Last Disney visit 2014

Question

Finally returning to WDW after 10 plus years (without kids this time) and am feeling overwhelmed by the changes. Would love to hear any tips on what’s new in the parks and how to best take advantage of the new technology. Will be staying at The Four Seasons, and will visit two parks EPCOT and either Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom

Traveling mid November

Answer

Returning to Walt Disney World after a decade is exciting, and mid-November is a great time to visit with generally lower crowd levels and beautiful holiday decorations beginning to appear. Since your last visit in 2014, there have been significant changes, both in attractions and technology, that can enhance your experience.

Here are some tips and highlights for your visit:

New Attractions and Experiences:
- EPCOT: The park has undergone a major transformation, including the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster in the World Discovery area and updated World Showcase experiences. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France Pavilion is a fun ride with impressive trackless ride technology.
- Hollywood Studios: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which is a highly immersive, multi-part ride experience. Toy Story Land features Slinky Dog Dash and other family-friendly rides with modern ride systems.
- Animal Kingdom: Pandora – The World of Avatar has the visually stunning Avatar Flight of Passage, which uses a 3D motion simulator, and Na’vi River Journey, a beautifully themed boat ride.
Technology & Convenience:
- Disney Genie+: This paid service allows you to reserve arrival windows for popular attractions to skip the regular lines. Plan in advance which rides you want to prioritize and make reservations as early as possible.
- Mobile Ordering: You can order food and drinks via the My Disney Experience app at many quick-service restaurants, saving you time waiting in line.
- MagicBands: Staying at the Four Seasons does not include free MagicBands, but you can purchase one. They are convenient for park entry, Lightning Lane access (via Genie+), and linking park tickets.
- My Disney Experience App: The app now centralizes everything—ride wait times, dining reservations, Genie+ selections, park maps, and mobile food orders.
Tips for Your Visit:
- Arrive early to enjoy popular rides with shorter waits before crowds build.
- Prioritize Genie+ selections for headliner rides: for EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a must; for Hollywood Studios, Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash, depending on your choice of park.
- Take time to explore new areas on foot—World Showcase has many new entertainment experiences, shops, and food offerings.
- Mid-November may already have holiday decorations and events, especially EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays and special lighting displays in both parks.
- Consider park hopping if you want to experience highlights from both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios/Animal Kingdom in a single day, using the park hopper option and checking your app for optimal timing.

Staying at the Four Seasons adds a luxurious base, with convenient transportation options, early park access on select days, and the ability to relax poolside or enjoy resort dining in between park visits. Make sure to balance the fast-paced rides with moments to unwind at the resort.

Overall, plan strategically using Genie+, mobile ordering, and the My Disney Experience app, focus on the new headliner attractions, and enjoy the immersive themed lands that have been added since your last visit. With careful planning, you can experience the best of Disney without feeling overwhelmed.

Last Disney visit 2014

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