WDW Daily News

Disney announced Avengers Universe Unites, an epic charity event that supports The Walt Disney Company’s signature philanthropic commitment, Disney Team of Heroes, which delivers comfort and inspiration to seriously ill children around the world. Actors Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd and Brie Larson—stars of Avengers: Endgame—visited the Disneyland Resort to celebrate the donation of more than $5 million to nonprofits supporting children with critical illnesses.

Summer is almost here, and if your clients are planning on visiting Walt Disney World Resort over the 4th of July holiday, this event is one they certainly won’t want to miss! Taking place July 4 – 6, Woody’s Roundup is a fun-filled barbecue buffet complete with great food, familiar friends, and fun times, all from the comfort of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

This exciting event lets your clients step inside Andy’s favorite playset to join in on a summertime hootenanny with Woody’s Roundup. Hangout with Sheriff Woody, Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl, and more! When you arrive at the resort, Sarge will be there to greet them and make sure they’re in tip top toy shape and ready for playtime. Once inside, they’ll be greeted by a host, decked out in western gear and ready to entertain in true cowpoke style. The room has been filled with rustic camp time playsets offering the perfect setting for this summertime bash. Buzz Lightyear will even be on hand in his own playtime zone. Theatrical backdrops, toys, and other fun props will help bring the room to life!

A delicious barbecue buffet will feature some of the best barbecue outside of the Wild West. Your clients can feast on mouthwatering barbecue beef brisket, low and slow-smoked pork ribs, and grilled boneless chicken with roasted peach coulis, or take a bite out of a fire-roasted vegetable cake served with chipotle succotash. Create the perfect plate with sides including fresh cornbread (served with honey butter – YUM!), sweet cream cole slaw, southern-style potato salad, and grilled vegetables with smoked olive oil. They can also chow down on some warm vegetarian campfire chili or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette and roasted pepper ranch dressing. In addition, kids can enjoy their own special buffet featuring items like Creamy Mickey Roni Cheese, chicken fingers, and potato barrels.

And for dessert? Try some yummy salted caramel cookie bars, cherry pie shots, or assorted sliced fresh melon. And in celebration of the 4th of July holiday, grab a patriotic Red, White, and Blue Cake Push Pop!

A rootin’ tootin’ DJ will spin Woody’s favorite tunes from a rustic toy set right in the heart of it all. Kids can go have some fun with activities like the Trick Ropin’ Toy, Make-Your-Own Toy Station, camp-style carnival games, and a larger-than-life balloon artist who can recreate their favorite Toy Story characters. And finally, at the end of the night, they’ll be invited out to the Porte Cochére to end the evening with a viewing of the famous Magic Kingdom Park nighttime spectacular.

This limited-time event is happening for three nights only, July 4-6, from 6:15-9:15pm each night at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot before it’s too late! Tickets are $149 for adults and $99 for children ages 3-9, tax and gratuity included. To make reservations, call 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463).

All menu item and event experiences are subject to change without notice. 

New details were just revealed this morning for two Guest-favorite festivals at Epcot®: the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.

The 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will run Aug. 29-Nov. 23, 2019 making it the longest Food & Wine Festival in the park’s history at 87 days! The festival’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series will run Aug. 29-Nov. 19 and will feature a lineup of pop, rock, R&B, country, Christian, swing and Latin artists. (NOTE: The concert series will conclude a few days earlier than the festival in order to set the stage for the return of the park’s beloved Candlelight Processional).

This year’s festival will continue its tradition of offering tasty dishes, fine dining events, and appearances by favorite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs.

Stay tuned for updates on this year’s celebrity chef appearances, Eat to the Beat artists, dining packages, special events and more.

The 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays also returns Nov. 29-Dec. 30, 2019. The park’s seasonal celebration invites you to discover holiday cheer across all 11 World Showcase pavilions and throughout the park. Special entertainment, storytellers, seasonal favorites at Holiday Kitchens and eye-catching holiday decor are all part of the fun. The Candlelight Processional, a holiday must-do for many Epcot guests, will feature nightly retellings of the traditional Christmas story read by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a massed choir and live orchestra.

Stay tuned for more information as it’s released.

Bo Peep, from Pixar Animation Studios’ “Toy Story” films, will be making special appearances at Disney Parks starting this summer. You will be able to meet Bo when she finds her way to Disneyland Paris, Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park and Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. She’ll also be traveling across the Pacific to visit Disney Parks in Asia.

In “Toy Story 4,” when Bonnie takes the toys on her family’s road trip, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep, whose adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. Woody and Bo are worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, and they soon realize that’s the least of their worries.

Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to theaters on June 21, 2019. Stay tuned for more information on Bo Peep’s arrival later this year.

From the music of Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park to the soundtrack of Future World at Epcot, Disney Parks are filled with amazing music that guests can enjoy by listening to Apple Music®* playlists in the Play Disney Parksmobile app – available on Apple devices and now available for Android^TM devices. With playlists specially curated by Disney on Apple Music and featured in the Play Disney Parks app, guests can listen to fan favorite songs from beloved lands, attractions, characters and more whether at home, on the way to or in the middle of their visit.

With more than 35 unique playlists available, there is something for everyone. Users can download the Play Disney Parks app through either the App Store or Google Play to enjoy on Apple or Android devices. New Apple Music users are able to sign up for a free three-month trial, while current Apple Music subscribers can add their favorite Play Disney Parks playlists to their library today.

“We know that Disney music holds a special place in the hearts of our guests and love being able to offer access to fan favorite songs from our parks and beyond,” said Paul Oppedisano, Vice President of Premium Services at Walt Disney World Resort.

Play Disney Parks launched in 2018 to bring to life unique interactive experiences for guests of all ages through a range of activities including themed games, Disney trivia, digital achievements, music and more – whether they are playing on Main Street, U.S.A. or in line at beloved attractions. Developed as a partnership between Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Technology & Digital, Play Disney Parks was designed for families and guests to enjoy together, with group play options that enable everyone to join in on the fun while staying fully engaged in the immersive environments of Disney parks.

The Play Disney Parks app is continuing to grow and evolve with new experiences and offerings at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, including the eagerly anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, opening at Disneyland Resort in California on May 31, and at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on August 29. For the latest updates, follow the dedicated Play Disney Parks app pages – Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort  – as well as the #PlayDisneyParks hashtag on social media.

Available for iPhone® and smartphones for Android™.

Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. Music streaming feature requires an Apple Music subscription. Separate Apple Music terms and conditions apply. Subscription plan renews automatically after trial. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

Some features require separate theme park admission.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and Apple Music are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.

Disney After Hours has been a huge success with Guests looking for the opportunity to experience the magic at Magic Kingdom® Park after the sun goes down. Today, we’re excited to share a new reason to delve into the delights of Disney After Hours this summer – Disney Villains will add a wicked twist to Disney After Hours event nights June 6-Aug. 8, 2019!

In case you aren’t familiar, Disney After Hours is a special event that’s open to a limited number of Guests and offers low wait times at more than 20 attractions and experiences after the park closes to day Guests, from classics like the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain, to newer favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, plus many more. Event tickets also allow entry as early as 7 p.m., which gives your Clients time to enjoy fireworks before heading off to the attractions. Ice cream novelties, popcorn and select bottled beverages are also included in the cost of admission.

This summer, Disney Villains After Hours will take on a wickedly fun villains theme, with exclusive entertainment, food & beverage, merchandise and more.

Here’s a taste of what new elements to expect:

• A Brand-New Disney Villains Stage Show – Hades and Meg from “Hercules” will set the castle stage ablaze in this all-new stage show, Villains Unite the Night, which will also feature appearances by Jafar, The Queen, Dr. Facilier and Maleficent.
• Spot Maleficent the Dragon – Maleficent the Dragon, with her Steampunk style and signature wicked grin, will be let loose for the first time at night – breathing fire as she creeps through the park as a one-of-a-kind experience for party Guests.
• Villanous Enhancements: Discover surprising, villain-inspired additions at Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain.
• Wickedly Good Food & Beverage -A variety of special food & beverage offerings will also be available for purchase, including tasty desserts, drinks and dishes inspired by The Queen, Cruella de Vil, Maleficent, Hades, Dr. Facilier and even Emperor Zurg.
• Event Merchandise – Event attendees can also purchase new logo merchandise, as well as items from a curated collection of the best Disney Villains merchandise available.
• One Notorious Item to Note: Ever driven to stand out in their unpredictable and audacious fashion, while the Villains will be entertaining Guests in the new stage show, they will not be participating in character greetings during the event.

If your Clients really wanna get in on the action, they can show off their sinister side by dressing in attire inspired by their favorite baddie.

Disney Villains After Hours tickets cost $139 plus tax in advance, $144 plus tax on the event night. Stay tuned for booking details!  Tickets for these specific Disney Villains After Hours event nights will go on sale April 29, 2019.

These days it might seem like Disney is too busy remaking classic animated movies in live-action to actually have time for new animated projects, but that’s anything but the case. From sequels to Frozen and Toy Story to intriguing new fare like Onward and Dragon Empire, both Disney and Pixar will be keeping the animation fire burning in the years to come.

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With their kindness, bravery and confidence, Disney Princesses have inspired generations to dream big. Now open at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures is an all-new dining experience at the Disneyland® Resort and features some of your favorite heroines.

Offered Thursdays through Mondays amid the elegance of Napa Rose restaurant, Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures combines an exquisite brunch with a delightfully new and unique storytelling environment. Disney Princesses such as Belle, Tiana, Ariel, Jasmine and others arrive with friendly greetings to make lasting memories for Guests of all ages. See this preview of the magical new gathering!

The three-course brunch begins with a triple-tier tower of appetizers, followed by a buffet of entrees at the open-kitchen counter, and it’s capped off by an array of beautiful desserts inspired by the princesses, served family style.

After dining, Guests are invited to the outdoor patio for intimate story time and activities. Belle reads from one of her treasured books, Mulan may show Guests how to strike a warrior pose, or Rapunzel may share how she summoned the willpower to leave her tower.

The morning also includes a private portrait location, premium keepsakes for girls and boys, and five hours of valet parking at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. To book your reservations for Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures visit Disneyland.com.

*Dining experience and elements subject to restrictions and change without notice. Specific characters are not guaranteed. Restaurant seating is subject to availability and reservations are recommended.

You can experience a new dining adventure honoring some of the most majestic and endangered African animals and celebrating the beloved story of “The Lion King.” Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night offers a unique way to dine at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park with a family-friendly progressive dining experience drawing inspiration from the many facets of African cultures and animals.

The  journey begins with a welcome reception at the Wildlife Express Train Station and takes you on a fun-filled adventure to the train station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, then continues on to Harambe Market. Throughout the night, Guests will take in sights, sounds, and scrumptious flavors in celebration of “The Lion King” and the Big Five game animals: the African elephant, the rhinoceros, the Cape buffalo, the leopard, and our host animal, the lion. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the importance of the Big Five and the challenges they face around the world as well as how Disney is working to protect them.

Starting at the train station, Guests will receive light hors d’oeuvres, snacks, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) while enjoying acoustic music before hopping on the train to ride over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Upon arrival, they’ll be greeted with more light bites and sips. And hanging out in the train station, familiar friends Timon and Rafiki will be available for character greetings and fun interactive activities for all ages. Once Guests finish up at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, they can hop back on the train and get ready to venture over to Harambe Market for the main event. Throughout the marketplace, Guests will enjoy an array of sweet and savory dishes paired with unique beverages.

Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night begins on July 24, 2019, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Pricing is $125 plus tax for adults and $99 plus tax for children ages 3-9 and separate park admission is required. Reservations can be made starting April 3, 2019 by calling 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463) or by visiting the Walt Disney World Resort Dining Page. 

When visiting Walt Disney World, what you really need is faith, trust, and best-kept secrets from the biggest Disney fans. (We hate to break it to you, Tinkerbell.) No matter if you’re traveling to Disney for the first time or the hundredth, there’s always something to learn about the rides, dining, and shows at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. While planning your vacation to “the most magical place on Earth,” take a look at these tips and tricks to save money, time, and stress. And if you don’t have a trip in the books just yet, you probably will in 3, 2, 1…

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