Category: Disney Parks

Ribbon Cutting of the Re-Imagined World of Disney at Disney Springs

As we previously reported, World of Disney in Disney Springs opened to the public after a year of renovations. Saturday, October 27th, was their official Ribbon Cutting celebration and we can report we have found the Magic everyone has been looking for!

As Disney Imagineers began to work on re-imagining the old World of Disney they uncovered even more hidden Disney magic. You see, this used to be an old Farmer’s Market. After being abandoned for many years, it was taken over by young designers and artists who turned it into a bustling Disney animation studio. They moved on to Hollywood Studios, but this remodel has uncovered all the magic they left behind!

Vintage line drawings from the Disney vault hang on the wall, and come alive before your eyes. The exposed brick you’ll see throughout the store is all reclaimed from old buildings. Jars of paint left over from the artists decorate the shelves, and if you wait and watch you might even find a little pixie dust was left behind with the jars that helps other paintings dance and play. (Check out the video on Instagram: @MerlinsCauldron) If you look closely you’ll even see a subtle nod to Mickey in the jars of paint.

Look out for moving projections on the floors and walls. We were informed by Disney Cast Members that these will updated with the season’s, holiday’s, and when new Disney movies come out. So there will always be something new to see! The wall behind Belle is a montage of classic and new Disney Princesses, with a fireworks show at the end. If it’s quiet in the store you can even hear the fireworks going off!

The chandeliers above Cinderella are made of tiara’s and wands sold in the store, and Cinderella and Belle’s dresses are made up of hundreds of princess dolls.

There’s even magic at the registers, which are made from Imagineering desks. They’re full of classic movie references, and are covered with Disney doodles.

Stay tuned for an upcoming video walkthrough to be posted on the Disney Dorks Facebook page. On your next visit to the re-imagined World of Disney take time to look for any hidden details I might have missed, and let us know in the comments what you think of the big reveal!

October 30, 2018
Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party Coming to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

The first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the season takes place on November 8th and now the party just got a little bigger. Today, Disney announced an all-new dining package called Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party which will offer appetizers, desserts and drinks to guests at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant.

At this new and special experience beginning at 9:30 p.m., you can pop in and out at your leisure and indulge in savory hors d’oeuvres including a selection of artisanal meats and cheeses as well as Tony’s famous meatballs, mini hand-tossed pizzas, boursin-stuffed artichoke and more! And if you’re wanting to satisfy that sweet tooth, then you can snack on pumpkin tartlets, Yule Logs, cannoli, Christmas cookies, and red velvet cupcakes.

To go along with this festive array of dishes, raise a glass to the spirit of the season with a selection of complementary beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. While you eat, enjoy a holiday atmosphere and views of Town Square and Main Street, U.S.A.

The party doesn’t stop there! At 11:00 p.m., you’ll have access to a special reserved viewing area for the truly enchanting Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade as it makes its way down Main Street, U.S.A. The festive procession includes dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers and beloved Disney characters in their holiday finery. And the party continues until 12:30 a.m., even longer than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party is available for $99 per person every Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event night at Magic Kingdom Park. Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is required to attend.

Reservations will be available to everyone beginning October 30. Annual Passholders and DVC Members will be able to enjoy a 1-day exclusive early booking window on October 29.

If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

October 26, 2018
New Parking Lot Entrance for Hollywood Studios Opens on November 8

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been undergoing its largest expansion in decades with the recent opening of Toy Story Land and the upcoming opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. To accommodate all the new additions, a new entrance for vehicles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is opening and it will change how guests arrive and access parking at the theme park.

Disney is currently reimagining Disney’s Hollywood Studios and preparing for the park’s exciting 30th anniversary in 2019. Along with the work, they are also transforming the park’s arrival experience to make it easier and more convenient to come and go.

Looking at the map you’ll see the transportation change you need to be aware of. Beginning November 8, guests driving to Disney’s Hollywood Studios will use the new entrance and exit located off of Osceola Parkway. The current main entrance off World Drive and Osceola Parkway will be repurposed for Disney cast members only and the satellite entrance on Buena Vista Drive will be dedicated to buses.

When the new entrance opens, drivers will just need to spot one of the many updated roadway signs throughout the Walt Disney World Resort to easily navigate to the Disney Hollywood Studios parking lot. Vehicles coming from southbound Victory Way will also find a connecting road leading to the park.

Keep checking back on Disney Dorks for future updates on work to improve the arrival experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including expanded parking, adjusted tram lanes, additional bus parking and the Disney Skyliner.

October 25, 2018
FIRST LOOK: Mickey & Minnie’s New 90th Anniversary Celebration Outfits
As we recently reported, Disney parks around the world are celebrating 90 years of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse with special surprises and events. Wednesday, Disney shared a sneak peek at the fancy fashions Mickey and Minnie will be wearing in the parks for the celebration.

The outfits will be worn at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Cruise Line. Mickey Mouse’s crisp white suit will feature a shower of colorful confetti, while fashion icon Minnie Mouse will don a puff-sleeve dress adorned with pompons and a buoyant bubble skirt for the celebration at some of our parks.

According to Senior Costume Designer Joe Kucharski, their outfits will reflect the party spirit of the celebration.

“The looks that Mickey and Minnie will be wearing to celebrate their 90th anniversary represent all of the colorful exuberance of a party and birthday party decorations, complete with confetti, balloons, pompons, streamers and more!” he said. “These playful bursts of color and texture are set against crisp white, meant to evoke the nostalgic feeling of frosting, crisp linens and tissue paper.”

The new outfits will be seen at Walt Disney World Resort in “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party,” opening January 18 during Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom Park – a limited-time celebration that will include new entertainment, merchandise and specialty food and beverage.

They will also be featured at:
- Hong Kong Disneyland beginning November 18
- Shanghai Disneyland on November 18 only
- Disneyland Resort beginning January 2019
- Disney Cruise Line summer 2019
October 25, 2018
Guide to Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary Worldwide Celebrations
It was all started by a mouse. Now 90 years later, we are in party-prep mode for the birthday of the one and only Mickey Mouse and there are going to be celebrations all over the world.

With a milestone as big as 90 years, one party simply will not do! That’s why Mickey’s birthday celebration will span across the globe with a series of events at all Disney Parks sites around the world, including the previously announced World’s Biggest Mouse Party – a limited-time, global celebration of Mickey and Minnie.

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will celebrate Mickey’s birthday from November 16-18 with special merchandise and food & beverage items as well as the chance for guests to celebrate. Sing “Happy Birthday” along with the Dapper Dans on Main Street, U.S.A., and join in a special birthday dance party at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. Then in 2019, Walt Disney World will continue celebrating when World’s Biggest Mouse Party comes to the resort.
- Disneyland Resort in California will host a celebration cavalcade for Mickey Mouse on November 18, featuring some of his special friends and the Disneyland Band, starting at “it’s a small world” and pausing for a special moment at Sleeping Beauty Castle before continuing down Main Street, U.S.A., to Town Square. The party continues when World’s Biggest Mouse Party begins at Disneyland Resort in 2019.
- Disney Cruise Line will join the celebration when World’s Biggest Mouse Party takes to the seas in 2019.
- Shanghai Disney Resort will be the first to kick off World’s Biggest Mouse Party with a brand-new Mickey-themed float at the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Tourism Festival on September 15 to commemorate the Shanghai launch of World’s Biggest Mouse Party. At Shanghai Disneyland, a giant birthday card will be installed next to “Storytellers” statue, featuring birthday wishes from Mickey’s pals. From November 16-18, guests will enjoy themed food and merchandise offerings as well as the opportunity to sing “Happy Birthday” to Mickey just before the nighttime spectacular show each evening, all culminating with a special nighttime birthday spectacular at Enchanted Storybook Castle on November 18.
- Hong Kong Disneyland will begin its World’s Biggest Mouse Party activations on Mickey’s birthday, November 18, with commemorative park tickets, special food & beverage and merchandise, a hotel room overlay and “We Love Mickey” projection show through February 2019. And Hong Kong Disneyland guests will receive special birthday stickers, available only on November 18.
- Tokyo Disney Resort will join the celebration this fall with special decorations and merchandise.
- Disneyland Paris will celebrate the World’s Biggest Mouse Party this fall and into winter with new holiday season entertainment and special surprises.
“As Walt said, ‘I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse’,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “From ‘The True Original Exhibition’ to a year-long celebration in our parks around the world, we are honoring the deep connection that families and fans have made with Mickey and Minnie Mouse for nearly a century.”

Mickey’s 90th is definitely a “mouse”-do this fall! With so many birthday parties to choose from, one question remains: which will you be a part of?
October 23, 2018
New Cheshire Cat Slushy Will Be Blowing Up Your Instagram Soon

We’re all mad here… Mad for a good slushy that is. Disney is debuting a new tasty Cheshire Cat slushy at Magic Kingdom Park next month.

This one comes with layers of purple grape and pink raspberry lemonade slush and a pink rock candy straw.

It looks delish and will surely make a great selfie op and certainly it’s going to make for some great Instagram posts when you’re decked out in your Alice in Wonderland swag riding the tea cups!

The Wonderland Slushy will be available starting November 7 at Cheshire Café.

Cheshire Café is a quick service restaurant in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It serves juice drinks, frozen lemonade, snacks and breakfast cereals.

October 21, 2018
Disney’s New Tink Cone Coming To Magic Kingdom

Faith, trust, and pixie snacks! A brand-new Tink cone is coming to at Walt Disney World next month.

This pixie inspired cone is so fly it neverlands and you can bet this super cute snack is going to be blowing up your social media with tons of insta-worthy pics. It’s like the Mermaid Cupcake all over again.

Starting on Nov. 1, fly on over to Storybook Treats at Magic Kingdom to take a bite out of Tink’s Pixie-Dusted Cone! This tasty treat made with lime soft-serve and topped with white chocolate “wings,” cotton candy, and just a little bit of Pixie Dust.

October 21, 2018
‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’ Getting a Sneak Peak at Disney Parks

For a limited time next month, guests visiting Disney Parks will be able to preview a sequence from Disney’s new animated adventure “Ralph Breaks the Internet” in sneak peeks planned for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get to see this advance look at a portion of the film, starting Friday, November 2, as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction.

At Disneyland park, the preview of “Ralph Breaks the Internet” will be shown in 3D at the Tomorrowland Theater. This limited sneak peek experience will be presented by Mailchimp at Disneyland Resort, November 9 – December 9.

In “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” video-game bad guy Ralph and best friend Vanellope leave the comforts of Litwak’s arcade in an attempt to save her game. Their quest takes them to the vast world of the internet, a world Vanellope wholeheartedly embraces – so much so that Ralph worries he may lose the only friend he’s ever had.

Take a look at the latest trailer for “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” and be sure to head to Disney Parks for this limited-time sneak peek as you get hyped for the film’s big release on November 21!

October 21, 2018
REVIEW: A Visit to Sebastian’s Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort

As we reported earlier this year, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has been undergoing major transformations. Their newest table-service restaurant, Sebastian’s Bistro, is now open and as Sebastian would say, Jumpin’ Jellyfish! We predict it’s going to be a hit with guests.

As you’re seated your host will welcome you to Sebastian’s beach house, and that’s exactly how the décor feels. Light and airy, with honey colored wood floors, and lots of crisp white and sky blue décor, it feels like you’ve stepped away from a hectic life ‘under the sea’ to a breezy Caribbean hideaway.

This restaurant features Caribbean and Latin inspired fare, with different menus for lunch and dinner. We stopped in for some appetizers, drinks, and dessert. I would have to say that my favorite appetizer was the Jamaican Meat Pies; they are a generous size and came with a Guajillo Chili Sauce that had just the right amount of heat. For dessert we tried the Banoffee Tart, which has banana custard, chocolate ganache, and caramel sauce, all in a graham cracker crust.

The Bistro is located on the waterfront of Old Port Royale promenade, with large windows filling the walls that overlook the water, and open shutters that allow sunlight to fill the space.

Pretty much every table at Sebastian’s has a waterfront view. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, and we can’t wait to dive into their dinner menu!

Sebastian’s Bistro takes the Disney Dining Plan (1 Table Service Credit), and Passholders receive a discount.

October 19, 2018
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