Finally: FastPass+ Enhancements for Walt Disney World

Disney finally upgraded the FastPass+ system at Walt Disney World. With the new enhancements, Guests can now:

• make up to three selections. The key word(s) is "up to" -- versus earlier when the system forced Guests to choose three, or automatically created the remainder. Now, if a Guest wants only one FastPass, they can select just one.
• choose individual FastPasses and times. The system no longer forces a time slot, but instead allows Guests to have total freedom over when they'd like to experience the attraction.
• select an additional FastPass after the first three are redeemed. Previously, this could only be done at a kiosk. Now it can be done at either at kiosk or on the app.

To aid Guests with the changes, Disney has provided the following video, as a guide:



With my family coming to visit me toward the end of my program, I decided to test the new system myself and create some FastPasses for their trip.

The entire system has a whole new look to it, one that I found refreshing and simple. Kudos to the design team!

All screenshots by Molly Blaeser
for The Disney Freak's Blog.

Clicking the plus sign in the top corner gave me the options to select my FastPass party, the date and the park. You can swipe through the dates, or you can select a date from the calendar icon. As of yet, you cannot make FastPasses in multiple parks.

And now there's an option to look for FastPasses around a certain time frame, or an entire time of day, such as "Morning."

The new upgrade makes it very easy to discover which FastPasses are available and which aren't.

And as the video above showed, you can quite easily add or remove family and friends to/from your selections. One can also create FastPasses for different people -- Splash Mountain for John and Jill, but Peter Pan's Flight for Grandma and the kids.

All in all, this upgrade has been quite anticipated and really makes the system much more user-friendly.

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Limited Time Same-Day Reservations for Skipper Canteen Start Tomorrow!

For a limited time, Magic Kingdom's newest restaurant, Skipper Canteen, will accept same-day reservations, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

Photo taken by Molly Blaeser for The Disney Freak's Blog.

Previously, the restaurant was walk-up only location, using the text-when-ready service. But from Feb. 12 to 27, Guests can reserve a table and enjoy either lunch or dinner within the same day. (It's a clever way to handle the upcoming busy season!)

Skipper Canteen is based off the popular attraction, The Jungle Cruise. With skippers for hosts, your meal is sure to be a pun-filled delicious treat!

I recommend Trader Sam's Heads-on Shrimp for seafood lovers. But all the food is amazing, and not overly pricey.

So excited to try #SkipperCanteen during its soft opening today! #mollyinflorida #mollydcp #shrimp #shrimplover #seafoodlover #seafood #junglecruise #worldfamousjunglecruise #unforgettablecast #disneysidecast #headsonshrimp #dcp2015 #adventureland #jinglecruise #dcpfall #dcp #dcpfall2015 #dcpfa2015

A photo posted by Molly the Disney Freak (@mollythedisneyfreak) on Dec 15, 2015 at 10:15am PST

To make a reservation, visit jungleskippercanteen.com or call 407-993-1933.

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'The Three Caballeros' Animatronics Added to Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT

The Gran Fiesta Tour boat ride in the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT isn't a huge crowd favorite, but even so: at the end of last year, it got a nice little update.

Animatronic figures of the Three Caballeros -- namely, Donald Duck, Jose and Panchito -- were installed at the finale of the ride. The animatronics aren't brand-new, as they used to appear in Mickey Mouse Revue in Magic Kingdom, closed since 1980. However, the animatronics were given a nice little refurbishment and look amazing.

Image via wdwsisters on Flickr.

The animatronics definitely bring a better show effect than a screen with the animated characters, as previously seen.

Image via f**kyeahepcot.tumblr.com

Because I love the Three Caballeros, and thus the ride, taking a trip to EPCOT to check out the new additions was no hassle for me. I even got a video!



What do you think of the improvements? All I want now is to have Jose and Panchito meet with Donald at Mexico.

Image via everythingdisney on Flickr.

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DCP: New Role, New Location for Spring 2016!

When I discovered I'd be extending till May for my DCP, all I knew was that I'd be transferring into Attractions. What I didn't know was where I would be, what show or ride I'd be manning -- I didn't know any of the details.

Source link missing.

Someone told me the information would show up on our record card. Someone else told me leaders were handing out the new training schedules.

Turned out my second friend was correct -- and you'll never guess where I'm headed!



That's right: I am headed to DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom! As of now, I don't know if I'll be doing the carnival games, Primeval Whirl, TriceraTop Spin, The Boneyard and/or Dinosaur.

And although I am slightly disappointed in my new location, I'm going to try to make the most of it and create lots of Disney magic for Guests!

Posing with dinosaurs, check! #mollydcp #mollyinflorida #dinoland #animalkingdom

A photo posted by Molly the Disney Freak (@mollythedisneyfreak) on Nov 2, 2015 at 2:03pm PST

What's your favorite part of DinoLand? Comment below!

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Skipper Canteen Update: Signs and Soft Openings

Last week, the signs for Skipper Canteen were posted behind construction walls.

Both photos taken by Molly Blaeser for The Disney Freak's Blog

Skipper Canteen is the new Jungle Cruise-inspired restaurant coming to Magic Kingdom. It's located in Adventureland, right across from the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse.

I was able to get a very, very short video showing the signs and size of the new restaurant.



Apparently, the cast preview was this past Monday, while I was at Hollywood Studios checking out Star Wars Launch Bay -- darn! Soft openings are supposed to happen soon, or may have already started. The actual opening date is still unknown, but the restaurant is supposed to start serving guests sometime this month.

What do you think of Skipper Canteen? I'm sure there will be plenty of corny jokes, a la Jungle Cruise style, so I'm excited!

See ya real soon.

'Frozen' Gingerbread Castle Returns to Contemporary Resort for Holidays

Due to the popularity of Frozen (though, Cinderella and Rapunzel's wait times have finally overtaken Anna and Elsa's), the Frozen-inspired gingerbread castle has returned for a second year to the Contemporary Resort!

All photos taken by Molly Blaeser for The Disney Freak's Blog.

The castle is located on the 4th floor, in front of the 'it's a small world' mural on the other side of Contempo Cafe. Because the Contemporary gets most of its lighting from outside through huge windows, going in the daytime is best for good lighting.

The castle is also inspired by Alice Davis' designs for 'it's a small world,' apparent in the stylized look of Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Sven.

New to the castle this year are the Snowgies from "Frozen Fever."

Olaf appears next to a sand castle. I enjoyed the hidden Nemo!

 

The bakery team also hid 15 Olaf silhouettes throughout the castle. I overhead lots of children pointing them out to each other and keeping track of how many they'd found.

To the side of the display are holiday sweets for purchase. Check out the video below for Cast Member Alexander's top picks.



See you all real soon!

Club Villain Coming to Hollywood Studios Next Year, Starring Dr. Facilier

At first, Theme Park Tourist hypothesized a new Disney villain-themed show would be coming to Hollywood Studios, based off a Disney auditions posting.

And with Halloween just days away, Disney finally gave us official details!

The hypothesis is indeed true: Dr. Facilier will be hosting your favorite Disney villains in a new dining experience coming to Hollywood Studios, starting January 16!

Image via Disney Parks Blog.

The event is called Club Villain, taking place in the new Sunset Showcase location. And as the event's official Walt Disney World page states:

This spellbinding evening features decadent New Orleans delicacies like tender beef striploin rubbed with herbes de Provence, Voodoo sticky “pig wings” with citrus gremolata and spicy shrimp sautéed with Andouille sausage, tomato, okra and onions over creamy polenta.

Trick or treat yourself to fiendish cocktail concoctions—specialty alcoholic drinks plus beer and wine—hilarious stage-show numbers and up-close encounters with Disney’s most dastardly doomsday divas. Mix and mingle with mysterious Maleficent, hilarious Queen of Hearts, the delirious Evil Queen and the always fur-fetched Cruella De Vil—and wicked jams from our house DJ!

Tickets to Club Villain can be purchased for $99 per person, tax and gratuity included. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 90 days in advance, either by booking online here or by calling (407) 939-3463.

And according to Disney Parks Blog, reservations started today!

Loving the logo!
Image via Disney Parks Blog.

Sunset Showcase will host multiple themed events and experiences over time. The first event, Club Disney, will debut December 4. I'm assuming Club Villain replaces it, unless there's a Star Wars-themed event I'm forgetting.

See y'all real soon.

Update: Bette Midler in 'Hocus Pocus' Debut Show?

Not long ago, I shared a rumor Magic Kingdom Cast Members were spreading as true.

IS THIS A REAL THING? Because if yes, then paying full price and going just for the show was definitely worth it! #MollyDCP #hocuspocus #bettemidler #notsoscary #mnsshp #mnsshp2015 #hocuspocusvillainspelltacular #MollyInFlorida #halloween #hocuspocusvillainsspelltacular

A photo posted by Molly the Disney Freak (@mollythedisneyfreak) on Oct 7, 2015 at 8:26am PDT

That rumor, my friends, has been officially...denied.

A very close friend of Winifred's reached out to me and told me the rumor is false. Bette Midler did not appear at the debut show of Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. It was indeed the one and only Winifred Sanderson.

Image via mkbc.tumblr.com

If it makes my fellow Disney fans feel better, we weren't the only ones fooled!

For more information, see Divine Deception on Facebook.

See y'all real soon!

New Offer from Destinations in Florida!

Destinations in Florida has just released this great new way you can save on your next Walt Disney World vacation!

Click to book!

The Disney Freak's Blog is a proud affiliate of Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney travel agency. Just tell them I sent you!

See y'all real soon.

It's Official: Downtown Disney now Disney Springs

Yesterday, after an official ceremony, Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World officially changed its name to Disney Springs.

Image via Disney Parks Blog.

Previously, road signage around Walt Disney World displayed the name change, and new maps were slowly introduced.

Image via Inside the Magic's Facebook page.

Watch this video of the name-changing ceremony:

The same day, two new restaurants had their grand openings. The first is Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, which is Indiana Jones-themed. The second is Morimoto Asia, inspired by Iron Chef Morimoto. Yesterday, Morimoto made a 60 foot sushi roll at the grand opening!

Morimoto is making a 60-foot long sushi roll! @WaltDisneyWorld
Posted by Inside the Magic on Tuesday, September 29, 2015

I'm not against the Disney Springs name change, but I didn't see any problem with Downtown Disney. I liked the idea of going "downtown," just like at home. It will definitely take some getting used to the new name, of course!

What are your thoughts? Are you excited to try out the two new locations? Comment below!

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Duffy the Disney Bear Will Permanently Leave EPCOT Oct. 3

The rumors had been swirling around for months: not-so-popular-in-the-US Duffy the Disney Bear would be retired from his meet and greet spot in EPCOT sometime this year.

In the end, the rumors were confirmed.

Duffy will indeed be retired from his meet and greet area on Oct. 3 this year. Daisy Duck will replace him.

Image courtesy of Disney PhotoPass.

I find this news sad, but I'm in the minority. Duffy is Mickey Mouse's teddy bear, and he was first introduced in America but never gained a popular following. So Disney brought him to Japan, where cute things are absolutely the rage. As expected, he became quite popular there, and Disney brought him back to the US Disney Parks in hopes that he would become popular here, too. He's got a pretty good fan following, but he never really caught on with enough people.

So, now, Disney is saying goodbye to this hug-loving teddy bear. In truth, this comes as no surprise, as he'd already been retired from Disneyland.

Fortunately, I've been able to meet Duffy twice so far during my program. I have plans of meeting him a few more times before he's retired, as well.

Watch the videos of me meeting Duffy for the first time and then introducing him to my very own Duffy:





Are you sad, happy or neutral about the news of Duffy's retirement? Comment below with your answer!

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Sanderson Sisters Debut in Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular at MNSSHP 2015!

Disney announced many months ago that the Villains' Mix and Mingle would not be returning to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) this year.

A few weeks later, further details were announced: the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus would be starring in the new show, making it their Disney Parks debut!


The first day of MNSSHP was Tuesday, September 15. I was lucky enough to be there and see the first show -- during which there were many, many excited screams from Hocus Pocus fans!

Their first appearance!
Images via mgmpluto.tumblr.com

Watch the full debut Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show below:




As sad as I was about Villains' Mix and Mingle being replaced, I'm actually really in love with this new show. I think it's absolutely incredible!

The coolest part about the whole show? It really seemed the sisters had walked right out of the movie. I read in a Cast Member magazine that Costuming was able to get their hands on the original dresses Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker wore in the film in order to make the most accurate replicas. And also, fun fact: that's live dialogue and singing from the sisters!

Of course, the video doesn't do the show justice -- you really need to go in person and see it! Along with HalloWishes and the Boo to You Parade, MNSSHP is an absolute must for any Disney or Halloween fan!

"The Sanderson Sisters are back!"

Interested in attending MNSSHP? It requires an extra ticket, which you can get by clicking HERE. The party happens on select nights until November 1!

Happy (early) Halloween! See ya real soon.

Update: Dream Along with Mickey Returns, Despite Closing Rumors!

Months ago, a rumor spread that Dream Along with Mickey would be closing after its brief refurbishment period. (And by "brief," I mean a month-long.)

But happily, the show did not close and returned to its normal performance schedule on August 23!

Image via clarabellecows.tumblr.com

Of course, the only problem was that castle hub construction was still going on, so the show and its audience were separated by a tall and wide wall.

#dreamalongwithmickey is back, just with a construction wall between the show and the audience. #mollydcp #mollyinflorida #mickeymouse #waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #cinderellascastle #minniemouse #donaldduck #goofy #dawm #dcp #dcpfall #dcpfall2015 #dcp2015 #dcpfa2015 #nozoom

A photo posted by Molly the Disney Freak (@mollythedisneyfreak) on Aug 24, 2015 at 5:33pm PDT

Even with the wall, it was nice to be able to once again share in the castle party with all your favorite Disney friends!

See ya real soon!

'Frozen Summer Fun': Ice Palace Boutique Opens Tomorrow!

Disney's Hollywood Studios has gotten quite a makeover with all the new Frozen additions for "Frozen Summer Fun." (And, which this particular Disney fan quite enjoyed.)

Most notably is the closing of the American Idol Experience which has been changed into the Hyperion Theater to host the Frozen Sing-along.

And now, the Ice Palace Boutique is opening up in the former American Idol Experience audition area, just across from ABC Commissary!

Images via Disney Parks Blog.

Starting tomorrow, July 26, Guests ages 3-12 can receive a Frozen-inspired makeover, styled after either Princess Anna or Queen Elsa.

According to WDWMagic.com:

[T]he 'Ice Palace Boutique' will offer four packages to fit various budgets.

• Frozen Summer Fun Boutique Package – This package includes Anna or Elsa-inspired shimmering makeup palette, face gems, nail polish, a braided hair piece with sparkling snowflake accessory and an exclusive photo opportunity. Package retail: $75, includes tax.
• Ice Palace Boutique Package – This package includes the items offered in the Frozen Summer Fun Boutique Package. It also includes access to the Ice Palace Café and reserved seating at one of the “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” shows. Package retail: $175, includes tax.
• Ice Palace Boutique Deluxe Package – This package includes an Anna or Elsa costume plus the items offered in the Ice Palace Boutique Package. Package retail: $240, includes tax.
• Olaf-inspired package that includes a glitter hairstyle and Olaf tee-shirt. Reservations are not required for this package and will only be available on-site at the location. Package retail: $19.95, plus tax.

Also part of the higher priced packages is reserved seating for a showing of the Frozen sing-along at the Hyperion Theater. The Ice Palace Boutique Package and the Ice Palace Boutique Deluxe Package is for up to 6 guests, including the child getting the magical transformation.

Those higher end packages also include access to the Ice Palace Cafe, where additional party members can enjoy the exclusive Ice Palace Café, an immersive “Frozen”-themed café with included snacks while they wait for their Anna or Elsa.

The boutique is only open until September, when the "Frozen Summer Fun" festivities conclude. Purchase an Ice Palace Boutique through Destinations in Florida by clicking HERE!

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***UPDATE***

Disney Parks Blog has released this inside look at Ice Palace Boutqiue. Check it out!

Happy Fourth of July!

It's my favorite holiday today -- the day we celebrate our wonderful country!

Happy Fourth of July to all my fans, friends and family!

This makes me really, really miss Riley...
Image via Walt Disney Animation Studios' Facebook page.

Disney created this short and sweet video to celebrate Independence Day, with Mickey Mouse posing alongside numerous light-painted patriotic images. Most of the designs were freehanded in mid-air!



From all of us here at the Disney Freak's Blog to you, have a very patriotic Independence Day!

Happy Anniversary, Grand Floridian!

According to this poster in the elevator, the Grand Floridian is celebrating 27 years today!

Gotta love fingers in the frame, right?

In honor of that, I thought I would share this quick video which gives you a 360 view of my work location: Gasparilla Island Grill. The video after is more recent, covering all the dining options available at the Grand Floridian, and I even saw a few of my fellow Cast Members around the 1:25 mark!





For a look into the resort overall, here's a lovely video supplied by Disney. Gaspy's isn't shown in it -- perhaps it's too casual for the formal theme?



Overall, a simply loverly resort I am excited to be celebrating the anniversary of while also working at the same resort!

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