Category Archives: News

PIXAR PLAY ZONE AT DISNEY’S CONTEMPORARY RESORT

Starting April 13 and available nightly, kids, ages 4-12, will be transported to a world full of excitement and adventure with their favorite characters from Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story” and “The Incredibles!” While the kids play, parents will be able to enjoy their own getaway throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

In Bonnie’s Play Room, children will find a variety of toys. Around the corner, the Living Room will be the center for most of the action, starting with Space Ranger Training where a Space Ranger will teach kids what it takes to become a Jr. Space Ranger of Star Command, including how to identify enemies, like Zurg, and finally, the call of the Space Ranger, “To infinity and beyond!” Then, Woody and Jessie will show them the ropes of the Wild West during Woody’s Roundup – complete with a sing along for a rootin’ tootin’ good time!

Next to the Living Room will be the Radiator Springs Racetrack where youngsters will be able to build their own racecars and take turns sending them down a soapbox derby racetrack for Piston Cup Derby Races.

Finally, they will learn some sweet dance moves during the Incredible Dance Party with Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible – complete with a party host.

The evening will also include arcade games, dinner and dessert!

The nightly getaway for kids, ages 4-12, will open doors for check-in at 5 p.m. The experience will begin at the welcome desk, a stop at the “Monsters, Inc.” handwashing station, then Boo’s Closet Door, where youngsters will be able to store any belongings before taking a couple of steps into an action-packed evening of Pixar fun. Programming will run from 6-10:30 p.m. for a fee of $65 per child (plus tax). Children must be fully toilet-trained. Parents will be required to be physically present to check children in and out of the experience.

Mobile Ordering at Walt Disney World

One of my favorite new convenience features available on the My Disney Experience app is mobile ordering. I was able to use this several times on my recent trip and loved it!

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When in the parks, you can access your My Disney Experience account as you would to view or change your fast passes and you can pull up any quick service that offers mobile ordering, most do now. You can order your food as you are heading to a restaurant and when you arrive at the location, simply tap the “I’m here, prepare my order” button. Within minutes, you will receive a response on the app telling you your order is ready for pickup. Then you go to the well-marked mobile order pickup counter to retrieve your food. No waiting in lines to order! No waiting at the counter for food!

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Just this past week, Disney opened up mobile ordering to Disney Dining Plans, it was not available before. So now you can order online and choose the dining plan as payment and your credits will be adjusted accordingly.

Coolest Summer Ever

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.”

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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.  

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!

mnspThis 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
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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.

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!

Cinderella Sneak Peek and Golden Coach

Head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at the Walt Disney dtnemail-Cinderella-Coach_Film-613x915-5e390World® 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 Deluxdtnemail-Polynesian_Villas-12860e 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:NMB750661

  • Ariel and Cinderella Castle (available Jan. 16, 2015)
  • Belle (available Jan. 23, 2015)
  • Tinkerbell and Toy Story (available Jan. 30, 2015)
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These 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.

Ringing in the New Year at the Walt Disney World® Resort

Ringing in the New Year at the Walt Disney World® Resort? Here’s a reminder of some of the magical ways to welcome in 2015!

Countdown at Magic Kingdom® Park

The new year kicks off with fireworks galore at Magic Kingdom Park. Along with “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,”  enjoy “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks, capped off with a breathtaking musical show. This special fireworks display will be presented on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, 2014 at 11:50 p.m.

New Year’s Around the Globe at Epcot®

All across World Showcase at Epcot,  explore each countries’ traditions at participating pavilions – including Morocco, Italy, China, France, the United Kingdom and the USA –  soak up the sounds of favorite bands and DJs.

Plus, World Showcase promenade is the place to be as IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth lights up the sky with a message of peace and goodwill. Two showings of this nighttime spectacular will take place on New Year’s Eve, at 6 p.m. and 11:40 p.m.

Celebrate at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

Guests of all ages will enjoy the fabulous family-style fun and entertainment that New Year’s Eve unreels at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Come nightfall on Dec. 31, 2014, the “rake and roll” cover band Mulch, Sweat and Shears takes the stage for a set of iconic songs.

And, as midnight approaches, the evening ignites into an amazing shower of shimmering light.  Watch in wonder as majestic fireworks glitter, glisten and inspire awe in one and all.

Dining and Entertainment at Downtown Disney®

If you wish to enjoy New Year’s Eve at Downtown Disney, please remember, as in previous years, there are no fireworks displays.

However, there are a variety of exciting offerings to enjoy this year at Downtown Disney, including special New Year’s Eve food and beverage tents, merchandise stands and entertainment. Guests can also enjoy dining experiences, movies, bowling, Cirque du Soleil, shopping and more. Or, they can explore some of the newest offerings including the Food Trucks at Exposition Park and the flagship Starbucks location at Downtown Disney West Side, as well as the Marketplace Co-Op at the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Disney Photopass Enhancements

Great news from Disney World today announcing enhancements to their Photopass product. These changes make it so much easier to take advantage of photopass and eliminate the waiting in line to have the ride photos added to your account.

All Guests wearing active MagicBands will now have their attraction photos automatically associated to their My Disney Experience accounts. All unexpired photos are visible, so attraction photos taken within the previous 45 days will be included.

In addition, Guests without MagicBands can now associate attraction photos with RF-enabled media (e.g., park ticket, Memory Maker card) via new touch points at the photo preview walls. This functionality is currently available at:

  • Magic Kingdom® Park (Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin®, Space Mountain®, Splash Mountain®)
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios® (Rock ‘n Roller Coaster® Staring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™)

Implementation is scheduled to be complete at Epcot® (Test Track® Presented by Chevrolet) and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park (Dinosaur and Expedition Everest®) by mid-November.

Guests can also now see videos in their accounts that previously only Memory Maker Guests could access. All Guests wearing active MagicBands will have attraction videos automatically associated to their accounts. Attraction videos are currently available for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

And, all Guests are eligible to have animated magic shots automatically associated to their accounts. Animated magic shots are special videos that appear in the Guest’s account after having their photo taken by a Disney PhotoPass photographer in select locations (locations and content subject to change). They feature a still photo of the travel party overlaid with a video appearance by an animated character. 

All unexpired videos will be visible. Therefore, attraction videos and animated magic shots taken within the previous 45 days are included. All Guests are able to view their videos via their My Disney Experience account, but a Memory Maker entitlement is required to download them.

Memory Maker is well worth the cost with the ease of use now, especially with the ride photos and now even some videos included.