EPCOT FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL RETURNS IN 2017
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort Aug. 31-Nov. 13, 2017. This year’s festival will be a record 75 days of global culinary creations, celebrity chefs, premium events, Eat to the Beat concerts, and more.
SPECIAL OFFERS
For special offers during Food and Wine, be sure to check out the Offers Page here at SaveAtWDW.com. Magical Vacations Travel just announced the Labor Day Offer 2017 running from Aug 15 through Sep 16. Plus more Agency Exclusives will be announced soon for fall travel dates.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a "Best of the Best" Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Big Changes to Disney's Wilderness Lodge
The Disney Vacation Club accommodations previously known as The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge now have a new name – Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This new name more accurately reflects the railroad theming of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and complements the storyline of the resort.
And more changes are ahead at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort, including a re-imagination of the former Hidden Springs Pool area that will help tell the backstory of Boulder Ridge. Scheduled to open in summer 2017, Boulder Ridge Cove will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool in what appears to have been an abandoned rock quarry.
Beyond the new pool space, scheduled enhancements to the resort include a brand-new bar & grill, in addition to a quick-service restaurant. Geyser Point Bar & Grill will be located in the heart of the feature pool area of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where your Clients can grab a bite to eat as they lounge by the resort’s main pool.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
What Are The Enchanting Extras At Magic Kingdom?
“Tiana’s Riverboat Party Ice Cream Social & Parade Viewing” will make its debut launch on the Liberty Belle Riverboat at Magic Kingdom Park on Nov. 29, 2016. The fun starts at the boat dock, where you can enjoy hand-dipped ice cream and soft drinks while you visit with Princess Tiana and Naveen.
You'll then board the riverboat to enjoy an incredible birds-eye-view parade viewing for the park’s “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” and a cruise around Tom Sawyer’s Island. Princess Tiana and Naveen will join the group on the Liberty Belle Riverboat after the parade concludes for photos. Please note during the holiday period Dec. 23-31, 2016, Guests will view the “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade” instead.
This offering is part of the new Enchanting Extras collection, which offers you a variety of options to enhance your Walt Disney World Resort vacations.
Tiana’s Riverboat Party Ice Cream Social & Parade Viewing is available for $49 per adult and $29 per child age 9 and under (includes tax). Reservations can be made now by calling 407-WDW-DINE. As usual, entertainment is subject to change without notice.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Update: Stars Wars Land At Night
Today I'm excited to share a new image from Walt Disney Imagineering that shows just how amazing the Star Wars-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort will look once the sun goes down.
As you can see, the land will take on a whole new dimension after dark and feature adventures and surprises around each corner. If you look close, the image reveals a peek at what you'll discover in this all-new land, including one of the signature attractions that lets you take the controls of the Millennium Falcon.
I'm also excited to share that Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm teams are currently in production to add an exciting new mission to the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction, based on elements from Star Wars Episode VIII.
Stay tuned to Save At WDW for more updates on the Star Wars-themed lands coming to Walt Disney World Resort.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
All-New Epcot International Festival of the Arts
A brand new event is coming to Walt Disney World Resort! The Epcot International Festival of the Arts debuts Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017. It’ll be a trifecta of global masterpieces: combining visual, culinary and performing arts for six colorful weekends.
Over the six weeks of the festival, you can enjoy different pairings of phenomenal Broadway talent in concert singing the award-winning music of Disney on Broadway. Plus, you'll feast on delicious creations that look almost too good to eat.
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will run Fridays through Mondays, and unveil brand new art each week.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
MagicBand2 FAQ
A new MagicBand is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort and I was able to get my hands on one at the D23 conference this past weekend. Here's what you need know:
What's new with MagicBand 2?
MagicBand 2 has a stronger signal so it's not always necessary to physically touch the band to an RF reader. This is especially noticeable on hotel room doors. The doors unlock just by holding the MagicBand within 2-3 inches away. The new bands are lighter and slightly softer than the first generation MagicBands.
Is the center part of the MagicBand 2 removable?
Yes. You can remove the RF reader chip and insert it into a lanyard. Disney will begin selling special lanyards (see prototype image above) that are specifically designed for MagicBand 2 chips.
When will MagicBand 2 be available?
Disney has not set a date yet, but expect them soon.
Will there be any new colors?
Disney has made MagicBand 2 more customizable with the lanyard options. I expect Disney to also begin offering special band designs just as they have with the current Magic Bands. There is no official word on new colors being introduced.
Will the old style MagicBands still work?
Yes, internally they are still share the same technology.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Details Emerge About New Pandora Attractions
This past weekend I attended D23’s Destination D: Amazing Adventures presentation where details were shared about the opening of Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in summer 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Na’vi River Journey – A family-friendly experience that will send you down a sacred river hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest.The adventure begins as guests set out in canoes and venture down a mysterious, sacred river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest. The full beauty of Pandora reveals itself as the canoes pass by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures. The journey culminates in an encounter with a Na’vi shaman, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends positive energy out into the forest through her music. Na’vi River Journey will open with Pandora.
AVATAR Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — This E-ticket attraction, the centerpiece of Pandora, allows guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage.
Windtraders - The merchandise location where travelers can find Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more
Pongu Pongu – A special drink location with a design that is a eclectic as its Expat owner
AVATAR Flight of Passage – Excursions that offer the jaw-dropping experience of riding on a Banshee over the world of Pandora.
Satu’li Canteen – The main restaurant in Pandora – The World of AVATAR that will feature Na’vi art and cultural items
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
A NEW MAGIC BAND BOX DESIGN IS COMING
New Magic Band packaging is environmentally friendly.
Beginning Nov. 11, 2016, Guests who receive MagicBands at home before their resort stay will have their MagicBands fulfilled in new packaging. The new packaging is fully recyclable and printed on recycled paper, in response to Guests' requests.
The new packaging includes a sleeve on its left side, which is where the Walt Disney Travel Company luggage tags will now be located. The luggage tag straps can be found inside the gray MagicBand holder.
Related:
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
RESERVATION SYSTEM ENHANCEMENT PLANNED FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD
Confirmation Numbers
As a result of a system update scheduled for Friday November 18 and lasting through Saturday November 19, 2016 at the Walt Disney World Reservation Center, confirmation numbers will soon change on select reservations. An email communication will be sent to Travel Agencies within a week of the completion of the system update. Guests who booked on their own will also be notified.
If your reservation number changes, you may use either the old or new reservation number to visit StartYourDisneyExperience.com and link your reservation and engage in MyDisneyExperience to select FastPass+ experiences, book dining reservations, etc.
Pre-Arrival Communication Outage
During the system enhancement mentioned above , Room-Ready/Online Check-in messages will not be available. Guests who signed up for pre-arrival email or text messages will not receive them.
During Friday November 18 and lasting through Saturday November 19, 2016 the Disney Reservation Center will be unable to book, modify or take payments on package reservations.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS AVAILABLE TO BOOK AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
From a gala dine-around at California Grill high atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort to celebrations around World Showcase at Epcot and waterfront at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, there are lots of ways for you to ring in the New Year at Walt Disney World Resort.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS AVAILABLE TO BOOK AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
California Grill New Year’s Eve Dinner
With spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom Park, this dine-around style gala features cooking stations throughout the restaurant. Plus, a host of favorite Disney Characters will make appearances.
The event takes place from 7:30 p.m.-midnight. The price is $650 per person.
Victoria & Albert’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
A luxurious evening in this AAA Five Diamond restaurant features gracious “butler-style” service, live harp music and personalized menus to remember the special evening. Seatings are available between 6-7:45 p.m. The price is $600 per person.
New Year’s Eve at Epcot World ShowPlace (Family Event)
This all-you-care-to-eat extravaganza is a real family affair featuring photo ops with fun vignettes for posing (but no Disney Characters) and Disney tunes. Seatings are available from 3-9 p.m. The cost is $72.90 for adults and $44.38 for children (ages 3-11). And, later in the evening, you can head out to the promenade for fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon to welcome 2017.
Monsieur Paul New Year’s Eve Dinner
In the elegant upstairs dining room at the France pavilion at Epcot, you can feast on a four-course, prix fixe menu of classical French cuisine. Six seatings are available on New Year’s Eve: 11:45 a.m., Noon, 2:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. The price is $110.81. Plus, a special late-night dinner with two seatings are available at 8:45p.m. and 9:45p.m. The price is $305.03.
Narcoossee’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, this generous four-course menu is offered with seatings between 5 and 5:45 p.m. A five-course menu is offered with seating from 8:30-9:25 p.m. for a late-night celebration with live music. The first seating $150 for adults and $70 for children ages 3-9. The second seating is $255 for adults and $95 for children ages 3-9.
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
See Who's Coming to Candlelight at Epcot This Year
Candlelight Epcot 2016 Narrators
A few months ago, I shared a preview of the narrators scheduled for the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. And now, I'm excited to announce more narrators for the 2016 Candlelight Processional.
Celebrity Narrators scheduled to make appearances this year include (subject to change without notice):
Nov. 25-27 – Steven Curtis Chapman
Nov. 28-Dec. 1 – Neil Patrick Harris (will draw large crowds - arrive at least 90 min.early)
Dec. 2-3 – Whoopi Goldberg (will draw large crowds - arrive at least 90 min.early)
Dec. 4*-6 – Edward James Olmos
Dec. 7-9 – TBA
Dec. 10-12 – Robby Benson
Dec. 13-15 – Meredith Vieira
Dec. 16-18 – Jim Caviezel
Dec. 19-21 – Joe Morton
Dec. 22-24 – Ming-Na Wen – NEW!
Dec. 25-27 – Jodi Benson
Dec. 28-30 – Cal Ripken, Jr. – NEW!
The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the American Gardens Theatre. Dining packages are available on select nights and include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.
Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $27 plus tax per person for adults and $14 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $47 plus tax per person for adults and $20 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.
>> View Magical Deals at select Walt Disney World hotels
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Disney Dream Secrets You Probably Didn't Know
The Disney Dream dwarfs the nearby buildings when in port.
If you've been on the Disney Dream you know just how big this ship really is. On my last voyage my son and I were playing the Midship Detective Agency game and there were a few times where I honestly couldn't tell which side of the ship I was on nor which direction I was headed. And let me just say I'm very good with navigating, I never have pull the car over and ask anyone for directions. My wife will attest to that.
So here are a few tips I learned to help you navigate the Disney Dream while onboard. Plus, I thought it would be fun to include a few fun facts and secrets.
If the room plaques have a fish on them you're on the port side of the ship. If you see a starfish, you're on the starboard side of the ship.
These maps in the carpet help you determine which direction you are walking. If you're facing north, you are walking to the front. See those nautical flags? They spell out the name of the ship in signal flags.
Even More Secrets
Disney first got into cruising by partnering with Premier Cruise Line and the Big Red Boat. But there were too many guest complaints about customer service. But Disney was able to establish that there was indeed a market for cruising and in 1994, Disney Cruise Line was born.
The Disney Dream can accommodate 4,000 guests.
Head up to Deck 13 and 14 midship, you'll find an overlook deck.
The Disney Dream isn't black, it's actually blue - Monica Blue to be exact. The color was inspired by a pair of pants worn by a Cast Member at a meeting. Yes, her name was Monica!
The Disney Dream is actually blue, not black.
If you look at the Disney Dream, you won't many many straight lines. Curved lines help give the ship a beautiful design. The design team did everything they could to avoid making it look like a floating milk carton.
The Disney Dream cost more to build than the Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship.
Pub 687 is named for the Disney Dream's working title while it was being built. It's bad luck to call a ship by it's name until it is completed. The Disney Dream is the 687th ship to be built at Meyer-Werft Shipyard in German to is was known as "Project 687" respectively.
The AquaDuck was originally supposed to be a lazy river attraction but engineers studied the design and thought it would make the ship top heavy.
Why did Disney register their fleet in the Bahamas and not the United States? American maritime law requires that 70% of the crew be American. The cruise line industry prefers non-American crew members to save money on salaries. But don't let that fool you, the crew members on the Disney Dream are absolutely amazing.
With the ships being registered in the Bahamas, Disney is required to have its fleet stop in the Bahamas at least once a year.
When a Disney ship goes to drydock for refurbishment, the crew is put to work supervising vendors, hauling trash, running keys, and standing by on fire watch.
>> View the Disney Cruise Line Offers Page
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
PRICE INCREASES AT THIS FAVORITE DISNEY RESTAURANT
Effective Nov. 4, 2016 on the Disney Dream and Nov. 5 on the Disney Fantasy, the price of Remy will increase from $85 per person to $95 per person for dinner, from $55 per person to $60 per person for brunch and from $50 per person to $55 per person for dessert offering.