Darren Wittko 2/19/16 Darren Wittko 2/19/16

2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Dates + Offers

2016 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Returns + Special Resort Offers!

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort Sept. 14-Nov. 14, 2016. That means almost two additional weeks – from 53 days to 62 – of deliciousness, foodie fun, culinary events, celebrity chefs, seminars, music concerts and more.

FALL 2016 WALT DISNEY WORLD OFFERS

▸ 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

Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com

Darren Wittko 2/19/16 Darren Wittko 2/19/16

Disney Travel Accessories Gear

A new boutique is coming to Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs! Opening March 11, 2016, Disney TAG (Travel-Accessories-Gear) will offer Disney-inspired travel products. Items include luggage tags, hanging toiletry bags, reusable totes, passport wallets, jewelry organizers, pillows, pouches and more – all featuring both retro modern and colorful Disney character artwork.

Disney TAG will be located in the space currently occupied by Zoey & Pickles. And, while Disney TAG items will initially only be available at Marketplace Co-Op at the Walt Disney World Resort, you might find them soon at Disneyland Park or on the Disney Parks online store.

Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com

Darren Wittko 2/17/16 Darren Wittko 2/17/16

New Castle Show at Magic Kingdom Park

This summer, the all-new live stage show “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” will grace the grandest stage at Walt Disney World Resort with magic, music and merriment! Against the majestic backdrop of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, Mickey Mouse and his friends will welcome favorite characters from some of Disney’s newest classics: “The Princess and the Frog," "Tangled" and "Frozen."

Mickey's Royal Friendship Fair coming to Magic Kingdom Park

In “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire,” Mickey and his troupe of Merry Makers have been preparing to host a joyous festival and have ventured far and wide to invite friends from other lands to join their celebration. From the Land of the Bewitching Bayous, Goofy has invited Tiana, Naveen and Louis to add a little spice of New Orleans jazz to the party. From the Land of the Enchanted Woods, Donald Duck brings some new friends he met at the Snuggly Duckling, and Daisy introduces us to her special guests, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. Finally, Mickey shares a surprise with Minnie, as he has traveled to the Land of the Mystic Mountains to invite Olaf, Anna and Elsa, who contributes a blast of her icy magic. It all culminates in a grand dance, as the Merry Makers invite all their special guests to join in the fun on this special day in Magic Kingdom Park!

Marking the first appearances by Tiana and Rapunzel in a show on the castle stage, “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” brings to life beloved Disney stories both classic and contemporary in a spectacular performance featuring an original song, memorable music, lively dancing and special effects magic.

“Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” will make its debut in summer 2016!

Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist with Magical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com

Darren Wittko 2/9/16 Darren Wittko 2/9/16

Skipper Canteen Reservations

Skipper Canteen will take same-day reservations Feb 12-27, 2016

From February 12 to 27, Walt Disney World Resort guests will be able to make reservations at the new Skipper Canteen for either lunch or dinner that same day. Reservations are easy to make, just visit www.jungleskippercanteen.com or call 407-993-1933.

View the Skipper Canteen Menu

Darren Wittko 2/6/16 Darren Wittko 2/6/16

Enter to Win a Night in the Cinderella Castle Suite

How does a chance to win a five-night/six-day Walt Disney World Resort vacation sound to you?

What about the ultimate slumber party – a night in the Cinderella Castle Suite at the Magic Kingdom? Plus a chance for you and your family to meet Disney Channel’s Sofia Carson and Sabrina Carpenter from the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie, Adventures in Babysitting!

The Disney Channel is kicking off the month of February in a big way! Now through February 28, register for a chance to win the Disney Channel’s Epic Adventure Sweepstakes. One lucky contestant will receive a five night/six day Walt Disney World Resort Vacation which includes:

One night stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite at Magic Kingdom Park
A chance to meet Sofia Carson and Sabrina Carpenter from the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie Adventures in Babysitting

Visit www.Disney.com/EpicAdventureSweeps to get more information and register for a chance to win.

Good luck!

Darren Wittko 2/5/16 Darren Wittko 2/5/16

New Disneyland App Offers PhotoPass Service

With access to wait times, Disney FASTPASS return times and where to find favorite Disney characters, the Disneyland App is a great tool to enhance your Disneyland Resort visit. And now, this great app allows you to experience Disney PhotoPass Service in a whole new way.

Link Photos

Instead of collecting Disney PhotoPass Cards during your visit, you can now link cards to your account by entering the 16-character PhotoPass ID or by using the QR code scanner available in the app. You can also link attractions by enter the 8-character ID found on the preview monitor at the exit of a participating attraction.

View and Purchase Photos

You can also view your memories and purchase them in the Disneyland App! You can purchase an individual photo, or download all your photos captured during a one-day visit to Disneyland Resort, and linked to your account, for $39 with Disney PhotoPass+ One Day.

Disney PhotoPass+ One Day includes all your Disney PhotoPass photos including select attraction and dining photos and NEW Animated Magic Shots.

Download and Share

Once you have purchased your photos, you can download and share them with family and friends via text, email and some of your favorite social media sites.

If you have an Annual Passport that includes Disney PhotoPass downloads, you can link your pass to your account so you can download and share your photos using the Disneyland App too!

Disney PhotoPass Service and Disney PhotoPass+ are subject to the Disney PhotoPass and Disney PhotoPass+ terms. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Photos linked to a qualifying Annual Passport will expire 365 days from the date of capture and are subject to the Annual Passport Terms and Conditions. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

New Walt Disney World Website just for grandparents

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 2/5/16 Darren Wittko 2/5/16

Disney World Launches New Website

The Grand Adventure website is a one-stop shop for Disney family vacation planning information. Whether you want to schedule Fastpass+ for your granddaughter’s favorite attraction, book a family suite at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, or simply learn more about the four theme parks and other sensational offerings at Walt Disney World Resort, this site has the answers. With a sleek new look, helpful links, and all the information you could possibly need, planning a Grand Adventure has never been easier.

Grandparents can find lists of suggested attractions for guests of different age groups, which makes Fastpass+ selections for children and grandchildren of all ages even simpler! And if you want to plan a multi-family trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, contact Darren Wittko at Magical Vacations Travel. He specializes in group travel to all Disney Destinations.

Darren Wittko 2/4/16 Darren Wittko 2/4/16

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016 - News, Offers, Schedules

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will return to Walt Disney World Resort March 2-May 30, 2016 – expanding from 75 to 90 days. Here’s a look at what’s new as the festival celebrates its 23rd year!

What's New at the Epcot Flower and Garden 2016

New culinary creations at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens will introduce fresh variety and flavor to the offerings at a record 13 festival kiosks surrounding the World Showcase Promenade. This year, La Isla Fresca takes youto the Caribbean for authentic bites, including Jamaican Braised Beef with Pigeon-Pea Rice and Jerk-Spiced Grouper or Chicken with Mango Salsa. And, at the new Cider House, a Field Greens salad with greens harvested at The Land pavilion, heirloom apples, Stilton cheese and dried blueberries will pair well with blueberry hard cider from Plant City, Florida.

At the park entrance, the first-ever Huey, Dewey and Louie topiaries will feature floral interpretations of Donald’s mischievous nephews inspired by the 1943 Donald Duck comic book called “The Victory Garden.”

A new hands-on Harmony Gardens musical playground will debut featuring Disney’s Fab Five topiaries of “band leader” Mickey Mouse, as well as Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck. With the playground’s interactive drums, chimes and xylophones, kids can create their own musical sounds.

And, as in previous years, each weekend at the Festival Center, you can dig in for a complimentary hands-on Gardening Seminar experience as they get tips from experts on a broad range of topics.

Plus, the Garden Rocks concert series returns with music spanning four decades. Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice, BRIAN HOWE, former lead singer of Bad Company, Georgia Satellites and Darlene Love make their Festival debut this year. Here’s the lineup (subject to change without notice)

Exclusive Resort & Ticket Offers

▸ Easter Offer
March 19 through April 3, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts

▸ Disney Visa Offer - Save on Deluxe Villa Resorts
April 3 through June 30, 2016

▸ April Offer
Travel Window: April 9 through April 20, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts

▸ Late April Offer
Travel Window: April 21 through April 30, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts

▸ Early May Offer
Travel Window: May 1 through May 10, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts

▸ Late May Offer
Travel Window: May 26 through June 4, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule

March 4-6 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
March 11-13 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
March 18-20 – Little River Band “Reminiscing”
March 25-27 – Village People “Y.M.C.A.”
April 1-3 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”
April 8-10 – The Guess Who “American Woman”
April 15-17 – NEW! Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice “Spinning Wheel”
April 22-24 – NEW! BRIAN HOWE, former lead singer of Bad Company “Can’t Get Enough”
April 29-May 1 – NEW! Georgia Satellites “Keep Your Hands to Yourself”
May 6-8 – Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy”
May 13-15 – NEW! Darlene Love “Wait ‘Til My Bobby Gets Home”
May 20-22 – Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
May 27-30 (Monday) – The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”

Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45, and 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.

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 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.