Disney News

Disney MaxPass at the Disneyland® Resort

On July 19th, Disneyland® Resort will launch a new service called Disney MaxPass inside their parks!

Disney MaxPass combines two popular Disneyland® Resort services to help your day in the parks be as magical as it can be.

  1. Disney PhotoPassDisney MaxPass gives you unlimited downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos from your day in the park. This includes photos taken on select attractions, during select Character dining experiences, and even all normal and Magic Shots taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers.
  2. Disney FASTPASSDisney MaxPass also enables mobile FASTPASS booking and redemption times via the Disneyland® app. No more walking over to the attraction – simply make a FASTPASS selection (subject to availability) using the app and then scan your code at the entrance when it’s time to experience the attraction!

Current attractions using Disney FASTPASS service include:

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
  • California Screamin’
  • Goofy’s Sky School
  • Grizzly River Run
  • Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Indiana Jones™ Adventure

  • Matterhorn Bobsleds
  • Radiator Springs Racers
  • Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
  • Soarin’ Around the World
  • Space Mountain
  • Splash Mountain
  • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
  • Toy Story Midway Mania

Disney MaxPass will be offered for an introductory price of $10 a day (additional pricing options available for Disneyland® Resort Annual Passholders) and can be added in advance or once inside the park. The option of using the existing Disney FASTPASS service at the kiosks is still available at no additional cost.

Contact your Magic Maker® for more details!

You  are strongly advised to check the day’s FASTPASS ticket availability and other Park details before purchasing Disney MaxPass or using a Park ticket with Disney MaxPass as FASTPASS tickets for your preferred attractions may not be available at the time of purchase or use. FASTPASS tickets are limited and availability is not guaranteed. FASTPASS tickets may be obtained only while you are in the Parks and may not be available for entertainment through Disney MaxPass. An experience that does not have Disney FASTPASS® availability at a kiosk will not be available using Disney MaxPass. The Disney MaxPass benefit will expire at the end of the day or when the Passport it is associated with expires, as applicable. Disney MaxPass is nonrefundable, nontransferable, may not be redeemed for cash and is subject to other restrictions. Price, terms, entitlements, attractions and entertainment are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Passholders who purchase the Disney MaxPass benefit may not use the value of any separate ticket media toward the purchase price of Disney MaxPass.

Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the PhotoPass terms. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos captured during the day your Disney MaxPass is used or during the validity dates of your Passport, as applicable, must be linked to your Disney account and may be downloaded pursuant to the expiration policy. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Disney account holder only and may not be used for a commercial purpose. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

Disneyland® Park Announces New ‘Fantasmic!’ Viewing Options

On July 17, 2017, Fantasmic! will return to Disneyland® Park after a brief hiatus due to adjacent park refurbishment to celebrate its 25th Anniversary. Guests wishing to end their day at “The Happiest Place on Earth” by enjoying a performance of Fantasmic! will have several options to reserve a space.

Fantasmic! will continue to use Disney FASTPASS® Service in a process similar to that currently used for World of Color. The viewing area will be divided into reserved and stand-by viewing for each scheduled performance.

Reserved viewing areas are exclusively for those guests holding a FASTPASS® for that performance. These can be obtained in two ways:

  • FASTPASS® Distribution – Beginning each day at park opening, Fantasmic! FASTPASS® Distribution will begin on a first-come first-served basis on Big Thunder Trail in Frontierland. Your Fantasmic! FASTPASS® will be marked with the assigned showtime, suggested return time and your preassigned viewing section.
  • Fantasmic Dining Packages – Several dining options are now available including a 3-course dinner at the Blue Bayou Restaurant or River Belle Terrace or an on-the-go option from Hungry Bear Restaurant. Pricing varies by location. See below for more details

Stand-by viewing will continue to be offered in selected areas while space permits.

Fantasmic Dining Package Options

Blue Bayou Restaurant

Includes choice of starter, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage from prix fixe menu. Price is $65 for adults, $25 for children (age 3-9).

River Belle Terrace

Includes choice of starter, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage from prix fixe menu. Price: $45 for adults, $25 for children (age 3-9)

River Belle Terrace – Premium 8:00p Seating

Includes choice of starter, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage from prix fixe menu and you’ll be able to stay at your seat to watch the first performance of Fantasmic! from the outside patio where you’ll be seated!
Price: $60 for adults, $40 for children (age 3-9)

Hungry Bear Restaurant Fantasmic! On-the-Go Package

Includes choice of entrée and natural soda or for kids choice of entrée and bottled water, juice box or milk.

Price: $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for children (ages 3-9)

Please contact your Magic Maker® for more details.

Separate theme park admission is required. One (1) Fantasmic! FASTPASS® ticket will be distributed per package. Each person in the party must purchase a dining package in order to obtain a ticket. Tickets are valid only for the designated show time on the same day as the dining experience. Packages and tickets may not be refunded, redeemed for cash, exchanged for a different date or time, or sold. Early and late arrivals will not be accommodated. Some reserved viewing areas feature standing room only, with special accommodations available for Guests with disabilities. Fantasmic! may be cancelled due to technical or weather issues without notice. Cast Member and Annual Passholder discounts may be available. Children must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older for the duration of dining and viewing. No refunds or exchanges will be available, even if the show is cancelled. All information is subject to change without notice.



Travel Tip: Why Should You Get Travel Insurance?

When you think of a dream vacation, you may think of warm weather, palm trees, relaxing on a sandy beach – all while making special memories with your family and friends. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

When you’re planning your vacation, no one likes to think about all the “what ifs.” The world is full of things you can’t control! Unexpected sickness or injuries. Hurricanes. Snow storms. Travel delays. Involuntary termination or layoff. There’s a long list of unforeseen things that may try to get between you and your getaway, and unfortunately there’s no way to stop them from occurring. But, travel insurance can help you reduce the financial impact of these mishaps!

Here’s a video showing a little more about how Travel Insurance works:

Please note: Coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions vary for each insurance plan. Because every situation is different, your Magic Maker® may advise you to contact the insurance provider directly for clarification on any specific questions you may have.

Contact your Magic Maker® today to add Travel Insurance to your Vacation!

The purchase of Travel Insurance is encouraged but is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by Off to Neverland Travel®.

Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot®

A new premium event that will melt the heart of any Frozen fan is coming to Epcot®!

The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party is a sweet finale to your day at Epcot®. The party provides the following VIP experiences:

  • Delectable Frozen-themed Dessert Party and Reserved Seating for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth in World Showcase Plaza East.  Dessert Party buffet offerings may include:
    • Olaf’s warm double-chocolate s’mores pudding cake
    • Elsa’s warm cottage pudding with salted caramel glaze
    • Hand-dipped vanilla bean ice cream
    • Wandering Oaken’s éclairons
    • Hans’ key lime tarts with red glitter glaze
    • Living Rock crispy bonbons
    • Anna’s blue velvet cupcakes
    • Kristoff’s no-sugar-added lemon curd with blueberry
    • Sven’s fresh fruits and berries
    • Grand Pabbie’s winter-spiced snack mix
    • Duke of Weselton’s cheese fondue served with country bread cubes, broccoli and grilled flatbread
    • “Melted snow” and other non-alcoholic beverages
    • Summertime cocktails, like margaritas and piña coladas
    • Beer and wine
  • Access to the popular Frozen Ever After attraction after IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party will be held select evenings beginning July 17, 2017. Pricing is $79 per adult and $47 per child (ages 3 to 9), including tax and gratuity. Separate Epcot® admission is also required and not included.

Contact your Magic Maker® today for more information or to book this experience.

This is not a Character meet-and-greet experience. Characters of the movie Frozen will not appear. This celebration will be offered on a variety of days depending on the time of year, beginning one hour prior to the start of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Epcot® park admission is also required and is not included in the price of the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party. An event reservation is required when participating in the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify your age. To check in for this event, please meet the greeting Cast Member at World Showcase Plaza, located next to Port of Entry and adjacent to the Mexico Pavilion. The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party venue is held in an uncovered, open-air setting. In the event of inclement weather, the dessert portion will take place at an alternate indoor location. A Cast Member will direct you to the alternate location at the time of check-in. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth may be changed or canceled without prior notice due to inclement weather.

‘Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package’ Now Available

Magic Kingdom® Park has announced the return of a premium event that will take place during this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties.

Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package, which will be available on most party nights, will provide guests with a VIP experience at an additional charge. You’ll receive:

  • Preferred viewing for Happy HalloWishes Fireworks spectacular at Tomorrowland® Terrace where a dessert party will also be provided featuring:
    • Themed desserts like chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, cupcakes, ice cream, seasonal fruits, cheeses and other ghoulish goodies
    • A selection of non-alcoholic drinks

Pricing for the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package is $79 per adult and $47 per child (ages 3-9) plus tax. Space is limited, so please contact your Magic Maker® to check on availability for your party date. Here are a couple important reminders about the experience:

  • Admission to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event and is not included with admission to Magic Kingdom® park or this package.
  • The Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package is available on the following nights: Aug. 29; Sep. 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29; Oct. 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 , 31; and Nov. 1
  • Entertainment is subject to change or cancellation without notice. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks may be delayed or cancelled. However, the dessert party will occur regardless of the weather.
  • Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.
  • Offer may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions. There are a limited number of tickets available for this event.

‘Holiday Wishes Dessert Premium Package’ Now Available

Magic Kingdom® Park is ready to add even more magic during this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties.

Holiday Wishes Dessert Premium Package, which will be available on most party nights, will provide guests with a VIP experience at an additional charge. You’ll receive:

  • Preferred viewing for Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks spectacular at Tomorrowland® Terrace where a dessert party will also be provided featuring:
    • Themed desserts like like chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, cheeses and fresh, seasonal fruits
    • Non-alcoholic drinks

Pricing for the Holiday Wishes Dessert Premium Package is $79 per adult and $49 per child (ages 3-9) plus tax. Space is limited, so please contact your Magic Maker® to check on availability for your party date.

Here are a couple important reminders about the experience:

  • Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special ticketed event and is not included with admission to Magic Kingdom® park or this package.
  • The Holiday Wishes Dessert Premium Package is available on the following nights: Nov. 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26, 28; Dec. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22, 2017.
  • Entertainment is subject to change or cancellation without notice. In the event of inclement weather, fireworks may be delayed or cancelled. However, the dessert party will occur regardless of the weather.
  • Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.
  • Offer may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions. There are a limited number of tickets available for this event.

6 Must-Do Experiences in Pandora – The World of Avatar

On Saturday, May 27th, the Walt Disney World® Resort welcomed guests to experience the largest expansion in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Unlike anything ever before, Pandora – The World of Avatar immerses guests in a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences.

We’re so excited for our guests to experience Pandora – The World of Avatar. With so much to explore and discover once you enter the Valley of Mo’ara, we thought we’d highlight a few of our must-do experiences!

Click the Boxes Below to Explore Our 6 Must-Do Experiences in Pandora – The World of Avatar

1. Take Flight on Avatar Flight of Passage

1. Take Flight on Avatar Flight of Passage

What if you could climb on the back of an Ikran and explore the beauty of Pandora from the air? Well, thanks to this immersive new adventure, now you can! Trust us, this is unlike any other ride you’ve experienced before! After spending a few minutes inside the genetic matching room where you are scanned and connected to personal avatars, you’ll board link chairs, don your special flight visors and prepare for the flight. We’re not going to give any spoilers of what’s in store, but you’ll be amazed! TIP: This is a Disney FastPass+ attraction (which we highly recommend) reserved for explorers 44″ or taller.

2. Set Sail on Na'vi River Journey

2. Set Sail on Na'vi River Journey

Climb aboard the reed boats and enjoy a family-friendly cruise of the sacred Kapsavan River into a bioluminescent rainforest of Mo’ara. After being granted passage by a Na’vi warrior, you’ll be amazed at the sights and sounds found deep in the jungle. Surprises are around each bend of the river, including a big one at the end of your journey. TIP: This is also a Disney FastPass+ attraction, but since you are limited to only selecting one of the two attractions in Pandora – The World of Avatar, we only recommend selecting this for guests who won’t/can’t ride Avatar Flight of Passage.

3. Explore Unique Merchandise at Windtraders

3. Explore Unique Merchandise at Windtraders

Everyone is going to want something to help them remember their experience on Pandora – The World of Avatar. From Na’vi cultural artifacts and animal toys to science kits and Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) apparel, Windtraders is an out-of-this-world shopping location with something exciting for every member of the family. Our favorite part of the store is the Banshee Rookery, where you can select your own banshee to take home and care for. A trained naturalist will help you find the banshee that’s just right for you! It’s both a fun experience and the coolest souvenir to take home from your trip! TIP: The majority of this merchandise can only be found in Pandora – The World of Avatar, so if you see something you want be sure to purchase it before heading back to Planet Earth.

4. Experience the unique Na'vi cuisine

4. Experience the unique Na'vi cuisine

When in Na’vi territory, eat like a Na’vi! Satu’li (Sa-too-lee) Canteen  is the land’s fast-casual restaurant that serves a surprising twist on familiar flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll find wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and hearty proteins on the menu here. And for dessert, options include Blueberry Cheesecake with a Passion Fruit Curd or Chocolate Cake with a Crunchy Cookie Layer. Nearby the Canteen is Pandora’s specialty beverage kiosk, Pongu Pongu, which means “party party.” Options here include a non-alcoholic Frozen Nectar and for adults a Screaming Banshee Margarita and Avatar Private Label Ale. TIP: Pongu Pongu also serves our favorite snack/dessert in Mo’ara, the Lumpia – a pineapple cream cheese spring roll! Don’t miss it!

5. Don't forget to visit the Valley of Mo'ara at night

5. Don't forget to visit the Valley of Mo'ara at night

When the sun sets, the bioluminescent glow makes Pandora – The World of Avatar seem like a totally different place. Don’t think that since you’ve seen it during the day that it isn’t worth going back for a night. TIP: Plan your outfits for the day with lots of whites or neon colors for added fun!

6. Take time to explore

6. Take time to explore

Aside from the attractions, shopping, and dining experiences, there are so many details to take in and paths to explore! Be sure to allow an hour or more to just explore the Valley of Mo’ara. You may stumble upon the Swotu Wayä (“Sacred Place of Song”) where you can play the Na’vi instruments and the Flaska Reclinata, one of the largest plants on the planet. Don’t forget to bring along your camera as Pandora – The World of Avatar is very photogenic! TIP: Wilderness Explorers can earn two new Pandora-themed badges while visiting Pandora – The World of Avatar!

Ready to experience a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences? Contact your Magic Maker® today!

Pandora – The World of Avatar: A Distant World Unlike Any Other

A visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park is not like a typical day in a traditional “theme park.” Instead of a park built on fantasy, Disney’s Imagineers have brought experiences that you may have in the real world and placed them inside the park’s lands, like Africa and Asia. Authenticity was and continues to be a key part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

In creating Pandora – The World Avatar, Imagineers took the same care in researching a realistic culture that would exist on this fictional planet. In the film AVATAR, the Na’vi people saw and respected their lush planet, an ecosystem with lush bioluminescent flora and precious fauna. Since conservation and respect for our planet Earth has been a key value of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park since it’s opening, the tie in to Pandora – The World Avatar was an easy one. But building a real world unlike anyone had experienced before with every detailed researched proved to be more difficult.

When you cross the Discovery River via bridge from Discovery Island® to Pandora – The World Avatar, it feels like you’ve entered a rainforest. But as you continue along the path, you quickly realize through sight and sound that you’ve been transported light-years away onto a different planet. The Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) Base Camp situated in The Valley of Mo’ara is where your exploration of Pandora – The World Avatar begins. With mountains that appear to float in the sky and waterfalls cascading down the mountainside into meandering streams and pools, the Valley of Mo’ara has a totally different look and feel during day and night.

Pandora – The World Avatar has two thrilling expeditions, food, beverage, and merchandise locations to enjoy, and pathways throughout the valley to hike and enjoy.

Avatar Flight of Passage

Climb aboard a winged mountain banshee as Avatar Flight of Passage launches you on an exhilarating flight through the world of Pandora. Once considered a rite of passage for the Na’vi, your flight on the banshee will be the ultimate adventure!

Na’vi River Journey

The Na’vi River Journey is a family-friendly attraction that takes you down a sacred river deep into a bioluminescent rainforest, floating past exotic glowing plants and Pandoran creatures. When you enter the musical Na’vi ceremony, the Na’vi Shaman of Songs sends positive energy into the forest through her music.

Satu’li Canteen, Pongu Pongu, and Windtraders

When hunger calls, visit the land’s Satu’li Canteen (pronounced “Sa-too-lee”), a fast-casual restaurant serving some of the healthful bounty found of Pandora, including wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and hearty proteins. Nearby, Pongu Pongu serves out-of-this-world beverages including a bioluminescent frozen cocktail and indigenous beers and a sweet snack you won’t find elsewhere.

You’ll have an opportunity to interact with the native Na’vi  when you visit Windtraders, a shop offering Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more.

Ready to experience a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences? Contact your Magic Maker® today!

2017 ‘Night of Joy’ at Walt Disney World® Resort

This September, the sounds of Christian rock, pop, and gospel will fill the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as the 35th Night of Joy takes place at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Happening Fri. Sep. 8 and Sat. Sep. 9, the event will feature a mix of new and returning performers. The entertainment schedule for this year’s event is:

Friday, September 8, 2017:

  • MercyMe
  • TobyMac
  • Natalie Grant
  • Danny Gokey
  • Matt Maher
  • Colton Dixon
  • Rend Collective
  • Zach Williams
Saturday, September 9, 2017:

  • Amy Grant
  • Steven Curtis Chapman
  • Kirk Franklin
  • Jordan Feliz
  • Crowder
  • Jeremy Camp
  • Tye Tribbett
Artist lineup subject to change without notice.

Tickets options include:

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

For additional information please contact your Magic Maker®.

* 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 World® Theme 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 if purchased by Aug. 8, 2017.

Behind the Walls of ‘Pandora – The World of Avatar’

We are excitedly awaiting the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar which will debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park on May 27, 2017! This new themed land will transport you into to the visually stunning world of Pandora. Two new attractions,  Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage along with dining and shopping opportunities are sure to amaze!

As we get closer to the opening, we keep getting sneak peeks behind the construction walls of what’s in store! Take a look at the experiences that will take your adventure to the next level!

Good Morning America

Good Morning America took a special look at Pandora – The World of Avatar with Imagineers and Avatar producers

The View

On The View, Whoopi got a preview of the land with Avatar creator James Cameron.

Nightline

ABC’s Nightline provided the most in-depth look at Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Ready to experience Pandora – The World of Avatar on your own? Contact our Magic Makers® and start planning your Walt Disney World® Vacation today!

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