Wednesday, October 1, 2014

What's New at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks - 9.25.14

Magic Kingdom Park


source: disneyworld.com



New! Memory Maker Photos and Video Available on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train:  You can now take home a special gem that will allow you to relive all the fun and excitement of your moments aboard the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction. When you ride the attraction with a MagicBand and a linked Memory Maker entitlement you will have your photo and video automatically associated to your My Disney Experience account. You’ll also be able to view, download and share the photo and video of your family & friends. Here’s a sample video thanks to Disney Parks' YouTube channel:






New! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Update: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is officially sold out on Halloween Night, Oct 31, 2014. All other remaining party dates still have ticket availability.



New! FastPass+ Kiosks at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Closed: The FastPass+ kiosks at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed on Sunday, Sept. 21. Tomorrowland FastPass+ kiosk location near Stitch’s Great Escape! is still available.



Reminder! Monorail Service Hours Adjustment: Effective the night of Sept. 27, the Walt Disney World daily monorail service will run:

  • on the Magic Kingdom Resort beam until 1 hour after park close and resume every morning beginning at 7 a.m.
  • on the Epcot beam until 1 hour after Magic Kingdom Park closes or 11 p.m. (whichever is earlier) and resume every morning at 8 a.m.
  • on the Magic Kingdom Express beam until 1 hour after park close and resume every morning at 8:30 a.m.
Epcot


source: disneyworld.com


New! Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Under Way: From now until November 10, taste your way around the world at 28 International Marketplaces. Remember to check out  the Eat to the Beat Concert Series at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m.. There are also many special festival experiences at the Festival Welcome Center hosted by Transitions® adaptive lenses™ – open daily 9 a.m. – park close including: Culinary demonstrations – daily at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. ($15 per person); Wine and beverage seminars – daily at 12, 2 and 4 p.m. ($15 per person); Mixology seminars – daily at 6 p.m. ($15 per person); The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar- Hosted by Ghirardelli® Chocolate Company – daily from 9 a.m. - park close (Free); Back to Basics (new this year!) – Sundays at 12:15, 2:15, 4:15 and 6:15 p.m.; Book, bottle signings and meet and greets; Seasons of the Vine film; Intermissions Cafe – 9 a.m. – park close; The Festival Center Wine Shop and The Stockpot Shop – 9 a.m. – park close. Check out of photos of the Festival here.


source: Disney Parks Blog

New! New Menu Items at Two Epcot Quick Service Locations: 


Source: Disney Parks Blog

In World Showcase, American Adventure’s Liberty Inn has four new dishes. The Red, White and Blue Salad features field greens, Ocean Spray craisins, pecans, apples and blue cheese with a sherry vinaigrette ($7.99). The burger gets an inspired makeover with “Surf and Turf” flavors: 1/3-pound Angus burger stacked with a house-made crab cake and spicy tartar sauce ($11.49). Or keep it simple with the Maryland Crab Cakes with a side of Old Bay fries ($10.99). Louisiana-style Shrimp is served in a creamy Cajun tomato broth with roasted green peppers and onions and served over hot rice ($9.99).

source: Disney Parks Blog



In Future World, the popular Electric Umbrella adds a French Dip Burger – a hefty 1/3-pound Angus burger topped with beef brisket, crispy onions and Muenster cheese ($10.99). The Sausage and Pepper Sandwich is another generous meal with slowly-stewed Italian sausage, peppers, onions, tomatoes and Provolone cheese ($9.49). The lighter Veggie Naan Wich features broccoli slaw and edamame with a drizzle of tofu wasabi dressing on warm naan bread ($9.49). And for chocolate fans, there’s a new chocolate cupcake, just simple and sweet.




source: Disney Parks Blog


New! 2014 Food & Wine Festival Wearable Gift cards Available: When visiting the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, complete your experience with our new wearable Disney Gift Card created especially for this year’s event. This year’s Festival-themed card comes with a wristband to ensure quick and easy access for convenience at festival kiosks. Activate your Disney Gift Card with as little as $15 and just swipe to pay as you sample your favorite food and beverages throughout the event.


Disney’s Hollywood Studios
 

source: disneyworld.com

Reminder! The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend Oct. 3-4: runDisney will host the 2014 The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend Friday, Oct. 3, through Saturday, Oct. 4. This weekend includes Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run on Saturday, Oct. 4, 7:30 a.m., runDisney Kids Races on Saturday, Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m., The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler on Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 p.m., Disney Villains Hollywood Bash on Saturday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 5, 10 p.m.-3:30 a.m. at Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios.


 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom


source: disneyworld.com


New! Another Baby Gorilla Born: On September 3rd, Disney’s Animal Kingdom we celebrated the arrival of a new baby in the gorilla family troop! This is the second gorilla birth this year, and the fifth in the park’s history. All Western lowland gorilla babies born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom have been a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which ensures long-term survival of species by helping AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums manage species’ genetic diversity through detailed records of individual animals. Western lowland gorillas are a critically endangered species that face threats that include disease and illegal bushmeat hunting in the wild.

source: Disney Parks Blog





New! ‘Festival of the Lion King’ Celebrates 1 Million Guests Since Reopening: Earlier this week, the cast of the popular stage show “The Festival of The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom marked a major milestone – 1 million guests have attended the show since it reopened in the new Harambe Theatre this past June. The LePage Family from Colorado Springs, CO, were the lucky 1 millionth family, and were recognized with front-row seats and a special meet-and-greet opportunity with the show’s cast after the performance concluded.





source: Disney Parks Blog



Be sure to follow me on PinterestFacebook or Twitter for the latest and greatest in Disney Travel news!  If you have any questions, or would like a *free* *no obligation* quote for your next Disney adventure, email me at chrissy@destinationsinflorida.com

{have a most magical day}

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival



source: disneyworld.com


Starting March 5, fun is in bloom at the 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, where you can enjoy the glow of enchanting topiaries and savor seasonal foods at Outdoor Kitchens around World Showcase.

source: disneyworld.com
Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV includes:

New Hummingbirds at Home exhibit presented by the National Audubon Society will feature walkthrough hummingbird gardens and tips on how to attract the magical creatures that migrate to
Florida from Central America each year.


source: disneyworld.com
▪ For the second year, illuminated gardens will cast a festive glow across the park when the sun sets each evening.
source: disneyworld.com

 ▪ Back by popular demand: Outdoor Kitchens serving springtime flavors for every taste! Last year was the first year that food starred alongside the flowers, and this year 11 Outdoor Kitchens debut around World Showcase Lagoon, each with an artful produce and herb-raised garden bed that showcases something that you can taste in the dish they’re offering.



HGTV & DIY Designer Presentations: The popular HGTV celebrities will meet festival guests and showcase expert tips and clever tricks at noon and 3 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday on The Designers’ Stage presented by HGTV at the Festival Center.

  • March 7-9 - Vern Yip, ”Design Star” 
    source: disneyworld.com
  • March 14-16 - Chris Lambton, “Going Yard”
  • March 21-23 - Matt Blashaw, “Yard Crashers”
  • March 28-30 - Matt Muenster, ”Bath Crashers”
  • April 4-6 - Taniya Nayak, ”House Hunters on Vacation”
  • April 11-13 - Amy Matthews, “Renovation Raiders”
  • April 18-20 - John Gidding, ”Curb Appeal”
  • April 25-27 - David Bromstad, “Color Splash”
    source: disneyworld.com
  • May 2-4 - Chip Wade, ”Elbow Room”
  • May 9-11 - Genevieve Gorder, HGTV Star
  • May 16-18 - Alison Victoria, "Kitchen Crashers"




Flower Power Concert Series, which showcases the music of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, with concerts taking place Friday – Sunday at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the America Gardens Theatre.
source: disneyworld.com

  • March 7-9 - The Guess Who
  • March 14-16 - Gary Lewis and the Playboys *new*
  • March 21-23 - The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO
  • March 28-30 - The Lovin' Spoonful
  • April 4-6 -  Paul Revere & The Raiders
  • April 11-13 - Village People
  • April 18-20 - The Grass Roots
  • April 25-27 - Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
  • May 2-4 - STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas
  • May 9-11 - Chubby Checker & The Wildcate
  • May 16-18 - Alan Parsons Live Project *new*
 
source: Destinations in Florida (original source unknown)
New Festival Merchandise will be available as well including shirts, hats, garden accessories, new pins (including a limited edition option!), Vinylmation and even a 12-inch pre-dressed Duffy the Disney Bear that resembles a garden gnome!

Be sure to follow me on PinterestFacebook or Twitter for the latest and greatest in Disney Travel news!  If you have any questions, or would like a *free* *no obligation* quote for your next Disney adventure, email me at chrissy@destinationsinflorida.com

{have a most magical day}

Sunday, February 16, 2014

What's New at the Walt Disney World Resort - 2.12.14

What’s New for Week of Feb 12, 2014 – Walt Disney World News

 
There are new things popping up every day at the Walt Disney World Resort,
Join us every week to read about "What's New" in Disney news This week features updates on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, PUSH (the talking Trash Can), Frozen characters at Disney Parks and much more!




Walt Disney World Resort in Florida



source: facebook.com/destinationsinflorida

New! Construction Walls Down at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

On Feb 11, 2014, some of the construction walls were taken down at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The walls that were removed were on the Beast's Castle side of the newest Disney "mountain." Now revealed are an exciting track, a waterfall and extensive mountain theming and landscape. It is exciting to see the progress on the new coaster! We hope construction is on schedule for the planned opening Spring 2014. As of this writing, no official opening date has been announced. We can't wait to ride it! Here are some photos of the Mine Train area.





source: facebook.com/destinationsinflorida


New! PUSH No Longer Appearing in Tomorrowland



source: Disney Parks Blog

For 19 years, PUSH, that talking trash can has entertained and surprised guests visiting Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom. As of Feb 8th, PUSH is no longer making appearances. Disney is participating in contract negotiations with the owner of PUSH's technology, but has not yet indicated if the entertainment offering will return.

New! “Blank – A Vinylmation Love Story” will be coming to Premiere Theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios


source: disneyparks.com

Friday, February 14 to Monday, February 17, “Blank – A Vinylmation Love Story” will be screened at the Premiere Theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This 39 minute, stopmotion, animated short tells the story of an unpainted Vinylmation figure on a quest that alters the destiny of his entire world. Rated TVG. Shows will be Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm,4:00pm and 5:30pm for day Guests. Separate theme park admission is required to attend, and seating is available on a first come, first served basis. There will be a 10:00am show on Friday and Sunday as an exclusive screening for Annual Passholders. There will be a 10:00am show on Saturday and Monday as an exclusive screening for Disney Vacation Club Members.


New! Frozen Meet & Greet Extended and Hours Changed


source: allears.net

The meet and greet with Anna and Elsa at Princess Plass (located in the Puffin's Roost at Norway Pavilion within Epcot) was originally planned as a temporary guest offering, but with things in Arendelle well in hand, Anna and Elsa plan to continue visiting guests at the parks for the foreseeable future. Additionally, Guests can meet with Anna and Elsa any time between the hours of 9:00am and 6:00pm. These new times are a test, running February 9 to February 15.


 

New! More Frozen at Walt Disney World 

source: disneydining.com

Over at Magic Kingdom Park, Anna and Elsa will be joining the new daytime spectacular, “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade,” next month as part of the Princess Garden, along with fellow Disney Royals Belle, Cinderella, and Tiana. And in the evening, you can take in a performance of “Celebrate the Magic,” the nighttime projection show that transforms Cinderella Castle with eye-popping visuals from Disney animated classics, including “Frozen.” We also recently learned to draw Elsa in The Magic of Disney Animation drawing class at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

 

New! 'Disney Festival of Fantasy' Parade Floats and Costumes Revealed




source: facebook.com/destinationsinflorida

Fashion insiders from around the globe have been flocking to the Big Apple for New York Fashion Week, but the big fashion news in Central Florida is the Disney Parks unveiling of a new collection of costume creations for “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade,” which debuts at Magic Kingdom this March! Some members of the media also attended an event showcasing the new parade floats.

New! Additional FastPass+ Kiosks Planned in Magic Kingdom



source: disneydining.com

FastPass+ kiosks are anticipated to open Tuesday, Feb. 11 at Jungle Cruise and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. Guests can view, make or modify FastPass+ selections for Magic Kingdom Park there. Here are where the kiosks can currently be found around the park: Adventureland Breezeway (near the Diamond Horseshoe), Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Pete's Silly Sideshow, and Stitch's Great Escape!
 

New! Rapid Fill Mug Design Change Coming Soon

source: disneyfoodblog.com

Within the next week, new Rapid Fill mugs will be available for Walt Disney World Resorts. The new mugs will feature a brand new design, new colors (blue,
red, yellow and purple), and a sticker on top of the mug that advises Guest to activate mug at cashier.



 

New! New Seasonal Dessert Offerings at Boatwright's Dining Hall

source: allears.net

Boatwright's Dining Hall is offering new seasonal dessert options featuring strawberries. The seasonal spinach salad is now served with plump Florida-grown strawberries, arugula, goat cheese and toasted almonds. It's tossed in a champagne vinaigrette and drizzled with a balsamic glaze. A seasonal bread pudding will also be offered covered with a housemade
strawberry compote and topped with vanilla bean ice cream. This dessert is a fun, creative way to celebrate the winter harvest of Florida-grown strawberries, while appealing to those with a sweet tooth.


New! Las Ventana's to begin serving breakfast and lunch Feb. 16


source: disneytravelbabble.com

Beginning Sunday, Feb. 16, Las Ventana's will be serving a full a la carte menu for breakfast and lunch, featuring American dishes along with a few regional Mexican favorites. The fourteen table restaurant, located adjacent to Rix Lounge, will provide an intimate dining setting for convention and leisure Guests interested in a full table service experience for breakfast from 7-11 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. At this time, seating for Las Ventana's will be on a
first come, first serve basis and will count as a full service dining redemption for Guests on the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. Guests wishing to dine at Las Ventana's should see a Cast Member at the hostess podium located just outside the main entrance of the restaurant.




 

New! 2014 Pro Soccer Classic from Feb. 19 to March 1

source: disneyworld.com

The MLS and Orlando City Soccer Club return to the Walt Disney World Resort for the 2014 Pro Soccer Classic from Feb. 19 to March 1. This action packed
event gives fans an up close and personal look at their favorite hometown club as they square off against their future MLS rivals at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, home to Orlando City Soccer in 2014. Single and multiple session passes are on sale and parking is free!




Reminder!
Update Available for My Disney Experience App


A new, significant update of My Disney Experience is now available for Apple devices. (The corresponding update for Android devices will be released this spring.) With this update, the app’s performance will be improved significantly, and the ease of navigation will be enhanced. Additional enhancements in this update to the Apple app described last week. 

Be sure to follow me on PinterestFacebook or Twitter for the latest and greatest in Disney Travel news!  If you have any questions, or would like a *free* *no obligation* quote for your next Disney adventure, email me at chrissy@destinationsinflorida.com

{have a most magical day}

Disney Discounts - Week of 2.17.14


Disney Digest – Week of February 17, 2014 
 Discounts with Destinations in Florida Travel


source: disneyworld.com

Walt Disney World® Resort
·        Free Memory Maker to Cherish Your Disney World Moments:  Imagine capturing your favorite pictures from your Disney World vacation!  You can do that with Disney’s Memory Maker.  Book a package from August 15-September 30 for at least 3 nights with 2-Day tickets and get the new Memory Maker free.  Prices start from just $899 plus tax for a family of 3 at a Disney Value Resort.  
·        Save up to 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels:  Savings apply for stays most nights March 14, 2014 - April 12, 2014 and April 20, 2014 – June 15, 2014.  Upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket and get one more ticket day FREE!  Visit Destinations in Florida for more details.
·        Florida Resident Rates:  Florida Residents can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resorts hotels for stays through May 29, 2014.  Plan a winter getaway to Disney or a Spring Break trip to the Disney Water Parks.  Book today with this incredible deal, just for Florida Residents.
·        Military Discount:  Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Disney Resort most nights through September 27th, 2014.  Thank you for serving our country.  

source: disneyland.com

 Disneyland® Resort
·        Save Up to 25% on Rooms at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel:  Save up to 25% on rooms at a Disneyland Hotel most Sunday through Thursday nights through April 10, 2014.  Book by March 6, 2014.

 
source: disneycruise.com
Disney Cruise Line®
·        Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military:  Take advantage of special deals from $135 per person per night plus tax/port charges for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military.  Special cruises are available for select dates in February.
·        Last Minute Restricted Deals:  If you are flexible about the location of your stateroom and willing to book last minute you may be able to save BIG! Disney offers Restricted Guarantee rooms 15-60 days before departure dates, sometimes just a few days before departure. These are very restricted and with many rules, but if you are not picky you can save up 40%.
·        New!  Canadian Resident Deal:  If you are a Canadian Resident, you can enjoy 20% off select rates on the May 24, 2014 Alaska sailing departing from Vancouver, Canada.  Take advantage of this special deal, just for you!

source: resorts.disney.com
 Aulani Hawaii
·        Get a Free Night and Free Breakfast:  For a limited time, when you purchase a minimum 4-night stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, you’ll get the 4th night free - including breakfast daily for two adults at the new Ulu Cafe.  This discount is good for most stays through April 7, 2014.
·        Get up to a $500 Room Credit to Spend During Your Visit:  Book a 1 or 2-Bedroom Villa from April 23-June 16, 2014 and receive up to a $500 resort credit for a 4-Night vacation.  Book a Deluxe Studio or regular room for 4 nights and receive a $400 resort credit.

 Be sure to follow me on PinterestFacebook or Twitter for the latest and greatest in Disney Travel news!  If you have any questions, or would like a *free* *no obligation* quote for your next Disney adventure, email me at chrissy@destinationsinflorida.com

{have a most magical day}

Monday, February 10, 2014

Disney Discounts - Week of February 10, 2014



Disney Digest – Week of February 10, 2014  
Discounts with Destinations in Florida Travel

 
photo: disneyworld.com

Walt Disney World® Resort

  • New!  Free Memory Maker to Cherish Your Disney World Moments:  Imagine capturing your favorite pictures from your Disney World vacation!  You can do that with Disney’s Memory Maker.  Book a package from August 15-September 30 for at least 3 nights with 2-Day tickets and get the new Memory Maker free.  Prices start from just $899 plus tax for a family of 3 at a Disney Value Resort.  
  • Save up to 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels:  Savings apply for stays most nights March 14, 2014 - April 12, 2014 and April 20, 2014 – June 15, 2014.  Upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket and get one more ticket day FREE!  Visit Destinations in Florida for more details.
  • Florida Resident Rates:  Florida Residents can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resorts hotels for stays through May 29, 2014.  Plan a winter getaway to Disney or a Spring Break trip to the Disney Water Parks.  Book today with this incredible deal, just for Florida Residents.
  • Military Discount:  Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Disney Resort most nights through September 27th, 2014.  Thank you for serving our country.  



source: disneyland.com

Disneyland® Resort

  • Save Up to 25% on Rooms at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel:  Save up to 25% on rooms at a Disneyland Hotel most Sunday through Thursday nights through April 10, 2014.  Book by March 6, 2014.
source: Google Search



Disney Cruise Line®

  • Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military:  Take advantage of special deals from $135 per person per night plus tax/port charges for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military.  Special cruises are available for select dates in February.
  •  New!  Last Minute Restricted Deals:  If you are flexible about the location of your stateroom and willing to book last minute you may be able to save BIG! Disney offers Restricted Guarantee rooms 15-60 days before departure dates, sometimes just a few days before departure. These are very restricted and with many rules, but if you are not picky you can save up 40%.


source: Disney.com


Aulani Hawaii 

  • Get a Free Night and Free Breakfast:  For a limited time, when you purchase a minimum 4-night stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, you’ll get the 4th night free - including breakfast daily for two adults at the new Ulu Cafe.  This discount is good for most stays through April 7, 2014.
  • Get up to a $500 Room Credit to Spend During Your Visit:  Book a 1 or 2-Bedroom Villa from April 23-June 16, 2014 and receive up to a $500 resort credit for a 4-Night vacation.  Book a Deluxe Studio or regular room for 4 nights and receive a $400 resort credit.   
  •  
Be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter for the latest and greatest in Disney Travel news!  If you have any questions, or would like a *free* *no obligation* quote for your next Disney adventure, email me at chrissy@destinationsinflorida.com

{have a most magical day}