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Has anyone seen the announcements about Disney banning third party vendors who provide services at resorts?? Photographers, beauty services, etc... lots in the Ear for Us group impacted. It's very sad and disheartening. As a (New England) photographer..

8:28pm on 1/27/26 by LaurenInWonderland

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... I can fathom! Many of those local photographers are losing 80%+ of their business

8:29pm on 1/27/26 by LaurenInWonderland

No I hadn't heard. What's frustrating is some of those services Disney doesn't even offer.

8:57pm on 1/27/26 by youcanfly

I did see this. It's devastating for some of them I don't totally get why if Disney isn't offering some of them why the ban? They must have gotten complaints

9:03pm on 1/27/26 by VikeQueen

When will this ban happen?

9:13pm on 1/27/26 by momma4fun

Totally depressing- and doing a disservice to guests that enjoyed these services (that yes, Disney does not offer)

9:44pm on 1/27/26 by LaurenInWonderland

Effective immediately I believe

9:44pm on 1/27/26 by LaurenInWonderland

I don't think they need to have gotten complaints. I think the accountants said to cut out the competition. No one can make money off of Disney.

9:55pm on 1/27/26 by evamarie320

Yes, I know a young mom who has done excellent photo sessions at various resorts with full welcome & cooperation from resort staff. Now she has sadly lost 90% of her business.

12:38am by snowdiz

Hey Eva, don't blame us Accountants

5:57am by ToddlerOfTerror

5:58am by ToddlerOfTerror

Bummer. To be honest im surprised this didnt happen sooner. Many of them either directly compete with a disney service or use character images in their product/service

9:06am by Totsypooh

Also probably a legal thing. If it's on property, people assume it's endorsed by Disney. If something happens, Disney is brought into it & Disney certainly doesn't want that.

9:28am by el_1102

It is sad though. I have a friend going for the first time in May & I was going to suggest she use services from the Ear for Us group.

9:33am by el_1102

I think @el nailed it. If WDW can't control or vouch for the quality of a service they are not going to want it happening on their property. It's a liability.

9:34am by melcort10

lol @ToT. I love some accountants. And the Disney lawyers and accountants are doing their job well for sure.

10:22am by evamarie320

The thing that's wild though is that Disney doesn't offer resort photography services although let me guess, that'll be next. An overpriced and underwhelming product

3:06pm by LaurenInWonderland

Also, more non-guest vehicles going through security to the resorts is more risk.

3:43pm by Ali Ababwa

Yeah agreed on this being a legal thing. Both in terms of increased general liability as well as keeping reins on Disney IP. Its unfortunate, but kind of surprising its jusyt happening now.

3:50pm by cobia

I was always under the impression you couldn't take a private photographer into the theme parks for photo shoots, that you had to use Capture the Magic. The ones at the resorts that we've seen have us scan a magic band.

52 min ago by cdlla

Exactly @lauren. I wonder what this will mean for other 3rd party things such as Journey Across the Board or other floral, dessert, cakes delivered.

32 min ago by youcanfly

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It seems like it's only currently an issue if they provide the service on Disney property, not drop products off there like cakes and such. Otherwise, they'd have to ban groceries and other deliveries, too.

26 min ago by utang44

What about door dash, pizza delivery, grocery delivery? All kinds of third parties access Disney property. I wonder if they are going to start having allowed vendors.

24 min ago by popupcamper

I would guess that it has more to do with the liability associated with anyone providing a service on their property than just an outside business more broadly. Products dropped off/delivered wouldn't have that same problem.

6 min ago by utang44

So I'm stuck here another night due to flight cancellations! But I booked a last minute Geo 82 fireworks package. Not a responsible decision I suppose but making the most of it!

2:08pm on 1/27/26 by mary32830

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Turning Lemons into Strawberry Black Pepper Sours (i.e. has lemons in it). Well done.

2:32pm on 1/27/26 by gmcc

Good one @gmcc! Have fun @mary.

2:38pm on 1/27/26 by evamarie320

Fun!

2:40pm on 1/27/26 by cobia

Great decision @Mary!

2:57pm on 1/27/26 by TacMed

Love Geo-82!

3:07pm on 1/27/26 by BlastThatPeterPan

Perfect choice. If you can't get home, go party!

3:13pm on 1/27/26 by hodg

I hope you have a great time!

3:20pm on 1/27/26 by KLuck

Wonderful experience. This has been a bit of a bougie trip for me (other than the flight delays). Flew first class, then stayed at the JW. This was a wonderful fireworks experience though. Food - amazing. And fireworks with just visuals & music!!! Wow!!!

10:31pm on 1/27/26 by mary32830

Love that you are making the most out of the delays. Hopefully everything is on time today, safe travels

5:30am by youcanfly

We did that once this fall with friends. We were all surprised at the quality of the food and champagne. Such a great experience.

7:53am by aliceinwonderla

Sounds great!

8:12am by goofygrandpa

I am thinking about adding this in for DD and my weekend LL training trip in May. It's just the 2 of us vs the family trips planned the year of the year. Thanks for the review!

8:41am by cdlla

It was fabulous but definitely a major splurge! I'm still thinking about those pimento cheese macarons.

11:20am by mary32830

Glad you were able to make lemonade out of lemons, Mary. :) For others who may not want to splurge, my geo82 server recommended booking a regular table 60 mins before fireworks and just staying. You don't get the expensive spread, but same view.

11:39am by yetisafari

I highly recommend the charcuterie and old fashioned. Easily the best charcuterie I've had on property by a mile.

11:40am by yetisafari

Better than Nomad charcuterie? That was a delight one day I arrived about 3pm after skipping lunch, so hunger may have helped.

11:52am by Ali Ababwa

Nomad is good but I thought geo82 was reallllllllllly good. :)

2:24pm by yetisafari

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Nomad charcuterie isn't as good as it was we felt.

2:50pm by snowdiz

I'm definitely going to work harder to get into Geo82! I had an ADR last visit that I completely forgot about (and yes I was honest and let them take $20 for my mistake).

3:46pm by Ali Ababwa

Only loser on the food menu is the hummus IMO - it tastes fine but the chips it's served with are so delicate they just break!

7 min ago by BlastThatPeterPan

Did Disney World stop where you have to make a reservation for each park day

12:23pm by brerbadger

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I agree with that. Especially since I can park hop as soon as I tap in so what difference does it make where I start? Sigh, lol!

50 min ago by cdlla

Exactly! It's so frustrating for me as an AP. Half onsite is one link and the offsite is a separate link. Grrrrrr

36 min ago by youcanfly

Yeah, military tickets are undated so they still have to have reservations. Such a pain and it seems pretty pointless to me. Surely they aren't that surprised that a bunch of military families suddenly swarm EPCOT.

8 min ago by popupcamper

Just heard if you use online check in the system totally ignores any room request and that it's better to check in old school at front desk??

10:45am by sarahask@aol.com

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Curious where you heard this

11:07am by Bubbakirby

That will delay you getting into your room and won't give you better odds of getting the exact room you want.

11:09am by Ali Ababwa

What you've heard is incorrect. When you do online check-in, don't make any request that conflict with any request you might make with the touring plans room request submission.

11:17am by JenniferB1975

I do online check in and then when room assigned, I check the TP room finder to see where it is. If I don't like it, I go to the front desk (before going to room) and ask them to change it. Works well if resort has space.

11:42am by yetisafari

I always do online check in. I find that often I can get my room as I am arriving at the resort. BUT the room requests in that system are so limited, why would you pick any of those vague choices? Use the touring plans room request plus online.

11:47am by PrincipalTinker

Also depends on the relative importance of room location to you. On arrival day we prioritize dumping stuff in room regardless of location, not wasting time standing in line at resort, and arriving at parks ASAP. Room location not that impt to us.

11:50am by Ali Ababwa

I also use TP room finder and use online check in about a week before arrival but I do not select any options in the online check in that regard to the room.

12:21pm by cdlla

I do like @yeti. I always do online check in and have gotten my room requests thru TP at least 75% of the time. Two completely different systems. One doesn't affect the other.

12:42pm by evamarie320

I am fairly common that room assignments are often made long before we arrive. I say that because I once had a specific room type booked, I got my phone call during breakfast that I was not going to be able to get the room that I had chosen because there*

1:27pm by youcanfly

** was an issue in the room that I was assigned to. I asked if I could wait until later in the day and possibly get the room I wanted but they said no that would not be an option. Just gave me the feeling that assignments are made ahead of time

1:28pm by youcanfly

This is probably more true during high time, with lots of turnover. This was the weekend of a marathon, actually it was the Sunday or Monday as the event was ending. It was very disappointing because we had a three bedroom booked

1:29pm by youcanfly

Nope. If you make a room request, just don't choose any options in online checking that contradict it. Room assignments are now made days in advance.

1:51pm by utang44

Ok thanks, it was one of the fb Disney planner people that made that statement so not really sure how accurate. Knew liners would have all the facts!

1:55pm by sarahask@aol.com

I do @yeti @ eva. Online about 1-2 before. TP request asap after booking with descriptive request of views (garden pretty landscaping) listing prev rms I loved. 95% request or better recd

2:36pm by Magicalday2011

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I must have an evil curse on me in regards to room requests. I've never gotten anything close. Now I just put in the request and laugh when I see the room I've been assigned. Oh well

17 min ago by kcaseybooks

@kcasey, you use the touring plans tool and add a note?

10 min ago by PrincipalTinker

Are you requesting specific rooms, @kcasey, or a type of room? We've gotten our request nearly every time, but I indicate a type of room, like a view or near the SL, and give a series of example rooms in the notes. I also include why I'm asking for that.

8 min ago by utang44

Do you have experience with staying in the Gran Destino tower at Coronado? I'm wondering if we need to have a car or if we can make do with Disney transportation. Any recent experience?

14 min ago by jkowens

No, you don't need a car IMO. The busses work just fine.

8 min ago by BlastThatPeterPan

Magnolia Bend Baby!

1:48pm by MOJoe

Woo Hoo!

2:24pm by cobia

Pleasant boat ride to Disney Springs. First stop, Ghirardelli!

2:40pm by MOJoe

Summer House on the Lake. Chill vibe. Good food. 2 Thumbs Up.

41 min ago by MOJoe

Nice! Still haven't visited Summer House.

37 min ago by youcanfly

Going to after hours at HS tonight. Just realized that fantastic occurs during this event, 30 min after regular park close. Does it make sense to go to the show during this time?

58 min ago by hookedsince72

If you haven't seen it, otherwise I'd be all about the rides while everyone else is in the theater :)

54 min ago by cdlla

Why would Animal Kingdom be an 8/10 on Sunday February 8th. This is higher than any other park. We get in on Saturday, was planning AK on Sunday. We were taking Monday off as a rest/no park day. Should I go to a different park on Sunday?

3:10pm by dscjn3@sbcglobal.net

Possibly because it's open until 8 that day which is rare. Honestly people are too hung up on crowd levels. Not a huge difference between a level or 2.

3:21pm by Flutegarden

Really depends on length of trip. Just looking at the week and it does show a significant drop after the weekend. For instance, Tuesday shows a possible 3cl. And if you look at MK, it's kinda consistent with a 5/6 possible CL.

3:40pm by youcanfly

As @flute mentioned it could be the later hours. Also I don't suggest swapping with say Epcot, that may be the wait times but that park can "feel" crowded on the weekends too.

3:43pm by youcanfly

I'd just go anyhow. The CL on our AK day was higher than other days, but by the time we got there later in the day, it was dead.

3:49pm by utang44

So my trip has been extended 1 more night due to weather ( I made the choice to fly to DFW Tuesday instead of Monday). Booked a quick room at the Coronado Springs. Excited to stay somewhere new.

4:41pm on 1/25/26 by mary32830

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I've been at the JW Bonnet Creek which is awesome but rates tomorrow night were too $$$

4:42pm on 1/25/26 by mary32830

I wanted to eat at Toledo but it's totally booked up (guess for a convention) so guess I'll try Maya grill. I am missing TexMex in this trip.

4:43pm on 1/25/26 by mary32830

I love CSR! How about 3 Bridges for dinner?

5:15pm on 1/25/26 by Jennyhirsch

Don't miss Dalhia lounge too. It's like a little sample of Toledo. Enjoy the extra day!

5:56pm on 1/25/26 by youcanfly

Loveeeee CSR and Maya Grill! Use the Disney visa discount

6:05pm on 1/25/26 by LaurenInWonderland

Coronado is a beautiful resort, the tower rooms are so nice. Would totally stay here again. I wound up at 3 bridges 4 dinnerThe variety of restaurants here (and that they're easy to get into relatively) is a big plus compared to most of the other hotels.

10:17pm on 1/26/26 by mary32830

I actually disliked the tower but loved the casitas. The tower room was beautiful, but on the 8th floor of our room facing the entry/circle, we could hear the "arrival ambiance" music all. The. Time. I'd stay at the casitas again in a heartbeat!

5:48am on 1/27/26 by BlastThatPeterPan

Oh my @blast! That would drive anyone bonkers. I was so worried about this with the poly tower but so far my experiences have not been the same as the GDT.

9:25am on 1/27/26 by youcanfly

As much as I like GDT, we could hear every sound, have to tuck a towel under the door it's so bad with hallway noise, not just the toilet flushing from every room around you. I still love that resort so next time I'm gonna try a Casita

9:26am on 1/27/26 by youcanfly

Same as @youcan with the GDT tower noise. Won't ever stay there in any future trips.

12:43pm on 1/27/26 by cdlla

Ok, yes I could definitely hear some sounds last night at the tower. Not too bad with my white noise machine. I don't know if it's the walls or the hardwoods. Either way, my flight was cancelled again so Springhill Suites 2nite

1:31pm on 1/27/26 by mary32830

Same, won't stay at GDT again but love the old rooms! Staying there again in May.

4:26pm on 1/27/26 by popupcamper

Mary, did your flight make it? Still pretty crazy around here with the ice.

4:47pm on 1/27/26 by matterhorn55

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Nope. It was cancelled on me. I had them just totally cancel it and give me a credit. Then I booked a SW flight instead of AA. Send good thoughts that I get back tomorrow!!

5:25pm on 1/27/26 by mary32830

Good luck getting home @Mary

6:11pm on 1/27/26 by JenniferB1975

Finally made it home. Had no idea it was day 2 of SW doing assigned seating. I kinda liked it. Less anxiety and I booked myself on my preferred aisle seat.

3:14pm by mary32830

Opinions on MK Dessert Party? Thinking of purchasing a post dessert party to get a better viewing spot. How close are you to the castle?

6:49pm on 1/27/26 by allanmayo

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It's not that close. Your in near main street green space and there are light poles in the way. It's good if you don't want competition and guaranteed spot not smashed together

7:08pm on 1/27/26 by melodicwords

We really enjoyed the preparty and seats & sweets, but we're crowding-intolerant and I can't stand for long periods. DD isn't wild about fireworks but made it through from TT with desserts.

9:28pm on 1/27/26 by Ali Ababwa

One word- Prosecco :-)

12:41am by hodg

I wasn't sure it wld be worth the cost & we're not big dessert eaters. Had to do pre as no post party set up until day of for our week. But we loved it- enjoyed the dessert, cheese & fizz. Got a spot near back of grass w bushes to protect the view.

12:43am by hodg

@hodg, I have not seen prosecco on any of the reviews of dessert parties that I have been watching lately! You know I love bubbles.

8:37am by melcort10

This is the only way we will watch HEA. I will not be smooshed up into 100k plus people's armpits in the mash on main Street/ in the hub :) You can see the castle projections perfectly. We also stay near the back sidewalk/fence area

8:45am by cdlla

We weren't fans but don't eat dessert nor drink alcohol in the world. (I feel like this is a duh, of course it's not for you.) Also it helps with crowds during the show but it's still crowded getting to and from the viewing area.

8:50am by popupcamper

I'm with @cdlla. In fact, this is the only way I *have* watched HEA, other than on the resort TVs as I do every trip. :-)

9:05am by TumbleMonkeys

We can't decide between post party and seats and sweets. Family wants to sit but I can't tell how much view we sacrifice.

9:59am by melcort10

For me (and I definitely see why some pay as mentioned above) it's in no way worth it. Key reasons are; Opportunity cost - would else could we do for that money-signature meal normally. HEA cancelled you still have to pay. Poorish view.

10:05am by Stu007

I also think the desserts are a bit meh. Like those little dessert on cruise ships. Last 3 times for HEA we've rocked at the 11th hour literally 5 minutes and been asked to fill the centre area. Great views no crushing. Risky but ace!

10:07am by Stu007

Bottom half of the castle is definitely obstructed by trees if you do the seats. And there's the chance you get the roof obstructing the higher FW.

10:46am by cdlla

When we were at seats and sweets we were at the railing to the right side pretty far back and still had a great view. The castle looks very small in photos (because it actually IS small) but we could still see most projections and fireworks fill the sky.

11:08am by Ali Ababwa

We will not/cannot stand in the hub for the 30+ minutes it takes to get in and out for fireworks, so it's the only good alternative for us, well worth the cost even if desserts are mediocre, POG mimosas are obligatory.

11:14am by Ali Ababwa

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I too need to do the seats and treats. I could do the garden if I could stand against the fence, but I don't think that is an option? I cannot sit on the ground while waiting and standing in one place for long will not work.

11:50am by PrincipalTinker

Very glad we did seats and treats on a rainy night. They moved all tables back from the railing so everyone stayed dry and still had a decent view.

11:50am by sragne

For DH & me we'd choose the garden pre or post. Likely will book seated for May to allow in-laws to sit down & risk the poorer view. Planning on turning up with a 60th wedding anniv table centre decoration in the hope Cm will be kind & put us at front.

3:13pm by hodg

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