WDW Daily News

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, love and romance are in the air at Walt Disney World. Guests can celebrate this month of love near the most famous couple of all, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

A variety of offerings and memorable experiences are available all month long – from Valentine’s Day merchandise and special entertainment to romantic dinners for two. With so many of Cupid’s arrows flying about, guests should be sure to book early and perhaps celebrate their love any time during this sweet month of February.

1. A romantic ride on Italian Water Taxi Cruise/VIP Wine Tour – Guests can experience the unforgettable romance of an intimate cruise aboard Venezia, the breathtaking 40-ft Italian Water Taxi.  Couples will relax and unwind to beautiful Italian music, savor award-winning wines and feast on an array of delicious hors d’oeuvres. The BOATHOUSE’S trusted captain and crew take guests on a whimsical water journey through the waters of Lake Buena Vista and the gorgeous scenic riverway. Sweetheart Wine Tasting Cruises embark Friday. Call 407-939-2628 to make a reservation.

2. The new Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise – Couples can take in a breathtaking view of the Magic Kingdom Park night time fireworks from an exclusive and romantic spot on Seven Seas Lagoon with desserts and drinks. Guests can enjoy this sweet ending to their day, before watching the “Wishes” nighttime spectacular overhead, the largest fireworks show at Walt Disney World Resort. The medley of famous Disney songs and the voices of Disney characters are piped through the boat’s sound system for this magical viewing. For reservations, visit com/DINE or call 407-WDW-DINE. Anchors Aweigh!

3. The new Brunch at the Top at California Grill – Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday and the Brunch at the Top is a fabulous way to indulge. Chef Brian Piasecki’s team launches a whole new menu in February to showcase their fresh, market-driven cuisine. Of course a glass of bubbly or wine (the restaurant has more than 1,600 bottles on display) pairs nicely. And there’s an over-the-top Bloody Mary Bar as well as cocktails and craft brews (though guests can also stick with the custom-roast French press coffee). Reservations can be made by visiting com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

4. An out-of-this-world evening – Sweets and stars collide at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as guests look to the sky January 5 – March 19, for a special viewing of the Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks. Guests enjoy a selection of sweets as the night sky erupts with an arsenal of impressive fireworks, set to the most dramatic and memorable Star Wars themes of all time. On the menu are Star Wars-themed desserts treats, including the popular Droid and Darth Vader cupcakes and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE.

5. Disney Springs shopping spree – Disney Springs continues to expand and transform with all new shopping options. The World of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace recently expanded with an additional 6,000 sq. feet of retail selling space. Couples can spend the day searching for some new Disney merchandise to celebrate their love for each other … and Disney. Nothing says “love” like chocolate so the shopping spree can continue with a stop for some handcrafted sweets at The Ganachery. Or perhaps couples are looking for an all-vegan treat? Erin McKenna Bakery NYC is a unique bakery with savory offerings and an all-vegan and gluten-free menu.

6. Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine at Hollywood & Vine – Just in time for Academy Awards season, Minnie Mouse and her friends celebrate the magic of the movies and glamour of Hollywood with an epic feast at the new Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Dinner guests will walk the red carpet and get ready for their close-up with some of the biggest stars of the silver screen, beloved Disney characters dressed in their designer best. Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine runs from Jan. 4 to March 20, 2016. Reservations can be made by visiting com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

7. All new acts at La Nouba at Disney Springs – La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary and stimulates the imagination from beginning to end with daring acrobatics, dazzling choreography, vibrant music and whimsical characters only at Disney Springs. As part of the show’s ongoing evolution, La Nouba continues to bring new acts: B-Boy, commonly referred to as breakdancing, and Aerial Bamboo, a technique mastered by only a handful of performers worldwide. The acts join the recent additions of uproarious clowns and a breathtaking juggling rolla bolla act.  For more information about La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil, visit  DisneyWorld.com/entertainment.

8. Sushi Bar at Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs – Morimoto Asia is a one-of-a-kind dining experience from Chef Masaharu Morimoto. From Feb. 12 – 14, a special Valentine’s Day romantic dinner for two includes a four course, prix-fixe menu starring Chef Morimoto’s signature Peking Duck for two. For an even more exclusive and intimate culinary experience on Feb. 14 only, it’s chef’s choice with a five-course Omakase dinner at the intimate second-level 14-seat sushi bar. With a “hidden” VIP entrance along the side of the building, the Forbidden Lounge is a great place to hang, late-night, at Disney Springs any night in February. An exclusive menu is featured upstairs from 10pm to 2am and features a variety of late-night dining. For reservations, call 407-939-6686 (MOTO).

9. Monsieur Paul Proposal-popping and Vow Renewal dinner at Epcot – In the shadow of the Eiffel Tower (replica), indulge in a decadent meal by new chef Nicolas Lemoyne who just joined the restaurant from Monsieur Paul Bocuse’s restaurant in Lyon, France. Peer out of the second story windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon, toast with champagne, and dessert is served with an extra sparkle on the plate: the big question, and your token of “l’amour.” Reservations can be made by visiting com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

10. Sunset and cocktails at the Polynesian – Disney has some spectacular beaches that are perfect locations to watch the sunset, like the one at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Sip on some champagne and strawberries against the backdrop of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the beautiful new Bora Bora Bungalows. Take a moonlit stroll along the torch-lined waterfront and visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, the latest addition to the newly reimagined Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  Located off the Great Ceremonial House, the themed lounge will serve exotic drinks and small plates, while offering scenic views of the marina and Seven Seas Lagoon.

Haven’t been to the Florida parks in a few years? Here’s a cheat sheet to get you up to speed.

Full Story

Arguably, one of the best family-friendly places to vacation is Walt Disney World.

Full Story

In February, young explorers will have the chance to participate in a quest to become honorary members of the Lion Guard in a new Disney’s Animal Kingdom adventure inspired by Disney Junior’s animated series “The Lion Guard,” premiering January 15, 2016 on Disney Channel.

“The Lion Guard” continues the epic storytelling of “The Lion King” and follows Kion, the second-born cub of Simba and Nala, and his diverse group of friends as they unite to protect the Pride Lands. The story of Kion and his friends, who make up the Pride Lands’ fiercest, bravest, fastest, strongest and keenest of sight, was introduced in “The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar” television movie which premiered on Disney Channel in November 2015 and became the #1 primetime cable TV telecast of 2015 among kids ages 2-5. The Education and Science experts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park serve as consultants, inspiring original stories based on their first-hand experiences, and advising on the characteristics, behaviors and habitats of various African animal species.

The new Lion Guard Adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom sends young explorers on a park-wide search for the five Lion Guard characters: Kion, the fierce leader of the Lion Guard; Bunga, a brave and fearless honey badger; Fuli, a confident cheetah; Beshte, a friendly and good-natured hippo; and Ono, an intellectual egret.

The expedition begins as guests pick up a Lion Guard Adventure Map available in select merchandise locations. Youngsters will search for character statues hidden in themed locations throughout the park that represent each animal. For instance, Kion, the son of Simba, can be found in the Africa section of the park, Ono, the egret can be found near the Tree of Life, and Beshte, the hippo is hidden in Harambe. At each stop, there’s a Lion Guard banner and a sign with the character’s attribute.

As guests journey through the park, they learn about animals and the Circle of Life along the way. Once all five character traits are discovered, the adventure culminates at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Here, cast members induct participants into the Lion Guard with a special pledge, fun activities, and a Lion Guard Button identifying them as honorary members. Plus, featured character from The Lion Guard, Rafiki, joins the newest inductees for a memorable photo opportunity.

Fans can enjoy even more Lion Guard experiences inside Conservation Station with Lion Guard music, videos and a special look at Disney Junior and Disneynature’s new short-form series “It’s UnBungalievable,” a nature show hosted by “The Lion Guard’s” animated Bunga the honey badger, and Ono the egret, featuring live-action wildlife footage.