Shannon and Pete discuss the recent update to Walt Disney World's Park Pass reservation system. Disney Cruise Line announced the return of traditional character greetings. Also, Tusker House Restaurant is returning to a buffet and Fantasmic cast rehearsals have begun at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will receive additional discounts and complimentary magnets this fall. N088

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On August 23, Disney made some updates within the Park Pass reservation system.

Disney World Guests can now book Park Pass Reservations for all ticket types at the same time, so if you are an Annual Passholder and want to book with friends that have a single day ticket, you can make all the reservations at the same time. 

Another change is that Park Passes will be tied to a ticket and not a guest. This means that guests can have multiple ticket types (eg. Annual Pass, day ticket) and choose which ticket they would like to assign a Park Pass reservation to.

Disney is also increasing the number of tickets that you can reserve from 12 to 30 guests, which should better accommodate larger traveling parties.

And lastly, Guests who wish to make changes to their Park Pass Reservations can now edit the date and Park without having to cancel it first.5

Source: Blog Mickey and Walt Disney World website

Disney Cruise Line announced the return of traditional character meet and greets across the fleet by August 29, 2022. This includes up-close encounters and autographs. In a statement, Disney Cruise Line says the return of traditional character greetings, up-close character greetings, and autographs, has begun across the fleet due to the latest guidance from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and proven success at their land based theme parks.

Source: WDWNT and Disney Cruise Line website

Tusker House has been open serving family style meals, but on November 1st all meals at Tusker House will return to buffet service. No details on menu or change of pricing have been released. 

Also, Fantasmic cast rehearsals have begun, which usually means that there is around 8-12 weeks until the show opens. 

Source: Disney Food Blog and Walt Disney World website; Disney Parks YouTube

From September 14 through October 14, 2022, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can save 30% on most merchandise purchases at Disney owned-and-operated locations throughout Walt Disney World. This represents an increase over the normal 20% discount. 

In order to obtain the discount, buyers must present proof of their Annual Passholder status along with a government issued photo ID. 

So far there is no word on whether or not this offer will be extended to Disney Vacation Club members who also receive a standard 20% discount on the same merchandise purchases. 

In other Passholder news, a new complimentary magnet is set to be distributed later this fall. No word on the design. Passholders will not be required to claim this magnet in person. Instead, magnets will be mailed to all current Annual Passholders. 

The 50th Anniversary Mickey and Minnie Mouse magnet is currently available for pick-up in Walt Disney World now through September 21, 2022, at EPCOT's Creations shop.

Source: DVCNews.com

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