WDW Daily News

Only a few short steps away from The Art of Disney near Goofy’s Candy Co. at Disney Springs® Marketplace, The Art Corner by Artistic Talent Group is a can’t-miss destination for any creative at heart.

At this new pop-up store, you can check out the unique hands-on Artistic Marbling activity where they’ll learn the ancient art form of Suminigashi and work side by side with a professional artisan to create custom-made silk items. This unique experience debuted at the 2018 Epcot® International Festival of the Arts and continues to be a Guest favorite. The best part? There’s no way to mess it up! Each scarf design comes out beautifully.

Coffe lovers can show their love for your favorite morning java with a unique “Coffee & Canvas” piece! Florida artist, Steven Mikel, adds a touch of whimsy to the space with his unique coffee-inspired paintings designed to reveal beauty tucked away in the details of the world. 

Caricatures continue to be a Guest favorite souvenir at Walt Disney World® Resort and The Art Corner by Artistic Talent Group offers a new and innovative digital sketch version, as well as the classic watercolor style. Guests will also find another souvenir favorite, Name Works, the popular provider of personalized artwork, whipping up hand-drawn names personalized with your choice of illustrations.

Today we’re excited to share another exciting Disney Skyliner milestone – the first Guest cabins to make test runs back-and-forth between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®!

As we’ve previously shared the state-of-the-art gondola system will begin transporting Guests at the Walt Disney World® Resort beginning later this fall. The system will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot® to four resort hotels- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort as well as the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Riviera Resort.

The test-run gondolas recently traveled across Victory Way between the stations at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  

As you can see in the image with The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in the background, the gondolas remained covered during testing. But when operating later this fall, some cabins will feature beautiful graphics based on Disney films, attractions and characters.

Last month, we shared a special sneak peek at some of the gondola art and characters.

Stay tuned as we reveal more exciting details about Disney Skyliner throughout the year.

The fan favorite “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” is currently making its way through Disneyland® Park as part of Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration!

This popular parade puts music in motion with Disney characters, performers and two new parade floats with eye-catching visuals and whimsical elements. Mickey starts the party in a larger-than-life opening as he and his drum corps kick off a lively, musical procession with Disney characters. Next, Chip ‘n’ Dale arrive with a giant new celebration cake, followed by Goofy pulling another new float, inspired by the classic and nostalgic Mickey pull toys.

Get Your Ears On is a celebration for the legendary duo that started it all! The party features new entertainment, including “Mickey’s Mix Magic,” as well as limited-time decor, food and beverage offerings and festive event merchandise.

Recently, we shared we told you the large and exotic bird known as “Kevin,” from Disney•Pixar’s “Up!,” appeared to be migrating north from Paradise Falls in the direction of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. As you can see from this exclusive footage, it looks like she’s been spotted on the park’s Discovery Island!

Did you know that one out of five birds – over 2,000 species – migrate from one geographic location to another every year? According to our friends with Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment team, many of those birds pass through Walt Disney World® Resort on their travels. Nearly one-third of the resort serves as an important corridor for many species, such as purple martins who spend their entire winter here and raise a family before returning home to Brazil. To learn more about migratory birds, visit DisneyAnimals.com.

We’re also excited to share that this adorable plush version of Kevin arrives in mid-February at select merchandise locations in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, such as Island Mercantile and Discovery Trading Co. You will definitely want to pick up one of these cuties. It’d be the perfect companion on their next wildlife adventure, spotting birds and other animals – at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or right in their own backyard!

Categories: Disney’s An

From the day Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park arrived on the planet, “The Lion King” has been part of the special DNA of the park. The fantastic “Festival of the Lion King” made its debut with the park in 1998 and is still one of the highest-rated shows across Walt Disney World® Resort. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the original animated film, “The Lion King,” and now more than ever, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is alive with the magic of its story and characters.

Each day, Discovery Island jams to the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party, a wild celebration where young adventurers can let out their inner animals on the dance floor. The party hosts engage everyone in entertaining dances and games inspired by “The Lion King” and some of the animals they’ve encountered in their travels.

A group of wildly talented musicians and a DJ provide the perfect soundtrack to the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party, featuring animal-inspired popular songs and tunes from “The Lion King,” all performed in a World Beat style. Timon, Rafiki and their Disney animal pals Baloo, Koda, Meeko and Terk stop by, too, living their best “Hakuna Matata” life!

Be sure to tell your Clients to look for fun photo spots, including a three-dimensional scene that looks as though it leapt right out of the film. And starting this summer, the Tree of Life will awaken in the evenings with a new story, depicting moments from Simba’s journey in a beautiful artistic style, set to evocative music inspired by the score of “The Lion King.”

Encourage your Clients to come join the celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, now through Sept. 30, 2019.

The popular Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to the Disneyland ResortMarch 1 to April 23, 2019, with flavors and fare inspired by the Golden State. Guests of all ages will discover the beauty and celebrate the bounty of California with unforgettable cuisine, beverages and entertainment at this culinary festival in Disney California Adventure Park. With experiences happening daily during the limited-time event,* guests will always find something tasty to try and fun to do as they explore the uniquely Disney festival.

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival features tempting items for the whole family to enjoy, including unique food and beverage offerings at 14 different Festival Marketplaces. Each location’s menu is inspired by fresh, California-grown ingredients. Guests will also discover locally brewed craft beers, wine and spirits from all across the region. Guests may choose to purchase the Sip and Savor Pass** to get the best value as they taste their way through the Festival Marketplaces and participating locations.

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 New sights, sounds and flavors of spring will envelop Walt Disney World Resort guests beginning March 6 when the 26^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival bursts into bloom.

This year’s festival will be chock-full of lush new topiary whimsy, edible delights, gardens to play in and an expanded lineup for the Garden Rocks Concert Series.

The 90-day event continues through June 3, featuring dozens of Disney-crafted topiaries and beds of multi-colored blooms that will transform the Epcot landscape into a floral extravaganza. As just one example of this metamorphosis, nearly 70,000 festival blooms will surround the lakes in Future World, while on the water, hundreds of colorful mini-gardens will be set afloat.

Here is a look at some of the discoveries guests will make this year:

• The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series will expand to every day of the festival, featuring chart-topping artists performing three shows daily on the America Gardens Theatre stage. That’s 270 concerts – more than ever before – featuring new and returning fan favorites spanning multiple genres. Returning favorites like The Spinners and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone will be joined by artists new to the festival like TobyMac, Steven Curtis Chapman and Colin Hay of Men at Work.
• Creative new culinary dishes and several new outdoor kitchens will debut this year. AdventHealth will host a kitchen along with a nearby playground where the whole family can learn fun and interactive ways to stay healthy.
• Woody and Buzz Lightyear will welcome Bo Peep and her sheep to their Toy Story topiary near the Family Play Zone in Future World East.
• Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration family scavenger hunt will be more fun than ever this year with new locations to discover along the garden pollination trail. Guests can also commemorate their scavenger hunt experience with select merchandise offerings featuring everyone’s favorite bee, Spike. Another guest favorite returning to the festival April 5-21 (while supplies last) is the Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt, where guests can search for Disney character-themed eggs around World Showcase.
• In celebration of Disneynature’s “Penguins,” opening April 17, a 9-foot-tall art sculpture made from recycled marine debris will be on display in Future World featuring an adult and baby Adélie penguin. Created by the non-profit organization WashedAshore.org, this work of art is designed to inspire Guests to keep our oceans and waterways clear of plastic pollution.

Among the returning gardens and exhibits, guests will once again enjoy the Goodness Garden Butterfly House presented by GoGo squeeZ where nearly 1,000 native butterflies willfly among the garden’s two dozen nectar plants. Additionally, several World Showcase pavilions will include gardens with floral life representative of plants in those countries, such as the Kokodema Garden and Bonsai Collection in Japan, the Urban Spice Garden in Morocco and the Alpine Container Garden in Germany.

As festival-goers take in all these floral wonders, they will find fine tastes to savor along their journey. In addition to the Outdoor Kitchens, raised-bed or in-ground gardens of herbs and produce will offer the perfect inspiration for learning to grow healthy ingredients. Several Epcot food-and-beverage locations – including Taste Track and Refreshment Port– will offer festival-themed eats and libations. Additionally, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at 15 popular Epcot restaurants and guaranteed seating for a nightly concert with a Garden Rocks Dining Package. Dining packages are now booking at FreshEpcot.com or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

Guided tours are also available for guests interested in learning more about nature’s magic. In Behind the Seeds – The Land, guests can explore the fish farm and four greenhouses that make up The Land at Epcot. Additionally, two guided experiences exclusive to the festival include:

• The Royal Tea Garden Tour, presented by Twinings, which takes place each festival morning at the United Kingdom. For a small fee, guests can follow a knowledgeable guide through the tranquil tea garden setting to learn the history and artistry behind growing and blending tea. A post-tour treat of tea and scones is included. The shorter, complimentary English Tea Garden Touralso will be offered on select days.
• During the Gardens of the World tour, guests will join a Disney horticulturist for a three-hour walking tour to explore the award-winning topiaries and gardens that make the festival so special. Guests will learn about the unique role landscaping plays at Walt Disney World and discover new plant materials and gardening techniques to use for home gardens.

Guided tours are offered select days throughout the festival for an additional fee. Epcot admission is required. Reservations for tours open January 2019. For more information or to make a reservation, call (407) WDW-TOUR.

Guests can also commemorate their visit to the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival with official event merchandise. They can dig up a charming array of whimsical apparel and headwear designed to capture the splendor of spring, garden tools and accessories, and magical Disney keepsakes to adorn their homes and gardens.

For more information about the 26^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, call (407) W-DISNEY. As the festival nears, more details will be available at FreshEpcot.com. The festival, including all gardens and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

Now, more than ever, Walt Disney World Resort is a great romantic destination for couples on Valentine’s Day – or those celebrating their love any day of the year. Throughout the theme parks, resort hotels and beyond, couples in love will find a wide range of experiences to enjoy together, from quaint to luxurious and everything in between.

Romantic meals, magical nighttime shows, pampering spa treatments and more await across the 40-square-mile resort. Here are just a few of the options for couples:

Incredible Resort Hotels – The fantastical and faraway themes of Disney resort hotels are the perfect setting for guests to live their own fairy tales with those they love. Superior service, breathtaking views and exclusive perks – like in-room celebrations – make a stay at a Disney resort hotel a magical experience for couples. For reservations, guests can call 407-W-DISNEY or visit Disneyworld.com/resorts.

Dining Options for All Palates – Couples will find a plethora of options for meals infused with romance:

• Several restaurants around Epcot offer relaxed yet upscale atmospheres combined with delectable bites and sips. For instance, guests can enjoy savory steaks and seafood in a cozy wine-cellar setting at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion or indulge in delectable seafood while enjoying views of a living coral reef at Coral Reef Restaurant.
• Wine Bar George at Disney Springs offers a casual, romantic evening – especially for wine aficionados, with more than 130 selections handpicked by Master Sommelier George Miliotes. Additionally, many Disney Springs restaurants will offer special menus on Valentine’s Day, including Paradiso 37, Terralina Crafted Italian, Maria and Enzo’s, and STK.
• Couples can step into the golden age of Hollywood at The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The upscale atmosphere combined with signature classic dishes creates a wonderful ambiance for a romantic meal.
• Restaurants at Disney resort hotels offer a wide variety of delicious dining experiences. The newly opened Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach makes a good setting for a casual yet romantic evening with tropical vibes and gorgeous waterfront views. Other good options for couples include The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which serves up fresh cuisine in a stylish setting, and Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, which treats couples to Southern hospitality and New Orleans favorites.
• Guests can enjoy a fun date night that includes dinner and a show with a Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package. As part of Epcot International Festival of the Arts, this package combines a delicious meal at one of five delectable restaurants as well as guaranteed seating to enjoy a showcase of iconic Disney on Broadway songs at the Disney on Broadway Concert Series. This experience runs through Feb. 25.

Plus, sweet treats for that special someone will be found across the resort on Valentine’s Day, including a Lady & the Tramp cupcake at Epcot and an array of desserts and cupcakes at select Disney resort hotels. For all Walt Disney World dining information, guests can visit Disneyworld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.

Massages and More – A spa day encourages couples to relax while indulging in massages, facials, skin therapies and other special treatments. Plus, Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa both offer a “Spa for Two” package that includes custom massages and pedicures.

Gifts to Say I Love You – The vast selection of merchandise available across Walt Disney World provides Valentine’s Day gift options of every shape, size, color and type.

Adorable Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Valentine Plush are a great choice. For the jewelry lover, guests can pick up a Lady & the Tramp Bangle by Alex and Ani. And if a couple is celebrating recent nuptials, they should snag classic bride-and-groom Minnie and Mickey ears!

For something extra special, romantics should contact the Dream Makers at Disney Floral and Gifts and arrange for in-room celebrations at their resort hotels. These one-of-a-kind experiences can include floral arrangements, champagne and more. Guests can arrange their celebration by visiting Disneyfloralandgifts.com or by calling 407-939-4438.

Share a View on the World – Guests aboard Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight at Disney Springs experience incredible views of the dining, shopping and entertainment the complex has to offer, as well as sights across Walt Disney World. A trip up in the air in the tethered balloon makes for a wonderful romantic addition to a night out.

Romance at Sea – There is something particularly romantic about a trip aboard a private yacht or other watercraft cruising from one of the marinas across Walt Disney World. The pinnacle nautical experience takes place aboard the Grand 1 Yacht, where you can enjoy spectacular fireworks views complete with private dining and butler amenities. Or guests can take a relaxing day cruise from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort along the waters of Crescent Lake and the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot. To reserve a cruise, guests should call 407-939-7529.

Get Back to Nature – Couples who love animals can embark on the Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This private tour includes views of the animals on the savanna, as well as a sampling of African-inspired food, paired with a selection of beer and wine. To book, guests can call 407-WDW-TOUR.

A Place for Kids – Couples traveling with their children can have a romantic night to themselves while the kids get a night on the town all their own at Pixar Play Zone. This immersive, Pixar-themed evening of games, characters, food and fun at Disney’s Contemporary Resort allows children ages 4-12 to learn the ways of the Wild West at Woody’s Roundup, participate in Space Ranger Training, build a race car to compete in the Piston Cup Challenge and more. This experience is available through March 30.

Say “I Do” – The ultimate in Disney romance is a wedding ceremony at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings can make all of a couple’s dreams come true on their special day.

Magical locations inside the theme parks and around the resort provide gorgeous backdrops for couples to exchange vows and celebrate their love with family and friends. From the enchanting Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to the iconic Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, the options are limitless.

Married couples can join in the fun, too, with a trip to Walt Disney World to spend their honeymoon, renew their vows or celebrate anniversaries.

For more information on Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, guests can call 321-939-4623 or visit Disneyweddings.com

From dining with Minnie and friends to the lovable Goofy, little ones will enjoy interactions with their favorite characters and delectable food at these Disneyland® Resort character dining locations.

1. Goofy’s Kitchen: Goofy fans won’t want  to miss a fun-filled breakfast or dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen in the Disneyland Hotel. They’ll enjoy an unforgettable meal with Goofy and friends as they create an oh-so-perfect meal from the wide selection of delicious, all-you-care-to-enjoy dishes. 
2. Plaza Inn: Fans, big and small, will love dining at Plaza Inn at Disneyland Park for “Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park.” You will enjoy an all-you-care-to-enjoy spread of all their morning favorites: made-to-order omelets and Mickey waffles, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, breakfast potatoes, fresh-baked pastries and breads, fruit, and hot and cold cereals

1. Storytellers Cafe: Are you looking to dine with the main Mouse? Then look no further than Storytellers Cafe for Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Breakfast at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. You can join Mickey as he welcomes them to an immersive culinary adventure with some of his closest friends! Guests can discover the fun and wonder of his latest escapades while enjoying a bountiful breakfast. Some delectable selections include made-to-order omelets, Mickey-shaped waffles, baked goods and fresh fruit.
2. Disney’s PCH Grill: And let’s not forget the lovable Donald Duck. Preschoolers will love dining at Disney’s PCH Grill for Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast Buffet at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Guests can start their day right with a variety of enticing breakfast items, including build-your-own-parfait stations, eggs benedict, Mickey waffles, Minnie pancakes, scrambled eggs, chilaquiles, chicken and waffles, smoked salmon and accompaniments.

Plus, don’t forget about Disneyland Resort’s newest character dining experience. It’s truly a fairytale come true. The all-new Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures is a one-of-a-kind dining event where families can share magical moments with Disney Princesses while enjoying a delectable three-course breakfast at Napa Rose restaurant.

1. Sid’s carpet has the same pattern as the carpet in the Overlook Hotel from The Shining.

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