Archive for Walt Disney World

Incredible Summer Begins May 25 at Walt Disney World Resort

With new shows, first-of-their-kind character interactions, and the highly anticipated debut of Toy Story Land on the way, summer at the Walt Disney World® Resort is shaping up to be absolutely “incredible!”

The Incredible Summer celebration will officially begin May 25, 2018 at the Walt Disney World Resort, with guests getting a chance to immerse themselves in their favorite Disney films in exciting new attractions, entertainment and more.

Here’s what’s coming to each of our four parks and more.

An Incredible Tomorrowland Expo Begins at Magic Kingdom® Park May 25

Favorite Disney•Pixar Super Heroes will take over Tomorrowland from May 25-Sept. 3, 2018 as part of an Incredible Tomorrowland Expo that celebrates “all things super.” Guests can interact with Mr. Incredible, Frozone and other supers from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and upcoming “Incredibles 2.” And, for the first time ever, guests will get to see Edna Mode. Tomorrowland will also be decked out with Incredibles décor and sounds from the film. Guests can also enjoy a “SUPER” dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage.

The Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! Concert Series Begins June 9
at Epcot®

Star-Lord and Gamora from “Guardians of the Galaxy” will take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos in The Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! concert series. Shows will feature tunes from Star-Lord’s Awesome Mixtapes, the two movie soundtracks. The group will take the stage five times daily, June 9-Aug. 19, 2018.

UP! A Great Bird Adventure & Donald’s Dino-Bash! Begin at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Anniversary Celebration April 22

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park will kick off their 20th anniversary celebration April 22, 2018 and will launch two new animal-themed experiences. Donald’s Dino-Bash! is a “dino-tastic” celebration where Donald Duck takes over Dinoland, U.S.A. to celebrate his recent discovery that ducks are descendants of dinosaurs. Feathered friends Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad McQuack and other friends of Donald will be on hand to meet your Clients. In addition to bringing his own decorating touch to the land, Donald will throw a nightly dance party where everyone is welcome to “shake their tail feathers.”

Also debuting April 22, 2018 is the new show, UP! A Great Bird Adventure, which features Russell and Dug from the Disney•Pixar animated film “UP.” In the new show, they’ll team up to discover species of birds from around the world.

Disney H20 Glow Party Nights Begin at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park June 21

As we shared recently, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will join in on the Incredible Summer fun starting June 21, 2018, with new Disney H20 Glow party nights. The water park will transform on select evenings June 21-Aug. 11, 2018 when a glow party takes over the park from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Tickets go sale March 19 and are $55 per person plus tax for adults and $50 per person plus tax for children ages 3-9.

Toy Story Land Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® June 30

One major highlight of “Incredible Summer” will be the grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 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, guests 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 guests.

See “The Incredibles 2” at AMC Disney Springs® June 15

Everyone’s favorite family of superheroes is back in “Incredibles 2” – but this time Helen is in the spotlight, while Bob navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet, Dash and baby Jack-Jack, whose superpowers are emerging. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone must find a way to work together again—which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible. “Incredibles 2” busts into theaters on June 15, 2018.

Start planning your Incredible Summer at Walt Disney World Resort today!

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DISNEYSTYLE Opens This May at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort

This May, DisneyStyle, will join Disney Springs® West Side at Walt Disney World® Resort the destination for fresh and stylish apparel and accessories inspired by beloved attractions at Disney Parks and timeless Disney characters.

Modern Disney fashionistas will find a curated assortment of fashion forward products at DisneyStyle, from Spirit Jerseys with nods to Disney Princesses to playful headwear with a Disney twist. Guests can easily create stylish outfits perfect for visiting Disney Parks by mixing and matching fun shirts with accessories such as handbags, headbands, hats, socks, and more. The location will be found adjacent to Star Wars Galactic Outpost.

DisneyStyle will complement an already stellar lineup of Disney-themed merchandise locations at Disney Springs.

Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories in Town Center is now the ultimate spot for high-end fashion jewelry from Disney Parks, with an even larger selection of Guests’ favorite brands and products including PANDORA Jewelry, Alex & Ani, handbags by Dooney & Bourke, stylish headwear and more.

The Disney Corner, the newest pop-up shop also located in Town Center, is home to apparel, collectibles and accessories fit for princesses of all ages or fans of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The location also carries fun Disney apparel for infants and toddlers. This enchanting two-story space will only be open for a limited time.

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Incredible Summer Lights Up Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon with Disney H20 Glow Nights

Earlier this month, we shared the exciting details of Incredible Summer – a host of new offerings that will bring beloved Disney stories to life at all four Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks this summer.

Today, we’re happy to share that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will also join in on the fun with new Disney H2O Glow Nights!

As part of Incredible Summer, “Toy Story” pals will throw glow parties at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, inspired by the awesome party in the Pixar short, “Partysaurus Rex” (check out a clip of the short below).

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 H20 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 H20 Glow Nights are a separate ticketed event and the party is not included in daytime admission. Tickets will go sale March 19, 2018 and cost $55 for adults and $50 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax). For more information and to purchase tickets, call (407) 939-1872.

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The 2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Brings 75 Days of Fall Fun August 30 – November 12

The Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World® Resort this fall with 75 days of entertainment, events, wonderful food and tasty beverages.

The festival’s 23rd year runs from August 30 to November 12, 2018.

This year’s festival will continue its tradition of fine dining events, appearances by favorite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs, and a slate of concerts from favorite bands of the last few decades.

Stay tuned for updates on this year’s “Eat to the Beat” concerts, dining packages, special events and other fun.

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Extended B-Roll – Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Extended B-Roll – Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival | Walt Disney World News

http://wdwnews.com/videos/2018/03/02/epcot-international-fl . . .

B-Roll included:

  • Establishing Epcot scenes
  • Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and Goofy – Front entrance topiaries
  • Donald Duck with Huey, Dewey and Louie – topiaries
  • Daisy Duck, Chip ‘n’ Dale – topiaries
  • Buzz Lighyear – topiary
  • Disney•Pixar’s Lightning McQueen and Cruz Ramirez – topiaries
  • Figment – topiary
  • Floating gardens
  • The Goodness Garden Butterfly House – exteriors, butterfly close-ups
  • The How-to Garden
  • Imagination Play Garden
  • The Honey Bee-stro
  • Butterfly topiaries
  • The Three Caballeros – topiaries
  • Mexico – Tropical Rainforest
  • Norway – Anna & Elsa – topiaries
  • China – Bromeliad Dragon
  • China – Panda topiaries
  • Germany – Snow White & Seven Dwarves – topiaries
  • Germany – Alpine Containers
  • Italy – Primavera Kitchen – dining
  • Italy – Lady and the Tramp – topiaries
  • Italy – Garden Italiano
  • American Adventure – Disney•Pixar’s Woody – topiary
  • France – Belle & Beast – topiaries
  • The Berry Basket – dining
  • Cider House – dining
  • UK – Captain Hook & Peter Pan – topiaries
  • UK – Tinker Bell (topiary) and Fairy Houses
  • UK – English Tea Garden
  • UK – Royal Tea Garden Tour
  • Flowers
  • Festival merchandise
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Fun at Disney’s Water Parks This Spring

Things are starting to heat up here at Walt Disney World® Resort and there’s no better way to kickstart your spring break than by paying a visit to Disney’s Water Parks. Whether your Clients are looking for thrills, relaxation, unique treats or even to learn a new skill, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon have got your Clients covered. So while you help guests plan their spring getaway to Walt Disney World Resort, be sure to share these six reasons to add a day at the water parks to their vacation plans.

Awesome Thrill Rides: Guests can get their heart pumping at Blizzard Beach by starting the day taking the plunge down Summit Plummet. At 120 feet high, it’s one of the tallest free-fall water attractions in the world and, by reaching speeds up to 55 mph, it’s a thrilling, downhill rush. At Typhoon Lagoon, Crush ‘n’ Gusher takes riders on inflatable rafts through twists, turns, dips and dives. For more thrills, there’s the Toboggan Racers and Slush Gusher at Blizzard Beach, plus Miss Adventure Falls and Hummunga Kowabunga at Typhoon Lagoon.

The Blizzard Beach Spring Challenge: With obstacle courses, water slide challenges and other interactive games, the Blizzard Beach Spring Challenge, March 10-11 and March 24-25, is the perfect activity for the entire family. And the winners get to take home sweet Blizzard Beach themed giveaways, too!

Unique Lazy Rivers: Castaway Creek and Cross Country Creek are two super relaxing lazy rivers that the whole family can enjoy. Whether floating on inner tubes through ice caves at Blizzard Beach or meandering through a misty rainforest and hidden grotto at Typhoon Lagoon, each lazy river offers an experience guests won’t find anywhere else.

Private and Relaxing Cabanas: Disney’s Water Parks offer a private oasis where your Clients can enjoy the water park in a unique way. The Beachcomber Shack Cabanas and Polar Patio Cabanas are premium spaces that provide shade, comfy seating, private lockers and more. While your Clients relax in their Adirondack seats, a service attendant will look after all their food and beverage needs from an a la carte menu. It’s the perfect way for mom and dad to kick back while the kids enjoy the water parks. For reservations and pricing information, please call (407) 939-7529.

Unique meals and snacks: There are a variety of unique treats that can be found at Disney’s Water Parks. Guests will find options such as the slow pulled pork on a burger (with grilled pineapple!), Korean beef or chicken rice bowl, crisp salads and seafood baskets. And dessert? Guests can’t go wrong with the sand pail sundae – chocolate and vanilla soft-serve ice cream, waffle cone pieces, Oreo cookie pieces, sprinkles, hot fudge, caramel sauce, whipped cream and a cherry on top – or the world-famous warm mini donuts!

Learn to Surf at Typhoon Lagoon: Did you know you can take a surf lesson at Typhoon Lagoon? Guests can participate in Learn to Surf at Typhoon Lagoon before the water park opens and spend a couple of hours with professional instructors, trying to catch the perfect wave. Surf lessons come with a light breakfast as well as photography, so guests can share your experience with all your friends back home. For more information about how to book surf lessons, call (407) 939-7529.

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U2 Tribute Band ‘Elevation’ Joins More Award-Winning Acts to Rock Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival 2018 at Disney Springs March 16-18

St. Patrick’s Day revelers may go for the perfect-pour Guinness when U2 tribute band Elevation launches into “With or Without You.”  Families with kids can opt for a fish-and-chips party as award-winning traditional Irish band The Maguires – new to Raglan Road Pub – tunes up their talent dubbed “insanely awesome” by Milwaukee Irish Fest.

And more award-winning bands are lined up for three non-stop days of live music, Irish dance, first-rate food and fun during the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival 2018 at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs March 16-18.  Here’s the complete lineup:

  • Young Dubliners – One of Celtic rock’s hardest working bands, the Young Dubliners play hundreds of shows to thousands of fans across the United States and Europe every year. Young Dubliners are known for their hearty rock and Irish-infused live performances.
  • Elevation (U2) — Back by popular demand, this stellar U2 tribute act will play two special nighttime shows March 16 and 17. They appeared at Raglan Road’s Great Irish Hooley last September during U2’s world tour celebrating 30 years of the groundbreaking Joshua Tree album.
  • The Maguires – Called “brilliant” by IrishCentral news, The Maguires traditional Irish family band comprises Emma, 17, on fiddle, flute and whistle; Aoife, 15, on concertina and uilleann pipes; Sean, 12, on bodhrán; and their dad, Philip, on guitar. Trad favorites and modern tunes combine with syncopated, infectious rhythms sure to wow Mighty Festival crowds.
  • Briste — This inspiring all-female trio includes Emma Robinson (flute, whistle), Joanna Boyle (banjo, vocals) and Alison Crossey (bodhran, guitar). They grew up listening to and playing traditional Irish music, winning numerous awards at County, Ulster and All Ireland competitions, quickly gaining themselves a fine reputation in traditional music circles. Blending together their rich musical backgrounds, Briste creates a fresh and exciting mix of country, folk and Irish traditional music.
  • The Byrne Brothers — An exceptionally talented traditional Irish music family from Donegal. They are Luca, 13 (button accordion); Finn, 11 (banjo, mandolin and whistle); Dempsey, 8, (whistle and bodhran); and father,Tommy (guitar, Uilleann pipes, fiddle, whistles, bagpipes and bodhran). Their show combines exciting traditional Irish tunes with modern dance beats, and they love to interact with every audience.
  • The Raglan Roots Coalition – This edgy house band is known for its soul-rockin’ Celtic bluegrass with hip-swingin’, knee-shakin’ funky roots beats.
  • Reel Republic – Hailing from the southwest corner of Ireland, Aisling Egan-Sage (fiddle); Liam O’Keefe (box, vocals); and Colin Foley (guitar, vocals) are Reel Republic 2.0, three seriously talented musicians always pushing to make the next gig better than the last.
  • Out the Gap – Niall McIlroy (guitar, ukulele bass, whistles and flute); Deirdre Ni Mheachair (fiddle); and Aidan Byrne (guitar, vox, keys and percussion) make up the pub’s newest house band performing a sweet combination of innate musicianship, beautiful tune playing and fairly outrageous virtuosity.
  • The Raglan Road Irish Dancers – Plucked from the cast and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, the Raglan Road Irish Dancers perform throughout the Mighty Festival. You can even learn some traditional Irish dance steps – no experience necessary!

Guests can enjoy a mighty selection of beers, spirits and craft cocktails to pair with exceptional pub grub and more elegant Irish fare while musicians and dancers perform on multiple stages, indoors and out, from noon-1:30 a.m. March 16 and 10 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. March 17 and 18.  Mighty Festival guests can accent their Irish holiday attire with complimentary face painting available for up to nine or 10 hours each festival day.  On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older. Reservations can be booked for other festival days by calling 407/938-0300.

The entertainment schedule will be posted at raglanroad.com.

Guests can order from Raglan Road’s brunch, lunch, dinner and bar menus that include new dishes like the Guinness-braised pulled pork, apple chutney with pork crackling on a homemade bun, and the handmade gnocchi with seared Georges Bank scallops and crispy pork belly.  Traditionalists can dig into the pub’s loin of bacon and cabbage, the authentic Irish dish of St. Patrick’s Day, plus other pub classics.  Throughout the event, the restaurant’s Cooke’s of Dublin counter-service eatery will offer Irish favorites, as well, including fish and chips.

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The Walt Disney Company Commits More Than $100 Million to Bring Comfort to Children and Their Families in Hospitals

Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), today announced an innovative plan to dedicate more than $100 million in company resources, including cash, products and services, to reinvent the patient and family experience in children’s hospitals across the globe. This initiative will roll out over five years, expanding the Company’s rich legacy of supporting children’s hospitals, which dates back to Walt Disney.

“Disney’s timeless stories have touched hearts and lifted spirits for generations, and we believe they can bring comfort to children and families going through a very difficult time,” said Mr. Iger. “Using the powerful combination of our beloved characters and legendary creativity, we’re planning to transform the patient experience in children’s hospitals around the world — creating a personalized and engaging atmosphere that will inspire young patients and ease the stress of a hospital stay.”

Read more

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Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Returns

It’s the 25th anniversary of the Epcot® International Flower and Garden Festival, and the park is once again overflowing with the brightest plants, flowers, trees and topiaries adorning both Future World and World Showcase.

Here are some of the top things you shouldn’t miss at the Festival:

  • Gardens, Gardens and More Gardens: In addition to all the natural flora throughout the park, the Walt Disney World® horticulture squad has curated some truly breathtaking gardens for Guests to enjoy this year. New garden destinations this year include “The How-To Garden” and “The Imagination Play Garden” which are perfect for adults and kids to enjoy together. Returning favorites include “The Goodness Garden Butterfly House” and “The Water Wise Garden,” which showcase environmental responsibility as well as just being fun!
  • Outdoor Kitchens: What would an Epcot Festival be without fun food and drinks? 15 Outdoor Kitchens this year grace World Showcase, with the newest being “The Honey Bee-Stro,” which features Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée; Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese; and Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses. These dishes were created to showcase multiple honey varietals in creative and exciting ways. Returning Outdoor Kitchen favorites include “The Berry Basket” (featuring a lamb chop with quinoa salad and blackberry gastrique) and “THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brew” (featuring a pulled-pork slider and warm chocolate cake with Bourbon-salted caramel sauce and spiced pecans). YUM!
  • Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration: One of the beloved characters from Disney animated short cartoons, Spike the honeybee, has been “pollen-nating” throughout the Festival. In this springtime scavenger hunt, gardeners of all ages can follow Spike on his pollination trail around World Showcase, where he will “bee” busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at Epcot. To get started, your Clients can purchase their map and stickers at Port of Entry. Available while supplies last.
  • Garden Rocks Concert Series: Each Friday through Monday of the Festival (what we like to call a “Disney Weekend”), favorite artists from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s will rock out at the America Gardens Theatre. Rick Springfield, Survivor and Lonestar are just some of the popular rock and rollers in the lineup. Each night, there will be three performances – 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. – and guests can pair a wonderful meal at several of our Epcot restaurants with reserved concert seating in a nice package. Visit Disneyworld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE to book today!
  • Character Topiaries: Locations throughout the park feature some of the most beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar characters including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lady and The Tramp and Buzz Lightyear.
  • Merchandise: Guests will find a wealth of hats, T-shirts, mugs and other fun Festival merchandise throughout Future World and World Showcase.
  • Tours: One of the great ways to get the “inside track” on the Festival or the latest in gardening techniques is to take one of the tours offered during the Festival. There are tours of The Land pavilion greenhouses and the “Gardens of the World – Spring Edition.” There is also the daily Royal Tea Garden Tour at the United Kingdom pavilion that includes a tea tasting. Call 407-WDW-TOUR for more information.

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2018 Epcot Festivals Food & Beverage Quick Facts

Each year, Epcot hosts four different festivals that incorporate outstanding food and beverage offerings, world-class entertainment, fun family activities, exclusive merchandise and more.

Here’s a roundup of 2018 festivals and their culinary features:

Epcot International Festival of the Arts (Jan. 12-Feb. 19, 2018)

13 Food Studios located around the World Showcase Promenade, including five new Food Studios for 2018, feature artfully created food and beverage offerings

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (Feb. 28-May 28, 2018)

15 Outdoor Kitchens located around the World Showcase Promenade include raised-bed or in-ground gardens featuring produce and herbs used as ingredients in the Outdoor Kitchen food and beverage offerings

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Fall 2018)

30-plus Global Marketplaces located in Future World and around the World Showcase Promenade celebrate cuisine from around the world.  Specialty dining events at Walt Disney World restaurants offer a variety of dining and tasting experiences during the festival

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (November-December)

15 Holiday Kitchens that celebrate joyful holiday traditions with delicious savory and sweet offerings

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