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What’s Happening Now | March 2022

What’s Happening Now | March 2022

What's Happening Now at Walt Disney World

There have been lots of NEW updates and changes on Walt Disney World property over the past few weeks. From colorful, character filled parades, to fun Disney merchandise drops, meet and greet updates, and more, our Dream Team at My VIP Tour always has (our Minnie) ears on the latest Disney news.

Here are some exciting changes happening to keep you up to date for your next vacation.

March 18, 2022

Festival of Fantasy

Disney

Parades are finally back at Magic Kingdom! Prepared to be dazzled by all of the staple Disney characters as they celebrate the spirit and tales of FantasyLand.  Plus you’ll get to see the main characters of TangledPeter Pan and The Little Mermaid as they wind through the park on colorful and vibrant state-of-the-art floats. 

The show is 12 minutes of music, dancing and enchantment. 

 

NEW ‘Princess & the Frog’ Minnie Ears 

 

 It seems as if Disney is releasing new Minnie ears every week, but we are gushing over the latest drop, that are fit for royalty. 

 The Disney x Bauble Bar’s latest collaboration released a brand new pair of ears inspired by Princess and the Frog! These glamorous ears are wrapped in a beautiful green velour with a bejeweled gold tiara inspired by Princess Tiana’s signature outfit. The gold beading along the outer perimeter gives the ears an extra touch of elegance. 

The Princess and the Frog ears can be found online at Shop Disney for $49.99. 

Live in Full Bloom at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival

The 2022 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is happening now! From March 2 to July 4 there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy all the fresh flavors that Disney has cooked up! Although, there’s more than just food and drinks during this festival. Come marvel at nearly 100 topiaries of Disney characters, interactive gardens, and live music entertainment. 

If you haven’t attended an Epcot festival before, get ready to have a deliciously good time!

Cinderella’s Royal Table Character Meet-and-Greet Update

Cinderella has made her way to the lobby of Cinderella’s Royal Table, and will now be available to meet and take photos with guests after check in. If you’ve been excited for a family picture with a true princess, make sure to book your reservations at Cinderella’s Royal Table for your next vacation! 

MVT Pro Tip: Staying on Disney property, and booking your dining 60 days before your arrival will increase your chance of finding a reservation. We suggest booking it at the end of your trip, when you should find more availability.  Cancelations tend to occur in the days leading up to your arrival, so keep checking your My Disney Experience app, and make sure you have a credit card saved as this is a prepaid experience. Cinderella’s Royal Table is $60+ for adults and $37+ for children.

More Character Meet & Greet Updates

There are many new and exciting changes happening with character meet and greets! 

Recently, Disney is bringing more and more characters back into the parks to greet guests. Currently, you may see the following characters at these parks:

Magic Kingdom: Mickey Mouse, Cinderella & Elena, Rapunzel & Tiana
Epcot: Mickey Mouse, Elsa & Anna, Snow White, Belle, Sleeping Beauty
Hollywood Studios: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Olaf      Animal KingdomMickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald are back at Tusker House (dining reservations needed)

Keep checking back here for updates on more traditional Meet and Greets, our fingers and toes are crossed that hugs and autographs will be back soon!

 

Stay tuned for more Walt Disney World and Universal Studios updates, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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What’s Happening Now | March 2022

What’s Happening Now | March 2022

There have been lots of NEW updates and changes on Walt Disney World property over the past few weeks. From colorful, character filled parades, to...

2021 Walt Disney World Resort Reservations Now Available

2021 Walt Disney World Resort Reservations Now Available

2021 Walt Disney World Resort Reservations Now Available

Walt Disney World Resort Reservations are now available through December 31st, 2021! We know so many families have been waiting for this moment since canceling or rescheduling their 2020 trips due to Covid-19. If you are not traveling to the parks this year, but would like to next year, now is the time to get started! 

Resort Packages vs. Room Only Reservations

All resort reservation packages are now available through the end of 2021, with or without the purchase of theme park tickets. You can book your accommodation in two ways:

Resort Packages: When booking a resort package, you are able to reserve your accommodation as well as your theme park tickets for your stay. This pricing comes together in a package and can be modified if needed before your arrival.

Room-Only: A room-only reservation does not include your theme park tickets. Theme park tickets can be purchased separately at a later date.

 

Park Ticket Details 

Walt Disney World is currently offering guests to purchase park tickets along with their accommodations or separately for all dates in 2021. Park Hopper tickets are also currently available, however as the parks are still running as a one-park-per-day limit, Park Hopper tickets are not guaranteed at time of travel.

Please note: If you have purchased your park tickets, entrance into the parks is not guaranteed until you have made park reservations for your specific dates. We highly recommend making your park reservations as soon as your accommodation is booked and tickets are purchased.

 

Resort Availability

There are lots of accommodation options to choose from on Walt Disney World property and where you decide to stay all depends on your schedule, your resort preferences, and resort availability.

Due to reduced capacity on Walt Disney World property, the following resorts are not currently scheduled to open for Fall 2021: 

  • All Villa Properties
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
  • All-Star Movies Resort
  • All-Star Sports Resort
  • All-Star Music Resort
  • Port Orleans – Riverside
  • Port Orleans – French Quarter
  • Wilderness Lodge
  • Saratoga Springs
  • Old Key West

*The Polynesian Resort refurbishment, including all new Moana themed rooms, will be finished by Fall 2021!

Dining Plans and Dining Reservations

At this time, Dining Plans will remain unavailable to add to resort reservation packages.

According to Disney, a confirmed dining reservation is required for day Guests (those not staying overnight) and is highly recommended for Guests staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel.

Select dining locations require reservations so make sure to check each of your desired locations for details.

How to Get Started on your 2021 Walt Disney World Vacation

With so many options for accommodations, dining, and attractions, planning a trip to Orlando can seem overwhelming. That is what we are here for! From finding the perfect resort to planning out your entire stay, our team at My VIP Tour and Katie Bean Travels will assist with making sure your families builds unforgettable memories on your upcoming Walt Disney World vacation.

Reach out to our team today to discuss your theme park plans. You can reach us by phone @ (407) 636 2390 or email at info@myviptour.com

    We can’t wait to welcome you to Orlando and help Build Better Memories with your friends and family in 2021. See you real soon!

     

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    What’s Happening Now | March 2022

    What’s Happening Now | March 2022

    There have been lots of NEW updates and changes on Walt Disney World property over the past few weeks. From colorful, character filled parades, to...

    Top 5 Reasons to Hire a VIP Guide at the Theme Parks

    Top 5 Reasons to Hire a VIP Guide at the Theme Parks

    Top 5 Reasons to Hire a VIP Guide in the Theme Parks

    Gone are the days where guests can show up to the theme parks with no plan or schedule. With hundreds of resort and dining options, attractions, and fun activities to do around Orlando, it is crucial to have a park expert assisting along the way. Here are Top 5 Reasons to Hire a VIP Guide in the Theme Parks.

    1. Creating the Perfect Schedule – for Everyone!

    Between four Walt Disney World theme parks and two Universal Studios theme parks,  there are over 100 attractions for guests to experience. Trying to organize a schedule where everyone in your group is able to do the attractions that are most important to them can be challenging. Your VIP Concierge here at My VIP Tour will discuss the parks and attractions with you in depth throughout the pre-planning process so they can create the perfect day-to-day theme park schedule for your family.

    Once you are here in Orlando, your VIP guide will navigate your family through the parks in a very specific way so that everyone is experiencing attractions that are suitable for them. We often hear from our families that they expected their children to have fun, but never expected to have just as much fun themselves. Everyone in your family, from little ones to teens, and adults of all ages, deserve to feel the magic of the theme parks with no stress of thinking how to get through the parks and crowds each day. 

     

    2. Shorter Wait Times 

    Shorter wait times are what most families look for when hiring a VIP guide, and that is one of our favorite perks of our service! The theme parks have become so busy over the past few years. The average a guest visiting the parks on their own will wait is about 45-60 minutes for an attraction. Most of the popular attractions will experience a 90 minute or more wait time in the afternoons and during peak season dates. Yikes!

    Our team at My VIP Tour has spent years studying the parks and attractions. Each an every one of our VIP guides goes through an intense training program to learn the in’s and out’s of the parks. With our expertise, and park knowledge, our families typically never wait more than about 15-20 minutes for an attraction throughout the day, leaving more time for rides and fun, and less time waiting in line. 

     

    3. Having a Local Expert

    We are Orlando based, many of us born and raised here, having visited Disney from a young age. Living here and visiting the theme parks daily puts us “in the know”.

    All of the pre-planning is incredibly important when visiting the theme parks, however one of the best perks of hiring a VIP guide is having a local expert in real time while you are on vacation. Our Disney VIP guides are able to visit the parks daily and keep up with every single change that comes our way. We take that knowledge to plan the perfect customized itinerary for each individual family. Our Disney VIP Guides keep in touch with their families throughout their entire stay to make sure they can answer any questions that may arise. Our team of Orlando experts and can make recommendations on dining, other theme parks to visit, and fun activities outside of the parks.

    Your Disney VIP guide will work together with your VIP concierge to cancel or make new dining reservations, book transportation, purchase extra park tickets, and do anything else they can do to help make your stay at the most magical place on earth as magical as it can be!

    4. More than just a VIP Guide

    Short wait times and stress-free planning are an amazing part of our service, however it’s the extra details that really elevate the experience.

    Our VIP guides go above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience for our families from the moment they enter the park until the moment they get back to the resort.

    We love to celebrate special occasions, take candid photos throughout each day, share our extensive knowledge on park history and facts, add in special (secret!) details for the kids, and so much more.

    Our VIP guides quickly become part of the family from day one and do everything they can to learn what is most important to each and every member of the group so they can customize the entire experience.

    5. Our Level of Care

    We truly believe that our level of care is what sets My VIP Tour apart.

    Each member of our team has visited the theme parks from a very early age and knows how special these trips can be. Some of our families plan their once-in-a-lifetime Disney trip with us and some visit with us annually. No matter if it’s your first or 20th trip, our goal is always to Build Better Memories each and every time.

    Our team truly cares deeply about our families and their vacations. From the first phone call with our VIP concierge team to the last good-bye with your VIP guide at the park, your happiness and satisfaction is our number one priority.

    Don’t just listen to us, head to our Trip Advisor page to read reviews from over 700 families who rated My VIP Tour five stars!

    We can’t wait to meet your family and Build Better Memories with you soon!  

      Contact our concierge team today to get started on your next Orlando theme park dream vacation.

      You can reach us by phone @ (407) 636-2390 or by email at info@myviptour.com

       

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      What’s Happening Now | March 2022

      What’s Happening Now | March 2022

      There have been lots of NEW updates and changes on Walt Disney World property over the past few weeks. From colorful, character filled parades, to...

      Fall in Love with the Holiday’s at Walt Disney World

      Fall in Love with the Holiday’s at Walt Disney World

      Fall in Love with the Holiday's

      at Walt Disney World

      Summer is officially over, which means our favorite time of year is right around the corner. There is truly something so magical about the theme parks during the Holiday season. This year is definitely different than previous years, however, there are lots of new and exciting things to look forward to in the coming months!

      Fall & Halloween at Magic Kingdom

      News13

        Although Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party has been canceled this year, fall is still such a wonderful time to visit the theme parks.
        From September 15th through October 31st, Magic Kingdom will be adorned with beautiful seasonal decor throughout the park. Characters including Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and pals will wave to guests from a special Halloween cavalcade. You may even see some of your favorite Disney villains along for the ride. Disney is also allowing guests for the first time ever to wear their favorite Halloween costume to the parks to celebrate.

      New Projection Show for Cinderella’s Castle Starting Nov. 6th 

      Each year during the Holiday season, Cinderella’s Castle lights up with over 200,000 beautiful crystal lights that emulate icicles dripping from every angle. This year, in place of the icicle lights, Disney has created an incredible projection show that will run through the evening starting at sun down. According to Disney Parks Blog, “the appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation”.  Get your cameras ready! This new addition will make for an incredible Holiday card backdrop for the whole family.  

      Character Sitings throughout the Parks

      One thing we have truly missed about the parks is being able to meet all of our favorite characters and princesses. This holiday season, however, the Disney parks have created ways for us to see all of our favorites while staying safe with social distancing. Starting November 6th, guests will be able to see special character cavalcades through Magic Kingdom including gingerbread men, elves, reindeer and our personal favorite, the toy soldiers! Guests can also enjoy festive flotillas at Animal Kingdom, Holiday Promenades at Epcot, and Merry Motorcades at Hollywood Studios. Santa Claus will also be available to wave to guests at all four parks and Disney Springs.

      Minnie Mouse to Host Seasonal Dine at Hollywood & Vine

      We are so excited to see character dining slowly returning to the parks. Starting November 6th, Minnie Mouse will host a seasonal dining experience at Hollywood & Vine located at Hollywood Studios park. Santa Goofy will also be in attendance along with some of Minnie’s other friends. The characters will not be available for personal photos, however will be available to wave to guests and pose for photos.

      Celebrate the Holiday’s at Disney Springs

      If you are heading to the theme parks this Holiday season, make sure to stop by Disney Springs. Disney has announced that the “elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees are spread throughout this retail, dining and entertainment destination”. These beautiful trees will be displayed all throughout Disney Springs, which is perfect for an unplanned afternoon, or evening after a busy day at the parks. Another special addition to Disney Springs this year will be a magical snowfall throughout three of the main areas: The Landing, Town Center, and West Side.

      Jock Lindsey Hanger Bar will transform into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with returning holiday decor and a limited-time festive menu for guests to enjoy this Holiday season.

        Stay tuned for more Walt Disney World and Universal Studios updates in our October newsletter. You can also stay up to date on all park and resort information by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

         

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        What’s Happening Now | March 2022

        What’s Happening Now | March 2022

        There have been lots of NEW updates and changes on Walt Disney World property over the past few weeks. From colorful, character filled parades, to...

        First Look into the Reopening of Walt Disney World

        First Look into the Reopening of Walt Disney World

        First Look into the Reopening of Walt Disney World

        It has been a long and crazy four months without the Disney World parks, but the wait is finally over! On this Saturday, July 11th, both Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will officially reopen to guests. Hollywood Studios and Epcot will shortly follow suit on July 15th. Thankfully, some members of our team were able to book reservations ahead of time for the Annual Passholder Park Previews. We will be documenting our first-hand experiences of the reopenings of Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios below over the next few days, so be sure to check back for updates!

        Before You Go 

        The first major difference that guests will experience before they even arrive at the parks is the new Disney Park Pass Reservation System. This is an efficient way for the parks to manage attendance and ensure the parks are operating at a limited 25% capacity. All guests aged 3 and up will need their own reservation selected for the correct day and park, as well as a valid theme park admission ticket. 

         The Reservation System is relatively easy to use, however, spots have been filling up pretty quickly. You can make reservations via the Disney Experience website. You will need to select each guest going, what day you would like to go and which park you plan to visit before confirming your reservation. If you have multi-day park tickets you will need to make separate reservations for each day you will be in the parks

        7/9/20 – Animal Kingdom Park Preview

        Animal Kingdom

        Click here to see our park preview experience!

        7/10/20 – Magic Kingdom Park Preview

        Magic Kingdom

        Click here to see our park preview experience!

        7/14/20 – Hollywood Studios Park Preview

        Hollywood Studios

        Click here to see our park preview experience!

        Follow us to social media so you don’t miss out on new updates!

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        What’s Happening Now | March 2022

        What’s Happening Now | March 2022

        There have been lots of NEW updates and changes on Walt Disney World property over the past few weeks. From colorful, character filled parades, to...

        How to Prepare for your Upcoming Trip in the New Normal

        How to Prepare for your Upcoming Trip in the New Normal

        How to Prepare for your Upcoming Trip in the New Normal

        With all of the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, as well as all of the new rules and procedures being implemented by the theme parks, we have received several questions regarding our guests’ upcoming trips. In an effort to address these questions we have compiled a list of answers to some of the most common topics below.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        Q: Is it safe to go back to Disney World?
        A: Walt Disney World has done everything in their power to open the parks responsibly. With new operating procedures put into place, extensive new training and limited crowds, Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek believes so (CNN).

        Q: What do I need to enter the park?
        A: Every guest going to the Disney parks will need to make their own reservation made through the new Disney Park Pass Reservation System AND have a valid theme park ticket matching the selected day(s). Guests with multi-day tickets will need to make separate reservations for each day. 

        All four Disney and Universal parks will require a face mask for any guest aged 2 and up to be worn at all times. 

        Temperature checks will be taken at  the entrance of each park and any guest with a reading of 100.4 or higher will be asked to leave. 

        For more information on the parks’ new rules and procedures be sure to check out our Back in Action blog.

        Q: Will my concierge make all of my Park Pass reservations for me?
        A: Due to the extensive Terms and Conditions that Disney now requires guests to sign off on, Disney is requiring each guest to make their own reservation. Your concierge will walk you through how to make each of your reservations and will do their best to ensure you are successfully booked for each of your days in the parks.

        Q: How can I stay safe during my time at Disney?
        A: Disney is strongly encouraging all guests to check-in to their rooms electronically via their My Disney Experience app to avoid contact with the front desk. Once your room is ready, you will receive a notification on your app and can enter your room right away by scanning your magic band or app. You will be automatically checked out of your room on your departure day.

        If you have magic bands, your VIP concierge will double check your My Disney Experience account to make sure everyone is linked correctly. Once you arrive, you will be able to link a credit card to your bands, which can be used to make purchases around Disney property. Disney recommends using contactless forms of payment, and the magic bands are so convenient. Gone are the days of having to carry cash and credit cards around the parks!

         

        Q: What transportation options will be available?
        A: On Disney property the shuttle buses, trams, boats, and monorails will all be running at limited capacity with social distancing measures in place. Please allow for extra travel time due to any delays.  

        Guests staying at Disney resorts and flying in and out of the Orlando International Airport, will still have the opportunity to utilize Disney’s complementary Magical Express shuttle service. If you booked your hotel through our affiliated company, Katie Bean Travels, Katie and her team are happy to set this up prior to your arrival, or you can reach Disney’s Magical Express line at 1 (866) 599-0951. 

        If you are looking for a more efficient and private transportation option, we can arrange for your transfers to be set up with our preferred transportation vendor, JLS Exclusive Transportation. Click here to view more on transportation options and policies.

        Q: What mask do you reccomend for the parks?
        A: All cast members as well as guests over the age of two will be required to wear masks while at the parks and resorts (with the exception of swimming and dining). Disney has released fun, character themed masks which are available to order on the Shop Disney website, and will also be sold at various locations around the Walt Disney World Resort. You can purchase a four pack of these masks for just $19.99. Health.com has also put together a list of the best lightweight masks and face coverings that are perfect for the Florida heat.

        Q: What should I pack for my trip to Disney?
        A: Aside from packing your new essentials such as masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer, we also recommend bringing light snacks and water bottles, especially if you are hesitant about sitting down and eating inside any of the Disney restaurants. If you would like to stop for more of a sit down breakfast, lunch, or dinner during your VIP tour, your VIP guide will assist with your mobile order at select dining locations. For more packing tips be sure to check out our blog

        Our VIP guides will be fully prepared with everything they need to ensure a safe and stress-free experience while you are with them in the parks. They will touch base with you prior to your VIP tour date to go over all of the new safety procedures and answer any last minute questions that you may have.

        Q: Should I purchase the Memory Maker?
        A: Disney’s PhotoPass photographers will no longer be allowed to handle guest’s phones or cameras to take photos. We recommend purchasing the Memory Maker photo package which is a set price of $169 (when purchased at least three days in advance) and includes digital downloads of all of the photos taken by Disney’s photographers. Be sure to have your park ticket or magic band handy and once your photo is taken, the photographer will scan it quickly and at a safe distance. If you decide against purchasing the Memory Maker and you are comfortable with having your VIP guide take your photos for you, they are more than happy to do so and will send them to you after the tour.

        Q: How do I set the right expectations for my children?
        A: There’s no denying the experience at the parks will be different, but children have incredible imaginations! The Disney Magic and Universal Adventure will still be there, just in new ways! Check out our blog, It’s Time to Remember the Magic, to see how we intend to make the most of this new normal at the parks. 

        We understand you may have additional questions regarding your upcoming trip. Please know we are always here for  you and   We can be reached via email at info@myviptour.com, by phone at (407) 636-2390, or from any of our social media accounts below. 

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        What’s Happening Now | March 2022

        What’s Happening Now | March 2022

        There have been lots of NEW updates and changes on Walt Disney World property over the past few weeks. From colorful, character filled parades, to...