Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2024 Edition

[Smugpugmug]

More idiots in Disneyland Paris.
Someone released a smoke bomb (do you say it like this in English?)
The smoke was pink, so it did fit with the castle, but still... Idiots!

According to an eyewitness the people have been arrested.

That doesn't look like the smoke American tourists complain about when they visit Disneyland Paris

 

[Karin1984]

It looks like those stupid gender reveal smoke bombs people use. They must not have the security checks in place there like we do in the States.

From what I can tell it might be a bit stricter in France as you and all your bags have to go through airport scanners to enter the parks, Disney Village and the hotels (from non park side). Plus military personnel with machine guns right outside the gates. If I remember my visits to the US correctly, you do not have these.

I think these sticks might not show up on a scanner or can be mistaken for something else.
Their focus is probably more on actual weapons (as Paris has had their share of terrorist attacks and DLP is a possible target), than on disruptive equipment.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

From what I can tell it might be a bit stricter in France as you and all your bags have to go through airport scanners to enter the parks, Disney Village and the hotels (from non park side). Plus military personnel with machine guns right outside the gates. If I remember my visits to the US correctly, you do not have these.

I think these sticks might not show up on a scanner or can be mistaken for something else.
Their focus is probably more on actual weapons (as Paris has had their share of terrorist attacks and DLP is a possible target), than on disruptive equipment.

We have some advanced scanners at WDW now that detect anything metal in your bag as you walk through them. I often hold my metal water bottle or umbrella out in front of me so I don't have to get my bag checked.

But machine guns... no, we definitely do not have guards with machine guns at the American parks. I was taken aback when I saw the military personnel with such big guns outside of the park entrances at DLP last time I was there (about a year ago). Definitely understand the need, but it does give you a rude awakening of the real world when going to any of the Disney hotels for an afternoon nap and such, even though you're still in the bubble.

 

[Karin1984]

We have some advanced scanners at WDW now that detect anything metal in your bag as you walk through them. I often hold my metal water bottle or umbrella out in front of me so I don't have to get my bag checked.

But machine guns... no, we definitely do not have guards with machine guns at the American parks. I was taken aback when I saw the military personnel with such big guns outside of the park entrances at DLP last time I was there (about a year ago). Definitely understand the need, but it does give you a rude awakening of the real world when going to any of the Disney hotels for an afternoon nap and such, even though you're still in the bubble.

They are outside the gates. You will only see the guards on your way to your hotel if you take the bus. If you walk through Disney Village to the hotels you do not encounter them.

Okay, you shouldn't look through the gates at the station but you can avoid looking at them if you want to. Going through World of Disney also helps.

 

[soniam]

From what I can tell it might be a bit stricter in France as you and all your bags have to go through airport scanners to enter the parks, Disney Village and the hotels (from non park side). Plus military personnel with machine guns right outside the gates. If I remember my visits to the US correctly, you do not have these.

I think these sticks might not show up on a scanner or can be mistaken for something else.
Their focus is probably more on actual weapons (as Paris has had their share of terrorist attacks and DLP is a possible target), than on disruptive equipment.

Are they military or is that the actual police? I have seen police in France that look more like US SWAT teams, ie clothing and weapons.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Passholder Park Reservations Sold Out for Today
Walt Disney World Annual Passholders are currently unable to make any new Disney Park Pass theme park reservations after all four theme parks sold out (as of publish time around 8:40am). This marks a recent trend of Disney seemingly picking and choosing capacity limitations and guest mix on rather random dates. There are no other sold-out dates, or even a single sold-out theme park for Annual Passholders through February 2025, according to the Disney World website.

It’s not even like the theme parks are sold out or hitting capacity limitations. Single-day tickets are currently available for all four Walt Disney World theme parks for today. Instead, Disney is just limiting how many Annual Passholders it wants in the parks today…or at least to start the day.
There is a high likelihood that Park Pass reservations will be made available at select theme parks later this morning, and the 2pm rule still applies to Annual Passholders with zero restrictions today.
The arbitrary restrictions are frustrating and compounded by the fact that a lot of Disney messaging to end 2023 was about how you’ll be able to be more spontaneous in 2024. Disney announced “Good-to-Go” dates that have largely been pointless, and hinted at Genie+ changes that have yet to materialize.

This makes me so angry being a AP who doesn’t stay on site. It’s just not fair. I am leaving for WDW tonight and have my park reservations but….

 

[Karin1984]

Are they military or is that the actual police? I have seen police in France that look more like US SWAT teams, ie clothing and weapons.

DLP describes them on their website as armed security guards, but if that's what they are, I am not sure of. You also see similar guys at the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

Are they military or is that the actual police? I have seen police in France that look more like US SWAT teams, ie clothing and weapons.

I am not certain, but I believe it is military. When I visited Paris a few years ago, I saw them at pretty much every large public park or space, not just DLP

 

[Pens Fan]

Flower and Garden menus are out!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...-foodie-guide-to-flower-garden-festival-2024/

 

[jlundeen]

I'm thinking 2/20 (at the earliest) since the arts festival ends 2/19.

Just released

Full List of Outdoor Kitchens, Menus for 2024 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

https://blogmickey.com/2024/02/full...-menus-for-2024-epcot-flower-garden-festival/

 

[Moliphino]

New Heart of Te Fit Magic Shot Available
A new Magic Shot is available in Epcot! Guests can now find themselves posing with the Heart of Te Fiti. How far will you go for this Magic Shot?

View attachment 834432

Guests will find this particular photo op in the Journey of Water Inspired by Moana attraction. Disney PhotoPass photographers will be standing by near Te Fiti.

View attachment 834433

The Heart of Te Fiti is magically added to the photos by Disney Cast Members. Guests appear to be holding the Heart of Te Fiti and it is glowing!

Why is it so big?

 

[wabbott]

Flower and Garden menus are out!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...-foodie-guide-to-flower-garden-festival-2024/

This is a winner!


Funnel Cake

• Funnel Cake with powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, strawberries, whipped cream, strawberry glaze, and strawberry crunch (New)

 

[Gary Stocker]

Darn not feeling the plant based poutine offering at Refreshment Port...usually a favorite. Otherwise looks great!
Italy looks like they are trying to step up it's game...but always disappointing...we shall see.

Germany- no changes is good. Solid consistent choices to coat your tummy for the liquid onslaught

Didn't see that empanada from last year (looks like they replaced with an Impossible Jamaican beef patty)...doh.

 

[Brian Noble]

Italy looks like they are trying to step up it's game

It's hard to mess up a tomato/mozzarella salad. If anyone can, the Italy Booth could do it. But...

I wouldn't touch the pasta on a bet. The chances that it is not soggy mush seem extremely low.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Darn not feeling the plant based poutine offering at Refreshment Port...usually a favorite. Otherwise looks great!
Italy looks like they are trying to step up it's game...but always disappointing...we shall see.

Germany- no changes is good. Solid consistent choices to coat your tummy for the liquid onslaught

Didn't see that empanada from last year (looks like they replaced with an Impossible Jamaican beef patty)...doh.

The Italy festival booth is consistently bad every year and it's so bad that not even the vloggers defend it. And those guys will say anything is good to stay on the media list lol

 

[soniam]

Passholder Park Reservations Sold Out for Today
Walt Disney World Annual Passholders are currently unable to make any new Disney Park Pass theme park reservations after all four theme parks sold out (as of publish time around 8:40am). This marks a recent trend of Disney seemingly picking and choosing capacity limitations and guest mix on rather random dates. There are no other sold-out dates, or even a single sold-out theme park for Annual Passholders through February 2025, according to the Disney World website.

It’s not even like the theme parks are sold out or hitting capacity limitations. Single-day tickets are currently available for all four Walt Disney World theme parks for today. Instead, Disney is just limiting how many Annual Passholders it wants in the parks today…or at least to start the day.
There is a high likelihood that Park Pass reservations will be made available at select theme parks later this morning, and the 2pm rule still applies to Annual Passholders with zero restrictions today.
The arbitrary restrictions are frustrating and compounded by the fact that a lot of Disney messaging to end 2023 was about how you’ll be able to be more spontaneous in 2024. Disney announced “Good-to-Go” dates that have largely been pointless, and hinted at Genie+ changes that have yet to materialize.

Isn’t this the Friday of President’s Day weekend? Isn’t that usually busy? Maybe that’s why they required AP res. Maybe it’s not going to be as busy as Disney thought.

 

[mickey916]

Isn’t this the Friday of President’s Day weekend? Isn’t that usually busy? Maybe that’s why they required AP res. Maybe it’s not going to be as busy as Disney thought.

It is usually busy President's day week but it's odd that it is only sold out today and not into the weekend or next week.

 

[mickey916]

This is a winner!

View attachment 834477
Funnel Cake

• Funnel Cake with powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, strawberries, whipped cream, strawberry glaze, and strawberry crunch (New)

I haven't looked at the menus yet but just said to my DH, "all I wanna know is, what is the funnel cake?" Looks great!

 

[mickey916]

Just looked at the Flower & Garden menus. There was not too much in 2022 that interested us so I wasn't really planning on eating from the festival booths this year but there's a lot of deliciousness on this year's menu!

 

[Karin1984]

Disneyland Paris makes new change to get access to Disneyland Hotel

After the loads of vloggers (and curious people) getting into the Disneyland Hotel after its long refurbishment... DLP has made a new change to their system to have a look.

First it was: no one can come in, unless you have a hotel reservation.
Second: Only a handful of people at a time can come in, queue up outside.

And now they are re-introducing the Lineberty App back to the parks, but this time to get access to the hotel. You cannot use the amenities or eat there (unless you already had a reservation before the changes were put in place), but you can look around and go into the giftshop.

Oh, they do have some guidelines: