When Beth Haworth first started visiting Disney more than two decades ago, the cost of a ticket was a mere $27 for a one-day pass.
Archive for Walt Disney World
Disney to preserve 3,000 acres of wetlands
Walt Disney World has plenty of new construction happening all across the property; including Disney Springs, Pandora at Animal Kingdom and major expansions at Hollywood Studios.
First look at the new MagicBand “On Demand” system at Walt Disney World
Inside the Magic provides a first look at the new MagicBand “On Demand” system at Walt Disney World.
Holidays Around the World at Epcot Ignites the Season’s Spirit with New Entertainment and Classic Favorites in 2015
Epcot invites guests to experience the magic of the season and time-honored traditions from around the globe during Holidays Around the World. This year’s festive celebration rings in a new entertainment offering as well as seasonal favorites from Nov. 27 – Dec. 30, 2015 at Walt Disney World Resort.
One of the most beloved holiday traditions during this special seasonal event is The Candlelight Processional. This poignant performance allows guests to experience the Christmas story through masterful storytelling by celebrity narrators, accompanied by a mass choir and the Walt Disney World orchestra performing traditional and contemporary Christmas songs.
The Candlelight Processional is performed three times each evening, 5:00, 6:45 and 8 p.m., from Nov. 27 to Dec. 30. The line-up of celebrity narrators includes (entertainment and times subject to change):
11/27 – 11/29 — Gary Sinise
11/30 – 12/3 — Neil Patrick Harris
12/4 – 12/5 — Whoopi Goldberg
12/6 – 12/8 — Joe Morton
12/9 – 12/11 — Ana Gasteyer
12/12 – 12/14 — Meredith Vieira – NEW
12/15 – 12/17— America Ferrera – NEW
12/18 – 12/20 — Chandra Wilson – NEW
12/21 – 12/23 — Daniel Dae Kim – NEW
12/24 – 12/26 — Edward James Olmos
12/27 – 12/28 – Blair Underwood
12/29 – 12/30 — Amy Grant
For an extra special yuletide experience, guests can purchase the Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Dining packages include appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage at select Epcot full-service restaurants (or one full buffet where applicable), and guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional. Dining packages do not include park admission. For reservations, guests can call 407-WDW-DINE, or visit disneyword.com/dining.
The Candlelight Processional is one of many jubilant holiday entertainment offerings at Epcot. Classic Christmas tunes soar to new heights with soulful performances at the Fountain Stage in Future World each day with two merry musical ensembles. The five-person a capella performing group American Music Machine gives a contemporary twist to favorite Christmas tunes with the expertise of ground-breaking vocal arranger Tim Davis, whose previous credits include the hit TV series “Glee.” This holiday stage show includes new musical arrangements, dances, and a brand new look with performances of both modern and nostalgic holiday hits, including “White Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “All I Want for Christmas is You.” And for spirited renditions of holiday classics, guests also can sing and dance to the music of “Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season.”
In addition to the joy-filled stage performances, Holidays Around the World immerses guests in holiday celebrations and traditions from various countries throughout World Showcase. Amid joyful music and festive treats, treasured traditions spring to life as storytellers share their countries’ holiday heritage. International holiday experiences around the World Showcase include the musical Canadian Holiday Voyageurs at the Canada Pavilion, the colorful Chinese Lion Dance at the China Pavilion, a festive mariachi band and vibrant dancers at the Mexico Pavilion, and a lesson about the “spice of life” by a Moroccan drummer at the Morocco Pavilion. Guests also can enjoy the music of the Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers and greet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the American Adventure Pavilion. For a full list of Holidays Around the World festivities, visit disneyworld.com/holidays-around-the-world.
The celebration comes to a joyful conclusion each night with “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” a laser, light, and fireworks spectacular capped with a dazzling seasonal finale.
For more information about the holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort, visit disneyworld.com/holidays.
Photo: Lucky Owls at Epcot
The Japan Pavilion at Epcot is home to many interesting souvenirs but count us loving the Lucky Owls inside the Pavilion. As you can see in the photos these are said to provide luck depending on which category you are looking for. Each color represents a different characteristic. Make sure to check them out on your next visit.
‘Tower Of Terror’ Getting Movie Treatment
Armed with a treatment by Big Fish scribe John August,Disney is now looking to hire a screenwriter to give feature treatment toTower Of Terror, long one of the most popular rides in its theme parks.
PHOTOS – RETAIL MAGICBAND ON DEMAND OPENS IN TOMORROWLAND AT MAGIC KINGDOM
Now guests have a new option to create and personalize retail MagicBands at Walt Disney World® Resort.
MagicBand on Demand is a new station inside the Tomorrowland Power & Light Co. located near Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom® Park. This new offering is similar to the D-Tech on Demand boutique first introduced in June 2014 at the Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs™ Marketplace.
At the Tomorrowland location, guests can choose to create either a retail MagicBand or a D-Tech phone case.
When creating a retail MagicBand, guests can choose from eight different MagicBand colors – including purple – as well as approximately 40 graphics. There will be a few MagicBand graphics that will only be found in this location that salute classicMagic Kingdom Park attractions and icons. In addition to artwork, the retail MagicBand can be personalized with a name printed on the outside.
The cost for a custom retail MagicBand is $21.95, while a personalized retail MagicBand is $29.95.
Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless to Open Frontera Fresco Restaurant at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World
Chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner, is bringing Frontera Fresco, his table-service Mexican restaurant concept, to Disney Springs, the new dining, shopping and entertainment district at Walt Disney World Resort.
Opening in Summer 2016, Frontera Fresco will showcase the gourmet Mexican cuisine that has made Chef Bayless a culinary legend.
“I’m thrilled to bring Frontera Fresco to Disney Springs and share my passion for Mexican cuisine with the families who visit Orlando every year,” Bayless said.
The new restaurant will feature authentic Mexican specialties such as hand-crafted tortas, tacos, salads, fresh-made guacamole and classic Mexican braised meat entrees, all prepared from time-honored recipes with natural, locally sourced ingredients. Frontera Fresco also will serve an extensive selection of margaritas, cocktails and craft beers and wine.
“Working with Chef Bayless to bring this fresh dining concept to the new Disney Springs is a joy for us, and we can’t wait for guests to experience it,” said Richard Debler, president and chief executive officer of Vista Springs.
Philadelphia-based Daroff Design is designing the nearly 6,000-square-foot space, which will seat 200 guests. Vista Springs LLC will be the restaurant operator.
ENJOY MINNIE’S SEASONAL DINE AT HOLLYWOOD & VINE YEAR-ROUND
We recently told you about Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Now, we’re excited to share that Minnie and friends will continue to host dinner at Hollywood & Vine year-round.
Minnie’s fabulous dinner parties celebrate the cheerful togetherness of the holidays, the glamour of Hollywood, the delight of spring, the excitement of summer and the frightening fun of Halloween. Each season, this dining experience will feature unique music, décor, all-new costumes, menu items and interactive musical moments.
And, if guests are looking for even more magic, they can add the Fantasmic! Dinner Package to their meal.
Photos: Cinderella Castle Hub Construction
Take a look at the Cinderella Castle Hub construction. The newly revamped and spacious area is near completion.
