Details Emerge on New Walt Disney World Attractions
Epcot
Guardians of the Galaxy coaster coming to Epcot in 2021.
New details have been released about the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster coming to Epcot in 2021. This one-of-a-kind family coaster will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters inside of the former Universe of Energy show building. The Guardians of the Galaxy coaster will feature a unique story currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering and include a new innovative ride system.
The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
During D23 Expo Japan, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, shared details on a new attraction coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a catchy theme song created especially for the attraction as well as a new experience that defies logic that we’re calling 2 ½-D. No glasses required.
On the attraction, the fun begins when Guests see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie getting ready for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you're the star and anything can happen.
Go Backstage at Disney with This New Tour
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park at the Walt Disney World Resort.
As a part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you can get an insider’s look at some of the ways Disney brings the magic of nature to life in a new limited-time experience called A Path Less Traveled – Disney’s Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary tour.
Go backstage to tour the Vet Hospital and Animal Nutrition Center, perform a nest check on a purple martin birdhouse as part of a Disney’s conservation project, gaze at some of the park’s largest inhabitants during Caring for Giants and end the day with VIP viewing of Rivers of Light.
A Path Less Traveled will be offered daily from April 1-May 5, 2018. Tours can be booked in advance for $59 per person, plus tax, by calling 407-WDW-PLAY (407- 939-7529).
Be sure to check out our exclusive hotel offers for Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Big Changes Coming to The American Adventure, Epcot
The American Adventure inside Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort
Disney announced some major enhancements for The American Adventure show, one of my personal favorites at Walt Disney World. The Golden Dream montage gets me every time. And speaking of the song Golden Dream, Disney has rerecorded it with new voices and a new orchestration.
Other significant enhancements include:
- High definition digital projection technology for the screen segments of the show
- High definition sound system throughout the theater
- The show's finale sequence of famous Americans has been updated to include composer John Williams, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and noted ballerina Misty Copeland.
The American Adventure will re-open late February or early March.
First Look: Alien Swirling Saucers - Walt Disney World
Alien Swirling Saucers
New details emerged today on the new Alien Swirling Saucers attraction, part of the new Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You'll get to climb into a toy rocket and hang on as the little green aliens whisk you about all while set to interstellar music. Plus, if you're lucky, you just might get “chosen” by the claw.
Toy Story Land is scheduled to open summer 2018. No date has been announced yet. For summer offers, visit the Walt Disney World discount page
Also, Disney has confirmed that the Disney's Hollywood Studios name will not change in the foreseeable future in response to numerous rumors.
My Disney Experience Gets 2 New Features Today
Today Disney pushed out an update to the My Disney Experience mobile app.
Guests with Disney dining plans can redeem meals and snacks in Mobile Order, providing them with more free time to enjoy all of the attractions and entertainment experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort. I have personally used this service in beta testing and it's terrific. It makes things so much easier, overall a welcome addition to the app!
To access Mobile Order, tap the “Order Food” button under “My Plans” in the app. Watch the video below to see the convenience of using Mobile Order with a Disney dining plan
Watch the video below to see how it works!
Also, you can now get attraction wait time information in real-time. The app now shows standby wait time information exactly as they appear in the park. I still recommend the Lines App from TouringPlans.com. This service has proven to be more reliable and accurate.
Other updates include improvements to features like room charge viewing, Online Check-In Service and wayfinding, that are helping to improve the overall vacation experience for our guests.
Disney After Hours Events Return for Spring 2018
Cinderella Castle | Magic Kingdom Park
Magic Kingdom Park is once again hosting Disney After Hours events on select nights through March. Available to a limited number of Guests, Disney After Hours allows participants to maximize their time in the park with quicker access to over 25 popular attractions and character greetings. Remaining event dates include Jan. 26, 30, Feb. 8, 15, March 1 and 8, 2018.
View Exclusive Walt Disney World Offers
Video Tour: The Edison Restaurant - Disney Springs
The Edison, a lavish, “Industrial Gothic”- themed restaurant and entertainment venue, opened at Disney Springs earlier this month.
The Edison features multiple themed areas to explore, such as the Lab performance space, The Ember Parlour, Telegraph Lounge, The Patent Office, The Tesla Lounge, The Radio Room, and the Waterfront Patio.
Open for lunch and dinner, The Edison offers contemporary American fare menu of items like Pork Belly Pops, Crispy Fried Chicken, and The Edison Burger. The Edison’s beverage lineup focuses on artfully crafted cocktails, interesting beers and wines, and house-made punches that serve from two to 10 guests. View The Edison Disney Springs Menu
The Edison also features nightly entertainment, which ranges from live DJs, musicians, aerialists and dancers.
Now open Sunday-Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Thursday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Guests at The Edison must be 21 years or older starting at 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday nights. There is a cover charge of $15 per Guest beginning at 10 p.m.
Additionally, The Edison has a dress code Thursday-Saturday evenings beginning at 10 p.m. (men must wear slacks, jeans or dress shorts. No ball caps, sleeveless shirts or flip-flops are permitted. Jackets are optional).
Visit Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt's Disneyland Apartment and More on This Tour!
Adventures By Disney California Tour
In 2019, Adventures by Disney will offer a new 4-day, 3-night Disneyland Resort and Southern California Short Escape land tour that can be booked as a stand-alone vacation, or in conjunction with Disney Cruise Line sailings departing from the port of San Diego.
This guided group vacation allows you to revel in a behind-the-scenes look at places where Disney magic is made, including rare private tours of The Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, VIP experiences at Disneyland Resort, an exclusive visit to Walt Disney’s Disneyland apartment, a sneak peek at props and costumes from beloved Disney films at the Disney Archives, and more.
This new Southern California Short Escape package is available on select dates in Spring and Fall 2018, making it an ideal pre-cruise option for Disney Cruise Line Guests sailing during this time period.
Bookings for this new adventure open on Jan. 25, 2018.
5 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World in 2018
Toy Story Land Opens Summer 2018
- Amazing Walt Disney World offers so you can do more, and spend less
- Disney Springs Will Welcome Eight New Dining Locations – A total of eight exciting new food and beverage locations are set to make their grand debuts at Disney Springs in 2018. The Edison, along with Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway and Pizza Ponte are scheduled to open early in 2018, while Terralina Crafted Italian, Wine Bar George, Jaleo and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill are set to debut later on in the year.
- The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Celebrates its 25th Anniversary –This year’s festival will run from Feb. 28-May 28, 2018. The 90-day event brings with it a multitude of Disney character topiaries, tasty offerings at 15 Outdoor Kitchens, garden tours, the Garden Rocks music series, new kids’ activities, the Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt and much more.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Celebrates It’s 20th Anniversary – The theme park dedicated to celebrating life in the animal kingdom will mark a milestone 20th anniversary on Earth Day, April 22, 2018.
- Toy Story Land Opens in Summer 2018 – The highly anticipated expansion at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut to Guests this summer, and with it, two new attractions: Alien Swirling Saucers and the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster. You can already catch a glimpse of what’s in store inside the park’s Walt Disney Presents attraction, where they can view the model and some attraction vehicle maquettes.
By Darren W, Specializing in Disney Destinations
Policy Change for Disney World Resort Hotels
Photos courtesy: @Fireworks_Fairy/Twitter
Starting this week, a new policy is being rolled out across Walt Disney World Resort hotels regarding "Do Not Disturb" signs and room checks by housekeeping staff.
This new policy requires housekeeping to enter a room once per day. Also, "Do Not Disturb" signs will be replaced with "Room Occupied" signs. This comes in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre where the gunman displayed a "Do Not Disturb" sign on his hotel room door for several days as he prepared for the shooting.
This policy is currently being introduced at the Magic Kingdom Area resort hotels first.
Personally, I seldom had a "Do Not Disturb" sign in my room, or if I did display it on my door, some other guest would inevitably take it as a souvenir. The problem is, these new "Room Occupied" signs will make even better souvenirs.
Video: Hall of President Reopens with President Trump
Donald Trump Audio-Animatronic figure at Hall of Presidents - Walt Disney World Resort.
As with every new president since Hall of Presidents opened at Walt Disney World Resort, an Audio-Animatronics figure of President Donald J. Trump has been added to the show. According to Walt Disney Imagineering, it features the latest advances in technology that enable smoother and more lifelike movements.
President Trump personally recorded remarks exclusively for The Hall of Presidents, just as each sitting president has done for the attraction since the early 1990s.
The likeness of the animatronic figure appears to be a little "off" from the presidents that were sculpted in the past. On social media, people are saying the figure looks more like Jon Voight but you be the judge.
Behind the Scenes: Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
Walt Disney Imagineering recently shared a behind-the-scenes look of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge currently being created for Disney's Hollywood Studios. Here's a quick summary of the tour:
Guests will be able to fly the Millennium Falcon at Walt Disney World Resort.
The name of the planet in Walt Disney World's new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening is Batuu - a planet on the outer rim of the Star Wars galaxy.
A fleet of full-size X-wing starfighters are being built.
Inside the Millennium Falcon - coming 2019 to Disney's Hollywood Studios
Retail space will offer toys that appear to be handcrafted by local artisans.
Galaxy's Edge will take visitors into a large-scale hangar of a Str Destroyer.
Update on New Cirque du Soleil Show at Disney Springs
New show coming to Walt Disney World Resort.
La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil is taking its final bow at Disney Springs on New Year’s Eve 2018. I'm told that the new show coming to Disney Springs will pay homage to Disney animation.
An opening date for the new show has not been announced. I'll share details here as they are finalized.
New Benefits Extended to Disney Springs Area Resorts
Disney Springs Resort Area hotels now eligible for some new package benefits
Beginning January 1, 2018, Guests staying at one of the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels, which are designated Official WALT DISNEY WORLD hotels will be able to participate in Extra Magic Hours.
Scheduled to begin Jan. 10, 2018, Guests who book a Walt Disney Travel Company package staying at one of the Disney Springs Resort Area hotels, which are designated Official WALT DISNEY WORLD hotels and who have booked a Walt Disney Travel Company package, will be able to link their hotel reservation on My Disney Experience and can utilize a 60-day booking window for FastPass+ selections.
The Disney Spring Resort Area hotels include:
- B Resort & Spa
- Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort
- DoubleTree Guest Suites by Hilton Orlando
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Palace
- Hilton Orlando Resort Lake Buena Vista
- Holiday Inn Orlando
- Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
Darren Wittko specializes in Disney Destinations
New Delivery Method for Magical Extras Card - Walt Disney World
Magical Extras Card - Walt Disney World Resort
Beginning with Jan. 1, 2018 arrivals, there's a new process for Magical Extra Card and voucher delivery. Instead of receiving a generic booklet including the Magical Extras card and vouchers. guests who purchase a Walt Disney Travel Company package and stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel will now receive information about the Magical Extras in their MagicBand delivery box. Please note this does not apply to Magical Vacations Travel Agency Exclusive offers.
by Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
10 Must-Do Experiences at Epcot's Festival of the Arts
Epcot Festival of the Arts Events
1. Art of Topiaries The Disney horticulture team will be showing you how we create some of the amazing signature Walt Disney World topiaries.
2. Watermelon Carving – A watermelon will be artfully carved while you receive great tips and tricks to use at their next party.
3. Magic with Water – The Disney Photo Imaging team will discuss tips and tricks for taking great photos around water; including swimming pools, play fountains, waterfalls, and even in the rain. You will also learn about using camera settings, lenses, and locations to get the best results.
4. Animated Flip Books – This session is animation 101 where you will have the opportunity to create their own animated Flip Book while going over the fundamental principles of animation with one of our Disney animators.
5. Food Styling 101 – If you love taking photos of amazing dishes, this is your experience. The session will look at the basics of what goes into making food photo- and video-ready. Lessons include going from ingredients to a beautiful hero shot, talking tricks and tools of the trade and sharing tips to make their own food photography shine.
6. Inspiring Floral – This workshop will share floral design principles along with Disney-inspired creations to help you bring the magic of Disney home at any time of the year.
7. Handcrafted Calligraphy – It’ll be difficult not to have fun learning the basics of pointed pen calligraphy. This workshop will cover topics such as mastering faux calligraphy, how to hold an oblique pen, letter formation, common issues you may run into, and which paths they can take with their new skill.
8. Phone Cam Photography – This photography session from Disney Photo Imaging is for everyone! You will learn how to maximize the capabilities of your phone’s camera to improve your photos. Lighting adjustment, color adjustment, taking High Dynamic Range photos, time lapse, and how to edit photos are just a few of the topics on the agenda.
9. Handwritten Typography – Nothing is more personal than typography created by hand and at this workshop, a Walt Disney World Resort creative service manager will teach you how to draw their own hand drawn typography to create personalized gifts and cards.
10. Storytelling Drawings – A single drawing can tell a story – and this workshop will show you how to do it. A Disney animator will share the art of quick sketching from life. Gesture drawing of people covered in this session is a foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors.
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will return January 12 through February 19, 2018 to celebrate all things art – performing, visual and culinary. Book these experiences by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687)
EPCOT CELEBRATES THE DISNEY•PIXAR FILM ‘COCO’ WITH NEW ENTERTAINMENT, INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS
El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia
From now until Jan. 6, 2018, El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia, a new musical group inspired by the film, will entertain you at the Mexico Pavilion. Named for the town of Santa Cecilia seen in the film, El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia perform songs from the movie including the beautiful “Remember Me” and the heartwarming “The World Es Mi Familia.”
Later this season, Mexico Folk Art Gallery, which currently houses a spectacular collection of “Dia De Muertos” artwork, also will feature an interactive exhibit and festive dioramas showcasing scenes from the film.
In addition to this new musical experience, you can enjoy “Las Posadas,” featuring colorful dancers and performers from Mariachi Cobre celebrating the holiday customs of Mexico during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.
Disney's Magical Express Operation Change
Magical Express Operational Changes
Today I learned of an operational change regarding Disney's Magical Express, that might impact some travel plans. Magical Express will now pick up guests headed to Orlando International Airport 4-hours prior to their flight. Previously Magical Express picked up guests 3-hours prior to their flight. Construction delays at Orlando International as well as longer than usual security lines have caused concern about guests making their flights on time.
This change will be in effect until further notice.
MagicBand Deadline Coming for Gift of Magic Vacation Package
Disney World - Gift of Magic Special Edition
As a reminder, to ensure delivery of the special gift box and MagicBands by Dec. 15, 2017, those of you who have booked the "Disney Gift Vacation Package" must claim your reservation to your personal My Disney Experience account and verify your mailing address by Dec. 1, 2017.
Reservations that do not complete these steps by Dec. 1, 2017 will not be sent the special gift box. If a solid MagicBand color is chosen in lieu of the specially designed MagicBand, the selection cannot be changed after Dec. 1, 2017.
Please note this is only for guests who specifically booked the "Disney Gift Vacation Package" and does not apply to "Magical Vacations Travel - Agency Exclusive Offers" or any other package type.
Disney Gift of Magic - Special Edition Magic Bands