Walt Disney World News

Tune-up Set for Test Trackยฎ April 16th

Test Trackยฎ, one ofย Epcotโ€™sยฎย most popular attractions,ย 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 โ€œChevrolet Design Centerโ€ allowing guests to become automotive designers. After creating their own custom concept vehicle, guests buckle in to one of the 6-personย Test Trackยฎย โ€SimCarsโ€ and try out their customized vehicle on theย Test Trackยฎย 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 Kingdomยฎ Park

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

With thisย reoccurring orange theme, it only seems fitting that theย Walt Disney Worldยฎย Resort reintroduce the original Citrus Swirl. Available at Sunshine Tree Terraceย inside of theย Magic Kingdomยฎ Park, the Citrus Swirlย is a mixture of vanilla soft-serve twisted with an orange juice slush. Like the famousย Dole Whipย available at Aloha Isle, the Citrus Swirlย 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 Isleย is located in theย Adventurelandยฎ Area of theย Magic Kingdomยฎ Park – nearย 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 Epcotยฎ

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

Tutto Gusto, set to open in early May, will be located adjacent to Tutto Italia Ristorante in the Italy Pavilion.ย The dรฉcor ofย Gusto will be ย 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:ย Affettatiย (cured, sliced meats);ย Formaggiย (Italian cheeses);ย Panini(sandwiches);ย Piccoli Piattiย (small plates);ย Cavatappiย (a type of pasta), andย Dolciย (sweets).ย 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.

โ€œThe Avengersโ€-Themed Monorail Debuts at Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort

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

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

Here is a video of The Avengersย monorail in action:

Celebrity Lineup for Star Warsโ„ข Weekends 2012 Announced

Star Wars Weekends 2012Tuesday we told you thatย Ashley Eckstein (voice ofย Ahsoka Tano in Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars)ย and James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi inย Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars)ย will host Star Warsโ„ข Weekendsย atย Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studiosโ„ข. ย Today, we have more celebrities to add to the list making appearancesย each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 18-June 10, 2012.

Hereโ€™s the scheduled celebrity lineup forย Star Warsโ„ข Weekendsย 2012 (subject to change):

Weekend #1ย (May 18 โ€“ 20)

  • Ray Parkย โ€“ (Darth Maul โ€“ย Star Warsโ„ข: Episode Iย The Phantom Menace)
  • Jerome Blakeย (Rune Haako/Mas Amedda โ€“ย Star Warsโ„ข: Episode Iย The Phantom Menace)
  • Dee Bradley Bakerย (voice of Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody โ€“ย Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars)

Weekend #2ย (May 25- 27)

  • Andy Secombeย (Watto โ€“ย Star Warsโ„ข: Episode Iย The Phantom Menace)
  • Ray Parkย (Darth Maul โ€“ย Star Warsโ„ข: Episode Iย The Phantom Menace)
  • Tom Kaneย (voice of Yoda โ€“ย Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars)

Weekend #3ย (June 1 -3)

  • Jake Lloydย (Anakin Skywalker โ€“ย Star Warsโ„ข: Episode Iย The Phantom Menace)
  • Silas Carsonย (Nute Gunray/Ki-Adi-Mundi โ€“ย Star Warsโ„ข: Episode Iย The Phantom Menace)
  • TBAย (Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Warsย voice talent)

Weekend #4ย (June 8- 10)

  • Michonne Bourriagueย (Aurra Sing โ€“ย Star Warsโ„ข: Episode Iย The Phantom Menace)
  • Jeremy Bullochย (Boba Fett โ€“ย Star Warsโ„ข: Episode Vย The Empire Strikes Backย andย Star Wars: Episode VIReturn of the Jedi)
  • Daniel Loganย (Boba Fett โ€“ย Star Warsโ„ข: Episode IIย Attack of the Clones)
  • Nika Futtermanย (voice of Asajj Ventress โ€“ย Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars)

As we get closer to the opening ofย Star Warsโ„ข Weekends, we will share more information about the different events planned each day of the event.

Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort Announces New PhotoPassยฎ + Service

Disneyโ€™s PhotoPassยฎIt is no secret that memories are an important part of everyย Walt Disney Worldยฎย Resort vacation. In fact, it is estimated that more than 600 million pictures are taken every year at theย Walt Disney Worldยฎย Resort!

Since the debut of Disneyโ€™s PhotoPassยฎ service in 2004, guest have taken advantage of this convenient way to capture these treasured moments with their entire party in the picture.ย Disneyโ€™s PhotoPassยฎ photographers useย the latest equipment in digital photography to photograph guests in various places within the entire Walt Disney Worldยฎย Resort. Guests receive a special Disneyโ€™s PhotoPassยฎย 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 theirย Disneyโ€™s PhotoPassยฎ 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 newย Disneyโ€™s PhotoPassยฎ + option.ย Withย Disneyโ€™s PhotoPassยฎ+,ย you can have all your Disneyโ€™s PhotoPassยฎย Photographer photos PLUS select Attraction photos AND Dining Print Packages โ€“ All for one price.

Disneyโ€™s PhotoPassยฎ +ย Product Details:

  • PhotoPassยฎ+ย will be sold at PhotoPassยฎย view stations located throughout the Walt Disney Worldยฎย Resort.
  • Withย PhotoPassยฎ+ย you will have digital files of all your PhotoPassยฎย photos, Attraction photos, and Dining photos taken within a 14 day visit to theย Walt Disney Worldยฎย Resortย 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 Mountainยฎ
  • Splash Mountainยฎ
  • Buzz Lightyearโ€™s Space Ranger Spinยฎ
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • Rock ‘n Roller Coasterยฎ Starring Aerosmith
  • Expedition Everest โ€“ Legend of the Forbidden Mountainยฎ
  • Dinosaur

Participating Character Dining Locations:

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

Disneyโ€™s PhotoPassยฎ+ย Includes:

  • Disneyโ€™s PhotoPassยฎ+ย 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 aboutย Disneyโ€™s PhotoPassยฎ services and their various packages, contact your Magic Makerยฎ

The Romantic Side of Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort

by Magic Makerโ„ข Courtney Harris

Couples at DisneyWalt Disney Worldยฎ Resort is often dismissed as a โ€œfamily vacationโ€ destination.ย  While it is definitely family-centered, its potential as a romantic getaway is often overlooked.ย  Walt Disney Worldยฎ 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 Disneyโ€™s Port Orleans Resort- Riverside and Disneyโ€™s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, couples can enjoy a 25 minute horse-drawn carriage ride around the property.ย  During the month of December, the carriages at Disneyโ€™s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground are transformed into โ€œsleighsโ€ 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 Epcotยฎ or Wishes fireworks show at Magic Kingdomยฎ Park.ย  For an extra fee, the audio from the show can even be piped into the boat.ย  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.ย  The dim lighting and quiet setting of these locations combine to create a romantic atmosphere perfect for couples seeking a nice meal together.ย  Specialty cakes can also be ordered at these locations, along with romantic desserts such as chocolate covered strawberries.ย  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!ย  While all of these activities require advance booking and have an associated fee, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy for free!ย  Just one example is watching Wishes from a hammock on the beach of Disneyโ€™s Polynesian Resort.ย  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.ยฎ Area.ย  Some other free activities include searching for hidden Mickeys, taking a stroll around the Disneyโ€™s Boardwalk, or just walking hand in hand around your resort hotel.ย  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 Worldยฎ Resort was โ€œjust for kidsโ€, contact your Off to Neverlandยฎ Magic Makerโ„ข 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 Warsโ„ข Weekends Celebrity Hosts Announced

SWW HostsTheย Walt Disney Worldยฎย Resort has announced the Celebrity Hosts for their upcomingย Star Warsโ„ข Weekendsย May 18 โ€“ June 10, 2012.

Taking place atย Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studiosโ„ข, the event celebrates the popular Star Warsโ„ขย films and the animated TV series Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars. This year’s hosts will be 2 familiar faces as both of them areย Star Warsโ„ข Weekends veterans.ย Ashley Eckstein (voice ofย Ahsoka Tano in Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars)ย and James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi inย Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars)ย will host for the duration of the 2012 event.ย James will serve as the Official Celebrity Host ofย Star Warsโ„ข Weekendsย and Ashley will be the Celebrity Host of โ€œBehind the Force,โ€ a show that gives fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse atย Star Warsโ„ข: The Clone Wars.

In addition to being ย 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 โ€œRatchet & Clankโ€ video game series), just to name a few.

Ashley, a former Disney Cast Memberย as a parade dancer at Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studiosโ„ข, isย also a fashion designer and heads her own company, โ€œHer Universe,โ€ 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 fromย Disneyโ€ขPixar’s upcoming movie “Brave” will begin an all-new character greeting experience in mid-May.

At theย Magic Kingdomยฎ Park in Florida, Merida and theย mischievousย 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 Adventurelandยฎย Verandah on Apr. 15.

At theย Disneylandยฎ Park, Merida’s meet & greet will take place inย Adventurelandยฎ area near the iconicย “itโ€™s a small world”ยฎย Attraction.

Disneyโ€ขPixar’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 Epcotยฎ International Flower & Garden Festival kicked off March 7th at the Walt Disney Worldยฎ Resort with a huge splash of color. Walt Disney World’sยฎย horticulture team showed off their green thumbs with the garden inspired from aย scene of โ€œFantasia” in front of the parkโ€™s iconic Spaceship Earth.

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

  • Comprised of 28 topiariesย which is more thanย have been used in any front-entrance display! ย Those 28 topiaries include Sorcerer Mickey, threeย ostriches, two hippos, two alligators, two elephants, nine stars, a spiral and eight mushrooms.
  • 22,615 plant plugsย ofย 15 plant varietiesย make up the Fantasia front-entrance topiary.ย  They includeย reindeer moss,ย red begonias,ย creeping figย ,Sweet Ayssum,ย andย three shades ofย Lobelia, and Black Scallop Ajuga.
  • 4,000 Blushing Bride air plantsย from Guatemala color the two hipposโ€™ tutus andย 300 Cotton Candy air plantsย from Peru feather the wings and tails of the three ostrich topiaries.
  • 1,250 feet irrigation tubingย is woven into the “Fantasia”ย front-entrance topiaries

Watch as Cast Members bring the display to life

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