Archive for Walt Disney World

Star-Spangled Fun! Walt Disney World Resort Guests Are Invited to Celebrate the Fourth of July

Guests can celebrate America’s birthday with a red, white and blue extravaganza at Walt Disney World Resort. There will be no shortage of nighttime fun, as fireworks will dance across the skies above the Florida vacation kingdom. Here’s a look a what’s in store:

Magic Kingdom

The celebration begins with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” July 3 and 4 at Magic Kingdom. The 14-minute fireworks spectacular rockets into the sky above Cinderella Castle at 9 p.m. both nights.

The fireworks are set to an exciting musical score produced in a concert band style. This score was specifically created to stir a sense of pride in being American, show producers say, while at the same time, inviting guests from around the world to feel part of the celebration.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests can enjoy the all-new “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks nightly, with the show beginning at a special time of 9:30 p.m. for the holiday weekend, July 3 and 4. The next generation of Star Wars-themed fireworks shows, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” dazzles with new themed fireworks, lasers, special effects and video projections of iconic characters and scenes from the complete saga, all set to the unforgettable score of the film series.

Epcot

Guests visiting Epcot on July 4 will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Disney characters dressed in patriotic attire throughout the afternoon at the American Adventure Pavilion. Voices of Liberty, the eight-part a capella group, will have special performances at American Gardens Theatre at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. They also will perform inside the American Adventure Rotunda at 4:15 and 5 p.m. that day. Guests also will have the opportunity to catch the Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps outside at 1, 2:15, 3:30, 4 and 4:45 p.m.

That evening, the spectacular fireworks and laser show “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” lights the night at 10 p.m. with a heart-pounding grand finale in a salute to America.

Additional Patriotic Entertainment

Other patriotic offerings that guests can enjoy year-round in the parks include indoor attractions that offer shows about the history of America, dining options and entertainment.

Guests at Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion will find various ways to explore America’s past and present with “We, The People,” a journey through pivotal moments in America’s history narrated by Audio-Animatronic figures of Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain, and “The Kinsey Collection,” an exhibit that showcases 400 years of African-American achievement through rare art, documents, books and artifacts.

At Magic Kingdom, The Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders gives guests an entertaining lesson in American history. Guests also can get a taste of traditional New England-inspired foods at Liberty Tree Tavern, a restaurant situated in a colonial-style inn that serves lunch and dinner daily. After nightfall, dancing patriots, a stately bald eagle, glittering lights and the patriotic music of the Main Street Electrical Parade all honor America as the parade’s stunning final float lights Main Street, U.S.A. nightly.

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ABC’s “The Chew” to Broadcast from the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Oct. 5-7

ABC’s Emmy Award-winning lifestyle series, “The Chew,” returns to Walt Disney World Resort this fall to broadcast five shows from the 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.  “The Chew” shows, to record Oct. 5-7 against the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth backdrop with co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz, will air on the ABC Television Network Oct. 10-14, 2016, at 1 p.m. EST, 12 pm PT (check local listings).

The dynamic, Emmy Award-winning co-hosts, who delighted audiences last year with stories of their Disney adventures as they whipped up delectable dishes and drinks, will share tasty new recipes and a bounty of festival surprises with their Epcot audiences.  Throughout the festival’s 62-day culinary celebration, which runs Sept. 14-Nov. 14, “The Chew” also will feature segments highlighting food and beverages from “around the world” of Walt Disney World Resort and its four theme parks and Disney Springs.

Fans of “The Chew” and the annual Epcot festival can savor bites inspired by the popular talk show at The Chew Collective in the Next Eats festival area of Future World.  Three delicious dishes – Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots and Feta Cheese; Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce and Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle – will be the stars of the menu. Festival guests also can sip this year’s exclusive new Festival Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon at The Chew Collective.  Last year marked a historic first when festival marketplaces expanded into the park’s Future World area.

“We had a fantastic time filming our show last year at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and sharing the magic with Park guests and our home viewers.  It’s the perfect pairing!” said Mark Schneider, executive producer of “The Chew”  “We look forward to returning for even more fun and great food with our fans and celebrity guests. For us, it’s a terrific way to kick off our new season.

Epcot vice president Melissa Valiquette said this year’s return of “The Chew” promises plenty of “foodie fun” for festival guests. “We’re delighted that ‘The Chew’ will return this fall to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival,” Valiquette said.  “Our festival fans are also fans of ‘The Chew,’ and we welcome this powerhouse of a daytime show that dishes up foodie fun with its own unique brand of culinary magic to our ever-evolving festival.”

At the Festival Center, guests can watch screenings of “The Chew” show highlights, cooking and entertaining tips, and same-day episodes of “The Chew” Monday through Friday at 1 p.m. Instructions on how to obtain show taping tickets will be announced at a later date.

In addition, “The Chew” will re-broadcast its 2015 shows taped at Epcot the week of July 25, 2016 as part of the network’s summer programming lineup (Monday-Friday, check local listings).

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Walt Disney World Resort Launches Summer Vacation Season with Magical Premieres at Magic Kingdom

Classic Disney characters will join contemporary animated film stars beginning June 17 in a new extravaganza on the grand Cinderella Castle stage, and Magic Kingdom guests can experience a new dining adventure.

  • For the first time, Tiana of “Princess and the Frog,” and Rapunzel of “Tangled,” co-star with Anna and Elsa of “Frozen,” and a host of favorite Disney characters in the new Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire. Performed on the grandest stage in the kingdom, the star-studded tale of friendship presents Mickey Mouse and his troupe of Merry Makers – Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy – who invite 10 new friends from different animated worlds to join the celebration. This “timeless fairytale” of a show combines grand dance, fireworks and stunts with memorable music, an original song and special effects.
  • Disney Parks will welcome Elena of Avalor, Disney’s first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures. Elena of Avalor will appear at Walt Disney World Resort later this summer and at Disneyland Resort in the fall, following her television debut in a new animated series this summer on Disney Channel.
  • Next door to the legendary Jungle Cruise, guests can enjoy the bold flavors of “World Famous Jungle Cuisine” served by the wisecracking crew of the new Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen. It’s the first Disney full-service restaurant themed after a specific park attraction.
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Walt Disney World Resort Launches Summer Vacation Season with Magical Premieres at Epcot

Anna, Elsa and other beloved characters from the blockbuster film, “Frozen,” will give the summer season a warm hug at Epcot beginning June 21. Meanwhile “Turtle Talk with Crush” makes fun waves and Soarin’ Around the World takes guests to new heights starting June 17.

  • Anna, Elsa and their “Frozen” friends will welcome guests aboard the new Frozen Ever After boat ride that sails into a “Frozen” world at the Norway Pavilion starting June 21. Passengers on their way to Arendelle’s Winter in Summer Celebration for Queen Elsa visit the ice palace and hear beloved film tunes plus new lyrics by Oscar-winning “Let It Go” songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.
  • Also at the Norway Pavilion, Anna and Elsa will greet guests in the new Royal Sommerhus, modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin.
  • In Future World, guests will celebrate the U.S. debut of the expanded Soarin’ Around the World attraction at The Land Pavilion on June 17. Now with a third Epcot theater, plus new digital screens and projection systems, the enhanced attraction takes guests on an exhilarating “flight” above spectacular global landscapes and man-made wonders.
  • Guests can now find new additions at “Turtle Talk with Crush” with characters from Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory”. When Crush the sea turtle swims up to the “Human Tank” at Epcot, he’ll be joined by Dory and some of her new friends that guests will get to know better when “Finding Dory” swims into theaters on June 17, 2016.
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Walt Disney World Resort Launches Summer Vacation Season with Magical Premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

In the galactic wake of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, new Star-Wars-themed experiences shift into light speed.

  • The next generation of Star Wars-themed fireworks shows, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” will premiere June 17 with new themed fireworks, lasers, special effects and video projections of iconic characters and scenes from the complete saga, all set to the unforgettable score of the film series.
  • The live stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” debuted April 4, celebrating iconic moments from the Star Wars saga with live vignettes featuring popular characters such as BB-8, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and Darth Maul.
  • First Order Stormtroopers led by Captain Phasma march from Star Wars Launch Bay to the park’s Center Stage, adding menace to the entertainment. Star Wars Launch Bay showcases large-scale artifacts and encounters with characters including Kylo Ren. The re-imagined Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple experience also features new characters. And at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, guests buckle up for an enhanced high-speed journey with new Star Wars: The Force Awakens characters and a visit to Jakku.
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NICK AND JUDY MOVE IT AND SHAKE IT AT MAGIC KINGDOM

Since its release in March, Disney’s “Zootopia” has obviously struck a chord with moviegoers all around the world. As of this past weekend, the film has earned $1 Billion at the worldwide box office, becoming the second highest grossing movie based on an original concept (i.e. not a sequel, remake, reboot, or adaption) of all time, only behind James Cameron’s “AVATAR.” Given this amazing achievement, there is certainly reason for those responsible for creating Disney’s latest blockbuster to celebrate.

Full Story

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Curtain Call! A New After-Dark Experience Treats Epcot Guests to One More Bite of Fun

The magic doesn’t end once the sun sets during the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. A new after-dark experience gives guests one more taste of World Showcase excitement like never before.

After a day of blooms and bulbs, the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party bursts with color in the sky, and bubbles in the glass. Guests can sample decadent desserts from around the world, paired with the perfect international sparkling wines in an intimate and exclusive environment – all while watching Epcot’s nightly fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Reservations begin March 12. The first IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party is March 15.

Here are details:
IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party

Dates: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Time: 7:45 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.

Location: Showcase Plaza

Prices (including tax and gratuity): Adults $49, Children $29

Menu (subject to change):
• Italy: Tiramisu
• France: Vanilla Pot de Crème
• United Kingdom: Shortbread Cookies
• Morocco: Traditional Baklava
• American Adventure: Sugar Dusted Cronis with Strawberry Sauce and Whipped Cream
• Disney Parks ice cream novelties
• Lemonade, coffee, teas
• Sparkling wine from Washington State and Prosecco from Italy

How to Book: Guests can call 407-WDW-PLAY

For more information: Disneyworld.com/spring

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SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES RETURNS TO EPCOT

This summer at Walt Disney World® Resort, your Clients can rock out to sizzling tunes as the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series returns to Epcot®

Every night through July 23, 2016, the America Gardens Theater in World Showcase rocks with live music from some of the best tribute bands in the world, including acts appearing at Epcot for the first time this year.

Here’s a look at this year’s lineup (entertainment and times are subject to change):

  • June 5-11, 2016: Don’t Look Back – A Tribute to Boston
  • June 12-18: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles
  • June 19-24: Rumours – A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band
  • June 25-July 1: Simply Tina – A Tribute to Tina Turner
  • July 2-9: Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
  • July 10-16: Bruce in the USA – A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen
  • July 17-23: DSB – A Tribute to Journey

Showtimes are at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. and concerts are included with regular Epcot admission.

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Nikon, Walt Disney World Resort Collaborate To Help Guests Create Picture-Perfect Memories

Recognizing the millions of magical memories made and captured at Walt Disney World Resort every year, Nikon Inc. and Disney have collaborated to offer park guests a guide to capturing precious moments in amazing quality. Located in the “Learn & Explore” area of NikonUSA.com, Nikon’s new “Unforgettable Memories” page is a resource for guests and their loved ones to document their adventures at Walt Disney World Resort and preserve their memories for generations to come.

On the “Unforgettable Memories” page, Nikon, the Official Walt Disney World Camera and the Official Disneyland Camera, lends its expertise in the world of imaging to offer highlights of “must-have” shots at a variety of locations throughout the resort, alongside practical photography tips that will allow guests to capture the people and things they love with confidence. Also included are real-world how-to videos curated by Nikon Ambassadors, an elite group of influential visual artists and leaders in modern photography, that will help even novice photographers get the most out of their vacation photos.

“A Walt Disney World vacation is a magical experience for visitors from around the world and Nikon remains as committed as ever to giving them the tools to capture and share the love and happiness of the vacation in the quality they deserve,” saidMasahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “Building upon our alliance with Walt Disney World Resort, the ‘Unforgettable Memories’ page serves as a one-stop destination for helping families preserve precious moments that can last a lifetime.”

The site showcases the most iconic locations to document one’s journey throughout Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Visitors can also access a complimentary photography checklist, curated by Nikon, to take with them on their next Walt Disney World Resort vacation.

In 2013, Nikon Inc., Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort announced a multi-year strategic alliance, bringing together a global leader in imaging and the world’s leading family vacation destinations. Through the relationship, Nikon was named the “Official Walt Disney World Camera” and the “Official Disneyland Camera” and the brand has become fully integrated in the parks through Nikon-branded Picture Spots and Disney PhotoPass Service, where Disney PhotoPass Photographers are exclusively equipped with Nikon cameras and accessories. Disney Fine Art Photographers at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons, as well as Adventure Guides with Adventures by Disney, are also exclusively outfitted with Nikon cameras.

For full details on how to help capture “Unforgettable Memories” at Walt Disney World Resort, please visit:www.nikonusa.com/disneyparks

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GOLF GETAWAY PACKAGES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time for our Clients to take advantage of Golf Getaway Packages at Walt Disney World® Resort.

They can choose between a two-night ($284 per person, per night) or three-night ($250 per person, per night) golf package that includes hotel room, two or three rounds of golf and a two-day Magic Your Way® Base Ticket, plus a $30 or $45 Pro Shop credit depending on their length of stay.

As with other Walt Disney Travel Company packages, these golf packages are eligible for commission (excluding any pro shop credits). In addition, add-on options are available (air, transfers, car rental, insurance, in-room gifting, etc). Extra rounds of golf, alternate resort selections, and longer lengths of stay may be accommodated (pending availability).

Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to plan and book your vacation. or this package.

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