Disney News

The Be Our Guest Restaurant inside the New Fantasyland® area of the Magic Kingdom® Park has earned national recognition from the National Restaurant Association. The honor, the Operator Innovation Award, recognizes the use of technology at Magic Kingdom® Park’s newest restaurant, which has only been open for 6 months.

During lunch, Be Our Guest Restaurant uses state-of-the-art touch screen terminals to allow you to order your French-inspired meals to your liking. After ordering, simply choose a table and place the special “rose” you were given at the beginning of your order on your table. When ready, the food will magically be delivered to your table. These innovations have allowed Walt Disney World® Resort’s Food and Beverage team to serve over 3,000 meals at lunch each day!

The new “flex dining” prototype that Be Our Guest Restaurant has proved to be a popular dining experience for Walt Disney World® Resort guests. The restaurant transforms from a quick service dining location during lunch to a table service experience each evening. Because of guest demand for the restaurant since opening, Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) have been necessary for dinner and waits are common during the lunch service. Contact your Magic Maker® for more details on this enchanted dining experience.

Daily helpings of innovative food, wine, beer, cocktails, music and entertainment will be served this year at the 18th Annual Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival taking place Sep. 27 – Nov. 11, 2013 at the Walt Disney World® Resort. While the festival planners are still busy finishing up some of the details, information on some new experiences has been released.

More than 25 ethnic and specialty marketplaces surround the World Showcase Lagoon with delectable offerings from their respective regions. New this year will be the Scotland Marketplace. Inspired by the success of Disney-Pixar’s Brave, the marketplace will offer dishes with traditional Scottish flavors as well as their signature cocktail, a Rusty Nail – a scotch whisky martini. After a one-year hiatus, the Brazil marketplace will return with an all new menu.

Nineteen bands are booked to rock the stage at the American Gardens Theatre during the nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series. New to this year’s lineup is the Go-Go’s, Edwin McCain, Manhattan Transfer, Wilson Phillips, Spin Doctors, and Christopher Cross. Click here for a full lineup of performers.

The Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival also provides many great opportunities to experience Celebrity chef seminars and special culinary programs – some at an additional fee. For additional information, please contact your Magic Maker®.

The transformation at Disneyland® Park of Princess Fantasy Faire back to the Fantasyland® Theatre is complete, and tomorrow the curtains will rise on the newest live stage show at the Disneyland® Resort – Mickey and the Magical Map.

During the show, curiosity gets the best of Apprentice Mickey as he stumbles upon a map with magical powers. The result takes you on a fantastic journey of imagination. The 22-minute show, which is exclusive to the Fantasyland® Theatre in Disneyland® Park, features music and beloved characters from several classic Disney films.

To celebrate the debut of Mickey and the Magical Map, we have a video showing how the production has come from concept to reality. But first, enjoy a couple fun facts about the show:

• The adventure includes scenes with King Louie from The Jungle Book, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from Tangled, Sebastian from The Little Mermaid, Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, Pocahontas, Mulan and an on-screen visit with Stitch from Lilo and Stitch.
• The cast for Mickey and the Magical Map has spent more than 40 days rehearsing and training for the show.
• Out of more than 900 hopefuls auditioned for the show, the final cast includes about 50 dancers and singers.
• The innovative Map contains more than 35,000 square inches of LED screen surface.
• Tiana’s showboat in the finale reaches 18 feet tall, stretches 11 feet wide and weighs nearly 1,200 pounds.

Mickey and the Magical Map is scheduled to run five times per day, seven days a week, during the summer with an adjusted schedule expected to start in the fall. Please see your Times Guide for more details.

By Magic Maker® Courtney Harris

Millions of people visit Walt Disney World® Resort each summer, but the Florida heat and humidity can be brutal on those not use to it.  The key to not letting it ruin your vacation is being prepared. A little planning can go a long way in keeping you and your family happy, despite the heat.

1. Stay hydrated. Dehydration is the number one cause of daytime fatigue, yet most people don’t even realize they are dehydrated. You should constantly be drinking. If you wait until you are thirsty, you are already on the road to dehydration. Water is your best option, and the most cost-effective. Bring a water bottle with you, and refill it at water fountains. You can also request a complimentary cup of ice water at most quick service locations.
2. Get inside! Rotate outdoor rides and attractions with rides that have indoor queues or shows that allow you to take a break inside the air-conditioning. Sit-down meals are also a great way to cool down while you refuel. Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® for help in booking all of your dining reservations in advance so you don’t find yourself standing outside in the heat waiting on a table. They can also create touring plans for you that rotate indoor and outdoor attractions.
3. Remember the sunscreen. Before you ever even enter the park, liberally apply sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. Remember to cover often over-looked spots such as behind the ears and the back of your neck. Be sure to reapply continuously throughout the day, especially after excessive sweating or water rides.
4. Take an afternoon break from the park. Hit the parks first thing in the morning at rope drop, and then head back to your resort in the afternoon during the hottest part of the day. While beating the heat, you will also beat the crowds! Afternoon breaks are a great opportunity for little ones to get in a nap or just for your family to enjoy the pool at your resort. After everyone is rested and re-energized, you can head back out the parks for dinner and night-time festivities. If you purchase  Magic Your Way® tickets with Park Hopper® Option, you can even visit a different park from the one you toured that morning!
5. Play in the water! Water features such as pop jets and misters can be found in several locations throughout the parks. Most locations have benches or places for adults to sit while the kids run shrieking through the water. This is a great way to take a break and cool off at the same time. Check your park map or ask your Magic Maker® for locations.
6. Enjoy a cool treat. Beating the heat is a great excuse for enjoying that dole whip or Mickey ice cream bar. As if you needed an excuse! Ice cream and other cool treats can be found at most counter service locations and even many beverage carts around the parks. And if you are using a dining plan, most treats are only one snack credit!
7. Visit a waterpark. Walt Disney World® Resort boasts two of the country’s best water parks- Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.   Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® about adding the Water Park Fun & More option to your Magic Your Way® tickets.

Don’t let the heat scare you away this summer. By planning ahead and working together with your Magic Maker®, you can beat the heat at Walt Disney World® Resort!

Adventures by Disney® has announced new and enhanced itineraries for 2014! These changes expand their already large portfolio of travel options giving you more opportunities to explore the World.

“Austria, Germany, and Czech Republic”

In this new 9-day, 8-night vacation to Central Europe, you will travel off the beaten path as you explore Prague, Salzburg, Vienna, and the majestic Alps.

Highlights include:

• Ice-cave and salt-mine adventures in the Bavarian Alps
• Day trip to Salzburg – the birthplace of Mozart and location of Hellbrunn Castle
• Learn how to make strudel and pretzels from the locals and enjoy schnapps tasting
• Private dinner inside the Emperor’s Pavilion at the Vienna Zoo
• Private tour of the Spanish Riding School inside Vienna’s Hofburg Castle
• Marionette Workshop in Prague and Waltzing lessons in Vienna

Enhanced Itinerary: “Viva Italia”

Also new for 2014, Adventures by Disney® has enhanced their current Italy itinerary by adding new VIP experiences. This 9-day, 8-night journey takes you on an exploration of the awe-inspiring parts of Italy – including Rome, Florence, Venice and Tuscany. New features of this itinerary through one of Europe’s most iconic destinations include:

• Feel like a Roman Gladiator when you step on the floor of the Colosseum, an area that is off-limits to the general public
• After hours visit to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican City Museum
• Prepare a traditional Italian dish with the help of locals inside a kitchen of a working olive farm

Special Teen-Focused Departures

Adventures by Disney® will feature three unique departures with activities created with teens in mind. There is only one departure for each of these locations, so availability is likely to disappear quickly.

• Peru (6/22/14) – Special teen experiences include salsa dancing lessons, horseback riding, and bonfire/stargazing
• Costa Rica (7/12/14) – Teen-focused activities include a photography class and a beach party on the sands of Guanacastle
• Arizona and Utah (8/6/14) – New experiences for teens include a bike ride through Boyton Canyon, various outdoor activities at Red Cliffs Lodge, and a sunset hike through the Grand Canyon

With over 20 different itineraries to choose from, Adventures by Disney® can take you across six continents on a vacation you never dreamed possible. Contact your Magic Maker® today to find out how you can see the World while experiencing the Disney Difference!

Disney Visa® Cardmembers can take advantage of 3 limited-time offers during their Summer vacation to Disney Parks. These discounts are great ways to add a little extra Magic to your upcoming vacation!

Transform into a Disney Princess at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

From Jun. 1-30, 2013, Disney Visa® Cardmembers can save 20% on the Castle Package at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at the Disneyland® Resort and the Walt Disney World® Resort¹ when using your Disney Visa® Card for payment. This head-to-toe transformation by your own Fairy Godmother-in-training will make your little Princess’ fairytale dreams come true! Participating locations include in Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom® Park and World of Disney® store in Downtown Disney® Marketplace at the Walt Disney World® Resort or in the Sleeping Beauty Castle courtyard at the Disneyland® Park. Because the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a popular experience, advanced reservations are suggested.

Free Surf Box or Small Locker Rental at Disney Water Parks

From now until Jul. 31, 2013, Disney Visa® Cardmembers can receive a free surf box or small locker rental (with locker key deposit)² when you visit Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Simply stop by Singapore Sal’s or Beach Haus and present your Disney Visa® Card and the special coupon to redeem. Contact your Magic Maker® for the coupon and more details on this promotion.

Save 20% off the Tastes of the Americas at Paradiso 37

From now until Oct. 31, 2013, Disney Visa® Cardmembers can save 20% off food purchases at Paradiso 37 at Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island at the Walt Disney World® Resort³. To receive the discount, you’ll need to present a special coupon and pay for your meal on your Disney Visa® card. Contact your Magic Maker® for the coupon and more details on this promotion. Advance Dining Reservations are suggested.

¹ From June 1-30, 2013, Disney’s Visa^® Cardmembers will receive 20% off the purchase of the Castle Package at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Disneyland^® Park and the Walt Disney World^® Resort. Savings based on the retail price of the Castle Package starting at $189.95, plus tax. Valid Disney Visa® Card must be presented and used at time of purchase of the Castle Package. Separate Theme Park admission is required to enter Disney Theme Parks. Guests must be between 3-12 years of age and must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older during the entire experience. Costume selection available in youth sizing only, sizing may vary. Reservations are strongly recommended. A valid credit card number may be required at time of booking, and a cancellation fee may be applied to such credit card for all no-shows or if a reservation is cancelled within 48 hours of the experience. All prices, package components and information are subject to restrictions and change without notice.

² Offer available at Singapore Sal’s at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Beach Haus at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park during Park operating hours. Water Park Admission required to redeem this coupon and offer. Guest must pay $5 key deposit for small locker rental. Deposit refunded when Locker key is returned. Coupon cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. Limit one Coupon per cardholder. Coupon has no cash value and must be surrendered at time of purchase. No photocopies or reproductions of Coupon are accepted. Offer valid through 7/31/2013. While supplies last, offer subject to change without notice. Contact your Magic Maker® for a coupon.

³ 20% discount on food only at Paradiso 37. Not valid with any other offers, promotions, coupons or discounts. Contact your Magic Maker® for a coupon.

Disney Parks has announced details on next Friday’s “Limited Time Magic” event – the Monstrous 24-hour All-Nighter.

Walt Disney World® Resort

The Monstrous 24-hour All-Nighter will take place inside the Magic Kingdom® Park from 6a May 24, 2013 to 6a May 25, 2013. Special events include:

• Special Park opening
• Mike and Sulley will be in the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party and will act as Grand Marshals of the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade
• Monster Mania DJ Dance Party (4p-9p) and screening of Monsters, Inc. (11p-5a) in Tomorrowland®
• Chip ‘n’ Dale meet and greet in Town Square
• Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party (2a-5:45a) near Cinderella Castle
  Valid Theme Park admission is required for all events. Schedule is subject to change. See Times Guide for more details.

Disneyland® Resort

The Monstrous 24-hour All-Nighter will keep both Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park open from 6a May 24, 2013 to 6a May 25, 2013! Special events include:

• Screening of Monsters, Inc. inside Muppets Theater (starting at 9p)
• Disney Character Pajama Party inside Mickey’s Toontown (starting at midnight)
• Star Wars character meet and greet in Tomorrowland®
• TLT Monstrous Dance Club at Tomorrowland Terrace (midnight to 5:30a)
• Royal Swing Ball at Royal Theatre with live band (10p to 1:40a)
  Valid Theme Park admission is required for all events. Schedule is subject to change. See Times Guide for more details.

Special themed merchandise and food will also be available for the event. Keep an “eye” out for a special Sulley Ear hat for sale in select merchandise locations. Special treats will include green and blue cotton candy, cake pops, and decorated candy apples.

Keep checking back as Off to Neverland Travel® will continue to bring you details on future ”Limited Time Magic” events as they become available!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park has long established itself as the home to many thrilling adventures and exotic animals from around the world. Whether you are visiting Asia® Land, exploring Pangani Forest Exploration Trail Walking Tour, traversing Maharajah Jungle Trek® Attraction, experiencing Kilimanjaro Safaris® Expedition or some other ride or attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park you are transformed into a world adventurer with your own experiences to share. As a home to over 1,700 different animals from 250 different species, you can experience a lifetime of exploration in one vacation!

It is no surprise then, that Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are now sharing their own globetrotting experiences in their new meet and greet location in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

In the new Adventurers Outpost, you get to step into the exploration headquarters of Mickey and Minnie Mouse as they give you a glimpse into their world travels as you check out the photos and field notes from destinations around the globe. From the mountains of Nepal to the savannas of Africa, and many destinations in between, you’ll get to see mementos from all of their travels!

The new Adventurers Outpost, opened in the former Beastly Bazaar gift shop on May 15th, and is now the official meet and greet for Mickey and Minnie Mouse in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, replacing their former location in Camp Minnie Mickey.

While you are on your own adventure, you don’t want to miss stopping off at Adventurers Outpost and capture your own special memory with our two favorite world travelers before continuing on your journey!

Now is as good of a time as any to plan your return trip to visit your old pals, or to meet them for the very first time! Our Magic Makers® are eager to help you create an unbelievable Walt Disney World® Resort experience!

 We’ve spent the past couple weeks discussing how Disney Cruise Line® strives to ensure each and every guest on board their ships have a Magical vacation. With Disney Cruise Line®, every detail matters!

See what past guests have to say about their attention to detail.

Contact your Magic Maker® today to start planning your Disney Cruise Line® vacation!

Summer vacation is right around the corner! As our guests are making their final preparations for their upcoming Disney Vacations, we thought we would share a few “must pack” items for your packing list.

We turned to our experts for help! To keep from having a list a mile long, we skipped over some of the general items you’d find on a typical list – like sunscreen, toothpaste, comfortable shoes, etc. Instead, we focused on those items that after reading the list, you’ll likely say “I would have never thought of that!”

Without further ado, we present:

Magic Maker’s® Top 6 Disney Vacation “Must Pack” Items

1. Zippered Storage Bags – This item quickly made its way to the top of our list simply because of the number of uses you will find for them! If you plan on enjoying one of the water attractions like Splash Mountain® or Kali River Rapids®, they are great to store any items you want to keep dry. This same idea also works in the event of rain! You can also use the bags to easily take any leftovers with you from your meals to snack on later. This is just a few of the common uses our Magic Makers® have found. Trust us on this one – take some with you, you’ll thank us later!
2. Permanent Markers – This is another item with many uses. Characters love them as they are often easier to use when signing autographs (get a few colors to add a splash of color to your autograph book). They will also come in handy for labeling items – like water bottles or cups.
3. Hand Sanitizer – There’s nothing worse than coming down with a bug while on vacation. Pack a few little bottles of hand sanitizer for easy access wherever you are. Simply use after enjoying hands on experiences and before eating. Having hand sanitizer comes in handy at the Disney Parks and aboard Disney Cruise Line®.
4. Power Strip – If you think about it, most of your modern conveniences either require electricity for use or to be charged at some point during the day. Your phone, hairdryer, MP3, handheld games, eBook reader – so many devices, not enough outlets! A power strip or two will be a lifesaver, especially in your stateroom on Disney Cruise Line®.
5. Chewing Gum – Available at nearly every retail location you walk into, chewing gum is not something you’d think to add to your packing list. But if you are a regular gum chewer, you’ll want to! Chewing gum is not sold at Orlando International Airport or the Walt Disney World® Resort.
6. Poncho – Since the weather can be so unpredictable, it’s much easier to go prepared! While poncho are available for purchase at nearly every merchandise location at the Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, and aboard Disney Cruise Line®, our Magic Makers® suggest you save money by purchasing some cheap disposable ponchos from your local retailer before leaving home.

There you have it – but this is just the start of it! With countless trips and years of experience at Disney Destinations, our Magic Makers® have many more tips and tricks to share with their clients. Contact us today to start planning your next Magical vacation!