Cake Decorating Experience Comes to Disney Springs
Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie beginning March 31, 2017
Now you can learn how to create your own magic during a new Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie beginning March 31, 2017. Reservations are now open, and the experience, which must be booked in advance, will be from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. every Friday through May 5, 2017.
During the experience, you can enjoy complimentary specialty coffee, mimosas and bellinis while you work side by side with the pros at Amorette’s Patisserie to decorate your own Mickey Dome Cake. You'll discover how the team at Amorette's seamlessly blends artistry and storytelling in cake design, starting with the elegant glaçage (that’s French for “mirror glaze”) and ending with the finishing touches such as chocolate sculpted ears, tail, belt and buttons – all edible, of course.
You'll be able to take your cake home to impress their family and friends. Space is limited. The Cake Decorating Experience at Amorette’s Patisserie is another exciting offering from the Enchanting Extras Collection. The cost is $129 plus tax for ages 10 and up, for one to two Guests working on a single cake. A second cake can be purchased for an additional $40
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
Disney Resort Guests Have Extra Time to Explore Pandora
Special Extra Magic Hours Available to Disney Resort Hotel Guests.
For a limited time, May 27-July 4, 2017, Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can explore Pandora – The World of Avatar beyond regular Park hours.
Nightly Extra Magic Hours will take place from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. only in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. This offering will provide you with an additional opportunity to enjoy everything Pandora – The World of Avatar has to offer – including navigating a mystical river, flying on a back of a banshee and walking under floating mountains. Please note valid Theme Park admission and a Resort ID will be required.
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By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
FastPass Availability for Pandora | Walt Disney World
When you can begin making FastPass+ selections at Pandora - World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Today Disney announced that Guests staying at select Walt Disney Resort hotels can reserve Disney FastPass+ selections for attractions, including those in Pandora – The World of Avatar, up to 60 days prior to check-in beginning March 24, 2017. Disney FastPass+ service will be available at the two attractions within Pandora – The World of Avatar during regular Theme Park hours. Guests may select only one of these two attractions in their first set of Disney FastPass+ selections, subject to availability.
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By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Destinations
The Disney Vacation of a Lifetime, Starting Around $9,500 Per Person
Adventures by Disney: China. Special offer for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders.
If you're Walt Disney World Annual Passholder you can take advantage of a special rate on an Adventures by Disney vacation to China.
The trip takes place from July 6 through July 19, 2017 and kicks off with a special welcome event at Disneyland Park in California.
Highlights include:
A VIP visit to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and stops at such popular sites as Victoria Peak to Stanley Market.
Historic Beijing experiences featuring the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
A VIP visit to the new Shanghai Disney Resort and a tour of iconic landmarks and Old City wonders.
An immersive exploration of Chinese culture and traditions including dining experiences, performances, family activities and much more!
Download the Itinerary and Brochure. For information on booking this offer, contact Darren of Magical Vacations Travel today.
Miss Adventure Falls Now Open at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
Today I take you aboard Miss Adventure Falls, the new family raft attraction now open at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park!
With a ride time of two minutes, Miss Adventure Falls will be the longest attraction at Typhoon Lagoon.
By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Parks and Resorts
First Look: Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort
Geyser Point Bar and Grill is a new but unremarkable restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort situated on the shores of Bay Lake. The lounge itself is a big improvement over the existing pool bar and will likely attract an evening crowd. The open air pavilion is reminiscent of a structure you’d find at a public park or a summer camp but with more comfortable furniture and a bar! There are plenty of servers are on hand but most didn't have anything to do. Disney's Wilderness Lodge isn’t fully operational at this time due to an extensive, down-to-the-studs refurbishment so crowds should pick up once construction is complete.
The nearby quick service restaurant feels like an afterthought being tucked away in the corner. It's an attempt at rustic, Pacific-Northwest cuisine offering a bison burger and a smoked salmon BLT. Neither will impress you but overall they're acceptable. There’s absolutely nothing special about the bacon cheeseburger, it’s the same frozen beef patty you can get anywhere at Walt Disney World: overcooked beyond recognition and dry. In fact, it was so dry, it wasn't edible. If Wendy’s and McDonald's can make a decent burger, why can’t Disney? The oversized waffle-fries are fresh, crispy and will certainly be a signature item here.
Service is painfully slow at Geyser Point Bar and Grill. I was the only customer at the restaurant, shortly after 12 noon. After 15 minutes I approached the counter again to ask if they forgot about me. Nope. But a Cast Member was indeed working feverishly in the kitchen. It took 22 minutes for the order to arrive at my table but the place is still new so I can understand that some things might need to be worked out.
The open air design is only as good as the weather outside. Visit on a breezy winter day and you’ll fight to keep your plate and cup from blowing away. You can also expect cold food. It will be interesting to see if insects become a problem here - being that the pavilion has no screens. Disney has a great pest management system in place so it shouldn't be an issue.
Prices are reasonable, entrees range between $10 and $14. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. The lounge offers typical beverages found throughout Walt Disney World and even a few regional beers from the Pacific-Northwest.
If you’re staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Geyser Point is a good place for breakfast or an evening beverage after the theme parks, but overall it's just average for Walt Disney World.
How Pandora – The World of Avatar Will Continue the Values of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of Avatar, which is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort on May 27, 2017, will transport you to a visually stunning world complete with floating mountains, bioluminescent plans and all kinds of immersive adventures.
What's Happening: Star Wars Night April 14, 2017
Today, I'm excited to share more details on this new Hollywood-inspired special evening, which will include celebrity chats, behind-the-scenes looks, attractions and much more.
First, Vanessa Marshall, the voice of Hera Syndulla from Star Wars Rebels, will serve as host of “Inside the Saga: Celebrity Chat Show” and take you behind the scenes of the latest installment to the Star Wars franchise, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. This event-exclusive offering will take place multiple times throughout the event in the Epic Theater.
Guests of all ages can explore Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Seize the Saga Interactive Scavenger Hunt, searching for unique Star Wars photo backdrops. You will step into immersive and iconic scenes from the films, including a newly created backdrop from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and receive a themed piece representing each of the eight Star Wars films. These pieces will come together to form a one of a kind event keepsake.
And as previously announced, the event will mark the debut appearance of BB-8 at Star Wars Launch Bay.
Park access and activities will be limited to Star Wars: Galactic Nights event ticket holders only. Here’s a look at other event offerings:
Rebel Base Activities – The Rebel Base will serve as the event hub with multiple events, hosted shows, Star Wars dance parties and more taking place in the center of the park.
Can’t miss Star Wars photo ops – You can don your Star Wars finest (costume guidelines apply) and enjoy iconic Star Wars backdrops, including the debut appearance of BB-8.
Galactic Nights Stars in Cars Motorcade – This procession will welcome in Star Wars celebrities down Hollywood Blvd.
Imperial March & March of the First Order – Darth Vader will lead a battalion of stormtroopers on a dramatic march down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage. Captain Phasma will also lead a unit of First Order stormtroopers through the park, pausing to give a demonstration of power and strength.
“Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” – High-energy clips of the best moments from the film saga juxtaposed with character moments on stage, featuring Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and more.
“Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular lights up the night.
Other popular attractions will be open, including Star Wars Launch Bay. Additional offerings will include the chance to experience Star Tours-The Adventures Continue attraction, AWR Trooper sightings, roaming droids, Star Wars-themed F&B, special merchandise and much more.
The event will be held at the park from 7 p.m.-midnight. The Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket costs $129 plus tax for adults and $124 plus tax for children ages 9 and under. Tickets to the Star Wars: Galactic Nights event is separate from admission to Star Wars Celebration at the Orange County Convention Center, April 13-16, 2017
Sneak Preview of Pandora on Popular ABC Shows - March 9
Tune into ABC March 9 for an inside look at Pandora – The World of Avatar
Four ABC shows will offer sneak peeks into the new land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park at Walt Disney World® Resort. As “The View” broadcasts from Disney’s Animal Kingdom this week, several other ABC shows - including "Good Morning America" and "Nightline" - will be joining forces on Thursday, March 9, 2017 for a look into the highly-anticipated Pandora – The World of Avatar.
By Darren Wittko - Specializing in Disney Destinations