WHAT TIME MAGAZINE SAYS ABOUT PANDORA AT ANIMAL KINGDOM
Pandora World of Avatar Rated by TIME Magazine
TIME Magazine recently ranked Pandora World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park as a Top 100 World’s Greatest Places to visit. According to TIME, the list of 100 destinations from around the world recognizes newsworthy, groundbreaking and innovative travel destinations that stand out in the travel industry.
The list truly captures the best of the best from among more than 1,200 editor and expert nominations from around the world. If you haven't been to Pandora yet, now’s the time. It’s officially one of the world’s greatest places, even if it’s 4.4 light years away! Check for SPECIAL OFFERS and save big on your next Walt Disney World vacation!
Disney Increases Price for Travel Protection
Starting Aug. 29, 2018, Walt Disney Travel Company will be charging for every traveler, regardless of age, who would like to purchase the Travel Protection Plan. Plan costs are as follows:
- $5.50 per child (17 and under)
- $5.00 per child (17 and under)
- $6.00 per child (17 and under)
- $77.50 per adult
- $70.50 per adult
- $88.50 per adult
Pricing above will be assessed for new and existing reservations that add travel protection on the basis of person’s age at check-in. Existing reservations that have travel protection can be modified with no impact to the travel protection pricing unless a child is added to the existing reservation as of Aug. 29, 2018.
Holiday Happenings at Walt Disney World Resort 2018
Holiday Events at Walt Disney World 2018
I'm calling it, “Joy Through the World” at Walt Disney World this holiday season because there are so many holiday activities and events being offered throughout the resort.
This holiday season, you can experience a Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring Sunset Seasons Greetings; Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!; and special seasonal cheer in the new Toy Story Land.
Head over to Epcot for the International Festival of the Holidays including the Candlelight Processional.
Have festive fun with Mickey and the gang during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park.
Plus if you're still looking for a hotel offer, view special offers on Walt Disney World Resort hotel rooms during this holiday season.
Popular Dessert Party Returns to Hollywood Studios
Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
Starting Nov. 6, 2018, the spectacular nighttime holiday fireworks show, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! is returning once again, and with it comes the popular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party!
Guest step into the Chinese Theatre Courtyard to enjoy an array of holiday-themed snacks, decadent desserts, beer, wine. Kids of all ages will get to meet a VIP Disney character.
Before the show, you'll be escorted to a reserved viewing area where you’ll enjoy Disney Movie Magic – a beautiful projection show featuring favorite cinematic moments and the magic of Disney – followed by Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, a show packed with music, fireworks, special effects, and dazzling state-of-the-art projections.
Reservations are now open for the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM Dessert Party for bookings starting on Nov. 6, 2018. The party is offered nightly Nov. 6, 2018-Jan. 6, 2019. The event will start 1 1/2 hours prior each night’s show time. Event times are subject to change without notice and vary throughout the season.
- Nov 6-Dec 22, 2018; Jan 2-6, 2019: Pricing is $79 per adult and $45 per child ages 3-9 (tax and gratuity included)
- Dec 23, 2018-Jan 1, 2019: Pricing is $89 per adult and $49 per child ages 3-9 (tax and gratuity included)
Be sure to check my Walt Disney World Resort Offers Page to see how you save big on hotel rooms and Theme Park Tickets.
Select Disney World Hotels will Remain Pet Friendly
I love animals so when I shared with you that some of the Walt Disney World hotels would allow pets, I didn't think twice about it. But then I began hearing from my clients who had raised concerns that I had not thought of. Some even asked to change hotels. Fortunately I was able to address each concern by working directly with Disney. And I have not heard one complaint or negative experience since the program started.
Today Disney announced that they are going to continue with this program and allow pets. In my experience, I have learned a few things that are worth pointing out regarding pet friendly rooms at Walt Disney World:
- Rooms that accommodate pets are designated "pet rooms" and are not typically offered to guests without pets.
- Disney performs a thorough cleaning of the room after a pet checks out.
- All pets must be registered at the front desk and no more than 2 pets per room are allowed (more on this below).
- Rooms that allow pets are confined to one particular area of the resort
- All dogs must be on a leash - no exceptions.
- Disney has a very strict policy regarding animal behavior. Unofficially speaking, I've been told that if Disney receives a complaint about an animal, the pet's owner will likely be asked to board their pet at Best Friends Pet Care or Disney will assist the guest in finding another hotel. This includes excessive barking and aggressive behavior. I've been told there are no second chances given once a complaint reaches the front desk.
When a guest registers his/her pet with the front desk they will receive notification of the pet policies they must adhere to. These include reminders about proper care and behavior, as well as the need for the dog to remain on a leash at all times while in public spaces. Guests must be able to provide documentation that their dog’s vaccinations and inoculations are up to date, upon request.
Pet Friendly Hotels at Walt Disney World
- Disney’s Art of Animation ResortDisney’s
- Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Disney's Yacht Club Resort
For more information on Pet Friendly hotels at Walt Disney World, call (407) 934-7639
Related:
Work on Tron Coaster Has Begun but Brings These Closures
Tron Coaster coming soon to Walt Disney World
On my last trip to Magic Kingdom it was clear that work has begun on the new Tron-themed coaster in Tomorrowland. This new ride is going just to the left of Space Mountain. Also, Disney has erected a new Tron-themed billboard that’s now visible from Storybook Circus.
A Tron coaster billboard has been erected at Magic Kingdom Park
Ride Closures
Due to the construction of Tron, Disney has announced two new ride closures:
The Walt Disney World Railroad will temporarily close beginning in December 2018. A reopening date has not been announced.
The Tomorrowland Speedway will close for a portion of 2019, as the track is adjusted. It will reopen as the same attraction in the summer of 2019. Personally, I'd love to see a total redesign of this attraction as well.
For exclusive offers to Walt Disney World, visit the Offers Page
2019 Bookings for Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Now Available
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is now available to book for arrivals January 2019-April 2020.
New Dessert Party Coming to Walt Disney World
VIP Dessert Party at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
Starting August 6, 2018, you can book a new Rivers of Light Dessert Party over at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
The party will include a buffet of Disney’s Animal Kingdom-themed desserts, snacks, and drinks followed by VIP viewing of “Rivers of Light.”
Guests start by checking in 60 minutes prior to the main show (8:15 p.m. for a 9:15 p.m. show) at the Rivers of Light Asia Viewing Area Terrace located across from Expedition Everest.
Starting today you can book your reservation by visiting Disneyworld.com, by calling 407 WDW-DINE, or your Disney Travel Agent.
The price is $79 for adults and $47 for children (tax inclusive) and must be paid for in full at the time of booking.
Rivers of Light | Disney's Animal Kingdom Park
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Exclusive Offers
Save big on these Agency-Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel.
Holiday Happenings at Walt Disney World Resort 2018
Holidays 2018 at Walt Disney World Resort
The return of the holiday season to Walt Disney World Resort starts Nov. 8, 2018.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The return of Sunset Seasons Greetings featuring impressive new laser effects and “snow,” holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel with spectacular projections of Disney Characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Olaf sharing their favorite seasonal stories.
Another returning favorite is the nighttime spectacular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! The new Toy Story Land also gets special seasonal fun including holiday songs on Alien Swirling Saucers and more!
Epcot
11 World Showcase nations during Epcot International Festival of the Holidays beginning Nov. 18, 2018. One of my favorite holiday traditions at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional and this year it starts performances on Nov. 22, 2018.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
New this year the magic of nature will receive a holiday touch with the inclusion of Diwali, the holiday Festival of Lights in India, as part of the new live show UP! A Great Bird Adventure.
Walt Disney World Bus Times Now Available
Wait Times for Walt Disney World Buses now in real time.
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida just introduced a new bus time feature in the My Disney Experience mobile app that enables you to view up-to-the-minute estimates for when the next bus will depart from your Disney Resort hotel and when you will arrive at your destination.
The app regularly updates in real time to provide the most current estimates for buses heading to all four theme parks, two water parks and the Disney Springs area. Guests can access this feature by tapping “See Bus Times” when viewing an active Disney Resort hotel reservation.
Currently wait times are only offered for buses departing resort hotels to theme parks, not from theme parks to hotels.
Disney released this video to demonstrate how it works
Must-See Nighttime Spectaculars at Walt Disney World
Get Started on 2019 Walt Disney World Reservations Now
Earlier I shared with you that 2019 Walt Disney Travel Company Packages for Walt Disney World Resort will become available on June 19, 2018. I anticipate this to be a very busy day here. If you'd like to begin the process early, you can send me your information in advance by using my Online Quote Request Form. This will allow me to prepare a quote for you faster on June 19.
Also, special offers may be available for select dates in January and February 2019. Be sure to check the Offers Page for updates. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
FastPass Strategy at Walt Disney World
As a travel agent I'm asked all the time about how to maximize Disney FastPass. Today I found a great article from TouringPlans.com that offers a great strategy for obtaining additional FastPasses after the first three selections have been used.
How to Maximize the FastPass System at Walt Disney World
Darren specializes in Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney Travel Co. Packages Available June 19, 2018
Today the Walt Disney Travel Co. announced that 2019 pricing will be available for packages and room-only reservations for the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on June 19, 2018. Magical Vacations Travel customers can expect that Agency-Exclusive offers should be available by fall 2018.
You can view all current offers on the Resort Offers Page
Disney Hints at Star Wars Hotel Location
Families visiting the new Star Wars-inspired hotel coming to Walt Disney World Resort will board a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold during their voyage through the galaxy – and every window has a view of space.
Disney has not yet announced where the new Star Wars hotel will be located other than it’s “under development.” We know that it is going to be somewhere near World Drive and on the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We also know that Disney plans to build it near Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to “allow the experience to be seamlessly connected.”
Disney Star Wars Hotel concept
The Star Wars hotel will be different from other Disney resorts in that families will board a starship that will take them to their destination. While onboard, Star Wars characters will appear, stories will unfold for them, and views outside the “windows” will have views of space.
Disney Star Wars Hotel concept
Guests who plan a multi-night stay can participate as a resident of the Galaxy and even dress in Star Wars traditional garb.
Stay tuned for more information.
Star Wars Galaxy Edge Opening Announced
Opening Late Fall 2019
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in late fall 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort. Stay tuned for more details.
Sneak Preview of Toy Story Land Tonight 8PM
Watch “Toy Story 3” on ABC from 8-10 p.m. ET tonight plus check out their new adventure. They join a few new faces – some plastic, some plush – including Barbie’s counterpart Ken, a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants and a strawberry-scented bear named Lots-O-Huggin’ Bear.
And throughout the night viewers will have a front-row seat to the new Toy Story Land opening June 30, 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Darren specializes in the Walt Disney World Resort
2018 Epcot Candlelight Processional Dates
2018 Epcot Candlelight Processional Dates
2018 Epcot Candlelight Processional dates have been announced: The first show begins on Thanksgiving (November 22) and will run through Dec 30, 2018. Previously I shared with you dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, be sure to check that out as well!
Secret Walking Tour at Disney's California Adventure Park
If you've ever had a chance to enter a Disney Theme Park prior to opening, say for an early dining reservation or special tour, you know how magical it can be. There's something about seeing the parks without all the congestion and foot traffic. It can also be a great time to take some photos without other guests in them!
At Disney's California Adventure Park, guests can make reservations for a secret 2-mile walking tour of the Theme Park. The tour is led by a Cast Member who also provides some trivia and Disneyland Resort history. This tour is available to any Disneyland Resort hotel guest - but just remember that advance dining reservations are required. To make a reservation, stop by Guest Services.
VIDEO: Behind the Scenes at Toy Story Land
Here's a peek behind the scenes with Walt Disney Imagineering at Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, opening June 30, 2018. In this this video, we see how Imagineers bring Weezy to life at Slinky Dog Dash.