With so many different theme parks, it’s not surprising that many of them are expanding and providing new offerings. They want to attract even more visitors and make their time while visiting them very positive so that they will keep coming back. This is the latest theme park and Orlando related travel news as well as a new offering by Disney Cruise Line.
Orlando Airport Will Be The 1st To Use Biometrics At International Gates
With so many travelers coming in and out of this airport, it’s important to get them in and out of the gates as quickly as possible as well as to ensure everyone’s safety. Orlando Airport will be the first airport in the country to use biometrics at international gates. This facial recognition technology will help speed up international departures from this airport as those that are Global Entry Members will not have to have their passports scanned. However, they will still have to have their photo taken at departure gates and the biometric facial recognition system will then try to match it to their passport that is already on file. The whole process is supposed to take no more than two seconds and has a highly successful matching rate of 99%.
Universal Orlando’s Surfside Inn & Suites
Opening in the summer of 2019, tourists visiting the Orlando area will soon have a more affordable option as far as accommodations go. Universal Orlando’s Surfside Inn & Suites will feature beached themed rooms and a relaxed vibe. Guests will be able to choose standard rooms as well as 2 bedroom suites. Rooms start at under $80 a night and suites around $111 a night. These rates are the lowest of any of Universal Orlando’s Resort hotels.
Universal Orlando Considering Fourth Park
Orlando may eventually be getting a new park thanks to Universal Orlando. They are considering adding a fourth park to their franchise. Back in June a patent was filed by Universal named Fantastic Worlds. Universal did confirm that they filed a patent, but are being tight lipped about whether or not it would be for another park. Currently they have three parks that include Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and the Volcano Bay water park.
Disney Adding Smartphone Key Entry for Hotels
Disney is making it easier for guests to gain entry into their hotel rooms. They are adding smartphone key entry through the My Disney Experience smartphone app. This feature will first by offered at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and if it’s a success it will be offered at additional Disney properties. Not only will they be able to unlock their rooms, but other doors that require a key, like the fitness center and common areas. For those that have checked in online ahead of time they don’t need to visit the front desk as they can just unlock their hotel room door with their phone.
Disney Star Wars Resort
Disney has been somewhat tight lipped when it comes to unveiling what the new Star Wars Resort will look like. However, they have started giving some us clues as to what hotel guests can expect. What we do know is that the resort is set to open next year, it will be a completely immersive experience for guests.
A New Land And A Resort
Disney will also be opening Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This land and the Star Wars Resort will be “seamlessly connected” according to Disney. Those staying at the resort will enter the lobby with spaceship interior and board a starship upon check-in. They will have the ability to dress up like their favorite characters from the Star Wars movies as well. This resort will be more than just a hotel with a Star Wars theme. There will be numerous opportunities to interact and feel as if you are actually a part of Star Wars.
What Guests Can Expect From The Experience
The actual main building on the resort’s property will be shaped like a starship. Each room will be able to accommodate 4 people and will have both adult sized beds and bunk beds for children and will look like Star Wars bunkers. Rumor has it that resort guests will get to go on lightsaber duel, take part in Star Wars training, go on a secret mission, pilot a spacecraft and have conversations with droids.
The new Star Wars Resort will be located in Bay Lake, Florida near Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This will allow Star Wars fans to easily go between both the resort and the new Star Wars land. The plans for this resort were first announced at the D23 Expo in Anaheim in 2017. It is part of 23 different additions and improvements to Disney’s theme parks worldwide. The Star Wars Resort is a lot different than anything Disney has ever done before as it will provide guests with not only an immersive experience, but will also be a boutique type hotel. It may actually bring in just as many adults as kids who are avid Star Wars fan. There still is no word yet on how much it will cost to stay here per night, but you can almost guarantee that it won’t be cheap! Be on the lookout for another blog post about this resort once we find out more information.
Disney Cruise Line Offers Marvel Universe Experience at Sea
Disney Cruises 2019 guests can celebrate Marvel Day at Sea on the Disney Magic during special voyages from Miami. New character interactions and an action-packed deck show spectacular take center stage in the lineup of entertainment throughout the day-long celebration on all Marvel Day at Sea cruises. Interact with Marvel characters including Black Panther, Iron Man, Gamora & Groot. Enjoy the new Doctor Strange show “Doctor Strange: Journey into the Mystic Arts.” in the Walt Disney Theater. While onboard participate in Marvel trivia games & enjoy the latest Marvel movies.
Disney Magic Cruises 2019 Marvel Day at Sea will be offered on 10 Disney Magic Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Miami.
Departing Jan. 6 and Jan. 20, 2019, the western Caribbean itinerary includes George Town, Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
Departing Jan. 11, Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22 and March 8, 2019, the Bahamian itinerary includes Key West, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay.
Departing Feb. 3, Feb. 17 and March 3, 2019, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico, and Castaway Cay.
Disney Cruise Line Announces Themed holiday cruises
To help travelers get into the holiday spirit, Disney Cruise Line recently announced that they will be offering themed holiday cruises. They will be available on the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. These cruises will be available starting in November and will include things like “snow flurries”, a tree lighting, Christmas carolers and appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. For those that will be onboard on Thanksgiving Day they will get to enjoy a special feast, an appearance by Mickey and Minnie dressed in Thanksgiving attire and the ability to watch football games that will be broadcast on the jumbo LED screens. Guests that will be on the ship on Christmas morning will get to have a traditional Christmas dinner and Santa Claus will be giving out a surprise to the children. Itineraries and sailing dates for each ship will include:
- Disney Dream will offer 3 or 4 night cruises to the Bahamas. Cruises will depart November 9 through December 24.
- Disney Fantasy will offer 7 night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Cruises will depart November 10 through December 22.
- Disney Magic will offer 4, 5 or 7 night cruise to the Bahamas, 5 or 6 night cruises to the Eastern Caribbean or 5 night cruises to the Western Caribbean. Cruises will depart November 10 through December 23.
- Disney Wonder will offer 4, 6 or 7 night cruises to the Western Caribbean or 7 night cruises to the Bahamas. Cruises will depart November 2 through December 21.
