Another week has gone by and we’ve got LOTS of Disney news to share with you.

From a new Star Wars experience coming to Disney Cruise Line, to all kinds of 50th Anniversary updates, join us now as we go through the BIG Disney news stories from this week that you need to know about!

1 — Disney Genie+

Earlier today, we got some HUGE news regarding Disney’s new paid FastPass+ replacement systems — Disney Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selection. As a quick reminder, Genie+ is the system that will let you make a return time selection to ride an attraction by using that ride’s Lightning Lane (you can make these selections one at a time). 46 attractions will be included in this in Disney World, you can view them all here.

Individual Attraction Selection allows you to pay to use the Lightning Lane for a specific ride. For this pay-per-ride system, you’ll pay to use the Lighting Lane for a single ride, and you can only purchase 2 of these per day.

When it comes to Individual Attraction Selection (what we’re also referring to as Disney’s pay-per-ride system), Disney announced that you will NOT be able to cancel your pay-per-ride selections.

We also got a FULL list of all of the rides you can pay EXTRA for in Disney World to use the pay-per-ride selections, which include Space Mountain, Frozen Ever After, and more.

Prices have also been revealed for some of the pay-per-ride selections and there is a range of prices depending on the ride. Keep in mind that the prices for each ride will change based on the time of year it is and the demand.

Wondering when Disney Genie+ (the FastPass+ replacement) will start being offered in Disney World? Disney shared an update on that as well!

Click here to learn when Genie+ will launch in Disney World!

Keep in mind that the rides that will be included in Genie+ (the 45 attractions in Disney World) will be different than those included in the pay-per-ride system. Click here to see the full list of the rides that will be included in Genie+.

There’s a lot of information to break down about Genie+, so be sure to stay tuned for more updates.

Click here to see what you need to know before you use Genie+!

2 — Character Meet-and-Greets, the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, and More Are Coming Back to Disney World

This week we got some BIG news about a whole bunch of things that will soon be back in Disney World.

When it comes to saying “hello” to your favorite characters, you’ll soon be able to do that in the themed settings you were used to for traditional character meet-and-greets! You’ll once again find the princesses in Princess Fairytale Hall and Mickey Mouse in Town Square Theater.

Note, however, that character meet-and-greets will be modified upon their return, as Disney has noted that the time is not quite right for hugs and autographs yet. But, it looks like guests will be able to take distanced photos in some of these themed locations once again.

Click here to learn more about the return of character meet-and-greets!

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular will be available for guests to enjoy starting in mid-December.

Also, the Disney Movie Magic projection show will be returning to Hollywood Studios soon, and it’ll feature some NEW scenes!

Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, more live entertainment is set to return to the park very soon! Chakranadi, Kora Tinga Tinga, and the Tam Tam Drummers will all be available for guests to see and enjoy soon.

While some other things have not yet returned to Disney World, we’re excited to see these experiences become available for fans to enjoy once again.

Click here to see more about the return of the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular!

3 — Star Wars Hotel News!

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (a.k.a. the Star Wars Hotel) is not set to open until 2022, but we’ve already gotten some exciting updates.

This week, we got details on the pricing for an exclusive dining experience aboard the starcruiser…

…and we shared news about a special way your Galaxy’s Edge droid will be able to be used at the Star Wars hotel.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip on the Galactic Starcruiser, and planning to visit Batuu for the excursion, you’ll need to know that not all costs are included. If you want to dine at one particular spot in Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll have to pay for it separately. Click here to learn more.

Want to book your Star Wars hotel experience? Select groups can already book early! Earlier this week, Club 33 members and Golden Oak residents got a limited early booking window. Right now, Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders have an early booking window that will only last through October 9th. General booking will open up in late October.

If you’re a DVC Member and looking to book the Star Wars hotel by using your points, be prepared — you’re going to need to use a LOT of points (we’re talking OVER 200 points per adult)!

Click here to see the Star Wars Hotel DVC points charts to find out more!

4 — 50th Anniversary News

Disney World’s 50th Anniversary officially kicked off on October 1st and we were there to experience it ALL!

There was a LOT to see on October 1st. We grabbed all kinds of treats including Tiki Room-based snacks…

…a Mr. Toad burger…

…and much, MUCH more!

Click here to see a page full of our reviews of ALL of the 50th Anniversary snacks we’ve tried!

On October 1st, we also got a look at some 50th anniversary souvenirs, the crowds, special 50th anniversary maps…

…the opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure…

…the opening of some more booths at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival…

…the Beacons of Magic at each of the parks…

…and a whole bunch of other things!

Click here to relive the entire 50th Anniversary experience with us and get ALL the details you need to know!

5 — Fireworks Parties are BACK!

Over the past several days, we’ve also got to experience a whole bunch of returning fireworks dessert, and dining parties.

At Magic Kingdom, there are now three 50th anniversary fireworks dessert parties available — one where guests eat dessert before the fireworks, one where guests eat dessert during the fireworks and are seated at tables, and one where guests eat dessert after the fireworks.

Click here to see our full review of the more expensive treats & seats fireworks dessert party, and click here to see our full review of one of the cheaper fireworks dessert party options.

Click here to learn more about the Magic Kingdom fireworks dessert parties!

But, Magic Kingdom isn’t the only one with fireworks-related parties now available. Over at EPCOT, you can now experience a fireworks dining package once again at 2 restaurants.

Click here to see photos and videos of our experience!

Over at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you can also experience a special fireworks dining experience with the Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors and Fireworks event.

Click here to see our FULL review of this experience.

6 — NEW Star Wars Experience and More Disney Cruise Line Updates

And finally, we end our big news section with some updates from Disney Cruise Line. The Disney Wish has already announced some awesome kids spaces, including a Marvel-themed area. But now, there’s, even MORE, to look forward to on Disney’s newest ship. Earlier this week, Disney announced that a new, immersive Star Wars experience will be coming to the kids areas aboard the Disney Wish!!

Disney also announced a new kids space related to Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie and more.

Click here to see the latest Disney Wish announcements!

Also, earlier this week, we spotted some BIG itinerary changes made to select Disney Cruise Line sailings, and Disney officially announced some modified character experiences for Disney Cruise Line.

And that’s it for our big news from this week. Of course, some other news was shared this week that you should also know about. Check out those stories by clicking the links below:

• Get a first look at the new Swan Reserve Hotel, which will be opening in Disney World soon
• See what the new 50th Anniversary dining experience looks like at California Grill
• Jellyrolls is opening soon
• NEW 50th Anniversary tours have been announced for Disney World
• Get a full list of the fall treats coming to Disney World
• A new Mummy popcorn bucket has arrived in Disney World

That’s it for the news from this week. Be sure to check back with us for all the latest updates!

What piece of news from this week are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments!