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New Attractions, Experiences and Dining Debut This Spring at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Miss Adventure Falls, the newest family attraction at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, splashes onto the scene this spring. Aboard this family-style raft adventure, guests will be immersed in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer. Legend holds that this treasure hunter roamed the seven seas in search of undersea artifacts – until a rogue storm marooned her at Typhoon Lagoon.

Guests gently ascend to the top of the attraction in treasure rafts, only to plunge into a whitewater adventure where they will encounter some of Mary’s deep-sea treasures.

When it opens, Miss Adventure Falls will be one of the longest attractions (2 minutes) at Disney’s Water Parks.

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Marriott and Disney Timeshares Dominate Redweek’s List of Top 25 Rental Resorts

Marriott and Disney resorts captured 16 of the top 25 rankings in RedWeek.com’s annual report on the most popular timeshare rental resorts.  A relatively new entrant, meanwhile, the Playa Linda Beach Resort in Palm Beach, Aruba, jumped four spots to #11 in 2017 after climbing four spots (from #19) in 2016.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas (Lake Buena Vista, Florida) finished first in RedWeek’s Top 25 Timeshare Rental Resorts, followed by Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club (Palm Beach, Aruba) and Disney’s Boardwalk Villas (also Lake Buena Vista).  Marriott-branded resorts won five of the top 10 rental resort slots and 11 of the top 25.  Disney’s new Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort joined the rental popularity list for the first time at #25 and expanded Disney’s overall presence to five resorts.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge - a traveler-favorite
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – a traveler-favorite

“All of these resorts offer ideal vacations for timeshare families,” said Gary Prado, vice president of business development for RedWeek.com.  “While the resale market continues to evolve, RedWeek’s do-it-yourself and full-service rental programs provide owners with an excellent way to recoup their maintenance fees when they are unable to use their time.   Our Top 25 rentals report, moreover, shows that there is strong consumer demand for vacations at quality branded resorts.”

Now in its 10th year of publication, RedWeek’s Top 25 includes six independent resorts and one timeshare each from Westin, Wyndham and Hilton.  One third of the Top 25 resorts are located in Florida, followed by Hawaii (28 percent), Aruba (16 percent), South Carolina (8) and California, Mexico, Bahamas and New York (with 4 percent each). The rankings are calculated from rental demand statistics from RedWeek’s 2.3 million subscribers.

When RedWeek launched the resort rental survey, back in 2008, New York’s Manhattan Club was the #1 most popular timeshare rental.  This year, the Club ranks ninth.  One major resort missing from this year’s Top 25 is the Westin St. John, Virgin Grand Villas, which finished in the Top 25 consistently in prior years.

Here is the 2017 list:

  1. Disney’s Beach Club Villas – Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  2. Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club – Palm Beach, Aruba
  3. Disney’s BoardWalk Villas – Lake Buena Vista, Florida
  4. Harborside Resort at Atlantis – Paradise Island, Bahamas
  5. Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club – Lahaina, Hawaii
  6. Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club – Palm Beach, Aruba
  7. Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club – Kapolei, Hawaii
  8. Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas – Newport Coast, California
  9. The Manhattan Club – New York, New York
  10. Costa Linda Beach Club – Oranjestad, Aruba
  11. Playa Linda Beach Resort – Palm Beach, Aruba
  12. Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

View full top 25 rentals list >>

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New Attractions, Experiences and Dining Debut This Spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Several new Star Wars additions have recently taken center stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, starting with new displays inside Star Wars Launch Bay that feature authentic replicas from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” The new AWR Troopers from “Rogue One” are also now appearing in the daytime stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.”

For the ultimate Star Wars fan comes the ultimate experience: the all-new Star Wars Guided Tour. Guests are treated to a seven-hour immersion with character greetings, themed dining, attraction experiences, insider’s tours, a dessert party and VIP viewing of Star Wars: a Galactic Spectacular. Offered for an additional fee, the tour is available Mondays and Saturdays and can be booked at DisneyWorld.com.

And coming later this year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests will be immersed in new scenes from “Star Wars: Episode VIII” while onboard the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction.

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New Attractions, Experiences and Dining Debut This Spring at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

It’s an exciting spring season at Walt Disney World Resort, one filled with new fun that spans all four theme parks, Disney’s Water Parks and Disney Springs.

From the unveiling of a whole new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to an awe-inspiring fireworks show at Magic Kingdom Park to more retail and restaurant openings at Disney Springs, there is more to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort than ever before.

Rivers of Light is an all-new nighttime show at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Rich in symbolism and storytelling, the elaborate theatrical production takes guests on a breathtaking emotional journey -- a visual mix of water, fire, nature and light all choreographed to an original musical score. Rivers of Light will be performed on select nights. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Here’s a closer look at what is in store:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Opening May 27, Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will transport guests to a mystical world of bioluminescent rainforests, floating mountains and soaring Banshees. In collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, Disney is bringing to life the fantasy world of Pandora, inspired by Cameron’s epic film AVATAR.

Guests will discover two main adventures in this breathtaking new land. Avatar Flight of Passage, sending guests flying above the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee. Na’vi River Journey is a family-friendly boat ride that sails down a sacred river hidden within a glowing rainforest for an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman.

Hungry adventurers can recharge at Satu’li Canteen, the main dining location, or Pongu Pongu, a drink kiosk with a design as eclectic as its expat owner. Shoppers can stock up on Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more at Windtraders.

Also coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Rivers of Light. Debuting Feb. 17, this new nighttime show will take guests on a magnificent journey with a mix of water, fire, nature and light choreographed to an original musical score. Continuing the park’s transformation from a day-into-nighttime experience, the amazing after-dark experience on the banks of Discovery River celebrates the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world.

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DISNEY CRUISE LINE TAKES TOP AWARDS IN 2017 CRUISE CRITIC CRUISERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

When guests sail, we love that their experience doesn’t end when they step off the ship. They remember it for a lifetime and relive the magic by talking about it with family, friends — and everyone they meet!

Because of those shared experiences, Disney is excited to be honored with eight first-place awards, including the Best for Families, in the recently announced 2017 Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards based on thousands of reviews.

Cruise Critic reviewers recognized the Disney Magic as the No. 1 cruise for families while also ranking the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder as top cruise ships in the Best for Families category.

In the large-ship category, the Disney Dream took the No. 1 spots for Best Overall Ship, Best Cabins, Best Public Rooms, Best Service and Best Shore Excursions. This is the third consecutive year the Disney Dream has won Best Overall in the large-ship category.

Also in the large-ship category, the Disney Fantasy was recognized as the Best for Fitness & Recreation. While the Disney Magic took top honors for Best Overall Ship in the mid-size ship category.

The Cruisers’ Choice Awards are selected based on the thousands of reviews and ratings made by the Cruise Critic community last year. Cruise Critic is one of the largest online cruise communities with more than 150,000 cruise reviews.

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NEW GUEST EXPERIENCE AND DINING OPTIONS COMING TO DISNEY’S CORONADO SPRINGS AND CARIBBEAN BEACH RESORTS

We’re excited to share that changes are on the horizon at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort over the next two years.

This expansion at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will include a new 15-story tower that will add 500 rooms, featuring suites and concierge level services. The resort will also refurbish its current resort rooms and transform its landscape with floating gardens and an island oasis that connects the resort through a series of bridges.

The new tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the resort’s centerpiece lake, will allow your Clients to experience something truly unique, rooftop dining with panoramic views of popular nighttime fireworks from nearby Disney theme parks.

Also during this exciting time, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be reimagined with new additions to the resort’s current marketplace, Centertown, including new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. This centralized location will offer the resort’s guests more convenient access to services, amenities and dining.

At Walt Disney World® Resort, many of our Guests’ magical memories start at one of our 27-themed resorts each and every day, which is why we continue to create new experiences that are integral to the overall resort experience.

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New cable car system at Disney World? Plans raise the possibility

ans filed with the state have generated speculation that Walt Disney World is planning a cable car system on its property. Rumors have circulated about such a project for months.

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3 Ways Disney World Is Promoting “Avatar Land”

We’re now three months away from the planned opening of Disney ‘s(NYSE: DIS) Avatar -themed expansion. Pandora — The World of Avatar will open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.

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GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY – MISSION: BREAKOUT! OPENS MAY 27 WITH SUMMER OF HEROES AND MORE AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK

Disney California Adventure® Park at Disneyland® Resort will soon be the destination for adventure, intrigue and triumph as recruits from around the world join forces with legendary Super Heroes in an ever-expanding universe of stories that will grow even bigger over time. This summer, we are kicking off the action with the May 27 grand opening of the thrilling, rocking attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

This new adventure blasts guests straight into the “Guardians of the Galaxy” story for the first time ever, alongside characters from the blockbuster films and comics. As Guests help Rocket bust his pals out of the Collector’s Fortress, they’ll experience randomized ride experiences complete with all-new visual and audio effects and music inspired by the popular film soundtracks. Guests will never know which adventure they’ll get!

There will be even more ways to step into Super Hero stories with Summer of Heroes, May 27 through Sept.10, 2017. Guests can answer the call for this limited-time celebration as they join the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy for all-new epic experiences.

Summer of Heroes will launch these new, year-round experiences:

  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off! – Guests may run into the Guardians of the Galaxy on their way to the Milano, with Star-Lord firing up his old-school boom box to get the party started. Gamora may prefer to stand back and observe, but everyone else is bound to get in the groove and show off their moves during this awesome rock ‘n’ roll bash!
  • Super Hero Encounters – For the first time, citizens of Earth will come face-to-face with Groot, one of the Guardians of the Galaxy! Guests can also step up to meet the First Avenger, Captain America, along with everyone’s favorite web slinger, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

And for a limited time, Guests can step up to the challenge with new adventures during Summer of Heroes:

  • Avengers Training Initiative – Black Widow and Hawkeye assemble young recruits for a series of tests to see if they have what it takes to join the ranks of the Avengers.
  • Heroic Encounter: Black Widow – Black Widow will arrive on the scene several times throughout the day in an armored Avengers vehicle for her heroic encounter with park Guests.
  • Grab a Piece (or Bite) of the Action – Special themed merchandise and food will be available throughout Hollywood Land.

The summer brings even more to get excited about over at Disneyland park as classic favorites return with the reopening of the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America attractions, with the “Fantasmic!” nighttime spectacular returning later in the summer. We’ll have opening dates to share soon for these attractions. And, guests can also catch the classic Main Street Electrical Parade during its limited-time run at Disneyland Park through June 18.

Guests can experience Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure Park and Summer of Heroes, beginning May 27, 2017!

Entertainment and attractions are subject to change and cancellation without notice. Please check the show guide for days and times.

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BELOVED ‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’ STORY COMING TO LIFE WITH LIMITED-TIME EXPERIENCES IN FANTASYLAND AT DISNEYLAND PARK

For a limited time, Fantasyland at Disneyland® Park will bring the beloved “Beauty and the Beast” story to life with special experiences that celebrate the classic Disney animated feature.

Red Rose Taverne – This dining location at the northwest edge of Fantasyland will magically transform from Village Haus Restaurant into a lively French taverne, with delicious quick-service meals perfect for all ages! Adorned with beautiful murals depicting favorite scenes from Disney’s animated feature, “Beauty and the Beast,” and draped with inviting curtains, each room of Red Rose Taverne tells a different chapter of the tale as old as time. The menu will transform as well, featuring some of your favorite tastes with a French taverne-inspired twist, as well as new signature beverages. We’ll have details to share on these delicious additions soon – and yes, guests will be able to try the Disneyland version of the Grey Stuff. (We hear it’s delicious!)

Royal Reception – This special merchandise location adjacent to Red Rose Taverne offers keepsakes, apparel and collectibles inspired by both the animated Disney feature as well as the new, live-action film, “Beauty and the Beast,” in theaters March 17, 2017.

That Gaston – We all know Gaston loves a taverne, so Guests may find him preening around Fantasyland.

Maurice’s Treats – The celebration continues in nearby Fantasy Faire, where each twist on the menu at Maurice’s Treats will be presented with … well … a twist!

The Royal Theatre Presents “Beauty and the Beast” – At the Royal Theatre in Fantasy Faire, Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones present their take on “Beauty and the Beast” in this daily favorite.

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