Archive for Walt Disney World

Latest on Enhancements to Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom

Since the Magic Kingdom® Park opened in 1971, The Hall of Presidents has brought together a one-of-a-kind look at the office of the President of the United States through film and the magic of Disney’s Audio-Animatronics technology. Despite some media reports to the contrary, President Trump will have a speaking role in The Hall of Presidents, like every president since 1993. Disney has been working closely with the current White House — just as they have with previous administrations — and the president’s recording session has been scheduled. The attraction will re-open in late 2017.

Whenever Disney refurbishes one of their attractions, they take the opportunity to consider a broad range of enhancements. In this case, The Hall of Presidents is getting a new show, and a complete theater upgrade including a new sound system, lighting and high-definition projection system. The multi-screen viewing experience you may have seen in prior versions of the attraction is returning with an even wider vantage point of our country’s history.

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New Nighttime Entertainment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Celebrates Decades of Films From the Disney Family of Studios

Star-struck guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer have a front-row seat for movie classics in the all-new entertainment experience “Disney Movie Magic.”  The nightly 10-minute performance bathes the park’s iconic Chinese Theater in breathtaking projection-mapping technology that brings to life scores of classic movie moments from the Disney family of film studios.

Chimney sweeps from “Mary Poppins” “step in time” over the rooftops of London.  A playful Captain Jack swash-buckles his way across the high seas of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” “Tron: Legacy” Lightcycles speed through The Grid.  And Lumiere from “Beauty and the Beast” invites you to be his guest.

These and other cinematic gems that have lit up silver screens around the world play across the facade of the theater in the fast-paced “Disney Movie Magic” – from Disney classics like “Mary Poppins” to contemporary blockbusters such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and this summer’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

Set to searchlights painting the skies and a musical score composed and arranged by Michael Patti (Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, StarBright Holidays), “Disney Movie Magic” puts guests right in the middle of beloved Disney films. All genres are represented including musicals, romance, comedy, classics, fantasy, sci-fi, animation and adventure.

“For generations these films have touched our lives,” said Michael Roddy, Show Director, Disney Parks Live Entertainment. “They represent our childhood, our dreams, our fantasies and our mythology. We have laughed and cried, loved and been thrilled. ‘Disney Movie Magic’ celebrates those films and the films to come.”

“Disney Movie Magic” begins, fittingly, with Walt Disney himself. The red-carpet footage featuring Walt is from the 1964 premiere of “Mary Poppins,” which took place at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

What unspools from there is pure movie magic – from “The Jungle Book” to “Beauty and the Beast,” from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” to “Cinderella,” from “Swiss Family Robinson” to “The Love Bug.” With the front of the theater a dramatic canvas, decades of movie moments play out across the ten-minute run time of “Disney Movie Magic.”

“Disney Movie Magic” is presented nightly this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, in addition to regular performances of “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.”

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Walt Disney World Salutes Independence Day With All-American Fireworks Displays and More

There’s no better place to celebrate the red, white and blue this Fourth of July than Walt Disney World Resort!

Nighttime spectacles will light up each park:

Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky
Magic Kingdom Park commemorates the Fourth with brilliant fireworks choreographed to patriotic music. The red, white and blue extravaganza will bathe the sky on both July 3 and July 4 at 9 p.m.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
This nightly Epcot favorite adds a patriotic twist to the show, with a special laser light finale celebrating America. Fireworks will blast off at 9 p.m. on July 4.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
Celebrate Star Wars, a great icon of American culture, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This one-of-a-kind show takes to the sky at 9:30 p.m. nightly.

Rivers of Light
Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest nighttime show celebrates a connection with nature through light, water and fire. Rivers of Light has two showings nightly, 9:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Other Independence Day fun and entertainment includes:

  • The talented Voices of Liberty a cappella group will perform traditional Americana tunes during a 4th of July Concert on the America Gardens Theatre stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. The vibrant American Music Machine will perform pop hits, at noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 3:50 p.m.
  • Meet favorite Disney Characters — all dressed up to celebrate America’s birthday – throughout the day at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot.
  • The Muppets Present…Great Moments in History: Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and friends reenact famous moments in American history in a whimsical way. The live show is performed daily in Liberty Square.
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa hosts an All-American July 4 cookout from 7-8:30 p.m. The star-spangled feast includes grilled steak and shrimp, hot dogs, baked beans, sides, plus specialty drinks, beer and wine. There’s a live DJ and crafts for kids. After dinner, head to the Grand Floridian Marina for sweets and a view of the Magic Kingdom Park’s July 4 fireworks. Cost is $120 plus tax, gratuity is included; $59 ages 3 to 11. For reservations, 407-WDW-DINE.
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The Art of Mastering Disney World Restaurants

The Happiest Place on Earth isn’t really known for its food. That’s mainly due to its popularity—with millions visiting each year, whatever’s served has to please a wide range of palates.

Full Story

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RECORD 32 ‘EAT TO THE BEAT’ BANDS TO PERFORM DURING 22ND EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

A record 32 musical acts will rev up the Eat to the Beat concert series during the 22nd Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival Aug. 31-Nov. 13, 2017 at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Eleven new-to-the-festival bands, including Kenny G., Squeeze and 10,000 Maniacs, join 21 fan-favorite musical acts for a diverse lineup of pop hit makers to rock America Gardens Theatre stage throughout the festival’s 75-day run.

Other new acts to appear are: The Hooters, Baha Men, Lauren Alaina, Mark Wills, American Authors, Devon Allman, Postmodern Jukebox and Blue October.

Guests also can tune into their favorite returning bands that will include festival opening act Delta Rae.  Concerts take place at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. daily.  The lineup (subject to change and included in Epcot admission) includes:

  • Aug. 31-Sept. 1         Delta Rae “Bottom of the River”
  • Sept. 2-3                  The Hooters NEW! “And We Danced”
  • Sept. 4-5                  Baha Men NEW! “Who Let the Dogs Out”
  • Sept. 6-7                  Fuel “Shimmer”
  • Sept. 8-10                STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
  • Sept. 11-12              Lauren Alaina NEW! “Road Less Traveled”
  • Sept. 13-15              Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah”
  • Sept. 16-17              Sister Hazel “All For You”
  • Sept. 18-20              Air Supply “All Out of Love”
  • Sept. 21-22              David Cook “Light On”
  • Sept. 23-24              Everclear “Santa Monica”
  • Sept. 25-27              Sugar Ray “Every Morning”
  • Sept. 28-29              38 Special “Hold On Loosely”
  • Sept. 30-Oct. 1         Mark Wills NEW! “19 Somethin’”
  • Oct. 2-3                   American Authors NEW! “Best Day of My Life”
  • Oct. 4-5                   Christopher Cross “Sailing”
  • Oct. 6-8                   Devon Allman NEW! “Ragged and Dirty”
  • Oct. 9-11                 Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX “Come Sail Away”
  • Oct. 12-13               Taylor Dayne “Tell It to My Heart”
  • Oct. 14-15               Jeffrey Osborne “On the Wings of Love”
  • Oct. 16-17               Postmodern Jukebox NEW! Various Hits
  • Oct. 18-20               10,000 Maniacs NEW! “Because the Night”
  • Oct. 21-22               Toad The Wet Sprocket “Walk on the Ocean”
  • Oct. 23-24               Kenny G NEW! “Songbird”
  • Oct. 25-26               Billy Ocean “Get Outta My Dreams”
  • Oct. 27-29               Tiffany “I Think We’re Alone Now”
  • Oct. 30-Nov. 1         Hanson “MMMBop”
  • Nov. 2-3                  Blue October NEW! “Into the Ocean”
  • Nov. 4-5                  Living Colour “Cult of Personality”
  • Nov. 6-8                  Boyz II Men “End of the Road”
  • Nov. 9-11                Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”
  • Nov. 12-13              Squeeze NEW! “Black Coffee in Bed”

(Songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list.)

Festival-goers can also enjoy Eat to the Beat Dining Packages at 15 popular Epcot restaurants, guaranteeing a breakfast, lunch or dinner reservation and confirmed seating at a same-day Eat to the Beat concert. You can book reservations at epcotfoodfestival.com beginning in July 2017.

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Dining Reservations now Available During Holiday Parties at Magic Kingdom

Reservations are now open for table-service dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table and The Crystal Palace for times during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® Park.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place select nights Aug. 25-Nov. 1, 2017. And Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party happens select nights Nov.-Dec. 22, 2017.

As a reminder, reservations for the frightfully fun HalloWishes Dessert Party and festive Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party are also now available. The cost for either of these dessert parties is $79 plus tax per adults and $47 plus tax per child.

Reservations for either dining or dessert parties can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Guests must have a valid event ticket in order to make dining or dessert party reservations that take place during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

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New Photos Capture Coming to Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom on June 19

Beginning June 19, 2017 at Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom® Park, Disney PhotoPass Service will be at the helm ready to capture whether a pirate’s life is for your Clients, or if they’re more likely to strike their colors and run up a white flag.

As guests prepare to exit a haunted grotto and dive into the Golden Age of Piracy, a Disney PhotoPass camera will capture the perfect treasure of their swashbuckling voyage.

To preview, purchase and download this attraction photo, guests must be wearing an active MagicBand linked to their My Disney Experience account. Their photo will be automatically associated to their account, where it can be viewed at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com and in the My Disney Experience mobile app alongside all of their vacation memories from Disney PhotoPass Service.

Guests can receive all of their Disney PhotoPass vacation photos from Walt Disney World Resort, including attraction photos, with Memory Maker.*

*Memory Maker is subject to the Memory Maker Terms and Conditions. Memory Maker includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker window. A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. If Memory Maker purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days from the date Memory Maker is purchased will not be included and must be purchased separately. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy at Walt Disney World. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations.

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RESERVATIONS OPEN TODAY FOR FROZEN EVER AFTER SPARKLING DESSERT PARTY: A COOL NEW WAY TO VIEW FIREWORKS AT EPCOT

Starting July 17, 2017 there will be a delicious new way to experience “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot®. Reservations open today for the brand-new Frozen Ever After Dessert Party, the coolest dessert party with reserved seating to an amazing fireworks spectacular, delicious desserts and a special opportunity to enjoy the Frozen Ever After attraction!

The party, which takes place in World Showcase Plaza East, overlooking World Showcase Lagoon, will feature décor, drinks, desserts and snacks inspired by the beloved film, “Frozen.” Guests don’t have to worry about staking out the perfect spot to view the fireworks, because Frozen Ever After Dessert Party Guests will have reserved seating. Specialty cotton candy lemonade or “melted snow” and other non-alcoholic beverages will delight Guests of all ages. Adults 21 years and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages such as a piña colada, margarita or “Summertime Punch,” a refreshing blend of prickly pear syrup, vodka, lemonade and ginger ale.

Desserts and snacks will be served on three buffet stations, check out the menus below!

Hot & Cold 

  • Olaf’s Warm Double Chocolate S’mores Pudding Cake
  • Elsa’s Warm Cottage Pudding with Salted Caramel Glaze
  • Hand-dipped Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Small Bites 

  • Wandering Oaken’s Eclairons
  • Hans’ Key Lime Tarts with Red Glitter Glaze
  • Living Rock Crispy Bonbons
  • Anna’s Blue Velvet Cupcakes
  • Kristoff’s No Sugar Added Lemon Curd with Blueberry

Not So Sweet 

  • Sven’s Fresh Fruits & Berries
  • Grand Pabbie’s Winter-spiced Snack Mix
  • Duke of Weselton’s Cheese Fondue served with Country Bread Cubes, Broccoli, and Grilled Flatbread

After “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” Guests of the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party will be escorted to the Norway Pavilion for a special ride on the popular Frozen Ever After attraction.

The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party is another exciting offering from the Enchanting Extras Collection, which allows guests to enhance their vacation with one-of-a-kind Disney experiences. Cost is $79 for Guests ages 10 and above, $47 for ages 3 to 9—tax and gratuity included. Reservations are now open for dates beginning July 17, 2017 and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

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DESSERT PARTIES NOW AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY PARTY NIGHTS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Tickets are now available for holiday party nights at Walt Disney World® Resort! Whether guests are heading to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this fall or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this winter, they can make the evening even more magical with these delicious additions.

At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Dessert Party, guests can raise a glass for a ghostly toast of sparkling cider while indulging in Halloween-themed eats, including chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, cupcakes, ice cream, seasonal fruits, cheeses and other ghoulish goodies created daily by our master pastry chef. Specialty drinks, signature lemonades, coffee, tea and hot chocolate will also be served.

Guests can top off this delectable event with boo-tiful views of the Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular over Cinderella Castle for a fright fest of color, music and light they’ll never forget! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Dessert Party takes place select nights Aug. 29 – Nov. 1, 2017.

If guests are planning on attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, they can experience spectacular views of the holiday fireworks and sweet treats at the Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, select nights from Nov. 9- Dec. 22, 2017.

Before the fireworks, at a table decked with boughs of holly, discover a host of holiday-themed cupcakes and desserts prepared by our pastry chef, along with a bountiful buffet of sweet treats – like chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, cheeses and fresh, seasonal fruits. And raise a cup of good cheer with sparkling cider, signature lemonades, specialty Christmas drinks, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and then marvel as the sky above explodes with color, music and lights!

The cost is $79 plus tax for adults; $47 plus tax for children ages 3-9.

A valid ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is required to attend the fireworks dessert parties.

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5 New Dining Concepts Coming Soon to Disney Springs At Walt Disney World Resort

Five new dining concepts debut as early as Fall 2017, joining the stellar line-up of awarding-winning restaurants at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort:

Opening in 2018 on the West Side is Jaleo, a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup. Bringing the spirit and flavors of Spain, the Disney Springs restaurant will feature an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, such as paella cooked over a wood fire, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork. With five locations in the United States and Mexico City, this will be the first location in Florida. The first floor of the multi-level restaurant will feature a “grab-n-go” storefront with Spanish-style sandwiches. Designed by noted Spanish designer Juli Capella, the multi-level space will feature vibrant, theatrical décor representing the colorful culture of Spain.

Also in 2018, a new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in a new location in Town Center. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance. The restaurant, designed by tonychi, will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles. The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

This fall, Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is introducing a new Italian concept at Disney Springs with James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano leading development. The new restaurant will replace Levy’s Portobello Country Italian Trattoria and will feature dishes inspired by Mantuano’s adventures in Italy.

Opening later this year, The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime destination will debut. A collaboration of Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape’s Andrew Meieran, The Edison is noted for classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret. (The Disney Springs location is inspired by its sister location in Los Angeles.) With Old World sophistication and romance, The Edison will be themed to a 1920s-era electric company, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination with entertainment that includes contortionists, aerialists, DJs and more.

Also opening in late 2017 is Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes bringing his expertise to Disney Springs with an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie will complement the wine list, featuring local artisans and seasonally relevant dishes. Wine education will be served up in an approachable and fun manner, including special events and visits from renowned winemakers. Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the industry’s foremost wine experts, and is one of only 236 professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

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