food IS a theme park
Are you spending Christmas week in Disney World!?
Magic Kingdom
We hope you’re in for a wonderful time! You probably know you’re not in for a white Christmas in central Florida, but what is the weather going to have in store for you? Let’s take a look at the FULL forecast for the holiday week!
The big week is finally here if you celebrate the Christmas holiday! Often, the week of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are among the busiest times of the year in Disney World, and while there is plenty to do around the parks and resorts, there are also plenty of new friends checking everything out with you!
It’s such a beautiful time of year!
If you’re among those visiting Disney World next week over the Christmas holiday, you’re probably wondering just how crowded it will be! We can look to Disney World’s park hours and Park Pass Reservation availability to plan our days in the parks as well as look for clues as to how busy it may be!
To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.
**UPDATE: As of January 14th, 2022, these travel restrictions are no longer in place. Travelers from the United Kingdom no longer need a “compelling reason for travel” to visit France and no longer have to quarantine for 48 hours. Now, like travelers from other non-European Union countries, visitors must be fully vaccinated and must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours before departure. Read more about the travel ban being lifted here.**
Over the past two years, Disney Parks all over the world have continued to make changes to adapt to the ongoing global health crisis.
©Disney
And health and safety guidelines continue to change — we saw the mask policy change several times at Disney World this year, we’ve seen Hong Kong Disneyland close temporarily just recently due to COVID-19 cases, and we’ve seen Tokyo Disneyland recently extend its restricted hours and alcohol ban. And now, there are some new travel restrictions in place in France that could affect visits to Disneyland Paris.
Extra Magic Hours are no longer in place in Disney World. But if you want extra time in the parks, you can still get that thanks to 2 perks that were introduced as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration.
Cinderella Castle
Currently the Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours perks allow select hotel guests to spend some extra time in the parks. We’ve already experienced both of these offerings, but one BIG thing with the Early Theme Park Entry perk is about to change!
Disney World recently launched their Genie planning program through the My Disney Experience app.
©Disney
It can help you plan out your day in Disney World for free! Also launched was the new system that has replaced FastPass — Genie+. This is a paid system that allows you access to the Lightning Lanes (old FastPass lanes) of 46 attractions. There are also high demand rides not included with Genie+ that you can pay for individually to use the Lightning Lanes and skip the standby lines. We’ve been using and experimenting with this system since it launched in October, but things are about to CHANGE!
Want to win some FREE Disney items? Then you’ll want to watch out for D23’s Season of Magic sweepstakes!
©D23
Each day D23 is releasing a NEW special prize that you would win. We’ve seen prizes themed to video games, coffee, trains, and more. Today’s special prize comes with 5 Disney items that you’ll actually use over and over again!
Disney World recently launched its new planning tool, Genie, in the My Disney Experience app.
©Disney
The tool is free to use and can help you plan your day in the parks. Also launched with Genie was Disney Genie+, which is a paid replacement for FastPass+. Genie+ gives you access to make reservations to skip the standby lines of 46 attractions in Disney World through the Lightning Lanes (old FastPass lanes). There are also Lightning Lanes at certain high demand rides that are not included in Genie+, but instead, access to the lines is able to be individually purchased. But, this morning we experienced something a bit odd with the pay-per-ride system.
Many things have changed about Disney World over the past couple of years!
This is how you meet Mickey now!
We have a whole new paid system that has replaced FastPass+ called Genie+, there are new Annual Passes (but, sales for most passes currently on hold), character meet and greets have been adapted but are returning to normal this year, and a new ride is opening soon in EPCOT. One thing that’s changed a lot of people’s vacations drastically is the Disney Dining Plan no longer being available. Disney has said it will come back, so let’s break down if the Dining Plan will return in 2022.
Disney World has been seriously upping their Minnie ears game, with some gorgeous embroidered ears, sparkly 50th Anniversary ears, and even elaborate ears for the New Year!
Minnie Ears
But Disney just dropped a NEW set of Minnie ears that might take the cake…er…waffle? The amazing new accessory combines two of our greatest passions: Minnie ears and Disney snacks. But you’ll need to hurry if you want to add these beauties to your cart! [Read more…]
Planning a trip to Disney World for 2022? You’ve got a lot of things to factor into your budget including hotel costs, travel costs, and ticket costs.
Mickey in EPCOT
From what we’ve seen, the prices for tickets themselves in 2022 haven’t increased in the same ways we’ve seen in the past — instead, it’s a bit more sneaky. We have noticed that MORE days in 2022 appear to fall into higher-priced categories and certain multi-day tickets have gotten a bump in cost. That means that depending on when you go (or how long you go), a trip that you took this year could cost you MORE next year, even if you were to visit during the exact same days. So, how can you SAVE on the price of theme park tickets in 2022? We’re breaking down all the information you need to know right here.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
