VIDEO: Tour Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
Taking Control of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park
Beginning today at Disneyland Park you can climb aboard the Millennium Falcon and settle into the cockpit to operate “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park. Let’s take a closer look….
As a reminder, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge will open Aug. 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.*
For special offers this fall, check out the Walt Disney World Resort Offers Page.
*Reservations required to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge from May 31 to June 23 at Disneyland Park in California. Theme parks, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity.
Foodie Guide to Lion King Treats at Animal Kingdom Park
Disney is introducing new treats this summer with offerings that celebrate characters and moments from Disney’s The Lion King.
All of the items listed below begin on May 24, 2019 and will run through the end of summer. From latte art and ice cream sandwiches to special cones and more, there are enough treats here to have a feast fit for a (lion) king.
My personal favorite - Lion King latte art!
For Walt Disney World special offers, check out the offers page
Reminder! Important ADR Change on Magic Kingdom Party Nights
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park
Has this ever happened to you? You’re searching for a parking spot at the mall hoping for something close to the entrance. Then there it is, the best spot in the entire complex, no one will be parked closer to the mall than you! Everyone else somehow overlooked it! But then as you get closer you notice there’s a compact car parked in it.
A similar experience can occur when trying to find availability at Magic Kingdom restaurants in the fall - Late August through December. Be Our Guest Restaurant, for example, is the most challenging ADR to get at Walt Disney World. You must be online at 6 am, 180 days in advance and even then you have only 2 minutes book it before it sells out.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park
But sometimes you’ll notice a flood of availability appear for dinner reservations at Be Our Guest, Crystal Palace and Liberty Tree Tavern, the 3 most most popular. Especially after 7 pm. How can this be? Is this the parking space syndrome, somehow everyone else overlooked it? Maybe. But chances are the Magic Kingdom is closing early for a party.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party usually begin at 7 pm. Magic Kingdom will close to day guests and only those who have purchased a party ticket can remain inside the park after 7 pm.
Guests who pay for the party have so many activities to explore, many don’t want to spend their time sitting down at a restaurant, thus wide-open availability at places like Be Our Guest Restaurant and Crystal Palace. They will sell out for sure, just not as fast..
Unfortunately if you’re not a party guest, you cannot stay in the park later than 7 pm even if you have an ADR for a Magic Kingdom restaurant. This can be a moment of frustration for some people and Disney’s website doesn’t make this abundantly clear. For non-party goers the last ADR for Magic Kingdom dining is 5:55 pm.
If you’re already inside the restaurant when the park closes, of course you can stay. But when it’s time to leave, a cast member will escort you to the park’s exit. “You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here” kind of thing.
In the fall, it’s critical for you to know when Magic Kingdom will be hosting evening parties. There are more now than ever before. If you’re thinking of attending one, go for it! They are tons of fun. But don’t waste time at a restaurant - there’s too much to see and do.
Related:
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party dates
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates
From Disney: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Dining
Video Update on TRON Attraction Coming to Magic Kingdom Park
Concept art for the TRON attraction being built at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World.
The steel columns are going up at the site of the new TRON attraction. These columns will support the coaster’s track in Tomorrowland. Recently, Disney shared with me a special look at the columns and the progress Walt Disney Imagineers, Disney cast members and project teams have made in the past 12 months.
TRON is on track to open by October, 2021 for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
Earlier this year, cast members continued a Disney tradition by signing their names on one of the first steel support columns for the new attraction.
Finally! You Can Book Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Online
Book Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Online
At Walt Disney World has just announced the option of booking Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, The Pirates League and Harmony Barber Shop online through a new online reservation system at DisneyWorld.com.
With the online system, you can quickly search for available dates or make cancelations to existing appointments at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations in domestic U.S. Parks, and at The Pirates League and Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney World® Resort.
Advance reservations are strongly encouraged for these experiences as they are quite popular and appointment times fill up quickly.
At Walt Disney World Resort, reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (ages 3-12), The Pirates League, or Harmony Barber Shop.
2019 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Marks 10-Year Milestone
2019 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Marks 10-Year Milestone
This fall’s runDisney race season is a celebration 10 years in the making as the 2019 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend takes place Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2019.
This year’s event includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon and kids’ races. During this year’s Disney Fall Feast 5K, you can run, jog or walk your way around Epcot for the first time during this fall event.
At the Nov. 3, 2019 post-race party, enjoy after-hours access to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, including marketplaces and select Epcot attractions.
Disney Resort Hotel is already limited during the WIne and Dine Half Marathon, so now is the perfect time to book your stay. Check out my list of current Walt Disney World Offers for October and November 2019.
Related
Make the Jump to Lightspeed in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
On the heels of its Aug. 29, 2019 grand opening, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios gives you the chance this fall to live your own Star Wars story.
While visiting the land, you can stop for a drink at Oga’s Cantina or discover rare artifacts at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, among other immersive experiences. T
he groundbreaking attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run gives Guests control of the iconic spacecraft as the ship hurtles through space on a smuggling mission.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity.
Related:
Book Fall travel to Walt Disney World with these exclusive offers
Last Call for Illuminations Reflections of Earth Sep 30 - Book Fall Travel Now
Last Show of Illuminations Reflections of Earth
Come see the Last Call for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” as “Epcot Forever” Debuts Oct. 1
For nearly 20 years, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” has entertained millions as the nighttime spectacular that brought each day at Epcot to a thrilling close.
The show’s final night will be Sept. 30, 2019 to make way for an all-new, limited-time spectacular, “Epcot Forever,” debuting Oct. 1, 2019.
This new show will be a celebration of the past, present and future of Epcot featuring fireworks, lasers and choreographed special-effect kites accompanied by a stirring collection of songs celebrating Epcot.
Now is the best time to book your fall 2019 travel to Walt Disney World Resort. Check out my list of Current Offers for Walt Disney World.
Related:
NBA Experience Opens Aug 12, 2019 at Walt Disney World
On Aug. 12, 2019 the NBA Experience will open at Disney Springs with 13 interactive and hands-on activities. With a ticket to NBA Experience, you can improve your shooting and dribbling skills, get some creative photos taken to name a couple of the immersive opportunities that will blend Disney magic with the NBA and WNBA.
Tickets to NBA Experience are $34 (plus tax) for guests ages 10 and older, and $29 (plus tax) for children ages 3-9.
I recommend bringing athletic shoes (footwear will be required for entry). You will also be asked to sign a waiver prior to starting their activities; children under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver for them.
For Walt Disney World Summer Offers, check out my Offers Page
New Magic Band Designs Coming Soon!
New design options coming to Magic Bands at Walt Disney World Resort
Soon, guests of Walt Disney World Resort will have the option of adding new customized Magic Bands. But…for the right price.
Hotel guests and new and renewing Annual Passholders will have the option to upgrade, at a discounted price, from a complimentary solid-color MagicBand to one of more than 30 new MagicBand options featuring favorite Disney characters and designs.
Guest staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel will have more designs to choose from compared to those staying off-site.
These new MagicBand options will be available for pre-arrival purchase at a special price of $14.99 off retail cost through the My Disney Experience website.
No word yet on when these new Magic Bands will become available, but Disney is saying that this will launch in the coming weeks.
Check out special hotel discounts and offers on the Current Offers Page
Extra, Extra Magic Hours Announced. May the 4th be With You
Today I have great news regarding Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World Resort: Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel this fall will have more opportunities to take advantage of this Extra Magic Hours benefit with Extra, Extra Magic Hours at our theme parks!
The Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit will include expanded daily offerings at three of our theme parks, which includes more time to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as other experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom theme parks. Here’s the rundown:
Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Daily from Sept. 1-Nov. 2, the park will have Extra, Extra Magic Hours from 6-9 a.m., including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, plus Toy Story Land attractions and select other attractions. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences subject to capacity.
(Please note that on Aug. 29-31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at 6 a.m. for all Guests. There will not be Extra, Extra Magic Hours on those days.)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park — Extra, Extra Magic Hours will happen daily from Aug. 29-Nov. 2, from 7-8 a.m., featuring Pandora – The World of Avatar and other attractions throughout the park (same as today’s morning Extra Magic Hours offerings).
Magic Kingdom Park —Extra, Extra Magic Hours will happen daily from Aug. 29-Nov. 2, from 7-8 a.m., featuring favorite attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland (same as today’s morning Extra Magic Hours offerings).
Extra Magic Hours will also continue to be available on select days at Epcot.
If you are visiting this fall, you should know that the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit at the Walt Disney WorldResort requires a valid theme park admission and hotel ID. Guests without the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option must spend the day at the same park where they’d like to enjoy the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit.
Also, not all Walt Disney World attractions are available with the Extra Magic Hours benefit. Park hours and available attractions are subject to change without notice. *Applicable theme park, days and times of operation, attraction and service availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity and cancellation.
View Fall 2019 Offers for Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
May The Fourth Be With You!
*The Extra Magic Hours benefit applies to Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Shades of Green® Resort, Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
Visit the Offers Page for current Walt Disney World offers including Agency-Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel.
Exclusive Epcot Fireworks Dessert Party Coming August 22, 2019
Magical Vacations Travel - Epcot Dessert Party
Magical Vacations Travel Presents
A Fireworks Spectacular Dessert Party at Epcot
August 22, 2019 - 7:50 pm.
After the fireworks, stay for a “magical moment” surprise.
This event is available exclusively for clients of Magical Vacations Travel. Get your quote today!
Event is subject to availability and is open exclusively to clients of Magical Vacations Travel. Contact Darren Wittko for event rates and additional information.
Exclusive VIP Event from Magical Vacations Travel
Magical Vacations Travel - Epcot Character Breakfast
Magical Vacations Travel presents
A Toyrific Breakfast at Epcot
August 25th, 2019
World Showplace 8:15 am. Adult-size games and Toy Story character meet & greet*
This private event is offered exclusively to clients of Magical Vacations Travel. Start your quote today!
*Event is subject to availability. Open to clients of Magical Vacations Travel who have booked a room or package reservation during the event date. Contact Darren Wittko for event rates and additional information.
Preview: Merchandise Coming to Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
New merchandise coming to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
Be sure to check out these locations at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge:
Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers – Guests come to the workshop to meet with the Gatherers – a secretive group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of Jedi lore and the Force. The workshop Master guides guests to customize and build their own unique lightsabers, and instructs them on the ways of the Jedi.
Droid Depot – Visitors to Mubo’s workshop can choose parts and construct their own individual astromech droids to accompany them on their journey, and then take them home with them.
First Order Cargo – A spaceport hangar bay serves as the temporary base and landing spot for the First Order. First Order officers have brought in crates of gear, uniforms and other supplies to win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors to Black Spire Outpost.
Resistance Supply – Resistance members and local sympathizers oversee a makeshift stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, pins, badges, hats, helmets, jackets, maps, tools, training supplies, food rations and other items.
There are also several market stalls which sell a variety of merchandise such as:
Toydarian Toymaker (toys)
Creature Stall (interesting critters that you can take home with you)
Black Spire Outfitters (clothing)
The Jewels of Bith (accessories and other trinkets to treasure)
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens on May 31 at the Disneyland Resort and August 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney Villains Coming to Magic Kingdom This Summer
Get ready for Disney Villains After Hours! Tickets go on sale April 29, 2019 – for this wicked fun special event, offered on select nights this summer from June 6-Aug. 8, 2019.
A dark magic is taking over Magic Kingdom Park and inviting you to run amuck in the Villains’ scary world. The party DJ gets things lit, energizing the castle stage with sick beats and transforming the entire Central Plaza of the park into a killer club scene. As the party heats up, the DJ introduces the “Caretaker” for the evening, the Lord of the Dead, Hades, who arrives in a burst of blue flames for the all-new show, “Villains Unite the Night.”
Beyond the castle forecourt, ominous lighting and music abound. In Tomorrowland, the Villains invade Space Mountain, taking daring voyagers on a villainous trip they won’t soon forget, with a new music underscore and the vilest Villains taunting you as you whiz by. And over in Adventureland, a live crew of scurvy scalawags invades Pirates of the Caribbean in search of treasure.
Disney Villains After Hours also includes wickedly good food and beverage selections, special event merchandise and low wait times at more than 20 attractions and experiences across the park. It all adds up to a party like no other.
This event does not include character greetings with the Villains. Tickets for Disney Villains After Hours will be available starting on April 29, 2019 and are $139 plus tax in advance or $144 plus tax on the event night.
Related:
2019 Dates for 'Disney After Hours' at Walt Disney World Resort
VIDEO: Preview of Epcot's New Nighttime Show
“Epcot Forever” coming to Epcot October 1, 2019
After a dazzling 20-year run, we will bid a fond farewell to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot® on Sept. 30, 2019. So come and gather around World Showcase Lagoon this summer to enjoy this breathtaking display of lasers, lights and fireworks, as we get ready to launch two new nighttime spectaculars as part of the park’s unprecedented, multi-year transformation.
“Epcot Forever” will be anew, limited-time spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers and choreographed, special effects kites starting October 1, 2019. The show will take us on a journey through the past, present and future of Epcot.
Featuring a stirring collection of songs that paint a colorful picture of the park, this nighttime extravaganza will offer both a trip down memory lane and a look towards the future and all the magical possibilities still to come.
2019 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Dates - Walt DisneyWorld
2019 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates:
November: 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24
December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22
2019 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party | Walt Disney World Resort
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets start at $99 for select nights after $10 advance-purchase savings.
The party include a special holiday-themed parade and fireworks display as well as holiday stage shows such as “A Frozen Holiday Wish.”
Additional details about the Christmas party will be released in he coming months.
Important News Regarding Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
According to the Walt Disney World Resort, capacity for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and its experiences will be limited after it opens on August 29, 2019. Access to the Park, land and experiences may be restricted or unavailable depending on Guest demand and other factors. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction opens later in the year.
Make Reservations for ABC Commissary at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Starting today, it’s possible to make advanced dining reservations for ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for dinner.
Currently, starting at 4 p.m. daily, a fast-casual dinner experience will begin. Place an order at one of the cash registers, take a pager, and find a comfortable place to sit. Then, when the order is ready, a server will bring the food right to your table.
In short, this is similar to quick service dining but with guaranteed seating. Reservations are available starting today, with bookings beginning on June 2, 2019.
2019 Dates for 'Disney After Hours' at Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World After Hours Events 2019
If you aren’t familiar with Disney After Hours events, they’re your opportunity to experience a Disney theme park for three hours after regular park hours, with limited attendance, which means little-to-no wait for attractions, experiences and character greetings. The event ticket also allows you early entry into the park, beginning at 7 p.m.
New dates for Disney After Hours at Walt Disney World Resort:
Magic Kingdom: May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: May 7, 14 and 21; and June 4, 11 and 18.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: May 1, 4, 10, 17, 24 and 31; and June 14, 21 and 28.
And at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are two special celebration nights:
May 1 – Celebrate Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th anniversary with special anniversary merchandise, additional character greetings and more food & beverage offerings to purchase.
May 4 – Celebrate May the Fourth dressed in your best galactic Star Wars attire. Experience Character Encounters including Chewbacca with REY, Darth Vadar, Kylo Ren with CAPTAIN PHASMA, Ewoks, Jawas and imperial stormtroopers. Plus, specialty treats available for purchase. *Be sure your costume fits within park guidelines.