Author: Nate

Disney Vacation Club Member Shop Opens at Disney Springs For A Limited-Time Through September 3

For the first time in its history, Disney Vacation Club has opened a limited-time pop-up shop at Disney Springs.

Located within the Marketplace Co-Op and open through September 3 as part of Membership Magic, the shop features the broadest assortment of Disney Vacation Club Member merchandise ever assembled in a single location, from apparel and accessories to travel gear and collectibles.

Members visiting the shop are discovering a wide range of new items, including new patterns for Dooney & Bourke handbags, new designs for Member MagicBands, pins and more.

Be sure to pop in to the pop-up shop and pick up the newest Member must-haves. Don’t forget, the Disney Vacation Club Member merchandise discount is valid on these new items!

As a part of Membership Extras, an incidental benefit, these member benefits are subject to change, availability or termination and may require a fee. Membership Extras are available with eligible ownership interests. Visit http://disneyvacationclub.com/memextraspolicy for more information.

August 14, 2018
FIRST LOOK: Production On Disney’s Live-Action Mulan Has Begun

Production has officially begun on the live action remake of Disney’s Mulan, and Disney has released a first look at actress Liu Yifei in costume as Hua Mulan.

Yifei Liu was cast as Hua Mulan following a year-long global casting search in November of 2017. Set to star alongside Yifei are stars Donnie Yen as Commander Tung, Gong Li as a still-unnamed villain, Jet Li as The Emperor, and Jason Scott Lee as Bori Khan.

Walt Disney Studios has found a great deal of success over the last few years in adapting their animated classics to live-action. From Alice in Wonderland and Maleficent to Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast.

Disney has also released a synopsis which reads: Mulan is the epic adventure of a fearless young woman who masquerades as a man in order to fight Northern Invaders attacking China. The eldest daughter of an honored warrior, Hua Mulan is spirited, determined and quick on her feet. When the Emperor issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army, she steps in to take the place of her ailing father as Hua Jun, becoming one of China’s greatest warriors ever.

Mulan is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver along with Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek. The film will shoot on location in both New Zealand and China, and is set to open in the US on March 27, 2020.

August 13, 2018
Complete Eat to the Beat Band Lineup For 23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Thirty-two musical acts will perform during the 23^rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Aug. 30-Nov. 12, 2018. These performers represent a diverse collection of hitmakers from pop to country to R&B and more.

The concert series packs a powerful lineup ready to rock the America Gardens Theatre stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. daily. Eat to the Beat welcomes nine new-to-the-festival bands including MercyMe,Sheila E and Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts, who join 23 returning acts.

The lineup (included in Epcot admission and subject to change) includes the following artists, best known for these popular songs:

Aug. 30-31                Blue October – “Into the Ocean”

Sept. 1-3                   Tiffany – “I Think We’re Alone Now”

Sept. 4-5                   NEW! MercyMe – “I Can Only Imagine”

Sept. 6-7                   NEW! Glass Tiger – “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)”

Sept. 8-9                   NEW! Tauren Wells – “Hills and Valleys”

Sept. 10-11               Postmodern Jukebox – Known for vintage-style covers of modern hits

Sept. 12-13               NEW! Vertical Horizon – “Everything You Want”

Sept. 14-16               Baha Men – “Who Let the Dogs Out”

Sept. 17-19                Plain White T’s – “Hey There Delilah”

Sept. 20-21                Living Colour – “Cult of Personality”

Sept. 22-23               NEW! Sheila E – “The Glamorous Life”

Sept. 24-26               Sugar Ray – “Every Morning”

Sept. 27-28                David Cook – “Light On”

Sept. 29-30 Jeffrey Osborne – “On the Wings of Love”

Oct. 1-2                     NEW! Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts – Known for their soulful rhythm & blues covers

Oct. 3-4                     Everclear – “Santa Monica”

Oct. 5-7                     Mark Wills – “19 Something”

Oct. 8-10                   Air Supply – “All Out of Love”

Oct. 11-12                 NEW! Anderson East – “All on My Mind”

Oct. 13-14                 Smash Mouth – “All Star”

Oct. 15-16                 NEW! 98 Degrees  – “Give Me Just One Night”

Oct. 17-18                 38 Special – “Hold On Loosely”

Oct. 19-21                 The Devon Allman Project – “Ragged and Dirty”

Oct. 22-23                 Kenny G – “Songbird”

Oct. 24-25                 Billy Ocean – “Get Outta My Dreams”

Oct. 26-28                 Starship featuring Mickey Thomas – “We Built this City”

Oct. 29-31                 Hanson – “MMMBop”

Nov. 1-2                   NEW! High Valley – “She’s with Me.”

Nov. 3-4                   Taylor Dayne – “Prove Your Love”

Nov. 5-7                   Boyz II Men – “End of the Road”

Nov. 8-9                   The Hooters – “And We Danced”

Nov. 10-12                Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – “Go Daddy-O”

August 13, 2018
Tron Coaster Construction Update Adds New Billboard at Magic Kingdom

Last summer, at the D23 convention, plans were unveiled for a new Tron coaster-style attraction to be added at Magic Kingdom Park. Construction is already underway in Tomorrowland and now we have a first look at a new Tron-themed billboard at Magic Kingdom Park that’s now visible from Storybook Circus.

The new attraction will occupy an entirely new area next to the land’s Space Mountain, and now, as Disney prepares to welcome Tron into the park, a few modifications will be made to nearby attractions as construction kicks into gear.

First, the Walt Disney World Railroad will temporarily take up residence at the Main Street Station starting in December 2018, pausing its grand-circle tours of Magic Kingdom Park. During this time, guests will be able to get an up-close look at the railroad and take advantage of one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.

The Tomorrowland Speedway will close for a portion of 2019, as the attraction’s track is adjusted. It will reopen as the same attraction guests know and love in the summer of 2019.

Magic Kingdom’s Tron attraction, which is set to debut in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021, is based on TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland. This coaster-style attraction allows riders to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling race through the digital frontier. TRON Lightcycle Power Run debuted on Shanghai Disneyland’s opening day and quickly became the highest-rated attraction at the park.

August 11, 2018
The 3 O’Clock Parade Is Moving To An Earlier Time Slot at Magic Kingdom Park Again

Last year, the three o’clock parade was moved to an earlier time slot to accommodate the holiday season in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World. Starting next week the parade will change times once again.

Beginning August 17, 2018, Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom will start at 2pm daily. This will allow the park to offer more time to after hour ticketed events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

It’s a running joke, among Disney cast members and fans, that guests are always asking; “What time is the three o’clock parade?” even though it’s almost always at three o’clock and it’s commonly referred to as the three o’clock parade.

Regardless of what time it’s at you don’t want to miss this parade. The Festival of Fantasy is one of the best parades to hit Main Street, U.S.A. At this parade you’ll celebrate the stories you love with a magical mix of floats, costumes and original music.

Paying homage to the unbridled magic and vivid pageantry of Fantasyland and its many inhabitants, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is a thrilling sight-and-sound spectacular that winds its way through the streets of Magic Kingdom park each afternoon.

Be sure to check the Times Guide at Magic Kingdom park for the performance schedule. This is an outdoor parade and subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. In addition, showtimes are as always are subject to change.

August 10, 2018
A Baby Mandrill Was Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Yesterday

The family at Disney Animal Kingdom just got a little bit bigger. A baby mandrill was born on Aug. 8 at the park to mom Scarlett and dad Winston.

Mandrills are the largest species of monkey, but you wouldn’t know that after seeing the newest member. Scarlett, Winston and their new baby are three of the mandrills that guests can view on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Mandrills are a vulnerable species found in African rainforests along the equator, where their habitat is disappearing because of deforestation and poaching.

This birth is another example of how Disney’s dedicated and highly trained team of Disney animal care experts works with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) on Species Survival Plans (SSPs), which ensure responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species, in order to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population of such animals for years to come.

With this birth, Disney has had the advantage of expert advice right in the park. Rebecca Phillips, Animal Operations manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also a Species Survival Plan (SSP) coordinator for mandrills with the AZA. In this role, she not only supports animal births like this at our park, she also spends time advising animal care teams at other zoos around the world about the species and helps them take the first steps to introduce mandrills to their zoo.

“There are many reasons why I’m excited to be an SSP coordinator for mandrills. I love helping zoos, including our own, and I love the success stories. As a two-time mom and also a surrogate mother, Scarlett is an example of how we’re helping a vulnerable species thrive, and it’s thrilling to watch her family grow,” said Phillips.

Disney’s work to support mandrills doesn’t stop there. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has provided more than $6.5 million to support conservation of mandrills and other primates in 29 countries.

As far as the new baby mandrill, the gender and exact birth weight is unknown because Disney is giving Scarlett and her baby plenty of time to bond.

Guests may catch a glimpse of the pair on Kilimanjaro Safaris where you will likely see the baby hugging Scarlett’s stomach, a natural bonding behavior that as the infant grows will transition to mom’s back. We hope to see you out on the Safari!

August 9, 2018
Oogie Boogie Popcorn Buckets are Back at Disney Parks For Halloween With Other Novelty Collectables

Calling all ghouls and ghosts who love Disney-themed food novelties – Halloween is almost here for Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, and the Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Buckets are back at Disney Parks along with a whole new set of novelty items for you to enjoy!

Yes it glows and it’s actually filled with yummy popcorn. Last year the glow in the dark Oogie Boogie cost about $15 and are sure to be a fast sell out again. This is all we want for Christmas (and Halloween)! Take a look at the savory and scary souvenir:

This popular popcorn bucket along with other halloween themed novelties are available at various times throughout the Halloween season, you never know when they will materialize and they sell out fast, so be on the lookout and keep this guide handy during your search!

Next up is the Happy Halloween 2018 Base Popcorn Bucket –this year’s design features Mickey and Minnie all decked out in their Halloween best as well as Chip and Dale as adorable little bats! A similar design is featured on the Happy Halloween 2018 Base Travel Mug. The base popcorn bucket can be found at various popcorn locations across Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort and Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. The base travel mug will be available as a non-refillable mug available across Disneyland Resort, while the base travel mug at Walt Disney World Resort will be available as a refillable mug (only refillable for the duration of your stay) available at all resort hotels across property.

Here’s one you’ll find only available at Disney California Adventure park at Disneyland Resort! This Base Popcorn Bucket also features everyone’s favorite villain from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” and even a familiar Headless Horseman. You’ll find this base popcorn bucket at the Buena Vista, Grizzly Peak, Pixar Pier, and Hyperion Popcorn Carts.

Double, double toil and trouble – get ready to cast some spells, brew a potion, and make that delicious popcorn disappear with the new Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket. Starting mid-September, this light-up bucket will be available at Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort and all four parks and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort! And it even features a Hidden Mickey … but you’ll have to find that one on your own!

The Poison Apple Glow Cube is also back again this year in three different colors! You’ll find this spooky light-up cube floating in specialty drinks on both coasts. At Walt Disney World Resort, get the Green Poison Apple Glow Cube at AbracadaBar at Disney’s BoardWalk or Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs. At Disneyland Resort, you’ll find Green and Red Poison Apple Glow Cubes at various locations throughout Disneyland Resort. But there’s also a new color this year – a Purple Poison Apple Glow Cube! This one is available exclusively at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure park.

If the cube just isn’t enough, though, you can get the Green Poison Apple Stein! You’ll find it throughout Disneyland Resort as well as various outdoor vending locations throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.

The Headless Horseman Straw Clip returns this year as well. You’ll find him galloping around at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort and throughout the Disneyland Resort!

Get ready to burn rubber with the Tire Pumpkin Straw – the ultimate “Haul-o-ween” novelty. Inspired by Halloween at Cars Land, you’ll find this light-up straw at the Cozy Cone Motel and Flo’s V8 Café at Disney California Adventure park. And what’s more – they’ve driven on over to Walt Disney World Resort too! Find them at various quick-service locations throughout Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Remember – these amazingly spooktacular Halloween novelties are quite popular and are only available while supplies last! These novelty items will be available at various times throughout September and October at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort begins August 17. Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort begins September 7.

August 9, 2018
Chicken Guy! Has Officially Opened at Disney Springs

A brand-new eatery just hatch at Disney Springs last Friday! Chicken Guy! is a quick-service restaurant created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri and restauranteur Robert Earl.

These two most recently collaborated on the new burger and sandwich menu at Planet Hollywood and came together once again to create an all-new concept that features one-of-a-kind all-natural fresh chicken tenders.

Chicken Guy! is a fast-casual chain dedicated to serving delicious, succulent chicken tenders paired with a wide variety of flavorful sauces meant to please all palates.

The menu at Chicken Guy! will feature one-of-a-kind all-natural fresh chicken tenders, hand-pounded to maximize crunch and paired with a wide selection of delicious sauces. Brined in fresh lemon juice, pickle brine and buttermilk, and infused with fresh herbs, these tenders deliver on flavor and texture. The menu features the tenders—grilled or fried—in sandwiches, straight up on skewers, or in meal-sized salad bowls, and a wide array of sauces to enjoy with the chicken as well as tempting sides like Guy Fieri’s fries, crowd pleasing mac ‘n cheese, fried pickles and fresh slaw. If all of that isn’t enough to satisfy, Chicken Guy! has two delicious Flavortown Frozen Treats that will make anyone’s mouth water! Guests can end their meal on a sweet note with the Triple Double Ice Cream Treat, a large cup of deliciousness combining triple chocolate and double mint, that may cause a few cases of brain freeze or the Cinnamon Apple, a heaping cup vanilla soft serve ice cream smothered in Cinnamon Toast Crunch & Apple Jacks cereal, yum!

“I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Guy—first with the launch of his sandwich and burger menu at Planet Hollywood. Since then, we have kept in touch, determined to work on more projects together,” said Planet Hollywood Founder and Chairman Robert Earl. “We have found the perfect venture with Chicken Guy!, certain to be a crowd-pleaser. I have personally tasted all the menu items and can’t wait to open at Disney Springs and across the country, because I know our guests will love what Guy has put on the menu.”

Fieri, a chef, entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author, has brought his signature blend of authentic-meets-surprising flavors to Chicken Guy!, once again creating crave-worthy blends of spices and seasonings that keep his fans coming back for more. In this new concept, Fieri has taken the always popular chicken tender, endowed

it with a proprietary blend of flavors, and provided guests with a myriad of delicious sauce options resulting in endless combinations of flavors.

“I’m stoked to be building Chicken Guy! with my friend, Robert Earl,” said Fieri. “It’s all about the real deal, all-natural chicken but lemme tell you, our sauce game is on point.”

Opening this summer, Chicken Guy! Is located in the heart of Disney Springs. With a whimsical design that will delight guests as they place their orders, innovative packaging that will make carrying out and enjoying food on the go fun and easy—and, of course, seating will be available indoors and out. No detail has been overlooked in providing the best possible guest experience.

August 9, 2018
The 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck Is Coming To Disney Springs

The award-winning 4R Restaurant Group will launch its newest concept in late August with the opening of its 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck located in the Marketplace at Disney Springs.

The eatery will debut a variety of new signature dishes, including a Taco Cone and Burrito Bowl filled with choice of meats such as Brisket Barbacoa or Pork Sofrito.

The 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck will also offer standout vegetarian options like the Squash Blossom Burrito. Additionally, decadent desserts such as Dulce De Leche Churro Balls will be available.

“It’s an honor to open the 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck at Disney Springs in the company of so many talented chefs and award-winning restaurants,” said John Rivers, 4R Restaurant Group Founder and CEO. “Our first-ever daily 4R offering at Disney Springs will provide an opportunity for tourists to savor an authentic local brand. It will also give Floridians who know and love our food an all-new 4R experience and chance to enjoy dishes that are not currently available at any of our 4 Rivers Smokehouses.

Inspired by his recent culinary adventures in Mexico City, Rivers has developed the food truck’s barbacoa-style menu. Dishes will feature signature 4 Rivers meats such as brisket and pulled pork, but prepared using traditional barbacoa techniques – methods with roots in the Caribbean and ultimately perfected in Mexico.

The opening of this Mexican-inspired barbacoa eatery marks the first time a 4R location will be available to guests at Disney Springs. The 4R Cantina Barbacoa menu has been crafted with the same pride and passion that has earned 4 Rivers Smokehouses some of the culinary world’s highest accolades, including recently being named “America’s Best Barbecue Chain” by The Daily Meal.

The 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck at Disney Springs will be the only 4 Rivers location to offer service seven days a week – including Sunday. Following in the philanthropic footprints of the 4R “Barbecue Ministry,” all net proceeds from sales every Sunday will support The 4R Foundation, which in 2017 helped more than 950 local schools, churches and charitable organizations. All other 4 Rivers Smokehouse locations will remain closed on Sundays.

August 9, 2018
Steven Tyler and His Daughter Liv Tyler Visit Disneyland Paris For a Rockin’ Good Time

Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler and his daughter, actress Liv Tyler, visited Disneyland Paris over the weekend!

Steven and Liv spent the day rockin’ around the merry-go-round (the traditional Le Carrousel de Lancelot, that is) and paying a visit to the Big Cheese himself.

A trip with the Tylers to Walt Disney Studios would not be complete without a joy ride on Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. The duo also stopped by Armageddon: les Effets Spéciaux, based on the special effects in Liv’s 1998 film Armageddon.

Along with her husband and children, Liv also paid a visit to Sleeping Beauty Castle and “it’s a small world”, making time to meet Tigger and Goofy along the way. It was an rockin’ trip for sure!

August 8, 2018