Celebrate Mother’s Day with Brunch, Bangles and Bags at Disney Springs

Guests can add a little extra pixie dust to this year’s Mother’s Day celebrations with a great mix of dining, shopping and entertainment at Disney Springs.

A memorable brunch is the perfect way to begin – topped off with delicious desserts and maybe champagne or a smart cocktail. Whatever Mom’s culinary taste, she’ll love one of these tasty options.

  • Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante – If Mom thinks Italian food is delizioso, then reservations for the Mother’s Day brunch at this stunning new trattoria are a must! A special buffet will be served Sunday, May 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring gems like mascarpone French toast, poached hen egg and quinoa kale salad and hand-carved NY strip steak. The regular lunch menu will also be served. Reservations available at Maria & Enzo’s.com.
  • Enzo’s Hideaway – To celebrate Mother’s Day, Enzo’s Hideaway will offer a Prix Fixe menu of Italian specialties including ahi tuna crudo, ricotta gnocchi, pasta frutti di mare and trio of homemade gelatos. The restaurant will also serve regular menu items. Mom will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco when dining that day.
  • House of Blues Restaurant & Bar – On May 13, 2018, guests can celebrate Mother’s Day at the world-famous Gospel Brunch – a soulful experience that includes an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet and live entertainment. Guests can choose between the 10:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. seating based on availability.
  • Paddlefish – Guests can take in the scenic views of Disney Springs aboard an iconic Mississippi riverboat. This on-the-water seafood restaurant will whip up a special dish only for Mother’s Day brunch – lobster ravioli with tarragon cream sauce. The regular Sunday brunch will also be available.
  • Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant – There’s plenty of Celtic spirit during The Rollicking Raglan Brunch, May 12 and May 13, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The menu will include traditional Irish favorites, and live entertainment will be featured from noon to 4:00 p.m. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
  • STK Orlando – The ultra-modern steakhouse will feature a Mother’s Day weekend brunch buffet – served Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The buffet will include an omelet station, smoked salmon platter and an assortment of desserts including tres leches cakes, churros and cotton candy.

For reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463, or visit DisneyWorld.com 

Sweet Treats

Chocolates, baked goods and wine are always in style for Mother’s Day. Here are some of the sweet ideas at Disney Springs:

  • The Ganachery – Themed offerings include a glass of Rosa Regale paired with a gourmet ganache square or a Mother’s Day ganache lollipop.
  • Frontera Cocina – Moms can stop by for a relaxing glass of wine (on the house!), beautiful flowers and an afternoon of smooth Spanish guitar. Perfect for a much needed R&R. (Complimentary glass of wine must be accompanied by full-priced entree. Limit one glass of wine per entrée).
  • Sprinkles – The brand behind the most sought-after, gourmet cupcakes will offer a special Mom Box filled with the most popular cupcake flavors! This special box is only available from May 11 to May 13, 2018.

From Bangles to Bags

With great discounts, complimentary gifts with select purchases and unique gift sets designed with Mom in mind, ideas abound to score the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

  • Alex and Ani – Mom-themed pieces and gift-sets will be available, including birth-month crystals and “initials” charms. Mom is sure to find something to make her feel extra special. (Only from April 18, 2018 to May 13, 2018.)
  • Coach – From May 4 – May 13, 2018, the upscale boutique will offer 30% off during a special Mother’s Day event (with select exclusions).
  • PANDORA Jewelry – Guests can shop for beautiful collections of rings, earrings, necklaces and signature charms or create their own at a mother-daughter bracelet-building station that is exclusive to this location. From May 1 to May 13, 2018, moms will receive a complimentary gift with purchase.
  • Sugarboo & Co. – On May 12, 2018, the quirky boutique will offer a fun morning macramé class for mom, with coffee and shopping. Talk about the perfect combo!
  • Amorette’s Patisserie – Exclusively on Mother’s Day, this artsy and sophisticated pastry shop will offer cute cakes themed after Disney mothers – Mrs. Potts, Moana’s grandmother, and Coco’s mother and grandmother. Sugar cookies and millennial pink macaroons with pink filling will also be on the menu.
  • Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories – The ultimate destination for the latest fashion accessories and jewelry from Disney Parks has the perfect gift for mom – a PANDORA Jewelry mom charm! And on May 30, 2018, the one-stop styling location will release a special Pandora Spring charm.

The Celebration Continues Throughout Walt Disney World Resort

Guests looking to treat mom to different and unique experiences can chose from a wide range of options that go from the adventurous to the soothing.

  • Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – Guests can enjoy a family stroll at the 25th annual event bursting with brilliant gardens, fresh flavors and rocking entertainment. The festival offers many exclusive tours perfect for an afternoon with mom, such as the English Tea Garden Tour presented by Twinings of London. Mom can stroll through an English tea garden and learn about the importance of this classic beverage in British culture. These tours, along with others, can be booked by calling (407) WDW-TOUR.
  • Senses – A Disney Spa – A relaxing spa experience at Senses – A Disney Spa is what mom (and why not the rest of the family?) needs to celebrate her special day. Guests can visit either Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa to find a therapeutic haven of pampering and wellness. Services include aromatherapy massages, water therapy, sugar exfoliation body treatments, rejuvenating citrus facials and more. To book a treatment at either spa, call (407) -WDW-SPAS.
  • Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID at Disney Springs – This highly immersive and interactive hyper-reality experience is the perfect activity to spend some family quality time exploring an out-of-this-world galaxy. Tickets and details are available at TheVoid.com
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Adventures by Disney Launches its 2019 Season including New Japan Trip

Adventures by Disney® launched its 2019 itineraries – including the recently announced 11-day, 10-night Japan vacation.

Your Clients can enjoy an immersive, culturally rich vacation to Japan in 2019. During this incredible itinerary, they can visit temples in Kyoto, learn sword techniques with a master samurai, explore the bustling city of Tokyo, bike through rural Japan and more.

Booking for these new itineraries opens for Adventure Insiders, past Adventures by Disney guests, and Platinum and Gold Castaway Club Members on May 7, 2018. Booking for general public opens on May 9, 2018.

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Disney debuts new soft serve flavor that could rival Dole Whip

Disney is not a brand to rest on its laurels. The iconic theme park constantly churns out new foods, souvenirs and experiences. And now the mouse has a new dessert that might supplant the long-time favorite Dole Whip: the It’s Lemon soft serve.

Full Story & Photos

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Photos – Grevy’s Zebras Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom announces the birth of two female Grevy’s zebras Thurs., May 3, 2018. Currently, the foals are nursing and bonding with their moms backstage before joining the herd in the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail overlook. Originating from Africa, Grevy’s zebras are the most endangered species of zebra, with approximately 2,500 in the world. Visit DisneyAnimals.com to learn more about zebras and other animals at Walt Disney World Resort. (Disney)

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Unwrapping New Details: Toy Story Land Coming June 30 to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

As fans continue the countdown to the opening of Toy Story Land on June 30, more “toy-riffic” news is emerging as anticipation builds for the colorful new land coming to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Guests will “shrink” to the size of a toy as they enter into this land full of everyone’s favorite toys, building blocks and game pieces. Across eleven fun-filled acres designed to recreate Andy’s toy-filled backyard from the Disney·Pixar “Toy Story” films, guests will be fully engaged in the wonderful world where Woody, Buzz, Jessie and all their pals come out to play. Attractions and experiences straight from Andy’s imagination will treat park-goers to the best playtime ever – even after the Tinker Toy lights come on.

Here’s some freshly unwrapped news:

  • Alien Swirling Saucers. Designed as a playset Andy won at the Pizza Planet restaurant, this all-new attraction is out-of-this-world fun. “Toy Story” green aliens have powered up their flying saucers and earthbound guests get to play along. In rocket ship toys, guests swirl and whirl among toy planets and space stations as part of the game while “The Claw” hangs overhead. This space adventure is bathed in multi-color lighting and sound effects from throughout the galaxies. NEW: Disney has released the first-ever images of the new attraction, showing the toy spaceships being piloted by everyone’s favorite aliens.
  • Ten-hut! Just announced, Sarge and the Green Army Man Drum Corps will be marching several times a day through Toy Story Land. As the Drum Corps marches on, everyone’s invited to follow another contingent of Green Army Men to their fun and interactive boot camp, where they’ll “toy” with guests using giant Pixar balls, oversized crayons and a game of SARGE SAYS (their own spin on Simon Says). Will guests have what it takes to become official recruits in Andy’s backyard?
  • Wheezy, the squeaky toy penguin from the “Toy Story” films, will do more than bring smiles to the faces of guests riding Slinky Dog Dash, the family-style coaster coming to Toy Story Land. The all-new Audio-Animatronics figure will appear in the last scene of the coaster singing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” in that great (and unexpected) voice of his. Wheezy will be accompanied by his toy friends: Mike the tape recorder, who’s provided him with a microphone, and Mr. Spell, who “texts” funny commentary.
  • After a day of play in Andy’s backyard, guests can relive their memories with fun merchandise created especially for Toy Story Land. Just announced – headbands are crowned by three-eyed space aliens or Slinky Dog. Slinky Dog also inspires a toy with light-up rings; he can even strrreetch around the waist or shoulders and double as a fashion accessory. Kids get bragging rights with commemorative “I Played There” t-shirts that let the world know they were among the first guests to Toy Story Land. These and other playful items will be available in merchandise locations found in Toy Story Land and at select shops in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

To learn more about Toy Story Land, visit DisneyWorld.com or call (407) 934-7639.

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First Look – Alien Swirling Saucers Ride at Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Take a look at a photo of the Alien Swirling Saucers Ride at Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

 

Alien Swirling Saucers. Designed as a playset Andy won at the Pizza Planet restaurant, this all-new attraction is out-of-this-world fun. “Toy Story” green aliens have powered up their flying saucers and earthbound guests get to play along. In rocket ship toys, guests swirl and whirl among toy planets and space stations as part of the game while “The Claw” hangs overhead. This space adventure is bathed in multi-color lighting and sound effects from throughout the galaxies. Disney has released the first-ever images of the new attraction, showing the toy spaceships being piloted by everyone’s favorite aliens.

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Disney Launches Food Network for Kids called ‘Disney Eats’

On Tuesday, Disney announced a new television network aimed at children, and it’s all about food. You probably won’t find many carrot cake churros or rose gold cupcakes on the new network, called Disney Eats, because it’s all about teaching kids to eat well.

Full Story

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Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats Now Open at Disney California Adventure Park

Just in time for summer – there’s a ‘cool’ new spot now open at Disney California Adventure® Park. One of the first locations to open along Pixar Pier, you will find Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats!

Inspired by the lovable and not-at-all-abominable monster from the Disney•Pixar film “Monsters, Inc.,” this will be a go-to spot for yummy frozen treats! Here you will enjoy cones and cups with tasty towering soft serve, available in chocolate, vanilla, and non-dairy lemon.

The Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats will also be scooping up a few specialty treats like the Pixar Pier Parfait, a non-dairy lemon soft serve and blue raspberry frozen beverage and the It’s Snow-Capped Lemon, also a non-dairy lemon soft serve with a “snow-cap” of white chocolate. A selection of fountain sodas will be served as well, with the option to turn any soda into a float with a choice of soft serve.

Pixar Pier is set to officially open in June at Disney California Adventure Park. This expansive reimagining will transform the shores of Paradise Bay with your favorite Pixar stories. Other exciting food and beverage locations coming to Pixar Pier include the new Lamplight Lounge, Poultry Palace, Señor Buzz Churros, and Angry Dogs.

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‘Pixar Play Parade’ Fun Facts

“Pixar Play Parade” returns April 13 for Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort, bringing even more Pixar stories to life during the limited-time celebration. For the first time, “Pixar Play Parade” makes its way through Disneyland Park daily and three new story elements add even more playfulness to this interactive, daytime parade.

The parade begins just as all Pixar films have, with an appearance by the iconic and adorable Pixar Lamp and Ball from the Pixar original short, “Luxo Jr.” Also joining “Pixar Play Parade” are characters and scenes from the beloved Disney•Pixar film, “Up.” Wilderness Explorer Russell appears astride the colorful flightless bird, Kevin. Carl Fredricksen and Dug follow behind, amid green foliage and Kevin’s chicks, with Carl’s tethered house floating above. Another popular Disney•Pixar story joining the “Pixar Play Parade” is “Inside Out.” Perched atop colorful memory orbs, Joy and Sadness take flight aboard Riley’s rocket wagon, with Bing Bong himself cheering them on.

In addition to these exciting new elements, “Pixar Play Parade” brings back some beloved Pixar pals from the exciting and colorful worlds of Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story,” “A Bug’s Life,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo” and “The Incredibles.” This energetic, immersive parade inspires guests of all ages to sing and dance along with acrobatics, high-energy choreography, interactive surprises and lively bubble and water effects.

With “Pixar Play Parade” dining packages, guests may enjoy a picnic-style lunch and a receive a voucher that provides access to a reserved viewing area for the parade. Guests may learn more about the dining packages, available at Plaza Inn, and make reservations at Disneyland.com.

“Pixar Play Parade” is just one of the many exciting offerings guests will experience during Pixar Fest.

 “Pixar Play Parade” Fun Facts:

  • “Pixar Play Parade” originally premiered in 2008 at Disney California Adventure Park.
  • The Pixar Lamp and Ball from Pixar’s original short, “Luxo Jr.” now lead the parade in a larger-than-life fashion. The Lamp is 14 feet tall and the Pixar Ball is nearly four feet wide.
  • Guests will want to keep an eye out for Kevin, the friendly bird from “Up” who stands nearly 12 feet tall from her toes to the top of her feathers. The “Up” unit also features Carl Fredricksen and Dug, while Kevin (a puppet) romps through the parade with pal Russell riding on her back.
  • From the tip-top of the balloons, the Fredricksen house from “Up” flies 17 feet above the parade route.
  • New music accompanies the three new story elements in the parade. The Pixar Lamp and Ball roll down the parade route to a “Pixar Medley,” the “Inside Out” unit is accompanied by the “Main Theme” and “Bing Bong Song,” and the “Up” element brings guests a new rendition of “Spirit of Adventure.”
  • On the “Inside Out” unit, guests will recognize Riley’s rocket wagon. Nearly 280 memory orbs of all different emotions appear at the base of this element.
  • 120-plus performers and crew entertain guests, along with 8 units that represent several of the DisneyŸPixar animated films.
  • The longest float is “A Bug’s Life” at 45 feet.
  • More than 2,000 pieces and parts make up the performers’ costumes.
  • Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil, who wrote many of the songs for the successful “High School Musical” movies, wrote the original songs for “Pixar Play Parade”: “Countdown to Fun” and “The Party’s On.”
  • Michael Curry, the award-winning production designer and co-designer of “The Lion King” masks and puppets for Broadway, created several of the puppets in “Pixar Play Parade,” including the nearly 12-foot tall bird, Kevin who appears with his friend Russell (“Up”); Marlin, Nemo, Dory, Crush and Squirt (“Finding Nemo”); Roz (“Monsters, Inc.”); Aliens, Tinker Toy and Slinky Dog (“Toy Story”); the Omnidroid unit (“The Incredibles”) and Heilmlich (“A Bug’s Life”).
  • Baby Jack-Jack sits in one of the claws of the Omnidroid on “The Incredibles” float and, just like in the Pixar film, flames rise from his head when he gets excited.
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‘Paint the Night’ Parade Fun Facts

he fan-favorite “Paint the Night” parade returns to the Disneyland Resort for Pixar Fest. For the first time, “Paint the Night” will make its way through Disney California Adventure Park with more than 1 million brilliant lights, high-energy music and cutting edge special effects featuring many beloved Disney and Pixar pals. Becoming even more super in June, “Paint the Night” adds a new float inspired by Disney∙Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and “Incredibles 2.” “Paint the Night” is just one of the many exciting offerings guests will experience during Pixar Fest.

Guests will enjoy nightly performances of “Paint the Night” with Sorcerer Mickey, who uses his vivid imagination to harness the power of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust to “Paint the Night,” bringing to light the beloved characters and friendships from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “Toy Story,” Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and more. Guests will get in the spirit as the parade’s theme song plays, “When Can I See You Again.”

In June, the dazzling new float will feature Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone, making their first appearances in this parade. The new float will bring all of the fun and excitement of “The Incredibles” to life with high-tech, pop-art effects inspired by the mid-century-modern style of the films. Dynamic and innovative visual technology will also showcase the powers of Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack – in some surprising ways.

“Paint the Night” dining packages are available for guests at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Wine Country Trattoria. Guests who dine at these restaurants receive a voucher for entrance to one of the reserved areas designated for viewing “Paint the Night.” Details about the dining packages and information about reservations are available at Disneyland.com.

By the Numbers

  • Including the video screens, the parade contains more than one million sources of light.
  • The 500 strobes used in the parade are a custom lighting product developed by Disney.
  • “Paint the Night” requires more than 200 “universes of control” to operate everything from the video presentations on the floats to the lights on individual costumes.

“You Can Fly!” ­– Tinker Bell and Peter Pan

  • The Tinker Bell float is 40 feet long, with 44 universes of control and, including video screens, more than 850,000 points of light.
  • Power and control for Tinker Bell’s lighted costume come from the float itself. Tinker Bell’s shoe poufs are lit by fiber optics.

“If I Didn’t Have You” – Mike and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.”

  • The “Monsters, Inc.” float is 11 feet wide and 21 feet long, and it glows with nearly 17,000 points of light.
  • The five animated doors on this float are more than nine feet tall with 40 individual LED video panels. They were created in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios.

 “Life is a Highway” ­– Lightning McQueen and Mack from “Cars”

  • The “Cars” unit features everyone’s favorite Piston Cup Champion, Lighting McQueen, along with Mack and DJ.
  • At 54 feet long, Mack is the longest vehicle in the parade, with 28 moving lights.
  • Mack’s design features a 3D display that creates exceptional depth of image. The display contains nearly 27,000 individual orbs.
  • Almost 2,000 feet of LED “neon” helps bring this float to life.

“Under the Sea” – “The Little Mermaid”

  • King Triton stands over 12 feet tall.
  • “The Little Mermaid” float is 32 feet long and 11 feet wide.
  • There are nine fish, eight flowers and more than 250 blades of grass.

“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – “Toy Story”

  • Slinky Dog scampers along, with Woody and Buzz Lightyear holding on for the ride.
  • The 10 spinning disks rotate at 120 RPM and are programmed with custom video content.
  • The float is 32 feet long, and Slinky’s ears are 18 feet tall and 11 feet across.

“Beauty and the Beast” and “At Last I See the Light” – Disney Princesses

  • Belle’s video screen contains more than 500,000 pixels, presenting scenes from “Beauty and the Beast” as well as floral graphic imagery and starry night skies.
  • In addition to color-changing programmable ribbons, Belle’s dress has 40 custom-designed jewels and the most decorative lighting caps of any float.
  • The float is 26 feet long and the rose alone is 17 feet tall.

Mickey Mouse & Friends Finale

  • The Mickey Mouse float is 31 feet long, has 40 universes of control and more than 10,000 points of light.
  • Mickey “conducts” the finale of the parade from 12 feet above the street.
  • Joining Mickey Mouse, and appearing on a series of smaller whirling parade vehicles, are Goofy, Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse. Each whirling vehicle shines with 352 points of light custom-designed for the character on board.
  • The spiraling kinetic sculpture on this float is 14 feet tall and seven feet wide. It contains nearly 7,000 individually programmable LED pixels.
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