Travel Guide Updates for PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2014
(16th edition, early 2014 - More Book Information)Reminder: These updates do not include every new thing at Walt Disney World as that would require an entirely new book to explain (and, yes, we will have a 2015 edition)! Instead, this chart only lists the pages in PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2014 that would be out-of-date or incorrect without this information. Please note that updates listed with page numbers above 360 are extra information that do not apply directly to pages in the book, as the book only has 360 pages.
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Page Number Note: Updates with page numbers of '999' indicate that they do not correspond to pages in the guidebook but are still included here because we felt you might want to know this information.
| Page Number | PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2014 Update Description | 0 | All four of Disney Cruise Line ships took home awards in the Cruiser's Choice awards from Cruise Critic. The Disney Dream won Best Overall Large Ship, the Disney Wonder won Best Overall Mid-Size Ship, the Disney Fantasy won Best cabins, embarkation, service, and Best for Families for large ships, and the Disney Magic won Best Embarkation and Best Entertainment for mid-sized ships. - 2015-02-24 10:02:01 [update] | 29 | The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts are both scheduled to undergo extensive renovations. The Walt Disney World Swan is still on track to be completed in 2015 but the Walt Disney World Dolphin will now begin construction in 2016 and will be completed in 2017. Both hotels are operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts. - 2014-11-11 09:11:18 [update] | 29 | Walt Disney World now has a comprehensive guide for guests with disabilities that includes information on where guests can "take a break," which attractions contain strong "sensory elements" such as fire or water effects and loud sudden noises, and tips on how to prepare. The guide is available at Guest Services or for download on the Autism & Cognitive section of the Walt Disney World site.
- 2014-03-11 11:03:21 [update] | 29 | Walt Disney World Resort pools will be implementing pool hours at all of the main pools at each resort. (Quiet pools will not be affected.) Lifeguards will be on duty at all times during pool hours and pools will be locked after hours. - 2013-10-01 11:10:42 [update] | 32 | Disney has announced that Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, will begin accepting reservations for 2015 vacation packages on July 30, 2014. (Reservations can be made for up to 499 days in advance, which means that technically guests will not be able to book all of 2015 until August 19, 2014.)
- 2014-07-16 10:07:59 [update] | 32 | Guests now have the option to book a new type of package - a resort reservation with the Disney Dining Plan, no park admission required! This type of reservation is a package, not a room-only reservation, so it is subject to package conditions, such as full payment due 45 days prior to your stay. - 2014-02-25 13:02:18 [update] | 33 | Walt Disney World is testing a new check-in process that allows guests at select resorts to go directly to their rooms when they arrive, bypassing the resort check-in process. Guests allowed to test this process must have registered on My Disney Experience, linked their resort stay, completed Online Check-In, and received Magic Bands. The current resorts participating in the test are Animal Kingdom Lodge, Pop Century, and both Port Orleans resorts. - 2014-06-24 11:06:25 [update] | 36 | Beginning October 9, 2013, Walt Disney World and Disneyland will be replacing the Guest Assistance Card with a new Disability Access Service Card. The new Card will offer guests a return time based on current wait times at each attraction. When guests return at the designated time, they will be directed to the FASTPASS entrance where available, or to the wheelchair entrance when applicable. Details on this new process are few and far between as the new Disability Access Service Card has not yet been implemented. - 2013-09-24 11:09:26 [update] | 38 | The Intermission Food Court at Disney's All Star Music Resort will close on August 1, 2014 for an extended refurbishment. It is currently scheduled to re-open on December 21, 2014. The Note-able Games Arcade will be converted to a Grab & Go spot where guests can pick up quick, pre-made sandwiches, salads, baked goods, etc. Guests can also use the food courts at the All-Star Sports and All-Star Movies resorts.
- 2014-06-17 10:06:20 [update] | 42 | Victoria Falls Lounge at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is now serving a menu of African and Indian-inspired plates perfect for sharing. The menu includes a cheese plate, African-style tapas, and more, perfect for pairing with a glass of wine or other adult beverage. - 2014-09-23 10:09:34 [update] | 69 | The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa held their Grand Opening on October 23, 2013. Mickey and Minnie were on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony and to greet the first official guests! - 2013-10-29 11:10:25 [update] | 77 | Disney Vacation Club announced that they are adding new Villas to Disney's Polynesian Resort. In fact, construction has already begun. The Villas are scheduled to open in 2015. No other information has been released at this time. - 2013-09-17 11:09:02 [update] | 77 | The Polynesian Resort is getting more than a refurbishment and a new Disney Vacation Club resort - its getting a new... well, old name! The Polynesian is returning to its original name - Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. And exciting news for Disneyland fans - the Polynesian is getting a Trader Sam's! This location will be known as Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, opening in 2015. - 2014-05-02 12:05:28 [update] | 91 | Guests staying at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort now have two new ways to get to Downtown Disney -- a pedestrian bridge and a new Marketplace boat dock. - 2014-08-25 09:08:01 [update] | 105 | The mandatory resort services fee at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has increased to $23 + tax per day. The fee gives guests unlimited local and domestic long distance phone calls, access to the resort's health club, Internet access in your room, and two bottles of water per day. Previously the resort fee offered only 60 minutes of local calls and 20 minutes of domestic long-distance. This fee increased on June 2, 2014. - 2014-06-11 08:06:20 [update] | 112 | The new Four Season Orlando has opened, offering guests luxury accommodations as well as Disney benefits such as an on-site Disney Planning Center staffed by Disney Cast Members, character dining on select days, a view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from select rooms, and even "Magical Moments Makeovers" for kids at the spa where little girls can be made over into Princesses and boys turned into valiant knights. The hotel is part of the Golden Oak development, in the northeast corner of Disney property, near the Osprey Ridge Golf Course.
- 2014-08-05 12:08:29 [update] | 120 | In a Disney Parks Blog post, Disney announced that they are working on adding additional FastPass+ entitlements for guests. Guests will have the ability to plan up to three FastPass+ per day in advance but once they have used those FastPass+ entitlements, will be able to book new ones, one at a time. Also, Disney is working on expanding the FastPass+ system to allow for park hopping. No exact dates for these changes have been announced. - 2014-04-02 13:04:02 [update] | 120 | The legacy (original) FASTPASS machines have been turned off at both Animal Kingdom and now Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World Resort guests can make FASTPASS+ reservations in advance of their trips, while same-day and off-site guests can make same-day FASTPASS+ reservations when they arrive at the park. - 2014-01-14 13:01:46 [update] | 120 | According to rumor, the last remaining "legacy" FastPass machines will be removed from Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios this week (the week of January 19, 2014). All guests will have access to FastPass+ kiosks located throughout all four theme parks. Walt Disney World Resort guests can make FastPass+ selections up to 60 days in advance, other guests can make same day FastPass+ selections when they arrive at a theme park.
- 2014-01-20 11:01:40 [update] | 121 | Big changes are coming to Epcot this fall. Popular acts Off Kilter in Canada, Mo Rockin' in Morocco, the World Showcase Players in the UK, and the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps in the USA pavilions are all leaving with their final acts being performed over the next few weeks. New acts including a Celtic Music act in the UK, a Berber music and dance troupe in Morocco, a Flag-waving act in Italy, and a lumber-jack-inspired show in Canada, among others, will be taking their place. - 2014-08-28 11:08:29 [update] | 121 | Disney Hollywood Studios opened to the public 25 years ago on May 1, 1989. The park will be celebrating on May 1, 2014 with a rededication ceremony at 10:00 am, a special motorcade up Hollywood Boulevard at 7:00 pm featuring the "Stars of the Studios," and special fireworks at 9:30 pm. - 2014-04-29 10:04:22 [update] | 121 | As part of Animal Kingdom's largest expansion, the park will be adding a nighttime spectacular. "Rivers of Light" will feature live music, floating lanterns, water screens and more. The show will take place on Discovery River, between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest. No official date has been announced for this new nighttime event. - 2014-05-02 12:05:49 [update] | 121 | Apple Pay, a new payment method for iPhone 6 and Apple Watch users, will be available at Walt Disney World in time for the holidays. Disney is also adding Apple Pay as a payment method at Disney Stores nationwide. - 2014-09-16 11:09:10 [update] | 122 | Walt Disney World guests using the My Disney Experience app can now purchase park admission through the app. The app requires you to assign the purchased admission to a guest on your Friends and Family list. They can then make FastPass+ reservations right away. Currently this function is only available to residents of the US and Canada. - 2014-12-16 12:12:58 [update] | 122 | We are hearing rumors that Walt Disney World park admission prices may be rising soon. If you are considering purchasing admission, now may be the time! - 2015-02-03 11:02:29 [update] | 122 | Walt Disney World has increased admission prices, effective immediately. Single-day admission to the Magic Kingdom has increased from $95 to $99 per adult (ages 10+, tax not included). Single-day admission to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom has increased from $90 to $94 per adult (ages 10+, tax not included). - 2014-02-25 10:02:10 [update] | 123 | Disney has extended the "Salute to the Military" offer for active and retired U.S. Military personnel for Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. The offer includes discounts on 4-day Park Hopper passes as well as resort discounts for stays through October 3, 2015. (Blackout dates apply for both the tickets and the resort discounts.) - 2014-07-22 13:07:31 [update] | 124 | On March 30, 2014, Walt Disney World increased the parking fee at theme parks to $17 per day, and the cost of valet parking at resorts to $20 per day. - 2014-03-31 17:03:42 [update] | 124 | As of September 1, 2014, the hours for monorail service including the Epcot loop, the Magic Kingdom loop, and the Resort loop have changed. The Epcot monorail will run from 9:00 am - 11:00 pm, the Magic Kingdom monorail will run from 9:30 am until one hour after the last showing of Wishes, and the Resort loop will run from 8:30 am - 11:00 pm (except for on the nights of the Halloween Party when it will run until midnight). - 2014-09-02 09:09:43 [update] | 124 | The Walt Disney World Monorail system will be undergoing upgrades this summer to improve efficiency. Beginning June 22, 2014, the Magic Kingdom Resort line will operate from 8:30 am - Midnight daily, the Magic Kingdom Express line will operate from 9:30 am - 11:30 pm daily, and the Epcot line will operate from 9:00 am - 11:00 pm. Additional watercraft and buses will be added to accommodate guests traveling outside of the monorails operating hours. - 2014-06-17 10:06:51 [update] | 124 | The Walt Disney World Monorail System will undergo refurbishment that will impact the Resort and Express monorail beams on select days in February and March. The modified routes will be in effect on Feb. 3-5, Feb. 9-12, Feb. 23-26 and March 2-5, 2015 from 11 am to 7 pm. During these times, monorails on the Resort beam will travel between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the Grand Floridian, and Magic Kingdom. Monorails on the Express beam will now make an additional stop at the Contemporary as they travel between Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center. Resort guests traveling to Epcot can either board a monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center and transfer to the Epcot line, or they can take a bus directly from their resorts to Epcot. Monorail service will continue to be available from all stations while this work takes place. Monorail operating hours will remain unchanged. Guests may note a difference in the way they board the monorail and should allow for additional travel time to reach their destinations. Guests staying at impacted resorts will receive in-room communication upon their arrival. - 2015-02-03 11:02:40 [update] | 124 | Valet Parking is now available at Downtown Disney from 4:00 pm - 2:00 am for $15 per day. The Valet Parking drop off point is located near Cirque du Soleil in the West Side, via the Lake Buena Vista Drive entrance. - 2013-10-23 13:10:08 [update] | 129 | A multi-phase, multi-year project has begun to enhance the Central Plaza area in front of Cinderella Castle (aka "The Hub") at the Magic Kingdom. The enhancements will include two additional walkways for better traffic flow, expanded outdoor seating for Casey's Corner, a VIP viewing area for fireworks, and sculptured gardens. The project is expected to be complete in 2015. - 2014-03-04 12:03:09 [update] | 130 | PUSH the Trash Can, a popular attraction in Walt Disney World's Tomorrowland, will not longer be appearing. The contract with the company that provided PUSH was not renewed. PUSH had appeared seven days a week, seven times a day for the last 19 years. - 2014-02-11 11:02:00 [update] | 132 | Anna and Elsa, the popular characters from the Disney film "Frozen," have moved to Princess Fairytale Hall at Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. FastPass+ is available for this character meet and greet and is highly recommended as the standby queue wait time regularly exceeds two hours. - 2014-04-22 11:04:19 [update] | 132 | Disney has released a short CGI video of a ride through on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (set to open in the Magic Kingdom in early May). Check it out on the Disney Parks Blog! - 2014-04-08 12:04:34 [update] | 132 | The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Media Preview has been scheduled for April 30 - May 1, 2014. This is a good indication that soft opening may begin slightly before this date and official opening will be shortly after! - 2014-02-18 08:02:29 [update] | 132 | The official opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in the Magic Kingdom will be May 28, 2014. Keep an eye out for soft openings prior to this date as well! (And if you get a chance to ride, let us know what you think! Email us at news@passporter.com) - 2014-05-02 12:05:57 [update] | 132 | The new Garden Theater, part of Town Square Theater in the Magic Kingdom, acts as a magical portal that shrinks guests to the size of a fairy and transports them to Tinker Bell's Magical Nook. There, Tinker Bell is waiting to greet her guests! FastPass+ is available for this character meet and greet.
- 2014-06-03 10:06:09 [update] | 132 | The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train officially opened on May 28, 2014, marking the completion of Magic Kingdom's "New Fantasyland." Next on the horizon for Walt Disney World is the new "Pandora: The Land of Avatar" at Disney's Animal Kingdom, scheduled to open in 2017.
- 2014-06-03 10:06:39 [update] | 133 | "A Frozen Holiday Wish" will take place nightly between November 5 - December 31, 2014. The show preceeds the nightly lighting of Cinderella Castle and will feature Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf from the ever-popular film "Frozen." - 2014-11-04 11:11:19 [update] | 133 | The current "Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!" Dance Party is getting an update this fall at the Magic Kingdom. The updated version, "Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!" Dance Party, will add Stitch and Phineas & Ferb to the line-up and will include even more audience participation. The new dance party will debut this fall, and will be shown at multiple times through the day. (Editor's note: This is actually my favorite parade so I hope they don't change it too much! It is fun, fast moving and the music is very catchy!) - 2014-08-25 09:08:18 [update] | 133 | The new day-time parade at the Magic Kingdom, "Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade," will debut on March 9, 2014. - 2014-02-25 10:02:44 [update] | 133 | The "Celebrate a Dream Come True" Parade will end on January 4, 2014 to make way for a new daytime parade at the Magic Kingdom - the Festival of Fantasy Parade. Check out new float designs for the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Disney Parks Blog. - 2013-10-01 11:10:28 [update] | 134 | The Harmony Barber Ship in the Magic Kingdom is scheduled to be closed February 2 - March 30, 2014, for a refurbishment. - 2014-09-09 11:09:09 [update] | 134 | Guests who play Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, the interactive role-playing game, can receive exclusive trading cards at events such as Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Event tickets are required to get the exclusive trading or "spell" cards. - 2013-10-23 13:10:50 [update] | 137 | The Walt Disney World Railroad at the Magic Kingdom will be closed for refurbishment September 28 - November 7, 2014. All three stations will be closed for refurbishment as well as the trains. - 2014-07-15 09:07:26 [update] | 138 | For the second year in a row, the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland has a holiday overlay! Temporarily transforming into the "Jingle Cruise," the story goes that the Skippers are homesick for the holidays, so they've added holiday cheer to the Jungle Cruise queue and boathouse with decorations from home (plus a few they've created themselves). The Skippers have have new holiday jokes! Oh, and the Jungle Cruise boats have been temporarily renamed for the holidays. Listen carefully for the holiday radio broadcast in the background! The Jingle Cruise is open during daily park hours, as well as during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parties. - 2014-11-27 19:11:52 [update] | 141 | The new Haunted Mansion-themed shop in the Magic Kingdom is now open. "Memento Mori" features Haunted Mansion-themed merchandise. Guest purchases are limited to six items per style, per person, per day. - 2014-10-07 12:10:11 [update] | 141 | The Yankee Trader shop in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom closed on July 27, 2014 and is being replaced by a Haunted Mansion-themed shop, set to open later this fall. - 2014-07-29 15:07:54 [update] | 143 | The iconic "it's a small world" attraction debuted at the New York World's Fair in 1964 and the title song has been stuck in our collective heads ever since. On April 10, 2014, Disney Parks will celebrate the attraction's 50th anniversary with a global sing-along and you can join in! Fans can record videos of them singing the song and upload them to SmallWorld50.com. The Walt Disney Company will donate $1 to UNICEF for every video uploaded (up to $100,000) plus an additional donation of $150,000.
- 2014-03-25 11:03:54 [update] | 144 | Anna and Elsa, the lead characters in "Frozen" will be taking up residence in Princess Fairy Tale Hall in the Magic Kingdom beginning on April 20, 2014. FastPass+ will be available for this character meet. - 2014-03-18 11:03:32 [update] | 144 | Guests waiting to ride Peter's Pan Flight at the Magic Kingdom now experience a new queue, walking right through Wendy and her brothers' bedroom! - 2014-11-27 19:11:48 [update] | 145 | The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction at the Magic Kingdom had a minor fire on Saturday, November 1, 2014. The fire is believed to have been caused by an ember from the Wishes fireworks show. There were no injuries. The ride reopened approximately two hours later and ongoing operation is not affected. - 2014-11-04 11:11:27 [update] | 152 | Beginning in early November through January 4, 2014, Anna and Elsa, characters from the upcoming Disney film "Frozen," will be doing character meet and greets in the Norway pavilion at Epcot.
- 2013-10-08 10:10:42 [update] | 152 | For the first time ever, the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will get a holiday overlay! Temporarily transforming into the "Jingle Cruise," the story goes that the Skippers are homesick for the holidays, so they've added holiday cheer to the Jungle Cruise queue and boathouse with decorations from home (plus a few they've created themselves). The Skippers have have new holiday jokes! Oh, and the Jungle Cruise boats have been temporarily renamed for the holidays. Listen carefully for the holiday radio broadcast in the background! The Jingle Cruise is scheduled to begin in early November in both parks and will not close for refurbishment before then. - 2013-10-24 13:10:56 [update] | 159 | But don't worry - the Beverly is still available! Club Cool at Epcot has a new line-up of flavors available to sample: Inca Kola from Peru, Sparberry from Zimbabwe, Guarana Kuat from Brazil, Bibo from South Africa, Melon Frosty Fanta from Thailand, Fanta from Greece, VegitaBeta from Japan (this had previously been offered but has not been available for a while), and, of course, Beverly from Italy. - 2013-11-05 11:11:47 [update] | 162 | According to the Orlando Sentinel, Walt Disney World has filed for a permit from the South Florida Water Management District to build a 13,000 sq ft building between Mexico and Norway to host a meet and greet area and new restroom.
- 2015-01-19 14:01:53 [update] | 162 | Rumor has it that the Maelstrom attraction in the Norway pavilion at Epcot may close on September 28, 2014. Speculation is that if the ride does close, it will be replaced by a 'Frozen'-themed attraction. Maelstrom is not currently on the official list of rehabs and closures, but no FastPass+ reservations are available for dates past September 28, 2014.
- 2014-08-05 11:08:41 [update] | 162 | The Maelstrom attraction in the Norway pavilion at Epcot will close in early October and will be replaced by a new "Frozen"-themed attraction. No opening date has been announced for the new attraction. - 2014-09-16 11:09:19 [update] | 165 | Spice Road Table, the new "small plates" restaurant in the Morocco pavilion at Epcot is now in soft open. This means that the restaurant is open but they are testing the menu, service, and kitchen so hours may be limited, not all items may be available, etc. An official grand opening date will be announced soon. - 2014-01-14 10:01:32 [update] | 165 | Aladdin and Jasmine have a new character meet location in the Morocco pavilion at Epcot, near Restaurant Marrakesh. - 2013-11-05 11:11:16 [update] | 166 | The "Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show" has debuted in the Canada pavilion at Epcot. This show replaces the wildly popular musical act, "Off Kilter." Have you seen the new show? Let us know what you think at news@passporter.com! - 2014-10-07 12:10:09 [update] | 168 | The Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party is held select Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at Epcot's Showcase Plaza. Sparkling wines and desserts from around the world are served while guests enjoy reserved viewing for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Admission is $49 per adult and $29 per child (age 3 - 9). Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations. - 2014-12-29 11:12:55 [update] | 169 | 'Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! at Disney's Hollywood Studios' has been extended through September 28, 2014. The fireworks will continue nightly until September 1 (except for August 23, 2014 when Hollywood Studios will close early for the after-hours event, Villains Unleashed) and then will move to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 5 - 28, 2014. - 2014-08-07 10:08:02 [update] | 169 | The large Sorcerer's Hat at Disney's Hollywood Studios, which has been the park's icon, will be removed in early 2015. The Hat was originally added in 2001, for the 100 Years of Magic celebration.
- 2014-10-27 09:10:45 [update] | 172 | Guests who meet Mickey Mouse at the Backstage with Mickey Mouse attraction at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, may be surprised when Mickey speaks! Mickey can now interact with guests using a few pre-recorded phrases. - 2013-10-23 13:10:46 [update] | 173 | The "Rock Your Summer Side" Dance Party is being held nightly at the Sorcerer's Hat at Disney's Hollywood Studios from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm, starting June 27, 2014. The party will feature both a DJ and a live band playing summer-themed songs. - 2014-06-24 11:06:26 [update] | 173 | Guests visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios to enjoy the 'Frozen' festivities this summer now have the option to purchase a VIP package that includes refreshments at Bill & Min's Dockside Diner, along with access to a reserved viewing area for the 11:00 am Anna and Elsa's Royal Welcome Procession, a reserved seat for "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration," and an exclusive dessert party at 8:30 pm with reserved viewing for the Frozen Fireworks Spectacular. The package is $59 per adult and $34 per child, park admission is required.
- 2014-07-08 11:07:32 [update] | 177 | Star Wars Weekends will be held at Disney's Hollywood Studios every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 16 - June 8, 2014. - 2013-12-23 08:12:20 [update] | 177 | The American Idol Experience is scheduled to close in January 2015. This news is somewhat official, based on an announcement that was sent to cast members. What is still strictly rumored at this point is that the Indiana Jones Stunt Show may also be closing. These attractions are located directly across from each other. What is the next nearest attraction? Star Tours. Could a galaxy far, far away be getting that much closer?
- 2014-06-16 17:06:33 [update] | 177 | The American Idol Experience, At Disney's Hollywood Studios, had previously been announced to be closin in January, 2015. That closing has been moved up to August 30, 2014. No reason has been given for the earlier closing other than it was "part of the continuous review of the company's entertainment offerings." - 2014-08-18 09:08:03 [update] | 179 | The light-up Glow with the Show ears now interact with the Osborne Spectacle of Lights, as of November 9, 2013. Glow with the Show ears light up and "dance" in time about every 10 minutes with the light and holiday music show that transforms the Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios in November and December. The interactive ear hats can be purchased for $23.47+tax in the parks where there shows with which it interacts (currently Wishes, Fantasmic!, and Osborne), and once you've purchased them you can use them at any show. - 2013-11-09 10:11:53 [update] | 180 | The current Wreck It Ralph meet and greet in the Magic of Disney Animation building at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be replaced in mid-November by a Big Hero 6 meet and greet. Guests will be able to meet both Baymax and Hiro in Hiro's garage.
- 2014-10-17 11:10:24 [update] | 181 | Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios is available only to guests holding a FastPass+ through October 9. No standby queue is available and no accommodations are being given to guests with a DAS (Disability Access Services) card. - 2014-10-07 12:10:08 [update] | 181 | The Studio Backlot Tour at Disney's Hollywood Studios is closing on September 27, 2014 for good. Part of the location will be converted to house Wandering Oaken's Trading Post as part of the Frozen events taking place through the holiday season. Long term plans for the space have not been announced. (Let the speculating commence...) - 2014-09-23 10:09:20 [update] | 182 | The Tower of Terror 10-Miler, a popular runDisney event, will be held on October 4, 2014. Registration is now open to the general public. (Which means that by the time you read this, it may already be sold out!) - 2014-02-11 11:02:21 [update] | 182 | Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will now host The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The queue will get digital movie posters, the exterior of the building will reflect the new TCM branding, and TCM Host Robert Osborne will narrate the pre-show and the attraction. The refurbishment is scheduled to begin in early 2015. - 2014-12-02 10:12:46 [update] | 187 | Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade will end sometime in June when construction on the new AVATAR-themed land will disrupt the parade's current path. No official end date has been announced. This will leave the new Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom as the only daytime parade this summer. - 2014-02-18 08:02:30 [update] | 189 | The official ground breaking ceremony for a new AVATAR-inspired land was held at Disney's Animal Kingdom this week. The new land is inspired by the world of Pandora from the film, replaces Camp Minnie Mickey, and other additions to the park will include night-time rides on Kilimanjaro Safaris and a new evening spectacular.
- 2014-01-14 10:01:23 [update] | 191 | The icon of Disney's Animal Kingdom, the Tree of Life, has recently grown some new roots. The tree's roots have been expanded into the central hub area featuring new carvings and widening the walkway for guests exploring Discovery Island. - 2015-02-10 08:02:45 [update] | 191 | "Winged Encounters - The Kingdom Takes Flight" is a new show featuring six types of colorful Macaws. The show will have a conservation theme and show the birds in flight. The show will take place on Discovery Island and will open sometime this summer. - 2014-05-13 09:05:49 [update] | 205 | Celebrate Father's Day at Downtown Disney this weekend, June 14-15, 2014, with a modern twist on a classic car show. Cars Masters Weekend offers a meet-and-greet with Lightning McQueen and Mater (plus other Disney-Pixar characters), highlights classic, muscle, and exotic vehicles, and hosts some special celebrity appearances. There's even a "Cars" and "Cars 2" movie marathon at the AMC Downtown Disney 24 theater, as well as themed foods, face painting, and live music and entertainment! - 2014-06-11 08:06:41 [update] | 205 | Disney Springs (what is now known as Downtown Disney) will be home to another restaurant from the Patina Restaurant Group, according to the Orlando Business Journal. Currently the Patina Restaurant Group operates Via Napoli, Tutto Italia, and Tutto Gusto in the Italy pavilion at Epcot. Disney Springs is currently scheduled to be complete in 2016. - 2014-04-08 12:04:24 [update] | 205 | Apparently jealous of all the attention Epcot gets during the Food & Wine Festival, Orlando's Downtown Disney will also be holding its own food-driven event during the month of October! "Downtown Disney Foodtopia" consists of seven Downtown Disney restaurants - Bongos Cuban Cafe, House of Blues, Paradiso 37, Planet Hollywood, Portobello, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, and Wolfgang Puck Cafe - each offering a special 3-course meal for $30 per person. (Fulton's Crab house will be offering a 3-course meal for $60 per person.) Reservations are required, must be made at least 48 hours in advance, and can be made beginning September 28, 2013 by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Plus, book a Foodtopia reservation and get 20% off admission to Cirque du Soleil! - 2013-09-24 11:09:47 [update] | 205 | Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto is opening his first Pan-Asian restaurant, featuring flavors from across the continent, in Disney Springs (the re-imagined Downtown Disney) in Summer 2015. The restaurant will be located at The Landing (formerly known as Pleasure Island) and will have two stories of interior dining, waterside dining, a cocktail lounge, and a Grand Hall. The menu will feature Asian classics such as Peking Carved Duck and dim sum. The BOATHOUSE will open in Spring 2015 and will also be located at The Landing and will feature waterfront dining as well as guided boat tours and amphicar tours (think the Duck Boats in NYC and Boston that sail on water and drive on land). - 2014-10-28 08:10:51 [update] | 206 | The LEGO Store in Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney will host a Master Builder event November 8 - 10, 2013. Participants in this free vent will have the opportunity to help build a Star Wars TIE Fighter and will receive a Master Builders certificate and a free Republic Frigate with any LEGO purchase of $50 or more. - 2013-10-29 11:10:50 [update] | 207 | Valet Parking rates at Downtown Disney are now based on how long the guest parks in the Valet lot. 0 - 2 hours is $10, 2 - 3 hours is $15, 3 hours or more is $20. - 2014-09-09 11:09:10 [update] | 208 | Cirque du Soleil is offering discounted tickets for shows now through December 19, 2014. Tickets start at $54 plus tax for adults (ages 10+) and $45 plus tax for children (ages 3 - 9). Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com to purchase these discounted tickets. - 2014-11-18 10:11:29 [update] | 208 | A new VIP package for the Cirque du Soleil show "La Nouba," at Downtown Disney, is now available. "L'Experience" includes reserved seating front and center, a personal usher to lead guests to their seats, a gift bag of Cirque du Soleil merchandise (including a 10% off coupon for additional purchases), souvenir popcorn and a soft drink. Best of all, "L'Experience" guests get backstage access to Cirque du Soleil! This package is $250 per person and is available for the 6:00 pm show on fridays and saturdays.
- 2014-07-29 15:07:48 [update] | 208 | La Nouba, the resident Cirque du Soleil show at Downtown Disney's West Side, will be celebrating their 15th anniversary later this month. A special anniversary performance - featuring Disney characters for the first time - will take place at 6:00 pm on December 18, 2013. Call 407-939-7328 for tickets. - 2013-12-10 10:12:58 [update] | 215 | Beginning January 8, 2015, princesses can undergo a royal makeover at the Ivy Trellis Salon at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The "Perfectly Prepared Princess Packages" features options including make-up, nail polish, and hair styling with a tiara. The package starts at $50. This package is also available at the Salons at Coronado Springs and the Yacht & Beach Clubs. For reservations, call 407-WDW-SPAS. - 2014-12-22 11:12:25 [update] | 215 | Starting June 14, 2014, kids ages 6 - 13 (at least 48 inches tall) will now have a chance to ride-along in a vehicle straight out of the Pixar film, Cars. Two characters from Cars - Aiken Axler and Sage VanDerSpin - have been recreated as custom character cars for the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World. The ride-along costs $59 and includes three laps driven by a professional driving instructor. No reservations required, rides are on a first come, first served basis.
- 2014-05-27 11:05:07 [update] | 215 | The Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World is offering a discount during the busy holiday season. The Ride-Along Experience is $59 plus tax (normally $99 plus tax). - 2014-12-02 10:12:49 [update] | 215 | The Richard Petty Driving Experience and the Exotic Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will close permanently in late June 2015 to make way for new, as yet unspecified, transportation improvements. - 2015-02-17 09:02:58 [update] | 226 | Beginning October 31, 2013, all table service reservations at Walt Disney World will require a credit card guarantee at the time of booking and will have a cancellation penalty of $10 per person for no-shows or cancellations less than one day prior. Pre-paid restaurants such as Cinderella's Royal Table, Hoop Dee Doo, etc. will continue to charge the full amount for cancellations less than two days prior and no-shows. - 2013-10-08 10:10:57 [update] | 231 | Be Our Guest is only available for guests with a FastPass reservation at lunch time. No standby line is available. - 2014-10-08 09:10:38 [update] | 231 | Cinderella's Royal Table, home to the popular Princess character meal in the Magic Kingdom, will close for refurbishment January 5, 2015 and is tentatively scheduled to re-open March 6, 2015. Guests wishing to schedule a Princess meal should consider Akershus in Epcot or dinner at 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. - 2014-07-01 11:07:37 [update] | 231 | Be our Guest Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom is ending the lunch FastPass test on February 24, 2015. Advanced reservations will be available for lunch and dinner beginning February 25, 2015, although lunch will remain "fast casual" and be a counter service credit on the Dining Plan. Guests can pre-order their meals up to 30 days in advance on My Disney Experience. - 2015-02-03 14:02:42 [update] | 231 | Guests wishing to have lunch at Magic Kingdom's Be Our Guest restaurant previously had two options: Book one of the coveted FastPass+ reservations, or stand in the VERY long line. Walt Disney World is now testing a return time window. Guests jonining the standby line are being given a ticket with a return time printed on it. Once the return window begins, guests return to the restaurant, order their food, and dine! There are a limited number of tickets available for this option, once they have all been handed out, guests must wait in the regular standby line. - 2014-08-18 09:08:05 [update] | 235 | Contrary to popular speculation which predicted the Starbucks at Hollywood Studios would open in the current Writer's Stop location, it is instead under construction at the intersection of Pixar Place and Mickey Avenue, across from Toy Story Midway Mania. - 2013-11-26 08:11:21 [update] | 235 | A brand new Starbucks location - The Trolley Car Cafe - will open in Disney's Hollywood Studios in February 2015. The location on Hollywood Boulevard will be themed to resemble a class trolley-car station and will serve Starbucks coffee and La Boulange baked goods along with Disney baked goods. - 2014-09-02 09:09:23 [update] | 235 | The latest Starbucks location in Walt Disney World is now open in Downtown Disney's West Side. The state of the art location features a living lemongrass roof and decor featuring reclaimed wood benches and other environmentally friendly touches An interactive electronic chalk board links guests in Florida to guests in the Starbucks at Disneyland's Downtown Disney location. - 2014-06-03 10:06:19 [update] | 238 | From our friends over at Disney Food Blog: "At the time of this writing, online reservations are available beginning December 2nd. While it does appear that reservations can be made throughout the standard 180-day window, we're not certain if this advanced booking option will extend beyond this year's busy holiday season." - 2014-11-12 07:11:37 [update] | 243 | A new outdoor lounge has been added to The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This location is walk-up seating only, and serves drinks and small bites. This location does not participate in the Dining Plan but does accept Tables in Wonderland. - 2013-11-05 11:11:11 [update] | 243 | Beginning January 26, 2014, Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins will be joining the fun at breakfast and lunch at Hollywood & Vine at Disney's Hollywood Studios. (There are no characters at dinner at Hollywood & Vine.) They join Handy Manny and Jake from "Jake and the Neverland Pirates."
- 2013-12-23 08:12:46 [update] | 244 | From December 24-31, 2014, guests visiting Hollywood Studios can make reservations for a grab & go lunch from Min & Bill's Dockside Diner that includes reserved seating for Fantasmic! Guests can book now, up to 24 hours in advance, by calling 407-WDW-DINE. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, fried chicken, and even sushi! A kids menu is available as well. - 2014-12-16 11:12:58 [update] | 245 | Pizzafari in Disney's Animal Kingdom is now serving breakfast items. Options include Ancient Hot-Grain Cereal (a mix of oatmeal, barley and quinoa), a multi-grain croissant breakfast sandwich, a breakfast burrito, and kids items including breakfast pizza and a breakfast platter. At the Dawa Bar, guests over 21 can indulge in four variations on a Bloody Mary. - 2014-08-11 14:08:09 [update] | 246 | Beginning March 8, 2015, Tusker House at Disney's Animal Kingdom will be adding characters to the dinner buffet. (Characters already appear during breakfast and lunch.) - 2014-12-16 14:12:28 [update] | 246 | Tusker House at Disney's Animal Kingdom will extend its lunch hours to 11:00 am - 3:30 pm. Characters appear at breakfast and lunch only. Breakfast and Dinner hours remain the same with one notable exception - Tusker House will be closed for dinner every Saturday from June 7 - August 9 for "Harambe Nights", the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of The Lion King show that includes dinner, a private performance of The Lion King including celebrity narrator, and a street party. - 2014-05-13 09:05:16 [update] | 247 | Good news for Dole Whip fans - this popular pineapple soft serve is now available at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in the Animal Kingdom. And guests over the age of 21 can choose to have their Dole Whip topped with light or dark rum! - 2014-05-27 11:05:35 [update] | 248 | As part of the ongoing construction at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World, the building that includes BabyCakes NYC, Pollo Campero, and Bodie's All-American will be closing. Some BabyCakes NYC gluten-free/vegan products will continue to be sold at outlets around Walt Disney World. - 2014-03-11 11:03:11 [update] | 249 | A large fish tank broke at the Downtown Disney restaurant, T-Rex, on March 17, 2014. There were no reports of any injuries to guests. The restaurant is open for business as usual. - 2014-03-18 11:03:25 [update] | 250 | Trattoria al Forno, the new restaurant at Disney's BoardWalk, will be taking over the Superstar Catering Food Truck at Downtown Disney, January 16-18, 2015. They will be serving three items from their menu - a beef and spinach meatball in a sourdough bread bowl, lasagna, and tiramisu. Food truck hours are noon to 11:00 pm, weather permitting. Keep an eye out for more Food Truck Takeovers by other Disney restaurants! - 2015-01-13 09:01:49 [update] | 250 | The Smokehouse, a new quick-service option at House of Blues in Orlando's Downtown Disney, is now open. The menu features a smoked beef brisket sandwich, pulled pork or chicken sandwich, smoked turkey leg, St. Louis half-rack of ribs, and an all-beef hot dog. The Smokehouse is open daily from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm. - 2014-01-28 07:01:29 [update] | 253 | Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge will be open for Brunch from 7:30 am - 2:00 pm on Easter Sunday (April 20) and Mother's Day (May 11). - 2014-03-18 10:03:59 [update] | 254 | Kouzzina, the Cat Cora restaurant at Disney's Boardwalk Inn, will close on September 30, 2014 to make way for Trattoria al Forno, opening December 2014. Trattoria al Forno will feature Old World Italian dishes such as house-made pasta Bolognese, whole roasted fish, Neapolitan-style pizza, and more. - 2014-07-15 18:07:28 [update] | 254 | Trattoria al Forno, the new Italian restaurant at Disney's BoardWalk, opens on December 18, 2014. Guests can now make advanced dining reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE. - 2014-10-21 10:10:03 [update] | 254 | Kouzzina, Cat Cora's restaurant at Disney's BoardWalk, will be closing for good on September 30, 2014. It will be replaced by an as-yet-unnamed restaurant. - 2014-03-24 15:03:09 [update] | 256 | Beginning January 8, 2015, Citrico's will be open from 8:00 am - 2:20 pm serving a plated breakfast/brunch featuring Cinderella and the the Disney Princesses. The cost for adults (ages 10+) will be $49.99 plus tax, children (ages 3 - 9) will be $31.99 plus tax. This meal will be two table service credits on the Disney Dining Plan. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can begin making reservations for this meal by phone beginning December 3, 2014, all other guests can make reservations by phone beginning December 4, 2014. - 2014-11-18 09:11:28 [update] | 261 | Beaches & Cream at Disney's Beach Club will begin accepting Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR) on December 18, 2013. - 2013-12-10 10:12:02 [update] | 262 | Two character meals have been added to the Star Wars Weekends line-up - Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dinner at Hollywood & Vine, and the Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast at Sci-Fi Dine In Theater. Star Wars Weekends will be held at Hollywood Studios, May 4 - June 15, 2014.
Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dinner featuring Mickey and his friends dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters will be held during dinner hours only at Hollywood & Vine. The price is $55.99 per adult (ages 10+) and $33.99 per child (ages 3-9). Guests can also make this meal a Fantasmic! package for $59.99 per adult and $36.99 per child and get reserved seating for Fantasmic!
The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater will host the Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast, featuring Star Wars characters such as Stormtroopers, Jawa, Greedo, Boba Fett, and Darth Vader. The price is $47.99 per adult (ages 10+) and $29.99 per child (ages 3-9).
Both meals include a digital download of a photo of your group with a character. - 2014-03-26 09:03:09 [update] | 266 | The Candlelight Processional is a retelling of the Christmas Story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a full orchestra and choir. It is held nightly during the holiday season in the America Gardens Theater at Epcot. The current line up of narrators (subject to change):
Jodi Benson – 11/28-11/29 | 266 | The 2014 Candlelight Processional will be held in the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot from November 28 - December 30, 2014. The nightly narration of the Christmas Story features celebrity narrators accompanied by a full choir and orchestra. The Candlelight Dinner Package includes lunch or dinner at select restaurants and reserved seating for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Participating restaurants this year are Biergarten, Chefs de France, Coral Reef, Garden Grill, La Hacienda de San Angel, Nine Dragons, Restaurant Marrakesh, Rose & Crown Pub, San Angel Inn, Teppan Edo, Tokyo Dining, Tutto Italia, and Via Napoli. Lunch packages start at $35 per person for lunch and $50 per person for dinner. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE or online at disneyworld.com/dining. - 2014-07-08 11:07:41 [update] | 266 | A partial list of celebrity Narrators for the 2014 Candlelight Processional has been announced (subject to change):
11/28-11/29 - Jodi Benson - 2014-07-08 11:07:40 [update] | 267 | The 2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be held September 26 - November 15, 2015. - 2015-01-19 14:01:55 [update] | 267 | Disney has announced a partial list of premium events for this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival including Mediterranean Food & Wine Pairings, Italian White Truffle & Wine Pairing Dinner, and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Boot Camp Series. The full list of premium events will be released on July 24, 2014 and reservations can be made beginning July 31, 2014 by calling 407-WDW-FEST. - 2014-07-22 14:07:51 [update] | 267 | The 2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Series takes place in the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot during the International Food & Wine Festival. The line-up (subject to change) is: Sept 19-21: Jo Dee Messina Sept 22-23: The Pointer Sisters Sept 24-25: Rick Springfield Sept 26-27: Christopher Cross Sept 28-29: Hanson Sept 30-Oct 2: Air Supply Oct 3-5: Starship starring Mickey Thomas Oct 6-8: Sugar Ray Oct 9-10: Fuel Oct 11-12: Sister Hazel Oct 13-14: TBA Oct 15-16: Billy Ocean Oct 17-19: Night Ranger Oct 20-22: Smash Mouth Oct 23-24: Jim Brickman Oct 25-26: Los Lonely Boys Oct 27-28: Wilson Phillips Oct 29-31: Dennis DeYoung (Styx) Nov 1-2: .38 Special Nov 3-5: Boyz II Men Nov 6-7: David Cook Nov 8-10: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - 2014-05-13 09:05:22 [update] | 273 | Two new tours are now available through the Walt Disney World VIP Tours office. For families with young children, the "Ultimate Day for Young Families" tour includes a full day of touring with younger riders in mind, visiting three out of four theme parks as well as a stop at a resort for lunch. The "Ultimate Day of Thrills" tour includes stops at Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom to hit all of "the mountains," as well as other e-ticket attractions and also includes a stop at a resort for lunch. Each attraction is guided by a VIP Tour Guide and is 6 - 7 hours long. The tours are offered Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and are $299 per person (valid park admission is also required). A 15% discount is offered for Disney Vacation Club Members, Disney Visa cardholders, and Annual Passholders.
- 2014-07-01 11:07:52 [update] | 279 | Guests who purchase the Memory Maker package at least 14 days prior to their Walt Disney World vacation receive a discount. The price has increased from $149 plus tax to $169 plus tax. The price for purchasing while at Walt Disney World or less than 14 days prior to check in remains $199 plus tax. - 2014-12-09 12:12:01 [update] | 279 | We speculated this would happen, and here it is! The long-range RFID scanners at Walt Disney World can now read your MagicBands from a distance. What this means is that the scanners know when you've been on an attraction, can snap photos of you, and add it instantly to your account. So if you have the Memory Maker photo package and link it to your MyDisneyExperience account, some photos may automagically appear in there for you! Currently attractions that take these photos are Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Test Track, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock 'N' Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, and DINOSAUR. - 2014-06-11 08:06:10 [update] | 279 | Beginning July 27, 2014, table-side photo print sales will be discontinued at Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Fare, 'Ohana, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, and Tusker House. Guests will be able to view the photo on My Disney Experience instead. Cinderella's Royal Table and Akershus will continue to offer print packages until January 4, 2015. Beginning January 5, 2015, the photos will no longer be included in the cost of the meal. - 2014-07-01 11:07:46 [update] | 282 | A new "Frozen" Holiday Premium Package is available at Walt Disney World on select dates: November 7-19, November 21-December 9, and December 11, 2014-January 4, 2015. The package includes reserved seating for "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration," an Osborne Spectacle of dancing Lights viewing with Frozen-themed Dessert Party, a special holiday keepsake, lithograph, and framed pin. The package is $89 per adult, $59 per child (ages 3 - 9), plus tax. Park admission is not included, reservations are required! - 2014-10-02 09:10:03 [update] | 283 | Disney pin collectors have another pin series to acquire, this time, attached to $75 Disney Gift Cards. Four pins, featuring Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf from Disney's animated feature "Frozen" are an added bonus for buying these gift cards, available at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. Will collectors keep the pins and give the cards? Or maybe they'll just spend it all while on vacation? It's probably too high a price to keep the cards "mint in box." - 2014-11-27 17:11:07 [update] | 288 | On May 23, 2014, the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and both parks at Disneyland Resort will be open for 24 hours during the "Rock Your Disney Side Party." Guests are encourage to dress as their favorite Disney hero or villain. Good versus Evil will be a theme for this event! More details to be announced as the date gets closer. - 2014-03-04 12:03:26 [update] | 288 | The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will once more host the Flower Power Concert series. Featuring stars of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the concerts will take place in Epcot's America Garden Theatre from March 7 through May 18, 2014 with shows Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays at 6:45 pm and again at 8:00 pm. The concerts are free to all park guests. For more information, visit EpcotInSpring.com.
- 2014-02-06 17:02:13 [update] | 288 | Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker in Star Wars Episodes IV, V, and VI) will make his first appearance at Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios, June 6 - 8, 2014. A schedule of appearances has not been announced. - 2014-04-01 10:04:57 [update] | 288 | Guests attending Star Wars Weekends 2014 can now book a new day-long VIP tour that offers exclusive access to shopping at Darth's Mall, the best seats in the house for shows and events including parades and fireworks, VIP access to attractions, and more. The Ultimate Star Wars Weekends VIP Tour costs $499 per person plus tax, but does NOT include park admission. Call 407-934-7973 to book.
- 2014-04-22 11:04:44 [update] | 288 | The 24-hour "Rock Your Disney Side" event is being held this weekend at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, and at Disneyland. Starting at 6:00 am local time on May 23 and going until 6:00 am on May 24, guests will experience special character interactions, dining, entertainment, and more. Keep an eye out for characters that aren't often seen, and watch out for Villains trying to convince you, "It's Good to Be Bad." The magic concludes with a special "Kiss Goodnight" in each park at 5:50 am.
- 2014-05-20 09:05:08 [update] | 288 | If you'll be at Walt Disney World on August 23, 2014, you can join the dark side at the Villains Unleashed party! More than 50 Disney villains will be on hand for this one-night-only party that starts at 8:00 pm and ends at 1:00 am at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Villains are said to include Darth Vader, Captain Hook, Cruella De Vil, Oogie Boogie, Hades, and the Evil Queen. A special Fantasmic pre-show, a special fireworks show, "Villainy in the Skies," and a dance party are among the villainous features of the evening, along with wicked food, drink, and merchandise. Tickets are $67/adults, $62/kids ages 3-9 -- visit http://www.DisneyVillainsParty.com or call 407-939-1933.
- 2014-06-11 08:06:45 [update] | 288 | The 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will take place March 5 - May 18, 2014. The Festival will feature topiaries (including new Muppt-themed topiaries), HGTV stars giving home and garden presentations, and the return of the Outdoor Kitchens - tasting booths similar to those at the Food & Wine Festival. For more information, visit www.EpcotInSpring.com
- 2014-01-20 11:01:05 [update] | 288 | Lunar New Year (often referred to as Chinese New Year although it is celebrated in China, Korea, and Vietnam) takes place this year January 31 - February 2, 2014. Paradise Gardens at Disney California Adventure will host the "Year of the Horse" celebrations daily from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. Cultural dancers, lantern making, and more will be featured during this celebration. - 2014-01-20 11:01:00 [update] | 288 | If you will be celebrating Easter at Walt Disney World, here is some helpful information:
- The Easter Bunny and Mrs. Bunny will be greeting guests at the Magic Kingdom in the Tour Guide Gardens, daily until April 20, 2014. - Epcot is hosting Egg-Stravaganza 2014, April 10 - 20, 2014. Purchase a map for $4.95 (maps available at Heritage Manor, Disney Traders, Port of Entry, Pin Central and the International Gateway), then use the map to find Eggs hidden throughout the World Showcase. When you have found all the eggs, bring your completed map to Disney Traders to receive a prize. - Easter Services will be held on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, in the Fantasia Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. Catholic Mass will be at 8:00 am and 10:15 am, a Protestant Service will be held at 9:00 am. - 2014-04-08 12:04:20 [update] | 288 | The celebrity appearance schedule for Star Wars Weekends 2014 has been announced. The schedule is subject to change: May 16 - 18: Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Vanessa Marshall (Star Wars Rebels) May 23 - 25: Warwick Davis (Wicket/Wald), Jeremy Bullock (Boba Fett), Tiya Sircar (Star Wars Rebels) May 30 - June 1: Ray Park (Darth Maul), John Ratzenberger (Major Bren Derlin), Taylor Gray (Star Wars Rebels) June 6 - 8: Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Ray Park (Darth Maul), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Taylor Gray (Star Wars Rebels) June 13 - 15: Dee Bradley Bake (Captain Rex/Voices, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Cat Taber (Padme Amidala/Voices, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Tom Kane (Yoda/Voices, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Steve Blum (Star Wars Rebels) - 2014-04-29 10:04:26 [update] | 288 | runDisney has announced the official calendar for its 2015-2016 events and there are some changes. There is no Tower of Terror Race in 2015. May 1-2, 2015: Expedition Everest Challenge Weekend May 7 - 10, 2015: Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend September 3-6, 2015: Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend November 6-7, 2015: Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend November 12-15, 2015: Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend January 6-10, 2016: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend January 14-17, 2016: Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend February 18-21, 2016: Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend May 5-8, 2016: Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend - 2014-10-14 11:10:04 [update] | 288 | The 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival has been expanded and will now begin on September 19, 2014. This is one additional week! - 2014-02-18 19:02:16 [update] | 288 | A new after-hours event is available for the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Food & Wine Festival: Late Nights LIVE will be held from 9:00 p.m. through 1:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the festival. This premium event takes place in a special location between the World Showcase Plaza and the United Kingdom pavilion, and will feature food from select festival marketplaces, live music, entertainment, and a DJ. Tickets include admission to Epcot at 9:00 pm or later and are $79, plus tax. Guests wishing to enter Epcot prior to 9:00 pm must have separate admission.
Walt Disney World Resort guests (including the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin) wishing to make the most of the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival can book the Epcot Food & Wine Premium Package, available from noon to 8:00 p.m. on select Mondays through Thursdays throughout the festival. The package includes a ticket entitling them to an in-room gift with wine, a souvenir wine glass, a special MagicBand, a $50 Disney gift card, chocolate truffles, and access to the premium areas at the festival, where ticket holders can order food from the festival kiosks and have it delivered to them. The package also includes one admission to Late Nights LIVE! Tickets are $199 per person, plus tax, and do NOT include admission to Epcot. To book the premium package, call (407) 939-1889.
| 288 | The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is taking place at Walt Disney World February 19-22, 2015. "Frozen" is represented heavily in the design of the medals unveiled this week on the Disney Parks Blog! The Frozen 5k medal features Anna and Elsa while the Kids Race medal highlights Olaf. The Enchanted 10k medal is decorated with a snowflake while the Half Marathon medal is adorned with Elsa's tiara. Even the Glass Slipper Challenge medal is enameled with Elsa's signature icy blue. - 2014-12-02 10:12:16 [update] | 288 | The 2014 Star Wars Weekends, held at Disney's Hollywood Studios, have been extended a week. The final weekend will now be June 13 - 15, 2014. - 2014-02-25 10:02:32 [update] | 288 | Beginning April 17 and running through September 15, 2014, guests can book a new dining event that begins when Epcot closes. Guests will receive "small bites" paired with a beverage flight served at their choice of either La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico pavilion, Tutto Gusto in Italy, or Rose & Crown Pub in the UK. The event costs $35 plus tax and gratuity, book by calling 407-WDW-DINE. - 2014-04-14 10:04:59 [update] | 288 | The "Sounds Like Summer" Tribute Band Concert Series returns to the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot beginning June 8 through July 26, 2014. Performances are nightly at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 pm. The current line-up (subject to change): June 8 - 14: Hotel California - A Salute to The Eagles June 15 - 21: Don't Stop Believin' - Journey Tribute Band June 22 - 28: Good Vibrations - A Tribute to The Beach Boys June 29 - July 5: Don't Look Back - Boston Tribute Band July 6 - 12: Stayin' Alive - A Tribute to the Bee Gees July 13 - 19: Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute July 20 - 26: 2U - A Tribute to U2 - 2014-04-14 10:04:37 [update] | 289 | Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party will be adding additional Villain Character Meets. Jafar and the Queen of Hearts will be found in Fantasyland, and Lotso will be found in Tomorrowland. The Queen and Maleficent will be crashing the Snow White and Aurora character meet at Princess Fairytale Hall. (And in good news - Anna and Elsa will also be greeting fans at Princess Fairytale Hall during the party!) And new this year - Club Villain will take over The Diamond Horseshoe Revue in Liberty Square with even MORE villains making appearances! - 2014-08-25 09:08:21 [update] | 289 | Guests can now enjoy "The Villains Sinister Soiree: A Wicked Takeover of Cinderella Castle" Premium Dessert Party during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. This event includes preferred viewing for the "Boo to You" parade and "HalloWishes" fireworks show, desserts at Cinderella's Royal Table hosted by Lady Tremaine and friends, plus exclusive entertainment. The price is $99 per person (ages 3+) and does NOT include the required admission to the Halloween Party. For reservations, call 407-939-5262. (Rumor has it Halloween Night is already sold out!) - 2014-08-25 09:08:55 [update] | 289 | If you will be celebrating Independence Day 2014 while at Walt Disney World, check out these special offerings:
Magic Kingdom: Special fireworks at 9:00 pm, July 3 & 4. | 289 | Jack Skellington, the Christmas-loving Pumpkin King from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, is now greeting Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party guests in Storybook Circus, dressed as "Sandy Claws." - 2014-11-11 09:11:58 [update] | 289 | Now through October 31, 2014, guests attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) will have the opportunity to purchase a one-day Memory Maker photo package. For $39, the package includes all of your PhotoPass photos from the entire day, including any parks you may have visited prior to the Halloween Party. Visit the Ticket and Transportation Center ticket booth to add this Memory Maker to your MNSSHP ticket.
- 2014-10-14 11:10:25 [update] | 289 | The Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party on October 31, 2014 is sold out. Tickets are still available for all other dates! - 2014-09-09 11:09:19 [update] | 289 | The "Glow With the Show" Ears that light up and interact with nighttime shows and fireworks at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, have evolved! A whole new line of "Made With Magic" merchandise is being introduced this Fall will include the original ear hat, a Minnie Mouse headband, a Mickey Mouse glove, and a Sorcerer's Wand. The Wand will actually have the ability to control the light patterns of the other items! Each item will retail for $25.00 each and will begin to appear in stores in late October and roll out through the holiday season.
- 2014-10-21 10:10:24 [update] | 289 | Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28 October 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31 Premium Pricing Dates: October 10, 17, 24, 30, 31 Advance Purchase Price Tier 1 Pricing: $66.03/adult, $60.71 per child (All September dates) Tier 2 Pricing: $71.36/adult, $66.03 per child (October 2, 3, 5, 9, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, & 28) Tier 3 Premium Pricing: $75.62 /adult, $70.29/child (October 10, 17, 24, 30 & 31) Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30 December 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19 Advance Purchase Price: $71.36/adult, $66.03 per child Premium Price: $75.62 /adult, $70.29/child (Premium Pricing Dates: November 21 & 30 and December 5, 12, 18 & 19) Tickets are more expensive when purchased the day of the event. Hard tickets are required for admission - the event tickets cannot be linked to your MagicBands for admission. Tickets can be purchased online at DisneyWorld.com or by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. - 2014-05-05 09:05:44 [update] | 289 | Tickets for the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on November 7, 2014, are sold out. Tickets are currently still available for the remaining dates - November 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, and 30, and December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 19. - 2014-10-27 09:10:32 [update] | 999 | At a recent D23 fan event in Hollywood, Marvel announced the release schedule for its feature films into 2019. Captain America 3: Civil War - May 6, 2016 Doctor Strange - Nov. 6, 2016 Guardians of the Galaxy 2 - May 5, 2017 Thor: Ragnarok - July 28, 2018 Black Panther - Nov. 3, 2017 The Avengers 3 - Infinity War: Part 1 - May 4, 2018 Captain Marvel - July 6, 2018 Inhumans - Nov. 2, 2018 The Avengers 3 - Infinity War: Part 2 - 2019 - 2014-11-04 10:11:26 [update] | 999 | The 2015 Expedition Everest Challenge Weekend will be held May 2 - 3, 2015. This will be the final year of the Challenge. - 2014-12-09 12:12:51 [update] | 999 | Star Wars Weekends are returning to Disney's Hollywood Studios May 15 - June 14, 2015. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during that period, Hollywood Studios will be filled with Star Wars celebrities, characters, merchandise, and more! Weekend I: May 15 - 17 Weekend II: May 22 - 24 Weekend III: May 29 - 31 Weekend IV: June 5 - 7 Weekend V: June 12 - 14 The popular Star Wars character meals are returning! The Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast will be offered daily between May 15 - June 14, 2015 at the Sci Fi Dine-In Theater from 8am - 11 am and will feature Darth Vader, Greedo, Jawas, and StormTroopers. Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine will take place daily from May 15 - June 14, 2015, from 4:15 pm - 8:00 pm and will include the Fantasmic! Dining Package! This meal will feature Disney characters dressed as Star Wars characters - Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, etc. Advanced reservations are open for booking NOW by calling 407-WDW-DINE! - 2014-12-09 14:12:13 [update] | 999 | The first Marvel-themed attraction will debut at Hong Kong Disneyland in 2016 - the Iron Man Experience. Located in Tomorrowland, the Stark Expo will house the new attraction as well as a display of Iron Man suits and an Iron Man character meet. - 2013-10-08 10:10:03 [update] | 999 | On Sunday, July 13, 2014, a possible lightning strike caused a power outage on the Magic Kingdom Monorail line. Guests were safely evacuated by the Reedy Creek Fire Department after approximately a 90-minute wait.
- 2014-07-15 09:07:19 [update] | 999 | Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke at an event last week in Hollywood and revealed that Disney halted development on new Star Wars attractions based on the original films, and that new Star Wars attractions will be based on the upcoming films and spin offs. Disney is expected to reveal more details about new Star Wars attractions in 2015. - 2014-12-16 12:12:38 [update] | 999 | "Frozen," the newest release from Walt Disney Studios, is going to be developed as a Broadway musical. No time frame has been set, but the project is currently under development. - 2014-01-14 10:01:54 [update] | 999 | The 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will be held March 4 - May 17, 2015. A new concert series will debut this year - the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Performances are at the America Gardens Theatre on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at 5:30pm, 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm. The current line-up (subject to change): March 6-8: Gin Blossoms March 13-15: Pablo Cruise March 20-22: En Vogue March 27-29: Starship April 3-5: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO April 10-12: The Village People April 17-19:Jon Secada April 24-26: The Guess Who May 1-3: Taylor Dayne May 8-10: Little River Band May 15-17: Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone - 2015-01-19 14:01:22 [update] | 999 | Nikon has been named the official camera of Disney Parks in the United States. Nikon will now supply all cameras and equipment for PhotoPass photographers, Disney Weddings photographers, and other official photographers. The Kodak Picture Spots will be rebranded as Nikon Picture Spots. - 2013-11-25 19:11:25 [update] | 999 | The Disney Parks Moms Panel is an online resource for guests with questions about planning their Disney vacations. The Panelists are chosen every year from a pool of applicants and are not limited just to Moms! For more information and to apply starting at 10:00 am eastern on September 2, 2014 until Noon eastern on September 5, 2014, visit their web site.
- 2014-09-02 09:09:06 [update] | 999 | The live-action feature film "Cinderella" features a beautiful golden coach, which brings Cinderella to the ball. Guests at the Magic Kingdom can now see the actual coach used in filming in special pre-parade appearances when it will be pulled by a team of white horses down Main Street, U.S.A. The Coach is expected to appear daily through January 4, 2015. "Cinderella" opens in theaters on March 13, 2015.
- 2014-12-22 11:12:20 [update] | 999 | Disney fans who remember the Comedy Warehouse from the former Pleasure Island will want to check out the Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special at Disney's Hollywood Studios. A family-friendly improv show, the performers depend on audience participation. The show is being held December 20, 2014 - January 4, 2015 at times throughout the day in the former American Idol Experience theater. - 2014-12-22 11:12:12 [update] | 999 | Select Walt Disney World locations are now accepting payments via Apple Pay and Google Wallet. Currently Ticket Windows and Disney-operated merchandise and food locations can accept these forms of payment. Table-service restaurants and merchadise located operated by Disney partners may not have this payment method available yet. - 2014-12-29 11:12:26 [update] | 999 | According to the Orlando Sentinel, Disney has plans to expand the MyMagic+ technology including FastPass+ and Magic Bands to Disneyland and other theme parks in the next few years. - 2014-12-29 11:12:54 [update] | 999 | WestJet, a Canadian airline, has unveiled a custom-painted Boeing 737-800 featuring Sorcerer Mickey. The interior features special Disney touches as well - custom embroidered head rests and Disney character snacks. The "Magic Plane" will make its inaugural flight from Calgary to Orlando on December 3, 2013. - 2013-12-03 10:12:25 [update] | 999 | The Disney Junior network announced a new TV show, debuting in 2016, featuring a Latin-Inspired Princess. "Elena of Avalor" will feature the 16-year old princess of this fairytale kingdom, inspired by "diverse Latin culture and folklore. - 2015-02-03 11:02:15 [update] | 999 | During a quarterly earnings call with investors, The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger announced that Disney will be "significantly" increasing the "presence" of Star Wars at the theme parks around the world. What that means exactly remains to be seen! - 2014-08-11 14:08:05 [update] | 999 | The 2015 D23 Expo, Disney's Official Fan Expo, will take place August 14 - 16, 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets go on sale August 14, 2014. There are Early Bird Discounts available for purchasing by June 30, 2015. For more details, visit the D23 web site.
- 2014-08-11 14:08:48 [update] | 999 | You know you have caught yourself humming or singing along to the songs from Frozen since seeing it for the first time. (Or like me, you bought the soundtrack and have been obsessively learning lyrics...) This weekend, "Let It Go" and sing along to your heart's content with a new sing-along version in theaters January 31. Onscreen lyrics and a karaoke-style snowflake highlighting the words will help wanna-be Elsas, Annas, and Olafs show off their best notes. - 2014-01-28 07:01:34 [update] | 999 | Guests at select Walt Disney World Resorts have begun testing a new check-in process this week. Guests at select resorts who have completed their Online Check In (including payment in full and setting up a PIN for charging) and received their Magic Bands, as well as having provided a method of communication, are being greeted at the resort entrance by a Cast Member who will offer them the option to proceed with traditional check in, or will escort them directly to their room. (Editor's Note: I had the opportunity to participate in an early test of this process back in June and it was wonderful! From the time we arrived at our resort to getting on a bus to go to a park was under 20 minutes.) - 2015-02-10 08:02:14 [update] | 999 | Guests can now share their "Disney Side" online and through social media. Disney has launched a new web site that allows guests to share their photos, videos, and more using the hashtag #disneyside. Using this hashtag on Instagram, Twitter, Vine, Google+, and Facebook allows guests to share their posts with Disney on the Disney Side site. - 2013-10-01 11:10:12 [update] | 999 | The removal of the 122-foot Sorcerer's Hat from Disney's Hollywood Studios will begin on January 7, 2015. - 2015-01-06 11:01:47 [update] | 999 | Walt Disney Studios is hosting a contest at both U.S. Disney resorts and in New York City to celebrate the new movie "Million Dollar Arm." Guests 18 and over with no prior professional baseball experience will have three chances to throw their fastest pitch. The three participants at each location who throw the fastest pitches will get to attend the premiere of "Million Dollar Arm" in Los Angeles and compete for the million dollar prize. Any of the nine finalists who throws a 100-mph pitch during their three attempts could potentially win $1 million! The contest will take place from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm local time on April 25 and 26 at Downtown Disney in Disneyland, and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World, and on April 25 only at the ESPN Sports Day at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. For more details and full contest rules, check out the Disney Parks Blog. - 2014-04-14 10:04:07 [update] | 999 | Disney will sell almost all of its Radio Disney stations, except for the flagship station in Los Angeles. Radio Disney will continue to broadcast on digital media: Sirius XM, online, and via the Radio Disney app. - 2014-08-18 09:08:15 [update] | 999 | New Balance is expanding the runDisney line with two new running shoes featuring Goofy (mens) and Cinderella (womens). The new models offer a lighter shoe for a faster running experience. They join the existing Mickey and Minnie models.The new models will be completely unveiled in early 2014. - 2013-12-10 10:12:17 [update] | 999 | Guests who purchase the Disney Memory Maker package, the digital photo package, will now have access to a ride photo and video from the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train in the Magic Kingdom. - 2014-09-23 10:09:03 [update] |