Walt Disney World News

Celebrating the Fourth

Disneyland FireworksIf you are celebrating our nation’s independence this year at one of the Disney theme parks, you can expect breathtaking fireworks and patriotic celebrations.  Take a look at some of the special events happening this July 4 weekend:

Disneyland® Resort
From July 1-4, you can experience special nighttime spectaculars celebrating America. At Disney California Adventure™ park, be sure to check out the all-new Independence Day “World of Color” pre-show which will run prior to each showing of “World of Color” and will combine video, water effects, lighting and fireworks to create a spectacular celebration of American independence.

At the Disneyland® park, guests can commemorate Independence Day with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This special fireworks show combines patriotic music with bursts of red, white and blue to celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Be sure to check the Entertainment Schedule or the Entertainment Times Guide at each park for show times.

Walt Disney World® Resort
The Magic Kingdom® park will present “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This patriotic fireworks spectacular, paying homage to the hopes and dreams of America’s forefathers, will light the skies at 9 p.m. July 4 – and for guests who would like to begin the Independence Day celebration early, the show also will be presented July 3 at 9 p.m.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios™, traditional Fourth of July fireworks take on a different spin when Mulch, Sweat, and Shears perform for the all-new “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration!” These resident landscapers – with serious rock and roll ambitions – take Disney guests on a musical road trip across America that will highlight each region’s contribution to rock and roll. Fireworks, lighting and special effects – backed by the driving live rock and roll of Mulch, Sweat, and Shears – combine to bring a new twist to celebrating Independence Day. Showtime July 4 is 9:45 p.m. Before or after the show, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can thrill to Disney’s Fantasmic!, performing July 4 at 9 and 10:30 p.m.

At Epcot, check out “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” bursting high above World Showcase Lagoon. IllumiNations is a 14-minute spectacular during which pyrotechnics, lasers, water and music are all used to tell a story about the past, present and future of our planet. On the Fourth of July, the show will be enhanced with “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” an overture of traditional Americana themes displayed in a pyrotechnic and laser light event. The show is at 10 p.m.

Also at Epcot, you can hear a “Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert” and participate in meet-and-greets with Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and Disney characters wearing their patriotic dress at American Adventure.

What are your plans for celebrating July 4 this year?

2011 Candlelight Processional Narrators

Revel in the joy of the season as you listen to an unforgettable retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir at the American Gardens Theatre in Epcot®.

The current schedule (subject to change without notice) is:Candlelight Processional

  • Mira Sorvino (“Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion”) Nov. 25-27
  • Michael W. Smith (Christian singer) Nov. 28-Dec. 1
  • Whoopi Goldberg (“The View”) Dec. 2-3
  • TBD Dec. 4-6
  • Isabella Rossellini (“Alias”) Dec. 7-9
  • Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”) Dec. 10-12
  • TBD Dec. 13-14
  • TBD Dec. 16-18
  • Trace Adkins (country singer) Dec. 19-21
  • Susan Lucci (“All My Children”) Dec. 22-24
  • Blair Underwood (“The Event”) Dec. 25-27
  • Marlee Matlin (“Celebrity Apprentice”) Dec. 28-30

Guests attend these shows on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to its popularity, we highly recommend looking in to buying a Candlelight Processional dining package. Lunch and dinner packages, which include a meal and reserved seating at the show, will go on sale later this summer.

Contact your Magic Maker® about reserving your Candlelight Processional Dining Package for your holiday Walt Disney World® vacation.

Request a Quote

Who are you planning to see during your vacation?

Disney Vacation Packages 2012 now Available

The 2012 Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, vacation packages are now available to book. Featuring magical elements for families, the packages are valid for arrivals beginning January 2012.

Here are some 2012 updates:

Walt Disney World® Resort

At the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida, each 2012 Magic Your Way* Package from Walt Disney Travel Company come with “Magical Extras” benefits that will help you explore Disney beyond the Theme Parks.

“Magical Extras” include an array of activities like a15% discount on most spa services of 50 minutes or greater at many Niki Bryan Spa locations throughout the Resort, discounts giving guests 15% off the regular price of any boat rental and 15% off the regular price of select Guided Bass Fishing Excursions at participating Walt Disney World® marina locations, and a 15% discount on the regular hourly rate at a Children’s Activity Center at a select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels.

The Magic Your Way Package plus Dining allows you to experience a wide variety of select restaurants, connect with the family at a Table-service restaurant, dine with Disney characters, take in a dinner show and now includes a refillable drink mug.

Disney’s newest resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, as well as the new Royal Guest Suites at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort will be available for booking in 2012.

Disneyland® Resort

At the Disneyland® Resort in California, every vacation package includes the chance to interact with some Disney Characters in Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness** one hour before Mickey’s Toontown opens to the general public.

All 3-day or longer vacation packages include a souvenir Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® ticket which is for admission to both Theme Parks and preferred seating*** at select attractions in Disney California Adventure™ Park. Included in this ticket is one Magic Morning† admission in Disneyland® Park before the Park opens to the public!

Vacation packages also include an exclusive collectible pin, lanyard and luggage tag for each member of the family, as well as a “Welcome” phone call from a Disney Character‡.

There are lots of great reasons to visit in 2012, including exciting new additions to Disney California Adventure™ Park, such as Cars Land. All around you, the sights and sounds of Radiator Springs bring the hit Disney·Pixar Cars movies to life – with 12 acres of supercharged entertainment and attractions to get your motor running!

The Disneyland® Resort vacation package provides the magic of Disney from check-in to check-out at one of three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort: Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel, Disneyland® Hotel or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai’i

2012 packages to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, are also now available to book.

Aulani, which opens on Aug. 29, 2011, offers you a new way to vacation in Hawai’i, complete with luxurious accommodations in an idyllic ocean setting.

For more information on Aulani, please click here.

 

*The number of rooms made available for the Magic Your Way package may be limited. Marina and Guided Bass Fishing discounts not valid all dates, one voucher per room. Age restrictions apply to all Magical Extras.  Package inclusions are only available to packages booked through Off to Neverland Travel and the Walt Disney Travel Company.

**To enter Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness, each Guest must have a valid Disneyland® Resort souvenir ticket and one Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness voucher from the Walt Disney Travel Company. Entitlement available for one morning throughout the length of your ticket on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday. Days and times of operation and all other elements including, but not limited to, operation of attractions, entertainment, stores and restaurants, and appearance of Characters may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity and other restrictions.

***Preferred Seating and viewing capacity is limited and subject to availability. Valid only during dates of vacation package. Show times vary.

†Magic Morning admission allows admission into select attractions in Disneyland® Park before the Park opens to the general public on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. Each Guest must have a valid 3-Day or greater Disneyland® Resort souvenir ticket from the Walt Disney Travel Company. To enhance the Magic Morning experience, it is strongly recommended that Guests arrive at least 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to Park opening. Magic Morning admission is based on availability and does not operate daily. Applicable, days and times of operation and all other elements including, but not limited to, operations of attractions, entertainment, stores and restaurants, and appearances of Characters may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity and other restrictions.

‡ Disney Character Call is available when travel agents booking packages online (one per package) through disneytravelagents.com. Not available for Guests in Quebec, Canada.

Updating a Classic Attraction

Enchanted Tiki RoomWalt Disney Imagineering announced that The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) at Magic Kingdom® Park is already undergoing changes behind closed doors that will reshape the attraction into a version reminiscent of the original show.

The Walt Disney World® attraction, originally called Tropical Serenade, has been entertaining guests since the theme park’s opening day on Oct. 1, 1971. Its winged hosts, Jose, Fritz, Pierre and Michael, led 200 other birds, tikis and flowers in an entertaining musical Polynesian revue. Tropical Serenade was reshaped into The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) in 1998, with the addition of Iago (from “Aladdin”) and Zazu (from “The Lion King”).

The latest version of the attraction, which will be called Enchanted Tiki Room, will debut at Magic Kingdom Park later this summer.

Eat to the Beat Concert Series 2011

The lineup of performers for the “Eat to the Beat” Concert Series at the 2011 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival has been released. There will be several Grammy-winning artists and some new acts for music lovers. This year’s schedule (subject to change) includes:

  • Taylor Dayne: 9/30-10/2/11
  • 38 Special: 10/3-5/11
  • Jon Secada: 10/6-7/11
  • Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp: 10/8-9/11
  • Billy Ocean: 10/10-12/11
  • Starship starring Mickey Thomas: 10/13-16/11
  • Sugar Ray: 10/17-19/11
  • The Orchestra starring former members of ELO: 10/20-21/11
  • Howard Jones: 10/22-23/11
  • Boyz II Men: 10/24-26/11
  • Gin Blossoms: 10/27-28/11
  • Sister Hazel: 10/29-30/11
  • Hanson: 10/31-11/1/11
  • The Pointer Sisters: 11/2-3/11
  • Night Ranger: 11/4-6/11
  • Air Supply: 11/7-8/11
  • Richard Marx: 11/9-10/11
  • Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: 11/11-13/11

The concerts, which are included with Epcot admission, will be at the America Gardens Theatre stage. Performances will be nightly and the year’s schedule is subject to change without notice.

Let us know who you’re looking forward to seeing this year.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2011

Castle Dreamlights!It’s a magical night of special holiday entertainment including Castle Dreamlights!, an enchanting holiday parade, “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade,” featuring Santa Claus, a festive nighttime fireworks spectacular, Disney Character greetings, live stage shows and tasty treats on Main Street, U.S.A.®, plus the most popular Magic Kingdom® attractions!

Castle Dreamlights!
Cinderella Castle is transformed every night at the Magic Kingdom® Park during Castle Dreamlights! When Mickey and friends realize the castle isn’t decorated for the holidays, they enlist the help of Cinderella, the Prince, and even the Fairy Godmother! With all of their help, Cinderella Castle transforms into a glorious, wintry confection, twinkling in the sky!

Entertainment Highlights: (subject to change without notice)

  • Castle Dreamlights!
  • Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade
  • Holiday Wishes – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season Fireworks
  • Live Disney Character stage shows
  • Character greetings throughout the Park
  • “Snow” on Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa
  • Use of some of the most popular Magic Kingdom® attractions

Dates

  • November 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29, and 30
  • December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, and 18

Times
7:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

Prices

Ticket prices start at $51.95 for kids 3-9 and at $56.95 for ages 10 and up.  Tickets prices vary by party date and the date of purchase (tickets cost more if you purchase them the same day as the party).  Contact your Magic Maker® for more information and to request a quote.

*This is a special event which requires a separately priced event Theme Park ticket.  Ticket prices are subject to change at any time without notice and are subject to availability.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2011

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween PartyBoo! Don’t be afraid. The screams you hear are squeals of delight, not fright. Disney fantasy and Halloween fun come together on selected nights in September and October for a one-of-a-kind celebration. Seize this rare opportunity to visit the Magic Kingdom® in costume*, ride some of the most popular attractions and enjoy some really sweet trick-or-treating with your favorite Disney characters in their finest Halloween outfits. With special music, a parade and the spectacular Happy HalloWishes fireworks show, this is no trick – it’s a real treat.

Event Dates:

Tuesday Sept 13 Friday Oct 7 Sunday Oct 23
Friday Sept 16 Monday Oct 10 Tuesday Oct 25
Tuesday Sept 20 Tuesday Oct 11 Thursday Oct 27
Friday Sept 23 Thursday Oct 13 Friday Oct 28
Tuesday Sept 27 Sunday Oct 16 Sunday Oct 30
Friday Sept 30 Tuesday Oct 18 Monday Oct 31
Sunday Oct 2 Thursday Oct 20 Tuesday Nov 1
Thursday Oct 6 Friday Oct 21

Event Times:

7:00 pm – 12:00 am

Entertainment Highlights: (subject to change without notice)

  • Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade!
  • Trick-or-treating throughout Magic Kingdom® Park at numerous locations
  • Happy HalloWishes fireworks spectacular – where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky!
  • Characters decked out in their favorite costumes – so wear yours, too.
  • Some of the most popular Magic Kingdom® attractions.

Pricing

Ticket prices start at $47.95 for kids 3-9 and at $53.95 for ages 10 and up.  Tickets prices vary by party date and the date of purchase (tickets cost more if you purchase them the same day as the party).  Contact your Magic Maker® for more information and to request a quote.

*For safety, costumes must not be obstructive or offensive.  This is a special event which requires a separately priced event Theme Park ticket.  Pricing subject to change without notice and availability.

Phineas and Ferb at Walt Disney World

Phineas and Ferb Meet and Greet

Originally scheduled to be out mid-May, the Phineas and Ferb play and greet was pushed back for a few weeks, while the boys finished school.  As of yesterday, the boys officially made their debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

The experience centers around Phineas and Ferb spending time in Florida to make a movie and guests are invited to meet them between takes. It all begins with the duo making a rockin’ entrance before taking pictures and signing autographs.

This experience is more than a traditional character meet-and-greet, dubbed a “play-and-greet,” as guests are invited to participate in short movie-related games while waiting for their chance to meet Phineas and Ferb. You can meet the pair on the Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ backlot near the exit to Muppet*Vision 3D.  Are you planning to see them on your next Walt Disney World® vacation?

Late Summer 2011 Room Rate Special


This special is no longer applicable.
Please click here to see current Walt Disney World® Resort specials.

Have a great time at a great rate when you stay at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels. Rates start at $69* plus tax, per night in a standard room at select Disney Value Resorts for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights Aug. 14 – Oct. 1, 2011. Great rates are available in other room categories as well.

Offer Details:

For stays Aug. 14 – Oct. 1, 2011, weekday rates starting at*:

  • $69 for Disney Value Resorts
  • $129 for Disney Moderate Resorts
  • $189 for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
  • $209 for Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Booking Window:

  • Book by Aug. 13, 2011.

Talk to your Magic Maker® about adding tickets and the Disney Dining Plan to your room reservation.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review

By Magic Maker® Jennifer LennoxDisney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

My family of four, including my two young daughters, then ages 9 and three, were lucky enough to stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for the first time last August.  I was so excited, as we have eaten at Boma – Flavors of Africa, located in this resort, and I had always hoped to spend more time there.

It did not disappoint!  While we did not request (or pay for) a Savannah view room, we were able to see many animals from our balcony each day, and that was really special.  There is no assurance that this will happen, so if that view is important, you should always reserve it!  (As I packed the car to return home, I looked behind me and saw a woman on her balcony, about 10 feet away!  I would have to say that that view might be a bit disappointing.)  In our case, we just got a little extra pixie dust.

Our room was as far from the lobby and pool area as it could have possibly been, and it was a very long walk!  We didn’t mind it so much, but it is worth considering making a location request when you make your reservation. While the Walt Disney World® Resorts do not guarantee these types of requests, they do try their best to accommodate them.

We enjoyed the main pool twice during our vacation.  It was a beautiful area, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to use it. I had looked at it longingly in the past, while waiting to be seated for dinner at Boma – Flavors of Africa.  My young daughter loved the zero-entry pool and my older one appreciated the pool slide.  The water temperature was warm, but still very refreshing in the incredible August heat. We wondered why we have so often passed up the opportunity to enjoy the resorts in previous trips. We certainly felt refreshed and ready for a fun evening after a relaxing swim.

We also took advantage of our location to eat at Boma – Flavors of Africa once for dinner as well as once for breakfast!  There is something there for everyone, picky eaters and adventurous alike.  I recommend trying the various soups, such as pumpkin or carrot and ginger.  You might be surprised at how good they are.  I know I was!

This deluxe resort is generally the most affordable in that category.  I can’t wait to go back, and enthusiastically recommend it to anyone, those with or without children, to young couples or grandparents, honeymooners and special groups.

Have you visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge?  Please share your experiences with us.

Click here for more information or to request a quote.

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