WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT’S ‘INCREDIBLE SUMMER’ WILL BRING NEW EXPERIENCES TO ALL FOUR PARKS

This summer, beloved stories from several Disney films will come to life at Walt Disney World® Resort in the form of new attractions, entertainment, experiences and more at all four parks, setting up summer 2018 to truly be an “Incredible Summer.”

Here’s what you can expect at each Walt Disney World Resort location.

The Incredibles Take Over Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom® Park – You can party with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and the soon-to-be blockbuster “Incredibles 2.” Edna Mode, the greatest superhero costume designer, will also make her debut appearance. Each evening, you can enjoy a “SUPER” dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. [NOTE: Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” opens in theaters June 15, 2018.]

The Guardians of the Galaxy Take the Stage at Epcot® – StarLord, and Gamora from “The Guardians of the Galaxy” will join an alien band, taking you on a journey through the cosmos. The party will feature hits from Awesome Mix Tapes 1 and 2 – fun and favorite tunes from the two movies’ soundtracks – building the anticipation for a new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

“Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure” & A “Dino-Tastic” Celebration for Donald Duck Will Debut At Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park – Two new can’t-miss offerings will debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in time for the park’s 20th anniversary. First, you can discover new bird species from around the world at the new show “Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure,” which will star Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug. The park will also launch a “dino-tastic” celebration, in which Donald Duck takes over Dinoland, U.S.A., in a new character celebration.

See “The Incredibles 2” at AMC Disney Springs® – Everyone’s favorite family of superheroes is back in “Incredibles 2” – but this time Helen is in the spotlight, while Bob navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet, Dash and baby Jack-Jack, whose superpowers are emerging. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone must find a way to work together again—which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible. “Incredibles 2” busts into theaters on June 15, 2018.

And last, but not least …

Toy Story Land Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® – One major highlight of “Incredible Summer” will be the grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new 11-acre land will shrink guests to the size of a toy and allow them go explore the fun and adventure of Andy’s backyard. There, you can experience two new attractions: the family coaster Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Toy Story Land also will feature an existing guest-favorite attraction, Toy Story Mania!, which will expand to add a third track into the rotation. The land’s Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick-service restaurant that will o

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11 insider vacation tips from the Disney Moms Panel

When planning a Disney vacation it can be tough to put together the perfect itinerary for the whole family.

With that in mind, “Good Morning America” turned to the Disney Moms Panel — which recently announced 11 new members — to get the inside scoop on Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Vacation Club and more.

Full Story

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Mobile Order Now Available for Walt Disney World Resort Guests Using Disney Dining Plans

Since launching last spring, Mobile Order in the My Disney Experience mobile app has been a popular service. Currently offered at 23 locations throughout the theme parks and Disney Springs®, this convenient service allows guests to order meals and snacks on demand, pay in advance and skip the line at select quick-service food and beverage locations.

With a recent My Disney Experience update, Guests with Disney dining plans can redeem meals and snacks in Mobile Order, providing them with more free time to enjoy all of the attractions and entertainment experiences throughout Walt Disney World®Resort.

Mobile Order will accept any of the three Disney dining plans: the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. To access Mobile Order, Guests can tap the “Order Food” button under “My Plans” in the app.

If a party has a Disney dining plan included in a package and linked to their reservation, it will automatically appear as a payment option during the ordering process. Please note that Disney gift cards and discounts are not accepted through Mobile Order at this time.

This latest app update builds on other new features, like room charge viewing, Online Check-In Service and wayfinding, that are helping to improve the overall vacation experience for Guests.

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New Survey Shows Disney Vacation Club Members Plan Vacation Time in Advance, Use Vacation Time Year After Year

Dreaming of a beautiful destination, restful days and time away from the office? According to a new survey, Disney Vacation Club might just be the answer to helping Americans use more vacation time. As part of the U.S. Travel Association’s Project: Time Off National Plan for Vacation Day, Disney Vacation Club released survey results showing that their members are more likely than most Americans to plan vacation time in advance, as well as ensure they take annual vacations.

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These findings show that, while more than half of Americans (54 percent according to Project: Time Off Initiative) fail to use all of their time off, 81 percent of Disney Vacation Club members used all of their vacation time by comparison. Recent Disney Vacation Club insights even show that a majority of members (95 percent) plan and take a vacation annually while only 54 percent of Americans do the same, which constitutes more than 40 percent more vacations planned per year than other U.S. travelers.

“Disney Vacation Club is the ideal way to vacation because it enables families to commit to investing more time with each other while enjoying unforgettable vacations year after year,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president, Disney Vacation Club. “Our members enjoy stays at 14 Disney Vacation Club Resorts in the United States, as well as at thousands of vacation destinations worldwide. By providing our members a wealth of choices for how to make the most out of their annual vacation time, Disney Vacation Club offers the perfect solution for those looking to savor what’s most important in life – time together with the ones we love.”

Project: Time Off recently released study findings showing more than 659 million paid vacation days go unused every year, and that the most effective remedy for Americans who want to use more vacation days is better planning.

However, survey results gathered from Disney Vacation Club members in December 2017 tell a more positive story, showing that Disney Vacation Club members enjoy an increased vacation frequency when traveling with Disney Vacation Club. Seventy-two percent of respondents said that being a Disney Vacation Club member inspires them to take more vacations, and 71 percent of respondents said that being a member ensures they take vacations annually.

Planning for vacation is an inherent element of the Disney Vacation Club experience with support provided throughout the process.  As a result, members are able to overcome one of the primary barriers many have in using all of their vacation time.

To help employees get their vacation days on the calendar, Project: Time Off created a vacation planning tool. By simply entering the number of days off earned, users can plot out their trips or vacations for the year, export to their work or personal calendar, and share with their family and co-workers.

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Wine Bar George Set to Open at Disney Springs in Spring 2018

Master Sommelier George Miliotes will bring his renowned wine expertise to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort when his new venture, Wine Bar George, opens in spring 2018. Wine Bar George will be the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida.

Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the restaurant industry’s foremost wine experts with accolades and awards from national publications including Wine Spectator. Miliotes is no stranger to Walt Disney World Resort – he was part of the opening team of California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and managed the venue from 1995 to 2002. While there, he met and worked alongside Ron Rupert, who will serve as the Executive Chef for Wine Bar George.

“I’m thrilled that Ron is joining our team and I’m looking forward to working with him again,” Miliotes said. “Ron is incredibly creative, and his expertise will bring a menu that’s designed to complement the wine list. With our menu, guests will have the opportunity to explore endless food and wine pairings.”

Rupert began his culinary career at Walt Disney World Resort in 1988. He was part of the opening team of California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where he teamed with Miliotes and Chef Clifford Pleau. During his 14 years at Walt Disney World Resort, Rupert was also part of the opening teams at Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Ariel’s at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.  Rupert and Miliotes have worked closely to create a menu that will pair with a wine list of more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass.

“The menu will include a selection of small plates, sharable plates, cheese and charcuterie boards, and desserts. Offerings will feature seasonally relevant items and everything will be made in-house,” Rupert said. “I’ve worked jointly with George to develop a menu that represents both global and local cuisine. Guests can expect to experience food that is familiar, yet new all at once.”

When the two-story 210-seat wine bar opens, it will join a growing and remarkable group of dining, shopping and entertainment offerings at Disney Springs. The design for the 6,000-square-foot space will be similar to a winemaker’s home estate with a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere.

“Guests will experience a feel reminiscent of the ‘Old World’ as if they are on the bottom floor of a gravity-flow winery surrounded by their best friends,” explains Miliotes. “The upstairs floor includes seating for groups of all sizes, space for private events and sweeping views of Disney Springs.”

Future patrons can expect their experience to include wine education, which will be served up in an approachable and fun manner. Every part of the Wine Bar George experience, including special events and visits from renowned winemakers, will educate and enlighten guests about food and wine.

Wine Bar George is currently accepting applications for positions online. Interested applicants can visit winebargeorge.com/join-our-team/ for more information. Follow George @WineBarGeorge on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and join the #WineBarGeorge conversation. Visit WineBarGeorge.com for news and updates.

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Atlanta Braves Extend Spring Training Agreement with ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney through April 2019

The Atlanta Braves have announced that they will extend their Spring Training agreement with ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort through April 2019.  The move was made to ensure there is enough time to complete their new facility in West Villages in the City of North Port, Sarasota County.  The Braves will play their final 2019 Spring Training game in the new ballpark.  The complex will officially open in April, 2019 with the team’s Florida operations moving in at that time.

“We are thankful for our good friends at Walt Disney World Resort and are excited for this extension,” said John Schuerholz, Atlanta Braves Vice Chairman Emeritus. “We also appreciate the foresight and thoughtfulness of our partners in North Port, Sarasota County and West Villages in recognizing such an extension will be of benefit as we continue to make progress on our new facility. When complete, our new, state-of-the-art facility will secure our long-term goal of creating a perfectly positioned and operational Spring Training facility for the next 30 years.”

The Braves have held their Spring Training at Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida since 1998.

When completed, the new ballpark in North Port will feature 6,500 fixed seats and 2,500 additional general admission, including berm and concourse.

“We fully support this decision by the Atlanta Braves as the construction administrators for the project,” said Jeff Maultsby, director of Sarasota County’s Office of Business and Economic Development.  “The agreements between the project partners always envisioned and addressed the possibility that 2020 could be the Braves’ first full spring in Sarasota County, and we are excited to celebrate their arrival at the 2019 spring training finale.”

The overall facility will include six and a half practice fields, 55,000 square feet of clubhouse and fitness center for the Braves along with multi-purpose fields and public space that can be used for special events by the City and County.

The complex will operate year-round with extended spring training for minor league teams, Gulf Coast League and Fall Instructional League.

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Limited Minnie Van Pilot Coming to More Disney Resorts

Since introducing the Minnie Van service last summer as a fun and whimsical way to be whisked all over Walt Disney World® Resort property, Guests have said how much they enjoy this service and would like to see it expand. Based in part on this feedback and the service’s popularity, Disney will be piloting a limited route to Orlando International Airport MCO.

Disney has expanded this pilot to include club level Guests at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, as well as Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. Interested club level Guests may arrange this service through a Concierge Cast Member. Disney is also exploring a route that would allow select Guests to take Minnie Van service to Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal at a later date.

Disney’s Magical Express and service provided by Mears will remain available for all of our Walt Disney World Resort Guests.

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Disney and ‘Her Universe’ Expand Licensing Deal to Reach More Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel Fans

Disney announced an expanded collaboration with ‘Her Universe’ and the company’s founder, Ashley Eckstein, that brings new Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel merchandise lines and a new book to a broader set of fans and consumers.

The 360 deal between Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) and ‘Her Universe’ expands beyond the existing licensed lines of Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars apparel, accessories, and home goods and opens up new categories and opportunities including a new, heroic character-inspired athleisure line for kids and tweens called ‘Our Universe’. Featuring activewear, swimwear, footwear and accessories, ‘Our Universe’ is now available exclusively online at shopDisney.com and in-store at all Disney store locations. The first wave of the collection is inspired by Marvel Entertainment’s Black Panther and Disney Princess, with a Star Wars line coming soon for kids, tweens and adults. Pieces include leggings, sweatpants, zip up hoodies and headbands to help encourage kids to get outside and be active.

Beyond apparel, the expanded deal includes an inspirational book authored by Eckstein coming from Disney Book Group in May 2018. The book, “It’s Your Universe: You Have the Power to Make It Happen,” is based on Eckstein’s personal story and her journey to success. The book highlights Eckstein’s road to making her dreams come true and how her personal passions led to the creation of ‘Her Universe’ and the creation of an unrivaled female fan community. “It’s Your Universe: You Have the Power to Make It Happen” is available for pre-order now: http://books.disney.com/book/its-your-universe/.

“Ashley and Her Universe are trailblazers,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship, and to work together on new ways for fans of all ages to celebrate their love for Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel through unique and authentic products.”

‘Her Universe’ has been at the forefront of creating stylish, fashion-forward, and authentic merchandise for fangirls and Eckstein has been a force in creating a more inclusive environment for science fiction and fantasy fans and opening up opportunities for fangirls to express their fandom and individuality. Through the relationship with Her Universe, DCPI has been able to further reach a broad audience and has tapped into emerging female fans of the Star Wars and Marvel franchises. Her Universe is a strategic partner for DCPI, as the business segment continues to extend the appeal of The Walt Disney Company’s franchises to new audiences through innovative products and engaging experiences.

“As a little girl, I grew up in Orlando, Florida with a father who was a Disney World cast member, and the world of Disney taught me how to make my dreams come true as an actress and a designer,” said Eckstein. “Every item of clothing and this new book draws on my personal passion for the brand and is inspired by that love. Now, I am beyond honored that Disney is allowing me the opportunity to pay it forward to a new generation of dreamers. My goal with this line and book is to inspire fans of all ages to make their dreams come true too.”

Fans can visit select Disney store locations to join Celebrate Your Dreams, a special interactive event featuring a video presentation with Ashley Eckstein every Saturday at 3:00 PM. Please check your local Disney store for details. Connect with Disney store and Her Universe on social media: @shopDisney and @HerUniverse.

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Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 27

The Star Wars: Galactic Nights one-night special event will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort on May 27, 2018.

Star Wars: Galactic Nights is a thrilling Star Wars-themed event held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight. It celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

Here’s a look at other event offerings:

  • Star Wars: Galactic Destinations Projections Transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel – Visible on the Sunset Boulevard area of the park the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform via stunning projection technology to showcase familiar locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all night long. Star Wars Galactic Destinations is currently an event exclusive.
  • Existing Star Wars Entertainment Will Debut New Enhancements – The park’s existing Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both debut new saga elements for the first time during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.
  • Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations. These special photo ops will only be available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars: Galactic Nights
  • Character Encounters – Expect to encounter Star Wars characters from throughout the galaxy. Guests will also be able to view an Imperial Stormtrooper March with Darth Vader.
  • Exclusive Food & Beverage offerings – Taste your way around the galaxy with specialty food and beverage offerings created for Galactic Nights. Inspired by the stories and iconic characters of Star Wars, these tasting-sized sips and bites bring a delectable addition to this event.
  • Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests – and some may even offer a special Star Wars twist on May 27 only.
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Egg-Stravaganza Returns, New Honey Bee Scavenger Hunt Added to Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

The popular Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt is coming back to the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival. Today we’re sharing first details on this springtime egg-sperience as well as an ALL-NEW Spike the Honey Bee scavenger hunt.

From March 16-April 1, 2018 guests visiting the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival can participate in our Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt – hunting high and low in World Showcase for “eggs” that portray favorite Disney characters.

As guests find the hidden Disney Character-themed “eggs” in the park, they can record their discoveries by placing a corresponding sticker on a specially themed Egg-stravaganza map. Maps and stickers can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at the following parks and locations:

  • Disney Trader
  • Pin Central
  • World Traveler

When guests find all of the “eggs” and complete their scavenger hunt map, they then return it to Disney Traders for a sp-egg-tacular surprise.

Also, along with our egg-cellent adventure, we’re featuring a new springtime scavenger hunt called Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration. In this hunt, Disney’s favorite honey bee, Spike, has been pollinating his way around the festival, giving gardeners of any age the chance to follow his pollination trail around World Showcase at Epcot.

It’s easy to start this new scavenger hunt. Guests can pick up a garden map and stickers at Port of Entry. Then, it’s time to look for Spike!

As guests explore the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, be on the lookout for Spike as he pollinates Epcot’s gardens. In each garden, guests have to search for the plant Spike has pollinated, identifiable by Spike himself and a Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration plant stake. Once guests find him, they can add the corresponding sticker to their map.

After guests journey is complete, they can return their map for a springtime surprise.

Maps and stickers for Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at Port of Entry.

For more information on the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, visit epcotinspring.com.

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