We’re now just two years away from the arrival of Star Wars Land on both coasts, and Disney’s(NYSE: DIS)domestic theme-park resorts could use a boost. On Tuesday, the media giant announced a 5% year-over-year decline in attendance for its latest quarter, but it also announced that Star Wars Land will begin greeting sci-fi buffs of all ages come 2019.
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WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT TICKET UPDATE
On Feb. 12, 2017, Walt Disney World® Resort will implement adjustments to ticket offerings. This year, Disney is introducing a $20 savings* on a 3-Day or longer Magic your Way® Ticket when purchased on Disneyworld.com or through the call center as compared to the price for the same ticket at the theme park ticket windows, Guest Relations and Sports Welcome Center.
Other changes to ticket offerings will include the following:
- All newly-purchased tickets will expire on a specified date. Never-used expired tickets may be exchanged by consumers for credit toward new ticket purchase of equal or greater value. Previously-purchased tickets without expiration dates will remain valid until used.
- The Water Park Fun & More and Park Hopper bundled add-on will now be known as Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus Options. The Water Park Fun & More will be discontinued as a standalone option.
A day at a Disney park is unlike any other in the world. Disney continuously provide their Guests exciting experiences including:
- Pandora – NEW! The World of AVATAR, opening May 27, 2017, marks the largest expansion in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.
- Star Wars experiences continue this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
- Immersive experiences debuted during the past year at Epcot® – Soarin’ Around the World and Frozen Ever After.
- Development continues on new themed lands based on Star Wars and “Toy Story.”
*Compared to the price of the same ticket sold at the Theme Park ticket windows, Guest Relations and Sports Welcome Center.
Tips for Visiting the Disneyland Resort with Preschoolers – Fact Sheet
There’s nothing like a young child’s first encounter with Mickey Mouse at the Disneyland Resort. As the child’s eyes light up with wonder and amazement, family memories begin, and those memories are sure to last a lifetime. From these cherished character experiences to attractions that are ideal for toddlers plus healthy dining options, there’s so much magic for little ones to enjoy. Another plus for families with small children is the close proximity of both theme parks and the hotels of the Disneyland Resort, making this a walking resort that’s easy to navigate. Complimentary resources and services also are available to enhance a visit with young children.
Guest Services
- Baby Care Centers: In Disneyland at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. and in Disney California Adventure at Pacific Wharf, guests will find complimentary Baby Care Centers. These comfortable staffed locations offer nursing rooms, changing rooms, feeding areas, microwaves and more.
- Family-friendly restrooms: Families will find companion restrooms conveniently located throughout both parks. With six companion restrooms at Disneyland, and five at Disney California Adventure, parents have convenient options with this public restroom alternative.
- Secured items: Four Locker locations are available for storing valuable items during a visit, with two in the main entrance plaza, one on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland and another on Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure. Parents of young children may benefit from this service by safely stowing items they do not wish to leave in their stroller.
- Renowned guest service: Guests will find friendly cast members ready to answer questions at City Hall in Disneyland and the Chamber of Commerce in Disney California Adventure. Parents will appreciate conveniently located information boards featuring attraction wait times at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland, and at the end of Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure. Guest relations kiosks are located throughout both parks, with supplies of park maps and time schedules.
Attractions for Toddlers
- Top attractions for toddlers: Families will find countless fun, age-appropriate shows and attractions for preschool-aged children upon their visit. Some of the many options include:
3 Reasons Why Disney World Attendance Will Bounce Back in 2017
If we judge a theme park based solely on traffic trends, Disney World is in trouble. Disney (NYSE:DIS) saw its domestic parks — Disneyland and the much larger Disney World — suffer a 5% decline in attendance relative to the prior year’s holiday quarter.
Disney to inject 1.5 billion euros in Euro Disney
Walt Disney Co. on Friday tightened its grip on Euro Disney SCA and said it would support a cash injection of up to EUR1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) to fund improvements and reduce debt at the struggling French theme park.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom All Aglow; February 17 Set for Premiere of Majestic New Nighttime Show – Rivers of Light
Rivers of Light, an all-new nighttime show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will begin delighting Walt Disney World Resort guests Feb. 17. 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.
The new 15-minute show is the latest addition to the lineup of nighttime experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Celebrating the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world, the performance combines live performers, beautiful floating lanterns, glistening fountains, special effects and authentic animal imagery projected on giant water screens.
“Disney’s Animal Kingdom is built around the lives of animals, built around the rules of nature, and those rules dictate that as you move between day and night everything changes…and you’re going to want to see that,” said Joe Rohde, Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “It all really is summed up by Rivers of Light. In the show, we take this combination of light and water which create life, and out of that comes this fantastically rich explosion of animal life that ultimately rises up and joins the stars.”
As the sun sets, guests gather along the picturesque edge of the Discovery River at the site of a fabled age-old ritual. A new 5,000-seat amphitheater welcomes guests to two distinct “villages” separated by a bridge and the river. Sounds of animals are heard from a nearby forest, and magical fireflies descend from the Tree of Life toward the lagoon, creating a sense of wonder as four beautifully illuminated Lotus flowers float across the water.
The ceremony begins with a stirring musical overture signaling the arrival of a pair of mystical Storytellers, two complementary forces who come to the river bearing gifts of light. They set out from the shore aboard elaborate lantern vessels. Adorned in intricately designed costumes, the hosts engage in a dramatic dance of water and light to summon the animal spirits – an Asian Tiger, Tropical Turtle, African Elephant and Great Horned Owl – and take guests on a wondrous journey across Asian jungles and African savannahs.
Disney challenged renowned Broadway production designer Michael Curry to create vessels that were artistic and stimulating, yet innovative. The commanding lanterns stand 15 feet tall and are 30 feet long, illuminated from within by innovative LED technology.
As the mesmerizing show progresses, Rivers of Light continues to unfold with a powerful musical score created by songwriter and composer Don L. Harper and recorded at the renowned Abbey Road Studio in London. The signature song “We Are One” was written by Mark Mancina, who created the score and was a key collaborator on the music for Disney’s hit animated feature film “Moana.”
A collaboration with Disneynature to incorporate rare nature cinematography showcasing tender animal moments adds rich authenticity to the storyline. Many are never-before-seen moments from Disneynature films.
The crescendo of the evening finale blends triumphant music and a waterfall of colors celebrating the circle of life.
“At the show’s finale, we hope guests will feel like they have been on a tremendous ceremonial and visual journey,” said Michael Jung, Walt Disney Imagineering creative director. “Rivers of Light really provides an affirmation of life and reminds us of the beauty and fragility of the natural world we all share – with animals and one another.”
Technology and attention to detail play starring roles in the new show. The 11 show floats are independent of each other and programmed to follow a choreographed “dance” across the lagoon. More than 50,000 programmable, color-changing LED lights are found in the four Animal Spirit Guide floats alone. Each Lotus float produces its own water screen. Costumes for the storytellers and their acolytes include fabrics using 5,000-year-old dye and weaving techniques.
Following its Feb. 17 premiere, Rivers of Light will be performed on select nights.
Special dining packages are available to park guests that include reserved seating at the new show. Packages are offered at the buffet-style Tusker House or the new signature restaurant Tiffins (lunch and dinner). Reservations can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407 WDW-DINE.
Rivers of Light joins a rich variety of new nighttime experiences and family adventures designed to offer up Disney’s Animal Kingdom in a whole new light. These include:
- Post-sunset adventures on Kilimanjaro Safaris, allowing guests to travel through the African savannah amid the artfully created orange glow of the setting sun during evening hours of operation.
- After-dark hours allowing guests to experience nighttime on popular park attractions including Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids and more.
- Fine dining at Tiffins, newest signature restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort, with innovative dishes that take diners to Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas amid travel-inspired artwork.
- Exuberant song-and-dance gathering nightly in the center of the park, Discovery Island Carnivale. Includes lively music and dance, vibrant costumes, delectable food and beverage, face painting and more.
- Tree of Life awakening after dark. Through projections and special effects, the animal spirits of the Tree are brought to life like never before, revealing moments of wonder and enchantment.
- Harambe Wildlife Parti. This safari after-party crisscrosses Harambe, from its theatre district to its bustling marketplace with the sights and sounds of local street musicians and entertainers, inviting guests to join them in dance and song, partake in exotic foods and libations and explore the diverse wares of village artisans and merchants.
All are part of the largest expansion in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom which will culminate this summer with the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.
New “Happily Ever After” Fireworks and Projection Spectacular Debuts This Spring at Magic Kingdom Park
It’s no secret that every ‘once upon a time’ story ends with ‘happily ever after.’ Beginning May 12, Walt Disney World Resort guests will discover just how magical and emotional that fairy tale ending can be with the newest, most breathtaking fireworks show in the history of Magic Kingdom Park – “Happily Ever After.”
In addition to fireworks, the stunning new nighttime extravaganza will feature more lasers, lights and projections than any Disney show before it. “Happily Ever After” is also an entirely new kind of Disney storytelling, one that will take guests on an inspiring journey filled with heart, humor and emotion. Guests become part of the journey themselves as they follow favorite Disney characters on an adventure to seek out their destiny, face adversity and ultimately fulfill their dreams on the road to their happily ever after.
The 18-minute spectacle will feature scenes from classic Disney films such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin” to modern blockbusters “Moana” and “Zootopia.” Cinderella Castle will become part of the story itself, with dazzling projections bringing heartfelt Disney stories to life on and around the iconic 18-story-tall castle. Quasimodo from “Hunchback of Notre Dame” swings from the turrets. Woody and his pals from Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story” recreate the castle entirely out of toys. And Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty” envelops the castle in her signature green flames.
The story begins with scenes of fantastic dreams full of hope, wonder, magic and light. Disney villains soon become part of the story, attempting to quash those beautiful dreams and forcing the heroes to fight for what they believe in. Overcoming their fears, the heroes triumph and are celebrated with spectacular fireworks.
Because no Magic Kingdom Park fireworks display is complete without this little bit of magic, Tinker Bell will fly across the night sky, reminding guests that with a little faith, trust and pixie dust, everyone can find their own happily ever after.
Characters and scenes from more than 25 Disney films will be featured through state-of-the-art projections, enhanced by more than 50 choreographed spotlights, brilliant lasers and plenty of awe-inspiring fireworks. Paired with an emotional score, the new spectacular will drive the message home that anyone can grab hold of their dreams and make them come true as long as they are brave enough to listen to what guides them and bold enough to pursue their destiny.
The score for “Happily Ever After” was recorded by a 75-piece orchestra in London and includes tunes from a multitude of Disney movies, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “The Jungle Book” and many more.
“Happily Ever After” will be presented nightly. Show times vary based on park hours.
NASCAR great Jeff Gordon is voicing a character in a new Disney racing show
Get your kids ready, NASCAR fans (or at least your DVR) – Jeff Gordon is making an appearance on the Disney Channel on Friday morning (9 a.m. ET).
RESERVATIONS OPEN TODAY FOR RIVERS OF LIGHT DINING PACKAGE DEBUTING FEBRUARY 17 AT DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM
“Rivers of Light,” the new nighttime show that debuts Feb. 17, 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. This new show will wow guests with live performers, a soaring musical score, grand theatrical imagery and innovative water special effects that celebrate the relationship between animals and nature. “Rivers of Light” comes to life on select nights after dark on the Discovery River between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest.
The park’s culinary team is working on special dining packages at both Tiffins and Tusker House Restaurant to add to the special evening.
Similar to the popular “Fantasmic!” Dining Packages at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, the “Rivers of Light” Dining Package includes reserved seating at the new show. At all-you-care-to-eat Tusker House, guests can choose the breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet on the day of the show (but they will have to dine at least 2 ½ hours before the show). Breakfast is $37, $23 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity; lunch and dinner, $49, $30 ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Tusker House Restaurant is on the Disney Dining Plan and counts as one table-service meal.
At Tiffins, “Rivers of Light” Dining Packages are available at both lunch and dinner. Guests can choose their favorite appetizer, entrée, dessert plus a non-alcoholic beverage. Dining must take place at least two and a half hours prior to showtime. Cost is $67, $32 ages 3 to 9 plus tax and gratuity. Tiffins accepts the Disney Dining Plan, and counts as two table-service meal entitlements.
Book reservations via DisneyWorld.com/dining or 407-WDW-DINE.
“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” TO BECOME BRAND-NEW STAGE SPECTACULAR ABOARD DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Just announced today, Disney is bringing a tale as old as time to the Walt Disney Theatre on the Disney Dream! We’ve assembled an all-star creative team who is currently developing a brand-new musical production, “Beauty and the Beast,” inspired by Disney’s live-action adaptation of the animated classic.
Guests will once again fall in love with the enchanting fairytale as this new production of “Beauty and the Beast” celebrates the romance, adventure and magic of the live-action film, weaving in the charm and nostalgia of the award-winning animated feature.
“Beauty and the Beast” aboard the Disney Dream will bring the timeless fable to life like never before, featuring a style of theater that interlaces classic storytelling elements with cutting-edge technology, to create a unique, theatrical experience in the 1,340-seat Walt Disney Theatre. An innovative take on the story will transform renowned songs into spectacular, show-stopping numbers, and lavish costumes and puppetry will bring a fresh perspective to beloved characters.
“Beauty and the Beast” will debut during the Disney Dream voyage departing Nov. 6, 2017, joining an incredible lineup of Broadway-style stage productions aboard the ship, including “The Golden Mickeys” and “Disney’s Believe.”
