Archive for Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Paints the Sky Red, White and Blue with Independence Day Fireworks

Fireworks are synonymous with the Fourth of July and Walt Disney World Resort, and on Independence Day 2018, Disney theme parks will offer guests a bevy of booming delights.

Nighttime “wows” for the holiday include:
Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky
Fireworks will soar above Magic Kingdom Park while the air swells with patriotic melodies. The two-nights-only show starts at 9:15 p.m. on July 3 and July 4.

Also at Magic Kingdom Park:

  • DJs will host dance parties in Frontierland and Tomorrowland on July 3 and July 4.
  • The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History: Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and friends reenact famous moments in American history – as only they can. The live show is performed daily in Liberty Square.

FUN FACT: The Liberty Bell in Liberty Square is a replica cast from the same mold of the original in Philadelphia; it was placed in Magic Kingdom Park in recognition of the bicentennial of the United States Constitution in 1987.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
The perennial “kiss goodnight” at Epcot will include a special fireworks finale that paints the sky red, white and blue. The spectacular begins at 9 p.m. on July 4.

Also at Epcot:

  • The Voices of Liberty a cappella group will perform traditional Americana songs on the America Gardens Theatre stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m.
  • Disney Characters dressed in Independence Day attire will meet guests during the day at The American Adventure.

FUN FACT: More than 26,000 feet of lights outline the Epcot World Showcase pavilions that play a role in “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.”

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
Fireworks are just one portion of this immersive nighttime experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Adding state-of-the-art projection effects, dynamic lighting and lasers, the show transports guests to a galaxy far, far away and into iconic scenes from the Star Wars saga. This one-of-a-kind “wow” begins at 10 p.m. on July 4.

FUN FACT: The show now includes an all-new sequence from “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”

Patriotic Treats
Select theme parks and resorts will offer exclusive dessert items in honor of Independence Day. Examples include:

  • A Fourth of July cupcake featuring an apple-pie filling at Creature Comforts and Isles of Java at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
  • A sparkly red-white-and-blue coconut macaroon dipped in white chocolate at BoardWalk Bakery at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort.
  • Patriotic dipped strawberries and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse mini-domes at Amorette’s at Disney Springs.

The Fourth at the Fort
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will offer several special events around the Fourth of July holiday:

  • The Fourth of July 5K Run will take place Tuesday, July 3. Pre-registration is available June 24-30 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Fort Wilderness Bike Barn. On-site registration begins at 7 a.m. in the field next to Mickey’s Backyard BBQ; the run begins from that location at 7:30 a.m.
  • The Fourth of July Golf Cart Parade begins at 4 p.m. on July 4. Registration will be open June 24-30 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Fort Wilderness Bike Barn.
  • The Fourth of July Beach Bash at Clementine’s Beach will take place from 6-11 p.m. on July 4. Guests will enjoy a live DJ, dancing, games, contests, a movie, and more. In addition, the Fort Wilderness food truck will be available in the settlement area with delicious items for purchase.
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Enjoy Fireworks & Nighttime Spectaculars Now at the Walt Disney World Resort

For many Guests who visit the Walt Disney World® Resort, an unforgettable highlight of their Disney vacation is enjoying one of our amazing nighttime spectaculars or other entertainment offerings side-by-side with their family and friends.

And there are so many options for thrilling nighttime fun around the Walt Disney World Resort! From the splendour of “Happily Ever After” at Magic Kingdom® Park to the beauty of nature celebrated in “Rivers of Light,” there’s truly an experience that appeals to every Disney fan.

Here’s a  reminder of nighttime spectaculars and other evening offerings you can enjoy throughout the summer at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Magic Kingdom Park
“Happily Ever After” – This 18-minute spectacular captures the heart, humor and heroism of many favorite Disney Characters and encourages you to find their “Happily Ever After.” It features moments from classic Disney films such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” plus modern favorites like “Moana” and “Zootopia.” Cinderella Castle serves as the backdrop of the show, with dazzling projections bringing heartfelt Disney stories to life on, around and above the iconic 18-story-tall castle.

“Once Upon A Time” Castle Projection Show – This colorful projection show, hosted by Mrs. Potts and her son Chip from “Beauty and the Beast,” shares a captivating bedtime story that recounts cherished moments from favorite Disney films, including “Cinderella,” “Peter Pan,”“Frozen” and more.

Epcot®
“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” – This stunning spectacular combines lasers, leaping flames and fireworks, all synchronized to a symphonic score in a show that brings World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot to life at night. The show celebrates the spirit of humanity in three acts: The Earth is Born, The Triumph of Life and Hope for the Future, while a spinning globe helps narrate this lovely story with visuals that depict the history of humanity and the achievements of our time.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” – This fireworks spectacular features state-of-the-art projection effects, dynamic lighting, lasers and pyrotechnics that light up the night like never before. The music, magic and characters of Star Wars combine with special effects and fireworks to put you inside iconic scenes from the Star Wars saga, including a new action sequence from “Solo: A Star Wars Story” that was added into the spectacular just a few weeks ago.

“Disney Movie Magic” – This projection show uses the Chinese Theatre as a backdrop for colorful projections of footage from Disney’s greatest films, including the Indiana Jones and the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
“Rivers of Light” – This nighttime show celebrates the connection between animals and humans through a story told by live performers, beautiful floating lanterns, glistening fountains, special effects and authentic animal imagery projected on giant water screens.

Tree of Life Awakenings – After the sun sets at the park, the wondrous animals carved into the Tree of Life’s trunk awaken. Every 10 minutes, a new story from the animal kingdom is told through a visually stunning display of vivid color and animated imagery – right on the Tree of Life.

Kilimanjaro Safaris (at Night!) – Your can explore the sights of the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom like never before with an evening safari journey that gives them a look at the nocturnal habits of the reserve’s many animal residents, including lions, elephants, hippopotamuses and hyena.

Pandora – The World of Avatar at Night – This land, which is lovely by day, transforms into an eye-catching bioluminescence paradise at night. You can take a thrilling journey through one of the land’s two attractions – Avatar Flight of Passage or Na’vi River Journey – or stop into the Windtraders merchandise shop for items that also glow.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon® Water Park
Disney H2O Glow Nights – With glowing beach balls and other lighting effects,, Disney H2O Glow Nights is a rare opportunity for you to experience Typhoon Lagoon under the moonlight. On select nights beginning June 21, 2018, Typhoon Lagoon will become a luminous, nighttime hotspot that features a DJ Dance Party on the beach, special character meetings with Buzz, Woody and Jessie from Disney·Pixar’s “Toy Story,” unique F&B and use of all attractions at the water park – with minimal wait times.

Disney Springs®
Shopping, Dining & Entertainment at Disney Springs – There’s a plethora of nighttime fun to be had at Disney Springs, with so many shops to explore and mouth-watering restaurants to try – not to mention the outdoor entertainment. You can wwing by The Edison, a lavish gothic-industrial hotspot, to enjoy live music, cabaret dancers and breathtaking aerialists; enter Forbidden Lounge, a perfect spot for late-night dining and incredible libations, discretely located atop Morimoto Asia; or kick up their heels at Raglan Road, an authentic pub transplanted straight out of Dublin, where step dancers perform on table tops and hearty brews and robust fare delight their taste buds.

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‘The Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!’ Now Playing at Epcot

Star-Lord and Gamora from “Guardians of the Galaxy” are now taking Guests on a musical journey through the cosmos in “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot®.

Youcan catch “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” five times a day from now through Aug. 19, 2018. It’s included with theme park admission and is part of a lineup of “Incredible Summer” offerings at Walt Disney World®Resort.

Guests can also stop into the American Adventure at Epcot where they’ll find special offerings inspired by the new “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Live!” At Liberty Inn, they’ll find an adorable Groot Sipper Cup that comes with their choice of fountain or frozen beverage and a Rocket Fuel Slushy with frozen Coca-Cola and bourbon. Over at Fife & Drum Tavern, they can sip on an “I am Float” Root Beer with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and mint leaves or the Awesome Mix Slushy with layers of frozen lemonade, blue raspberry, and strawberry. There’s also the chocolate Galaxy Cupcake with buttercream and a white chocolate piece featuring Groot!

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It’s a Dandy Time for Dads this Father’s Day at Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort is the place to give Dad the special treatment this Father’s Day. Day or night, it’s all about celebrating Dads, husbands and all the special guys who deserve the very best on their special day.

DAYTIME WITH DAD
If Dad’s an adrenaline junkie, start the day with exhilarating rides and shows at any of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

  • For the ultimate out-of-this-world adventure, take Dad to Pandora – The World of Avatar to experience Avatar Flight of Passage, the top-rated attraction at Walt Disney World Resort. Fly on the back of a banshee and soar between floating mountains in this one-of-a-kind journey.
  • After returning to Earth, guests can grab their passports and head to Asia for a thrilling, high-speed climb into the Himalayas on Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.

Epcot

  • Car aficionados will get their fix on Test Track Presented by Chevrolet, where guests design a virtual concept vehicle and take it for a high-octane spin. Afterwards, Dad can pose for a picture with a Chevrolet dream car.
  • Head over to Soarin’ Around the World for a breezy, airborne adventure above some of the most breathtaking wonders the world has to offer.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • Only a boat ride away from Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! In this show, viewers can get a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making magic. Dad can even volunteer to be part of the action.
  • Take a trip down memory lane on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, where Dad can relive his rock star days in a super-stretch limo featuring songs by Aerosmith.

SPORTS AND SNACKS

If sports are Dad’s thing, head over to the ESPN Club at Disney’s Boardwalk. With nearly 100 video monitors, each featuring global satellite feeds, families can watch virtually any televised game while enjoying a pub-style menu that includes popular items such as wings, loaded tots and craft-beer batter fish & chips. Dad can relax with delicious specialty cocktails and craft beers on tap, while surrounded by the best in televised sports entertainment—including a 108-square-foot video wall!

A Round of (Foot) Golf with Dad

What’s better than hitting the course with Dad?  This Father’s Day, golfers 18 years-old and under play for free with Dad at all Walt Disney World Golf courses.

And for the very first time, Walt Disney World Golf, operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, is proud to offer the game of FootGolf on Disney’s Oak Trail golf course. The 18-Hole FootGolf course is certified by the American FootGolf League (AFGL), the governing body for the sport of FootGolf in the United States. For more information, visit golfwdw.com/footgolf

SUMMER NIGHT DELIGHTS 
After a day of park-hopping and sports, head to Disney Springs and treat Dad to specialty shops, amazing dining and entertainment. Here’s a sampling of what’s in store:

  • The Boathouse is the only place in the world where Dads can thrill to a Captain’s Guided Tour in a vintage Amphicar that drives on land and enter the waters of Lake Buena Vista with a splash. The Boathouse is also home to one of the world’s largest collections of fully restored Dream Boats from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s – from classic Chris-Crafts to a one-of-a-kind jet boat that once reached speeds of over 200mph.
  • Live Entertainment – Treat Dad to great music and entertainment with any of the 25 live performers and acts that appear nightly at Disney Springs.
  • Tommy Bahama, the retail location known for its island flair and garden-grove ambiance, is celebrating Dads and the “Boys of Summer” with MLB® With its new MLB Collection, on the field or in the stands, Dads can be game-ready in ball club gear.
  • The Art of Shaving serves up high-end grooming greatness for the modern man. Fathers can choose from essentials that go from brushes and creams to razors and travel kits.

With over 50 food and beverage locations, including five restaurants by James Beard Award-winning chefs, Disney Springs is the go-to place for a lunch or dinner date with Dad.

  • Start with a meal fit for a champ at Paddlefish. This on-the-water restaurant will serve a special “T-Bone & Tail” Father’s Day meal – a 20oz T-Bone and cold water lobster tail with a classic béarnaise sauce for $59.
  • Families can treat Dads to tasty drinks carefully paired with delicious dishes in the new Discover Bourbon at Disney Springs experience. Whether Dad is a bourbon aficionado or just enjoys sipping and savoring new drinks, this experience is perfect for an afternoon stroll or an evening out with family.
  • For a sweet snack, Amorette’s Patisserie will offer dipped “Tuxedo” strawberries and special treats honoring a beloved Disney Dad – Geppetto from “Pinocchio.” The treats will be available June 14-17, 2018.

EXPLORE WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT HOTELS

Take advantage of all the offerings available at select Walt Disney World resort hotels, including:

  • Dine: Treat Dad to a special prix-fixe Father’s Day menu at Flying Fisha contemporary American restaurant on Disney’s Boardwalk that specializes in premium seafood, steak and wine. This delicious dinner menu, created with Dads in mind, will include delicacies such as crispy crab croquettes, black Angus short rib and jumbo shrimp scampi. ($69 per adult plus $29 for wine pairing). For reservations, please visit disneyworld.com/dining or call (407) 939-1947.
  • Shop: Find a great gift for Dad at any of the many resorts’ merchandise stores, including Commander Porter’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This elegant location specializes in upscale men’s wear such as shirts, pants, hats, sunglasses and more.
  • Play: Enjoy some old-fashioned fun with a guided fishing excursion out on the water at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.Whether Dad is a seasoned sportsman or an amateur angler, this is sure to be a fun experience for the entire family. Guests can also choose from other activities such as horseback riding, nature trail exploration, boat rentals, volleyball, tennis, bike rentals and the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure. The Archery Experience is an option for guests who want to learn target shooting from an archery guide. For reservations, call (407) 939-BASS or (407) 939-2277.
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Minnie Van Service Now Open to all Visiting Walt Disney World Resort

Last summer we shared news of the new Minnie Van transportation service available at Walt Disney World® Resort. Today, we’re excited to share that the service is now available for everyone at Walt Disney World Resort, through the Lyft app.

 

The service offers a comfy and convenient way for you to travel to and from our theme parks, to dining reservations at our resort hotels, family gatherings, shopping sprees at Disney Springs® and much more in a jiffy.

The private vans are roomy, comfortable and usually only minutes away. Each driver is a friendly Disney Cast Member trained to take you where you need to be—safely and with a smile.

How does it work? You can download the Lyft app on your mobile device, open it from anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort and select the Minnie Van service option. Then, they can follow the steps below:

  • Confirm your current pickup location.
  • Enter their Walt Disney World Resort destination and tap “Request.”
  • The app will display a map tracking the vehicle en route and give you an identifying vehicle number to help them spot their car.

With Lyft, you can request your ride from your smartphone and pay right through the app. The new Minnie Van service is an easy and friendly way for you to whisk your family off to the magic!

The service is available between 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. (Hours subject to change.)

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New ‘Disney Junior Dance Party!’ Live Show Coming This Fall to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This fall, there’s an all-new Disney Junior show coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort. “Disney Junior Dance Party!” is a high-energy, live show experience that takes its inspiration from the most popular Disney Junior shows on TV, including “Mickey and the Roadster Racers,” “Doc McStuffins,” “The Lion Guard” and the newest hit series “Vampirina.”

The new “Disney Junior Dance Party!” is a musically infused, interactive concert, hosted by Finn Fiesta and a DJ – named Deejay, of course – who involve Guests in all the fun, including live appearances from some of your favorite characters, fun music from Disney Junior and much more.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the opening of “Disney Junior Dance Party!” later this fall.

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Memorial Day Weekend Kicks Off an Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World Resort

The fun is heating up with all-new entertainment and more set to debut this weekend, kicking off what will be a truly incredible summer at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Here’s what’s on tap for each theme park:

Incredible Tomorrowland Expo Begins at Magic Kingdom® Park
Super heroes will take center stage in Tomorrowland May 25, 2018 with the premiere of the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo. In this celebration, Supers will welcome Edna Mode, the legendary supersuit designer, to the park for the first time. Mr. Incredible, Frozone, Mrs. Incredible and other characters from the Disney·Pixar film “The Incredibles” and the upcoming “Incredibles 2,” will join together for an interactive celebration that features incredible decor and high-energy music. Families can join in on the fun at the “Super Party Time” dance party, or by watching engaging performances by up-and-coming Supers.

Donald’s Dino-Bash! Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Donald’s Dino-Bash!, a prehistoric party in which Donald Duck and pals take over DinoLand, U.S.A., also begins May 25, 2018. To celebrate Donald’s new-found discovery that ducks are actually descendants of dinosaurs, your Clients can enjoy a flock of new character greetings with feathered friends like Donald, Daisy, Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack, and others during a rip-roaring party. The daily celebration will culminate with a nightly Dino-Riffic dance party with Chip and Dale, along with a DJ spinning wild tunes.

 

And more summer fun will roll out in June.

Beginning June 9, 2018, The Guardians of the Galaxy will take the stage at Epcot® – Star-Lord and Gamora from “Guardians of the Galaxy” will join an alien band, taking you on a journey through the cosmos. The party will feature hits from Awesome Mixtapes 1 and 2 – fun and favorite tunes from the two movies’ soundtracks – building the anticipation for a new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon® Water Park will kick up the summer fun a notch with the debut of Disney H2O Glow Nights. On select summer nights starting June 21, 2018,  special lighting effects will transform the water park like never before as Buzz, Woody and Jessie throw a Beach Party inspired by their friend, “Partysaurus” Rex. Come join the fun, dance on the beach, play party games, and meet up with Buzz, Woody and Jessie, plus, all attractions are open for Guest enjoyment. Disney H2O Glow Nights will take place only at Typhoon Lagoon on Thursdays and Saturdays from June 21-Aug. 11, 2018 from 8-11 p.m. Disney H2O Glow Nights are a separate ticketed event and the party is not included in daytime admission. Tickets cost $55 for adults and $50 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax).

And last, but not least, Toy Story Land will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® on June 30, 2018. This new 11-acre land will shrink Guests to the size of a toy and allow them to explore the fun and adventure of Andy’s backyard. There, you can experience two new attractions: the family coaster Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Toy Story Land also will feature an existing Guest-favorite attraction, Toy Story Mania!, which will expand to add a third track into the rotation. The land’s Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick-service restaurant that will offer up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats to Toy Story Land Guests.

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Dates Announced For 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays & Candlelight Processional

Recently, we shared dates for this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties at Magic Kingdom® Park. And today, we’re back with another holiday update for  you! We’re happy to share that the 2018 Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays will return to the park Nov. 18-Dec. 30, 2018. The Candlelight Processional also returns this year and for the first time, the popular holiday tradition will open for Thanksgiving on Nov. 22-Dec. 30, 2018.

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays invites you to discover holiday cheer throughout the park and across all 11 World Showcase pavilions. Special entertainment, storytellers, seasonal favorites at Holiday Kitchens, and eye-catching holiday decor are all part of the fun. Evenings during this time are topped off with a special holiday presentation of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.”

The Candlelight Processional, a holiday must-do for many Epcot Guests, is a retelling of the traditional Christmas story read by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a massed choir and live orchestra.

Stay tuned for updates on this year’s Candlelight narrators and dining package information.

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Disney World Is Now Serving Alcohol at Every Sit-Down Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World guests have been drinking their way through the World Showcase pavilions at Epcot for years, and now they have more opportunities to sip on adult beverages at the Magic Kingdom, too.

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An African Safari Compared to Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

An African safari will transform you, if you let it. And after I had driven alongside a lion family, after having been surrounded by water buffalo, after having scooted away from an angry mama elephant, I was curious about an ad I saw for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

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