Cue up your mixtape and prepare for something awesome … because it’s about to be save the galaxy time!
This morning at Destination D23, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will open summer 2022 at EPCOT as part of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration. This thrilling new family-friendly coaster matches the “grandosity” and fun of the blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy” films in what will be one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world.
Josh made this exciting announcement with a little help from a friend … check out the video below to hear from Academy Award® nominee Glenn Close, who for our attraction will reprise her role from “Guardians of the Galaxy” as Nova Prime, the leader of Xandar and commander of the Nova Corps.
Guests will see Nova Prime in the new Wonders of Xandar “other-world” pavilion at EPCOT, which the Xandarians are currently constructing in the park’s newly renamed World Discovery neighborhood. It’s here Guests will learn more about Xandarians and their advanced technologies, which they’re bringing to us here on Earth – or Terra, as they call our planet.
In these new renderings Josh shared this morning, Guests can see the Xandar Gallery, home to Xandarian models, artifacts and other treasures from their culture, including their heroes like … the Guardians of the Galaxy! It’s all well and good until they show up, though, and adventure ensues in an intergalactic chase through time and space.
Here’s a teaser image for the attraction, also unveiled this morning by Josh. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s take a closer look:
First off, we have those lovable cosmic misfits bursting right out at us – Rocket (look at that mischievous smirk on his face … he always has a plan, right?), Groot, Gamora, Drax and Star-Lord brandishing his beloved cassette player.
Swooping past the Guardians are Guests aboard the innovative new ride vehicles for this coaster, which are unlike anything else in the galaxy.
Just below Gamora is Star-Lord’s ship. If the Guardians are around, it’s a good bet they’re aboard.
And speaking of ships, let’s take a look at the Starblasters in the upper left. These Nova Corps vessels are emerging from a jump point, the Xandarian method for crossing vast distances of space in mere moments. Who knows what’s on the other side?
I am Groot.
So that’s what we have to share today … and it’s a lot! We’ll be covering all things Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind here on the Disney Travel Agents website as we get ready for its debut next summer during our 18-month celebration of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary that began on Oct. 1.
Last week, Disney shared the exciting news about Disney Genie, a complimentary and convenient new digital service coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort this fall. We know you have a lot of questions about how this new service will work. And today, we’re sharing answers to some of your top questions.
Stay tuned for more information and resources in the coming weeks.
What is Disney Genie?
Coming this fall to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, Disney Genie is a complimentary and convenient new digital service in the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps designed to create your best Disney day. Disney Genie service will maximize your park time, so you can have more fun. It includes a personalized itinerary feature that will quickly and seamlessly map out an entire day. From specific attractions, foodie experiences and entertainment, to general interests like Disney princesses, villains, Pixar, Star Wars, thrill rides and more – just tell Disney Genie what you want to do and it will do the planning for you.
What other new options are you introducing as part of the rollout of Disney Genie?
For even more convenience and flexibility, there are two other options for enjoying our theme parks, through a queue we are introducing called the Lightning Lane entrance that also saves you time in line:
Disney Genie+ service (available for purchase): For the price of $15 per ticket per day at Walt Disney World Resort and $20 per ticket per day at Disneyland Resort, choose the next available time to arrive at a variety of attractions and experiences using the Lightning Lane entrance. You can make one selection at a time, throughout the day – from classics like Haunted Mansion to thrill rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and newer favorites like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (attractions subject to limited availability). This convenient option is the next evolution of the fan-favorite Disney MaxPass service from Disneyland Resort. Disney Genie+ will also include Disney parks-themed audio experiences and photo features to capture your memories – augmented reality lenses for those visiting Walt Disney World Resort and unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads from your day if you are visiting Disneyland Resort.
Individual attraction selections (available for purchase): Schedule a time to arrive at up to two highly demanded attractions each day using the Lightning Lane entrance – like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park and Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure Park (subject to limited availability; attractions not included with Disney Genie+). Pricing will vary by date, attraction and park.
When will you launch Disney Genie?
Disney Genie will launch this fall at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. We look forward to sharing more details and exact dates soon.
A guest with previously-purchased tickets has concerns about the retirement of FastPass+. How should I assist them? As always, please treat these Guests in accordance with the highest standards, and if you have any challenges regarding existing procedures, please contact your Disney representative.
What is the difference between Disney Genie and Disney Genie+?
Disney Genie is a complimentary digital planning service with personalized itineraries, tips that can help reduce time in lines and other features to help you plan your best Disney day. The Disney Genie+ service is an add-on option available for purchase that will let Guests choose the next available arrival time for the Lightning Lane entrance – one at a time, throughout the day – at a variety of attractions (attractions subject to limited availability). The service also includes photo features and audio experiences. Arrival times for the Lightning Lane entrance will be an hour-long window.
Can all Guests use Disney Genie, or do they have to pay for it?
Disney Genie service is complimentary for all Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort via the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps. Additional options to select arrival times for the Lightning Lane entrance will be available for purchase, including the Disney Genie+ service and individual attraction selections, subject to limited availability.
Do Guests need a separate app to access Disney Genie?
No. Disney Genie service is complimentary for all Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort via the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps.
When will Guests be able to add Disney Genie+ to their vacation package/ticket?
Disney Genie itinerary planning service will launch this fall at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. We look forward to sharing more details soon, including when you can begin adding it to your Clients’ vacation package or tickets. After launch, Guests will be able to purchase the Disney Genie+ service ahead of their visit if they wish as a ticket add-on, or on the day of their visit.
What is the Lightning Lane entrance?
The Lightning Lane entrance is a queue we are introducing, available through options Guests can purchase to save time in line. Lightning Lane selections will be made on the same day of your visit and can be used across multiple theme parks, great for those who love the Park Hopper option. Guests may select an arrival time, one at a time, for Lightning Lane entry for a variety of attractions and experiences with the purchase of Disney Genie+ service (attractions subject to limited availability), or schedule a time to arrive at up to two highly demanded attractions each day (subject to limited availability; attractions not included with Disney Genie+). Pricing for the individual attraction selections will vary by date, attraction and park.
Can Guests purchase and choose their attraction selections before their visit?
Guests will choose selections for the Lightning Lane entrance on the day of their visit. Please visit the Walt Disney World or Disneyland websites for more details about the experience at each park.
What attractions can be booked with Genie+?
Examples include Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. We’ll be sharing more details soon for each resort. Most attractions that previously offered FastPass+ at Walt Disney World and FASTPASS/Disney MaxPass at Disneyland Resort will offer a Lightning Lane entrance available through Disney Genie+.
What attractions can be booked with individual Lightning Lane selections?
Examples include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Radiator Springs Racers. We’ll be sharing more details soon for each resort.
Can Guests purchase Disney Genie+ service for just one day of their multi-day visit?
When purchased with a Guests’ ticket or vacation package ahead of their visit, Disney Genie+ service is purchased for the length of stay (all days of a multi-day visit). When purchased on the day of visit, Guests will purchase Disney Genie+ for a single day.
Do Guests have to purchase Disney Genie+ to have access to attractions?
No. Attractions will continue to have a traditional standby queue, or a virtual queue at certain attractions.
Is there still a no-cost option for expedited access to attractions?
Attractions will have a traditional standby queue, or certain attractions will have a virtual queue. To access the new Lightning Lane entrance, Guests can either purchase Disney Genie+ service for a variety of attractions (subject to limited availability) or purchase and schedule an individual arrival time at up to two highly demanded attractions each day (subject to limited availability; attractions not included with Disney Genie+). [FastPass, FastPass+ and Disney MaxPass services will be retired.]
Do all Guests need to pay to ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Radiator Springs Racers or WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure?
No. Guests can join attractions offering a virtual queue via Disney Genie in the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps. If Guests are unable to secure a place in the virtual queue, purchase of the Lightning Lane entrance may be an additional option to experience the attraction, subject to limited availability. There is no traditional standby queue for these attractions at this time.
How does this impact Disability Access Service?
We are also making some enhancements our Disability Access Service (DAS) program, including a new option to enroll in the program pre-arrival and select return times for attractions directly in the app. This option will be available in addition to our existing, in-person DAS program. Visit our Services for Guests with Disabilities page on DisneyWorld.com and Disneyland.com for more details.
What is the price of Disney Genie+ service?
At launch, Disney Genie+ will be priced at $15 per ticket, per day at Walt Disney World Resort and $20 per ticket, per day at Disneyland Resort.
Can Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholders or Disneyland Resort Magic Key holders purchase Disney Genie+?
At launch, Passholders at Walt Disney World and Magic Key holders at Disneyland Resort will be able to purchase Disney Genie+ on the day of their visit. As always, we will continue to explore other enhancements as well and of course will appreciate their feedback when we launch the service.
Will Annual Passholders or Magic Key holders receive discounts on Disney Genie+ service and individual attraction Lightning Lane purchases?
At this time, there are no discounts available for Disney Genie+ or individual attraction Lightning Lane purchases. As always, we will continue to explore new offerings for Annual Passholders and Magic Key holders in the future and value their feedback.
Without the advanced FastPass+ booking window, are there any benefits for Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels?
Each day at 7 a.m., Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels will have the first opportunity to purchase up to two individual attraction selections for the Lightning Lane entrance (subject to limited availability), before other Guests who will be able to do so upon park opening. Guests staying at Walt Disney World hotels will also have more time in the parks during the 50th anniversary, with new early theme park entry and extended evening hours benefits.
Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them in all indoor locations, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distancing. Face coverings are optional in outdoor common areas at Walt Disney World Resort, but are still required upon entering and throughout all attractions, theaters and transportation.
All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.
Costume masks are also not considered appropriate and are prohibited from being worn, in alignment with our existing rules.
Face coverings may have an integrated transparent plastic panel to aid in viewing the wearer’s mouth. These face coverings must:
Be a fabric face covering featuring a solid plastic panel containing no openings that is attached to the fabric on all sides using tight knit stitching
Meet all face covering requirements listed above
The use of face coverings is not a substitute for physical distancing.
Face Coverings Throughout Walt Disney World Resort
Face Coverings Required
Face Coverings Optional
Upon entering and throughout all attractions
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All theaters, including theater entrances
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All transportation, including transportation entrances
✓
All indoor locations, including restaurants, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary
✓
Outdoor common areas
✓
Pool decks
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Please note, face coverings are not permitted while experiencing water slides or in the water.
This Halloween season, a special event is brewing at Magic Kingdom Park, and we’re scary-excited to share the news! Disney After Hours BOO BASH will be special three-hour event that begins when the Park closes on select night August 10th through October 31st!
Picture this: you’re standing in your closet doorway. An unzipped, empty suitcase is sprawled out on your bed. Your flight leaves at 8 a.m. tomorrow. Sound familiar?
Traveling can be stressful, especially internationally. Think about all the different clothes, medications and forms of payment you utilize on a daily basis—it’s easy to forget something. So, we created a list of travel essentials to help guide the packing and planning process. We have broken it down into four categories: the 4 M’s, if you will, of travel necessities that go beyond remembering an extra pair of socks.
Medical: In case of an emergency, it’s important to have all i’s dotted and t’s crossed concerning your health. First, make copies of any prescriptions—the last thing you want is for airport security to dispose of any medications. This will also allow you to refill medications in case they’re lost. Second, bring your insurance card; this can save you thousands of dollars. Finally, remember to get any required immunizations for international trips.
Money: First and foremost, call your credit card company and inform them you’ll be out of the state; you’ll avoid any suspicious activity calls. For international travel, remember to order any foreign currency. It’s much easier to handle this before departure. For extra security, carry a credit card with a chip—this extra protection can go a long way for your peace of mind. Last, if you struggle to budget during travel, fund a set amount on a Visa® Prepaid Card. You’ll enjoy your vacation, without fear of overspending.
Miscellaneous items: Everyone knows to pack a jacket, or an extra pair of shoes, but there’s several other items to think about when packing for a trip. Bring a portable charger—your phone is essential for emergency calls, translations, photos and its GPS function. When traveling abroad, most countries use different electrical plugs than we do, so bring a converter/adapter. You should also consider any specialty clothing, such as head covers for Italian cathedrals. Other cultures have different clothing standards, and these should be respected, so ask your travel consultant if you have any questions. Lastly, make copies of any important documents: travel insurance policy, driver’s license, visas, passports, and more. Items are misplaced during travel, so have a backup ready.
Make arrangements: A little preplanning is always a good idea when taking a vacation. Stop mail and newspaper delivery; not only is sensitive information kept in your mail, but it’s a red-flag to thieves that you’re out of town. You should also check that your passport is valid for six months beyond your scheduled return; if it’s not, renew it. Many countries will deny entry upon arrival, so just be safe. Last but not least, pre-book tickets to any attractions to avoid long purchasing lines. It’ll save time and possibly money—a win-win.
Traveling doesn’t have to be difficult: Skip the stress and utilize a list of travel essentials when planning for your next trip.
If you’re bringing a suitcase, make sure your luggage is labeled with your name and phone number, but not your home address. Would-be thieves look for opportunities to know when you aren’t home, which means if your bag is somewhere else, you probably are too. Keep it safe and just list your phone number, or maybe an email address, so you can be contacted easily and reconnect with your lost bag.
Consider buying a luggage lock. These come in a variety of colors and styles. Make sure whichever one you purchase is TSA-compliant, should there be any issues with your bag. Many bags come with locks already installed on them, too!
Be sure to notify your credit card company that you are traveling, along with where you are going and the dates you will be gone. They can monitor any suspicious activity on your account and help ensure you won’t go without a way to pay for something while out of town.
Consider purchasing RFID protection for your wallet and passport, particularly if you are traveling abroad. Keeping these valuable items safe is important as technology increases. Thieves no longer have to rely on pickpocketing to steal your information – they can simply come near you with a handheld scanner and grab your information without your knowledge.
Protect valuable items on your person by purchasing a slash-proof bag. These come in a variety of styles, colors and sizes, so you can find a bag that fits your budget and needs, all while keeping your valuables safe no matter where you travel.
Many travelers purchase travel insurance to ensure coverage if anything unexpected happens on their trip. There are many options for every kind of trip, so be sure to ask your travel agent about adding this insurance on to your vacation for peace of mind.
While traveler’s checks are no longer excepted everywhere, there are other alternatives to help you access your money while you’re away. Consider a Visa® TravelMoney card, which is reloadable and works similarly to traveler’s checks to ensure you are never without cash when you need it.
