WDW Daily News

Ahead of the March 1 debut of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort, more details have been revealed about how this new immersive experience intertwines with other Star Wars experiences Guests know and love, like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Walt Disney Imagineering developed Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at the same time, intending for them to complement not only each other, but the broader place in Star Wars history in which they’re set. Collaborating with Lucasfilm, they created the Halcyon starcruiser, the setting for this new two-night immersive adventure that takes us deeper into the tales of that galaxy far, far away.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=-eY-VRFq10kC

What does it mean that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a first-of-its-kind immersive experience?

Here to answer that question are three people who helped create this bold new adventure in a galaxy far, far away: Portfolio Creative Executive Scott Trowbridge and Creative Director Cory Rouse from Walt Disney Imagineering, and Mikhael Tara Garver, director of immersive experiences for this audacious project. Check out the new video below to hear them discuss the development of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser and what makes this vacation experience such a big leap forward in immersive storytelling.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser debuts March 1 at Walt Disney World Resort. 

As announced in November during Destination D23, the Disneyland Resort is thrilled to bring back its nighttime spectaculars this spring. So many fan-favorite entertainment offerings have continued to return – from Jambalaya Jazz in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park to “Disney Junior Dance Party!” in Disney California Adventure park. Plus, we’ve recently introduced experiences like encountering Raya in Redwood Creek Challenge Trail to the Celebrate Soulfully entertainment throughout the month of February. Each of these offerings highlights the incredible momentum at the Disneyland Resort as part of our phased reopening.

Today, we’re excited to share even more on the entertainment front, with additional details around the return of our nighttime spectaculars!

On April 22, 2022, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular will return to Disneyland Park, and “World of Color” will return to Disney California Adventure Park. “Fantasmic!” is preparing for its return to Disneyland park on May 28, 2022.

But that’s not all the exciting news we have to share today!

Upon its return to Disneyland Park, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” will be celebrating its 50^th anniversary. In honor of this milestone, the Disney Live Entertainment team will introduce exciting new elements to the “Main Street Electrical Parade” that will continue to evolve this beloved spectacular.

Over the past five decades, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” has brought families together to delight in its many whimsical stories and featured characters. And soon, that will continue for a whole new generation of dreamers. In honor of the parade’s 50^th anniversary, this nighttime spectacular will return with an all-new, enchanted grand finale that celebrates the theme of togetherness.

This universal theme is reflected in the creative concept of the grand finale sequence. Inspired by both the original design of classic “Main Street Electrical Parade” floats and Disney Legend Mary Blair’s iconic art style on “it’s a small world,” the new grand finale brings to life more than a dozen Disney Animation and Pixar stories. These stories will be interpreted in thousands of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sound, with unique representations of beloved characters as animated dolls.

As the new grand finale passes by, Guests along each side of the parade route will see a different set of stylized scenes from classic and contemporary favorite stories such as “Encanto,” “The Jungle Book,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Aladdin,” “Coco,” “Mulan,” “Brave,” “The Princess and the Frog” and more. Check out one of the early pieces of concept art, featuring Mirabel and Antonio from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-nominated film, “Encanto.”

From the Blue Fairy to a colorful, unique representation of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the grand finale of the “Main Street Electrical Parade” comprises seven segments stretching 118 feet in length, making it one of the longest and grandest units in the parade’s 50-year history.

“Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” will be available for a limited time at Disneyland Park. When “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular comes back on April 22, it will run weekends only (Friday through Sunday). “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will present its high-energy, projections-only show during the week (Monday through Thursday) until late spring. At that time, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks will then run nightly in the summer. “World of Color” and “Fantasmic!” will return to their regular schedule upon reopening.

We cannot wait to “ignite the night” once again! With the return of fan-favorite offerings, and new experiences on the way, the Disneyland Resort is buzzing with energy and excitement. It’s a great time to plan a visit, and we’re so excited to continue welcoming back our Guests!

We look forward to sharing more details about our entertainment offerings as the return of the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” “World of Color,” “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular and “Fantasmic!” draw nearer in the coming weeks.

Check the latest entertainment details and schedules at Disneyland.com or the Disneyland mobile app. Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr for important information to know before your visit, including the latest information on required face coverings.

Last Friday, the world got a first look at the newest Disney Cruise Line ship when our beautiful Disney Wish completed a major milestone known as “float out.”

During this momentous event, the Disney Wish touched water for the very first time, then made a grand exit from the enclosed building dock where it has been constructed. And to say this was a wish come true for our teams at Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Cruise Line would be an understatement. We celebrated the occasion in true Disney style with fireworks, music and even a special appearance by Captain Minnie Mouse herself … and today, we are so excited to share this special moment with you, too! Check out the video below to witness the incredible “float out” of the Disney Wish:

Amazing, right? It actually took about five hours to flood the building dock, followed by a breathtaking 90-minute exit as the Disney Wish sailed out with only 3 feet of clearance on either side. Not only was this the debut of the completed exterior, but it was also the grand reveal of its signature stern character statue — at last, Rapunzel saw the light! — and the first Disney attraction at sea, AquaMouse, towering over the upper decks.

The ship will remain alongside the pier for several weeks before its next important milestone, when it is be conveyed stern-first down the River Ems to the port of Eemshaven, Netherlands. In the meantime, we will continue construction and interior outfitting to bring all the amazing new experiences aboard this enchanted ship to life.

Keep an eye out for more updates on the Disney Wish!

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is just around the corner. The festival is back and filled with delicious eats and mesmerizing sips highlighting the lovely flavors of California. From March 4 through April 26, 2022, Guests can feast their eyes and stomachs upon some returning dishes coming to the festival marketplaces, like the Petite Avocado Impossible Burger from Avocado Time, or try some new options like the Peanut Butter & Jelly Mac from Nuts About Cheese.

The fun and feasting doesn’t stop at just the festival marketplaces. Guests can enjoy this celebration all around Disney California Adventure Park. There is truly no shortage of food and drinks to enjoy this year! And don’t forget about the Sip and Savor Pass, which allows Guests to try up to eight different food and non-alcoholic beverage items at participating locations. Guests can use all eight tabs themselves – or split with a friend! Passes can be purchased at several locations through Disney California Adventure Park.  

Guests will be fully immersed into the flavors and culture of California by attending weekend cooking demonstrations with professional chefs, jamming out to live music, or enhance their visit with exclusive festival and bookable experiences within the Park and at Disneyland Resort hotels, including the Carthay Circle Winemaker Receptions or head over to Cocktails @ Sonoma Terrace hosted by CORKCICLE, which features an expanded menu of craft brews, signature cocktails, savory snacks, and more. And what trip is complete without a little shopping to commemorate this foodie extravaganza! Guests can pick up a Tasting Passport to ensure they don’t miss out on any of the fun or flavors.

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The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is almost here, with flavors in full bloom and dishes waiting to be cultivated from March 2 through July 4.

With nearly 20 Outdoor Kitchens, there is a perfectly harvested combination of new delights like the BLT Scone at Cider House and fan favorites like the Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake at The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board back in season. There’s so much to enjoy this year – Guests will want to keep coming back for more.

As Guests taste their way through the Festival, recommend they pick up a Festival Passport to participate in the Garden Graze, a returning food stroll featuring five delicious dishes from various Outdoor Kitchens. Collect a passport stamp after purchasing the items and once Guests have compiled all five, head over to Pineapple Promenade to receive a Festival-exclusive treat.

Fresh flavors aren’t the only fun to be had. This celebration is filled with adorable topiaries featuring favorite characters, renowned performers for the Garden Rocks Concert Series, and, of course, exclusive merchandise to bring the fun home. The little ones can get in on the fun too with Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration, a scavenger hunt for the whole family!

Now, it’s time to see all the treats our EPCOT chefs have put together for you this year.

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Between Feb. 25, 2022 – Aug. 7, 2022, the following attractions will be added to Disney Genie+ service*: 

• Magic Kingdom Park: Space Mountain 
• EPCOT: Frozen Ever After 
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway 

During this time period, these attractions will not be available for purchase a la carte. This will help to give Guests more options as we prepare for a busy spring and summer season.

*Attractions with Lightning Lane entrances that are Disney Genie+ and individual purchases are limited in availability, subject to change or closure, may vary by date, are not guaranteed and may not be available at all on the date of visit or at the time you make a selection. 

Private ground transportation to and from Walt Disney World Resort is now available as a package add-on through the Walt Disney Travel Company.

As part of this offering, there are several options available, including exclusive vans, sedans, SUVs, executive limousines and stretch limousines. Private, direct ground transportation is commissionable and can be booked up to five days prior to arrival.

Round-trip transportation from Orlando International Airport to a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can be added online to a Walt Disney Travel Company package via the Disney Travel website or by calling the Disney Reservation Center.

For ground transportation at Tampa International Airport, Sanford International Airport, Orlando Amtrak Station, Kissimmee Amtrak Station, Cape Canaveral, Vero Beach, Daytona and the Guest’s hotel, one-way travel at Orlando International Airport and other modifications, please call the Disney Reservation Center. Both one-way and round-trip fares are available. Additionally, to make changes to an existing reservation or provide flight information for your Clients, please call the Disney Reservation Center.

Up to one complimentary car seat will be available for children five years old and under, with additional car seats subject to availability.

By: Javier Moreno, Senior Vice President, Sales, Services and Events

Today, we’re excited to share the below announcement about Storyliving by Disney. I’m honored to share that this exciting new business is guided by my predecessor in this role, and a dear friend of the Travel Advisor community, Claire Bilby, Senior Vice President of Emerging Business for Disney Signature Experiences. Get a closer look at Storyliving by Disney in the below post!

As more fans look for new ways to make Disney a bigger part of their lives, today we are announcing plans to introduce Storyliving by Disney™, vibrant new neighborhoods that are infused with our special brand of magic. Each community will feature distinctively designed spaces, unique amenities and Disney’s brand of world-renowned service.

These master-planned, new home communities are intended to inspire residents to foster new friendships, pursue their interests and write the next exciting chapter in their lives —all while enjoying the attention to detail and special touches that are Disney hallmarks.

At each location, including some neighborhoods for residents ages 55+, Disney Cast Members trained in the company’s legendary guest service will operate the community association. Through a club membership, Disney will also provide access to curated experiences, such as wellness programming; entertainment ranging from live performances to cooking classes; philanthropic endeavors; seminars and much more.

And where will the first one be? None other than a place that has known the footsteps of Walt Disney himself! Cotino™, a Storyliving by Disney community, will be built in the heart of the Coachella Valley in Rancho Mirage, Calif. If you’re a Disney history fan, you might know that the brilliant mountain-ringed valley in the Greater Palm Spring area was once a rejuvenating retreat for Walt and Lillian Disney!

Check out this video to learn more about the proposed plans for Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community. We will be working with highly respected real estate developers and experienced home builders at each site, who will contribute their talents and expertise to each community.

Like any good story, this is just the beginning! Other locales in the U.S. are under exploration.

Stay tuned for the latest Storyliving by Disney news. For additional information and updates, visit www.storylivingbydisney.com.

This material contains general information about future proposed community plans which are subject to change or cancellation at any time without notice.  Club membership, programming, and access and use of future proposed amenities and offerings, will require the payment of dues and/or fees and be subject to additional terms and conditions, which will be set by the owner of the club. Availability of club membership and operation of club facilities are not guaranteed. Disney is not the developer of Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community or the builder or seller of homes within Storyliving by Disney communities. The parties developing, and building homes in, Storyliving by Disney communities are independently owned and operated.This does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation to buy, real estate to residents of any state or jurisdiction where prohibited by law, or where prior registration is required, but has not yet been fulfilled.  Equal Housing Opportunity. Broker participation welcome.  See storylivingbydisney.com for full details.  [Page Pierce, DRE License No. 02161670]

Statement from Disney:

COVID‑19 has been a constantly evolving situation, and for nearly two years, we’ve been very intentional and gradual in our approach to COVID‑19 health and safety protocols. Given recent community trends and the availability of vaccines, we are positioned to responsibly adjust our health and safety protocols for fully vaccinated Guests. Beginning Thursday, February 17, the following health and safety updates will be in place at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

Face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated Guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. Guests who are not fully vaccinated are expected to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, including indoor attractions and theaters. Face coverings are still required by all Guests (ages 2 and up) on enclosed Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.