Updates Around WDW

I'm checking sites and getting some last-minute info before we head out to see the Mouse. Since I've become aware of several readers who are also going to WDW next week, I thought I'd share a few things that we're looking forward to, or are going to look into, on our trip:

• There's a rumour that the talking Mickey might be making appearances for the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party this year. We hope to stop by Town Square Theatre in the late afternoon on either Tuesday or Friday (nights of parties) in case he shows up early!


• Some guests are getting previews of the new Fantasyland attraction, Enchanted Tales with Belle. I specifically read that guests exiting Mickey's Philharmagic have been offerred this experience. You can bet that we'll be hitting MP at least once on the trip, in hopes of getting a preview!


• The NextGen FastPass technology is also currently being tested by some guests (you would be informed prior to arrival). While we haven't been chosen, I intend to spy on those who have--or, at least get a look at the machines and try to see how everything works.


• We just happen to be arriving at the Art of Animation Resort on the day the Ariel section opens. I don't know if there are any opening-day plans, but we intend to arrive as early as possible (which won't be very early, as we're driving from Atlanta that day) and hope to join any festivities.


• Our girls are definitely planning to visit with the newest Disney Fairy on the block, Periwinkle, at TinkerBell's Magical Nook (Magic Kingdom).


• For the first time, I'm actually going to take my iPod into the Parks and take advantage of the newly-added free wifi! And I'll be trying out the new "My Disney Experience" app too!


• Finally, I'm going to talk to every Cast Member I can--those I know and those I don't--and try to get any hints they can offer on rumors that are flying around (too many to list here). Sure, most of them will be guessing, just like the rest of us. Still, it's fun to hear what those on the inside think about the possible changes and additions around the World.

Say It Isn't So!

There have been rumors before, but it looks like this time it might be true: Disney is going to start cracking down on Fastpass return windows. (Can you hear the collective wail from devoted WDW fans everywhere?) This has long been one of my favorite tips for readers--that you can actually use Fastpasses anytime after the start of the return window on the ticket. This has allowed my own family to have a somewhat flexible touring schedule at Walt Disney World and still manage to visit those key Fastpass attractions. But now it seems that beginning March 7, all guests will be required to use Fastpasses during the actual time listed on the paper ticket, with a 5-minute grace period at the start and a 15-minute grace period at the end (meaning, you can be up to 5 minutes early or up to 15 minutes late...but that's IT!).

Why the sudden change? All guesses point to preparation for the new NextGen Fastpass system that will allow guests to log on to their computers or mobile devices and essentially plan every detail of their Disney vacation, including what times they will visit each attraction. The need for precision with the NextGen system is pretty obvious.

I'm a planner, but the idea of scheduling every minute of my time in the Disney Parks is completely unappealing to me. And from what I gather from other fan sites, it's pretty unappealing to many devoted fans. I can't help but wonder if the NextGen Fastpass system will have the same effect on one's ability to get Fastpasses "on the fly" as Free Fall Dining has had on our ability to get Advanced Dining Reservations less than a month in advance.

Like it or not, it's coming.