Disney News

‘Frozen Summer Fun’ Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

The coolest event of the Summer is back at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®!

Frozen Summer Fun – Live at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® takes place through Sep. 7, 2015. Running daily, the event hosts activities themed after Disney’s popular movie, Frozen. Activities include:

  • Frozen Royal Welcome – Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf appear in a special procession down Hollywood Blvd twice daily – 10:30a, 1:30p
  • For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration FP+Anna, Elsa, and historians from Arendelle tell of their kingdom’s history through tales and some help from the audience in the form of sing-alongs. This show takes place several times daily and is presented in a new home at the Hyperion Theater – 9:30a, 11:30a, 12:30p, 2:30p, 3:30p, 4:30p, 5:30p, 6:30p, 7:30p, 8:30p
  • “Frozen Fever” – Catch a special screening of the new animated short “Frozen Fever” inside the ABC Sound Studiocontinuously 10:00am – 30 minutes before Park closing
  • Olaf’s Summer Cool Down – Several times each day Olaf and his friends are welcomed to the Event Stage to have some fun with everyone “In Summer” – 11:30a, 12:30p, 2:30p, 3:30p, 4:30p, 5:30p
  • “Coolest Summer Ever” Dance Party – The party really gets started each evening as DJ Chill takes the Event Stage – 5:45p-9:30p
  • Frozen Fireworks Spectacular* – What better way to end your day than with fireworks? Each evening, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf take the party into the sky! And you guessed it – the spectacular will be set to the music of Frozen!9:30p (through Aug. 20) 9:00p (Aug. 21-Sep. 7)
    *Frozen Fireworks Spectacular will not be shown on 7/4 and 7/15.
    All events and times subject to change – please refer to Daily Times Guide for more info

Frozen Summer Fun – Live” is included with standard park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Throughout this special event, Anna and Elsa will also continue to meet and greet guests at Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom® Park.

Here’s a look at all the fun the royal sisters have planned for you:

The Best Seat in the House

By Kyle Froman, Magic Maker® and Director of Marketing

A year and a half ago I finally got to check off something that is on nearly every Disneyphile’s bucket-list, a visit to Disneyland® Park in Anaheim.

It was amazing.

We got to walk in Walt’s footsteps down Main Street, U.S.A. We were able to see the bench that Walt sat on when he ‘dreamed up’ this magical place while sitting in Griffith Park. We rode a loop around Disneyland® Park in the Lilly Belle. We were able to see the small Christmas tree lit in the window of Walt’s apartment.

For a Disney nerd like me, it was all so surreal.

We spent 7 days at Disneyland® Resort; immersed in Disneyland® Park, Disney California Adventure® and the resorts. I took a back-stage tour in Disneyland® Park and enjoyed an amazing dining experience at Carthay Circle Restaurant. Our group had private access to Cars Land and Radiator Springs Racers prior to the park opening one morning.

It was a dream trip.

Of all of the amazing experiences we had, by far my favorite moment of the trip was sitting on the ground, as a family, in Disney California Adventure Park® eating dinner next to a row of dirty strollers.

It was magical.

Disney California Adventure Park® has a remarkable show called World of Color. It is a fantastic display of lights, water, projection and fire; all orchestrated in a way only Disney can do.

To ensure that we had the best spot possible without a FastPass, we set up camp about an hour and a half prior to the show in a stroller ‘parking lot’. Once we set up camp, I trekked across the park to hunt down and drag home ‘supper’ for my family.

Up until this point our entire trip had been non-stop. Meals were rushed. Bathroom breaks were rushed. Snacks were rushed. All in a pursuit of conquering all that we could while we were at Disneyland® Resort.

So, following 7 days of intensity, here we sat as a family, dining on paper plates with plastic utensils…on the ground…in the middle of a theme park. This was our last night at Disneyland® Resort.

Our view consisted of the white rails in front of us, the dirty strollers beside us, and the knees and shins of other families pushing on with the same intensity we used all week.

We were together. We were talking and reflecting. We were still.

It was good, it was real good.

As we talked, we all recollected our favorite things we’d seen or done over the week. Our five year old was very quick to announce that sitting on the ground eating together was one of his favorite ‘things’ we did on our trip.

We exposed him to so many things that many five year olds would have loved to have done. He was on a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip by many families’ standards. He met the Fab 5, he rode all the rides he wanted, he drank way too much coke and ate way too much sugar.

Still, his standout, was sitting on the ground, as a family. Eating. Sharing. Laughing.

It was ours too. It was the best seat in the house.

Sometimes we try to pack so many experiences and things into a Disney Destination trip to bring our children joy; when all they really want to do is be still with their mommy and daddy. The trip was great, and he had a blast no doubt; but to him, it was much greater to just ‘be’ with mommy and daddy a while.

To eat off of a dirty ground with plastic utensils.

To laugh and to share.

To be a family.

We can all get wrapped up in the countless things there are to do at Disney Destinations that we completely miss the special moments we get to share with those we love in front of a magical backdrop.

Our best advice to you on your next trip?

Slow down, relax, embrace and enjoy everything from the best seat in the house; in the moment right where you are at.

After all, it is the most magical place on Earth!

By |2015-06-17T16:55:35-05:00June 18th, 2015|Categories: Disneyland News, Off to Neverland News|0 Comments

Brunch is Coming to Chef Mickey’s

One of Walt Disney World® Resort’s most popular table service and character dining locations is expanding their current offerings!

Starting May 31, 2015, Chef Mickey’s inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort will offer a daily brunch from 11:30a – 2:30p. While the complete menu has yet to be released, you can expect many of the location’s current breakfast favorites along with a selection of soups, salads, some hot dishes and desserts. And of course, Mickey and his pals will make their rounds during Brunch greeting guests.

Breakfast and Dinner service and hours remain unchanged. All three meals will participate in the Disney Dining Plan utilizing one table-service entitlement per person.

For additional information, please contact your Magic Maker®.

 

5 Amazing Reasons to Visit Disneyland® Resort

By Magic Maker® Heather Rodgers

Disneyland® Resort is often overlooked and overshadowed by other great Disney Destinations. However after spending time exploring Disneyland® Resort, I wanted to share a few things that make this Disney Destination truly special and worth the visit to Southern California.

5) Characters, characters, characters: As with all Disney Destinations you will see several Disney characters but at Disneyland® Resort the interaction is a little different. If you stay on property, you have a good chance of running into a character in your resort lobby. You just might see Goofy flipping through the park maps in your hotel lobby, Minnie Mouse dancing with a guest or two, or Dale reading a guest’s daily newspaper. In the parks you might see some characters that aren’t always out at other Disney Destinations as often, like the Wicked Queen from Snow White who can sometimes be found hanging out at Sleeping Beauty Castle. Then there is the Storyteller’s character breakfast that often has Nieko from Pochantas and the bears from Brother Bear for you to meet. So much fun!

4)Do you want to see more than Disneyland® Resort? It is easy to spend a few days at Disney Parks and add-on a few other Southern California attractions to make this a truly one of a kind family vacation. You can add on a day or two at the beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific, or Universal Studios Hollywood and more. You can travel a little further south and see Sea World, Legoland, or the World Famous San Diego Zoo. Want to spend more than a day in San Diego, ask your Magic Maker® about adding on a stay in San Diego. Disneyland® Resort and Southern California have more to offer than you might think and your Magic Maker® would love to help you create just the right package.

3) Location, location, location: At Disneyland® Resort you can easily walk from Disneyland® Park to Disney California Adventure® Park in less than 5 minutes. This means park hopping is an absolute breeze! There are 3 Disneyland® Resort properties that are all within a 10 minute walk or less to the parks and several wonderful Good Neighbor Hotel options that also offer the convenience of just walking over to the parks allowing you to maximize your time in the parks!

2) Two words: Cars Land. You know those moments that you just can’t find the right words to describe your emotions? Walking into Cars Land for the first time is just like that. As soon as you see the Cars Land sign, you are transported right into Radiator Springs. You’ll see Sarge’s, Flo’s V-8 Cafe, and Casa Della Tires. You might even get to meet Lightening McQueen or Mater at the Cozy Cone Motel. Go a little before dusk and just wait to see the all the lights come on in Radiator Springs. Be sure to ride Radiator Springs Racers while you are there as that is simply not to be missed.

1) Did you know that Disneyland® Park is the only park that Walt Disney walked in and saw to completion? His legacy and care can be seen throughout Disneyland® Park and you know that it was his attention to detail that makes Disneyland® Resort what it is today. There are a few special moments you can take in while visiting Disneyland® Park that illustrate Walt Disney’s passion for this place. Take a few minutes out of your day to see Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. As you walk into this attraction you will see the very bench that Walt Disney sat on when he conceived of the place that families could go and be entertained together. When you walk past the Fire Station, look up at the center window and you will see the light left on in Walt Disney’s memory. Disneyland® Park has a special and unique feel to it and I truly believe it is because you can sense the legacy and spirit that lives on here.

As you can see there is quite a bit of magic to be found on the west coast, and this is just scratching the surface!

Contact your Magic Maker® today to book your Disneyland® Resort and Southern California family vacation so you can experience the magic for yourself, creating a lifetime of memories together.

By |2017-06-27T10:21:28-05:00May 14th, 2015|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News, Off to Neverland News|0 Comments

‘Sounds Like Summer’ Concerts Heat Up Epcot® Nights

Starting in June, things in Epcot® World Showcase will heat up as the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series kicks off for 2015.

This Rock ‘n’ Roll extravaganza puts some of the world’s greatest tribute bands on the stage of America Gardens Theatre to perform some of your favorite Classic hit songs of all time.

This year’s lineup includes:

  • Jun. 7-13: DSB ~ A Tribute to Journey
  • Jun. 14-20: 2U ~ A Tribute to U2
  • Jun. 21-26: Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot ~ A Tribute Billy Joel Show
  • Jun. 27 – Jul. 4: Don’t Look Back ~ A Tribute to Boston
  • Jul. 5-11: Fire & Ice ~ A Tribute to Pat Benatar
  • Jul. 12-18: Stayin’ Alive ~ A Tribute to the Bee Gees
  • Jul. 19-25: Hotel California ~ A Salute to the Eagles

The Sounds Like Summer concerts are included in standard Epcot® admission. Show times are are 5:30p, 6:45p and 8:00p. Entertainment is subject to change without notice.

 

Disney Park Restaurants Introduce New Allergy-Friendly Menus

This month, the restaurants at the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts have started introducing new allergy-friendly menus, providing increased convenience and options to guests with special dietary requests.

Throughout the next several months, these menus will be rolled out to over 120 quick-service and table-service locations throughout both properties – inside and outside of the Parks. The launch began with Signature Restaurants and will continue with table-service and quick-service. The menus focus on the most common dietary allergens (gluten/wheat, milk, peanut, tree nut, and fish) providing allergen content for menu items from appetizers to desserts!

These new menus are just another step in Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resort’s dedication to serving guests with a specific dietary need. In 2013, special dietary-safe meals for over 650,000 guests were prepared! While these menus are meant to enhance the dining experience, guests may still consult directly with the restaurant chef and are encouraged to continue to alert the waitstaff of special dietary needs.

Magical Enhancements Coming to Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line has announced that some magical transformations are coming this fall on the Disney Dream! Included in these changes are two new interactive youth areas, the debut of the ever-popular Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a whimsical sweet shop, and a new adult-only area.

Here’s what’s in store:

  • Disney’s Oceaneer Club – Kids ages 3 to 12 will receive two new areas inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club. The first, a Star Wars™ themed area, is guaranteed to provide an out-of-this-galaxy experience! Inside the Millennium Falcon, younglings can join the Rebel Alliance as well as participate in Star Wars™-themed crafts, games, and activities. Also, Padawans will get their chance to brush up on their lightsaber moves with a new shipboard version of the Jedi Training Academy before facing off against Darth Vader. The second new area will be a high-tech Disney Infinity space allowing kids to play together with exciting virtual experiences. But the fun doesn’t stop onboard – kids who visit this room will be able to unlock exclusive Disney Cruise Line content on their Disney Infinity system once they get home.
  • Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats – Up on Deck 11, a new specialty sweets shop will open themed after the whimsical candy land of Sugar Rush in “Wreck-It Ralph.” Inside, guests will be able to purchase handmade gelato and ice cream served in freshly based waffle cones, an assortment of candy, and a great selection of novelty treats.
  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – Deck 5 of the Disney Dream will soon host one of Disney Destinations most popular locations, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Princesses and Knights ages 3 to 12 can make appointments to receive a royal makeover with the help of some special fairy godmothers-in-training. And on the night of the Pirate Party, the boutique becomes The Pirates League where special pirate makeovers are available for all ages.
  • Satellite Falls – Up on Deck 13, the adults-only section of the ship will expand to include Satellite Falls, a circular splash pool with benches and a gently falling rain curtain.

All of these enhancements will debut on the Oct. 26th sailing of the Disney Dream!

Disney Cruise Line has released itineraries through Summer of 2016, so start planning your dream vacation today!

Request a Quote

 

“Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package” Now Available for Booking

Last month, Walt Disney World® Resort announced the return of Frozen Summer Fun – Live at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.” Starting today, bookings for the premium package are available giving you VIP access to three of its most anticipated activities!

The Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package will provide guests with:

  • Refreshments and reserved viewing of Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome procession
  • Reserved seating at one of the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration showings
  • Dessert Party and viewing of Frozen Fireworks Spectacular from within a reserved area

Pricing for the Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package is $69 for adults / $39 for children which includes tax and gratuity. Packages are available daily Jun. 17 – Sep. 7 (except Jul. 4 & 15). To reserve your package, contact your Magic Maker® today! Click here for additional information on all the events of Frozen Summer Fun – Live at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.”
Discounts do not apply. Park admission is required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. The Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package provides a reserved viewing area but no seating is available for Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome procession or the Frozen Fireworks Dessert Party .

Adventures by Disney® Announces River Cruising Itineraries

Adventures by Disney® has announced that their first-ever river cruise itineraries will launch in Summer 2016! Sailing with AmaWaterways aboard an all-new, 170-passenger river cruise ship built with families in mind, these new itineraries by Adventures by Disney® will take families into the heart of Europe in a way that is active, immersive, and easy.

Plans call for seven sailings along the Danube River in in 2016 – five in the Summer as well as two holiday themed sailing in December. These sailings will give the opportunity to experience both iconic locations and hidden gems off the beaten path in eight destinations across four countries – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. The culture, art, and unique stories of each European town visited provide opportunities for exploration that are seemingly endless.

Because river cruises offer extended port times often lasting from dawn to late night, travelers will have more time to spend exploring the day’s destination with the eight Adventures by Disney® Adventure Guides and local experts. But the fun doesn’t end when leaving port! Onboard, adults can enjoy wine tasting, music, dancing and an onboard fitness center, along with some of the finest cuisine and service available. Junior Adventurers and teens will enjoy special activities like activity nights, movies, karaoke, video games and more.

Danube River Cruise

EUROPE | Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary | 8 Days / 7 Nights
2016: Jul. 7-14, Jul. 14-21, Jul. 21-28, Jul. 28–Aug. 4, Aug. 4-11, Dec. 15-22, & Dec. 22-29

Highlights include:

  • Tour of Mirabell Gardens and adventures through a salt mine (Austria)
  • Nighttime Illuminations Cruise (Budapest)
  • Horse show at Lazar Equestrian Park (Hungary)
  • Medieval activities at Devin Castle in Bratislava (Slovakia)
  • Private marionette performance and strudel making demo at Schonbrunn Palace (Austria)
  • Falconry show at Hohenwerfen castle (Austria)
  • Walk along the tree tops at a unique outdoor adventure center in Kopfing (Germany)
  • Oktoberfest event at a local brewery (Germany)
  • Themed meals and culinary activities, such as interactive goulash and strudel making
  • Biking in every port

The special holiday sailing will also include:

  • Visits to the renowned Christmas markets in Budapest and Vienna
  • Vienna Boys Choir Christmas performance in the Hofburg Palace Chapel
  • Special holiday menu lunch.

Take a peek into what these new river boat itineraries are all about:

Ready to set sail? Contact your Magic Maker® for more information!

Disney’s Polynesian Resort Returns to its Roots

One of the Walt Disney World® Resort’s most popular Deluxe hotels, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, is currently undergoing a complete refurbishment. As part of the reimagining, the resort has regain its original 1971 opening day name: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

In addition to renovation of guests rooms, the feature pool, and the Great Ceremonial House, the resort added Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – a themed tiki lounge similar to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland® Hotel in California – and new bungalow and deluxe studio accommodations.

Now in soft opening, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, founded by the “head” salesman of Adventureland®, serves a nice selection of small plates and specialty drinks available in collectible Tiki mugs. While some of the drinks have been brought over from Trader Sam’s original location at the Disneyland® Hotel, there are a couple new drinks for you to explore! Speciality drink offerings include:

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Exclusives:

  • Polynesian Pearl – RumChata Cream Liqueur, Grand Marnier, and Cinnamon with Tropical Juices served in a souvenir pearl.
  • Nautilus – Barbancourt Pango Rhum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Combier Crème de Pêche de Ligne Liqueur, Tropical Juices and Falernum served in a souvenir Nautilus mug.
  • Castaway Crush – Leblon Cachaça, Cream of Coconut, Pineapple, Cinnamon, and fresh Lime Juice.
  • Tahitian Torch – ByeJoe Dragon Fire Spirit, Tropical Juices, Passion Fruit, and Fresh Lime.
  • Dark & Tropical Stormy – Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, fresh Lime Juice, Ginger Beer, and Falernum.

Imported from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar:

  • Krakatoa Punch – Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Orgeat (Almond), Sam’s Gorilla Grog, and Hibiscus Grenadine served in a souvenir Tiki mug.
  • Uh-Oa! – Myer’s Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Orange, Passion Fruit, Guava, Pineapple, and Grapefruit Juices, Falernum, Cinnamon, and fresh Lime Juice served in souvenir Tiki Bowl. (serves 2+)
  • HippopotoMai-Tai– Coruba Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Bols Orange Curaçao, Orgeat (Almond), Organic Agave Nectar, and fresh Lime juice served in a souvenir Tiki glass.
  • Shrunken Zombie Head – Gosling’s 151 Black Seal Rum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Bacardi 8 yr Rum, Tropical Juices, Falernum, and Cinnamon served in souvenir Shrunken head.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto also has a selection of other specialty drinks, beer, wine, and no-booze brews for purchase. The location is able to accommodate 50 guests inside and up to 82 on their patio. Current operating hours are 4pm – midnight and is 21+ after 8pm. Because of the popularity of the location, a pager system is currently being used to admit guests into the inside lounge area as capacity allows. The Soft Opening is expected to last through the end of April when it will officially open.

 

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