Darren Wittko 1/16/16 Darren Wittko 1/16/16

5 More Closures For Studios + Earful Tower to Come Down

In an earlier post we reported that Lights Motors Action! Extreme Stunt Show is set to close for good on April 2, 2016. The Walt Disney World Resort has now announced that there will be 5 more closures at Disney's Hollywood Studios beginning on April 2, 2016. It was also reported that the theme park will be retitled although no official word on what that will be.

The park's landmark, the Earful Tower, is also scheduled to be torn down as the park gets rebranded but no official date has been announced.

5 More Closures Scheduled for April 2, 2016

Monsters Inc Meet & Greet
Honey I Shrunk The Kids Movie Set Adventure
Writer's Stop
Studios Catering Co.
Wattos Grotto

Already closed are The American Idol Experience, Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Studio Backlot Tour, and the Sorcerer's Hat icon.

Darren Wittko 1/15/16 Darren Wittko 1/15/16

Star Wars Villain Kylo Ren Coming to Walt Disney World

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has become a global phenomenon, and soon you'll be able to interact with one of the film’s most intriguing new characters, Kylo Ren at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Kylo Ren is on his way to Walt Disney World Resort

Every day you can step into exciting Star Wars experiences such as Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple and Star Wars Launch Bay, where you'll come face to face with some of the greatest heroes and villains of the saga. Soon, a visit to Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will transport you to the Star Wars galaxy for an encounter with Kylo Ren on the bridge of his First Order Star Destroyer.

As seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren is a dark warrior with a mysterious past. Ren is strong with the Force and serves as a leader of the First Order, seeking to destroy the New Republic, the Resistance and the legacy of the Jedi.

Star Wars Launch Bay was designed to showcase a variety of Star Wars characters over time. In addition to Kylo Ren, you may also come across a garrison of First Order Stormtroopers or the heroic Wookiee, Chewbacca, holed up in a secret Resistance base.

The portal from Star Wars Launch Bay to Kylo Ren’s Star Destroyer opens in February at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist at Magical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent" by readers of the 2015 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. He is also the creator of The Best of Walt Disney World blog.

Darren Wittko 1/15/16 Darren Wittko 1/15/16

Lights Motors Action! Secrets and Fun Facts

As Disney makes way for the largest park expansion in history, will it be good-bye or good riddance to Lights Motors Action?

With the park scheduled to close permanently on April 2 we thought it might be fun to review a few Disney secrets about Lights Motors. Plus, check below for a special surprise.

Lights Motors Actions Secrets and Fun Facts

Featuring high-flying, gravity-defying automobile, motorcycle and watercraft stunts, the turbo-powered stage show immerses park guests in the thrill-a-minute world of big-budget movie action.

“Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” is inspired by a similar edge-of-your-seat show at Disneyland Resort Paris. (There, it thrills guests under the name “Moteurs… Action! Stunt Show Spectacular.”)

A cast of more than 30 stunt drivers, technicians, actors and stunt managers thrills audiences with pulse-pounding chases featuring automobiles, motorcycles and high-powered watercraft. Customized and modified, these vehicles utilize almost every corner of the outdoor theater during the 30-minute show.

The arena for “Lights, Motors, Action!” — a huge, 6.5-acre “stage” featuring a Mediterranean village set — allows stunt drivers to perform high-speed spins, two-wheeled driving, jumps, pyrotechnic explosions, high falls and plenty of surprises created just as they are performed for the silver screen. The premise of the show is the filming of a European spy thriller, and after each scene unfolds live, the director combines shots into the completed scene that is played on a mammoth LCD video display for the audience of 5,000.

Other highlights of “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show”:

Guests enter the arena through the garage — or atelier — as mechanics and technicians tune the show vehicles. Large windows offer guests behind-the-scenes views.
The show features more than 30 vehicles on stage and inside the garage area.
Each vehicle is highly modified to perform the many extreme stunts. For example, each car is equipped with four forward gears and four reverse gears, enabling them to travel as fast in reverse gears as they do in forward gears.
Vehicles include high-performance automobiles, motorcycles and watercraft as well as surprise vehicles, including one designed to drive backwards and another designed to split in half. “Herbie,” the loveable “car star” from several Disney films, makes a special cameo appearance.
Vehicles are designated by color so the audience will always know which is the hero vehicle (the red one) and which is the chase vehicle (the one painted black).
Meticulous planning, practice and timing are dedicated to each stunt. Because of the choreography involved, crew members liken the synchronized driving to a “ballet on wheels.”

Remember When? Before Lights Motors Action this space was home to the Backlot Tour. In this image we see the facade of the home used on the hit show, Golden Girls. — **Remember When?** Before Lights Motors Action this space was home to the Backlot Tour. In this image we see the facade of the home used on the hit show, Golden Girls.

Darren Wittko 1/14/16 Darren Wittko 1/14/16

New Acts for La Nuba by Cirque du Soleil

La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs allows you to enter a world of extraordinary as acrobats, singers, trapeze artists, jugglers and clowns delight and mystify with daring acts of grace. And now, this breathtaking show welcomes two exciting new acts.

The high-energy b-boys will delight Guests as they perform dizzying combinations of hip-hop and breakdance moves with choreography that merges from freestyle solo moments to precision-timed moves in unison. Plus, a mesmerizing aerial bamboo act will leave the audience breathless. These additions give the opening sequence and the acts that follow a new and fresh feel.

Darren Wittko 1/14/16 Darren Wittko 1/14/16

Disney Parks Statues Coming Soon

Look for these items in select merchandise locations at Disney Parks in 2016. Once released, you will also find them available using the Shop Disney Parks mobile app. This app gives you access to thousands of Disney Parks’ products which you can have shipped directly to your home.

My personal favorite is the hippo from "it's a small world"

Darren Wittko 1/12/16 Darren Wittko 1/12/16

New Disney Parks Mom Panel

Introducing the 10 new moms and dads who join the Moms Panel this month.

These 10 new panelists were selected from a near record number of thousands of applicants last fall, by sharing their extensive Disney Parks knowledge through storytelling, videos and interviews.

The new panelists have very different and diverse backgrounds, families and careers. Among the 2016 class are a doctor, lawyer, nurse, teacher, realtor, professor, event planner, IT tech, and digital marketing consultant.

Darren Wittko 1/12/16 Darren Wittko 1/12/16

VIDEO: Adventures by Disney: Nashville

On the Adventures by Disney Nashville Long Weekend itinerary you are invited to discover the food and culture of Music City, which was recently chosen as Destination of the Year in Travel + Leisure’s Readers poll.

This 4-day/3-night getaway allows you to explore the capital of country music and home of the musical drama Nashville on ABC. From a backstage tour at the Grand Ole Opry and a visit to the famed Bluebird Café to a stop at The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson and a chance to record a song in the historic RCA Studio 6, your Clients will enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that includes the best of Nashville.

And, with two Disney-trained Adventure Guides taking care of the details, you can focus on having fun together as a family.

Darren Wittko 1/9/16 Darren Wittko 1/9/16

Reserve Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party

Don’t Forget! There’s a sweet new way to have even more out-of-this-world fun now through March 19, 2016 with Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.

Featuring special viewing of the “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks, this new dessert party allows you to enjoy a selection of sweets as the night sky erupts with an arsenal of impressive fireworks, set to the most dramatic and memorable Star Wars themes of all time.

On the menu, look for lots of Star Wars-themed dessert treats, including the popular Droid and Darth Vader cupcakes, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a souvenir Chewbacca stein to take home.

The dessert party costs $69 for adults and $39 for children. Tax and gratuity are included. Advance reservations are recommended.

Darren Wittko 12/25/15 Darren Wittko 12/25/15

Fall 2016 Walt Disney World Offers

Fall 2016 Offers for Walt Disney World | Magical Vacations Travel

▸ Late September Offer
Travel Window: September 17 through September 24, 2016

▸ Early October Offer
Travel Window: October 1 through October 16, 2016

▸ Late October Offer - Halloween at Walt Disney World
Travel Window: October 22 through October 29, 2016

▸ Epcot Wine & Dine Half Marathon Offer
Travel Window: October 30 through November 6, 2016

▸ Jersey Week Offer
Travel Window: November 6 through November 12, 2016

▸ Mid-November Offer
Travel Window: November 14 through November 20, 2016

▸ Thanksgiving Offer Walt Disney World
Travel Window November 18 through November 27, 2016

▸ Early December Offer
Travel Window; December 1 through December 7, 2016

▸ Christmas 2016 - Walt Disney World Offer
Travel Window: December 21 through December 31, 2016

Darren Wittko 12/25/15 Darren Wittko 12/25/15

Spring 2016 Walt Disney World Offers

Spring 2016 Walt Disney World Discount Offers

▸ Easter Offer *Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
March 19, 2016 - April 3, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts

▸ April Offer *Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Travel Window: April 9 through April 20, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts

▸ Late April Offer *Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Travel Window: April 21 through April 30, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts.

▸ Early May Offer *Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Travel Window: May 1 through May 10, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts

▸ Late May Offer *Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Travel Window: May 26 through June 4, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts

Darren Wittko 12/17/15 Darren Wittko 12/17/15

New Security Measures in Place at Walt Disney World

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that metal detectors have been installed at Walt Disney World Theme Parks today. Guests will be selected at random to pass through the detectors upon entry. Metal detectors have been in place at many theme parks across the country as well as at stadiums and sports areas. Disney has also discontinued the sale of toy guns at it's theme parks today.

Disney released a statement "We continually review our comprehensive approach to security and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate," Disney said in a statement.

Darren Wittko 12/17/15 Darren Wittko 12/17/15

Purple Magic Bands Announced

One of the most requested MagicBand colors this year was purple. Soon, guests will be able to find an individual purple retail MagicBand in select Walt Disney World Resort merchandise locations. This solid color retail MagicBand will join the other solid color MagicBands in late December!

Purple Magic Bands Available at Walt Disney World

Darren Wittko 12/17/15 Darren Wittko 12/17/15

Voices of Liberty - Holiday Performance at Epcot

Be sure to visit the Voices of Liberty at the American Adventure pavilion inside Epcot this holiday season. These performances are especially moving and a great way to get in the holiday spirit!

Video: Osborn Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Darren Wittko 12/17/15 Darren Wittko 12/17/15

Osborne Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios is one of those things that leaves you saying, "Wow, only at Disney!" We will miss this show for sure but hope this it will return in one form or another in the future.

I thought it would be fun to share some iPhone video of this amazing performance in it's final season.

Voice of Liberty Holiday Performances at Epcot

Darren Wittko 12/11/15 Darren Wittko 12/11/15

Disney Junior Experience at Walt Disney World

There's plenty of fun for little ones to enjoy at the Walt Disney World Resort – from singing and dancing along to the popular Disney Junior – Live on Stage! show to having breakfast or lunch with favorite Disney Junior pals at Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine.

Here’s a closer look at some helpful tips so you won’t miss any of the Disney Junior fun on your next visit.

Special Offer:

Disney Junior Package for Walt Disney World Resort

Darren Wittko 12/4/15 Darren Wittko 12/4/15

New Star Wars Offerings Annouced for Walt Disney World

The “Symphony In The Stars: A Galactic Spectacular” nightly fireworks show will begin blasting off December 18.

Star Wars Launch Bay
Star Wars Launch Bay, located in Animation Courtyard, offers guests the chance to interact with Star Warscharacters by choosing to encounter the Dark Side in a Star Destroyer themed area, or visit with the brave Rebels in a makeshift Rebel Base – clear your mind and choose wisely, as one path may lead to Darth Vader while the other leads to Chewbacca.

Fans of the film franchise can also visit two different exhibits – Celebration Gallery and Celebration Hallway to view iconic ships from the Rebel Alliance and Imperial Navy fleet, as well as replica Star Wars props and murals. Guests excited for upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens can head to Preview Gallery to explore an area filled with costumes, artwork, models and more from the new film. And of course, shoppers can get their fix at Launch Bay Cargo, a unique shop that will offer a wide selection of Star Wars merchandise, including original artwork.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
This popular attraction, which takes guests on a daring journey through the Star Wars galaxy, has been enhanced to feature new characters and adventures from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
Younglings can get in on the fun over at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. This popular offering, which allows young guests to step into the shoes of a Jedi in training, has been enhanced to feature new characters, including a new villain – the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from Star Wars Rebels.

Star Wars: Path of The Jedi
Guests who wish to be introduced to (or relive) the adventure and excitement of the Star Wars film franchise can do so at Star Wars: Path of the Jedi. Here, they can view an abridged cinematic reel that reviews Star Wars episodes I-VII.

Galactic Food
New Star Wars-inspired items have been added to menus at Food & Beverage locations throughout the park. Be on the lookout for Blue Milk Panna Cotta, Padawan Limeade, BB-8 Lemon and Butter Cream Cupcakes, and much more.

Darren Wittko 11/29/15 Darren Wittko 11/29/15

Guest Assistance Card FAQ at Walt Disney World

Handicap, ADA, accommodations at Walt Disney World

Below is a list of common questions guests have when inquiring about how disabilities and special circumstances are handled at Walt Disney World.

The new Disability Access Service (DAS) allows Guests with disabilities at Walt Disney World Resort to receive a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. Guests Relations at the front of each park will continue to assist Guests and provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DAS and how does it work?
The DAS Card is designed to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). DAS will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another. This service can be used in addition to Disney’s FASTPASS Service and Disney FastPass+ service.
What will Disney Parks do if a Guest is concerned DAS doesn’t meet their needs?
Disney Parks have long recognized and accommodated guests with varying needs and will continue to work individually with guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances. Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual needs.
Who will be eligible for DAS?
Disney Parks’ goal is to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.
How will guests get DAS?
DAS will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations. Guests will participate in a registration process, which also includes having their photo taken.
Why is Disney Parks doing this?
Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. Disney Parks also hopes it will help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.
Does the guest utilizing DAS have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction?
No. Another member of the DAS Cardholder’s travel party may obtain a return time but the DAS Cardholder must board the attraction with his or her party.
Where do guests utilizing DAS go to receive return times?
At Disneyland Resort, guests will go to Guest Relations kiosks located throughout the parks to receive a return time. At Walt Disney World Resort, guests will go to the attraction to receive a return time.
Does a guest utilizing DAS have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?
No. Return times are valid until redeemed by the guest utilizing DAS.
How long is DAS valid?
DAS card is valid for up to 14 days depending on a guest’s ticket entitlement.
Is DAS issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?
Yes, DAS will be valid throughout the resort at which it was issued.
Why doesn’t Disney Parks ask for proof of disability, such as a doctor’s note?
Disney Parks takes Guests at their word and there are legal restrictions around asking for proof.
Is this the only service available to Guests with disabilities?
Disney Parks offer a variety of services to guests with disabilities, such as Disney’s Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks has developed a “Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities.” This serves as a tool on how best to experience its theme parks and is expected to be available online by mid-October.

Disney Parks will continue to provide excellent guest service and accessible experiences. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park should they feel they need assistance due to a disability.
Does a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter need DAS?
No, a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need DAS. Depending on the attraction, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. For some attractions at Disneyland Resort, these guests will go directly to an alternate entrance. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations.
For further questions, please contact: your travel agent or (407) 560-2547.

Darren Wittko 11/27/15 Darren Wittko 11/27/15

Black Friday at Disney Springs - Walt Disney World

Black Friday Offers at Disney Springs

Art of Shaving - 20% off shaving aromas

Basin - Free shipping on orders over $50

Build a Dino - Up to 50% off Frozen and Minion friends in store and online

Chapel Hats - Use Code BLACKFRIDAY30 at check out

Erwin Pearl - 50% off select merchandise

Fit2Run - Black Friday sales on select merchandise

Ghirardelli Chocolate - Cyber monday offer

Haviaianas - Up to 50% off select merchandise

Lego Store - Black Friday sales on select merchandise

Little Miss Mismatched - Black Friday sales on select merchandise

Orlando Harley Davidson - Happy Harley Days specials

Black Friday Walt Disney World Resort Vacation Offer

Darren Wittko 11/20/15 Darren Wittko 11/20/15

Video: Animal Kingdom Park Nighttime Entertainment

When Disney's new nighttime spectacular "Rivers of Light" opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom, it'll be one of the most memorable and emotionally stirring shows in the park's history. And today we're sharing a sneak peek at some of the amazing sights the show will offer when it debuts in spring 2016.

Darren Wittko 11/20/15 Darren Wittko 11/20/15

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2016

Celebrating its 23rd year, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort March 2-May 30, 2016, expanding from 75 days to 90 days.

Returning to for the 2016 festival are the Outdoor Kitchens, new Disney character topiaries, interactive play gardens and live music. Don't miss these money saving offers on Walt Disney World Resort hotels and theme park passes.

Available Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Offers During Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Play, Stay and Dine Offer - Jan 2 - Apr 16, 2016
Easter Offer - March 19, 2016 - April 3, 2016
April Offer - April 9 through April 20, 2016
Late April Offer - April 21 through April 30, 2016
Early May Offer - May 1 through May 10, 2016
Late May Offer - May 26 through June 4, 2016

Epcot Flower & Garden, What's New!

Huey, Dewey and Louie, will make their topiary debut with Donald and Daisy at the park’s front entrance garden this year. Plus, this year's feature topiary is Ranger Mickey Mouse to celebrate the National Parks Service Centennial celebration. You may recall the Anna and Elsa topiaries where the featured last year. 2016 marks the first time Ranger Mickey will appear at the festival.

If it's sweet treats you're after, the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens will be returning for a fourth year. This has proven to be very popular with guests as a min-food festival as well. Favorites and new food and beverage offerings can be found throughout Epcot.

Other festival favorites include the hands-on Disney-led gardening seminars or grab a seat for pop musical performances during the Garden Rocks concert series at the outdoor America Gardens Theatre, all returning for 2016.

5 More Closures For Studios + Earful Tower to Come Down

5 More Closures Scheduled for April 2, 2016

Star Wars Villain Kylo Ren Coming to Walt Disney World

Lights Motors Action! Secrets and Fun Facts

Lights Motors Actions Secrets and Fun Facts

Other highlights of “Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show”:

New Acts for La Nuba by Cirque du Soleil

Disney Parks Statues Coming Soon

New Disney Parks Mom Panel

VIDEO: Adventures by Disney: Nashville

Reserve Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party

Fall 2016 Walt Disney World Offers

Fall 2016 Walt Disney World Offers

Spring 2016 Walt Disney World Offers

Spring 2016 Walt Disney World Offers

New Security Measures in Place at Walt Disney World

Purple Magic Bands Announced

Voices of Liberty - Holiday Performance at Epcot

Related:

Osborne Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Related:

Disney Junior Experience at Walt Disney World

Special Offer:

New Star Wars Offerings Annouced for Walt Disney World

Guest Assistance Card FAQ at Walt Disney World

Black Friday at Disney Springs - Walt Disney World

Black Friday Offers at Disney Springs

Related:

Video: Animal Kingdom Park Nighttime Entertainment

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2016

Available Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Offers During Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Epcot Flower & Garden, What's New!