Walt Disney World News | Off to Neverland Travel

Two New Interactive Experiences Coming to the Walt Disney World® Resort

The Walt Disney World® Resort has announced the addition of two new interactive experiences to their Theme Parks this spring.

In Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, guests will be able to become Wilderness Explorers and share Russell’s (from Disney•Pixar film Up) love for the adventure organization. Guests will use field guides to help complete challenges and earn badges throughout the park. With over 30 different badges, Wilderness Explorers will be a fun way to experience the park!

Inside the Adventureland® Area of Magic Kingdom® Park, guests can soon take part in A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas. Using their pirate map and magic talisman, participants will complete five different pirate raids to help locate the missing treasures. A place in Captain Jack’s new crew is awaiting anyone who is successful in helping him fight off pirate enemies like Captain Barbossa and Royal Navy. Unlike the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom® game, this new adventure will not be a card-powered game.

Wilderness Explorers and A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas are planned to open this spring, although no official dates have been announced.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:21:54-05:00January 23rd, 2013|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas, Animal Kingdom Attractions, Animal Kingdom Park, Magic Kingdom attractions, Magic Kingdom Park, Wilderness Explorers|0 Comments

‘LIVE! with Kelly and Michael’ to Visit Walt Disney World® Resort

The syndicated morning talk show, LIVE! with Kelly and Michael, has announced they will be visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort next month and will be bringing the show along with them!

The program, hosted by Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan, will be taping on Feb. 18 and 19, 2013 and is currently seeking an audience for the shows. Shows will take place (2) times a day, with a LIVE show at 9:00a and a taping at 11:30a to use for a later broadcast.

If you will be in the Walt Disney World® Resort area Feb. 18 and 19 and would like to request (two) tickets to the show, please contact your Magic Maker® right away! Notification of tickets will be at a later date.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2013-01-22T16:12:02-05:00January 22nd, 2013|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: LIVE, Live with Kelly and Michael|0 Comments

‘Long Lost Friends’ Return to Magic Kingdom® Park for ‘Limited Time Magic’

Long Lost Friends Next week at the Walt Disney World® Resort, adults will show their age when they see some of their favorite Classic Disney characters at Magic Kingdom® Park. Here is a summary of upcoming “Limited Time Magic” events:

Walt Disney World® Resort

Long Lost Friends Week – Classic Disney characters are returning next week to the Magic Kingdom® Park for a quick getaway. The special meet and greets will take place Jan. 21 – 27, 2013. So far, the guest list consists of The Three Little Pigs, Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar, Robin Hood, and Friar Tuck – but you never know who else just may show up unannounced! You’ll want to make sure your cameras are charged and ready for this opportunity as it is true “Limited Time Magic.”

Disneyland® Resort

A Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue – Experience a musical variety show inspired by the original show Walt enjoyed himself! Performances continue Thurs. through Mon. until Feb. 4th. For more information, click here.
Bayou Bash and Mardi Gras – Disneyland® Park’s New Orleans Square will come alive when Princess Tiana and Louis the Alligator host the Bayou Bash! 4-weekends of events include jazz music, street performances, authentic Cajun cuisine, and a special Court of Angels Photo location with Disney characters in their finest Mardi Grad fashion! Join the celebration Jan. 18-21, Jan. 25-27, Feb. 1-3, and Feb. 8-12, 2013.

And on both coasts, the “Year of the Ear” continues. Be sure to check out the limited release of Disney Couture Ear Hats!

Off to Neverland Travel® will continue to bring you details on future ”Limited Time Magic” events as they become available!

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:21:55-05:00January 18th, 2013|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: A Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue, Bayou Bash, Limited Time Magic, Limited Time Magic 2013, Long Lost Friends Week, New Orleans Bayou Bash|0 Comments

A Ride on the Re-Imagined Test Track® Attraction

By Magic Maker® Julie Paolino

Test Track® Attraction, a thrill ride loved by many at Epcot®, closed its doors in April of 2012. We all wondered what was to become of one of our favorite rides in all the Disney parks. Well, just over a month ago, in December of 2012, we finally got to find out when the doors reopened to the re-imagined Test Track® Attraction now sponsored by Chevrolet.

Car enthusiasts, kids, adults, well…just about anyone that can withstand the forces of the 60+ mile an hour cyclone that I call Test Track® Attraction, will not be disappointed! This attraction has every guest immersed in the car making process at kiosks that allow each rider, or family, to design their very own test vehicle. Once your design is complete you swipe the card you have been given before you enter the ride so that you can see how your design measures up with the actual Test Track® Attraction vehicle through the duration of the ride.

The ride itself has gone from what a car would actually go through in real world scenarios in the great outdoors to what appears to be a computerized simulation of how a car would handle on the road. Riders are thrust into darkness and then surrounded by computer graphics and bright neon simulated landscapes as they travel through the course which ultimately leads to a thrilling “crash” through the doors leading to a whirlwind of a ride at over 60 miles an hour around an outdoor track. Be warned that you will lose your hat if you leave it on!

New Test Track® Marquee

Once you exit the ride you will have a chance to design more concept cars, play specially designed computer games and explore a showroom full of Chevrolet’s newest lineup of cars, including some concept cars. And of course, who could pass up the urge to pick up a brand new Test Track® Attraction t-shirt from the gift shop on the way out?

Because Test Track® Attraction is such a popular ride the wait time often exceeds 90 minutes in the stand-by line. FASTPASS® Service is available for this ride, but rider beware that if you want to design a fully customized car to compare with your ride vehicle you will have to wait in the stand-by line. Obviously FASTPASS® Service is supposed to get you to the ride quickly, so while you can customize a car when you enter through the FASTPASS® Service line, it is a very condensed version of the one you will find in the stand-by line.

Either way the newly re-imagined Test Track® Attraction will not disappoint. It is still one of the most exciting and innovative rides in Disney World and definitely one not to be missed.

Be sure to contact one of Off to Neverland Travels® Magic Makers® who will be happy to help you start planning your next Walt Disney World® Resort vacation.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:21:55-05:00January 17th, 2013|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Epcot, Epcot Test Track, Walt Disney World Resorts|0 Comments

Dates Announced for 2013 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival

If you are a fan of Epcot’s® Annual International Food & Wine Festival, it’s time to start planning!

This year’s event will run Sep. 27 – Nov. 10, 2013! Known for its outstanding food, fun and entertainment, the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival has become one of our guests’s favorite events over its 17-year run. While full details of the festival are not yet available, you can expect international cuisine and beverages from nearly 30 marketplaces, culinary demonstrations and seminars, signature dining experiences hosted by celebrity chefs, and nightly musical performances for the Eat to the Beat Concert series.

Contact your Magic Maker® today to start planning your fall vacation.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:21:57-05:00January 16th, 2013|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Epcot Food & Wine, Epcot Food and Wine, Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Food & Wine, Food & Wine 2013, Food and Wine, Food and Wine 2013|0 Comments

Two Dining Changes in Epcot’s® World Showcase

Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie Two dining changes are taking place in Epcot’s® World Showcase.

In the France Pavilion, a new bakery location opened last week. Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie, located adjacent to the France movie theater exit, is 10x larger than the former bakery. This larger location opens each morning at 9am – prior to the opening of the rest of World Showcase. The bakery boasts quite an expansive menu, including sweets, soups, sandwiches, salads, and authentic French dishes like quiche and Croque Monsieur.

In the Canada Pavilion, the always popular Le Cellier Steakhouse will switch to an all-day menu starting Jan. 16, 2013. While this changes eliminates some of the menu options, it will provide access to many of the guest’s favorite dinner choices regardless of what time that coveted Advance Dining Reservation is! The change in menu does not affect the Disney Dining Plan – both lunch and dinner is two entitlements on the Dining Plans.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:21:58-05:00January 15th, 2013|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Epcot Dining, France Bakery, Le Cellier, Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie, World Showcase Dining|0 Comments

“Limited Time Magic” Brings “Winter Wonderland” and “Bayou Bash” to Disney Parks

Donald Duck greeting guests in Epcot's Canada Pavilion The Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts have announced the next set of “Limited Time Magic” experiences for 2013!

Walt Disney World® Resort

Winter Wonderland – Don’t let the title fool you – this “Limited Time Magic” requires no scarf or gloves! Starting Monday inside Epcot’s® Canada Pavilion, you and you family can play in the “snow” and meet some of your favorite Disney characters. This character greeting location will only be available Jan. 14-20, so be sure to catch the fun before it before it melts! Hours are 10:30a – 2:10p and 3:05p – 5:45p

Disneyland® Resort

A Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue – Experience a musical variety show inspired by the original show Walt enjoyed himself! Performances continue Thurs. through Mon. until Feb. 4th. For more information, click here.
Bayou Bash and Mardi Gras – Disneyland® Park’s New Orleans Square will come alive when Princess Tiana and Louis the Alligator host the Bayou Bash! 4-weekends of events include jazz music, street performances, authentic Cajun cuisine, and a special Court of Angels Photo location with Disney characters in their finest Mardi Grad fashion! Join the celebration Jan. 18-21, Jan. 25-27, Feb. 1-3, and Feb. 8-12, 2013.

And on both coasts, the “Year of the Ear” continues. Be sure to check out the limited release of Disney Couture Ear Hats!

Off to Neverland Travel® will bring you details on future ”Limited Time Magic” events as they become available!

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:21:58-05:00January 11th, 2013|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: A Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue, Bayou Bash, Limited Time Magic, Limited Time Magic 2013, New Orleans Bayou Bash, Winter Wonderland|0 Comments

Off to Neverland® Brings the Magic to Your Mobile Device

At Off to Neverland Travel® we have been creating lasting Disney vacation memories for families for five years, providing customized, white glove service to make your vacation dreams come true.

With mobile apps and content becoming an increasingly popular, if not essential, part of life, we are thrilled to introduce a little more ‘magic’ to the mobile world with the release of our exclusive Walt Disney World® Resort mobile itinerary.

Our mobile itinerary is a collision of our free itinerary planning service that is offered when you plan your trip with Off to Neverland® and the mobile technology that we all embrace. Through the mobile itinerary, you will have your entire itinerary in their pocket, professionally planned by our expert Magic Makers® who are known for creating such whimsical experiences.

Within the mobile itinerary, you will have access to your professionally planned itinerary, including park hours, parade start times, firework show times and daily plans that include personalized tips to make your vacation as magical as possible. In addition, the mobile itinerary app contains all of the important information you need including your vacation package details and your pre-planned dining reservation times, locations and confirmations.

Run into an issue on your trip? No problem! Within the mobile itinerary, your personal Magic Maker’s® contact information is only a few clicks away! Whether you have a question about your professional planned itinerary or need some other form of assistance on your trip, help is at your fingertips.

Never before has a mobile itinerary existed for visitors to Walt Disney World® Resort that blended the technology of today with the expertise of a personal ‘concierge’ that knows your family’s needs and designs your itinerary around it. The stress of planning your trip has come to an end, as the future of vacations through Off to Neverland Travel® has arrived!

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:21:58-05:00January 10th, 2013|Categories: Disney News, Featured Specials and News, Off to Neverland News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Mobile Itinerary, Off to Neverland Travel, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Resorts|0 Comments

What’s Next at Walt Disney World® Resort – Jan. / Feb. 2013

Walt Disney World Marathon At the Walt Disney World® Resort, there is always something going on! Let’s take a quick look at what’s in store for our guests with upcoming visits this winter to the Walt Disney World® Resort!

Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend

This weekend, a record field of more than 65,000 runners will participate in the various races that make up the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna. To celebrate the 20th annivesary, enchanced entertainment will be awaiting runners along Mile 20 of the marathon. More details here.

Limited Time Magic

2013 is the year of “Limited Time Magic” at the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts! 52 weeks of magical experiences will await guests on both coasts. The experiences are only available for a limited time though, appearing and then disappearing as the next special surprise debuts. The first week provided some fun experiences and the opportunity to purchase some exclusive Disney Couture Ear Hats. Additional information on Limited Time Magic can be found here.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training

Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves will return in February 2013 to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for their 16th season of spring training at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Some opponents playing the Braves this year at Champion Stadium include the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend is one of the largest women-specific running events in the U.S. and focuses on healthy active lifestyles for women and young girls. Taking place Feb. 22 – 24, 2013, the weekend will consist of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Royal Family 5K, runDisney Kids’ Races, the Half Marathon, and an expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Don’t have your trip to the Walt Disney World® Resort planned yet? It’s not too late! Contact your Magic Maker® today!

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:21:58-05:00January 9th, 2013|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Walt Disney World Resort, Walt Disney World Winter 2013, What's Next, Winter 2013 Walt Disney World, Winter 2013 WDW|0 Comments

MyMagic+: The Next Step in Improving Guest Experience at Disney Parks

Guests utilizing FastPass+ Since the opening of Disneyland® Park back in 1955, there has been a constant focus by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to use innovation and creativity to improve their guest’s visit. Because of this, Disney Parks continues to deliver their guests legendary customer service and creates countless unforgettable memories each and every day of the year.

Walt Disney World® Resort has announced a new initiative that not only reinforces the destination’s constant goal of improvement, but will change “how” you experience Disney Parks. MyMagic+ will use today’s technology to allow you to make the most of your future Walt Disney World® Resort vacations. While MyMagic+ has several different components, the two most notable pieces of it are Disney Fastpass+® Service and the MagicBand.

Disney Fastpass+® Service will allow you to choose certain Fastpass+® attractions and entertainment you would like to experience and secure a time to do so before you leave for your trip. Think of it as an “enhanced” Fastpass® – same concept and service as what is used today but done in advance instead of while you are at the park. Some of the entertainment options that may be included in the Fastpass+® Service include special firework and parade viewing areas, shows, and Disney Character Greetings.

Worn on your wrist, the MagicBand gives you access to your vacation package components and your Fastpass+® selections. Replacing the current Key to the World card, the MagicBand will unlock your Walt Disney World® Resort hotel room door, allow you to charge food and merchandise to your account, and will be your ticket to enter the Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks and Water Parks. The MagicBand also allows the Fastpass+® Service to be paperless!

Portions of MyMagic+ have been in testing over the past several months and will begin to roll out slowly over the next couple months. Like any new project of this size, it will continue to evolve over time based on guest and cast feedback.

Here’s the best part – there is no additional charge for MyMagic+ to guests!

Our Magic Makers® will soon receive training from Disney Parks about MyMagic+ and will be able to provide you more details about these enhancements before your upcoming trip. We are excited about these new changes and how they will compliment our already existing fee-free planning services!

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:21:58-05:00January 8th, 2013|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: FastPass+ MyMagic+, Guest Experience, MagicBand, Walt Disney World Resort Enhancements|0 Comments