Super Zoom Magic Shot Launches at Walt Disney World Resort
New PhotoPass Feature - Super Zoom - Coming to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
Disney PhotoPass photographers are roaming Batuu and ready to offer even more creative ways to capture your' Star Wars adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including two more Super Zoom Magic Shots.
Visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge near First Order Cargo, where a Disney PhotoPass photographer can capture a Super Zoom Magic Shot of you surrounded by the beauty of Batuu, as well as next to Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, where you’ll be in frame with the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon.
Check out the Walt Disney World Offers Page for special savings.
Epcot's New BBQ Restaurant is fit for a...Monarch??
Regal Eagle BBQ Coming to Epcot
The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue is coming to The American Adventure Pavilion this winter inside Epcot.
Is it just me or was this an odd name for a restaurant at the American themed host pavilion? The word “regal” literally means “fit for a monarch” which seems a little unpatriotic considering where the restaurant is located. Didn’t we fight hard for our independence from a monarchy? Pretty sure it was a big deal, one that we celebrate every 4th of July.
Anyway, this new fast-casual barbecue experience at The American Adventure will offer up classic American backyard barbecue from around the United States as well as a variety of home-style craft brews.
On the menu are a variety of sandwiches and platters as well as a plant-based option. Guests can enjoy a sliced Texas beef brisket sandwich with house-made spicy mop sauce on garlic toast or the South Carolina smoked sausage sandwich with tangy mustard sauce and caramelized onions.
Regal Eagle BBQ Coming to Epcot
They can also feast on Kansas City smoked chicken, Memphis dry-rub pork ribs, North Carolina chopped smoked pork butt, all available by themselves or as part of a platter.
For a lighter option, grab the Power Greens Salad with chilled pulled chicken, fresh citrus, and a citrus vinaigrette.
The restaurant will is set to open this winter.
Coming Soon! Mickey Will Have A New Home at Epcot
Mickey will soon be making appearances in a new location at the Imagination! pavilion, as part of the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival. Just inside the entrance, you will discover Mickey greeting his fans and celebrating his on-screen stardom.
Mickey’s imagination has led to a career in the movies for 90 years and counting, featuring roles in dozens of short films such as “Get A Horse” which you’ll be able to watch as part of the festival. Look for Mickey to arrive at the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival in early 2020!
Additional Dates Now on Sale for Disney After Hours in 2020
Disney After Hours Events 2020
There are now more Disney After Hours event dates to choose from in 2020 at both Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Magic Kingdom Park
January 23, 27 & 31
February 3, 10, 17 & 24
March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
April 5, 13, 20 & 27
May 5, 11, 18 & 25
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park
April 1, 7, 14 & 22
May 2, 9, 16, 19 & 26
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in advance for $129 per adult or child, plus tax, or on the day of the event for $139 per adult or child, plus tax. Contact Darren today to book your tickets
More Reservations Made Available for the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package at Walt Disney World Resort
More Reservations Made Available for the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package at Walt Disney World Resort
Good news! Disney has increased availability for the 2019 Ultimate Disney Christmas Package and extended the booking window for this special offer. The package is a great way for you to experience all the holiday fun of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation, with an itinerary full of Yuletide offerings – including a five-night stay at a select Disney resort hotel from Dec. 21-26, 2019. Also included are four-day theme park tickets with the Park Hopper Option, plus some exclusive holiday experiences just for Guests taking advantage of this magical offer. Details include:
Saturday, Dec. 21: Exclusive nighttime access to experience Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey and Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Plus, you can catch an exclusive showing of the park’s new “Rivers of Light: We Are One” show on Discovery River.
Sunday, Dec. 22: Tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, where you can see the brand-new “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” nighttime spectacular.
Monday, Dec. 23, or Tuesday, Dec. 24 (one night per reservation): Access to an exclusive reserved viewing area to watch “Epcot Forever,” the new nighttime spectacular at Epcot. Plus, each Guest (ages 3 and older) receives a digital $50 Epcot Theme Park Dine Promo Card to use at participating locations in the park.
Wednesday, Dec. 25: An Ultimate Disney Christmas gift delivered to your resort hotel room!
Offer Alert! Florida Resident Ticket Offer for Walt Disney World Resort
Florida Residents can enjoy some flexibility with their visit when they purchase a special ticket offer!
The Florida Resident Seasonal Flex Ticket is available for use most days through Feb. 29, 2020 (see block-out dates below) at the following rates:
3-Day Ticket – $249 plus tax ($83 per day, plus tax)
4-Day Ticket – $269 plus tax ($68 per day, plus tax)
Please be aware that the following block out dates apply: Nov. 21-28, 2019, Dec. 18, 2019 through Jan. 2, 2020. Tickets can be used on non-consecutive days.
Check out current Walt Disney World offers here
Related:
Learn more about Florida Resident discounts for Walt Disney World Resort
Expect Epcot Closures This Fall-Winter
List of closures as part of the ongoing transformation of #Epcot:
Mouse Gear will move to a temporary home this winter while its current location is reimagined.
Fountain View featuring Starbucks will relocate to a temporary location in late Fall.
Club Cool will also close during this time with elements set to return in the future.
Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot will temporarily close beginning on September 8, 2019.
Pin Central will operate temporarily from a new location while refurbishment is underway.
The Camera Center will close this fall to become a new home for Pin Central.
Heritage Manor is also scheduled to close and return early next year.
Art of Disney will operate temporarily from a new location while refurbishment is underway. Heritage Manor will later become the new home for Art of Disney offerings.
Electric Umbrella is scheduled to close this winter. New dining options will be available in the future, featuring a variety of food and beverage selections.
Related:
Disney Cruise Line: Disney Wish
Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s 5th Ship
The ship’s atrium will be a bright, airy and elegant space inspired by the beauty of an enchanted fairytale. A beloved hallmark of Disney Cruise Line, it has been a tradition to adorn the back of our ships with an iconic character that reflects the theme of each vessel. For the Disney Wish, the ship’s stern will feature Rapunzel. Our favorite artsy princess, paintbrush in hand, uses her enchanted hair to suspend herself as she decorates the stern of the ship with the help of her feisty sidekick, Pascal. Spirited, smart, curious and above all, adventurous, Rapunzel embodies the wish and desire to see and experience the world.
Disney Wish
Disney also shared details on its second tropical destination in The Bahamas, which will be located on the island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point. The new destination will celebrate both the stories of The Bahamas and the natural environment of Lighthouse Point itself.
Disney’s Lighthouse Point
Construction at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.
Star Wars Hotel Coming to Walt Disney World
Star Wars Themed Hotel Planned for Walt Disney World
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will offer a two-night itinerary where all Guests arrive and depart at the same time, similar to Disney Cruise Line. Unlike any typical cruise, though, your Clients can become the heroes of their own Star Wars story in a new type of immersive experience that only Disney could create.
You’ll cruise the galaxy aboard the Halcyon, a starcruiser known throughout the galaxy for its impeccable service and exotic destinations. Onboard, Guests will stay in well-appointed cabins, experience onboard dining, make a planet-side excursion to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu, and much more. Throughout the journey, you will be invited to delve deeper into your personal adventure by participating in onboard activities, interacting with characters, crew, other passengers you meet, and becoming part of the action and the broader Star Wars saga:
The adventure begins when you arrive at the Galactic Starcruiser Terminal at Walt Disney World and check in for your two-night experience.
You will be invited to enter a Launch Pod for transport into space. Through windows above, you’ll see yourself leave the real world behind as you jump to hyperspace and draw closer and closer to the Halcyon.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
When the Launch Pod docks with the Halcyon and the airlock opens, they will step into the ship’s main deck Atrium to begin your journey through a galaxy far, far away.
A visit aboard the Halcyon becomes a multi-day story that interweaves with members of the crew, other passengers, familiar Star Wars characters, and an excursion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The all-immersive experience also features exclusive activities, such as:
Wielding a lightsaber while facing off against a training remote, where you may discover your own connection with the Force.
For more images and information, and the ability to sign up for a newsletter regarding this experience: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/star-wars-galactic-starcruiser/
Summary of Epcot Transformation
Epcot Transformation
What is all the construction at Epcot? Here’s a overview of what is being built at Epcot at Walt Disney World. Some of these attractions have been delayed due to the pandemic, but others are nearly finished.
Recently Walt Disney Imagineering and other special guests, made several announcements about the future of Epcot. Let’s take a look at the biggest changes you can expect to see in the coming months.
Epcot will be unified with four neighborhoods that each speak to important aspects of the world and its people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. These neighborhoods will be filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation.
New Nighttime Show Planned for Epcot
Soon the new “HarmonioUS” will debut as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, with a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. “HarmonioUS” will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Attraction coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Imagineers are getting ready to open next year. Your Clients will be invited to the Chinese Theatre, which serves as the magic portal through which theatergoers will step from the human world directly into the cartoon world for one Goofy adventure aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway!
Once you step into the cartoon world of Mickey Mouse, you’ll board a train with Goofy as the engineer. Then, after a magical moment you enter a zany, out-of-control adventure filled with surprising twists and turns.
With an original story and theme song, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway uses state-of-the-art technologies and dazzling visual effects to transform the cartoon world into an incredible and immersive multidimensional experience.
The Meaning Behind the RR Logo at Disney’s Riviera Resort
When Guests approach the resort, the signature double “RR” monogram will appear to rise into view like a welcoming beacon.
Signature elements are coming into place at Disney’s Riviera Resort, the newest Walt Disney World Resort hotel and Disney Vacation Club property, under construction now and projected to open Dec. 16, 2019.
Today, I’m sharing a look at the Disney’s Riviera Resort double “RR” monogram sign being raised into place, eight stories high and front and center at the resort’s tower.
When Guests approach the resort, the signature double “RR” monogram will appear to rise into view like a welcoming beacon, giving a first glimpse of the elegance that awaits within. Like the grand European resorts along the Riviera, Disney’s Riviera Resort’s signature monogram will be especially dazzling in the evening hours thanks to its dramatic lighting with 470 light bulbs illuminating the sign.
Disney’s Riviera Resort opening Dec 18, 2019
The iconic “RR” monogram sign will sit above the resort’s eighth story tower which will be home to Walt Disney World’s newest accommodation type, the Tower Studios. Located in this tower, these upscale accommodations are designed for two. Each Tower Studio will maximize efficiency within a space that exudes refined luxury.
Why You Shouldn't Wait to Book Disney World in 2020
I have worked exclusively with Disney destinations for the past 10 years and based on my experience, I can see that things are changing at Walt Disney World. 2020 is going to bring many exciting changes, and yes, higher rates and even new policies. We recently saw big changes to Walt Disney World theme park tickets and we saw the end of the long-standing Magic Your Way package.
Back in the spring I predicted major price increases to nightly hotel rates based on the number of reservations I was booking for clients. The rate increase came in July but was cleverly disguised as a free dining offer. What you didn’t see was a significant rate increase on Walt Disney World hotels. If you booked a fall 2019 reservation after the offer came out, well, you paid 2020 rates. By the way, the free dining offer was so limited this year, very few people were able to take advantage of it. There were just a few weeks here and there that needed to be filled.
I do expect additional rate increases on things like PhotoPass and the Disney Dining Plans for 2020 so it would wise to get those components added to your reservation now, just in case.
I’ve heard that Disney is waiting to see what Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge does for attendance before releasing any 2020 discounts. Offers like free dining were created to fill gaps in attendance when tourism was down. But 2019 was the best year for travel and tourism in long, long time. I think Disney is expecting 2020 to be even better.
Disney has been investing a lot of money and resources at Walt Disney World with new hotels, transportation upgrades, attractions and of course Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. It’s reasonable for Disney to expect a return on its investment. Simply keeping the parks busy isn’t going to be enough after the amount of money they have spent. But we should keep in mind that there is a lot of value in the many, new experiences coming even if prices are higher.
I do recommend booking your trip as early as possible with the refundable deposit, even if you might change your mind later. I have noticed that some hotels are already sold out for select January and February nights. This isn’t normal! Bookings are definitely way up.
Rates can increase again at any time. When you book early in the year you lock in the current price. Plus, Disney allows guests to apply offer codes to existing reservations. If the price goes down, I can make the adjustment provided the offer matches your package type.
As a travel agent obsessed with saving my clients money, I will certainly be on the lookout for any offers that come along and post them here. So, stay tuned! This is going to be a great year at Walt Disney World.
Big News for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2019
Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom Park will get a holiday makeover.
For the first time ever during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, select Magic Kingdom attractions are receiving special enhancements just for the holidays!
When you get behind the wheel on the Tomorrowland Speedway, you’ll find yourself cruising a festive freeway filled with thousands of lights and stylized décor.
The crew at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is putting some “Ha Ha Ha” in their “Ho Ho Ho,” with a new show for everyone visiting the Monster World during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Space Mountain launches Guests on a trippy jaunt through the cosmos, filled with dazzling lighting and high-energy holiday tunes.
Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland becomes a wild Christmas party, as you spin your teacup to one of four new holiday combos of lights and music.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show will debut this year as well.
The party starts at Magic Kingdom Park on Nov. 8 and is offered select nights through Dec. 22, 2019. For tickets contact Darren Wittko at Magical Vacations Travel
Related:
Highlights for the 2019 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
This year will be particularly exciting with several returning favorites and some all-new experiences, highlighted by the debut of the incredible new “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.”
Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” serves as the host of this all-new nighttime show, with state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting and fireworks.
Several attractions across the park will receive special enhancements just for the Halloween party.
Imagineering has created Monster World at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. Here you’ll interact in with the comic cast of monsters, as they learn about the curious Human World holiday we call Halloween.
At Pirates of the Caribbean, you’ll discover a crew of live pirates on your journey, and this year they’re engaged in a whole new adventure in search of treasure.
Space Mountain goes completely dark again this year, and a new hard-rock soundtrack.
Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland, gets special lighting and music to give your experience some extra energy after dark.
There’s also the popular “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” the ride of the Headless Horseman, “Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade,” Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball and “Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam,” where this year Nancy Clancy from the hit Disney Junior series “Fancy Nancy” joins other Disney Junior pals like Vampirina and Doc McStuffins.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, runs select nights Aug. 16 – Nov. 1, 2019
Menu Released for Topolino Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort
Reservations are now open for Topolino’s Terrace is Disney’s Riviera Resort at the Walt Disney World in Florida.
The first available date to dine is December 16. The Storybook Breakfast Dining Experience will be offered daily 7:30–11:00 a.m. and can count as one table service entitlement for breakfast on the Disney Dining Plan.
Evening dining will be from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will count as two table service entitlements for dinner on the Disney Dining Plan.
Discounts for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members will also be available. There will also be a minimum dress code for evening dining.
Topolino Terrace Menus
Disney World Enacts Length of Stay Requirements for Fall
Planning on booking a quick trip to Walt Disney World this fall? It might be a little difficult as the Walt Disney World Resort just enacted minimum length of stay requirements. This affects new bookings and modifications to existing reservations.
Availability across all Disney Resort hotels is now very limited from September through December. Shorter length of stays, or even 1 night room reservations are becoming increasingly difficult to find. For example, Disney’s Pop Century Resort shows available Oct 17 through Oct 26. However, it shows as unavailable for just 1 night - Oct 25 - 26.
If you have an existing reservation and would like to shorten your trip, you may not be able to do so. Disney will likely offer you 3 options: keep the reservation as-is, cancel it and try to rebook, or try a different resort. While this can be very frustrating, from Disney’s point of view, it doesn’t want holes in its reservation system. Holes are one or two nights scattered around that will likely go unsold. Holes are often created by short stays.
Travel agents who specialize in Disney can sometimes work with Disney on your behalf to get a modification to go through. As a travel agent myself, I know a few different routes to take, but no guarantees of course.
This is a pretty good indication that fall bookings are way up and that Disney World itself is reaching capacity. If you plan on visiting Walt Disney World this fall, the time to book is now!
Darren is a travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel, specializing in Walt Disney World travel.
2019 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Coming Soon...
Held in the America Gardens Theatre inside Epcot, the Candlelight Processional is a cherished part of the Walt Disney World holiday season, combining a live orchestra, a massive choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story in a heartwarming performance!
This show is extremely popular and I would consider it one of the “must-dos” of the holiday season. The show is general seating, first come, first served, and lines begin forming about 2 hours before each performance.
However if you book a Candlelight Dining Package, you will have guaranteed admission into one of the performances.
I’m told that the 2019 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages at Epcot will be available starting July 3, 2019.
For more information on the types of candlelight Dining Packages, and for package pricing visit the Walt Disney World Website for a complete price list.
Check out exclusive offers for Walt Disney World Resort during the Holiday 2019 season on the Offers Page.
2020 Walt Disney World Package Pricing
Today I received confirmation that year 2020 Walt Disney World Resort packages will be available beginning June 18, 2019. Stay tuned for more information.
For a list of current offers for Walt Disney World Resort, visit the Offers Page.
Epcot's Pavilion Icons Will Return
Epcot’s Pavilion Icons are returning. Here’s a look at the new designs
Today I’m excited to share with you a little secret from Walt Disney Imagineering: Epcot’s pavilion icons are returning! Longtime fans of Epcot are familiar with the pavilion icons, like the ones you see here from the 1980s.
Epcot Pavilion Icons ©D23 / Disney
Recently Disney has hinted that some new icons are in the works. More will be revealed at the D23 Expo so stay tuned!
Epcot is special to me for a lot of reasons – as one of Walt’s final projects, and as an exclusive part of the Walt Disney World Resort, and it’s the park I remember the most from my childhood. I’m excited about the changes coming to Epcot including the transformation taking place inside the park’s entrance, and the new Play Pavilion where Wonders of Life is today. As great as Epcot is, the park lost way over the years.
But the Imagineers in charge of Epcot’s future are working to preserve all the elements that make this park so special while also evolving it to be more Disney, more family, more relevant and more timeless. Soon you’ll hear more about experiences that are uniquely Epcot – for example, the updated films coming to Future World and World Showcase, as well as new dining experiences being added to the menu of ‘the foodie park.