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Walt Disney World News

8 Things We’re Excited About in 2018 at Disney Destinations

While it’s hard to believe that 2017 is almost over, we are overflowing with excitement and anticipation of what’s coming in 2018 for Disney Destinations!

Here’s 8 things (in no particular order) that we can’t wait to experience!

1 Toy Story Land- In Summer 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, the all-new Toy Story Land will open to guests. Shrinking guests to the size of a toy, three attractions and a new quick-service dining location will await guests in the 11-acre play space. Slinky Dog Dash (a family-style coaster) and Alien Swirling Saucers will be the new attractions joining the already existing guest favorite Toy Story Mania!®. Woody’s Lunch Box will offer several meals and old-fashioned soda floats. No exact opening date in 2018 has been announced.

2 Disney Springs™ Additions- When you’re visiting the Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Springs™ is your place to eat, drink, and shop! And in 2018, the list of options is growing! Eight new dining concepts will open in 2018! The Edison will open as a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime destination. Adjacent to that is a trio of modern Italian restaurant and bar concepts – Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte. Terralina Crafted Italian will feature dishes inspired by “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano ‘s adventures in Italy. Master Sommelier George Miliotes’ Wine Bar George will offer more than 100 wine selections by the bottle and glass along with shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie. Jaleo, a Spanish concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill are also slated to open in 2018.

3 Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park Celebrates 20 Years- Opening its gates for the first time on Earth Day in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park will celebrate 20 years in 2018! As part of the celebration, the Flights of Wonder show is being retired to make room for the debut of a new show featuring Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s film UP! The new show will feature species of birds from around the world at the Caravan Theater in Anandapur Village. We’re sure that more special events will be announced before the big day, so stay tuned to our Facebook page for more details!

4 Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Transformation- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is currently receiving some major enhancements that are set to be completed late Summer 2018! For our guests that have stayed at the resort before, the biggest change will be the elimination of the Customs House! Old Port Royale will act as a centralized location for check in/out as well as merchandise and dining. Other updates include an all-new Centertown Market for casual eats, waterfront dining at an all-new Shutters restaurant, a new Banana Cabana outdoor bar and lounge, and an refurbished Calypso Trading Post for shopping.

5 Return of Disney on Broadway Much to our delight, the Epcot® International Festival of the Arts will return from Jan. 12 – Feb. 19, 2018! Also returning is what we believe to the highlight of the festival, the Disney On Broadway performances which happen each weekend (Fridays through Mondays at 5:30p, 6:45p and 8:00p) in the America Gardens Theatre. This years performers include:

  • Jan. 12-15 and 19-22: Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey
  • Jan. 26-29 and Feb. 2-5: Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White
  • Feb. 9-12 and 16-19: Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland

The concerts are included with standard Epcot® admission but because of popularity, we suggest experiencing Disney on Broadway with a dining package that includes preferred seating!

6 Pixar Fest and Pixar Pier For over 20 years, the beloved characters of Pixar Animation Studios have found a special place in our hearts. And in 2018, they’ll come to life like never before with the addition of Pixar Fest and Pixar Pier at the Disneyland® Resort! Pixar Fest, the biggest theme park celebration of stories and characters from Pixar, will feature a new “Together Forever—A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” plus the return of ‘Paint the Night’ and ‘Pixar Play Parade.Pixar Pier will transform the area that is now Paradise Pier inside Disney California Adventure® Park with the thrilling, reimagined Incredicoaster, four new imaginative neighborhoods, plus entertainment, themed food and beverage, and more! CLICK HERE for more details on everything Pixar coming to Disneyland® Resort.

7 Downtown Disney® District Additions- There’s no doubt that the west end of the Disneyland® Resort’s Downtown Disney® District will see a lot of changes in the next 4 years with the construction of a new Disney-owned Four Diamond hotel that is set to open in 2021! But in 2018, you’ll see a few new locations open for your enjoyment. Splitsville Luxury Lanes will open in early 2018 with 20 bowling lanes, four dining areas, and much more. The New York-based Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer will open its first California location offering award-winning burgers and signature CrazyShake™ milkshakes that boast whimsical and over-the-top decorations and flavors. And in early 2018, D-Street will be re-imagined into a Disney-themed home goods store with products that change with each season.

8 Enchanting Enhancements for Disney Magic- Exciting new spaces and new experiences are coming to the Disney Magic in March 2018! An all-new enchanting dining experience will be created for families at Rapunzel’s Royal Table! Guests will be treated to live entertainment during their dinner, and maybe even an appearance by Princess Rapunzel herself. A redesign is coming for the Vibe, the space on the ship reserved for teens ages 14-17, which will be transformed into a trendy urban loft environment. And Cove Café, an adult-exclusive retreat located near the Quiet Cove Pool, will be redesigned in a sophisticated tropical style. The new enhancements debut on the Disney Magic’s Mar. 9, 2018 sailing.

What new addition at Disney Destinations are you excited about? Contact your Magic Maker® today and start planning your next getaway!

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Disney World Dining Caters to Everyone – Special Needs Dining

Anyone who has visited the Walt Disney World® Resort in the past can tell you about their excellent dining options. From the ethnic restaurants in the World Showcase at EPCOT®, to the class act dinner theater like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and the one-of-a kind restaurants like 50’s Prime Time Café, there is something for everyone. But if you are one of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, you may think that your choices are limited. With the MAGIC of Disney, it is actually quite the opposite.

When traveling with someone with a food allergy, they’ll be pleasantly surprised with the quality of service provided. When your Magic Maker® makes you advance dining reservations (ADRs), they’ll notify them of the allergy to alert the staff of the extra care needed.

Once you get to your table service meals, you’ll want to remind the host/hostess of your allergies. At most locations, they will have a special allergy-friendly menu with options for you to choose from. If not or if you have any further questions, they can notify the chef to come out and talk about our particular dietary need. Each chef will go to great lengths to ensure your meal is made without any allergen contamination. If it is a buffet meal, the chefs often have a listing or will escort you around to identify “safe” foods.

For counter service, you’ll notify the cast member at the order podium of your restrictions. At most locations, they will have a special Allergy Menu that you’ll be able to order off of. If not, they’ll notify a manager to come and consult you on what your available options were. For snacks, you’ll find a selection of allergy friendly options at many of the food & merchandise locations!

Visiting one of the other domestic Disney Destinations? No worries! Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa all have programs that function similarly and are equally as safe and efficient!

The Special Dietary program at Disney Destinations is just another example of how they continues to exceed expectations of their guests. In fact, in December 2017 the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) recognized Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as an industry leader in providing safe, quality dining experiences to guests with allergies and special diets! So sit back and enjoy your meal!

‘Epcot® International Festival of the Arts’ Returns in 2018

After a successful first year, the Walt Disney World® Resort has announced the return of the Epcot® International Festival of the Arts!

Taking place from Jan. 12-Feb. 19, 2018, you’ll enjoy world-class cuisine, visual arts, and live Broadway entertainment. New for 2018, the Festival will remain open all week long, creating plenty of happenings for you and your family to explore! While all details haven’t been announced yet, here’s a look at what you can expect:

  • Performing Arts – from local bands to Broadway stars and more!
  • Culinary Arts – delightful fare is waiting for you at themed food studios, eateries and dining events
  • Visual Arts –
    • Curated Exhibits
    • Art in Action
    • Seminars and Hands-on Workshops with Pros

We’ll keep you updated as details are announced!

Contact your Magic Maker® for more details!

 

Epcot® admission required. Events are subject to change or cancellation without notice

Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

Starting Sep. 8, 2017, Disney’s Hollywood Studios® will begin offering a new Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP viewing experience. This new offering will provide guests with tasty treats and some of the best seats for that evening’s show.

Upon check in for the package, each guest will receive a special light up credential for their preferred viewing location as well as a snack box. Snack boxes will include:

Adults

  • Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
  • Cheesecake
  • Chocolate Cupcake
  • Apple Crisp
  • California Trail Mix
  • Cheese and Crackers
  • Bottle of Water
  • Specialty Alcoholic or Non-alcoholic Beverage in a light-up keepsake Fantasmic! cup

Children (ages 3-9)

  • Chocolate Pudding with Crushed Chocolate Cookies and Gummy Worms
  • Confetti Popcorn
  • Grapes
  • Sorcerer Mickey Vanilla Cake Bite
  • Bottle of Water
  • Specialty Non-alcoholic Beverage in a light-up keepsake Fantasmic! cup

 

Pricing is $39 per adult  and $19 per child (ages 3 to 9). Availability for this package will be limited, so contact your Magic Maker® today!

By |2017-08-17T14:33:24-05:00August 17th, 2017|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|0 Comments

Late 2017 Savings at Walt Disney World® Resort

Celebrate the Holidays while Saving at the Walt Disney World® Resort

New family memories are waiting to be made at “The Most Magical Place on Earth”! You’ll enjoy a magical mix of new and unforgettable experiences – from expeditions that celebrate the magic of nature at Pandora – The World of Avatar inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park to festive celebrations at Magic Kingdom® Park during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas parties, your upcoming trip is a dream come true in the making!

 

Contact your Magic Maker® today for pricing and availability! Availability is limited, so don’t delay!

Request a Quote

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional adult per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid standard rooms. 20% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available for other Disney Resort hotels.

Travel Tip: Why Should You Get Travel Insurance?

When you think of a dream vacation, you may think of warm weather, palm trees, relaxing on a sandy beach – all while making special memories with your family and friends. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

When you’re planning your vacation, no one likes to think about all the “what ifs.” The world is full of things you can’t control! Unexpected sickness or injuries. Hurricanes. Snow storms. Travel delays. Involuntary termination or layoff. There’s a long list of unforeseen things that may try to get between you and your getaway, and unfortunately there’s no way to stop them from occurring. But, travel insurance can help you reduce the financial impact of these mishaps!

Here’s a video showing a little more about how Travel Insurance works:

Please note: Coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions vary for each insurance plan. Because every situation is different, your Magic Maker® may advise you to contact the insurance provider directly for clarification on any specific questions you may have.

Contact your Magic Maker® today to add Travel Insurance to your Vacation!

The purchase of Travel Insurance is encouraged but is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by Off to Neverland Travel®.

Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot®

A new premium event that will melt the heart of any Frozen fan is coming to Epcot®!

The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party is a sweet finale to your day at Epcot®. The party provides the following VIP experiences:

  • Delectable Frozen-themed Dessert Party and Reserved Seating for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth in World Showcase Plaza East.  Dessert Party buffet offerings may include:
    • Olaf’s warm double-chocolate s’mores pudding cake
    • Elsa’s warm cottage pudding with salted caramel glaze
    • Hand-dipped vanilla bean ice cream
    • Wandering Oaken’s éclairons
    • Hans’ key lime tarts with red glitter glaze
    • Living Rock crispy bonbons
    • Anna’s blue velvet cupcakes
    • Kristoff’s no-sugar-added lemon curd with blueberry
    • Sven’s fresh fruits and berries
    • Grand Pabbie’s winter-spiced snack mix
    • Duke of Weselton’s cheese fondue served with country bread cubes, broccoli and grilled flatbread
    • “Melted snow” and other non-alcoholic beverages
    • Summertime cocktails, like margaritas and piña coladas
    • Beer and wine
  • Access to the popular Frozen Ever After attraction after IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party will be held select evenings beginning July 17, 2017. Pricing is $79 per adult and $47 per child (ages 3 to 9), including tax and gratuity. Separate Epcot® admission is also required and not included.

Contact your Magic Maker® today for more information or to book this experience.

This is not a Character meet-and-greet experience. Characters of the movie Frozen will not appear. This celebration will be offered on a variety of days depending on the time of year, beginning one hour prior to the start of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Epcot® park admission is also required and is not included in the price of the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party. An event reservation is required when participating in the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. A valid form of government identification will be required to verify your age. To check in for this event, please meet the greeting Cast Member at World Showcase Plaza, located next to Port of Entry and adjacent to the Mexico Pavilion. The Frozen Ever After Dessert Party venue is held in an uncovered, open-air setting. In the event of inclement weather, the dessert portion will take place at an alternate indoor location. A Cast Member will direct you to the alternate location at the time of check-in. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth may be changed or canceled without prior notice due to inclement weather.

‘Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package’ Now Available

Magic Kingdom® Park has announced the return of a premium event that will take place during this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties.

Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package, which will be available on most party nights, will provide guests with a VIP experience at an additional charge. You’ll receive:

  • Preferred viewing for Happy HalloWishes Fireworks spectacular at Tomorrowland® Terrace where a dessert party will also be provided featuring:
    • Themed desserts like chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, cupcakes, ice cream, seasonal fruits, cheeses and other ghoulish goodies
    • A selection of non-alcoholic drinks

Pricing for the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package is $79 per adult and $47 per child (ages 3-9) plus tax. Space is limited, so please contact your Magic Maker® to check on availability for your party date. Here are a couple important reminders about the experience:

  • Admission to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special ticketed event and is not included with admission to Magic Kingdom® park or this package.
  • The Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package is available on the following nights: Aug. 29; Sep. 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29; Oct. 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 , 31; and Nov. 1
  • Entertainment is subject to change or cancellation without notice. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks may be delayed or cancelled. However, the dessert party will occur regardless of the weather.
  • Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.
  • Offer may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions. There are a limited number of tickets available for this event.

‘Holiday Wishes Dessert Premium Package’ Now Available

Magic Kingdom® Park is ready to add even more magic during this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties.

Holiday Wishes Dessert Premium Package, which will be available on most party nights, will provide guests with a VIP experience at an additional charge. You’ll receive:

  • Preferred viewing for Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks spectacular at Tomorrowland® Terrace where a dessert party will also be provided featuring:
    • Themed desserts like like chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, cheeses and fresh, seasonal fruits
    • Non-alcoholic drinks

Pricing for the Holiday Wishes Dessert Premium Package is $79 per adult and $49 per child (ages 3-9) plus tax. Space is limited, so please contact your Magic Maker® to check on availability for your party date.

Here are a couple important reminders about the experience:

  • Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special ticketed event and is not included with admission to Magic Kingdom® park or this package.
  • The Holiday Wishes Dessert Premium Package is available on the following nights: Nov. 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26, 28; Dec. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22, 2017.
  • Entertainment is subject to change or cancellation without notice. In the event of inclement weather, fireworks may be delayed or cancelled. However, the dessert party will occur regardless of the weather.
  • Disney dining plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event.
  • Offer may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions. There are a limited number of tickets available for this event.

6 Must-Do Experiences in Pandora – The World of Avatar

On Saturday, May 27th, the Walt Disney World® Resort welcomed guests to experience the largest expansion in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Unlike anything ever before, Pandora – The World of Avatar immerses guests in a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences.

We’re so excited for our guests to experience Pandora – The World of Avatar. With so much to explore and discover once you enter the Valley of Mo’ara, we thought we’d highlight a few of our must-do experiences!

Click the Boxes Below to Explore Our 6 Must-Do Experiences in Pandora – The World of Avatar

1. Take Flight on Avatar Flight of Passage

1. Take Flight on Avatar Flight of Passage

What if you could climb on the back of an Ikran and explore the beauty of Pandora from the air? Well, thanks to this immersive new adventure, now you can! Trust us, this is unlike any other ride you’ve experienced before! After spending a few minutes inside the genetic matching room where you are scanned and connected to personal avatars, you’ll board link chairs, don your special flight visors and prepare for the flight. We’re not going to give any spoilers of what’s in store, but you’ll be amazed! TIP: This is a Disney FastPass+ attraction (which we highly recommend) reserved for explorers 44″ or taller.

2. Set Sail on Na'vi River Journey

2. Set Sail on Na'vi River Journey

Climb aboard the reed boats and enjoy a family-friendly cruise of the sacred Kapsavan River into a bioluminescent rainforest of Mo’ara. After being granted passage by a Na’vi warrior, you’ll be amazed at the sights and sounds found deep in the jungle. Surprises are around each bend of the river, including a big one at the end of your journey. TIP: This is also a Disney FastPass+ attraction, but since you are limited to only selecting one of the two attractions in Pandora – The World of Avatar, we only recommend selecting this for guests who won’t/can’t ride Avatar Flight of Passage.

3. Explore Unique Merchandise at Windtraders

3. Explore Unique Merchandise at Windtraders

Everyone is going to want something to help them remember their experience on Pandora – The World of Avatar. From Na’vi cultural artifacts and animal toys to science kits and Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) apparel, Windtraders is an out-of-this-world shopping location with something exciting for every member of the family. Our favorite part of the store is the Banshee Rookery, where you can select your own banshee to take home and care for. A trained naturalist will help you find the banshee that’s just right for you! It’s both a fun experience and the coolest souvenir to take home from your trip! TIP: The majority of this merchandise can only be found in Pandora – The World of Avatar, so if you see something you want be sure to purchase it before heading back to Planet Earth.

4. Experience the unique Na'vi cuisine

4. Experience the unique Na'vi cuisine

When in Na’vi territory, eat like a Na’vi! Satu’li (Sa-too-lee) Canteen  is the land’s fast-casual restaurant that serves a surprising twist on familiar flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll find wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and hearty proteins on the menu here. And for dessert, options include Blueberry Cheesecake with a Passion Fruit Curd or Chocolate Cake with a Crunchy Cookie Layer. Nearby the Canteen is Pandora’s specialty beverage kiosk, Pongu Pongu, which means “party party.” Options here include a non-alcoholic Frozen Nectar and for adults a Screaming Banshee Margarita and Avatar Private Label Ale. TIP: Pongu Pongu also serves our favorite snack/dessert in Mo’ara, the Lumpia – a pineapple cream cheese spring roll! Don’t miss it!

5. Don't forget to visit the Valley of Mo'ara at night

5. Don't forget to visit the Valley of Mo'ara at night

When the sun sets, the bioluminescent glow makes Pandora – The World of Avatar seem like a totally different place. Don’t think that since you’ve seen it during the day that it isn’t worth going back for a night. TIP: Plan your outfits for the day with lots of whites or neon colors for added fun!

6. Take time to explore

6. Take time to explore

Aside from the attractions, shopping, and dining experiences, there are so many details to take in and paths to explore! Be sure to allow an hour or more to just explore the Valley of Mo’ara. You may stumble upon the Swotu Wayä (“Sacred Place of Song”) where you can play the Na’vi instruments and the Flaska Reclinata, one of the largest plants on the planet. Don’t forget to bring along your camera as Pandora – The World of Avatar is very photogenic! TIP: Wilderness Explorers can earn two new Pandora-themed badges while visiting Pandora – The World of Avatar!

Ready to experience a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences? Contact your Magic Maker® today!

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