Tag Archives: Disney World

Exciting New Experiences to Make an Incredible Summer 2018 at Disney World

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

This summer, beloved stories from several Disney films will come to life at Walt Disney World in the form of new attractions, entertainment, experiences and more at all four parks, setting up summer 2018 to truly be an “Incredible Summer.”

Here’s what to expect at each Walt Disney World Resort location.

The Incredibles Take Over Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park – Guests can party with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and the soon-to-be blockbuster “Incredibles 2.” Edna Mode, the greatest superhero costume designer, will also make her debut appearance. Each evening, guests can enjoy a “SUPER” dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. [NOTE: Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” opens in theaters June 15, 2018.]

The Guardians of the Galaxy Take the Stage at Epcot – Star-Lord and Gamora from “Guardians of the Galaxy” will join an alien band, taking guests on a journey through the cosmos. The party will feature hits from Awesome Mixtapes 1 and 2 – fun and favorite tunes from the two movies’ soundtracks – building the anticipation for a new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

“Explorers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure” & A “Dino-Tastic” Celebration for Donald Duck Will Debut At Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Two new can’t-miss offerings will debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in time for the park’s 20th anniversary. First, guests can discover new bird species from around the world at the new show “Explorers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure,” which will star Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug. The park will also launch a “dino-tastic” celebration, in which Donald Duck takes over Dinoland, U.S.A., in a new character celebration.

See “The Incredibles 2” at AMC Disney Springs – Everyone’s favorite family of superheroes is back in “Incredibles 2” – but this time Helen is in the spotlight, while Bob navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet, Dash and baby Jack-Jack, whose superpowers are emerging. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone must find a way to work together again—which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible. “Incredibles 2” busts into theaters on June 15, 2018.

And last, but not least …

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Toy Story Land Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 30, 2018– One major highlight of “Incredible Summer” will be the grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios which is scheduled for June 30, 2018. This new 11-acre land will shrink guests to the size of a toy and allow them go explore the fun and adventure of Andy’s backyard. There, guests can experience two new attractions: the family coaster Slinky Dog Dash (38″ height requirement) and Alien Swirling Saucers (32″ height requirement). Toy Story Land also will feature an existing guest-favorite attraction, Toy Story Mania!, which will expand to add a third track into the rotation. The land’s Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick-service restaurant that will offer up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats to Toy Story Land guests.

It’s not too late to plan your Disney World vacation this summer to enjoy all of these exciting experiences! Contact us today to book your next vacation!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Where to Get the Best Nachos at Disney World

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Who doesn’t love nachos? With so many nacho offerings available around Walt Disney World Resort, you won’t want to miss this list of the best nachos at Disney World from all four parks and Disney Springs.

Starting at the Planet Hollywood Observatory in Disney Springs, you’ll be excited to find a hefty Nachos Grande on the appetizer menu. A great dish to share with friends, these corn tortilla chips come piled high with chipotle chicken, black bean sauce, cruda salsa verde pico de gallo, queso fresco, sour cream and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

But that’s not all – Disney Springs has a couple more delicious Nacho offerings available. The Smokehouse, located in Disney Springs West Side, has their incredible Smokehouse Nachos: crispy fried tri-color corn tortilla chips topped with house-made cheese sauce, avocado lime crema, pickled jalapeños, fresh-made pic de gallo and cilantro. You can also order these nachos with pulled pork or smoked beef brisket. And over at T-REX™ in the Disney Springs Marketplace, you’ll find the Colloso Beef Nachos for Two, with Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, green onions and sour cream. These nachos will leave you roaring for more!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Over at Disney’s BoardWalk, ESPN Club is bringing the game with their Tuna Nachos. This delicious appetizer consists of house-made wonton chips, togarashi-dusted tuna, soy-sesame sauce and wasabi aioli. And these aren’t the only gourmet nachos on the menu – you can also find Pub Nachos with house-fried corn tortilla chips, house-made chili, shredded cheddar, cheese sauce, sour cream, pico de gallo and jalapeños, with the option to add shrimp.

Next on my list is the Loaded Greek Nachos available at the Greece Marketplace. A special dish crafted for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, these nachos consist of pita chips, meatless sausage crumbles and vegan tzatziki. And not only is this dish vegan, it’s kid-friendly as well! Be sure to stop by Epcot in the fall, as these nachos are only available during the festival.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

For those looking for some smaller portions of nachos, if you’re in Magic Kingdom Park, you can always stop by Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe for some classic beef nachos – tortilla chips topped with queso, seasoned ground beef, lettuce and tomato. For a vegetarian option, you can also ask to substitute black beans in place of the seasoned ground beef! Or if you’re at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Dockside Diner near Echo Lake serves up some tasty chili cheese nachos with guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream. For the younger guests, a Kid’s Nachos is also available that comes topped with chili and cheese and includes carrot sticks, apple slices and your choice of a small lowfat milk or a small Dasani® Water. In addition, both of these nachos are completely vegetarian.

Finally, the Yak and Yeti™ Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a unique sharable nachos dish that’s perfect for two! The Ahi Tuna Nachos come with sushi grade Ahi, Asian slaw, crispy fried wontons, wasabi aioli and sweet soy glaze.

No matter which park you are visiting, there’s plenty of options for you to chow down on some delicious nachos at Disney World!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Seven Rare Disney Characters in Happily Ever After to Try to Spot

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

One of the things I love about “Happily Ever After,” the new nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom Park, is the surprising number of “rare” Disney characters you can spot in the show. And by “rare,” I mean those characters you love but rarely see elsewhere in the parks.

Thanks to the projection technology of this beautiful new show, characters like the Emperor and Shan-Yu from “Mulan”; Syndrome and his Omni-Bot from “The Incredibles”; and WALL-E and EVE from “WALL-E” all have special moments in the show.

Here are seven rare Disney characters in Happily Ever After that I’m sure you’ll be delighted to find in this new nighttime spectacular.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Remy from “Ratatouille” – At one point during “Happily Ever After,” the castle is transformed into Gusteau’s, the restaurant mentioned in the film, with Remy overlooking a Parisian landscape in the distance.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Joy & Sadness from “Inside Out” – This duo appears when the castle appears to be stacked – and then flooded – with colorful memory orbs.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Hiro & Baymax from “Big Hero 6” – This crime-fighting genius and his BFF, Baymax, appear to make an impressive blast off from Cinderella Castle.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Ralph & Vanellope from “Wreck It Ralph” – The gaming duo, Ralph and Vanellope, appear when the castle is wrapped in a candy motif. (Note the castle clock in the picture above, which has transformed into a mint).

“Happily Ever After” is performed nightly at Magic Kingdom Park. For the latest showtimes and information, be sure to check your My Disney Experience app or the park’s Times Guide on the day of your visit.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

To get excited about your upcoming Disney World vacation, be sure you get Mickey Mail.  You can get an autograph picture of Mickey Mail and mail right from Magic Kingdom Park.  Imagine your kids surprise when they get mail from Disney World.

New Details Shared for the Disney Skyliner Transportation System

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Earlier this year, we shared the news the Disney Skyliner transportation system will give our resort guests an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World Resort as they take to the sky to travel from select Disney resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Today, we have a new details on what you can expect from the Disney Skyliner system.

Select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests, such as characters from the ‘Fab Five,’ figures from Disney attractions, fan favorites from movies, and more.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The design of the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at Epcot will be inspired by the park’s nearby European Pavilions, and will be covered with metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals and ornamental steel structures that harken back to the early 18th century Art Nouveau style. Guests traveling to Epcot via the Disney Skyliner will be welcomed to the park with a rare birds-eye view of World Showcase.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station will be the hub of activity for Disney Skyliner. This station is inspired by the open air village marketplaces of the Caribbean and will showcase the nearby resort’s architectural detailing and color schemes. At this station, passengers will be able to transfer gondola routes to reach their destination, or are invited to sit and admire the waterfront resort setting.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The design style of the station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will fit with that of the park’s main entrance and bus stations. Passengers traveling here from the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station can expect a new aerial perspective of the park’s iconic attractions, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will share a Disney Skyliner station that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Upon departing the gondola station, Skyliner passengers will ascend over Hourglass Lake and enjoy a panoramic view of these two colorful resorts.

Finally, cabins will slow down at the Disney Skyliner turn-station along Buena Vista Drive, where guests can see the mechanical and aerial components that make up the Disney Skyliner.

Stay tuned for future updates, including an opening date on this incredible new guest option.

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

New Details for the Enhancements at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

New Details for the Enhancements at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Earlier this year, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World began some extensive construction projects and now Disney has released some new colorful details about those enhancements at Disney’s Caribbean Beach which are scheduled to debut late this summer!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be reimagined as the port of entry where guests will check in before embarking on their island vacation. This centralized location will offer resort guests more convenient access to services, amenities and dining, including an all-new Centertown Market for casual eats, an all-new Shutters restaurant offering waterfront dining adjacent to the new Banana Cabana outdoor bar and lounge, and Calypso Trading Post for shopping.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Centertown Market will be expanded and enclosed, creating a quick-service restaurant with an indoor street market vibe. Guests will enter the space under a large palapa-like structure, accented with glowing colored light pendants made from glass bottles. The market will feature open shutters, wooden light posts, awnings, ornamentation and unique seating areas. Guests will also have access to the Grab n’ Go market for a specialty coffee and quick bites.

Shutters, a Caribbean-inspired table-service restaurant, will be located on the waterfront of Old Port Royale, transporting guests to a beachfront home in the tropical islands. Large open shutters will allow the sun to cast a warm light into the space adorned with handmade items that appear as they’ve been found on the islands. Leaves and floral design motifs will fill the space, celebrating the natural beauty of the Caribbean.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

A festive poolside bar, Banana Cabana will be a great place to gather for food and drinks, immersing guests into the fun and relaxation of island life. Cabana-style drapes will flank seating areas and re-purposed steel drums will illuminate a central communal table made from a wooden boat.

Forget something? No worries! With its history of being the port’s import and export facility, Calypso Trading Post will offer shoppers Disney merchandise and other vacation essentials.

What changes at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort are you most excited about?

Stay tuned for more details on these enhancements at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort!

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

Treat Yourself to the Free Summer 2018 Meal Offer at Disney World

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We’ve cooked up a sweet surprise!

Enjoy a FREE meal at a Quick-Service location, per person ages 3 and up, per night when you buy a non-discounted 5-night/6-day Walt Disney Travel Company room & ticket package at a select Disney Value Resort.
For arrivals most nights 5/29–8/25/18. Book through 2/11/18.

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. First use must occur on or before 12/31/18. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

Offer excludes campsites and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort––The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms. Everyone in the room must be on the same package.
Each Quick-Service meal includes one entrée and one nonalcoholic beverage (or, if age 21 or over, one beer, wine or cocktail). Children ages 3–9 must order from the children’s menu, if available.Walt Disney Travel Company CST# 1022229-50 ©Disney WDWRST-18-62450

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

18 Reasons to Book a 2018 Disney World Vacation

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

With a new whimsical land set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer, plus the return of some amazing annual festivals and a multitude of new dining locations, 2018 will be an exciting year at Walt Disney World Resort.

If you’re considering planning a 2018 Disney World vacation, be sure to check out these 18 reasons why the new year should be the year for your Disney vacation!

1. Star Wars: The Last Jedi-Inspired Additions Are On Display At Star Wars Launch Bay – New props and models from Star Wars: The Last Jedi were recently put on display to Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

2. Experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Hyper-Reality Experience by ILMxLAB and The VOID – This newly opened experience is guaranteed to be a hit for Star Wars fans in 2018. Located in Disney Springs, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire transports guests deep into the Star Wars universe, allowing them to walk freely and untethered throughout a multisensory experience with friends and family. In groups of four, teams will go undercover as stormtroopers to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

3. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Now Offers Two New Destinations – This attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios now takes passengers to two exciting new destinations: Crait, the site of an epic battle in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Batuu, the remote outpost guests will discover when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at the park in 2019.

4. 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Celebration Begins January 3 – The Walt Disney World Marathon will mark its 25th anniversary this year. The race weekend will “run” from Jan. 3-7, and include a 5K, 10K, half-and-full marathon.

5. Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts Expands To Run January 12-February 19 – Epcot’s art festival returns for a second year, with this year’s event offering seminars, workshops classes on drawing animation, photography and the art of making topiaries. Guests can also enjoy world-class cuisine at the food studios, or enjoy a Disney on Broadway series performance.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

6. Disney After Hours Event Nights Return to Magic Kingdom Park January-March – Disney After Hours event nights will return to Magic Kingdom Park on January 19, 26, and 30, February 8 and 15, March 1 and 8. Experience an event that takes place after the park closes and is only open to a limited number of guests (which means much shorter lines) at 25 attractions and experiences.

7. Disney Springs Will Welcome Eight New Dining Locations – A total of eight exciting new F&B locations are set to make their grand debuts at Disney Springs in 2018. The Edison, along with Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway and Pizza Ponte are scheduled to open early in 2018, while Terralina Crafted Italian, Wine Bar George, Jaleo and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill are set to debut later on in the year.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

8. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary – This year’s festival will run from February 28-May 28. The 90-day event brings with it a multitude of Disney character topiaries, tasty offerings at 15 Outdoor Kitchens, garden tours, the Garden Rocks music series, new kids’ activities, the Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt and much more.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

9. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates It’s 20th Anniversary – Walt Disney World’s theme park dedicated to celebrating life in the animal kingdom will mark a milestone 20th anniversary on Earth Day, April 22, this year.

10. An “UP”-Inspired Show Will Debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom This Spring – A new show featuring Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s film “UP” will offer guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug as they discover species of birds from around the world in their newest adventure at the Caravan Theater in Anandapur Village. Stay tuned for more on this new experience.

11. Celebrate The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant at Disney Springs – Raglan Road is the place to be for St. Patty’s Day, this March 17. The annual event features live music and Irish dance performances, plus plenty of great food.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

12. Toy Story Land Opens in Summer 2018 – The highly anticipated expansion at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut to guests this summer, and with it, two new attractions: Alien Swirling Saucers and the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster. Guests can already catch a glimpse of what’s in store inside the park’s Walt Disney Presents attraction, where they can view the model and some attraction vehicle maquettes.

13. Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Enhancements Will Debut This Summer – Several areas of this resort are currently undergoing enhancements, including a transformation for the resort’s existing lobby, an expansion of Centertown Market, and the addition of a new Caribbean-inspired restaurant and pool bar.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

14. Get Into The Halloween Spirit At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – This event is a must-do for guests visiting in the fall. Get ready to collect candy, dress in costumes, and enjoy Halloween entertainment like only Disney can create. Highlights of this special-ticket party include “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks, the “Boo-To-You Halloween Parade” and more.

15. Fall Will Be Unforgettable With The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Plan for a fantastic fall with the return of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The 2018 event will feature many guest favorites – including global marketplaces, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, guest chef appearances, culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars and so much more.

Toy soldiers parade down Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom during “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” The festive processional is one of the happy highlights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a night of holiday splendor with lively stage shows, a unique holiday parade, Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season nighttime fireworks, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. The special-ticket event takes place on select nights in November and December in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Ryan Wendler, photographer)

16. Holiday Favorite Events Will Return – There are so many wonderful things to see and do during the most wonderful time of the year! With Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties at Magic Kingdom Park, the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, the Flurry of Fun celebration Disney’s Hollywood Studios, holiday shopping and entertainment at Disney Springs, and more, the holiday fun is never ending.

17. ESPN Wide World of Sports Will Expand – ESPN Wide World of Sports will open a new multi-use sports and entertainment venue in 2018. It will seat more than 8,000 guests and have the ability to host six regulation basketball courts, six regulation volleyball courts or concert configurations. For cheer and dance events, it will accommodate performance and warm-up space and include a flexible design for one large competition space that can be set up for as many as four competition areas. Additional areas can be tailored for warm-up and practice, along with areas for judges and officials. There will be concessions throughout the building, and additional box office and entry to the complex.

18. Look For More Updates on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019 – Slated to open in 2019, this entire land will allow guests to visit a remote trading port on the edge of wild space, where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life – and where guests will find themselves in the middle of the action. The lands will feature two major attractions that put guests in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Each attraction – and even the land itself – will offer guests the chance to immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe like never before.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Stop by the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs for Virtual Backgrounds

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

The Disney PhotoPass Studio located in the Disney Springs Marketplace is a favorite among princesses and knights who have visited Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but you don’t have to be on your way to the ball to have your photo taken here!

You can take a classic – or goofy – family or individual portrait on one of our standard backdrops.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

If you’re looking for a slightly more specialized photo experience, this studio also offers those of all ages the opportunity to pose in front of virtual backdrops using a green-screen technique.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Here are just a few of the numerous virtual backdrop themes currently available: “Aladdin;” “Beauty and the Beast;” “Brave;” “Cars;” “Cinderella;” “Elena of Avalor;” “Inside Out;” “Jake and the Never Land Pirates;” “The Lion Guard;” “The Little Mermaid;” “Mickey and the Roadster Racers;” “Moana;” “Monsters, Inc.;” “Mulan;” “Peter Pan;” “Pirates of the Caribbean;” “The Princess and the Frog;” “Sleeping Beauty;” “Snow White;” Star Wars; “Tangled;” “Toy Story” and more!

So smile and say cheese, arrr, Agrabah, McQueen or Mickey – the choices are endless! Your photographer will make sure you have the best backdrop for your photo.

These photos can be linked to your My Disney Experience account and downloaded as part of an active Memory Maker entitlement or purchased individually.

If you’re looking for an even more customized offering that allows your little princess to step right into a classic Disney story, be sure to ask a photographer at the studio about a Personalized Storybook!

No reservations are needed to visit the studio, so stop by for your photo shoot whenever it fits into your day at Disney Springs!

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote. 

10 Unique Experiences at 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

As many of you know, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts is back in 2018 to celebrate all things art – performing, visual and culinary. With seminars, workshops, and more planned, we wanted to highlight ten unique experiences at 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts.

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

There are many seminars and workshops from top Disney, local and nationally-renowned artists but here are a few you don’t want to miss:

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Art of Topiaries – Our Disney horticulture team will be showing you how we create some of the amazing signature Walt Disney World topiaries you see here on the Disney Parks Blog. After this seminar, you’ll be inspired to create Disney sculptures at home to amaze your neighbors.

Watermelon Carving – You need to see this to believe it. A watermelon will be artfully carved while you receive great tips and tricks to use at your next party. This seminar is hosted by the National Watermelon Promotion Board and will be something to talk about!

Magic with Water – The same Disney Photo Imaging team you read about here on the Disney Parks Blog will discuss tips and tricks for taking great photos around water; including swimming pools, play fountains, waterfalls, and even in the rain. You’ll also learn about using camera settings, lenses, and locations to get the best results.

Animated Flip Books – This session is animation 101 where you’ll have the opportunity to create your own animated Flip Book while going over the fundamental principles of animation with one of our Disney animators. Drop by this seminar and watch your drawings come to life!

Food Styling 101 – If you love taking photos of amazing dishes, this is your experience. The session will look at the basics of what goes into making food photo- and video-ready. Lessons include going from ingredients to a beautiful hero shot, talking tricks and tools of the trade and sharing tips to make your own food photography shine.

Inspiring Floral – Over the years, the Disney Parks Blog has covered some of the amazing work created by Disney Floral Designers. This workshop will share floral design principles along with Disney-inspired creations to help you bring the magic of Disney home at any time of the year.

Handcrafted Calligraphy – It’ll be difficult not to have fun learning the basics of pointed pen calligraphy. This workshop will cover topics such as mastering faux calligraphy, how to hold your oblique pen, letter formation, common issues you may run into, and which paths you can take with your new skill.

Phone Cam Photography – This photography session from Disney Photo Imaging is for everyone! You will learn how to maximize the capabilities of your phone’s camera to improve your photos. Lighting adjustment, color adjustment, taking High Dynamic Range photos, time lapse, and how to edit your photos are just a few of the topics on the agenda.

Handwritten Typography – Nothing is more personal than typography created by hand and at this workshop, a Walt Disney World Resort creative service manager will teach you how to draw your own hand drawn typography to create personalized gifts and cards.

Storytelling Drawings – A single drawing can tell a story – and this workshop will show you how to do it. A Disney animator will share the art of quick sketching from life. Gesture drawing of people covered in this session is a foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors.

What sounds good to you? Let us know in the comments below.

And to book any of these experiences at 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts, call 407-WDW-TOUR or 407-939-8687 or ask your travel agent for assistance.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote. 

Five Fun Facts about Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

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(Photo: Disney Parks Blog)

Perhaps one of the lesser known characters at Walt Disney World Resort is Sonny Eclipse, Magic Kingdom Park’s resident lounge singer, at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.

The “biggest little star in the galaxy” has been entertaining guests at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park since 1995. Guests can catch his 27-minute set of tunes – and wisecracks – multiple times a day while they dine.

Here are five fun facts about the one and only Sonny Eclipse:

1. Sonny’s instrument is an Astro-Organ – The “out-of-this world” instrument he uses for accompaniment is a glowing keyboard-like creation called an Astro-Organ.
2. His hometown is Yew Nork City on Planet Zork – Sonny describes his hometown as a “topsy-turvy town where the subways are up and the streets are down.”
3. Sonny’s repertoire features only original songs – Sonny’s set includes eight original songs, including “Planetary Boogie,” “Bright Little Star,” “Space Angels” “Gravity Blues” and more. The songs were co-created by Walt Disney Imagineering and composer George Wilkens, who had previously written and arranged music for the Food Rocks attraction at Epcot and the “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience” pre-show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
4. Sonny loves jokes – Sonny incorporates many jokes into his act – the cornier the better! (“You know, I recently heard the universe was expanding. Guess it’s time to loosen the asteroid belt!”).
5. Sonny has three backup singers – Sonny is backed by an invisible trio known as the Space Angels.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote.