
Disney World/Travel News May 2023
05/31/23 • 71 min
We just wrapped up the month of May, which means it’s time to take a look back at all the biggest news stories that made the last few weeks so interesting. Here are the stories we’re discussing this week:
- Disney announces that the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser will make its final voyage this September, citing high operating costs and failure to meet expectations for booking performance.
https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/star-wars-galactic-starcruiser/news/18may2023-star-wars-galactic-starcruiser-at-walt-disney-world-to-permanently-close.htm - Disney Dining Plan is returning to Walt Disney World in January 2024!
https://www.keytotheworldtravel.com/disney-world-dining-plan-returning-2024/ - Also, no more theme park reservations (for most guests)!
- Disney Parks head Josh D’amaro says theme parks will look for more ways to simplify the theme park planning experience after hearing numerous complaints that the experience is too complicated. This comes after Disney announced they are working on a way for guests to make Lightning Lane selections in advance so they don’t have to work so hard in the morning before going into the parks.
https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/disney-genie/news/22may2023-disney-parks-head-josh-damaro-says-disney-will-continue-to-simplify-the-park-experience-following-criticism-of-being-overly-complex.htm - We take some time to discuss how the increasingly complicated process of planning a vacation at Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the increasing removal of free added-value perks for on site guests, has seriously hurt bookings.
- The lineup for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series at EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival has been announced, including some exciting new artists for 2023
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/05/first-look-2023-eat-to-the-beat-concert-series-at-epcot/ - New restaurant alert! Shiki-sai:Sushi Izakaya opening this summer in EPCOT’s japan pavilion, will give guests a taste of authentic sushi,traditional japanese-style pub food, and monthly menu specials to reflect the many religious festivals of Japan
https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories/new-shiki-sai-sushi-izakaya-restaurant-opening-in-japan-pavilion-at-epcot/ - On the other side of Orlando, the Minions are set to bring mayhem to Universal Studios, as Minions Land will be opening this summer. Recently, the theme park shared details on what guests will find in the new land
https://blog.discoveruniversal.com/news/just-announced-illuminations-minion-land-grand-opening/ - Also coming to Universal Studios Orlando is an epic celebration of the 30th anniversary of the first Jurassic Park movie, including one of Universal’s famous Tribute Stores, special menu items, and more
https://www.insideuniversal.net/2023/05/universal-parks-to-celebrate-30th-anniversary-of-jurassic-park/ - Travel news:TSA has expanded the ages of children who can accompany parents with Pre Check, making air travel a little bit easier for families this summer
https://www.travelandleisure.com/tsa-precheck-teens-family-air-travel-7501614 - Passing through TSA will be a little bit easier with other new technology being rolled out at security checkpoints
https://www.travelandleisure.com/tsa-screening-technology-summer-travel-7498954
As well as expanded deployment of upgraded equipment at bag checks
- This airport was ranked the “Angriest in America”
https://www.travelandleisure.com/angriest-airport-ranking-us-7499493 - Dreamline overnight luxury “hotel train” could soon take passengers from Los Angeles to San Francisco
We just wrapped up the month of May, which means it’s time to take a look back at all the biggest news stories that made the last few weeks so interesting. Here are the stories we’re discussing this week:
- Disney announces that the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser will make its final voyage this September, citing high operating costs and failure to meet expectations for booking performance.
https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/star-wars-galactic-starcruiser/news/18may2023-star-wars-galactic-starcruiser-at-walt-disney-world-to-permanently-close.htm - Disney Dining Plan is returning to Walt Disney World in January 2024!
https://www.keytotheworldtravel.com/disney-world-dining-plan-returning-2024/ - Also, no more theme park reservations (for most guests)!
- Disney Parks head Josh D’amaro says theme parks will look for more ways to simplify the theme park planning experience after hearing numerous complaints that the experience is too complicated. This comes after Disney announced they are working on a way for guests to make Lightning Lane selections in advance so they don’t have to work so hard in the morning before going into the parks.
https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/disney-genie/news/22may2023-disney-parks-head-josh-damaro-says-disney-will-continue-to-simplify-the-park-experience-following-criticism-of-being-overly-complex.htm - We take some time to discuss how the increasingly complicated process of planning a vacation at Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the increasing removal of free added-value perks for on site guests, has seriously hurt bookings.
- The lineup for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series at EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival has been announced, including some exciting new artists for 2023
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2023/05/first-look-2023-eat-to-the-beat-concert-series-at-epcot/ - New restaurant alert! Shiki-sai:Sushi Izakaya opening this summer in EPCOT’s japan pavilion, will give guests a taste of authentic sushi,traditional japanese-style pub food, and monthly menu specials to reflect the many religious festivals of Japan
https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories/new-shiki-sai-sushi-izakaya-restaurant-opening-in-japan-pavilion-at-epcot/ - On the other side of Orlando, the Minions are set to bring mayhem to Universal Studios, as Minions Land will be opening this summer. Recently, the theme park shared details on what guests will find in the new land
https://blog.discoveruniversal.com/news/just-announced-illuminations-minion-land-grand-opening/ - Also coming to Universal Studios Orlando is an epic celebration of the 30th anniversary of the first Jurassic Park movie, including one of Universal’s famous Tribute Stores, special menu items, and more
https://www.insideuniversal.net/2023/05/universal-parks-to-celebrate-30th-anniversary-of-jurassic-park/ - Travel news:TSA has expanded the ages of children who can accompany parents with Pre Check, making air travel a little bit easier for families this summer
https://www.travelandleisure.com/tsa-precheck-teens-family-air-travel-7501614 - Passing through TSA will be a little bit easier with other new technology being rolled out at security checkpoints
https://www.travelandleisure.com/tsa-screening-technology-summer-travel-7498954
As well as expanded deployment of upgraded equipment at bag checks
- This airport was ranked the “Angriest in America”
https://www.travelandleisure.com/angriest-airport-ranking-us-7499493 - Dreamline overnight luxury “hotel train” could soon take passengers from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Previous Episode
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Universal Orlando Resort Extras
Universal Orlando+
We can’t let Disney World have all the fun! This week we’re taking a look at Universal Orlando Resort, to find all the ways you can “plus” your stay and make sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck! “Plussing” is a term used by Walt Disney and his Imagineers to describe the process of taking something that’s already great, and making it even better. The concept can be applied to your vacation as well, and we know all the best ways to have the best stay possible, no matter the size of your budget.Topics we cover include:
- Hotels- which from each price category gives most “plus” feel? Sapphire Falls, Premier hotelsfor free Express Pass, kid suites, upgraded room categories,Spa at Portofino.
- Outside the theme parks, including Volcano Bay, experiences at City Walk, etc.
- Experiences inside the theme parks- VIP tours, Harry Potter package, HHN VIP experience, Express Pass
As always, a huge thank you to our sponsor, Key to the World Travel. For all your travel needs, Key to the World's expert travel advisors are standing by. Make sure you tell them the Gold Key Adventurers sent you!
Proud to be a Feedspot Top 100 Disney Podcast! https://bit.ly/GKASFeedSpotDisney
Thanks to Outer Vibe for the use of their song Hoka Hey off of the album Hoka Hey as the intro and outro of our show. For tour dates, merch, music and more, check them out at www.outervibe.com.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to make sure you don't miss a single week of adventure. While you're at it, how about leaving us a rating and review?
Word of mouth is the best way for us to grow our society of intrepid adventurers-if you have a friend or two who might enjoy our particular brand of adventure and silliness, send them our way.
The Gold Key Adventurers Society is always looking for new members! Find all our episodes, links and info at https://www.goldkeyadventurers.com. Make sure you follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldKeyAdventurersSociety, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gkaspodcast, and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GKASPodcast.
Show The Gold Key Adventurers some love by buying the hosts a coffee (or two or ten?) at https://bit.ly/KofiDonateToGKAS
Better yet, try one of Expedition Roasters’ delicious theme park and pop culture inspired flavored coffees! Using our affiliate link will help keep the Gold Key Adventurers caffeinated and making great content for you! https://bit.ly/ExpeditionRoastersGKAS
Remember, life is short and the world is wide. So go have an adventure!
Next Episode
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Best Disney World Restaurants 2023
Favorite Disney World Restaurants 2023
Now that dining plans are back at Walt Disney World, it’s time to start planning all the tasted meals you’re going to use those dining credits on in 2024! We’re kicking off a summer of Disney Dining this week with a look at some of our favorite under rated quick service and table service restaurants around Walt Disney World, as well as the spots we think are totally over rated, and not worth spending your precious meal credits on. We also want to share with you a couple new/newly updated spots that we really think you should check out next time you visit Walt Disney World.
Topics of discussion include:
- Should we give Be Our Guest another chance?
- Magic Kingdom dining could use some help.
- Always eat at the Jungle Navigation Co. Skipper Canteen!
- EPCOT is dining heaven, at least as long as you stay in World Showcase.
- Hollywood Studios doesn’t seem like it has a lot of great dining, but we actually had a long list of spots we like there.
- Animal Kingdom has tons of hidden gems, especially if you like Asian food or barbecue.
- Disney Springs has too many options to count, but a ton of them are great! Don’t pass on House of Blues, and check out the takeout window versions of some of the nicer table service locations.
- We didn’t have enough time to dig into the dining options at the resort hotels, but Heather and Jeff recently tried a few new/updated spots they wanted to recommend. The updated menu at Narcoosee’s at the Grand Floridian has elevated the restaurant from “meh” to “must try”! Rosa Mexicana at the Dolphin is elevated Mexican food that is more than worth the trip to sample. Amare at the new Swan Reserve tower is a fantastic spot for some fine Mediterranean style dining.
- We have a long list of places we still need to eat at! Keep an eye out for more culinary adventures this summer.
As always, a huge thank you to our sponsor, Key to the World Travel. For all your travel needs, Key to the World's expert travel advisors are standing by. Make sure you tell them the Gold Key Adventurers sent you!
Proud to be a Feedspot Top 100 Disney Podcast! https://bit.ly/GKASFeedSpotDisney
Thanks to Outer Vibe for the use of their song Hoka Hey off of the album Hoka Hey as the intro and outro of our show. For tour dates, merch, music and more, check them out at www.outervibe.com.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to make sure you don't miss a single week of adventure. While you're at it, how about leaving us a rating and review?
Word of mouth is the best way for us to grow our society of intrepid adventurers-if you have a friend or two who might enjoy our particular brand of adventure and silliness, send them our way.
The Gold Key Adventurers Society is always looking for new members! Find all our episodes, links and info at https://www.goldkeyadventurers.com. Make sure you follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldKeyAdventurersSociety, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gkaspodcast, and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GKASPodcast.
Show The Gold Key Adventurers some love by buying the hosts a coffee (or two or ten?) at https://bit.ly/KofiDonateToGKAS
Better yet, try one of Expedition Roasters’ delicious theme park and pop culture inspired flavored coffees! Using our affiliate link will help keep the Gold Key Adventurers caffeinated and making great content for you! https://bit.ly/ExpeditionRoastersGKAS
Remember, life is short and the world is wide. So go have an adventure!
Disney World And Beyond - Disney World/Travel News May 2023
Transcript
Music. We all have those bucket list trips, once in a lifetime destinations that we'll get to someday. We're here to help you make your travel dreams a reality. Music. Welcome back to another meeting of the Gold Key Adventurer's Society. My name is Dan Leonard. Hi Dan. And joining me this week in the studio is Heather Strait. What is up? Inflation levels, am I right? Zinger as always, Dan. Oh, gotta keep up with the times. Mr. Jeff Williams. Hey, that's me. Hey, Jeffr
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