Disney News

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.

 

‘Feel the Force Premium Package’ Returning to Star Wars™ Weekends

Walt Disney World® Resort has announced the return of their premium experience at this year’s Star Wars™ Weekends.

The Feel the Force Premium Package allows you to experience the popular Legends of the Force: Star Wars™ Celebrity Motorcade and the Symphony in the Stars fireworks from a reserved viewing area while enjoying some light refreshments. Also included is reserved seating to one of the Celebrity Talk Shows. This special-ticketed event will definitely rocket your Star Wars™ Weekends experience into hyperspace!

New this year is the Feel the Force Deluxe Premium Package. In addition to the perks in the original package, the deluxe one offers the opportunity follow the motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard, reserved seating at all of the Celebrity Talk Shows at Theater of the Stars for the day, priority access to Darth’s Mall, and a commemorative lanyard.

Here are the details of the premium events:

“Feel the Force Premium Package”

When: Friday – Sunday May 15 – Jun. 14, 2015
Pricing: $69 for adults; $39 for children (tax & gratuity included)
Dining Plan: No Disney Dining Plans or other discounts are accepted
Additional Details:

  • Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade will appear at 11:00a. The VIP viewing experience will be available from 10:30a to 11:30a. Snacks and beverages (soda, water, tea, and coffee) will be served.
  • Symphony in the Stars fireworks starts at 9:45p (Weekend I) and 9:30p (remaining Weekends). The dessert party and VIP viewing area will start at 8:45p. A specialty beverage with an alcoholic options will be available for guests 21+. Seating is not available at either event but wheelchairs and EVCs can be accommodated.
  • Celebrity Talk Show – Reserved seating for one of the Celebrity Talk Shows at Theater of the Stars will be distributed on a first-come first-serve basis at check in.
    Entertainment subject to change or cancellation due to weather

“Feel the Force Deluxe Premium Package”

When: Friday – Sunday May 15 – Jun. 14, 2015
Pricing: $99 for adults; $64 for children (tax & gratuity included)
Dining Plan: No Disney Dining Plans or other discounts are accepted
Additional Details:

In addition to the components included in the “Feel the Force Premium Package” (listed above), the Deluxe package includes:

  • Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade will appear at 11:00a. The VIP viewing experience will be available from 10:30a to 11:30a. Snacks and beverages (soda, water, tea, and coffee) will be served. Participants will have the option to follow the motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard.
  • Celebrity Talk Show – Reserved seating for all of the Celebrity Talk Shows at Theater of the Stars will be distributed on a first-come first-serve basis at check in.
  • Darth’s Mall priority access throughout the day of the package
  • Commemorative lanyard
    Entertainment subject to change or cancellation due to weather

Availability for these special events are limited, so contact your Magic Maker® today!

Celebrity Lineup for Star Wars™ Weekends 2015 Announced

Once again for 2015, acclaimed voice actor James Arnold Taylor will be the official celebrity host of this year’s Star Wars™ Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Now, we also have a listing of additional celebrities making appearances each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 15-June 14, 2015.

Here’s the scheduled celebrity lineup for Star Wars™ Weekends 2015 (subject to change):

Weekend I: May 15-17

  • Ian McDiarmid – Senator/Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
  • Amy Allen – Aayla Secura (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
  • Tiya Sircar – Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend II: May 22-24

  • Warwick Davis – Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
  • Silas Carson – Ki-Adi-Mundi, Nute Gunray (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
  • Vanessa Marshall – Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend III: May 29-31

  • Warwick Davis – Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
  • Daniel Logan – Boba Fett (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones)
  • Steve Blum-  Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend IV: June 5-7

  • Ray Park – Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
  • Jeremy Bulloch – Boba Fett (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
  • Ashley Eckstein – Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend V: June 12-14

  • Frank Oz – Yoda (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; Star Wars Rebels)
  • Ray Park – Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
  • Peter Mayhew – Chewbacca (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: A New Hope; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
  • Taylor Gray – Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)

Star Wars™ Weekends is included with regular theme park admission. Contact your Magic Maker® today to start planning your Star Wars™ Weekends trip to a galaxy far, far away!

Disney Cruise Line Announces Military Rates

Disney Cruise Line has announced special Military Rates for select sailings. These sailings will give you an opportunity to experience  the best shows, family activities, dining, and ports in the cruise industry. These Military rates are available to all retired and active U.S. Military personnel (U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Department of Defense personnel). Active and retired members of the U.S. military must provide valid identification at time of check-in. U.S. Military service member is required to sail to take advantage of this offer. Activated members of the U.S. National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve must also show active duty orders (active duty papers must be dated as of January 1st of the previous year to qualify).

Booking Window: Monday, Mar. 30 – Sunday, Apr. 5, 2015

Available Sailings:

Sailing From Itinerary Ship Sailing Date Category Available
 Port Canaveral, FL 7-Night W Caribbean Disney Magic 04/26/2015 Select
7-Night E Caribbean Disney Fantasy 05/02/2015 Select
7-Night W Caribbean Disney Magic 05/03/2015 9C
7-Night E Caribbean Disney Fantasy 05/09/2015 Select

 

Request a Quote

Offer applies to new bookings only. Not combinable with other discounts or offers. Military personnel will be required to present valid military identification at time of check-in. Offer limited to a maximum of 1 stateroom per sailing. Exceptions will be made for Military personnel with immediate family members exceeding stateroom capacity. Other stateroom types are available at varying rates. Excludes taxes, fees, and port expenses (all amounts are per person and subject to change). See Disney Cruise Line brochure for applicable terms and conditions.

Changes Coming for Wishes Dessert Party

Instead of fighting the crowds to find that perfect viewing spot, wouldn’t you rather Cast Members in the Magic Kingdom® Park reserve a place for you? For years, that’s what many of our clients have done by booking the Tomorrowland® Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party! But starting July 5, 2015, the exclusive party held at the Tomorrowland® Terrace will be getting a new name and enhanced menu.

Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party will feature a delightful menu of sweet treats and a selection of hot and cold beverages. Some of the menu items you can expect include:

  • Chocolate-dipped Strawberries
  • Chocolate Mousse
  • Ice Cream
  • Seasonal Fruit and Cheese
  • Disney Character-themed Cupcakes
  • Hot Drinking Chocolate
  • Signature Lemonade
  • Coffee and tea
  • Sparkling Cider Toast (during Wishes)

Price*:
$49 for Adults
$29 Ages 3 to 9

Reservations are recommended, however, you may be able to walk up without a reservation. The Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party is available most nights. Contact your Magic Maker® to make your reservation.  As always, Guests with dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Just let your Magic Maker® know when making your reservation.

Start planning your trip today and discover that wishes do come true!

*Price and menu options subject to change without notice.  Admission to Magic Kingdom® is required.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels Perform Flyovers at Magic Kingdom® Park

Guests visiting the Magic Kingdom® Park this morning received a special treat that typically isn’t included in a normal days admission.

Scheduled to perform this weekend at the Melbourne Air & Space Show, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels organized a flyover of the iconic Cinderella Castle and Main Street, U.S.A.® on their way from their home base in Pensacola, FL. Six F/A-18 Hornet jets, capable of super sonic speeds, performed two flyovers – the first holding the traditional Delta Formation and the second executing a Delta Breakout.

Check out this video:

 Shortly after their flyover, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels shared their excitement on their Twitter account:

Magic Kingdom® Favorite Treats on the Move

No need to worry — your favorite Magic Kingdom® treats are still available, just at different locations.

To better accommodate the demand for the ever-popular Dole Whip, Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace have swapped locations inside Adventureland®. So, now you will find your Dole Whip cup, Dole Whip float, and fresh-cut pineapple in the new Aloha Isle location next to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room attraction. Orange Bird and his famous Citrus Swirl can now be found at the new Sunshine Tree Terrace across from Swiss Family Treehouse.

Both locations still participate in the Disney Dining Plan! A Dole Whip Float continues to be one of our favorite uses for a snack credit!

Disney Parks with Toddlers, Infants or During Pregnancy

By Magic Maker® Melissa Ludwig

As a Magic Maker®, a common question that I get asked is, “What is a good age for my child to have their first trip to a Disney Park?”  This decision is mainly contingent on the experiences that you are envisioning for your vacation. As always, the Walt Disney Travel Company has thought of everything to make your vacation magical for the whole family, including your little ones! Even if you are traveling with a toddler or a baby… or have one on the way… there are ways to make your trip run smoothly so that you can enjoy all that Disney Destinations have to offer.

Many parents wonder if traveling to Disney Parks with a toddler is “worth it”, since he or she may be too little for some attractions. In actuality, the majority of attractions at Disney Parks do not have height requirements. Plus with character meet-and-greets, dining stops, and parades/shows, your toddler can still have a very full day of fun!

For the attractions that do have height requirements that your little one may not meet yet, Disney Destinations offer the option of a Rider Switch Pass. This means that one adult may wait with the child while the other adult rides the attraction. After this, the adults may “switch out” and the second adult can walk onto the ride with a minimal wait in line a second time!

Traveling to Disney Destinations with a baby can also be a very magical experience!

Top things to keep in mind would be:

  • Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel that is on property so that you can easily travel back and forth between your hotel and the parks for naptime.
  • Do not limit your dining choices with the assumption that you cannot bring your baby, because every restaurant welcomes babies (with the exception of Victoria & Albert’s)!
  • Baby Care Centers are located in the theme parks and they include changing tables, unisex bathrooms, private nursing rooms, rocking chairs, and feeding areas.
  • Single and Double strollers are available to rent throughout the theme parks and in the Disney Springs™ Area!

If you are pregnant, you can also visit the Disney Parks and have a fantastic time! However, there are many attractions that are considered unsafe for expectant mothers, so you will want to consult the signage posted outside the entrance of each attraction that you visit.

Cast members are not allowed to ask you to leave the queue if they think that you are pregnant, so you cannot expect to be notified in person if the ride may not be safe, though you can always approach the Cast Member yourself to check. Also, if you have to travel by air to get to the Disney Destination of your choice, you will want to consult with your health care provider before you fly, and flying is, in general, not recommended during your third trimester.

As always, your Magic Maker® is with you every step of the way to help with any specific questions you have about traveling with members of your family in various age groups. Happy traveling!

By |2017-06-27T10:21:28-05:00March 12th, 2015|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|0 Comments

Just Announced: 24-Hour Disney Parks Events

This morning, Disney Parks announced the return of their bicoastal all-nighter. Last year, they hosted the Rock Your Disney Side Party to kick off the summer season. This year, the 24-hour event at both the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts will hold a separate theme.

Taking place from 6a May 22 – 6a May 23 in Magic Kingdom® Park, the party at the Walt Disney World® Resort will celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever!” During that same time at Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park, their party will launch the Disneyland® Resort Diamond Celebration and premiere three new nighttime spectaculars: “Paint the Night” Parade, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks, and “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney.”

While specific details have yet to be released, guests attending the events will experience:

  • Special Entertainment
  • Character Meet and Greets
  • Special Food & Beverage offerings
  • Event Merchandise

Check back for more details as they become available. In the meantime, contact your Magic Maker® today to plan a vacation to “Rock Your Disney Side this summer!”

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