You packed your day-bag and you’re ready to head out to the park, but have you forgotten anything? Did you check the transportation schedule? Did you bring enough money? Did you make your dining reservations?
Archive for Walt Disney World
Latest Walt Disney World Refurbishment List
| Magic Kingdom® Park | |
| Monorail The Walt Disney World® Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. |
Through June 2016 |
| Swiss Family Treehouse Liberty Square Riverboat Big Thunder Mountain Railroad “it’s a small world” |
Jul. 6 – Sep. 24, 2016 Aug. 1 – 7, 2016 Aug. 8 – Nov. 18, 2016 Aug. 22 – Sep. 15, 2016 |
| Epcot® | |
| Stave Church Gallery House of the Whispering Willows |
Apr. 20 – Jun. 20, 2016 May 2 – Jun. 16, 2016 |
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios® | |
| Pizza Planet Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream Voyage of the Little Mermaid MuppetVision 3D |
Jan. 19 – Late 2016 Jul. 16 – 19, 2016 Jul. 24 – 27, 2016 Aug. 15 – 22, 2016 |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park | |
| DINOSAUR | Jul. 25 – Sep. 29, 2016 |
| Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park | |
| None | |
| Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park | |
| None | |
| Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort | |
| Soft Goods Refurbishment | Apr. 2 – Sep. 24, 2016 |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village | |
| Soft Goods Refurbishment | Jul. 15, 2016 – Jan. 24, 2017 |
| Disney’s Beach Club Villas | |
| Soft Goods & Bath Refurbishment | Jan. 22 – Aug. 17, 2016 |
| Disney’s BoardWalk Inn | |
| Flying Fish Restaurant | Through Summer 2016 |
| Garden Suites Accessible Room Refurbishments | Jun. 8 – Jul. 12, 2016 |
| Disney’s BoardWalk Villas | |
| Room Refurbishments | May 16 – Aug 30, 2016 |
| Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort | |
| Trinidad South Pool | May 2 – Jun. 10, 2016 |
| Martinique Pool | May 31 – Jul. 1, 2016 |
| Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground | |
| Construction work in Loop 2100 There will be increased traffic throughout the resort between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Guests should allow extra time for travel. |
Through July 2016 |
| Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort | |
| Beach Renourishment Project | May 1 – Fall 2016 |
| Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside | |
| Routine Roof Maintenance During this time Guests may see work in progress. |
Through Summer 2016 |
| Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa | |
| Treehouse Villas Soft Goods Rehab | Feb. 7 – Jun. 22, 2016 |
| Disney’s Vero Beach Resort | |
| Hard Goods Refurbishment | Jan. 24 – Jul. 2, 2016 |
| Shutter’s and Bleacher’s Bar & Grill Closing to make way for new dining experiences coming soon |
Jun. 19, 2016 |
| Disney’s Wilderness Lodge & Villas | |
| General Resort Refurbishments Due to extensive refurbishment projects, Guests will very likely see and hear construction work in various areas throughout their stay. To minimize disruptions, we will attempt to limit work until after 9:00 a.m. At this time, many popular areas will remained closed – including the Hidden Springs Pool (the leisure pool at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge), beach, marina, playground and more. In addition, certain pathways, like our nature trail, will be unavailable, and surrounding views may be altered. However, the recently renovated Silver Creek Springs Pool will remain open and boat transportation to Magic Kingdom park will continue to be offered. |
Through 2017 |
| Cub’s Den (Children’s Activity Center) – unavailable | Through 2017 |
| Sturdy Branches Health Club – unavailable | July – October 2016 |
| Buena Vista Palace | |
| General Resort Refurbishments Due to multiple resort refurbishment projects, Guests will notice construction work in various areas. The pool will be unavailable. The spa pool, located in the main tower will remain open for all guests. Additionally, neighboring hotels on Hotel Plaza Blvd. will allow Buena Vista Palace guests to use their pools during this time. Watercress Café will be closed during this time, however, the one80 Sports Bar and Restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. |
Through June 2016 |
| Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel | |
| Guest Room Renovations Renovation work is scheduled to take place between 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. No guests will be accommodated in the renovation area as to minimize impact on the guest experience. |
June – September 2016 |
| Disney Springs™ | |
| Roadwork on Buena Vista Drive Due to heavy roadwork, expect delays on Buena Vista Drive. It is recommended that Guests use complimentary Walt Disney World Resort transportation from Parks and Resorts to Disney Springs and plan to arrive early for reserved dining and entertainment experiences. |
Through May 2016 |
| Planet Hollywood | Jan. 6 – Summer 2016 |
| Fulton’s Crab House – reopening as Paddlefish | Apr. 4 – Fall 2016 |
| Golf Courses/Miniature Golf | |
| None | |
Information and dates subject to change without notice.
SAVOR THE SAVANNA: EVENING SAFARI EXPERIENCE AT DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM
The Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience allows guests to welcome the evening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®Theme Park with a private safari, African tapas, all-inclusive beverages and more.
A trained photographer will take photos throughout the adventure – a service that’s included with the tour. And, when the excursion comes to a close, guests will receive a photo code they can use to access and download images taken during the experience. Plus, they’ll also receive a commemorative keepsake.
The cost is $169 per Guest (tax not included). Valid Theme Park admission is required, and each participant must be at least 8 years old. Each experience is limited to a maximum of 12 Guests. Inclement weather conditions and other factors may affect schedules, and offerings are subject to change without notice.
Book this experience today by calling 407-WDW-TOUR!
Applications Now Open for the Tenth Annual Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE
High school students nationwide can now apply to be among 100 students selected to participate in the 2017 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE, the innovative, outside-the-classroom, mentoring program at Walt Disney World Resort. The 2017 Disney Dreamers Academy will mark the program’s 10th year.
Steve Harvey, syndicated radio and television personality, along with ESSENCE and Walt Disney World Resort will host selected Dreamers during a four-day power-packed career and educational exploration in March 2017. “Giving back is important to me, and especially to our youth – our future leaders, entrepreneurs, and aspiring artists.” said Harvey. “We’ve seen more than 900 committed students come through the program, and I’m excited to find the next 100. The tenth anniversary will be special, and I encourage all high school students to take a minute of their time to apply for this incredible opportunity.”
For nearly a decade, Disney Dreamers Academy has helped to inspire young minds from across the country by fueling their dreams and showing them a world of possibilities as they prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in hands-on, full-immersion workshops related to a variety of career paths, ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills, such as communication techniques, leadership values, and networking strategies.
The event takes place in the very magical and creative setting of Walt Disney World Resort. Dreamers are taken both on stage and behind the scenes, where Disney theme parks become vibrant ‘classrooms,’ leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.
“We’re excited to welcome back Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE for the tenth year,” said Tracey D. Powell, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts vice president of deluxe resorts and Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion. “This program is unique for the opportunity it affords teens to be inspired and motivated to accomplish their goals. By applying for Disney Dreamers Academy, high school students from across the country are taking an important step forward that can influence and change their lives forever.”
Disney Dreamers are exposed to celebrity motivational speakers and special guests who share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success and DREAM BIG. Dreamers have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students from across the nation while they gain first-hand knowledge from Disney experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives.
ESSENCE Communications President Michelle Ebanks added, “ESSENCE has been honored to help identify the next generation of big dreamers and welcome them to Walt Disney World Resort for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This tenth year will be no exception, and we’re delighted to further play a role in setting our future leaders on the path to success.”
Applicants to the Disney Dreamers Academy program must answer essay questions about their personal stories and their dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams.
Select Disney Dreamers, along with a parent or guardian, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, where they will participate in life-changing sessions and be surrounded by the creativity and innovation represented in Disney theme parks around the world. Disney Dreamers Academy will take place March 2017.
Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, through Oct. 31, 2016. A distinguished panel of leaders will judge the applications, and winners will be announced towards the end of 2016.
For more information regarding applications, interested applicants can visitDisneyDreamersAcademy.com, or follow the Dreamers on Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy or Twitter.com/DreamersAcademy.
Disney Springs: The story behind Disney World’s former Downtown Disney
Walt Disney World’s shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, which had been known asDowntown Disney for a couple of decades, is undergoing an expansion and transformation. Now dubbed Disney Springs, visitors will have even more opportunities to browse and nosh as new locations open this summer and throughout the rest of the year.
ECHO LAKE EATS FOOD KIOSKS OPEN FOR THE SUMMER AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Tasty new quick-service options are available this summer in Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort. Located in the Echo Lake area of the park, these new kiosks offer delicious flavors and tastes for the summer.
Sliders to the Stars offers pulled beef brisket sliders with arugula, pickled onions and horseradish aioli on sesame bun served with chips, pulled barbecued chicken sliders with coleslaw and chipotle aioli on a brioche bun served with chips, and a Mickey brownie.
Over at Hollywood Waffles of Fame, guests can enjoy shaved turkey and Gouda waffle sandwich with mixed greens, bacon, tomato and herb-cheese pesto served with chips, shaved ham and cheddar focaccia with water cress and spicy mustard served with chips, and a freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie.
And, the menu at Oasis Canteen features chicken breast nuggets served with celery and carrots with a Ranch dipper and chips, sweet chili-glazed chicken breast nuggets served with celery and carrots with a Ranch dipper and chips, kid’s breast nuggets and a Mickey brownie.
PHOTOS – NEW DISNEY SPRINGS BUS LOOP IS NOW OPEN FOR DISNEY RESORT GUESTS
Beginning last week, Guests traveling to Disney Springs™ via complimentary Disney Resort bus transportation noticed some changes. Disney motorcoaches now have their own dedicated bus lanes, giving them more efficient access to the property. Once they arrive at Disney Springs, Guests are dropped off at The Gateway, offering a stunning arrival into our newest neighborhood.
With the opening of this new location, the former Marketplace bus loop will support other transportation needs including vehicles coming from nearby Good Neighbor Hotels, Hotel Plaza Boulevard and Shades of Green.
Video B-Roll: Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Night
B-Roll included:
- Shots of guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at night
- Shots of Expedition Everest at night
- POV footage on Expedition Everest at night
- Shots of Kali River Rapids at night
- POV on Kali River Rapids at night Shots of Primeval Whirl at night
- POV on Primeval Whirl at night
Disney Springs Fact Sheet
The Disney Springs area is an exciting metropolis of restaurants, theaters and merchandise shops incorporating the The Landing, Marketplace, West Side and Town Center (coming in 2016).
Location: The Disney Springs area borders the south shore of Village Lake at the intersection of Buena Vista Drive and Hotel Plaza Boulevard in the east-central portion of Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Springs parking is free.
Disney Springs Marketplace
Exciting restaurants and extraordinary shopping experiences in a strolling street environment with a wide variety of venues. An assortment of outdoor artisans with merchandise from cloth-covered balloons to creative hair wraps, and silhouette portraits to personalized wood nameplates can be found throughout the Marketplace.
Arribas Brothers — Glassware, crystal and metal artisan products; glassblowing; custom decorating.
The Art of Disney — Disney animation art and collectibles from original paintings and prints to figurines and Vinylmation.
Basin — All-natural bath and skin care products with interactive sugar- and salt-scrub sink for sampling.
Disney’s Days of Christmas — Christmas collectibles, ornaments and Disney character holiday items.
Disney Design-a-Tee presented by Hanes — Customized T-shirts in a variety of colors, styles and themes.
Disney’s Pin Traders — Largest collection of collectible pins and pin accessories at Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories — Disney scrapbook supplies, stationery and postcards.
Dockside Margaritas — A waterfront margarita bar offering live entertainment daily in a laid-back environment amid tropical décor. Menu includes a variety of handcrafted margaritas, specialty cocktails and authentic Florida brews.
Earl of Sandwich — A 220-seat casual quick-service restaurant serving breakfast as well as freshly prepared sandwiches, salads and delicious desserts.
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop — San Francisco’s famous sweet-maker comes East with a soda fountain featuring its world-famous chocolate and hot fudge sundae.
Goofy’s Candy Co. — An assortment of candy, cookies, taffy, chocolates, frozen drinks and more.
The LEGO Store — A dynamic showplace and retail store for famous LEGO bricks and toys with an interactive playground and towering LEGO displays indoors and out.
LittleMissMatched — A colorful and playful retail store filled with fashionable accessories, beach bags, flip flops and mismatched socks for the teen, tween and mom.
Marketplace Co-Op – Unique new shops, products and retail concepts are tested in this shopper’s paradise in Disney Springs.
Marketplace Fun Finds – Disney character merchandise including plush, clothing and housewares at prices to fit every budget.
Mickey’s Pantry — The family chef can explore culinary trends and find kitchen gadgets galore, from unique cooking utensils to mugs and dishes.
Once Upon A Toy — This 16,000-square-foot toy store features fun new toys, games and Disney collectibles.
Rainforest Cafe — A wild place to shop and eat with favorite sandwiches, pastas, pizzas and an amazing array of appetizers in a rainforest setting. Gifts are available at the Rainforest Café Retail Village.
Starbucks at Disney Springs Marketplace — Starbucks espresso, frozen specialty beverages, savory Artisan sandwiches and an assortment of pastries are offered at this unique Starbucks location near World of Disney.
The Spice & Tea Exchange — Experience a world of gourmet spices, teas, herbs, sea salts, sugars and more at this aromatic merchandise store.
T-Rex Café — Casual dining in a prehistoric world of adventure with life-size animatronic dinosaurs and prehistoric artifacts. Children of all ages can enjoy the dig site or the Dino-Store with educational toys and Build-A-Dino by Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Tren-D — Hip apparel and novel accessories for women with a fashion sense.
Wolfgang Puck Express — World-famous chef Wolfgang Puck turns his talents to quick service and signature treats including pizzas, sandwiches, soup and fresh salads.
World of Disney Store — Centerpiece of Disney Springs, this 51,000-square-foot retail palace is the biggest Disney shopping destination on Earth. Specialties include Disney-themed merchandise rooms, each telling stories based on classic Disney films, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a magical salon for little princes and princesses ages 3-12.
New Nighttime Show, ‘The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic’ Celebrates Blockbuster Hit with Music, Magic & Dance at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Live singers, dancers, musicians and fire performers celebrate the epic story of The Walt Disney Studios’ “The Jungle Book” in a limited-engagement nighttime extravaganza opening May 28, 2016, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.
Performed beneath the stars in the park’s new outdoor 5,000-seat Discovery River amphitheater, “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic,” debuts as the park introduces additional nighttime entertainment including a post-sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris adventure and visually stunning Tree of Life “awakenings” with Discovery Island song-and-dance merriment.
“The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” welcomes guests to the dangerous, captivating world of the young “man cub” Mowgli and the jungle animals that protect and threaten him. Featuring traditional Indian music as well as the wildly popular songs of The Jungle Book, the show immerses guests in the culture of and beauty of India and the peril of the jungle with singers, musicians, dancers and visuals.
As the show opens, barges festooned with Indian banners and intricate flower decorations float into view carrying river-bound singers, dancers and musicians.
The show’s opening number begins with an ethereal Indian chant in the Rajasthan style, then builds to an energetic sound featuring drummers and performers offering gifts of light with a dance of candles. The music segues to the film’s score, and the show’s water screens rise to reveal an image of the ornate cover of “The Jungle Book” story by Rudyard Kipling. As the book pages open, an engraved jungle scene transitions from black and white to the colorful 3-D world of the film.
Driven by John Debney’s “The Jungle Book” film score, the show’s live music is arranged in Indian styles that feature the sitar and tabla drums for beloved tunes including “The Bare Necessities,” “Trust in Me,” and “I Wan’na Be Like You.” Big-screen images from the film combine with impressionist projections and narration by the panther character Bagheera, to open a portal into the artfully-told story.
The 25-minute show is awash in special effects that include fire, and massive water-screen projections. While some of the cast tell the story from water’s edge and inside the theater, multiple barges and boats become additional sets pulsating with dozens of performers, scenic backdrops and light and fire effects.
“We’ve been fortunate to work with an amazing team of collaborators from around the world, from the filmmakers behind the blockbuster movie to a creative team of artists who helped to infuse our show with authentic aspects of the culture of India,” said Michael Jung, executive creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering.
Poignant film moments resonate, as when “wolf-mother” Raksha says farewell to Mowgli and tells him, “You will always be my son.” As the journey proceeds, guests will flinch at the sudden roar of tiger Shere Khan that leads to a thrilling chase, and they’ll laugh at antics of Baloo, the free-spirited bear and pal of Mowgli. As the tale unfolds, the audience can’t help but be mesmerized by the frighteningly hypnotic charm of Kaa.
Breathtaking water-screen images of an elephant herd, a virtuosic fire performance and dynamic live percussion build to a frenzied show climax. For the show finale, the cast of “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic,” performs an Indian-influenced mega-medley that becomes a boisterous mash-up of the acclaimed film’s top tunes, and performers spread throughout the aisles to transform the amphitheater into one huge immersive party celebrating the music, story and world of “The Jungle Book.”
As guests depart Discovery River Theater, they can continue celebrating in other areas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where the evening comes alive with wondrous new nighttime experiences and a party-like atmosphere.
– See more at: http://wdwnews.com/releases/2016/05/27/new-nighttime-show-the-jungle-book-alive-with-magic-celebrates-blockbuster-hit-with-music-magic-and-dance-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/#sthash.aP5GbIOK.dpuf
