Commentary Archive
Walt Disney World’s new Genie+ line-skipping service has launched as the permanent replacement to free FastPass+ for select attractions in each park. This post walks you through my step-by-step day using Genie+ in Magic Kingdom, with selection & return times, screenshots, everything I accomplished, and thoughts at the end about whether Genie+ is worth the
Walt Disney World’s new free Genie service creates customized and dynamic 1-day itineraries inspired by your party’s top interests, best times to do attractions based on wait times, walking distances, and more. This review covers how our experience testing the complimentary Genie planner measures up to what was promised. Let’s start with the pitch for
My favorite current TV show is Ted Lasso. Every episode brings a smile to my face with its warmth, wholesomeness, and heart. For me, it’s above reproach because it brings so much joy and happiness to my life–while I have favorites, every episode is some degree of good. As it has blown up in popularity,
Harmonious is the new nighttime spectacular at Epcot for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, and the long-term replacement for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. This fireworks review shares photos of the show, plus how it compares to its predecessor, other blockbuster nighttime spectaculars, and whether Harmonious is worth its blockbuster budget and daytime visual blight. Before
Wondering when FastPass+ will come back at Walt Disney World or if it’ll be replaced by a paid ride reservation system? This post covers dates free FastPasses could return, how virtual queues reduce park capacity, and the possibility of Premier Access, MaxPass, and the Genie app as replacements that will cost money. (Updated August 12,
When to visit Walt Disney World is a common question, but lately that question has shifted from top weeks to best years for a WDW vacation. Now, it’s whether to go in Summer 2021 or this fall for the start of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, or wait until 2022 when things are back to
If you’ve searched for Walt Disney World resorts later this year, “this room type is unavailable for the dates, party size or offer selected” has probably become a familiar sight. This post will cover what’s going on with the lack of availability, sold out hotels, and offer commentary about what you can expect this fall
“When will Disneyland and California Adventure reopen to out of state guests?” and “when will the parks allow non-California residents?” are common questions now that the parks are both open. This covers Orange County’s improving metrics, the state’s plan for summer, and more. (Updated May 26, 2021.) Let’s start by recapping where things presently stand.
Walt Disney World tested new facial recognition technology for park entry at Magic Kingdom. In this post, we’ll share photos and video of our experience with the new contactless tech, thoughts on Big Brother fears & privacy concerns, and more. (Updated May 3, 2021.) Let’s start with official details, per DisneyWorld.com and signage outside the
With spring break season nearly over and summer fast approaching, it’s time to return to one of our favorite topics: “Revenge Travel” at Walt Disney World in 2021. This isn’t the first…second…or even third time we’ve broached the subject, which has significant implications for crowds, attendance, and pricing for travel to Orlando later this year.
We have a love-hate relationship with Walt Disney World transportation. When it’s firing on all cylinders, the system of monorails, boats, gondolas, and even buses is unparalleled–the best exemplar of mass transit of any major “city” in the United States. In the past, we’ve gone entire trips with only great experiences from start to finish,