Three Disney World Changes That You'll Forget About Until It's Too Late

Planning a Disney World vacation can be daunting.

Crowds before Happily Ever After

There are Advanced Dining Reservations to get, Genie+ rides to research, and tons of Disney hotels to choose between. On top of all that, things are changing regularly in the parks — it’s a lot to stay on top of! But don’t worry, we’re here to remind you about some of the biggest changes you need to keep in mind to have a smooth trip.

From transportation headaches to Virtual Queue mistakes, these are the three things you need to be aware of before you head to Disney World.

Magic Kingdom Walkway

The first one on our list might seem like a small inconvenience, but it might affect your trip more than you realize. If you’re staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian (or just want to check out one of its seasonal extras on the way to the park), you may have considered taking advantage of the relaxing walkway between the resort and Magic Kingdom.

Grand Floridian pedestrian walkway to Magic Kingdom

It’s typically a pleasant stroll, away from the Monorail crowds — and sometimes you’ll be able to spot a Disney bunny or ducking. Some even enjoy using this walkway to go for a morning run before their park day. But, unfortunately, it’s currently closed due to the construction at the resort.

Grand Floridian Walkway

This could be more of an inconvenience than you realize, even if you’re not a fan of walking more than you have to (you will be walking around Disney after all). Occasionally, the Monorail will experience some closures that leave you needing to find another way to the park. When this happens, you will be able to take the boat service to Magic Kingdom, but you might regret not being able to use the peaceful walk when the redirected crowds all flock to the dock at the same time.

Grand Floridian walkway to Magic Kingdom

The walkway closure is set to last until late spring, but we’ll keep you posted with any updates.

Linking Your Family in My Disney Experience

Another change that you might not know to take advantage of is in the My Disney Experience app. Are you hoping to snag a Virtual Queue for TRON Lightcycle / Run or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind? You’ll have to be fast!

EPCOT

These reservations fill up QUICKLY, sometimes within seconds. It’s a good idea to look over the steps to getting these reservations before the morning of your trip, or you might miss out!

TRON Lightcycle / Run Virtual Queue ©Disney

One important step you can take to give yourself a better chance at getting one is to link your family in the My Disney Experience app. Virtual Queues open up at 7AM and 1PM, but starting at 6AM, you can tap into the Virtual Queue and set your party so that you have fewer steps when it’s time to try for your Boarding Group.

Confirm Your Party ©Disney

Once you’re in the app, under “Join Virtual Queue,” you’ll see a button that says “Confirm Your Party.” Select the people in your group that will want a Virtual Queue, and that’s one less step you’ll have to worry about when it’s time to book!

3. Modifying Lightning Lanes

Lastly, don’t forget this change that Disney made to its Genie+ system! Are you aware of the complicated 120-minute rule? We know, it’s confusing. After making a Lightning Lane selection, there are a few ways that you can make one again:

If you use that Lightning Lane
If your Lightning Lane return window has ended (or you miss it)
120 minutes have passed since you booked your last Lightning Lane (starting at park open)

Lightning Lane at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

With the 120-minute rule, making your Lightning selections can be tricky. You want to get a good ride, which might not be available until later in the day — but that means you’re stuck waiting for the 120 minutes to be up before you can make another. And what happens when you change your mind, or an unexpected challenge comes up and you need to change your Lightning Lane? Before, that would mean starting the 120-minute countdown over. But now, changing your selections is a lot easier!

Lightning Lane at Tower of Terror

Once you make a Lightning Lane reservation, there is now an option to modify it. Simply click on the reservation and a box pops up with the option to modify. You can choose between alternate times for the same ride, or a new attraction Lightning Lane altogether. The best part? This doesn’t start the 120-minute clock over!

Click here to learn all about modifying your Lightning Lane selections

There you have it! Three changes you should keep in mind if you’re planning a Disney World trip. We’ll keep you up to date on all the latest Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more!

Click here to see how Mobile Ordering has CHANGED in the My Disney Experience app!

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

What Disney change did you run into unexpectedly in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!