Happy New Year to all of you! I wish you good health, happiness and many trips to Disney in 2009!
There are some changes in Disney's reservation system for 2009. Beginning early in the year you will be able to check in to your Disney Resort via the Internet. This was created to help move along check in lines at resorts much faster. There have been times when I've arrived at my resort and waited in a long line to check in. If you check in online, they have all your information in the system and when you arrive they just have to print your room key/park passes. You still must have photo ID when you arrive at your resort. There will be a separate check in line in your resort lobby for those who have already checked in online. You may check in online up to 10 days before your arrival date. During this process you may also give the credit card number you plan to use for purchases on your room key.
Another new change in 2009 is the advance dining reservation system. Previously, you could book your table service dining 180 days before you arrive. Disney has now narrowed that window to 90 days with the exception of Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's and Victoria and Albert's, all of which can still be reserved at the 180 day mark. The ability to make dining reservations online will also be launched this year.
With Disney's new promotion "What Will You Celebrate" there will be changes made to all of the park parades. It was recently reported that the Mickey float was not in the Magic Kingdom Parade because it is undergoing changes for the new parade.
And if you want to ring in the New Year watching some great Disney shows, tune in to the Travel Channel tonight beginning at 8 p.m. to see the Disney Cruise Line, followed at 9 p.m. with Disney on a Dime. At 10 p.m. is Walt Disney World Resort: Behind the Scenes and at 11 p.m. is Disney Holiday Magic with Samantha Brown.