Disney World/Travel News May 2023

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
  
  https://www.travelandleisure.com/dreamline-overnight-hotel-train-los-angeles-to-san-francisco-7495541 

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