Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

1 More Ticket Day Free Offer - Walt Disney World

You can save up to 25%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights April 14-June 11, 2016 when you book by March 31, 2016.

Plus, you can receive 1 more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket. More info>>  

It’s a perfect time for you to discover all-new Star Wars adventures at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Garden Rocks Concert Series at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, the new nighttime experiences at Disney’s Animal KingdomTheme Park and so much more.

Walt Disney World Spring Offer

Walt Disney World Spring Offer

Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel.

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

How The New Tickets Work + Pricing

I recently posted news about a possible increase in Walt Disney World ticket prices and a new tiered ticket system. This is now official. 

Seasonal pricing for a 1-Day Walt Disney World ticket and price increases for multi-day tickets will go into effect at Disney Parks Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016.

How will it work?

Each month is divided into value, regular and peak days with an 8-11 month calendar available for viewing online. Here’s an example, if you plan a visit for September, you will have a variety of options, including many days in the value period, which will give you the opportunity to pay less for a 1-Day ticket. If you plan to visit during a peak period, like the winter holidays you will pay more. Purchasing a 1-Day ticket in a non-peak period, or choosing multi-day ticket and annual passes, will provide additional flexibility and value. 

Ticket Calendar

You can choose from 3 types of 1-Day Theme Park Tickets. Tickets are available for Peak, Regular and Value seasons. Click here to view Peak, Regular and Value dates. 1-Day Theme Park Tickets will expire on December 31 of the year following purchase. View the 2016 Walt Disney Ticket Rates 

1-Day Ticket Options

2016 Walt Disney World Ticket Prices

2016 Walt Disney World Ticket Prices

Guests who choose a 1-Day Ticket can select from the following:

  • 1-Day Magic Your Way Magic Kingdom Ticket
  • 1-Day Magic Your Way Epcot or Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom Ticket
  • 1-Day Magic Your Way Park Hopper Ticket
  • 1-Day Magic Your Way Water Park Fun & More Ticket
  • 1-Day Magic Your Way Park Hopper & Water Park Fun & More Ticket

Multi-Day Ticket Options at Walt Disney World

Multi-Day Tickets


Guests who choose 2 to 10 day Magic Your Way Base Tickets enjoy admission to any one of the four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks for each day of their ticket. Any of the following options can be added:

  • Park Hopper Option

Come and go as you please through all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks (Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park) on the same day for each day of your ticket.

  • Water Park Fun & More Option

Two Disney Water Parks,  Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park.

  • What does the "& More" include?
  • Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course
  • DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park
  • ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
  • Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf course (before 4:00 p.m.)
  • Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf course (before 4:00 p.m.)

Expiration of Tickets

In addition, although in the past 1-Day tickets for Walt Disney World Resort did not expire, 1-Day tickets sold on or after Sunday, Feb. 28 for Walt Disney World Resort will expire at the end of the next calendar year. For example, 1-day tickets sold in 2016 will expire on Dec. 31, 2017. The amount paid for an unused, expired ticket may be applied towards the purchase of a new ticket at the current price.


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

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

New Experience Offers Backstage Access at Disney!

Experience Walt Disney World in VIP Style with Adventures by Disney

Experience Walt Disney World in VIP Style with Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney recently announced a new trip: The Walt Disney World Resort and Central Florida vacation offers a mix of outdoor activities in the natural terrains and waterways of Old Florida, mixed with theme park experiences that add up to the end-all, be-all Walt Disney World vacation.

Are you interested in special access to attractions? How about behind-the-scenes tours? Want to spend time with Walt Disney Imagineers? Yep, Adventures by Disney is offering all of that and more.

The trip starts with a private dinner in the Chef’s Kitchen at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here you’ll meet highly acclaimed chefs, watch as they create culinary deliciousness in front of your eyes and, of course, feast on those creations in a VIP setting. And this is just the first of many super cool dining experiences on this trip. You’ll also enjoy a private breakfast at the all-new Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (before it opens to Park guests!), not to mention privately catered meals at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, the Living Seas VIP Lounge, a private dessert party during Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, and more.

Peek inside the Tower of Terror, go backstage at the new Rivers of Light show (and get VIP seating!), view sealife from behind-the-scenes at The Seas at Epcot, tour Magic Kingdom Park with an Imagineer, learn about how the theme parks were designed and even explore the famous underground Utilidor.

Add to that a private Animal Kingdom safari, VIP viewing of the Festival of Fantasy Parade, VIP ride access to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Toy Story Midway Mania and more!

And no Adventures by Disney vacation is complete without lush accommodations. On this trip travelers enjoy a stay at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Is there any better way to end each evening in Central Florida than by sipping a cocktail from Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, watching the “Wishes” fireworks display from across the Seven Seas Lagoon and tucking into your comfy bed each night knowing that every detail of your Disney vacation is carefully arranged

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

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

Love is in the air at La Nouba - literally!

Love Inspires the Newest Act in ‘La Nouba’ by Cirque du Soleil

Love Inspires the Newest Act in ‘La Nouba’ by Cirque du Soleil

We’ve all heard the expression “love is in the air,” right? The newest act to join “La Nouba” by Cirque du Soleil takes the sentiment literally. Ekaterina and Alexander Abramova are real-life partners who dazzle Disney Springs audiences with their daring aerial bamboo performance. Practically a lost art, aerial bamboo, a skillful mix of acrobatics and storytelling that takes place high above the stage, is rarely seen on modern stages.

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

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

Aulani Dining Update: “Menehune Mischief” Character Dinner

On select evenings at the Makahiki, you can join Aulani’s beloved “Uncle” and some favorite Disney Characters for the “Menehune Mischief” Character Dinner. 

BOOK “MENEHUNE MISCHIEF”CHARACTER DINNER AT AULANI

BOOK “MENEHUNE MISCHIEF”CHARACTER DINNER AT AULANI

Help Uncle celebrate the Menehune – magical little people of Hawaiian legend said to inhabit the valleys and forests of the islands. Through enchanting music, sing-alongs and interactive adventures, Uncle brings a mesmerizing tale of these mythical folk to life with the help of some favorite Disney Characters.

Menehune Mischief takes place from 5:15-6 p.m., with seating starting at 4:30 p.m. and photo opportunities beginning at 4:45 p.m. Show days coincide with the Starlit Hui Luau performances, so your Clients can enjoy a full evening of family entertainment. Menehune Mistchief is offered on the following dates:

  • Feb. 22, 25, 29
  • March 3, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 25, 29, 31
  • April 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 25, 28 

The cost is $47 for adults and $21 for children (ages 3-9). Reservations can be made by calling 808-674-6200.

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

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

See Who's Coming to Walt Disney World

Two new character greeting experiences debut this spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Walt Disney World Resort Guests can step into scenes with some of their favorite Disney characters, as they live out their Hollywood dreams.

New Character Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World! 

New Character Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World! 

Coming in spring 2016 to the Echo Lake district at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the all-new Celebrity Spotlight, the perfect place for a dream encounter with one of Disney’s latest stars. At opening, you are are invited into the Celebrity Spotlight to meet lovable snowman Olaf, from Disney’s blockbuster film “Frozen.” Olaf will be living his dream “In Summer,” chilling on the beach and ready with warm hugs for all his friends.

Also opening this spring is “Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams,” located just off Commissary Lane near the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, where Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will live out their dreams of being A-list Hollywood stars. Guests will walk the red carpet and step into a scene with Minnie, where she appears as a Tinsel Town starlet in a ritzy setting straight out of a lush and colorful musical extravaganza. And, nearby Mickey portrays his iconic role of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice from “Fantasia.”

 

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

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Dates + Offers

2016 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Returns + Special Resort 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 TravelFor discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com

Tag Cloud Block
This is an example. Double-click here and select a page to create a cloud of its tags or categories. Learn more
Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

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.

Disney Travel Accessories Gear
Disney World Travel Gear

 

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


Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

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

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 TravelFor discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

Skipper Canteen Reservations

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

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

 

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

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? 

Enter to win a night in the Cinderella Castle Suite at the Walt Disney World Resort

Enter to win a night in the Cinderella Castle Suite at the Walt Disney World Resort

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!

 

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

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.

New Disneyland App Offers PhotoPass Service

New Disneyland App Offers PhotoPass Service

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.

 

Related: 

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.

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

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.

disney_grandparents

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 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.

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

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!

epcot-flower-garden-festival

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 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.

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

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. 

Earful Tower Slated to Come Down

Earful Tower Slated to Come Down

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

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

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

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

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

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.

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

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. 

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

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.

New Acts for La Nuba at Disney Springs

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 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.

 

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

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. 

Disney Parks Figures Coming in 2016

Disney Parks Figures Coming in 2016


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

Disney Parks Figurines Coming in 2016

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.

Read More
Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

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.

2016 Disney parks Moms Panel

2016 Disney parks Moms Panel

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 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.

Read More