Big CHANGES have hit Disney this week.

From changes with Genie+ to changes on restaurant menus, things aren’t all the same as they were just a few days ago. Let’s go through some of the biggest updates from this week!

1 — Genie+ CHANGES

Over at Disney World, there have been some important Genie+ changes this week. First, the confusing 120 minute rule is now official. We’ve discussed this rule in previous posts but now Disney has officially acknowledged it on its website and has provided details about it.

Basically, this rule governs when you can make another Genie+ selection after having already made a first one. It comes into play mainly when that first Lightning Lane you selected has a return time that is a bit further into the day.

Click here to read all about the rule

In other Genie+ news, how you buy Genie+ has changed. As of June 8th, all guests must purchase Genie+ on the day of their visit, on a day-by-day basis. In other words, guests no longer have the chance to buy Genie+ in advance as a ticket add-on for the length of their trip.

Be sure to take this into account and not forget to make that Genie+ purchase well BEFORE the 7AM sign-up time for those first lightning lanes.

Click here to read about this Genie+ change

2 — Ticket Price INCREASES for 2023

Planning a Disney World trip for 2023? Good news —2023 vacation packages for Disney World are now available for booking. This includes hotels, tickets, and full vacation packages, so you can get planning right now!

Since 2023 tickets are available to buy, that has given us the chance to take a look at those ticket prices. Something we noticed is that there are some HIDDEN price increases on those 2023 park tickets. While the range of ticket prices appears to have generally remained the same ($109-$159 for a single one-park-per-day ticket), some dates in 2023 are now priced HIGHER than they were in 2022.

For example, in January of 2022, weekdays ranged between$117-$143, with 1 day being at $147. In 2023, weekdays range between $134-$144, with 1 day being at $154. So a trip in 2023 for the exact same dates as you visited in 2022 might cost you quite a bit MORE.

Click here to see our full breakdown of the ticket price increases for 2023!

3 — Reopening News

In exciting reopening news, Disney has shared the reopening date for the updated Finding Nemo musical in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The updated show (called Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond!) will debut on June 13th, 2022 and will be available through the Genie+ service. We’ve got a look at the musical’s showtimes here!

Also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll soon be able to meet Mickey and Minnie again at Adventurers Outpost! The character meet-and-greet spot is set to reopen on June 19th and will also be available through Genie+!

 

And finally, Disney has announced the official return date for Minnie Vans! The vehicles will be back in action on June 29th!

A lot of things are returning to Disney World soon, but remember there are still a number of things that are closed. Be sure to check and see if your must-dos are all back!

Click here to see what’s still closed in Disney World

4 — A Menu OVERHAUL and More Food News

In terms of food news, there have been a LOT of updates. We already shared last week that we stopped by to check out the new menu at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, but this week we stopped by 50’s Prime Time Cafe (also in Hollywood Studios) to try their REVAMPED menu, and we took you along with us!

From some NEW dessert options (including a fantastic one with Jell-O!!) to a returning pot pie, we tried a bunch of the options to see whether they’re worth it.

Click here to see our full review!

We also got some big food news for the returning Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness. This week, Disney shared the full menu for Hoop-Dee-Doo’s return, and yes, it features fried chicken! Click here to see the menu.

In other food news, deviled egg ice cream is a thing, and it’s…not bad?? Salt & Straw‘s new monthly flavors are out and they feature fried chicken ice cream and deviled egg ice cream, among other unique creations. Head to Disney Springs to check them out and click here to see our FULL review!

If you’re a Kona Cafe fan, you’ll want to be aware of an important closure coming up. This table service spot at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be CLOSING temporarily for refurbishment starting August 15th.

Kona Island, however, will still be available for mobile order and the other restaurants in the hotel will be available as well.

5 — COVID-19 Update

Finally, we end with a COVID-19 update. Both counties within which Disney World is located (Orange County and Osceola County) have been placed in the “high” COVID-19 risk category.

Under this category, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all individuals (regardless of vaccination status) wear a mask indoors while in public. Note, however, that Disney World’s mask rules do not require this. Masks are optional in all places (indoors and outside) in Disney World (except some First Aid Center areas). Thus far, Disney has not announced any changes to its mask rules.

Keep in mind that the risk levels for these counties are subject to change.

Click here to see what travel destinations have been added to the high risk COVID-19 category

Of course, Disney shared other news this week. Check out more stories by clicking the links below:

• Get a construction update on EPCOT’s Moana attraction
• An Apple executive has joined Disney’s metaverse team
• New McDonald’s Happy Meal toys for Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” have arrived
• Themes have been announced for the 2023 Disney Princess Half Marathon
• New Avengers Mickey Ears are coming and they are…WOW

And stay tuned for the latest Disney updates!

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What piece of Disney news from this week surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments!

The post Genie+ CHANGES, Ticket Price Increases, and More Disney News first appeared on the disney food blog.