Category: Disney Parks

The Abandoned West Coast EPCOT Plans and What Could Have Been

From the moment Michael Eisner became CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 1984, plans for expansion at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World were on the forefront of his mind and in 1991 Eisner’s original plans for the expansion of the Disney empire in Anaheim included a version of Orlando’s EPCOT called WestCOT.

In 1991, Disney announced plans to build WestCOT on the site of Disneyland’s parking lot. It was themed around a Utopian vision of the future, similar to EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World, and would be the first Disney theme park to contain hotels within the park.

WestCOT was a planned second theme park for the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. It was essentially a replica of EPCOT Center at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and was dedicated to the celebration of human achievement, namely technological innovation and international culture. The park was represented by SpaceStation Earth, a larger version of the geodesic sphere Spaceship Earth featured at EPCOT Center.

The project would have been made up of two parts: Future World and a kind of World Showcase area. Future would still be a place for guests to get hands on with science, but the World Showcase would be a little different. Instead of being divided into individual countries, the area would be split into different regions like the The Americas, Europe, Asia and others. Rides included a James Bond-esque chase on a train, a trip through an Egyptian palace and a Native American Spirit Lodge.

In the 1990s, The Walt Disney Company decided to expand the original Disneyland Park into a multi-park, multi-resort business model with WestCOT intended to be the centerpiece. A ton of fanfare came with the new projects announcement and the mere thought of it had Disneyland fans waiting with bated breath, but the project had more than a few hurdles.

The biggest challenge was the budget. WestCOT project was projected to cost an estimated $3.1 billion which was a lot back then, even for Disney. The company wasn’t able to find any funding from outside sources and the price tag was a large part of the decision not to move forward with the project.

The project was scrapped in 1995, but Disney would still be moving forward with plans for a second theme park in Anaheim, however; and after a three-day summit in Colorado the plans for what would truly come next were born. The planned site for WestCOT would later house what would become the resort’s second theme park, Disney’s California Adventure Park, which opened in 2001.

May 22, 2018
New After Fireworks Dessert Party Coming to Magic Kingdom Park

If you love fireworks and dessert then Magic Kingdom is the place to be. Due to the popularity of the Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom Park, there will now be an additional option – the After Fireworks Dessert Party starting on May 28.

Now you can experience the legendary fireworks over Cinderella Castle from a special viewing area in the Plaza Garden, and afterwards, head on over to Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and indulge in a delicious array of all-you-care-to-enjoy desserts!

On the menu for this sweet experience are treats inspired by each of the lands of Magic Kingdom Park. Among the offerings are the S’mores Action Station (Frontierland), Pineapple Delights (Adventureland), Ooey Gooey Toffee Cakes (Liberty Square), Macarons (Fantasyland), a Cookie Table (Tomorrowland), and Strawberry Tarts (Main Street U.S.A.).

But there’s more than just desserts! Savory snacks include cheese cubes, spinach dip with crackers, and house-made mini eggrolls. Fresh fruit is also available along with refreshing beverages such as sparkling apple juice, coffee, tea, and milk.

In addition, on July 3-4 and select nights during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, guests can enjoy special themed holiday treats as well as holiday fireworks.

Guests can begin making reservations for the After Fireworks Dessert Party starting May 17.

For more information and to make reservations for all other dessert party experiences contact me. If you need any 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!

May 21, 2018
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort Returns September 7
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is returning for even more days of wicked fun! Beginning September 7 through October 31, a spell will be cast at both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, transforming the Disneyland Resort into a frenzy of happy haunts.

This limited-time seasonal celebration will include special attraction overlays, themed décor, seasonal treats and merchandise, plus spooky encounters with favorite characters.

Oogie Boogie will once again take over Disney California Adventure park with stylish Halloween decor along Buena Vista Street and a swarm of bats encircling Carthay Circle Theatre. Cars Land will celebrate Haul-O-Ween as Radiator Springs turns into Radiator Screams! For the occasion, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree will transform into Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree while Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters changes into Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween. In Hollywood Land, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will transform nightly into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark.

Over at Disneyland park, the Pumpkin Festival will greet guests as they make their way down Main Street, U.S.A. Fan-favorite attractions will also return, including the eerily delightful Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy.

Additionally, the highly anticipated Mickey’s Halloween Party will host 15 nights of fun. This separate-ticket, after hours event gives you the chance to make your Halloween Time experience even more fun with some exclusive entertainment, Disney characters in their Halloween attire and trick-or-treating throughout Disneyland park!

Be sure to purchase your Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets* early and mark your calendars for the dates below.
- June 5: Tickets on sale to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Rewards Visa card holders and Disney Vacation Club members
- June 12: Tickets on sale to general public
- Mickey’s Halloween Party 2018 dates: Sept. 19, Sept. 21, Sept. 24, Sept. 26, Sept. 28, Oct. 2, Oct. 5, Oct. 9, Oct. 12, Oct. 16, Oct. 19, Oct. 23, Oct. 26, Oct. 29, Oct. 31
For more information about Halloween events at the Disneyland Resort, contact me anytime. If you need any 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!
May 18, 2018
Wearable Infinity Gauntlet Cup at Disneyland Creating Infinite Lines

Thanos’ Infinity Gauntlet helped “Avengers: Infinity War” smash box office records and now its creating record lines at Disneyland with the release of the infamous gauntlet in the form of a wearable cup.

In “Avengers: Infinity War”, the mad titan Thanos wants to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality and now you too can destroy half of the galaxy with a single sip!

A post shared by Grown Man Disney Fan (@grown_man_disney_fan) on May 12, 2018 at 9:15pm PDT

The infinitely-Instagrammable Marvel-themed adult sippy cup will set you back $20 and are being sold at the California Adventure theme park on carts near the Off the Page store, the Hyperion theater, and of course the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout ride.

The wearable beverage holder is selling out all over Disney’s California Adventure park and it’s only available for a limited time. Currently the cup is sold out in the parks and there is no word on when another shipment will arrive, but you could always grab one on ebay if you have an extra $100 or more.

A post shared by Erika (Castle Cravings) (@erikaenchanted_) on May 11, 2018 at 9:23pm PDT

A post shared by Michael Rubino (@disney.food.boy) on May 11, 2018 at 1:08pm PDT

May 16, 2018
Get Your Royal Wedding-Inspired Merchandise at Epcot

The Royal Wedding is just a few days away – and Walt Disney World Resort guests can join in on the historic celebration by grabbing new merchandise now available at the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot.

Royal Wedding merchandise can currently be found in the shop between The Tea Caddy and the Queen’s Table. The curated assortment of Royal Wedding products from United Kingdom-based companies include home décor items, such as teacups and saucers, ornate mugs, and tea towels.

Other available items include a ceramic bell, trinket box, and a 24-Carat Gold Gilded commemorative plate. Each item contains a picture of His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales and Miss Meghan Markle.

May 15, 2018
Alcohol Now Served at All Table Service Restaurants in Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World was alcohol free since it opened in 1971, until Be Our Guest restaurant opened in 2012. Several more locations began selling alcohol after the seal had been broken and now all of the Table service restaurants in the park all sell alcohol.

After Be Our Guest opened the taps other restaurants followed not too long after. In 2016 four other restaurants four more restaurants were added to the list including, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Liberty Tree Tavern, Skipper’s Canteen and Tony’s Town Square.

Then, not to be out done, just last week The Crystal Palace and The Plaza Restaurant joined the list of table service restaurants in Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol. It seems Disney has completely lifted their self-imposed Magic Kingdom prohibition with a total of eight restaurants that now serve alcoholic beverages.

Here is a complete list of all eight restaurants where guests aged 21 and over can now enjoy a glass or wine or beer.
- Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen – Beer, Red/White Wine, Home Made Spiced Sangria, Jungle Navigation Shandy
- The Crystal Palace – Beer, Hard Cider, Red/White Wine, Mimosas
- The Diamond Horseshoe – Beer, Red/White wine
- Liberty Tree Tavern – Red/White Wine, Sparkling Wine Cocktail, Beer, Hard Cider
- The Plaza Restaurant – Beer, Red/ White Wine, Sangria, Sparkling Wine
- Be Our Guest – Beer, Red/White Wine, Sparkling Wine
- Tony’sTown Square Restaurant – Beer, Red/White Wine
- Cinderella’s Royal Table – Specialty Wine Cocktails,Mimosa with Paul Cheneau Lady of Spain Cava and Orange Juice, Bellini with Canella Prosecco and Peach Juice, Beso del Sol Sangria,Champagne & Sparkling Wine, Red/White Wine, Beer
Selections vary by restaurant but include drinks like beer, wine, ciders, mimosas, and sangria. According to Disney, these beverages have been specially selected for each restaurant’s unique menu.

There are currently no plans to sell alcohol at any of the stands around the park. what are your thoughts about Disney selling alcohol in Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below.
May 14, 2018
New Menu at The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom

There is a brand new menu coming to The Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom Park! If you want to get your fill of all the tasty details, then this blog is for you. From hearty sandwiches, salads, and platters to delicious desserts, there are new fixins for everyone to enjoy, and it all starts this Wednesday, May 16!

Starting with the A la Carte menu, we’ve got an array of sandwiches, salads, platters and sides that are sure to fill yer belly, like the Carved Beef Brisket Sandwich with creamy coleslaw served on a brioche bun. Other sandwiches include Creamy Turkey Salad Sandwich that’s served on multigrain bread with lettuce and tomato, or you can try the Grilled Chicken Thigh Sandwich with BBQ mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion served on a Kaiser roll.

And for the BBQ-lovers cattle-ranchers out there, you’ll love the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich with mac and cheese and crispy onions served on a brioche bun. Or you can even just get the Mac and Cheese with bbq pulled pork, crispy onions, and green onions!

If yer lookin’ for a lighter option, then there’s always the Mixed Green Salad with cucumber, tomato, onion, and honey shallot vinaigrette. You can even add your choice of any meat to top it off.

Of course, we can’t forget the finger-lickin’ platters! Served with your choice of two sides and cornbread, there’s the Carved Beef Brisket Platter, the Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Platter, the Grilled Chicken Thighs Platter, and even a Vegetable Platter with a choice of four sides!

And there’s plenty of sides to choose from, like the Potato Salad with grilled onions and a serrano dressing or Creamy Coleslaw with red and green cabbage. There’s also Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Bread with honey chipotle butter, Mac and Cheese, Corn on the Cobb with cheese, Corn Fritters, paprika, lime, and cilantro, and BBQ Baked Beans. Or chow down on a fresh House Salad or Watermelon Salad.

In addition, for cowpokes ages 21 and over, these frontier food favorites can be paired with classic American beers and wines. Enjoy a traditional lager style beer or a robust Pinot Noir while you chow down on a plentiful platter of Carved Beef Brisket, Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork, or Grilled Chicken Thighs.

After getting your fill of dinner, you might be hankering for some sweet stuff. On the dessert menu are some tasty dishes – Buttermilk Chocolate Cake with bourbon glaze, Peaches and Cream Cheesecake with streusel topping, and a classic Blueberry Cobbler with lemon and mint cream and oat topping.

Now, if you’ve been out on the ranch all day and your stomach is rumblin’ for more, you might be interested in the All-You-Care-To-Enjoy appetizer, entrée, and dessert platters.

Start out with the Appetizer Platter with Mixed Green Salad, Watermelon, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad, Potato Salad, and Jalapeno Cornbread.

For the Entrée Platter, you can enjoy hearty helpings of Carved Beef Brisket, Smoked BBQ Pork, and Grilled Chicken Thighs accompanied with Mac and Cheese, Corn on the Cobb, Creamy Coleslaw, and BBQ Baked Beans.

The Dessert Platter will fill your belly to the brim with Buttermilk Chocolate Cake, Peaches and Cream Cheesecake, and Blueberry Cobbler.

So come and get it! Mosey on over to this Old West music hall and try this delicious new menu for yourself starting May 16. The Diamond Horseshoe is open daily for lunch and dinner from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

May 14, 2018
Six Reasons to Attend Pixar Pier Premiere Special Event at Disney California Adventure June 22
The newly-reimagined Pixar Pier officially opens June 23 at Disney California Adventure park, during the limited-time Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort. You can be among the first to celebrate the opening of Pixar Pier during an exclusive, VIP-style premiere event on June 22!

Here are six reasons to attend this exciting premiere:
- Exclusive entry into Pixar Pier – Tickets are very limited, so after strolling down the red carpet, you’ll be one of the first few to explore Pixar Pier and its four whimsical, Pixar-inspired neighborhoods beginning at 3 p.m. You’ll also have mix-in access to Disney California Adventure park!
- Ride Pixar Pier attractions – Be one of the first to experience the thrilling Incredicoaster, the high-speed adventure inspired by “The Incredibles,” as well as enjoy the newly-rethemed Pixar Pal-A-Round and fan favorite Toy Story Midway Mania!
- Complimentary eats and treats – Taste your way through Pixar Pier with a sample of one item from Poultry Palace, Angry Dogs, Jack-Jack’s Cookie Num Nums, Senor Buzz Churros and Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats.
- All-things Pixar! – Enjoy special Pixar-themed entertainment, character encounters, fun photo locations and more! You will also be among the first to shop for Pixar Pier merchandise.
- Memories to take home – You’ll receive unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the event, as well as a commemorative event credential and special amenity.
- Complimentary parking – Premiere event tickets include standard parking.
A limited quantity of tickets will be available starting May 16, so make sure to contact me for pricing and event details as soon as possible. If you need any 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!premiere
May 14, 2018
New Character Dining Experiences at Disneyland Resort Now Accepting Reservations

Looking for that extra bit of Disney magic to add to your Disneyland Resort trip? Then you’ll be excited to find out that reservations are now available for Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Character Breakfast at Storytellers Cafe and Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast at Disney’s PCH Grill. These dining experiences both start on July 10 and are the perfect way to start your Disney day.

Mickey’s Tales of Adventure Character Breakfast
At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, guests dining at Storytellers Cafe will join Mickey Mouse and his friends for Mickey’s Tales of Adventure. Discover the fun with your adventurous storyteller, Mickey, as he welcomes you into his immersive tales of adventure through his magical Adventurer’s Journal. Enjoy a bountiful Farmer’s Market Buffet of all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast specialties, including made-to-order omelets, Mickey waffles, fresh-baked goods and seasonal fruit. Mickey’s Tales of Adventure will be offered Monday-Thursday, 7-11:30 a.m. and Friday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast
Over at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, Donald will be reunited with his heart-throb Daisy at Disney’s PCH Grill, and is bringing all the beachy fun with him! Soak in those rays and catch some waves on the dance floor with Donald, Daisy and Stitch as you chow down on an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet. Try the build-your-own-parfait stations, chef’s signature flatbreads, egg white frittatas, chilaquiles, smoothies, smoked salmon and more. Little dudes and dudettes will love the Mickey waffles, Minnie pancakes, Bananas Foster French toast and a selection of hot and cold cereals, sausage, bacon and seasonal fresh fruit. Donald Duck’s Seaside Breakfast will take place Monday-Thursday, 7-11 a.m. and Friday-Sunday, 7-11:30 a.m.

So if you want to hang out with Donald and friends while chowing down on some delicious grub contact me today! If you need any 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!

May 11, 2018
6 Ways to Get Married Like a Royal at Walt Disney World Resort

With the highly anticipated Royal Wedding right around the corner, lots of couples are looking to add a bit of royalty to their lives. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons offers so many easy ways for a bride and groom to add royal touches to their special day. From castles to cakes, here are six fun and creative ways for couples to live like royals on their big day at the Walt Disney World Resort.

1. Exchange Vows in Front of the Iconic Cinderella Castle

Majestic and iconic, Cinderella Castle is the epitome of royalty and romance. Surrounded by the beauty and wonder of the Magic Kingdom, the castle is the perfect backdrop for a princess to say “I do” with her prince charming.

2. Arrive Like a Princess

Brides will turn heads as they arrive to the ceremony in the enchanting Cinderella’s Coach. Led by six white Dapper Dan ponies and accompanied by a team of coachmen in all-white attire, this one of-a-kind arrival is fit for royalty. The glass coach was even made by the official coach makers to the British monarchy!

3. Cut into a Princess Cake

From princess-themed cakes to cakes shaped like castles, characters and more, couples can customize the cake of their dreams for their fairy-tale wedding. With Disney’s cake animation technology, cakes come to life with displays of custom photos of cherished moments or scenes from beloved Disney movies. The possibilities are endless!

4. Enjoy Florals Fit for Royals

Custom floral arrangements are the perfect way for couples to show their love for each other and their favorite Disney princess or movie. Beauty and the Beast lovers will be surrounded by the symbolic red roses and quaint gold details, while fans of Queen Elsa will find themselves in a winter wonderland of white roses and orchids. With plenty of other options, like a fairytale floral wall, there is something for everyone!

5. Wed like the English

Couples can truly release their inner Megan and Harry with a wedding at the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. Morning ceremonies take place in a flourishing formal English garden followed by pictures in a replica of King Henry VIII’s lavish Hampton Court Palace. Evening ceremonies take place on a charming terrace styled with Victorian details – just like the English countryside! Guests can even purchase Royal Wedding merchandise at the pavilion – the perfect keepsake for a wedding at this unique venue.

6. Accessorize with Princess-Inspired Jewelry

The Fables Collection by Enchanted Disney Fine Jewelry is the perfect marriage of Disney romance and timeless jewelry. The jewelry collection offers a beautiful selection of earrings, rings, pendants and more, all inspired by beloved Disney Princesses. The perfect way for brides to express their inner princess on their big day!

May 11, 2018