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The NYC Traveler:
Specializing in Disney vacations
The NYC Traveler's Newsletter:
The latest information about Disney and Universal
The NYC Traveler is Your Travel Planner
Contact us at mcrayton@mcraytonphoto.com
Book your trip to NYC and check out our amazing city, including the Disney store in Times Square and Broadway shows such as Aladdin and The Lion King.
Disney announced new services affecting how you plan your day at Disney World and Disneyland. The complimentary Fast Pass system of reserving a time on selected attractions has been discontinued. In its place, is a paid system.
For a nominal fee per day at Disney World and Disneyland, you can reserve your times on selected attractions. There are too many details to list here, so click the link to Disney's website and make sure you have your My Disney Experience app downloaded!!
Get ready to explore your creative side with this artsy festival: The Epcot International Festival of the Arts!
And in the middle of all this fun, Disney World will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. See below!
It’s 2022!
The 50th anniversary of the opening of Disney World continues!
That means that there is a celebration, Disney style! Titled “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” Disney has many aspects happening until approximately April 2023.
Each icon has special lighting, especially Cinderella Castle and Spaceship Earth. Mickey and Minnie have new outfits, search for the golden statues in each park, eat special treats and more.
We’ll be reporting via this blog and:
YouTube channel MC Photo & Travel
Facebook @nyctraveler
Instagram @nycmagictraveler
Twitter @nycmagictraveler
TikTok @mcphototravel.
See more here, on Disney Parks Blog.
Disneyland is Open!
Make sure you know all of the facts.
Jungle Cruise To Be Revamped
The movies is out. When was the last time you took a Jungle Cruise in the Magic Kingdom or in Disneyland (no, we are not talking about the ferries)? The line is always long and it is a popular attraction. If you have never ridden it, here is a synopsis: You are taking a jungle cruise to see the exotic animals. However, this attraction is famous for its captain, who narrates the cruise with a funny dialogue, complete with jokes so corny, they actually make you laugh. While some guests groan, others are delighted. The cool thing about this attraction is that it is appropriate for all guests and very popular with those who need accessibility.
Disney will revamp the attraction in both parks.
So long, Magical Express
The Magical Express ended in January 2022.
Disney has announced that the complimentary airport shuttle service, the Magical Express to Disney World in Florida will ceased January 1, 2022.
Mears, the company that partnered with Disney, has announced they can continue to provide shuttle service from MCO to Disney resorts, for a fee.
If you choose to rent a car and if you are staying at a Disney resort, please remember that it might cost $15-$25 per day to park your car. If you do not have a car on property, please let them know.
The Brightline new train service from the Orlando airport (MCO) with Disney Springs is still in the plans. Construction is underway.
The complimentary transportation throughout the resort (buses, monorails, trams, and ferries) will continue. If you choose to drive and pay to park at a park, save your parking ticket. It will be good at other parks for that day. You can also take Disney transportation from one park to another. Just ask the parking attendants how long the parking lot stays open after the park closes.
Magic Hours Renamed
The magic hours are now early theme park entry. If you are staying on the resort, you can enter up to 30 minutes earlier than the posted opening hour. This helps when you want to queue up for popular attractions that can have long lines.
Park Reservations
See below for more information
You have to make a park reservation for the first park. After 2PM, you can go to the second park without a reservation. But, you have to swipe into the first park! You can return to the first park, also.
Having dining reservations does not guarantee entry into any park.
Make a park reservation first, then check the dining availability.
Missing Disney and Universal's famous parades?
View them on our YouTube Channel
CLARIFICATION ABOUT RESERVING TIME IN DISNEY PARKS
We spoke to a rep. If you are not staying on property or a select hotel, you can reserve time in the parks 3 consecutive days at a time. After you have used one of your days, the window will open up again for you to reserve one more day again. If you have used only one, then only one will be available, and so on.
If you are staying on property, you can reserve as many days as you are booked for lodging. Also, regardless of where you are staying, you have to make a reservation. You are not guaranteed entry just because you are staying on property.
Hollywood Studios Rise of the Resistance:
You must have a park reservation first but Rise of the Resistance is now a standby queue attraction!
Epcot Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
You must have a park reservation to Epcot. The ride is now standby.
Epcot is announcing that the Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired roller coaster will be a one-of-a-kind experience for Disney fans. Check here for the opening.
MAGICBAND UPDATE!!
Starting January 1, 2021, Disney no longer distributed complimentary MagicBands to resort guests. Instead, there will be enhanced features in the My Disney Experience App. You can buy one, though and the old ones will work (most likely for a while). The old original "square-ish" bands might not work. They are obsolete.
Annual Pass Update
Renew your annual pass. Disney is allowing renewals again.
Live Stage Shows at Disney World
Many performances at Disney World are still on hiatus but many have returned. The list changes, so check the My Disney Experience app for the latest and the greatest!
Check the website and the My Disney Experience App for the latest information on the day you are at the park
Disney Now Owns the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot
The Morocco Pavilion in Epcot is officially under the ownership of Walt Disney World Resort, according to several sources. The good news is that the Moroccan Tourism Board and the Moroccan Embassy will remain as consultants, which will keep the authenticity of the cultural representation of the area. Stay tuned and Happy Travels.
Disney amends its advisory statement to movies that contain offensive and culturally insensitive content that air on Disney Plus
Disney recently changed the language for its advisory before some productions such as Dumbo, Lady and the Tramp and The Aristocats. Rather than removing the segments, the company has decided to open dialogue and use it as a teaching material. As with many companies, organizations, schools, universities and other institutions, Disney is utilizing a third-party advisory council in their efforts.
We hope that parents and educators will pause the movies and explain to our young ones why a certain part of a film is not favorable towards groups in our societies such as persons of color, people from other countries, women and persons who express sexual orientation freedom.
Disney to re-theme Splash Mountain
In June, 2020, Disney announced that Splash Mountain would be re-themed from Bre'r Rabbit (based on the Disney movie "Song of the South") to "The Princess and the Frog."
Theme Parks in California
Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the resorts are all open. You have to make park reservations and there is a new program for annual passes: the Magic Key Resort Program.
Universal Studios Hollywood is open. Please check the website before visiting.
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Happy Travels to All!!
Marcia Crayton Photo includes fine art, landscape, stock and travel images.
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This article is my personal opinion based on my personal travel. I currently do not receive any compensation from the travel industry. I am an Amazon Associate.
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