WDW Daily News

Are you visiting Walt Disney World® Resort on March 8? In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, Guests can enjoy special entertainment experiences, and food and beverage offerings in all four Walt Disney World theme parks!

Here’s what’s on tap for each location:

At Magic Kingdom® Park, you can enjoy the Sisters Soiree Dance Party in Tomorrowland, featuring favorite female characters like Judy Hopps from “Zootopia” and Joy from “Inside Out.” Guests can also purchase special Strawberry Shortcake Shooters at Cheshire Café and Westward Ho.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios® Guests exploring Star Wars Launch Bay will encounter Rey alongside Chewbacca in a hidden Resistance base. The women of the Green Army Patrol will also proudly march through Toy Story Land, while the citizens of Municiberg honor the Super women of their city as part of “An Incredible Celebration.” The park’s special treats include a Mrs. Incredible Pretzel Mask at Neighborhood Bakery, Key Lime Pie Verrine at Backlot Express and Rosie’s All-American, Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake at Catalina Eddie’s, and Tres Leche at Fairfax Faire.

Guests visiting Epcot® for the day can enjoy Voices of Liberty inside The American Adventure, celebrating women with special performances of empowering songs. Guests can also stop into Fountain View at Epcot for a Purple Minnie Dome Cake, Purple Cupcakes at Kringla Bakery and Sunshine Seasons, Mascarpone Apple Cake at Akershus, Purple Troll Kreme Slush at the Norway Beer Cart, and International Women’s Day Cookies at Biergarten Restaurant.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park Guests can commemorate the day during the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party on Discovery Island and the Dino-riffic Dance Party that night in Dinoland, U.S.A. Guests wishing to purchase an International Women’s Day Cupcake can find this sweet treat at Creature Comforts and Restaurantosaurus, or Infinite Ambition drinks at Tiffins Restaurant or Nomad Lounge, or Sangria at Tusker House Restaurant and Dawa Bar. International Women’s Day Cookies can also be found at various outdoor vending locations throughout the park.

And Guests visiting Disney Springs® on March 8 can enjoy special International Women’s Day Dark Chocolate Ganache Squares and chocolate Power Pinata can be found at the Ganachery, while a Pink Macaron Lollipop can be purchased at Amorette’s Patisserie.

Beginning today, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando are now designated as OfficialWalt Disney World® Hotels. Each guest staying at these hotels in 2019 with valid Walt Disney World theme park admission will have access to the Walt Disney World theme park Extra Magic Hours benefit.

Each day, one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks opens early or extends later for Guests to enjoy select attractions, and during select dates, the Extra Magic Hours benefit may also be offered at a Walt Disney World water park.

Guests at these OfficialWalt Disney World Hotels must present an official voucher, which they may obtain at the hotel, and a valid Theme Park ticket to utilize the Extra Magic Hours benefit. Guests without the Park Hopper® Option or Park Hopper Plus® Option must use their ticket for admission to the same theme park where they would like to enjoy the Extra Magic Hours benefit.

This hotel benefit is subject to change without notice.

Also, scheduled to begin April 3, 2019, guests at Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando who have booked a Walt Disney Travel Company package including a stay at Hilton Bonnet Creek or Waldorf Astoria Orlando, and theme park admission, will be able to link their hotel reservation on MyDisneyExperience.com, and with a linked, valid theme park ticket, these guests can utilize a 60-day booking window for FastPass+ selections.

Pixar Pier, the reimagined land in Disney California Adventure® Park, shares the stories and characters of Disney•Pixar films with exciting attractions, themed neighborhoods and fun eateries. Today, we’re excited to share Jessie’s Critter Carousel will open in April!

You can mosey on over to a giant toy carousel starring Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl and a friendly bunch of desert critters for a rootin’, tootin’ romp. Inspired by the “Toy Story” films, this attraction invites you to saddle up on a whimsical snake, armadillo, turtle, bunny and more from the world of Woody’s Roundup. This newly reimagined attraction will have you yelling “giddyup!”

For fans who have waited a lifetime to board the Millennium Falcon or be ushered through a Star Destroyer by an army of Stormtroopers, let me tell you first-hand: it’s real, it’s happening, and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

Travel + Leisure was given a first look into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the forthcoming Star Wars-themed land opening at Disneyland Resort in summer 2019 and Walt Disney World Resort in fall 2019.

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We previously mentioned that when visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you will be able to explore this entire new land with all of their senses. Visitors will be able to taste otherworldly flavors and enjoy the tantalizing scents of our many food and beverage locations. Among the newly revealed list of venues at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo.

A multi-purpose transport shuttle docked on top of the large hangar will beckon Guests into this fast-casual restaurant, a designated location for traveling food shuttles. Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs is in much demand for his culinary skills, so he moves from site to site in a modified Sienar-Chall Utilipede-Transport that becomes a mobile kitchen and restaurant – like an intergalactic “food truck.” His travels across the galaxy allow him to fill his pantry with exotic ingredients he uses to make new and unusual dishes inspired by the fare he created during his time working for Maz Kanata in her castle on Takodana. Now, “Cookie” is proud to share his cuisine with visitors at Tuggs’ Grub, a “traveling diner for diners traveling.”

Cookie’s food shuttle, now docked on the roof of the hangar bay, has lowered a series of pods into the hangar, carrying precious cargo – Chef Tuggs’ finest ingredients gathered from across the galaxy. Situated inside Docking Bay 7, other pods from Black Spire Outpost provide other produce, provisions, and equipment for all incoming freighters to the hangar. Guests may choose to dine indoors in the hangar bay or outside in a shaded courtyard.

From the early days of the design of this new land, we partnered with the amazing team from Disney Parks Food and Beverage Concept Development to provide innovative and creative food and beverage offerings that enhance the immersive storytelling of the various dining establishments located in Black Spire Outpost. Throughout the outpost, Guests will encounter familiar flavors but sometimes with unexpected and surprising colors and textures. The unique presentation takes Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo to the next galaxy.

Along with the Food and Beverage Concept Development team, we’ve selected just a few of our favorites to share with you today, including the Ithorian Garden Loaf, a plant-based “meatloaf” that comes served with roasted vegetable mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce. Another hearty option is the Smoked Kaadu Ribs. These country sticky pork ribs come with a unique blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw. Stay tuned for more details.  

In summer 2020, Disney Cruise Line will embark on a variety of itineraries around the world, including a long-awaited return to Greece and the addition of five first-time ports of call in Europe. Along with an expanded European season aboard the Disney Magic, adventures will continue across the fleet with sailings to Alaska, the Caribbean and Bahamas. Click  here to view dates.

European Explorations

After a five-year hiatus, the Disney Magic will return to Greece in summer 2020 as part of three special Mediterranean voyages departing from Rome. During one 12-night and two nine-night cruises, your Clients can marvel at the beautiful landscapes and archeological wonders of destinations like Piraeus, the gateway to Athens; Katakolon, near ancient Olympia; and the islands of Santorini, Mykonos and Crete.

Each of these unique Mediterranean itineraries combines a selection of stops in Greece with visits to other notable cities in the region. Two of the sailings include a new port of call in Messina, Italy, where Guests can visit landmarks in Sicily such as Mount Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe, or the Piazza del Duomo, the city’s historic center. The third features a return to the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik, Croatia, for the first time in five years.

Additional new ports of call in Europe include Gdynia, Poland; Nordfjordeid, Norway; Plymouth, England; and Zeebrugge, Belgium. This new collection of destinations is part of the Disney Magic’s grand tour of Europe in the summer of 2020, which begins with sailings through the Mediterranean and Greek Isles before heading to northern Europe in late summer for cruises to the Baltic, British Isles and Norwegian fjords.

Alaskan Adventures            

In 2020, the Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for the summer season, opening up a world of breathtaking natural vistas, magnificent glaciers and awe-inspiring wildlife. These seven-night itineraries depart from Vancouver, Canada, with visits to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Dawes Glacier. Each sailing features fun and adventure both in port and on the ship, from stunning scenery and one-of-a-kind Port Adventures in each destination to special touches that bring the splendor and spirit of Alaska to life onboard.

Tropical Travel to the Caribbean and Bahamas

In addition to seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, near Orlando, Florida, the Disney Fantasy will embark on a variety of itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas throughout the summer of 2020. These include five- and nine-night Caribbean sailings, along with three-, four- and five-night Bahamian cruises, three of which feature two stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.  

The Disney Dream will provide even more opportunities for guests to visit Castaway Cay in the summer of 2020 with three-, four- and five-night Bahamian cruises, including a series of sailings with two calls on the private island paradise.

Each sailing aboard the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream allows your Clients to experience the magic of Disney entertainment, which includes themed dining spaces, Broadway-style shows and more, while also immersing them in the charming island cultures of tropical destinations throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Guided Experiences with Adventures by Disney

In summer 2020, Disney Cruise Line guests can enrich their cruise vacation with a variety of add-on packages from Adventures by Disney®, a leader in family guided group vacations. Highlights include brand-new ways to experience the Caribbean, a return to Alaska and popular packages in northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Premium Cruise Packages

With Adventures by Disney, your Clients can book the ultimate Disney cruise experience on select sailings in Alaska, Europe and—new for 2020—the Caribbean. Throughout the voyage, knowledgeable Adventure Guides provide dedicated service both onboard and in port, as they lead guests on specially curated excursions, interactive activities and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Onboard the ship, guests enjoy unique experiences and premium amenities exclusive to Adventures by Disney, such as an intimate talkback session with Walt Disney Theatre cast members followed by a behind-the-scenes costume and prop activity.

Pre-Cruise Escapes with Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney also offers popular pre-cruise vacations in Rome; London; Barcelona, Spain; and Copenhagen, Denmark. These two- to three-night Escapes feature unforgettable experiences in iconic cities, such as a private, after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome. Plus, activities like flamenco dancing, mosaic making and preparing local cuisine immerse families in the culture of each region.

• Bookings open online and by phone to Platinum Castaway Club Members and Golden Oak Club Members on March 4, 2019 at 8 a.m. ET.
• Bookings open online and by phone to Gold Castaway Club Members on March 5, 2019 at 8 a.m. ET.
• Booking open online and by phone to Silver Castaway Club Members, Adventure Insiders and Disney Vacation Club Members on March 6, 2019 a.m. ET.
• Bookings open online and by phone to the general public online on March 7, 2019.

It takes a village to create something as groundbreaking as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ⎯ including the costumes that will be worn in the village in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We’ve shared a lot about how the details are what bring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life, and that principle carries through all the items worn by Cast Members, who will be residents of the planet Batuu and carrying out their daily lives in Black Spire Outpost.

In the early stages of designing the land, we knew that the Cast Members working here would be part of the story in a way unlike we’ve ever seen before. This guiding principle led a team of costumers, buyers and artists to create dozens of styles for Cast working on Batuu. Outside of the, well, orderly First Order, the costumes for members of the Resistance and, particularly the villagers, will be as varied as the Cast Members themselves. Different styles and colors for pants and shirts, and optional accessories like scarves, hats and even necklaces, will allow Cast to mix and match to create individualize their part of our Star Warsstory.

Designers took inspiration from all of the Star Wars films as well as the animated series, identifying iconic looks and silhouettes to translate into real world costume pieces. The team took risks in the choices they made, including working with innovative fabrics to make the costumes as unique and comfortable as possible. Mesh panels make vests lighter, nylon makes a stretchy pant more unique, cotton creates a more breathable shirt. Comfort and durability are priorities when creating Cast costumes, so the team conducted a variety of tests to ensure the fabrics would wear well over time.

Let’s take a closer look at the different groups of costumes available to Cast.

Join the Resistance
Resistance costumes are rugged, military-inspired uniforms, with a soft, well-used feel. Vests and jackets feature patch details inspired by communicators worn in the films, and there is an optional hat to protect from the elements.

The First Order
This costume is a powerful, charcoal grey military-style uniform with structured shoulders taken directly from the looks we’ve seen on screen. In stark contrast to the other costumes seen on the planet of Batuu, First Order costumes are pristine, polished and orderly. General Hux would have it no other way.

Black Spire Outpost Villagers
The village costume collection is comprised of multiple shirts, bottoms and vests for tons of mix and match options to suit preference and personality. There is also a suite of accessories including scarves, necklaces, hats and a versatile pouch to further customize their look.

Stay tuned for more details and installments as we continue to “Build Batuu” and as the Batuuan locals say farewell…“Till the Spire!”

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One of the first decisions you make when planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, can also be one of the most overwhelming: Where to stay? With more than two dozen Disney owned-and-operated resorts on property, there’s something for every family and every budget, from character-obsessed kids to adults wanting a little luxury.

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The summer’s hottest water park party is fast approaching! Disney H2O Glow Nights, which made a huge splash in its debut at Walt Disney World® Resort this past summer, is coming back to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon® Water Park just in time for your 2019 summer vacation. 

Starting May 30, 2019, Disney H2O Glow Nights splashes down on select Thursday and Saturday nights, through Aug. 24, 2019. The party officially runs 8 p.m.-11 p.m., but Guests can experience Typhoon Lagoon as early as 6 p.m. on event nights. 

Disney H2O Glow Nights tickets are $59 for adults (plus tax) and $54 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax) in advance. On event days, tickets are $69 for adults (plus tax) and $64 for children (plus tax) at the gate

For those looking to purchase in-story Star Wars merchandise and rare finds from across the galaxy, look no further than the many different Outpost stores and market stalls.

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – For those in the know, Dok-Ondar is the Ithorian you seek for selling and buying rare and uniquely-valued items from across the galaxy and spanning all eras.

Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers – Guests come to the workshop to meet with the Gatherers – a secretive group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of Jedi lore and the Force. The workshop Master guides guests to customize and build their own unique lightsabers, and instructs them on the ways of the Jedi.

Droid Depot – Visitors to Mubo’s workshop can choose parts and construct their own individual astromech droids to accompany them on their journey, and then take them home with them. First Order Cargo – A spaceport hangar bay serves as the temporary base and landing spot for the First Order. First Order officers have brought in crates of gear, uniforms and other supplies to win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors to Black Spire Outpost. Resistance Supply – Resistance members and local sympathizers oversee a makeshift stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, pins, badges, hats, helmets, jackets, maps, tools, training supplies, food rations and other items. 

There are also several market stalls which sell a variety of merchandise such as: 

• Toydarian Toymaker (toys) 
• Creature Stall (interesting critters that you can take home with you)
• Black Spire Outfitters (clothing)
• The Jewels of Bith (accessories and other trinkets to treasure)