The long-awaited trailer for Marvel Studios’ upcoming Avengers epic drummed up a lot of excitement, inspiring countless mashups and fan edits. One YouTube editor made their own version with Disney and Pixar characters, teasing a crossover of a different kind.
16 trips every Disney lover needs to take in their lifetime
The most iconic Disney movie settings don’t just come from animators’ imaginations; they are usually inspired by actual places.
Ballast Point & More Exciting Changes Coming to Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in 2018
The Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland® Resort is continuing its ambitious, promenade-wide transformation in 2018. Multiple new venues and significant refurbishments to marquee dining and retail locations, including the World of Disney store, will be completed throughout the year while Downtown Disney District remains open to Guests. The result will be a fresh, one-of-a-kind Disney experience, immersing your Clients by day and night in the greatest mix of family-friendly dining, shopping and entertainment.
Wildly popular San Diego-based brewer Ballast Point will open its first Orange County location in Downtown Disney District later this year. Ballast Point pairs its high-quality, award-winning beers with an extensive menu of Southern California cuisine—salads, small plates, flatbreads and entrees featuring local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients. The space will house the first-ever on-site brewery, tasting room, kitchen and outdoor beer garden at Downtown Disney District. Construction is scheduled to begin soon, across from Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar.
Recently opened in Downtown Disney District is the multi-sensory experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID. The hyper-reality experience transports guests deep into the Star Wars universe, allowing them to walk freely and untethered throughout the space.
Other exciting experiences slated to open in 2018 include:
- World of Disney will be reimagined into a new, dynamic and distinctly Disney retail environment. The flagship store will remain open to Guests for shopping during the majority of the refurbishment, with work expected to be completed in phases throughout 2018.
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes will offer a unique combination of dining, drinks, bowling and entertainment. Opening on Jan. 29, 2019.
- Disney Home will offer fans a variety of Disney-themed home goods. Opening in February 2018.
- Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria will undergo renovations to expand its outside patio with a new outside bar. Inside, three wood burning ovens will be installed to better meet guests’ demands for authentic Napoletana-style pizza pies. The restaurant will remain open throughout construction, which is slated to be completed in fall 2018.
- Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer will serve its award-winning burgers and signature CrazyShake™ milkshakes in a casual atmosphere. Opening later this year.
And your Clients can visit other locations at Downtown Disney District, including The LEGO Store, Curl Surf, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Sephora, Sprinkles, PANDORA Jewelry, The Dream Boutique and more.
Disney After Dark Events Return to Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom® Park is once again hosting Disney After Hours events on select nights through March. Available to a limited number of Guests, Disney After Hours allows participants to maximize their time in the park with quicker access to over 25 popular attractions and character greetings. Ice cream novelties, popcorn and bottled beverages, included with event admission, are available during the three-hour event.
Remaining event dates include:
- Jan. 26 and 30
- Feb. 8 and 15
- March 1 and 8
Please note that Disney After Hours does not replace Extra Magic Hours (EMH) for our resort Guests and are instead held on non-EMH dates.
Only a limited number of tickets are available for each night, so be sure to purchase tickets by calling the Disney Reservation Center at 407-827-7185 or visiting the Disney Travel Agents website. The advance ticket price is $119 per adult or child
Disney Cruise Line Takes Guests on Epic Adventures in 2019 with Return of Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea
In 2019, epic adventures at sea return to Disney Cruise Line with special engagements of two popular itineraries – Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea. Spanning two Disney cruise ships, sailing across the Caribbean and Bahamas, these cruises bring Disney and fan-favorite fun to families and guests of all ages.
Star Wars Day at Sea
From January to early March, 2019, special seven-night Disney Fantasy sailings will transport guests to the Caribbean and a galaxy far, far away.
Star Wars Day at Sea is an experience unlike any other where guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga with Jedi, Wookiees, droids, Stormtroopers and others during the special day-long celebration.
The cruise features a full day of Star Wars activities including a deck party spectacular with an extraordinary fireworks display, encounters with the galaxy’s most formidable and heroic characters, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings and special merchandise.
Star Wars Day at Sea will only be offered on nine Disney Fantasy seven-night Caribbean cruises sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Departing Jan. 5, Jan. 19, Feb. 2, Feb. 16 and March 2, 2019, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica, and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
Departing Jan. 12, Jan. 26, Feb. 9 and Feb. 23, 2019, the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.
Marvel Day at Sea
From January to early March, 2019, special five-night Disney Magic sailings will take guests to the Caribbean and Bahamas, along with an action-packed, day-long celebration of the Marvel Universe.
Marvel Day at Sea combines the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series, with the excitement of a Disney Cruise to summon everyone’s inner Super Hero for adventures that lie ahead during this unforgettable day at sea.
Occurring on one action-packed day during each of the select Disney Magic sailings, Marvel Day at Sea transports guests to a new realm of possibilities when the largest collection of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains assembles on a cruise ship.
The event features all-day entertainment including interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck show spectacular, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings.
Marvel Day at Sea will only be offered on 10 Disney Magic Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Miami, Florida.
Departing Jan. 6 and Jan. 20, 2019, the western Caribbean itinerary includes George Town, Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
Departing Jan. 11, Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22 and March 8, 2019, the Bahamian itinerary includes Key West, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay.
Departing Feb. 3, Feb. 17 and March 3, 2019, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico, and Castaway Cay.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.
Disneyland Resort Reimagines Downtown Disney District in 2018 with Innovative New Venues and Refurbishments
The Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort is continuing its ambitious, promenade-wide transformation in 2018. Multiple new venues and significant refurbishments to marquee dining and retail locations, including the World of Disney store, will be completed throughout the year while Downtown Disney remains open to guests. The result will be a fresh, one-of-a-kind Disney experience, immersing guests by day and night in the greatest mix of family-friendly dining, shopping and entertainment.
Also announced today, popular craft brewer Ballast Point will open its first Orange County location in Downtown Disney later this year. Ballast Point pairs award-winning beers with an extensive menu of Southern California cuisine—salads, small plates, flatbreads and entrees featuring local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients. In addition to Ballast Point’s iconic beers, including its flagship Sculpin IPA, the location will serve exclusive, limited-edition beers available only at Downtown Disney. The space will house Downtown Disney’s first-ever on-site brewery, as well as a tasting room, kitchen and outdoor beer garden.
“Our guests are constantly looking for unique experiences, which is why we’re refreshing familiar spaces and unveiling new locations around every corner of the Disneyland Resort,” said Michael Colglazier, president, Disneyland Resort. “Innovative venues such as Ballast Point, Splitsville and The VOID are just a few great examples of the transformation taking place in Downtown Disney this year.”
A recent addition to Downtown Disney is the multi-sensory experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID. The hyper-reality experience transports guests deep into the Star Wars universe, allowing them to walk freely and untethered throughout the space. In groups of four, teams go undercover as stormtroopers to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival.
Other exciting experiences slated to open in 2018 include:
World of Disney will be reimagined into a new, dynamic and distinctly Disney retail environment. The flagship store will remain open to guests for shopping during the majority of the refurbishment, with work expected to be completed in phases throughout 2018. World of Disney will continue to offer the largest selection of Disney toys, souvenirs, accessories, collectibles and more at the Disneyland Resort.
Splitsville Luxury Lanes, a dynamic recreation destination, will offer a unique combination of dining, drinks, bowling and entertainment. Opening on January 29, the Downtown Disney District location will feature 20 bowling lanes interspersed throughout two floors, four dining areas (indoors and out), more than 25 flat screen TVs and live entertainment 365 days a year.
Disney Home will offer fans a variety of Disney-themed home goods. Guests will find a curated assortment of products that change with each season. Disney Home will open February 2018 in the former D-Street location.
Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria will undergo renovations to expand its patio with a new outside bar and additional seating for al fresco dining. Inside, three wood burning ovens will be installed to better meet guests’ demands for authentic Napoletana-style pizza pies. The restaurant will remain open throughout construction, which is slated to be completed in fall 2018. In addition, Napolini, Naples’ fast-casual concept, will also remain open, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Napolini will undergo renovations during the latter part of construction.
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer will open its first California location in the heart of Downtown Disney District later this year. Known for its award-winning burgers and signature CrazyShake™ milkshakes, Black Tap will offer a casual atmosphere reminiscent of a modern luncheonette, with a distinctly New York vibe.
The Downtown Disney District (no admission fee required) is steps from Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park and the three on-property hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Atmospheric music and entertainment create a lively backdrop for guests. The destination features a diverse collection of casual restaurants, favorite snacking stops, shopping boutiques and high-energy entertainment, including Starbucks, The VOID, La Brea Bakery Café, The LEGO Store, Curl Surf, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal Restaurant & Uva Bar, Sephora, Sprinkles, PANDORA Jewelry, The Dream Boutique and the World of Disney store.
The Downtown Disney District parking lot is conveniently located next to the action and offers three hours of parking with a $20 minimum purchase and validation from any Downtown Disney location. Guests will also enjoy up to five hours of parking with validation from any Downtown Disney table-service restaurant or AMC Downtown Disney 12 Theatres.
The Most Fascinating Attraction at Disney World You Aren’t Allowed to Visit
Lenny DeGeorge is part of a highly creative team that spends much of their days working inside Disney’s Flavor Lab, a relatively secret, hard-to-access space, hidden away somewhere on Walt Disney World property. Their mission? To dream up, create and then help execute every single new food and beverage concept…
125,000 Disney Employees to Receive $1,000 Cash Bonus and Company Launches New $50 Million Higher Education Program
Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), today announced that more than 125,000 eligible employees will receive a one-time $1,000 cash bonus. The Company will also make an initial investment of $50 million in a new and ongoing education program specifically designed to cover tuition costs for hourly employees. The two new initiatives represent a total allocation of more than $175 million in this fiscal year.
“I am proud we are directing approximately $125 million to our cast members and employees across the country and making higher education more accessible with the launch of this new program,” Mr. Iger said. “I have always believed that education is the key to opportunity; it opens doors and creates new possibilities. Matched with the $1,000 cash bonus, these initiatives will have both an immediate and long-term positive impact.”
All full and part-time non-executive employees, either hourly or salaried, who have been with The Walt Disney Company since January 1, 2018, and are based in the United States will be paid a one-time $1,000 cash bonus. Employees will receive the bonus in two payments, the first in March and the second in September of this year. In keeping with applicable federal law, the Company will work with union representatives regarding potential distribution plans for employees currently working under existing union contracts.
The Company is also launching a new education initiative aimed at its hourly workforce in the United States. Nearly 88,000 hourly employees will be eligible and can utilize the program to make an impactful investment in their future. With this new plan, participants can pursue qualifying higher education or vocational training, including courses unrelated to their current responsibilities at Disney. By creating new opportunities for those who wish to continue their education, employees can advance in their current roles or support their long-term career aspirations. After the initial investment of $50 million, Disney will provide up to $25 million in annual funding going forward.
The Company’s current educational reimbursement program, which is open to all full-time employees, will continue and remain unchanged.
New Specimens Join the Collection at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout at Disney California Adventure
Taneleer Tivan is expanding his collection of rare items from across the galaxy with three new acquisitions. These Vyloos, native to the planet Berhert, may look familiar to Terrans who have seen the film, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”
They may look adorable, but beware! These little birds have been known to defend themselves when threatened, so the Tivan Group has assured us that they will be kept fully enclosed in their glass display case at all times. As long as the fortress power source remains operational, they will be safely contained.
The Collector invites Guests to come see these new acquisitions in person, on display beginning this week at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure Park!
Catch Pro Bowl Fever at Walt Disney World Resort This Week
NFL Pro Bowl Week is kicking off at Walt Disney World® Resort this week and there are several opportunities for guests to get in on the fun if they are visiting.
In addition to watching the players practice, fans can test their own football skills the NFL Pro Bowl Experience – a free, interactive fan zone with fun activities for the whole family. Open daily at 10 a.m. starting Wednesday, the NFL Pro Bowl Experience gives fans the opportunity to get even closer to the action with new football-related activities, immersive exhibits and sponsor activations.
After watching the pros, fans can get a look at the future at one of the NFL’s premier youth football events – the NFL FLAG Championships on Friday and Saturday. Fans interested in exclusive access to NFL-themed games and activities, youth football clinics and more, must register for the NFL Fan Mobile Pass.
The Pro Bowl fun extends beyond the field, too. There’s a Pro Bowl Fun Run Series at the Track & Field Complex at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Saturday at 1 p.m. The event features distances for runners of all ages and abilities, and participants will receive a finisher medallion, a race bib and a commemorative item, plus post-race refreshments. Runners can also expect to see some of their favorite Disney characters, Pro Bowl cheerleaders and mascots along the way. Spots are still available here.
With complimentary parking at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, fans can partake in all of the exciting Pro Bowl action all week long! Fans can also head over to Disney Springs® to catch the NFL Pro Bowl All-Star Pep Rally starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 27. The Pep Rally will feature special entertainment, games, NFL Cheerleaders and Mascot appearances, and more!
