Diamond Horseshoe to Open for Quick Service Lunch & Table Service Dinner in April

Diamond Horseshoe

The Diamond Horseshoe will be opening for quick service lunch beginning April 1st and also for family style table service dinner in a few weeks.

For lunch you’ll find sandwiches, snacks and beverages April 1-7 and April 11-28 from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Beginning April 13th the Diamond Horseshoe will be open for table service dinner that will be a family-style turkey dinner.  Reservations will be required.

The restaurant will be open for dinner:

  • April 13: 4:30-9:30 PM
  • April 14-17: 4:30-8:30 PM
  • April 18: 4:30-9:30 PM
  • April 19: 4:30-8:30 PM

Star Wars Weekends Adds Star Wars Character Dining Experiences

Star_Wars_Weekends_Logo

This year’s version of Star Wars Weekends will be adding two new Star Wars character dining experiences to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Begin your day with “Star Wars” Dine-In Galactic Breakfast! at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. This breakfast at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant will include some classic Star Wars movie characters and scenes from the films.

For dinner starting at 4 PM, Hollywood and Vine will be transformed into Jedi Mickey’s “Star Wars” Dine at Hollywood and Vine where Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Chip and Dale will all come together to celebrate the greatest saga ever told.

The new character dining experiences will be offered not just on Star Wars Weekend days, but daily from May 4 through June 15, 2014.

You can make reservations now by calling 407-WDW-DINE. For guests on the Disney Dining Plan, both experiences will require 2 table service credits. No discounts of any kind are available.

The price of the “Star Wars” Dine-In Galactic Breakfast! experience is $47.99 for adults and $29.99 for children. The Jedi Mickey’s “Star Wars” Dine at Hollywood and Vine experience is $55.99 for adults and $33.99 for children, or as part of the “Fantasmic!” Dinner Package at a price of adults $59.99 and $36.99 for children. Both experiences include a digital photograph, and prices exclude tax and tip.

Disney by Samsonite: Magical Collaboration to Encapsulate Youthful Nostalgia

Disney by Samsonite Logo

Samsonite®, the world’s largest luggage brand for over 100 years, is pleased to introduce the Disney by Samsonite collection for kids. Starting from 2014, this iconic collaboration combines the magical world of Disney with state-of-the art products for which Samsonite is known. Depicting iconic Disney characters, the collection will delight young ones, while instantly transporting parents to their own youth. The Disney by Samsonite range effortlessly reflects the fantasy charm and nostalgia of Disney in a distinctive and understated style.

“Samsonite’s affiliation with Disney is an exciting new development for our brand,” said Tim Parker, Samsonite Chairman and CEO. “Disney is an iconic family entertainment brand and we are truly delighted to be working with the company. With our 100 year heritage and travel expertise, the new Disney by Samsonite category will stay true to our ethos of innovative design, while also capturing the hearts and minds of both young and old.”

Adding to Samsonite’s expansive array of travel solutions, consumers will be able to find a selection (luggage, school items, backpacks and more) for kids featuring Disney’s most beloved characters including Mickey & Minnie Mouse, the Disney Princesses, Disney/Pixar Cars, Disney Planes, Marvel’s Spider-Man and The Avengers. Featuring PVC free bags, ergonomic backpacks, and reflective details, parents will feel reassured in the knowledge that they are sending kids to school or overnight camp with durable and safe luggage that shares the impeccable Samsonite brand heritage. Pleasing adults and children alike, the Disney by Samsonite collection makes buying schoolbags and luggage for children easy with affordable, trustworthy, resilient products that will appeal to even the youngest traveller.

The collaboration between Samsonite and Disney promises great potential with plans already underway to launch a premium Disney assortment. The first Disney by Samsonite assortment will reach markets in July 2014 and will be distributed across Europe, Russia, Turkey and South Africa. Recognised as pioneers within their respective industries, Samsonite and Disney both grew from humble beginnings to become true market leaders within their fields. Combining the best of both worlds, Disney by Samsonite is the perfect synergy between the magical world of Disney and Samsonite’s state-of-the-art products. This new relationship is the ideal alignment of two highly distinguished brands set to inspire the imaginations of all.

Construction Begins on State-of-the-Art Laundry Facility at Walt Disney World Resort

FLO Ground Breaking

As a reflection of recent growth, Walt Disney World Resort has begun construction of a new, state-of-the-art laundry facility that will create new jobs and be a model for the textile industry.

Scheduled to open in spring, 2015, this new facility will support the expansion of resort hotel rooms and accommodate adjustments in the type of linens used at the resort hotels.

Located near Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, the new laundry facility is expected to create 400 new jobs, including 200 construction-related jobs and 200 additional Cast Member jobs with roles ranging from linen handlers and maintenance personnel to managers. Upon completion, this fourth laundry at Walt Disney World Resort will be one of the most technologically advanced facilities of its kind in the United States.

“The new facility will showcase some of the textile industry’s most cutting-edge features including conveyors and air suction tubes that quickly move linens and machines that automatically sort, separate and fold,” said J.R. Garcia, director of textile services at Walt Disney World Resort.

Night of Joy Tickets to Go On Sale Tomorrow

Night of Joy 2014

Tickets for this year’s Night of Joy event will go on sale tomorrow March 31, 2014.

If single day tickets are bought ahead of time they will cost $59 plus tax.  At the door they will cost $69 plus tax.  There will also be available a two night ticket option that will cost $108 per night, plus tax.  This option will also include a one day admission to Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon or Disney Quest.  The two day ticket will need to be purchased by August 5th.

Night of Joy is a hard ticketed event that features some of the top contemporary Christian music artists.  This year’s event is scheduled to take place on September 5-6, 2014 from 7:30 AM to 1:00 AM.

The lineup for the event is:

September 5, 2014

  • Hillsong United
  • Chris Tomlin
  • Matthew West
  • for King & Country
  • Mandisa
  • Building 429
  • Matt Maher
  • The Neverclaim

September 6, 2014

  • Casting Crowns
  • Mercy Me
  • Britt Nicole
  • Israel Houghton & New Breed
  • Colton Dixon
  • Rhett Walker
  • We As Human
  • 1 Girl Nation

 

Walt Disney World Increases Parking and Valet Fees

Parking-Marker-Disney-World-Lot

As of March 30, 2014 the following new parking fees have been instituted:

  • Automobile, taxi, limo or motorcycle: $17
  • Camper, trailer or RV: $18
  • Bus or tractor trailer: $21

The last parking fee increase was in June of 2013, which saw a $1 increase for a car to $15. Offsite guests with single or multi-day tickets will mostly be impacted by the increase since guests staying at Walt Disney World resorts get complimentary parking and Annual Passholders also receive free parking as part of their pass benefits. Valet parking at Walt Disney World Resort hotels has increased from $15 to $20.  Self parking at resort hotels remains free.

Celebrate Theme Park Favorites of Yesteryear at D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind

destination-d-attraction-rewind-announcement-iris

Walt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward—opening up new doors and doing new things—because we’re curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” It’s in that spirit that guests this fall will have the opportunity to visit—or revisit—some of the most beloved Disney attractions of yesteryear. D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H2O Plus will take place November 22 and 23 at Walt Disney World Resort.

View Ticketing Options for D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H2O Plus 

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends, and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and hours of revealing stories. In addition, there will be a full day of presentations dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which debuted beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.

There will be a full day of presentations dedicated to the Fair, including:

Disney Goes to the World’s Fair: A look at how Disney became a part of the landmark event
Lost on the Way to the Fair: Pavilion concepts for the World’s Fair that never came to be
Other Highlights of D23 Destination D: Attraction Rewind presented by H2O Plus will include:

Retro Rewind References: Nods to favorites of the past in current Disney Parks attractions
That Was Entertainment: Revisiting beloved theme park parades, shows, and spectacles

See Disney Legends and Luminaries

Presenters and panelists include Disney Legends Marty Sklar, Bob Gurr, and Alice Davis; Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline; Disney and World’s Fair historians Bill Cotter, Stacia Martin, and Michael Kelley—and more to be announced.

Bob Gurr      Alice Davis

View an Destination D-Exclusive Walt Disney Archives Display

During the weekend, guests will be able to explore a special exhibit designed by the Walt Disney Archives in honor of the event.

Party the Night Away With Pleasure Island: Rewind

The weekend will end with an exciting evening event—Pleasure Island: Rewind. This celebration of the Downtown Disney nightlife district will include areas dedicated to the Adventurers Club, Comedy Warehouse, Mannequins, and 8 Trax. And of course there will be a “New Year’s Eve” celebration to cap the night.

Shop at WDI’s Mickey’s of Glendale Pop-Up Shop

Plus, for the first time, Mickey’s of Glendale, the famed Walt Disney Imagineering store, will set up a pop-up shop at the event for attendees, featuring a selection of exclusive Imagineering merchandise as well as limited-edition pins, T-shirts, and collectibles themed to the event. The shop will also carry a special line from H2O Plus, whose products are featured at Disney Resort Hotels.

The weekend event will take place in the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets, available Wednesday, April 16, are $190 each and available exclusively to D23 Gold and Silver Members for a limited time. Any remaining tickets will be made available to D23 Free Members on May 28 for $250 per ticket. All guests will receive a special gift in honor of Disney’s contributions to the 50th anniversary of the 1964–65 World’s Fair in New York City. A limited number of “Top of the World” tickets will be available featuring reserved seating, early shopping on November 21, an exclusive dinner reception, special collectibles, gifts from H2O Plus and Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and more. Additional schedule announcements will be made in the coming months.

Disney Cruise Line Charts a New Course for Norway in 2015

DCL - Norway 2015

In summer 2015, Disney Cruise Line is charting a magical new course for northern Europe – exploring for the first time the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Plus, Disney Cruise Line is returning to the Baltic for all-new itineraries, including sailings from Copenhagen, Denmark to St. Petersburg, Russia. Cruises to the Mediterranean, Alaska, Caribbean and Bahamas also are included in the summer lineup.

Bookings open to the public on March 27, 2014. More details on 2015 itineraries can be found on the Itineraries and Ports for 2015 section of disneycruise.com.

Norwegian Fjords

On seven and nine-night sailings departing from Copenhagen, Disney Cruise Line guests are immersed in the splendor and charm of Norway with exciting new ports, steeped in Viking history. An 11-night sailing on the Disney Magic takes guests to Iceland and the Faroe Islands for the very first time.

The Norwegian fjords served as the inspiration and backdrop for Disney’s blockbuster animated film, “Frozen.” Here, guests will discover breathtaking natural wonders such as magnificent mountain ranges, massive glaciers, steaming geysers and majestic fjords. The enchanting Scandinavian culture of the region comes to life through local attractions, stunning architecture, storybook villages and historic city centers.

NEW Seven-night Norwegian Fjords

Ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger and Bergen, Norway

Departure date: June 6

NEW Nine-night Norwegian Fjords

Ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger, Molde, Olden and Bergen, Norway

Departure date: June 20

NEW 11-night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland

Ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Kristiansand and Stavanger Norway; Akureyri and Reykjavik (overnight), Iceland; Torshavn, Faroe Islands; Dover, England

Departure date: June 29

Rates start at $1,561 per person for seven-night cruises, $2,133 per person for nine-night cruises and $2,453 per person for 11-night Norwegian fjords cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Northern Europe

On northern European cruises, the Disney Magic will sail the Baltic waters where guests will explore richly diverse cultures and national capitals including Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark and St. Petersburg – Russia’s second largest city known as the country’s cultural capital. These itineraries depart from Copenhagen, Denmark and Dover, England – just a quick jaunt from London.

NEW Seven-night Northern European

Ports: Copenhagen, Denmark; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden

Departure dates: May 30, June 13

12-night Northern European

Ports: Dover, England; Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde, Germany (July 10 cruise only); Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia

Departure dates: July 10 and 22

Rates start at $1,463 per person for seven-night cruises and $2,844 per person for 12-night Northern European cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Mediterranean

The Disney Magic returns to the Mediterranean, treating guests to popular European destinations. Departing from Barcelona, Spain, these sailings take guests on an exciting journey of cultures and locales, with romantic boulevards, iconic locations, mild climates and the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea.

Five-night Mediterranean

Ports: Barcelona, Spain; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Departure date: Aug. 10

Seven-night Mediterranean

Ports: Barcelona, Spain; Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Nice (Villefranche), France

Departure dates: Aug. 15, 22 and 29

Rates start at $1,255 per person for five-night cruises and $1,302 per person for seven-night Mediterranean cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Alaska

In 2015, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska.

These cruises combine the grandeur, natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney ship. Disney Cruise Line works closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive-to-Disney family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to experience Alaska’s natural beauty and rich history.

Seven-night Alaska:

Ports: Vancouver, Tracy Arm (scenic cruising through fjord), Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan

Departure dates: June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Rates start at $1,155 per person for seven-night Alaska cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Caribbean and Bahamas

In 2015, Disney Cruise Line will sail from Port Canaveral and Miami to the Caribbean and Bahamas on a variety of itineraries. These cruises include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

From Port Canaveral, rates start at $495 per person for three-night cruises, $662 per person for four-night cruises, $1,465 per person for five-night cruises and $1,145 per person for seven-night cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

From Miami, rates start at $400 per person for four-night cruises and $500 per person for five-night cruises for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom. Government taxes and fees, gratuities and Port Adventures are not included.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.

Walt Disney Records’ Frozen Soundtrack Maintains Top Position On The Billboard Charts For Seven Non-Consecutive Weeks

Elsa-Frozen

The Platinum-certified Frozen soundtrack maintains the No. 1 slot on the Billboard Top 200 album chart spending seven non-consecutive weeks in the top position according to Nielsen SoundScan. Selling 202,000 copies in the week ending March 23, the soundtrack has sold over 1.6 million copies and over 5 million combined digital tracks in its 17th week of release. Frozen is the first album to sell a million units in 2014.

The Oscar-winning song “Let It Go,” performed by Idina Menzel, has sold over 2 million copies and is expected to be certified double Platinum by the end of the week. The track is in the Top 15 (*13) at Mainstream AC radio and is #33* and climbing at Adult Top 40 radio. “Let It Go” is currently the #2 song on the iTunes singles chart and #2 on the overall Billboard’s Digital Song chart. The film video version of Idina’s “Let It Go” has been viewed more than 150M times on YouTube and Demi Lovato’s “Let It Go” music video has been Vevo-certified for surpassing 100M views.

The album maintains its No. 1 position on Billboard’s Soundtrack Chart, peaked at No. 1 on the iTunes Overall Chart (and in 31 countries), plus Amazon’s Overall Music Category, Pop, and Overall MP3 charts. The Frozen album has held the #1 position for 5 non-consecutive weeks at Spotify and worldwide, is approaching 110M album streams.

The soundtrack features eight original songs from Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and songwriter Robert Lopez plus score by the composer of last year’s Oscar-winning short “Paperman,” Christophe Beck.

The Frozen soundtrack, the Frozen two-disc deluxe edition and the digital deluxe edition soundtrack (featuring 23 and 27 additional tracks respectively, including demos, outtakes and a “Let It Go” instrumental karaoke track) are available at physical and online retail.

ABC Cancels “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland”

Once-Upon-a-Time-in-Wonderland

ABC has confirmed through various sources that Once Upon a Time in Wonderland will not return after this season ends.

The fantasy-drama series, written by Once Upon a Time creators Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis, based on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

The spinoff of Once Upon a Time will come to an end on April 3.  This episode is being promoted as a “series finale”.

The show – starring Sophie Lowe, Michael Socha, Iggy Pop and Whoopi Goldberg – was originally developed as a 13-episode miniseries that was designed to fill downtime between seasons of the flagship series.  Instead, it began airing on Thursdays in October of last year, and failed to draw viewers in its tricky 8pm slot.

“I really had hoped that Once Upon a Time in Wonderland would work,” added ABC Studios chief Patrick Moran in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter yesterday (March 27), before the cancellation plans were announced.

“It was designed to be what they call ‘gap programming’… and it probably would have fared better as that,” he said.