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Disney News

New Tastes and Events Coming to Epcotยฎ Food & Wine Festival

This fall, Epcotยฎ will celebrate 62 delicious days of sipping and savoring when they host their International Food & Wine Festival from Sep. 14-Nov. 14, 2016! Loyal festival fans and first-timers will enjoy more than 30 outdoor marketplaces, nightly concerts, signature dinners and feature tasting events.

While Cast Members are still hard at work planning all of the details, we have a preview of what’s in store:

  • โ€œMix It, Make It, Celebrate It!โ€ hands-on workshops inside the Festival Center will offer a chance to “sharpen up” your culinary skills from chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros.
  • Culinary icons like Cat Cora, Norman Van Aken, Masaharu Morimoto, Elizabeth Falkner, Buddy Valastro and Jamie Deen will entertain foodies and inspire their palates at new and returning premium events that include reimagined Party for the Senses grand tastings with new concepts and themes.
  • Pair wines, beers and ciders with savory and sweet dishes as you stroll the World Showcase Promenade using your complimentary festival passports as a guide.
  • New marketplace menus debut and some of your festival favorites return! Choose a favorite hard soda to mix with vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat at Desserts & Champagne marketplace. Or try the new savory dishes making at the Greece and Farm Fresh marketplaces.
  • Multiple new Eat to the Beat concert acts debut while fan favorites return to play a total of 186 festival concerts! New Acts include Wang Chung, Delta Rae, and Toad The Wet Sprocket. Confirmed favorites include Wilson Phillips, Boyz II Men and Jeffrey Osbourne.
  • The Festival Center will once again host the complimentary Back to Basics weekend series featuring epicurean tips and tricks from the pros, book and bottle signings and The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar, hosted by Ghirardelli and offering guest samples.
  • Chase will once again offer their lounge for debit and credit card members featuring complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments, a charging station and comfortable seating for a relaxing break inside American Adventure.
  • Rockinโ€™ Burger Block Party and Party for the Senses grand tasting events will showcase creative bites and palate-pleasing sips from eminent chefs and beverage experts plus new live entertainment. And new resort premium events will include a Grand Floridian brunch with a twist and a new cooking school experience.

It looks like the 21st Annual Epcotยฎ International Food & Wine Festival is going to be great!

Many events and activities are included with regularย Epcotยฎ admission including Back to Basics series, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Marketplace Passport and all attractions and park entertainment. The Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Reservation bookings for premium events will be available later this summer.

Parents’ Night Out at the Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort

By Allie Willits, Off to Neverland Travelยฎ Magic Makerยฎ

IMG_1248We recently experienced a perfect parents’ night out while at the Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort and my daughter LOVED every minute of it! Disneyโ€™s Childrenโ€™s Activity Centers make it easy to leave your kiddo(s) in their capable hands.

Located at Disneyโ€™s Beach Club Resort (Sandcastle Club) and Disneyโ€™s Polynesian Village Resort (Liloโ€™s Playhouse) serving children from ages 3-12 the Childrenโ€™s Activity Centerโ€™s are a great value for a flat rate of $55 per child from 4:30pm-midnight (you can drop off and pick up children anytime within those hours). At the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel (Club Dolphin for kids age 4-12) and at Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Simbaโ€™s Cubhouse) the rate is $15 per hour per child. At all Childrenโ€™s Activity Centers dinner and a snack are served. My daughter (age 5) begs to go back every trip.

While our daughter enjoyed dancing with Chip and Dale at a luau party, baking cookies, playing pirate games, doing science experiments, putting on a play and making new friends, my husband and I enjoyed a night to ourselves. Disneyโ€™s BoardWalk Entertainment District was a perfect place for our date night. We started with relaxing drinks and live music at Marthaโ€™s Vineyard in Disneyโ€™s Beach Club Resort, then walked over to the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel for dinner at Trattoria Il Mulino and ended the evening at Jellyrolls enjoying the dueling piano show. When we went to pick up our daughter she didnโ€™t want to leave she was having so much fun!

IMG_1253The Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort has great lounges, restaurants and nightlife to spend your adult evenings โ€“ or head to one of the theme parks for some after dark fun! Disney Springsโ„ข is always an exciting location for a parentโ€™s night out! Dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants followed by the spectacular La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil is a favorite of mine.

Some other awesome date night/children activity center combos are:

Simbaโ€™s Cubhouse – dinner at Jiko followed by drinks at Victoria Falls or head over to Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdomยฎ Theme Park to check out the new nighttime activities and shows

Liloโ€™s Playhouse โ€“ have an evening of appetizers, drinks and desserts on a monorail crawl! At Disneyโ€™s Polynesian Village Resort enjoy some tropical eats and drinks at Trader Samโ€™s Grog Grotto then head to Tambu Tambu to check out their tasty selection. Next jump on the monorail and head Wave Lounge in Disneyโ€™s Contemporary Resort for appetizers then up to the Outer Rim to watch the sunset over Bay Lake while enjoying unique beverages. Lastly โ€“ ride the monorail to Disneyโ€™s Grand Floridian Resort for some live jazz music, libations and dessert (best desserts on the monorail crawl) before heading back to Disneyโ€™s Polynesian Village Resort to pick up the little ones!

Sandcastle Club โ€“ walk over to Epcotยฎโ€™s International Gateway and experience eating and drinking around the world while enjoying live music in the World Showcase โ€“ maybe even booking an IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party, then, if you choose a night with Epcotยฎ Extra Magic Hours Benefits, head to Future World for some attraction action!

Your Magic Makerยฎ can help you plan the perfect parents’ night out for your vacation and sign your kiddo(s) up for a night of fun at one of the Childrenโ€™s Activity Centers โ€“ just ask them for more information!

By |2017-06-27T10:21:25-05:00May 5th, 2016|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|0 Comments

Disney Cruise Line Brings Frozen Fun to Sea

Disney Cruise Line has announced some exciting Frozen-inspired experiences during select sailings on all four of their ships! These activities, which vary by ship and itinerary, are slated to begin this Summer.

Aboard Disney Magic and Disney Wonder

Guests will be treated to a day of Frozen Fun on select sailings in Europe and Alaska. From a magical freeze that has overtaken the atrium lobby to a day full of icy adventures, this will be a day you won’t forget! Planned special experiences include:

  • Memorable moments with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf
  • โ€œAnnaโ€™s Chase for the Chocolateโ€ scavenger hunt
  • โ€œDo You Want to Build a Snowmanโ€ activity
  • โ€œOaken’s Maypole Swirl and Twirlโ€ – (traditional Scandinavian dance lessons)
  • โ€œFrozenโ€ themed dining experience inside that evening’s rotational dining location
  • โ€œFreezing the Night Away with Anna, Elsa and Friendsโ€ Deck Party
  • Frozen-themed party just for the adults inside the nightclub

Exclusively on the Disney Magic,ย  “Disney Dreams… An Enchanted Classic” inside the Walt Disney Theatre will continue to feature friends of Frozen and their renditions of three popular songs: โ€œLet it Go,โ€ โ€œFor the First Time in Foreverโ€ and โ€œIn Summer.โ€

Also exclusively on the Disney Magic, Port Adventures on select Norway sailings bring the fairytale setting of Arendelle and Frozen to life.

Aboard All Four Disney Cruise Line Ships

Magical Meet and Greets will be even warmer when Olaf joins Anna and Elsa this Summer during select sailings on all four ships! You’ll want to be sure to check your Personal Navigator on the first day of your cruise for special Meet & Greet ticket distribution locations as availability for this goes quickly!

Contact your Magic Makerยฎ today to book your Frozen Fun on the high seas!

Request a Quote

All entertainment offerings subject to change without notice.

New Itineraries and Ports for Disney Cruise Line in Summer 2017

In Summer of 2017, Disney Cruise Line will set sail on new itineraries and make calls to new ports, including first-time visits to new destinations in Alaska and Europe. They’ll also return to Norway, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, and their popular itineraries in the Caribbean and Bahamas.

Here’s a look at what’s new:

Alaska: Icy Strait Point and Hubbard Glacier – NEW

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will take you to Alaskaโ€™s Icy Strait Point and Hubbard Glacier – in addition to favorite ports ofย  call like Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Tracy Arm Fjord. This is part of a new nine-night itinerary on the Disney Wonder on July 24, 2017.

During the visit to Icy Strait Point, you’ll experience a variety of Alaska nature adventures, including a zip line attraction that is one of the longest and highest zip lines in the world. Nearby, Glacier Bay National Park is a spectacular highlight of Alaskaโ€™s Inside Passage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another highlight of this cruise is seeing Hubbard Glacier, the largest and most active tidewater glacier in North America.

A new seven-night Alaska sailing departing July 17, 2017, includes a call on Icy Strait Point, in addition to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. And on Aug. 2, 2017, the Disney Wonder will sail its first five-night Alaska cruise to Tracy Arm and Ketchikan.

Amsterdam and Stonehenge – NEW

On May 13, 2017, the Disney Magic embarks on a 15-night transatlantic crossing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Copenhagen, with a stop in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Portland, England – both first-time ports for Disney Cruise Line.ย  Amsterdam is known for its elaborate canal system, tulip fields, windmills and world-class museums housing works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. Just a short distance from Portland is Stonehenge, the prehistoric ring of standing stones monument that is one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World.

Amsterdam will also be part of a 10-night northern Europe itinerary that departs June 18, 2017, from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Dover, England. Other ports on this sailing include Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Tallinn, Estonia.

The grand tour of Europe continues throughout the summer with limited engagements in the Baltic, Norwegian fjords, Iceland, British Isles and the Mediterranean.

Southern Caribbean – NEW

For the first time, the Disney Fantasy will set sail from Port Canaveral on longer itineraries during new 10- and 11-night cruises to the southern Caribbean. On June 17, 2017, a new 11-night itinerary will visit Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, St. Kitts, Tortola and Disneyโ€™s private island, Castaway Cay. On June 28, 2017, a new 10-night itinerary will call on Aruba, Curacao, St. Kitts, Tortola and Castaway Cay.

More Fun in the Sun at Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay, Disneyโ€™s private island in the Bahamas, is consistently rated a top port-of-call by all of our guests sailing on Disney Cruise Line. We’re alway excited when these special itineraries pop up offering two stops at Castaway Cay.

Special five-night sailings, departing June 2, 11, 16, 25, 30 and July 9, 2017, will call on Castaway Cay twice and include a stop in Nassau, Bahamas. Special four-night sailings, departing June 7, 21 and July 5, 2017, will visit Castaway Cay twice, also with a stop in Nassau.

More Summer 2017 Itineraries

In addition to the new itineraries mentioned above, many more options are available in Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean and Bahamas aboard all 4 Disney Cruise Line ships!

 

Take a look at what’s in store for Summer 2017:

Bookings for Summer 2017 open to Platinum and Gold Castaway Club Guests Wednesday, Apr. 13, and to all other guests on Thursday, Apr. 14! Contact your Magic Makerยฎ today for more details!

Request a Quote

 

New Nighttime Spectacular Coming Soon to Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdomยฎ

Update Apr. 5, 2016: The Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort has announced that the new experiences atย Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdomยฎ Theme Park will not open on Apr. 22, 2016 as planned. Unfortunately, more time is needed to bring these innovative experiences to life to exceed guestsโ€™ expectations. An announcement on the updated debut date is expected in May.

As part of the expansion currently underway, the Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort has announced the new nighttime spectacular at Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdomยฎ Theme Park will debut on Apr. 22, 2016 soon.

Titled Rivers of Light, the show utilizes live music and water screens to bring the Discovery River to life. Using the latest in technology and innovations, this show is unlike anything ever seen in Disney Parks.

While you’re waiting for the new show to launch, watch these Walt Disney Imagineering videos below to get a “first look” at Rivers of Light and the nighttime transformation of the Tree of Life!

De Las Puertas Festival

Earlier this year we were excited to tell youย about ourย new partnership (friendship) withย the long running WDW Today Podcast. If you missed that announcement, you can check it out here!

Thisย new friendship has led us to another exciting announcement!

On a landmark episode, Episode 1500, the WDW Todayย gang shared their plans for an unbelievable fan festivalย that would be taking place nearย Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort later this year.

De Las Puertas (Magic + Music + Media Festival) will come to life atย Clermont Performing Arts Center in Clermont, FL (20 miles from Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort) on September 30th!ย In conjunction with this upcoming festival; Off to Neverland Travelยฎ is excited to offer special rates and ticket options for festival goers!

De Las Puertas (Magic + Music + Media Festival)ย has an amazing concert line-up including Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort favorites Off Kilter, American Martian (formerly Mulch, Sweat and Sheers) and Return2Zero (formerly Four for a Dollar). In addition Ron Schneider (The Dreamfinder) will be joining the show and the WDW Todayย cast will be recording live throughout the night!

Oh and did we mention that Gi-Tar Dan from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will be a part of the pre-show?

In addition to De Las Puertasย (Magic + Music + Media Festival)ย theย WDW Today gang will be hosting meet-ups throughout the day on Saturday October 1st, celebrating the 45th anniversary of Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort’s Magic Kingdomยฎ Park! Expect meet-ups at attractions, restaurants and even some pure insanity. It is a big birthday after all. Specific details on meet-ups will be released closer to the event.

To make sure you get the most of your De Las Puertasย (Magic + Music + Media Festival) event experience, Off to Neverland Travelยฎ has rooms available with special group rates atย Disney’s Pop Century Resort,ย Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside andย Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

As a benefit of booking your room through Off to Neverland Travelยฎ you will have access to our VIP Seating Block with discounted tickets to De Las Puertas Festival!

There is a ‘great big beautiful tomorrow‘ on the horizon with WDW Today, and we are excited to be a part of it!

As you can see, there is a lot planned! Contact your Magic Makerยฎ to begin planning your grand De Las Puertas Festival journey today!

By |2016-03-16T15:02:43-05:00March 17th, 2016|Categories: Disney News|0 Comments

‘World of Color’ Dining Options at Disney California Adventureยฎ Park

For years, Disney California Adventureยฎ Park has offered different options for their World of Colorย Dining Packages available at Carthay Circle Restaurant, Ariel’s Grotto and Wine Country Trattoria. Now, guests can choose from a new Dessert Party option as well!

The new package gives guests the opportunity enjoy a sparkling dessert party while enjoying the World of Color nighttime spectacular from a reserved viewing area. It’s a great way to end your day!

World of Color Dessert Party Details

Package includes:

  • Dessert selection (like Dulce de Leche-filled cookie, Mickey Coconut Macaroon, a selection of fruit and artisanal cheese) served with sparkling beverages (sparkling wine and sparkling cider)
  • Reserved seating at Paradise Park in the World of Color preferred viewing area

Package Pricing:

$79 (includes tax and gratuity)

World of Color Dining Package Details

The existing World of Color Dining Packages continue to beย  available atย Carthay Circle Restaurant, Ariel’s Grotto and Wine Country Trattoria.

Package includes:

  • 3-course (starter, entrรฉe and dessert) full-service meal selected from a prix-fixe menu from one of three participating restaurants, plus a non-alcoholic beverage
  • One voucher that reserves your spot in the World of Color preferred viewing area at Paradise Park

Package pricing: (excludes tax, gratuity, and alcohol)

  • Ariel’s Grotto (no characters)
    • Dinner: starting at $48.58 for adults, $26.98 for children (ages 3-9)
  • Wine Country Trattoria
    • Lunch: starting at $34.55 for adults, $22.66 for children (ages 3-9)
    • Dinner: starting at $48.58 for adults, $26.98 for children (ages 3-9)
  • Carthay Circle Restaurant
    • Lunch: starting at $44.29 for adults, $23.76 for children (ages 3-9)
    • Dinner: starting at $66.96 for adults, $27.01 for children (ages 3-9)

Contact your Magic Makerยฎ for reservations!

Advance reservations suggested as availability is limited. Pricing is subject to change without notice. Pricing does not include cost of admission which is required for all packages. Please note that World of Color can be cancelled due to technical issues without notice. Dinner packages will not be refunded.

First Look at Luigiโ€™s Rollickinโ€™ Roadsters

A brand new attraction is racing into Cars Land at Disney California Adventureยฎ Park!

Opening March 7th, 2016, Luigiโ€™s Rollickinโ€™ Roadsters will dance away to upbeat Italian Music straight from Carsoli, Italy. Each car will have its own personality and signature dance moves, so every ride will be different than the ride before! Check out the details in the behind-the-scenes Walt Disney Imagineering video below:

The addition of Luigiโ€™s Rollickinโ€™ Roadsters to Cars Land marks the first Disney attraction in the United States to operate off of a trackless ride system! We can’t wait to check it out!

(ยฉDisney/Pixar)

Explore America in New Ways with Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney has announced the addition of three new vacation options right here in the United States! An award-winning leader in guided group travel, Adventures by Disney has chosen three diverse locations that will offer exhilarating, educational, and entertaining exploration of America. These week-long trips filled with unique activities will start in Summer 2016.

Every Adventures by Disney itinerary features two Disney-trained Adventure Guides, along with local experts, that ensure every detail of the vacation is taken care of. This level of service allows you to focus solely on creating everlasting memories with your family without the stress ofย  any planning.

Highlights of the new itineraries include:

Walt Disney World Resort & Central Florida

Unlike anything offered before, this unforgettable trip provides backstage access and magical VIP experiences at the Walt Disney Worldยฎ theme parks, exclusive dining opportunities, outdoor adventures in the wilds of Florida, a private lunch with an astronaut and more. It’s a great opportunity for our guests who have previously visited the area and are looking for a totally different experience.

  • Take part in a privately guided safari at Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdomยฎ theme park and go behind the scenes of the revolutionary Rivers of Light show before taking a VIP seat to enjoy this new nighttime spectacular.
  • Savor unique world-class dining opportunities, such as an exclusive dinner at Disneyโ€™s Contemporary Resort chefโ€™s kitchen.
  • Learn how Disney magic is created and receive special behind-the-scenes access during one-of-a-kind experiences with Walt Disney Imagineers.
  • Enjoy special Disney FastPass+ selections at the Walt Disney Worldยฎ theme parks, including premium access to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Toy Story Midway Mania!ยฎ and other popular attractions.
  • Explore Central Floridaโ€™s unique natural wonders on land โ€“ by zipline, swamp buggy and on horseback โ€“ and on water in kayaks and aboard an airboat.
  • Go in-depth with an astronaut and learn firsthand what it takes to soar into space.

Montana

This exhilarating adventure includes โ€œglampingโ€ (glamorous camping) adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, a dude ranch experience in beautiful Big Sky, and active excursions through amazing natural landscapes.

  • Enjoy the adventure and serenity of upscale camping, explore nature while biking in the backcountry and listen to storytelling under the stars.
  • Get hands-on at an authentic dude ranch complete with fun family activities like horseback riding, whitewater rafting, fly-fishing and a private riverside cookout.
  • Experience the wonders of Yellowstone National Park during the centennial of the National Parks Service and witness the explosive power of Old Faithful.

Washington, D.C. & Philadelphia

Experience American history in an exciting, interactive way as it comes alive on this immersive adventure at some of Americaโ€™s most iconic landmarks, including delightful encounters with characters from the past, a fun-filled scavenger hunt and storytelling at every stop along the way.

  • Delight in a sweeping tour of Philadelphia on a privately guided trolley excursion to remarkable landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Reading Terminal Market.
  • Walk in the footsteps of such historical figures as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Betsy Ross while visiting Washington, D.C. landmarks, including the Capitol, Library of Congress, the Newseum and more.
  • Discover the history of Gettysburg on a fun, interactive tour that details this famous battle, President Lincolnโ€™s speech and the lifestyle of the era.

Contact your Magic Makerยฎ for more details on these or any of the more than 30 other guided group vacation offered by Adventures by Disney!

All-New Live Show Coming to Cinderella Castle Stage

This June, Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire will join the lineup of unparalleled entertainment offered to guests at the Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort. The new show will replace Dream Along With Mickey which previously ran several times daily on the Cinderella Castle stage inside Magic Kingdomยฎ Park.

Duringย Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, Mickey Mouse and his pals unite in a tale of friendship featuring songs and characters from Disneyโ€™s contemporary classics โ€œPrincess and the Frog,โ€ โ€œTangledโ€ and โ€œFrozen.โ€ This will mark the first appearances by both Tiana and Rapunzel in a show on the castle stage.

No exact dates have been announced for the opening of the new show. Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire will be presented multiple times daily and is included in admission to the park.

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