Business Insider recently reached out to a number of former cast members who worked at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios and asked them about their best tips for park-goers.
Here’s what the cast members had to say:
Video – Alaska Airlines + Disney•Pixar Incredibles 2 Airplane Comes to Life
Ahead of the highly-anticipated release of Disney•Pixar’s Incredibles 2 on June 15, Alaska Airlines unveils a special-edition plane, featuring moviegoers’ favorite family of ‘Supers.’
Disney’s ‘Avengers’ Sprints to Record $1 Billion Box Office Run
Walt Disney Co. said “Avengers: Infinity War” will surpass $1 billion at the box office on Saturday, 11 days after its release and faster than any movie in history.
Fun Facts: the All-New Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Ready, set, play! The all-new Toy Story Land, coming this summer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will give guests the sensation of shrinking to the size of a toy as they explore Andy’s backyard and see their favorite Toy Story characters larger than life.
Whether it’s an exciting ride on a family-friendly coaster, a spin on a toy rocket or a 3D adventure through carnival midway games, guests will be immersed in the playful world of toys.
And along the way, enough fun facts and “didn’t-know-that’s” to fill a toy chest:
- More than 400 toy blocks fill Andy’s backyard.
- In Toy Story Land, Andy’s footprint is about 25 feet long or the equivalent of a size 240 shoe.
- It would take a Green Army Man roughly 12 steps just to travel the length of one of Andy’s shoeprints.
- You would need a backpack the size of a school bus to carry the Buzz and Woody figures that tower over Toy Story Land.
- The weight of the Slinky Dog Dash track and support columns weighs almost as much as 125,000 gallons of milk.
- Together Rex and the Jenga Tower are as tall as 7½ Green Army Men standing on top of one another.
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
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
