Disney News

Category: Disney Parks

  • OFFICIAL: New Nighttime Fireworks Spectacular to Replace IllumiNations At Epcot

    OFFICIAL: New Nighttime Fireworks Spectacular to Replace IllumiNations At Epcot

    Rumors of a big change coming to Epcot’s nighttime spectacular have been going around for quite some time and now after nearly 20 years of delighting Epcot guests through music, fireworks, fire torches and more, Disney has announced that “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” will be ending next year.

    The Disney Parks Live Entertainment team is already busy creating new thrills to debut immediately following the conclusion of “IllumiNations,” continuing the tradition of nightly entertainment on the World Showcase Lagoon.

    “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which is currently planned to run to the end of summer 2019, has entertained millions of guests gathered around World Showcase Lagoon sharing the light and a story since it debuted in October 1999 as part of the Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration. During the coming year, Epcot will be celebrating this classic show, so there is plenty of time to experience it again and again, as excitement builds for what’s next.

    There are big plans for Epcot’s multi-year transformation of Epcot, with new experiences that will “Wow!” guests while keeping true to the original vision of the park. And the all-new nighttime fireworks spectacular coming to Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon will be part of the park’s exciting evolution.

    The new show joins several previously announced experiences coming to Epcot, including the highly-anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy” roller coaster attraction, a “Ratatouille”-inspired attraction in World Showcase, a new table-service restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE and much more!

    Stay tuned to Disney Dorks for updates on the new nighttime spectacular and everything else coming to Epcot!

  • Earl of Sandwich Returns to Disneyland Resort For a Limited Time

    Earl of Sandwich Returns to Disneyland Resort For a Limited Time

    Disney just announced, Earl of Sandwich will be opening in its original location for a limited time in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort.

    The popular fast-casual restaurant—inspired by John Montagu, the Earl who invented the sandwich in 1762—will be returning soon. You can enjoy all your favorites from their famous hot sandwiches on artisan breads to hand-crafted wraps and a variety of freshly-tossed salads.

    Watch for more exciting Downtown Disney news this fall as Disney welcomes Salt & Straw scoop shop to the area. In the coming weeks, and they will also be celebrating the reimagined World of Disney store and the newly-renovated Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria – both of which are still open during renovations.

    In coming months, Ballast Point and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes will also make their debut.

  • New Cotton Candy Spirit Jersey Is The Next Sweetest Must Have

    New Cotton Candy Spirit Jersey Is The Next Sweetest Must Have

    Disney Parks has been on a streak of releasing all sorts of merchandise in the trendiest news colors including; Iridescent, Millennial Pink and Rose Gold. Now Disney is setting the newest fab fad color trend with the release of The Cotton Candy Spirit Jersey.

    These new Cotton Candy Spirit Jerseys are what sweet dreams are made of and come in gorgeous pastel tie-dye with rainbow glitter text.

    These cute jerseys would go perfectly the rainbow cotton candy when your in the park, but you’ll be wearing this one even when you’re at home!

    The Cotton Candy Spirit Jersey will be coming to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort this month.

  • ‘Ralph Breaks VR’ Debuts This Fall With New Hyper-Reality Experiences to be Set in Disney Universes

    ‘Ralph Breaks VR’ Debuts This Fall With New Hyper-Reality Experiences to be Set in Disney Universes

    Disney and The VOID are partnering once again — This time to develop a slate of five new VR experiences based on material from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Marvel Studios. The company revealed that the first Hyper-Reality Experience, which will debut this fall, will be based on the upcoming Disney animated movie “Ralph Breaks The Internet”.

    The VOID, an entertainment company that uses a mix of virtual reality, augmented reality, and sensory elements like wind and temperature to create interactive experiences, has partnered with ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s immersive entertainment division, to develop The new VR experiences.

    This past winter, the groundbreaking hyper-reality experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID launched to rave reviews at both Disney Springs and Downtown Disney District.

    When it debuts, Ralph Breaks VR will put you inside a new multi-sensory Disney adventure where you’ll be immersed in the worlds of the internet and online gaming with Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope. To create Ralph Breaks VR and future hyper-reality experiences that allow you to explore amazing worlds and engage with favorite characters, The Walt Disney Company and ILMxLAB (Lucasfilm’s award-winning immersive entertainment division) are again collaborating with the team at The VOID.

    “Our filmmakers and the terrific people at ILMxLAB have collaborated to bring an incredible hyper-real experience, for all ages, to The VOID,” said Oscar-winning “Ralph Breaks the Internet” producer, Clark Spencer. “We can’t wait for people to be immersed in the worlds of the internet and online gaming with Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope.”

    “At ILMxLAB, we are truly excited for fans to ‘Step Inside Our Stories’ by extending our award-winning creative collaboration with The VOID across The Walt Disney Company. Together, we will soon invite guests into other beloved Disney franchises where they can explore rich worlds, engage with compelling characters, embark upon heart-pounding adventures, and indulge the senses — experiencing the magic as never before,” said Vicki Dobbs Beck, ILMxLAB Executive in Charge.

    Keep checking back on Disney Dorks for more details, including the launch date for Ralph Breaks VR and details about future Disney-inspired hyper-reality experiences – as well as locations, trailers and ticket availability.

  • Today in Disney History: September 11, 2001 – Disney Parks Close

    Today in Disney History: September 11, 2001 – Disney Parks Close

    On September 11, 2001, at 8:45 a.m., the world changed forever when four hijacked planes were used to attack The United States. On this day we remember the thousands who died in the terror attacks as well as the heroic actions of the first responders who risked their lives to save others.

    As news of the horrific attacks spread across the world Disney officials took action. At Walt Disney World an announcement was made over the public address system:” … Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Magic Kingdom is now closed. Please follow the direction of the nearest Cast Member.” It took less than 30 minutes to evacuate thousands of guests from the theme parks.

    At Disney World, Cast Members in all 4 parks are instructed to hold hands and form a human wall and gently (without touching guests) walk towards the hub of each park and eventually towards the exit. This calmly forced all guests out of the parks. Security followed each human wall to make sure no one gets past.

    Disney September 11

    Almost instantly the government moved to secure the airspace over this potential terrorism target. Gunships flew above the park armed with military personnel, ready to defend if necessary.

    “In an abundance of caution, Walt Disney World resort has made the decision to close its theme parks, water parks, shopping, entertainment and recreation complexes,” a Disney statement said.

    The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida closed without incident. Disneyland Resort, which had not yet opened when the attacks occurred and thus was able to remain closed for the day.

    Disney September 11

    All the resort hotels remained open and provided accommodations to guests who are unable to leave. Phone charges were suspended so that guests could reach family. The closures marked only the second time Disneyland had locked its gates in its 56-year history due to a national tragedy. The first time followed the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963. Walt Disney World had previously only closed for Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

    Michael Eisner released a statement to Cast Members explaining the Disney closings. “Finally let me say our company around the world will continue to operate in this sometimes violent world in which we live, offering products that reach to the higher and more positive side of the human equation.” the statement read.

    Like hundreds of other families around the world, Disney also lost one of its own when John Beug, a former vice president at Walt Disney Records, lost his life as a passenger on the plane that struck 1 World Trade Center.

    Each year, to commemorate Patriot’s Day, a special Flag Retreat ceremony is held on Main Street. 2,983 people were killed in the horrific attacks as well as hundreds more who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks and we will never forget!

  • Vampirina Arrives at Disney Parks This Weekend

    Vampirina Arrives at Disney Parks This Weekend

    As we previously reported, Vampirina (aka “Vee”), that lovable girl vampire from the hit Disney Junior series “Vampirina,” is making her way to Disney Parks and this weekend she finally makes her grand debut.

    Starting this weekend, Vampirina is stopping by Disneyland Resort for Halloween Time, meeting fans at Disney California Adventure park and getting ready to make a special appearance in the “Frightfully Fun Parade” during Mickey’s Halloween Party.

    Disney also announced that Vampirina is on her way to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park! During the party, you can show off your best dance moves with Vee and other favorite Disney Junior pals at the all-new Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam. And be sure to catch Vampirina’s official Disney Parks welcome as part of the live stream of Mickey’s “Boo to You” Halloween Parade on Sunday, September 9, at 9:25 p.m. Eastern/6:25 p.m. Pacific, right here on the Disney Parks Blog!

    Vampirina is bringing spooky fun everywhere she goes, from Transylvania to Pennsylvania … to Disney Parks!

  • New Haunted Mansion MagicBand Materializing at Disney Parks

    New Haunted Mansion MagicBand Materializing at Disney Parks

    Halloween time is already upon us and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is well underway making the newly released Haunted Mansion Magicband the perfect accessory to spirit you through your day at the parks.

    If you’re a haunted mansion fan then your definitely going to want to let this ghoulish new Magicband follow you home!

    Your ghost hosts have come up with a new design inspired by the Haunted Mansion Maids and Butlers.  The Magicband displays the Haunted Mansion logo on top over a white background and one side is adorned with a Haunted Mansion butler uniform while the others shows the maids uniform.

    The MagicBand is Open Edition and costs $22.99. You can find them in the parks and at on shopDisney.

    MagicBands are colorful, waterproof wristbands – resembling a watch or bracelet – that you can quickly and easily touch to a sensor called a ”touch point.” You will receive a MagicBand 2 if you stay at a Disney Resort Hotel in Florida or you are a Walt Disney World Resort Passholder. They allow guests to connect the vacation choices they make in My Disney Experience – from effortless theme-park entry, to Online Check-In, Disney PhotoPass association and more.

  • Disney Reveals Details of Oga’s Cantina Coming To Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

    Disney Reveals Details of Oga’s Cantina Coming To Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

    No matter how far far away the galaxy’s newest outpost might be, it wouldn’t be complete with out a cantina! Today, Disney revealed details on a watering hole fit for a smuggler that is set to open at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

    Black Spire Outpost at Galaxy’s edge will be home to Oga’s Cantina, which will be serving pilots, bounty hunters, smugglers, locals and galactic travelers alike, when it opens in 2019.

    Visitors come to this notorious local cantina, conduct shady business, and maybe even encounter a friend…or a foe. Run by an intriguing alien proprietor, Oga Garra, the cantina adheres to a strict code of conduct that tries to keep its unruly patrons in check. But with a history of being a smugglers’ safe haven and a popular stopping point for those seeking to avoid the authorities, you can bet that the cantina has a story or two to tell.

    Oga’s Cantina is the kind of establishment that attracts some of the most interesting and disreputable characters in the galaxy. And you never know when a stormtrooper or a familiar face will show up. Patrons of the cantina come from across the galaxy to sample the famous concoctions created with exotic ingredients using “otherworldly” methods, served in unique vessels. With choices for kids and libations for adults, the cantina will make for a great stop!

    Musical entertainment is provided courtesy of RX-24, the former StarSpeeder 3000 pilot droid we first met in Star Tours, who has re-envisioned himself as the cantina’s DJ. As quirky and talkative as ever, he’s still trying to do his best on the job.

    Get ready to listen to some unique music, taste the best drinks in the galaxy, and surround yourself with a colorful cast of characters. You never know what will happen at the cantina!

    Oga’s Cantina opens its doors at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019 at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

  • 23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Opens TODAY!

    23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Opens TODAY!

    The 23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival starts today! That’s right – you can now eat your way around the world and enjoy over 30 destinations located throughout the park, each offering unique dishes and beverages inspired by cultures from around the world.

    In addition, there’s celebrity chefs, pairing seminars, culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, cheese seminars, and tons of other tasty experiences that you won’t want to miss! Don’t forget the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. The 2018 line-up is AMAZING and what better way to enjoy good food than while listening to live music?

    Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! also returns this year where you can work side-by-side with chefs, beverage experts, and other kitchen wizards during a hands-on lesson that teaches one of many different culinary and beverage skills.

    While you’re enjoying the festival, you can commemorate your visit with a magical array of limited-edition special event merchandise? This year, specially-designed merchandise will let you recreate the tasting-around-the-world experience at home. From cookbooks and apparel to tabletop and kitchen goods, new artwork shows Chef Mickey Mouse exploring the Festival. New merchandise includes a ceramic pie plate, wooden pepper mill, bottle-shaped cutting board, and a serving dish that gives a nod to the one and only Mouse. Look for these items and more, including the fan-favorite Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt at the Festival Center located adjacent to Mission: SPACE, and in select merchandise locations throughout Epcot.

    The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs through November 12, 2018. And when you get there, don’t forget to grab a Festival Passport to help you find all of the eats your hungry heart desires. Not only will it tell you where to find anything and everything this year’s festival has to offer, you get to take it home as a memento to remember your trip by.

  • Pumpkin Mickey Mouse Ears Available at Disney Parks

    Pumpkin Mickey Mouse Ears Available at Disney Parks

    Halloween time is here and at Disney Parks that means, ghoulish treats, killer costumes and of course all the Halloween mech! Speaking of merch, the newest Halloween themed Mickey ears are so cute its scary. Disney recently released new Pumpkin Mickey Ears that are really giving guests “pumpkin” to talk about!

    Pumpkin Mickey ear hats have already been spotted around the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, and they are totes adorbs!

    The pumpkin inspired hat comes in the classic Mickey ear baseball cap style and features a Mickey jack-o-lantern grin and embroidery on the back that says “Hey, Pumpkin!”

    The ears even have a little stump on the top of the hat, making this the must-have hat for pumpkin and Mickey fans everywhere.

    A post shared by Alie 🐾 (@alieadventure) on

    You can find the pumpkin Mickey hat at select locations around the Disney Parks!