disney travel friends

Stories and tips to get the most of your Disney Rewards

The ultimate disney vacation list for friends.

September 7, 2022

There’s nothing like a group vacation to cement your status as “best friends forever.” Traveling together gives you memories to share for a lifetime, from seeing incredible landmarks to turning little moments into inside jokes. Disney has many amazing ways to get away with your crew, from the theme parks to the seas and even across continents. We’ve gathered some of our favorite friends travel experiences here, so you can get inspired to plan your ultimate BFF adventure. Remember, when you book a qualifying vacation package using your Disney® Visa® Credit Card, you can also receive special vacation financing to help make your dream escape come true. 1

Live “la dolce vita” with Adventures by Disney ®

Book a Private Adventure to Italy with Adventures by Disney ® and hit up must-see destinations from Rome to Florence and Venice—with a group of just your best friends on the dates of your choice. This eight-day jaunt puts you and your besties in the hands of a different local expert in all three cities and offers an in-depth look at the unique traditions of each. Visit the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, take a private tour of Florence’s famous Uffizi Gallery, experience Venice’s Doges Palace like a local and more. As part of the package, you’ll enjoy nine meals with your group—as well as activities such as a hands-on pasta-making and wine tasting class in Tuscany—making this an easy-to-plan immersion into the best of Italian culture.

Venture to the Last Frontier with Disney Cruise Line

Fascinated by Alaska’s frontier spirit and culture? Experience it among your friends with the magic of Disney on a seven-night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver with Disney Cruise Line . Picture your crew floating by majestic fjords, waterfalls and glaciers, keeping your eyes peeled for bear, elk and humpback whale sightings. You’ll explore Alaska’s backcountry with a sojourn in Ketchikan and spend a thrilling day at sea before docking back into the bustling city life of Vancouver. All that adventure travel will require some serious RNR, so don’t miss out on this rejuvenating Cardmember perk: save 20% on select onboard spa treatments on select port days when you use your Disney Visa Card. 2

Take on the Big Apple with Disney on Broadway

New York City offers endless bonding opportunities, and no doubt one of the most thrilling is to catch a Broadway show! See a Disney on Broadway production—like THE LION KING or ALADDIN —and use your Disney Visa Card to book the Cardmember-exclusive VIP package . The Cardmember VIP package includes premium tickets, a non-alcoholic beverage in a keepsake cup and a commemorative print to mark the special occasion. 3 After the curtain call, head to the flagship Disney store in Times Square (where Cardmembers save 10% on select purchases made with the Disney Visa Card) to pick up souvenirs or gifts for the group. 4 Matching Mickey Mouse ears, anyone?

Explore ancient Incan ruins with Adventures by Disney ®

If you’re going to visit one of the world’s seven wonders, you’re going to want an authentic experience. And that’s exactly what you and your BFFs will find on a Land or Private Excursion to Peru to explore Machu Picchu with Adventures by Disney ®.* Wander the ruins of an ancient Incan civilization, see Machu Picchu in all its glory and get a firsthand look at the region’s vibrant art. It’s an itinerary stacked with unforgettable moments—including a traditional Andean feast, a ride down the roaring rapids of the Urubamba River and a visit to Pisac Market for local crafts, jewelry and Alpaca sweaters. This is truly an ultimate friend adventure.

Sip and relax at the EPCOT ® International Food & Wine Festival

The annual EPCOT ® International Food & Wine Festival has been a fan favorite for decades, as it takes you on a delicious tasting tour across six continents with its global marketplaces, live music and special events. It’s an awesome way to experience Walt Disney World ® Resort—and it’s even better when you’re surrounded by your best friends. Imagine eating your way around the world as you fill up your festival passports. Indulge in Raclette Swiss cheese from the Alps, sample Australian wine, dig into spicy Indian chicken tikka masala and more. As you savor all the festival has to offer, you can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars along the way toward snacks and souvenirs to remember the vacation. 5

Find a slice of paradise at Aulani® Resort

A friend vacation in Hawai’i? Yes, please. Up the ante with a stay at Aulani , A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i. Feel the spirit of aloha as you relax by the pool or on a white sandy beach, or opt for more active experiences with a kayak lesson, a zipline tour or a group surfing lesson—just a few of the many activities you can enjoy. Book them at the Holoholo Tours & Travel Desk .

And don’t leave without a visit to Laniwai Spa for an island-inspired treatment! Plus, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the Cardmember savings of 10% on snorkeling in Rainbow Reef . 6 It’s Disney’s private lagoon, teeming with colorful marine life such as angelfish, butterflyfish and surgeonfish, the ideal snorkeling setting whether you’re a beginner or a pro.

We hope this has inspired you to envision all the ways you can travel with friends in Disney style. When you’re ready to get planning, keep in mind that Disney® Premier Visa® Cardmembers can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars toward airline travel . 7 All that’s left to say is: Bon voyage, besties!

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How the Family and Friends List Works in My Disney Experience

By: Author Jennie Smith

Posted on Published: May 11, 2022  - Last updated: November 20, 2023

One element you need to learn about prior to visiting Walt Disney World is the Family and Friends list .

This list is extremely important, because you will use your Family and Friends list when it comes to the most important planning for your trip , including, but not limited to:

• Booking dining reservations
• Making theme park reservations
• Purchasing Individual Lighting Lane Selections
• Buying Disney Genie+
• Joining virtual queues, like for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Essentially, your Family and Friends list connects who you’re traveling with all in one location and allows you to manage tickets, reservations, and all plans.

Since many people visit Disney World travel in groups, the Family and Friends list helps make it much more convenient to have one person handle all of the reservations.

Disney makes it easy to do just that by allowing you to link people together in My Disney Experience (via the app and online) through the Family and Friends list.

The Friends and Family list means at any time, one person can jump into My Disney Experience to schedule, book, edit, and cancel reservations for everybody in the group at once.

It is a huge time saver!

You can also control the permissions the people in your Family and Friends list have over your account:

Here is the information those in your Family and Friends list can see, if you choose to share your list with your connected guests.

And, one fantastic perk of having a Family and Friends list is that if you indicate that you want to let the other people in your group see your PhotoPass photos, you can all share 1 Memory Maker.

• Read about if PhotoPass and Memory Maker are worth it

Note: the person that purchases the Memory Maker will have to do all the photo downloading after the trip, but everybody’s photos in the linked group will appear.

Even though you are linked together as Family and Friends, it does not mean everybody has to be doing the same thing at the same time.

As you add Genie+ and dining reservations, you’ll be able to select exactly who will be doing what when. That makes it easy to group people by interests if you want to.

Don’t wait until the morning you need to make reservations before you create your list. The people you are adding to your list will need time to get the invitation and accept it before you’ll be able to see their plans.

But, once that is done, you’ll be able to make Genie+ and Advanced Dining Reservations a lot easier than if each person was trying to match up their plans to yours.

How to Add Family and Friends to Your List

You can add people to your Family and Friends list online in My Disney Experience on the Walt Disney World website or in the My Disney Experience app on your mobile device.

Keep in mind that anyone under the age of 13 cannot manage their own plans.

Important: you must have your own Disney account before being able to create this list. Same goes for your family and friends. You can create a Disney account on the Walt Disney World website .

Family and Friends List via the Disney World Website

Sign into your disney account.

Click on “My Family & Friends”

Scroll until you see “+Add a Guest”

There are several ways to add a guest

If your guest doesn’t already have a My Disney Experience Account, follow the prompt to either manage the profile (best for children or those who prefer not to use the website or app) or by inviting the guest to create an account.

You can add Family and Friends who already have a My Disney Experience Account via the website in three ways.

First, if they have agreed to allow their name to be searchable, you can use the search tool to invite them to connect.

Additionally, if they have granted permission to be searchable, they may show up in the “Guests You May Know” section. If so, you can click the “Send Invite” button next to their name and image.

Lastly, you can connect with a Guest through the confirmation number on a hotel reservation.

Or by entering other information about your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel reservation.

Once you’ve added your desired guest(s), they will receive an invitation in their email, which they must accept in order to be added to your Family and Friends list.

Family and Friends List via My Disney Experience app

Open the my disney experience app and select the 3 lines in the bottom right-hand corner the screen.

Scroll down and click “My Profile”

You’ll want to change tabs at the top of the screen by selecting “Family & Friends List” and click “+Add a Guest”

Similar to adding guests via My Disney Experience online, you can add guests several different ways

You can add someone by finding them through your other connected guests.

Or you can enter their name and age.

Scanning a linking code

You can also scan someone’s personal linking code, which is very simple and the easiest method of adding someone to your Family and Friends list.

The guest you are adding must open their linking code, which you will then scan after clicking “Scan Linking Code.”

To find a linking code to scan, open the My Disney Experience app, go to your profile and scroll to the bottom until you see “Show My Linking Code.”

Click “Show My Linking Code”.

The code will appear and can be scanned. There is also a “Manual Code” that can be entered.

Remember, depending on how you’ve added your desired guest(s), they will receive an invitation in their email. They then must accept your invite in order to be added to your Family and Friends list.

*****************

Do you have any other questions about the Family and Friends list? Ask away in the comments!

Friday 3rd of May 2024

We are checking into AllStar in 5 days. My daughter will stay at AoA with a friend. Her name is on their reservation. I have my daughter's park ticket linked to my Disney experience app. For early entry to the theme parks how will the theme parks know that she is staying at a Disney resort?

Sarah Boehm

Sunday 10th of September 2023

My husband has his own account. I have me and my granddaughter. I added him to my friends and family list. On my app under plans I see all three of us for park tickets, Park reservations and dinner reservations. Under his app he only sees 2 for all thsy except 3 on dinner. If I’m going to do all the reservations for genie plus and dining etc. does he need to add my granddaughter to his friends and family or should we be ok with it all under me? Thank you for any help.

Friday 31st of March 2023

We are traveling with my mom's friends who are staying in a separate room, and we are not going to be paying for anything for them. So does linking everyone in the MDE app and me being the planner mean that my card will be charged for things like individual lightning lanes and dining reservations for those friends as well as my mom and I? Or does it just let me make the plans and they still pay their own way? I can't seem to find this answer on Disney sight either :D

Shannon Albert

When you buy G+ and Individual Lightning Lane Selections, it'll ask you for payment info at that time so you can use whatever method you want.

Sunday 8th of January 2023

Warning! Even if you select to only share “shared plans only,” your family and friends list will still see your other private plans and photos. Disney is aware of this issue, but it has done nothing to remedy it. Be careful if you want your privacy!

Friday 2nd of December 2022

Can anyone in the “family & friends” list make changes (dining reservations, park reservations, hotel reservations, etc)? If one person is the “managed by me”, will the others they manage be able to make changes to any reservations?

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Connecting with Friends and Family

When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, often the traveling party is immediate family. Parents and children are likely to share the same My Disney Experience Account and all of the plans will be made together. But what if you are traveling with friends and extended family? Can you all maintain your own accounts while still connecting with friends and family to make reservations? The answer is yes, you can.

In order to easily make plans with friends and family, you will need to connect through My Disney Experience. For those familiar with social media, this is similar to sending a “friend request” on Facebook.

Connecting with Friends and Family in the app

You can connect with Friends and Family through the My Friends & Family option (under the My Account section) on the My Disney Experience menu on the right side of the screen.

In addition, you may be prompted to add your Friends & Family when you create your account.

No matter which way you add Friends & Family, you will come to the screen to add your friend’s information.

From this screen you will need some information. You will need the name of the person with whom you are connecting. You will also need to include age. Fear not, though, adults need only to select 18+ so you don’t need to know the exact age of anyone over the age of 18.

Next you need to select whether you want to manage all plans for the Guest, or if you want to send an invitation to connect. If you do not what to have a friend permanently connected to your account, you will want to send an email to connect.

To better understand this, let’s use an example. Parents will likely manage all plans for children, especially younger children. But if you are meeting your adult brother and his family for a trip to Walt Disney World, you will probably want each family to maintain their own plans, but you will connect via an email.

Once your friend or family member has been requested, they will receive an email. The emails contains a link that needs to be clicked to “Accept” or “Decline” the request.

Once you have connected via this method, you will be able to see your Friends and Family members. You can make plans with them including dining reservations. Connecting with Friends and Family allows you to make plans together while still maintaining your own accounts.

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Pre-Arrival Checklist - Frequently Asked Questions

Planning together is a whole lot easier when you're connected. Make dining reservations and FastPass+ selections that other Guests can view in their plans. Having everyone in your family in your list means their names can quickly be added to reservations, FastPass+ selections and other plans—a big time saver.

If you're the one making plans for your family or travel party, be sure everyone is in Family & Friends. Then you'll be able to quickly add anyone in your list to reservations and activities, and view and manage the plans for your entire party.

Create a Family & Friends list in order to make and share plans together!

Add More to Your Family & Friends List Simply go to Family & Friends in your Profile and choose "Add a New Guest." You'll see 3 options for adding New Friends:

• If you already have a Family & Friends list started, you can select from a list of people your friends are connected to.
• If your friend has a Disney Resort hotel reservation, you can quickly connect to everyone on the reservation.
• If you're creating a new Family & Friends list, or want to add your children or others who don't have Disney accounts, simply enter a name.

View and print step-by-step instructions for adding Family & Friends

Verify Your Party Size and Mix Before you travel, be sure to have the correct Guests listed on all reservations, as each Guest will have different information associated with their vacation—such as park admission, FastPass+ selections and MagicBands. If you need to update any information, please contact Member Services.

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Traveling to Disney World with Friends or Extended Family: Good Idea or Bad Idea?

You’re planning a super fun Walt Disney World vacation! Your sister-in-law hears this and thinks a Disney vacation sounds super fun too.

And she wants her family to travel with you. Yayyyyy!!!

If you have enough conversations about your Disney World trips, inevitably your in-laws, or sister, or your college roommate, or your next door neighbor will come up with the brilliant idea that if you’re both going to have amazing Disney vacations, then wouldn’t it be great to have those vacations together.

Is that a good idea or a bad idea? As with most things Disney, the answer is, “It depends.” Traveling with friends or extended family could be a wonderful experience for all involved, or it could be a way to beat a perfectly nice relationship to death with a grotesquely oversized turkey leg. It’s important to look closely at what traveling with others really means and do an honest assessment of whether it makes sense for you.

Here are some things to think about:

• Can the people you’re traveling with follow rules? During the Coronavirus pandemic, there are lots of rules. Wear your mask, keep social distance, sanitize often. If you know that your prospective travel companions are rule flaunters in general, then now is not the time to travel with them.
• Do you actually like these people? All of them? Sure you love your sister like, well, a sister, but what about her overbearing husband or her bratty daughter? While you may be able to cope with these folks at a two-hour birthday party, will you actually remain sane if you have to listen to bro-in-law complain about his boss for five straight days of your precious vacation time. If you can’t honestly say that you enjoy spending time with every single person in the other family, then reconsider making the trip.
• Do your kids actually like each other? Up until age seven or eight you can usually throw youngsters together and they’ll find a way to make it work. But once the kiddos get their own interests, all bets are off. Does a cheerleader cousin make your goth daughter’s skin crawl? Will throwing your children together with polar opposites ruin their vacation (and thus yours)?
• Do you have a similar financial situation? This may be difficult to assess, because most folks in the US would rather sleep on hot coals than have an honest discussion about money. Despite the discomfort, you’ve got to have the money talk before embarking on a vacation with someone. Do your friends think a vacation only a vacation if you’re staying in a five-star resort, while you’re clipping coupons to splurge on a moderate hotel? Do you want to eat table service for every meal, while your friends want to save their pennies by making oatmeal in the room for breakfast and bringing granola bars for snacks in the parks? Obviously, neither approach is right or wrong, but if you’re not on the same page then resentment is bound to happen. The “haves” will feel like they’re being held back. The “have nots” will feel over-extended or guilty. If your spending ability and philosophies are not in sync, save your socializing for your home turf.
• Are your bravery levels compatible? There are plenty of situations at the Disney parks which challenge the senses. Will you react to them in the same way as your companions? If they want to do Expedition Everest six times in a row, while you get dizzy during the rotations at Carousel of Progress, then resentment is likely to accumulate while one group cools their heels waiting for the other.
• Do you have similar attitudes about time? Are you always early for reservations while your bestie is often later than fashionably late? Are you ready for rope drop and pooped by 8:00 pm, while your in-laws like to sleep until noon? It’s difficult to have a great time with someone if you’re never awake at the same time or if you don’t have the same attitude about promptness.
• Do you discipline the same way? In some families, the rules are the rules, no matter where you are. In other families, vacations are where rules are made to be broken. If one set of kids in having ice cream for breakfast, while the other gets no dessert unless they finish their green beans, tensions will arise.
• Do you have similar opinions about COVID risk management? Alas, COVID is still a risk with any Disney World vacation. If you still believe in testing at the first sign of trouble, do they feel the same way? What will happen if someone gets sick? Make sure that people you might spend time with have the same protection philosophy that you do.

Even if you’re truly BFFs at home, it’s important to think about the ways in which travel will put different stresses on the relationship. Daytime and nighttime routines can be very different. Unknown stimuli (such as overstimulation in a theme park) can cause perfectly balanced relationships to skew. Do you really want to mess with a great relationship now? Or ever?

Now before you start thinking that there is NEVER a situation where you’ll be comfortable traveling with another family, there are also some pros to group vacations that may outweigh any cons:

• Date night is easy. Assuming that the other family is willing, you can trade evenings out with your spouse. You watch their kids while they watch yours. Enjoy big savings on sitting fees and feel safety in leaving your kids with a known supervisor.
• Shared experiences can build bonds. If your son and his cousin simultaneously chicken out when attempting Space Mountain for the first time, that’s a story they’ll laugh about later for years to come.
• There may be some economy-of-scale savings. This is particularly true if you decide to stay in off-site accommodations. Splitting the cost of an Orlando-area rental home may allow you substantially upgraded amenities for the same prices as staying on-site with a smaller party.

If you do decide to take the plunge, here are some guidelines you may want to set before you travel:

• Everyone pays for their own food. Tell your server at the beginning of each meal that you want separate checks. This eliminates hard feelings when the sirloin and martini eater wants to go halfsies on a meal with a teetotaler vegetarian, for the third time this week.
• Plan some time apart. Just because you’re vacationing together, that doesn’t mean you have to spend every waking minute together. If you plan to have some activities separately, that will give you more to talk about when you meet up again.
• Distribute tasks. Get everyone involved in the trip planning. This gives everyone ownership in making the vacation a success. This also ensures that no one person is overwhelmed with tasks like making dining reservations or planning itineraries.
• Write out a list of expectations. Items covered may include things such as expected bedtimes, souvenir budgets, or disciplinary tactics for typical misbehavior situations. Share the list with children. The more everyone understands what the common goals are, the fewer opportunities there will be for hurt feelings and misunderstandings.

Over the years, I personally have traveled to Walt Disney World with neighbors, my parents, my sister-in-law and her family, adult friends, unrelated young adult babysitters, and even a group of twelve teenage girls . There have been great successes (priceless photos of the extended clan) and some frustrating challenges. Meeting at 8:00 does actually mean meeting at 8:00, why don’t some people understand that? 🙂

What have your experiences been? Have you enjoyed your journeys to the World with others, or are you going nuclear-family-only from now on because of a negative situation? Give us your tips in the comments below.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

8 thoughts on “ Traveling to Disney World with Friends or Extended Family: Good Idea or Bad Idea? ”

We took friends to the 4 WDW parks and the 2 Universal parks in 2015. We joked (serious) that we are rope dropping planners and they could always take the next bus if they did not make the one we took. After them asking me multiple times, “when are we doing X ?”, because they knew I had it in our plan, I finally wrote out our plans on the hotel mirror with a dry erase marker, including meal, bus, & park opening times. They loved it and were proud that they didn’t miss a bus once and got to ride everything planned with minimal waits (thanks to Touring Plans) … Although a ‘bonus’ kid asked- who had their magic band at the Epcot gate- so I had to take him back to the hotel…. (heavy sigh)

@Erin. The people that have a hard time not “taking over” the vacation got to feel like everything important was already argued over, so they didn’t have to be as in control in the park. The people that are perpetually upset that other people “take over” the trip got to make sure there were safe guards against it. My wife and I were the enforcers, which was as relatively close to neutral arbiters as we could get.

We also have a firm no shaming, no changing policy, so we arrange to all do the spreadsheets together. That way no one can be harangued into changing an unpopular opinion. There was a little eye rolling the first time I insisted on this, but once EVERY SINGLE PERSON said, “This is what we ALL agreed to” at least once to quell complaints/whining/mutiny on the actual trip it has become a beloved staple of our vacation planning.

I went on an excellent trip with a friend in our early twenties, and a few years later, we attempted a second trip, now with her husband along as well.

In the intervening years, our budgets, priorities and travel styles had RADICALLY diverged, and there was a lot more tension. After a tetchy first day, we hashed it out and everyone readjusted their expectations, but it could have been much worse.

Because I grew up in New Jersey, we nearly always went in November, and several times coordinated with other families to fantastic results, and a lot of fun for my siblings and I. If you feel like it’s something you can pull off, blending families on a trip can be the best.

@Jennifer We love nerdy planners! I’m also impressed that everyone in your party went along with the planning in this way.

As super nerdy as it sounds, I write every attraction, show, diversion in each park on a spreadsheet, and give it to everyone to vote. Depending on how many top tier attractions there are they are given x amount of 6 point votes, which means they are the most important things in the park for them. They are then given an unlimited amount of 3 point votes (Yes, I would like to do this, but wont be crushed if we dont get to it), 1 point votes (I will do this if other people want to do it), or 0 (Absolutely will not do, typically due to fear of heights or motion sickness). Everyone also gets a single 15 point vote per vacation, which means that there is no way (unless a breakdown or closure) that we wont make time for it.

This helps us make sure everyone is heard, and so that no one gets left out, or is able to hijack the vacation. It also helps us plan when to split up, especially for our motion sick crowd. Lastly, it can help target where to spend your money: We had one person in a party of 11 that adores Magic Kingdom fireworks and it was her 15 pointer. I also had several people that would rather lie down under a row of strollers than stay for the fireworks. We compromised by having a dinner at the Contemporary with fireworks viewing, which was a splurge, but our completionists loved doing it, and our friend got to see the fireworks in a new way.

We print out the sheets in advance and go over them with everyone before we plan our park days. Sometimes the things people care about can really be surprising: GreatGrandma cared most about Expedition Everest, Grandma cared most about replicating a picture at Gastons Tavern, and our highest voted non-mountain ride in the Magic Kingdom was Carousel of Progress. It’s the only way to travel!

This is key: Plan some time apart.

We do this with friends and family. Plan a few key events, meals, or activities, and let people make up their own schedule. My son wakes up at 6. We are in the parks at rope drop. The rest of the family shows up at 11am. We’ve already experienced a lot of attractions with minimal wait before they show up!

When people complain to me about the long lines and expense of visiting WDW, I tell them they should come with me because we experience no such things (except for pre-pandemic Flight of Passage). Of course, I’m a liner and use an optimized touring plan. We also stay offsite and bring food and drinks into parks to save money. We are also rope droppers.

I have invited other family members to join us, but when I explain how we do Disney, they give me the brush off. They don’t want to RD or follow a set plan or they want to stay onsite and eat all meals in parks (which is where they run up the cost).

So us not touring with extended family hasn’t been for lack of trying. Extended family just hasn’t been interested in following an itinerary that maximizes the number of attractions we experience.

We traveled about 6 yrs ago with friends who are like family from Mexico. There were 7 of us all together. We did as you suggested and did some time away, or broke into groups. We linked our MyDisney Esperience so we could plan fastpasses etc. We compromised on meals – some in room, some great table service. It was a wonderful trip and we are ready to do it again- maybe next year.

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DVC Members Friends & Family Save 40% Off Deluxe Villas at Disney World

Walt Disney World has released a new-to-me discount offering DVC Members and their Friends & Family up to 40% off room-only rates on select resorts for stays between now and December 2024. This shares booking & travel dates for these special offers, plus commentary about the special offer.

This is one of many deals that Walt Disney World has released for 2024 vacations, with special offers for Annual Passholders, Floridians, and Disney Visa cardholders. For every other special offer that’s currently available, see All Current Walt Disney World Discounts for 2024 .

The   big discount right now is a ‘second wave’ of 2024 Free Dining at Walt Disney World as well as  Stay Longer & Save Up to 30% Off Walt Disney World Resorts in Summer & Fall 2024 . In addition to this, there’s the 4-Park Magic Discount Walt Disney World Ticket , which was a huge hit last year and–in our opinion–makes the room-only discounts much more attractive than Free Dining, which requires the purchase of Park Hopper tickets. Remember, there’s no such thing as a free lunch!

There are promos available for pretty much all dates between now and late Summer or December 2024, with even more targeted special offers available for select guests all the way through December 2025 if you count the newly-released bounceback discount .

Although some deals are now available through this December ( …and next December ), the full slate of special offers has not yet been released for late 2024. More room-only discounts (and perhaps other types of special offers–but definitely room-only rates) for travel dates beyond October 2024 will be released down the road. If past precedent is any indication, those are probably coming in mid to late June 2024.

With regard to the DVC Member Friends & Family Special, here’s the official announcement from Disney:

Be welcomed home to the incredible magic of a Walt Disney World vacation with this limited-time special offer. Starting April 30, 2024 you can book select villas, including ones at Disney’s Old Key West Resort or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa—and save up to 40%!

You can book up to 3 additional rooms at this special rate so that friends and family members can join you when you visit. Enjoy new thrills in the parks and classic attractions. Plus, relax in Member Lounges—including the Member Lounge at EPCOT.

This special offer is for cash rentals only and is valid for stays most nights May 16 through October 3, 2024, and December 9 through December 21, 2024.

You can book this offer by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Members can book for themselves and up to 3 rooms for their friends and family members. (Members must book on behalf of their friends and family.)

Current Disney Vacation Club Membership in good standing must be validated prior to booking. Discounted cash reservations are based upon availability.

Interested in other travel dates or a different Walt Disney World Resort? Ask Member Services about special Member Friends and Family rates that may be available.

Other Important Details:

• This cash rental offer is not valid for bookings with Vacation Points.
• Valid current Disney Vacation Club Members must book on behalf of their family and friends.
• Valid only on villas, excluding 3-Bedroom Grand Villas and 3-Bedroom Treehouse Villas.
• Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room for stays from May 16 through October 3, 2024, and December 9 through December 21, 2024.
• Travel for stays from May 16 through October 3, 2024, must be completed by October 4, 2024. Travel for stays from December 9 through December 21, 2024, must be completed by December 22, 2024.
• Length of stay requirements apply, and cancellation of any nights of a stay will affect discount validity.
• Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required.
• Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
• Excludes applicable fees and taxes.
• Occupancy restrictions apply per room.
• Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers.
• Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
• Select activities require additional fees.

If you’re a Disney Vacation Club member, you probably will  not need this, but check out our Rankings of ALL Resort Hotels at Walt Disney World from Worst to Best if you want help choosing where to stay. Fair warning: that’s written primarily for first-timers, and as a result, Old Key West and Saratoga Springs (along with other spread-out resorts) don’t perform particularly well.

For more on timing your trip to coincide with the lowest prices, see When’s Cheapest to Visit Walt Disney World in 2024? That covers price increases and other variables that impact the cost of a vacation beyond just room rates.

That post will probably be more useful–but if you’re familiar with DVC point charts and seasons, you probably have at least a rough idea of when is less and more expensive to travel. Cash rates largely track with point charts, with only a handful of exceptions.

Turning to commentary, there are a few things worth discussing here. The first is that this is  not  the same as the normal up to 25% off discount that Disney Vacation Club members can receive on cash rates. That has been sporadically available for as long as we can remember, and after disappearing post-closure, seems to have consistently returned again. (Honestly, I don’t know because we never use it–we can always do better with Annual Passholder or other targeted deals.)

There are a few differences that should be immediately apparent–this is up to 40% off versus 25% off, it’s also for DVC Member Friends & Family, and it’s available for multiple rooms. Those are some big differences, especially if availability is good and Disney Vacation Club Members can book friends and family without being part of the travel party.

Rather than being like the routine DVC Member room-only cash rate, this is much more like the Cast Member Friends & Family discounts, which sound very similar to this. It really comes down to availability and the resort-by-resort savings. Our guess is that Saratoga Springs and Old Key West will offer the biggest discounts, as that’s how this has worked in the past.

Expect inventory to be fairly limited for certain travel dates and resorts, as that’s always the case with cash rates at Deluxe Villas–especially via discounts. The cash rates do not pull from the same bucket of reservations as DVC points. It’s important to understand this so you don’t get frustrated as a DVC member seeing no availability with stays on points…and vice-versa.

The cash rate bucket is far smaller, as Walt Disney World retains only a small percentage of the room inventory (or reacquires it–but that’s a bit too inside baseball for this). That’s why it’s exceedingly difficult to book the higher-demand and lower-supply room types, as Walt Disney World may only have access to a couple of those room types.

Conversely, it can be easier to book higher-supply and lower-demand room types, especially ones that are particularly pricey via cash rates. It’s also not as challenging to book brand-new Disney Vacation Club resorts, as not as much of the inventory has been declared–meaning that there’s more in the cash rates bucket and less in the DVC points bucket. (Inventory is moved from bucket to bucket ahead of the points being sold.)

Members also may not bat an eye at dropping 10-15 points per night for some of the ‘value’ rooms, like the Riviera Tower Studios or the cheapest options at BoardWalk, Old Key West, Saratoga, etc. But those same rooms via full-price cash rates can be $600 per night. (We like the Riviera Tower Studio well enough and will book it when trying to conserve points, but there’s no way on earth I’d pay $576 to $864 per night for it, which is its actual price range for 2024.)

To that point, the rack rates on a lot of Deluxe Villas are exorbitant and can be more expensive even at 40% off than renting DVC points. As always, we recommend reading  How to Save Money Renting Disney Vacation Club Points for the ins & outs, and pros & cons of that approach.

It might turn out that renting DVC points is the cheaper and better option for you than this or other room-only discounts. Or, this might offer superior savings, greater flexibility, peace of mind, etc. Like Walt Disney World discounts generally, there’s no across the board or one-size-fits-all answer, so price things out and weigh the upsides and downsides for your specific circumstances.

Ultimately, what I think is most interesting about this DVC Member Friends & Family special offer is that it’s happening at all. As we’ve noted, Walt Disney World has been pulling more and more from the “2019 discount playbook” in an effort to entice guests to book vacations and lure back fans who have grown disenchanted or have sticker shock from price increases. (As we’ve also pointed out repeatedly, Walt Disney World on-site vacations are often less expensive now than in 2022 due to greater discounting.)

This DVC Member Friends & Family special offer is not from the aforementioned 2019 discount playbook, though. I cannot say definitively that it’s entirely new (as there’s not great info about targeted DVC deals from 10+ years ago), but it’s new-to-me…as far as I can recall.

Even if you aren’t eligible for this particular special offer–or don’t end up booking because there’s nothing that works for you–this bodes well. It shows that Walt Disney World is trying new things with special offers, and we could see some unique and unprecedented savings in the months to come. Especially in 2025 if Epic Universe actually does cut into Walt Disney World’s on-site occupancy.

As for this DVC Member Friends & Family special offer, plan on being flexible with your hotel choice, room category, and even travel dates for the biggest savings. That’s doubly true here given the aforementioned inventory issues for Deluxe Villas on the cash reservations side of the ledger.

Walt Disney World offering more special offers to the general public is great news, and definitively demonstrates that travel trends are normalizing now after running hot for way too long. During that period of pent-up demand, Walt Disney World was able to ‘get away’ with pretty much anything and still see record guest spending and insatiable demand. Consumers now appear to once again have more leverage, and companies need to entice them to visit.

This should be an interesting saga to follow, and it’s almost certain that we haven’t seen the end of Walt Disney World’s efforts to woo back former fans and pull “levers” to incentivize more demand and guest spending. If bookings remain soft, it’ll be interesting to see what type of more unique promotions (beyond room discounts) are released for October through December 2024…it sure feels like things are trending in the right direction for even more aggressive offers! We will be closely monitoring what’s released and will notify subscribers of our free email newsletter when any Walt Disney World discounts are released or rumored!

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

YOUR THOUGHTS

What do you think of these Walt Disney World room-only discounts for DVC Member Friends & Family? If you book this, do you think you ended up with a good price or do you feel like you’re overpaying? What was available or unavailable for your dates? Is this deal enough to convince you to book a trip, or can you not justify these prices? If you call about this, please share the savings or prices you were quoted! Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Has anyone tried to actually use this discount beyond Saratoga and OKW? The way I read the email was that the discount is only valid for those villas.

Based on past history do you have any idea how long the 4 park magic ticket will be on sale?

Looked great in the email, but when I called to make a reservation, all the “select” resort studios, AKA Old Key West and Saratoga Springs were about $335/night plus the 12.5% tax. Nothing else was available with the stated discount for the first week of August. Our preference was Boulder Ridge, Copper Creek, or the Boardwalk… all were in excess of $550+/night.

I called to inquire about friends and family discount. I was told our room has to be points and the other rooms can be cash. Is this right? I banked my remaining points and thought this plan would be a good way to go but now can’t. I wonder if the agent didn’t have right since email doesn’t say that. Do you know? Thanks, Joan

That’s not right per the terms and conditions in the email or even on the website itself.

When I called yesterday, the first rep had no clue what I was talking about. I’ve seen reports of the same online. I was hoping to call today to get more clarifying details, but not sure I’ll have the time. Point being, it seems like they announced this without properly explaining it internally.

Just to clarify, the dvc owner has to book a room and then book for someone else? They can’t just book a room for their fam/friend if they aren’t going?

Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer to that yet. The terms and conditions suggest this is not the case–that the member can just call and book for friends & family without a trip of their own. I’d be sort of surprised if this ends up being the case–but that is how the Cast Member Friends & Family discount works.

Can you search availability and pricing online or do you just have to go back and forth with member services on the phone?

Unfortunately, all via the phone (for now?).

If I read this right, some guests can book a December Villa in cash with the discount ahead of DVC owners fwho haven’t hit the 7 month mark?

All of the cash DVC reservations come from a completely different pool of rooms then rooms DVC members make reservations from. Disney owns about 2% of each resort (sometimes more, especially in a resort like Riviera that hasn’t sold all of its points), and the cash bookings come out of the rooms Disney owns.

Am I understanding this correctly. Disney is discounting DVC inventory that is marked for cash rentals not DVC point rentals. I am looking to book at a non home resort 7 months out for early Dec and would expect availability to use points.

Is this for direct DVC owners only? Or Resale owners too?

Curious about this too, but am guessing it won’t be resale. Also wish this was a DLR offer, not just WDW.

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Goodbye Genie+? Big changes are coming to Disney World’s ride reservation system

• Disney Genie+ is going away at Walt Disney World, sort of.
• Starting July 24, Genie+ will be called Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and Individual Lightning Lanes will be called Lightning Lane Single Passes.
• Guests will be able to reserve rides and shows ahead of time instead of having to wait for park days.

Disney Genie+ is going away at Walt Disney World , sort of.

Starting July 24, Genie+ will be called Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and Individual Lightning Lanes will be called Lightning Lane Single Passes, but that’s not the biggest change. 

Beginning that same day, guests will be able to reserve rides and shows ahead of time instead of having to wait for park days, as part of changes first teased in May 2023 .

“Lightning Lane passes will blend features from our current services and the previously offered FastPass+ service, giving guests the choice to plan ahead and removing the hassle of planning during their vacation,”  the Florida resort announced Tuesday .

Here’s what guests should know.

How does Disney Lightning Lane work?

The Lightning Lane Multi Pass will include the same rides currently covered by Genie+ as well as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure , which opens on June 28. A la carte Lightning Lane Single Passes will be available for the most popular attractions at each park, like Individual Lightning Lanes .

However, starting July 24, guests will no longer have to wait for their park day to reserve experiences. 

• Guests staying at Disney World’s resort hotels can make selections up to seven days in advance, all at once, for up to 14 days of their stay. Other guests can make selections up to three days in advance.
• Guests can make up to three advance Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections for each day of their trip. Once they arrive at the park and complete their first experience, they can book additional experiences pending availability. Lightning Lane Single Passes remain limited to two per day, like Individual Lightning Lanes are currently.
• Guests will also be able to see prices and select attraction times before purchasing passes “​​so you know what you’re getting.” Currently, guests have to purchase Genie+ before they can see availability. Disney World’s app and website will be updated for easier planning and purchasing.

How much is the Lightning Lane at Disney World?

Disney Lightning Lane pricing varies by date and park. 

There will be no price increase related to these changes.

Halfway to the holidays: Disney announces the return of Jollywood Nights

Why is Genie+ changing?

Disney World said: “Guests have told us they would prefer to have the option to do more of their planning before their theme park day. So, this summer we will make changes to our Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane entry, including new ways to plan ahead.”

Will Disney Genie still be available?

The free Disney Genie planning tool will still be available for all guests to help plan their trips. The paid Genie+ service is the one changing.

Is Disneyland’s Genie+ changing?

Disneyland will also adopt the new names for Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes, but they will still operate the way they do currently.

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Plan Ahead with Lightning Lane Entry at Walt Disney World Starting July 24

Published: June 25, 2024

Contributed By

Senior Manager, Communications

The days leading up to a Walt Disney World vacation are always so exciting. For many, it’s a time when families and friends get the chance to reunite and talk about their must-dos while they’re here, including their favorite rides and experiences.      

We enjoy hearing from guests about all the things they love, as well as how we can make their experience even better the next time. At Walt Disney World, guests have told us they would prefer to have the option to do more of their planning before their theme park day.       

So, this summer we will make changes to our Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane entry, including new ways to plan ahead.

On July 24, Walt Disney World will introduce new, simpler names to provide more clarity for everyone. Disney Genie+ service will become  Lightning Lane Multi Pass , while individual Lightning Lane will now be known as  Lightning Lane Single Pass .   

We will also be updating Lightning Lane passes to help you:     

• Make Lightning Lane plans before you’re here, for added confidence.        
• Choose your experiences and times prior to purchasing, so you know what you’re getting.  
• Book Lightning Lane passes for multiple vacation days, all in a single day.  

Here’s how Lightning Lane passes will work beginning July 24.   

Lightning lane multi pass        .

When you purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you may make up to 3 Lightning Lane selections in a theme park, in advance of your visit. You’ll also be able to choose available times as you make your selections.  

On the day of your visit, once you use a selection, check the My Disney Experience app for availability to make an additional selection.  

Lightning Lane Single Pass      

Lightning Lane Single Pass will work much like it does today, where you can secure a time to ride one of our most highly demanded attractions, but you’ll now be able to make your purchase and plan in advance.       

How to Plan Ahead  

Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel and other select hotels will be able to plan Lightning Lane passes up to 7 days in advance, for their entire stay (up to 14 days). All other guests can plan up to 3 days in advance. 

These advance purchase windows will let guests secure some of their must-do rides and experiences after they’ve had some time to decide what dining reservations they want to book and any other plans they may need to consider.  

Guests may purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass, a Lightning Lane Single Pass or both. The app will also be updated to make it quicker and easier to purchase and plan, with fewer steps and a new option to purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lane Multi Pass in one transaction.       

Lightning Lane passes will blend features from our current services and the previously offered FastPass+ service, giving guests the choice to plan ahead and removing the hassle of planning during their vacation.  

To dive into even more details, visit our website for the latest information on how to purchase, select and use your Lightning Lane passes.   

Disneyland Resort will also use the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass names beginning July 24. Based on the different ways we know guests visit Disneyland Resort, the way guests purchase, select and redeem Lightning Lane passes at Disneyland Resort will remain the same.    

The complimentary features of Disney Genie service will continue to be available in the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps. As you may have noticed, both apps have also gotten a series of upgrades over the last year to make features easier to use, including making dining reservations, mobile food ordering, and more.     

We deeply value the trust families place in Disney to create lasting memories and that is why we are dedicated to making updates that improve and simplify their experience.   

• News / Resorts / Walt Disney World

4 Dog-Friendly Disney World Hotels for a Pawsitively Perfect Vacation

by Allison Fricker · June 26, 2024

We all love sharing the magic of Disney World with our nearest and dearest — but what happens when our nearest and dearest are furry, wet-nosed, and walk on four legs?

Pluto in Magic Kingdom

With three resort categories and over 20 individual resorts , Disney World offers accommodations to fit almost ANY travel need. Fortunately for pet owners, Disney’s trademark hospitality even extends to our favorite furry friends and family members!

Photo: Disney

That’s right — if you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, there’s no need to leave your fur babies behind! Four of Disney World’s incredible resorts offer dog-friendly accommodations to welcome your Disney-loving dog and give them a “pawsitively” perfect Disney resort stay!

Dog-Friendly Accommodations

With fan-favorite canine characters like Pluto, Goofy, Slinky Dog , Dug, and Lady and the Tramp , Disney’s love for dogs is pretty apparent.

As such, it comes as no surprise that Disney would welcome our four-legged friends with open arms. Dogs are currently allowed at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort , Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside , Disney’s Yacht Club Resort , and The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort .

Each of these four resorts offers designated dog-friendly rooms and outdoor areas. Dog-friendly rooms have easy access to the outdoors and designated Pet Relief Areas, so your furry friend can tend to their needs, get some exercise, and enjoy their magical home away from home.

Even better? Upon arrival, dog owners and their furry friends receive a warm welcome with Pluto’s Welcome Kit.

This complimentary, Pluto-themed kit typically includes a pet identification card, food mat, food and water bowls, and doggie bags. You’ll also receive information on your resort’s pet policies , a map of dog-friendly areas, and a “Do Not Disturb” door hanger. 

The Resorts

Want to know more about Disney World’s dog-friendly resorts? Let’s check them out!

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

With its larger-than-life Disney theming, incredible Big Blue Pool , and prime location on the Disney Skyliner , Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is a popular choice for many Disney fans. 

A Disney value resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort boasts reasonable prices and a range of accommodation types.

All room categories here offer dog-friendly rooms, so you’ll have your pick of the resort’s The Little Mermaid -inspired standard rooms and The Lion King , Cars , and Finding Nemo -inspired family suites.

This lively resort is a particularly good choice if you’re traveling with a big group of family and friends , or if your furry friend just needs a little extra space to stretch their legs.  

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Over at Disney’s Port Orleans — Riverside , you’ll find a fun-filled pool, delicious eats, and Southern charm in spades. 

Port Orleans Riverside Resort

This moderate-level resort is conveniently located near Disney Springs and even offers boat transportation to get you there. A quick ride down the Sassagoula River gives you easy access to all the dining, entertainment, and shopping Disney Springs has to offer!

Photo: portorleans.org

While your furry friend can’t enjoy a ride down the Sassagoula River, they can enjoy a scenic stroll along its shores. Disney’s Port Orleans — Riverside offers beautiful, sprawling grounds that are perfect for picturesque walks with your pup. 

Moreover, designated dog-friendly rooms can be found all over the resort, giving you the option to stay in the resort’s rustic Alligator Bayou section or the stately mansions of Magnolia Bend. 

Credit: Disney

Dogs are welcome on all walking trails around the resort – just be sure to pick up after your dog and keep them leashed at all times.

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Popular for its upscale vibe and elegant, New England-inspired architecture, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is the perfect destination for a puppy vacation. 

This beautiful deluxe resort boasts sophisticated accommodations, gorgeous water views, and easy access to fine dining like the Yachtsman Steakhouse .

Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club

Of course, the resort’s biggest draw is the ever-popular Stormalong Bay pool, which Disney’s Yacht Club shares with its sister resort, Disney’s Beach Club . This sprawling feature pool includes a zero-entry sand-bottom pool, a relaxing lazy river, and a thrilling 230-foot water slide.

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

At Disney’s Yacht Club, you’ll find dog-friendly rooms in several categories, including Garden View, Water View, and Water View Club Level.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

If you’re looking for dog-friendly accommodations that offer a bit more freedom for you and your pup, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds may be the perfect fit!

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

This peaceful and laid-back resort offers a charming rustic vibe, along with fun activities and delicious dining like the lively Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue dinner show. Seriously, this one’s not to be missed! 

At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds, dogs are welcome on campsites as well as in the new deluxe-level DVC cabins . These private, one-bedroom cabins offer a spacious floorplan with plenty of room for your pup to move and play!

Photo: Disney Vacation Club

At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, dogs do need to be leashed in all public areas. However, the resort offers a wealth of outdoor space for long walks, and is even home to the Waggin’ Tails Dog Park!

Of course, nothing’s free in Disney World! When you bring your pup along on your Disney vacation, you’ll incur a nightly upcharge to cover the cost of cleaning. This fee includes up to two dogs per room.

Currently, Disney’s pet fees are as follows:

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: $50 plus tax per night
• Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside Resort: $50 plus tax per night
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds: $50 plus tax per night
• Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds: $5 plus tax per night
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: $75 plus tax per night

More Important Information on Dog-Friendly Resorts

If you’re visiting Disney World with your furry best bud, you’ll have plenty of options for magical places to stay. But there are a few more things you’ll need to know for your pawsitively perfect pet-friendly vacation!

Important Disney Pet Policies

• Even at Disney’s dog-friendly resorts, dogs are not allowed in the pools, restaurants, or inside common recreational areas. Pups are also not allowed inside the Disney theme parks or on Disney transportation.  This does NOT apply to service animals.
• No more than two dogs are permitted inside any Disney hotel room.
• Dogs must be leashed or in a pet carrier when outside of your hotel room.
• Dogs should not be left alone inside a hotel room for more than 7 hours.
• All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations, and you must provide documentation of such upon request.
• Dogs are expected to be fully trained and well-behaved.
• You must hang your “Do Not Disturb” door hanger on your door upon check-in (you’ll receive this in your Pluto’s Welcome Kit). This is to alert Disney Cast Members that dogs are present inside the room.
• Housekeeping is NOT available when your dog is present inside the room. You can call Housekeeping directly to schedule a cleaning time.

You can find a full list of Disney’s pet policies HERE . 

Best Friends Pet Hotel

So what’s a Disney dog to do when you’re out exploring Disney’s Animal Kingdom , eating around the World Showcase in EPCOT , or meeting your favorite characters in Magic Kingdom ?

Enter the Best Friends Pet Hotel ! Located just across the street from the dog-friendly Port Orleans — Riverside resort, this pet-loving facility offers overnight and daytime boarding for your beloved pup, so they can join in all the vacation fun!

The Best Friends Pet Hotel boasts air-conditioned indoor play space, 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas, and even a 25,000-square-foot dog park!

For more information on services and rates, check out the Best Friends Pet Hotel website HERE .

Ready to Book a Dog-Friendly Disney Vacation?

If you’re ready to book a magical Disney vacation for the whole family — INCLUDING your four-legged bestie — MickeyTravels can help! Contact them for a FREE quote and they can plan your entire trip at no extra cost to you.

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Thanks for visiting http://MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on  your next Disney vacation , please fill out the form below, and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!

Tags: Disney Hotels Disney Pets Disney Resorts Dog-Friendly Dog-Friendly Resorts dogs pets WDW

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Government-Mandated Sale Hits Disney Parks, Forced To Offer Guests 50% Discount

in Disney Parks

One Disney resort has kicked off a massive, state-regulated sale at two theme parks.

When you read “Disney” and “prices” in the same sentence, it’s usually because said prices have, once again, soared . It’s no secret that a Disney vacation is more expensive than ever, with the price tags for everything from park tickets to merchandise to Mickey Premium Bars soaring in recent years.

Related: “Magic Kingdom” No Longer – Classic Disney World Park Facing Expiration After 53 Years

And they’re not done yet. In 2025, Disney park guests can expect even more price increases, with Walt Disney World Resort already selling park tickets for next year and hitching up the prices of some one-day, single-park tickets by $10 .

But it’s not all doom and gloom. While sales aren’t exactly a common occurrence at Disney’s theme parks, they do happen – usually when promotional merchandise has run its course and the parks need to shift stock fast. For example, plenty of Wish  (2023) merchandise went on sale not long after the film hit theaters , with some items slashed by 30%.

Related: Universal Studios Slashes Cost of Park Tickets in Generous New Deal

Disney World was also forced to offer some of its 50th Anniversary merchandise at a discounted rate in 2022, with its Monorail Station and Cinderella Castle sets struggling to sell out even with a hefty 40% discount .

Some guests looking for a Disney bargain are in luck this week, as one resort has introduced a sale across its theme parks, hotels, and shopping and dining district, Disney Village.

As per DLP Report , Disneyland Paris is offering up to 50% off select merch – including Mickey ears, Loungefly backpacks, plushies, Spirit Jerseys, and more.

🛍 Starting today and until July 9 (by law), the Summer Sale is in effect in the Resort’s shops with some deals up to 50% off:

🛍 Starting today and until July 9 (by law), the Summer Sale is in effect in the Resort’s shops with some deals up to 50% off: pic.twitter.com/XbKIwSWDvq — DLP Report (@DLPReport) June 26, 2024

This isn’t necessarily a voluntary move on Disney’s part. In France, retailers are only allowed to sell products at a loss during “les soldes.” These state-regulated sales are held twice per year: one in the summer and one in the winter. Any discounted items must be stocked separately from non-sale items, with the before-and-after prices clearly listed.

“Les soldes d’été” (AKA the summer sales) are scheduled this year for June 26 to July 23, 2024. Interestingly, Disneyland Paris has only listed this initial sale until July 9. However, Disneyland Paris support has allegedly explained that this is just the initial stage of the sale, with more discounts introduced after that date and the sale wrapping up for good on July 23.

Related: Disney Totally Changing Park Ticket System

There’s a lot going on at Disneyland Paris right now. Not only is maintenance currently ongoing around the stage area of Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty Castle) , but Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast , and Pirate Galleon are all also under refurbishment right now at Disneyland Park.

The smallest (and newest) of the two Disney theme parks in France, Walt Disney Studios Park, is also currently a maze of walls as the park continues its makeover, which will eventually see it renamed Disney Adventure World . As a part of this transformation , it will welcome its own version of World of Frozen (complete with Frozen Ever After), as well as a new attraction inspired by  Tangled  (2010) and a new lake area for nighttime spectaculars.

The park already opened the first major stage of its transformation, Avengers Campus, in 2022. This saw two attractions added to the park: Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure (a dupe of WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure at the Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure) and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force (a rethemed version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith).

What’s on your Disney Parks merchandise wishlist right now?

2024 EPIC Guide to 4th of July at Disney World (Fireworks + Events)

Get ready for a festive 4th of July celebration like no other at Walt Disney World!

Walt Disney World is one of the most popular summer destinations in the world!

Celebrating Independence with Mickey and his friends on your solo trip can be lots of fun, but please know that the Disney World 4th of July crowds are truly unreal!

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make the most of your time at Disney World.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Independence Day Celebration in Disney World at a Glance:

• Explore the Veterans Portraits in The American Adventure at EPCOT
• Watch Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky on July 3 and July 4 at 9:20 p.m.
• Enjoy the Heartbeat of Freedom following Luminous The Symphony of Us at EPCOT on July 4 at 9 p.m.
• Listen to the Voices of Liberty Harmonies at EPCOT
• Party it up at the Magic Kingdom with DJs throughout the park
• Check out Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Sparkling in in Red, White and Blue!
• Get the BEST Disney 4th of July merchandise
• Eat your way through the patriotic food at this year’s celebration

Keep reading to see how you can make the most of your day at Disney World like a pro!

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode to Celebrating the 4th of July at Walt Disney World Below!

Does disney do anything for 4th of july.

Absolutely! Each year, Disney Parks have special entertainment and character meet-and-greets throughout the parks to celebrate Independence Day.

2024 Disney World 4th of July Events 

You’ll be happy to know that the holiday events been confirmed by Disney for 2024!

Plus, you can still enjoy the amazing summer happenings around the Walt Disney World Resort!

Below are the main Disney parks participating in this year’s holiday.

Magic Kingdom Independence Day Itinerary

Disney’s Celebrate America: A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky is a 15-minute 360-degree firework spectacular and one of the premiere firework displays in the nation.

This show will start around 9:20 p.m. on July 3rd and July 4th of 2023.

At 5 p.m., you’ll will get to take a moment out of your day to salute the American flag during the Flag Retreat that has been taking place each day since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971!

Don’t forget to try all of the holiday foodie options on your trip such as the Red, White, and Blue Slushy in the Liberty Square Market and the Red, White, and Blue Funnel Cake in Sleepy Hollow.

There will also be entertainment to dance to with DJs spinning the latest pop tunes in front of Cinderella Castle and all over the park.

The Magic Kingdom Park Hours for the Fourth of July Festivities: July 3, 9 a.m.-11 p.m..; July 4, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.  

Epcot Independence Day Itinerary

Join your favorite Disney characters in their patriotic costumes on the promenade near The American Adventure throughout the afternoon.

Be sure to listen to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert while you’re there in the rotunda of The American Adventure. They will be performing their patriotic tunes throughout the day.

You’ll also enjoy some specialty foods welcoming the holiday such as the Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwich with house-made pickles, coleslaw, an onion ring on a brioche roll and other classic American dishes at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse.

The night ends with a patriot-inspired version of Epcot’s Fireworks Show at 9 p.m.

Here are the EPCOT Park Hours for the Fourth of July Festivities: July 4, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.  

Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget to check out the Electrical Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake (near the monorail hotels). According to Disney, This cavalcade of sea creatures in lights includes a patriotic grand finale featuring the American flag and stars all in sparkling lights

Hollywood Studios Independence Day Itinerary

Although you don’t a full 4th of July celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is an out-of-this world presentation of Fantasmic! each night that you can’t miss. This show will start at 9:30 p.m.

Don’t forget to try all of the patriotic inspired dishes at Hollywood Studios such as the:

• Mickey Apple Pie Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with apple pie filling, topped with salted caramel buttercream and cinnamon streusel, and garnished with rainbow silver sparkle and red, white, and blue Mickey ears ( PizzeRizzo )
• 4th of July Lunch Box Tart: Cherry pie filling topped with vanilla fondant and star sprinkles (Woody’s Lunch Box)

Recommended: Top 5 Ways to Find Cheap Disney World Tickets for Your Vacation!

What to Know Before You Go to Disney World on Independence Day

Choosing to celebrate Independence Day at Walt Disney World is a unique way to enjoy this patriotic holiday; however, I do not recommend visiting this parks if this is your first visit.

If you still plan on doing Disney in July , you may have a few questions.

Is Fourth of July busy at Disney World?

If you’re  a solo traveler ,  this one’s especially for you. Avoiding the Disney Holiday crowd (especially in July and December) means shorter lines and less traffic.

For parents, this can be a bit tricky. Taking your kids to Disney World sounds like the best gift ever!

The only issue is every other mom and dad has the same exact idea.

So, be prepared to experience high wait times and lines everywhere throughout the parks. Lines even for something simple as having a bathroom break.

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.

Is Disney World Crowded in July?

This is  one of the busiest times at Walt Disney World . Not only are most kids out of school, you have to deal with one of the major holidays in America, which is  Independence Day.

The parks are opened much longer during July, but you still have to fight the crowds and the unforgiving Florida sun.

July Events at Walt Disney World:

• Disney World 4th of July fireworks and celebrations at Magic Kingdom and Epcot
• Catch a ride on the NEW Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at the Magic Kingdom Theme Park

Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget to check out the festival 4th of July treats at Disney World on your visit.

July Days to Avoid at Disney World:

• Independence Day Weekend (unless you don’t mind the crowds)
• The Weekends

Review the Disney World Crowd Calendar

Read the full guide to picking the best days to visit Walt Disney World here!

What Should I Wear to Disney World in July?

Lightweight clothing such as shorts, leggings, comfy shoes ,  a t-shirt ,  a hat, and sunglasses are all perfect for your trip.

• Officially licensed by Disney
• graphic artwork ODNY-0065
• Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem

Get up to 76% off of the Orlando attractions with Groupon TODAY!

7 Tips to Conquer Disney World 4th of July Crowds

I know this goes against all my Disney tip advice, but if you’re trying to conquer the parks for the Fourth of July , then I have 7 tips to help you survive the crowds.

1. Map Out Day Before You Get to Disney World on the 4th of July

Mapping out your day is a good way to make sure you’re able to enjoy each must do item.

Route your path around the park in advance by downloading a map online or on your phone.

Also, plan a route of attack and know what rides and attractions you want to experience. You can get your Disney World Itinerary for adults above!

2. Choose One Disney Park and Start Early

Independence Day at Walt Disney World is going to be super crowded and tortuously hot.

You don’t want to have combat both the heat and the crowd.

This will make you so frustrated on your solo Disney trip and if you’re in a group, you guys may become snappy with each other.

So, sticking to one park and getting there right before the gates open is a must.

It is also very common to see the Disney parks reaching full capacity on Independence Day. I recommend to stay in the park all day, because even if you leave for a break there’s a chance you may not be able to get back in.

3. Take Frequent Breaks on Indoor Attractions

This is to help combat the heat while enjoy the festivities at Walt Disney World. Indoor attractions are also a good way to take a break from the jam-packed streets in the park.

And if it rains , which it most likely will, you’ll be in a covered area.

Magic Kingdom Indoor Attractions

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Country Bear Jamboree
• Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
• Haunted Mansion
• it’s a small world
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Monster’s Inc. Laugh Factory
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Space Mountain
• The Hall of Presidents
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Epcot Indoor Attractions

• American Heritage Gallery, World Showcase
• Bijutsu-kan Gallery, World Showcase
• Canada Far & Wide, World Showcase
• Coral Reefs, Future World
• Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival, Future World
• Frozen Ever After, World Showcase
• Gallery of Arts and History, World Showcase
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, World Showcase
• Impressions de France, World Showcase
• Journey into Imagination with Figment, Future World
• Living with the Land, Future World
• Mission: SPACE, Future World
• Reflections of China, World Showcase
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Sea Turtles – Disney Animal Encounters, Future World
• SeaBase – Disney Animal Encounters, Future World
• Sharks and Stingrays – Disney Animal Encounters, Future World
• Soarin’ Around the World, Future World
• Spaceship Earth, Future World
• Stave Church Gallery, World Showcase
• Test Track, Future World
• The American Adventure, World Showcase
• Seas with Nemo & Friends, Future World
• Turtle Talk with Crush, Future World

Hollywood Studios Indoor Attractions

• Disney Junior Live on Stage
• Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Muppet Vision
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
• Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Toy Story Mania !

Animal Kingdom Indoor Attractions

• Avatar – Flight of Passage
• Festival of the Lion King
• Finding Nemo – The Musical
• It’s Tough to be a Bug
• Na’vi River Journey
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch

4. Book Your Genie+ Passes As Soon As You Can

If there’s any day that requires a Genie+/Lightning Lane Reservation, it is the 4 th of July at Walt Disney World.

You’re going to want to be strategic in choosing your passes mixing top rides in with ones that have an indoor element .

Like stated before, you’re going to want ways to combat the Disney heat.

Here are the Best Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Passes by Park

Magic kingdom.

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
• Frozen Ever After
• Soarin’ Around the World

Hipster Power Tip: If you want to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and haven’t received a Genie+/Lightning Lane reservation, get up early and knock it out first. Be sure that you’ve booked a reservation for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster
• Smugglers Run
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Tower of Terror
• Toy Story Mania

Hipster Power Tip: If you’re not able to get the coveted Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance pass, then get the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run pass and arrive at Hollywood Studios for rope drop to experience Rise of the Resistance first!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Expedition Everest
• Kilimanjaro Safaris

Hipster Power Tip: Get to Animal Kingdom early. Try to get a Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass for Avatar Flight of Passage and wait in the Na’vi River Journey standby line. 

5. Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated in the intense Florida heat felt at Walt Disney World.

You can avoid heat related illnesses such as, a heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash by having proper hydration.

The more your body sweats under the mentioned conditions, the more fluid you need to replace.

Listed below are some ways to stay hydrated at Walt Disney World:

• Drink before you feel thirsty
• Keep a Water Bottle with You to Refill throughout the day
• Monitor your water intake
• Avoid dehydrating beverages such as, alcohol, coffee, and soda
• Drink cool fluids
• Eat food high in water (fruits and vegetables)

Hipster Power Tip: Remember the most the significant amount of dangerous UVB rays occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So, keep sunscreen on hand!

6. Visit Magic Kingdom on July 3 rd

You’ll get to experience the same events taking place in the park on the Fourth of July as on the 3 rd day too!

Activities Such As:

• Patriotic fireworks and DJs hosting parties in Frontierland and Tomorrowland
• Speciality holiday treats

Another reason to go to Magic Kingdom on July 3 rd is that you’ll have a lesser crowd level than the 4 th of July.

This will allow you to choose another park on the 4 th that won’t be as crowded as the Magic Kingdom.

7. Stake Your Fireworks Viewing Spot Early

You’ve made it through the heat AND the crowd!

Now it’s time to pick your favorite fireworks spot in the park and camp out until it’s time for the Independence Day spectacular show!

I recommend getting a spot at least an hour prior to the start of the show. Be sure to pick a location that will not have too much obstruction of the fireworks.

In the Magic Kingdom,  I like to sit at the top of the train station.

It has a great view and it’s easy to get out of the park quickly because you’re already near the gate.

My Final Thoughts on Doing Disney World for the Fourth of July

Have fun and know that it’s going to be bananas at Disney.

If you have a good spirit and welcome the excitement of the high-volume crowd level, then you’ll have a spectacular time on Independence Day.

What about you? Do you think it’s silly to go to Walt Disney World on the 4 th of July? Leave you answers below!

If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:

• Fourth of July Celebration Events in Orlando
• How to Find a Vacation Home Near Disney
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort Review
• Celebrate 4th of July at SeaWorld Orlando (Complete Guide)
• 13 Water Park Tips You MUST KNOW!
• Busch Gardens 4th of July: Survive Independence Day with These 7 Tips
• Tips for Doing Walt Disney World on a Budget
• Magic Kingdom for Adults the Complete Guide
• The Top Money Saving Websites for Theme Parks

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor , and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original Article Date: June 2018/Updated on June 28, 2024)

The post 2024 EPIC Guide to 4th of July at Disney World (Fireworks + Events) appeared first on ThemeParkHipster .

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Disney Just Announced Major Changes to Its Genie+ System — What to Know

The updates will start on July 24.

Travel + Leisure/Christine Burroni

The Genie is back in the bottle for good. Announced on Tuesday, the current Disney Genie+ system will be replaced by two new systems: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass.

According to the Disney Parks Blog post, one major change is that visitors will be able to pre-book their ride times up to 14 days ahead of their whole vacation instead of at 7 a.m. in the morning of heading into one of the parks. The Lightning Lane Multi Pass, formerly Disney Genie+, will offer expedited lines to most attractions where guests will be able to purchase and reserve up to three rides in one theme park ahead of their visit within the My Disney Experience app. Once in the parks, after using their first selection, guests can choose another one, and so forth.

The Lightning Lane Multi Pass will categorize attractions in two tiers: the first group will include higher demand attractions, like Slinky Dog Dash and new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure , with the second from a larger attraction listing, including Star Tours: The Adventure. Those using this service can select 1 attraction from the first group and 2 attractions from the second group.

In demand rides, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle/Run, will not be included in the Multi Pass, but will be available via purchase of a Single Pass, formerly known as individual Lightning Lane entry. Up to two selections can be purchased per day in advance. A free virtual queue option will continue to be offered for both.

Guests of Disney World resort hotels and select other resorts (Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, Swan Reserve, and Shades of Green) will have first crack at both options up to 7 days in advance of arrival and have the option to book their entire stay up to 14 nights. All other guests, including annual passholders, can plan up to 3 days in advance. After the first 3 selections, guests with Annual Passes or valid park hopper tickets may choose attractions at another park. If plans change, guests can modify their existing reservations, availability pending.

Park goers may purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass, or both. For added convenience, there will be a new option to purchase both in a single transaction within the My Disney Experience app. Much like the current Disney Genie+, dynamic pricing will be used, with prices based on date and desired theme park.

The major change comes as a direct result of guest feedback.

“We’re focused on helping guests maximize their vacation time and have more fun,” Disney shared. “We are always listening to our guests and continue to introduce ways to improve and simplify their experience, all while providing more value.”

These recent efforts include bringing back pre-pandemic staples, like the return of Disney dining plans and all-day park hopper access. The new Lightning Lane systems blend what has worked with the current version of Genie+ with the former FastPass+ system.

Disneyland will also use the new system names, Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass, beginning July 24 but the current ways guests purchase, select, and redeem Lightning Lane passes will remain the same. Just like Genie+, Lighting Lane Multi Pass will include complimentary downloads of Disney PhotoPass attraction photos and videos. Guests can modify existing ride reservations directly within the app, which has received a series of upgrades over the last year to streamline its other features, including dining reservations and mobile food ordering.

Related Articles

Disney World will let you book a ride a week in advance — if you stay at one of its hotels

• Disney World is replacing its Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane entry pass.
• Guests can use the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass starting July 24.
• Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels can plan Lightning Lane passes seven days in advance.

Walt Disney World will allow guests to make ride reservations a week in advance — but there's a catch.

The official Disney Parks Blog said the Genie+ service and Lightning Lane entry would be discontinued at the Florida theme parks. Instead, guests can register for two new reservation programs that go into effect on July 24.

"Walt Disney World will introduce new, simpler names to provide more clarity for everyone," a press release published Tuesday read. "Disney Genie+ service will become Lightning Lane Multi Pass, while individual Lightning Lane will now be known as Lightning Lane Single Pass."

The new passes let guests make Lightning Lane reservations ahead of their trip, but the biggest perk is for those who book at Disney Resorts and affiliated hotels.

"Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel and other select hotels will be able to plan Lightning Lane passes up to 7 days in advance for their entire stay (up to 14 days)," the company said. "All other guests can plan up to 3 days in advance."

The new incentive could encourage some Disney guests to pour even more money into its Florida properties, which could expand under a $17 billion development deal between Disney and the local tourism district.

Related stories

Some guests have criticized Disney's theme parks for being too expensive. Even CEO Bob Iger was shocked by ticket prices when he returned to the company in November 2022.

The price for Lightning Lane Multi Passes will vary by day and theme park, while the Lightning Lane Single Passes will vary by date and attraction.

Despite the cost, some parents with children under 18 are going into debt to finance their family's Disney vacation . Parents who completed Lending Tree's survey indicated that food, transportation, and accommodation wreaked the most havoc on their budgets.

Representatives for Disney referred to the press release and FAQ when contacted for comment.

Unlike the new Lightning Lane passes, Genie+ didn't permit advanced reservations.

Under Genie+, guests could register for Lightning Lane entrances at select rides and experiences, but they needed to wake up at 7 a.m. each day of their trip to secure their spot. This drew criticism from some Disney guests, who suggested that the Genie+ program is complicated and overwhelming.

The company said guests voiced their desire for a more comprehensive reservation program, which led them to create the Lightning Lane passes.

"We enjoy hearing from guests about all the things they love, as well as how we can make their experience even better the next time," the press release read. "At Walt Disney World, guests have told us they would prefer to have the option to do more of their planning before their theme park day."

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

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