What's Happening at the Walt Disney World Resort

What's New at the

Walt Disney World Resort

New! New Walt Disney World Discount Offer for Spring 2014:

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Walt Disney World(R) Resort hotels. Upgrade to a room and ticket package and get one more ticket day FREE! (Minimum 4 day Magic Your Way ticket required.) Offer Valid for stays most nights March 14 April 12 and April 20 June 15. Other great rates may be available February 24 to March 5, 2014. Contact me for more details.

New! MagicBand Updates:

photo: Disney Parks Blog

 

As part of our the test process for MyMagic+, the MagicBand only test is expanding to all Walt Disney World Resort hotels by late January. As a result, all resort Guests

will be using Disney FastPass+ service exclusively. Testing will begin on the following dates (dates for resorts listed include any Disney Vacation Club accommodations located at those properties):

▪ Monday, Jan. 6 -Disney's Art of Animation Resort

▪ Tuesday, Jan. 7 – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort

▪ Wednesday, Jan. 8 – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

▪ Thursday, Jan. 9 – Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Spring Resort & Spa

▪ Friday, Jan. 10 – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

▪ Monday, Jan. 13 – Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

▪ Tuesday, Jan. 14 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

▪ Wednesday, Jan. 15 – Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

▪ Thursday, Jan. 16 – Disney’s Contemporary Resort

▪ Friday, Jan. 17 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Resort

▪ Monday, Jan. 20 – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

New! Camp MinnieMickey and Festival of the Lion King Close at Disney's Animal Kingdom:

 

photo: Disney Parks Blog

Camp MinnieMickey has forever closed it's doors at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This area is being refurbished as a new land themed to James Cameron's Avatar. Avatarland, as it's being called, will not be ready for several years. The only date given by Disney is early 2017! Festival of the Lion King on the other hand will reopen this summer in a new theater location at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The last show of Festival of the Lion King was held on January 5th, 2014.

New! New Character Greeting Locations at Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Since Camp MinnieMickey closed permanently on January 6, 2014 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, you can now find your favorite characters in other locations: Chip and Dale will “meet and play” at Rafiki’s Planet Watch as Guests make their way from the Wildlife Express Train station to Conservation Station. In this playful setting, children of all ages can pose for photos with the chipmunks and hear music by GiTar Dan.  Say“Wingapo” to Pocahontas as she joins porcupines, colorful exotic birds and other animal friends along the Discovery Island Trail.  Donald Duck will welcome friends to join him for a photo with Cory the dinosaur along Cretaceous Trail in DinoLand U.S.A.  King Louie and Baloo have found a home in Upcountry Landing along Bradley Falls.  Remember, Mickey and Minnie moved to a new home at the Adventurers Outpost on Discovery Island early last year, so they will continue to meet Guests there.

New! Completion Badge Added for Wilderness Explorers at Disney's Animal Kingdom:

photo: Disney Parks Blog

Beginning Jan. 5, Guests who complete all 31 Wilderness Explorers badge activities can receive a Senior Wilderness Explorer badge. This badge can be given out at any of the six Troop Leader locations throughout the park.  These locations are indicated on the guidemap.

New! The “Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade” Concludes:

photo: wdwlive.com via google search

This parade made its final run on Saturday, January 4.  Now, there will be a period of time when a traditional 3:00pm parade is not presented at Magic Kingdom until the new daytime parade “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” debuts in Spring 2014.

New! Lemon Blueberry Cupcake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting!

photo: disneyfoodblog.com via google search

 

Beginning Monday, Jan. 6 a brand new cupcake arrived at Disney's Hollywood Studios! It is a Lemon Blueberry cupcake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting for $5.19 at select quick service locations, including Rosie's All-American Cafe, Starring Rolls Cafe, Backlot Express, Pizza Planet, ABC Commissary, Fairfax Fare and Studio Catering Co. . This sweet treat is part of the Disney Dining Plan and will be available Jan. 6 - March 6.

New! "Frozen" Characters at Epcot through Jan. 31:

source: Disney Parks Blog

Anna and Elsa, from Disney’s hit comedy adventure, “Frozen,” are delighting audiences in theaters and drawing legions of fans to Prinsesse Plas in the Norway pavilion. With the growing popularity of these royal visitors from Arendelle, their stay at Epcot has been extended. Guests will continue to be able to greet Elsa and Anna in Norway, through Jan. 31.  Nearby, Guests can also continue to discover a new gallery exhibit exploring how the culture and beauty of Norway inspired the creators of "Frozen."

New! Dates Announced for Epcot Flower and Garden Festival:

source: Disney Parks Blog

 

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns to the park March 5 – May 18.  This annual festival, with its floral displays, topiaries, and food fun, will showcase Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy as this year’s lead topiary.

New! Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Refurbishment:

Guest rooms and buildings throughout Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be refurbished starting in early January and scheduled to complete in August. Guest buildings will be taken out of inventory and will not occupied by Guests while work is being performed. Room enhancements include all new drapery, carpeting, headboards and more!

New! Winter Promotions Available at Locations Serving Starbucks Specialty Beverages:

Beginning Jan. 7, 2014, Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom and Fountain View at Epcot will offer a variety of new winter items as part of the Starbucks Winter Promotions.

New! Holiday Decor Removal Begins:

The Holiday Services team will be removing holiday decor at parks this week. In some cases, it's already begun. Removal of holiday decor at Magic Kingdom began after park close on Monday, Jan. 6. Removal at Disney's Hollywood Studios begins at approximately 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9. Removal at Disney's Animal Kingdom, beginning at approximately 10 p.m. on Jan. 8.

New! Wyland Gallery Closed at Disney's Polynesian Resort:

The last day of operation for Wyland Galleries at Disney's Polynesian Resort was Tuesday, Dec. 31. Guests interested in Wyland Galleries may continue to visit the location at Disney's BoardWalk Resort.

New! 2014 Promotion Begins Disney Family Time Resolutions:

Disney launched Resolutions, where Disney celebrities are sharing how they plan to resolve to spend more time with family in 2014. A new video will be uploaded everyday in January. They are also awarding a vacation-a-day from December 31, 2013 through January 31, 2014! So enter every day for your chance to win because this is the year to spend more quality time with the people you love most. Good luck!

New! Merchandise Events:

On January 17: Be among the first to pick up Cutesters Series 6 at D-Street in Downtown Disney West Side. Artists Maria Clapsis and Caley Hicks will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 5 – 6 p.m., so don’t miss out!

New! Delectable Spa Treatments at Disney Spas:

The flavors of the season – Champagne, strawberries and chocolate mousse — are just a few of decadent ingredients in the new spa offerings at Senses – a Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. From January 1-February 28, these tasty treatments debut just in time for the new year at both Senses spa locations. There’s Chocolate and Strawberry Facial to tone, tighten and detoxify, a Mimosa Champagne Scrub and Body Wrap that hydrates and refines and a Mimosa Champagne and Chocolate Pedicure to give your tootsies some pampering, plus a Chocolate Truffle Body Wrap, created to reduce wrinkles and hydrate with rich chocolate. Call or visit the spas for more info: 407WDWSPAS.

So much is happening at the Walt Disney World Resort...today and everyday!  What are you waiting for?  Contact me today for your free, no obligation vacation quote!  I love putting together a big Disney Vacation Puzzle, and can help you every step of the way!

Have a most magical day! 

Disney Destinations Travel News - January 10, 2014

 

 

photo source: Disney Parks Blog

 

Construction Begins For AVATAR-Inspired Land at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Earlier this week, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park kicked off the largest expansion in the Park’s history with a ceremonial groundbreaking for the park’s new AVATAR-inspired land with blue, Na’vi-inspired shovels.

The area, which is being designed by Walt Disney Imagineering in partnership with “AVATAR” creator James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, will be unlike anything ever experienced at a Disney Park. Guests will experience the wonders of Pandora when they fly with banshees and explore a rich natural environment with mountains that float and interactive plants that glow at night.

This week’s milestone is just the first step in a larger expansion for the park that will also include the debut of a new evening spectacular, as well as a nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris.

See for yourself!

 

video source: Disney Parks YouTube Channel

Tips for Using My Disney Experience

 

The fine {and hard-working!} folks at Disney have developed some tips to help you plan your Walt Disney World vacation via the My Disney Experience site.

Tip #1: Once you have booked a Walt Disney World vacation with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, it’s important that you visit StartYourDisneyExperience.com. {your Travel Agent will provide you with this link} Once you have linked you reservation you will be able to use the itinerary tool, My Disney Experience.

Tip #2: It’s important to remember that if you book your trip through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, that you will make all vacation payments directly through that agent. While many guests like to go online to “shop” and explore Walt Disney World Resort vacation options, they are not able to pay for a Travel Agent booked reservation through the My Disney Experience site. All payments must be processed by the Travel Agency.

Tip #3: Only the primary guest (or first guest name on the reservation) should link the reservation on StartYourDisneyExperience.com. It’s also important that he/she use the same first and last name (spelled exactly the same) as the confirmation name in their profile.

• For example, if the primary guest on the confirmation is Rosario Miller, the guest should use her full first name, Rosario, in her profile setup.  She will have an opportunity to use her nickname or preferred name later, when personalizing MagicBands.

Tip #4: Only the primary guest (or first guest name on the reservation) should set up their children in the “Family & Friends” section of the My Disney Experience site.

Tip #5: You will receive a MagicBand for each new reservation. If you have a MagicBand from a past stay you can also choose to use that MagicBand during your upcoming trip (unless it has been deactivated on the My Disney Experience site).
 
You are encouraged to use your MagicBand’s touch-to-pay function, but there are several circumstances in which you may need to present identification or alternate form of payment:

• A credit card is required to secure dining reservations at table service restaurants.
• An alternate form of payment (cash or credit card) is required for the purchase of Disney Gift Cards. 
• A photo ID is required for applicable discounts and parking privileges, along with your Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club Member, Disney Visa® Card, etc.
• Photo ID is required for the purchase of alcohol and tobacco products.
• When photo ID is required, International Guests should show a copy of a passport and a government-issued photo ID that verifies the individual’s date of birth.

Are you ready to book your Magical Disney Vacation?  Contact me today for your free, no obligation quote.  It is always the right time to remember the magic!

Video: Cruising with Disney to Alaska

 

 

source: DisneyCruiseLineNews YouTube Channel

 

The Disney Wonder will return to Alaska in May, marking the fourth summer season that Disney Cruise Line® has sailed in America’s Last Frontier. Watch this video to see for yourself what sets a Disney cruise to Alaska apart from all others!

Hope this brings a little bit of the magic to you!  If your weather is anything like ours, I am glad to bring a little sunshine around.  Nothing says sunshine like planning your Disney getaway.  I love putting the pieces of the Disney puzzle together, and I would love to help you with yours!

Have a most magical day!

Disney and Vera Bradley Team Up for Exciting *new* Merchandise

...all right...so Facebook and twitter are all a flutter...over *more* new Disney bags.

Nope...not Disney Dooney & Bourke bags.

Vera Bradley bags.

Hmmm.

Now, I will admit that I have never *owned* a Vera Bradley bag.  I honestly thought they looked a little old-ladyish.  They are sold at Hallmark stores.  They just weren't my style.

Until today.

Now, I am NOT giving up on my Disney Dooney & Bourke collection obsession.

Not at all.

But come on, how CUTE is this pattern?!?!?  {the black pattern on the right is the one that I am in LOVE with!!!}

source: Disney Parks Blog

Now...what I think still *weirds* me out a bit about the Vera Bradley bags is that they are quilted.

Of course, this is coming from a woman who carries a DD&B Sketch the size of a small suitcase.

I realize not everyone likes every style...and that is why I love that Disney is offering so many different options for adults.  We now have Dooney & Bourke, Harvey's Seatbelt Bags, Le SportSac and now, Vera Bradley.  I can't say that I am going to run out and buy the largest bag available.  I think I have to "ease" into these.  Maybe I will try a cosmetic bag first, and go from there.

I must say, Disney must be listening to their fans.  Every Dooney & Bourke Facebook fan page I belong to, has always had women *begging* for Vera Bradley

Good job, Disney for listening to what your fans want.  Thank you for bringing more stylish, fashion-forward options to us women {really, who wants a boxy old tee-shirt?!??!}.  Thank you for bringing us quality products.  Products that we don't mind investing in.

Thank you, Disney.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, these pieces will be available this fall at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.  There will be a "sneak peek" of the collection at the Festival Center at the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival that runs March 6th through May 19th, 2013.

source: Disney Parks Blog

If you see these bags up close, let me know what you think!!!  I am crossing my fingers that I get to go see the Flower and Garden festival this Spring...who knows!!!  I might get to take a closer look myself!!!  If you are interested in a free, no obligation quote for your own trip to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, or ANY Walt Disney World Resort celebration {Celebrate Everyday!!!}, contact me today!!!

New, Exciting Food Offerings at Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival

I am so excited for the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival this year.  I am even more excited than usual, because I actually might have an opportunity to experience this wonderful event again this year.  {I am keeping my fingers crossed that this might happen}

One thing that caught my attention while doing my research was the tie-in of new and exciting foods to sample at the Flower and Garden Festival.

To quote the Disney Parks Blog,“What a natural progression (it is) to go from the garden to the table,” said Michael Jenner, Epcot Park Event Content Development Manager.

That makes sense to me, for sure.  Just looking at the wonderful photos of the offerings makes my mouth water!!!

source: Disney Parks Blog

 

source: Disney Parks Blog

Holy smokes, those drinks look incredible.  The colors even scream "Spring" to me!!!

There seems to be plenty to sample, and something for every palette.  The Disney Parks Blog assures us that there will be NO repeats from the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and that each marketplace will have three to four dishes.  Dishes I am excited to try are: the Pig Slider with Cole Slaw from The Smokehouse at American Advenure {YUM} and Heirloom tomatoes with house-made mozzarella, vinegar and basil from The Cottage in the United Kingdom.

Oh my goodness!!!  I will have to top it off with a "grown-up" Dole Whip with Florida-made spiced rum.

Luckily, there is plenty of walking around this incredible festival to burn off those calories!!!


Disney is not forgetting the kids during this event.  Disney chefs have chosen some new and fun dishes to encourage children to try as part of Disney's new TRYit! campaign.  TRYit! is part of Disney's ongoing Magic of Healthy Living campaign.  I know I have been able to get Little Man to eat more better and become more active because of their efforts.

I think I might be inspired to try some of these "kid's" dishes, myself!!!  The Wild Berry Slush, Frushi {fruit sushi}, Lasagna Primavera, Watermelon Salad and Angel Food Cake with Florida berries sound delightful.  I think Little Man would like these, as well.

Are you planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort this Spring???  The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival runs from March 6th to May 19th.  Need help planning your trip???  Contact me for a free, no obligation quote!!!