Author: Nate

Tennessee Couple Visits 6 Disney Parks on 2 Coasts in 1 Day

Have you ever wished you could visit all 6 Disney Parks in the U.S. in one day? Well, one couple from Tennessee Did just that as they visited Disney World’s four theme parks in Florida, then hopped a cross-country plane and ended the night at Disney’s two California parks.

The mission… Visit every Disney theme park in the United States in less than 24 hours. The couple embarked on the Disney adventure of a lifetime on Wednesday and they did just that.

Heather and Clark Ensminger arrived in Orlando Tuesday night and spent the evening at Disney Springs relaxing before their grand endeavor. Their carefully planned agenda included at least one attraction and a bite to eat at each park, so they started their magical day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as the sun rose over Toy Story Land. From there, they hopped to Epcot for a trip back through history on Spaceship Earth, then skipped over to Magic Kingdom Park to meet Mickey Mouse. Their visit to Walt Disney World Resort concluded with lunch and some fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom before racing off to the airport.

After a cross-country flight to Los Angeles, the Ensmingers slid into Disney California Adventure park before it closed to experience Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! They then jaunted across the Esplanade to conclude their own version of a Disney marathon at Disneyland park.

The couple knew this day could bring some logistical challenges, but they went into it with a lot of experience. The parents of four children all under 10 are Disney park veterans; they made the 10-hour drive from eastern Tennessee to Walt Disney World six different times over a 12-month span from 2017-2018. “In that year, we calculated we spent over a month at Walt Disney World!” Clark said with a laugh. (The kids stayed home with family on this trip.)

While stepping foot inside every Disney park on the continent was a joy unto itself, the Ensmingers said this trip meant a great deal to them in a very personal way. Heather’s father passed away unexpectedly last October, just days before the family was due to visit Walt Disney World together. “As the anniversary of his passing got a little closer, I was sort of having a hard time,” Heather said. “Unbeknownst to me, my husband started planning this special trip to surprise me.” The surprise was accidentally spoiled about a month ago by a random e-mail, but Heather said “it turned out OK” because she had fun helping make the final arrangements.

So what is it about Disney parks that enticed this husband-and-wife duo to attempt a trip like this? “It’s the magic,” Heather said. “We’ve experienced tons of pixie dust over the years – the cast members always go out of their way to make things special.”

And that was true yet again over the course of this 24-hour sprint, Clark added: “It’s just been a dream come true.”

October 18, 2018
Keira Knightley Bans Her Daughter From Seeing These Disney Movies

Keira Knightley, best known for her role as Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean, is a Disney regular at this point. She is also starring in Disney’s upcoming “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” but that doesn’t mean she agrees with the messages in every Disney movie the studio has released.

The 33-year-old British actress was recently on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and she says her 3-year-old daughter, Edie Knightley Righton, is “banned” from watching certain Disney movies.

On the list is the 1950 animated classic “Cinderella.” “Banned,” Knightley said, “because she waits around for a rich guy to rescue her. Don’t! Rescue yourself, obviously!” Take a look at the interview below.

Another film to make the banned list is “The Little Mermaid.” This one has her “quite annoyed,” says Knightley, “because I really like the film.”

“I mean, the songs are great, but do not give your voice up for a man. Hello!” she told host Ellen DeGeneres. “But the problem with ‘The Little Mermaid’ is I love ‘The Little Mermaid!’ That one’s a little tricky — but I’m keeping to it.”

Knightley’s passionate take on the feminist issues surrounding princess plots is no surprise, as she recently contributed an essay about giving birth to the book Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and Other Lies.

October 18, 2018
New Date-Based Tickets Now Available at Disney World Resort

As we previously announced, Disney World is implementing a new system that allows you to purchase tickets priced by the date of visit on. As of Oct. 16, guests can now access a new online vacation-planning destination where they can now purchase date-based tickets.

Like before, tickets may be purchased on DisneyWorld.com, in the My Disney Experience app, over the phone, upon arrival at any of the four parks or through authorized travel professionals and ticket sellers. Guests can now access several new online planning tools including park offering overviews, travel tips from Disney Parks Moms Panelists and customized suggestions based on each guest’s personal preferences – helping them make more informed decisions on DisneyWorld.com.

Guests are also able to purchase tickets using an interactive online calendar, which displays different ticket prices based on the dates they choose to visit. Check out the video below for a quick overview on how this works – it’s easy and simple.

Compared to previous pricing*, some tickets have decreased, increased or stayed the same, depending on the start date and length of the ticket. For example, a guest purchasing a 3-day ticket with a start date of Feb. 10, 2019 will now actually pay $4 less per day than they would have before. A Guest purchasing a 6-day ticket with a start date of this Thanksgiving will now pay a little more – an average of $5 per day – since it’s one of the most popular times of year to visit.

As our parks continue to increase in popularity, this new pricing model is part of our broader efforts to better spread attendance throughout the year, and is intended to help us improve and deliver a great experience for our guests. We continue to grow with industry-leading immersive lands like Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Toy Story Land and the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we’re also looking forward to opening even more attractions that take creative storytelling to the next level.

Once your ticket is purchased, you are able to continue planning your visit with the newly-refreshed My Disney Experience, the one-stop shop for your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, where you can view or change your tickets, book dining reservations, make FastPass+ selections and more.

October 17, 2018
Disney Debuts First Live-Action Aladdin Teaser Trailer

This genie cannot go back in the bottle! Disney has released the first teaser trailer for the live-action remake of Aladdin and it is stunningly magical.

The 1992 animated hit that earned more than $500 million worldwide doesn’t give much away, but we do get a glimpse of Aladdin himself going through the magical cave and laying his hands on the Genie’s lamp.

We hear a familiar voice posing a warning to Aladdin before he goes inside: “Only one may enter here. One whose worth lies far within. The diamond in the rough.” Take a look at the entire teaser below.

Based on a tale from The Arabian Nights, the film is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic. The Guy Ritchie film stars Egypt-born Canadian actor Mena Massoud as Aladdin, alongside Will Smith as the Genie. It hits theaters on May 24, 2019.

October 12, 2018
Disney Cancels Plans For Luxury Hotel in Anaheim After Feud With City

Walt Disney Co. has canceled its plans to create a four-diamond luxury hotel in the Disneyland Resort’s shopping district after tax incentives promised by Anaheim were taken off the table.

On Wednesday, the company officially pulled the plug on the planned 700-room hotel. Construction on the project was supposed to start this summer and Disney had already cleared out many long time tenants of Downtown Disney to make room for the proposed resort.

The project had been in limbo since August when the city told Disney that a shift in the location of the project meant it could no longer receive a promised $267 million tax incentive, according to the OC Register.

“We’ve taken the time to review the economics of our proposed four-diamond hotel for Anaheim and have made the final decision to cancel the project,” spokeswoman Lisa Haines said in a statement.

“While this is disappointing for many,” she said, “the conditions and agreements that stimulated this investment in Anaheim no longer exist and we must therefore adjust our long-term investment strategy.”

Disney says it will instead focus on bringing back food and entertainment venues to the shuttered storefronts of that part of Downtown Disney.

Anaheim Councilwoman Kris Murray says redeveloping Downtown Disney will be good for Anaheim’s economy, but the hotel would have been far better.

October 11, 2018
New Parking Structure Coming To Disneyland Adds Pedestrian Bridge

As part of a multi-year expansion of the Disneyland Resort, a new 6,500-space parking structure is currently under construction. Today Disney announced, the project is starting to take shape and it will now also feature a new pedestrian bridge over Magic Way.

The parking structure is being built on the current Pinocchio surface parking lot next to Mickey & Friends. This new bridge will connect visitors from the parking structure—over Magic Way— to the rest of the resort, allowing guests the option to stroll through the Downtown Disney District to the theme parks’ Main Entrance.

In addition, the new bridge eliminates the foot traffic crossing the street at Disneyland Drive and Magic Way, providing not only convenience, but also greater pedestrian safety and better traffic circulation.

Disney announced last year that a multi-year expansion of the Disneyland Resort, will include upgrading, improving and adding new parking and transportation enhancements that have been long envisioned for the resort.

Set to be completed next year, these parking and transportation enhancements—along with other existing parking options throughout the resort area—are designed to dramatically improve parking and traffic flow.

The new parking structure is expected to significantly speed up guest arrival by providing a 60 percent increase in the number of access lanes and by adding parking capacity on the west side of the resort. In addition, the tram boarding area will be reconfigured to enhance the transportation experience for guests parking at both the new structure and Mickey & Friends.

October 11, 2018
Disneyland Is Now Selling Jack Skellington Cotton Candy

Disneyland and Halloween time always bring some of the most tastiest treats and now they have a new one that will have you screaming, “I AM THE PUMPKIN KING!” Disneyland is now selling Jack Skellington Cotton Candy!

The new treat is Pumpkin flavored cotton candy and is dusted with Oreo cookie’s to make Jacks Face.

Guests have taken to Instagram to share the spooky goodness as you can see in the posts below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KT🖤 (@ktthedisneybear) on Oct 7, 2018 at 4:01pm PDT

The Nightmare Before Christmas inspired cotton candy tastes as good as it looks, according to many who have tried it, so if you have a sweet tooth and you’re a Jack Skellington fan then you’ll want to start booking your next trip now.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FoodAtDisneyland (@foodatdisneyland) on Oct 6, 2018 at 7:57am PDT

You can find the The Pumpkin King cotton candy at the Cotton Candy Creations kiosk in Downtown Disney.

October 10, 2018
FIRST LOOK: New Star Wars TV Series Name Revealed As Production Begins

Production on the first Star Wars live-action series has begun as you can see in this recently released set photo! Iron Man director Jon Favreau took to social media last week to announce that the title of the live-action scripted Star Wars TV series for Disney’s new streaming service will be: The Mandalorian!

As we previously reported, the live action series was confirmed by Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO Bob Iger on a quarterly earnings call with investors last November and will debut on Disney’s digital streaming service.

“The Mandalorian”, focuses on a “lone gunfighter” in the era after the events of “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Star Wars universe.”The Mandalorian” is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. We follow the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic.

The series will be written and executive produced by Emmy-nominated producer and actor Jon Favreau, as previously announced, with Dave Filoni (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels) directing the first episode. Additional episodic directors include Deborah Chow (Jessica Jones), Rick Famuyiwa (Dope), Bryce Dallas Howard (Solemates), and Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok). It will be executive produced by Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy, and Colin Wilson. Karen Gilchrist will serve as co-executive producer.

In early March, Lucasfilm announced that Emmy-nominated producer and actor Jon Favreau has signed on to executive produce and write a live-action Star Wars series for Disney’s new direct-to-consumer platform. Favreau is no stranger to the Star Wars galaxy having played roles in both the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series and in the upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story.

“I couldn’t be more excited about Jon coming on board to produce and write for the new direct-to-consumer platform,” says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. “Jon brings the perfect mix of producing and writing talent, combined with a fluency in the Star Wars universe. This series will allow Jon the chance to work with a diverse group of writers and directors and give Lucasfilm the opportunity to build a robust talent base.”

Favreau is thrilled to be returning to the Star Wars galaxy: “If you told me at 11 years old that I would be getting to tell stories in the Star Wars universe, I wouldn’t have believed you. I can’t wait to embark upon this exciting adventure.”

October 9, 2018
Menu Details for Storybook Dining with Snow White Now Open at Artist Point

If you’re looking to partake in a fanciful meal set in an immersive enchanted forest, then you might want to make a visit to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge this winter. The all-new character dining experience, Storybook Dining at Artist Point, is now open and it has a magical menu.

Starting this December, Storybook Dining at Artist Point invites you to venture into a magical forest-like setting inspired by Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

Brought to life through rustic décor and iconic music, we’ve brought this beloved fairytale to life. During this immersive character dining experience, you’ll be visited by Snow White and a few of her forest-dwelling friends. You might even have an evil encounter with the Queen!

In addition to fun characters, tempt your taste buds with a seasonal themed menu that combines classic dishes with playful presentation. You’ll begin your story with an array of delicious shared appetizers: Hunter’s Pie with chicken, black truffle, and stone fruit preserve; Winter Squash Bisque with caramel loli and granola served in an adorable black cauldron; Wicked Shrimp Cocktail with soy, miso, avocado, thai chili, and greens; and From the Garden, an array of fruits, vegetables, cheese, and create-your-own honey butter.

For the main entrées, you’ll enjoy your choice of one of the many unique dishes such as the Royal Prime Rib Roast with horseradish mashed potato, hay-smoked carrots, popover, and jus as well as Magic Mirror Slow Braised Veal Shank with mashed celery root, wilted winter greens, and jus. Or if seafood is more your style, try the Seafood Stew with shrimp, bay scallops, mussels, tomato, and fennel.

Kids can enjoy Grumpy’s Grub. This includes the same appetizers and desserts as the main menu and their choice of entrée. Kid’s entrées include the Princess Pasta (with your choice of red sauce or cheese sauce), the Vegetarian Steam Bun (with crip shiitake, hoisin, pickles, and cilantro), Royal Prime Rib Roast, and Grilled Chicken (both served with roasted potatoes and broccolini).

Give your story a sweet ending with an array of shared desserts for the table. Sing “Heigh Ho” as you discover The Miner’s Treasure made up of sponge cake, chocolate gems, and buttercream icing or enjoy the enchanted flavors of the Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie with meringue. You can even try a “Poison” Apple made of white chocolate apple mousse with a sour center. But if you’re trying to impress, The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen is just the thing with crackled maple popcorn and ganache hearts.

If you’re feeling a little thirsty while you’re eating, try some of the wickedly refreshing cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails we’ve brewed up just for you! For the adults, sip on the Enchanted Apple with citrus vodka, sour apple, and white cranberry juice or summon The Smoking Mirror with scotch, wildberry, lime, and rosemary smoke. If you’re feeling particularly evil, you’ll love the Evil to the Core with silver tequila, habanero, blackberry and orange juice. A variety of beers are also available along with a selection of highly-rated wines from Oregon and Washington State.

Non-alcoholic options for the little miners out there include the Transformation Potion with sparkling lemonade and the Stone Fruit and Berry Breeze with herbal tea infusion.

Snow White has invited all of her new friends to this magical character dining experience, and she’s inviting you too! So make a journey to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to experience Storybook Dining at Artist Point starting December 16, 2018. Pricing is $55 for adults and $33 for children ages 3-9 (tax and gratuity not included). Each guest will receive one of each appetizer, their choice of entrée, and one of each dessert as well as their choice of non-alcoholic fountain beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty beverages are not included). All menu items are subject to change.

October 8, 2018
Alcohol-Infused Push Pops Are Now Available At Disney Springs
Have you heard the Buzz? Now you can end your day the perfect way with Alcohol Infused Push Pops at Disney Springs.

The Paddlefish restaurant in Disney Springs now offers the viral-sensation Buzz Pop Cocktails, a mature take on the nostalgic treats of our childhood. These alcoholic push-pops come in eight flavors, made with fresh fruit and rum, and they contain an impressive 15 percent ABV. They’re also vegan, gluten and fat-free, net 5 carbs and under 100 calories each?

“If you’re lucky enough to make your way to the park, grab one of these Italian sorbet sweets and enjoy it from Paddlefish’s rooftop bar,” says CEO, Joseph Isaacs. You’ll cool down and stay buzzed during your next Disney getaway — what could be better? Take a look below for a list of flavors:
- Southern Belle – Bourbon
- Caribbean Breeze – Organic Rum
- Mango Passion – Organic Rum
- Pink Paradise – Tequila
- Blueberry Mania – Tequila
- Watermelon – Vodka
- Moscow Mule – Organic Vodka
- Lemon Drop – Organic Vodka
Buzz Pop Cocktails are a chef-inspired, gastro-innovation that meets the discriminating tastes of cocktail aficionados and people of all ages from coast to coast. Buzz Pop’s alcoholic popsicles (Adult Push-Pops) are fresh, vibrant and wildly delicious seasonal fruit whipped into an Italian-style 5 star restaurant quality gourmet sorbet made with 15% top shelf liquors offered in a ready-to-serve push-pop that makes for a guilt-free indulgence.
October 4, 2018