Room Security Changes at Walt Disney World, New Skyliner Images, Changes for Caribbean Beach and More Disney News You Need!

Welcome to the News You Need! It’s January, 2018, and this year is shaping up to be a big one for the Disney parks! We have tons news that can change the way you vacation at Disney, so let’s get started!

Refreshing Changes for Caribbean Beach – Earlier this year, Walt Disney World announced a major overhaul for Caribbean Beach resort with fresh designs, new motifs, and big changes to the rooms. More details have been revealed including a centralized check-in at Old Port Royale, a new bar called Banana Cabana, and new dining and shopping all in easy-to access places for guests. Check out Disney’s post for all the exciting things coming.

Security Changes at Walt Disney World Mean Daily Room Entry – Walt Disney World’s monorail resorts (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, and Bay Lake Tower) no longer have “Do Not Disturb” signs available to guests. Pursuant to a new policy, guests at these locations will now use “Room Occupied” signs, which do not preclude cast members from entering. Guests are being notified that room checks are being done daily, a policy that seems to be in response to the Vegas shooting. It hasn’t been decided whether this policy will extend to all resort hotels at Disney, but we’ll keep you updated.

Festival of Fantasy is the Three O’Clock Parade Again – Late last year, Festival of Fantasy’s kickoff time was moved to 2 p.m., ostensibly to help deal with some changes to the entertainment calendar later in the day. The parade has returned to its 3 p.m. time slot for 2018, making it that much easier to answer the age-old question, “What time is the 3:00 parade?”

New Skyliner Images! – Heard about that Skyliner yet? Walt Disney World is building an entirely new transportation system that will connect Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and several resort hotels. The skyliner gondolas will have multiple stations and Disney has released all-new images and design descriptions of each. Construction on the system has already begun and is expected to continue quickly so as to be ready for new park features like Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Check out the new images here.

Good Neighbor Resorts Get More Benefits – Walt Disney World is extending 60 day FastPass+ booking windows and Extra Magic Hour privileges to guests of its Good Neighbor resorts in 2018. Beginning January 1, guests of Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort, DoubleTree Guest Suites by Hilton Orlando, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Palace, Hilton Orlando Resort Lake Buena Vista, Holiday Inn Orlando, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista who hold Walt Disney World tickets will also get privileges formerly reserved for on-property guests.

That’s your News You Need for January! As always, visit the DVC Resale Market Facebook page for great prices on DVC resale and awesome information. And for up-to-the-minute parks news, visit DVC Central on Facebook as well!

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Morgan Crutchfield is the owner of DVC Central, a valued DVC Resale Market partner that focuses on getting you the information you need to Maximize your Disney Experience. Morgan hopes the News You Need helps DVC Resale Market clients and fans plan fantastic vacations!