Category: Disney Parks

OFFICIAL: Free Dining Plan Offer Is Back At Walt Disney World Resort And Available Now
When you plan a Walt Disney World vacation, there are many choices to help you create a magical and lasting experience and one of them is the food! As expected, Disney announced today that the annual Free Dine offer is back and now available.

This popular offer comes just in time for new entertainment, first-of-its-kind character interactions and all that Walt Disney World has to offer in 2018, starting with the highly anticipated debut of Toy Story Land, opening June 30 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

You will receive a dining plan for free if you book a non-discounted 5-night/6-day Walt Disney Travel Co. package by July 7 for arrivals most nights from:
- August 20 – September 29
- November 24 to November 27
- December 7 to December 23, 2018
The package includes a room at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel and ticket with a Park Hopper option.* Packages of other lengths of stay may be available.

Guests staying at select Value and Moderate Resorts receive the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan, which includes two quick-service meals and two select snacks per night honored at more than 100 dining locations.

Guests staying at select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts receive the Disney Dining Plan, which includes one quick-service meal, two select snacks and one table-service meal per night honored at more than 150 select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants.
April 24, 2018
First Look: Toy Story Land Entrance Sign Installed at Hollywood Studios

With less than one hundred days until the opening of Toy Story Land the excitement is hard to bear, but today we got to see just how close we really are. In new images revealed by Disney today, we get a first look at the Toy Story Land marquee that will adorn the entrance into the new land.

The signage features the Toy Story logo on a wooden yo-yo toy atop the word “Land” spelled out in alphabet blocks. The only thing missing is the Woody figure that will tower over guests as he leans against the sign.

When it opens, guests visiting Toy Story Land will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard.

Guests will be also be able to take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, or take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, a galactic play set that Andy won at Pizza Planet.

Toy Story Land guests can also walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, which has been a guest-favorite attraction at the park since it opened in 2008. Now expanded with a third track, the popular attraction will allow even more guests to take aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games.

You can see the new marquee when Toy Story land opens up on June 30!

April 23, 2018
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates 20 Years with Special Earth Day Ceremonies

Disney’s theme park of exploration is a place unique in all the world. In fact it’s an entirely “New Species of Theme Park.” Today — fittingly as the world celebrates Earth Day 2018 — Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates its 20^th anniversary in a ceremony marking two decades of magical adventures and unforgettable experiences.

In this park guests can venture to the snowy flanks of Mt. Everest, raft down a rainforest river, view wildlife on an African savannah and travel light years to an alien planet where banshees fly and mountains float.

Gathered at the Harambe Theater, set of the popular Festival of the Lion King stage show, drummers, dancers, stilt performers and Disney characters joined Disney executives in a ceremony observing the 20^th anniversary and the kickoff of the two-week Party for the Planet celebration, on now through May 5.

Joe Rohde, Creative Portfolio Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, led the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and reflected on its 20-year history.

“We created this park out of a set of ideals that we believed were relevant and meaningful,” Rohde said, “and as the years have passed, those ideals have only become more relevant and more meaningful. Our lives are bound to the lives of all creatures.”

Djuan Rivers, vice president of Disney’s Animal Kingdom noted how the park has grown over the last two decades, and its profound impact on guests and conservation efforts around the world.

“Since 1998, we have been extremely conscious that what we have here is a new species of theme park,” said Rivers. “And while it has undergone an amazing transformation in the past few years, it will always be dedicated to helping our guests create a personal connection with the natural world.”

Rivers also called out the success of the Disney Conservation Fund, aimed at reversing the decline of imperiled creatures in the wild. To date, he said, the fund has directed more than $70 million to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.

Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president of Walt Disney World Parks, noted today was more than an anniversary, it was a day of firsts.

“’UP! A Great Bird Adventure’ has its official debut in the park today,” she noted. “On Pandora – The World of Avatar you’ll be able to interact with a scientist who explores in a Pandora Utility Suit.”

In their lush surroundings, more than 2,000 animals – some endangered, all unique and colorful – call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home. Commemorating the milestone year, the 500-acre adventure park will offer animal encounters, family-friendly activities, special photo opportunities, backstage tours at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, specialty desserts and other activities during the Party for the Planet. Tiffins, a signature restaurant, will host themed dinners hosted by animal care experts.

On May 26 Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut even more entertainment with Donald’s Dino-Bash! Guests can join Donald Duck and friends in DinoLand, U.S.A. for playful character encounters and a DJ-powered dance party. It’s all part of the Incredible Summer of fun that kicks off across the Walt Disney World Resort Memorial Day weekend.

April 22, 2018
New Solar Facilities Will Power Two Theme Parks at Walt Disney World

Disney has announced a new milestone in the company’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship. A massive new solar farm project is planned for Walt Disney World that will generate enough energy to power two of its four theme parks.

Walt Disney World Resort recently embarked on a new initiative in collaboration with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and solar project developer Origis Energy USA to bring a new 270-acre, 50-megawatt solar facility online by the end of the year that will generate renewable clean energy.

This solar facility will include half a million solar panels and will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 57,000 tons per year. That’s the annual equivalent of removing 9,300 automobiles from the roads. More broadly, this initiative will join the numerous efforts The Walt Disney Company has launched to deliver its 2020 goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2012.

The facility will be located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with construction beginning in the coming months. Just last week, Origis Energy delivered the first of many solar panels to come as part of the project (pictured above while posed in front of the Tree of Life).

Disney recently unveiled a five-megawatt solar facility near Epcot that was developed in conjunction with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and Duke Energy. During the sun’s peak hours when it is shining brightest, these two facilities together will generate enough renewable clean energy to provide up to 25 percent of the power needs at Walt Disney World Resort.

All of this builds on the company’s longtime commitment to environmental stewardship, a tradition that began with Walt Disney himself and has continued to grow with tremendous support and passion from the cast members.

Cast members will be bringing their unique skills and expertise to this next project, including representatives from Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment and Horticulture teams. Working together, they are exploring ways to make the new solar facility pollinator friendly, with rich wildflowers and vegetation, creating a safe and welcoming habitat for butterflies, bees and other insects, including endangered and at-risk species. This important work aligns perfectly with the Disney Conservation Fund’s “Reverse the Decline” initiative, which aims to reverse the decline of 10 threatened species, including butterflies.

April 20, 2018
Earth Day Eats That Disney Foodies Will Love at Disney World

Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened its gates, twenty years ago, allowing guests to experience the rare animals, world-class entertainment and the magic of nature. The park will be marking its 20th anniversary on April 22 — Earth Day — and Disney is celebrating with a Party for the Planet through May 5 with all of the Earth Day Eats that Disney Foodies will love!

This exciting party features enhanced interactions with animal care experts, family-friendly activities, character greetings, and themed merchandise. And of course, a proper celebration isn’t complete without the food! Party for the Planet will include a few new cupcakes, a mouthwatering burger, sliders, a special 3-course tasting menu at Tiffins, and the popular Tiffins Talks, a special 4-course dinner with one of the park’s conservation experts, offered on select nights.

What’s even MORE exciting is that we’re not just celebrating Earth Day at Animal Kingdom, but around the Walt Disney World Resort as well! And I know you’re eager to read about these exciting offerings, so here’s everything you need to know about all the Earth Day eats at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Starting with two celebratory cupcakes, a Tree of Life Cupcake will be available at Creature Comforts and Flame Tree Barbecue, and an Earth Day Cupcake will be available at Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus.

The Tree of Life Cupcake is a vanilla cupcake topped with buttercream and an edible chocolate piece; and the Earth Day Cupcake is a chocolate cupcake topped with buttercream, white chocolate crispy pearls, white chocolate mousse, and an edible chocolate piece.

On the savory side, there are delicious plant-based burger offerings at Nomad Lounge and Restaurantosaurus. Nomad Lounge will offer Impossible™ Burger Sliders with tomato chutney and smoked onion on a brioche bun and served with yucca fries. At Restaurantosaurus, you’ll find an Impossible™ Burger with avocado and tomato on a brioche bun.

Tiffins will offer a limited-time 20th Anniversary Chef’s Lunch Tasting Menu. Served daily from 11:30am to 3:30pm, this 3-course tasting menu celebrates the cuisines of Africa, Asia, and South America. Walk-ups are welcome!

All of these offerings will be available during Party for the Planet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom through May 5.

Around Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will have an Earth Day Cupcake April 19-22 at Roaring Fork. This yummy chocolate cupcake is filled with cookies and cream filling and topped with vanilla buttercream, cookies and cream crumble, chocolate rocks, and an edible garden.

At Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, you’ll find an Earth Day Cupcake April 19-22 at Beach Club Marketplace and The Market at Ale & Compass. This one is a ‘dirt and worms’ chocolate cupcake filled with chocolate pudding and topped with chocolate buttercream, cookie crumbs, sugar flower, and jelly candy ‘worms.’

Disney’s Contemporary Resort will have an Earth Day Cupcake at Contempo Café only on April 22. This chocolate cupcake comes in an edible chocolate flowerpot is filled with chocolate pastry cream, chocolate buttercream, and chocolate cookie crumble and topped with a buttercream flower and a chocolate Earth Day sign.

Over at Disney Springs, Amorette’s Patisserie will be offering up a cute little cactus on a stick April 22-28! This Cactus Macaron Lollipop consists of three French macarons filled with pistachio ganache and topped with icing. It’s even served on a stick for on-the-go enjoyment!

Come on out and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Earth Day. These treats are only available for a limited time, so get them while you can!

April 19, 2018
RUMOR: Possible Dates For Free Dining Offer Returning To Disney World For 2018
Every year people wait with anticipation to find out about free dining offers that are typically announced around this time of year for Walt Disney World. Dates and details have not been released to the public as of yet, but multiple sources are reporting that free dining offers will be returning to Disney World for 2018 and could be announced as early as April 23rd.

Free dining packages are typically offered with a Disney World Resort hotel and ticket package. Last year the offer came when guests purchased a 5-night/6-day Magic Your Way package with the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option and the package had to be booked by July 7, 2017. You can look for a similar deal this year, but the amount of days required for the package could vary.

Last year the free dining offer included quick service for guests staying at Disney’s value resorts, moderate resorts, and the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and regular free dining for guests staying at Disney’s deluxe resorts. The 2018 offer will also most likely be similar to last years options as well. It’s always subject to change, but you can bet it will be an attractive offer for guests looking to save some money on their trip.

Here are some possible expected dates:
- - August 2 – September 29, 2018
  - November 24 – 27, 2018
  - December 7 – 23, 2018
The news often breaks from international travel agents from non-US markets who often receive early indication of what the offer will be in their respective markets, so the dates are also subject to change, but they are usually a pretty good indicator for dates and offer details.

Well be sure to let you know as soon as Disney makes an official announcement.
April 18, 2018
All-New Interactive ‘Play Disney Parks’ App Launching This Summer

Today, Disney announced that they have created a new app which will allow guests to interact with their environment depending on where they are in the parks. With the all-new Play Disney Parks app guests can soon explore Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in a whole new way.

This new, free to download, interactive app allows guests to access exclusive experiences at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World through activities that interact with the surrounding environment. Coming this summer on iOS and Android, guests can play in the parks like never before using this soon-to-launch mobile app.

With the touch of a button, wait time turns into play time with family and friends at certain locations. And the more you explore in Disney parks, the more there is to discover on the app. This is just the latest way we are making a visit to our parks even more fun and memorable in new and innovative ways.

Since the launch of My Disney Experience at Walt Disney World Resort in 2013, we continue to reinvent digital offerings at our parks around the world. The My Disney Experience app, our guests’ go-to vacation companion, has continued to evolve – including the Get Directions feature, Online Check-In and the recently launched Digital Key.

Guests are also loving the Disneyland App, Disney MaxPass and soon mobile order at Disneyland Resort – currently available at Walt Disney World – and we’re excited to bring this latest innovation to the parks!

April 18, 2018
Enter Pixar Pier Getaway Sweepstakes for a Chance to Win a Disneyland Resort Vacation

Now you have the opportunity to be among the first guests to discover Pixar Pier! Enter the Pixar Pier Getaway Sweepstakes now for your chance to win a Disneyland Resort vacation, which includes four days/three nights at the Disneyland Resort, round trip coach airfare, hotel accommodations, 4-day Park Hopper tickets, a Disneyland VIP Tour Guide for one day, a Disney Gift Card and more.

This summer, the highly-anticipated Pixar Pier will open during Pixar Fest at Disney California Adventure park.

This reimagined land will feature four whimsical neighborhoods representing beloved Pixar stories with newly themed attractions, character encounters, foods and merchandise—including the Incredicoaster, a high-speed adventure inspired by “The Incredibles.”

The contest runs through May 4. You can enter and read the full rules here. Good luck!

No Purchase Necessary. Ends 5/4/18 @ 12 PDT. Open to 50 US/DC & Canada only; 18+. Limit 1 entry per person per day. Odds/Rules: http://parks.disney.com/pixar-pier-getaway-sweepstakes. Void in Quebec and where prohibited.

April 18, 2018
Toy Story Land Fast Passes NOW Open With New Tier System At Hollywood Studios

Are you ready to “shrink” to the size of a toy and play with your favorite Toy Story characters in Andy’s backyard? Well construction is nearly complete on Toy Story Land and you can now begin booking your fast passes for the new land starting today at Hollywood Studios in a new tier System.

Toy Story Land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 30 and FastPass+ reservations are now open for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

The new fast pass tier system for the park has been confirmed and there are only two tiers for the park. One for tier Toy Story Land and then one tier for all of the other rides.

Effective today, FastPass+ reservations are available for attractions in the land. Guests who are up to 60 days from their Walt Disney World Resort hotel check-in can choose one FastPass+ reservation for one of the Toy Story Land attractions, plus two other attractions in the park such as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and more, depending on availability.

But FastPass+ reservations are just one of the ways guests can experience Toy Story Land. Beginning July 1, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also operate from 8 a.m-10:30 p.m. for a limited time. In addition, even more Extra Magic Hour opportunities will be available including daily morning Extra Magic Hours, plus evening Extra Magic Hours offered once per week.

April 17, 2018
New Monorail Fleet Could Be Headed To Walt Disney World Resort

Speculation about Disney upgrading the monorail fleet at Walt Disney World has been going on for sometime. There has been a series of recent mishaps with the current fleet and after a video of a monorail transporting guests with the door open made headlines, it seems that Disney may finally be making a move to purchase a new monorail fleet.

Internal sources are reporting that Disney has ordered a new fleet of monorails to replace the fleet currently in operation, according to a report from WDWNT .

The fleet currently in operation — known as Mark VI monorails — has been in use since 1989, when Disney started replacing the Mark IV. The final Mark IV monorails were finally replaced in 1991 after having been in operation for twenty years starting with the opening of the resort in 1971.

Bombardier of Canada — the same company that built the Mark VI trains for Walt Disney World —will be building the new fleet, according to the report. The mark VI cost the company about $3.5 million per train when they last replaced the fleet in 1989.

Bombardier’s current line of monorails is called the INNOVIA 300 series, but if Disney continues with the current numbering system the new monorail fleet would be the Mark VIII. Mark VII is currently the model used at Disneyland Resort in California which were put into operation in 2008.

The infamous open door incident on Monorail Red back in January may have been what sparked the decision, but the fleet has been under scrutiny since the automation system failed back in 2009 causing a crash that killed Monorail pilot Austin Wuennenberg. That started a long list of problems that this fleet has weathered in recent years. Last summer a piece of Monorail Blue just fell of while it was in transit above the parking lot at Epcot. Also multiple breakdowns last summer plagued the fleet, at times leaving guests to have to find alternated transportation to their destinations.

With the current fleet approaching 30 years of usage it’s no wonder they’re in major need of replacement. They held up for quite some time, longer than any other Disney Parks monorail fleet, but it is definitely time for them to make their way into the history books.

April 16, 2018