DISNEY NIGHT OF JOY 2017 TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Tickets are now on sale for Disney Night of Joy 2017. As a reminder, a new ticket structure is being introduced as this popular event returns to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World® Resort Sept. 8-9, 2017.

Guests will be able to buy both concert-only OR theme-park-and-concert-combination tickets for either evening – or also a two-night ticket.

Ticket options include:

  • Single night concert only tickets will be $45 plus tax in advance
  • Two-night concert only tickets will be $69 plus tax in advance
  • Single night concert tickets plus a (1) day at a Walt Disney World theme park add on will be $107 plus tax *
  • Two-night concert tickets with a (1) day at a Walt Disney World theme park add on will be $131 plus tax **

There also will be premium seating packages available for an extra charge; and groups of 10 or more will be able to get discounted tickets, as with past events.

 A little reminder about this year’s talent: (Entertainment subject to change.)

  • Friday, Sept. 8 – MercyMe, TobyMac, Zach Williams, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Rend Collective.
  • Saturday, Sept. 9 – Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tye Tribbett.

* Add-on Theme Park Ticket Option is good for use any one day Sept. 8-30, 2017 at any one of the four Walt Disney WorldTheme Parks

**2-day Concert plus 1-day Theme Park Advanced ticket will also include (1) admission to your choice of Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park for one use Sept.8-30, 2017. Individuals must purchase by Aug. 8, 2017 to receive water park ticket. Groups must purchase by Aug. 25, 2017 to receive water park ticket.

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WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS AND PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS BRING THREE DAYS OF FILM SNEAK PEEKS, ENGAGING PRESENTATIONS, MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND IMMERSIVE SHOW FLOOR EXPERIENCES TO D23 EXPO 2017, JULY 14–16

Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios are once again teaming up to bring a jam-packed weekend of announcements, presentations, displays, and giveaways to this year’s D23 Expo in Anaheim, California.

On the show floor, the two studios join forces for a must-see animation experience at D23 Expo. Artist demonstrations, autograph signings with top filmmakers, fan giveaways, and interactive displays featuring the latest films, including Cars 3, Coco, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, make this booth one to visit over and over again.

The lineup of presentations begins with an Expo tradition no animation fan should miss:

FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2:30 P.M. – HALL D23

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter

Were you there in 2015 when Ellen DeGeneres and Dwayne Johnson wowed the crowds? When Zootopia’s sloth scene screened for the very first time? And when Randy Newman, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody celebrated the 20th anniversary of Toy Story? Then you know the Animation presentation at Hall D23 is a MUST. Join host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, as he presents Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films. Never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming feature Coco and Disney Animation’s Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 will be unveiled, as well as surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by star voice talent. Cell phones, cameras, and all recording devices will be checked for this presentation.

Additional animation-focused panels include:

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 10:30 A.M. – STAGE 28

The Power of the Princess

Walt Disney Animation Studios invites you to The Power of the Princess, featuring Jodi Benson (Ariel), Ming-Na Wen (Mulan), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), and Auli‘i Cravalho (Moana)—the talented actresses who brought these iconic characters to life—as they share stories of making their films and the impact of their characters on people around the world. Hosted by Walt Disney Animation Studios animators Amy Smeed and Kira Lehtomaki.

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 12:15 P.M. – STAGE 23

Creating the Worlds in Pixar’s Universe

Pixar’s films are filled with beloved characters living in relatable yet previously unimagined worlds. Join Pixar production designers and artists who have created the mountain tops, oceans, and “monstropolises” in which your favorite characters live. These artists create the setting and cultivate the mood of every scene using extensive research, incredible imagination, and each individual director’s vision, giving life to the amazing worlds in Pixar’s movies.

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2:30 P.M. – STAGE 28

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure: A Sneak Peek at the New Frozen Short Film

Be among the first to see both exclusive and behind-the-scenes footage from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest Frozen holiday short film event, the highly anticipated Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. The film, which features the talents of the original Frozen cast, as well as brand-new songs, is directed by the Emmy®-winning team Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters (Prep & Landing) and produced by Oscar®-winning producer Roy Conli (Big Hero 6, Tangled).

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 6 P.M. – STAGE 28

The Evolution of Pixar’s Characters

From the waves in their hair to the shoes on their feet, Pixar characters are designed to be full of personality and to tell a story. Hear from the legendary Pixar artists who have created the most memorable characters in Pixar’s history. These are the visionaries who start with an initial doodle and see the evolution of a character through to final animation—the people who let technology influence the art and make the impossible, possible.

SUNDAY, JULY 16, 11:30 A.M. – WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES STAGE

Bambi’s 75th Anniversary

Join us as we commemorate the 75th anniversary and Walt Disney Signature Collection release of Bambi, the endearing, timeless tale of a wide-eyed fawn that has touched generations. Audiences can look forward to hearing personal stories from the voice cast, anecdotes behind the making of this film and its exquisite hand-drawn artwork, and much, much more. It’s groundbreaking animated classics like Bambi that were created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney and still influence many great visionaries and animators today.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23Expo.com.

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Inside Pandora – The World of Avatar How Walt Disney Imagineering Brought Pandora to Life

A WORLD APART: When Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests journey to the far-away world of Pandora as probable eco-tourists, they encounter floating mountains, a glowing, bioluminescent rainforest and other wonders of an alien world. The Valley of Mo’ara on Pandora is undergoing a rebirth long after a destructive mining operation known as the Resources Development Administration (RDA) ceased operation.  Eco-tourists, for the first time, can travel to this exoplanet located in the Alpha Centauri star system 4.4 light years from Earth.

Where Mountains Float . . .

  • The iconic floating mountains in the Valley of Mo’ara – there are 22 – peak at about 130 feet above the valley floor. .
  • Sharp-eyed adventurers will see Pandoran Stingbats nesting in the mountains. Despite their lethal tail spines, these animals can be summoned by the Na’vi with clicking sounds made between the tongue and teeth.
  • A team of more than 60 artisans from the U.S., Peru, France, Portugal, Japan and Ireland contributed to creating the art-scape of the floating mountains.

And the Landscape Glows and Hums…

  • It wouldn’t be an alien planet without bizarre plant life.  On Pandora, a diverse ecosystem is rebalancing as a variety of colorful plant life flourishes.
  • Plants have names like Puffball Tree, Dapophet, Vein Pod, Scorpion Thistle, Episoth and Flaska Reclinata.
  • Humans rapping on the Flaska Reclinata cause this large alien plant to pollinate by releasing spores within the environment. With its wide base tapering to a narrow top, the Flaska Reclinata is found just past the old RDA bridge.
  • Many plants are bioluminescent, with internal lighting or material that makes them glow.  Plants are interactive. Guests can see and sense the energy of the plants that moves in waves.
  • Pandora plays to a surreal soundtrack. Said Matt Beiler, WDI producer: “For the land to feel like a real jungle from another planet, we don’t have traditional background music in Pandora – we have a soundscape designed to make it feel as though it is an alien jungle. We hear vocalization patterns like mating calls and hunting moments, and this makes it feel real.  When those moments happen, the lighting ties into that with waves of energy.  It gives us a connectedness to nature.” 

Where Water Flows . . .

  • At the center of Pandora is a riparian area, where waterfalls cascade from the mountaintops into gentle pools and streams.
  • One stream follows a peaceful path along the entry to Pandora. The other flows into the Na’vi River Journey, where guests board reed boats for an excursion to see the revered Shaman of Songs.
  • The looming mountains are arid, and guests will hear different animal vocalizations from those areas.

And Earth Elements Integrate…

  • The Walt Disney Imagineering landscape architecture team worked side by side with the land’s design and engineering teams to ensure that thousands of Pandoran plants, including epiphytes and barnacles, fit into the overall landscape plan.
  • For example, the Dapophet plant features a sort of starburst bloom that resembles the live agave planted next to it.  The Puffball Tree looks like the family of plants we know as cycads with its fern-like, palm-like characteristics.
  • More than 250 varieties of live trees, shrubs and epiphytes mingle with the Pandoran The Disney horticulture team planted more than 500 trees and nearly 10,000 shrubs across the Pandoran landscape.

Where Even the Walkways Glow…

  • Many of the walkways and paths, like the alien plant life that surrounds them, are also bioluminescent.  A treatment added to some of the Pandoran walkways gives them that glowing quality.  Charged by sunlight and reinforced by black light, the glowing pathways come to life.

And Creature Life Surrounds You…

  • No matter where guests go in Pandora, they will feel the presence of many animal species. Pandora teems with them.
  • The pack hunter, the Viperwolf (with six legs and opposable thumbs) communicates with unusual coyote-like yelps. The Direhorse (a six-legged domesticated riding animal) exhibits a gentle demeanor.
  • Mountain Banshees, with wingspans averaging approximately 45 feet, inhabit the mountainous regions of Pandora.  The most fearsome land predator is the omnivorous, powerful Thanator.  And the Great Leonopteryx, larger and more solitary than the Mountain Banshee, is the most formidable winged creature.

Where You Can Fly on a Banshee . . .

  • At Avatar Flight of Passage, 48 guests at a time can enter a state-of-the-art theater and board mountain banshees as avatars for the ride of their lives across Pandora.
  • Immersion in the world of Pandora is complete thanks to a projection screen 69 feet wide and more than 97 feet high.
  • Flight time during the six-minute experience is about four minutes.

And Meet a Na’vi Shaman…

  • During the 4½-minute Na’vi River Journey, guests will meet an Audio-Animatronics Na’vi Shaman of Songs. At nearly 10 feet tall, the shaman is typical height for a Na’vi.
  • New technology programs fluid energy into her every movement and gesture.

 

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Weeklong Celebration of Football Returns to Walt Disney World Resort during 2018 Pro Bowl in Orlando

Following the success of its first year in Orlando, the Pro Bowl will return to Camping World Stadium on Sunday, January 28, the NFL announced May 25. The game will be televised on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, and simulcast on ABC, marking the first time it will air on both broadcast and cable networks. Live audio coverage will also be available on Westwood One, SiriusXM NFL Radio, and on the TuneIn app.

For the second consecutive year, the NFL will host Pro Bowl Week festivities across the Orlando area, bringing new experiences and activities as well as an extraordinary number of events focused on commemorating all levels of football – from youth to high school to the NFL’s best. In addition, Pro Bowl players will be able to invite their former youth or high school coach to be a part of the week’s celebrations.

The 2018 Pro Bowl will once again follow the traditional AFC versus NFC match-up and feature 88 of the best NFL players – 44 from each conference – as determined by a consensus of votes by fans, players, and coaches. Both teams will be led by Offensive and Defensive Legends who will serve as captains representing each conference.

Additional events during Pro Bowl Week will include the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge, testing the athletic prowess of All-Stars from each conference in unique competitions, and the free NFL Pro Bowl Experience, located at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. Fans attending the Pro Bowl Experience will be able to get closer to the action with new activities, immersive exhibits, and sponsor activations. Pro Bowl practices for the AFC and NFC teams will also be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, allowing fans to watch their favorite players as they prepare for the game.

Tickets for the Pro Bowl will go on sale to the public in the fall.  Fans interested in purchasing tickets may register at ProBowl.com for presale opportunities. Season Ticket Members for all 32 teams will automatically be included in the presale, and all previous Orlando Pro Bowl ticket buyers will receive priority access to purchase tickets.

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BEAUTY and the BEAST Review

Tale as old as time.  Be our guest.  Kill the beast.  Those three phrases probably just sparked some singing in your head right now.  Or maybe you are belting it out in your living room.  Either way, these iconic lyrics have been shared with Disney fans since 1991 with Disney’s original animated feature BEAUTY and the BEAST. 

Now the adventure is available on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD as a live-action adaptation. This film stars Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, and Josh Gad as LeFou.  This is a star packed movie as Ewan McGregor, Kevin Kline, Audra McDonald, Stanley Tucci, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson round out the cast. It is unbelievable that Disney was able to put all of these talented people together for this grand tale. The story you love is literally brought to life with the wonderful songs you have come to expect with a Disney classic. Emma Watson is beautiful, smart, and strong as Belle.  I love that she is so interested in inventions. Her version of Belle may make her one of the first females to study STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math).  It is so cool to watch the bonus extra that shows how Dan Stevens brought the Beast to life.  He must have calves of steel to do all of his scenes on those stilts and in that suit! My absolute favorite bonus extra was Enchanted Table Read. The whole cast is there to read through the script and to bring the complete story to life through actually performing the musical scenes.  Oh to be at that table that day! I also enjoyed the interviews with Disney Legend Alan Menken.  It must be exciting for him to see his songs inspire so many people. I have seen the animated classic countless times, and I have seen the stage production of Beauty and the Beast. I was happy to now add the live-action version to my collection.  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD is a tale as old as time that must be a part of your life.  It is a magical experience that will have you waltzing through the dining room and maybe even talking to your teapot and candlesticks!

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BAMBI-Anniversary Edition Review

I am sure everyone thinks of the same thing when the animated feature BAMBI is mentioned…..the fate of his mother.  What an iconic, yet very sad, scene from a Disney classic! It had been a long while since I had viewed Disney’s BAMBI, now on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital HD in an anniversary edition. I remembered my favorites, Thumper the bunny and Flower the skunk.  I remembered the ice skating scene. I remembered the moment Bambi is left alone in the forest.  What I did not remember was the amazing artwork from the legendary Disney animators.

It is so interesting to watch it with an adult eye.  As a child I wouldn’t have paid attention to the background artwork or the new techniques the Disney animators used. A few years ago I was lucky enough to see the famous Multiplane Camera when I took a tour of the Disney studios and archives in California. I was mesmerized watching the bonus extras and seeing behind the scenes. Studio Stories: Bambi and Inside Walt’s Story Meetings were just so interesting to me. I could literally watch the “making of” footage with Walt and his staff all day.  I also enjoyed The Bambi Effect.  In this bonus extra we get a glimpse into how BAMBI has influenced more recent Disney animated features like Zootopia and Moana. While kids today may be used to more action packed cartoons, BAMBI is a classic adventure that has actually shaped how animated features are made for modern audiences.  Sometimes it is nice to slow down and enjoy a Disney tale that our parents and grandparents grew up with.  The Anniversary Edition of Disney’s BAMBI is a must for any Disney movie collection.

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There’s More Than Meets the Eye – Or the Warlock’s Eye – at Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

For the first time in any Disney theme park attraction anywhere in the universe, guests will join an adventure with the Guardians of the Galaxy, a gang of cosmic misfits who appear in Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! As they step into this story in Disney California Adventure Park, guests will discover everything from galactic species to exotic plant life, creature sounds, the powerful Warlock’s Eye and even a Russian space dog named Cosmo.

Cosmically Cool Facts About The Collector’s Fortress

  • The Collector (aka Taneleer Tivan) has brought a Fortress filled with his priceless collection of rare artifacts from throughout the galaxy to Disney California Adventure. True to his eccentric and mysterious personality, he chose a location that will be visited by many to display his most prized possessions, the Guardians of the Galaxy.
  • Displayed prominently in gold on the front of the Fortress is the logo for The Tivan Group, The Collector’s company. The logo is triangular in shape with a downward arrow representing The Collector’s mining colony on Knowhere, the realm located at the edge of the universe. Miners extract precious spinal fluid to sell on the galactic black market, generating funds for The Collector’s next acquisitions.
  • Cast members wear the Tivan logo on the sleeves of their galactic garb, created in bold tones of purple and gold, in line with The Collector.
  • Some characters and creatures that guests may know from the new film, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” also appear in the new attraction, including Mantis and the Abilisk.
  • In the Fortress Lobby, a video welcome from The Collector Introduces guests to his assistant, Apheta. A Krylorian, Apheta is new to the world of Guardians of the Galaxy, making her first appearance in the Fortress. Like all Krylorians, Apheta is pink.
  • Guests who look carefully may spot some items in the Tivan Collection that are familiar in Disney Parks. For example, the video shown in the Lobby features The Collector’s desk, and on that desk is a maquette of the ghost dog from the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park.

 

Numbers Out of Knowhere

Guests may discover these details and more on opening day, May 27, 2017.

  • 183 Terran (Earth) feet marks the height of The Collector’s Fortress, which holds Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! The tallest attraction in the Disneyland Resort, it also extends 40 feet underground.
  • 525 new shrubs, including 25 varieties, grow outside the Fortress as part of Tivan’s Oasis (aka the “Gardens of the Galaxy”).
  • 30 trees, representing 13 varieties, grow in Tivan’s Oasis, including Queensland Bottle, African Tulip and Song of India trees.
  • 25 potted plants, representing 20 varieties, also grow in Tivan’s Oasis. On display are numerous examples of rare and unusual plants such as Cyphostema juttae (also known as Namibian grape), Dioscorea elephantipes (Elephant’s Foot), and Tylycodon reticulatus (Sifkop or Sieve Head).
  • 14 overhead vitrines hang in the Lobby, containing both familiar and mysterious artifacts.
  • 2 large portraits of The Collector remind guests of his importance. One of these depicts The Collector playing a game with his brother, The Grandmaster, on The Grandmaster’s home planet of Sakaar.
  • 2 languages are used throughout one’s visit to the Tivan Collection: English and Celestial, which is native to the realm of Knowhere.
  • 1 special cameo features Stan Lee, well-known writer of Super Hero comic books and a forthcoming Disney Legend, somewhere in the tour of the Tivan Collection.

Browse Among 2,200 Galactic Artifacts

Inside the Fortress, a collection of more than 2,200 rare artifacts from around the galaxy contain plant life, creatures, weapons, costumes and other items of unique interest. Guests might be familiar with many of these items through their knowledge of Super Hero films and comic books. The Collector may choose to change out these artifacts at any time as new items come into his possession. On opening day, the Tivan Collection will include:

  • Cocoon of unknown origin: The Collector does not wish to disturb the creature inside the cocoon, therefore he leaves it in place in hopes it will one day emerge and reveal itself for all to see.
  • Cosmo, a test dog in the Russian space program of the 1960s (Terran date).
  • A damaged Ultron Sentry from the Battle of Sokovia
  • Warlock’s Eye, a powerful weapon that allows those who control it to wield an almost hypnotic mind control over its victims
  • A Blaster weapon taken from the Guardians of the Galaxy’s “pet rodent,” Rocket
  • A case of Dark Elf artifacts
  • A case of Kree artifacts including Terrigen Crystals
  • A Nova Corps uniform
  • A Royal Guard’s Uniform from Asgard

Listen Up for Fun Details

  • The Collector gathers sounds as well as artifacts, so guests will want to listen carefully for some auditory “Easter eggs,” especially in the outside garden. Examples include:
    • Famous speeches, such as a 1903 recitation of the Gettysburg Address
    • Bird calls and other creature sounds from planets throughout the galaxy
    • Musical instrument sounds from a wide variety of civilizations
  • Guests on board the gantry lift will experience one of six songs that play throughout their experience. The Disney Imagineering team experimented with more than 100 songs inspired by the films’ soundtracks, testing many of them on board the vehicle before settling on the final six for opening day:
    • “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar (1980)
    • “Give Up the Funk” by Parliament (1975)
    • “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf (1968)
    • “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 (1969)
    • “Free Ride” by The Edgar Winter Group (1973)
    • “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley (1972)
  • Music playing throughout the Lobby and Tivan’s office may sound familiar. It was composed by Tyler Bates, composer of the music for the two “Guardians of the Galaxy” films.
  • Employees of the Tivan Collection (those wearing the Tivan logo on their sleeves) know they are always under the watchful eye of their employer, The Collector. They also are aware of what Rocket is up to, however, and they support his efforts by murmuring secret words of encouragement to guests they meet.
  • Guests of the Tivan Collection should pay close attention with their ears as they exit the attraction, too. In addition to hearing songs from the films’ soundtracks, they might hear some of the creatures that have escaped from their vitrines, including a certain duck which might be known to the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Last Stop at the Fortress: Newly Acquired Items Now Available

As guests exit the attraction, they will discover that The Collector’s Warehouse is no ordinary gift shop. In what would have been the final scene of their tour, all the creatures are running amuck, the power is fluctuating wildly and Tivan Group staff members have decided to take advantage of the chaos by selling off some of the newest items, offering guests a chance to acquire them.

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Marvel, Pixar & Star Wars: 7 Disney Crossovers We Need to See!

Disney is currently on top of the world. They own some of the best assets in Hollywood today, with major franchises like Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm, there’s no stopping Walt Disney’s amazing legacy.

Full Story

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VISITING PANDORA: A PHOTO TOUR OF DISNEY’S NEW AVATAR LAND

The Verge’s own Bryan Bishop and James Bareham take you on a guided photo tour of what it’s like to spend a day (and night) in Pandora.

Full Story & Photos

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Unique Boutiques, Culinary Surprises, Lively Entertainment and More – Disney Springs

Wrapped in Florida-inspired, made-for-strolling promenades, arcing footbridges, flowing streams and waterfront charm, Disney Springs treats Walt Disney World Resort guests to an exciting, one-of-a-kind blend of shopping, dining and entertainment – with an unmistakable Disney touch.

By day or night guests can expect a vibrant scene, whether they are shopping top-name retail brands, enjoying high-quality entertainment, having that special dining experience, pleasure boating on Lake Buena Vista or hopping a balloon skyward for spectacular views of Walt Disney World and beyond.

The former Downtown Disney completed a dramatic, multi-year transformation in 2016, was renamed Disney Springs and more than doubled – to more than 150 — the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore and enjoy.

Stop for a snack or cool drink, listen to talented musical performers or enjoy a meal at one of many great dining establishments. From sweets to street food to everything in between, there is something for every taste at Disney Springs.

If it’s a memorable meal you’re after, Disney Springs offers unforgettable dining experiences – some created by celebrity chefs and James Beard award-winning chefs. Chefs including Matsaharu Morimoto, Art Smith, Kevin Dundon and Rick Bayless call Disney Springs home with exciting restaurants offering unsurpassed dining.

Newest dining choices include The Polite Pig, where renowned Orlando chefs James and Julie Petrakis serve up modern barbecue with Southern sides and a bourbon bar offering more than 50 selections, and Paddlefish – an elegant old paddlewheeler reimagined into a modern yacht experience dishing up fresh seafood and steaks, a delicious Sunday brunch and a late-night menu with starry views from a deck-top lounge.

If shopping is your thing, Disney Springs is an experience like no other, with many great venues you won’t find anywhere else. Guests can shop a “Springs” brimming with everything from fashion apparel and jewelry to collectibles and artwork. For that special something, unique shopping found only at Disney Springs includes Uniqlo, American Threads, the Coca-Cola Store, Trophy Room, Shores and Sugarboo & Co. And The Force is more than with you at the Star Wars Galactic Outpost – great Star Wars merchandise is, too.

That’s only part of the shopping story. Fans of All Things Disney can stock up on Disney merchandise at World of Disney and Marketplace Co-Op. Uniqlo, Vera Bradley, Pandora, Alex & Ami and more stock Disney co-branded merchandise.

In creating the largest expansion in its history, Disney planners infused Disney Springs with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that are hallmarks of Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships, creating a welcoming space that only Disney can provide.

The story of Disney Springs begins as Florida’s did, with bubbling springs and natural beauty that first attracted settlers to the area. At the turn of the 20th century waterfront towns sprang up, dotting Florida’s landscape. Today’s Disney Springs fittingly starts with a clear water stream and fans out to exciting precincts for entertainment, dining, lounging and shopping.

Guests will find four outdoor, fun-to-stroll areas, each with its own personality:

  • Town Center offers a sophisticated mix of noteworthy shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect. Town Center features Spanish “Revival” style architecture, drawing from a rich history of explorers that landed in Florida centuries ago. Stop at Sprinkles where yummy cupcakes dispense from an ATM-style machine. Or order up an artisanal pie at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza and it’s “fired up” oven-to-table in a lightning-fast 180 seconds. Long noted for Hollywood stars, the newly-renovated and renamed Planet Hollywood Observatory sets its sights on celestial ones. Its out-of-this world setting is home to a revamped menu that includes signature burgers from celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
  • A colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing offers inspired dining and breathtaking waterfront views. High-quality retailers are found along its lantern-lined byways, including Sanuk for footwear, Chapel Hats and The Art of Shaving. Dine fine at STK, Morimoto Asia, dine fun at Paradiso 37 or the Raglan Road Irish Pub. The BOATHOUSE serves up a great menu and terrific lakeside views. Book a romantic sailing on an Italian water taxi or opt for the thrills of an Amphicar: vintage-style cars that transition from the land to the water for an unforgettable cruise of Disney Springs sights.
  • The family-friendly Marketplace continues to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including a Lego Store for hands-on play or an expanded World of Disney store – largest Disney character store in the world. Cooling refreshments at the water’s edge are found at Dockside Margaritas. For the little ones, a spin on the Marketplace Train Express or a charming Venetian carousel is sure to bring smiles. Treat the family to dino-themed dining at T-Rex Café or jungle-style at Rainforest Café.
  • The West Side delivers an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, retail and dining along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below. From Cirque du Soleil to iconic restaurants like House of Blues to bowling with a stylized twist at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, West Side offers something for everyone. For unmatched aerial views of Disney Springs and beyond, hop aboard Characters in Flight. Operated by Aerophile, the world’s largest tethered helium balloon ascends 400 feet.

Thanks to new slot-smart parking decks where green lights indicate available spaces (and take the guesswork out), parking is convenient to the entire Disney Springs scene – and free. Valet parking also is available.

Disney Springs is easily accessed from I-4, Central Florida’s major interstate, and connected to the rest of Walt Disney World Resort by motorcoach, watercraft or pedestrian pathways. Guests can visit disneysprings.com for all the exciting details.

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