Hiya, Patrick! Welcome back to planDisney!
It looks like you're as excited as I am about the return of the
Wild Africa Trek and
Disney's Key to the Kingdom Tour! That's one of the things I love most about planning a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort - there's always something new to experience! No matter how many times I go, there's always an attraction that I've never tried, a snack I've never eaten, or a new surprise that's just been announced. These tours are two of the amazing
Enchanting Extras that are on the top of my must-experience list once I return to The Most Magical Place on Earth!
Right now it looks like we're still waiting on the grand return of EPCOT Seas Adventures DiveQuest and the Disney Dining Plan! Like you, I can't wait to hear when they'll be back. I'll be keeping an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog which seems to always announce these openings first! I know this isn't the answer you were hoping for, but I'd love to tell you about some alternatives may enjoy just as much in the meantime. I think you might like some other unique animal encounters, such as
Horseback Riding, the
Savor the Savanna private safari tour, or the
Caring for Giants tour! For a more unique adventure, what about the
Fort Wilderness Archery Experience? In lieu of the Disney Dining Plan, I like to estimate how much I'd likely spend on food and purchase a prepaid Visa card. This gives me the feeling of an all-inclusive vacation and if I have money left over on the card, I can spend it on any souvenirs I want to bring home!
Patrick, I understand your disappointment that DiveQuest and the Disney Dining Plan have not yet made their magical return. However, if I can give you some encouragement, it would be this: ANY trip to Walt Disney World Resort has the potential to be a magical, memorable experience. Of the many trips I've been on, some have felt practically perfect in every way and some could have certainly used an extra sprinkle (or ten!) of pixie dust. Rainstorms while tent camping, broken bones, having to cancel hard-to-get reservations - we've collected the whole spectrum of experiences. And to be honest, it's some of the surprising ones that ended up being our favorites. When we returned to our campsite at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort after being caught in a downpour, we ordered macaroni and cheese, warmed up by a bonfire, and made the best cups of hot chocolate we've ever had. When I traveled after breaking my foot and was forced to "take it easy," I found some of my now all-time-favorite hidden gems (hello, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto!). These unexpected trips ended up being some of my most cherished memories.
You're right, Patrick - there has been so much change in the past few years! What I can tell you is that the magic at Walt Disney World Resort is one thing that remains constant. It's one of the reasons I love to visit. I know that I can always count on something new and magical just waiting for me, and it's waiting for you, too - whenever you're ready to come back.
Faith, trust, and pixie dust -
Michelle