate it. Just did that in August. BUT since this is something completely new I don't think we can be sure of anything. TiW with the 13 month deal is activated the minute you buy it. Think about how many would buy them in this window and then maybe hold them unactivated ............ I'm thinking there has to be more fine print.

If I recall the last time I did an AP expire with purpose, it had to be 30 days expired before I could get a new one without it being attached to my last expire date. At least that was how it was explained so I waited the 30 days so I could time future trips better.

Thinking we have to sit and watch and see what happens with the first couple of weeks of this happening. I wouldn't want to be a guinea pig.

EDIT: The Disney Parks blog actually referred to them as "new" passes. ???

 

[jlundeen]

I don't know. I think this is going to be a learning process for all; guests and CMs alike ....

If I recall the last time I did an AP expire with purpose, it had to be 30 days expired before I could get a new one without it being attached to my last expire date. At least that was how it was explained so I waited the 30 days so I could time future trips better.

Oh, I didn't know that about having to wait 30 days...i bought my first AP on Oct 16, 2015 - so it will expire on Oct 16, 2016. Since our trip isn't until Nov 27, 2016, we should be ok to let it expire and upgrade our PHs then, right?

 

[HopperFan]

Oh, I didn't know that about having to wait 30 days...i bought my first AP on Oct 16, 2015 - so it will expire on Oct 16, 2016. Since our trip isn't until Nov 27, 2016, we should be ok to let it expire and upgrade our PHs then, right?

That is what I would go by. You can renew 60 days in advance and up to 30 days after. I was told (take that for what it's worth) to let my pass expire (the point to gain lost time between visits) I needed to go past the 30 day window to avoid the connect.

Now I suppose I could do an all new MDE, and maybe it wouldn't be an issue but I've gone that route before and everything got messed up, I swear they know more about me than me sometimes.

 

[Iowamomof4]

When you BUY the AP doesn't determine the expiration date....when you ACTIVATE it the first time by entering a park, for example, sets the expiration date. So if you want to bridge you package tickets to purchace the AP, it's my understanding that even if you don't do that until the calendar turns to December, the expiration date is still the date that those package tickets were first used.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I"m wrong...I asked the same thing a while ago on an AP thread, and this was the response I recieved.

Ah, so my AP date would begin in November 2016 and likely expired at the end of December 2017? Makes sense and helps me know this isn't the way to go for me. Thanks!