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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, October 3, 2016

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, October 3, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! Stitch’s Great Escape Will Operate Seasonally: Stitch’s Great Escape is temporarily unavailable and will be open only seasonally going forward. This attaction is expected to be available again later this fall.

Reminder! The Muppets Have Arrived at Magic Kingdom: The Muppets have come to Magic Kingdom for their all-new, live show “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History,” which features an original song and plenty of wacky Muppets humor. Throughout the day, the Muppets share their own unique take on the founding fathers as they recount the tale of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At other times, you may catch the Muppets’ version of the midnight ride of Paul Revere. This wacky new show will take place several times daily, just outside the Hall of Presidents.

Epcot

New! Wearable Disney Gift Cards Now Available for Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: In addition to the many features of a classic Disney Gift Card, new, limited-release cards also come with a wristband to facilitate quick and easy access to all the festival kiosks. You can activate these convenient cards with as little as $15. For guests who like to collector souvenirs, there will also be a limited-release Disney Gift Card design. The card is activated with $200 and comes with an Epcot International Food & Wine Festival-themed lanyard, medallion, and carrying sleeve, which are available only with this gift card purchase. Supplies are limited.

Reminder! Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Now Under Way: The 21st Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival has begun! Let Epcot be your global tasting table – enjoy the longest festival yet with 62 days to taste, sip and shop culinary creations from around the world. Don’t forget to stop by the nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series performances at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. Here are some of the upcoming acts:

Oct 3-4 — Wilson Phillips “Hold On”
Oct 5-6 — Blues Traveler “Run Around”
Oct 7-9 — Plain White T’s “Hey There, Delilah”
Oct 10-11 – 38 Special “Hold on Loosely”
Oct 12-13 — Jeffrey Osborne “On the Wings of Love”

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New! Early Morning Magic Offering Continues: Disney’s Hollywood Studios is continuing Disney Early Morning Magic, a special event for Guests that offers an in-park breakfast and first access to select attractions and characters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios prior to the park opening. This special ticketed event will be available on Saturdays, beginning Oct. 8. Both standard park admission and a reservation are required for Disney Early Morning Magic, which will take place on different dates than Extra Magic Hours. Pricing is $69 plus tax for adults and $59 plus tax for children (ages 3-9). To make a reservation, Guests may call 407-827-7350 or visit DisneyWorld.com/EarlyMorningMagic.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! Breakfast Now Available at Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village: Sanaa now offers a variety of grab ‘n’ go items as well as casual dining—quick service from 7–10 a.m. daily. Grab ‘n’ Go items include: Freshly Baked Muffins, Pastries and Croissants, Warm Ceylon Cinnamon Rolls, Banana Bread with House-made African Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, Seasonal Inspired Fruit Salad, African Breakfast Cereal with Brown Sugar and Raisins and more. Quick Service Menu inlcudes Savanna Platter: Two Farm Fresh Eggs served any style, Tomato Chutney, Tanzanian Hash Browns and Bacon; Boere Breakfast: Two Farm Fresh Eggs any style, Tomato Chutney, Tanzanian Hash Browns, Boerewors Sausage and Bacon; Safari Waffle: Waffle topped with Seasonal Berries and Chai Whipped Cream; Sunrise Sandwich: Egg, Ham and Cheddar Cheese Served on a Croissant and more!

Walt Disney World Resort – General

Reminder! Shark Reef Experience at Typhoon Lagoon Closing: At Typhoon Lagoon, Shark Reef will no longer be offered as an entertainment experience starting on October 3. Future plans for the area will include a new family-friendly attraction opening this spring that will take Guests on a white-water adventure. All of the animals at Shark Reef will be relocated to other facilities where they will continue to receive proper care.

Merchandise Events

New! STAR WARS Rogue One Merchandise Now at Disney Parks: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story revolves around a rogue band of resistance fighters who unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans and bring new hope to the galaxy. You can see the film in theaters on December 16, 2016, but in the meantime, here is a look at the new merchandise available at Disney Parks. Women will find several shirts featuring characters from the upcoming film. Apparel from the Her Universe collection includes a dress covered with images of the Death Star.

Other apparel items will include hooded sweatshirts, a sleeveless zip fleece with Jyn Erso’s image, and graphic tees.

There is a a limited release Vinylmation Eachez of Shoretroopers. Each box contains one randomly selected figure with some variant figures being rarer to find than others. A variety of open edition pins with images of characters, ships, or graphics from the film are available. You can also find a limited release, 14-pin mystery collection. Each box will contain two pins – 1 of 7 revealed pins that guests can see, and 1 of 7 mystery pins. Fans of the Star Wars Droid Factory will find a set of four Astromech droid action figures inspired by the new film.

Guests at Walt Disney World Resort will have two limited release, retail MagicBands to choose from and personalize phone cases for select iPhone and Samsung devices with 15 new designs at the D-Tech on Demand stations in Disney Parks.

Select items from the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story are also available for purchase on the free Shop Disney Parks Mobile app.

New! iPhone7 Cases Available with D-Tech on Demand: New artwork for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus was recently added to the D-Tech on Demand stations at Disney Parks. At these stations, guests can create and personalize phone cases for select phone models. Some of the new artwork includes the two Halloween-inspired designs. These new D-Tech on Demand phone case designs can accommodate both iPhone 6 / iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 7 / iPhone 7 Plus models. Pre-packaged cases for iPhone 7 / iPhone 7 Plus will be released in select merchandise locations starting in early October as well.

Closures and Refurbishments

Click here to view the latest renovations and closures at Walt Disney World Resort.

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.

Discover the Magic and Mysteries Underwater at The Seas with Nemo and Friends

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Are you looking for an educational experience with your family at Disney World? There are plenty of opportunities throughout all four theme parks! Today, we are going to learn more about The Seas with Nemo & Friends, a Pavilion in Future World in Epcot theme park that features a massive aquarium that holds one of the largest man-made ocean environments in the world. Plunge below the surface and join characters from the Disney·Pixar film Finding Nemo as they share the secrets of their hidden undersea home.

The pavilion features:

The Sea Base and Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium
The Seas with Nemo & Friends ride
The Turtle Talk with Crush show
Coral Reef Restaurant
Special Programs
An ocean-themed gift shop
The Sea Base and Caribbean Coral Reef Aquarium

Travel deep below the ocean waves to discover the magic and mysteries of underwater life. The pavilion’s signature 5.7 million gallon salt-water tank, named Caribbean Coral Reef, is home to 6,000 inhabitants representing over 60 species—including sea turtles, angelfish, dolphins, rays, sharks and a very special manatee rehabilitation area.

The underwater environment is a wonder to behold—walk out onto a unique circular observation platform in the middle of the aquarium, and you’ll find yourself almost completely surrounded by water. You could easily spend hours here and never get a chance to see all of the beautiful tropical creatures.

In addition to the central tank, there are a variety of informative smaller exhibits where Nemo and his friends share knowledge about their wondrous underwater world. Younger Guests should be sure to check out Bruce’s SharkWorld—a fun activity area where you can learn about the fearsome silent predators of the deep.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends Ride

Hop on a “clamobile” and join Nemo on an undersea adventure on The Seas with Nemo & Friends ride.

Turtle Talk with Crush Show

Catch up with the famous sea turtle, Crush, in Turtle Talk with Crush—a show where lucky Guests get a chance to talk directly to the big kahuna.

Coral Reef Restaurant

Hungry? You don’t even have to leave the ocean floor. Dine on delicious ocean-inspired cuisine—with a spectacular floor-to-ceiling view of the pavilion’s massive central aquarium—at the Coral Reef Restaurant.

Special Programs

Epcot Seas Aqua Tour and Dolphins in Depth offer Guests an immersive educational experience—including the chance to actually snorkel in one of the world’s largest aquariums. If you are a certified scuba diver, you can spend even more time below the surface on DiveQuest. Call us for more information on these programs.

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, September 19, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, September 19, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! Reservations Open for New Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Dining Package: Beginning October 10, 2016, Guests will be able to experience the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Dining Package at Magic Kingdom. This is a new offering that will include a prix fixe lunch at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and a voucher valid for reserved VIP viewing of the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. This dining package costs $45 for adults and $17 for children, plus tax and gratuity, or one table service entitlement on the Disney Dining Plan. It’s available for booking now by calling 407-WDW-DINE or visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine.

Epcot

New! Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Now Open: The 21st Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival has begun! Let Epcot be your global tasting table – enjoy the longest festival yet with 62 days to taste, sip and shop culinary creations from around the world. Don’t forget to stop by the nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series performances at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. Here are some of the upcoming acts:

Sept. 19-20 – Air Supply “All Out of Love”
Sept. 21-23 – BoDeans NEW! “Closer to Free”
Sept. 24-25 – Fuel ” Hemorrhage (In My Hands)”
Sept 26-26 – Sugar Ray “Fly”
Sept 29-30 — Los Lobos “La Bamba”
Oct 1-2 — David Cook “Light On”

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New! Minnie’s Halloween Dine Now at Hollywood & Vine: Minnie Mouse is inviting all of her friends to join her at Hollywood & Vine beginning Sept. 12. This character dining experience features Minnie Mouse and friends dressed for a festive Halloween celebration. Reservations are now open, and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407- WDW-DINE.

New! Goofy Birthday Speciality Cupcake Now Available: Taste a scrumptious Goofy birthday sprinkles specialty cupcake now at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This cupcake will be available at the following locations: Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare, Rosie’s All-American Café, Starring Rolls Café and Trolley Car Café. This item is included in the Disney Dining Plan and will be available through Sept. 29.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! Holiday Brunch Returning to 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will offer its seasonal brunch hosted by 1900 Park Fare. This holiday, character dining experience will be available to Guests on select dates during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Guests can indulge in a tasty all-you-care-to-enjoy brunch buffet with custom-made omelets, carved meat stations, Mickey waffles and more for a practically perfect brunch. This prix fixe meal will cost $37 for adults and $22 for children (ages 3-9). Reservations are now available for the following dates and times: Nov. 20-26 – 12:45-2:10 p.m. and Dec. 18, 2016-Jan. 1, 2017 – 12:45-2:10 p.m. Call 407- WDW-DINE or visit waltdisneyworld.com for reservations and more information.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

New! Seasonal Sweets and Treats at Disney Springs: Amorette’s Patisserie in the Town Center neighborhood of Disney Springs will feature a Pumpkin Mickey cake with decadent layers of chocolate chiffon cake, milk chocolate mousse and orange blossom pate de fruit, which will be available from October 1 to 31.

The Fall Time Petit Cake will also be available at Amorette’s from September 11 to November 10. Designed to look like a birch tree with a carved “A” for Amorette’s, this cake features delicious layers of baked apple, salted caramel, milk jam and spiced chiffon cake.

At D-Luxe Burger, a Caramel Apple Shake will be available from October 1 – November 10. The creamy vanilla gelato base is perfectly complemented with tart green apple and sweet caramel flavors and topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. Over in The Landing neighborhood of Disney Springs, new seasonal ganache flavors are now available at The Ganachery, Pumpkin Spice Latte and Cinnamon Apple. Additional new flavors such as Classic Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Coconut, and Creamy Peanut Butter ganache are also available.

New! Coca-Cola Polar Bear Coming to Disney Springs: A new interactive meet and greet experience will soon debut at the Coca-Cola Store, located in Town Center, the newest Disney Springs neighborhood. Guests will be able to visit the 7-foot-tall Coca-Cola Polar Bear in his home on the second level of the Coca-Cola Store where he will be sharing plenty of bear hugs, high fives and fun photo moments! There’s lots of Polar Bear themed-merchandise to take home with you, too.

Merchandise Events

Disney Springs

September 22-25 – Guests can meet artist William Silvers in The Art of Disney from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day.

Epcot

September 21-25 – Learn more about fragrances and cosmetics by Givenchy in the Plume et Palette shop at France Pavilion in World Showcase.

New! Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Merchandise: Artwork for this year’s event merchandise was created by Disney Design Group. The team created new designs for popular merchandise programs such as “Brews Around the World,” and “Taste Your Way Around the World. ” Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak will also return for another year.

Closures and Refurbishments

Click here to view the latest renovations and closures at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort

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Disney Dreamers Academy students find ideal educational and inspirational playground at Walt Disney World Resort

Each year, 100 teens are selected from among thousands across the country to come together to participate in an once-in-a-lifetime, innovative, educational and mentoring program, the Disney Dreamers Academy.

The program is Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine. It was inspired by Walt Disney’s passion for motivating those around him to dream big. The classroom is Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Known as the place where dreams come true, Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect location for this four-day experience, designed to fuel the dreams of teens, help them discover a world of possibilities and help them prepare for the future.

Disney Dreamers Academy takes the same assets and resources that make vacation memories of a lifetime for travelers and uses them to inspire, teach and motivate this select group of students. The teens receive the unique experience of observing a living laboratory and getting behind the scenes to explore firsthand how Disney turns dreams into reality.

The 40-square-mile resort with four theme parks, two water parks, 36 resort hotels, 200 restaurants and much more, offers an abundance of resources for career exploration.

During the program, Disney Dreamers Academy students participate in immersive, hands-on workshops with Disney Cast Members, representing the best in their fields. In virtually any career in which a student might be interested, whether accounting or zoology, the Walt Disney World Resort can pull from among its team of 66,000 to provide mentorship opportunities.

Since the program’s inception, Dreamers have gone into a laboratory with a veterinarian at Animal Kingdom, prepared a meal with hydroponic vegetables grown at Epcot, mixed music in a recording studio at Hollywood Studios and built a model roller coaster with Magic Kingdom engineers.

In addition to these behind-the-scenes moments, students have the chance to hear from some of the resort’s top level executives, celebrity partners, corporate sponsors and other affiliated professionals to learn what they do, how they do it, and how they got there.

The theme parks themselves provide their own inspirational and educational moments. Each park is full of opportunities that do more than just provide entertainment, but bring to life something that otherwise might seem distant or impossible.

At Disney Dreamers Academy, students have had the chance to engage with cultures from around the world at Epcot’s World Showcase, observe animals in their natural habitats on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, hear from the country’s greatest leaders in the Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom and learn about how the entire company got started at Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For students, just the experience of visiting the Walt Disney World Resort can end up being the ultimate lesson in the power of dreaming big.

“Walt Disney World exists because of one man’s dream,” said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Vice President of Deluxe Resorts and Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion, Tracey D. Powell. “Our goal is to continue the legacy of making dreams come true at Disney Dreamers Academy.”

Learn About Agriculture at Living with the Land in Epcot

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Are you looking for an educational experience with your family at Disney World? There are plenty of opportunities throughout all four theme parks! Today, we are going to learn more about Living with the Land, a 14-minute boat ride in Future World at Epcot theme park that explores agricultural advances in the rain forest, Africa and beyond.

See the Future of Food Production in Living with The Land
Gain a newfound appreciation for where your food comes from on this cruise through the living laboratories of Epcot.

Many of your favorite foodstuffs—chocolate, coffee, vanilla, tomatoes and rice, to name a few—grow on trees, vines and now even in soil-less environments. See firsthand how Disney’s horticulturalists are using innovative growing techniques and cross-breeding high-yield crops with the goal of sustaining our growing global population.

Educational and Profoundly Fascinating in Living with The Land
Multimedia displays of diverse eco systems, from rain forest to farmstead, bring our agricultural history to life. As you cruise by, hear about mankind’s past successes, failures, lessons learned and hopeful future when it comes to living off the land.

See specimens of produce from around the world, some modified to jaw-dropping effect, in the pavilion’s 4 greenhouses. Live eels, tilapia, catfish, freshwater shrimp and American alligators are also on display as you travel though the fish farm.

Sail through the greenhouses of The Land Pavilion and behold 9-pound lemons, Mickey-shaped pumpkins and more!

Living with The Land

You can even taste the fruits of this labor for yourself by dining at Sunshine Seasons or the Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land Pavilion, both of which serve produce and seafood fresh from the farm.

Like what you see or want to learn more? We can sign you up for the Behind the Seeds tour, which is an in depth walking tour of the facilities!

About the attraction: Epcot® Future World

Guests Can Be: Any Height

Age Interest: Preschoolers, Kids, Adults, All Ages

Disney FASTPASS+ Service

Thrill Level: Slow Rides

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, September 12, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, September 12, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! Specialty Treats Materialize During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Here’s a look at the creepy confections you can expect to find at this year’s party.

Main Street Bakery

Chocolate Worms and Dirt Cupcake
Vanilla Spider Cupcake
Halloween Sugar Cookie

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

Gaston’s Tavern

Enchanted Pumpkin Spiced Cupcake

Storybook Treats

Candy Corn Ice Cream Cone

The Friar’s Nook

Ghoulish Strawberry-lemonade Slushy

Throughout the Park

Candy Corn Cotton Candy
Vampire Mickey Popcorn Bucket
Halloween Popcorn Bucket
Halloween Hot Mug
Poison Apple Stein

New! Special PhotoPass Shots at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: During each party, Disney PhotoPass offers special themed photo stops in select locations that you won’t want to miss. Visit the Disney PhotoPass photographer at the Main Entrance of Magic Kingdom Park to get a party-exclusive shot with the Headless Horseman. A Grim Grinning Ghost comes out to socialize at the hearse in front of the Haunted Mansion. An adorable pumpkin patch welcomes guests to the park entrance during this time of year. A Disney PhotoPass Photographer is ready and waiting in Town Square to help you get a shot with Haunted Mansion gravediggers. The spooks are coming out for a swinging wake! Visit a Disney PhotoPass Photographer on Main Street, U.S.A. for a ghoulish delight with waltzing ghosts.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

New! New Chicks at Kilimanjaro Safaris: Two young pink-backed pelicans have hatched at Kilimanjaro Safaris. They are named for the light-pink color their backs turn during mating season. They nest in large groups and lay two to three eggs at a time. Hatching a pelican chick takes team work, and both parents incubate, or sit on, the eggs for around 30 days. It takes around 70-85 days after hatching for the chicks to fledge, or grow their feathers. As long as the nest remains intact, the pelicans will return to nest in the same nest year after year. You can see the pink-backed pelicans and their chicks on Kilimanjaro Safaris, on an island in the Safi River.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! New Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: The red lechwe are the newest inhabitants of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Lechwe are distinguished by their long bodies and hindquarters that are higher than their shoulders. The red lechwe is a subspecies named for the reddish-brown color of their coats. As lechwe age, it is easier to detect the differences in males and females, as the males’ coats turn a darker color. The red lechwe can be found at Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, on the Pembe Savanna, which they share with red river hogs.

New! Menu Makeover at Garden View Tea Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian: Recently, Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room received a menu makeover, and now features the largest selection of Twinings loose-leaf teas, all of which are exclusive to Walt Disney World Resort. The stars of the new tea menu are the Twinings Signature Blends – served exclusively in the United States at the Garden View Tea Room – whether you select Perfect Afternoon, Garden Party or After Dinner Mint, you can’t go wrong. Pure Black and Flavored Black Teas, Oolong, Green and White Teas and caffeine-free Herbal Infusions are also available. Teas are available in several ‘shires’ or packages, including The Bedfordshire Tea, The Derbyshire Tea, The Cheshire Tea, The Berkshire Tea and The Yorkshire Tea. Of course, there is a special tea available for guests age 3-9, Mrs. Potts includes tea sandwiches, a jam tart, delicate house-made pastries and a special ‘dark tea’ (chocolate milk).

Walt Disney World Resort – General

Update: Refillable Popcorn Offering Continues: Walt Disney World will continue to offer a refillable, souvenir popcorn bucket at through Oct. 31. Guests may purchase the bucket for $10 with refills available for $1.50 each throughout their length of stay. A new fall-themed bucket design will be introduced in early September. Guests must have the fall themed bucket in order to be eligible for a refill. This offering is available in Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports.

New! Cirque du Soleil Schedule Changes: Now through Oct. 27, Cirque du Soleil La Nouba will adjust its show schedule on Thursdays, with one performance at 6 p.m. Additionally, there will be no performances of La Nouba Sept. 18-24.

New! Levi’s Now Open at Disney Springs: Now open near Amorette’s Patisserie, Levi’s offers the very best in denim and premium fabrics for the entire family. The new store features a tailor shop, exclusive to just a handful of Levi’s locations worldwide and their first in Florida, offering Guests custom services such as embroidery, tailoring, hemming, and repairs.

New! House of Blues at Disney Springs to Host Craft Beer Event: House of Blues Patio will become a haven for fans of Big Storm Brewery on Sunday, September 25, 2016. Taking place from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., the event will feature Big Storm tastings and beer flights, with a live musician performing on the patio stage while you sip the day away. For full details on “Local Brews, Local Grooves,” visit http://www.houseofblues.com/orlando/localbrewslocalgrooves.

Merchandise Events

Disney Springs

September 14-18 – Artist Greg McCullough returns to The Art of Disney in August. He will be meeting with guests and signing artwork from 1:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day. He will also be at the location from September 28 to October 2.

Epcot

September 14-18 – Guests can meet artist Larry Dotson in The Art of Disney in Future World from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day.

Closures and Refurbishments

Click here to view the latest renovations and closures at Walt Disney World Resort.

How to Get From Disney to Universal Orlando Resort

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With the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter, many guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels or Orlando area hotels want to spend a day at Universal Orlando Resort. Disney does not provide transportation to Universal Studios from the Disney Hotels, so how do you get from Disney to Universal Studios? The most convenient and affordable way to get from Disney to Universal is by purchasing a Universal ticket that includes a round-trip shuttle!

We offer a one or two day park to park ticket that includes shuttle transfers from any of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. The shuttle transfers are on board Mears Transportation. It is an easy process. Once you book your ticket, you call about 24 hours before you are visiting Universal Studios to schedule your pickup time. Then, you are picked up outside your hotel for your day at Universal Studios.

Once you are done playing at Universal Studios, you call the same number to schedule your pickup time to head back to your Disney Hotel. The shuttle can run until 2 AM, which means that you can stay and play at CityWalk after your day at Universal Studios and then take the shuttle back to your resort.

The shuttle transfers saves you from $90 on transportation from Disney to Universal Studios. Plus, this ticket is also saving you $10 per person off the regular gates prices. One more HUGE perk, you do not have to wait in line at the ticket windows. You walk right up to the electronic kiosks to pick up your tickets. This can easily save you 30 minutes!

Here are the prices for these Universal Orlando Resort ticket & transfer combos:

2-Day Park-to-Park theme park ticket with Round Trip Transportation

$284.69 per adult/$274.04 per child (ages 3-9), including tax

1-Day Park-to-Park theme park ticket with Round Trip Transportation

$190.28 per adult/$184.95 per child (ages 3-9), including tax

Call Siera today at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com to book your day (or two) at Universal Orlando Resort so you can experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and Universal Studios Travel Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando or Disney World 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.

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 15, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 15, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! Limited-time Character Experience for Memory Maker Guests: In addition to receiving all your Disney PhotoPass vacation photos with Memory Maker, from August 7 through August 31, your Memory Maker purchase will also include access to a private Disney Character Experience with a Disney Princess located at Magic Kingdom Park – Heritage House. Only one person in your party needs to have purchased Memory Maker in order for your group to enjoy this Character Experience. This limited-time opportunity will be available for Memory Maker guests and their parties from 11 a.m. – 5:40 p.m., August 7 to 31.

Epcot

New! Build Your Own Lightsaber at Mouse Gear: Guests can now build their own Lightsaber at Mouse Gear at Epcot. This experience is just like those available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom.

New! Enter for a Chance to Win a Trip to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival from ABC’s The Chew: ABC’s Emmy Award-winning show “The Chew” is giving a lucky winner the chance to join them when it returns to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this fall. The Chew’s Magical Culinary Adventure Sweepstakes will send one winner and their three guests to stay in the middle of the magic at Walt Disney World Resort between October 5-9, 2016, and experience the 21st annual appetizing event. The winner and their guests will get to attend a live taping of the ABC lifestyle show, sip and savor food and drink from more than 30 global marketplaces, including one inspired by the show: The Chew Collective in the Next Eats area of Future World. To enter, visit https://magicalculinaryadventure.com. You have until 11:59 p.m. on September 2 to enter.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

New! Celebrate Pete’s Dragon at Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Guests at Rafiki’s Planet Watch can stop by the “Pete’s Dragon” activity table in front of Conservation Station this week to learn more about national parks and pick up a “Pete’s Dragon” activity guide developed by Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment and a movie button. Guests can participate in a puzzle game about the national parks in each of the 50 states. “Pete’s Dragon” debuts in theaters Aug. 12, and is set in a national park in the Pacific Northwest.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

New! Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza Now Open: Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, the newest fast-casual restaurant in Town Center at Disney Springs, is now open! It features scratch-made dough and artisanal toppings – and two blazing hot ovens that turn out thin-crisp pies in 180 seconds. The menu centers around custom-built pizzas (you pick the toppings) all for one price, with an interactive assembly line that lets you customize a pizza (or pick one of their Signature Pizzas). The 11-inch pizzas go into the blazing hot, open-flame oven and emerge with a light-as-air, crisp crust. Beverages include lemonades, aguas frescas, real cane sugar sodas plus beer and wine. The spacious, 5,000-square-foot eatery features two open hearth ovens and seating for 200 (and accepts the Disney Dining Plan). Gluten-free dough and vegan cheese are also offered.

New! Origins Now Open at Disney Springs: Origins, a high-performance skincare retailer, is now open in Town Center at Disney Springs. Featuring products formulated with certified organic ingredients and 100 percent natural essential oils, Origins offers products for bath and body, hair, makeup and more. Origins is a socially-conscious brand that employs earth-friendly practices. The new Origins store is located near MAC Cosmetics.

New! Limited Time Offer at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: As part of the Grand Opening Celebration this summer, Disney Springs is introducing a limited time offer at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Marketplace. Beginning Aug. 7, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, Disney Visa Card members, and Walt Disney World Resort Guests will receive a 10% discount at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for guests age 3-12. This discount is available only at the Disney Springs location and applies to all reservations through Sept. 5.

Reminder! Art in August at Disney Springs: “Art in August” kicked off Thursday, August 4, 2016, at Disney Springs Marketplace. With tents set up throughout the promenade, guests can expect to find Disney artists, handmade treasures including jewelry and stationery, and unique keepsakes. “Art in August” is a vibrant, open-air art stroll that celebrates the diversity of art, featuring a little something for everyone. In addition, Guests may participate in interactive demonstrations on the promenade such as chalk drawing and meet the artists behind the Disney magic. “Art in August” is another way Guests can enjoy Disney Springs Grand Opening Summer Celebration – an event that combines new venues, added entertainment and special retail promotions, all happening through Labor Day.

New! Tables in Wonderland Accepted at New Locations: Four new food & beverage locations have been added to the Tables in Wonderland program! Effective immediately, Tables in Wonderland members will receive the 20 percent discount at the following: Jungle Skipper at Magic Kingdom Park, Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs.

Reminder! The Beat the Heat DJ Party Continues to Make a Splash at Disney Springs: The “Beat the Heat DJ Party” offers visitors the chance to chill out and cool down. With a lively DJ, always-on fountains, and a playful combo of bubbles, hula hoops and beach balls, the party is a huge hit with guests of all ages. During this daily extravaganza, kids and adults are encouraged to dance, splash and simply take a break. Here, bathing suits are encouraged, but not required, and sunglasses and sunscreen are always in style! If you haven’t had a chance to enjoy the Beat the Heat DJ Dance Party yet, don’t fret; it happens daily from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and continues through September 5th.

Merchandise Events

Disney Springs

August 4-28 – Two new Precious Moments dolls will be released in August at Marketplace Fun Finds in Disney Springs Marketplace. The dolls were inspired by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Guests can meet Precious Moments doll designer Linda Rick on August 12-13 at the location.

August 20 – We are releasing a figurine and ornament from the Disney Showcase Collection by Precious Moments at The Art of Disney. These items will only be released in select locations at Disney Parks. The ornament is titled “Faith, Trust And Pixie Dust,” and the figurine is titled “Imagination Has No Age.” Guests can meet Precious Moments Master Sculptor Hiko Maeda from noon to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

August 20 – Artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith returns to WonderGround Gallery inside the Marketplace Co-Op from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Epcot

August 12-14 & 26-29 – 12-7pm – Guests can check out the latest Yardley fragrance and beauty products and meet representatives from noon to 7:00 p.m., each day at The Queen’s Table. We will be offering bottle painting and personalization on August 13-14, 27-28.

August 17-20 – Meet Fragrance designer Geir Ness from noon to 6:00 p.m. in The Puffin’s Roost at Norway Pavilion in World Showcase. Geir will showcase the latest items from his Laila fragrance and beauty collection.

August 19 – Precious Moments Master Sculptor Hiko Maeda will meet guests at The Art of Disney in Future World from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Closures and Refurbishments

Click here to view the latest renovations and closures at Walt Disney World Resort.

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 1, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, August 1, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! The Muppets Are Coming This Fall in an All-New Show: Beginning this fall, the Muppets will be visiting Magic Kingdom Park, where they’ll take part in an all-new live show, “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History.” Sam Eagle, the fiercely patriotic American eagle who is forever trying to set a high moral standard for the Muppets, will join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo and James Jefferson, town crier of Liberty Square, as they gather outside The Hall of Presidents to present historical tales in hysterical fashion as only they can. From the midnight ride of Paul Revere to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Muppets appear throughout the day to share with Guests, their own unique take on the founding fathers and the birth of the United States of America. Featuring an original song and plenty of wacky Muppets humor, “The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History” will make its debut in October 2016.

Epcot

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New! New Menu Items Coming to Sunset Boulevard: Beginning August 2, some delicious new menu items will be added to the Sunset Ranch Market area. Inspired by the fresh selections traditionally found at a farmer’s market, a selection of baked potatoes will now be available at Fairfax Fare, including the Fairfax One Pound Baked Potato with tri-tip beef, brown gravy and white cheddar, and the Loaded Fairfax Potato with sour cream, cheddar and bacon. Toluca Legs Turkey Co. will become Sunshine Day Café which will offer an all-new menu inspired by a day at the market. Turkey legs will no longer be sold at this location.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Reminder! New Animals at Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Ameraucana chickens, silver leghorn chickens, and naked-neck turkens are the newest animals at Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! Reservations Now Open for Flying Fish: After a major re-imagining, reservations opened July 29 for dates beginning August 3 and beyond at Flying Fish on Disney’s BoardWalk. The entire interior, including the on-stage kitchen, has been beautifully redesigned, along with an all-new menu crafted by Chef Tim Majoras, a veteran of the Flying Fish kitchen. The seafood-centric menu features entirely sustainable fish and shellfish, and includes Chef Majoras’ creations such as corn-crusted wild Gulf shrimp, wild Alaskan king salmon and plancha-seared Hokkaido scallops.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

New! “Get Directions” Feature on My Disney Experience: Disney has just launched a new My Disney Experience feature called “Get Directions” that makes getting around the Walt Disney World Resort a snap. The new GPS navigational tool delivers turn-by-turn walking directions and valuable transportation information right to your mobile device.

Merchandise Events

Disney Springs

Epcot

August 4-5 – Guests can meet representatives from Kit Heath at The Queen’s Table in the United Kingdom Pavilion at World Showcase from noon to 7:00 p.m.

Closures and Refurbishments

Click here to view the latest renovations and closures at Walt Disney World Resort.

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, July 18, 2016

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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, July 18, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! Early Morning Magic Extended: Earlier this year, Disney Early Morning Magic launched at Magic Kingdom Park to give eager guests the opportunity to be among the first to experience theme park attractions and breakfast inside the park. Early Morning Magic is a special ticketed event that allows guests access to select attractions and a breakfast inside the park all before park opening time. Disney Early Morning Magic been extended through September 30, 2016 for Magic Kingdom Park.

Epcot

New! Eat to the Beat Lineup Announced for 21st Epcot International Food & Wine Festival: Eight new acts join the Eat to the Beat concert series this fall. Festival newbie Wang Chung kicks off the first two nights. The other festival first-timers include BoDeans, Plain White T’s, Jeffrey Osborne, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Living Colour, Soul Asylum and Delta Rae.

Here’s a look at the full lineup:

Sept. 14-15 – Wang Chung NEW! “Everybody Have Fun Tonight”
Sept. 16-18 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
Sept. 19-20 – Air Supply “All Out of Love”
Sept. 21-23 – BoDeans NEW! “Closer to Free”
Sept. 24-25 – Fuel “Hemorrhage (In My Hands)”
Sept. 26-28 – Sugar Ray “Fly”
Sept. 29-30 – Los Lobos “La Bamba”
Oct. 1-2 – David Cook “Light On”
Oct. 3-4 – Wilson Phillips “Hold On”
Oct. 5-6 – Blues Traveler “Run-Around”
Oct. 7-9 – Plain White T’s NEW! “Hey There Delilah”
Oct. 10-11 – 38 Special “Hold On Loosely”
Oct. 12-13 – Jeffrey Osborne NEW! “On the Wings of Love”
Oct. 14-16 – Tiffany “I Think We’re Alone Now”
Oct. 17-19 – Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx “Lady”
Oct. 20-21 – Christopher Cross “Sailing”
Oct. 22-23 – Toad The Wet Sprocket NEW! “Walk on the Ocean”
Oct. 24-25 – Chaka Khan “I Feel for You”
Oct. 26-27 – Billy Ocean “Caribbean Queen”
Oct. 28-29 – Living Colour NEW! “Cult of Personality”
Oct. 30-Nov. 1 – Hanson “Get the Girl Back”
Nov. 2-3 – Soul Asylum NEW! “Runaway Train”
Nov. 4-6 – Delta Rae NEW! “Bottom of the River”
Nov. 7-9 – Boyz II Men “Motownphilly”
Nov. 10-11 – Sister Hazel “All For You”
Nov. 12-14 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”

Performances are 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. daily, and included in Epcot admission. (Lineup is subject to change; songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list.)

New! Musique Aramenco Now Performing in Morocco: Musique Aramenco is the newest group to perform on the Morocco stage. The show incorporates the darbuka drum — the heart of folkloric and modern music — violins, and a belly dancer to create a pleasing fusion of traditional and popular dance music and melodies one might hear in countries along the Southern Mediterranean and Northern Africa.

Reminder! Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Started June 5: Enjoy another rocking rendezvous—the fun takes place at America Gardens Theatre with the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series. Featuring renditions of songs from Boston and the Eagles to covers of classics by Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen and the Bee Gees, Sounds Like Summer is a cover-band blast from the past that’s fun for the whole family. The summer concerts for the upcoming week include:

July 17-23: DSB – A Tribute to Journey

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New! Disney Early Morning Magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Start August 1: Disney’s Hollywood Studios will soon offer Disney Early Morning Magic! Beginning August 1, a select number of guests can experience Disney Early Morning Magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Beginning at 7:45 a.m., guests can enter the park and experience Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, Toy Story Mania!, Pixar Place character greetings (with Woody and Buzz), and Mickey and Minnie on Commissary Lane and Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight. Guests can also partake in an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast at ABC Commissary from 8-10 a.m. Separate Disney’s Hollywood Studios admission is required. The price is $69 per adult and $59 per child (ages 3 through 9) plus tax.

New! Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party: At the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can experience out-of-this-world desserts and drinks inside Star Wars Launch Bay. Become immersed in the Star Wars universe with photo opportunities, exciting exhibits and thrilling character encounters. After enjoying an assortment of sweets — including themed cupcakes, cookies and brownies and a selection of savory snacks including cheese and flatbread and dip (as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) — you will be escorted to a VIP viewing area for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. Cost is $69 for adults, $39 for children age 3-9. Admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required to attend, and is not included in the price of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party. Reservations can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

The new nightly Star Wars fireworks show, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” combines fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections that turn the nearby Chinese Theater and other buildings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios into the twin suns of Tatooine, a field of battle droids, the trench of the Death Star, Starkiller Base and other Star Wars destinations. The show also features a tower of fire and spotlight beams, creating massive lightsabers in the sky. (David Roark, photographer)

New! Summer Strawberry Specialty Cupcakes Now Available: Take a bite out of summer with the new summer strawberry specialty cupcake now at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This cupcake will be available at the following locations: Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare, Rosie’s All-American Café, Starring Rolls Café, Trolley Car Café. This cupcake is included in the Disney Dining Plan and will be available through Aug 31.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Reminder! Tiffins Offering a Small Plate Lunch Menu: A new lunch menu featuring a smaller portions of Tiffins’ most popular dishes debuted at the restaurant on Sunday, July 3. From 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day, Guests will have the option of pairing two options from the menu along with a Jade rice blend for just $28 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The Taste of Tiffins lunch menu, the options allow Guests to select from the following ten dishes: flash-fried blue mussels, black-eyed pea fritters, crispy Yellowtail Snapper, sustainable fish crudo, 72-hour beef short rib, salad of roasted baby beets, market vegetable curry, marinated grilled octopus, Chermoula-rubbed chicken, or the masa and pulled pork tamale. Guests are also able to order from the existing all-day menu.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! Celebrate Africa on July 20th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Guests of all ages to join our Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to celebrate African culture on Wednesday, July 20, 10-11 a.m. in the Jambo House lobby. This celebration will feature music, dancing and plenty of inspiration as our cultural representatives proudly represent their home countries. Guests may have their faces painted and will have the opportunity to learn about the many activities that make African culture so unique.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

New! Chef Art’s Homecoming Opens at Disney Springs: Chef Art Smith, a native of Jasper, Fla., (and former cast member in the Disney College Program), gives guests a taste of classic Florida fare. Featuring classic Southern fare in a casual, family-friendly setting, Homecoming overlooks The Spring and offers menu items including Art’s Fabulous Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, Fried Catfish, Momma’s Mac and Cheese and Shine Cake. The table service restaurant also serves grab-and-go items including Fried Chicken and Chopped Pork sandwiches. Homecoming is open Sunday through Thursday until midnight and Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m.

Chef Art Smith who will be opening his new restaurant Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine at Disney Springs in 2016. Photo by Tom Burton

New! Attend a Dooney & Bourke Release Party on July 23 in Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs: On Saturday, July 23 at Cherry Tree Lane inside the Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs, Dooney & Bourke will hold a Release Party for the new Dooney & Bourke Disney items coming out this summer. At this event, we are releasing two new collections including handbags inspired by the classic Disney Parks attraction, “it’s a small world.” The four silhouettes in this collection will include a Shopper Tote, a Pouchette, a Wallet and a Wristlet.

The second collection, called “Lovebirds,” will include a Shopper Tote and a Letter Carrier.

For the first time, we will introduce four limited edition retail MagicBands containing Dooney & Bourke-inspired designs. Each MagicBand will have an edition size of 1,500, and each MagicBand will contain a specially designed slider with the Dooney & Bourke logo. The MagicBands will be packaged in decorative boxes.

Finally, guests attending this release party will have an opportunity to meet Ian Ray, Creative Director for Dooney & Bourke. He will be appearing at Cherry Tree Lane from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. that day.

Merchandise Events

Disney Springs

July 20 – 24: Artist Greg McCullough returns to Art of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace with special appearances and signings from 1 – 8 p.m., each day.

Epcot

July 21 – 24: Meet renowned international artist Larry Dotson from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Art of Disney.

Closures and Refurbishments

Click here to view the latest renovations and closures at Walt Disney World Resort.

Spreading Magic

Travel Agent Specializing in Family & Romance Travel

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