Disney News

Continuing on her series, ‘A First Timer’s Guide to Walt Disney World® Resort’, Magic Maker® Brenda Wenk is back with Part Three of her series!

As you’ve discovered through Part One and Part Two, there is a lot to seeing and navigating Walt Disney World® Resort. From the magic of Walt Disney World® Resort’s four parks, to the resorts and dining that abound throughout; Walt Disney World® Resort is a total, immersive experience.  Now it’s time to introduce you to some of the unique terms that you’ll hear throughout your planning and stay!

(Audio Animatronics™) Audio Animatronics™ was developed by Walt Disney himself with the help of the Imagineers.  They took animals and people and gave them lifelike sound and movement.  The first example of this technique can be seen in The Tiki Room, Under New Management®, in Magic Kingdom® Park.   Examples of this technology can be seen in Pirates of the Caribbean® Attraction and Hall of Presidents’ in Magic Kingdom® Park; The American Adventure in Epcot®; The Great Movie Ride® Attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios®; and Expedition Everest® Attraction’s yeti in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

(Character Meet and Greets) Character Meet and Greets take place in each of the four theme parks.  These provide the opportunity to get autographs and photos with your favorite characters.  Some characters can only be seen in certain parks.  For example, if you want to meet Sofia the First or Little Einsteins, head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®!  A Times Guide is available at the entrance to each park – pick one up as you enter each park.  You will then be able to check the times and characters that you can interact with that day!

(E Ticket) E Ticket is not an electronic ticket but a term that refers to the top attractions and rides.  When Walt Disney World® Resort opened in 1971, guests purchased a booklet of tickets coded A through E.   A tickets were less popular like Cinderella’s Golden Carousel and Main Street Vehicles; E tickets were the most popular and included Country Bear Jamboree Show, Haunted Mansion® Attraction, Jungle Cruise® Attraction, and It’s A Small World® Attraction.  You will still hear certain experiences referred to as an E Ticket ride.

(Disney Dining Plans) Disney Dining Plans are available with a wide range of choices – from Quick Service Dining that includes two counter service meals daily to Platinum Dining that provides three full service meals per day.  Purchasing a Disney Dining Plan is optional.  You may be fortunate to have scheduled your vacation during one of the free dining promotions.  The quality of food and the number of table service restaurants has increased over the years but the demand for reservations has also increased.   This has resulted in the need to make reservations for the signature dining experiences, character dining and more popular full service restaurants.  Your Magic Maker® will alert you as to when it is 180 days from your arrival date.  That date is very important if you want dining reservations because that is the day your reservations can be made.   Those of us at Off to Neverland® can go over each available plan with you.  If you do not purchase a dining plan, you may still buy a refillable mug at your resort to use during your stay for unlimited beverages.

(Disney’s FASTPASS®) Disney’s FASTPASS® allows guests to avoid waiting in line for the most popular rides and attractions.  Each guest’s ticket is inserted into a FASTPASS® machine near the ride.  A paper ticket will be printed with a one hour return window.  When you come back to the ride, enter the designated line without the wait you would have in the standby line!  Fastpass+ is replacing this paper ticket system and is being tested as part of the new MyMagic+ experience.  Guests will no longer have to trek from ride to ride in order to collect the desired FASTPASS® – your Magic Maker ® will preselect three FASTPASS®’s per day for each guest in your party.  Your Magic Maker® will let you know if your group has been selected to participate in this.

(Disney’s Magical Express) Disney’s Magical Express is a free bus service from the Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World® Resort.  Provide us with your airline information and we will get you scheduled.  You will have the option of attaching tags to your luggage allowing you to bypass baggage claim and have your luggage delivered to your resort.  Take the shuttle directly to your resort, check in, pick a park to visit and let the magic begin!  You will receive vouchers for your return to the airport the day before your departure.

(PhotoPass®) PhotoPass® gives everyone in your group the opportunity to be in each photo!  Disney photographers are stationed at the most desirable photo spots, character dining, and character meet and greets.   You will be given a PhotoPass® card by the first photographer you encounter.  Present it as each photo is taken so that all your photos are linked.   You may preview your photos at various locations in the parks and resorts and online once you are home.  PhotoPass+®+ must be purchased before you leave home.  By prepaying, you get a cd of all photos taken during your trip at a reduced price.  Ride photos and character dining photos are included in the price of PhotoPass+®.

As you can see, Walt Disney World® Resort has some phrases that are all it’s own! If you need help with any of these topics, or anything else, your Magic Maker® will go over any and all questions!   By contacting us, all you have to do is pack and we’ll handle all the details!

The newest Starbucks® location at the Walt Disney World® Resort held its official opening this morning.

Fountain View, a long-time favorite location inside Future World that most recently served Edy’s ice cream, now offers guests of the park a wide selection of famous Starbucks® products. Some of those offerings include iced and regular coffees and teas, frappuccino, espresso, smoothies, and refreshers – most of which are only (1) snack entitlement for guests on one of the Disney Dining Plans.  And to eat, a selection of Artisan breakfast sandwiches and various sweet treats are available.

This opening follows in the footsteps of the reopening of Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom® Park as the first Starbucks® location at the Walt Disney World® Resort earlier this summer. Additional themed locations are planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, and Downtown Disney® but locations and dates have not been announced.

Two years ago today, at around 6:30am UTC, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa officially opened their doors to guests on the Hawaiian island of Oahu for the first time.

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa was first announced in 2007, and came to life through both locals and Walt Disney Imagineers working together to create a magnificent resort that celebrated Hawaiian culture, history and traditions. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa’s architecture is inspired by its Hawaiian culture, and its distinctive design will unite your family in an experience of true Hawaii.

As Magic Maker® Heather Straight shared in her article she wrote, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa – A Little Slice of Paradise, “everything about Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa tells a story – the story of Hawaii, its people, its culture, its landscapes – and it’s all done with an attention to detail that Disney does so well.”

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa is a world-class resort for both adults and families alike, offering the chance for you to experience the real Hawaii together. Waikolohe Valley is a breathtaking water area between the two towers of Aulani. From interactive water features to winding streams, and even a private snorkeling lagoon, this spectacular pool offers a little of something for everyone!

Of course, when you aren’t playing on the beach or in the water, there are countless experiences that will help create magical memories together. From interactive shows and parties, to fine dining and spa experiences, both adults and children alike will lose themselves in all that Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa has to offer!

The best news is, there are still a few days left to save on your stay at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa!  When you book a minimum 4-night stay on select nights, you’ll receive your 5th consecutive night FREE

To many of our guests visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort, their dining experience is just as much fun as the attractions they visit inside the parks. With over 70 on-property table service locations to choose from, selecting your meals for your vacation can be quite the daunting task!

Over the years, several table service locations have become a favorite to many of our guests. This popularity makes these restaurants very difficult to get into – with some of them booking a full 180 days in advance! So now what?

We tasked our Magic Makers® with compiling a list of great alternatives to some popular Walt Disney World® Resort table service restaurants. But don’t be too quick to write these alternatives off as “second best” as a few of these locations have become our personal favorites and a primary choice for one reason or another.

Magic Maker’s® Top 5 Alternatives to Popular Walt Disney World® Resort Restaurants

1. Le Cellier Steakhouse – (Epcot® Canada Pavilion)
   Tucked away inside the Canadian château in World Showcase is Le Cellier Steakhouse, a dining location that has quite a following of its own. Known primarily for their steak and seafood, they also serve a Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup that is amazing. As an alternative, try either Coral Reef Restaurant (Epcot®) or Captain’s Grille (Disney’s Yacht Club Resort). Both restaurants serve great steak and seafood dishes and offer some delectable desserts. For those using one of the Disney Dining Plans, both alternative locations only utilize (1) entitlement per person while Le Cellier Steakhouse will cost you (2) entitlements per person!
2. ‘Ohana – (Disney’s Polynesian Resort)
   Dinner at ‘Ohana is an all-you-care-to-eat Polynesian smorgasbord that we guarantee no one will leave hungry from! In addition to the Hawaiian-style feast of food, families can have fun with activities like coconut races and island limbo. Our suggested alternative is actually located right next door! Kona Cafe (Disney’s Polynesian Resort) offers the same great Polynesian flavor in a more relaxed atmosphere. If you’ve never been, give it a try – we’re sure you’ll love it!
3. California Grill – (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
   The California Grill is one of the Signature Dining locations at the Walt Disney World® Resort. With sweeping views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the nearby Magic Kingdom® Park, it is a great location to celebrate any occasion with friends and family. Preparing to reopen from an extensive refurbishment, we expect Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) for this already popular location to become even more difficult to secure. As an alternative, we enjoy The Wave… of American Flavors (Disney’s Contemporary Resort). Their menu offers a wide selection of healthful American dishes with many of the ingredients sourced locally or regionally. This location offers value to those utilizing a Disney Dining Plan as their dinner only costs (1) entitlement per person. While it is not the same experience as the California Grill, we’re confident you will find it enjoyable.
4. Chef Mickey’s – (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
   Named after the “big cheese” himself, Chef Mickey’s is one of the character dining locations that hits the top of every child’s “must do” list. Located a short walk or monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom® Park, breakfast or dinner here provides a great break from the park and is very convenient. Characters at Chef Mickey’s typically include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. Our Magic Makers® actually have two preferred alternatives for this one. First, you can try Tusker House Restaurant (Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park) which has a character breakfast and lunch. We have found this location to have a both a better selection of food as well as better character interaction. Characters here typically include Donald, Daisy, Mickey Mouse, and Goofy. The second alternative is Garden Grill (Epcot®) which offers character dining for dinner. The nice thing about Garden Grill is that this dinner is also all-you-care-to-eat, but it is served family style right at your table. So instead of mom and dad running up to the buffet line several times to get food for the youngsters, they can sit and enjoy their meal with the family. Characters here typically include Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Chip, and Dale.
5. Cinderella’s Royal Table – (Magic Kingdom® Park)
   Every Princess (and Prince for that matter) dreams of having a meal inside the royal dining room of the Castle. Cinderella’s Royal Table gives your vacation that fairytale ending when you share a meal with Cinderella and some of her fellow Disney Princesses. Our Magic Makers® have two alternative locations that will give you a similar experience at half the cost if you are using a Disney Dining Plan (1 entitlement per person vs. 2 per person at Cinderella’s Royal Table). The first is Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot® Norway Pavilion) where several of your favorite Disney Storybook Princesses mingle with guests during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The second is 1900 Park Fare (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) where dinner service typically includes a visit from Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drizella.

Did we make you hungry yet? That is quite a list, and those are just the top 5! Consult with your Magic Maker® on additional alternative locations for your favorite restaurants at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

This upcoming Friday the 13th, things will be a little “twisted” when Disney Villains seize control of Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and Disneyland® Park and host their Unleash the Villains event – part of Disney Parks “Limited Time Magic” campaign. The event will take place on both coasts from 8:00pm to 1:00am (the 13th hour)!

While complete details of the event have not been released, here is what we do know about this spooktacular evening:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

• Hades’ Hangout will serve as the hub of the festival’s activities and will feature dancers, a DJ and live band
• 13 Disney Villains will be available for autographs and photo opportunities
• A special fireworks show called “Villainy in the Sky” will be presented

Disneyland® Park

• Town Square will be transformed to an eerie location for meet and greets with some of your favorite Disney Villains
• New Orleans Square Train Station will host the Unleash the Villains Dance Party where a new Disney Villain will be introduced on the 13th minute of every hour

We will announce more details of the event as they become available. Unleash the Villains will be a one-time, spine-tingling event that you won’t want to miss – and won’t soon forget… even if you try!

This morning, the Walt Disney World® Resort will start accepting reservations for the California Grill which will reopen on Sep. 9, 2013, after a lengthy refurbishment. The makeover has not only changes the restaurant’s physical appearance, but has brought a change to the menu offerings.

While the complete menu for the new California Grill has not yet been released, Chef Brian Piasecki and general manager Michael Scheifler have given a few details over the past couple months on what we can expect. Some of those highlights include:

• Two new breads – a whole-grain sourdough roll and a lavender-infused focaccia
• Three-Meat Meatballs – pork, lamb and veal – spiced with house-made harissa and dredged in Meyer-lemon-scented chimichurri with a side of marinated picholine olives and orzo
• Cape Canaveral Prawns roasted in a wood-fired oven served with oven-roasted tomatoes, charred lemon and a handful of peppery baby arugula
• Pan-Seared Halibut with salt-crusted and oven-roasted beets, beet syrup, and beet microgreens served with a parsnip “silk” and a rich macadamia nut vinaigrette
• A wine list of approximately 250 different wines – 72% of which are from California – with one chardonnay bottled exclusive to the California Grill
• An expanded sake program featuring 10 varieties
• Eight craft beers and several signature cocktails – some of which you won’t find elsewhere on Walt Disney World® property
• Sundae Sampler – a trio with a Coke float, strawberry sundae and caramel corn sundae
• Chocolate Pudding Cake and a Meyer Lemon cheesecake

The new menu promises to showcase seasonal ingredients, so expect to see it change several times per year. Contact your Magic Maker® today to request a reservation at the new California Grill during your next Walt Disney World® vacation!

For the 2nd year in a row, Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant will be kickin’ things up a notch this Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 30-Sep. 2, 2013) when they host their Great Irish Hooley at Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island. The Hooley, which is Irish slang for a party or celebration, will feature a weekend of fun Irish music, foods, and events.

Special events for the weekend include:

• Performances of traditional and rock tunes from top Irish Bands
• Irish Dance Workshops designed for the entire family
• Celtic face painting
• Ceili – structured set dancing – a precursor to today’s country line dancing
• Authentic food and beverages

CLICK HERE to view the festival’s schedule of entertainment and events.

Through the end of September, guests at Disneyland® Resort can experience a little extra ‘fun in the sun’ with a special, magical poolside experience at resort hotels! Guests staying at a Disneyland® Resort hotel can gather their whole family around the pool for one of these special one-hour parties with dancing, music and games that everyone can enjoy together!

Guests of Disneyland® Resort can find parties at the following locations and times:

• Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa: 2 p.m. near the Fountain Pool
• Disneyland Hotel: 3:30 p.m. near the Monorail Pool
• Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel: 5 p.m. near the Californian Streamin’ Slide

Our young guests visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida or the Disneyland® Resort in California can now meet Sofia the First on their next Disney Vacation!

As the Princess of Enchancia, the popular Disney Junior star is holding daily meet-and-greets on both coasts. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, she is alongside Jake from “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” outside of Stage 5 in the Animation Courtyard. At Disney California Adventure® Park you will find her in Hollywood Land.

Sofia can also be seen during Disney Junior – Live on Stage at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and Disney California Adventure® Park along with friends from “Doc McStuffins,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” Check your Daily Times Guide for more information.

Walt Disney World® Resort has announced that the reopening of the newly re-imagined California Grill will take place Sept. 9, 2013. The signature restaurant, known for its amazing views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom® Park, is perched high above its surroundings on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Changes to the restaurant are quite extensive. Upon exiting the elevator, guests will see a new wine display which consists of over 1,600 bottles of wine! Throughout the restaurant, reproductions of artwork by Disney Legend Mary Blair will be displayed. Two new communal tables that seat 10 have been placed at the north end of the restaurant and are a prime location for watching Wishes fireworks show! Also, a new deck now allow guests dining at California Grill that evening two outdoor viewing locations for fireworks.

Not only was the restaurant physically renovated, but the menu has received a makeover as well. Several of California Grill’s existing favorites have been brought back with an exciting twist. Chefs will use seasonal ingredients to enhance classic dishes as well as introduce new ones. An expanded sushi bar will bring a new omakase menu to the restuarant. You can also pair your dinner with one of over 250 selections on the wine list or one of California Grill’s signature cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else on Walt Disney World® property.

As a signature dining location, the restaurant requires (2) tables service entitlements for guests utilizing the Plus Dining or Plus Deluxe Dining Plans. Reservations for the California Grill will open up on Aug. 26. For more information, please contact your Magic Maker®.