Disney Dish Podcast: Skyliner AC, Star Wars Land Crowds, and Ticket Pricing Changes

Walt Disney World Skyliner Update

• 💡 The Walt Disney World Skyliner system will feature air circulation (fans) rather than air conditioning (capital AC), a correction from earlier information.
• 🚀 The gondolas are expected to travel at speeds of 16-17 mph, providing a pleasant breeze even in humid Florida weather.
• 💰 The decision for air circulation over air conditioning was based on cost versus maintenance considerations by The Walt Disney Company.

Visiting Disneyland for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Opening

• ⚠️ Visitors planning a trip to Disneyland in June 2019 for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge should expect significant crowds and long lines.
• 🎢 Despite the crowds, the recommendation is to still make the trip, framing the experience as a potentially memorable story and a unique opportunity to be among the first visitors.
• 🗺️ Planning for the visit will be crucial, with potential for challenges in driving and parking, similar to past large events like the 60th Diamond Celebration.
• 📈 Capacity at Disneyland is expected to increase by 5,000-10,000 people per day with the addition of the 14-acre Galaxy's Edge.

Disney's New Ticket Pricing Strategy

• 💰 Disney is implementing a new flexible ticket pricing strategy, which aims to better manage crowd flow and staffing.
• 📈 This change means tickets may have stricter usage windows (e.g., a 3-day ticket used over 5 consecutive days) and prices for all parks may align with Magic Kingdom pricing.
• 🗣️ While travel industry professionals see potential for more flexible pricing, the fan community has expressed usual skepticism and concern.

Discounts and Park Operations

• 🗓️ Disney has announced new discounts for 2019 stays earlier than in previous years, possibly to gauge soft booking trends.
• ✨ Early Morning Magic at Magic Kingdom will expand its offerings to include more attractions and move breakfast to Cosmic Ray's, indicating an increase in ticket sales for the event.
• 🏞️ Rafiki's Planet Watch at Animal Kingdom is returning in 2019, operating seasonally and continuing to be used for conventions and animal care.
• 🍕 Pizza Rizzo at Disney's Hollywood Studios will move to seasonal operations, with expectations to reopen with its current menu when Galaxy's Edge opens to accommodate increased park capacity.