Month: July 2014

My Disney Experience App on iOS Updated

my-disney-experience-app

The iOS version of the My Disney Experience app has just been updated to version 2.2 and is now available via the Apple App Store. The update is available for both iPhone, iPod and iPad.

Improvements include:

  • Significantly improved the app’s launch time and overall performance
  • Included refresh capabilities to auto-update restaurants, shows, attractions and FastPass+ experiences
  • Fixed bugs affecting Character Dining search results
  • Corrected the camera orientation and font sizes for iPad
  • Enabled scrolling on the FastPass+ landing screen for devices with 3.5″ display

New Renderings Offer Glimpses at Future Access to Disney Springs

If you’ve visited Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort lately, you’ve most likely noticed the many changes underway as the area transforms into Disney Springs – it’s the largest expansion in Downtown Disney history and, when completed, will double the area’s number of dining and retail options. Through this expansion, guests can continue to enjoy more than 70 themed and immersive shopping, dining and entertainment venues day and night. One of my personal favorites is the new Marketplace Co-Op, which has unique Disney boutique shops.

Disney Springs Rendering 1

The surrounding roadways and parking areas at Downtown Disney are growing too and will eventually offer easier access to the area. Today we have two new renderings to share with you that showcase the work that is already underway, which includes widening Lake Buena Vista Drive from seven to 10 lanes and constructing two multilevel garages (the first of which, pictured above, is set to open by late 2014 to offer 4,000 parking spaces). Two pedestrian bridges are also planned that will help lead guests into Disney Springs near the current Marketplace side, while the other will offer access in through the West Side.

Disney Springs Rendering 2

As you can see above, the changes will also include a new I-4 interchange that will offer guests direct access to Disney Springs.

All of this work is part of the area’s transformation into Disney Springs, which will be continue into 2016. The first phase of the expansion, an area called The Landing, will open in 2015 to offer lakefront shopping and dining. In the meantime, if you are planning to visit Downtown Disney for activities with set times, such as Cirque du Soleil performances, concerts or movies, early arrival is suggested.

 

Anna and Elsa Meet & Greet Queue Change

According for multiple sources there is a queue change for the Anna and Elsa meet and greet.  According to the reports –

  • Once the queue has a 30 minute wait, the line will be closed to new guests
  • At that point, guests will be directed to other side of the Carousel to obtain what best can be described as a legacy fastpass –

anna-and-elsa-ticket

  • Only a limited number (reports are 80 individual passes) are being handed out for each hour
  • A pass will be needed for each member of your group (four people = four passes)
  • Guests who have made Fastpass+ reservations will still have their reservations honored
  • Testing is taking place today, tomorrow, and Friday

There are rumors that this system, if it works here, will be expanded to other attractions throughout Disney World, which would make sense if this is indeed a test.  To what extent it would be expanded is not known at this time.  Again….these are only rumors.

Walt Disney Biopic to Air on PBS

Walt Disney

From Variety –

PBS and American Experience are taking a look at the man behind the mouse and will air “Walt Disney,” a four-hour, two-night film that aims to explore the life and legacy of the iconic filmproducer and business magnate.

The film is spearheaded by biopic veterans director-producer Sarah Colt (“RFK,” “Henry Ford”) and writer Mark Zwonitzer (“JFK,” “Triangle Fire”) and promises to showcase archival footage and interviews with artists who worked with him on “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and Imagineers who helped design Disneyland.

“For many Americans — and for me — the twinkle and swish of the Sunday night Disney logo was pure magic. It was an invitation to a special event,” said Beth Hoppe, chief programming officer and general manager, general audience programming for PBS. “For my kids, introducing them to animated Disney movies from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ to ‘The Lion King’ brought us great joy and taught them life lessons. Now viewers of all ages can learn about the life and legacy of the man behind the magic and his continuing impact on our lives and culture.”

“Walt Disney is an entrepreneurial and cultural icon,” said American Experience executive producer Mark Samels. “No single figure shaped American culture in the 20th century more than he.”

The TV movie will air in fall 2015 on PBS.

 

Napa Rose at Disneyland Resort Closing for Rehab

Napa Rose

The critically acclaimed Napa Rose the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will be closing August 2nd for a “planned refurbishment,” Disney confirms. The restaurant, known for its seasonally driven dishes, will be closed for at least eight weeks.

Napa Rose is undergoing a kitchen overhaul so it can be reborn with a new layout and new equipment. According to Disney spokesperson Michele Himmelberg, no “significant changes” will be made to the main dining room.

This is the first major upgrade to the restaurant since it opened in 2001. Napa has long been known for its outstanding wine selection, farm-to-table dishes (before those became trendy) and its action-packed culinary counter where diners have a ringside seat of the exhibition kitchen.

The hotel’s other dining venues will remain open during Napa’s construction, including Hearthstone Lounge, Himmelberg said.

The changes come as Napa Rose executive chef Andrew Sutton oversees a major overhaul of the Club 33 menu. The exclusive Disneyland restaurant, where top-tier memberships can cost up to $11,000, reopened last week after an extensive top-to-bottom refreshening. Sutton also oversees the menu at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure.

 

Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition) Preview at San Diego Comic-Con

Disney Infinity 2.0

D23 Members are invited to join Disney Interactive for an exclusive Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition) preview event at San Diego Comic-Con! From 2–4 p.m. on July 26, D23 Members are taking over and getting exclusive time to preview this hotly anticipated game.

Swing by the Disney Infinity pop-up shop for a special hands-on experience with Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition) including the Marvel Super Heroes Play Sets and the enhanced Toy Box that includes all-new Disney characters. Plus, there are plenty of special surprises and giveaways in store for D23 Members and their guests!

Disney Infinity is an interactive gaming platform where players have unprecedented freedom and endless opportunity to create stories and play experiences starring beloved characters from across the worlds of Disney. Building on the success of last year’s initial launch, Disney Interactive announced that Disney Infinity’s next chapter, Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, will hit stores this fall. In the all-new game, players use real-world interactive figures to activate original storylines (Play Sets) in the virtual game worlds of popular Marvel franchises and create new adventures with other Disney Infinity characters in the Toy Box mode. For more information, visit Disney.com/Infinity.

Overview

Be among the first to experience the Marvel Super Heroes Play Sets, plus special surprises and giveaways!

Tickets

No tickets or reservations required, please present your D23 Membership Card for entry.

Details

D23 Member event is 2–4 p.m. One (1) guest allowed per D23 Member.

NOTE: Available only to D23 Gold and Silver Members in good standing. Each D23 Member may bring up to one (1) guest. Space is limited. This event is not at the San Diego Convention Center, and Comic-Con admission is not required. D23 Members must bring their D23 Membership Card and a valid photo ID. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card will not be admitted to the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice.

 

Disney Makes Changes to ‘Ohana’ Dinner Menu

Ohana-Restaurant

Over the past couple of months ‘Ohana has abruptly removed a couple of menu items – the skewered chicken from its menu, and people were none too happy. Also the Mixed Greens Salad with a Lilkoi dressing is no longer listed on the ‘Ohana menu, and it actually won’t even be served at all….unless you ask for it.

Added to the ‘Ohana menu are Vegetable Lettuce Wraps with a Hoisin Ginger Sauce and a child’s dessert – Brownie with a marshmallow topping and M&M’s.

The menu itself has been rearranged a bit to now include an “Entree” section.

The noodles and vegetables used to be referred to as “Accompaniments.”

Here is how the new ‘Ohana Dinner Feast menu reads:

Starters

  • ‘Ohana Pineapple Coconut Bread

Appetizers

  • Pork Dumplings tossed in a Garlic Ginger Sauce
  • Vegetable Lettuce Wraps with a Hoisin Ginger Sauce

Entree

  • Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings
  • Stir-Fried Vegetables
  • Noodles tossed in a Teriyaki Sauce

Skewers – Prepared over an oak fire, Served with Peanut and Sweet-n-Sour Sauces

  • Sweet and Sour Pork Loin
  • Szechuan Sirloin Steak
  • Spicy Grilled Peel-n-Eat Shrimp

Dessert

  • ‘Ohana Bread Pudding a la mode – Topped with Caramel Sauce and Bananas
  • Child’s Dessert – Brownie with marshmallow topping and M&M’s

Disney Cruise Line Named Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2014

disney-cruise-characters

Disney Cruise Line was named Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line and Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line for Families by Travel + Leisure readers in the magazine’s World’s Best Awards 2014. This is the first time Disney Cruise Line has received the Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line award and the sixth consecutive year it has been recognized as a top cruise line for families.

“We are honored once again to be recognized as the ‘World’s Best’ for families by the readers of Travel + Leisure,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “This year is extra special because of the additional honor of Top Mega-Ship Cruise Line. These awards really speak to what Disney Cruise Line is all about – creating magical memories for guests of all ages onboard our ships and taking them to fantastic destinations around the world.”

Disney Cruise Line pioneered the family market in the cruise industry, providing a unique vacation experience where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all Disney has to offer. Today, Disney Cruise Line continues to expand its blueprint for family cruising with a fleet of four ships – the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Guests can sail out of ports around the world on exciting itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Hawaii, Alaska and Europe, among others.

In addition to new itineraries, Disney Cruise Line remains committed to reinvesting in the fleet and continuously making shipboard enhancements that elevate the guest experience. Most recently, the Disney Magic was reimagined to include a new water thrill ride called the AquaDunk, new restaurants and technology to surprise guests such as “Drawn to Magic” at Animator’s Palate, and an all-new line up of nighttime fun for adults at the entertainment district After Hours.

Disney Cruise Line
Based in Celebration, Fla., Disney Cruise Line has consistently received distinguished awards and recognition from the travel industry since first setting sail in 1998. These awards have included all aspects of the operation from dining and entertainment to youth activities and spa facilities. For more information on Disney Cruise Line Awards & Accolades, please visit our web site.

Disney Parks Salutes U.S. Military with Special Tickets & Room Rates

Disney Salutes Military

Today, Disney announced new special pricing on theme park tickets and accommodations for active duty U.S. military personnel at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Here’s a look at the details:

At Walt Disney World Resort – from August 25, 2014, through September 30, 2015, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:

  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $177 each, plus tax
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Park Fun and More Option for $177 each, plus tax
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $207 each, plus tax.

Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used September 28, 2014, through October 3, 2015, except that the tickets may not be used December 22, 2014 – January 2, 2015 and March 29 – April 9, 2015.

For information on Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to Walt Disney World Resort, or to make room reservations at Walt Disney World Resort, military personnel may call 407-939-7830 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices.

At the Disneyland Resort – from August 25, 2014, through October 1, 2015, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:

  • Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $132 each

Disneyland tickets may be used September 28, 2014, through October 3, 2015, except that the tickets may not be used December 25, 2014 – January 4, 2015 and March 29 – April 9, 2015.

Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by October 3, 2015.

Active and retired U.S. military personnel can also take advantage of specially priced rooms at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels.* This offer is valid for stays most nights from September 28, 2014, through October 3, 2015, except for:

  • November 27 – November 29, 2014
  • December 24 – December 31, 2014
  • March 30 – April 4, 2015

For information regarding Disney 3-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort, or to make room reservations at the Disneyland Resort, military personnel may call 714-520-7088 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. Information is also available at disneymilitaryoffers.com.

Here are some other details you should know about:

  • Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets ONLY by Eligible Service Members (defined below) or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and other family members and friends, as provided herein. These Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold.
  • “Eligible Service Members” are active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • The actual prices charged at the individual U.S. military base ticket offices for Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be less than the prices set forth above.
  • Participating military sales outlets must require that Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) present valid military identification to purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets.
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort are not valid until activated by the Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows.Tickets and options expire and may not be used after October 3, 2015. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use.
  • Disney 3-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort expire and may not be used after October 3, 2015. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use.
  • No more than six (6) Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased and (if applicable) activated by any Eligible Service Member or spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse). In addition, one of the six (6) Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or his/her spouse.
  • Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply. Valid Military ID will be required upon check-in, and military member (or spouse) must stay in the room. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Additional per-adult charges apply at the Walt Disney World Resort if there are more than two adults per room. Other restrictions apply.

Fantasia Gardens Closing for Staggered Refurb Over Next Few Weeks

fantasia_gardens

As reported by WDWMagic –

The Gardens course at the Fantasia Gardens mini-golf will be closing for a staggered refurbishment over the next couple of weeks.

The Gardens course will be closed from July 22-25, July 28 to August 1 and August 4-8, 2014. The Fairways course will not be closing and will remain open as normal.

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