WDW Daily News

Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect place to celebrate mothers who deserve the best on their special day. From relaxing spa treatments and delicious meals to shopping at Disney Springs and exploring Walt Disney World theme parks, there are near limitless options to give mom the perfect Mother’s Day this year. Special offerings include floral gift packages, holiday menus at several restaurants, Mother’s Day-themed events at select Disney resorts and more.

Elegant Floral Arrangements

Moms will know how much they’re loved with beautiful floral arrangements from Disney Floral and Gifts. Guests can choose traditional roses, an arrangement inspired by a favorite Disney character or work with a Disney designer to create a custom bouquet.

Disney Floral and Gifts also has special gift packages just for Mother’s Day. The Mother’s Day Family Treats Tote includes an assortment of snacks moms will love.

To learn more, guests can visit Disneyfloralandgifts.com.

Delectable Bites

Mother’s Day dining options will be available at select restaurants across Walt Disney World, including Terralina Crafted Italian and Paddlefish at Disney Springs, Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Rose & Crown Dining Room at Epcot. Specialty desserts will also be available at select resort hotels and dining locations within the theme parks.

A delicious brunch is also a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Walt Disney World has numerous options, whatever mom’s preferred taste.

For adventurous eaters, Boma – Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers traditional African choices such as Cape Malay Lamb Stew or Couscous alongside American favorites.

Fans of Disney characters should check out Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Favorite characters from “Tangled” and “The Little Mermaid” will greet families who can also enjoy entrées including frittatas, pancakes and breakfast calzones.

For moms who enjoy the fancier things in life, the Grand Floridian Café at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a great option. This upscale eatery serves American classics moms are sure to love. For an afternoon break, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa also offers a classic Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room. This elegant experience combines international teas with sandwiches, scones and other tasty delicacies.

For Walt Disney World dining information, guests should visit Disneyworld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.

Stay in the Middle of the Magic

Select Disney resort hotels will host special events for Mother’s Day. Minnie’s Mother’s Day Chocolate Party at Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers decadent desserts including chocolate fondue, chocolate ravioli and a milkshake station. At Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, moms and their families can create a special Mother’s Day painting with an Alice in Wonderland theme from 10 a.m. to noon.

Mothers will be thrilled with the idea of turning Mother’s Day into a vacation at a Disney resort hotel, with perks including complimentary transportation via motor coach, ferry boat or Monorail services to the theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs, as well as package delivery back to her room and more.

For reservations and additional information about Disney resort hotels, guests should call 407-W-DISNEY or visit Disneyworld.com/resorts.

Unforgettable Experiences 

Exciting experiences only Disney can provide are the perfect way to spend Mother’s Day.

The 26^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is a great way to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of spring. Moms will love seeing the lush topiaries and festival blooms while savoring fine tastes and sips along the way.

For a unique day at the theme parks, families can try a specialty tour to experience Walt Disney World in a whole new way. Guests can learn how the magic at Magic Kingdom Park comes to life on Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour, snorkel with thousands of sea creatures in the Epcot Seas Adventures – Aqua Tour or get up close with exotic African wildlife on Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And foodie moms will love the Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour, which invites guests to taste their way through the park’s kitchens. Tour reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.

Luxurious Spa Treatments

Treat mom to a day of pampering at one of the full-service spas at Walt Disney World. Massages, facial treatments, body therapies, manicures, pedicures and more are the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate. Senses – A Disney Spa at both Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort offer packages for the ultimate day of indulgence.

Shop Till Mom Drops

Children can find their mother’s perfect gift at Disney Springs. Hand-crafted jewelry, luxurious bath products, decadent candies and stylish accessories are just a few of the options available at the dining, shopping and entertainment district of Walt Disney World Resort.

The Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival is currently taking place at Walt Disney World ®Resort through June 3, 2019, with a wide selection of delectable bites at outdoor kitchens and dozens of Disney-themed topiaries blooming around the park.

New in 2019, the festival’s Garden Rocks Concert Series expanded to seven days a week, with a total of 270 concerts spanning multiple genres over the course of the 90-day event.

We’re excited to share the remaining rocking line-up for the 2019 Garden Rocks Concert Series!

• May 5-7: Don Felder, Formerly of the Eagles “Hotel California”
• May 8-9: A Flock of Seagulls (NEW) “I Ran (So Far Away)”
• May 10-11: Marshall Tucker Band (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Heard It in a Love Song”
• May 12-13: The Lovin’ Spoonful “Summer in the City”
• May 14-15: Richard Marx (New to Garden Rocks) “Right Here Waiting”
• May 16-19: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
• May 20-21: Colin Hay of Men at Work (NEW) “Who Can It Be Now?”
• May 22-23: War (NEW) “Why Can’t We Be Friends”
• May 24-27: The Guess Who “American Woman”
• May 28-29: Jon Secada “Just Another Day”
• May 30- June 1: Blood, Sweat and Tears “Spinning Wheel”
• June 2-3 – Eddie Palmieri (NEW), “Vamanos Pa’l Monte”

Garden Rocks concert performances take place at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. each night of the festival and are included in regular park admission. Your Clients can enjoy guaranteed concert seating by reserving a Garden Rocks Dining Package and enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner at select Epcot restaurants. 

Savor the magic this summer during a fun-filled vacation at Walt Disney World® Resort! As a Disney Visa Cardmember, you can enjoy a FREE dining plan when they purchase a non-discounted 4-night/5-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room for 4 nights at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel and 5-day theme park tickets with Park Hopper® Option.Book through June 16, 2019 for arrivals most nights Aug. 1-21, 2019.

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The Walt Disney Studios has unveiled its upcoming slate following the recent acquisition of the Fox film studios, including changes to previously dated films and a number of major additions.

The Studios’ 2019 slate rounds out with Fox’s The Woman in the Window on Oct. 4 and Ford V. Ferrari on Nov. 15, Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil on Oct. 18 and Disney Animation’s Frozen 2 on Nov. 22, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on Dec. 20, and Blue Sky Studios’ Spies in Disguise, moving from September to Christmas. Among early 2020 titles are Fox’s Underwater on Jan. 10, a new Kingsman movie on Feb. 14, and Call of the Wild on Feb. 21, followed by Pixar’s Onward on March 6 and Disney’s Mulan on March 27.

The updated calendar also sets release dates for major franchises Avatar and Star Wars. With Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker bringing the original Skywalker Saga to its conclusion, three new as-yet-untitled Star Wars films will release on the pre-Christmas weekend every other year beginning in 2022. Four forthcoming Avatar films, expanding the vibrant world of Pandora, will release on the pre-Christmas weekend every other year beginning in 2021. In the holiday corridor for 2020, Fox’s West Side Story adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg, will debut Dec. 18 in the pre-Christmas slot, with Disney’s Cruella opening Wednesday, Dec. 23, for the long holiday weekend.

After kicking off with the record-setting success of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame, The Walt Disney Studios’ 2019 summer slate includes Disney’s Aladdin on May 24, Fox’s Dark Phoenix on June 7, Pixar’s Toy Story 4 on June 21, Fox’s Stuber on July 12, and Disney’s The Lion King on July 19. Fox 2000’s The Art of Racing in the Rain moves up to Aug. 9, and Fox Searchlight’s Ready or Not will release on Aug. 23, while three films move to later dates: Ad Astra (9/20/19), The New Mutants (4/3/20), and Artemis Fowl (5/29/20).

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES
RELEASE SCHEDULE

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There’s never been a better time for you to check out new experiences throughout the Disneyland Resort. 

Now, and throughout the summer, there’s so much exciting to enjoy, including:

• Take a ride on the recently opened Jessie’s Critter Carousel at Disney California Adventure
• Delight in a freshly reimagined Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland
• Savor the breathtaking World of Color, which recently made its stunning return to Disney California Adventure
• Snap some Instagram-worthy shots at the all-new Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration at Downtown Disney.
• Watch as the magic of Disney animation and music come to life at “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” at Disney California Adventure
• Indulge in over-the-top ice cream creations at Black Tap, which is now open at Downtown Disney.

Rooms at the three Disneyland Resort hotels are still available in June. 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.*

There’s so much to see and do throughout the entire Disneyland Resort – encourage you to book a stay today!

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

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.

Full Story

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.