1. Less 7 AM Vacation Wakeups
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The new system allows ride reservations to be made prior to your vacation. Resort guests can plan their reservations up to 7 days before check-in for their entire stay (up to 14 days). Offsite guests may purchase up to 3 days in advance, per day, with reservations starting at 7 AM Eastern Standard Time. This provides a clear advantage to staying onsite.
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• Note: There are caveats to booking windows for off-site guests based on date-based and other ticket types (annual pass, etc). For simplicity, we won’t cover that here. Again, we highly recommend staying onsite.

2. Less Screen Time
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​The new system allows up to 3 Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections in a theme park before your visit. You can view ride times as you make your selection—a huge perk compared to the blind 7 AM selection with Genie+. You can make 3 selections per person per day of Multi Pass purchase. Additionally, you can purchase up to 2 Lightning Lane Single Pass selections per day. Your Single Pass selections do not have to be for the same theme park.

• Example: If you purchase one day of Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you get 3 ride selections. If you purchase five days, you get 15 selections (5 x 3).
• If you purchase the maximum of 2 Lightning Lane Single Pass selections per day, you can have up to 5 Lightning Lanes pre-booked each day (with set times) prior to your park arrival.

3. More Opportunities for Popular Rides
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​Rides will be available in tiers based on popularity, similar to the old Fastpass system. Before your vacation, you can choose 1 Multi Pass experience from tier 1 and up to 2 Multi Pass experiences from tier 2 from one theme park. Once you redeem a selection on the day of your park visit, you can choose a Multi Pass experience from either group (based on availability) at any theme park. This aims to offer more same-day ride availability and better time management for guests.

The exact cost is not yet known. Traditionally, Genie+ has ranged from $20-39 per day per person. It’s assumed the price will also vary based on season/demand.

Hopefully, this breakdown helps you understand Disney’s newest pass system. For more information, including helpful tips for choosing your lightning lanes, consider booking with one of our trusted travel agents. Email [email protected] for more details or fill out the short interest form here.

Have you ever dreamt of embarking on an intergalactic adventure alongside your favorite ragtag group of misfits? Well, dream no more because Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is here to whisk you away on an exhilarating journey through the cosmos like never before! As a devoted fan of both Marvel and immersive theme park experiences, I couldn't wait to dive into this cosmic escapade, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

​Hi! I’m Mendie, a Disney travel enthusiast, Annual Passholder, and lover of all things Chris Pratt {so obviously this ride is *meant* for me}.

From the moment you step foot into the queue of Cosmic Rewind, you're immediately transported to the vibrant and eclectic world of the Guardians of the Galaxy. The attention to detail is simply mind-blowing, with every corner adorned with nods to the beloved characters and iconic moments from the films.

​Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual enthusiast, there's something undeniably magical about being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Marvel universe.

But the real magic begins once you board your ride vehicle and set off on your mission alongside Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot. As the story unfolds, you find yourself hurtling through space at breakneck speeds, dodging asteroids, outsmarting villains, and dancing along (while seated, of course) to one of six smash hits from the ‘70s or ‘80s.

​{Note: they did play Run Run Rocket during a Christmas overlay in 2022 but I’m not counting that song because every ride during the duration of the overlay played it and it was…not good. Therefore, we pretend it didn’t happen.}

I personally have ridden GotG:CR over 50 times since it opened in EPCOT in May of 2022. I have also kept track of some data for each ride including date of ride, song played, and whether or not it was Virtual Queue or an Individual Lightning Lane (most days it was both!).

​I fell in love with the ride for numerous reasons but the ride system itself and song selections are by far the winners here.

Its groundbreaking ride system, which seamlessly blends traditional roller coaster thrills with state-of-the-art technology creates a truly immersive experience unlike anything I've ever encountered.

The innovative rotating ride vehicles allow for 360-degree movement, meaning you never know which direction you'll be facing next as you twist and turn through jump points heading back to Earth. {If you don’t know why we’re not on Earth at the onset of the ride, I’ll leave that spoiler unspoiled.} 

​And thanks to the integration of cutting-edge audio and visual effects, you'll feel like you're right in the middle of the action as you soar through space alongside the Guardians themselves.

As I mentioned, one of my main draws to keep coming back to GotG:CR is the soundtrack. Buckle up and get ready to rock out like never before with an epic list featuring iconic hits from the '70s and '80s that will have you grooving in your seat from start to finish. From Blondie to Earth, Wind, and Fire, the set list has something for everyone and every song creates a different vibe for each ride. Let me share my stats with you here!

• I have heard each song at least once with my favorite being September by Earth, Wind, and Fire. {Fun fact: I rode twice on 9/21/23 and heard September both times. I was told by Cast Members that, indeed, every ride that day received the blessing that is EWF.}
• I am *almost* batting 1000 for successfully joining the Virtual Queue. The only time I can remember not grabbing it was when it was actually Disney’s fault (!) and the app glitched. Other than that, I have achieved the goal every time.
• I usually buy ILL as well as getting VQ each day because the ride is THAT GOOD and worth the wait and two-room preshow each time. Cost will vary based on anticipated crowd level. I’ve seen between $14 - $17 per ride. Let’s not start adding up the extra $ I’ve paid…
  

Times I’ve had each song:

• September by EWF - 9
• One Way or Another by Blondie - 9
• Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tear for Fears - 9
• Disco Inferno by The Tramps - 12
• Conga by Gloria Estefan - 8
• I Ran by A Flock of Seagulls - 11
• Run Run Rocket - 1 (which was more than enough)

So, all in all, whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a family searching for a fun and memorable experience, this ride has something for everyone.

​The humor and heart of the Guardians shine through in every moment, ensuring that even the most reluctant of riders can't help but crack a smile as they blast off into the unknown.

Every time I disembark from Cosmic Rewind, my heart still races with excitement as I can’t wait to hop back in line and experience it all over again. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind isn't just a ride – it's a fully immersive journey that will leave you feeling like a true hero of the cosmos.

So strap in, hold on tight, and prepare to embark on the thrill ride of a lifetime!

You can email Mendie Brasseale at [email protected].

What is the Disney Dining Plan?
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The Disney Dining Plan is an exclusive feature available to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels, offered as part of the Vacation Package. Guests have the option to purchase this dining plan in advance or opt out, depending on their preferences.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Disney Dining Plan
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When planning Disney vacations, our travel advisors discuss with clients whether the Disney Dining Plan fits their trip's needs. We help maximize the value of the plan by strategically mapping out meal credits and choosing higher-end restaurants where dining credits stretch further. This approach ensures that each meal adds value, and guests can enjoy their dining experiences knowing their bills are pre-paid.

Considerations When Using Dining Credits
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While the Disney Dining Plan offers convenience and savings, it’s important to note that not all restaurants at Walt Disney World accept dining credits. Below are notable exceptions where you might need to pay out of pocket, which allows for flexibility in your dining choices.

Let's Plan Your TripLet's Plan Your TripLet's Plan Your TripOut of numerous dining options available at Disney World, only these 10 table service restaurants do not participate in the Disney Dining Plan, ensuring a vast selection of venues that do accept the plan.

​Is the Disney Dining Plan Right for You?

Deciding if the Disney Dining Plan is worth it for your trip involves considering your dining preferences, budget, and the overall experience you wish to have. For a detailed look and to make an informed decision, check out our comprehensive guide here.

By understanding the Disney Dining Plan's benefits and limitations, you can better plan your Disney vacation to include delightful meals and unforgettable experiences.

Email us at [email protected] or click here to get started planning your next trip with a Travel Bug Advisor.