DisneyQuest is Closing (This Time it's for Real - Most Likely)
DisneyQuest to Close July 3, 2017
Disney continues to bring new experiences to the West Side Neighborhood, including The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort. To make way for this basketball-themed experience, the West Side area will be undergoing changes – beginning with the closure of DisneyQuest on July 3, 2017.
The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will be a one-of-a-kind basketball-themed experience featuring hands-on activities that put guests of all ages right in the middle of NBA game action. There will be immersive NBA video productions and numerous interactive experiences, as well as a restaurant and a retail store.
Stay tuned to SaveAtWDW for more updates on The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort and the continuing transformation of Disney Springs.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
FLORIDA RESIDENTS ENJOY 3 DAYS OF THEME PARK FUN FOR $139 PLUS TAX WITH THE DISCOVER DISNEY TICKET
New Florida Resident Offer Available
Now for a limited time, Florida Residents can purchase the Discover Disney Ticket for $139, plus tax. Visit one Theme Park per day now through June 9, 2017 and save big on this special ticket offer. Ticket is valid 1/4 – 6/9/17. Note there is a blockout period: Not valid 5/27 – 6/9/17 at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
This ticket limits you to one Theme Park per day. Proof of Florida residency required. Ticket is nontransferable and excludes activities/events separately priced. Must be purchased by 6/5/17.
To purchase this ticket contact your travel agent or visit the Florida Residents section on the Walt Disney World website.
Disney Announces MagicBand 2 Release Date
Recently I shared with you that that the Walt Disney World Resort introduced MagicBand 2. This new form of the original MagicBand is more versatile and customizable for Guests to unlock the magic of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation.
When you book a Walt Disney World Resort vacation and elect to receive your MagicBands at home prior to arrival, you will receive a complimentary MagicBand 2. You'll continue to have the option to choose from the current eight colors: pink, blue, red, green, orange, gray, yellow and purple. Guests who pick up their MagicBands at the front desk upon check-in will continue to receive the original MagicBand until early February.
Related:
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
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April 2017 Spring Break - Booking Fast!
I would like to share with my followers and clients that I'm actively booking April 2017 travel dates, especially the Easter Agency Exclusive Offer, running April 7 through April 21. If you're planning a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort for spring break, I highly recommend booking early!
Other exclusive offers for Walt Disney World offers for are available for April 2017 on my Resort Offers Page.
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Video: Behind the Scenes at Pandora – The World of AVATAR
Today I'm excited to share this amazing sneak peek into one of the Walt Disney World Resort’s most exciting expansions: the construction of Pandora – The World of AVATAR, which will open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park this summer (stay tuned for an official date).
As you can see in the video, Pandora – The World of AVATAR will transport you to a visually stunning world complete with floating mountains and bioluminescent plants, first unvelied to me back in November. This new land will feature two never-before-experienced expeditions. The family-friendly Na’vi River Journey sends you down a sacred river hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest. The journey ends in an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora. And, the Avatar Flight of Passage excursion offers the jaw-dropping experience of riding on a Banshee over the world of Pandora.
View special offers available for summer travel to the Walt Disney World
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Atlanta Braves Training Schedule at Walt Disney World
Here's a look at the 2017 Atlanta Braves training schedule coming to Walt Disney World. Check out the Resort Offers Page available during these times and save big. Please note dates, times and opponents are subject to change.
Atlanta Braves Training Schedule at Walt Disney World | ESPN Wide World of Sports
Disney on Broadway Stars Coming to Epcot International Festival of the Arts
In collaboration with Disney Theatrical Productions, Epcot's new festival brings a showcase of favorite music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Throughout the six weekends of the festival, different pairings of Broadway artists will perform songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award winning shows.
I'm excited to share the lineup of performers for this brand new series:
- Jan. 13-16 and 20-23: Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland performing songs from: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Mary Poppins and The Little Mermaid
- Jan. 27-30 and Feb. 3-6: Kerry Butler and Kevin Massey performing songs from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Newsies and Aladdin
- Feb. 10-13 and 17-20: Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White performing songs from Disney’s The Lion King, Aida, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid.
Performances will be at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday through Monday of each festival weekend.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
New Dining Experience Coming to Epcot
Today I'm pleased to share with you that Epcot will be getting new outdoor tequileria just outside the Mexico pavilion. Starting soon, you'll be able visit Choza Tequila that will specialize in hand-crafted margaritas and classic Mexican cuisine like tacos, empanadas, chips and fresh guacamole.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Disney Vacation Experiences Wins Reader's Choice Award
Travel Weekly recently unveiled its winners for the trade publication’s latest Readers Choice Awards and we’re honored to have made the list – not once, not twice, but three times!
Readers named Adventures by Disney as the best tour operator in the “adventure” category, Disney Cruise Line as the best “family experience” cruise line and Walt Disney World Resort as the best “theme park.”
The winners, ranging from hotels to tour operators and airlines to cruise lines in a total of 78 categories, represent the finest in travel and we couldn’t be more honored to be among them.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Say Goodbye to This Magic Kingdom Show
Beginning Jan. 9, 2017 you will now be allowed to enter the Main Street, U.S.A. even earlier than the park’s scheduled opening time. The Main Street Bakery featuring Starbucks will be serving guests during this time.
A new welcome show will officially open the park for the day on the Castle Forecourt Stage. A Royal Herald will appear to deliver a proclamation and welcome a few familiar characters to the stage, officially opening the park.
I'm sorry to see the current opening go away. It's a true magical moment when the locomotive blasts the whistle and rolls in with all the characters on board. But I'm sure this new show will be a great way to open the park too.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Enjoy These New Epcot Experiences - Festival of the Arts
Over the six weekends of the festival, beginning Jan. 13, 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort, you can sign up for interactive workshops like the Gesture Drawing Class, led by former Disney animator Todd Bright. Gesture drawing of people is foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors. A single drawing tells a story. Todd’s Story Telling Drawings class will teach you the art of quick sketching from life.
Other select workshops include watercolor painting, mixed media art, calligraphy and floral arrangements. The Interactive Workshops are $39+tax each Friday-Monday of the Festival.
Also available are meal and performance combos: a breakfast, lunch or dinner, followed by a Disney on Broadway inspired concert – nightly during the Festival from Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017.
The concert series will pair Broadway talent with favorite songs from award-winning Disney shows such as “The Lion King,” “Newsies” and “Aladdin”. The Dining package includes a three-course meal or full buffet and priority seating at the 8:00 p.m. concert at participating Epcot restaurants. Prices range from $39-$69+ tax for adults, $23-$41+tax for children.
The festival runs Fridays through Mondays starting Jan. 13–Feb. 20, 2017.
Book one of these select experiences by calling 407-WDW-PLAY
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Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Merry Christmas From SAVEatWDW.com
Merry Christmas from SAVEatWDW.com and all the best for the new year!
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
New Star Wars Entertainment Now Available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is now open in theaters! And, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort has several exciting offerings.
First, AWR Troopers from the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in a new scene in the park’s existing “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” daytime show. AWR (Advanced Weapons Research) Troopers are encased in specialized Stormtrooper armor, and serve as the bodyguards and enforcers of Director Krennic of the AWR division of the Empire.
The park’s Star Wars Launch Bay was also updated with new props from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” including a Shoretrooper Blaster, Director Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle, a Death Star model, a U-wing gunship and more. Making-of footage has also been added to the behind-the-scenes film in Launch Bay Theater.
And beginning Dec. 16, 2016, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” will return to the park. The show will join the nightly holiday “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” as a second nightly fireworks spectacular at the park now through Dec. 31, 2016.
Related:
This New Tour is A Must-Do for Star Wars Fans!
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
runDisney Star Wars Medals
Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side & Dark Side Challenge: Register now to earn one of the medals, coming April 20-23, 2017, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Special Resort Offer
Magical Vacations Travel Exclusive Offer available for the Star Wars Half Marathon.
New Details on Magic Kingdom After Hours 2017!
Magic Kingdom After Hours Returns for 2017
Disney After Hours events are limited to a small number of Guests, allowing you experience 25 attractions with little to no wait. Some attractions include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Space Mountain (my personal favorite) and many more. The cost is $126.74 (tax included) per person. There is no child rate.
The Disney After Hours ticket allows park entry as early as 7 p.m., which gives you time to enjoy “Wishes” fireworks, and then remain in the park for three hours past the park’s scheduled closing time. In addition, ice cream novelties and select beverages are included in admission.
Disney After Hours event nights are currently set for Jan. 20 and 27, February 2, 9 and 16, and March 2 and 9, 2017. (Please note that Disney After Hours does not replace Extra Magic Hours (EMH) for Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Guests and are instead held on non-EMH dates).
VIDEO: Disney After Hours returns in early- 2017 to Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort.
To book, visit the Walt Disney World website or contact Darren at Magic Vacations Travel.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
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This Limited Time Magic Kingdom Experience Offers VIP Treatment
For a limited time, you have a new VIP experience option at the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.
Located in Tomorrowland, the new exclusive Kingdom Cabanas provide a unique opportunity to gather, connect, rest and refuel from a day of Theme Park touring. According to Disney, each one of these private cabanas includes in-Park Wi-Fi (although you will get that for free anyway), cell phone charging stations, locked storage to stow souvenirs, as well as light snacks and beverages throughout the day - all for one price. The cost is $691 for the day. Kingdom Cabanas accommodate up to 8 people. Rental period begins when the park opens and concludes at park close.
Light snacks are offered throughout the day but if you're looking for a meal, a Cast Member will be on hand to pick up and deliver food from select Quick-Service locations at Magic Kingdom such as Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe.
Call 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529) for pricing and availability
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
EPCOT FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL RETURNS IN 2017
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort Aug. 31-Nov. 13, 2017. This year’s festival will be a record 75 days of global culinary creations, celebrity chefs, premium events, Eat to the Beat concerts, and more.
SPECIAL OFFERS
For special offers during Food and Wine, be sure to check out the Offers Page here at SaveAtWDW.com. Magical Vacations Travel just announced the Labor Day Offer 2017 running from Aug 15 through Sep 16. Plus more Agency Exclusives will be announced soon for fall travel dates.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
What Are The Enchanting Extras At Magic Kingdom?
“Tiana’s Riverboat Party Ice Cream Social & Parade Viewing” will make its debut launch on the Liberty Belle Riverboat at Magic Kingdom Park on Nov. 29, 2016. The fun starts at the boat dock, where you can enjoy hand-dipped ice cream and soft drinks while you visit with Princess Tiana and Naveen.
You'll then board the riverboat to enjoy an incredible birds-eye-view parade viewing for the park’s “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” and a cruise around Tom Sawyer’s Island. Princess Tiana and Naveen will join the group on the Liberty Belle Riverboat after the parade concludes for photos. Please note during the holiday period Dec. 23-31, 2016, Guests will view the “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade” instead.
This offering is part of the new Enchanting Extras collection, which offers you a variety of options to enhance your Walt Disney World Resort vacations.
Tiana’s Riverboat Party Ice Cream Social & Parade Viewing is available for $49 per adult and $29 per child age 9 and under (includes tax). Reservations can be made now by calling 407-WDW-DINE. As usual, entertainment is subject to change without notice.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Update: Stars Wars Land At Night
Today I'm excited to share a new image from Walt Disney Imagineering that shows just how amazing the Star Wars-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort will look once the sun goes down.
As you can see, the land will take on a whole new dimension after dark and feature adventures and surprises around each corner. If you look close, the image reveals a peek at what you'll discover in this all-new land, including one of the signature attractions that lets you take the controls of the Millennium Falcon.
I'm also excited to share that Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm teams are currently in production to add an exciting new mission to the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, based on elements from Star Wars Episode VIII.
Stay tuned to Save At WDW for more updates on the Star Wars-themed lands coming to Walt Disney World Resort.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
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All-New Epcot International Festival of the Arts
A brand new event is coming to Walt Disney World Resort! The Epcot International Festival of the Arts debuts Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017. It’ll be a trifecta of global masterpieces: combining visual, culinary and performing arts for six colorful weekends.
Over the six weeks of the festival, you can enjoy different pairings of phenomenal Broadway talent in concert singing the award-winning music of Disney on Broadway. Plus, you'll feast on delicious creations that look almost too good to eat.
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will run Fridays through Mondays, and unveil brand new art each week.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World