Monday, March 28, 2016

Disney's Animal Kingdom Rivers of Light Preview

Rivers of Light is Disney's Animal Kingdom's first nighttime show that weaves together beautiful lanterns along with water technology to tell a beautiful story!  Check out the video below for a sneak peek!!


 

Disney News - for the Week of March 25, 2016

Monday, March 21, 2016




Tuesday, March 22, 2016




Wednesday, March 23, 2016




Thursday, March 24, 2016




Friday, March 25, 2016







Friday, March 18, 2016

Disney News - for the Week of March 18, 2016

Monday, March 14, 2016



Tuesday, March 15, 2016



Wednesday, March 16, 2016

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Thursday, March 17, 2016




Friday, March 18, 2016





News source: http://www.wdwinfo.com/dailyfix

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Disney News - for the Week of March 11, 2016

Monday, March 7, 2016




Tuesday, March 8, 2016




Wednesday, March 9, 2016




Thursday, March 10, 2016




Friday, March 11, 2016






News source: http://www.wdwinfo.com/dailyfix

Friday, March 4, 2016

Disney News - for the week of March 4th, 2016


‘Rivers of Light’ To Debut April 22 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s first-ever night-time show, “Rivers of Light,” will officially debut at the park on April 22. The show, set on Discovery River in the Asia section of the park, will depict an ancient lantern festival guided by two storytellers who call forth four animal Spirit Guides: an Asian Tiger, Tropical Turtle, African Elephant and Great Horned Owl. These Spirit Guides return at different points during the show to lead the audience through their journey through the Rivers of Light. Check out the video below to get the first look at some of the illuminated lanterns, water screens, moving fountains, light projections and other amazing elements that will be featured in “Rivers of Light.

  

News/Photo source: Disney Parks Blog





New Characters Join Turtle Talk with Crush
When Crush the sea turtle swims up to the “Human Tank” at either Epcot or Disney California Adventure park this summer, he’ll be joined by Dory and some of her new friends from Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory”! You’ll be able to meet Destiny the whale shark, Bailey the beluga whale and Hank the “septopus” (that’s a seven-legged octopus, of course!). Crush’s very own mini-man Squirt will also be swimming by for the first time, and you might even catch a glimpse of Nemo and his dad Marlin.

Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak whale? Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”), the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton.

Here’s a look at the latest trailer for the film:


Finding Dory swims into theaters on June 17, 2016, and the new additions to Turtle Talk with Crush start mid-May

News/Photo source: Disney Parks Blog





Two New Features Coming to MyMagic+
Two major new features are set to debut later this Spring at the Walt Disney World theme parks.


First up is perhaps the solution to one of the biggest guest complaints with FastPass+.

If everything goes to plan, starting sometime around early April 2016, you will be able to make those additional FastPass+ reservations directly from My Disney Experience on your phone. This new functionality will eliminate the need to go to kiosks to make additional FastPass+ reservations after your initial three have been used.

Also set to debut soon is the widespread rollout of StoryMaker, which is the interactive component of MyMagic+ that we heard so much about in the early days of the project. StoryMaker was one of the features that did not make the initial rollout of MyMagic+ due to the complexities with other areas of the system that were deemed to be of higher importance. A concentration of efforts on FastPass+ and MagicBand reliability, along with rising costs put StoryMaker on the back-burner, until now.

Already testing in some areas, StoryMaker allows attractions to interact with guests, using information from the MyMagic+ profile associated with the guest. For example, the "it's a small world" goodbye sequence may know exactly where you are from, or a meet and greet with Mickey Mouse might use your name.

Disney has not yet announced the availability of the new features, so as always, treat as speculation at this time.

News source: www.wdwmagic.com/





New Wishes Dessert Party Available at Narcoossee's
Narcoossee's will soon introduce a limited-time special event at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the new Narcoossee's Wishes Dessert Party.  Every Friday in March, Guests can enjoy signature desserts (including cannolis, cheesecake, fruit tarts, brownies bites, and more) and beverages beginning 30 minutes before Wishes starts at the Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can book this experience for $59 per Guest (including tax & gratuity) by calling 407-824-1400.

News source: Orlando Theme Park News





Beaches and Cream Now Offers Alcoholic Floats
The Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney's Beach Club Resort is now offering an alcoholic milkshake and floats.  Floats will run you $12, while the milkshake will cost $11.25





Diamond Horseshoe in the Magic Kingdom to Begin Table Service Dining
Starting March 13th, Magic Kingdom's Diamond Horseshoe restaurant will begin serving table service lunch and dinner.  The menu will be "all you care to enjoy" and will include a frontier salad and cornbread for the table to share.  For entree's you have a choice of  BBQ pulled turkey served over cornbread, spit roasted ham served with country beans or stewed beef and mashed potatoes. Each will include a side of seasonal vegetables.


Desserts include a choice of an apple tart, or campfire brownie.  Soft drinks, tea, coffee and milk are included.  Adult price is $33, children $19, plus tax.  Reservations can now be made for March 13th through May 30th.
News/Photo source: Disney Parks Blog





Turkey legs being removed from Animal Kingdom Menus
Changes look to be coming to the food items available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including the removal of turkey legs from the menus.  This change took place March 1.

At Flame Tree Barbecue, the turkey legs were removed from the offerings, but taking their place is a Full Rack of St. Louis Ribs; Roasted Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens; Ribs, Chicken and Pulled Pork Sampler Platter; and French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese.

Pizzafari will be serving a new Shrimp Flatbread Pizza and a Hearts of Romaine salad with shrimp. New side dishes and beverages include garlic butter knots, tomato soup, garlic dipping sauce, Mandarin Orange Lemonade, and Mandarin Orange Vodka Lemonade.

A Roasted Chicken Salad with Mixed Greens and a Chili-Cheese Hot Dog will come to Restaurantosaurus, along with New England Clam Chowder and Chili-Cheese Fries. The toppings bar will also get an upgrade, with the additions of sautéed onions, guacamole, and olive tapenade.

News source: Orlando Theme Park News





Be Our Guest Menu Price Increases
It appears that Disney has increased some of the prices at the Be Our Guest restaurant in the Magic Kingdom.   Breakfast which was previously $22 has now been increased to $24 and no longer includes a beverage.   Some of the lunch entrees have also gone up in price - the tuna salad will cost you $1 extra, the pork has increased by $2 and the roast beef sandwich is $3 more.

News source: disneyworld.disney.go.com





And the biggest news of the week ...

Disney Parks Adopt Seasonal Pricing on 1-Day Tickets

As of February 28th, Disney is shifting to seasonal pricing for 1-Day tickets.

How will it work? Each month is divided into value, regular and peak days with an 8-11 month calendar available for viewing online. Here’s an example, if you plan your visit for September, you’ll have a variety of options, including many days in the value period, which will give you the opportunity to pay less for a 1-Day ticket. If you plan to visit during a peak period, like the winter holidays you will pay more. Purchasing a 1-Day ticket in a non-peak period, or choosing multi-day ticket and annual passes, will provide additional flexibility and value.

In addition, although in the past 1-Day tickets for Walt Disney World Resort did not expire, 1-Day tickets sold on or after Sunday, Feb. 28 for Walt Disney World will expire at the end of the next calendar year. For example, 1-day tickets sold in 2016 will expire on Dec. 31, 2017. The amount paid for an unused, expired ticket may be applied towards the purchase of a new ticket at the current price.




News source: Disney Destination Travel News






Thursday, March 3, 2016

Disney Cruise Line Announces Two More Ships

Disney Cruise Line is proud to announce plans today to build two additional cruise ships, each of them showcasing the immersive family entertainment, enchanting storytelling and unparalleled service that only Disney can deliver.

The new ships, each approximately 135,000 gross tons with about 1,250 guest staterooms, will be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. These new vessels will be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, and be completed in 2021 and 2023.

While design plans, ship names and itineraries are still in development, the Walt Disney Imagineering team is already dreaming up exciting new ways to create the world’s most magical oceangoing adventures.



News source:  Disney Destinations News



Wednesday, March 2, 2016

New Shops and Restaurants Coming to Disney Springs

As Disney Springs continues to expand and double its existing dining, shopping, and entertainment options at the Walt Disney World Resort, more exciting high-profile tenants are coming onboard, including Anthropologie, LACOSTE, Under Armour, kate spade new york, Sephora and Lucky Brand, among others. Earlier today, a total of 30 new tenants were announced as coming to the Town Center area of Disney Springs, including new retail shops and dining venues.

Announced today as coming to Disney Springs are 28 new stores to be located in Town Center, which offers a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect with each other. Town Center features Spanish “Revival” style architecture, drawing from a rich history of explorers that landed in Florida centuries ago.



The following Town Center shops are slated to open in phases beginning May 15, 2016:

Anthropologie:
Anthropologie’s unique and eclectic product assortment includes women’s casual apparel and accessories, intimates, shoes, beauty, home furnishings and a diverse array of gifts and decorative items.

LACOSTE:
Since the very first polo shirt was created in 1933, LACOSTE relies on its authentic sportive roots to spring optimism and elegance on the world thanks to a unique and original lifestyle for women, men and children and offers a range of products: apparel, leather goods, fragrances, footwear, eyewear, homewear, watches and underwear.

Kate Spade New York:
Crisp color, graphic prints and playful sophistication are the hallmarks of kate spade new york. From handbags and clothing to jewelry, fashion accessories, fragrance, eyewear, shoes, swimwear, home decor, desk accessories, stationery, tabletop and gifts, the brand’s exuberant approach to the everyday encourages personal style with a dash of incandescent charm.

Sephora:
The new Disney Springs Sephora store will offer guests the opportunity to try, test, and play with thousands of products from classic and up-and-coming cosmetic and fragrance brands. Sephora at Disney Springs will feature the latest in beauty services and technology at their expanded Sephora Beauty Studio including Mini Makeovers, Sephora + Pantone Color IQ and complimentary Beauty Classes.

Under Armour: 
Covering two-stories of retail space with a large array of athletic apparel, footwear, and equipment for men, women, and youth, the Disney Springs Under Armour Brand House will have an interactive experience geared toward young athletes who want to test their skills and talents.

M·A·C Cosmetics: 
Collaborating with leading talents from fashion, art and popular culture, M·A·C is a leader in professional makeup and celebrates diversity and individuality.

Vince Camuto: 
A lifestyle brand offering a range of innovative, stylish, trendy products including footwear, handbags, sportswear and much more.

Vera Bradley: 
Celebrating the unique signature style of Vera Bradley in an exciting and modern way, this store designed just for Disney Springs, will bring to life the rich history and heritage of Vera Bradley, showcasing a wide range of their distinctive signature collections and a myriad of specially-created Disney-themed products.

Lucky Brand: 
Staying true to the rich heritage and authentic, all-American spirit of denim, Lucky Brand crafts comfortable vintage-inspired jeans and casual clothing with an irreverent rock and roll attitude.

Oakley: 
Oakley infuses technology, performance and style into eyewear, apparel and accessories for those who are passionate about sports and outdoor lifestyles.

Coca-Cola Store: 
Building on its long-standing relationship with Disney, the new store, inspired by a 1920’s-era Coca-Cola bottling plant design, will feature a wide selection of Coca-Cola merchandise, a Coca-Cola Polar Bear experience and refreshing rooftop beverage bar.

TROPHY ROOM: 
Founded by Marcus Jordan, son of NBA legend Michael Jordan, TROPHY ROOM is an elevated and unique athletic retail boutique experience, inspired by the trophy room in the Jordan family estate. Opening its first location at Disney Springs, the store offers footwear, apparel, memorabilia and exclusive merchandise.

ALEX AND ANI:
Meaningful, eco-conscious jewelry and accessories designed to connect people.

Na Hoku – Hawaii’s Finest Jewelers Since 1924: 
A collection of fine jewelry that captures the essence of Hawaiian and Island Lifestyle.

Shore: 
A fashionable American lifestyle brand featuring swimwear, fitness wear, everyday comfort clothing, exclusive products and a new line of limited-edition Shore Brand apparel, only available at Disney Springs.

American Threads: 
Opening a flagship location at Disney Springs, American Threads offers women’s clothing inspired by the free American spirit.

Volcom: 
Volcom was founded on the belief that there is a higher level of consciousness to be found within one’s self through the internal and external journeys that board-sports, music, art and film provide. The company prides itself on making quality apparel, outerwear, footwear and accessories that not only exemplify the lifestyle, but also enhance the ability to live it.

Kipling: 
An international accessories brand offering lightweight and ultra-functional handbags, backpacks, luggage and more to lighten one’s day.

Francesca’s: 
With new merchandise arriving daily and in limited quantities, guests will find unique, fashion-forward clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry and gifts.

Melissa Shoes: 
As the pioneer in jelly shoes manufacturing, this Brazilian footwear company offers guests innovative and stylish plastic footwear.

UNOde50: 
Founded in Madrid, Spain, this jewelry retailer offers unique, highly hand-crafted designs that break away from the norm.

Johnston & Murphy: 
Known for its heritage in designing high-quality, well-crafted footwear and apparel, Johnston & Murphy offers modern classics for the new traditional customer.

Everything But Water: 
Known for providing the perfect getaway wardrobe for fashionable women, Everything But Water offers an extensive collection of designer swimwear, resortwear and accessories.

Free People: 
Free People offers a unique merchandise mix of casual women’s apparel, intimates, shoes, accessories, activewear and gifts.

JOHNNY WAS: 
Beautifully crafted bohemian womenswear brand, with a curated selection of jewelry, books, and gifts and a signature line of colorful printed silk scarves, dresses, and tunics.

Columbia:
Creating innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for outdoor and fishing enthusiasts since 1938. The new store at Disney Springs will feature the Performance Fishing Gear (PFG) collection designed with fabrics and industry leading technologies that allow for comfortable wear and use for enjoying long days on the water or under the sun.

Sperry: 
From the invention of the world’s first boat shoe to a full collection of sea-tested lifestyle products, Sperry offers the tools for life’s adventures.

Luxury of Time by Diamonds International: 
An industry leader of fine timepieces and jewelry in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexico, Luxury of Time by Diamonds International will feature some of the world’s most prominent designer watch brands and a large collection of fine jewelry.



Also announced today as coming to Disney Springs are several new dining venues at Town Center overlooking The Spring, the heart and soul of the property.

At D-Luxe Burger, a Disney owned and operated concept, burger aficionados are in for a treat with gourmet burgers made from a signature blend of beef, unique toppings and freshly baked buns. All-natural chicken and vegetarian burgers round out the menu with hand-cut fries and house-made dipping sauces as the perfect complement. Artisanal gelato shakes (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) and floats will also be featured, as well as hard sodas, draft beer and cider.

Celebrating the art of pastry making, Amorette’s Patisserie features elements of an artist’s loft and art gallery side-by-side within the comforts of a small town patisserie. Amorette’s means “little loves,” which is evident in the care poured into creating the shop’s sweet treats. Timeless classic and contemporary pastries are the stars in this unique high-end pastry shop owned and operated by Disney. Custom cakes are truly a work of art and are available for immediate purchase or for pre-order. Champagne selections by the glass and handcrafted hot chocolates only a pastry artist could create allow for a truly indulgent experience.

In addition to these owned and operated restaurants, we are bringing new restaurants to Town Center by award-winning celebrity chefs.

The newest contemporary Mexican-themed restaurant joining Disney Springs has a new name. Tablas Frontera will delight friends, family and food-lovers with exciting flavors and a contemporary Mexican experience. Warm colors, an open kitchen and a lively atmosphere frame an inviting exploration of the many delights from the kitchen of renowned chef Rick Bayless. The delicious, enticing presentation of grilled meats, seafood and vegetables served on planks (tablas) promote sharing and togetherness.

Homecoming – Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar by Chef Art Smith will showcase farm-to-fork cuisine inspired by the Sunshine State. The menu will feature Southern favorites like homemade pimento cheese, deviled eggs, low country shrimp and grits, and fried chicken.


ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENTS

As guests enter Town Center around The Spring area, they will be warmly greeted at the Welcome Center, a place where guests can relax and take in the beauty of the clear water with lush landscape along the water’s edge. Themed to early Florida settlements, the architecture around The Spring is based on timber frame structures that were once used in the citrus and ranching industries.

Over in the Marketplace, Fulton’s Crab House will open a new concept this fall. The re-imagined restaurant will welcome guests with a bow to stern update including interiors reflecting the crisp luxury of modern yachting, and new spaces include a lushly appointed rooftop lounge overlooking Disney Springs, outdoor waterfront bar featuring a “build your own” fish boil and private dining areas. The new menu stars fresh seafood with an oyster shucking bar, Florida stone crab and Alaskan king crab, with hearty steaks and chops, as well as classic and curated cocktails.

In addition, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will move from its current location at World of Disney into a new and expanded location near Once Upon a Toy in the Disney Springs Marketplace. Guests ages 3-12 will receive the royal treatment, getting made up like their favorite Disney princess with the help of their own Fairy Godmother-in-Training. This country parlor-inspired location will include an expanded salon to welcome royal attendees and a uniquely designed photo room to capture memories. Be among the first to experience this new location by booking your royal makeover at 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895).

Disney Springs can be easily accessed from I-4 West, Central Florida’s major thoroughfare, via a new connection that leads directly to a convenient parking garage featuring smart technology that identifies open parking spaces. Self parking is complimentary. Valet parking is also available on site for $20.

News source: Orlando Theme Park News