This week was a doozy when it came to Disney World news.
It’s Fall in Disney World!
From Disney announcing the retirement of FastPass+ to the Disney Genie news, we’re here to go over all the unexpected surprises in Disney World news this week.
Disney Genie
We learned this week that Disney will be launching the FREE Disney Genie service this fall, which will offer guests a personalized Disney experience with the planning service built into the My Disney Experience app. You can almost think of the Disney Genie as your own personal assistant.
©Disney
Once you enter all your Disney preferences, the Disney Genie will build a customized and flexible itinerary for your family. It will also provide guests with current and future ride wait times, dining and mobile order, virtual queue information, and more.
Read more about the Disney Genie here!
Disney Genie+
One of the biggest announcements this week was the official retiring of Disney World’s FastPass+ and the replacement of it with a paid service called the Genie+, which is built into the Disney Genie service. It will cost guests $15 per ticket per day in Disney World, and $20 per ticket per day in Disneyland.
©Disney
The Genie+ will grant paying guests access to the Lightning Lane, which is basically the same as the now-discontinued FastPass+ Lane in Disney World. Genie+ will allow paying guests to reserve time for Lightning Lane access to qualifying attractions and experiences. It will also provide certain experiences like Augmented Reality Photo Lenses and more.
Click here for the differences between the Disney Genie and Genie+!
NBA Experience
This week we. learned that the NBA Experience in Disney Springs is now permanently closed. The NBA Experience was a space for fans to experience immersive experiences inspired by the NBA.
NBA Experience at Disney World
The NBA Experience opened on August 12, 2019 and closed along with Disney World due to the global pandemic in March 2020. Disney has not yet provided an update about the future of the NBA Experience building.
Learn more about Disney closing the NBA Experience here!
Mask Policy Update
In July, Disney World updated their mask policy to require masks worn in all attraction queues and indoor spaces, including outdoor attraction queues and rides. Now they again updated their policy that as of August 19th, masks are now optional for all Disney World guests in outdoor ride queues, outdoor attractions, and outdoor theaters.
Indoor Mask Sign
Masks are still required on most forms of transportation in Disney World and in all indoor locations, regardless of vaccination status.
Read more about Disney’s updated mask policy here!
Steakhouse 71
Disney announced that a new restaurant called Steakhouse 71 will replace The Wave…of American Flavors restaurant in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This new spot will reportedly open in time for Disney World’s 50th anniversary on October 1st, but there is no exact opening date yet.
©Disney
Steakhouse 71 will be a casual dining spot, and the name is based on the year Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened in 1971.
Read more about Steakhouse 71 here!
And that’s everything unexpected that happened in Disney World this week! Stick with DFB for all your Disney World news and updates so you can plan your best trip ever!
Click here for the answers to ALL your burning questions about Disney Genie!
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