WDW Daily News

Today I had the amazing opportunity to watch Disney’s THE LION KING in 4DX. Wow! This was the first time I had ever been to a 4DX movie so I was really excited to see what it was all about. If you have never been, it can be explained as a totally immersive experience. The chairs move, sound surrounds every person in the theater, there are water, wind, scent and fog effects, plus it is 3D. I guess the closest I have been is Mickey’s Philharmagic at Walt Disney World. THE LION KING had just the right amount of action with the moving seats. This “Savanna Riding” motion really moved along with the animals as they ran, flew, or even splashed around. The scenes of the hyenas chasing young Simba and Nala, the wildebeest stampede in the gorge, as well as Simba and Scar fighting for the Pride Land literally put me on the edge of my seat. There was even motion that matched the songs from the movie. The Live Action version is truly remarkable. I felt like I was watching a Disney Nature feature is was so real. The script follows very closely to the 1994 original with some fun updates. No spoilers here, but be sure to pay close attention to the banter between Timon and Pumbaa. Hilarious! The movie has an all-star cast with James Earl Jones in the role of Mufasa once again, Donald Glover and Beyoncé as Simba and Nala, Billy Eichner and Seth Roman as Timon and Pumbaa, Keegan-Michael Key as a hyena, and John Oliver as Zazu. The list could go on and on. In this Live Action version, the emotion really comes through with each character. The stampede scene is both riveting and shocking even though I knew what would happen. I think watching in a 4DX theater intensified the whole experience. THE LION KING is most definitely for the whole family whether it is the first time watching Simba’s journey or the 50th (I think I burned through our VHS tape back in the day). With temperatures climbing this summer, gather up the gang and head to the closet movie theatre to see Disney’s THE LION KING. If you are lucky enough to live near a 4DX screening, take advantage of it! It was an experience like no other.

Whether you want to take a break from the crowds or you just want to spend a day lounging poolside, Walt Disney World’s resorts offer plenty of delicious dining options for every kind of traveler. Even better, you don’t have to be staying at these resorts—or even on-property at all—to treat yourself to a little extra Disney magic.

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How major architects of the 1980s and early 1990s brought a new fantastic point of view to the Walt Disney Company’s buildings.

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Whether it’s cruising around the Caribbean or soaking up the sun on Disney Castaway Cay, Cruise Critic Members agree that Disney Cruise Line is number one. We’re excited to share that Cruise Critic announced the results of this year’s Cruiser’s Choice Destination awards and Disney Cruise Line ranked as the top cruise line across three categories: “Top Cruise Line in the Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda,” “Top Cruise Line in the Western Caribbean and Riviera Maya” and, for the fourth consecutive year, “Top Cruise Line Private Island.”

The Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards are selected based on thousands of first-hand reviews posted to the Cruise Critic website over the past year. Cruise Critic offers one of the largest online cruise communities with more than 350,000 cruise reviews. Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, shared with us that Cruise Critic Members consistently tell them that a Disney cruise is a vacation for all ages. 

These awards really speak volumes about the high level of satisfaction our guests feel after sailing with Disney. Our thousands of Cast and Crew Members work to make each guest feel like a VIP from the moment they’re welcomed aboard. In the words of our Disney Cruise Line President Jeff Vahle, “It’s our dedicated officers and crew members who deliver the Disney difference again and again.”  

The fun definitely doesn’t stop onboard our ships. Disney Castaway Cay is a 1,000-acre private island in the Bahamas with turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and swaying palm trees that is exclusive to Disney Cruise Line Guests. One Cruise Critic member described the island as “the best place on earth with plenty to do for all ages.” Another shared, “We had the time of our lives. The children were well entertained and there was a separate area for adults to relax and enjoy.”

When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens August 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, this incredible new land will transport you to the planet of Batuu, where they’ll be able to live their own adventure in and around Black Spire Outpost. And when they’re “off planet” exploring the rest of the park, they can enjoy a variety of other great Star Wars experiences that celebrate the entire saga.

• Star Wars Launch Bay – This multi-sensory space is a must-do for Star Wars fans of all ages with the “Meet the Makers” short film, galleries featuring treasured memorabilia and authentic replicas of Star Wars artifacts, special Star Wars merchandise and opportunities to interact with favorite Star Wars characters like Chewbacca and BB-8. Starting August 29 at Star Wars Launch Bay, they can even have a personal face-to-face encounter with Darth Vader himself.
• Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away – This unique live show experience is presented several times daily at the park’s Center Stage area, bringing to life iconic moments from the saga with compelling film clips, special effects and appearances by favorite Star Wars characters.
• Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple – In this unforgettable, interactive experience, younglings are guided to the site of a sacred and ancient Jedi temple, where they learn the ways of the Force and face their fears against iconic Star Wars villains, to discover if they have the makings of a true Jedi.
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Star Tours takes you to multiple Star Wars destinations on a thrilling, motion-simulator based adventure across the galaxy, including characters and sequences from the newest Star Wars saga films Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
• Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular – This stunning nighttime show puts your in the middle of the action of memorable moments from the Star Wars saga, using state-of-the-art projection technology, lasers, lighting, pyrotechnics and other special effects.

More than ever before, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the place for you to celebrate and immerse themselvesin the greatest saga ever told.

Fall will be here before you know it, and that means it’s almost time for one of our favorite events of the year – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! And this year will be particularly exciting with several returning favorites and some all-new experiences, highlighted by the debut of the incredible new “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.”

Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” serves as the host of this all-new nighttime extravaganza, with state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting and dazzling fireworks filling the sky above Magic Kingdom® Park. Jack has come to tell a not-so-scary story about how anything can happen on Halloween night. Jack’s ghost dog, Zero, then flies off carrying everyone along on a trick-or-treating adventure, where four friends – Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy – find themselves drawn into a mysterious haunted house. Their journey takes them from one room of the house to another, encountering dancing skeletons, waltzing ghosts and a whole series of troublemaking Disney villains. “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” promises to be the perfect Halloween treat!

The fireworks are just part of the Halloween fun. Several attractions across the park receive special enhancements just for the Halloween party! New this year, when you follow the treat trail into the Monster World at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, they’ll interact in all-new ways with the comic cast of monsters, as they learn about the curious Human World holiday we call Halloween.

Embarking upon the high seas with the Pirates of the Caribbean, you will discover a crew of live pirates on your journey, engaged in a whole new adventure in search of treasure. Space Mountain goes completely dark again this year, hurtling you through the blackness of deep space to the riffs and chords of a new hard-rockin’ soundtrack, and at the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland, each spin of the teacups takes guests into madder and madder territory, as special lighting and music give the attraction experience an extra energy after dark.

There’s also the amazing “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” the ride of the Headless Horseman, “Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade,” Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball and “Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam,” where this year Nancy Clancy from the hit Disney Junior series “Fancy Nancy” joins other Disney Junior pals like Vampirina and Doc McStuffins.

You won’t want to miss the all-new “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” or any of the other delightful treats in store at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, select nights Aug. 16 – Nov. 1, 2019.

We’re so excited to share that Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party is returning this year to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® Park! And reservations start today!

The festive and joyous experience will take place from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (beyond the party’s midnight end time!) at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park.  

You can raise a glass to the spirit of the seasons as they mingle in and out of this holly, jolly party to enjoy an assortment of themed food and beverage offerings, including beer and wine in a fun, festive atmosphere complete with a beautiful view of Town Square, upbeat holiday hits, and décor. The evening will also feature entertainment by the one and only Tony himself.

You can indulge in savory hors d’oeuvres including a selection of artisanal meats and cheeses as well as Tony’s famous meatballs and more! And if they’re wanting to satisfy that sweet tooth, a variety of desserts will also be available. Yum!

But that’s not all! At 11 p.m., you will be able to enjoy reserved viewing for the enchanting “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” as it makes way down Main Street, U.S.A.

Please note, seating is available for Guests as they dine on a first come, first serve basis and shared seating is encouraged amongst Guests to enjoy both the food and company the party has to offer. 

Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party is available for $99 per person (plus tax) every Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event night at Magic Kingdom Park. Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is required to attend.

Reservations are by available online via Disneyworld.com or by calling 407-939-3463. 

Take a look at Construction Photos of the Cinderella Castle Path Widening at Magic Kingdom

Take a look at construction of the upcoming TRON attraction coming to Magic Kingdom