Disney World is going through some massive changes this year.
From the opening of new attractions like TRON Lightcycle / Run and Journey of Water — Inspired by MOANA, to the return of nighttime classics like Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Forever, Disney’s evolution this year can be confusing. That’s why we asked you, our readers, what questions you had about all of the changes coming to the parks this year — and you delivered! Let’s clear up a few things.
Any trip to Disney can be overwhelming, but the changes are piling up this year and it can be a lot, so let’s get started.
Disney Dining Plan
The one question tons of you had was when the Disney Dining Plan would be returning. This plan, also known as DDP, was an optional add-on to your Disney Vacation Package and allowed you to pre-purchase a set amount of credits for counter-service, table service, and snack meals throughout your trip. This offer was put on hold during all of the closures we saw after the global pandemic in 2020, and it has yet to return. Disney has previously announced that it would eventually return, but we still aren’t seeing that happen.
However, a new dining package is available for bookings with arrival dates between July 1st and July 10th and August 1st through September 14th, 2023. In order to take advantage of this offer, you need to have a 5-night stay at a Disney Resort with at least 4 days of tickets.
Keep in mind that this dining package is different than the DDP. For each reservation with this offer, you will receive one promo card via email upon checking in, which can then be used similarly to a gift card at select restaurants around Disney World. The amount added to your card will be determined by the category of resort you choose, with the Deluxe resorts receiving up to $750.
Click here to learn more about the new dining package.
As for the Disney Dining Plan, we’re still not sure when it will be returning, but we’ll keep you posted as soon as any new information is released!
Park Pass Reservation System
Another question a lot of you had was whether the park pass reservation system would be going away. Ever since Disney put this system in place, it has been a heated topic — even going so far as to prompt 2 lawsuits, one for Annual Passholders in Disney World and another for Magic Key holders in Disneyland.
While we don’t know if the system will ever be going away completely, some changes that ease up the rules have already started to take place. Since November, Disney World’s 1-Day, 1-Park tickets automatically come with a Park Pass for the park you are scheduled to visit. And just this month, Disney released that Annual Passholders will soon be able to enter the parks after 2PM without a reservation, with the exception of Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays.
This news was welcomed by many and had people questioning if it pointed at a more complete change in the works. While we still don’t know what exactly Disney has in store for the Park Pass System, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products has recently made a few comments to give us an idea. While he hinted that the restrictions for these Park Passes aren’t going away anytime soon, they are still taking steps to change them to create more ease for the guests.
If You Can Only Go to ONE Disney World Restaurant in 2023, Go HERE
Airport Transportation
Some of you asked if the bus from the airport is coming back. The Magical Express, a complimentary service that resort guests could use to travel to and from the airport, was discontinued last year.
While there isn’t any talk about it returning, a couple of bus companies have started offering airport transportation to fill the void. Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer. For many, these services feel very similar to the Magical Express, with the exception that they are an extra expense for you. There are additional hotels serviced with Mears Connect that weren’t available on the Magical Express. Guests can now use Mears Connect to travel to Disney Springs area hotels, the Four Seasons, the Gaylord Palms, and more!
While the change to a paid service isn’t one many were excited about, the bus services do offer a reliable way to get to and from the airport, so it’s worth looking into for your next trip.
Click here to learn everything you need to know about the Mears Connect service!
Here’s our latest update on the Sunshine Flyer service!
There are tons of changes happening at Disney World all the time, and hopefully, this helped clear up some of the confusion in certain areas. Make sure you’re following along to DFB on Facebook and Twitter to take part in our next poll!
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Click here to read about all the biggest changes happening in Disney World in 2023!
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What other questions do you have about Disney World in 2023? Let us know below!
I wonder Do the bus service providers provide child safety seats or you you have to bring your own. What did the Magical Express do in this area, provide car seat for small passengers?