Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

[LoveToDisney]

Disney could smooth over so many ruffled feathers of AP users by removing the park hopping restrictions.

 

[AnnabelleTheTalkingTree]

I don't know, the 11am hop isn't nearly as bad as 2pm. You only have to stay in your starting park for a few hours and you can still do lunch in either park. If WDW moved it up to 11am, I think that would satisfy a lot of folks.

This would help a lot. I'd rather there be no restrictions at all, but 11 is better than 2:00, and I think it would at least go a ways to making guests feel like they're being heard. With an 11am restriction, I would absolutely still buy hoppers. With the 2pm thing, it's getting really dicey for me, if not impossible to justify.

I think the 2pm thing will stay. Park reservations are still active for AP holders. TBH reservations are still kind of there. When buying tickets you still have to pick your dates.

Reservations have always been there in a way. When you booked fastpasses ahead of time, you were telling Disney what park you'd be in and you were also committing to being in a certain park on a certain day. If they're bringing back some aspect of pre-planning, they could potentially glean some of the same information from that. I have a hard time believing that they will keep it at 2pm if they start to see park-hopper sales dwindle (though I obviously have no idea whether that's actually the case or not).

 

[Bibbidi_Boo]

I feel like disney hotel guests should have no reservation requirements no matter ticket type.

 

[AnnabelleTheTalkingTree]

I feel like disney hotel guests should have no reservation requirements no matter ticket type.

I think just in general they should bring back some perks for resort guests. I know there are plenty of people who are not in favor of that, and I understand why, but I also realize that Disney makes a ton of money on their resorts. It would make sense to sweeten the pot and entice guests to stay on-site. Whether that means a few advance lightning lanes, waiving the park hopping rule/park reservations for on-site, or anything else they can dream up, for me I think the point is that it would be nice to make staying on-site feel valuable again.

 

[princesscinderella]

Last May I went with a friend who had not been to WDW since the end of paper Fastpass/beginning of Fastpass+. She didn't get a park hopper ticket because of the restrictions.

Not WDW but the park hopping restriction is especially bad at Disneyland. Park hoppers are required there IMO and the restriction ruins it in terms of value.

I think that's part of the plan for the 2pm restriction for hoppers because it discourages day/week ticket holders from buying tickets with the park hopper option which helps them with staffing issues and it manages the wildcard AP holders from bouncing all over the place.

 

[Jrb1979]

I think just in general they should bring back some perks for resort guests. I know there are plenty of people who are not in favor of that, and I understand why, but I also realize that Disney makes a ton of money on their resorts. It would make sense to sweeten the pot and entice guests to stay on-site. Whether that means a few advance lightning lanes, waiving the park hopping rule/park reservations for on-site, or anything else they can dream up, for me I think the point is that it would be nice to make staying on-site feel valuable again.

All that might happen. All these things coming back has nothing to do with making guests happy. It's saying they are expecting a down year next year.

 

[disney-inspired]

Oh yeah - it's WAY worse at DLR (though at least it's 1 PM there). I always just treated DL and CA as one big park!

It moved to 11am a while ago.

 

[BrianL]

It moved to 11am a while ago.

Oh, did it? That's really good then - of course it's also almost pointless.

 

[AnnabelleTheTalkingTree]

All that might happen. All these things coming back has nothing to do with making guests happy. It's saying they are expecting a down year next year.

Absolutely. They've had no reason over the past few years to offer up anything extra. But with the way things are going, they may need to up their game a little, add some value to what they're selling, give guests more reasons to pay up for things like on-site accommodations and park hopper. They're likely to be in a position in the near future where they're going to have to work a little harder to get guests on-site.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I think that's part of the plan for the 2pm restriction for hoppers because it discourages day/week ticket holders from buying tickets with the park hopper option which helps them with staffing issues and it manages the wildcard AP holders from bouncing all over the place.

I think you're right. I do think it's a staffing issue. It's exactly why only 1 water park is open right now. When I drive in the central Florida area, I hear A LOT of ads for hiring lifeguards on the radio.

 

[Gusey]

Craig on Today's DisUnplugged said he asked Disney if there was going to be any changes to park hopping with the new announcements, and they told him there were no plans to alter Park Hopping Rules at the moment

 

[Lindaloucinda]

Hope they also get rid of 2 pm park hopping restrictions.

totally off topic but your profile picture with your comment made me laugh.

 

[rangerxenos]

That was insane! We were there in January 2020 and I want to say it was around 5:30 am people were arriving at DHS since you had to tap in (whatever time it was, we were some of them!) It was packed trying to get in for a BG. And I remember having to delete any family and friends who were not on the trip since you had to scroll through and click only those were who going to ride. So stressful, lol.

I was one of those people. Not happy being on a Disney bus at 5.15 am I can tell you.

I was there in December of 2019 on the day Rise opened to the public, the buses weren't running that early, I actually got an Uber for the first time in my life in the wee hours of the morning. Me and thousands of other crazed Star Wars fans, they let everyone in the parks around 5 a.m. that day, there were so many people waiting. The the stress of having to get a boarding group!

It was still one of the best park days of my life, though, LOL! It's very rare for a trip of mine to coincide with the first day of anything, and I'm out of state so I can't just drop everything and go to the parks!

 

[rangerxenos]

So it appears the new version of the DDP will be even worse than the previous. Hopefully people realize that since I'm sure it's not going to be cheaper for less food. It was so nice being able to get pretty much anything but Space 220 the last two trips we've had without it being offered.

I never understood the DDP, it was obviously making LOTS of money for Disney so I get why they always made it look like a great deal, but it really wasn't unless you got the most expensive restaurants, ate the most expensive items, and in general ate way too much food. Much better choice to take a room discount instead.

I get that prepaying for food helps budget, but I used to tell people to put the money that the DDP would cost you on a Disney gift card, then if you have leftover money you can use it, rather than having 20 snack credits left for the family to use on your next to the last day. I'm willing to bet most people would have money left.

 

[HokieRaven5]

Disney Eats: New Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya Opening at EPCOT This Summer
Foodies know that one of the best places to explore a variety of global cuisines is at EPCOT, which will soon be home to a new location at the Japan pavilion – Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. This table-service restaurant will offer a festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style for you to create memories and good times through flavors.

Here, you’ll be able to experience the essence of Japan’s seasonal festivals, where each month brings a new celebration to your table. From hanging tanzaku to celebrate Tanabata in July to savoring moon-viewing dumplings in September, a cultural representative from Japan will guide you through each unique festival experience, one bite at a time. The atmosphere also embraces the festivals of Japan, with the atmosphere featuring beautiful, hand painted artwork and lanterns highlighting some of the natural wonders that Japan offers as well. Each and every visit is designed to create unforgettable memories that capture the spirit of Japan’s vibrant seasonal festivities.

In addition to a full menu filled with mouthwatering Japanese delights like sushi and teppan items, there will be an open sushi bar and grill. Located on the second floor of the Japan pavilion, Shiki-Sai offers stunning views of EPCOT, the World Showcase Lagoon, and, of course, fireworks!

Sushi lovers will marvel at the first-hand look at sushi being made right before their eyes by the chefs when sitting at the sushi bar. This unique spot provides a can’t-miss dining experience along with a magnificent trellis inspired by the roof of the Phoenix Hall in Kyoto that will mesmerize your eyes while the food captivates your taste buds.

Speaking of taste buds, let’s take a look at some of the dishes that will be served up at Shiki-Sai.

If you fancy yourself a sushi aficionado or you’re looking to expand your palate to a new bite, this menu has no shortage of delicious bites for you to try. Some highlights from the sushi bar include the Kobore Sushi, Tokyo Negi Roll, Funamori, and The Monster Roll.

Kobore Sushi translates to “overflowing sushi” and this item is “overflowing” with flavors. It features negi toro and nakaochi tuna elegantly paired with salmon roe and green onion. The Tokyo Negi Roll combines green onion tempura rolled with tuna tataki and topped with jalapeno aïoli, shredded carrot, and sliced jalapeno for a delightful roll that you simply need to try.

The Funamori features sashimi and sushi arranged on a boat-shaped platter. This iteration of Funamori is even served with the festive pomp and the boat procession of the famous Tenjin Matsuri!

You’ll also be able to sample dishes from the delicious world of Japanese Izakaya, a type of casual pub-style restaurant. One of the main highlights of Izakaya culture is the emphasis on sharing plates of food while enjoying drinks and conversation with friends. The menu at an Izakaya typically features a wide range of small dishes, and here is no different. From savory Karaage Chicken to succulent Salmon Misoyaki, even a refreshing Tomato Salad with Avocado, Izakaya cuisine is all about offering a variety of delicious small plates that can be indulged in a social and relaxed atmosphere.

Not only can you get dishes from the sushi bar, but the grill will also be serving up delicious options commonly found in Japanese cuisine. Among the grilled items to enjoy, Okonomiyaki is a highlight. This Japanese savory pancake is made with a batter of flour, eggs, and water, and then filled with shredded cabbage and bacon, and topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger.

Welcome to EPCOT, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. I hope you’re as excited as I am for this new location to open its doors this summer!

 

[rangerxenos]

i'm one that loved the dining plan for the convenience, but now it would be such a huge waste for my hubby and i. we both had gastric sleeve surgery in 2021 and now we share most of our meals at disney and rarely do sit down restaurants anymore. now if they did it where not everyone on the reservation had to get it, i might consider the quick service plan, but i don't see that happening anywhere in the future

That's another issue, a friend that I often travel with had gastric bypass a few years back, and it would make no sense for her to have the DDP, she can't eat that much. But if everyone else in the room wanted it, she'd have to get it.

 

[rangerxenos]

Disney could smooth over so many ruffled feathers of AP users by removing the park hopping restrictions.

They could also give us a nice discount on Genie+, and give us back free Memory Maker, that would certainly smooth over most of my ruffled feathers, LOL!

 

[snikki]

I never understood the DDP, it was obviously making LOTS of money for Disney so I get why they always made it look like a great deal, but it really wasn't unless you got the most expensive restaurants, ate the most expensive items, and in general ate way too much food. Much better choice to take a room discount instead.

I get that prepaying for food helps budget, but I used to tell people to put the money that the DDP would cost you on a Disney gift card, then if you have leftover money you can use it, rather than having 20 snack credits left for the family to use on your next to the last day. I'm willing to bet most people would have money left.

Free dining for a family of 4 in a moderate or value was/is a great deal. There’s no way I was getting a room discount of $200+ per night which is what it cost to feed us per day on the low side. Free dining was always the better deal when we all went.

 

[BrianL]

Not only can you get dishes from the sushi bar, but the grill will also be serving up delicious options commonly found in Japanese cuisine. Among the grilled items to enjoy, Okonomiyaki is a highlight. This Japanese savory pancake is made with a batter of flour, eggs, and water, and then filled with shredded cabbage and bacon, and topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger.

Oh my...OKONOMIYAKI! That is SOOOO good!

 

[Chernabob]

Free dining for a family of 4 in a moderate or value was/is a great deal. There’s no way I was getting a room discount of $200+ per night which is what it cost to feed us per day on the low side. Free dining was always the better deal when we all went.

The one time we went late summer with a free DDP package, this was totally us. I have a spreadsheet to track this, and that trip was a great value for us.