Disney News

Last November my family finally got to check off something that is on every Disneyphile’s bucket-list, a visit to Disneyland® Resort 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 train car. We were able to see the small Christmas tree lit in the window of Walt’s apartment over the Disneyland Fire Dept.

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® Park, Downtown Disney® District and the resorts. We took a back-stage tour in Disneyland® Park and enjoyed an amazing dining experience at Carthay Circle Restaurant. As an agency we even 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 Destinations can do. The best seats in the house are reserved for FastPass holders for the show, and beyond the FastPass viewing areas the seats with views are very limited.

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.

Micah on the PierSo, 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. Micah, 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.

The entertainment and magic of a Disney Destination vacation is undeniable…but the treasured memories families make together every day at Disney Destinations are priceless.

Our Magic Makers® are eager to help you create a lifetime of magical memories with your family and friends, too!

By Kyle Froman, Director of Marketing and Agent Care

Jump-start your Summer by setting sail with this great promotion!

For a limited time, you can save 20% or more off the prevailing rates on Category VGT Staterooms (with restrictions) on select 3- and 4-night sailings departing from Port Canaveral, FL. Your tropical getaway will include a stop at the white-sand beaches of Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay!

Available Sail Dates:

• Jul. 3 – 3-night Bahamian on Disney Dream
• Jul. 6 – 4-night Bahamian on Disney Dream
• Jul. 10 – 3-night Bahamian on Disney Dream
• Jul. 13 – 4-night Bahamian on Disney Dream
• Jul. 17 – 3-night Bahamian on Disney Dream
• Jul. 20 – 4-night Bahamian on Disney Dream
• Jul. 24 – 3-night Bahamian on Disney Dream

Ask your Magic Maker® about potential savings on other categories for these sail dates as well!

Now’s your chance to discover the difference – and value – of Disney Cruise Line®! Contact your Magic Maker® today!

All pricing is based on double occupancy. Full payment is required at the time of booking for all Guests and is non-refundable. Full legal names of all Guests are required at time of booking and no name changes will be allowed. Specific stateroom may be assigned at a later time, based on availability. Excludes Government Taxes and Fees approximately $54 – $75 per person (all amounts subject to change). Rates in U.S. dollars. Gratuities and excursions are not included. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Offers subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.

Create Summertime Memories at the Walt Disney World® Resort

Walt Disney World® Resort Annual Passholders can save this summer when they stay where they play!

For a limited time, you can save up to 35% at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights Jun. 16-Aug. 2, 2014. Not only will you enjoy staying closer to the magic, but your stay will also include an array of special Disney touches and magical extras that only on-property guests receive. And as an extra bonus, you’ll receive a FREE Memory Maker to use during your stay!

Travel Dates:
Most nights Jun. 16 – Aug. 2, 2014

Booking Dates:
Now – Aug. 2, 2014

Contact your Magic Maker® today for pricing and availability!

Offer available exclusively to Annual Passholders who must present a valid Walt Disney World Annual Pass at check-in. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same room. Additional per adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Valid only on stays of 2-14 nights. Check-in date must fall within valid offer travel dates. Discounted room rate will only be applied to travel dates that are valid offer travel dates. Advance reservations required. No group rates or other discounts apply. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Memory Maker includes photos taken during the Memory Maker window and linked to the Memory Maker Guest’s Disney account. Photos will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations. Family and Friends media sharing is subject to the MyMagic+ Terms and Conditions. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to Memory Maker terms and conditions.

This weekend we get to take pause and celebrate dads all around the world! While many dads will be celebrating around grills, at sporting events or just enjoying a day of relaxation with your family…there is no doubt that some will be celebrating big at Walt Disney World® Resort!

With over 40-square acres of father-friendly activities there is literally something that will excite nearly any Dad! The good news is, it doesn’t have to be Father’s Day to celebrate dad at the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Since Father’s Day is right around the corner,  we decided to task our Magic Makers® with discovering the Top 12 Faves for those special guys in our lives – Dad!

And here are the results…

Top 12 Faves for Fathers at the Walt Disney World® Resort

Attractions

• Splash Mountain® – Everybody has a laughing place, including dad! A trip to Magic Kingdom® Park wouldn’t be complete without a ride on this water attraction!
• Pirates of the Caribbean® – A classic Disney attraction, every dad remembers either his first time on this attraction or his child’s first ride.
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress / The Hall of Presidents – We’re not sure if these attractions made the list because our dads like the show or the “napping” opportunity! We’ll leave that up to you to decide!

Snacks

• Churros – While they are more prevalent at the Disneyland® Resort, churros are one of our dad’s favs on the East Coast as well. How can you go wrong with a strip of fried dough dusted with cinnamon and sugar? Grab one (or more) before the 3 o’clock parade and enjoy!
• Drinking (and snacking) around the World – With 11 different countries nestled around the beautiful World Showcase Lagoon, it’s hard to pass up enjoying various food and beverages from around the world! Served at kiosks along the way, take your taste buds on a tour while you enjoy the sites and sounds of Epcot® World Showcase. One favorite – the Grapefruit beer and pretzels from Germany!
• Mickey Bar – Ok, so this treat knows no age limits. From young to old, everyone loves a Mickey Bar!

Restaurants

• Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room – This quaint family-friendly pub is home to some of the best pub food on property! Dad will love the fish and chips paired with a large selection of British beers and cold refreshments while relaxing to the tunes of Rose & Crown’s resident musician!
• Cape May Cafe – This New England-style, beachside themed dining hotspot will leave any dad full and smiling after experiencing the Seafood-and-More Dinner Buffet offering clams, mussels, crab legs, shrimp, chicken and more!
• ‘Ohana – Nothing says ‘family’ quite like ‘Ohana. Celebrate dad together with an amazing evening of Polynesian-style delights, storytelling and games. This tropical eatery features skewers of sweet and our pork loin, oak-grilled shrimp and steak.

Outside the Parks

• Golf – With three 18 hole championship golf courses and one 9 hole golf course on property, dad will never have a problem finding somewhere to swing his sticks! No equipment? No problem! Dad can rent clubs and shoes at the course!
• Not Driving – What more can we say? We have all seen dad behind the wheel…and he needs a break! Enjoy the amazing on-property transportation and give Dad’s right foot a break!
• Richard Petty Driving Experience – The only exception to not driving would be letting dad drive as fast as he wants in a real NASCAR prepared stock car or a high end exotic machine like a Lamborghini or Ferrari!

We told you we were bringing you a top 12, but get ready for a bonus. Because of the popularity of land and sea vacation, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention Disney Cruise Line. Whether paired with a Walt Disney World® vacation or not, a sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line can provide the ultimate in relaxation for dad!

Walt Disney World® Resort is a place that Dad can be celebrated all year round! These are just 12 of the many amazing experiences that await Dad, and the entire family, on a trip to Walt Disney World® Resort!

Following in the footsteps of last year’s extremely popular Villain-themed Limited Time Magic event, the Walt Disney World® Resort has announced a new hard-ticketed event called Villains Unleashed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. At this point this is a one time event, so we expect tickets to sell out quickly!

On Aug. 23, 2014, over 50 Disney Villains will unite for a night of partying, wicked fun, and all around mayhem! The night full of villainous entertainment will be capped off with Villainy in the Skies – a fearsome fireworks extravaganza high above Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Other planned entertainment include:

• Over 50 Disney Villains throughout the Park
• Villain-inspired Fantasmic! preshow
• Oogie Boogie Variety Show
• Hades Hangout and Dance Party
• Star Wars™ Villain Zone
• “Ex-Scream” Makeovers

Additionally, operating hours for many Disney’s Hollywood Studios® attractions will be extended for the party. Be sure you don’t miss some of the villainous food, beverage, and merchandise offerings available during the party as well!

Villains Unleashed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

When: Sat. Aug. 23, 2014 ~ 8p – 1a
Pricing: $67+tax for adults / $62+tax for children

Tickets are currently available but are expected to sell out! Contact your Magic Maker® for more details.

Entertainment offerings subject to change without notice. Admission to this event requires a separately priced ticket. Ticket valid only during specific event hours and subject to availability.

Disney PhotoPass™ Service has just made using their Memory Maker package at the Walt Disney World® Resort even easier!

Now, all guests who have a linked Memory Maker and MagicBand will no longer have to stop at the photo counter of select attractions to associate their photos with their Memory Maker account. Those attractions include:

• Magic Kingdom® Park
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin®
  • Space Mountain®
  • Splash Mountain®
• Epcot®
  • Test Track® Presented by Chevrolet®
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
  • DINOSAUR
  • Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®
    

All other guests will still need to visit the photo counter at each attraction to associate their photo to their account. This even includes guests who have purchased Memory Maker but have no MagicBand or vice versa.

Disney PhotoPass™ Service has provided a few FAQs regarding the new system:

Q: How will I know if an image has been successfully associated to my MagicBand / My Disney Experience account?

A: You can view your images via your My Disney Experience account or at a Disney PhotoPass™ Center. If you do not see your photo after 24 hours from the time it was captured, please contact your Magic Maker® for assistance in contacting the Disney PhotoPass™ Support Team.

Q: I don’t have Memory Maker but a member of my travel party does. Will they see my attraction photos?

A: Yes, guests with Memory Maker who have active Family & Friends connections on their My Disney Experience account will be able to view all attraction photos for their Family & Friends, including those that are captured automatically and those manually associated at a photo counter. At this time, only the guest with an active Memory Maker entitlement will be able to view the attraction photos.

Q: I purchased Memory Maker but do not have a MagicBand, how can I have my photos automatically associated to my account?

A: You may purchase a MagicBand at a Walt Disney World® merchandise location and link it to your My Disney Experience account.

Ask your Magic Maker® about adding Memory Maker to your upcoming Walt Disney World® Resort Vacation!