Archive for Walt Disney World

Disney Springs Grand Opening Summer Celebration Details

This summer Disney Springs is the place to be by day and by night! With a Grand Opening Summer Celebration taking place all season long, Disney Springs features an array of hard-to-pass-up deals and a variety of delectable new dining options at the newest neighborhood–Town Center, plus free nightly entertainment featuring more than 20 different acts performing across all four neighborhoods – The Marketplace, Westside, The Landing, and Town Center.

To kick off the grand opening season, on July 15, the best of summer and Central Florida came together to celebrate Disney Springs-style – in Town Center, with an outdoor party under the stars where guests strolled into all sorts of discoveries designed to delight the senses — renowned chefs serving up scrumptious samples from their restaurants, performances by nationally recognized entertainers, and proprietors showcasing their products and store designs that make shopping at Disney Springs simply special.

Wrapped in Florida-inspired, made-for-strolling promenades, arcing footbridges, flowing streams and waterfront charm, Disney Springs treats Walt Disney World Resort guests to an exciting blend of shopping, dining and entertainment with a Disney touch. By day or night guests can expect a vibrant scene at Disney Springs, whether they are shopping world-class brands, enjoying high-quality entertainment, having that special dining experience, pleasure boating on Village Lake or hopping a balloon skyward for spectacular views of Walt Disney World and beyond.

Now and every day, guests can enjoy the benefits of a dramatically transformed exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining, and high-quality entertainment featuring more than 150 establishments across its four neighborhoods.

Discover Disney Springs like never before! Here are just a few of the highlights:

Town Center – Spectacular Shopping and Award-winning chefs

  • Some of the most unique and recognizable names in retail such as UNIQLO, Vince Camuto, Anthropologie, Zara, Lilly Pulitzer, Columbia Sportswear, LACOSTE, Under Armour, kate spade new york, Sephora and Oakley all call Town Center home.
  • Among new dining choices awaiting Town Center guests are restaurants developed by James Beard award-winning chefs. Frontera Cocina serves up gourmet Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails from the menu envisioned by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner. Chef Art Smith, two-time winner of the James Beard Award brings a unique taste of gourmet southern cuisine and Florida agriculture to the heart of Disney Springs with Homecoming Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine.

The Landing – Inspired dining, breathtaking waterfront views, and unique boutiques

  • High-quality retailers including Erwin Pearl for fashion jewelry and Havaianas for sandals are found along lantern-lined byways.
  • Dine off a shipshape menu at The BOATHOUSE or enjoy, at Morimoto Asia, Pan-Asian cuisine from celebrity chef Matsaharu Morimoto, of Iron Chef fame. STK Orlando offers guests a fine dining experience set in chic, contemporary surroundings. Finish off the evening with a relaxing stroll to grab a signature gelato at Vivoli Gelateria or a crafted cocktail at Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar.

The Marketplace — Family-friendly delights for guests of all ages

  • Beautiful waterside shopping that combines new experiences such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded new Bibbity Bobbity Boutique inside the newly re-designed World of Disney store.
  • Nearby, the new Lime garage makes getting to the Marketplace a breeze

The West Side – Exuberant entertainment retail and dining options

From new acts at Cirque du Soleil to iconic restaurants to colorful food trucks to bowling with a stylized twist at Splitsville, West Side offers something for everyone. There is even the opportunity to lift off in a tethered balloon. Characters in Flight rises from the banks of Village Lake for eye-popping, 360-degree views (on a clear day you can see Florida’s east coast).

Two new slot-smart parking decks where green lights indicate available spaces make parking convenient to the entire Disney Springs scene – and it’s free. Valet parking also is available. Disney Springs is easily accessed from I-4, Central Florida’s major interstate, and connected to the rest of Walt Disney World Resort by motor coach and watercraft.

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CHEF ART’S HOMECOMING NOW OPEN AT DISNEY SPRINGS

Guests can dig into delectable farm-to-fork cuisine showcasing Florida’ fresh flavors at Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming, now open at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World® Resort. This new dining location features feel-good favorites such as deviled eggs, fried chicken and the restaurant’s signature Shine Cake – all crafted from recipes by award-winning celebrity chef, Chef Art Smith.

The interior takes the “Homecoming Florida” theme to beautiful heights with the cocktail bar and two large tables crafted from reclaimed Florida camphor and eucalyptus. There’s Florida cypress through the interior, creating a warm, airy look that brings the outdoors in. Even the zinc tabletops were made in the Sunshine State. Favorite artwork includes oversized murals inside and out by a local artist.

After dinner, guests can stroll through the beautiful new retails shops at Disney Springs. Reservations open July 21, 2016 and can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

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UNIQLO Opens Special Concept Store in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort English

 UNIQLO is pleased to celebrate the launch of its newest store location in the U.S. this Friday, July 15, in Town Center at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. UNIQLO opens its doors at 10 a.m. to the sounds of a Japanese Taiko drum performance, welcoming customers to an experience they will long remember.

“Opening our UNIQLO store at Disney Springs is a dream come true for us,” said Hiroshi Taki, CEO of UNIQLO USA. “We look forward to introducing a new and unique shopping experience, unlike any other UNIQLO store in the world, with special products, Japanese-inspired merchandise and family-fun activities for both locals and vacationers. We hope every day will feel like opening day for our customers.”

UNIQLO at Disney Springs will be the company’s first store in the Southeast region. Upon entering the 25,000 square-foot (2,300-square-meter) store, customers are introduced to the brand’s full assortment of LifeWear: innovative, high-quality clothing that is universal in design and comfort and made for anyone, anywhere. The walls of the first floor are lined by such core products as Supima Cotton T-shirts, Dry Pique Polo Shirts, and Premium Linen Shirts, in a variety of colors and styles for any occasion. Walking farther into the store, customers see special concept corners unique to UNIQLO at Disney Springs that bring the brand’s Japanese heritage to life, alongside an assortment of Disney-inspired products.

The second floor opens to a room dedicated to the athletic wear worn by UNIQLO’s Global Brand Ambassadors, including men’s World No.1 singles tennis player Novak Djokovic and top golfer Adam Scott. Also featured are men’s and women’s innerwear products such as AIRism, made with cooling technology, and socks piled high in 50 colors. A wall of UTs (UNIQLO T-shirts) highlighting designs by modern artists, and casual wear for men, women, kids, and babies make up the rest of the floor.

Japanese Heritage:

Exclusive Japanese “omiyage” (souvenir) items are available for purchase, including silk folding fans, uchiwa fans, paper samurai costumes and Buddha boards. Themes from “Kabuki,” a classical performing art in Japan, are featured on UTs, and Yukatas – light cotton kimonos – are available for women and girls. In addition, the store windows highlight artfully-folded paper exhibits by artists Mr. Edmund Ooi and Mr. Shin Tanaka, and in-store daily activities include origami and calligraphy lessons.

Exclusive Products:

An assortment of products are sold exclusively at the UNIQLO store at Disney Springs and at the Uniqlo.com online store, featuring iconic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, as well as “city” T-Shirts including Orlando, Florida. The store also sells exclusive Disney-themed patches, which can be ironed onto any UNIQLO item of clothing on the spot as a complimentary service.

Customers can share their excitement about the new UNIQLO store via the company’s social media channels Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #UniqloDisneySprings.

Opening Weekend Events, July 15 – 17:

Sales Promotions from July 15 to July 24

Women’s Chino Micro Shorts                    

 $14.90 (from $19.90)

Women’s Premium Linen Long Sleeve Shirt            

 $19.90 (from $29.90)

Women’s Supima Cotton Tank Top                               

 $7.90 (from $9.90)

Women’s Supima Cotton Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-shirt      

 $7.90 (from $9.90)

Women’s Supima Cotton V-neck Short Sleeve T-shirt        

 $7.90 (from $9.90)

Men’s Chino Shorts                                             

 $19.90 (from $29.90)

Men’s Linen Cotton Short Sleeve Shirt                  

 $19.90 (from $29.90)

Men’s Swim Active Shorts                                               

 $19.90 (from $29.90)

Activities

1.        UNIQLO Prize Wheel
On July 15, customers have the chance to win prizes ranging from UTs (UNIQLO T-shirts) and AIRism innerwear products, to store gift cards, and a trip for two to Tokyo, Japan.

2.        Origami and Calligraphy Lessons
Customers are invited to join Japanese origami and calligraphy lessons with professional artists every Saturday and Sunday, with an extended schedule during Opening Weekend running from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 16, and11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 17.

3.        Calligraphy Demonstrations
Calligraphy demonstrations by artist Ms. Aoi Yamaguchi take place in front of the store on Opening Day, July 15, at 6:15 p.m. and7:35 p.m.

4.        Taiko Drum Performances
Taiko Project performs in front of the store on July 15, at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

5.        Kendama Performances
Kendama – a traditional Japanese wooden toy with three cups, a spike and a ball – performances take place in front of the store on July 15, at 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

Name:

UNIQLO at Disney Springs

Opening Date:

10 a.m. Friday, July 15

Operating Hours:

10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Sunday

Address:

1674 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Floor Space:

Approximately 25,000 square feet (2,300 square meters) across two floors.

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EARLY MORNING MAGIC AVAILABLE AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS BEGINNING AUGUST 1

As we shared a few months ago, Disney Early Morning Magic at Magic Kingdom® Park gives guests the opportunity to be among the first to experience theme park attractions and breakfast inside the park. And today, we’re excited to share that not only has Disney Early Morning Magic been extended through Sept. 30, 2016 at Magic Kingdom Park, but it will soon be offered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® as well.

Beginning Aug. 1, 2016 a select number of Walt Disney World® Guests can experience Disney Early Morning Magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can experience Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Toy Story Mania!, Pixar Place character greetings (with Woody and Buzz), and Mickey and Minnie on Commissary Lane and Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight – all with little to no wait before the park opens. And to get fueled up for the rest of the day, they can partake in a hearty all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast at ABC Commissary from 8-10 a.m. Disney Early Morning Magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios takes place Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:45-10 a.m.

And remember, guests can get a head start at Magic Kingdom Park with Disney Early Morning Magic – Fantasyland. They can enjoy breakfast at Pinocchio Village Haus and experience a trio of favorite Fantasyland attractions – Peter Pan’s Flight, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Disney Early Morning Magic – Fantasyland takes place Tuesdays and Sundays from 7:45-10 a.m. through Sept. 27, 2016.

Please note Disney Early Morning Magic will be offered on different days than Extra Magic Hours. Disney Early Morning Magic requires a separate ticket – $69 for adults and $59 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax), in addition to regular theme park admission.

The number of tickets available for each morning is limited, so be sure to visit DisneyWorld.com/EarlyMorning Magic

Valid Theme Park admission and separately priced special event tickets are required. Special event ticket are valid only during specific event dates and hours.  Attractions and offerings are subject to change without notice.

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Columbia Sportswear Opens New Store in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort

Columbia Sportswear (NASDAQ:COLM) recently opened a new branded retail location at Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The 5,000-square-foot store features a stunning overhead display of 500 fish in a pool of reflected light, artwork and sculpture inspired by the Florida coast, and on-site embroidery so customers can personalize their purchases. The new store offers Columbia’s Performance Fishing Gear (PFG) and a range of technical apparel and footwear designed to keep the entire family cool, dry and protected.

Disney Springs is nearing completion on the largest expansion in its history and emerging as an exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining and high-quality entertainment. The new Columbia store is located in the district’s new Town Center neighborhood, which offers a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect with each other.

“We’re excited that everyone who visits Disney Springs can have the chance to enjoy the great Florida sunshine in Columbia’s legendary apparel and footwear,” said Shawn Cox, Senior Vice President of Retail for Columbia Sportswear. “Our PFG collection is anchored around the water and the sun, and it’s a perfect match for spending the day with friends and family at Walt Disney World Resort and beyond.”

Every PFG product is thoughtfully designed with fabrics, construction and industry-leading technologies for enjoying long days on the water or under the sun. The PFG collection is inspired by the performance, style and comfort needs of professional and recreational anglers, and is being embraced as a lifestyle brand by consumers of all ages.

For more than 75 years, Columbia has developed innovative products and technologies with one simple goal: They want you to enjoy the outdoors longer. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Columbia’s innovative products are developed and tested under the watchful eyes of its 92 year-old chairman, Gert Boyle. Everyone at Columbia continues to follow Boyle’s mantra: “It’s perfect. Now make it better.”

Grand Opening Activities

Columbia’s Disney Springs store is celebrating its grand opening on Wednesday, July 13, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Everyone is invited to visit the store during this time to participate in raffles and enjoy appetizers, live music, and beverages.

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‘Eat to the Beat’ Lineup for 21ST Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Guests can savor nightly performances of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series when the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World® Resort Sept 14-Nov. 14, 2016.

Eight new acts join the lineup, including Wang Chung, BoDeans, Plain White T’s, Jeffrey Osborne, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Living Colour, Soul Asylum and Delta Rae.

Here’s a look at the full schedule:

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

  • Sept. 14-15 – Wang Chung NEW! “Everybody Have Fun Tonight”
  • Sept. 16-18 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
  • Sept. 19-20 – Air Supply “All Out of Love”
  • Sept. 21-23 – BoDeans NEW! “Closer to Free”
  • Sept. 24-25 – Fuel “Hemorrhage (In My Hands)”
  • Sept. 26-28 – Sugar Ray “Fly”
  • Sept. 29-30 – Los Lobos “La Bamba”
  • Oct. 1-2 – David Cook “Light On”
  • Oct. 3-4 – Wilson Phillips “Hold On”
  • Oct. 5-6 – Blues Traveler “Run-Around”
  • Oct. 7-9 – Plain White T’s NEW! “Hey There Delilah”
  • Oct. 10-11 – 38 Special “Hold On Loosely”
  • Oct. 12-13 – Jeffrey Osborne NEW! “On the Wings of Love”
  • Oct. 14-16 – Tiffany “I Think We’re Alone Now”
  • Oct. 17-19 – Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx “Lady”
  • Oct. 20-21 – Christopher Cross “Sailing”
  • Oct. 22-23 – Toad The Wet Sprocket NEW! “Walk on the Ocean”
  • Oct. 24-25 – Chaka Khan “I Feel for You”
  • Oct. 26-27 – Billy Ocean “Caribbean Queen”
  • Oct. 28-29 – Living Colour NEW! “Cult of Personality”
  • Oct. 30-Nov. 1 – Hanson “Get the Girl Back”
  • Nov. 2-3 – Soul Asylum NEW! “Runaway Train”
  • Nov. 4-6 – Delta Rae NEW! “Bottom of the River”
  • Nov. 7-9 – Boyz II Men “Motownphilly”
  • Nov. 10-11 – Sister Hazel “All For You”
  • Nov. 12-14 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”

Performances are 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. daily at America Gardens Theatre, and are included in Epcot admission.

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Watch – Epcot B-Roll: Soarin’ Around the World at the Land Pavilion

The Soarin’ Around the World attraction takes guests on an exhilarating “flight” above spectacular global landscapes and man-made wonders. Located at The Land pavilion at Epcot, Soarin’ Around the World gives guests a thrilling bird’s-eye view of Earth’s scenic wonders, visiting six continents in all. (Photo composite, Disney)

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Watch – Magic Kingdom B-Roll: Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire at Magic Kingdom

“Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” immerses guests in a 23-minute royal musical celebration on the Cinderella Castle stage at Magic Kingdom Park. Mickey Mouse and his pals unite in a tale of friendship featuring songs and characters from Disney’s contemporary classics “Princess and the Frog,” “Tangled” and “Frozen.”

“In ‘Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire,’ 15 Disney characters from different stories come together to showcase how diversity and the discoveries you make through friendships shape who you are,” said Show Director, Walt Disney World Entertainment, Tara Anderson.

From the land of the bewitching bayous, Goofy has invited Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen to add a little spice of New Orleans jazz to the party.

Donald Duck brings some new friends he met in the land of the enchanted woods, where Daisy Duck introduces us to her special guests, Rapunzel and Flynn. Finally, Mickey Mouse shares a surprise with Minnie Mouse, as he has traveled to the land of the mystic mountains to invite Olaf, Princess Anna, and Queen Elsa, who swirls a blast of her icy magic.

The celebration culminates in a grand dance, marked by a magical daytime fireworks finale.

“Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” is presented daily at 10:30a.m., 11:35a.m., 1:05p.m., 2:05p.m., 4:15p.m. and 5:15p.m.

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“Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” Fireworks and Projection Show Immerses Disney’s Hollywood Studios Guests in Galaxies Far, Far Away

A nighttime spectacle unlike any other celebrating a space-based saga paints the skies above Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the awe inspiring Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at Walt Disney Resort.

With galaxies not so far away for its canvas, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular will light the night with Star Wars-themed fireworks, lasers, projections and other amazing special effects paired with Star Wars-themed music and iconic characters and scenes from the seven-film, pop culture phenomenon.

One of many magical highlights of the four-park summer line-up at Walt Disney World Resort is one of the biggest, boldest sky shows in the 27-year history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, according to show director Michael Roddy of Disney Creative Entertainment.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular unfolds nightly in a series of acts in the skies and around the heart of the park. State-of-the-art effects projecting onto the Chinese Theatre and other buildings will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away.

Imagine gazing at the twin suns of the desert planet Tatooine, scavenging with Rey on Jakku, navigating through an asteroid field, soaring down the trench of the Death Star and delivering the final blow to destroy Starkiller Base.

The blockbuster show is punctuated by a tower of flame shooting tongues of fire skyward as well as powerful crisscrossing spotlight beams, creating lightsabers in the sky.

“It is a Disney sky show like none other,” Roddy said. “We are actually able to cast fireworks to tell different parts of the Star Wars story, in colors identifiable with the film whether it’s green for Yoda or creating a starfield up in the sky. Projection mapping technology allows us to dramatically overtake the buildings with images from the Star Wars saga. Custom animation delivers motion picture moments and perspectives never before experienced. And surround sound makes it seem like a TIE fighter just flew past and exploded next to you.

“So many of the things we love about Star Wars we were able to bring to life,” he said.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is part of Star Wars-inspired entertainment throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios including a new live stage show; stormtroopers march; Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction; a reimagined Jedi Training; themed food and beverage offerings; and Star Wars Launch Bay featuring themed galleries, artifacts, merchandise and Star Wars character encounters.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at-a-glance:

  • Produced by: Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment, in collaboration with Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic.
  • Length of performance: approximately 12 minutes.
  • Performance schedule: once nightly (showtimes vary).
  • The show incorporates music and imagery from all seven films in the Star Wars
  • Opening projection scenes recall the Hollywood premiere of the first Star Wars film in 1977.
  • Tower of flame fires up to 140 feet in the air.
  • Custom visuals were created for some projections to fully immerse guests in sequences from the films, recreating familiar scenes in ways never before seen.
  • Audio for the show is presented in 7.1 channel surround, creating a rich sound quality and making possible such effects as the sound of TIE fighters and X-wing starfighters flying above and around the audience.
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Why water is the heart of this Disney project

Some of the last pieces of the transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs have moved into place, and although a few parts are not completed, the flavor of the redesigned and expanded dining/shopping/entertainment complex and its new emphasis on its waterfronts are apparent.

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