The Federal Aviation Administration last week granted Disney a waiver so it can show off its amazing drone skills in the Orlando and Anaheim parks.
Bass Fishing Reels in Guests to Walt Disney World Resort Waterways
World-class theme parks, resort hotels and entertainment are not the only reasons for visiting Walt Disney World Resort. There are great recreation options, too, including fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish in lakes and canals almost within casting distance of some of Disney’s most iconic landmarks.
From true beginners to expert anglers, thousands of Walt Disney World guests annually participate in fishing excursions sponsored by Take Me Fishing that include catch-and-release and dockside fishing options. Guests can fish on four different bodies of water at Disney – Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon, Lake Buena Vista and Crescent Lake – by booking an excursion at one of nine Disney resort marinas. Popular catch-and-release excursions can provide guests with an unrivaled views of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park or Spaceship Earth at Epcot, as well as the natural beauty of the resort.
During construction of Magic Kingdom Park in the late 1960s, Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon were stocked with more than 70,000 bass fingerlings. As a result, guests on the fishing trips catch on average, five to 10 fish, usually weighing in around two to eight pounds, depending on the time of day, the number of guests on board and, of course, luck.
There are two-hour and four-hour excursions led by experienced fishing guides offered daily with advance reservations year-round. Guests can choose from the Guided Fishing Excursions, which include a 21-foot Tracker pontoon boat that can accommodate up to five guests, and Bass Nitro Fishing, which features a tournament-style Nitro Bass boat for one or two people. Both boats are fully equipped with rods, reels, fishing gear and beverages. Take Me Fishing excursions provide guests with world-class equipment such as Castaway Rods & Wave Spin Reels, as well as boats outfitted with Lowrance depth finders, Power-Poles and other professional-grade fishing equipment.
In addition to having access to some of the industry’s best equipment, exceptional guides and Disney’s well-managed fishing locations, all Take Me Fishing excursion participants at Walt Disney World Resort receive a one-year BASS membership, which includes 11 issues of Bassmaster magazine and other special discounts and benefits.
Guests looking to experience something a little closer to their resort can take advantage of the dockside fishing opportunities at Disney by renting casting-rod fishing gear from the Bike Barn at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground or opting for traditional cane-pole fishing at the Fishin’ Hole at Old Man Island at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.
Reservations for guided fishing excursions and more can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-BASS.
The Lion Guard – Life in the Pride Lands on Disney DVD January 10th
Can’t get enough of The Pride Lands? You’re in luck!
Disney’s adventure The Lion Guard continues with Simba and Nala’s (from the classic The Lion King) second-born cub, Kion, and his Lion Guard team as they protect the Circle of Life! Follow our group of unlikely heroes: Bunga the honey badger, Fuli the cheetah, Beshte the hippo and Ono the egret. Join this heroic band as they use their unique abilities to protect the Pride Lands and maintain the Circle of Life. This series also features Simba, the spirit of Mufasa and the hilarious antics of Timon and Pumbaa. You’ll go wild for all the ferocious fun, because whether the Lion Guard team is tracking a rogue leopard, foiling tricky jackals or facing stubborn crocodiles, Life In The Pride Lands is always “hevi kabisa” – totally intense!
This new DVD, features five new episodes and is packed with laughs, music, beloved characters and heart, The Lion Guard: Life in the Pride Lands is a must-own for the entire family! Bring home this heroic adventure on Disney DVD January 10th!
Baseball World Champions Celebrate Historic Victory with Magical Visit to Walt Disney World Resort
America’s love affair with its newest baseball heroes made its way to Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park on Saturday afternoon when baseball’s world champions did what so many sports champions do: They “go to Disney World!’’
Championship MVP Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell and Javier Baez, who all helped lead the Chicago Cubs to the world championship earlier this week, rode along with Mickey Mouse in a celebratory parade at Walt Disney World Resort. A throng of cheering fans, many dressed in the team’s colors, lined the parade route at Magic Kingdom waving “W’’ flags and holding signs. Mickey Mouse and Goofy both dressed for the occasion, wearing their classic baseball uniforms!
The players and their families enjoyed some of the theme park’s signature attractions, including Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Plus, they spent time hanging out with Mickey Mouse and Goofy and took photos to capture the memory.
“I can’t believe how many (Cubs fans) there were at the parade. It’s just unbelievable,’’ said Zobrist. “It’s an amazing following of people right here at Disney World.’’
The parade was the perfect exclamation point on a championship celebration that was 108 years in the making. The team last won baseball’s Fall Classic in 1908, the longest interval between championships in sports history.
The parade was also one of the most heart-warming salutes in Disney Parks’ long tradition of sports champions celebrating their victories by “Going to Disney World’’ which dates back to 1987.
The Cubs rallied from the brink of defeat (they were down 3-1 in the best-of-seven-game series) to win a nail-biting Game 7 in 10 innings. Zobrist hit a double in the 10th inning that scored the go-ahead run that led to their momentous victory.
Likewise, Russell and Baez were both huge contributors throughout the Cubs’ playoff run. Baez accounted for the Cubs’ only run – a solo homer – in their 1-0 win over the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series. And Russell hit a grand slam home run in Game 6 that helped force the deciding Game 7, keeping the team’s title hopes alive.
Photo – Chicago Cubs players celebrate historic win at Walt Disney World
World champions (L-R, top to bottom) MVP Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell and Javier Baez, of the Chicago Cubs are joined by Mickey Mouse and Goofy in a magical moment as streamers fall from the sky Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The players were honored among thousands of fans at Walt Disney World in a parade celebrating the team’s historic victory. (David Roark, photographer)
BWW’s Guide to Disney’s Upcoming Live-Action Musical Movie Remakes!
With so many upcoming projects on the horizon, BWW has put together a guide to what’s in store from the House of Mouse and its ube!r-talented creative teams.
Disney Parks and Disney|ABC Television Group Bring Audiences Musical Entertainment in Three Holiday Specials Featuring Star-Studded Performances
Disney kicks off the holidays with three musical specials originating from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. The shows will be presented on Disney|ABC Television Group platforms, including ABC Television Network, Disney Channel, the ABC and Disney Channel apps and VOD, among other branded digital platforms. The holiday specials will include performances by some of the world’s most popular recording artists, celebrity hosts, Disney character appearances and heartwarming wish-come-true moments for three lucky families from across the country.
Julianne Hough (“Grease: Live”) and Derek Hough (“Hairspray Live”) are set to host two specials on ABC – “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, Nov. 24 (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST), and “The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” on Christmas morning, Sunday, Dec. 25 (9:00–11:00 a.m. EST; airtimes vary, check local listings). Julianne, who will also act as executive producer on the Thanksgiving and Christmas specials, and Derek are longtime “Dancing With the Stars” fan favorites with multiple Emmy Awards and mirror ball trophies between them.
Stars of “Descendants 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to the global smash hit “Descendants,” will host and perform holiday songs in “Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” on Disney Channel on Friday, Nov. 25 (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST). Hollywood Records recording artists Forever In Your Mind and Sofia Carson will also perform holiday songs.
Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks join the festivities, performing on all three holiday specials. The multi Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winning artists will light up the night singing duets from their newly released album, “Christmas Together” (Pearl Records, Inc.), plus solo performances, all from the steps of the Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World.
Multi Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson will also perform on all three holiday specials. From iconic locations across the Walt Disney World Resort, the talented singer, songwriter and author will perform songs from her 2013 Christmas record, “Wrapped in Red,” in addition to one of her most popular hit songs.
On each of the specials, ABC and Disney Channel stars will also grant wishes to families throughout the Disney theme parks, part of Disney’s “Share the Joy” campaign, inspiring families to spread goodwill this holiday season by giving back and volunteering to help others.
“Disney Channel Holiday Hits,” an album featuring holiday songs performed during “Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” will be released from Walt Disney Records on Friday, November 18. The album features four songs: “Jolly to the Core,” a holiday rendition of “Rotten to the Core” from “Descendants” (performed by Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Cameron Boyce and Booboo Stewart); “Silent Night” (performed by Sofia Carson); “This Christmas” (performed by China Anne McClain) and “Celebrate,” an original song from Forever In Your Mind.
The holiday specials are being produced by Disney|ABC Television Group and IMG.
The multi-platform programming schedule is:
THANKSGIVING – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24
“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on the ABC Television Network (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST) and on the ABC app. Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough as they host the magical two-hour special from the Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments.
Musical performances include:
- Solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks from their newly released album, “Christmas Together.”
- Kelly Clarkson performing “Underneath the Tree” and “”
Additional performances will be announced in the coming weeks.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25
“Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on Disney Channel (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST) and on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel VOD, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PST. The special will be available on-demand and will be featured in encore presentations on Disney Channel through Tuesday, December 20.
Musical performances include:
- “Jolly to the Core,” performed by Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart.
- “Descendants 2” star China Anne McClain performing “This Christmas.”
- “Silent Night,” performed by Hollywood Records and Republic Records recording artist Sofia Carson.
- Forever In Your Mind performing “Celebrate.”
- Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks perform a holiday duet from their newly released album, “Christmas Together.”
- Kelly Clarkson will also be performing a song.
ABC stars and Disney Channel stars Jenna Ortega and Isaak Presley, of “Stuck in the Middle,” and “Bizaardvark” stars Olivia Rodrigo and Madison Hu will join Carson and Boyce in surprising families from around the country, who are dedicated to various philanthropic efforts, with once-in-a-lifetime experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
CHRISTMAS – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25
“The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air on the ABC Television Network (9:00–11:00 a.m. EST; airtimes vary, check listings) and on the ABC and Disney Channel apps. This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates the joy of the holiday season, as hosts Julianne and Derek Hough take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street and beyond. The Christmas Day celebration will be bigger and brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Musical performances include:
- Solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks from their newly released album, “Christmas Together.”
- Kelly Clarkson performing “Underneath the Tree.”
- Sofia Carson performs “Silent Night,” featuring an alternate musical arrangement from her performance on Disney Channel, and also hosts from backstage.
- “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on An Open Fire)” performed by Jordan Fisher, who will also make his Broadway debut in “Hamilton” on November 22.
Additional performances will be announced in the coming weeks.
Disney gets federal permission to fly drones over theme parks
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has received federal permission to fly drones over its theme parks.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS AVAILABLE TO BOOK AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
From a gala dine-around at California Grill high atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort to celebrations around World Showcase at Epcot® and waterfront at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, there are lots of ways for guests to ring in the New Year at Walt Disney World® Resort.
The event takes place from 7:30 p.m.-midnight. The price is $650 per person.
Victoria & Albert’s New Year’s Eve Dinner – A luxurious evening in this AAA Five Diamond restaurant features gracious “butler-style” service, live harp music and personalized menus to remember the special evening. Seatings are available between 6-7:45 p.m. The price is $600 per person.
New Year’s Eve at Epcot World ShowPlace –This all-you-care-to-eat extravaganza is a real family affair featuring photo ops with fun vignettes for posing (but no Disney Characters) and Disney tunes. Seatings are available from 3-9 p.m. The cost is $72.90 for adults and $44.38 for children (ages 3-11). And, later in the evening,guests can head out to the promenade for fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon to welcome 2017.
Monsieur Paul New Year’s Eve Dinner – In the elegant upstairs dining room at the France pavilion at Epcot, guests can feast on a four-course, prix fixe menu of classical French cuisine. Six seatings are available on New Year’s Eve: 11:45 a.m., Noon, 2:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. The price is $110.81. Plus, a special late-night dinner with two seatings are available at 8:45p.m. and 9:45p.m. The price is $305.03.
Narcoossee’s New Year’s Eve Dinner – Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this generous four-course menu is offered with seatings between 5 and 5:45 p.m. A five-course menu is offered with seating from 8:30-9:25 p.m. for a late-night celebration with live music. The first seating $150 for adults and $70 for children ages 3-9. The second seating is $255 for adults and $95 for children ages 3-9.
Book today via Disneyworld.com/Dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Chicago Cubs’ players coming to Disney Today
Chicago Cubs players and World Series champions Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell and Javier Baez will be in the champions’ parade at the Magic Kingdom on Saturday.
