Now available – Minnie Van service at Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Minnie Van Service Begins
Walt Disney World Resort just launched a new transportation pilot called Minnie Van service. Announced earlier this month at D23 Expo 2017, this new transportation service is now available for guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.
Through a collaboration with Lyft, guests at these resorts can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone. With Minnie Van service, Disney cast members will then whisk you away to wherever you want to be at Walt Disney World Resort. This service accommodates up to six guests and provides two versatile car seats so even the tiniest of passengers can travel in style!
Minnie Van service will be available between 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. (subject to change). Guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts can learn more by visiting their Bell Services desk.
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
Mission: SPACE at Epcot Offers New Out of This World Experiences
New Experiences Coming to Mission Space at Epcot
Starting Aug. 13, 2017, Epcot will relaunch Mission: SPACE with a brand new experience and an enhanced version with 2 very different experiences.
Orange Mission: a truly intense experience that lets you feel the force of an actual space launch en route to Mars. On this mission, you’ll dodge meteoroids, slingshot around the moon and attempt a precision landing on the Red Planet’s alien surface. This “mission” has been enhanced with new, HD video to make it even clearer.
Green Mission: a new, family friendly mission that takes you on an exciting orbit around Earth. On this new adventure, you’ll take in sites like the Hawaiian Islands, Italy’s “boot” and the Northern Lights—as seen from space. Before finally landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The height restriction has been changed for the Green Mission side with the addition of new X-2 booster seats allowing children 40-44” to ride.
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations.
Disney's Star Wars Resort at Walt Disney World
Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, just confirmed that a Star Wars-inspired resort will debut as part of the new Disney 360 vacation concept.
According to Bob, this revolutionary new vacation experience will be a living adventure that allows guests to immerse themselves in an entirely new form of Disney storytelling.
“It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Bob said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”
By Darren Wittko
Space Themed Restaurant Coming to Epcot
Disney unveiled plans to create a new restaurant at Epcot that’ll offer amazing meals with spectacular views high above Earth – from space!
The restaurant, which will be located adjacent to the park’s Mission: SPACE attraction, will invite guests to travel into space for amazing dining experiences in the stars.
New Coaster for Magic Kingdom Park
Disney announced that a new Tron attraction will sit in an entirely new area right next to the Space Mountain attraction at Magic Kingdom Park.
The TRON Lightcycle Power Run attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is a coaster-style attraction where riders will board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles. It offers access into the energy, lights and excitement of TRON’s high-tech universe and is one of the most thrilling adventures at any Disney park.
The Tron attraction will open in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.
A coaster-style attraction based on Tron is in the works for Magic Kingdom Park.
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
EPCOT: New Ride for France Pavilion
Epcot to get a new Ratatouille ride.
Disney announced this week that a Disney•Pixar’s “Ratatouille”-inspired attraction will also be added to the France Pavilion in World Showcase. The attraction will expand the pavilion. Similar to the 4-D attraction Ratatouille: The Adventure that opened at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris in 2014, guests will be able to shrink to Remy’s size and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s legendary Parisian restaurant. The ride is expected to open in 2021.
It's expected that the Epcot version will be similar to Ratatouille at Disneyland Paris.
EPCOT: Guardians of the Galaxy to Replace Universe of Energy
Epcot’s newest E-ticket attraction will be based on the world of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and is the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney says this attraction adheres to the original vision of Epcot’s Future World as the place to experience the excitement and adventure offered by space travel. What do you think?
This new attraction will replace the current Universe of Energy attraction, which will close August 13, 2017). The new ride is expected to be ready in time for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary in 20121.
This Hollywood Studios Headliner Will Close Aug 13, 2017
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
On Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you’ll step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen. This zany out-of-control adventure features surprising twists and turns, dazzling visual effects and mind-boggling transformations that happen before your very eyes.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new story and a new singable attraction theme song as well as a new experience Disney is calling “2 1/2 D.” No glasses required.
In order to begin to prepare the new home of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at the Chinese Theatre in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, August 13, 2017 will be the final day of operation for The Great Movie Ride presented by Turner Classic Movies.
Until August 13, you can still relive some of the greatest movie moments in history on the Great Movie Ride attraction.
President Trump Will Star in The Hall of Presidents
President Trump to have a speaking role in the new Hall of Presidents opening late 2017.
Since the Magic Kingdom Park opened in 1971, The Hall of Presidents has brought together a one-of-a-kind look at the office of the President of the United States through film and the magic of Disney’s Audio-Animatronics technology. Despite some media reports to the contrary, President Trump will have a speaking role in The Hall of Presidents, like every president since 1993. Disney has been working closely with the current White House — just as they have with previous administrations — and the president’s recording session has been scheduled. The attraction will re-open in late 2017.
The Hall of Presidents is getting a new show, and a complete theater upgrade including a new sound system, lighting and high-definition projection system. The multi-screen viewing experience you may have seen in prior versions of the attraction is returning with an even wider vantage point of our country’s history.
Pirates of the Caribbean Gets PhotoPass
Beginning June 19, 2017 at Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom Park, Disney PhotoPass Service will be available for on-ride photos. Your photo will be automatically associated to your account, where it can be viewed at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com and in the My Disney Experience mobile app alongside all of your vacation memories from Disney PhotoPass Service.
by Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Parks and Resorts
New Epcot Dessert Party Available Today!
Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot
Starting July 17, 2017 there will be a new way to experience “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot. Reservations open today, June 15, 2017, for the new Frozen Ever After Dessert Party, plus a special opportunity to enjoy the Frozen Ever After attraction!
The party, overlooks World Showcase Lagoon and feature décor, drinks, desserts and snacks inspired by the beloved film, “Frozen.” Frozen Ever After Dessert Party Guests will have reserved seating. Specialty cotton candy lemonade or “melted snow” and other non-alcoholic beverages will be offered to Guests of all ages. Adults 21 years and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages such as a piña colada, margarita or “Summertime Punch,” a refreshing blend of prickly pear syrup, vodka, lemonade and ginger ale.
After “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” Guests of the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party will be escorted to the Norway Pavilion for a special ride on the popular Frozen Ever After attraction.
The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party is $79 for Guests ages 10 and above, $47 for ages 3 to 9—tax and gratuity included. Reservations are now open for dates beginning July 17, 2017 and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
2018 Walt Disney World Packages
Today I'm pleased to share with you that the Walt Disney World Resort has announced a release date for 2018 rates and packages: June 20, 2017.
2018 Rates
Walt Disney World
Rates Available on June 20, 2017
2018 Walt Disney Travel Company packages can be booked for arrivals January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.
Historically speaking, the Magical Vacations Travel Exclusive Offers typically become available in the fall so we will not have information on "magical deals" at this time.
>> View a special 2018 Magic Your Way Package Offer from Darren - Magical Vacations Travel
By Darren Wittko, Voted a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent Since 2015.
Walt Disney World Reservation System Outage - Will Be Longer Than Expected
The Walt Disney World Resort announced on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 that bookings would not be possible beginning on Friday, June 9 at 2 a.m. and lasting through the most of the day. This outage prevented potential guests from making a new resort reservation online or by calling Central Reservations and Group Reservations.
The Walt Disney World booking system and consumer website have been offline for over 24 hrs.
It is now expected that this outage will last into Saturday as well. The website, disneyworld.com has a banner message notifying guests of the outage and that they are working quickly to resolve the problem.
Some rumors have begun to circulate that Disney is uploading the 2018 packages and pricing to this system as this is typically when rates are made public for the upcoming year.
Stay tuned to Save At Walt Disney World and our social media pages for updates on the outage and 2018 Walt Disney World Packages.
A New Way to Order Food at Walt Disney World
Satu’li Canteen at Walt Disney World to feature Mobile Order
Mobile Order will be available at Satu’li Canteen restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park on opening day – May 27 – and then expanding to Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus during the summer. And better yet, more Mobile Order fast casual and quick service locations across Walt Disney World Resort are on the way.
Mobile Order, which can be found in the My Disney Experience app, offers the added convenience of being able to place orders and purchase meals on-the-go. You can select menu items, customize orders and pre-pay for meals during park visits – all within the app.
It’s easy to do. After you place your order, pre-pay in the app and arrive at Satu’li Canteen, you'll tap the “I’m here” button. That will notify the kitchen to prepare your meal. When ready, you will be alerted through the app to pick up your meal at the designated window with the Mobile Order pick-up sign.
Please note during the initial launch period of Mobile Order, the only form of payment accepted will be by credit card. Anyone with special dietary restrictions, or those who want to use discounts or redeem dining plan entitlements must place their order with a cashier.
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
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)
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
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