Bus Times at Walt Disney World Resort Now Available in Newly Redesigned My Disney Experience App

If you have ever wondered when the next bus is going to arrive at their Disney Resort hotel, the answer will now be right at your fingertips.

We have introduced a brand new bus time feature in the My Disney Experience mobile app that enables you to spend less time waiting at the bus stop and more time getting ready for a fun-filled day in the parks. With this feature, you can quickly discover up-to-the-minute estimates for when the next buses will depart from your Disney Resort hotel and when you will complete your journey to your destination.
 
The app regularly updates in real time to provide the most current estimates for buses heading to all four theme parks, two water parks and the Disney Springs® area. Guests can access the feature throughout their stay by tapping “See Bus Times” when viewing an active Disney Resort hotel reservation associated with their account.

You may also notice that this My Disney Experience update brings a new and improved design to the app, making it easier than ever for you to navigate and find what you're looking for – from the new bus time feature and mobile food ordering service to adding tickets, booking FastPass+ selections and discovering key park offerings.

This is just the most recent example of how Disney is using digital technology to make the Guest experience even more convenient. During the past year alone, we have added app features that allow Guests to view room charges, keep track of Disney dining plan usage, check in online to start their vacation even faster, use their mobile devices as a digital key (now available at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and coming soon to additional Disney Resort hotels) and more.

You can explore all that’s new in My Disney Experience by updating to the current version of the app, now available in the Apple Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android devices.
And there’s more coming soon! Our teams are constantly exploring and innovating new enhancements to My Disney Experience as it continues to grow and evolve, so be sure to stay tuned for the latest updates.

Disney Parks Disability Access Service Card

Disney Parks Disability Access Service Card Fact Sheet

Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment and accessible experiences for guests.
Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program, which provides access to attractions for guests with disabilities, so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. It will also help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.
The new Disability Access Service (DAS) will allow Guests with disabilities at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort to receive a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. Guests Relations at the front of each park will continue to assist Guests and provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions

• What is DAS and how does it work?
  The DAS Card is designed to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). DAS will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another. This service can be used in addition to Disney’s FASTPASS Service and Disney FastPass+ service.
• What will Disney Parks do if a Guest is concerned DAS doesn’t meet their needs?
  Disney Parks have long recognized and accommodated guests with varying needs and will continue to work individually with guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances. Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual needs.
• Who will be eligible for DAS?
  Disney Parks’ goal is to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.
• How will guests get DAS?
  DAS will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations. Guests will participate in a registration process, which also includes having their photo taken.
• Why is Disney Parks doing this?
  Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. Disney Parks also hopes it will help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.
• Does the guest utilizing DAS have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction?
  No. Another member of the DAS Cardholder’s travel party may obtain a return time but the DAS Cardholder must board the attraction with his or her party.
• Where do guests utilizing DAS go to receive return times?
  At Disneyland Resort, guests will go to Guest Relations kiosks located throughout the parks to receive a return time. At Walt Disney World Resort, guests will go to the attraction to receive a return time.
• Does a guest utilizing DAS have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?
  No. Return times are valid until redeemed by the guest utilizing DAS.
• How long is DAS valid?
  DAS card is valid for up to 14 days depending on a guest’s ticket entitlement.
• Is DAS issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?
  Yes, DAS will be valid throughout the resort at which it was issued.
• Why doesn’t Disney Parks ask for proof of disability, such as a doctor’s note?
  Disney Parks takes Guests at their word and there are legal restrictions around asking for proof.
• Is this the only service available to Guests with disabilities?
  Disney Parks offer a variety of services to guests with disabilities, such as Disney’s Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks has developed a “Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities.” This serves as a tool on how best to experience its theme parks and is expected to be available online by mid-October.
  
  Disney Parks will continue to provide excellent guest service and accessible experiences. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park should they feel they need assistance due to a disability.
• Does a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter need DAS?
  No, a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need DAS. Depending on the attraction, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. For some attractions at Disneyland Resort, these guests will go directly to an alternate entrance. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations.
• Will Disney Parks continue to provide a service to wish-granting organizations?
  The change will not affect those who are visiting on trips organized by wish granting organizations. There is a separate program for children with life-threatening illnesses.
• For further questions, please contact: Disability.services@disneyparks.com or (407) 560-2547.

Disney Cruise Line Setting Sail for Magical Winter Holidays This Year

‘Tis the season… to come aboard! This winter, your family can unwrap some holiday magic with Disney Cruise Line.

Beginning in early November, the Disney cruise ships will transform into glittering wonderlands as they are “decked out” for another season of Very Merrytime Cruises, our special holiday sailings packed with festive events for the whole family!

During the most wonderful time of the year, you can join us for a jolly lineup of winter parties and themed entertainment unlike anything else on land or at sea. Special stem-to-stern holiday events include:

• Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic, where Mickey and his pals lead carols and the lighting of the ship’s three-deck-tall Christmas tree.
• Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball, a magical welcome party for the guests of honor, Santa and Mrs. Claus, featuring Broadway-style entertainment and favorite Disney characters… including a pair of royal sisters whose appearance causes a flurry of “frozen” fun as a magical snowfall overtakes the atrium!
• Deck the Deck Holiday Party, a tropical celebration up on deck where Disney friends lead hula hooping, limbo under oversized candy canes and high-energy family dances like the “Yuletide Slide” and a conga line around the pool.
• Holiday activities for the whole family, like building gingerbread houses, meeting Santa Claus and singing along with Dickens-inspired carolers. Plus, special activities just for kidsinclude decorating stockings and gingerbread men cookies, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.
• Sea-sun’s greetings ashore at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay, where the celebration continues with “snow flurries,” a decked-out Christmas tree, Disney character meet-and-greets and merry island music.

And Guests sailing on each holiday will have even more festivities to enjoy, like Thanksgiving Day feasts and football games on the ship’s jumbo screen, Christmas morning surprises from Santa Claus and daily Hanukkah services.

It's time to set sail for a different kind of holiday celebration with Disney Cruise Line!

‘Rivers of Light’ Dessert Party coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Each night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, you can embrace the magic of nature during the beautiful nighttime experience, “Rivers of Light.”

With captivating special effects, music, and animal folklore, this incredible show celebrates the beauty of all living things. And now, you can celebrate the beauty of sweet desserts with the new Rivers of Light Dessert Party.

With this new dining experience, you can add a sweet ending to your day by enjoying a beautiful buffet of Disney’s Animal Kingdom-themed desserts, snacks, and drinks before enjoying VIP views of “Rivers of Light.”

Guests start by checking in 60 minutes prior to the main show (8:15 p.m. for a 9:15 p.m. show) at the Rivers of Light Asia Viewing Area Terrace located across from Expedition Everest. Here they'll enjoy house-made desserts, snacks, specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, iced tea, lemonade, and water. When the show is about to start, they'll head down to the VIP Seating Area, where they'll enjoy exceptional views of Rivers of Light.

This exciting new dining experience will take place on select nights starting on Monday, August 6, 2018.
 The price is $79 for adults and $47 for children (tax inclusive) and must be paid for in full at the time of booking. Guests must be at least 21 years of age or older and able to present a valid form of ID to consume alcoholic beverages.

2018 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages

Even though summer is in full swing here at Walt Disney World® Resort, we’re excited to bring you information about this year’s holiday events at Epcot®.

Part of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, the Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved events at Walt Disney World Resort. Many Guests plan their holiday vacations around their favorite celebrity narrators. This year’s event starts on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 2018 for the first time ever.

The Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a 50-piece orchestra, a massed choir and a celebrity narrator. The processional is performed three times per night (5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. Also available, on select days and evenings, Candlelight Processional Dining Packages which include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages go on sale Wednesday July 11, 2018.

We have a couple of names to share on the celebrity narrator front. Returning favorites include actress/host Whoopi Goldberg; entertainer Pat Sajak; actors Neil Patrick Harris, Chita Rivera, Gary Sinise, Blair Underwood and Edward James Olmos; and Jodi Benson, who voices Ariel in Disney’s animated classic “The Little Mermaid.”
Here is the lineup so far. We hope to share more names soon.*

• 11/22 – 11/23 – Chita Rivera
• 11/24 – 12/2 – TBD
• 12/3 – 12/6 – Neil Patrick Harris
• 12/7 – 12/9 – Whoopi Goldberg
• 12/10 – 12/12 – TBD
• 12/13 – 12/14 – Blair Underwood
• 12/15 – 12/17 – Gary Sinise
• 12/18 – 12/20 – Pat Sajak
• 12/21 – 12/23 – TBD
• 12/24 – 12/25 – Edward James Olmos
• 12/26 – 12/27 – Jodi Benson
• 12/28 – 12/30 – TBD

Lunch and dinner packages are available at some favorite Epcot restaurants like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway pavilion); Biergarten Restaurant (Germany pavilion); Chefs de France (France pavilion); Coral Reef Restaurant (The Seas pavilion); The Garden Grill Restaurant (The Land pavilion); La Hacienda de San Angel** and San Angel Inn Restaurante (Mexico pavilion); Nine Dragons Restaurant (China pavilion); Restaurant Marrakesh and Spice Road Table (Morocco pavilion); Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room (United Kingdom pavilion); Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining (Japan pavilion); and Tutto Italia Ristorante and Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy pavilion).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Epcot-area resort restaurants at Ale & Compass at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.
Candlelight Processional Dining Packages start at:

• For Breakfast: $38 plus tax per person for adults and $22 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.
• For Lunch: $50 plus tax per person for adults and $16.99 plus tax per person for children, ages 3.
• For Dinner: $55 plus tax per person for adults and $16.99 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Epcot provides an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where Guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

Joy Through the World! Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort Return November 8!

It’s Christmas in July! Today we're announcing the return of the holiday season to Walt Disney World® Resort.
Starting Nov. 8, 2018, you will be able to celebrate this magical season with festive parties, captivating holiday décor, delicious treats, spectacular entertainment and enchanting experiences that make this season one of the most wonderful times to visit our theme parks, resorts and more!

A Flurry of Fun comes back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® with the return of Sunset Seasons Greetings. Featuring impressive new laser effects and “snow,” holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel with spectacular projections of beloved Disney Characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Olaf sharing their favorite seasonal stories.

Another returning favorite is the nighttime spectacular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! The new Toy Story Land also gets special seasonal fun including holiday songs on Alien Swirling Saucers and more!

At Epcot®, you will discover joyous holiday traditions of 11 World Showcase nations during Epcot International Festival of the Holidays beginning Nov. 18, 2018. One of our favorite holiday traditions at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional and this year it starts performances on Nov. 22, 2018.

New this year at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, the magic of nature will receive a holiday touch with the inclusion of Diwali, the holiday Festival of Lights in India, as part of the new live show UP! A Great Bird Adventure.

There's even more holiday fun at the resorts across Walt Disney World Resort with festive seasonal décor as well as life-sized edible creations.
And at Disney Springs®, you will find the perfect destination for holiday shopping, dining and entertainment, with the chance to experience holiday magic along the way.

Now is the time to play big and start planning your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World Resort!