Adult Beverage ID Requirements Enforced at Walt Disney World
Disney is reminding all guest to bring the proper identification they’ll need during their stay. Please note the following ID requirements required to purchase alcoholic beverages at any establishment throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
Alcohol will not be served to anyone who does not present valid identification upon request.
Visitors from outside the United States are required to present both a valid passport and another form of government-issued photo identification from their country of origin. Foreign driver’s licenses or ID cards are not acceptable by themselves.
The following forms of ID will be accepted as proof of age:
U.S. state driver’s license (includes U.S. territories – Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa)
U.S. state ID (includes U.S. territories)
U.S. military ID
Original passport
Copy of passport (either on paper or captured on a mobile device), along with a government photo ID that verifies the person and birth date show on the copy
NEXUS card issued by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (Canadian Guests only)
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By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
Thanks for keeping me at the top.
Helping people save money on Walt Disney World vacations is it's own reward, but recognition is nice, too! I'm humbled to be ranked a "Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent" by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 3 years in a row! To my customers, the Magical Vacations Travel team, and my Disney Cast Member pals, I couldn't have done it without you.
As I honor year number 3, I'd like to share with you some of the heartfelt feedback I've received from those who make my work so much fun.
"What a wonderful trip! It exceeded my expectations and was worth every penny. How many times in life can you say that? You were without a doubt a very big part of how wonderful this trip was and I thank you for that. You made yourself completely accessible for all questions and concerns and prepared us for the wonderful things Disney World has to offer." Margit M. - Vancouver, Washington
"I just want you to know how much we (all 11 of us) appreciated all of the help you gave us on planning and setting up our trip." William K - West Haven, VT
"Without you and your great rates, we would never have been able to stay at the Polynesian Resort. It's been a dream of ours to stay there and I can't thank you enough for making that dream come true!" Kelly S. - Toms River, NJ
I don't know how you do it but we saved over $1500 by booking with you. Why didn't I know about you years ago? Thanks for being so patient with us while we figured things out. I'm your customer for life!" Jean V, Speedway, IN
Dapper Day - Walt Disney World 2017
The popular Dapper Day will once again return to Magic Kingdom and Epcot April 29 and April 30, 2017. The event welcomes guests to dress up in sophisticated fashions while touring the Theme Parks. Read more about Dapper Day on the group's website and on their Facebook Page.
>> View Special Disney Resort Hotel Offers
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By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
Classic Space Mountain Returning to Disneyland
On June 1, 2017, the classic Space Mountain returns to Disneyland Park. Just days after we mark the 40th anniversary of this Tomorrowland favorite, space travelers will blast off once again for their intergalactic adventure.
A variation of a concept Walt Disney developed in the 1960s, Space Mountain first opened at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in 1975, and construction on Space Mountain at Disneyland Park began soon after. The attraction went on to become a Guest favorite, seeing special themed versions such as Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Hyperspace Mountain.
You are clear for launch starting June 1, 2017 with the return of Space Mountain at Disneyland Park!
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
Another Behind The Scenes Look at Pandora - World of Avatar
Friends at Walt Disney Imagineering recently shared another video on the construction of Pandora - World of Avatar new land, which gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the project team has partnered with Lightstorm Entertainment and many of the original AVATAR filmmakers – including James Cameron and Jon Landau – to bring the new land to life. In this video, several members of the Pandora “Super Team” share what the experience of bringing Pandora – The World of Avatar to life has been like for them, and some of the amazing moments that have exceeded even their imaginations.
Watch carefully at the background footage as the video doesn't explicitly point out new reveals!
Cake Decorating Experience Comes to Disney Springs
Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie beginning March 31, 2017
Now you can learn how to create your own magic during a new Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie beginning March 31, 2017. Reservations are now open, and the experience, which must be booked in advance, will be from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. every Friday through May 5, 2017.
During the experience, you can enjoy complimentary specialty coffee, mimosas and bellinis while you work side by side with the pros at Amorette’s Patisserie to decorate your own Mickey Dome Cake. You'll discover how the team at Amorette's seamlessly blends artistry and storytelling in cake design, starting with the elegant glaçage (that’s French for “mirror glaze”) and ending with the finishing touches such as chocolate sculpted ears, tail, belt and buttons – all edible, of course.
You'll be able to take your cake home to impress their family and friends. Space is limited. The Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie is another exciting offering from the Enchanting Extras Collection. The cost is $129 plus tax for ages 10 and up, for one to two Guests working on a single cake. A second cake can be purchased for an additional $40
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
Disney Resort Guests Have Extra Time to Explore Pandora
Special Extra Magic Hours Available to Disney Resort Hotel Guests.
For a limited time, May 27-July 4, 2017, Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can explore Pandora – The World of Avatar beyond regular Park hours.
Nightly Extra Magic Hours will take place from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. only in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. This offering will provide you with an additional opportunity to enjoy everything Pandora – The World of Avatar has to offer – including navigating a mystical river, flying on a back of a banshee and walking under floating mountains. Please note valid Theme Park admission and a Resort ID will be required.
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By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
FastPass Availability for Pandora | Walt Disney World
When you can begin making FastPass+ selections at Pandora - World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Today Disney announced that Guests staying at select Walt Disney Resort hotels can reserve Disney FastPass+ selections for attractions, including those in Pandora – The World of Avatar, up to 60 days prior to check-in beginning March 24, 2017. Disney FastPass+ service will be available at the two attractions within Pandora – The World of Avatar during regular Theme Park hours. Guests may select only one of these two attractions in their first set of Disney FastPass+ selections, subject to availability.
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By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
The Disney Vacation of a Lifetime, Starting Around $9,500 Per Person
Adventures by Disney: China. Special offer for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders.
If you're Walt Disney World Annual Passholder you can take advantage of a special rate on an Adventures by Disney vacation to China.
The trip takes place from July 6 through July 19, 2017 and kicks off with a special welcome event at Disneyland Park in California.
Highlights include:
A VIP visit to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and stops at such popular sites as Victoria Peak to Stanley Market.
Historic Beijing experiences featuring the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
A VIP visit to the new Shanghai Disney Resort and a tour of iconic landmarks and Old City wonders.
An immersive exploration of Chinese culture and traditions including dining experiences, performances, family activities and much more!
Download the Itinerary and Brochure. For information on booking this offer, contact Darren of Magical Vacations Travel today.
Miss Adventure Falls Now Open at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Today I take you aboard Miss Adventure Falls, the new family raft attraction now open at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park!
With a ride time of two minutes, Miss Adventure Falls will be the longest attraction at Typhoon Lagoon.
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Parks and Resorts
How Pandora – The World of Avatar Will Continue the Values of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of Avatar, which is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort on May 27, 2017, will transport you to a visually stunning world complete with floating mountains, bioluminescent plans and all kinds of immersive adventures.
What's Happening: Star Wars Night April 14, 2017
Today, I'm excited to share more details on this new Hollywood-inspired special evening, which will include celebrity chats, behind-the-scenes looks, attractions and much more.
First, Vanessa Marshall, the voice of Hera Syndulla from Star Wars Rebels, will serve as host of “Inside the Saga: Celebrity Chat Show” and take you behind the scenes of the latest installment to the Star Wars franchise, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. This event-exclusive offering will take place multiple times throughout the event in the Epic Theater.
Guests of all ages can explore Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Seize the Saga Interactive Scavenger Hunt, searching for unique Star Wars photo backdrops. You will step into immersive and iconic scenes from the films, including a newly created backdrop from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and receive a themed piece representing each of the eight Star Wars films. These pieces will come together to form a one of a kind event keepsake.
And as previously announced, the event will mark the debut appearance of BB-8 at Star Wars Launch Bay.
Park access and activities will be limited to Star Wars: Galactic Nights event ticket holders only. Here’s a look at other event offerings:
Rebel Base Activities – The Rebel Base will serve as the event hub with multiple events, hosted shows, Star Wars dance parties and more taking place in the center of the park.
Can’t miss Star Wars photo ops – You can don your Star Wars finest (costume guidelines apply) and enjoy iconic Star Wars backdrops, including the debut appearance of BB-8.
Galactic Nights Stars in Cars Motorcade – This procession will welcome in Star Wars celebrities down Hollywood Blvd.
Imperial March & March of the First Order – Darth Vader will lead a battalion of stormtroopers on a dramatic march down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage. Captain Phasma will also lead a unit of First Order stormtroopers through the park, pausing to give a demonstration of power and strength.
“Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” – High-energy clips of the best moments from the film saga juxtaposed with character moments on stage, featuring Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and more.
“Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular lights up the night.
Other popular attractions will be open, including Star Wars Launch Bay. Additional offerings will include the chance to experience Star Tours-The Adventures Continue attraction, AWR Trooper sightings, roaming droids, Star Wars-themed F&B, special merchandise and much more.
The event will be held at the park from 7 p.m.-midnight. The Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket costs $129 plus tax for adults and $124 plus tax for children ages 9 and under. Tickets to the Star Wars: Galactic Nights event is separate from admission to Star Wars Celebration at the Orange County Convention Center, April 13-16, 2017
Sneak Preview of Pandora on Popular ABC Shows - March 9
Tune into ABC March 9 for an inside look at Pandora – The World of Avatar
Four ABC shows will offer sneak peeks into the new land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park at Walt Disney World® Resort. As “The View” broadcasts from Disney’s Animal Kingdom this week, several other ABC shows - including "Good Morning America" and "Nightline" - will be joining forces on Thursday, March 9, 2017 for a look into the highly-anticipated Pandora – The World of Avatar.
By Darren Wittko - Specializing in Disney Destinations
Get a Closer Look at Disney's Elephants With This New Tour
Now you can get a closer look at the African elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and learn what it takes to care for them during Caring for Giants – a unique family-friendly backstage viewing experience at Walt Disney World Resort.
During this 60-minute tour, you can meet with animal care specialists who provide for the care and wellness of Disney's elephant herd. African cultural representatives will also be on hand to share stories of Disney’s conservation efforts. Throughout this experience, you will be able to observe the elephants from approximately 80 to 100 feet away!
Caring for Giants will be offered several times daily beginning March 12, 2017. Groups depart throughout the day between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Guests must be 4 years of age or older to participate. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529). Cost is $30 per person (tax included).
Disney Now Charging for Mail Received at Resort Hotels
If you stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel recently you may have noticed an increase in the number of discarded cardboard boxes lining the hotel hallways. Savvy travelers have learned that they can save money by shipping their vacation-clothes to their hotel rather than pay high baggage fees with the airlines. The same is true with groceries - I've been seeing a lot of Amazon Prime boxes as well.
If you wish to receive mail at your Disney Resort hotel, your letter or package must:
- Include the mailing address of your Disney Resort hotel
- Clearly feature the word “Guest” on the front and the date of your arrival
For example:
Guest Mary Sims - Arrival July 4, 2018
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
1600 Seven Seas Drive
Orlando, FL 32830
Recently Disney announced it will be charging a $5 per package handling fee to all envelopes and packages that are received through the Front Desk or are delivered to a Disney Resort hotel room at the following Disney Resort hotels:
Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts
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
See What's Coming to Magic Kingdom on May 12, 2017
“Happily Ever After,” a new nighttime spectacular that will combine the magic of Disney storytelling, beloved Disney characters, fireworks and so much more, will debut at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort on May 12, 2017.
The Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace will continue to be offered during “Happily Ever After.”
The spectacular will inspire you to seek out and find your own “Happily Ever After” by showcasing some of the greatest adventures Disney characters have taken to achieve their dreams. The show will feature the latest fireworks and pyrotechnics and original animation, plus a heart-tugging original score. And thanks to the inclusion of state-of-the-art projection mapping technology, more Disney characters than ever before will be featured in the show, including moments from “Moana,” “Brave,” “Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia,” “The Princess & The Frog,” “Aladdin” and many others.
VIDEO:
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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
Rivers of Light Opening Date Set for February 2017
For more than a year, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort has continued its evolution to a day-to-night park by introducing new nighttime experiences. And today, I'm happy to announce one of the park’s newest nighttime experiences, “Rivers of Light,” will make its official debut on Feb 17, 2017.
“Rivers of Light” combines live performance, floating set pieces, a soaring musical score, fountains and more in a celebration of animals and nature. The story unfolds on the broad natural stage of the Discovery River, conveying the uplifting spirit of an ancient and timeless lantern ceremony and filled with symbolism, storytelling and plenty of heart.
Dining and FastPass+ reservations for this new show are now available.
And don’t forget that the next step in the expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom – the grand debut of Pandora – The World of Avatar – will take place on May 27, 2017.
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
Pandora - World of Avatar Opening Date Announced!
Today I'm excited to share that Pandora – The World of Avatar will open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park on May 27, 2017!
This new land will transport you to the visually stunning world of Pandora. Here, you will wonder at floating mountains and bioluminescent plants, and can join the Na’vi on two attractions that take adventure to the next level.
Related Offers
Check out the Late May Exclusive Offer for select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Related:
Video: Pandora - World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
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
This Tour Celebrates Magic Kingdom Classics
Recently I had an opportunity to take the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour, a brand new tour at Magic Kingdom Park designed to highlight the classic attractions You may also want to read my article at The Best of Walt Disney World on Magic Kingdom Classics.
My four hour tour was led by an extensively trained and courteous Disney VIP Tour Guide. These are the ones you see in the plaid uniforms escorting guests and celebrities through the parks. Of course they know how to navigating the park but the focus here is to show you the attractions that we all think about when we think of Magic Kingdom.
During the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour, we were able to experience 10 of the most beloved Magic Kingdom Park attractions, including everything from Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “it’s a small world,” Peter Pan’s Flight, and a few more attractions throughout the park. We also saw Under the Sea Voyage - which in my opinion is not quite a "classic" when compared to oldies but goodies like Carousel of Progress and Haunted Mansion.
Plus, no Magic Kingdom Park tour would be complete without saying hello to the mouse that started it all. As part of my tour, I also got to meet Mickey Mouse at the Town Square Theater!
This tour is especially great for kids. You can ask your tour guide to avoid the attractions that have height restrictions.
The Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour ($199 plus tax)* is offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and is subject to availability.
Related:
New Experience Offers Backstage Access at Disney World
This Limited TIme Magic Kingdom Experience Offers VIP Treatment
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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
Re-Imagined Planet Hollywood Observatory Opens at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort
Planet Hollywood Observatory has opened its flagship location in the heart of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, transforming its iconic globe into a four-story stargazing observatory with new spaces including an outdoor terrace, a new menu and an exciting new look and feel.
Inside it’s an immersive theatrical dining experience, with each floor providing a different ambience, including the fabulous curated collection of film-making memorabilia and a 4,500-square-foot video wall the uses trompe l’oeil 3D technology – images with such realism that they appear to be in three dimensions.
Classic Planet Hollywood dishes, including the World Famous Chicken Crunch, are on the new menu, as well as a selection of over-the-top burgers and sandwiches by celebrity Chef Guy Fieri. Desserts are a hallmark of the restaurant, like the hand-dipped milkshakes.
The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. The new 5,000 square-foot Stargazers Lounge that will let you relax under the stars will be opening soon.
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