WDW Daily News

Magic is in the air at Walt Disney World® Resort with the new Disney Skyliner transportation system. Disney executives were joined by several other cast members this morning at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort for a special dedication moment for the complimentary new transportation system. Today’s festivities featured Disney characters, fireworks and more in honor of this “most magical flight on Earth.”  

Take a look at this video to see some of the fun: 

Disney Skyliner connects Epcot® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® to four Disney resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the forthcoming Disney’s Riviera Resort, set to open Dec. 16, 2019. The system serves as a magic carpet, floating Guests through the air aboard approximately 300 gondolas, nearly half of which are wrapped in whimsical Disney scenes of beloved characters, fan-favorite movies, theme park attractions and more. 

While riding Disney Skyliner, you will be treated to never-before-seen views of Walt Disney World Resort as they float along the treetops and waterways alike. The system provides bird’s-eye vantage points of Disney icons such as the Hollywood Tower Hotel and Spaceship Earth. 

Stay tuned for more on this high-flying new addition to Walt Disney World Resort!

We’re just days away from the world premiere of the new limited-time nighttime spectacular, “Epcot® Forever.” The show promises to take you on a journey through the years and into the future, bringing World Showcase Lagoon to life with a spark of imagination that quickly grows into an epic spectacle of fireworks, lighting, lasers and choreographed special effects kites.

We recently shared a behind the scenes look at the production of the music for the show. Today, we’re sharing a glimpse of the incredible work taking place to make “Epcot Forever” a visual spectacle unlike any other, combining familiar elements from previous shows with new features – and a few surprises thrown in, too!

“Epcot Forever” opens on Oct. 1, 2019. Don’t forget, we’ll be sharing the #DisneyParksLIVE stream of that first performance at 8:50 p.m. Tuesday night, on Disney Parks Blog!

It’s the executive crossover event of the season: Marvel Studios’ head Kevin Feige is developing a Star Wars film alongside Lucasfilms’ president, Kathleen Kennedy. On the surface, this news could stem from the fact that, in addition to being an ardent Star Wars fanboy, Feige’s load has been lightened a bit with Avengers: Endgame wrapping up the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s sprawling Phase Three. However, Feige crossing into the Star Wars lane could signal something bigger within the mouse house. Here are five scenarios of what Feige making a Star Wars movie could mean:

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A star-studded line-up Tony winners and original cast members will take the stage during Celebrating 25 Magical Years of Disney on Broadway. The benefit will take place November 4 at New Amsterdam Theatre,with proceeds benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

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A little bit of nostalgia will be in play when Disney Skyliner opens Sunday, connecting two parks and four hotels at Walt Disney World by a system of gondolas reminiscent of the Skyway that once connected Tomorrowland and Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom.

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With “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” premiering in theaters on Oct. 18, 2019, there are quite a few ways to get into the Maleficent spirit at the Disneyland® Resort. Here’s what you can look forward to experiencing:

Disney’s “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” Sneak Peek – Guests can catch a sneak peek of the live-action adventure at Disney California Adventure® Park. For a limited time starting Sept. 27, 2019, the sneak peek experience will be presented in the evenings at the Sunset Showcase Theater, following daily performances of “Mickey’s PhilharMagic.” Check out this new, exclusive clip:

“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” picks up several years after “Maleficent,” exploring the complex relationship between the horned fairy and her goddaughter, Aurora, especially as they struggle to protect their home from a formidable new foe in Queen Ingrtih. “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” swoops into theaters on Oct. 18.

Photo Wall – Guests can strike a pose and spread their wings like Maleficent. These new walls will be popping up soon around the Downtown Disney® District and Disney California Adventure Park.

Merchandise – Guests can sport their wicked side with tees and other accessories inspired by the notorious villain. These items will be available starting Sept. 30 at Elias & Co in Disney California Adventure Park, Emporium at Disneyland Park and World of Disney at Downtown Disney District.

If that’s not enough, here are a few other Maleficent experiences at the Disneyland Resort: 

Villains Dance Party – Guests can head over to Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland Park for a pulsating, spooky-fun time.  

Character Encounters – Guests can spot the devious Maleficent swarming around Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park.  

Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough – Guests can explore the winding passageways inside Sleeping Beauty Castle where the epic tale of Princess Aurora is told through immersive displays, spell-binding sounds and stunning special effects. 

“Fantasmic!” – Guests can enjoy this iconic nighttime spectacular on select nights at Disneyland Park! Dazzling special effects transform the Rivers of America into a stage for the colorful tableau of Mickey Mouse’s imagination. 

Specialty Eats – Guests can bite into the Maleficent Churro to satisfy their sweet cravings. These churros are covered with chocolate cookie crumbles blended with colored sugar with a marshmallow dipping sauce on the side. These tasty treats are available at the churro carts near Town Square and Sleeping Beauty Castle. Or,  you can try the Maleficent Apple (available Oct. 18-31), coated in chocolate and decorated with candies, colored sugar, and colored chocolate. They can find these apples at Candy Palace and Hunny Spot at Disneyland Park; Trolley Treats and Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff at Disney California Adventure Park; and Marceline’s Confectionery at the Downtown Disney District. 

Halloween Time at the Disneyland® Resort celebrates the beginning of fall with fun, spook-tacular festivities for guests to experience. Whether it’s the eerily transformed attractions guests desire or fang-tastic treats they crave, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Guests can sink their teeth into some of these amazing experiences this Halloween season:

Brave the Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters after Dark

The Guardians of the Galaxy are continuing their mission by searching for Groot in the Collector’s Fortress at Disney California Adventure® Park! You can save him by teaming up with Rocket to lure the monsters away and make the escape! Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! transforms nightly into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark now through Oct. 31.

Keep eyes peeled for Disney villains

You can join some favorite villains throughout the parks as they stalk on by! They may even pose for a selfie, if Guests dare to disturb.

Get mesmerized watching “Halloween Screams” 

For the first time in nearly a decade, all Guests can enjoy a version of the spooky supernatural projection and special effects show at Disneyland Park. They can see Jack Skellington and some favorite Disney villains as they light up the night with favorite Halloween songs. On weekend nights, “Halloween Screams” will be enhanced with jaw-dropping fireworks.

Collect special Haunted Mansion Holiday digital achievements with the Play Disney Parks app* 

From the Halloween through the Holiday seasons, you can enjoy collecting special seasonal digital achievements around the resort when they engage with the Play Disney Parks app. Each month guests use the app and ride Haunted Mansion Holiday from now through early January 2020, they will unlock a special achievement themed to “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Plus, beginning in December, Guests who collect all four achievements (Jack Skellington now through Sept. 30, Scary Teddy from Oct. 1-31, Zero from Nov. 1-30 and Sally from Dec. 1-Jan. 6) will be able to pick up a complimentary Haunted Mansion Holiday button (while supplies last). Details and information on where to pick up this button will be announced just before they become available in December.**

Venture into the depths with Disney’s Happiest Haunts Tour 

From now through Oct. 31, guests can enjoy a Halloween adventure unlike any other throughout the Disneyland Resort. Guests can prove that they’re braver than their friends as they go on a guided journey that takes them through spooky tales and riveting realms through both parks! This premium, reservation-only experience is $99 plus tax for Guests 3 years and older. Separate theme park admission is required for all Disneyland Resort Tours, and is not included in the tour price. Please call (714) 781-TOUR (8687) to book.

Feast on all the foodie festivities

After a day of fun, guests can indulge in deliciously decadent drinks and dishes. For a stylish and tasty treat, they can visit Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge and try the Poison Apple-Tini filled with apple whiskey, apple pucker schnapps and cranberry juice.*** It is absolutely sinful! For a non-alcoholic refreshment, they can try the Green Apple Spell Lemonade from Smokejumpers Grill with sour green apple syrup, cherry pearls and raspberry sauce. Guests can snap photos with our Vampire Mickey Sourdough Bread from Mortimer’s Market and Spider Silk Macaron Sandwich at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream! 

Drape on hauntingly beautiful outfits and accessories

Guests can wear the fabulous spirit jersey from day to night! It’s themed to the Halloween occasion with orange and black, perfect for matching with friends. Halloween would be nothing without Minnie ear headbands. They can find ghoulish goodies at various locations including, Elias & Co. and Gone Hollywood at Disney California Adventure park, Port Royal Curios and Curiosities at Disneylandpark and World of Disney at Downtown Disney® District.

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Separate theme park admission required.

**Button offer will be subject to restrictions and cancellation without notice.

***Guests must be 21 years of age or over to consume alcohol; valid photo ID required.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, we’re celebrating new attractions and lands that make a visit to the park even more extraordinary, with immersive experiences for Guests of all ages.

As we prepare to step into the wacky world of a Mickey Mouse cartoon short next year in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, we’re excited to share that there’s even more zany adventures coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this spring.

Joining the park’s theater district will be a reimagined venue, the Mickey Shorts Theater. What will it feature? You’ll just have to stay tooned to find out!

By: Disney DestinationsSeptember 26, 2019

In early 2021, Disney Cruise Line will return to New Orleans for a limited-time engagement with sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean, including visits to Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. A lineup of popular itineraries will continue across the Disney fleet with cruises to tropical destinations from Texas, California and Florida.  More info>>

Return to New Orleans

Back by popular demand, the Disney Wonder will return to the bayou from late January through February 2021 with a series of magical voyages. A pair of four- and five-night cruises to the Western Caribbean kick off the season from New Orleans. The five-night voyage includes a visit to Progreso, Mexico, a new port of call for Disney Cruise Line on the Yucatan Peninsula. This quaint town is filled with treasures for families to explore together, from ancient Mayan ruins to hidden swimming holes filled with crystal-clear water.

Three seven-night sailings to the Bahamas with a stop at Disney Castaway Cay, plus a 14-night Panama Canal cruise, round out the departures from the Crescent City in early 2021.

Guests sailing from New Orleans will experience the flavors and flair of the Big Easy both onboard the Disney Wonder and ashore. The sounds and sights of New Orleans come to life at Tiana’s Place restaurant, where families are transported to an era of southern charm, spirited jazz and street party celebrations with live music and other surprises inspired by the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” Before or after their cruise, your Clients can savor the city’s distinct cuisine, visit family-friendly museums and parks, and take in the sounds of world-renowned live jazz music. 

Popular Itineraries from Texas and California

The Disney Wonder will also return to the popular home ports of Galveston and San Diego in early 2021. Guests sailing from Texas can enjoy the white-sand beaches of the Western Caribbean on a series of four- and six-night cruises to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. One seven-night departure will feature stops at Key West, Nassau and Disney Castaway Cay.

Following the season in New Orleans, the Disney Wonder heads to the West Coast for a variety of sailings to Baja and the Mexican Riviera departing from San Diego. Families can hunt for gold aboard a pirate ship in Cabo San Lucas, embark on an off-road adventure in Ensenada or sunbathe on glittering sand beaches on cruises ranging from three to seven nights.

Bahamian and Caribbean Getaways from Florida

Disney Cruise Line will have three ships sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida in early 2021, and every cruise includes a day at Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. This award-winning destination, reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line Guests, is the ultimate escape for everyone in the family.

• From Miami, the Disney Magic will sail three-, four- and five-night Bahamian and Western Caribbean cruises.
• From Port Canaveral, the Disney Fantasy will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
• From Port Canaveral, the Disney Dream will sail three- and four-night Bahamian cruises.

Platinum, Gold or Silver Castaway Club members, can take advantage of the opportunity to book early 2021 itineraries before they go on sale to the general public on Oct. 3, 2019.  You can book either online or by phone during the designated booking window:

• Sept. 30, 2019: Platinum Members
• Oct. 1, 2019: Platinum and Gold Members
• Oct. 2, 2019: Platinum, Gold and Silver Members
• Oct. 3, 2019: all Guests

Exciting news for our foodie fans! We’re thrilled to announce that ALL of our major quick and table service restaurants will soon be serving up plant-based options at Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort – along with a new plant-based menu icon coming to Disney dining. Guests will now be able to choose from hundreds of sweet and savory creations, including many brand-new dishes destined to become fan favorites!

We’re always looking for ways to bring more flavor, innovation, and creativity to the Disney dining experience – and Guest feedback is first on the menu when we evolve our menus and develop new dishes. Our Guests have embraced our plant-based offerings at our parks around the globe, inspiring us to expand our menu and introduce a new menu icon, a green leaf, that will make it easier than ever for guests to find these creations during their visit.

These fun and flavorful options are made from plant-based ingredients like vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes – and are made without animal meat, dairy, eggs or honey. From comfort-food classics to exciting new dishes for the adventurer in all of us, everyone will find something to delight their tastebuds.

On October 1 at quick service locations and October 3 at table service locations, Walt Disney World Resort will launch the plant-based menu icon and introduce new options at our theme parks and resort hotels. If your Clients are craving tasty plant-powered snacks and treats during their visit, they can explore more than 400 craveable dishes!

• Steamed Asian Dumplings from Le Cellier at Epcot® – These plant-based meat dumplings are served with bok choy, Chinese long beans, red peppers and radish in a delicious and fragrant Asian broth.
• Shiriki Noodle Salad from Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom® Park – This refreshing salad is made with noodles, edamame beans, mushrooms, green mango and cucumber, tossed with a sweet chili sauce.
• Felucian Garden Spread from Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland® Park at the Disneyland Resort) – Made with plant-based “kefta,” herb hummus, tomato-cucumber relish and pita, this is the perfect bite for a visit to a galaxy far, far away.
• Chili-Spiced Crispy Fried Tofu Bowl from Satu’li Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – This taste of Pandora features crispy tofu, seasoned with chili-spice and topped with a crunchy vegetable slaw, boba balls and a choice of base and sauce. 
• Plant-Based Cashew Cheescake from California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Just one of many scrumptious plant-based desserts available at Walt Disney World Resort.

We can’t wait for guests to discover hundreds of delectable plant-based options at our parks and resort hotels. Whether they’re visiting Magic Kingdom Park, tasting your way across the globe at Epcot’s World Showcase, or grabbing a bite in a galaxy far, far away, they’re sure to find a plant-powered dish to enjoy.

Don’t worry, Disneyland fans – the menu icon and many new plant-based options are coming in spring 2020, so Guests won’t have to wait long to savor exciting new flavors. And across the world, we’re serving up delicious plant-based cuisine, including Risotto-style Spelt with Mushrooms at Disneyland Paris, Pan-fried Vegetables with Plant-based Dumplings at Hong Kong Disneyland, or Caramel Mix Nuts Banana Cake at Shanghai Disney Resort. When sailing the high seas with Disney Cruise Line there are bites to find, from a Plant-Based Chili Dog and Plant-Based Eggs to Chocolate Truffle Cake.  

Cat