Several of our agents explored Walt Disney World last week to check out what's new and bring you the latest updates! Here are some of our top tips for visiting Walt Disney World now.
Mobile Ordering is Your Friend
One feature we found super useful during our trip was Mobile Ordering! This feature lets you order food and drinks through your My Disney Experience app, and then pick them up at most quick-service locations throughout the Walt Disney World parks and resorts. Not only is it a contact-free way to get lunch or snacks, but we also found it to be a big time-saver. Instead of waiting in line, we could order through the app, let the restaurant know when we arrived (also via the app), and then just chill until getting the notification that our food was ready. A few quick-service restaurants sometimes only offer mobile ordering, so this is a great feature to be familiar with on your trip.
Star Wars Fans, Take Note...
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is an amazing experience for Star Wars fans, and one of the land's most incredible experiences is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, an extraordinary attraction experience that puts you in the middle of the fight between the Resistance and the First Order in jaw-dropping ways. We got to experience this attraction during our stay, and it's incredible - but, it does take some extra steps to ride. Guests must have a Boarding Group reservation in order to ride that can only be reserved on the day of your visit, and availability is limited. Make sure to partner with your travel agent to get up to date on what you'll need to ride.
Character Opportunities
Walt Disney World doesn't have traditional close-up character meet-and-greets right now, but there are still plenty of opportunities to spot your favorite characters! Keep an eye out for character cavalcades that proceed through the theme parks multiple times a day. The times for these are typically listed in the My Disney Experience app. Random, distanced character appearances also occur throughout the day, so keep an eye out - I loved spotting Rey and First Order stormtroopers at Galaxy's Edge while we were there!
Plus, if you're looking for more character interaction, some character dining has returned to Walt Disney World. The characters are happy to take distanced photos, and you get to enjoy a meal at the same time, too!
Pack Your Face Coverings
Walt Disney World does require face coverings to be worn by all guests ages 2 and up while indoors. This includes inside shops, attractions, ride queues, buses, monorail, resort lobbies, restaurants, and anywhere else indoors, unless you are eating or drinking. Make sure you pack multiple face coverings when you go into the parks so you can change out if one gets wet.
Nighttime Shows are Back!
Nighttime fireworks spectaculars at Epcot and Magic Kingdom are back! Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom and Epcot Forever at Epcot are currently showing, and all-new shows will debut on October 1 for the 50th anniversary - Disney's Enchantment at Magic Kingdom, and Harmonious at Epcot. These shows occur once per night, but the times can vary, so make sure you check show times and show up early for a viewing spot.
Bonus: Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary is On Its Way!
Walt Disney World, which originally opened with Magic Kingdom Park in October 1971, will celebrate its 50th anniversary beginning October 1 of this year! While this event will go far beyond this fall season throughout 2022, the celebration will kick off this fall. The celebration will include new attractions, fireworks spectaculars, and new magical details throughout the parks. Check out the highlights, along with other fun events to enjoy this fall, here.