Disney ParksPlanningTips
NEW Things You Need to Prepare For In Walt Disney World
One of the reasons we love going to Walt Disney World each year is because there is always something new and exciting to experience. It might be new rides, new shows or even new dining, but we can always find something new to try out when visiting.
Because Walt Disney World is constantly changing, there are some new things that you need to be prepared for BEFORE you head down. Knowing about this before you arrive in Walt Disney World will help you have an even more magical experience.
Think About Transportation
If you haven’t been to Walt Disney World in 2022 yet, you will notice that Disney’s Magical Express is no longer an option. This free service from Orlando International Airport to the Walt Disney World Resort hotels ended in January 2022.
Guests traveling to Walt Disney World will now need to plan ahead and book transportation to their Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
There are a few different options such as Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer both that are very similar to Magical Express in that they are motor coach buses; however, the big difference is that it costs money.
Other options that Guests can look into are private transfers or ride shares. These options are often faster than Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer; however, they are also more expensive.
When determining what type of transportation would work best for your family, think about how many there are of you traveling together and the goals of your arrival day. This might help you figure out which one will work the best for you.
Genie+ and Lightning Lanes
In October 2021, Walt Disney World introduced a new feature in the My Disney Experience app. This feature was Disney Genie and as part of it Guests can choose to add Genie+ and Individual Attractions Selections to their Walt Disney World Park ticket.
If you aren’t familiar with this new service it is something that you will want to prepare for prior to your trip. Disney Genie is a free planning tool that will provide Guests with suggested touring plans as well as projected wait times.
Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selections are an additional cost that give Guests access to the Lightning Lanes (think the path to the ride) and therefore provide them with a faster way to experience attractions throughout Walt Disney World.
This new system is a little confusing so we suggest doing some research before purchasing it so you know if it will work for you. We have a lot of posts on How To Disney about what rides we recommend and so much more.
Entertainment Is Returning
We are so excited that entertainment is coming back to Walt Disney World giving Guests even more magical experiences to choose from during their Walt Disney World vacation.
Just this month we will see the Festival of Fantasy parade return for the first time since 2020 to Magic Kingdom bringing magic to Guests. We have also seen Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire take the castle stage as they sing and dance to some of our favorite Disney songs.
We have been told that Fantasmic will be coming back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year with updated scenes that we can’t wait to see.
Over in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we are anxiously awaiting for the new Finding Nemo show to open. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond is going to be an updated show focused on Dory. We are thrilled to have the chance to see this in the future.
With all the entertainment coming back, you will need to plan ahead to make sure you get to visit what shows and experiences that are important to you.
Covid Changes
Before you head down to Walt Disney World, make sure you are prepared for the ongoing covid procedures. Walt Disney World is constantly updating their mask policies as things change in the country.
Before you head down, visit Disney’s Know Before You Go page so you are up to date on what is expected of you.
Make sure you bring masks with you no matter what the current expectations are as this can and has changed overnight.
New Technology
Disney has brought about a lot of different technology to help improve Guest experience throughout the Disney Parks and the Disney Resorts.
A new MagicBand+ is scheduled to be released this year. With this new MagicBand+ Guests will have access to new interactive features throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
According to Disney, “After you enter a theme park, MagicBand+ will come alive at various times with color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition.”
This will even give Guests the ability to be bounty hunters throughout Batuu in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
We can’t wait to see everything that this new MagicBand+ has to offer.
Disney is also bringing “Hey Disney” to their Walt Disney World Resort hotels. These Disney themed Alexis devices will allow Guests to play music, ask questions and so much more.
Also now found in the My Disney Experience app is the ability to make cast compliments. We are thrilled that Disney made this process so easy. It is through this feature that Guests can thank Disney Cast Members that have helped make their Disney vacation even more magical.
Disney is constantly updating their technology so before you head down make sure you prepare for it.
These are all things that you need to prepare for when heading to Walt Disney World. These new things will help make your Walt Disney World vacation even better if you take the time to learn about them and prepare ahead of time.