Offsite Guests Testing FastPass+ for Animal Kingdom, and a New Lineup at Hollywood and Vine

If you follow my Wish Upon A Star page, you know that on Wednesdays we do a little thing called "What's New Wednesday". I polled a couple of clients this week and we decided together that I would also start posting WNWs here, so they'd be easy to find if they got lost in FB space!

Here's what's new this week:

Starting TODAY at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the FastPass+ system will spread its wings even
further and allow ALL guests to use the new system. During testing, no paper Fastpasses will be given out, meaning the guests without Magic Bands will use paper Fastpass+'s, or use the normal standby line.

The difference? Resort guests can make their FastPass+ choices ahead of time online, or via the My Disney Experience App. Those not staying in a Disney resort, make their choices the same day, by visiting FastPass+ kiosks that are located within the park.

Again, staying onsite = make your choices ahead of time, and Magic Bands. Staying offsite or local guests = same day choices at kiosks only and RFID ticket, but no Magic Band.

MagicBands will not be available for non-resort guests. Instead, they will use their RFID enabled ticket media to access the FastPass+ kiosks and touch sensors. So, it will be like the old system, but without the paper tickets.

Guests will be able to choose up to 3 FastPasses per day. You can find kiosks here:

At Expedition Everest, near Disney Outfitters, at Kali River Rapids, at Primeval Whirl, and outside the service center located at Creature Comforts

For these rides and attractions:

Character Greeting at Adventurers Outpost
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Primeval Whirl
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Expedition Everest
DINOSAUR
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo – The Musical
Kali River Rapids

And for the second bit of news for WNW, Hollywood and Vine's Play and Dine breakfast and lunch offerings have two new characters! Starting January 26th, 2014, Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First join Handy Manny and Jake (from Jake and the Neverland Pirates) in the restaurant! Your kids (young or young-at-heart) will get to meet and dalnce along with all of their favorite during a fun musical dance right in the restaurant!  I know out of all the Disney Jr characters, these four are truly my clients' favorites!

So what do you think about this news? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

ºoº ~ Karen