Tag: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Boma to Re-Open Late This Week at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Boma – Flavors of Africa will re-open late this week on August 20th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Reservations become available on August 18th via My Disney Experience, phone or the Walt Disney World website. The restaurant will be open for breakfast 7:30 AM – 11 AM and for dinner 5 PM – 9:30 PM.

Boma was originally a buffet experience. It’s unclear at this time if the buffet will return or if, like other former Walt Disney World buffets, it will re-open as a modified family-style experience.

 

Walt Disney World Updates Plans for Re-Opening its Resort Hotels

Walt Disney World has released new information about is plans to re-open its resort hotels on June 22nd.


Disney has confirmed the list of resort hotels re-opening on June 22 will include:

  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – including The Wave, Contempto Cafe and Cove Bar.
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – including Whispering Canyon Cafe and Roaring Fork.
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village – including Sanaa, Maji Pool Bar.
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas – including Beaches and Cream, Beach Club Marketplace and Martha’s Vineyard. Stormalong Bay will NOT be available.
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas – including Trattoria al Forno, Pizza Window, BoardWalk Bakery, Leaping Horse Libations, AbracadaBar.
  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness – including P&J’s Southern Takeout, Meadow Snack Bar, Crocket’s Tavern.
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort – including Olivia’s Cafe, Good’s Food to Go, Gurgling Suitcase.
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Kona Cafe, Capt. Cook’s ,Pineapple Lanai, Barefoot Pool Bar.
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort – including Topolino’s Terrace, Primo Piatyo, Le Petit Cafe, Bar Riva.
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort – including The Artist’s Palette, The Paddock Grill, On the Rocks Pool Bar.
  • The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – including Grand Floridian Cafe, Gasparilla Island Grill, Enchanted Rose, Beaches Pool Bar.

Guests will need to be aware of:

  • Disney will waive its change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for reservations with arrivals through October 3, 2020.  
  • Guests entering a resort hotel will require a confirmed room reservation or a confirmed dining reservation for day guests.
  • Online check-in will be encouraged but not required.
  • Masks will be required in all public areas expect for swimming or dining for ages 2 and over.
  • Staying in a resort hotel does not guarantee access to the parks from July 11.
  • Temperature screening may be in operation.
  • Before the parks reopen, bus transportation will be available to Disney Springs, and then to the parks once they open.
  • Magical Express will be available.
  • Minnie Van Service will not be available.
  • Bell Services will deliver but luggage but will not escort guests.
  • Club Level service will be unavailable.
  • Resort airline checkin will be unavailable.
  • Valet Parking will not be available.
  • Feature Pools and Fitness Center will be operating at reduced hours.
  • Restaurants will not be operating any character dining with the exception of Topolino’s.
  • The Electrical Water Pageant will not be available.

The following will not operating at any of resorts:

  • Arcades
  • Campfires
  • Character experiences
  • Dog parks
  • Electrical Water Pageant
  • Marina rentals
  • Pin trading
  • Playgrounds, spas, salons and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Rivers of Light Dessert Party Now Available for Reservations

If you are fan of dessert parties at Walt Disney World, today Disney Dining has opened reservations for a new Rivers of Light Dessert Party at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

According to Disney, guests will need to begin checking in 60 minutes prior to the main show (8:15pm for a 9:15pm show) at the Rivers of Light Asia Viewing Area Terrace which is  located across from Expedition Everest.

At the Dessert Party guests will be able to enjoy themed desserts and savory snacks. Drink selections include specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, iced tea, lemonade and water.

When the show is about to start, you will head down to the VIP Seating Area for a viewing of Rivers of Light.

Pricing
Admission is $79 per adult and $47 per child (ages 3 to 9) including tax; gratuity not included or required. Separate Disney’s Animal Kingdom park admission is also required.

Please note that the menu items are subject to change and the experience may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

Reservations
Book online or call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Walt Disney World Announces ‘Incredible Summer’ for All Four Parks

Last week Walt Disney World announced that guests will see new attractions and entertainment experiences as “beloved stories from several Disney films come to life” at Walt Disney World this summer.

Here is what Disney announced…

The Incredibles Take Over Tomorrowland

Guests can party with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and the soon-to-be blockbuster “Incredibles 2.” Edna Mode, the greatest superhero costume designer, will also make her debut appearance. Each evening, guests can enjoy a “SUPER” dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage.

Don’t we already have a dance party and an Incredibles one at that in Tomorrowland already?  Okay Edna Mode is new and it will be themed to Incredibles 2….but this really isn’t anything new.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Take the Stage at Epcot

Star-Lord and Gamora from “Guardians of the Galaxy” will join an alien band, taking guests on a journey through the cosmos. The party will feature hits from Awesome Mixtapes 1 and 2 – fun and favorite tunes from the two movies’ soundtracks – building the anticipation for a new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

This sounds like it could be fun….though it sounds a lot like the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Dance Off!’ that’s being held in front of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure, minus the “dance off” part.  Fun….new to Epcot, promotes the upcoming attraction, but not original.

“Explorers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure” & A “Dino-Tastic” Celebration for Donald Duck Will Debut At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Two new can’t-miss offerings will debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in time for the park’s 20th anniversary. First, guests can discover new bird species from around the world at the new show “Explorers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure,” which will star Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug. The park will also launch a “dino-tastic” celebration, in which Donald Duck takes over Dinoland, U.S.A., in a new character celebration.

“Explorers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure” sounds like an UP re-themed “Flights of Wonder” attraction to me.  I’m a big fan of the movie UP but this doesn’t sound really new.

I am curious to see what the “Dino-Tastic Celebration for Donald Duck” will be.  While I was hoping for a new parade for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this new celebration could be fun and is much needed for Dino-Land which lacks anything significant to keep people there beyond the few attractions that draw people there.

See “The Incredibles 2” at AMC Disney Springs

Everyone’s favorite family of superheroes is back in “Incredibles 2” – but this time Helen is in the spotlight, while Bob navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet, Dash and baby Jack-Jack, whose superpowers are emerging. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone must find a way to work together again—which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible. “Incredibles 2” busts into theaters on June 15, 2018.

For me this might appeal to locals or for a rainy day.  I don’t know about you, but with the money I spend for a trip to vacation at Walt Disney World I’m not sure I want to spend two hours watching a movie that I can watch at home.

Now….for the biggie…

Toy Story Land Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

One major highlight of “Incredible Summer” will be the grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new 11-acre land will shrink guests to the size of a toy and allow them to explore the fun and adventure of Andy’s backyard. There, guests can experience two new attractions: the family coaster Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Toy Story Land also will feature an existing guest-favorite attraction, Toy Story Mania!, which will expand to add a third track into the rotation. The land’s Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick-service restaurant that will offer up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats to Toy Story Land guests.

This what I’m looking forward to.  I cannot wait until this opens.  I’m really hoping that Toy Story Land is open when I’m at Walt Disney World this summer.

Except for Toy Story Land and the Dino-Tastic Celebration in Dinoland none of the rest excites me much, but considering that all of this is limited to the summer season when the parks are fairly busy and there is a huge need to entertain people when they aren’t able to get on attractions or into other shows these are probably good and fun enough to serve the purpose.

What do you think of Incredible Summer?

Walt Disney World to Celebrate Mickey’s Birthday Saturday

The Magic Kingdom will be celebrating Mickey Mouse’s birthday on Saturday November 18th with special entertainment, merchandise and desserts.

The day will kick off with a special Welcome Show birthday moment and rope-drop, followed by a Tomorrowland birthday-themed dance party, birthday celebration during Move it! Shake it! Dance & Play It! Street Party, and finally a Happily Ever After pre-show birthday moment.

Guests arriving at any of the Walt Disney World theme parks will also receive a birthday button.

If you’re celebrating Mickey tomorrow, be sure to pick up one of his tasty treats and wish him a happy birthday. All of these items will be available all weekend, November 17-19

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Found at Trolley Car Café

  • Mickey’s Birthday Cupcake – Cookies and cream-flavored cupcake with cookies and cream frosting

Magic Kingdom
Found at Main Street Bakery, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café and Pinocchio Village Haus

  • Steamboat Willie Cookies ‘n Cream Cheesecake – Cookies and cream cheesecake with chocolate glaze, whipped cookies and cream panna cotta and Steamboat Willie garnish
  • Found at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest Restaurant and Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen
  • Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat Chocolate Cake – Layers of flourless chocolate cake with caramel mousse, milk chocolate pearls and a red glaze

Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Found at Contempo Café

  • Mickey’s Red Velvet Cake – with cream cheese filling and white chocolate glaze

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
Found at Beach Club Marketplace and Market at Ale & Compass

  • Mickey’s Birthday Celebration Cupcake – Large peanut butter cupcake

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Found at Narcoossee’s

  • Happy Birthday Mickey Dessert – Almond-crusted cheesecake

Disney Springs
Found at the Ganachery

  • Strawberry Ganache Lollipop
  • Mickey Mouse-themed Milk Chocolate Bar

Found at Amorette’s Patisserie

  • Mini Mickey Dome Cake – Chocolate chiffon, milk chocolate mousse and orange blossom pâte de fruit
  • Mini Pluto Dome Cake – Banana and peanut butter-flavored
  • Mickey-Shaped Chocolate Macaroon

Epcot
Found at Sunshine Seasons

  • Mickey’s Cookies ‘n Cream Cheesecake

Found at Rose & Crown Dining Room

  • Kid’s Bangers and Mash with Mickey-Shaped Potatoes
  • Scotch Egg with Mickey-Shaped Puff Pastry
  • Mickey-Shaped Cheese in Cheese Plate
  • Mickey Banoffee Tart – Banana, Jameson Irish Whiskey-Caramel, sweet cream and chocolate

Found at The Garden Grill

  • Mickey-Shaped Cucumber Salad

Found at Fountain View and Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe

  • Mickey’s Celebration Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with white chocolate mousse and vanilla buttercream

Found at Le Cellier Steakhouse

  • Mickey Nanaimo – Chocolate cake with peanut butter cream covered in red glaze with graham cracker-coconut streusel and toasted coconut ice cream

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Found at Kona Café

  • Mickey’s Hau’oli lā Hānau – Coconut mousse, crispy vanilla pearls, tropical fresh fruits and dragon fruit sorbet

Found at Capt. Cook’s

  • Mickey’s Chocolate Celebration Birthday Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake filled with strawberry guava ganache and topped with white chocolate mousse

Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Found at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

  • Mickey’s Pumpkin Mousse Marshmallow Tart – Pumpkin mousse with spiced marshmallow dipped in chocolate

Found at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

  • Steamboat Mickey’s Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake with Oreo buttercream

Found at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

  • Mickey’s Pumpkin Whoopie Pie – Pumpkin whoopie pie with cream cheese buttercream

Disney’s BoardWalk
Found at BoardWalk Bakery

  • Heritage Mickey Dessert – Black and white tart with white chocolate mousse and topped with a dark chocolate Mickey dome adorned with chocolate ears, tail and buttons

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Found at Roaring Fork

  • Mickey’s Mischievous Rice Krispy Treat – Mickey-themed crispy treats

Found at Whispering Canyon

  • Mickey’s Birthday Dark Chocolate Dome – Dark chocolate Mickey dome with raspberry sauce and Chambord cream

Found at Geyser Point

  • Mickey’s Birthday Celebration Brownie – Mickey brownie with dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate face

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Found at The Mara

  • Mickey’s Charm – Lemon rose cremeux, caramelized milk chocolate mousse tart

Found at Jiko – The Cooking Place

  • Fantasmic Entremet – Spiced chocolate and cherry entremets

Found at Boma – Flavors of Africa

  • Steamboat Willie Cheesecake – Oreo cheesecake tartlets

Found at Sanaa

  • Tropical Mickey Tart – Coconut lime cremeux, passion fruit mousse tart

Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Found at Creature Comforts, Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery and Isle of Java

  • Safari Mickey Cupcake – Yellow cake filled with banana pastry cream, dipped in chocolate ganache and topped with buttercream and fondant and red chocolate balloon

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Found at Leaning Palms and Happy Landings Ice Cream

  • Mickey’s Birthday Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with white buttercream icing and Happy Birthday Mickey chocolate topper

Found at Typoon Tilly’s and Snack Shack

  • Mickey’s Birthday Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake with buttercream icing and red chocolate Mickey glove

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Found at Trail’s End Restaurant

  • Mickey’s Birthday Celebration Cupcake – Yellow cake with strawberry filling, buttercream icing, sugar cookie Mickey Ears, chocolate buttons and tail

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Found at ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill

  • Mini Mickey Dome Cake – Chocolate chiffon, milk chocolate mousse and orange blossom pâte de fruit

Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Found at Everything POP Shopping & Dining

  • Mickey Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake covered with buttercream frosting and topped with Oreo cookies and crumbles

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Found at Landscape of Flavors

  • Mickey Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with buttercream icing, Oreos and white chocolate buttons

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Found at Artist Palette

  • Happy Birthday Mickey! – Funfetti cake with vanilla buttercream

Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Found at Good’s Food to Go

  • Mickey Funfetti Mini Cake – Yellow cake with vanilla bean filling

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Found at Centertown

  • Mickey’s Birthday Celebration Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake filled with chocolate mousse and fondant Mickey topping

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and French Quarter
Found at Riverside Mill Food Court and Sassagoula Float Works and Food Factory

  • Mickey’s Birthday Celebration Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake filled with chocolate mousse and fondant Mickey topping

Walt Disney World Making Changes to Private Dining Hours at Resorts

Walt Disney World has announced that some of it’s deluxe resorts will be revising the hours for their private in-room dining services.  The new hours will go into effect on October 29th.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be losing their 24 hour private dining.

New Resort Private Dining Hours –

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

  • Breakfast – 6am to noon
  • All Day Dining – Noon to midnight

Disney’s BoardWalk Resort

  • Breakfast – 6am to noon
  • All Day Dining – Noon to midnight

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

  • Breakfast – 6am to noon
  • All day dining – Noon to 11pm
  • Late Night – 11pm to 2am

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

  • Breakfast – 6am to noon
  • All day dining – Noon to 11pm
  • Late Night – 11pm to 2am

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Breakfast – 6am to noon
  • All Day Dining – Noon to midnight

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

  • Breakfast – 6am to noon
  • All day dining – Noon to 11pm
  • Late Night – 11pm to 2am

‘Club Villain’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Halloween 2016

Up for celebrating Halloween at a Disney Park this year? You don’t want to miss out on what “Club Villain” has in store this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

On Friday and Saturday nights from September 2-October 29 (and also on October 31), Sunset Showcase will host “Club Villain,” a special ticketed event filled with fabulous performances, delicious food, bewitching cocktails and enchanting encounters with some legendary Disney villains.

The mysterious Dr. Facilier will serve as host, welcoming his guests and “friends from the other side” into his parlor of mystical mishaps, with musical numbers and a wicked mix from his house DJ. Also stopping by to socialize will be several divas of evil: Maleficent, the Queen of Hearts, Cruella De Vil and the Evil Queen. Guests can also enjoy complimentary drinks from the Potions Bar, savor culinary delights from New Orleans and beyond, mingle with the villains and dance the night away.

Two “Club Villain” experiences will be held each Friday and Saturday night, with starting times at 5:15 and 8:30 p.m. Guests can learn more or make reservations here or call 407-WDW-DINE/407-939-3463.

Night Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Now Available to All Guests

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has made a few changes to their Night Safari, which takes guests on a tour of the savannas with night vision goggles

To help differentiate it from the new nighttime safari coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, the Night Safari has been renamed the Starlight Safari.

Also, the Starlight Safari is now open to all guests, and not just those staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

The hour long tour costs $70 plus tax, and is available for ages 8 and above. Reservations can be made by 407-WDW-TOUR.

Disney-Area Resorts Do Well on U.S. News & Report’s Best Hotels List

Four Seasons Orlando

U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of best hotels in Florida is out and two Disney-area resorts made the top 10.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort came in at No. 2, while Villas of Grand Cypress, Orlando ranked ninth. Of the two, Four Seasons is located on Disney property in the Golden Oak residential community.

Four Seasons and Grand Cypress ranked first and second, respectively, in the “Best Orlando-Walt Disney World Hotels” category.

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes ranked third in that category, followed by Waldorf Astoria Orlando. This marks the second year in a row Four Seasons took the top spot among best Orlando hotels.

Five Walt Disney World Resort hotels made the top 10 Orlando hotels — Disney’s Grand Floridian (5), Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (6), Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (7), Disney’s Beach Club Resort (9) and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn (10).

The other non-Disney property hotel in the top 10 was The Alfond Inn. The Winter Park hotel, owned by neighboring Rollins College, came in at No. 8.

In the best hotels in Florida category, Four Seasons Orlando was topped by The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. The Breakers in Palm Beach came in at No. 3.

From the Orlando Sentinel

Jiko Announces Next Wine Dinner

Jiko

Jiko is pleased to announce their next wine dinner on Thursday June 11, 2015 

The host will be Peter Clinton of Cederberg and Fairvalley wines!

                                                                                                                                                                   

Thursday June 11, 2015 

6:00PM Reception – Asante Terrace 

6:30PM Dinner – Jiko Cape Town Wine Room 

Dress Code – Business Casual Evening Attire 

$160 inclusive of tax and gratuity.

Chef is still finalizing the menu, but here is a preview of what will be included! 

Reception: Fig and Apple Stuffed Quail, Nigerian Spices, Rocket Cured Fish, Carolina Gold Rice Beet Panakoeke, Mushroom Duxelle

 Fairvalley Chenin Blanc

First Course: Pheasant 

Cederberg Shiraz

Second Course: Tuna Three Ways: Tuna Frikadelle, Saffron Tomato Sauce; Mitmita-spiced Seared Tuna, Peppadew-lemon Coulis; Bhuna Masala-infused Ahi Poke, Pickled Hearts of Palm and Sweet Peppers, Petite Greens 

Fairvalley Pinotage 

Third Course: Rooibos Salad, Local Greens, Goat Cheese, California Peaches 

Cederberg Chenin Blanc 

Entree: Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin 

Cederberg Cabernet Sauvignon

Dessert: Stone Fruit in Brik, Corn Panacotta, Corn Custard, Summer Berries 

Cederberg Bukettraube

For reservations please contact 

Victoria Thompson Victoria.j.thompson@disney.com

Reservations will be on a first come basis. A credit card is required to guarantee the reservation, and there is a 3 day cancellation policy. 

Asante Sana!

%d bloggers like this: