WDW Daily News

There is a certain magic and anticipation that comes with planning your visit to Walt Disney World Resort, especially when it is time to choose a MagicBand customized with your name and favorite color. And soon, we’ll be adding even more ways to further customize these beloved wearables!  

Soon, Disney Resort hotel guests and new and renewing Annual Passholders will have the option to upgrade, at a discounted price, from a complimentary solid-color MagicBand to one of more than 30 new MagicBand options featuring favorite Disney characters and designs. These new MagicBand options will be available for pre-arrival purchase at a special price of $14.99 off retail cost through the My Disney Experience website.

A colorful selection of complimentary MagicBands is still available for guests who choose not to upgrade to one of the new options, and these new design options can also be shipped to guests’ homes (U.S. addresses only) if ordered 11 or more days ahead of arrival and can be personalized if done so at least 6 or more days ahead of arrival. 

The MagicBand, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, effortlessly links the Walt Disney World Resort vacation choices and plans guests make in the My Disney Experience app – from entering the parks to redeeming FastPass+ selections, using dining plan credits, linking Disney PhotoPass photos and more.

Over-the-top CrazyShake shakes and award-winning, mouth-watering burgers are now wow’ing guests at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort!

The Downtown Disney District is Black Tap’s first location in California and its first to introduce an enhanced service style where you order at the counter, seat yourself and your order is delivered to your table. Once seated, a Black Tap team member will take any of your additional menu, drink and CrazyShake orders. This is also the first location where CrazyShake shakes can be ordered to go from its take-out Shake Window.

What to order? How about the All American Burger, a classic recommended for first timers, with American cheese and a Martin’s potato bun. Or, the Greg Norman Burger, Black Tap’s three-time champ! This burger won the People’s Choice Award at New York City Wine & Food’s Burger Bash three years in a row. It’s made with Australian wagyu beef from the famous golfer’s ranch and topped with blue cheese for a rich but balanced burger.  Fried pickles, crispy Brussels sprouts, spicy Korean wings and house-made onion rings are tasty add-ons.

How do you top that? The Cotton Candy CrazyShake – the original and still a stunner – is a strawberry shake with a vanilla frosted rim with blue, pink and pearl chocolates, a pink lollipop, rock candy, whipped cream and a pile of cotton candy on top. New and exclusive to the Downtown Disney District is the Strawberry Shortcake CrazyShake with a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar, strawberry drizzle and a pink and white twisty pop!

Black Tap began in SoHo and you can feel the New York vibe throughout the restaurant, with neon signs, a sticker bomb graffiti wall, stacked subway tile, black and white stripes and three pop art murals by local street artist Jason Woodside.  The music is just as fun, listening to ‘80s pop and ‘90s hip hop will keep your toes tapping and dancing in your seat while you eat.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes is the latest fantastic example of the Downtown Disney District bringing dynamic new dining, shopping and entertainment experiences to our guests including The Disney Dress Shop, Disney Home, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, The VOID, the reimagined World of Disney, the re-designed Naples Ristorante e Bar, Napolini Pizzeria and Wetzel’s Pretzels.  Other delicious new spots include Ballast Point Brewing Co. and Salt & Straw scoop shop!

If Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) ever had a reason to jack up rates for its on-site resorts, it would seem to be the arrival of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The debut of the richly themed 14-acre expansion at Disneyland on May 31 and Disney World on Aug. 29 is going to bring an influx of visitors to the media giant’s theme parks on both coasts, and there are now some extra incentives to stay on Disney property.

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You can  celebrate the circle of life with a new limited-time prix fixe dining experience inspired by “The Lion King!” Starting June 30, 2019,  you can toast to the popular film at Jiko – The Cooking Place.

Located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jiko transports you to the heart of Africa with its vibrant spices, crackling wood-burning ovens, and a delicious blend of traditional African wines and cuisine, making it the perfect place for this special celebration. Starting June 30,  2019, you will be able to partake in an exclusive three-course menu crafted as a one-of-a-kind culinary celebration of Simba’s story. As the dinner progresses, wildly talented musicians will join in on the fun with vibrant African melodies as well as live performances of the award-winning movie soundtrack.

The menu will feature dishes inspired by The Circle of Life: Nants’ Ingonyama, a story celebrating Simba’s journey through life. Each dish follows our lion prince as he grows up, highlighting each stage of his life through unique flavors and spices. Guests will start their meal off with the “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” starter – a dish featuring Young Cedar Creek clam malata, potatoes, pomegranate, and a bone marrow finish. This dish symbolizes the playfulness of Simba’s joyous childhood and his desire to one day become king.

Moving on to the main event: Be Prepared. You can choose from two entrées: Bone-In Ribeye with hibiscus, nettles, and fregula or Lobster Sosatie with red shrimp, squid, mussels, and fragrant rice. These dishes are inspired by the eerie elephant boneyard and Simba’s courage to persevere through trials and tribulations.

And the third course, Hakuna Matata, celebrates balance as Simba grows up and learns what is truly needed to successfully lead the Pride lands. This dessert features caramelized orange, chocolate choux, and playful foliage.

Finally, you can finish off the evening with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” and reflect on their journey with a selection of friandeses and teas to cap off the meal.

This limited-time prix fixe menu will be available during the dinner period at Jiko – The Cooking Place starting June 30 in addition to Jiko’s regular menu. Pricing is $65 per person, tax and gratuity not included, with the option to add a choice of two levels of wine pairings at an additional cost. To book reservations please call 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463) or visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.  

Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew is now accepting new recruits at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This all-new immersive group experience invites young adventurers into the world of pirate feasting, treasure seeking and high-energy sailin’!

Receiving official pirate names and learning skills crucial for life on the high seas, recruits ages 4-12 will join Captain Hook’s crew on a quest for hidden treasure. They’ll also solve puzzles and gather clues on land before setting sail on a pontoon boat around Crescent Lake. And, of course, Captain Hook himself may check in to ensure new recruits have what it takes to join his legendary ranks! 

Take a look at the video below for a peek inside some of the swashbucklin’ fun at the all-new Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew!

Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew is priced at $55 (plus tax) per child. The experience is offered nightly from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Seaside Retreat in Disney’s Beach Club Resort. For more information or to book a reservation, call 407-824-KIDS.

Each day, Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and other select hotels* have the opportunity to enjoy select attractions in at least one of our four theme parks, before or after regular operating hours, as part of the Extra Magic Hours benefit. Today we have even more great news: Guests staying at these hotels this fall will have more opportunities to take advantage of thisExtra Magic Hours benefit with Extra, Extra Magic Hours at our theme parks!

The Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit will include expanded daily offerings at three of our theme parks, which includes more time to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as other experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom theme parks. Here’s the rundown: 

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Daily from Sept. 1-Nov. 2, the park will have Extra, Extra Magic Hours from 6-9 a.m., including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, plus Toy Story Land attractions and select other attractions. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences subject to capacity.

(Please note that on Aug. 29-31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at 6 a.m. for all Guests. There will not be Extra, Extra Magic Hours on those days.)  

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park — Extra, Extra Magic Hours will happen daily from Aug. 29-Nov. 2, from 7-8 a.m., featuring Pandora – The World of Avatar and other attractions throughout the park (same as today’s morning Extra Magic Hours offerings).
• Magic Kingdom Park —Extra, Extra Magic Hours will happen daily fromAug. 29-Nov. 2, from 7-8 a.m., featuring favorite attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland (same as today’s morning Extra Magic Hours offerings).

Extra Magic Hours will also continue to be available on select days at Epcot.

If your Clients are visiting this fall, they should know that the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit at the Walt Disney WorldResort requires a valid theme park admission and hotel ID.  Guests without the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option must spend the day at the same park where they’d like to enjoy the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit. 

Also, not all Walt Disney Worldattractions are available with the Extra Magic Hours benefit. Park hours and available attractions are subject to change without notice. *Applicable theme park, days and times of operation, attraction and service availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity and cancellation. 

Extra Magic Hours is one of the many benefits and amenities your Clients can enjoy as a guest of a Disney Resort hotel. Some of the others include early access to Disney FastPass+ planning (not available during Extra Magic Hours benefit, complimentary motorcoach transportation and standard theme park parking and other entertaining amenities.  

Theme Park hours can be found on the Disney Travel Agents website under the “Destinations” tab.  

May The Fourth Be With You!

*The Extra Magic Hours benefit applies to Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Shades of Green® Resort, Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando. 

In just a few weeks, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will welcome its first visitors at the Disneyland® Resort. To honor that momentous occasion, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is celebrating in the summer issue of Disney twenty-three, its quarterly publication. While the magazine is only available to D23 Gold Members, we wanted to give you a first look at the new issue—and what’s inside.

The exclusive photos were so breathtaking that D23 expanded this issue to showcase even more of the Black Spire Outpost, with three rich stories that feature exclusive interviews with the Imagineers behind the epic project. Readers will explore the two groundbreaking attractions in “Shift Your Setting to Thrill!” and get swept up in the immersive environments and new technologies in “Living on the Edge.”

And the spread featured here is from the story “A Galaxy Not So Far Away,” which gives readers  the lay of the 14-acre land, along with a guided tour courtesy of Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Executive Scott Trowbridge.

Look for more behind-the-scenes exclusives at D23.com leading up to the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in the coming weeks.

Calling all princes and princesses! We’re excited to introduce a new package at Magic Kingdom Park that is fit for royalty.

Starting today, May 2, 2019,  you can reserve the new Signature Celebration Package at Cinderella’s Royal Table for your Clients. In addition to enjoying a scrumptious dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table, you will be able to take advantage of reserved “Happily Ever After” fireworks viewing in the West Plaza Garden (a separate area for Guests of this package) before joining the After Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace. On top of all of that, you can experience unique and exclusive extras that make this an even more magical evening!

Cinderella and her Prince Charming will personally welcome Guests upon arrival to the storybook setting of Cinderella Castle and invite them to embark on a royal evening which Guests will kick off at their table with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or a specialty beverage. Throughout the meal, Cinderella’s Princess friends, will come to the table to greet Guests and take photos.

Once you have had their fill of delicious food, a beautiful box of Cinderella-inspired confections will be gifted to them to commemorate their time dining in Cinderella’s castle! Following their dining experience, you will move on to a reserved viewing area for the spectacular Happily Ever After Fireworks display. Then, the enchanting evening will end with a dessert party, where Cinderella-inspired desserts will enhance the array of offerings.

This sounds like the perfect way to end an amazing day at Magic Kingdom Park – or an extra magical way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other special occasions!

This new package is currently only offered during one seating at Cinderella’s Royal Table, and reservations are limited and highly recommended. Book reservations for you today by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting DisneyWorld.com.  The cost of this experience is $199 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $169 plus tax and gratuity for children.

May the 4th will soon be here and today we have an early look at exclusive Star Wars merchandise and a few of the out-of-this-galaxy park experiences to celebrate the day with us at Walt Disney World® Resort.

During the annual fan-proclaimed “Star Wars Day,” we’re releasing several new items, including a Star Wars T-shirt, drinkware and several pins.  The special themed merchandise will be available on May 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Tatooine, Launch Bay and Mickey’s of Hollywood and at Disney Springs® at Star Wars Galactic Outpost and Star Wars Trading Post.  Merchandise available while supplies last.

Also, tickets are now on sale for a special Disney After Hours celebration of May the 4th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  If you aren’t familiar with Disney After Hours events, they’re a great  opportunity to experience the magic of a Disney theme park for three hours after regular park hours, with limited attendance, which means little-to-no wait for attractions, experiences and character greetings. And don’t forget, tickets are commissionable! 

On May 4, 2019,  you  have the opportunity to encounter Chewbacca with Rey, Kylo Ren with Captain Phasma and more at the park during Disney After Hours! There will also be themed merchandise and special treats available for purchase. You can grab Disney After Hours tickets for May the 4th right now.   *Be sure your costume fits within the park guidelines.

During May the 4th, it’s also a great time to ride Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and enjoy other Star Wars experiences, including:

• Star Wars Guided Tours – The full Force of Star Wars fun happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with this all-access tour.
• Star Wars: Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – You can enjoy Star Wars-themed desserts and drinks (with a souvenir stein) while watching the show from a reserved viewing area.
• Star Wars Launch Bay: Meet Chewbacca –  Guests can experience a  rebel rendezvous with this legendary Wookiee warrior.
• Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple – Young Guests can train in the ways of The Force and put skills to the test against the Dark Side.
• March of the First Order – You can witness Captain Phasma leads her squad of stormtroopers up Hollywood Boulevard.

By: Disney DestinationsMay 2, 2019

At this time, reservations for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort for May 31-June 23 are no longer available for Guests not staying in a Disneyland Resort hotel. However, rooms at the three Disneyland Resort hotels are still available during this time, and Guests who stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel between May 31 and June 23, 2019, will receive a designated reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay.* 

And, don’t forget: There is so much for you to enjoy at Disneyland Resort throughout the month of June beyond visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It’s never been a better time for you to check out new experiences, including the recently opened Jessie’s Critter Carousel at Disney California Adventure Park, and delight in a freshly reimagined Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park.

*If the hotel reservation is cancelled, the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation will be cancelled