Month: May 2016

Artwork Added to Retail MagicBand on Demand Stations at Walt Disney World Resort

Last fall, Walt Disney World introduced retail MagicBand on Demand stations in select Walt Disney World Resortmerchandise locations. At these stations, you can create and personalize a retail MagicBand in just a matter of minutes. The on-demand MagicBands are offered in a variety of colors, and, once printed, they can be easily linked to your My Disney Experience account.

Magic Band Artwork 2

There are currently three on-demand stations at Walt Disney World Resort – Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. in Magic Kingdom Park, D-Tech on Demand boutique in the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs Marketplace, and Star Wars Launch Bay in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (the latter only offers Star Wars-inspired designs).

The “Beauty and the Beast,” Duffy the Disney Bear, and ShellieMay designs are found at both the Magic Kingdom Park and Disney Springs locations. You may also find “Bride” and “Groom” options as seen in the first image of this story.

There are two incredibly cute designs by one of our favorite artists, Jerrod Maruyama. These two options are currently only found at the Marketplace Co-Op location in Disney Springs.

Magic Band Artwork 3

Fans of the Haunted Mansion will love these four designs reminiscent of the stretching portraits from the attraction.

Magic Band Artwork 4

The Tomorrowland location also has some unique designs available including several current Magic Kingdom Park attractions. Look for additional artwork of classic attractions such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

Magic Band Artwork 5

Finally, there are four Pirates of the Caribbean attraction options for guests who visit the Magic Kingdom Park location.

Disney Interactive Discontinues Disney Infinity

Disney Interactive has just announced that it’s pulling the plug on the Infinity line and is exiting the self-publishing console games business altogether. Doing so has resulted in a $147 million charge in the Walt Disney Company’s Q2 2016 earnings. Back in March, Disney signaled it would slow development of the “toys-to-life” game which first launched in 2013, but gave no indication it planned to walk away from the series entirely.

Disney_Interactive_Logo

Senior VP John Blackburn stated on Disney Interactive’s website:

“Our goal for Disney Infinity was to bring the best of Disney storytelling to life in homes around the world, and with your support we accomplished that. We hope you had as much fun playing the game as we had making it.

So what’s next for Disney Infinity? We have two final retail releases coming, including three new characters from Alice Through the Looking Glass later this month, and the Finding Dory Play Set launching in June.

And as we turn to the next chapter in our story, I want to thank everyone who helped bring Disney Infinity to life, particularly Disney’s Glendale-based production and publishing teams, our external development partners, and of course the incredible Avalanche team for their tireless dedication to this project.

But most of all, I want to again thank you for making Disney Infinity a part of your lives—and for adding to the Disney legacy by being a part of this community.”

Disney Infinity has seen major new releases each year, introducing popular characters from Disney / Pixar films, the Marvel universe, and most recently integrating Star Wars characters in Disney Infinity 3.0. Only a month ago, Disney had pledged to make the3.0 title its “biggest game ever” through upcoming downloadable content — a way to make up for the lack of a completely new version 4.0. Well, it seems that’s no longer the plan.

STK Orlando Opening Date Set – Reservations Now Available

Disney Springs’ newest steakhouse eatery STK is taking reservations for May 25 and beyond.

STK Orlando

The One Group restaurant hasn’t made an opening announcement, but it is accepting reservations the STK Orlando website and over the phone by calling the restaurant directly.

The 14,000 sq ft STK Orlando will have two dining floor – including a main level and the only rooftop dining venue in Disney Springs.

‘Captain America: Civil War’ Blasts Off to $180 Million Weekend

“Captain America: Civil War” is making U.S. box office history, blasting to the fifth-best opening weekend ever with an estimated $180 million.

Marvel-Disney’s tentpole launched the summer moviegoing season on Friday with a spectacular $75.3 million at 4,226 locations — the eighth-highest opening day of all time. That figure includes $25 million from Thursday night preview showings.

“Captain America: Civil War” should finish the weekend in elite company behind only four other films: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at $248 million, “Jurassic World” at $208.8 million, “Marvel’s The Avengers” at $207.4 million and “Avengers: Age of Ultron” at $191.3 million.

Projections on Saturday showed the third “Captain America” will replace “Iron Man 3,” which opened with $174.1 million on the same weekend in 2013, as the fifth-highest launch at the U.S. box office. Its per-location average is about $42,000 for the weekend.

The $75 opening day total for “Civil War” trails only seven titles, led by “The Force Awakens” at $119.1 million, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2” at $91.1 million, “Ultron” at $84.4 million, “Jurassic World” at $82 million, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” at $81.6 million, “Marvel’s the Avengers” at $80.8 million and “The Dark Knight Rises” at $75.8 million.

“Captain America: Civil War,” the 13th film in the Marvel Universe, has already shown plenty of power outside the U.S. with $291.2 million as of Thursday after nine days. That number should jump this weekend, thanks in part to the opening in China.

Disney’s marketing hooks for the movie include a duel between Chris Evans’ Captain America and Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man, plus the introduction of  Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. The “Captain America: Winter Soldier” directorial team of Joe and Anthony Russo helmed the sequel.

Online ticketing service Fandango reported on Wednesday that “Civil War” had generated a record in advance sales for a superhero title, surpassing “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “The Avengers.”

From Variety

Characters from Finding Dory Appearing in Turtle Talk with Crush

Characters from Disney-Pixar’s upcoming “Finding Dory” are now appearing in Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot’s The Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion.

Dory, Destiny the whale shark, Bailey the beluga whale and Hank the “septopus” are all part of the show. Also appearing for the first time will be Squirt, Nemo and Marlin.

‘Finding Dory” will open in theaters on June 17th, and will feature the voice work of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs to See Price Increase

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at both the Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs will see price increases next week.

Starting May 10th, the Castle Package will increase from $195 to $199, and the Courtyard Package from $95 to $99. The Crown and Knight packages will remain the same.

Photo prints will no longer be included in the Castle Package, instead, photos can be viewed and ordered from the My Disney Experience app. In place of the photo print, the Castle Package will included a Disney Princess necklace.

An add-on to any package for $34.95 remains available, which includes one 6” x 8” photo and four 4” x 6” photos in a special photo holder.

Reservations can be made at 407-WDW-STYLE.

Disney Institute Hosts First-Ever Customer Experience Summit at Walt Disney World Resort

For the first time, Disney Institute will be hosting a Customer Experience Summit at Walt Disney World Resort. For decades, Disney has been fine-tuning the art of customer service, ensuring the guest is at the heart of everything. This one-of-a kind event will give participants a peek behind the unique brand of Disney magic and help transform the way they think about their own customer experience.

The Customer Experience Summit will take place at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa from Aug. 22-25, 2016. The multi-day summit is a fully immersive learning event that will offer attendees a first-hand look at Disney business insights and best practices in leadership, service and employee engagement. Guests will learn how these critical customer experience elements can be adapted and applied to their own customer interactions.

The Summit will also offer guests unique field experiences throughout the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks where they will observe the Disney customer experience concepts, in action. Disney senior executives will share real-world examples of how they bring the Disney approach to life every day. The Summit keynote speakers include:

  • George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Karl Holz, president, New Vacation Operations and Disney Cruise Line.
  • Paul Richardson, senior vice president, human resources, ESPN and chief diversity officer, The Walt Disney Company.

“This is a great chance for participants to learn from senior Disney executives how we create and deliver a customer experience that consistently exceeds expectations,” said Jeff James, vice president and general manager, Disney Institute. “The summit will be unlike any other, actively engaging attendees in our parks and resorts operation.”

For more details and to register visit: DisneyInstitute.com. Registration fees include conference materials, guided field experiences within the operation and select meals.

To find upcoming Disney Institute business training and professional development experiences, including those offered in Spanish, as well as our year-round courses offered at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the Disneyland Resort in Californiaand Aulani – A Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii, visit: DisneyInstituteCourses.com.

About Disney Institute
As the trusted, authoritative voice on the Disney approach to customer experience, Disney Institute uses business insights and time-tested examples from Disney parks and resorts worldwide to inspire individuals and organizations to enhance their own customer experience using Disney principles as their guide.

For nearly three decades, Disney Institute has helped professionals discover ways to positively impact their organizations and the customer they serve through immersion in leadership, service and employee engagement. Unique to Disney Institute is the opportunity to go behind the scenes in a “living laboratory” to observe firsthand how Disney methodologies are operationalized and how they can be adapted and applied to any work environment.

Tickets for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Now on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Following the changes that Disney made to the single day park tickets earlier this year, both party nights are using tiered pricing, with different prices depending on the date.

Along with the more complex pricing structure, there are significant price increases across the board for both events.

Discounts are available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members, along with discounts for advance purchase.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2016

DCL - Halloween

The least expensive advance purchase adult Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket is $72, and the most expensive is $105. The majority of nights are $91.

As a comparison, in 2015, the cheapest was $68 and the most expensive ticket was $87, the most common price was $74 for an advance purchase adult.

September 2016 – 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30
October 2016 – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

Advance Purchase Pricing

September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 25 – Adults $72, Child $67
September 29, 30 – Adults $79, Child $74
October 2, 6 – Adults $86, Child $81
October 4, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 – Adults $91, Child $86

Same Day Purchase Pricing

September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 25 – Adults $79, Child $74
September 23 – Adults $85, Child $80
September 29, 30 – Adults $88, Child $83
October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 – Adults $95, Child $90
October 31 – Adults $105, Child $100

Annual Passholder Advance Pricing

September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 25 – Adult $67, Child $62
September 23 – Adult $78, Child $73
September 29, 30 – Adult $73, Child $68
October 2, 3 – Adult $80, Child $75

Disney Vacation Club Advance Pricing

September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 25 – Adult $67, Child $62
September 23 – Adult $78, Child $73
September 29, 30 – Adult $72, Child $68
October 2, 6 – Adult $80, Child $75
October 4, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2016

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party pricing will begin at $86 for an adult advance purchase, up to $99 closer to Christmas.

In 2015, the cheapest ticket was $74, and the most expensive $82 for advance purchase adult.

November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29
December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22

Advance Purchase Pricing

November 10, 13 – Adult $86, Child $81
November 18, 27, 29 – Adult $92, Child $87
December 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13 – Adult $91, Child $86

Same Day Purchase Pricing

November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15 – Adult $91, Child $86
December 1 – Adult $91, Child $86
November 18, 27, 29 – Adult $96, Child $91
December 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15 – Adult $96, Child $91
December 16, 18, 22 – Adult $99, Child $94

Annual Passholder Advance Pricing

November 7, 8, 11, 15 – Adult $84, Child $79
November 10, 13 – Adult $79, Child $74
December 1 – Adult $84, Child $79

Disney Vacation Club Advance Pricing

November 7, 8, 11, 15 – Adult $84, Child $79
December 1 – Adult $84, Child $79
November 10, 13 – Adult $79, Child $74
November 18, 27, 29 – Adult $89, Child $84
December 6 – Adult $89, Child $84

How to Buy

Tickets can be purchased online now for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Epcot’s Tutto Italia Ristorante Starts New 3 Course Prix-Fixe Lunch

Epcot’s Tutto Italia Ristorante begins a new three course prix-fixe menu today.

During May 2 – Aug 28, guests can dine at the Italy pavilion restaurant for lunch for $27 + tax, including a soft drink, appetizer, main course and dessert.

Tutto Italia Ristorante Lunch Prix-Fixe menu

Please select one appetizer, main course, dessert, and a soft drink. (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Iced Tea).

APPETIZER

ANTIPASTO
sopressata, finocchiona, roasted peppers, ovolini mozzarella

INSALATA MISTA
endive, arugula, radicchio, white asparagus, radish, balsamic vinaigrette

CAPRESE
fior di latte mozzarella, tomato, basil, extra virgin olive oil

MINESTRONE
spring vegetables, pancetta, pastina

MAIN COURSE

SCALOPPINE DI POLLO
chicken scaloppini, cremini mushrooms, marsala sauce

FILETTO DI SOGLIOLA
parmesan encrusted filet of sole, spring mix salad, citrus vinaigrette

CAESAR SALAD
romaine wedge, chicken, olive crostini, shaved parmesan

SPAGHETTI
beef and veal meatballs, pomodoro sauce

DESSERT

CANNOLO

TIRAMISU

GELATI
chocolate, vanilla, stracciatella

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Take Center Stage At Iconic New Magic Kingdom Location

The fairest wedding wish of all comes true as couples can now say their “I do’s” in the heart of Magic Kingdom Park with enchanting Cinderella-like weddings now offered at Walt Disney World Resort.

For the first time ever, Magic Kingdom park goers may enjoy unforgettable glimpses of once-in-a lifetime celebrations as trumpeters herald a bride’s grand entrance down Main Street, U.S.A. aboard Cinderella’s glass coach or horse-drawn carriage, as ceremonies are staged in the morning hour just after the official “rope drop” at the park entrance.

As part of the popular “Wishes Collection,” couples can now exchange vows in the newly enhanced East Plaza Garden offering up to 100 guests a picture-perfect view of Cinderella Castle.

“Couples have been seeking a celebratory location showcasing the iconic Cinderella Castle,” said Korri McFann, Marketing Director for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to make those dreams a reality.”

The colorful floral and customized décor enhance the lush garden setting creating an elegant venue fit for a princess. And after the celebrated “I do,” guests are whisked off for reception festivities at a variety of locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

The expert team at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons has helped to create and execute fantasy engagements, weddings and honeymoons for almost 25 years, delivering everything couples may dream about for an unforgettable event. Guests may choose from a variety of magical settings and destinations around the world, including theme parks, breathtaking beaches and grand ballrooms. This top-ranked wedding and honeymoon destination hosts more than 1,200 weddings yearly at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings package collections start at $2,500, and custom experiences begin at $12,000. Premiere locations such as Magic Kingdom Park, with a completely customized ceremony and reception for 100 guests, start at $75,000.

– See more at: http://wdwnews.com/releases/2016/04/29/disneys-fairy-tale-weddings-take-center-stage-at-iconic-new-magic-kingdom-location/#sthash.ZtXRxIwQ.dpuf

%d bloggers like this: