What has changed since our last visit in 2011?

[DisneyDude]

We considered ourselves WDW professionals in the past, novice WDW visitors would call us for tips and advice. We had been visiting WDW every eighteen months to two years with our then three little boys since our first visit in 1991. We would go for three weeks and we've stayed twice at the then Dixie Landings and later on when it became Riverside. We've also stayed at The Swan & Dolphin, The Contemporary, The Polynesian and last visit back in 2011 was at Wilderness Lodge. As the boys got older they dropped out as it became uncool to go see Mickey Mouse in their late teens and early twenties. Anyway they've all seen sense and want to go back so maybe sometime in the near future we will all return as a family once more. In the meantime my wife and I have began cruising a lot mainly in Europe however we booked a Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale departing December 4th 2016. We then decided it was time for us to go back to WDW so we have booked a six night stay at The Grand Floridian before the cruise.
It seems like there have been significant changes over the last five years, some we've read about like the new extended Fantasyland and then others like room key changes and changes to FastPass. Not sure what the FastPass and key changes are so we would be grateful if anyone could explain them and also what are biggest changes we are going to notice. I will read through some of the tips threads in the next few days and weeks as I know how much time can be lost in the parks if you don't know them. Thanks in advance for any tips or advice we receive.

 

[belledream]

The new Fastpass and room keys are all roped into one thing now called MyMagic+. Guests receive MagicBands before they arrive at WDW which you can wear around your wrist. Like the old Key to the World card, you'll use the MagicBand to enter your room, to enter the parks, apply charges to your account, etc.

The old FP system where you go up to the ride and get a ticket for the listed return time is no more. Now, you have the option of preselecting 3 attractions 60 days before the start of your vacation online. You'll still have to pick a attractions/return times based on availability. You have to use up all 3 of your FPs before you can select a 4th (and consequently, 5th, 6th, etc.) one at a kiosk in the park.

It's an interesting concept that might take a while to get used to or warm up to the idea of if you loved hoarding FPs through the old system. It does make it easier to just scan the MagicBand on your wrist instead of opening up your wallet to deal with the KTTW card all the time. Definitely make sure you read more info about MyMagic+...this just scratched the surface!

Welcome back to WDW!

 

[DisneyDude]

OMG! I'm 51 years of age now, how will I cope?

 

[belledream]

So much food and fun to be had at such a young age!