Category: Disney Parks

New 20th anniversary Animal Kingdom MagicBand

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is fast approaching it’s 20th anniversary and to help celebrate the milestone for the park, Disney is offering a Limited Edition MagicBand that shows off some of the amazing creatures you can expect to see during your visit.

This MagicBand is brown and is adorned with various animals. It also has the 20th anniversary Animal Kingdom logo on it.

It will be exclusively sold at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as part of an edition size of 2,000 and will be available March 21.

With your MagicBand, you can connect to the choices you make in the My Disney Experience app and unlock the magic of a Walt Disney World Disney vacation – from effortless theme park entry to Disney PhotoPass association, FastPass+ redemption, room entry with Online Check-In Service and more.

March 1, 2018
Egg-stravaganza Returns to Disneyland Resort March 16

Hippity hoppity Easter’s on its way! And thats means that it’s once again time for Egg-stravaganza at the Disneyland Resort! This popular egg-themed scavenger hunt has become a springtime tradition at Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and Downtown Disney District.

Search for special hidden “eggs” themed to Disney and Pixar characters, and record your discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the themed Egg-stravaganza map to represent that location.

Whether you choose to hunt for eggs or not, you can return your map to a redemption location for a special surprise. Redemption locations include the following merchandise shops: Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park; Disney Showcase in Disneyland park; World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District.

From March 16 through April 1, you can participate by picking up a map and stickers for $5.99 (plus tax) at select merchandise locations throughout Disneyland Resort.

March 1, 2018
New Purple Wall-Inspired MagicBands Available in March

The purple wall at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is more than just a plain purple wall. It’s become one of the most popular spots for an insta-worthy selfie and now Disney Parks is offering a ‘Meet Me at the Purple Wall’ MagicBand to complement that perfect purple pic!

The spot has become increasingly popular for pics overtime and now getting a pic at the wall is becoming a Disney Must Do. To find the spot just walk down the ramp from Tomorrowland Terrace toward the entrance to Tomorrowland. Right when you hit the turn into the land, you’ll see the Purple Wall on your right.

Fans can now show off their appreciation for the famous Purple Wall at Magic Kingdom Park with a new, limited release MagicBand which Disney has carefully designed to match the exact color shade from the Purple Wall.

There is more purple merch where that came from. You can also pair the MagicBand with one of the “Meet Me at the Purple Wall” baseball caps.

They will both be available as part of a two-week flash sale on ShopDisney.com beginning March 5.

February 28, 2018
Massive Multi-Year Expansion Announced for Disneyland Paris

This morning, Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger announced plans for a two billion euro, multi-year expansion for Disneyland Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais de l’Elysée in Paris.

The new development will include a transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park, adding three new areas based on Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars, along with new attractions and live entertainment experiences. A new lake will be the focal point for entertainment experiences and connect each of the three new areas, completing one of the most ambitious projects at Disneyland Paris since its opening in 1992.

“We’re very excited about the future of Disneyland Paris and continue to invest in its long-term success,” said Iger. “The resort is already the leading tourist destination in Europe, and the transformative expansion we announced today will add even more of our beloved characters and unparalleled storytelling to create new lands, attractions and entertainment that further elevate the guest experience and drive new opportunities for tourism in this dynamic region.”

The multi-year development will roll out in phases beginning in 2021, significantly expanding Walt Disney Studios Park. Each new area will bring to life some of Disney’s most popular stories and characters, including the previously announced reimagining of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith as a high-speed, hyper-kinetic adventure with Iron Man.

This new development will build on the success of the resort’s 25th Anniversary celebration and enhance the guest experience for millions of visitors in the years to come.

February 27, 2018
Aladdin’s Oasis To Be Transformed into The Tropical Hideaway At Disneyland

Disneyland is always looking for new ways to keep the park fresh and exciting and there will soon be a new area of Adventureland to explore. The area that used to be home to Aladdin’s Oasis will be transformed into a brand new guest experience called The Tropical Hideaway!

The popular Aladdin-themed show ran for over a decade ending in 2008 and it will now undergo a tropical renovation.

This new experience will soon appear along the tropical shores nestled between the Jungle Cruise and “Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room.” This one-of-a-kind destination will be a popular rest stop for Adventureland locals and weary explorers alike. Guests will be able to rub elbows with their favorite skippers in an exotic traders’ market, featuring all of the sights, sounds and flavors of the tropics.

The name is surely a nod to the nearby Tiki Room’s theme song which lyrics include, “Welcome to our tropical hideaway, you lucky people, you”.

The Tropical Hideaway will sit on the former grounds of Disney’s long-running restaurant, Tahitian Terrace, a Polynesian-inspired eatery that stood from 1962 to 1993 before transforming into a theater for the former Aladdin live show.

There’s no word yet whether the Tropical Hideaway will try to replicate the original Tahitian Terrace concept—which included Tahitian dance shows that involved live firewalking.

February 27, 2018
New Lamplight Lounge to Open June 23 at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Park

Pixar Pier opens on June 23 at Disney California Adventure park and when it does, guests will discover a new hot spot at the Lamplight Lounge. This seaside lounge will be an elegant yet fun gathering place for the whole family, located at the entrance of Pixar Pier.

Lamplight Lounge will serve California casual gastro-pub cuisine that is playfully presented along with unique signature cocktails. This seaside lounge contains a full bar with picturesque waterfront views from both upstairs and downstairs. At night, outdoor seating provides views of the illuminated Pixar Pier and “World of Color.”

Renovated from an old warehouse factory, the location has kept many features of the original two-story building. The steel structural elements as well as concrete and brick walls were exposed and repaired to tell the story of its past. The original wood boards from the factory were refinished and given new life as ceiling panels and floors. The furniture style echoes a relaxed feel and the end result is an open, airy and bright place that is organic yet sophisticated.

Lamplight Lounge celebrates the creativity, inspirations and personalities of the artists and storytellers who have brought Pixar stories to life. Guests will discover the artistic marks that the Pixar “regulars” have left throughout the lounge: concept art, a quick sketch on a napkin, knick-knacks and collectable toys of beloved Pixar characters will adorn the space.

Come discover the treasured keepsakes and tastes of Lamplight Lounge when it opens along with Pixar Pier on June 23. Guests wishing to visit the Cove Bar one more time are welcome to stop by as it reopens briefly beginning March 16 before closing again at the end of May for its permanent transformation.

February 23, 2018
New ‘UP! A Great Bird Adventure’ Show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Opens April 22

Disney recently gave us update that their new show “UP! A Great Bird Adventure,” featuring Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “UP” will be debuting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, 2018!

The new show takes the place of ‘Flights of Wonder’ in the Caravan Theater in the Anandapur village section of the park’s Asia land. The show gave its final performances on December 31st.

Beginning just in time for the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this new entertainment experience for the whole family offers guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug as they discover species of birds from around the world in their newest adventure in Anandapur village. There will be “UP” close encounters each day with amazing winged creatures!

February 23, 2018
Millennium Falcon Ride Pieces Being Added During Construction of Galaxy’s Edge

Were back with some more construction updates on Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios and one of the most recent installations is one that will get fans excited. It seems they have been moving along at hyper speed as pieces of the Millennium Falcon ride were spotted being lowered into place.

These close up shots of the work really give a sense of how the construction is coming along thanks to Yensid 55 who has been monitoring the progress of Star Wars Land construction on his YouTube channel.

Every piece put into place is an important one, but seeing what is clearly a piece of the inside of the hull of the Millennium Falcon is really exciting.

Thats right… For those who haven’t heard yet, one of the land’s two signature attractions will put you in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, piloting the ship, shooting blasters or preparing for hyperspace – all while completing a critical mission.

At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests visit Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes, but its prominence was bypassed by the rise of hyperspace travel. Now home to those who prefer to stay out of the mainstream, it has become a thriving port for smugglers, rogue traders and adventurers traveling between the frontier and uncharted space. It’s also a convenient safe haven for those intent on avoiding the expanding reach of the First Order.

If you want to see more of the progression they have made so far take a look back here. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is set to open in 2019.

February 22, 2018
Be Our Guest Restaurant Will Now Cost Two Table Service Credits On Disney Dining Plan

Earlier Disney announced that Be Our Guest Restaurant will be offering a new enhanced prix fixe dinner menu that includes new offerings including a variety of French-inspired dishes. Now online reports indicate that dinner will have new pricing plan for the three course meal and it will now cost two table service credits for those on the Disney Dining Plan.

Pricing will be $55 for adults and $35 for children, or two Disney Dining Plan credits according to a report by WDWMagic. This puts the dining experience in line with signature dining locations and even some character dining experiences.

The change will take place when the new menu goes into effect on July 27th. Guests were concerned when online reports noticed that reservations for July were not available, but we know now why. This exciting new menu was a good reason for the booking interruption and Disney will be creating a new children’s menu as well to be released at a later date.

Be Our Guest Restaurant is an expansive and elegant 550-seat dining destination located at the foot of Beast’s Castle in Fantasyland. Whether you are enjoying a quick-service breakfast or lunch, or the stately elegance of a table-service dinner

There have been reports that Belle will be joining Beast during the experience, but now there is speculation that Disney may even add more characters, but there has yet to be an official announcement on that.

Reservations are once again available again from July 27 and beyond and you can begin booking your advanced dining reservations starting this Friday, February 23rd.

February 21, 2018
Tickets Now Available For Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 27
Tickets are now on sale for Star Wars: Galactic Nights, the one-night special event will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27.

In case you aren’t familiar, Star Wars: Galactic Nights is a thrilling Star Wars-themed event held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight. It celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

Here’s a look at other event offerings:
- Star Wars: Galactic Destinations Projections Transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel – Visible on the Sunset Boulevard area of the park the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform via stunning projection technology to showcase familiar locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all night long. Star Wars Galactic Destinations is currently an event exclusive.
- Existing Star Wars Entertainment Will Debut New Enhancements – The park’s existing Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both debut new saga elements for the first time during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.
- Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations. These special photo ops will only be available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars: Galactic Nights
- Character Encounters – Expect to encounter Star Wars characters from throughout the galaxy. Guests will also be able to view an Imperial Stormtrooper March with Darth Vader.
- Exclusive Food & Beverage offerings – Taste your way around the galaxy with specialty food and beverage offerings created for Galactic Nights. Inspired by the stories and iconic characters of Star Wars, these tasting-sized sips and bites bring a delectable addition to this event.
- Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests – and some may even offer a special Star Wars twist on May 27 only.
Tickets are on sale now, with discounts available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members. In addition, intergalactic foodies attending Star Wars: Galactic Nights can now purchase the Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package, featuring Star Wars-inspired food and beverage and reserved seating to a panel providing an inside look of the making of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package is now available for $30 per person.
February 20, 2018