The 50th anniversary is officially over, and starting tomorrow, a new Walt Disney World Annual Pass design will debut.

Walt Disney World Annual Pass Design

Passholders who already have the 50th anniversary Mickey design can continue using their ticket media, but the new design will be given for new and replacement cards moving forward.

These do not have an expiration date on the back, so Passholders will continue to need to verify their validity in order to receive discounts.

The design matches the newest Annual Passholder logo. It features the art and colors used on the Mickey Annual Pass magnet and popcorn bucket previously released.

The 50th anniversary regular tickets were already replaced in December 2022. You can see the current designs here.

Walt Disney World Annual Pass Program

Walt Disney World Annual Passes were sold continuously from September 1982 until March 2020. Since then, the price had increased dramatically, multiple tiers were introduced with various blackout dates and benefits to match. At times, the resort even encouraged guests to become Passholders through advertising at the parks, around Central Florida, and through benefits like discounts on merchandise and food.

Of course, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, that all changed. While Walt Disney World did not go the route of Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort by canceling every Annual Pass and issuing refunds, nor did they resume sales immediately as the Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai resorts did upon reopening. Passes remained valid and renewable after the COVID-19 closure concluded in July 2020, although new sales were halted almost immediately upon reopening. At the time, Disney assured guests it was a “temporary” measure due to capacity restrictions at Walt Disney World.

In August 2021, Walt Disney World announced an overhaul of their pass system, replacing the four tiers introduced in 2015 with a more confusing character-based system. New passes then went on sale in September 2021, and remained on sale for nearly three months before being suspended in late November. The two middle tiers were briefly on sale last June for a single day before halting again.

At this time, only renewals are allowed for existing Annual Passes, except for the lowest tier Pixie Pass, which is only available to Florida Residents and blocks out all weekends and holiday periods. And it seems Walt Disney World quite likes it that way. 

That leaves Central Florida locals and frequent guests at Walt Disney World in a bit of an awkward position, with the possibility higher-tier passes could return to sale looking increasingly unlikely. The AP program exists and is actively maintained by Walt Disney World with offers and benefits, but the option simply does not exist for new people to buy into the program except at the lowest and most restrictive level.

Starting April 18, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. most days without a park pass reservation.

This does not include Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays, when a reservation will still be required.

What do you think about the latest design? Let us know in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post FIRST LOOK at the NEW Walt Disney World Annual Pass Design appeared first on WDW News Today.

There is a new version of the theme song from Disney California Adventure park’s World of Color – ONE nighttime spectacular, and it is now available to listen to on your favorite streaming platform.

World of Color – ONE opened in late January, delighting guests who had been missing the Californian nighttime event. The show had been closed on and off since the beginning of the pandemic after there was damage to the network of fountains that make it possible. World of Color – ONE replaced the original version that opened in 2010.

START A WAVE! A version of the theme song from “World of Color – ONE” spectacular at Disney California Adventure is now available on streaming platforms! https://t.co/BRehKdqgO8 @Disneyland #Disney100 pic.twitter.com/pczN1W924X

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) March 31, 2023

The post ‘START A WAVE!’ New Theme Song From World of Color – ONE first appeared on DIS.

A Disney World vacation really isn’t complete without a trip to the huge shopping and dining district, Disney Springs.

You don’t need a park ticket to go inside Disney Springs, and once you’re there you can choose from dozens of excellent restaurants, go shopping at Disney and non-Disney stores alike, and enjoy live music and entertainment. But we have to warn you that it can sometimes be tricky to park at the Springs — when it’s crowded (such as in the evenings and on weekends), finding a parking spot is not always easy. If you want to skip the hassle, you can use valet parking instead — but there are a few things you need to know about this service before you go.

You will not find valet parking at most of the surface lots or parking garages — those areas are almost completely self-parking only, which is free. To find valet parking, go to the port-cochère of Cirque du Soleil (you can use the valet service here even if you are not attending a performance at Cirque du Soleil).

Here are the hours for valet parking at Cirque du Soleil:

• Monday through Friday: 4:30PM to midnight (or until the last guest leaves)
• Saturday and Sunday: Noon to midnight (or until the last guest leaves)

Valet parking is also sometimes offered near the entrance to the Orange Garage. Disney’s website lists valet parking as available here from 10AM to 2AM daily, although note that this schedule can change. To be safe, we’d recommend using the valet parking at Cirque du Soleil, which is available on a more consistent basis.

It costs $20 to use valet parking, which does not include the gratuity.

Other transportation options to Disney Springs include the Disney buses, which run between the Disney World hotels and the Springs from the opening of Disney Springs until one hour after the Springs closes. Note that there is NOT a bus service between the theme parks and Disney Springs.

You can also use a boat service to travel between Disney Springs and the following Disney World hotels:

• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

And don’t forget that rideshare is also an option if you want to get to your destination quickly but don’t have your own car.

Want to learn more about Disney Springs before you visit? Check out these posts:

• A NEW Store Is Coming to Disney Springs
• The Ultimate Guide to Disney Springs Restaurants
• How You Should Spend Your Money in Disney Springs
• The Definitive List of the BEST Desserts at Disney Springs

Keep following DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news!

A Word of WARNING about Disney Springs Parking

Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know

• The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!

• See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide

• Check Out the 19 Best Restaurants in Disney World in 2022

• Our Top 50 All-Time Best Disney Dining Tips

• These Are the BEST Meals in Disney World for Under $15

• Ranking Every Single Magic Kingdom Restaurant

• Ranking Every Single EPCOT Restaurant

• Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney Springs

• Ranking Every Single Restaurant in Disney World Hotels – Cheap Eats Edition

• Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools

• Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants

• How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

Where do you like to park when you visit Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments.

The post Is There Valet Parking At Disney Springs? How Much Does It Cost? first appeared on the disney food blog.

Are you hip to all the Disney lingo?

From the plethora of acronyms you’ll need to understand while planning your Disney vacation to the hidden Swahili details you’ll find in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney World is filled with other languages, codes, and slang that only the biggest Disney fans will understand. Sometimes, knowing these codes can even save you some trouble! If you’ve ever been to Disney World and heard “Code 101,” you might know what we’re talking about — and probably had to rethink your plans for the day.

It is fairly common for rides to have to shut down periodically throughout the day due to weather and unexpected problems. So, what happens when a ride needs to close? Typically, you’ll be able to see in the My Disney Experience app that the ride has been temporarily closed. If you are waiting in line when this happens, a Cast Member will also make an announcement for those waiting that the attraction is not currently running.

But before the announcement is made or the app is updated, you may overhear cast members using “Code 101” to communicate amongst themselves that the ride has gone down unexpectedly. It’s a way for Disney to communicate a closure before they decide to announce the news to visitors. If you do overhear this code while waiting in line, it might be time to make a decision about whether you want to continue waiting in line or not.

Because it’s not uncommon for rides to temporarily shut down throughout the day, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place to mitigate the setbacks. If outdoor coasters are an important stop in your Disney day, for example — keep an eye on the forecast! Many of these rides will not stay open if there is severe weather in the area, so make sure you get in line for these rides while the weather is clear.

Another way to prevent disappointment from these closures is to try to ride your must-dos early in the day. If you rely on riding your favorite attraction after the sun goes down, and then the ride experiences a closure — you might be out of luck. While it might be tempting to hold off on certain rides until the wait times go down later in the day, that could be a risky decision. You never know when a temporary closure can affect your favorite ride.

It’s never fun when your plans get derailed in Disney, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. We’ll continue to share all the latest Disney tips, so make sure to follow DFB for more!

Click here to see the 13 Disney World secrets only the insiders know!

Have you ever heard “Code 101” in Disney World before? Let us know in the comments!

The post A “Code 101” is BAD NEWS in Disney World. Here’s What It Means. first appeared on the disney food blog.

Disney World is undergoing some massive changes!

In April alone, 2 fireworks shows will go away, 2 other fireworks shows will return, California Grill’s menu will change at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Narcoossee’s will reopen at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. But if you are hoping to visit Narcoossee’s soon, there’s an important update you need to know about.

In a message posted via Twitter, Disney shared that while Narcoossee’s will be reopening (after a long refurbishment) on April 1st, they are “still putting finishing touches” on the restaurant space so there might be certain days in May and June when reservations are NOT available.

We’re so excited to welcome you back to Narcoossee’s! Because we are still putting finishing touches on this beautiful new space, there may be select days in May and June where reservations are unavailable.

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) March 31, 2023

 

In other words, if you’ll be planning a trip to Disney World in May or June and are hoping to get into Narcoossee’s, be careful. You’ll want to check availability on multiple days of your trip to see when they might be available.

And if you want to go to the restaurant once ALL the finishing touches are done, you might want to schedule that reservation for a little later in the year. It sounds like those visiting right away might not get the “full” experience as Disney finishes up some things in this space, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Narcoossee’s will be reopening with a revamped interior design with decor that feels a bit more modern and updated.

But the nautical theme is still definitely present!

The menu will also be different here once this spot reopens. There will be some fan-favorite dishes returning, but there will also be NEW additions like the Ocean-Inspired Charcuterie Board and the Beef and Ricotta Tortelloni. You can view the new menu with prices here!

We’ll be visiting Narcoossee’s upon its reopening to see just how things have changed and whether you should give it a visit, so stay tuned for more updates!

In the meantime, click here to see our FULL review of Roundup Rodeo BBQ — a restaurant that has recently opened in Disney World!

Are you a fan of Narcoossee’s? Tell us in the comments!

The post Disney World Issues Important WARNING About Restaurant Reopening first appeared on the disney food blog.

Earth Day is a pretty big deal at Walt Disney World, especially at Animal Kingdom theme park. Disney has shared more ways to celebrate throughout many different aspects of their business during the entire month of April. While Earth Day itself is on April 22nd, the same day as the theme park’s 25th anniversary, the month-long celebration kicks off Saturday.

Disney prides itself on taking meaningful action to support a healthier planet by reducing their environmental footprint and investing in animal care and conservation.

Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $120 million and the expertise of our dedicated teams to support organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action, and protect the planet.

Dr. Mark Penning – Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks

During the past week, we’ve shared details on new sweet and savory treats, specialty merchandise, and limited-time character sightings. Disney Parks Blog has also shared that there will be a new National Geographic photo opportunity at the Animal Kingdom park entrance to celebrate the second season’s debut of Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Disney+.

Over at Disneyland, Paradise Garden Grill serves a new, fully plant-based menu for the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival through April 25th. Kristen Kish from National Geographic’s Restaurants at the End of the World will be stopping by the Festival for a cooking demonstration on April 22nd and 23rd.

Disneyland Resort cast members are sharing their love of Disney and the environment by designing unique works of art as part of the annual Environmental Art Challenge. The art is created using waste found in cast members’ work areas ranging from park maps, plastic bottles, bubble wrap and more. Guests can join in on the fun and vote on their favorite art piece at Stage 17 located in the patio area near the Super Store featuring Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure park.

Disney Parks Blog

A new four-part series, Secrets of the Elephants, is premiering on the National Geographic channel on April 21st and will stream on April 22 on Disney+ and Hulu. In the series, they travel from the savannas of Africa to the urban landscapes of Asia to showcase the extraordinary lives of different families of elephants and to highlight how similar they are to us.

The May issue of National Geographic’s flagship magazine, publishing on April 13th, will focus on Asian elephants, as will the May issue of Nat Geo’s Kids magazine. A three-episode Overheard at National Geographic podcast series will air beginning April 11th, along with the following two Tuesdays, and a brand new National Geographic book, Secrets of the Elephants – a companion to the streaming series – is set to publish on April 4th.

Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney will be home to life-size elephant sculptures inspired by the new series and created from recycled flip-flops.

Disney+ will highlight its Earth Month collection with content from National Geographic and Disneynature. In addition to Secrets of the Elephants, the collection will add new titles this year, including Born in Africa, Botswana, India’s Lost Worlds, Path of the Panther, Secret Life of Predators, Super/Natural, and Wild Japan Snow Monkeys.

In celebration of the theatrical release of Avatar: The Way of Water, Disney and Avatar launched the global “Keep Our Oceans Amazing” campaign to raise awareness of the challenges facing oceans and marine life in support of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and its work to protect 10 of our oceans’ amazing animals and their habitats, connected to the beauty of Pandora.

As part of the campaign, fans can continue to participate in celebratory experiences, including the Virtual Pandoran Ocean. Through this unique digital activation, fans can help Disney and Avatar “Keep Our Oceans Amazing” now through July 31, 2023, by creating their very own Avatar-inspired ocean creature at Avatar.com/KeepOurOceansAmazing. For every creature created in the Virtual Pandoran Ocean, Disney will give $5 to TNC to help the organization achieve its goal of protecting 10% of the ocean by 2030.

Disney Parks Blog

Disney refers to these collective efforts as Disney Planet Possible — tangible actions Disney is taking “that put possibility into practice and inspire optimism for a brighter, more sustainable future for us all.”

The post New Ways to Celebrate Earth Month With Disney first appeared on DIS.

Disney has just announced that reservations for Narcoossee’s on select days in May & June will be unavailable due to adding some “finishing touches.”

Disney’s full statement on the matter reads:

“Because we are still putting finishing touches on this beautiful new space, there may be select days in May and June where reservations are unavailable.”

First Look at Narcoossee’s Reimagining

Earlier today, we reported that Disney shared a first look inside the reimagined Narcoossee’s Restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The restaurant has been closed for refurbishment since June 2022, and is scheduled to reopen on April 1.

The updated space features a “land and sea” concept, which also inspired the new menu.

The patio of Narcoossee’s is one of the restaurants on Walt Disney World property that offers a view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Will you be dining at the newly reimagined Narcoossee’s? Let us know in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post Renovations Unfinished at Narcoossee’s, Restaurant to Be Unavailable on Select Days for Additional Work at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa appeared first on WDW News Today.