What’s New at Disney?

Posted on 09 May 2014 by JLusk

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Seven Dwarf Mine Train ride opens May 28.

Walt Disney World steps into the future

By Rachel Galvin

Since 1955, Walt Disney World has continually evolved, adding more attractions and events to improve their customer experience. Last weekend, they had a media day to announce their newest technology, the My Magic + system, and some of their new attractions. The Observer was there.

On Friday, they dedicated a brand new ride in their newest area, New Fantasyland, which was launched last fall. The new ride, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride, is touted as a kids ride, but those who have ridden it know it is not exactly like “Small World.” It is definitely a roller coaster, albeit a moderate one, but the twists and turns can really be felt through their special technology that allows the carts to tip and rock so every bit of g-force can be experienced as the ride rounds every fast twist and turn. The ride opens to the public May 28.

Perhaps more impressive is the My Magic + system. Pass holders and those staying at Disney Resorts receive a My Magic Band, which is worn around the wrist and uses RF technology. It acts like a key to gain entry to everything from the hotel room to the parks themselves. Instead of the long cues and turnstiles at the entrance, guests zoom through just tapping their band and using their fingerprint to gain access. My Magic Bands come in several colors and can be accessorized with fun accessories. Bands can also be purchased for $12.95.

MyMagic+ Takes the Guest Experience to a New Level with MagicBands

Magic + provides easy and quick access to the park.

My Magic Bands are perfect for those who have Fast Pass +, which is definitely the best way to go. Guests can sign up for three fast passes from home and then add more, one by one, as many as they want, once they are in the park. Fast passes allow guests to bypass long lines.

Guests can keep track of their fast passes, see where characters are located, wait times for rides, maps and more with My Disney Experience, available on their computer or on their smart phone as an app.

To make the experience more interactive, Disney has increased character interaction with Storytime with Belle and now a special meet and greet with Mickey himself, who not only poses for a picture, but greets guests in his dressing room engaging in conversation, making a truly intimate and interactive experience.

Guests can get access to all their pictures taken by staff at the park using Memory Maker, which allows them to see their photos, and purchase and even modify them, like adding Mickey’s signature or the Walt Disney logo. Pictures are tracked through the My Magic Band to be later accessed via the app.

There have been updates to some of the attractions, like the Dumbo ride, where instead of waiting in lines, kids can play in a circus-themed indoor playground area while parents sit and wait for their pager they are given to go off, signaling it is time to ride.

At Be Our Guest restaurant, guests can order ahead of time and, when they reach the restaurant, can sit immediately and their food is served. (Try the pastries and desserts here!)

In addition, they are redoing Downtown Disney, expanding it and renaming it Disney Springs, adding an Avatar based land to Animal Kingdom and adding a theatrical performance called  Harambe Nights. They are expanding their Star Wars weekends (May 16-June 15) at Hollywood Studios and adding Symphony in the Stars fireworks spectacular. (There is a rumor that Mark Hamill will be there June 6-8). For the third year, they will be open for 24 hours on Memorial Day. These are just a few new developments. For more, see the video on www.observernewspaperonline.com/observertv or visit www.mydisneyexperience.com.

 

 

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