Devine Fairytale

a magical lifestyle blog

Categories: Disney

What Happens at Disney World During a Hurricane?

You should definitely expect rain at Walt Disney World in Florida, especially during the summer months, but what happens at Disney World during a hurricane?

What happens at Disney World during a hurricane spaceship earth image

Hurricane season runs from June through November in Florida so if you are planning on visiting during that time it is helpful to know what Disney’s policies are regarding a storm and what will happen to prepare for its arrival.

Having the technology to track the storms before they make landfall is incredibly helpful, but like most Floridians know, the predicted path is never certain and can change many, many times before actually reaching land. If there is an active storm ahead of your upcoming Disney trip, keep an eye on the reports but don’t act too quickly. Be sure to follow reliable weather sources to see what the experts are saying.

Updates for Hurricane Ian at Walt Disney World as of September 27, 2022

Given the latest projections, Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks will be closed on Wednesday, September 28th and Thursday, September 29th. Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday, September 28th and anticipate it will also be closed on Thursday, September 29th.

Partially used multi-day theme park tickets with a usage window impacted by Hurricane Ian related park closures will automatically be extended to use the remaining entitlements through any date through September 30, 2023.

Disney will continue monitoring weather conditions in order to make timely decisions for the safety of cast members and guests, including when it’s safe for cast to return to the site to prepare for reopening.

  • Disney Resort Hotels: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will temporarily close Wednesday, September 28th through Friday, September 30th due to the weather. Guests with current and upcoming reservations will be contacted.
  • For the safety of Guests and Cast Members, Guests must check in to their resorts on Sept. 28, by 3 p.m.
  • Guests that are checked in by 3 p.m. Wednesday will be asked to shelter in place at their resort for the duration of the storm, this includes any resort-to-resort transfers
  • Guests are strongly encouraged to enjoy food and beverage offerings at the parks and Disney Springs before returning to their Resort hotels.
  • Dining options for Guests staying in Resort hotels will vary, and in some cases may be very limited. Where available, restaurants will accept walk-ups only; Guests will not need dining reservations.
  • Characters will not be available in character dining locations on Wednesday and Thursday.
  • The Grand Floridian Spa will close at noon Wednesday, Sept. 28.
  • Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyages departing Tuesday, September 27th and Thursday, September 29th have been canceled due to the potential impact on the guest experience.
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: Typhoon Lagoon will close temporarily Wednesday, September 28th and Thursday, September 29th. Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed. 
  • Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf: The miniature golf courses will also temporarily close Wednesday, September 28th and Thursday, September 29th.
  • Reservations for Dining and Other Experiences: Effective immediately, Disney will not enforce cancelation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences such as Savi’s Workshop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
  • Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue have been canceled September 28th through September 30th. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be automatically canceled and refunded.
  • Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom has been cancelled for Thursday, Sept. 29.
  • Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney at Disney Springs will be cancelled on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday Sept 29.
  • Walt Disney World Transportation will stop operating Tuesday night after Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World theme parks close.
  • Limited Minnie Van and Mears taxi service will be offered to Walt Disney World resort Guests with existing breakfast reservations.

The reopening dates and timelines are tentative and subject to safety conditions.

Orlando International Airport announced that commercial operations will cease at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 28th. Travelers should contact their airlines directly in regards to specific flights. The airport is expected to open up commercial operations again sometime on Friday, September 30th.

If You Purchased Walt Disney World Vacation Packages and Room Only Reservations

If the National Hurricane Center issues a Hurricane Warning for the Orlando area, or for your place of residence, within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may call in advance to reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort hotel packages and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney.

If you have services booked through third-party suppliers included in your vacation, such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or travel insurance companies, you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. You should check with those suppliers directly for their policies. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences. Click here to view Walt Disney World’s Hurricane policy FAQs.

If your original booking included a discount or special offer, that offer may not be available if you choose to reschedule. Also be aware that the same accommodations you originally booked may not be available for the new dates you choose; it will depend on what is available. The total amount you paid towards your vacation package would be applied to your new reservation.

To stay up to date with current weather information for Walt Disney World, you can keep an eye on this page.

If You Purchased Walt Disney World Park Tickets

If Disney park tickets were purchased on their own and not part of a vacation package, they are usually non-refundable. You will need to call Guest Services in the event of a hurricane to see if they are able to refund your tickets or modify the dates you are able to use them.

Will Disney World Shut Down?

It is possible that the parks will be shut down if Orlando is in the path of the hurricane. Aside from the recent Covid-19 pandemic, Disney World also closed for several hurricanes in the past:

  • Hurricane Floyd: September 15, 1999
  • Hurricane Frances: September 4-5, 2004
  • Hurricane Jeanne: September 26, 2004
  • Hurricane Matthew: October 7, 2016
  • Hurricane Irma: September 10-11, 2017

The parks could also close early or open late due to the weather from the storm to protect guests.

What to Expect If Disney Shuts Down While You’re There

If Disney World does shut down, the resorts would be on lock down and guests would need to remain at their hotel. Disney may even have special activities set up to keep everyone entertained such as trivia, movies, special character visits, etc.

If you’ll need to shelter in place at your Disney resort, you can be prepared by ordering supplies ahead of time to be delivered to you. In the past, Disney has also had hurricane meal kits available for guests to purchase. If you have the choice, I would highly recommend staying in a resort that has interior hallways with access to the main lobby area without having to go outside. Once Disney has announced a lockdown, you would not have access to those areas if you are in an exterior building.

Disney resorts are equipped for hurricanes and have been built to withstand them. If you are camping at Fort Wilderness, Disney will assist with finding other accommodations for you to safely get through the storm.

Disney will provide guests with frequent safety and operational updates via your in-room TV, the My Disney Experience app, and signage throughout your resort.

Impacts on Travel

Flights will likely be impacted by a hurricane. Be prepared for cancelations, delays, and crowded airports.

If you are driving to or from the Orlando area, traffic will be heavy with people from other parts of the state looking to evacuate to safer areas. Keep in mind how far you’ll be traveling as well since getting gas to fuel up could potentially be an issue.

Bring the Rain Gear

I always recommend bringing the rain gear because, well, it’s Florida and it rains. If you have a trip during a potential hurricane threat, it’s a must! Make sure you have the rain jackets or ponchos and umbrellas packed. Add in shoes that can withstand water too!

I hope this information about what happens at Disney during a hurricane is helpful if you find yourself traveling during Hurricane Season. Be smart and stay safe!

Categories: Disney, Fall

Top Tips for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party is a highlight of the fall season at Walt Disney World. From special treats, your favorite characters in their costumes, and exclusive entertainment, you’ll want to hit it all. Just like visiting the theme parks, there are so many exciting things to do and see that it can feel a bit overwhelming trying to get it all done.

Luckily, I have pulled together some of my tried and true MNSSHP tips and tricks to help you have the BEST night ever! These important Disney party tips will help you prioritize your must-dos and focus on the special events that are only available during the Disney Halloween party.

bibbidi bobbidi boo tee on main street with mickey pumpkin

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2022

So let’s get started! Here are some of the top tips to make the most of your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party experience:

Arrive Early

This is especially important if you want to hit the rides. Party goers are allowed to enter the Magic Kingdom on party nights with their special event ticket starting at 4:00 pm. This is a great time to hit a few of your favorite rides, especially ones that don’t have special Halloween party effects or overlays.

Dress Up

This is the perfect time to show off your creativity with a fun Halloween costume. Costumes are encouraged, just be sure to follow Disney’s guidelines for costumes – nothing too scary!

Get details on what’s acceptable and what’s not according to Walt Disney World on the Disney Parks website. No one wants to be turned away at the gates or sent back to their resort to change.

I personally am a big fan of wearing a fun Disney-inspired Halloween tee and accessories.

disney halloween tees on couple for mickey's not so scary halloween party

Plan Your Treats

With so many tempting goodies available, it can be tough to resist indulging in everything. Decide what you really want to try and focus on those items. Savory or sweet, you’ll want to get a few yummy items and share bites. That way you won’t overdo it and you’ll enjoy the treats that much more while tasting a bit of several items.

Watch the Fireworks

The Halloween party features a special fireworks show called “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular”. It is definitely worth staying for and is included with your party ticket. The fireworks show is hosted by Jack Skellington from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” This special villain-themed show is so much fun and isn’t available to watch any other time.

Make Sure You See the Halloween Parade

The parade route fills up fast, so get there early to snag a good spot. Mickey’s Boo to You Parade, complete with the Headless Horseman, has two showings during the party, so plan to get in shorter lines during the first show and watch the second. The parade begins in Fronteirland and makes it way down Main Street.

boo to you parade at mickey's not so scary

Many families head back to their rooms with tired little ones after the first show, making the second parade less crowded.

This parade is one of my absolute favorites. I bet the song will be stuck in your head for days afterwards!

boo to you parade at mickey's not so scary halloween party mickey and friends in costumes

Catch the Sanderson Sisters On Stage

The Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular show is one of the MNSSHP highlights. The stage show features the Sanderson sisters from the popular movie, Hocus Pocus, and includes appearances by other Disney villains.

It’s a must-watch for sure and you’ll have two chances to enjoy this show.

hocus pocus spelltacular stage show at mickey's not so scary halloween party

Get a Family Photo with Mickey (or Another Special Character)

During the Halloween party, you’ll find Mickey dressed in his Halloween best in the Town Square Theater. The line for photos can get long, so this is another one to either hit early or later in the night.

There are so many other characters to see too. Some of the lines can get pretty long, so keep that in mind. No one wants to waste their whole time at the party waiting in a line so plan accordingly!

stitch dressed in elvis costume at mickey's not so scary halloween party

Plan to Trick or Treat

Trick or treating is one of the reasons to go to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – it’s so much fun! With different stations set up around the park, you can stock up on goodies. You’ll see illuminated inflatables to mark the treat stops throughout the theme park.

mickey's not so scary halloween party treat stop inflatable

You’ll receive a bag at the beginning of the party to collect your candy. If you want a bigger bag for everyone’s candy, I have a canvas tote listed in my shop! When the party is beginning, the lines for the candy can be long. Give it a little bit of time and wait until they start moving more quickly to make the most of your time.

If you have any food allergies, you can collect teal tokens at the treat stops that you can redeem for allergy-friendly treats.

Have Fun!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a great opportunity to experience the Magic Kingdom in a different way. Enjoy all the special elements of the party and create some great memories for you and your family.

If you’re looking to make the most of your experience at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, be sure to follow these tips! These are just a few of the great ways to enjoy the party.

glowing mickey pumpkin on main street at mickey's not so scary halloween party

With all the exciting things to experience like watching the fireworks show and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, your night is sure to be a blast!

Have you been to MNSSHP in the past? What are your best tips for enjoying Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? Let me know in the comments below!

Categories: Disney, Lifestyle, Seasonal, Summer

3 Tips to Save Your Sanity This Summer

Do you need some tips to help you save your sanity this summer? My friend Paige has some great ones PLUS a free resource with summer activities you can do with your kids at home! The highlight for me is the Disney-themed movie night, obviously. Hopefully these easy tips and ideas will help create a meaningful and memorable summer for your family.

white yellow and blue ball - save your sanity this summer blog post image

Meet Paige

I’m Paige Bruce. I’m a trauma-certified therapist, child-at-heart, and an adventure mom to three equally adventurous kids. 

To be frank, I am a wildly passionate child and adolescent therapist who helps parents grow in their parenting skills, reduce parent-child conflict, and train and educate passionate people working with children and adolescents. I talk a lot about inner-child work and healing from our own childhood to become the parents we want to be (and will be) while also smashing mom-guilt and unrealistic expectations for parenting in the real world.

Summer is coming in HOT! And that’s no joke. We’re moving into the season where parents become full-time entertainers and the days of focused work are gone. For me, the summer season is accompanied by excitement, sleeping in, eating all the ice cream and memorable family adventures. The other part of summer is knowing that, as much as you love your sticky-fingered mess makers, the unadulterated quality time and energy you’re going to be putting into making summer magic means there’s a lot less time and energy to maintain your own sanity.

I’m here to help you keep summer from stealing your sanity while still creating the magic you hope for. You can continue being the intentional, incredible, SANE parent that I know you are.

My Top 3 Tips to Save Your Sanity This Summer

1. DO let your kids be bored.

Contrary to their belief, it is healthy for kids to be bored. To keep it simple, our brain is incredible, always working, thinking and problem solving. This productivity can also lead to an overload of stress and limits to attention. Being bored gives the brain an opportunity to destress, promotes creativity, increase problem-solving, and increase our ability to sustain attention and increase self-control skills. This summer, embrace boredom and reap all the benefits of maintaining your sanity and pumping up the creativity, self-control, and attention span of your kiddo.

2. DO prioritize quality over quantity.

While just existing in the same space isn’t enough, it’s also not your responsibility to entertain your child 25/8 over their summer vacation. Do prioritize quality time over quantity of time. Be intentional with your time this summer by making a bucket list with your kids. Make sure to include activities that your kids want to do, you want to do, and things you’d like to do as a family. Pick one or two days a week to assign those activities to. You can spend intentional time knocking items off your bucket list while reveling in the summer magic and family memories—sanity intact.

Some of our favorite summer bucket list items include themed family movie nights, making and using puffy sidewalk paint, creating giant indestructible bubbles, jolly rancher bubbles, camping, swimming, and “yes” days.

3. DON’T be too serious and get stuck in the “shoulds” of summer.

Stop “shoulding” on yourself this summer. It’s ironic that a time known for leisure and fun can feel so stressful and all consuming. Summer is meant to be lived as you want to live it (so is every season of life, but that’s a different conversation). Instead of focusing on all the things and ways you feel like you “should” show up this summer, identify and focus on those ways you want to show up this summer.

I am not a bedtime story mom (I know, it’s surprising), but I am an adventure mom. I am going to really focus on creating those adventure moments with my kids this summer because that’s what excites me. Accept the parent that you are and the things that will light you up while spending time with your kids without judging yourself for not showing up like Susan down the road. You will have a more fulfilling and accepting experience.

Creative and Easy Summer Activities

Disney Pixar Luca Movie Poster Image

“Luca” Themed Family Movie Night

Honestly, what’s more magical than Disney? There are a few movies that get me right in the “summer feels”. Luca is one of the most recent and we LOVE it. Family night has become a weekly tradition, especially in the summer months because, for some reason, they feel a little more magical.

For the ultimate Luca themed movie night, we found some ideas online and made them work for our family! We followed and altered, a special Luca-themed dinner menu for our movie night.

My favorite part was that each recipe was simple enough that I was able to have some quality one-on-one time with each kid. They each were able to help me prepare a different part of our evening.

  • Drinks: Blue Ocean Drink

Have you had Ocean Water from Sonic? Recreate it at home for this movie night. It is basically blue coconut Sprite, so you just need a few ingredients to make it yourself at home. Find the recipe here!

  • Dinner: Our Favorite Pasta

It’s spaghetti and meatballs for us, but whip up your family’s favorite pasta recipe. Keep it simple or go all out and make the trenette al pesto like they eat in the movie!

  • Dessert: Ocean Fish Jell-O or Store-Bought Gelato

Make some blue Jell-O in individual cups with a bit of whip cream and some Swedish Fish on top for an on-theme dessert idea. Even easier? Pick up some gelato when you’re at the grocery store and serve it up at the end of the night! Everyone can even pick out their favorite flavor.

If you really go all-out, you could spend the day swimming or fishing and wrap up the evening with a Luca-themed dinner while watching the movie together. It’s an evening of perfection. *Insert chef’s kiss*

Need some more Disney movie night ideas? Check out this blog post: Disney Movie Night Snack Ideas.

If you’re looking for summertime ideas, CLICK HERE for a list of my family’s favorite summer bucket list activities including instructions, how-tos, and links to purchase the materials. Make sure to grab your freebie to make summer magic easy and accessible!

Catch the full details of my favorite tips on the podcast Mindful As A Mother Episode: PAIGE- 3 Tips to Keep Summer From Stealing Your Sanity.

Thank you so much, Paige, for sharing your tips with my readers! Make sure to give her a follow on Instagram for more helpful parenting tips.

Categories: Disney

Disney Planning Basics: Selecting a Resort on Walt Disney World Property

Staying on Disney property is certainly my top recommendation for your Disney vacation. At the end of the day, Disney is about telling a story, painting a picture, and creating a complete experience, right? Well, the resorts on property certainly aren’t an exception. Each has been carefully crafted and immerses you in a story – and we LOVE that. Plus, staying on property comes with perks that hotels off site just don’t have. An added value!

There are SO many resorts (more than 25!). So, how do you go about selecting a resort on Walt Disney World property that is best for your family? Let’s break it down for you, and as we go, remember the story! A hint or indicator of it is usually in the name.

Disney separates its resorts into four categories or types – value, moderate, deluxe, and villas (usually part of the Disney Vacation Club, but can be booked for cash). Pricing usually follows this model as it sounds – value is a better price per night as compared to deluxe. The same goes for features onsite and availability of certain amenities. Let’s do a quick breakdown of the Walt Disney World resort categories!

Value Resorts

Disney's Art of Animation Resort Value Category Little Mermaid Rooms
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

The bulk of rooms in this category are standard and approximately 260 square feet. There is a basic bath setup (sink often in the open with the toilet and shower/tub in a separate room) and bedding could be two doubles, two queens, or a king.

Some rooms in this category are family suites coming in at approximately 520 square feet. They have a similar set up as a standard room but double the baths and add in some convertible sleeping options and are a higher price than the standard rooms.

Views can differ from parking areas and wooded areas to swimming pools – and naturally, the better the view, the higher the price. These resorts typically have outdoor hallways to access the rooms. Speaking of swimming pools, the pools here are typically themed and some are interactive, but here’s your warning – there are no slides! Other forms of recreation can be limited – think poolside games, a playground, and an occasional movie outside at night. Dining options are slim too with your only options being a food court and a pool bar. Finally, transportation provided by Disney (a perk of staying onsite!) will usually be via bus.

The exceptions to this are the Art of Animation Resort and Pop Century Resort, which recently were added to the somewhat new Skyliner route to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Disney's Pop Century Resort Value Category Roger Rabbit Statue
Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Includes: All Star Movies, All Star Music, All Star Sports, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and the Campsites at Fort Wilderness.

Personal Pick: Pop Century is my favorite Value resort. The rooms are great and I love the Skyliner access!

Moderate Resorts

Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Moderate Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort

Standard rooms in this category are in the 300 square foot range with a similar bath set up as a value resort, but maybe an additional sink. Two queen beds or one king is the standard, but there might be a spot for a potential fifth person (otherwise four people is the max). Views are similar as well but throw in the possibility of a room facing/near a natural body of water. Pools, other recreation and dining options are a little more robust with the addition of “quiet pools,” water recreation, bikes, at least one table service restaurant, and a lounge. Transportation here is typically bus as well, but there might be a boat service from some resorts to Disney Springs.

Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Anniversary Photo Shoot Yellow Dress
Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Anniversary Photo Shoot

Includes: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness.

Personal Pick: Port Orleans French Quarter is one of our favorite resorts on property and definitely my top pick in the moderate category. This is the smallest resort so things are not as spread out as some other properties. POFQ offers great food and drink options, plus a boat to Disney Springs.

Deluxe Resorts

Disney's Beach Club Resort Deluxe Resort Category
Disney’s Beach Club Resort

There are a variety of rooms and sizes here. We’re talking anywhere from 344 to 440 square feet. The bath situation can vary too and includes what you’ll find in a moderate, but probably in a different configuration for some more privacy. If the room is larger, there might be several baths. Bedding configuration is like a moderate property. However, it’s the views, recreation, dining, and transportation that sets a deluxe resort apart. Pools will have slides, hot tubs, or other water features. Spa services might even be available at select resorts. There are more restaurants to choose from onsite. Lastly, these resorts are typically in close proximity to a park (very attractive to some guests), so transportation options open up. Buses, Skyliner, and boats could still be available, but add walking and Monorails to the list.

Disney's BoardWalk Area
Disney’s BoardWalk Area

Includes: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Polynesian Village, Riviera, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht Club.

Personal Pick: I really love the BoardWalk area for a variety of dining and entertainment options, as well as the easy access to the Skyliner. My top pick for the Deluxe Resort category is Beach Club for the location and the Stormalong Bay Pool.

Villas

Disney's Riviera Resort Deluxe Villa Resort Category
Disney’s Riviera Resort

We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation Club program but can be booked for cash. Villas can be found at some deluxe properties, but there are also three that are dedicated to Disney Vacation Club. Rooms are villa-style with more amenities and can range from a studio all the way to a three bedroom. Bath and bed configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is similar to a deluxe property.

Includes: Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary, Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Villas at Jambo House and Kidani Village, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Old Key West, Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Riviera Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, Villas at Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

Personal Pick: Riviera Resort is absolutely gorgeous! There are so many great dining options here, including the best character meal on property and a cute little coffee shop. This is our Disney Vacation Club (DVC) home resort.

Other Things to Consider

Evaluate each category as described and make your selection based on the needs of your family. From there, think about the story of the resort and what resonates with you most – maybe it’s animation, the Caribbean, or the South Pacific, and so on. Also, think about how much time you are planning to spend at your resort. Are you going to have some rest days to enjoy the amenities or come back for mid-day breaks? Or will you be gone from park open to park close?

With the breakdown above and these tips, you are on your way to selecting the resort that is perfect for your next Disney trip! You can view all of the Walt Disney World resorts here for more specific information. Need help planning your trip? Fill out my quote form and I can help take the stress out of planning and handle everything for you, at no cost to you as an affiliate of Academy Travel.

Which Disney resort is your favorite one to stay at?

Categories: Disney

Here’s How You Can Ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot

Are you ready to save the galaxy?! After so much anticipation, it’s time for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to open at Epcot! To make sure you’re ready, here are a few ways you can ride this new, indoor roller coaster on your next Walt Disney World vacation. The ride is currently in previews and will be available for everyone to ride starting May 27th!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride at Epcot

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will open with a virtual queue, like so many other new rides have used. The option to purchase an individual Lightning Lane entry for an additional cost will also be available. This ride will not use a traditional standby line at this time. Here are some tips!

Virtual Queue  

The first, and most important, thing you’ll need to have set up is having a valid park admission linked in the My Disney Experience app and a park reservation for Epcot on the day you want to visit. Be sure everyone in your travel party is linked and sharing plans through your Friends & Family list.

At 7:00 a.m. on the day of your park reservation, you will be able to check for an available boarding group inside the My Disney Experience app and request access to the virtual queue. This can be done from your hotel room or while you are traveling to the park.

You will have a second opportunity to join the virtual queue at 1:00 p.m. if you were not able to get a boarding group earlier. The difference with this time slot is that guests must be in Epcot to access this opportunity. Take note that this time is still before park hopping begins so you will have to start your day at Epcot for both of these virtual queue options.

You will only be able to enter the virtual queue once per day during regular park hours.

This option does not require an additional purchase.

Virtual Queue During Extended Evening Hours  

If you are staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve, or Shades of Green will have an extra opportunity to join the virtual queue at 6:00 p.m. on select dates during the special extended evening park hours. Check out the available dates if you’re staying at one of these resorts!

You will not need to be in Epcot to request to join at that time, but will need valid park admission and either a theme park reservation for Epcot for that day OR have the option to visit more than one park per day (Park Hopper ticket or Annual Pass) and enter the first park where you made your park reservation.

Just as above, there is not an additional cost to enter the virtual queue.

You can see which boarding group is currently being called by either checking the app or finding one of the digital tip boards in the park.

Tips to Join the Virtual Queue

  • Be Ready Ahead of Time: Make sure you know how to navigate the My Disney Experience account ahead of time. Everyone in your travel party should be linked along with your park admission and park reservations. Sign on to the app before the distribution time and then refresh exactly when it opens. Spots will go quickly, likely within a couple of minutes!
  • Check Availability: Log in to the My Disney Experience app at one of the distribution times. Select “Virtual Queues” on the home screen to view the current status and next steps for joining a virtual queue. The app will indicate when there is no availability for a specific distribution time, or if a backup group is available.
  • Enroll Your Group: As long as your Disney account is linked to your group’s park tickets, and everyone has valid admission and park reservations for the park you will visit, you can enroll everyone in the virtual queue at the same time, based on availability.
  • Enjoy the Experience: If your boarding group is called to return, you’ll receive a notification via the My Disney Experience app. You can head over to the attraction and scan in.

Purchase Individual Lightning Lane Entry  

You also have the option to purchase an individual Lightning Lane entry in the My Disney Experience app using Disney Genie. Just like the boarding groups, this option is limited and subject to availability. You will still have to have valid admission and a park reservation for Epcot, or the option to park hop for times that are after 2:00 p.m.

There is an additional cost for this one. The price varies based on date, so it will not be the same every day. You do not need to purchase Genie+ to be able to purchase an individual Lightning Lane.

Guests staying on Disney property will be able to purchase this option in the app at 7:00 a.m. If you are staying off property, you will not be able to purchase the Lightning Lane until the park opens (if there are any times still available). The times typically are gone within a couple of minutes, so have everything linked in your app and know how to navigate it ahead of time. I recommend being logged into the app before 7:00 a.m. and then immediately refreshing exactly at 7:00 a.m.

Things to Note

  • Joining the virtual queue does not guarantee the ability to participate in the experience.
  • In order to give as many guests as possible the opportunity to join the queue, each guest can enter the virtual queue for a given experience no more than once per day, subject to availability.
  • Boarding groups for a virtual queue are limited, subject to availability, and are not guaranteed. Not all boarding groups may be called to return, based on availability of the experience.
  • Guests may not hold a boarding group for more than one experience at the same time. If more than one experience is using a virtual queue, guests will need to enter those virtual queues one at a time.

FAQs

  • Once my boarding group is called, how long do I have to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind? You will have one hour from the time you receive the notification that your group has been called. Make sure you have your notifications turned on!
  • What is the height requirement? Guests must be 42″ tall to ride.
  • Is there a ride photo? Yes, you can have your attraction photo linked to your My Disney Experience account by using Bluetooth or your Magic Band.
  • Can Rider Switch be used? Yes! You can find all of the details here.
  • Can I use DAS for this ride? Right now, guests that qualify to use DAS will still need to join the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. A DAS return time will not be distributed like it as for rides that have a regular standyby line. You can find out more about DAS here.
  • Will I get motion sickness? This is definitely a thrill ride! If you are prone to motion sickness, you might want to sit this one out.
  • Does Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind go upside down? No, it does not go upside down.
  • Can I ride more than once on the same day? If you are able to grab a boarding group and an individual Lightning Lane, then yes!

Do you feel like you’re ready for your adventure through the galaxy? If you have questions, leave them in the comments. I hope this was helpful!

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