Walt Disney World® Resort will kick off the “Coolest Summer Ever” with 24 hours of nonstop fun during a special event May 22-23 at the Magic Kingdom®, hosted by Olaf, the summer-loving snowman from Disney’s blockbuster animated hit “Frozen.”
Magic Kingdom Park will be open 24 hours from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m., Friday May 22, 2015 to Saturday, May 23, 2015*. You’re invited to come in costume** to show your Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort.
During the “Coolest Summer Ever,” you can keep cool all summer long at four theme parks and two water parks. Highlights include:
- Frozen Fun – “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® June 17-Sept. 7, 2015 as it brings together Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and the citizens of Arendelle, all appearing daily in shows and experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® – including a royal processional, a sing-along show, Frozen-themed treats and merchandise, plus a Frozen fireworks display above Hollywood Boulevard.
- Cool Thrill Rides – Find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Don’t-miss attractions include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park; Test Track presented by Chevrolet and Soarin’ at Epcot; Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Star Wars Weekends – Your Clients will find stars from another galaxy during Star Wars Weekends May 15-June 14, 2015 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- New Restaurants and Shopping – Throughout the summer, new waterfront dining and boutique shops flow into the Downtown Disney® shopping/dining/entertainment district as its transformation into Disney Springs continues.
- Epcot Entertainment – New entertainment acts will appear throughout World Showcase at Epcot, which also brings a fresh summery twist on a fan favorite, Voices of Liberty.
- A Splash at Water Parks – A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney’s two iconic water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Purchase a one-day water park ticket and park-hop between the two water parks in the same day that both are open.
*Hours of operation: 6 a.m. on 5/22/15 to 6 a.m. on 5/23/15, subject to capacity restrictions. Only select attractions, entertainment and services will be available. Valid theme park admission required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
**Disney characters will be in the parks throughout the day and all night, inviting guests to dress up for the occasion, too. Guests may join the party dressed in costume. Costumes should be child-friendly and adhere to any guidelines determined by Disney.
All posts by Barbara Ryan
Anna and Elsa Go Green
The EPCOT Flower and Garden festival kicked off this week with several new additions.
Magic Kingdom Park Special Event Dates Announced
Magic Kingdom Park Special Event Dates Announced – Tickets on Sale in April!
Your favorite fall events at the Walt Disney World® Resort have been announced! Dates have been announced for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. And, tickets for both events will go on sale in April.
During these specially-ticketed events the Magic Kingdom® Park comes alive with holiday decorations, special entertainment and tons of fun!
This year, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be held 25 nights throughout the months of September, October and November. And, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be held 20 nights in November and December.
Dates for 2015 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are:
Sept. 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27
Oct. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
Nov. 1
Dates for 2015 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are:
Nov. 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29
Dec.1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18
Tickets for both events will go on sale in April.
Cabana Bay Resort
Today we’re going to head over to Universal Studios Orlando Resort and check out the brand new resort Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
A few nights at Universal Studios Orlando is a great add on to any Walt Disney World or cruise vacation and especially will appeal to families with slightly older children, tweens and teens.
The new Cabana Bay offers some fabulous unique features in a moderate price range making it a great choice for families. It has a fantastic multi-pool area with lazy river, family suites and is within walking distance to the Universal Parks with 1 hour early entry included for onsite guests.
Take a look at a few of these short videos highlighting all the property has to offer.
Contact me to start planning today 🙂
Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival
The annual Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival is designed with something for everyone in the family: hands-on activities for all ages; how-to seminars from expert gardeners and Disney’s own team of master horticulturists and an exciting lineup of pop hit makers from the 1960s and ’70s appear every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Event Dates: March 4 – May 17, 2015
Event Tickets: Admission to Epcot® required.
It’s more than just Flowers though, as posted yesterday, a concert series takes place and of course there is FOOD!!!
Sample Kitchens from the 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Take your pick from garden–grown treats, savory meats and spring-inspired flavors—including tempting TRYit! selections, featuring fun foods made with fresh ingredients—this year at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival!
Florida Fresh – Experience a taste of several fresh Florida ingredients, each grown and produced locally. It’s a perfect opportunity to treat your senses to some of the most delightful fruit and drink the Sunshine State has to offer! Florida Fresh can be found next to the Germany Pavilion.
Hanami – Journey near the Japan Pavilion where the annual ritual of admiring springtime flowers is in full bloom. From delectable bites to refreshing beverages, uncover how Hanami’s flavors reflect the season.
Jardin de Fiestas – Make your way near the Mexico Pavilion where the tapas are spring light and cooked just right. Don’t miss your chance to take part in this festival of flavors, complete with savory tacos and mouthwatering cocktails.
Fleur de Lys – Indulge your senses in extravagance at this tasty milieu influenced by the “flower of the lily.” Once a royal emblem used by the French monarchy, the symbol now serves as inspiration for this decadent stop where you can refine your palate with some of the France Pavilion’s most magnificent culinary masterpieces!
Lotus House – Hit the pavement near the China Pavilion for a garden-fresh take on spring–influenced flavors. Appease your cravings with a wide variety of Chinese cuisine, including popular street foods and bubble tea!
Pineapple Promenade – Enjoy the Great White North with a tropical twist at the Canada side of World Showcase promenade. Then, get ready to hear your sweet tooth say, “thank you!” as you bite into all kinds of treats featuring this popular golden fruit.
Primavera Kitchen – Say, “Ciao!” to spring as you set sail for a land of garden–fresh foods near the Italy Pavilion. On your stop, be sure to explore the countryside’s many flavors—caprese, manicotti, torte di ricotta and fine Italian wines.
Taste of Marrakesh – Embark on a trek near the Morocco Pavilion and educate your tastes on North African spices. Each unique flavor has been paired with fresh ingredients and can be sampled with Moroccan beer and wine at this garden oasis.
New! Urban Farm Eats – Honor the earth and all it grows with a refreshing selection from this location’s all–natural menu. Choose from a hearty array of foods and beverages, many of which have been cultivated entirely from the soil!
The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews – Celebrate the truly American tradition of slow–cooked flavors near The American Adventure Pavilion. Sink your teeth into savory barbecue meats and then pair each one off with craft brews from across the country.
The Buttercup Cottage – Delight in elegant afternoon–tea offerings and fresh garden flavors near the United Kingdom Pavilion. Drop by this charming locale to sample scrumptious treats, British teas and beverages inspired by lovely English fruits and fragrances.
Intermissions Café – Dig into your day or turn over the evening at this charming stop found right within the Festival. Pop inside to find all kinds of fine food and beverages—wine, cheese, wraps, salads and more!
It’s a wonderful time for a stroll through World Showcase!
Garden Rocks Concert Series
Garden Rocks Concert Series To Debut at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
A new concert series is among one of the many things you will encounter as the 22nd Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival: A Spring Tradition returns to Walt Disney World® Resort March 4-May 17, 2015.
The new Garden Rocks™ Concert Series features 11 pop acts, including En Vogue, Little River Band, Jon Secada, Pablo Cruise and Taylor Dayne. Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. ever Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the festival. Check out this year’s lineup (subject to change without notice):
March 6-8: Gin Blossoms
March 13-15: Pablo Cruise
March 20-22: En Vogue
March 27-29: Starship
April 3-5: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
April 10-12: Village People
April 17-19: Jon Secada
April 24-26: The Guess Who
May 1-3: Taylor Dayne
May 8-10: Little River Band
May 15-17: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
This concert series coincides with several promotions running right now for this time period including a fabulous “A Time to Treasure Travel Agency Exclusive” special. Let’s get planning!
Land of Frozen Coming to Disney Cruise Line
In summer 2015, Disney Cruise Line Guests can immerse themselves in the animated hit “Frozen” with brand-new experiences inspired by the film, including a spectacular deck party, a three-song stage show production number, new character meet and greets, storybook adventures ashore and more.
Debuting this summer, on select Disney Magic and Disney Wonder sailings to Europe and Alaska, you will be transported to the land of “Frozen” when the ship is transformed into a winter wonderland for one day of frozen fun.
Experience family fun throughout the day with all-new meet and greets and themed experiences, including:
- Memorable moments with Anna, Elsa, and for the first time in forever, Kristoff and Olaf
- “Anna’s Chase for the Chocolate” scavenger hunt for those who share Anna’s sense of adventure, with a special surprise for finishing the game
- “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” activity where kids take on Elsa’s magical powers to make snow and ice
- “The Maypole Swirl and Twirl” for families to learn a traditional Scandinavian dance spinning and braiding giant ribbons
- “Frozen” themed dining experience, including a menu inspired by traditional Nordic fare and special dishes inspired by the film
- “Freezing the Night Away with Anna, Elsa and Friends,” a family-friendly interactive deck party featuring the famous royal sisters of Arendelle and their fun-loving Nordic companions.
Also on the Disney Magic this summer, friends from “Frozen” will make their stage show debut at sea in the Walt Disney Theatre aboard the Disney Magic. In the Disney Cruise Line original production, “Disney Dreams … An Enchanted Classic,” Anna, Elsa and Olaf join the line up of beloved Disney characters who together teach a young girl the power of her dreams.
Guests who travel aboard the Disney Magic to Norway will have the opportunity to join exciting new Port Adventures that bring the fairytale setting of Arendelle to life. One signature adventure ashore in Ålesund, Norway, created exclusively for Disney Cruise Line, will immerse Guests in the splendor and charm of Norway, with the help of Anna and Elsa, in an enchanting storybook village.
On the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy this summer, Olaf will be giving warm hugs when he joins Anna and Elsa on their royal tour of the Disney Cruise Line ships. Guests should check their Personal Navigator on the first day of their cruise for special Meet & Greet ticket distribution locations.
And, with the help of everyone’s favorite snowman, Disney Cruise Line is cooling down Disney Castaway Cay with the addition of Olaf’s Summertime Freeze bar. Serving non-alcoholic specialty frozen drinks, Olaf’s Summertime Freeze opens summer 2015 near the Pelican Point tram stop by Disney Castaway Cay Family Beach.
So much Frozen Fun this summer. Don’t miss it! Contact me for a no obligation Disney Cruise Line quote today.
Cinderella Sneak Peek and Golden Coach
Head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at the Walt Disney 
World® Resort for an exclusive preview of the new live-action Disney feature “Cinderella,” in theaters on March 13, 2015. This special speak peek will be presented at the park’s ABC Sound Studio through March, 21, 2015.
In addition, get an up-close look at the original golden coach from the film. This stunning set piece will be on display in front of the movie theater façade on Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Feb. 1-April 11, 2015.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Update
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at the Walt Disney World® Resort is currently undergoing an exciting transformation!
The resort will include the largest Deluxe Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. The 360 Delux
e Studios will sleep up to five Guests each and have the ability to connect to another Deluxe Studio. These rooms will feature a kitchenette, enhanced storage space, two separate bathroom areas – one a full bathroom with a tub/shower and one with a shower and sink. Plus, a pull-down armoire bed showcases painted artwork from the popular Disney film, “Lilo and Stitch.”
The new Disney Vacation Club bungalows are the first of their kind on any Disney property. The 20 bungalows will sleep up to eight Guests each in a home-like setting reminiscent of the South Pacific.
Booking for non DVC members as regular room rentals begins February 11th, 2015, there will be very limited availability for the bungalows.
New Magic band Designs
Beginning January 2015, add a little “character” to your Walt Disney World® Resort vacation experience with a variety of new graphic MagicBands.
Choose from the following options:
- Ariel and Cinderella Castle (available Jan. 16, 2015)
- Belle (available Jan. 23, 2015)
- Tinkerbell and Toy Story (available Jan. 30, 2015)
Ariel, Cinderella Castle, Belle, Tinker Bell and Buzz and Woody Retail MagicBand Coming to Walt Disney World ResortThese open edition MagicBands will be available at select merchandise locations at Walt Disney World Theme Parks, as well as at Downtown Disney®. The MagicBands retail for $19.95 and will be sold in the new, standard retail packaging.
Magical Travels with Barb 