Updates to Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2012)
Updated Timelines for the Fantasyland Expansion
In February 2012, parts of the new Storybook Circus will open. This will include one of the Flying Dumbo attractions; the Great Goofini which is a makeover for The Barnstormer, Fantasyland Station (Walt Disney World Railroad), and the Casey, Jr. water play area.
Jake and the Neverland Pirates
Beginning November 13, 2011, Jake from Jake and the Never Land Pirates will be one of the characters at the Disney Junior Play 'N Dine character meal at Hollywood and Vine in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Joining him will be Handy Manny, Special Agent Oso, and June from The Little Einsteins. Jake will also be replacing the Little Einsteins at the character meet and greet in Hollywood Studios' Animation Courtyard.
Recommended Stroller Rental Companies
Kingdom Strollers (http://www.kingdomstrollers.com/; (407)271-5301)
Orlando Stroller Rentals (http://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com/; 800-281-0884)
Change to Advance Dining Reservations Cancellation Policy
Beginning October 26, 2011, a credit card guarantee will be required to make Advance Dining Reservations at many
character dining and signature dining locations. Cancellations without 24 hours notice will result in a $10 charge
per person in your dining party. The restaurants affected by the change are 1900 Park Fare, Artist Point, California Grill, Cape May Café, Chef Mickey’s, Cítricos, Flying Fish Café, Jiko – The Cooking Place, Narcoossee’s,‘Ohana, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Victoria & Albert’s ($25 per person fee), The Crystal Palace, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, The Garden Grill, Le Cellier Steakhouse, The Hollywood Brown Derby, Hollywood & Vine, Tusker House Restaurant.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction at the Magic Kingdom will be closed from January 9th through February 17th, 2012.
Donald's Dining Safari Lunch
Beginning December 4, 2011, characters are coming to lunch at Animal Kingdom's Tusker House. Donald, Daisy, Mickey, and Goofy host guests at Donald's Dining Safari Lunch. The buffet is $25.99-29.99 for adults and $14.99-16.99 for children. Unfortunately, there will no longer be reserved seating at the afternoon shows of Finding Nemo - The Musical.
Free In Room WiFi
Deluxe resorts, Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resorts, and Coronado Springs are now offering free WiFi in guest rooms.
Art of Animation Resort
The Finding Nemo section will open May 31, 2012. The feature pool will be the largest pool at a Disney resort.
Updates to Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2011)
Winnie the Pooh Meet 'n Greet
In Summer 2011, Winnie the Pooh will be replacing Lotso in The Magic of Disney Animation.
Phineas and Ferb Meet 'n Greet
Beginning in Summer 2011, Phineas and Ferb will greet guests in Hollywood Studios near the exit of MuppetVision 3D.
Princess Character Dining
Cinderella's Royal Table. Cinderella now visits guests at their table after taking photographs in the foyer.
Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus. Cinderella's schedule now allows her to visit her royal guests at Akershus. Ariel, Aurora, Belle, and Snow White also attend the meals.
Garden Grove Character Dining
Goofy and Pluto are the characters at all Garden Grove character dining.
Disney's PhotoPass Portrait Session
Changes have been made to Disney's PhotoPass Portrait Session. The Wilderness Lodge is no longer an option for the 20 minute mini-session. Additionally, packages have changed. There currently is a 20-minute photo session for $99.95. The package includes all final images on CD. A 60-minute session takes place at various locations and includes image retouching and enhancements. Photos are available for website viewing and guests receive a soft cover proof book. For more inforamtion, visit http://www.disneyeventphotography.com
Disney's Magical Express and Car Seats
Car seats cannot be installed on Disney's Magical Express. They are stowed in the luggage compartment underneath the bus during your transfer from Orlando International Airport to your Walt Disney World Resort.
Mickey's Toontown Fair Closure
Mickey's Toontown Fair will close in February, 2011 to make way for the Fantasyland expansion. In the spring, Mickey, Minnie, and the Disney princesses will move to Town Square Exposition Hall. In the interim, you will find them throughout the Magic Kingdom. Tinker Bell will be moving to Disney's Hollywood Studios while the rest of her fairy friends will soon be found in Epcot.
Picnic in the Park
Animal Kingdom's Picnic in the Park is no longer being offered.
Dragon Legends Acrobats
These amazing acrobats at Epcot's China Pavilion will be leaving in early 2011.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Tangled
Beginning in May, the Hannah Montana package will be discontinued.
ImageWorks!
Kodak is no longer a sponsor for ImageWorks! Unfortunately, some of the activities are no longer operating.
Block Party Bash
January 1, 2011 will be the last date for Disney Hollywood Studio's parade, Block Party Bash. A new Pixar-based parade, Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade, will debut on January 16, 2011. Expect to see characters from Up and Ratatouille.
Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! becomes Disney Junior - Live on Stage!
In 2011, Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! is being re-branded. Disney Junior - Live on Stage will debut with a new segment, Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Preschooler favorites Handy Manny, Little Einsteins, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse will continue to be part of the show.
Updates to Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2010)
Fantasyland Closures
Ariel's Grotto and Pooh's Playful Spot will be closed beginning April 12, 2010 as part of the work being done for the Fantasyland Expansion.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience is temporarily closed due to the return of Captain EO.
Waking Tinker Bell
Unfortunately, guests can no longer wake Tinker Bell now that Tinker Bell's Treasures is Castle Couture.
Disney’s Honorary VoluntEARS Cavalcade
Disney Parks announces, "Each afternoon just before the daily parade at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom (and at Disneyland Park in California), Muppets characters and parade dancers will join special floats and vehicles celebrating volunteerism and presenting Honorary VoluntEARS serving as Grand Marshals of the parades. Kermit, Miss Piggy and Sweetums will be part of the merriment, while the dancers will be donning outfits that celebrate the work of volunteers."
Fantasyland Expansion
Beginning in 2010, work on the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland Expansion will begin. The project is expected to span three years, during which time Mickey's Toontown Fair will likely close.
Character Greeting Locations
Peter Pan can now be found in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland instead of Adventureland.
New Hidden Activity at Downtown Disney
Visit Hand Art Memories and have your handprint transformed entirely. Select stock designs such as Santa Clause or some of your favorite animals.
Verizon Wireless Users
Verizon Wireless users will have access to attraction wait times, FASTPASS return times, character greeting locations, and more. Named "Mobile Magic," the wireless app is not yet available for purchase.
Disney PhotoCD
Restrictions now apply to pre-ordering the Disney PhotoPass PhotoCD. This perk is only available to guests who book their vacation through DisneyWorld.com or the Disney Reservation Center. An email with a link will be sent to eligible guests.
Character Greeting at the Magic of Disney Animation Building
A separate line is now available for guests who wish to meet the characters without experiencing the Drawn to Animation film.
Animal Kingdom's Picnic in the Park
Animal Kingdom's Picnic in the Park will be available seasonally after January 3, 2010.
Downtown Disney McDonald's Location
As of April 30, 2010, the Downtown Disney McDonald's location will be closed. It will be replaced by Pollo Campero, a Latin-inspired fast-food chain.
DJ Dance Party
Downtown Disney hosts a kid-friendly DJ Dance Party every Friday and Saturday evening.
Cinderella's Royal Table
All dining at Cinderella's Royal Table will be renamed Fairytale Dining. Cinderella's princess friends will attend the meals. The Fairy Godmother will no longer be present.
Summer Nightastic!
The Magic Kingdom's Main Street Electrical Parade will return for a limited time in June, 2010 as part of Walt Disney World's Summer Nightastic! A special, new float with Tinker Bell will lead the parade. There will also be a special fireworks show.