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Ears the News: February 16, 2018 Edition


Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com.


Disney has increased its ticket prices for the Walt Disney World theme parks, and plans to sell date-specific tickets later this year.

The tiered ticket pricing continues, with pricing varying by date and park. At the gate, a one-day regular Magic Kingdom ticket will cost $119, a $4 increase. A value ticket will cost $109, a $2 increase, and a peak ticket will now cost $129, a $5 increase.

At the other three parks a one-day regular ticket is $114, a $7 increase. A value ticket will cost $102, a $3 increase, while a peak ticket is $122, a $3 increase.

All annual passes have also increased in price. For Florida residents, Platinum Pass is now $729, up from $679. A Gold Pass is now $589, up from $559, and for a Silver Pass, you'll pay $439, up from $419. You can view the full details at http://disneyworld.com/tickets.

Parking is also up to $22, a $2 increased and preferred parking climbs to $45, up from $40. Minnie Van service increases from $20 to $25.

Along with this round of price increases, Disney has also announced plans to sell date-specific multi-day tickets, although details are not yet available. The idea behind date-specific tickets is to help spread crowds throughout the year.

Along with ticket pricing increases at Walt Disney World, Disney's Minnie Van Service has also increased in price. The flat rate service that takes you anywhere within Walt Disney World property has gone up by $5, from $20 to $25.

At the D23 Expo Japan 2018, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek shared a brief update on the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy attraction coming to Epcot.
When the family attraction themed to Guardians of the Galaxy opens at Epcot, it will feature a brand-new innovative ride system—and will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world. It will also feature a unique story currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering.

 
Concept art courtesy of Disney.

Bob Chapek also announced that Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will open in 2019 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new catchy theme song created especially for the attraction as well as a new experience that defies logic that Disney is calling 2 ½-D. No glasses required.

On the attraction, the fun begins when you see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie getting ready for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen.

Disney also released a few more tidbits on the upcoming Star Wars-inspired resort coming to Walt Disney World.

This first-of-its-kind resort will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Guests’ journey through space will start when everyone departs together for a multiday Stars Wars adventure by boarding a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy.

At the resort, guests immediately become active citizens of the galaxy and can dress up in the proper attire. Every resort window will also have a view into space. The opportunity for immersion at this resort will also stand out among all Disney resorts around the globe, as it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, allowing guests a total Star Wars experience. Check out the video below from Disney Parks.


Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to view on YouTube.

The American Adventure has reopened in Epcot's World Showcase following its month long refurbishment.

In addition to the update from film to digital, the show's finale features some new notable faces from America’s recent history. Newly-added American icons include individuals such as music composer John Williams, singer Beyonce, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and noted ballerina Misty Copeland. Other faces have been removed.

The iconic anthem “Golden Dream” has also been re-recorded with all-new orchestration and more up-to-date sound.

Here is a video of the new Golden Dream finale courtesy of WDWMagic.com.


Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to view on YouTube.

Tickets are on sale now for the May 27 2018 Star Wars Galactic Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Pricing is the same as previous events, at $129 for adults and $124 ages 3-9. Discounts are available for Annual Passholders & DVC Members at $119 for adults, and $114 ages 3-9. You can purchase tickets online.

Disney announced on ABC's Good Morning America that Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios will officially open June 30 2018.

Check out the video shared today from Disney Parks. 


Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to view on YouTube.


Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.

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