Disney in 2012 vs now

[Mainahman]

Ok, So we haven't been to the world since 2012. Due to a move across the country and a ton of other things. We will be booking our vacation tonight over the phone for the first week of march 2018. I know a ton has changed, as last time I was there, mine train was not done. Am I in for culture shock? I know everything is digital and app based now, and that's fine. Cant wait to be "home"!

 

[Schneewittchen]

Same as it ever was.

But seriously, a couple of new rides here and there haven't changed the experience for my family. 7DMT was built on a ride that closed more than 20 years ago. And I think it was a good idea to replace a bunch of walk-throughs with a nice restaurant and a peope-eater like Under the Sea. Other changes - an overlay or two at Epcot. A whole new land at AK. More DVC housing.... I can't speak to the changes at HS, I don't go there.

 

[Po'Rich]

2012 was my first visit, and I can say that several things have changed:

• You NEED to pick your fast-passes via the app in advance. No more running around on the day of to nab tickets.
• A quick review will show you that there are a number of new rides since 2012.
• There are also a number of rides that have closed (especially at HS)
• In 2012 there were multiple parades across the parks; now there's just one at MK
• With the opening of Pandora, AK is probably the most improved. It's located where Camp Minnie-Mickey used to be. Festival of the Lion King also moved to Africa. AK also has an additional quick-service spot in Africa (Harambe Market).
• New nightime shows at AK, HS, and MK.

There's probably a lot more that I'm just forgetting right now. At the end of the day, however, it's still Disney. Have fun!

 

[DfromATX]

I second getting your fast passes picked - 60 days out if staying onsite and 30 if staying offsite.

 

[Mainahman]

We will be staying on site, POP! hopefully. Going to try to call in tonight to book it! We end up going less because we must stay on site. Were driving there this time, but will be staying on site and letting Disney do the work! Im mostly looking forward to the AK updates, kinda bummed what we will miss Toy Story Land by a few months, but maybe ill take a bounce back offer haha!! Disney is the one place we all can be happy. its been a rough start to this year, and we need this break ha! Sadly ill miss the paper fast passes, as I would always get the dumbo ones, and give them to some passer by with a young kid so they got to ride dumbo again, or at all ill be doing as much research as I can. Personally EPCOT is my favorite park, and its good to see its getting a bit of love!

 

[DfromATX]

We will be staying on site, POP! hopefully. Going to try to call in tonight to book it! We end up going less because we must stay on site. Were driving there this time, but will be staying on site and letting Disney do the work! Im mostly looking forward to the AK updates, kinda bummed what we will miss Toy Story Land by a few months, but maybe ill take a bounce back offer haha!! Disney is the one place we all can be happy. its been a rough start to this year, and we need this break ha! Sadly ill miss the paper fast passes, as I would always get the dumbo ones, and give them to some passer by with a young kid so they got to ride dumbo again, or at all ill be doing as much research as I can. Personally EPCOT is my favorite park, and its good to see its getting a bit of love!

So if you're going first week in March then be sure to do your fast passes in January. I like the new way of doing fast passes - no more running around to a kiosk. And once you use up your initial 3 fast passes, then you can make make another one, one at a time. So as soon as you swipe your magic band in the last fast pass ride, get on the app while your waiting in line to find the next one. It's pretty cool I think. I recommend downloading their app for your phone, then you can link your trip with the app. The app and new way of doing fast passes are probably the biggest changes that will be new since 2012. Other than a few new rides, I can't think of too much that's different.

 

[Chef Mickey]

Any reason you are calling versus booking online?

Sometimes, the agents are iffy with their knowledge and you might be better off booking yourself.

 

[Mainahman]

Any reason you are calling versus booking online?

Sometimes, the agents are iffy with their knowledge and you might be better off booking yourself.

we need to do a room only on the 3rd, parks 4-the 9th and a room only for the night of the 9th. figured it would be easier.

 

[Chef Mickey]

we need to do a room only on the 3rd, parks 4-the 9th and a room only for the night of the 9th. figured it would be easier.

That's a simple reservation. You're just getting tickets for the days you're going to the parks and you'll need the hotel every night.

 

[Mainahman]

ah. Well if they sound unhelpful ill just do it myself. last time we went we went to a travel agency. so weve never used the reservation system other than eyeballing prices.

 

[Bullseye1967]

If you haven't been since 2012 you need to see the changes to Disney Springs, then known as Downtown Disney. There were a lot of bumps along the way but the finished product is spectacular.

 

[Mainahman]

If you haven't been since 2012 you need to see the changes to Disney Springs, then known as Downtown Disney. There were a lot of bumps along the way but the finished product is spectacular.

That's actually the plan for the arrival day. We're going to do room only after 11 hours in a car, and go check out Disney springs for dinner etc.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

HI OP! My husband and I will be there that week, plus a afew days before. I've never been to WDW that time of year, and can't wait to see Flower and Garden at Epcot. One of my wish list items!
There is so much new at WDW since you last went in 2012, so you do really need to check out the many WDWsites. This one is great, but Allears.net is fantastic too. Check out their full menus and prices. It really helps a lot.
With technology you can now order your food while on your way to the restaurant in most QS places.
You might get the new refurbished rooms at Pop. Personally, I don't think they have enough "Disney" and are sterile and white with a 70's vibe of minimalism. Look and see these before deciding. Your kids might be disappointed if the room looks like a motel 6. The only bow to Disney are pictures of Mickey over the beds, that's all. But the outside has the fun icons. Just look at the refurbished rooms yourself and see. I know if I book at Disney, I want to feel like I am at a Disney resort, not an off site motel. Again, just my personal opinion.
Have fun on your March trip

 

[DfromATX]

That's actually the plan for the arrival day. We're going to do room only after 11 hours in a car, and go check out Disney springs for dinner etc.

We always go to Disney Springs on our arrival day to check it out and have a nice dinner. We don't start the parks until the next day. In fact, for our upcoming trip, we might try out Splitsville. Thought that could be fun.

 

[dreamscometrue]

Here's a pic of a thing I typed up for our travel group, a few months back.

 

[yedliW]

We'll be there that week as well.. a rescheduled trip that Irma forced..

Several of the rides have had the queues redone and some (i.e. Peter Pan) are as good, if not better than the actual ride itself.

They have also changed out all but 1 of the options at Club Cool at Epcot.

 

[Mainahman]

Thanks all! First time visiting in march. Hoping its a good week!

 

[nickys]

One thing I don't think has been mentioned yet is dining. It is SO much busier now. Back in 2012 we walked up to Beaches and Cream, Captain's Grille, Cape May for breakfast and probably others, with no problem at all, maybe a 15 minute wait. We even phoned one afternoon and asked if Le Cellier was available and got it same day.

These days you may get lucky, but people really are booking at 180 days out for the entire trip. So if you have any "must-do" restaurants then make a booking. You can always cancel later.

 

[Jedi Stitch]

We will be staying on site, POP! hopefully. Going to try to call in tonight to book it! We end up going less because we must stay on site. Were driving there this time, but will be staying on site and letting Disney do the work! Im mostly looking forward to the AK updates, kinda bummed what we will miss Toy Story Land by a few months, but maybe ill take a bounce back offer haha!! Disney is the one place we all can be happy. its been a rough start to this year, and we need this break ha! Sadly ill miss the paper fast passes, as I would always get the dumbo ones, and give them to some passer by with a young kid so they got to ride dumbo again, or at all ill be doing as much research as I can. Personally EPCOT is my favorite park, and its good to see its getting a bit of love!

Once you do your 3 fast passes you can still use the MDE to get another and another after you use the next one. Or you can spread your 3 out and take the day easy always knowing you get the three you want.

 

[Mainahman]

Once you do your 3 fast passes you can still use the MDE to get another and another after you use the next one. Or you can spread your 3 out and take the day easy always knowing you get the three you want.

The new fastpass system still confuses me!!!