There are always new and exciting things happening at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Universal Orlando Resort! Be sure to join us every week to catch up on “What’s New” in Disney news and at Universal Orlando!

What’s New This Week

Disney World in Florida

• New! Tour with a Disney Imagineer -­ Discover enchanting secrets on an exclusive tour of the “Castles” at Magic Kingdom park! Set off on a grand adventure filled with fun facts from Disney Imagineers as you have the opportunity to explore Cinderella Castle Suite, scene­by­scene. From the foyer, to the parlor, to the bed chamber and beyond, see how Imagineers magically weaved modern Disney Resort amenities into a majestic fairytale experience. But that’s not all! The tour continues as you wind your way through the New Fantasyland Forest, concluding at Be Our Guest Restaurant, inside the magnificent castle of the Beast! These tours are running all this week. Advanced reservations required through Disney Parks blog.

• New! New Jack Cupcakes -­ Enjoy the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town in an entirely new way with your very own limited edition cupcake at Walt Disney World Resort! Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and as a special Limited Time Magic offering, you’re invited to ring in the occasion at Magic Kingdom park with a frighteningly tasty treat inspired by Jack Skellington himself! So go ahead and give into your sweet tooth this Halloween season—scare up this cupcake while supplies last, only at Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square!

• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival -­ Disney recently kicked off the super popular Food & Wine Festival at Epcot. This event is free with your paid admission into Epcot. You can enjoy food and beverages around the World Showcase, cooking sessions, and so much more.

• Sofia the 1st at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique -­ If you have a little princess that is a fan of Sofiathe 1st, you can now get a makeover at Downtown Disney inspired by her. Be sure to make reservations for this experience.

• Transportation from Animal Kingdom to Downtown Disney -­ Disney is testing through October 31. They are providing bus transportation (round trip) from Animal Kingdom Theme Park to Downtown Disney. You can then take a bus from Downtown Disney back to your resort or back to the Animal Kingdom parking lot.

• Princess Fairytale Hall -­ This new location for our favorite Princesses at Magic Kingdom Park opened last week. This is a perfect spot to see Cinderella, Rapunzel, and other Disney Princesses.

• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party -­ This popular special events for families is running throughout September and October at Magic Kingdom Park. This event runs from 7 PM – ­midnight.

Renovations -­ Learn about the latest renovations at Disney World, before you plan your trip or before you head down for your vacation.

Magic Kingdom

• Peter Pan -­ Closed 09/30/13 -­ 11/13/13
• Walt Disney World Railroad -­ Closed 09/30/13 -­ 10/20/13

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground -­ 09/03/13 -­ 11/19/13
• Lights, Motors, Action -­ 11/18/13 -­ 11/22/13

Disney’s All Star Sports Resort

• End Zone Food Court -­ Closed 08/05/13 -­ 12/20/13
• Arcade -­ Closed 07/29/13 -­ 12/20/13

Disney’s Polynesian Resort -­ 9/9/13 -­ TBD

• Beach & Sunset Point ­ Access to the east portion of the beach, near the Transportation and Ticket Center, and Sunset Point will be unavailable due to a scheduled refurbishment. However, all other amenities will not be affected. Some rooms in certain room categories in impacted buildings have been taken off the market during the renovation period.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

• Villas Hidden Springs Pool & Spa -­ 10/14/13 -­ 11/15/13

Downtown Disney® Area

• Capt’n Jacks -­ Closed 08/18/13 -­ TBD

Disney Golf Courses

• Disney’s Palm Golf Course -­ Closed 06/12/13 -­ mid­November

 

Universal Orlando Resort

• Halloween Horror Nights -­ If you love zombies, Halloween Horror Night is the special event for you! This event runs select evenings through October. For this special event, separate admission is required. You can enjoy themed haunted houses, scare zones, your favorite Universal Studios rides, and much more.

• Despicable Me -­ Do your kids love the Minions? You can now book one of 18 themed rooms at Portofino Bay Hotel (opening on October 1) with the Despicable Me theme.

 

Disneyland in California

• New! Celebrate Oktoberfest -­ Celebrate in style at the Disneyland Resort, courtesy of a little Limited Time Magic! For 2 weeks, you’re invited to don your finest lederhosen and join the fun at Disney California Adventure Park where Bayside Brews is kicking off the festivities with a special menu. From best to ‘wurst, savor the flavors from a host of special offerings, including bratwurst sausage, served in a Boursin­garlic brioche with hickory­smoked bacon and sauerkraut, and accompanied by potato chips or apple slices; a Bavarian Pretzel with your choice of mustard; and gingerbread bundt cake. Plus, be sure to top off your stein with a tasty Karl Strauss Oktoberfest Beer or Hofbrau Munchen Beer.

• New! Jack Cookies -­ Enjoy the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town in an entirely new way with your very own limited edition cookie at the Disneyland Resort! Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and as a special Limited Time Magic offering, you’re invited to ring in the occasion at Disneyland Park with a frighteningly tasty treat inspired by Jack Skellington himself! So go ahead and give into your sweet tooth this Halloween season—scare up this cookie while supplies last, only in New Orleans Square!

• Renovations -­ Click on this pdf to download the latest renovations at Disneyland.

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations to Explore, Disney Destinations Top Sales Performer 2009 & 2011 and Universal Orlando Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, and 2012. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. You will receive lots of great perks as well! Request a free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for more information!