5 Cuts That Are Being Made Around Walt Disney World Resort

August 9, 2017

Its shaping up to be a busy few years for Walt Disney World. This year’s D23 Expo was jam-packed with big changes coming to the parks in the years ahead. From major construction projects at Hollywood Studios and Epcot, new resorts and the construction of a resort gondola system, there are a lot of big budget projects in the pipeline. Its no surprise then that Disney is looking for other ways to cut corners that may have an impact on your vacation. To keep you in the know. Here’s our list of 5 cuts being made at Walt Disney World Resort.

1. Star Wars Guided Tour a Will No Longer Include Dessert Party. At the beginning of the year, Hollywood Studios introduced the Star Wars Guided tour, a 7 1/2 hour Star Wars-themed adventure that included a slot at Jedi Training Academy, a ride on Star Tours, meet and greets at Launch Bay and a reservation at Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party which included VIP viewing for the Star Wars-themed evening fireworks. However, Disney announced this week that as of October 1st, the tours will no longer include tickets to the dessert party. Guests going on the tour before October 1st will still have Dessert Party access and will pay the original $129.00 per person charge. On October 1st the cost will go down to $99 per person (includes taxes and gratuity) to participate. That’s only a reduction of $30 where as the cost of a Dessert Party ticket is $69 per adult and $39 per child (ages 3-9). Those interested in booking either event can do so online via My Disney Experience or at 407.WDW.TOUR (for the Star Wars Tour) and 407.WDW.DINE for the dessert party.

2. A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasures of the Seven Seas has operating hours slashed – If you’ve not heard about the amazing Pirate-themed scavenger hunt that takes visitors into the hidden crannies and crevices of Adventureland in search of hidden treasure, then you wouldn’t be alone. This free offering tends to be a bit under-the-radar which may be the reason why Disney recently announced that they will be cutting the operating hours of this swashbuckling adventure. The check in location in Adventureland is normally staffed from park opening until park close. However, Disney announced this week that the hours would be reduced and will now only run daily from noon to 6pm.

3. Appetizers removed from Fantasmic! Dining Package at Hollywood Studios – The Fantasmic! Dining Packages have long been a hit with families and Disney foodies alike. The package has traditionally been offered at 3 Hollywood Studios restaurants: Mama Melrose’s Restorante Italiano, Hollywood Brown Derby and Hollywood & Vine. The first two restaurants on the list have typically included an appetizer, entree and dessert in the dining package as well as VIP tickets for the evening Fantasmic! performance. However, Disney announced this week that the appetizers will be dropped from the package beginning in 2018. The prices is going down a bit ($3 per person) to compensate for the loss of appetizer. Hollywood & Vine, the most popular choice for the package is not affected by this change as it offers a buffet. However, prices have received a bit of a hike at this location. For further details check out this article.

4. Jawas cut from Star Wars Launch Bay – In yet another move that is sure to disappoint Star Wars fans, Disney made the decision to cut the Jawas from meeting visitors at Launch Bay. The change happened the last week in July. There’s no word yet on what if anything will replace them. However Rey was recently added to the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show which has led to speculation that she may be added to the current Launch Bay meet and greet line-up.

5. Opting out of “Mousekeeping” is been trialed at some Disney Value Resorts – We reported earlier in the week that during the Summer Disney has been offering some Value Resort guests (specifically those staying at Disney’s All Star Resorts as well as Pop-Century) with the option to opt-out of daily mousekeeping services in exchange for Disney giftcards which can be used on everything from resort rooms and souvenirs to snacks and gratuities. It is a trial which means that it isn’t available to all guests and we’re already hearing that some resorts have said that the offer is no longer available. However, it is worthy of mention as a possible sign of the times. If the trial went well could daily mousekeeping eventually be optional?

We here at Disney Addicts as well as over at our sister site Chip and Co are always committed to bringing you the latest in Disney news and updates. We hope you’ll keep following along!

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