Walt Disney World News | Off to Neverland Travel - Disney Vacations

New Characters coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New character experiences are coming your way at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ next month. Phineas and Ferb Meet and Greet Experience

Beginning May 16, Winnie the Pooh will be the spotlight character at The Magic of Disney Animation attraction in honor of his upcoming feature film, “Disney’s Winnie the Pooh,” (in theaters July 15). In addition to meeting Pooh, you also can take a look at the making of the film inside the attraction.

Also on May 16, Disney Channel animated stars Phineas and Ferb will arrive at a new movie-themed play ‘n’ greet experience. Here, the duo are making a movie about their crazy adventures. With the help of the Guests and Cletus Filmore, the greatest movie Director in the Tri-State Area, Phineas and Ferb will recreate some of their favorite moments…unless they are taking a break to meet with their fans – signing autographs and taking pictures.

Changes are also taking place over at Luigi’s Garage in preparation for the release of “Cars 2.” Lightning McQueen will launch a meet-and-greet opportunity, and in June, he’ll make his debut at the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show in a cameo that will replace the Herbie the Love Bug scene in the show. Herbie fans will still spot the lovable little bug during their journey through the Studio Backlot Tour.

Be sure to check out your old favorites like Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald and Daisy around the Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat. They are showing off brand new outfits that capture the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood Heydays from the 1930s and 1940s as much as the decor of Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ theme park.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:58-05:00April 11th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Cars Meet and Greet, Disney Characters, Phineas and Ferb meet and greet, Winnie the Pooh|0 Comments

Le Cellier now Signature Restaurant

Le Cellier Steakhouse, one of the most popular Epcot® World Showcase restaurants, has a much-anticipated new chef and new dinner menu that debuts this week. The steakhouse concept remains and now this new dinner menu elevates this restaurant to the top tier of Disney dining. The lunch menu is not changing.

“We’re now serving Canadian raised beef,” said Chef Al Youngman, who took over the helm after working with the Epcot® International Food and Wine Festival. “Cattle is raised in all the Canadian provinces, and we’re very excited to showcase the great flavors to our guests.”

Among starters are an artisan spicy chicken and chipotle sausage with roasted corn polenta, black and blue beef steak tartar, grilled jumbo asparagus gratinée with Hollandaise, and a lobster chopped salad. And the guest favorite, the Canadian Cheddar cheese soup, is remaning on the menu.

Beef takes center stage for entrées with a filet mignon with wild mushroom risotto and white truffle butter sauce, grilled bone-in rib-eye and prime New York strip steak. Roasted venison medallions with celery root mousseline, forest mushrooms and Brussels sprouts; roasted duck breast and leg confit with Cheddar bread pudding, and pork tenderloin with maple polenta and warm bacon vinaigrette are other savory selections. Fish fans can choose from seared “Gooseberry” cod with braised oxtail ravioli, shiitake mushrooms, bok choy and consommé, or Pacific King salmon with parsnip puree and braised greens. Vegetarians get a rich, creamy potato-leek and goat cheese quiche with truffle butter sauce. Wine pairings are suggested for each dish.

Sides include “poutine” fries (a classic Canadian rendition with Cheddar cheese and truffle salt), creamed spinach, truffle crushed potatoes, baked macaroni and cheese, maple-glazed carrots and sautéed mushrooms.

For sweet endings, maple crème brûlée stays on the menu. A crowd pleaser is the trio of chocolate: mousse, sorbet and warm chocolate almond cake. Seasonal sorbet, lemon cheesecake and a semi-frozen white wine sabayon with chilled fruit soup and a no-sugar-added chocolate mousse with fresh berries offer something for everyone.

For a savory ending, go with the interesting cheeses: a Woolrich goat Brie from Ontario, Canada, paired with honeycomb; Petit Agour French sheep’s milk cheese with apple-cranberry chutney, Smokey Oregon Blue paired with walnut brittle, and Bandage Wrapped Cheddar from California (aged 30 months) with pear jam.

Le Cellier Steakhouse now wraps up the dining experience with eight varieties of hot tea; five dessert wines, including our favorite Inniskillin Vidal Icewine; three kinds of Port; chocolate martinis; Grand Marnier, Courvoisier VS…Le Cellier Steakhouse has, indeed, arrived.

This new signature menu will be served at dinner and will require two dining credits on the Disney Dining Plan. The lunch menu will not change and still will only require one credit for guests on the Disney Dining Plan.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:58-05:00March 5th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Signature Dining, Le Cellier Signature Menu, Le Cellier Steakhouse|0 Comments

FASTPASS to meet the Mouse

For the first time, guests will have the opportunity to reserve a time for a face-to-face meeting with Mickey Mouse at the Walt Disney World® Resort. Beginning this spring, guests will be offered FASTPASS® for Mickey at his new permanent home, Town Square Theater, located inside the current Exposition Hall area at the entrance of Magic Kingdom® park.

Once open, it’ll be more than just a new greeting space for Mickey. Imagineers are creating new elements and surprises for Magic Kingdom® park guests, including an interactive queue with an extra touch of Disney magic. Also, during the New Fantasyland construction, royalty will be visiting as the Disney Princesses will be in Town Square Theater to meet and greet their loyal subjects this spring.

Magic Kingdom® guests will be able obtain a FASTPASS® specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs without waiting in the standby queue. This marks the first time the complimentary, computerized service has been used for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney Park.

Photo is from ‘Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:59-05:00February 24th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Fastpass Mickey Mouse, Meet Mickey Mouse, Mickey at Magic Kingdom|0 Comments

Disney Junior-Live on Stage! opens in March

To celebrate the premiere of the new television creation Disney Junior – which launched Monday – “Disney Junior — Live on Stage!” will debut at Disney Parks in Florida and California. Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ will present this show beginning March 4, and Disney California Adventure® park will open the show March 25.

“Disney Junior — Live on Stage!” debuts with a new marquee, new characters and a new segment based on Disney Junior’s newest series, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” It is scheduled to run daily.

This new production, which brings back three audience favorites from “Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!” (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Einsteins) and also introduces the adventures of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”

“Disney Junior — Live on Stage!” continues the imaginative, family-based fun that comes from being part of a live audience. The entertaining show pops to life with bright visuals and whimsical scenery that fill the stage, while guests enjoy four mini-episodes of playful Disney storytelling, fun songs and interactive moments.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:59-05:00February 21st, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney Junior, Disney Junior Live on Stage, Disney World Preschoolers, Disneyland Preschoolers|0 Comments

The Treehouse Villas

Question:

We are staying at the Treehouse Villas with a group of friends the end of February. What is the best way to get to the Treehouse Villas? We will also be staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa for two nights.

Answer:

The Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa will be a wonderful vacation for you and your family. Check in for the Treehouse Villas takes place in the lobby at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. There is a walking path between the two areas and cast members will use an electric vehicle to transport your luggage. You may also be able to catch an internal bus to the Treehouse Villas.

Transportation is provided by bus that makes rounds between the main resort of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa and the Treehouse Villas. For transportation to the theme parks there are two bus stops located among the Treehouse Villas. For transportation to the Downtown Disney® Area there is a dock on the Sassagoula River for a leisurely boat trip.

Traci Elswick, Navigator

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:59-05:00February 18th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Navigators Panel, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Transportation, Treehouse Villas|0 Comments

Diabetic Options at Wishes Dessert Party

Question:

Are there diabetic options at the Wishes Dessert Party?

Answer:

I am so glad that you are considering the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party at the Magic Kingdom® Park! Taking place most nights, the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party includes a self-service buffet offering an array of tempting sweets and beverages as well as an amazing view of Wishes® Nighttime Spectacular in a private viewing area.

Disney Dining does a great job of catering to many different dietary needs. They offer a variety of no sugar added desserts at the Dessert Party including chocolate dipped strawberries, Mango Shooters, Sweet Snow, Chocolate / Peanut Butter Tarts, and Mini Éclairs. Menu items can vary. It is important that you work with your Magic Maker® to fill out the correct forms so that Disney’s Chefs will be expecting you and have appropriate desserts made to fit your dietary needs.

Kip Dennis, Navigator

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:59-05:00February 17th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Navigators Panel, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney Dietary needs, Disney World Diabetic, Wishes Dessert Party|0 Comments

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Star Designers Bring Expertise to New HGTV Stage

HGTV kicks up the “curb appeal” of the 18th Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival March 2 through May 15 with a first-time sponsorship featuring weekend appearances by its acclaimed designers and landscaping experts. The star-studded lineup includes Genevieve Gorder, Lisa LaPorta, Kim Myles, Brian Patrick Flynn, Taniya Nayak, Ahmed Hassan, Patti Moreno, Michele Beschen, John Gidding, Frank Fontana, and Vern Yip.

The country’s leading home and lifestyle television brand brings an addictive blend of design, decorating and landscaping inspiration to the enduring, 75-day gardening extravaganza at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

At the Festival Center presented by HGTV, popular celebrity experts will appear each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival on the HGTV Stage. The HGTV hosts will deliver valuable tips to Disney guests on topics including “Mobile Gardens,” “Secrets to Bringing Indoor Style Outside” and “Gardening with Kids.”

“We are thrilled to welcome HGTV and so many of the network’s great Talent to Epcot® this spring,” said Dan Cockerell, vice president of Epcot. “HGTV’s design and gardening personalities add an exciting, and entertaining new element to a festival that reinvents itself year after year.”

As part of the sponsorship, HGTV also will present a new, twice-its-previous-size Bambi’s Butterfly House along the Future World Imagination Walkway. Inside this popular festival stop are hundreds of native butterflies and character topiaries from the timeless Disney classic film, “Bambi.” This year’s display celebrates the upcoming release of “Bambi” Diamond Edition, for the first time on Blu-ray Hi-Def.

“People visit Disney for a memorable experience where they are inspired, enlightened and entertained,” said Jim Samples, president, HGTV. “Our star designers will provide just such an experience for the Disney guest during The Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV. Disney is the ideal venue and destination for us to connect face-to-face with our passionate viewers.”

The HGTV celebrity lineup includes:

Genevieve Gorder, HGTV Design Star and Dear Genevieve (March 4-6)
The Art of Sculpting Space

Lisa LaPorta, Designed to Sell (March 11 – 13)
Design It Yourself: Easy-to-follow Tips for Designing Your Favorite Rooms

Kim Myles, Myles of Style (March 18 – 20)
The 5 DIY Secrets That Can Transform Any Space

Brian Patrick Flynn, Design Happens, HGTV.com (March 25-27)
Mobile Gardens

Taniya Nayak, Designed to Sell and Destination Design (April 1-3)
Adding Value to Your Home Without Breaking the Bank

Ahmed Hassan, Yard Crashers (April 8-10)
Life, Love and Landscaping

Patti Moreno, Garden Girl, HGTV.com (April 15-17)
Gardening with Kids: Fun Seed Starting Projects

Michele Beschen, B. Original (April 22-24)
When Nature Calls: Creative, Back-to-Basics Style for All Things Natural and Decorative

John Gidding, Curb Appeal: The Block (April 29-30, May 1)
The Design Process: Curb Appeal Projects from Concept to Construction

Frank Fontana, Design on a Dime (May 6-8)
Beautiful on a Budget: High Style, Low-Cost Secrets to Bringing Indoor Styling Outside

Vern Yip, HGTV Design Star (May 13-15)
Top Design Trends Made Affordable and Accessible
In addition to its own celebrity stage appearances, HGTV will present the popular twice-dailyDisney Gardening at Home series, where guests can join a workshop and take home projects ranging from hanging baskets to water garden features. The Festival Center’s HGTV Theater will present a special-engagement film featuring tips and hints from HGTV shows.

Dozens of Disney character topiaries are back by popular demand at this year’s festival. Woody, Buzz Lightyear and chief villain Lotso of the Oscar-nominated Disney blockbuster, “Toy Story 3,” make their first topiary appearance in front of Spaceship Earth at the park’s front-entrance garden. Topiary craftsmen also will debut floral versions of Lightning McQueen and Mater, stars of “Cars 2,” to be released in theaters this June.

Flower Power concerts will rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre stage three times each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening with popular acts like Davy Jones and Chubby Checker & The Wildcats. New-to-the-festival performers will include Melissa Manchester, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:59-05:00February 16th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Epcot Flower and Garden|0 Comments

Flower Power Concert Series

The lineup for the Flower Power Concert Series has been announced! The concert series is part of the Epcot® International Flower and Garden Festival held every spring in Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the festival, you’ll be able to enjoy music from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s during the Flower Power Concert Series at the America Gardens Theatre. Here is the latest lineup of performers*:

3/4-6 Jose Feliciano (Light My Fire)
3/11-13 The Guess Who (American Woman)
3/18-20 Chubby Checker and the Wildcats (The Twist)
3/25-27 Melissa Manchester (Don’t Cry Out Loud)
4/1-3 Starship starring Mickey Thomas (We Built this City)
4/8-10 Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. (You Don’t Have to be a Star to be in My Show)
4/15-17 Juice Newton (Queen of Hearts)
4/22-24 Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring The Nelsons (Poor Little Fool)
4/29-5/1 Paul Revere & The Raiders (Good Thing)
5/6-8 Davy Jones (I’m a Believer)
5/13-15 Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (I’m Henry VIII, I Am)

Epcot® theme park admission is required for the Flower Power Concert Series. The Epcot® International Flower and Garden Festival will operate March 2-May 15. Showtimes are at 5:15, 6:30 & 7:45 p.m.

*Entertainment is subject to change without notice.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:00-05:00February 15th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Epcot Flower and Garden, Flower Power Concerts|0 Comments

Phineas and Ferb Meet and Greet

Meet Phineas and Ferb at Disney's Hollywood Studios Guests will be able to take part in an energetic and fun-filled meet-and-play experience with Phineas & Ferb at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™. Phineas and Ferb (from the popular television show of the same name) “know what they’re gonna do today”: they are going to make a movie all about their crazy adventures.

With the help of guests and movie director Cletus Filmore, they will recreate some of their favorite moments…unless they are taking a break to meet with their adoring fans, signing autographs and taking pictures. The fun will take place near the exit to Muppet Vision 3-D and is scheduled to open in May 2011. It is not known if Perry the Platypus will be joining them at this time.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:00-05:00February 12th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Characters, Phineas and Ferb|0 Comments

Star Wars Weekend

By Heather Straight, Magic Maker®

I suppose it was inevitable that my children would be Star Wars™ fanatics. Their mother has always been a fan, and their father is, well, let’s just say the man watches a lot of sci-fi. So it’s no surprise we have two young boys who spend much of their free time pretending to be Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, who have Star Wars™ bedsheets, lunch boxes and movie posters on their walls. They spend quality time with dad building the Millennium Falcon and X-Wing fighters from Legos, and I’ve lost track of the number of light sabers we have in the house. It must be at least 8, not including the closet full of foam models fashioned from pool noodles and duct tape that were a party favor from the last force-inspired birthday party.

It was for these reasons that I decided to surprise them all last June with a trip to Star Wars™ Weekends at the Walt Disney World® Resort. We’d always wanted to visit during these special weekends, because it was as if they had invented the whole thing just for our family. What could be better than the Disney Parks AND Jedis, Wookiees and Darth Vader? Mickey Mouse dressed up as Luke Skywalker? Boba Fett wandering the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios™? Priceless! With a little bit of planning, it’s a great trip for Star Wars™ fans, young and old.

Star Wars™ Weekends happen every weekend from mid-May to mid-June (this year they’re scheduled for every Friday-Sunday, May 20 through June 12). So is all the hype about Star Wars™ Weekend worth it? You bet it is! From the moment we arrived and saw Storm Troopers up on the gates of Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ taunting guests, we knew we were in for a good time. Some of the highlights you won’t want to miss:

Jedi Training Academy – our six-year-old nearly died and went to heaven when he made it into one of the shows and fought Darth Vader. They take 30 kids per show, so my advice is to arrive in time for Rope Drop and head to the sign up location (which will be listed in the Star Wars™ Weekends special event map). You get in line for a special FastPass that will list the show time your kids are in, and you report back about 20 minutes before it begins. Kids ages 4-12 are welcome to participate, and the show is fun for kids of all ages to watch.
The opening show – get to the gates of Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ early, about 30-45 minutes before the official park opening. Storm Troopers appear on top of the gates, and fun ensues.
The parade – we staked out a spot about 40 minutes early so we had front row seats for every imaginable Star Wars™ character AND three celebrities in this fantastic parade. I mean, who doesn’t love seeing R2-D2 rolling along, followed by legions of Storm Troopers, Darth Vader, along with stars from the movies and the animated series.
Hyperspace Hoopla – Darth Vader dancing to “Beat It,” complete with sequined glove. Need I say more? This hilarious “dance party with the Star Wars™ stars” that closes the day is a laugh riot. Every year they change things up a bit with new dance routines. This is a tremendously popular show, so I’d suggest getting to the last Jedi Training Academy show of the day a little early to get a good spot, watch that show and then wait for Hoopla to begin shortly after.
The atmosphere – roaming the park with strains of Star Wars™ music piped through the speakers, stumbling upon bounty hunters, Tuscan Raiders and bargaining with Jawas was so much fun. Around every turn was something else to see and another character to interact with.

Other highlights of this special event include autograph opportunities with Star Wars™ stars, talks/Q&A sessions given by the celebrities, special merchandise, photo opportunities with popular characters, and much more. If you have a Star Wars™ fan in the family, this is definitely the event for you! Don’t forget to your camera, because great photos are waiting around every turn.

Click here to request a quote to plan your vacation to this special event at the Walt Disney World® Resort.
Remember when planning that this annual event happens this year every
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday May 20-June 11, 2011.

Have you visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ for this iconic weekend?
Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ required.
Appearances and entertainment subject to change without notice.
Star Wars © 2008 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:24:00-05:00February 10th, 2011|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World special events, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Star Wars Weekend, Star Wars Weekend tips|0 Comments