It’s been a big week for both Disney World and Universal Orlando, but perhaps not in the way you’re thinking.

Epic Universe!

There’s tons of construction happening in Disney World, and new attractions are on their way to Universal Orlando as well, but there have been a few big questions guests have had on their mind for both companies that has nothing to do with construction, and we got one step closer to those answers this week! It may affect how you plan your future vacations, so prepare yourselves in advance.

Could Epic Universe Access Come to Annual Passes?

Starting off with MAJOR news from Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Annual Passholders who have visited the park in the past month have reported receiving a survey after their visit that asks them about what they’d be willing to pay to add Epic Universe onto their Annual Pass in the future.

Epic Universe

From a source who received the survey, it seems that Epic Universe is also considering multi-year Annual Passes and more. Multiple options were presented, but the highlights are:

• A 2-year, locked-in Annual Pass; a 3-year, locked-in Annual Pass; a 4-year, locked-in Annual Pass
• Annual Passholders could have the option to purchase a bundle that would let them visit Epic Universe on 3 days of their choice in a 3-month window
• There could be an add-on to Annual Passes that would allow access to Epic Universe on 10 days in the 12-month pass window
  Weekend only Annual Pass, OR
• Annual Passholders could purchase a multi-day bundle that lets them select access in a 3-month window

Read More About The Survey and What Universal Could Introduce Soon!

Sora Closes Down; Disney Exits OpenAI Deal

In massive Disney company news, OpenAI, the company that owns Sora, announced that the video AI platform would be shut down. In response, Disney has pulled out of their agreement with the company, where they would have invested $1 billion into the service and allowed Sora to use some of their characters.

©Disney x OpenAI

A Disney spokesperson was quoted as saying that despite Sora’s shutdown and Disney backing out of their deal, the company will “continue to engage with AI platforms to find new ways to meet fans where they are while responsibly embracing new technologies that respect IP and the rights of creators.” Considering the Sora technology was also supposed to be integrated into Disney+, and that’s now not possible at the moment, we’re curious to see how this will play out.

Read More About Disney Exiting the OpenAI Deal

Disney Announces Ticket Release Date For D23

Disney also announced some information we’ve been waiting on for weeks now, which is when tickets for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will go on sale! Tickets will go on sale on April 2nd for this beloved event, which will take place from August 14th to 16th in Anaheim, California this year. However, D23 Gold Charter Members can purchase their tickets starting on March 31st at 10AM PT, then Gold Members on Essential, Choice, and Complete plans can purchase on April 2nd at 10AM PT, and finally D23 Gold Members with complimentary plans through Disney+ perks can purchase at 12 PM PT.

©D23

Tickets range from $49 per person to as high as $2599 per person, depending on how many days you’d like to attend, if you’d like access to both stages, and if you’d like to be closer to the main stage.

Read All About D23 Tickets Here to Prepare in Advance!

Looking for more recent Disney news? Check out our posts below!

We’ll continue to keep you updated on all the Disney and Universal news so you can plan your vacations easier, so stay tuned to DFB!

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