Disney News

If you’ve ever wanted to venture off the beaten path and farther into the Kilimanjaro Safaris Expedition savannah, you’ll have a chance later this year. Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park will be offering a new, immersive experience that’ll take a small group of Guests on personalized, guided treks along some unexplored areas of the Harambe Reserve.

During the excursions, you’ll be able to spend more time observing the wildlife on the savannah and have a chance to learn about the animals and their behaviors from a Disney guide. Adventurers will also trek through an undeveloped forest area of the Harambe Reserve and then board a unique vehicle specially designed for the rest of the quest.

Reservations for this specially priced tour won’t begin until later this year, so keep checking back for more details.

Adventures by Disney has just announced its 2011 season and is now offering two brand new itineraries.  These two itineraries will allow you to visit the land of pyramids, pharaohs and ancient treasures next year with Adventures by Disney. The new exotic itinerary joins other unforgettable worldwide destinations in 2011.

Why Egypt? Egypt is a destination that has a wide draw for many American families but could be harder to plan on your own. Adventures by Disney will take care of all of the planning and make traveling to a place like Egypt, accessible, worry-free, easy and family friendly. From the moment that you get off the plane, they are there to greet you.

Here are some of the highlights of the 8- and 10-day Egypt itineraries:

• Ride a camel at the Great Pyramids of Gizah, tour the Pharoah’s Boat Museum and come nose-to-nose with the Sphinx
• Learn to make papyrus and write your name in Egyptian hieroglyphics
• Enjoy three days of leisurely cruising on the Nile River from Aswan to Luxor, discovering ancient temples, tombs and treasures
• Shop and dine in the colorful Khan el-Khalili Market, Cairo’s ancient souk
• Experience the Nile on a felucca – the traditional sailing craft that have plied the river’s waters for thousands of years
• Travel with a licensed Egyptologist through ancient monuments and wonders of Egypt
• Junior Adventurers explore the Egyptian Museum while playing the Art Detective Game, The Case of the Missing Mummy.

Don’t forget that an Adventures by Disney vacation has it all included: VIP experiences, immersive events and activities, dining and resorts, hassle-free travel and admissions.  Click here for more information about Adventures by Disney.

These exciting itineraries along with the other unforgettable 2011 itineraries are now available for bookings. Contact your Magic Maker® for more information or click here to request a quote.

The new restaurant at the Italy Pavilion of the World Showcase at Epcot®, Via Napoli, will begin taking reservations August 6 for September 10, the official opening day. A Grand Opening celebration will be Aug. 5, but the restaurant will be in a “soft opening” walk-in phase with no reservations between then and Sept. 10.

A few quick tidbits:

• The restaurant is table service only, no quick service.
• Disney Dining Plan is accepted (one point per person per meal).
• The hottest menu item is the wood-fired pizza, and it comes in three sizes: individual; large with eight slices; and a “mezzo metro,” or half meter, that is 12 slices.
• There is one menu for both lunch and dinner. Average check is around $23.
• There are several vegetarian options, including the pizza Margherita, fusilli pasta in a Southern Italian-style pesto, salads, minestrone and more.

It’s been 55 years since the gates opened. Fifty-five years of being a place of “joy and inspiration to all the world.” Here’s how the Disneyland® Resort has celebrated its Anniversary this year.

• Special edition park maps available all this week to commemorate the big event.
• Select Disneyland dining locations offering commemorative 55th Anniversary cakes.
• Select merchandise locations offering 55th Anniversary candy packaging and cupcakes with the 55th Anniversary logo.
• Today …
  • At noon the dedication ceremony will take place in Town Square.
  • At 4:15 pm join the cast in singing Happy Birthday to Disneyland.
  • A 55th Anniversary Art & Collectible merchandise event with artists Dave Avanzino, Jody Daily, Kevin Kidney and Noah will be held at The Disney Gallery from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • Have you heard the buzz? Look for a special event taking place at Disney Vault 28 from 2 – 4 pm.
  • Wear a smile from “ear to ear” with a special Mickey Mouse Ear Hat featuring premium embroidery that reads “D 55th,” July 17, 2010, available exclusively today, July 17.

Do you have a favorite memory from Disneyland?
Share it with us in the comments and click below to request a quote to make new memories.