UPDATED - Walt Disney World Reopening Information

Florida officials are making plans to reopen businesses, including theme parks. We will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. We will update plans and announcements made by Governor Desantis and Mayor Dyer as well as the Orange County Task Force. HOWEVER, it is important to remember that it will be up to Disney to officially announce plans for their parks. Readers should also note that this information is subject to change at any time depending on circumstances.


May 27 - Disney presents it's reopening plan to the task force. They propose a phased reopening beginning with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom on July 11 followed by EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios on July 15. The plan calls for safety measures such as required masks, limited ride capacity and social distancing. There will also be a significant reduction in offerings. No parades, character meets or fireworks. Limited resort capacity. Reservations required for park entry. Closure of high traffic areas and many other restrictions. We are waiting on a full detailed reports for exact closures and limits. Read their official statement HERE

May 22 - Disney Parks Blog issues an "update", yet no more information on opening dates is given. You can read it HERE 

May 21 - Universal Studios submits it's plan to the Orange County Task Force to reopen to the public on June 5. 


May 20 - Select third party locations open to the public with restrictions in Disney Springs. In total, 44 businesses opened. World of Disney, the complex’s giant retail store, Marketplace Co-op and mobile ordering for D-Luxe Burger will become available on May 27, Disney said.

May 8 - Walt Disney World updated their website to state that reservation availability is now changed to July 1 and later.

May 7 - Disney Parks Blog announces a phased reopening of Disney Springs beginning May 20

May 5 - Although dates have still not been discussed, a statement was issued detailing what steps are being considered to begin a phased reopening of some locations. The statement can be found on Disney Parks Blog

May 4 - Phase 1 of the statewide reopening begins. This phase includes:

May 1 - Orange County Task Force recommendations sent to the governor were made available to the public. These recommendations suggest that theme parks should begin reopening in Phase 2 with limited capacity, strict social distancing and proper measures to clean and disinfect. No dates have been given as to when each phase will begin. The governor stated at a press conference that the timeline would be driven by data and "does not need to take months".

April 29 - In a news conference, Mayor Demmings said he will announce plans for opening the county on Friday, May 1. He said "I didn't say end of May. I didn't say June. We don't want it to open too quickly without a plan in place." "In order for people to have ample time to prepare to get their workers back to work and get all the equipment they need, it takes planning."

April 29 - The Orange County Task Force announced they will let theme parks use their own discretion in their reopening timeline. Thomas Mazloum, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World Resorts, said: "The guidelines given were intended to be a starting block for conversation and did not constitute the initial recommendation by the task force for the opening of Walt Disney World."

April 28 - The Orange County Task Force releases initial guidelines for reopening businesses. These guidelines are specific to the large theme parks:

March 29, 2020 - Walt Disney World offers a Free Dining Package to those whose reservations have been impacted by the closure. Free dining would be valid for most arrivals June 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020 when booked by May 31, 2020. 

March 16, 2020 - Walt Disney World closes due to government restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Disney SUPER Fans celebrate 50 years of Walt Disney World. The 90s!

The 90's saw renewed success in Disney animation with blockbuster new movies. Throughout the decade, these movies would make a strong presence in the parks. By the end of the decade, Disney would add their second water park and fourth theme park. And who could forget the castle cake?? Let's take a look back at Walt Disney World in the 90s.

1990 - Mickey's Birthdayland becomes Mickey's Starland. Later in 1996, it would become Mickey's ToonTown Fair.
The Swan and Dolphin hotels open along with the Yacht and Beach Club hotels.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles begin appearing at Disney's MGM Studios. Also, the Commissary restaurant and the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Adventure Zone open.

 

1991 - The Prairie Outpost Supply Shop opens in Magic Kingdom.
Port Orleans Resort hotel opens.
Main Street Electrical Parade makes it's last run to be replaced by Spectromagic on October 1. 
Old Key West, part of Disney Vacation Club resorts opens. 

At Disney's MGM Studios, the Sci-fi Dine in Theater and Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano opens. MuppetVision 3D opens. 
The Dinosaurs Live parade begins.
Beauty and the Beast stage show begins.

1992 - Dixie Landing Resort opens

Splash Mountain opens at Magic Kingdom
The Walt Disney Story closes.

The San Angel Inn restaurant opens in the Mexico pavilion at EPCOT

1993 - Lumiere's Kitchen restaurant opens in Fantasyland and the Mission to Mars attraction closes at Magic Kingdom.
The Sunshine Season Food Fair food court and Garden Grill restaurant open in the Land pavilion at EPCOT.

1994 - At EPCOT, the Food Rocks show opens at Kitchen Kabaret and Honey I Shrunk the Audience opens in Journey into Imagination

Wilderness Lodge opens. Units begin to open in All Stars resorts at Sports and Music.

Star Jets and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea closes in Magic Kingdom while the Timekeeper and Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe opens in Tomorrowland. The Legend of the Lion King opens in Fantasyland

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opens at Disney's MGM Studios.

1995 - Blizzard Beach water park opens
EPCOT - Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable begins at the Harvest Theater. This is also the first year of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival.

Ohana opens at the Polynesian
California Grill opens at the Contemporary

The Fairytale Wedding Pavilion opens on an island near the Grand Floridian

Magic Kingdom - Casey's Corner opens
Astro Orbiter opens
The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter opens

The Toy Story Parade premieres at Disney's MGM Studios

1996 - Walt Disney World celebrates it's 25th anniversary with a castle makeover.

Magic Kingdom - Delta Dreamflight becomes Take Flight!
The Toontown Hall of Fame opens in ToonTown Fair
The Richard F Irvine riverboat is renamed the Liberty Belle

EPCOT - the GM preview center opens in Future World
The Universe of Energy pavilion is updated to include Ellen's Energy Adventure

The Boardwalk resort area opens.

1997 - The Richard Petty Speedway offers driving and passenger rides.
At Magic Kingdom, King Stefan's Banquet Hall becomes Cinderella's Royal Table
Coronado Springs resort opens.
Downtown Disney area opens.

1998 - The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management opens in Adventureland and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin opens in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom

DisneyQuest opens at Downtown Disney

At MGM - Fantasmic debuts and Hollywood and Vine opens

On Earth Day, April 22, Disney's Animal Kingdom opened to the public.
On opening day, there were just 12 attractions:
1. Discovery Riverboats
2. It's Tough to be a Bug
3. Festival of the Lion King
4. Countdown to Extinction
5. the Boneyard
6. Journey into Jungle Book
7. Dinosaur Jubilee
8. Kilimanjaro Safari
9. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
10. Flights of Wonder
11. Wildlife Express to Conservation Station
12. Colors of the Wind, Friends of the Forest, from Grandmother Willow's Grover

1999 - All Star Movies resort opens

Test Track opens at EPCOT and the Imagination pavilion opens featuring Journey Into Your Imagination

Rock n Roller Coaster opens at MGM

March of the Artimals photo courtesy of Tumblr

PARADE TIMELINE:

March of the Artimals - Animal Kingdom's first parade ran from 1998-1999
EPCOT - Tapestry of Nations - 1991-2001
MGM Studios - Dinosaurs! Live 1991 - 1992
Aladdin's Royal Caravan - 1992 - 1995
Toy Story Parade - 1995 - 1997
Hercules Zero to Hero Victory Parade 1997 - 1998
Mulan Parade 1998 - 2001

1999 Cathleen King

Magic Kingdom - Walt Disney World's 20th Anniversary Surprise Celebration Parade 1991 - 1994
Mickey Mania Parade 1994 - 1996
Walt Disney World's 25 Anniversary Remember the Magic Parade 1996 - 1997
Magical Moments Parade 1998 - 2001





Here are some great 90's photos shared by our SUPER fans for you to enjoy:





Stay with us as we head into the new millennium at Walt Disney World!

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WINTER 2020 UPDATES! Everything you need to know about: Fastpass+

What is Fastpass+?

Fastpass Plus now allows you to schedule access to your favorite Walt Disney World attractions before you even leave home. For the first time ever, you can now schedule Fastpass times for Character Greetings, shows, parades and fireworks!

How much does it cost?

Fastpass+ is included with the cost of your ticket, package or Annual Pass free of charge.

How do I schedule my Fastpass+ selections?

You can schedule your Fastpass times through the My Disney Experience webpage or mobile app. Link your park admission to your account and add people you are planning with to your Friends and Family list to schedule times for your whole party.
Select the date and park you plan to visit. Then, select the 3 attractions you would like to reserve. MDE will show you any attractions that are not available. The app will present your choices offering different time choices for each attraction. Just select the schedule that works best for you. After you select these three, individual times and attractions can be changed at any time through the app.
UPDATE: Effective April 10, 2016 - You can now make from 1 to 3 FPs in advance. You will no longer be forced to choose all 3. Also, you will be able to choose the attraction and time simultaneously. 

How far in advance can I schedule Fastpass+ selections?:

Disney resort guests can schedule times up to 60 days in advance of check-in date for the entire length of their stay. Off-site guests can schedule times up to 30 days in advance.

UPDATE: Effective January 12, 2018, Guests staying in eligible rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels will be able to purchase a new “Theme Park Extra” that includes additional FastPass+ benefits and preferred viewing opportunities for nighttime spectaculars.

For $50 plus tax per Guest per day, Guests staying in eligible rooms who have purchased a 3-day or longer theme park ticket or an annual pass are able to purchase a Theme Park Extra to receive the following:

• 3 additional FastPass+ selections per day. FastPass+ attractions and arrival windows are limited. 3-day minimum purchase required.

• Ability to reserve these 3 additional FastPass+ selections in more than 1 theme park when a valid Park Hopper option is purchased with the ticket.
• A booking window of up to 90 days in advance for these 3 additional FastPass+ selections and the ability to book them at multiple top-tier attractions. Guests may not repeat the same FastPass+ attraction in the same day.
• 1 preferred viewing location for nighttime spectaculars per day. Availability of each nighttime spectacular preferred viewing location is limited.

The Theme Park Extra is available for purchase for Guests staying in the following room types:

• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Cabins
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Club Level
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Club Level
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – Club Level
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Club Level
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Club Level
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Club Level
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Villas & Bungalows – Bungalows
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Club Level
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – Club Level
• Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels – Presidential Suites, Governor Suites, Parlor Suites, Premium Alcove Rooms

What about Annual Passholders?

Annual Passholders may schedule 7 days of selections in a 30 day period. You may schedule these selections up to 30 days in advance of your visit. If you will be a Disney Resort guest, you may schedule up to 60 days in advance. 

What if my plans change while I'm in the park?

You can change your selections at any time through the My Disney Experience mobile app or by visiting your Disney Resort Hotel lobby concierge or by visiting any of the Fastpass+ kiosks located throughout the 4 Disney parks.

UPDATE: Effective April 10, 2016 - Another new feature is you will have the ability to remove an individual person from the FP+ reservation rather than cancelling the reservation for the whole party.

What attractions are available for Fastpass+?

Use the photo at the top of this article to see what attractions are available for this service. Note that certain parks have attractions broken into different "tiers". For these attractions, you may only choose 1 Tier 1 selection and 2 Tier 2 selections.

UPDATE: Attractions and Tiers are subject to change as attractions close and new attractions are added. See the MDE app for the latest availability.

How many Fastpass+ selections can I make?

At this time, you may make 3 selections per day in advance using the app or website. Once you have used these 3 selections, you can make another. Make these selections by going to a Fastpass+ kiosk in the parks only after you have used your 3 previously selected Fastpasses. You can continue to visit the kiosk to schedule more Fastpasses after all previous ones are used. These additional selections can be made on day of visit only. 

UPDATE: Effective April 10, 2016 - You will no longer be required to visit a kiosk to make additional selections. You can now choose your additional FPs, one at a time, right from the MDE app!
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How many parks can I schedule in one day?

At this time, you must make your 3 advance selections all for the SAME park. If you plan on park-hopping, schedule your 3 advance passes for the first park you will be visiting. Once they are used, you can visit the Fastpass+ kiosk in that same park or in a different park on the same day to get additional Fastpasses. OR you can schedule all 3 Fastpasses for later in the day at the second park you will visit, and you will not be able to use any FP in the first park.
UPDATE: Effective April 10, 2016 - Additional FP selections can now be made for a different park if you plan to park-hop.

We will keep you updated as new information becomes available with any updates to the Fastpass+ system.

For more Disney fun, join the Disney SUPER Fans and Freecycling!

To get FREE help with your Disney trip planning, email us at  Daily Pixie Dust

See a new Disney movie on us in our Welcome Spring Giveaway!

Spring is just around the corner! And with it, the new Disney films will begin rolling out. To celebrate, Daily Pixie Dust is giving you AND a friend a chance to enjoy a movie and snacks on us at AMC theaters!

Please note, the prize for this giveaway is good ONLY at AMC theaters. You can use them at the theater in Disney Springs or the AMC theater where you live! The winner of this giveaway will receive email vouchers for 2 movie tickets, 2 large popcorns and 2 large fountain drinks! They can be used to see one of Disney's upcoming films or any film you choose!

The fine print: vouchers will be sent to the winner via email. Winner is responsible to store these vouchers until use. Daily Pixie Dust will store vouchers for 5 days. After that, they can NOT be replaced. Winner is bound by the terms and expiration dates listed on the vouchers by AMC Theaters. Winner will be notified via email and must respond to claim prize within 48 hours. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be forfeited and a new winner declared. Only valid entries made through the Rafflecopter widget will be counted.

Here's what we want you to do!
First, you get a simple free entry just for visiting our Facebook page, Daily Pixie Dust.

Second, you will get FIVE entries for joining or already being a member of our fan group, Disney SUPER Fans and Freecycling! 

And finally, you will earn up to TEN more entries by helping us update our Walt Disney World restaurant reviews. Visit the NOTES section of the Daily Pixie Dust once every day and leave a unique review on ANY of the Walt Disney Resort restaurant review posts we have. Posting pics in your review is allowed too! To find a restaurant easily, look under the group Files on Disney SUPER Fans and Freecycling! for a directory with links.

Once you have done all that, BE SURE to enter the correct info in the Rafflecopter widget by clicking HERE

Good luck and thanks for sharing the Pixie Dust with us every day!!

Need help planning your next visit? Visit Daily Pixie Dust here for a free, no-obligation quote. Or email us at: dailypixiedust@castlevacations.net

Everything You Need to Know About: Mobile Ordering

Walt Disney World now offers Mobile Ordering at many of it's Quick Service locations. This service lets you save time by ordering your meal through the My Disney Experience app, skipping the long lines at the restaurant. 

New locations are being added all the time. The list of restaurants offering this service will display on the app. Or, you can check the website HERE for a list of participating locations if you want to plan ahead.

While waiting in a long ride line, you start to feel hungry. This is a great time to place your Mobile Order! You can use this time to browse the menu, make your selections and pay for it. Once you exit the ride, you can head right to your restaurant and let them know you are there. Your meal will be freshly prepared and served to you without the need to wait in line. To begin, open your My Disney Experience app and click on Order Food.

You will be shown a list of restaurants where Mobile Ordering is available. For this demonstration, we'll visit Satu'li Canteen in Animal Kingdom. 

Select the restaurant you want, and you will get a list of information about the restaurant, including the times they are open. You can also get directions and locate the restaurant on the map to show you how to get there quickly. Use the Order Food button again to see the menu.

The restaurant's menu will open. You can scroll through the selections or use the sorting tools on top to find what you are looking for. You will notice the app also shows you Allergy friendly menu items.

If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, the app will also show you which menu items can be purchased using a snack credit if you are just looking to sample something small.

When selecting entrees, you will also be given the option to customize your choices.

When you have finished, you can review your order summary, make any necessary changes and click Purchase to place the order. Currently, you are only able to pay for meals using Disney Dining Plan credits or your credit card. There is NO option, right now, to pay using gift cards.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Some guests have been under the impression they could charge meals "to the room" using the app and pay them off with gift cards at the front desk. This is NOT possible. When choosing to pay by credit card, those charges go directly to your card and the front desk staff will be unable to apply gift card payments. If you would like to pay for your meals using gift cards, you can not use the Mobile Order service and must order in line at the restaurants.

Once your order is placed, you will receive an order number and you are done! Now, whenever you are ready, head to the restaurant. Upon arrival, you click the button to let them know you are here and to prepare your order.

When your order is ready, the app will update and you will be sent a notification.

Then just look for the Mobile Order window at your location and pick up your meal. That's all there is to it! Save time and skip the lines so you can head to the next attraction (and wait in line there instead, lol)

 For this, and more Disney fun, join Disney SUPER Fans and Freecycling! on Facebook.

Need help planning your next visit? Visit Daily Pixie Dust here for a free, no-obligation quote. Or email us at: dailypixiedust@castlevacations.net

Celebrate your birthday at WDW with fun FREEBIES!!

Celebrating a birthday is fun! But, celebrating at the Most Magical Place on Earth is even MORE fun!!! Walt Disney World is a great place for celebrations and they don't disappoint when it comes to your special day. Check out these great freebies that can make your birthday even more magical.

1. Celebration Button

First is probably the best-known celebration freebie at WDW. Stop by Guest Relations or the front desk of your Disney resort to receive your FREE birthday button. They will personalize it with your name. Wear it around property all day and you are sure to get plenty of Happy Birthday greeting and VIP treatment from the Cast Members. 

2. Dessert treats

Be sure to mention your birthday celebration when making Advance Dining Reservations. It also doesn't hurt to remind them at check-in. You may be surprised with pixie dust, a song or maybe a FREE dessert treat. Although, less frequent in recent years, it does still happen. Just don't expect or demand it.

3. Autographed Birthday Card

Some restaurants will also surprise you with a birthday card autographed by some of your favorite Disney characters. The cards are not available at all locations. But, when a restaurant had run out on our last visit, we were able to inquire at Guest Relations and received several different autographed photos for FREE.

4. Free ICEE at Club Cool

Visit the counter at Club Cool on your birthday and your will get a FREE Icee in the flavor of your choice. Then stick around to try the other free samples of soft drinks from around the world. Don't skip the Beverly! 

5. Free Starbucks

Sign up for Starbucks Rewards here before your trip and install the app. We recommend doing this before your trip because of spotty wi-fi in the parks. Then you can visit any one of the WDW Starbucks locations to get a FREE beverage on your birthday!  

 6. Earl of Sandwich Freebie

Sign up for Earl of Sandwich's Loyalty Rewards Program here prior to your trip. You will receive an email coupon for your birthday month for a free item. In the past, it has been a sandwich, but a free brownie has also been reported.

7. FREE Sprinkles Cupcake

Sign up for Sprinkles' Perks Program here and get a free gourmet cupcake on your birthday! Members who visit Sprinkles locations more than 20 times also get one on their "half birthday"

8. FREE entree at Shula's Steak House

Join the Team Shula E-club here. Then visit Shula's at the Dolphin hotel and receive a free entree for your birthday month.

9. FREE Wetzel's Pretzel

Download the Wetzel's Pretzel app on your device. Then head to Disney Springs for a free pretzel on your birthday.

10. FREEBIES at Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex Cafe or Yak & Yeti

Join Landry's Select Club here. You will receive a $25 Birthday reward. These rewards are good at all 3 restaurants mentioned above. Please note: Yak & Yeti Quick Serve is NOT included.


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Need help planning your next visit? Click HERE for a FREE, no obligation quote. Or, email us at dailypixiedust@castlevacations.net

Early Morning Magic extended through August at Magic Kingdom

Additional dates have become available to experience Early Morning Magic at WDW. Early Morning Magic at the Magic Kingdom offers guests the opportunity to enjoy select attractions in Fantasyland along with an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast at Cosmic Ray’s in Tomorrowland.

The new dates added are:

• March: 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, and 31
• April: 2, 9, 14, 21, and 28
• May: 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, and 28
• June: 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, and 30
• July: 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 13, 28, and 30
• August: 4 and 6

The Disney Early Morning Magic offering takes place from 7:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The cost of admission is $79 per adult and $69 per child (tax not included). Tickets are very limited, so if there is a date that works for your vacation, be sure to book before it’s too late. Reservations can be made online HERE or by calling the Disney Reservation Center at (407) 827-7350.

Attractions open during this special event are:

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Peter Pan's Flight
• Princess Fairytale Hall
• it's a small world
• Mad Tea Party
• Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid

Breakfast will be served at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe between 8:00-10:00 a.m. and will include items such as:

• Scrambled eggs
• Smoked bacon
• Sausage
• Breakfast potatoes
• Pancakes
• Freshly baked pastries
• Cheese and cured meats
• Seasonal fruit
• Oatmeal
• Granola
• Yogurt
• Assorted Juices
• Coffee and teas

Discuss this and more Disney fun every day! Join Disney SUPER Fans on Facebook.

Need help with reservations or planning your next trip? Visit Castle Vacations here or email us at dailypixiedust@castlevacations.net