Disney News

Disney Gallery Reopens in a New Location

The Disney Gallery has reopened at Disneyland® Park in its new location on Main Street, U.S.A.® (previously occupied by the Bank of Main Street).

While the location may be new, the remodeled Disney Gallery continues the outstanding tradition of showcasing original and one-of-a-kind Disney artwork and collectibles to Theme Park Guests. The new design maintains some of the unique elements of the former bank, including the popular bank vault, which is now used to display select pieces of historical Disney artwork.

In addition to the vault, the Disney Gallery is now made up of three separate rooms: two large display rooms and a merchandise room. The display rooms feature historic Walt Disney Imagineering conceptual art created during the development and enhancement stages of attractions and Disney-inspired art created by current and former Disney artists and Imagineers. Guests visiting the merchandise portion of the Disney Gallery will have the opportunity to purchase Disney prints (including on-the-spot prints from Print on Demand), sculptures, books and many other collectibles from popular Disney attractions and animated features.

The first exhibit on display at the new Disney Gallery location is “Enchanting the Classics.” This exhibit focuses on how artists at Walt Disney Imagineering have kept beloved Disneyland Resort® attractions such as the Submarine Voyage, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and “it’s a small world” fresh and exciting over the years with enhancements and surprises.

By |2010-01-13T08:49:24-05:00December 7th, 2009|Categories: Disney News|Tags: , , |0 Comments

Traveling To The Walt Disney World Resort with an Autistic Child

Autistic Child in Disney WorldFrom Magic Maker® Traci Elswick
Is it possible to have a magical Walt Disney World® vacation with an autistic child? With a lot of planning, and a bit of pixie dust thrown in by our Dream Makers, it is. I have planned eight magical vacations to the Walt Disney World® Resort for my 13-year-old autistic son. I have seen vast improvements with my son while at the Walt Disney World® Resort. His language skills seem to improve. He copes well with the large crowds and loud noises, and he actually “lives in the moment.” In fact, I’m certain that our yearly pilgrimage to the Walt Disney World® Resort is something my son looks forward to every year.

First you need to consider where you want to stay onsite or off. If your budget allows, I suggest you stay onsite, preferably at one of the Disney resorts that are on the Monorail line or one of Disney’s Boardwalk resorts. The Monorail resorts give you easy access to the Magic Kingdom® Park and EPCOT®. The resorts along Disney’s Boardwalk give you boat access to EPCOT® and Disney Hollywood Studios™. If your child has trouble waiting in long lines or traveling on crowded buses, the Monorail or Disney’s Boardwalk resorts will make traveling between parks much easier for you. If you are looking for value, try to stay at the Disney’s Pop Century Resort. This resort is separate from the other value resorts and has its own bus line. Also, request a room close to the bus stop. If possible, try to avoid Disney’s All-Star Resorts. They share a common bus routes, have long wait times, and are often overcrowded.

Before you depart for your Walt Disney World® Resort vacation, obtain a signed note from your child’s pediatrician or psychiatrist stating your child’s disability and further stating that your child cannot wait in lines. When you arrive at the park, go directly to Guest Services in order to obtain your Guest Assistance Card. A Guest Assistance Card can be used for your entire party, and will dramatically shorten your party’s wait in lines.

How long should you spend in the parks every day? Nobody knows your child better than you. I suggest that all families who stay in a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel take an afternoon break. That way your child can take a nap or a swim and you can have a relaxing family dinner. You can book your dining up to 180 days before your trip, and it is advisable to book your dining early because many of most popular restaurants fill up quickly. After dinner, you can do Extra Magic Hours. Extra Magic Hours are available for individuals who stay at a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel and generally allow you to remain in the park for a number of hours after the park closes to the general public.

So what are you waiting for? You’ve waited so long to experience the magic of a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation with your child!

By |2017-06-27T10:25:04-05:00November 19th, 2009|Categories: Disney News|0 Comments

Traveling To The Walt Disney World Resort with an Autistic Child

Autistic Child in Disney WorldFrom Magic Maker® Traci Elswick
Is it possible to have a magical Walt Disney World® vacation with an autistic child? With a lot of planning, and a bit of pixie dust thrown in by our Dream Makers, it is. I have planned eight magical vacations to the Walt Disney World® Resort for my 13-year-old autistic son. I have seen vast improvements with my son while at the Walt Disney World® Resort. His language skills seem to improve. He copes well with the large crowds and loud noises, and he actually “lives in the moment.” In fact, I’m certain that our yearly pilgrimage to the Walt Disney World® Resort is something my son looks forward to every year.

First you need to consider where you want to stay onsite or off. If your budget allows, I suggest you stay onsite, preferably at one of the Disney resorts that are on the Monorail line or one of Disney’s Boardwalk resorts. The Monorail resorts give you easy access to the Magic Kingdom® Park and EPCOT®. The resorts along Disney’s Boardwalk give you boat access to EPCOT® and Disney Hollywood Studios™. If your child has trouble waiting in long lines or traveling on crowded buses, the Monorail or Disney’s Boardwalk resorts will make traveling between parks much easier for you. If you are looking for value, try to stay at the Disney’s Pop Century Resort. This resort is separate from the other value resorts and has its own bus line. Also, request a room close to the bus stop. If possible, try to avoid Disney’s All-Star Resorts. They share a common bus routes, have long wait times, and are often overcrowded.

Before you depart for your Walt Disney World® Resort vacation, obtain a signed note from your child’s pediatrician or psychiatrist stating your child’s disability and further stating that your child cannot wait in lines. When you arrive at the park, go directly to Guest Services in order to obtain your Guest Assistance Card. A Guest Assistance Card can be used for your entire party, and will dramatically shorten your party’s wait in lines.

How long should you spend in the parks every day? Nobody knows your child better than you. I suggest that all families who stay in a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel take an afternoon break. That way your child can take a nap or a swim and you can have a relaxing family dinner. You can book your dining up to 180 days before your trip, and it is advisable to book your dining early because many of most popular restaurants fill up quickly. After dinner, you can do Extra Magic Hours. Extra Magic Hours are available for individuals who stay at a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel and generally allow you to remain in the park for a number of hours after the park closes to the general public.

So what are you waiting for? You’ve waited so long to experience the magic of a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation with your child!

Disney Dream – New Disney Cruise Ship – Now Open for 2011 Bookings

Starting today, you can book your next Disney Cruise onboard Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Dream™. Click here to learn more.

The new Disney Dream™ will take family cruising to all-new heights, embracing the spirit of innovation, magical entertainment and immersive experiences that have made Disney Cruise Line® the preeminent cruise of choice for families since 1998.

For the majority of 2011, the new ship will alternate three- and four-night sailings. During the summer months, the ship will alternate four- and five-night itineraries. The schedule also includes special five-night holiday cruises during Christmas and New Year’s.

The Disney Dream™ will introduce a number of cruise-industry firsts and family-friendly innovations designed to make your experience even more magical. Among the highlights:

  • AquaDuck Disney Cruise Line® debuts the first-ever shipboard water coaster! This exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids — all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.
  • Virtual Porthole – A cruise-industry first for all inside staterooms! Virtual Portholes offer a “window” to the world with a real-time view outside the ship using high-definition cameras. As you observe the view, they may glimpse a magical surprise: animated characters like Mickey Mouse may pop by the Virtual Porthole.
  • Enchanted Art — Around the atrium lobby and throughout the ship, Enchanted Art will immerse you in Disney storytelling in a completely new way. Enchanted Art magically comes alive as you pause to admire individual pieces.
  • Living Characters — In youth spaces, Disney Characters come to life and interact with children in one-of-a-kind experiences. Crush, the animated sea turtle from the Disney•Pixar motion picture “Finding Nemo,” or the mischievous animated alien Stitch make scheduled appearances to chat, play and joke with kids in live, unrehearsed conversations.

Disney Dream – New Disney Cruise Ship – Now Open for 2011 Bookings

Starting today, you can book your next Disney Cruise onboard Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Dream™. Click here to learn more.

The new Disney Dream™ will take family cruising to all-new heights, embracing the spirit of innovation, magical entertainment and immersive experiences that have made Disney Cruise Line® the preeminent cruise of choice for families since 1998.

For the majority of 2011, the new ship will alternate three- and four-night sailings. During the summer months, the ship will alternate four- and five-night itineraries. The schedule also includes special five-night holiday cruises during Christmas and New Year’s.

The Disney Dream™ will introduce a number of cruise-industry firsts and family-friendly innovations designed to make your experience even more magical. Among the highlights:

  • AquaDuck Disney Cruise Line® debuts the first-ever shipboard water coaster! This exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids — all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.
  • Virtual Porthole – A cruise-industry first for all inside staterooms! Virtual Portholes offer a “window” to the world with a real-time view outside the ship using high-definition cameras. As you observe the view, they may glimpse a magical surprise: animated characters like Mickey Mouse may pop by the Virtual Porthole.
  • Enchanted Art — Around the atrium lobby and throughout the ship, Enchanted Art will immerse you in Disney storytelling in a completely new way. Enchanted Art magically comes alive as you pause to admire individual pieces.
  • Living Characters — In youth spaces, Disney Characters come to life and interact with children in one-of-a-kind experiences. Crush, the animated sea turtle from the Disney•Pixar motion picture “Finding Nemo,” or the mischievous animated alien Stitch make scheduled appearances to chat, play and joke with kids in live, unrehearsed conversations.
By |2017-06-27T10:25:05-05:00November 9th, 2009|Categories: Disney News|0 Comments

Disney World Dining Caters to Everyone – Special Needs Dining

From Magic Maker® Kip Dennis
Anyone who has visited the Walt Disney World® Resort in the past can tell you about their excellent dining options. From the ethnic restaurants in the World Showcase at EPCOT®, to the class act dinner theater like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and the one-of-a kind restaurants like 50’s Prime Time Café, there is something for everyone. But when you have a dietary restriction, you may think that you choices are limited. With the MAGIC of Disney it is actually quite the opposite.

While recently traveling with someone with a food allergy, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of service provided. When placing my advance dining reservations (ADRs), I notified the cast member of the allergy. All of my reservations were noted to alert the staff of the extra care needed. Just let your personal Magic Maker know of your special needs and they will communicate those to Disney. They can also provide you with additional information relating to your restrictions including suggested restaurants that will be able to best meet your needs.

At our table service meals, our waiter/waitress told us that their chef would be out to talk about our particular dietary need. Each chef went to great lengths to ensure a meal was made without any allergen contamination. If it was a buffet meal, the chef escorted him around to identify “safe” foods.

For counter service, we just notified the cast member at the order podium of our restriction. They once again notified a manager to come and consult us on what our available options were.

The Special Dietary program at Disney is just another example of how Disney continues to provide great service to their guests.

Book Select Adventures by Disney Itineraries and Get a 3-Night Disney Cruise FREE!

You can receive a FREE* Disney Cruise Line® 3-Night Bahamian cruise with the purchase of select Adventures by Disney departures between Oct. 26, 2009, and Jan. 15, 2010.

This offer is valid for select Adventures by Disney land packages at the non-discounted regular rate departing before Oct. 2, 2010.

This special is no longer applicable, but be sure to out check the
Adventures by Disney page for current offers.

*Government Taxes and fees are not included. Guests who purchase a qualifying Adventures by Disney land package will receive a free Disney Cruise Line 3-Night Bahamian cruise. Offer applies to new purchases between 10/26/09 and 1/15/10 of select Adventures by Disney land packages at the non-discounted regular rate departing before 10/2/10. Offer valid on the majority of 2010 Adventures by Disney season departures. A certificate good for a 3-night Bahamian cruise will be mailed out 25 days prior to the land package departure date. A completed cruise certificate must be submitted to Disney Cruise Line before 12/31/10 and sailing must occur between 2/1/10 and 12/15/11. The number of guests in the free cruise party may not exceed the number of guests in the eligible Adventures by Disney land package. Offer valid on ocean view staterooms in the following categories only: 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D, and the number of staterooms available for this offer is limited. Block-out dates apply; see certificate for details. Transportation to and from Port Canaveral not included. Cruise is non-transferable and may not be sold, traded, refunded or redeemed for cash value. Subject to terms, conditions and restrictions of Disney Cruise Line. One (1) certificate issued per reservation. Certificate not redeemable for cash in whole or in part and will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Advance reservations required. Subject to conditions, restrictions and change without notice. Land package and Cruise fulfillment is subject to availability and restrictions. Void where prohibited. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions.

Holidays at the Walt Disney World Resort in 2009

Epcot Christmas TreeFrom Magic Maker® Kim Restagno
How many times have you heard someone say “You need to see the Walt Disney World® Resort at Christmastime?” or “Have you ever been the Walt Disney World® Resort during the holidays?” I know I heard it many times before I became a Magic Maker™! I must admit at the time I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about, until I got to go in December and see for myself. It was one of my dream vacations; the whole family was able to go. What a grand gathering we had! After all I had heard about the holidays, now I understood the magic of it all.

Disney doesn’t skip over anything when it comes to attention to detail. Decorations abound everywhere you look. Each of the parks and resorts has its own specially decorated tree that greets you as you enter. The Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a must see! Wreaths, ribbons, and bows garnish doors, light posts and windows. Presents sit under Christmas trees. Garlands, lights, poinsettias and music all add to the magic!

Cinderella Castle is transformed every night at the Magic Kingdom® Park during Castle Dreamlights, a glorious, wintry confection, twinkling in the sky! Or you can celebrate the holidays with your favorite Disney pals at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party* at the Magic Kingdom® Park. Join Mickey and friends, decked out in their holiday yuletide best, for the ultimate jungle holiday adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park! It’s a jinglin’, jumpin’, jivin’ time, you won’t want to miss!!

Don’t miss the The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights* at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™! Immerse yourself in the joy of the season as millions of blinking, twinkling lights dance in synchronized motion to holiday music! Believe it or not, you might even see those tiny white flakes falling in the sky! Epcot’s World Showcase comes alive with diverse holiday traditions of food, fun and entertainment from across the globe.

You name it, you imagine it and the Walt Disney World® Resort has done it!

*Select nights in Nov. & Dec. 2009; Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party requires a separately priced ticket.

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