Month: March 2015

Hippity Hoppity Easter’s on the Way with Fun Foodie Ideas at Walt Disney World

WDW Easter Cupcakes

Big or small, there’s a way to celebrate Easter at Walt Disney World Resort. From specialty cupcakes in Magic Kingdom Park to an Easter egg parade at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and a garden party brunch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, there’s something for everyone.

From March 29-April 11, Magic Kingdom Park guests can nibble a cupcake that’s almost too pretty to eat – carrot cake with cream cheese icing and a carrot piped on top, or a vanilla cupcake with a chocolate nest of malted milk eggs. And don’t forget the delicious white chocolate rabbit cupcake from Cheshire Café!

At Epcot, guests can pick up an adorable chocolate cupcake with marshmallow filling, marshmallow-buttercream frosting at Fountain View from March 29-April 11, and Sunshine Seasons April 4-5.

A noon on March 31, join in the 3rd annual Disney’s Contemporary Resort Easter Egg Parade at Chef Mickey’s – the procession of pastry chefs starts in the restaurant, then their chocolate bunnies and beautifully decorated eggs are displayed through Easter on the fourth floor near the restaurant. There will also be a special cupcake April 3-5, featuring carrot cake with pineapple-coconut filling, white chocolate buttercream frosting, toasted coconut, jelly beans and a bunny macaron garnish.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, fans of Boma — Flavors of Africa will be happy to hear that hours are extended on Easter Sunday, April 5, from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. And ‘tis the season for sweets, with a table laden with goodies – chocolate peanut butter eggs, jelly beans, kisses, chocolate miniatures so that breakfast guests can make a little take-home box.

Over at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Palace Library at Kidani Village is being converted to “Library Lounge” during this bustling season, open from 4 p.m.–midnight and offering Sanaa appetizers and cocktails (not on the Disney Dining Plan). It’s the perfect place to beat the heat with a pretty savannah view.

Guests of the resort can enjoy the Maji Pool Bar Cookout from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (weather permitting) March 28-April 12: burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, bratwurst and a chicken burger by the pool (on the Disney Dining Plan). Look for some fun entertainment too.

At Disney’s BoardWalk, try the Easter cupcake from BoardWalk Bakery. Vanilla cake with raspberry panna cotta filling, topped with a cute coconut “nest” with jelly beans.

Three seasonal brunches are open for booking. The 1900 Park Fare Brunch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be from 1-3 p.m. daily March 29-April 5. No Disney characters, just an enjoyable mid-day spread of delicious goodies.

 

The Diamond Horseshoe Open for Quick Service Lunch and Table Service Dinner

DiamondHorseshoe

The Diamond Horseshoe at the Magic Kingdom is currently opening for quick service lunch, and for family style table service dinner.

Guests will find sandwiches, snacks and beverages for quick service lunch through April 11th, from 11am – 3pm. Menu items include Barbecued Turkey Sandwich, Hand-carved Pork Brisket Sandwich, Portobello Sandwich, Hand-carved Turkey Sandwich, Tuna Salad with Croissant – all for $9.49 each.

Dinner will be available  4:30pm – 9:30pm, as table service family-style turkey dinner also through April 11th. Offerings include Roasted Turkey Breast, Carved Beef, and Sliced Pork with Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Herb Bread Stuffing, and Macaroni & Cheese. Desert is Tavern-made White Cake filled with Apples and Craisins Dried Cranberries, topped with Ice Cream. Dinner is $34.07 for adults, and $17.03 ages 3-9.

Disney Developing Live-Action ‘Mulan’

Mulan

From the Hollywood Reporter –

On the heels of the magical success of Disney’s live-action Cinderella, the studio is eyeing another live-action retelling: Mulan.

Disney bought a script by writing team Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek that centers on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, the female warrior who was the main character in Disney’s 1998 animated film.

Chris Bender and J.C. Spink (We’re the Millers) are producing the new project.

The 1998 film, directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook, followed a young woman who disguises herself as a man so she can take her father’s place in the army and go to war. With the help of her trusty dragon sidekick Mushu, she becomes a skilled warrior and, eventually, one of the country’s greatest heroines. It earned $304.3 million worldwide, earned Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations and resulted in a 2005 direct-to-DVD sequel, Mulan II.

Disney has been on a roll with its live-action versions of its classic animated films. Cinderella,starring Lily James, has earned $336.2 million worldwide to date since hitting theaters three weeks ago. In 2010, the reimagined Alice in Wonderland grossed a staggering $1.02 billion and when Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie as the iconic villainess, opened in May 2014, it went on to earn a stunning $758.4 million worldwide.

Disney is also making a live-action retelling of Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. Audra McDonald just joined the cast of the project, which will be directed by Bill Condon. It hits theaters on March 17, 2017. And in 2016 Disney will release a new version of The Jungle Book and the sequel to Alice in Wonderland. Finally, a live-action version of Dumbo, which will be helmed by Tim Burton, is also in the works.

Writing team Martin and Hynek met in high school, among other projects, have written for the Know Theatre of Cincinnati and rewrote a script for Amazon Studios.

 

 

Experience All the Benefits of a Disneyland Resort Hotel with Limited-Time, Special Savings

disneyland-hotel

Guests planning a spring or early summer trip to the Disneyland Resort are invited to take advantage of a new hotel offer. For reservations made at any Disneyland Resort Hotel between March 25 and May 7, guests will save 20 percent on premium rooms and 15 percent on standard rooms, on select nights from April 5 through June 16. The savings, combined with all the benefits of staying at a Disneyland Resort property, make this an ideal time to plan a vacation at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Whether for business or leisure, any visit to the Disneyland Resort is enhanced with a stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel. The Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel each have their own distinctive style, and all three offer the same great benefits exclusive to hotel guests.

The Disney difference: Disney Cast Members are known worldwide for their personalized service and are available 24 hours a day for the convenience of hotel guests. In addition, each hotel is uniquely themed to immerse guests in Disney stories even after they’ve left the parks.

Great locations: All three hotels are conveniently located near Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and the Downtown Disney District.

Key to the Magic: Hotel guests may easily charge meals and merchandise to their rooms using Key to the Magic cards. As an added convenience, items purchased in the resort can be sent directly to a guest’s hotel room through the Merchandise Delivery service.

Extra Magic Hour: Hotel guests are invited to enjoy select attractions in either Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park one hour before park opening each day of their stay.

Exclusive Entrance: All hotel guests may enter Disney California Adventure park through an entrance available only to hotel guests in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Valid theme park admission is required.

Dining: Character breakfasts are available at each hotel – Chip ‘n Dale Critter Breakfast at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel, and Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. In addition, each hotel has a variety of dining options, from small bites to upscale fare.

Recreation: Guests are invited to enjoy the pools and saunas at all three Disneyland Resort Hotels, embark on a power walk around Disney California Adventure before park opening, or participate in interactive fun, including Learn to Draw Mickey Class and Disney’s Princess Story Time. (Activities are subject to change.)

Visit Disneyland.com/offers for more details.
Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel for select Sunday through Thursday nights between 04/05/15 – 06/16/15. Book from 03/25/15 through 05/07/15, with travel completed by 06/17/15. Ask about savings in other room types. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks.

D23 Announces Events for Disney Fans in Orlando

D23_MemberCard

D23 has announced additional special member events in the Orlando area, adding even more exclusive experiences for fans in Central Florida. On the heels of a D23 Member-exclusive screening of Walt Disney Studios’ live-action Cinderella, D23 is bringing more magic to the Walt Disney World Resort area throughout the rest of the year, including—for the first time—intimate events celebrating classic Disney films similar to what members enjoy at The Walt Disney Studios lot with guest speakers, screenings, and other surprises.

WAKING UP WITH SLEEPING BEAUTY: On the morning of Saturday, April 18, D23 Gold and Silver Members will be able to enjoy this animated classic on the big screen. Special guest, animator and Walt Disney World Creative Designer Lon Smart, will explore the film’s numerous landmark achievements including its unique artistic style and groundbreaking visual effects. Plus, all members will receive a special journal designed to look like the ornate storybook at the beginning of the film.

MICKEY’S OF GLENDALE ORLANDO SHOPPING EVENTS: The Walt Disney Imagineering store is opening up a pop-up shop for D23 Gold and Silver Members. On Saturday, June 6, guests will be able to peruse and purchase signature items from the store’s unique collection. And on Saturday, November 14, members will be able to pick up some key holiday gift items for the Disney fans in their lives—and for themselves.

LET’S GET TOGETHER WITH THE PARENT TRAP: Celebrate this beloved film—starring Hayley Mills in dual roles—with D23 as we present the 1961 hit on the big screen Saturday, June 6. D23’s Steven Vagnini will present a look at the making of the movie with rarely seen photographs and imagery. All attendees will receive a special gift. Plus, guests who attend the screening will receive priority admission on that day to D23’s shopping event with Mickey’s of Glendale.

SIP AND STROLL: D23 brings a new twist to a fan favorite, as members gather in celebration of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival on Saturday, October 3. Attendees will enjoy a continental breakfast, guest speakers, and an insider look at this annual event, now in its 20th year, before sipping and strolling around World Showcase—with some delectable surprises.

Calendar (all events and dates are subject to change):

  • April 18: Waking Up with Sleeping Beauty—AMC Downtown Disney 24, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
  • June 6: Let’s Get Together With The Parent Trap—AMC Downtown Disney 24, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
  • June 6: Mickey’s of Glendale Orlando Shopping Event—Location TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
  • October 3: Sip and Stroll—Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Fla.
  • November 14: Mickey’s of Glendale Orlando Shopping Event—Location TBA, Walt Disney World Resort

Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Closing Date Gets Extended

pettydrivingexperience

From the Orlando Sentinel –

The closing date for the Richard Petty Driving Experience and the Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney World has been extended for more than a month.

The Richard Petty Driving Experience, where fans can drive NASCAR cars or ride shotgun at speeds up to 165 mph, opened in 1997. Petty Holdings introduced the Exotic Driving Experience, where people can drive exotic sports cars, four years ago.

The final day on Aug. 9 will culminate with a charity ride in collaboration with Give Kids the World. The Richard Petty Driving Experience will auction off the last ride with proceeds benefiting the Kissimmee-based wish-granting nonprofit organization.

Also, Petty Holdings is offering a 43 percent discount on driving experiences booked on April 3 in honor of 43 Day (4/3). The unofficial day celebrates Petty’s famous #43 racecar. A $43 discount on ride-along experiences will also be available.

The offer is good for any available date at Disney World that is booked on on April 3, but will not be available at the company’s Daytona International Speedway location.

“This is a great way for Petty fans around the country to get behind the wheel, or in the passenger seat, of a stock car to experience the thrill of racing on some of the country’s most iconic tracks,” Chris Kirby, director of marketing for Petty Holdings, said in a release.

Petty Holdings announced in February that they will be leaving their Walt Disney World location to make way for transportation improvements. The speedway lies south of the Magic Kingdom parking lot and west of World Drive.

About half of the speedway’s 70 employees are permanent, with 12 full-time employees.

Disney hasn’t released detailed plans on the transportation improvements.

 

‘Tomorowland’ Movie Sneak Peek Coming to Epcot

disney-tomorrowland-movie

Epcot will be showing a sneak peek of the upcoming “Tomorrowland” movie in April 2015.

Disney will be showing the exclusive preview scenes in the Imagination Pavilion Theater, which is currently home to Captain EO. The preview will also feature special effects that are part of that theater location. “Tomorrowland” opens in theaters on May 22nd.

The preview is only for a limited time, and there is talk that preview may signal the end to Captain EO playing at Epcot. EO returned to Epcot in 2010 following the death of Michael Jackson. Although Captain EO was originally expected to be back for a limited time, it has since become a permanent replacement for Honey I Shrunk the Audience.

Walt Disney World Rolls Out Upgraded Wi-Fi Accross

Courtesy of Inside the Magic
Courtesy of Inside the Magic

Walt Disney World has rolled out an upgrade to the Wi-Fi infrastructure across all four theme parks.

The update should increase performance and network stability for the ever-increasing number of guests trying to use the service. Part of the upgrade has been made possible by removing support for old devices that were connecting on the 802.11b band. Unfortunately, this means that owners of some early Wi-Fi phones and iPods will no longer be able to access the Disney Wi-Fi service in the parks.

Due to the importance of accessing My Disney Experience, access to the Internet in the theme park has become a critical part of a day in the parks. AT&T has also been working at improving cell based data services as an alternative to Disney’s Wi-Fi service.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and SMS Audio Announce New Strategic Alliance

SMS Audio

SMS Audio, LLC, a premier audio headphone brand, and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts have entered into a multi-year strategic alliance naming SMS Audio the official headphones of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

SMS Audio products, including Star Wars First Edition SMS Audio headphones are available for purchase now at select locations throughout Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. In the spring, the Second Edition Star Wars SMS Audio headphone collection will be available depicting fan favorite themes such as Tie Fighter, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and Darth Vader.

“Establishing an alliance with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is consistent with our strategic goal to build SMS Audio into a premiere global audio brand,” said Brian M. Nohe, president of SMS Audio. “We look forward to building upon this alliance even further.”

As part of this agreement, SMS Audio will be a sponsor of Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and will feature their products at the park’s annual Star Wars Weekends. SMS Audio will also be a sponsor of the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend and Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend, both at Disneyland Resort in California.

In addition, SMS Audio has been named the Official Headphones of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. Along with product opportunities for D23 Members, SMS Audio will be a part of this year’s D23 EXPO 2015: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center August 14–16, 2015.

“This alliance brings together two companies who share a commitment to providing high-quality entertainment experiences,” said Tiffany Rende, senior vice president of Disney Corporate Alliances and Operating Participants. “We’re thrilled to have SMS Audio join us as we continue to enhance our guest offerings.”

To learn more about SMS Audio and its products, visit www.smsaudio.com.

New DCL Ports in Scotland, England, Ireland and France Join Other Popular Destinations for the 2016 Summer Season

DCL - Scotland

In 2016, Disney Cruise Line is sailing its first British Isles itinerary, visiting Scotland, England, Ireland and France. Throughout the summer of 2016, Disney Cruise Line also will return to Norway, Iceland and ports of call in more than 15 European countries.

In addition to the tour of Europe with limited engagements in the Baltic, Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, British Isles, Greek Isles and the Mediterranean, Disney Cruise Line will revisit favorite destinations elsewhere around the globe including Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Bookings for the new itineraries open to the public on March 26, 2015. More details can be found on the Itineraries and Ports for 2016 page of disneycruise.com.

New British Isles

On June 5, 2016, Disney Cruise Line will sail from Dover, England on its very first British Isles itinerary. The 12-night cruise on the Disney Magic will sail to Invergordon, Kirkwall and Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland; Newcastle and Liverpool, England; Dublin, Ireland; Le Havre (Paris), France; and Guernsey; one of the Channel Islands. All of these, except Kirkwall, are first-time ports of call for Disney Cruise Line.

On this itinerary, guests can explore the majestic beauty of Scotland, experience Highland culture, sample traditional cuisine and spirits, and discover the country’s iconic castles. Elsewhere on the itinerary, guests will experience the merry, cosmopolitan city of Dublin, the culturally rich and romantic Paris, the birthplace of the Beatles and the British Invasion in Liverpool, and the charming countryside of Guernsey.

New Iceland and Norway

Disney Cruise Line guests can explore the natural wonders of Iceland with two new 12-night Disney Magic sailings. Each itinerary includes two days in Reykjavik and a stop in Akureyri, Iceland; Bergen, Norway; and Kirkwall, Scotland. Departing from Dover, England and concluding in Copenhagen, Denmark, the June 17 cruise also visits Stavanger, Norway and Newcastle, England. The July 13 cruise departing from Copenhagen, Denmark and concluding in Dover, England also visits Oslo and Kristiansand, Norway and Invergordon, Scotland.

On this itinerary, three days in Iceland provides time to explore the country’s rich natural wonders such as volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers and thermal springs. In Norway, guests are immersed in the splendor and charm of the country with exciting ports steeped in Viking history.

New Norwegian Fjords from Dover

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will sail from Dover, England on a seven-night cruise to the majestic Norwegian fjords. Departing on May 29, the Disney Magic will visit Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger and Bergen, Norway.

In Norway, Disney Cruise Line guests will discover breathtaking natural wonders such as magnificent mountain ranges, massive glaciers and majestic fjords. The enchanting Scandinavian culture of the region comes to life through local attractions, stunning architecture, storybook villages and historic city centers.

More Summer 2016 Itineraries

During the summer of 2016, the Disney Magic will return to favorite destinations in northern Europe, the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean with a variety of seven-night and longer sailings.

From May through August 2016, the Disney Wonder will return to Alaska, sailing from Vancouver, Canada to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

In 2016, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will sail from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Caribbean on a variety of itineraries. All of these cruises include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.