After several years - going back?

[PlutoFan]

Hi all,

After six years away, I have been “informed” by my now adult children that they would like to visit Florida again. We’ve had several terrible years so I think a chance to make fresh, happy memories will be good for us all.

So, Dibbers - what’s changed since 2016? What is Disney’s latest scheme to force us to book everything in advance? Is free DDP still a thing? Any info gratefully accepted 😂

Thanks in advance,

Anne

[Mexy02]

Welcome back 😁 firstly go check out the price of park tickets then go sit in a corner for a while then start booking your holiday once the shock has left you .
No ddp but a dining credit per room so great if you are a couple or alone or have small kids but a bit pants if you are all adults . Loads of updates on here as it’s changed alot post covid . Enjoy planning but it takes a lot more than it use to especially as you have to prebook park days to gain entry now .

[simon]

Hello , enjoy all your planning 👍

[WileyCoyote]

Hey Anne

Can’t help on the Disney front as not been in the parks for years but wanted to say sorry you’ve had a horrible time and welcome back x

[Th1nkT1nk]

Hey Anne,
Welcome back, hopefully this planning will be the start of some happier times for you! We haven’t been since 2017 … I’ve tried to keep on top of most changes but there are loads and it feels quite bewildering at times. You’ll find lots of info and threads on here that will help. The first things that come to mind are …
You’ll need to check out park passes - you now have to reserve your first park of the day as well as purchase a ticket.
Fast Pass no longer exists and there is now a paid version called Genie+ so you may (or may not!) want to get your head around that!
As previously said, Dining plan still hasn’t returned, but if you book at the right time, you may be able to get dining credits , which vary depending on the level of hotel you choose.
Some character meals still haven’t returned but I believe they are gradually coming back.
Folk on here are always super helpful, so it’s a great place to ask, but also I’d advise watching some YouTubes such as AllEars or Disney Food Blog, as they might help you to know what you don’t know iyswim

[PlutoFan]

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for the welcome - I was just reading a trip report of yours from Mexico - sounded fab.

I’m currently on holiday with the kids and my sons’ partner in Ibiza(!) - I’m in the bar reading something on my kindle and they are all out at a gig seeing Calvin Harris (I think).

Sadly we lost Rob two years ago after he had been ill for several years and then my mum last year so it hasn’t been a good time for us recently.

[cruella2110]

Hi! Welcome back! Same as you as we're going back after 6 years away and the changes are enormous aren't they? Good luck planning sorry to hear you've had some terrible times, let this be the best antidote to sadness!

[Trueblue88]

Hi enjoy all your planning