D23 Members Save Big with New, Exclusive Discounts and Offers from Disney and Beyond

Whether they’re headed to a Disney Park or staying close to home, members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can save
hundreds of dollars on shopping, entertainment, and their next Disney adventure when they present a D23 Membership Card or use special member-only online codes.

To kick off the New Year, D23 is proud to offer savings with partners from around The Walt Disney Company, including:\

• 10% off all purchases of more than $50 made at Disney Store locations or on DisneyStore.com through March 31
• D23 Members-only ticket prices for Newsies on Broadway
• Savings on tickets to see The Wind Rises and Lady and the Tramp at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
• Special rates on all Disney magazines
• A member-exclusive discount on tickets to experience D23 Presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago

Also included in the more than three dozen special offers for D23 Members are terrific savings on hotels, restaurants, and stores in and around Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, including:

• Discounted rates at Howard Johnson Anaheim, Carousel Inn & Suites, and the Anabella Hotel located near Disneyland Resort; as well as at Buena Vista
Palace Hotel and Spa, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, and B Resort located near Walt Disney World Resort
• 10% savings on activities at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre and on merchandise at CURL® by Sammy Duvall at Walt Disney World Resort
• Savings on sweet purchases made at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, either online or in its two Disney Park shops, as well as at the El Capitan Theatre
• 10% off purchases at all RIDEMAKERZ® and Apricot Lane locations
• Dining discounts in and around Disneyland Resort including House of Blues Anaheim, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal, Uva Bar, Naples, Tortilla Joe’s, Earl of Sandwich, ESPN Zone, The Pizza Press, and Tangerine Grill

In addition, D23 Members can take advantage of a host of ongoing offers online and around the country developed exclusively for them, including:

• Terrific attractions around the country, including The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Mo., the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, N.C., Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif., Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park, Calif., and Madame Tussauds Hollywood
• 10% off SuperShuttle bookings, ideal when headed to the airport for your next Disney destination
• Online shopping discounts at H20+, Brookstone.com, the ABC TV Store, Jelly Belly, ACME Archives, Van Eaton Galleries, Sprint, and more

Complete details on all D23 Member discounts and offers, as well as a full list of all the
latest special deals, can be found online at http://D23.com/Discounts.

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Disney XD Introduces Erza from “Star Wars Rebels”

In Star Wars Rebels, fans will see the rise of the Rebellion through Ezra: a 14-year-old con artist who learns to fight for a greater good. The seemingly-reluctant hero is revealed here in a video filled with character concept art, early animation, and creator interviews. (http://youtu.be/lw-YfJetY18)

Growing up on his own in the age of the Empire, Ezra has had to rely on his wit and cunning to get by. As voice actor Taylor Gray explains, “He’s very street-smart, he’s a pickpocket, he’s a little thief. But he’s doing it all because he needs to survive.” 

Executive producer Dave Filoni adds that Ezra is not a bad kid. Although he may enjoy stealing from the Empire, his behavior has been influenced by the world around him – a world that is under Imperial control.

But his hard life has also made his world smaller. “He doesn’t really trust anyone,” says Rayne Roberts, creative executive of Star Wars Rebels. “That’s kind of his motto in life. He has that hard edge at times.” When audiences first meet Ezra, he is not yet a Rebel and is not yet interested in restoring freedom to the galaxy – but that will soon change when Ezra is introduced to his new surrogate family: the crew of the Ghost.

Greg Weisman, executive producer, says, “His eyes get opened to the fact that there are people who care, who are trying to fight the good fight. And he becomes one of them.” Still, there is more to Ezra than even he knows.

Ezra is Force-sensitive, Filoni reveals, though he is unaware that he is tapping into this mystical energy field. Ezra knows he has some strange abilities, but they’re “instinctive and reactionary.” It is only through his relationship with Kanan, a Jedi Survivor and crew member of the Ghost, that Ezra will learn the true nature of his power. Together, they will forge new paths and destinies – and a rebellion will rise.

Star Wars Rebels is scheduled to premiere in fall 2014 as a one-hour special telecast on Disney Channel and will be followed by a series on Disney XD channels around the world.

Tune into “Kickin’ It” and “Lab Rats” on Disney XD at 6:00pm and 6:30pm ET/PT on Monday, February 17th to catch two all-new :30 teasers for Star Wars Rebels!!!

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NEW GAME SHOW “DISNEY’S WIN, LOSE OR DRAW,” PREMIERING MONDAY, MAR 3

Disney Channel and Disney XD stars team up with kid contestants to compete and win prizes in a battle of drawing skills, creativity and wits, in Disney Channel’s new game show “Disney’s Win, Lose or Draw.” Hosted by master illusionist and entertainer Justin Willman (“Cupcake Wars”), the contemporary version of the popular game ditches the drawing pad to deliver a high-energy game featuring motion control illustration, interactive multi-touch screen displays and fun challenges. “Disney’s Win, Lose or Draw” will air Monday through Thursday, beginning Monday, March 3 (5:00 p.m. ET/PT), on Disney Channel.

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New Magic For Walt Disney World Guests in 2014

Heigh, Ho, Heigh, Ho – into another magical year we go for Walt Disney World Resort guests in 2014.

New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom adds its crowning centerpiece in spring 2014 with the opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, completing the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Also this spring, New Fantasyland inspires an all-new parade set to roll down Main Street, U.S.A.

Meantime, 2014 sees the official rollout of MyMagic+ taking the Disney guest experience to an exciting new level. Downtown Disney continues its magical, multi-year re-imagining to Disney Springs. New for 2014 will be an exotic — and aromatic — addition to the Morocco Pavilion at Epcot. And to make smiles even wider, the call will go out to all Disney guests to “Show Your Disney Side.”

These highlights and more add up to a merry menu of magic for guests in 2014:
1. Nothing sleepy about it! The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will crown New Fantasyland with family coaster fun.
2. Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will bring the magical stories of New Fantasyland to Main Street U.S.A.
3. Fit2Run, the Marketplace Co-Op, new Starbucks and more kick off the multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs.
4. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opens a luxury resort hotel within the Golden Oak community.
5. The Orlando City Soccer Club makes ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex its home for 2014 regular season games.
6. New races welcome runDisney enthusiasts and first-time runners alike.
7. New 2014 itineraries for Disney Cruise Line will include an expanded collection of European sailings.

Here’s a closer look around:

The lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey comes to life in spring 2014 when the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train takes New Fantasyland guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Inspired by the 1937 Disney animated film classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the fun starts as guests cross a stone bridge and walk through a beautiful forest with the Dwarfs’ cottage in the distance, leading to the entrance to the attraction — and immersion into the endearing story of the radiant and kindhearted Snow White and her forest friends led by the lovable Dwarfs.

After passing through an interactive pre-show area with fun activities themed to mining, guests will proceed to the mine train. Just like the iconic movie, surprises are in store! The family-style coaster will feature first-of-its-kind ride vehicles mounted in cradle-like pivots that allow the vehicles to swing back and forth during the ride. Adding to the fun, the journey will be accompanied by beloved music from the film classic and there’s a cast of animated figures of Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and playful forest critters.

New Fantasyland also inspires a new daytime parade, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, scheduled to march into Magic Kingdom in spring 2014. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will bring the magical stories of New Fantasyland to Main Street, U.S.A. through fantastic and innovative parade floats, vibrant costumes and an original soundtrack that will feature beloved songs from favorite Disney films, plus a new parade theme song. There will be no shortage of fantasy, either, according to the float-makers. Ariel and friends will grace a larger-than-life music box showcasing a colorful musical party “Under the Sea” while Scottish dancers and a float shaped like an enormous bagpipe announce the arrival of Merida. Other floats celebrate Disney Princesses; Peter Pan and Wendy soar above a pirate galleon; Rapunzel and Flynn Rider appear on a longship in search of another “Best Day. Ever.”

While Downtown Disney in 2014 continues its multi-year transformation into Disney Springs, there are exciting changes guests can experience now. Newly opened in Downtown Disney West Side: Fit2Run serves both recreational runners and athletes. In 2014, Starbucks will add two locations: a storefront at Downtown Disney West Side and a kiosk near World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Also in 2014: new retail–from women’s accessories to electronics, sportswear to girl’s fashions, home design accents to salon products–will open as the Marketplace Co Op (replacing Team Disney). And there’s plenty of valet and self-parking as the Disney Springs expansion continues. Disney Springs will be a unique and vibrant shopping/dining/entertainment destination to be set amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. Anchored by a signature water tower and grand entry, Disney Springs will boast four interconnected outdoor neighborhoods and be home to everything from shopping boutiques to flagship stores to great new restaurants and entertainment venues. With a planned completion in 2016, Disney Springs expects to double the number of venues, to more than 150.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts plans a 2014 opening for a luxury resort hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will feature several dining venues including a rooftop restaurant with views to the Magic Kingdom, a 14,000 square foot spa, fitness center, three pools and a “lazy river” sports and recreational area, as well as meeting and event space, and a business center. This first Four Seasons in Central Florida is located within the Golden Oak residential community, created and master-planned by Disney.

As anticipation for the 2014 World Cup builds around the world, soccer fans vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort will be treated to more professional soccer options at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in 2014. In addition to the Disney Pro Soccer Classic and the Disney Soccer Academy, which both feature pro soccer players, the Orlando City Soccer Club will play its 2014 regular-season home games at Disney in the spring. The team will play its 14-game home schedule inside a soon-to-be expanded soccer venue at the sports complex, providing fans with a more intimate viewing experience than ever before. The Orlando City Soccer Club recently became an official MLS soccer franchise.

runDisney is expanding two of its most popular race weekends in 2014. There will be a 10K race added to the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna and the Princess Half Marathon Weekend. The new 10K races mean there will also be new “challenges” – the Dopey Challenge during Marathon Weekend (running the 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon) and the Glass Slipper Challenge during Princess Weekend (5K, 10K and half marathon). Both of these new “challenges” come with a special new medal awarded to anyone who completes the challenge.

In 2014, Disney Cruise Line will offer new itineraries, including an expanded collection of European cruises highlighting the Greek Isles. Plus, DCL will depart for the first time from homeports in Venice, Italy and San Juan, Puerto Rico. From May to August, the re-imagined Disney Magic returns to the Mediterranean, offering a rich array of itineraries, cruise lengths and ports of call. New for the season, the Magic will homeport in Venice and will call on the Greek Isles and Sicily for the very first time. In fall 2014, Disney Magic will sail out of San Juan for four Southern Caribbean cruises. Disney’s first cruise ship now boasts all-new experiences and re-imagined spaces including AquaDunk, a body slide dropping three decks, and Marvel’s Avengers Academy transporting kids 3-12 into magical worlds of brave superheroes. In summer 2014, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Alaska; a special nine-nighter calls at Sitka, Alaska – a first for DCL. Joined by Disney Magic in January, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sail from Port Canaveral, Fla. to the Bahamas including a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Disney Parks is encouraging guests to let their inner selves come out to play during “Show Your Disney Side” in 2014. Disney Side is the exact flip of the everyday, work-centric lives we lead – the more fun-loving, adventurous side that washes over anyone who sets foot inside a Disney Park. In Disney advertising and marketing, Disney Parks will make the call for all guests to “let out the fun” and show their Disney side in 2014. The program got off to a magical start in the fall of 2013 when all-stars in the social media realm showed their Disney side to the delight of millions of followers.

Epcot guests are being treated to an exciting addition to the Morocco pavilion. Inspired by the whitewashed, outdoor cafes found along the Mediterranean, Spice Road Table offers a variety of Moroccan small plates and specialty drinks – along with scenic views of World Showcase Lagoon in front of the Morocco pavilion. A collection of shops arranged “souk” style stretches along the front of the building. There is even a henna tattoo artist on hand to create temporary body art from traditional and modern designs. The space is finished in cozy booths, Moroccan light fixtures, tapestries and art representing Morocco’s indigenous Beber tribes.

There is so much more to round out the fun in 2014 for Walt Disney World Resort guests including returning favorites runDisney events led by the Walt Disney World Marathon, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Atlanta Braves Spring Training, Star Wars Weekends, Car Masters Weekend, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and much more. Another guest favorite, the hugely popular Festival of the Lion King show, relocates by mid-summer to an all-new theater in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

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The Skinny on the DDP by David Dunkle

There are a bevy of articles written on the subject of the Disney Dining Plan.  Should you buy it if it’s not included during a promotion?  Is it worth the money?  If I get the dining plan free can I still get a discounted rate on rooms with my annual pass?  If I have an annual pass do I still qualify for the dining plan?

The list of questions can get quite lengthy, especially if you are not familiar with the plan, the property or the protocol.  And those articles do a good job answering those questions.  But why is there a DDP?

Let’s back up a moment to pre dining plan days.  There was a time when the restaurants on Disney property offered very unique culinary offerings and dining experiences.  To the average guest, this may still seem very much the case but I assure you it is not.

Price points and menu offerings were widely varied in the days before the DDP.  There were certain restaurants that really stood above the rest as far as menu and the quality of the items they presented.  Often these venues were higher priced and often difficult to get “reservations” for.  (Disney does not accept reservations for their restaurants, they arrange for “preferred seating times”.)  And for the most part, guests did not mind paying a little more to splurge on one or two meals during their stay to celebrate an occasion or have an opportunity to “do it up” for a night.

Enter the DDP.  With the introduction of this new dining plan, Disney essentially leveled the playing field for most of their eateries across the property, with a few exceptions, of course.  If you read menus from one location to another, they are pretty much the same when it comes to entrees.  Aside from variations on the preparation, you will notice a strip steak, chicken, pasta, vegan and fish entrée.  Accompanied by some venue related sides and there you have it.  Pricing is relatively the same, too. But why?  You have to remember that Disney is an entertainment company, not a food service company.  Although they have some remarkable culinary offerings and some extremely talented chefs, their main goal is guest traffic and attractions management.

By going to the DDP format, Disney can procure standard menu items for all of its dining services in great quantities and fulfill each restaurants grocery needs from a central commissary rather than placing individual orders per unit.  Think of it as shopping at a discount club.  (Some restaurants are different as they are not owned or operated by Disney) With the menu ingredients remaining equal in quality and price, this also spreads interest out among guests that once would clamor for one particular restaurant.  Such is the case of one very popular location in the World Showcase.  Once the DDP was introduced and La Cellier was on par with all other restaurants, attendance waned-until it became a double meal entitlement.  It now has the mystique of being exclusive again and guess what?  Good luck getting a walk up “reservation”.

I loved the dining plan in its early days.  It gave me an opportunity to dine at just about every restaurant on property.  Now, however, I have my favorites that I visit on my own, but can’t possibly eat as much as the dining plan would allow each day.  It all comes down to what is best for you, your budget and family’s interests.  Do your research, count the numbers and by all means, Bon Appetit!

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Bumkins Announces Disney Baby Collection

Bumkins Finer Baby Products today announces the Disney Baby collection from Bumkins. The Bumkins brand is introducing 15 Disney Baby prints to its popular line of waterproof bibs and bags.

The Disney Baby collection from Bumkins pairs the high quality products and on-trend designs that Bumkins is known for with modern prints of classic Disney characters to create a magical collection that the whole family will appreciate.  The collection of bibs and bags are made from Bumkins’ signature waterproof fabric known for its durability, performance, and high safety standards – lead free, PVC free, BPA free, Phthalates free, Vinyl free and food safe.

“The Disney Baby brand is about making everyday moments magical,” says Jakki Liberman, President and Founder of Bumkins Finer Baby Products. “We are excited to bring these iconic Disney characters and prints to our quality products for families to experience everyday, whether enjoying a meal together or packing a bag for an outing.  The new Disney Baby collection from Bumkins will help make these everyday experiences fun and interactive moments between parent and child.”

The Disney Baby product line includes some of Bumkins’ most popular products including:

  • Starter Bibs for ages 6-9 months
  • SuperBib® – single and two pack options – for ages 6-24+ months
  • Sleeved Bib, with the added protection of full sleeves, for ages 6-24+ months
  • Junior Bib, with capped sleeves, for ages 1-3+ years
  • Snack Bags – in two size options – reusable and machine washable with zipper closure
  • Wet Bag – larger bags that are also machine washable with zipper closure
  • Wet/Dry Bag – with two compartments for both wet and dry items

The new line of Disney Baby products from Bumkins is available immediately from Bumkins.com as well as Zoolikins.com and Amazon.

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It All Starts with a Wish! by Jennifer Romano

Wishes: dream a dream!  If you have seen the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, I am sure that you are familiar with that line from the show.  Since we are able to see Wishes on a pretty regular basis, we have been trying to scout out new locations for viewing this nighttime spectacular.  Of course, one of the best locations is on Main Street, USA.  If you stand here, Cinderella Castle acts a backdrop for the show, and you can take in all of the beauty of this section of the park.  Although many people flock to Main Street to get this view of the fireworks, this is not the only good view of Wishes to be had in the Magic Kingdom.  Main Street can get very crowded, and people start to push and shove, and that is just not conducive to a magical experience.  If you want to avoid the crush of Main Street, you can venture over to Liberty Square near the dock for the Liberty Belle.  If you watch the fireworks from here, you can even sit down on the low stonewall near the stocks.  This is an excellent spot for viewing the fireworks, and not many people stand in this area.  There are some downsides in that you cannot really see the castle from this angle. You can, however, see Tinkerbell make her flight from the castle.  Plus, after the fireworks, you could hop right on Haunted Mansion if the park is still open.

Also inside Magic Kingdom, you can journey to a brand new section of the park in New Fantasyland.  If you stand in the middle of the new castle walls right behind Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, you will be surrounded by fireworks!  The smaller charges are set off near the castle and Fantasyland, and the larger blasts come from an area outside of the park behind Storybook Circus.  If you enjoy perimeter fireworks, this is the area for you.  A word of caution if you plan on watching Wishes in New Fantasyland: make sure to bring earplugs.  The fireworks are set off very close to this location, and they are very, very loud.  We saw many small children who were so uncomfortable with the loud booming that they did not enjoy the show.

Now if you are outside of the park, there are many fireworks viewing locations that are fantastic.  For example, watching Wishes on the beach at the Polynesian Resort near Luau Cove provides a great view, and there are even beach chairs as well as swings on which to sit.  The Grand Floridian also offers a prime viewing spot right outside of Gasparilla Grill and Games.  There are tables and chairs all around this area, so you can have a comfortable seat.  Finally, you can also ride the monorail over to the Contemporary Resort to take advantage of the close proximity to the Magic Kingdom.  You don’t need a reservation at the California Grill in order to enjoy the fireworks from the Contemporary.  All you need to do is go outside to the seating area that is on the same floor as the monorail.  There are benches outside, and if you don’t mind standing, you can ascend a few flights of stairs to get an even better view of the show.

If you enjoy riding Disney watercraft, there are also some great opportunities for fireworks viewing.  Of course, you can pay to take a fireworks cruise, but you can also just ride one of the launches to a monorail hotel or over to Fort Wilderness.  These launches don’t cost anything, and they provide a relaxing and beautiful vantage point for the show.  So, if you love Wishes as much as I do, take some time to view these fireworks from different locations around the World.  Sometimes watching them from outside the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom can be a more relaxing experience.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

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Walt Disney World Resort Offers Romance for Lovebirds on Valentine’s Day and Every Day

Celebrate love with your significant other on Valentine’s Day and every day at the most magical place on earth, Walt Disney World Resort.  Throughout the 40-square-mile playground there’s simple and luxurious splurges for couples of all ages — from moonlit strolls and stolen kisses aboard attractions to pampering spas and intimate dining for two.

The four Walt Disney World theme parks and 26 resort hotels create a perfect setting for spontaneous romance. Gazing at dazzling fireworks, a surrey bike ride for two at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas Resort, or a moonlit swing beachside at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, couples can embrace a bouquet of romantic experiences.

Here’s a few options for lovebirds:

The Couple that ‘Spas’ and ‘Flies’ Together… – What’s more enjoyable than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone.  The new Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort or Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, both feature a “couples room” where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments – such as massages and facials – with the one they love. For information about spa treatments, call 407/WDW-SPAS.

Make like Aladdin and Jasmine – Fly through the sky with your special someone on an adventurous tandem parasail over Bay Lake. Those looking to soar to new heights can spend 10 minutes soaring high above Disney and get a bird’s-eye view of Magic Kingdom and its neighboring resorts. Contact Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or call 407/939-0754 for reservations for a tandem flight.

Sunset in the Sky – A very different kind of flight is aboard a tethered balloon rising gently into the Florida sky. Located on the waterfront at Downtown Disney, Characters in Flight gives romantics a chance to take their love to new heights.  Operating daily,the giant balloon provides breathtaking sights from 400 ft. up in the air with an unparalleled, 360-degree view of the Vacation Kingdom and beyond. Flights take place between 8:30 a.m. and midnight (weather permitting) and last approximately 8-10 minutes. Romantics who time their flight to sunset or fireworks bursting above the parks are in for a special treat. Tickets can be purchased at Downtown Disney West Side; tickets are $12.00 per child and $18.00 per adult.

Magical Resorts – From the tropical splendor of Disney’s Polynesian Resort to the Victorian era of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. Disney’s fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service. For reservations, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).

The Love Boat – The Grand Floridian’s Grand 1 – an elegant 52-foot yacht – can give couples, or parties up to 18, a stunning view of “Wishes” fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic evening cruises include a captain and private deck hand. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/WDW-PLAY. Callers to that same number can ask about Magic Kingdom or Epcot fireworks cruises aboard gently floating pontoon boats. To turn up the romance, lovebirds can order up champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries for their fireworks viewing.

Disney Dining Serves Romance – Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from subdued to spectacular.

  • Indulge in a romantic dinner for two at the newly reimagined California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  Situated on the 15th floor of the resort, the onstage, market-inspired kitchen boasts breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon and nightly fireworks.  The menu is creative, seasonal, sophisticated and fun.
  • Beneath shimmering chandeliers, lovebirds can dine in fairy tale elegance at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland.  Known as the place where Belle and Beast fell in love, the grand ballroom in Beast’s Castle is the perfect setting for romance as ‘snow’ falls on the French countryside outside the windows and guests dine on French-inspired cuisine and fine wines.
  • One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA for its gourmet cuisine. Combining Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert’s is the “crown jewel” of the Grand Floridian’s dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose.
  • For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef’s Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a cozy table in Victoria & Albert’s kitchen and treated to a culinary feast custom-tailored to their palates by Chef Scott Hunnel.
  • Guests who prefer to dine in an even more intimate setting at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa need only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach – or aboard the Grand 1 – on a sunset excursion along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Seven-day notice is requested.
  • There’s nothing more romantic than a champagne toast with classical French cuisine.  Monsieur Paul restaurant at the France pavilion at Epcot pays homage to one of France’s most celebrated chefs, Paul Bocuse with upscale French creations. The second floor vantage point of the newly redesigned restaurant offers stunning views of the nightly IllumiNations fireworks display.

For all Walt Disney World dining information, guests can call 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).

Nature Lovers – A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature and each other. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom’s 40 square miles. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Romantic Evening – Horse-drawn carriage rides through the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort are a romantic treat for couples looking for a secluded nighttime outing. The antique carriages depart from Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and traverse throughout the scenic landscape of the 750-acre rustic resort. Or guests can choose a relaxing old-fashioned carriage ride through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside with pickup at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Each nightly excursion is 25 minutes long.  For reservations, guests can call 407/WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Weddings Around the ‘World’ – The epitome of Disney romance can be summed up in four words: Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings. Since the first wedding at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion in 1995, more than 1,000 couples each year have exchanged vows at Walt Disney World Resort.

For these couples, dreams become reality. Where else but at Disney could a bride arrive for her wedding in Cinderella’s glass coach, have a handsome major domo carry wedding rings to the altar in a glass slipper, or have Mickey and Minnie greet guests at the reception?

Whether it’s an elegant ball at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a traditional ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion or a beach-themed wedding complete with tiki torches, leis and luau on one of the Walt Disney World white-sand beaches, Disney custom designs each wedding with the famous “Disney Difference” – providing attention to the tiniest detail.  For more information on Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, call 321/939-4623 or visit disneyweddings.com.

And honeymooners thrive in the romantic allure of Walt Disney World Resort – a top-rated honeymoon destination, according to industry experts.  To book a Disney’s Fairy Tale Honeymoon call 321/939-4623 or visit the website at disneyhoneymoons.com

Renewing Vows – Many couples who’ve been married for years are coming to Walt Disney World Resort, often with their families, to renew their vows five, 10, 25 and 50 years later. A Disney vacation provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate this family milestone. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings experts can tailor the ceremony and celebration to suit each couple.

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Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S. Hotels Receive “Best Hotels” Awards

Eight Walt Disney Parks and Resorts hotels were recently named Silver Badge Winners by U.S. News & World Report. All of the winning Disney Parks hotels ranked as one of the best in their market.

In California, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel was named one of the Best Hotels in Anaheim. And in Hawai’i, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa ranked as one of the Best Hotels in Honolulu – Oahu.

Six hotels at Walt Disney World Resort were also named Best Hotels in Orlando, including:
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

The hotels were ranked by travel experts and guests through online reviews and ratings.

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Disney twenty-three Celebrates Disney’s Contributions to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair in Spring 2014 Issue

The 1964–65 World’s Fair in New York celebrated a time of optimism, growth, and progress. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club captures all the excitement of this epic event in the Spring issue of its publication, Disney twenty-three. The Fair, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marked the creation of landmark Disney technology, music, and attractions including it’s a small world, Audio-Animatronics® technology, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and the Carousel of Progress—with its memorable theme song “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.” Disney twenty-three sat down with several Disney Legends responsible for these iconic landmarks including Marty Sklar, Alice Davis, and Bob Gurr. Stunning concept art and rarely seen photography from the Fair complement the stories in this issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23.

Disney twenty-three’s Spring issue also includes a look ahead at some of the latest entertainment coming from Disney. Ty Burrell, Tina Fey, Kermit the Frog, and Miss Piggy give readers a peek “behind the felt” at Muppets Most Wanted, which opens this March. Chris Evans talks about suiting up once again for April’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Plus, Jonathan Freeman discusses taking his characterization of the villainous Jafar from screen to stage, as Disney Theatrical Productions prepares to open Aladdin on Broadway this March.

Also included in the Spring issue of Disney twenty-three:

  • We celebrate D23’s fifth anniversary with a look at some of the club’s most memorable events
  • “Ask Dave” with Disney Legend and Chief Archivist Emeritus Dave Smith returns to print in the U.S. for the first time in nearly a decade
  • Disney trendsetters are all the rage—and on the page—in “The Hippest Place on Earth”
  • Regular columns including A Walk with Walt, PHOTOfiles, D Society, and more

All D23 Members are invited to visit www.D23.com for additional members-only content, including extended Q&As with Kermit, Fey, Burrell, and the irrepressible Miss Piggy from Muppets Most Wanted.

Other features coming to D23.com include:

  • A closer look at the artwork from it’s a small world’s Tower of the Four Winds at the New York World’s Fair
  • Details on which parts of the World’s Fair attractions made their way to Disneyland
  • A drive though the Ford Magic Skyway, with an extensive photo gallery

Also in the Spring issue, D23 Gold Members will receive a reproduction of the “Souvenir Map and Small World Guide” from the centerfold of the commemorative it’s a small world guide book.

Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold Members as a benefit of their membership.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 90-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold, Silver, and Free Membership levels at D23.com and at www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow us @DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

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