The first pre-release tracking for Walt Disney’s next likely mega-hit is out, and the news is pretty darn good.
Archive for
Walt Disney World Refurbishments
| Magic Kingdom® Park | |
| Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form or transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternatve transportation options will be available. |
Through February 28, 2017 |
| The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour Walt Disney World Railroad Hall of Presidents |
Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, 2017 Jan. 9 – Mar. 2, 2017 Jan. 17 – Jun. 29, 2017 |
| Epcot® | |
| None | |
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios® | |
| Cover Story | Jan. 9 – Mar. 23, 2017 |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park | |
| None | |
| Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park | |
| Annual Refurbishment | Dec. 25, 2016 – Mar. 11, 2017 |
| Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park | |
| None | |
| Disney’s Beach Club Resort | |
| Tidal Pool | Feb. 20 – 22, 2017 |
| Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas | |
| Exterior Maintenance and Painting All work with the highest potential for noise will be limited between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. |
Through April 2017 |
| Luna Park Slide | Feb. 6 – Mar. 3, 2017 |
| Community Hall Pool | Feb. 27 – Mar. 1, 2017 |
| Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort | |
| Trinidad South Village Pool | Jan. 6 – Mar. 16, 2017 |
| General Resort Refurbishments – Trinidad South Region Due to several refurbishment projects, Guests may see and hear construction in progress specifically around the pirate-themed rooms in the Trinidad South region of the Resort. Any work most likely to cause a noise impact will not begin until 9:00 a.m. |
Jan. 9 – Mar. 16, 2017 |
| Old Port Royale Food Court, Shutters at Old Port Royale, Cabana Pool Bar and Calypso Trading Post There will be a variety of dining options available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Centertown will serve breakfast and dinner and a selection of grab-and-go meals will be conveniently available for purchase in three island markets located in the Aruba, Jamaica and Martinique regions of the Resort. |
Beginning May 2017 through 2018 |
| Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort | |
| Hard Goods Refurbishment Guests may see or hear construction taking place, or encounter alternative paths of travel throughout the Resort hotel. To minimize disruptions, we will attempt to limit all work until after 9:00 a.m. daily. |
Beginning Fall 2016 |
| Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort | |
| Broad Creek Merchantile Merchantile will remain open, but noise and visual impacts are expected. |
Jan. 2 – Feb. 28, 2017 |
| Disney’s Beach House The Beach House Pool, Signals (the quick service restaurant), Surfmen’s Station, and the restrooms will be unavailable. |
Jan. 2 – Feb. 28, 2017 |
| Live Oak Lodge Elevator | Jan. 30 – Feb. 26, 2017 |
| Room Refurbishment This will not impact any of the Resort activities or amenities available to Guests. |
Feb. 19 – Apr. 9, 2017 |
| Disney’s Old Key West Resort | |
| Sandcastle Pool The leisure pools located at Old Turtle Pond, South Point and Miller’s Road will remain available |
Jan. 2 – Mar. 3, 2017 |
| Exterior Maintenance and Painting To minimize disruptions, we will attempt to limit all work until after 9:00 a.m. daily. |
Jan. 3 – Jul. 27, 2017 |
| Disney’s Pop Century Resort | |
| Room Refurbishments During this time, Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. To minimize disruptions, we will attempt to limit all work until after 9:00 a.m. daily. |
Feb. 4, 2017 – May 7, 2018 |
| Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside | |
| Alligator Bayou North Pool | Feb. 13 – Apr. 7, 2017 |
| Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort | |
| Paddock Pool Water Play Area | Jan. 16 – Feb. 24, 2017 |
| Disney’s Vero Beach Resort | |
| General Resort Refurbishments Due to several refurbishment projects, Guests will very likely see and hear construction work throughout the villas, spa and dining areas. We will attempt to limit any work most likely to cause a noise impact to the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. |
Through March 2017 |
| Disney’s Wilderness Lodge & Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | |
| General Resort Refurbishments Due to extensive refurbishment projects, Guests will very likely see and hear construction work in various areas throughout their stay. To minimize disruptions, we will attempt to limit work until after 9:00 a.m. At this time, many popular areas will remained closed – including the Hidden Springs Pool (the leisure pool at Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge), marina, playground and more. In addition, certain pathways, like our nature trail, will be unavailable, and surrounding views may be altered. However, the recently renovated Silver Creek Springs Pool will remain open and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom park will continue to be offered. |
Through 2017 |
| Cub’s Den (Children’s Activity Center) – unavailable | Through 2017 |
| Roaring Fork and Trout Pass Pool Bar During this time our latest addition, Geyser Point Pool Bar & Grill will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Territory Lounge will also offer a continental-style breakfast featuring gourmet coffees, pastries and a yogurt parfait. |
Feb. 13 – Summer 2017 |
| Disney’s Yacht Club Resort | |
| Room Refurbishments During this time, Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. To minimize any disruptions, we will attempt to limit work to 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m. |
Beginning in January 2017 |
| Admiral Pool | Feb. 22 – 24, 2017 |
| Captain’s Grille During refurbishments, the Captain’s Grille is relocating to the oceanic-themed Ariel’s. |
May 15 – Sep. 30, 2017 |
| Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center | |
| Expansion Work During this time, Guests may see or hear work in progress and certain pathways may be unavailable. To minimize any disruptions, we will attempt to limit work to 9:00 a.m – 9:00 p.m. |
Aug. 4, 2016 – Feb. 1, 2018 |
| Disney Springs™ | |
| DisneyQuest – Closing Permanently | Jul. 3, 2017 |
| Golf Courses/Miniature Golf | |
| None | |
Information and dates subject to change without notice.
NEW CHARACTER DINING EXPERIENCE, BON VOYAGE BREAKFAST DEBUTS APRIL 2 AT TRATTORIA AL FORNO AT DISNEY’S BOARDWALK
Recently, we shared that an all-new character dining experience will be coming to Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk at Walt Disney World® Resort. Today, we are excited to share that when guests choose to enjoy the Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno, they’ll have the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric.

Kids will enjoy their choice of a Mickey Pancake, Mickey Waffle or a “Little Royal Breakfast,” which features an egg, bacon and toast. Breakfast will also include your choice of non-alcoholic beverage such as coffee, tea juice, milk and soft drinks. Mimosas, a Peach Bellini, cappuccino, press pot coffee and more will be available as an additional charge.
The character dining experience will cost $34 for adults, $20 for children. Please note Disney Characters join Guests for breakfast only. Character appearances are subject to change.
Reservations are now open for dates beginning April 2, 2017 and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY on Digital HD March 24 and Blu-ray April 4
Announced today on The Star Wars Show and StarWars.com, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” will be coming home on Digital HD on March 24thand Blu-ray on April 4th. This news comes on the heels of the start of production announcement of the untitled Han Solo Star Wars Story. “Rogue One” has established its place within the Star Wars universe and the hearts of moviegoers, becoming the seventh highest-grossing film of all time in the U.S.
Arriving early on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on March 24, and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on April 4, the release includes never-before-seen “Rogue One” bonus material that will take fans behind the scenes with the movie’s diverse, dynamic cast and inspired team of filmmakers. An intimate collection of stories reveals how the film came to life, as well as hidden Easter Eggs and film facts that audiences may have missed in the theater.
Bonus features include*:
- A Rogue Idea – Hear how ILM’s John Knoll came up with the movie’s concept – and why it’s the right film to launch the Star Wars stand-alone films.
- Jyn: The Rebel – Get to know Rogue One’s defiant, resourceful survivor, and hear what it was like for Felicity Jones to bring her to life onscreen.
- Cassian: The Spy – Diego Luna shares insights into his complex, driven character, who becomes a hero through selflessness, perseverance and passion.
- K-2SO: The Droid – Explore the development of this reprogrammed Imperial droid, from initial pitch and character design through Alan Tudyk’s performance.
- Baze & Chirrut: Guardians of the Whills – Go deeper into the relationship between these two very different characters, with Chinese superstars Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen.
- Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot & The Revolutionary – Forest Whitaker and Riz Ahmed reflect on Saw Gerrera, the broken Rebel leader, and Bodhi Rook, the Imperial pilot who defects.
- The Empire – Meet a dangerous new Imperial adversary…and cross paths once more with the most iconic villain of all time.
- Visions of Hope: The Look of “Rogue One” – The filmmakers describe the challenges and thrills of developing a bold new look for the movie that can fit within the world of the original trilogy.
- The Princess & The Governor – See what it took to bring the vibrant young princess of “Star Wars: A New Hope” – as well as one of her most memorable foes– – back to the screen.
- Epilogue: The Story Continues – Filmmakers and cast celebrate Rogue One’s premiere and look forward into the future, to the Star Wars stories yet to be told.
- Rogue Connections – Uncover Easter eggs and film facts hidden throughout the movie that connect “Rogue One” to the Star Warsuniverse.
“CELEBRATION AT THE TOP – SIP, SAVOR, SPARKLE” DEBUTS FEBRUARY 26 AT CALIFORNIA GRILL AT DISNEY’S CONTEMPORARY RESORT
Celebration at the Top, a new dining event coming to California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World® Resort, allows guests to sip, savor and sparkle as they enjoy the Magic Kingdom® Park fireworks spectacular from an intimate and private observation deck.
Celebration at the Top Guests can check in at California Grill an hour before fireworks. After being whisked up to the California Grill, which sits on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests will be taken to the intimate and secluded banquet rooms to enjoy canapés, a selection of sushi rolled by the expert California Grill sushi chefs, a selection of flatbreads and other small plates. A complimentary bar offering craft beers, California wines, cordials and coffee will also be available.
Just before the night spectacular begins, guests will be lead to their private observation deck, which offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom Park and the fireworks. After taking in the breathtaking sights and sounds, they can return to the private room for petit four desserts including decadent chocolate confections and fruit tarts.
Reservations for Celebration at the Top are now open for select Sunday evenings from Feb. 26-April 16, 2017. Cost is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Complimentary valet parking is included.
Book today by calling 407-WDW-DINE or visiting Disneyworld.com/dine.

‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’-INSPIRED RED ROSE TAVERNE OPENS FEBRUARY 24 AT DISNEYLAND PARK
Over the next few days, guests will see Village Haus Restaurant magically transforming into Red Rose Taverne, a lively tavern with décor inspired by the beloved film, in preparation for its official opening Feb. 24, 2017.
Menu options include slow-cooked beef poutine, Beast’s Burger, Enchanted Cauliflower Sandwich, Chicken Sandwich à la Lumière and more. Guests can quench their thirst with Gaston’s Famous Brew, an apple-mango punch topped with passion fruit foam. Dessert options include Grey Stuff Gateau, a white chocolate mousse and red velvet cake and a sweet raspberry center.
Red Rose Taverne is a limited-time offering, so be sure to be our guest soon!

BOOK 2018 DISNEY’S PRINCESS HALF MARATHON PRESENTED BY CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS
We can book our Clients’ Race Registration with a Magic Your Way Package for the 2018 Princess Half Marathon Weekend Presented by Children’s Miracle Hospitals, which takes place Feb. 23-26, 2018, during the 2017 Princess Half Marathon Weekend runDisney Health & Fitness Expo dates, Feb. 22-March 5, 2017.
A Magic Your Way Package allows Clients to enjoy Disney fun for the whole family throughout the race weekend. They pick their favorite Disney Resort hotel and the number of days for their Theme Park ticket.
Plus, when our Clients stay at a Disney Resort hotel they’ll enjoy special benefits, including complimentary MagicBands and early access to Disney FastPass+ planning up to 60 days before they arrive!
Booking Window: Feb. 22-Mar. 05, 2017
Travel Window: Feb. 15-Mar. 01, 2018
Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to planand book your vacation.

FIRST LOOK – HAN SOLO – SMUGGLER. SCOUNDREL. HERO. A NEW STAR WARS STORY BEGINS
Cameras are rolling on the adventure-filled past of the iconic scoundrel and everyone’s favorite Wookiee; principal photography on the untitled Han Solo Star Wars Story officially began February 20 at Pinewood Studios, London.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE EXPLORES NEW DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE, ALASKA AND THE CARIBBEAN IN SUMMER 2018
In summer 2018, Disney Cruise Line will sail on new itineraries and to new ports, including first-time visits to destinations in Italy and Ireland. Disney Cruise Line takes your Clients on a grand tour of Europe with visits to the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Norway and Iceland. Plus, adventures continue with sailings to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to plan and book your vacation.
NEW ELEPHANT VIEWING EXPERIENCE “CARING FOR GIANTS” AT DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM
Now guests can get a closer look at the majestic African elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and learn what it takes to care for them. Caring for Giants is a unique, family-friendly backstage viewing experience of our African elephants.
During this 60-minute tour, guests can meet with dedicated animal care specialists who provide for the care and wellness of our elephant herd. African cultural representatives will also be on hand to share stories of Disney’s conservation efforts dedicated to the preservation of wild populations throughout their homeland. Throughout this experience, guests will be able to observe the elephants from approximately 80 to 100 feet away – so they’ll enjoy a closer encounter with the elephants than they would during other in-park experiences.
Caring for Giants will be offered several times daily beginning March 12, 2017. Groups depart throughout the day between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and each experience lasts approximately one hour. Guests must be 4 years of age or older to participate. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529). Cost is $30 per person (tax included). Admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is required and is not included with the cost of Caring for Giants.







