Walt Disney World News

Fantasyland Expansion

From Magic Maker® Julie PaolinoFantasyland Expansion

If you’ve ever been to the Walt Disney World® Resort, you know that the Magic Kingdom® Park is divided into themed lands.  Fantasyland® is the place to go to feel nostalgic about some of Walt Disney’s most beloved movies of all time.  It is home to rides where you taking flight with Peter Pan, bounce around with Tigger and Pooh, or soar with Dumbo. In Fantasyland® you will also find other attractions such as the classic ride, “it’s a small world” and the more recent addition, Mickey’s PhilharMagic.  Very little has changed in Fantasyland® in the 38 years since the Walt Disney World® Resort first opened its doors.  But hold on to your Mickey ears, because Fantasyland® is getting significant makeover!

The Fantasyland® makeover will focus strongly on the princess theme.  One of the biggest additions is a new attraction based on Disney’s The Little Mermaid, called Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid. New storybook interactive areas will feature three of Disney’s best known princesses in an area called the Fantasyland Forest. Here Guests will visit Cinderella’s Chateau and help her prepare for the ball, visit Sleeping Beauty in Briar Rose’s Cottage just in time for her 16th birthday party, and have a storytelling session with Belle in the Beast’s library. If you are feeling hungry, you will be able to stop by the Be Our Guest Restaurant for a bite to eat.

In addition to the princesses, little ones will also take pleasure in another area based on the Disney Fairies.  This new Pixie Hollow character meeting area will allow Guests to get the feeling of being fairy sized and truly immersed in the Fairy world.  Here a visit with Tinker Bell will certainly be the main attraction!

Beyond princesses and fairies, the classic Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction is being relocated. It will soon reside in new “circus grounds” where Guests will participate in interactive experiences, under an air conditioned big top tent, all while waiting to board one of the flying elephants. Parents take note, there will be two Dumbo spinners under one big top which will cut the usual wait time in half!  Also being incorporated into the new “circus grounds” is Goofy’s Barnstormer, the kid sized roller coaster, which will take on a clown theme.

You may wonder where all this is going to fit. Sad to say, but Mickey’s Toontown® Fair will be removed to make room for the Fantasyland® expansion. But don’t worry; Mickey and Minnie are rumored to be getting new houses near the front of the park.

The first phase of the Fantasyland expansion, which will include Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid attraction, the Fantasyland Forest, and Dumbo’s Circus is set to debut in the fall of 2012. Pixie Hollow will follow in 2013.  Now, with such exciting changes on the horizon, let Off to Neverland Travel® help you plan your next magical getaway!

*Images Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art, actual construction may vary

Step back in time at the Harmony Barber Shop

Whether it’s a full cut or a little off the side, the Harmony Barber Shop at Magic Kingdom is a fun place for a haircut,My First Haircut in Disney World and much more. The barber shop with its old-fashioned candy-striped pole has been a Magic Kingdom staple since 1975.

Regular clients range from babies and seniors to toddlers and teens. Barbers create a memorable experience with great conversation, plus a sprinkling of pixie dust, colored gels on request and even hidden Mickeys.

We did the My First Haircut package with our own little one not too long ago and had a wonderful experience, despite a few tears from our daughter!  She did, however, love the dozens of Mickey stickers given to her to play with during the experience and the fun light-up toy.  The special little Mickey ears, certificate, and lock of hair made the experience even more magical.

The Harmony Barber shop welcomes about 400 Walt Disney World Resort guests a week and is located just past City Hall on the corner of Main Street, U.S.A. It is open to walk-ins daily from 9 a.m. -6 p.m. Prices range from $15-19.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Announced

Disney to build 2,000-room hotel, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

The Walt Disney World® Resort has just announced plans for a new resort that’ll bring to life some of the most Disney's Art of Animation Resortbeloved characters and stories. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will be one-of-a-kind, featuring family suites designed around four themes: The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo and The Little Mermaid.

It’s a resort designed with families in mind. There will be amazing sights at the different themed wings of the resort, including a model of King Triton that’ll eventually be 35 feet tall and tower over guests. And Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will also have themed room interiors in its 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.

All of the themed suites and rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (to be located adjacent to Disney’s Pop Century Resort) are expected to open by the end of 2012.

Walt Disney World for Toddlers

From Magic Maker® Kevin Gallagher

Thinking about heading to the Walt Disney World® Resort, but not sure what would be available for your Walt Disney World for Toddlerstoddler?  The Walt Disney World® Resort has much to offer for visitors under 3 years old.  Starting with free admission, there are also several attractions, shows, etc. available to young dreamers ready for their introduction to the most magical place on earth.

The Magic Kingdom® Park offers a variety of options.  Fantasyland® is a virtual paradise – with an abundance of rides to delight both young and old.  The railroad provides a nice, relaxing tour of the park and there are a variety of shows exciting enough to maintain interest.  There are also parades and an outstanding castle show.  Add to that the chance to meet a variety of characters – including Mickey Mouse himself!

Epcot® offers one of the most exciting experiences – a large aquarium with Nemo as your guide!  Beginning with a ride in a clamshell, young guests will be amazed by the variety and color of marine-life.  The journey ends in one of the largest aquariums in the country.  Educational (and still fun!) rides are abundant in The Land Pavilion as well as in the Mexico and Norway Pavilions in the World Showcase. There are multiple shows throughout Epcot® as well as several Kidcot stations where crafts and other activities take place.  At the Epcot® Character Spot, there is another chance to meet Disney favorites Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ showcases the great tradition of Disney entertainment with a plethora of enchanting and entertaining shows – including Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast- Live on StageHoney, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure is a fun playground to play on.  The Block Party Bash® Parade is unique in that it stops several times and breaks into a giant dance party!  There is also a spectacular show that runs a couple of times a week called Fantasmic!.  It is intense but highly enjoyable, and of course, the good mouse wins!  Toddlers and children have a chance to meet their favorite Playhouse Disney® characters as well as Buzz and Woody from the Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story films.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park is simply put a wildlife experience like no other.  Part zoo, part adventure, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park provides an escape to Africa, Asia, and even the pre-historic.  Jump on the Kilimanjaro Safaris® Expedition as early as possible and to get incredible views of the animals in action and to beat the crowd.  There are a couple of walking trails available where Guests can bird watch, check out a variety of reptiles, and see several gorgeous tigers.  Ride the rails to Rafiki’s Planet Watch® Land and not only will Jimney Cricket, Rafiki, and Pocahontas be available for photos, but a petting zoo awaits young visitors!  The DinoLand U.S.A.® Area provides all guests with the chance to ride dinosaur themed rides and for toddlers and little ones to enjoy some prehistoric fun.

The Walt Disney World® Resort accommodates families with young children beyond the attractions.  Baby Care Centers in all four Disney Theme Parks offer private rooms with rocking chairs for nursing mothers, diaper-changing rooms and rooms with highchairs. Diapers, formula, baby food and teethers are available for purchase.  Dining locations offer children’s menus, crayons and coloring books.  Length-of-stay stroller rentals are available for Guests who don’t want to bring their own.

The resort hotels of the Walt Disney World® Resort offer plenty of things for your little ones as well. Childcare is available (for additional fee) and to help in packing, port-a-cribs and bedrails may be available upon request.  Each of the resorts provides a pool as well as playgrounds (in select resorts).  Highchairs may be available for request in Disney’s Deluxe Villas Resorts.  When staying at a Disney Resort, it’s a short trip back to the room for a nap before returning to the Park to watch fireworks at night!

The Walt Disney World® Resort offers such a variety of activities for all generations – including guests 3 and under. Imagine the excitement and enchantment achieved through shared experience that awaits your entire family!  Come enjoy the Magic through the wondrous eyes of a child!

Walt Disney World Accommodations with 15 Guests

Question:Off to Neverland Navigators Panel

What are my options for accommodations for 15 people? Are connecting rooms available?

Answer:

The Walt Disney World® Resort is a great place for groups to vacation! Your accommodation options are going to depend not necessarily on the number of guests, but the ages and sleeping arrangements needed – i.e. number of beds, etc.

Disney has standard occupancy limits in their rooms based off of fire codes. Here is a sampling of those limits:

Up to 9 guests – TreeHouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
Up to 8 guests – Disney Deluxe Villas at various resorts
Up to 6 guests – Cabin at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort or Family Suite at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Connecting rooms are available at most of Walt Disney World® Resort hotels based on availability.

With a little more information about your party, your Magic Maker® will be able to select the best resort for your group and find an available promotion that will save you the most money.
Kip Dennis, Navigator

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Toy Story 3 Attraction Updates and Characters

Toy Story Midway Mania New GameComing later this May!  A new game with new faces is being added to Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s California Adventure and Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ as part of the celebration of the soon-to-be-released Disney*Pixar film, “Toy Story 3.”  A new character from the new movie will be coming soon with a chance to see and greet at both locations.

The new Toy Story Mania! game, called “Rex and Trixie’s Dino Darts,” will involve shooting virtual darts at all new balloon targets in a primeval world filled with volcanoes and lava balloons. You’ll be cheered on by Rex and his new friend Trixie beginning in late May. The game will be replacing “Bo Peep’s Baaa-loon Pop” and has a few hidden surprises of its own.

Starting May 9, you’ll also get a chance to see “Lotso” (short for Lots-O’-Huggin Bear) at both parks. He’ll be greeting Guests in the meet-and-greet area inside The Magic of Disney Animation and be part of the “Block Party Bash” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios™. The new character will also join “Disney’s Pixar Play Parade” at Disney’s California Adventure and guests will be able to pose alongside the “Toy Story” gang inside a life-sized “blister pack” as if they themselves are toys.

What is your favorite game in Toy Story Mania!?

Free Dining is back at the Walt Disney World Resort!

This special is no longer applicable, but be sure to out check the
Walt Disney World® Resort page for current offers.

It is that time of year again!  Don’t miss this opportunity to take advantage of this special offer for stays most nights Aug. 15 – Oct. 7, 2010, Oct. 22 – Oct. 28, 2010, Nov. 12 – Nov. 18, 2010, Nov. 27 – Dec. 2, 2010 and Dec. 10 – Dec. 21, 2010.  Enjoy the Disney Dining Plan FREE when you purchase a Magic Your Way room and ticket package atFree Dining select Walt Disney World® Resorts!

Make your family’s stay more magical with these Resort extras:

  • Free Disney Dining Plan* – Get most of your meals for FREE at over 100 select Walt Disney World® Resort restaurants.
  • Disney’s Magical Express Service – Complimentary motor-coach transportation and luggage delivery to and from the Orlando International Airport.
  • Extra Magic Hours Benefit – Each day, one of the Parks is only open for Walt Disney World® Resort Guests an extra time to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required.)
  • Guest Transportation – Complimentary transportation takes your family from your Disney Resort Hotel to all four Disney Theme Parks, the two Water Parks, the Downtown Disney® Area, and more!

Don’t wait!  This offer is only available for a limited time and availability will go fast!
Contact your Magic Maker® today or click below to request a quote.


*Packages booked at a Disney Value Resort will receive the Quick-Service Dining Plan for free.  Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts will receive the Plus Disney Dining Plan for free.  Free Dining is available for most stays Aug. 15 – Oct. 7, 2010, Oct. 22 – Oct. 28, 2010, Nov. 12 – Nov. 18, 2010, Nov. 27 – Dec. 2, 2010 and Dec. 10 – Dec. 21, 2010.

A minimum stay of three nights is required.  Number of packages based on this special is limited.  Excludes alcohol beverages.  Children 3-9 must order from the children’s menu when available.  Tickets are for one Theme Park per day and must be used with 14 days of first use.

No group rates or other discounts apply. Offers cannot be combined and are nontransferable. Advance reservations required. Offers subject to change without notice.

“Eat to the Beat” Concert Series- Who do you want to see?

Music lovers take note… the schedule is set for the “Eat to the Beat” Concert Series at the 2010 Epcot®International Food & Wine Festival.Boyz II Men at Eat to the Beat in Epcot It’s an impressive lineup that includes several Grammy-winning artists and seven new acts, including Sugar Ray, Rick Springfield, Air Supply and Howard Jones.

The concerts, which are included with Epcot® admission, will be at the America Gardens Theatre stage beginning October 1. Performances will be nightly at 5:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

This year’s schedule includes:

10/1-10/3 — Taylor Dayne, “Tell It to My Heart”

10/4-10/5 — Kool & The Gang, “Celebration”

10/6-10/8 — Sugar Ray, “Fly”

10/9-10/10 — Taylor Hicks, “Do I Make You Proud ”

10/11-10/12 — Air Supply, “Lost in Love”

10/13-10/15 — Sister Hazel, “All For You”

10/16-10/17 — Howard Jones, “No One Is To Blame”

10/18-10/19 — Exposé, “Seasons Change”

10/20-10/21 — 38 Special, “Hold on Loosely ”

10/22-10/24 — Night Ranger, “Sister Christian”

10/25-10/27 — Billy Ocean, “Caribbean Queen”

10/28-10/31 — Starship starring Mickey Thomas, “We Built This City”

11/1 – 11/3 — Boyz II Men, “End of the Road”

11/4-11/5 — Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp, “Give A Little Bit”

11/6-11/7 — Jon Secada, “Just Another Day”

11/8-11/9 — Hanson, “MMMBop”

11/10-11/11 — Rick Springfield, “Jessie’s Girl”

11/12-11/14 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, “Go Daddy-O”

Your favorite groups, the Epcot®International Food & Wine Festival,
the magic of the Walt Disney World® Resort…
What are you waiting for?

Who are you looking forward to seeing?  Let us know in the comments!

Then click here to start planning your trip to see your favorite!

Schedule subject to change without notice.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dates Announced

Boo! Don’t be afraid. The screams you hear are squeals of delight, not fright. Disney fantasy and Halloween fun Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Partycome 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 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.

2010 Dates:

September 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
October 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, and 31
November 1

2010 Prices:

Advance Purchase: $57.46 for adults 10 and older / $51.07 for ages 3-9 (Not available all dates)
Day of Event: $63.85 /$57.46 (May not be available to purchase on the day of the party.)

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.

Our favorite thing about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?
Hunting down the rare characters that are only out during parties!

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

What is your favorite thing about the Halloween party?  Tell us in the comment section.

Contact your Magic Maker® for information on booking your Halloween trip
and purchasing your Halloween tickets.

Request a Quote

*For safety, costumes must not be obstructive or offensive.


Captain EO Returning to the Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Captain EOThe classic 3-D film experience “Captain EO” is coming back to Walt Disney World Resort this summer just months after it reopened to rave reviews at Disneyland park. The 17-minute musical space-fantasy adventure film is now scheduled to begin at Epcot on July 2.  The film features Michael Jackson as “Captain EO” and a crew of Disney-created space characters. During their journey, the group uses the power of dance, light and music to turn a colorless planet into a world of color and happiness.

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