Who can tell me what's new at WDW in the past 3 years?

[plutosgirl]

Hi All-

We have not been to Disney since 2011!! (I can't believe it's been that long...other than a quick visit to Downtown Disney) The last time we were there the new Fantasy Land was still being built & I've been seeing things about new wristbands to get into the parks & the hat being removed from DHS? I feel like we've missed so much! LOL

We are tossing around the idea of heading down in April....can anyone tell us what's new in the past few years that we wouldn't want to miss??

New attractions, rides, shows, YUMMY food & restaurants, etc??

I don't want to miss anything & I figured if there was anyplace to find out all the cool new stuff it would be here!! Thanks so much!

 

[MyGirlLovesTink]

The biggest change is the implementation of Magic Bands and the new Fastpass + system. There are no more old FP machines where you can pull them as you get to the park. You reserve 3 per day in advance now and then after you have used the 3rd, you can pull additional ones. The Magic Bands are really cool and they work as your room key, ticket to the parks, your fastpasses, your dining plan, and you can charge to it.

The new Fantasyland is now complete. The 7 Dwarves Mine Train is a very popular new ride and if you like the other mountains, then you should definitely try this one. There is also Enchanted Tales with Belle, which is an interactive storytime with Belle, and it really is fun, you must do it once. You also have the new Ariel ride (which is along the same lines as Nemo in Epcot, but with animatronics), and you can also meet Ariel in her Grotto. There is also the new Be OUr Guest restaurant, which a lot of people like, but it is very hard to get a reservation. If you go in April, then you might not be able to get a ressie for that restaurant.

Most of the other parks are the same. Test Track at Epcot got a facelift, so ou may want to give that at try.

 

[Newsies]

The biggest change is the implementation of Magic Bands and the new Fastpass + system. There are no more old FP machines where you can pull them as you get to the park. You reserve 3 per day in advance now and then after you have used the 3rd, you can pull additional ones. The Magic Bands are really cool and they work as your room key, ticket to the parks, your fastpasses, your dining plan, and you can charge to it.

The new Fantasyland is now complete. The 7 Dwarves Mine Train is a very popular new ride and if you like the other mountains, then you should definitely try this one. There is also Enchanted Tales with Belle, which is an interactive storytime with Belle, and it really is fun, you must do it once. You also have the new Ariel ride (which is along the same lines as Nemo in Epcot, but with animatronics), and you can also meet Ariel in her Grotto. There is also the new Be OUr Guest restaurant, which a lot of people like, but it is very hard to get a reservation. If you go in April, then you might not be able to get a ressie for that restaurant.

Most of the other parks are the same. Test Track at Epcot got a facelift, so ou may want to give that at try.

This hits the nail on the head exactly.

Also, if you go in April, the Sorcerer's hat in DHS will most likely be completely gone. I have to say, DHS could feel like a brand new park entirely without the hat- you'll really get that "old-time hollywood" feel.

There's also Starbucks in some of the parks now. I know for sure it's at DTD, MK, and DHS. Some people love this (I do!), others hate it.

Have a good trip!

 

[tchrrx]

It's been three years since our last trip too. We are going in May. It does seem like a ton of changes have been made! Is the Belle storytime fun for adults or just little kids?

 

[plutosgirl]

Thanks!!

 

[DaisyLou2]

It's been three years since our last trip too. We are going in May. It does seem like a ton of changes have been made! Is the Belle storytime fun for adults or just little kids?

Enchanted Tales with Belle is fun for all ages! You may even get a part in the production.

 

[SnackCredit]

BoG is fantastic (try to get a lunch ADR if you can, it's quick-serve), the Little Mermaid ride is a modern take on the classic dark ride, Test Track turned into an interactive concept car attraction of which the actual ride is just one part, and the entrance view at HS is finally returning to its original glory with the Chinese Theater/ Movie Ride visible at the end of the street!

Magic Bands are super convenient. They're waterproof, and I found myself sleeping with mine on and didn't take it off until our trip was done! FP+ takes a little bit of getting used to, but I think they ironed out most of the kinks in the system and you can usually change your times around to fit your schedule.