Walt Disney World News

Tune-up Set for Test Track® April 16th

Test Track®, one of Epcot’s® most popular attractions, will close this Monday, April 16th, for refurbishment. When it reopens again in the fall, it will present guests with a whole new experience!

The re-imagining of the attraction will change the current testing lab queue area into a new “Chevrolet Design Center” allowing guests to become automotive designers. After creating their own custom concept vehicle, guests buckle in to one of the 6-person Test Track® ”SimCars” and try out their customized vehicle on the Test Track® circuit. After experiencing the hills, switchbacks and straight-aways of the circuit, guests will receive scores in the post-show area grading the performance of their concept vehicles. Even though the vehicles are called “SimCars,” the attraction will remain a ride like it is today – it will not be a simulator experience.

A reopening date has not been announced.

‘Citrus Swirl’ Returns to Magic Kingdom® Park

Florida – The Sunshine State.
Its state fruit: Orange.
State beverage: Orange Juice.
State Flower: you guessed it – Orange Blossom.

With this reoccurring orange theme, it only seems fitting that the Walt Disney World® Resort reintroduce the original Citrus Swirl. Available at Sunshine Tree Terrace inside of the Magic Kingdom® Park, the Citrus Swirl is a mixture of vanilla soft-serve twisted with an orange juice slush. Like the famous Dole Whip available at Aloha Isle, the Citrus Swirl is a great way to cool down and beat the Florida heat. Guests using the Disney Dining Plan can redeem (1) Snack credit for a Citrus Swirl.

Aloha Isle is located in the Adventureland® Area of the Magic Kingdom® Park – near Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. While you are there, check out one of their new entrees including Orange Glazed Chicken with Rice, an Asian BBQ Pork Sandwich, or an Asian Pineapple Salad!

What is your favorite ice-cold treat on a HOT Florida day? Tell us in the comments section below!

New Wine Cellar Coming to Epcot®

Tutto GustoA new wine cellar will soon be add to the long list of available food and beverage options in Epcot’s® World Showcase.

Tutto Gusto, set to open in early May, will be located adjacent to Tutto Italia Ristorante in the Italy Pavilion. The décor of Gusto will be  inspired by an Italian wine cellar with stone walls and floors, vaulted ceilings, and a fireplace in the dining room.

A small-plate menu that takes guests on a fabulous culinary tour of Italy will be available. Options include: Affettati (cured, sliced meats); Formaggi (Italian cheeses); Panini(sandwiches); Piccoli Piatti (small plates); Cavatappi (a type of pasta), and Dolci (sweets). More than 200 Italian wines, including sparkling, reds and whites, grappas (a distilled drink made from what remains of grapes after they have been pressed for winemaking) and beers such as La Rossa, Moretti and Menabrea will be offered at Gusto.

Tutto Gusto will be a small, intimate location seating only 96-guests. Normal operating hour will be 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. This location will accept the Disney Dining Plan.

“The Avengers”-Themed Monorail Debuts at Walt Disney World® Resort

Guests may remember back in March of 2010 when the Walt Disney World® Resort debuted the Tron monorail as a promotion for the upcoming movie.

Now, guests will be able to spot The Avengers monorail making its “rounds” on the Magic Kingdom® Park loop throughout the summer. The Avengers monorail celebrates the May 4th opening of Marvel’s film on the big screen.

Here is a video of The Avengers monorail in action:

Celebrity Lineup for Star Wars™ Weekends 2012 Announced

Star Wars Weekends 2012Tuesday we told you that Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars™: The Clone Warsand James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars™: The Clone Wars) will host Star Wars™ Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™.  Today, we have more celebrities to add to the list making appearances each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 18-June 10, 2012.

Here’s the scheduled celebrity lineup for Star Wars™ Weekends 2012 (subject to change):

Weekend #1 (May 18 – 20)

  • Ray Park – (Darth Maul – Star Wars™: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  • Jerome Blake (Rune Haako/Mas Amedda – Star Wars™: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  • Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody – Star Wars™: The Clone Wars)

Weekend #2 (May 25- 27)

  • Andy Secombe (Watto – Star Wars™: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  • Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars™: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  • Tom Kane (voice of Yoda – Star Wars™: The Clone Wars)

Weekend #3 (June 1 -3)

  • Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker – Star Wars™: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  • Silas Carson (Nute Gunray/Ki-Adi-Mundi – Star Wars™: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  • TBA (Star Wars™: The Clone Wars voice talent)

Weekend #4 (June 8- 10)

  • Michonne Bourriague (Aurra Sing – Star Wars™: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
  • Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett – Star Wars™: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VIReturn of the Jedi)
  • Daniel Logan (Boba Fett – Star Wars™: Episode II Attack of the Clones)
  • Nika Futterman (voice of Asajj Ventress – Star Wars™: The Clone Wars)

As we get closer to the opening of Star Wars™ Weekends, we will share more information about the different events planned each day of the event.

Walt Disney World® Resort Announces New PhotoPass® + Service

Disney’s PhotoPass®It is no secret that memories are an important part of every Walt Disney World® Resort vacation. In fact, it is estimated that more than 600 million pictures are taken every year at the Walt Disney World® Resort!

Since the debut of Disney’s PhotoPass® service in 2004, guest have taken advantage of this convenient way to capture these treasured moments with their entire party in the picture. Disney’s PhotoPass® photographers use the latest equipment in digital photography to photograph guests in various places within the entire Walt Disney World® Resort. Guests receive a special Disney’s PhotoPass® card that links all of their high-quality vacation photos together into one online account that they can access at their leisure to view, share and order photos.

For some time, guests have been able to pre-order their Disney’s PhotoPass® CD online at a discount which included all of their images as well as a copyright release for future prints. Effective April 4, 2012, guest will be able to upgrade to the new Disney’s PhotoPass® + option. With Disney’s PhotoPass®+, you can have all your Disney’s PhotoPass® Photographer photos PLUS select Attraction photos AND Dining Print Packages – All for one price.

Disney’s PhotoPass® + Product Details:

  • PhotoPass®+ will be sold at PhotoPass® view stations located throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort.
  • With PhotoPass®+ you will have digital files of all your PhotoPass® photos, Attraction photos, and Dining photos taken within a 14 day visit to the Walt Disney World® Resort as well as Print Packages at select Dining locations.
  • Once you arrive home from your vacation, you can view your photos and order a PhotoCD with all the high resolution photos plus a limited license agreement, which allows you to print photos at any local photo processing center.

Participating Attractions:

  • Space Mountain®
  • Splash Mountain®
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin®
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • Rock ‘n Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith
  • Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®
  • Dinosaur

Participating Character Dining Locations:

  • 1900 Park Fare
  • Ohana (Breakfast only)
  • Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
  • Chef Mickey’s
  • Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Tusker House Restaurant (Breakfast only)
  • Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue
  • Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Disney’s PhotoPass®+ Includes:

  • Disney’s PhotoPass®+ Card and Lanyard
  • A gallery CD with over 400 stock photos
  • A unique code to create and order a PhotoCD with all your photos online at DisneyPhotoPass.com
  • Print Packages at select Dining locations
  • Digital Downloads of select Attractions

For more information about Disney’s PhotoPass® services and their various packages, contact your Magic Maker®

The Romantic Side of Walt Disney World® Resort

by Magic Maker™ Courtney Harris

Couples at DisneyWalt Disney World® Resort is often dismissed as a “family vacation” destination.  While it is definitely family-centered, its potential as a romantic getaway is often overlooked.  Walt Disney World® Resort boasts many activities geared toward adults and couples, whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or just wanting to spend some quality time with your significant other.

At both Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- Riverside and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, couples can enjoy a 25 minute horse-drawn carriage ride around the property.  During the month of December, the carriages at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground are transformed into “sleighs” that travel around the campgrounds viewing the stunning light displays set up by campers.

For couples wishing to splurge, fireworks cruises can be booked that provide them with their own private pontoon boat and driver, from which they can view either IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot® or Wishes fireworks show at Magic Kingdom® Park.  For an extra fee, the audio from the show can even be piped into the boat.  While water, soda, and snacks are provided as part of the package, those wishing to enjoy a romantic meal or dessert may preorder private dining to be delivered to the boat before it departs. Wine and specialty cakes can also be ordered to enjoy while on the cruise.

California GrillCouples wishing to enjoy a romantic meal can make dinner reservations at one of the signature dining restaurants on property, such as the California Grill or Jiko: The Cooking Place.  The dim lighting and quiet setting of these locations combine to create a romantic atmosphere perfect for couples seeking a nice meal together.  Specialty cakes can also be ordered at these locations, along with romantic desserts such as chocolate covered strawberries.  For couples wishing to enjoy a night-in, private dining will bring the romance to them by delivering directly to the room.

There are many other activities on property for couples to enjoy such as getting a massage together, renting a private pool cabana, parasailing, bicycling, or booking a behind-the-scenes tour. The list is endless!  While all of these activities require advance booking and have an associated fee, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy for free!  Just one example is watching Wishes from a hammock on the beach of Disney’s Polynesian Resort.  Audio is piped onto the beach so you can enjoy the beauty of the fireworks without fighting the crowds on Main Street, U.S.A.® Area.  Some other free activities include searching for hidden Mickeys, taking a stroll around the Disney’s Boardwalk, or just walking hand in hand around your resort hotel.  Most of the hotels have very elaborate theming in order to immerse you in a particular time period or setting.

If you have been craving some alone time with your significant other, but always thought the Walt Disney World® Resort was “just for kids”, contact your Off to Neverland® Magic Maker™ today to learn more about these activities, along with countless other tips for making your vacation the romantic getaway of your dreams!

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Star Wars™ Weekends Celebrity Hosts Announced

SWW HostsThe Walt Disney World® Resort has announced the Celebrity Hosts for their upcoming Star Wars™ Weekends May 18 – June 10, 2012.

Taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™, the event celebrates the popular Star Wars™ films and the animated TV series Star Wars™: The Clone Wars. This year’s hosts will be 2 familiar faces as both of them are Star Wars™ Weekends veterans. Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars™: The Clone Warsand James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars™: The Clone Wars) will host for the duration of the 2012 event. James will serve as the Official Celebrity Host of Star Wars™ Weekends and Ashley will be the Celebrity Host of “Behind the Force,” a show that gives fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Star Wars™: The Clone Wars.

In addition to being  the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi, James is also the current voice of Fred Flintstone, and has a list of character voice credits including Green Arrow, Johnny Test and Ratchet (from the “Ratchet & Clank” video game series), just to name a few.

Ashley, a former Disney Cast Member as a parade dancer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™, is also a fashion designer and heads her own company, “Her Universe,” specializing in merchandise and apparel specifically for female sci-fi fans.

The complete listing of events and celebrity meet & greets have not been released, so keep checking back for more details.

Princess Merida Park Appearances Begin in May

Merida Meet & GreetPrincess Merida from Disney•Pixar’s upcoming movie “Brave” will begin an all-new character greeting experience in mid-May.

At the Magic Kingdom® Park in Florida, Merida and the mischievous three bear cubs from the film will appear in a setting inspired by her home in the Scottish Highlands. While waiting to meet Merida and her Scottish clan, guests will be entertained by an interactive queue with archery and other activities. To make room for the new Princess, Rapunzel will move from her Fairytale Garden location to a new location on the Adventureland® Verandah on Apr. 15.

At the Disneyland® Park, Merida’s meet & greet will take place in Adventureland® area near the iconic “it’s a small world”® Attraction.

Disney•Pixar’s “Brave” opens in theaters June 22nd.

Images are artist concept art. Actual construction may vary

Sorcerer Mickey Topiary is Pure Magic

Sorcerer Mickey Fantasia DisplayThe 19th annual Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival kicked off March 7th at the Walt Disney World® Resort with a huge splash of color. Walt Disney World’s® horticulture team showed off their green thumbs with the garden inspired from a scene of “Fantasia” in front of the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth.

Here are some fun facts on the front-entrance “Fantasia” topiary display:

  • Comprised of 28 topiaries which is more than have been used in any front-entrance display!  Those 28 topiaries include Sorcerer Mickey, three ostriches, two hippos, two alligators, two elephants, nine stars, a spiral and eight mushrooms.
  • 22,615 plant plugs of 15 plant varieties make up the Fantasia front-entrance topiary.  They include reindeer moss, red begonias, creeping fig ,Sweet Ayssum, and three shades of Lobelia, and Black Scallop Ajuga.
  • 4,000 Blushing Bride air plants from Guatemala color the two hippos’ tutus and 300 Cotton Candy air plants from Peru feather the wings and tails of the three ostrich topiaries.
  • 1,250 feet irrigation tubing is woven into the “Fantasia” front-entrance topiaries

Watch as Cast Members bring the display to life

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