Quick WDW News Round Up: More Favorites Returning, Genie+ Lowered Expectations

 

We're back with a few new stories from this week that didn't warrant their own post.  Let's start with a fan favorite.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Returns:

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is returning this summer.  This show had been around since 1974 (!) and had been closed since the pandemic shutdown in March 2020.  This was one of the more popular entertainment options over the years, especially for something that wasn't even in the parks themselves.  Per the Disney Parks Blog 

The Pioneer Hall Players and cast members will be welcoming back guests to this frontier-style family fun dining experience in Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. First debuting in 1974, Hoop-Dee-Doo will once again offer guests a rousing Wild West performance, singing, zany comedy with lots of laughs and an unforgettable countrified feast full of fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, a variety of savory sides and of course, strawberry shortcake, yum! The menu is sure to make your mouth water and have you hollerin’ for seconds (and thirds!).

 

What to Pack for a WDW Trip

 

As we here in the Where The Castle Is household prepare for another trip to WDW in the coming weeks, I thought I might write a post about everyone's favorite part of the trip - packing.  What, that wasn't what you thought I was going to say?  To be honest, I do much of the legwork and planning for our trips, and my wife (unfortunately) gets stuck with the task of packing for four people.

But because we've been fortunate enough to go on a few trips in recent years, we're getting better at the packing part.  We have a master list we work from, and adjust as necessary.  I'm sure you probably have one too, for a trip to Disney or elsewhere.  But I wanted to give a rundown of ours and point out some Disney specific tips that can help you.

Quick WDW News Roundup: Cultural Representative Program, Minnie Vans & More

 

I've seen a few stories pop up over the last few days that probably didn't warrant their own posts, so I figured I'd combine them all here.  There's always SOME news at WDW and it's easy to miss it if you're not looking.

Earth Week Celebration:

Walt Disney World has often recognized Earth Day (April 22), most notably at Animal Kingdom. But this year, that celebration extends to a whole week, April 18-24.  Per the official press release:

 

The "Best" Ride in Each Walt Disney World Park

 

My recent post about the new DVC expansion at the Polynesian was largely negative, so I'm hoping to cleanse the pallet a bit and talk about more positivity and fun. I'm going to attempt a topic today that I've been avoiding, one that sounds so simple yet is so fraught with complications - what are the best rides at Walt Disney World?  And specifically, what is the best ride at each park?  

Why is this a complicated topic?  Mostly because the word "best" leaves plenty of room for opinion and subjectivity, hence the quotes around the word.  I could easily (or maybe not so easily) list you my favorite rides from each park, something that is completely subjective, but that wouldn't be much of a help to anyone reading this.  Conversely, you might have a particular place in your heart for, say, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, but I don't think that you (or I) would consider that the best ride in Magic Kingdom.  

New DVC Villas Coming to the Polynesian

 

Disney put out a press release today announcing the addition of a whole new building for the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) at one of their flagship resorts, the Polynesian.  We're sharing the press release in full, and have a few comments on this development.

Orlando, FL (March 15, 2022) – Today, Disney Vacation Club announced proposed plans to develop new Disney Vacation Club villas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

“It’s no secret that our Members and Guests love the monorail resorts at Walt Disney World,” said Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “Expanding our Disney Vacation Club offerings at the Polynesian would give our Members and Guests yet another incredible option for staying close to the magic while making vacation memories that last a lifetime.”

Inspired by the early concepts for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the Imagineers of today are honoring the past while furthering the resort story with this innovative addition. Projected to open in late 2024, the proposed vacation ownership property would complement the existing resort and evoke the spirit of the Pacific Islands.

What's the Best "Show" at Magic Kingdom?

 

 

I've been thinking about Magic Kingdom a lot lately (as one often does) as I've been reading and writing about various strategies as they relate to beating the crowds, particularly at this time of year.  You can look at this post for far greater detail on a day or two at Magic Kingdom.  But one of the things I keep coming back to is that the middle of the day will also objectively be the worst time to be at the park, from a crowd and weather standpoint.

You have some options at that time of day, including taking a midday break and going back to your resort to nap or swim.  But if you want to stay in the park, all is not lost.  Instead, you just have to strategize around the worst of the crowds.  If you can knock out a bunch of high wait time attractions early (and/or late), you can tour at a more leisurely pace during the middle of the day.  And what better way to do that than to visit the various shows that Magic Kingdom offers.

Disney World Makes Genie Plus Attraction Changes

 

Starting February 25 and continuing through August 7, Walt Disney World has made some changes to their Genie+ service.  In the past, two attractions at each park have been available for purchase via Individual Lightning Lanes (ILL), which are a la carte purchases and not included with the general umbrella Genie+ service.  During the holiday season, one of these attractions at each park were moved to Genie+, leaving just one ILL per park. That change is taking place again, and this time for a significant period of time, as announced.

The attractions moving to Genie+ are Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom), Frozen Ever After (Epcot), Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (Hollywood Studios) and Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom).  Remy's Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot was formerly an ILL that is also moving to Genie+ for this time period (and perhaps beyond). That leaves just one ILL attraction at each park - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom), Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Epcot), Star Wars Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios) and Avatar Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom).