Walt Disney World News

Star Wars Weekend

Star Wars Weekend- Disney's Hollywood Studios

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Read more about Star Wars™ Weekend by clicking here.

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.

New Updates for Fantasyland Expansion

A project is currently underway that will nearly double the size of Fantasyland®, the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom® history. Scheduled to open in phases beginning in late 2012, the new Fantasyland® will immerse guests in their favorite stories as never before. Among the highlights planned:

Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
A major, all-new attraction during which guests will travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the classic film.

The Castle of the Beast and Belle’s Village
The Beast’s castle stands majestically upon a hill just across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. The Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious West Wing of the castle. With seating for 550, this magnificent facility will offer counter service by day and full table service dining in the evening. Nearby in Belle’s Village, guests will find the rousing Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts.

Just outside the village is Belle’s cottage and Enchanted Tales with Belle. The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where a magical mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience. Guests are transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere, and share in a lively, interactive, re-telling of the “tale as old as time.”

But that’s just the beginning of what guests will discover when the multi-phase project is completed. Here’s more of what’s in store:

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster
Hop on board a mine train that will take guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The coaster will feature a first-of-its kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track. The journey will be accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures of Snow White and the Dwarfs. (Click photo to see the new coaster.)

Princess Fairytale Hall
Join Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses, such as Tiana and Rapunzel, will greet guests in their new home, an elegant royal court on the site where Snow White’s Scary Adventures stands today.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant
The sound of the calliope will lead guests to the brand new Storybook Circus and not one but two circling carousels of airborne pachyderms on Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Before taking to the skies on this Fantasyland® favorite, guests can experience an array of fun-filled family games and interactive wonders for kids of all ages inside the Big Top.

The Great Goofini
Next door in Storybook Circus, the classic Goofy’s Barnstormer (currently in Mickey’s Toontown® Fair) gets a bright new look as well, featuring Goofy as The Great Goofini. It’s a twisting, turning roller coaster “flight” high above the circus fun.

Star Wars Weekends 2011

While Imagineers continue to help create the newest Star Tours adventure at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, plenty of

Jedi,Wookiees and droids are gearing up for Star Wars Weekends, the annual celebration of all-things-Star Wars at Walt Disney World® Resort.

And today you can start making your plans to journey to a galaxy far, far away and step into the Star Wars saga, as we officially announce this year’s event dates for the first time. Star Wars Weekends 2011 will be held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ park every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 20-June 12.

The event features one of the galaxy’s largest gatherings of Star Wars characters all around the theme park, offering photo and autograph opportunities. There are special Star Warsparades, trivia challenges, Jedi Training Academy, limited-edition merchandise and memorabilia, behind-the-scenes presentations, star conversations and more. Star Wars celebrities make special appearances in talk shows and grand motorcades, and sign autographs throughout the weekend.

We’ll announce a complete and more detailed Star Wars Weekends celebrity lineup soon, but we can tell you now about two fan-favorites returning for 2011.

  • Anthony Daniels, known worldwide for his portrayal of everyone’s favorite protocol droid, C-3PO, will return this year for Weekend 1 (May 20-22) and Weekend 2 (May 27-29).
  • Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano, in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” will appear each weekend this year as Celebrity Host of a behind-the-scenes talk show entitled “Clone Wars: Behind the Force.”

Other events to look forward to:

Characters
Encounter over 50 Star Wars characters from the entire saga. From Darth Vader to Darth Maul and Anakin to Chewbacca, you’ll find heroes and villains from throughout the galaxy.

Celebrities from Star Wars will attend each weekend and participate in:

  • Autograph Sessions
  • Legends of the Force – Celebrity motorcade
  • Stars of the Saga – Talk Show and Q&A

Celebrity Hosts
To be Determined

Jedi Training Academy
Each young Padawan who is chosen will learn a lightsaber combination as they prepare to fact the dark side!

Behind the Force: Experience the Clone Wars
Explore the excitement of Star Wars: The Clone Wars with a fascinating look behind the scenes of the all-new animated adventure!

Star Tours Attraction
Blast your starspeeder through the ultimate Star Wars adventure in this re-imagined attraction. The Star Tours 3-D simulator ride, which will now focus on the time period between Episodes III and IV from the films, will be open on May 20, 2011 just in time for the Star Wars™ Weekends.

Padawan Mind Challenge
Kids under 12 can test their wits before the Jedi Council!

Hyperspace Hoopla
Star Wars characters and Guests gather for an entertaining conclusion to each day’s events.

A Galaxy of Photo Opportunities

Plan now to be part of Star Wars Weekend 2011.
Contact your Magic Maker® for details or click below to request a quote.

Request a Quote

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

The Magic, The Memories, and You

In a dramatic new projection show filled with special effects and magic, Cinderella Castle at the Walt Disney World® Resort and “it’s a small world” at the Disneyland® Park transform into shimmering spectacles during “Let the Memories Begin.”  The ten-minute projection show, presented on select nights, is highlighted by images of guests photographed that same day while playing in the parks.

The nightly show combines guest photos from that day in Disneyland® Park and Magic Kingdom® Park with photos and videos taken from Disney’s “Let the Memories Begin” online hub. Classic Disney music is woven into the new “Let the Memories Begin” theme song, creating a musical and visual journey that traces the family vacation experience from surprise announcements through arrival and fun at the Disney Parks.

The show finale features a burst of fireworks over “it’s a small world” or Cinderella Castle.

That’s what it looks like. It’s harder to tell you what the show feels like. Watching the photos will remind guests of all ages of their most cherished Disney memories, as a kaleidoscope of images is projected onto the classic Disney icons.

Check your Daily Times Guide for specific show times.

This incredible show is only available during 2011.  Start planning your trip below:

Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California

Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Have you seen the artist renderings* for the newest resort at the Walt Disney World® Resort?  It is called Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and it will feature beautiful themes from four favorite movies. It’ll have themed room interiors in the nearly 2,000 new units — 1,120 family suites in The Lion KingCars and Finding Nemo wings and 864 themed rooms in The Little Mermaid wings. Suites will have both a living room and a bedroom, offering added space. The resort will be located adjacent to Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

The new resort is scheduled to open in 2012.  Check back for information on when you can book your reservation.

Disney's Art of Animation ResortDisney's Art of Animation ResortDisney's Art of Animation ResortDisney's Art of Animation Resort

*Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art, actual construction may vary

Special Dining Options Available

Did you know that there are several experiences to make dining even more magical while visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort?  From preferred viewing for fireworks to enjoying a meal with a Disney Imagineer, check out some of the options you can add to your next vacation:

Dine with an Imagineer
Have you wondered how the magic all happens behind the scenes?  Dine with an Imagineer at Walt Disney World® Resort offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enjoy engaging conversation with a Disney Imagineer as you savor a delectable lunch at the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ theme park.  Or choose a delicious dinner at the Flying Fish Café at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.

Up to 10 Guests join in stimulating discussion with one of the incredibly creative artists who bring the magic of Disney to Walt Disney World® Resort attractions and entertainment. Feast on a 4-course meal and will receive a souvenir plate designed exclusively for this experience that can be personalized by the Imagineer!

Flying Fish Cafe Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner
The Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner at the Flying Fish Café is a unique opportunity to taste savory selections from a 6-course prix fixe menu with a focus on simplicity, true tastes and seasonal freshness, along with expertly chosen wines.

Take your seat at our chef’s counter, directly in front of the onstage kitchen, and watch as the evening’s special dishes are prepared right before your eyes. Displaying the culinary expertise for which they’re well-known, the Flying Fish chefs create 6 delectable courses using the freshest ingredients of the season, and the manager selects wines that perfectly complement each course. As you enjoy your sumptuous feast, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to interact with the chef.

(This experience is designed for Guests ages 14 and older and may not appeal to younger children.)

Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party
Make your evening extra sweet at a special dessert party that provides a wonderful vantage point for Wishes® Nighttime Spectacular, the biggest, most dazzling fireworks show to grace the skies above Magic Kingdom® theme park!

Held at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant most nights, the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party includes a self-service buffet offering an array of tempting sweets and beverages. The party begins one hour prior to the start of Wishes® Nighttime Spectacular.

Fantasmic! Dining Package
The Fantasmic! Dining Package combines dinner at one of three restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ theme park with designated seating for the Fantasmic! fireworks show. The Fantasmic! Dining Package gives you an unforgettable dining and entertainment experience. With the convenience of choosing lunch or dinner at The Hollywood Brown Derby or Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, or dinner at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ theme park, you’ll also enjoy designated seating for the Fantasmic! fireworks show.

With 3 restaurants to choose from, you can decide between buffet service, casual dining or fine dining. After your meal, be dazzled by the dramatic spectacular, Fantasmic! Follow Mickey Mouse into a dream world as he and his friends battle Disney Villains in an action-packed conflict of good versus evil. Fantasmic! is performed on select nights only and runs approximately 30 minutes.  The Dining Package is only available on days that Fantasmic! is scheduled.

Contact your Magic Maker® to find out more about these special experiences and to make a reservation.

*Reservations required for the above dining events.  Entertainment and package offerings subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Kids Stay and Play for Free

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

When you purchase a non-discounted Magic Your Way vacation package at a select Resort Hotel at the Walt Disney World® Resort for stays most nights April 28 – June 14, 2011 or Aug. 14 – Oct. 1, 2011, kids ages 3-9 stay and play FREE!*

Offer Details:

Booking and Travel Windows:

  • Book: Jan. 3 – March 27, 2011
    Travel: For stays most nights April 28 – June 14, 2011 and Aug. 14 – Oct. 1, 2011

Sample Pricing:

  • Book Jan. 3 – March 27, 2011 and pay $452 per adult, based on adult double occupancy for this 4-night, 4-day Magic Your Way Package, at a select Disney Value Resort in a standard room for stays most nights Aug. 14 – Sept. 29, 2011.

*Ask your Magic Maker® about packages for other lengths of stay, other rates and other Walt Disney World® Resort hotels.


Winter / Spring / Summer Room Only Offer

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

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Get away at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels and save up to 35%* on rooms for stays most nights April 28 – June 14, 2011. Or you can save up to 40%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights Aug. 14 – Oct. 1, 2011.

Offer Details:

For stays most nights April 28 – June 14, 2011:

  • Save 15% on rooms at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Save 20% on rooms at select Disney Value Resorts (excluding Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort) & Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter
  • Save 25% on rooms at select Disney Moderate Resorts (excludingDisney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter), Disney’s Fort WildernessCabins, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Disney’s Polynesian Resort
  • Save 30% on rooms at select Disney Deluxe Resorts (excluding Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Disney’s Polynesian Resort)
  • Save 35% on rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

For stays most nights Aug. 14 – Oct. 1, 2011:

  • Save 20% on rooms at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Save 25% on rooms at select Disney Value Resorts (excluding Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort) & Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter
  • Save 30% on rooms at select Disney Moderate Resorts (excludingDisney’s Port Orleans Resort-French Quarter), Disney’s Fort WildernessCabins, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Disney’s Polynesian Resort
  • Save 35% on rooms at select Disney Deluxe Resorts (excluding Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge & Disney’s Polynesian Resort)
  • Save 40% on rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

Booking Window:

  • Jan. 3 – March 27, 2011

Talk to your Magic Maker® about adding tickets and the Disney Dining Plan to your room reservation.
Click below to request a quote.

Request a Quote

New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World

Celebrate the new year this year at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida with these exciting celebrations.  From dining at some of the resort’s top restaurants to fantastic fireworks viewing locations, this is one of the best places to ring in the new year.Wishes Fireworks

At Epcot®
La Hacienda de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion is offering a delicious six-course menu and live music at 9 p.m. on December 31 – as well as a primo view of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Start with a classic margarita and ceviche (marinated lobster, crab, shrimp, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado and lime juice). Chiles toreados y chorizitos (roasted sweet peppers with lime and sea salt and mini chorizos) is next, then sope de chilorio (marinated pork) and a cheese empanada with green sauce. Salad is spinach with queso fresco, pine nuts and avocado, followed by generous meat and seafood platters. Finish with a sweet tamal filled with guava. You can ring in the New Year with a glass of champagne and grapes (a dozen grapes at midnight is a Spanish tradition said to be a predictor of the year ahead – each sweet grape represents a good month; each sour grape a less-than-lucky one).

Seating starts at 9 p.m. Cost is $199, or $225 with wine and spirits (plus tax and gratuity), $49.95 ages 3 to 9. For reservations, contact your Magic Maker®. Epcot admission required.

At Bistro de Paris in the France Pavilion, the special New Year’s Eve menu starts with smoked salmon with stuffed with crab and served with horseradish and caviar cream, then a lobster and vegetable salad or truffle soup. The fish course is scallops or sea bass, the meat course grilled filet of beef or roasted venison. All, of course, with a fab French flair. End with assiette de dessert de réveillon (that’s “New Year’s Eve dessert.”)

Cost is $150, $225 with wine pairings with each course. For reservations, contact your Magic Maker®.

Celebrate at California Grill
Head to the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort for culinary fireworks and bird’s eye view of the Magic Kingdom® pyrotechnics. The event features over-the-top food stations, an open bar, a casino-style game room, DJ, dancing, Disney characters and more live entertainment. Magic Kingdom® fireworks are at 8:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m.

Food, glorious food, and here’s a taste: the cold appetizer stations offers “boutique caviars,” salt-cured Kobe beef tenderloin carpaccio, Maine lobster with vanilla vinaigrette and other wonderful small tastes. Hot appetizers include seared bison loin, seared loin of local rabbit and squash bisque with lump crab hushpuppies. Sushi, seafood, meats and poultry, wood-burning-oven flatbreads, porcini mushroom risotto, beautiful cheeses and delectable desserts…the list goes on. And on.

Cost is $525, all inclusive. And this one sells out fast. Call your Magic Maker® for reservations.

Dance, Dance, Dance
Dance your way into the New Year at Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. on December 31. For $35, you get access to the main floor of the Dance Hall (with a video DJ), party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.

Uprade with a VIP ticket for $75 that adds a private upstairs area with seating; limited viewing for Epcot fireworks with guaranteed seating coffee, tea or hot chocolate with dessert bar, and a premium bar.

Tickets are limited. Dress is business casual or formal. Guests must be 21 or older with an ID. Parking passes for the self-parking lot will be issued with advance purchases.

Contact your Magic Maker® for more information.

Magic Kingdom Park
Though the New Year’s Eve party is sold out, you still can get an up-close view of the dazzling Magic Kingdom fireworks at Tomorrowland Terrace on December 30 for the Dessert Party at either 7:30 p.m. or 10:50 p.m.

The Dessert Party features a fabulous buffet of sweets and beverages – including a non-alcoholic bubbly to toast the New Year. Cost is $39.99, $21.99 ages 3 to 9.

Reservations are highly encouraged. Contact your Magic Maker®. Park admission required. Disney Dining Plannot accepted, and you must pay when you make a reservation.

Delicious Scents during the Holidays

The Walt Disney World® Resort is beautifully decorated during the holidays, but some favorite sights during the holiday season are the amazing edible holiday displays that truly look like something out of a fairy tale.  From the life-sized gingerbread houses, chocolate carrousel horses, to candy villages, they are truly a delight for all of your senses.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Gingerbread HouseThe lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is where you can find the resort’s 16-foot-tall gingerbread house. This Victorian-style structure takes 400 hours to bake, and lists 1,050 pounds of honey and 600 pounds of powdered sugar among its ingredients. The house, which is topped off with Santas, poinsettias and powdered-sugar snow, also has a chimney that periodically puffs with the scent of cinnamon.  Don’t forget to head to the back to pick up some samples.  Among the items for sale are gingerbread houses, gingerbread shingles slathered in chocolate, solid milk chocolate boxes, gingerbread cookies, and more!

At Disney’s Beach Club Resort, a gingerbread carousel serves as the platform for horses made of chocolate and fondant, each beautifully decorated with candy and icing. The carousel also has 11 hidden Mickeys incorporated into its design.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s Grand Concourse (fourth floor) is where you can spot a 17-foot-tall gingerbread Christmas tree decorated with chocolate ornaments and candy canes. The tree’s playful design was inspired by the work of Disney Legend Mary Blair, whose artistic style can be seen on the adjacent Grand Canyon Concourse mural.

The lobby of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn showcases a gazebo made of gingerbread and chocolate — and one Donald Duck in quite a predicament!Disney's Boardwalk Inn Gingerbread Gazebo

A couple of the pavilions in the World Showcase of Epcot® have delicious displays.  The Italy Pavilion has its own intricate gingerbread display.  Though it is smaller than the others, its attention to detail is just as grand.  Santa’s Bake Shop at Liberty Inn at the American Adventure pavilion is another life-sized gingerbread house made entirely of gingerbread, cookies, and icing. Stop by to purchase drinks and goodies here, too!

Start planning your vacation to the Walt Disney World® Resort for the holidays now!  Contact your Magic Maker® for more information or click here to request a quote.

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