DisneyDawgs

Tag: Extra Magic Hours

  • How Things Have Changed-The Evolution of Disney World Resort Perks, Post Pandemic

    How Things Have Changed-The Evolution of Disney World Resort Perks, Post Pandemic

    Disney World has always been synonymous with magic, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Over the years, Disney has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs and expectations of its guests. However, some of the perks and features that were once highlighted in Disney World Resorts commercials are no longer available. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what has changed and what new perks have replaced the old ones.

    The Commercial: A Trip Down Memory Lane

    The Disney World Resorts commercial from a few years ago showcased a variety of perks that made staying at a Disney resort an enticing option. These perks included free airport transportation via the Magical Express, Extra Magic Hours, free MagicBands, and the Disney Dining Plan. Each of these perks added a layer of convenience and magic to the Disney experience. However, as times have changed, so have these offerings. As of today, none of these perks are longer available for those that stay at a Disney World Resort.

    Magical Express: From Free Rides to Paid Services

    One of the most beloved perks was the Magical Express, a complimentary bus service that transported guests from Orlando International Airport to their Disney resort. This service was not only convenient but also set the tone for a magical vacation right from the start.

    What Replaced It?

    In 2022, Disney announced the end of the Magical Express service. It was replaced by Mears Connect, a paid shuttle service operated by the same company that ran the Magical Express1. While Mears Connect offers similar transportation options, it comes at an additional cost, which has been a point of contention for many Disney fans.

    Extra Magic Hours: A Thing of the Past

    Extra Magic Hours allowed Disney resort guests to enjoy additional time in the parks either before they opened or after they closed to the general public. This perk was a huge draw for guests looking to maximize their time at Disney World.

    What Replaced It?

    Disney replaced Extra Magic Hours with Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours2. Early Theme Park Entry allows Disney resort guests to enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes before the official opening time. Extended Evening Hours, available only to guests staying at Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas, allow for extra time in select parks on certain nights. While these new offerings provide some of the benefits of Extra Magic Hours, they are more limited in scope and availability.

    Free MagicBands: A Magical Touch

    MagicBands were another popular perk. These colorful wristbands served as room keys, park tickets, FastPasses, and even payment methods. Disney resort guests received these bands for free, adding a touch of magic to their stay.

    What Replaced It?

    As of 2021, Disney no longer provides free MagicBands to resort guests3. Instead, guests can purchase MagicBands or use the new MagicMobile service, which allows them to access many of the same features using their smartphones. While MagicMobile offers a convenient alternative, many guests miss the tangible magic of the complimentary MagicBands.

    FastPass+: Skipping the Lines

    FastPass+ allowed guests to reserve access to select attractions, entertainment, and character meet and greets in advance. This system helped guests avoid long lines and make the most of their time in the parks.

    What Replaced It?

    In 2021, Disney replaced FastPass+ with the Genie+ and Lightning Lane services5. Genie+ is a paid service that allows guests to reserve access to select attractions, similar to FastPass+. Lightning Lane offers individual attraction selections for an additional fee. While these new services provide some of the benefits of FastPass+, they come at an extra cost, which has been a point of frustration for many guests.

    The New Perks: What’s Available Now?

    While some beloved perks have disappeared, Disney has introduced new offerings to enhance the guest experience. Here are a few of the new perks available to Disney resort guests:

    1. Early Theme Park Entry: As mentioned earlier, this allows resort guests to enter the parks 30 minutes before the official opening time2. This can be a great way to enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times.
    2. Extended Evening Hours: Available to guests staying at Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas, this perk allows for extra time in select parks on certain nights2. It’s a great way to enjoy the parks with fewer crowds.
    3. MagicMobile Service: This new service allows guests to use their smartphones to access many of the features previously available with MagicBands3. It’s a convenient option for those who prefer to use their phones.
    4. Enhanced Dining Reservations: Disney has improved its dining reservation system, making it easier for guests to book dining experiences in advance. This helps guests plan their meals and ensures they can enjoy their favorite restaurants.
    5. New Transportation Options: In addition to Mears Connect, guests can use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft to get to and from the airport1. Disney has also expanded its Minnie Van service, providing a fun and convenient way to get around the resort.

    Conclusion: Embracing Change

    While it’s natural to feel nostalgic for the perks that have disappeared, it’s important to embrace the new offerings and find ways to make the most of your Disney World vacation. The magic of Disney is ever-evolving, and there are always new experiences and memories to be made. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, there’s always something new to discover at Disney World Resorts.

  • Dealing With the Crowds at Disney World

    Crowds… If you’ve ever been to any of the Disney parks, you have had to deal with the huge crowds that are in the parks.

    In the past, there were times of the year where the crowds were not as bad.  This was called the off-season.  The off-season was mainly mid-January through mid-February and late August into the first week of October.  During this time the parks were not as crazy as say Christmas week or Spring Break. You would be able to get on attractions fairly quick.

    Unfortunately, the off-season does not exist anymore.  Whether April, December or January you are going to face an obscene amount of people in the parks at any given time.  Even more so now in this era of Disney unveiling a new land or attraction every year or so.

    So how do you deal with crowds and still be able to enjoy a vacation at Disney World?  Below is a list that we have compiled through our experience and from other Disney Bloggers and Message Boards.

    Our Tips

    1. Rope Drop – Get to the parks early.  Rope Drop is the official opening time of the park. Yes, in some areas of the parks, they actually drop a rope to let people in.  Once you have entered the park, head to the very furthest ride from the entrance as quickly as possible. (Magic Kingdom – Thunder Mountain. Epcot – Soarin or Test Track.  Animal Kingdom – Pandora. and Hollywood Studios – Rock n Rollercoaster or Tower of Terror). You will most-likely encounter a very short wait to get on that ride. Most people will try to ride the attractions closest to the entrance.
    2. Extra Magic Hours – If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, check to see if there are “Extra Magic Hours”.  Extra Magic Hours are usually rotated throughout the four parks. They are where guests staying at WDW hotels are allowed in the park before the general public.  EMH are usually 1-2 hours before or after normal park operation.
    3. FastPass+ – WDW parks offer free FastPasses which are basically a reservation for a certain time at a specific attraction.  Your FastPass will allow you to skip the “standby” line for that attraction saving having to wait in some cases over an hour.  You may select 3 FastPasses at the beginning of the day and once you have used those three, you may select additional attractions based on availability.  A benefit to staying at a WDW Resort is that you are able to select your FastPasses up to 60 days before your visit (30 days if you are staying off-site.). Fastpasses for the most popular attractions do run out quickly, so reserve them as soon as you can.
    4. Food – Ordering food anywhere in the parks can be time consuming.  Try to eat at off hours (lunch at 2PM, supper at 8PM, etc), crowds will be much later at those times.  WDW has recently introduced Mobile Ordering through the MyDisney app on your phone.  This program allows you to order and pay for your food ahead of time and, for the most part, it is ready for you to pick up when you enter the Quick Service Restaurant.

    Dealing With the Crowds

    Like we said, no matter when you visit a WDW park, there are going to be crowds.  Here some personal tips for you.

      1. Get Plenty of Sleep: Make sure that you get as much sleep as you can.  You will be walking miles and miles in the Florida heat and humidity.  That alone will take a toll on any unrested individual.  Now add in crowds and you could make yourself miserable very quickly.
      2. Comfortable Shoes: Believe it or not, your shoes could make or break your vacation.  Trust me, if your feet are not happy, you will not be happy and like we said earlier, you will be walking your entire visit to the Park.  I suggest that a light pair of broken in sneakers will make your vacation.  If you are buying new shoes for your trip, make sure to give plenty of time to break them in before you hit the parks.
      3. Take Breaks: The Florida heat and humidity can make you very sick if you do not take care of yourself during your visit.  Even during January and February the parks can get quite warm.  If you are coming from a climate that has 6 feet of snow on the ground and sub-zero temperatures, even a 70°day can knock you for a loop.  Make sure to every now and then duck into one of the air conditioned shops for a few minutes or find a table in one of the quick-serve restaurants and take 5 and get a cold drink and/or snack to recharge you batteries.  Your body will thank you later on in the evening.

    Like we said, no matter when you go to Disney World, there are going to be crowds.  Hopefully the tips that we gave can help ward off some of the frustration that comes with them.  Let us know if you have any tips or tricks that you have for dealing with the crowds.

    We hope that you have a fun and memorable visit to the parks.