We haven't been in 5 years and I feel lost!

[LauraL]

We are planning a WDW trip! The last time we were there was 5 years ago. I know things have changed (ex: magic bands, no more fast pass tickets) I think we are comfortable with the whole Magic Band idea now and putting fast passes on your band. What other changes are there? I was always very up to date on Disney...I need a crash coarse to get back that way. Thanks!!

 

[CapeCodTenor]

I haven't been in 15 years and feel equally lost, but with time, research and this board (cue the dramatic music), I will over come this lost feeling!!! Seriously, I'm having fun re-learning.

 

[MunchkinSweetPea]

Search the website for WDWprepschool and DisneyTouristBlog, those have been very helpful to me. KennyThePirate also has the most updated character location info and crowd calendars that I have come across.

 

[Accident]

The easywdw guys recently wrote this book. It's a great read to get caught up with and fairly recent release so mostly up to date.

https://www.amazon.com/Guide-First-Disney-World-Visit/dp/194150020X/

 

[tami82]

That's ok just read up as much as possible, a little each day. I too felt overwhelmed because it's been a few years for us too. Once you are up to date on everything you will feel much better.

 

[Pesky]

Try 30 years! Anywho, as recommended, easywdw, myfirstvisit.net, WDWprepschool -- those are all good places to start. This is a great resource for more details (and particularly fantastic for DLR) but perhaps start out learning the basics and what is in what park. Have fun!

 

[DisneyRegulars]

Hmmm 5 years....I'm trying to go back in time to when my son was 1! Okay, here are some of the major differences that I can think of besides the obvious Fast Pass + and Magic Bands:
1. The new Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom has opened. You have the Storytime with Belle, Under the Sea, and of course the Mine Ride, along with the restaurant in Beast's castle.
2. Hollywood Studios is a shell of what it used to be, many attractions have been closed as they are expanding for new Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land. Star Tours has been updated and now has variable adventures so you rarely see the same show twice.
3. Animal Kingdom is open at night!
4. Anna and Elsa have a new ride and meet and greet in Epcot in the Norway Pavilion.
5. If you buy Photopass, the photos go directly to your magic band when riding the rides, no need to scan the bands. I said this was creepy, but a cast member corrected me and told me it was magical.
6. Soarin' should be changing soon (maybe already did), and they re-did test-track to be a more Tron-like experience.

We go often and have found that we love the magic bands and FP+. It's so nice to not have to run back and forth across the parks. Enjoy your trip and happy planning!

 

[LauraL]

Thanks for all the replies! I'm getting there....I am definitely going to check out the other websites suggested too.

Above it was mentioned about Photopass and it said "if you buy photopass". Do you have to buy a special photopass now? Otherwise the photos that cast members take of you do not show up anywhere? We used to always have them scan the card and then view the pictures when we got home and decided if we wanted any. Can we not view at home anymore? Do we need to buy something first to view later? Thanks!

 

[ajwolfe]

You can still view the pictures from the memory maker pass later on, but it is cheaper to prebuy it if you think you are going to anyways. Now there are several rides that have photos and videos which makes the memory maker an even better deal imo.