Category: Disney Parks

New Ray-Ban Sunglasses Featuring Mickey Mouse Now Available
About a year ago Mickey Mouse started throwing some shade. Shading your eyes from the sun that is. Ray-Ban introduced a new sunglass design, inspired by the one-and-only Mickey Mouse and to no one’s surprise, the glasses were a huge hit!

Back by popular demand, guests can soon discover a fresh take on the popular product which will now feature polarized grey gradient lenses with that classic black and white Mickey Mouse pattern you loved so much. If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for friend, I think you may have just found it!

As Sunglass Hut is the official sunglass retailer of the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, these sunglasses will be available in limited quantities, while supplies last, at the following locations, beginning on December 8:

Walt Disney World Resort:
- Sunglass Icon at Disney Springs
- Island Supply by Sunglass Hut at Magic Kingdom Park
Disneyland Resort:
- Sunglass Icon at Downtown Disney District
- Disney California Adventure Kiosk
With a retail price of $243, you can also expect a special gift with purchase – an exclusive Mickey Mouse cleaning cloth – when you purchase in-store. Discounts do not apply and there is a five-pair purchase limit per customer.
December 12, 2017
New ‘Up’ show to Replace Flights of Wonder at Disney World

There is an all-new experience coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom slated to start in Spring 2018. The new show features Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “UP” and will take the place of ‘Flights of Wonder’ in the Caravan Theater in the Anandapur village section of the park’s Asia land.

If you love the bird show don’t worry. The still untitled Up production will also be a bird centric.

This new experience will offer 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 Animal Kingdom. There will be “UP” close encounters each day with amazing winged creatures!

In order to begin to prepare for the new show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, ‘Flights of Wonder’ will plays its final performances on December 31st. So until the end of this month, you can still experience Flights of Wonder at the park.

December 11, 2017
Disney Parks Are Among The ‘Most Instagrammed Locations’ In 2017

Instagram has announced their “Top 10 Most-Instagrammed Locations” around the globe for 2017 – and four Disney Parks have made the list.

The Happiest Place on Earth – Disneyland park – earned the title of the #1 Most Instagrammed Location in 2017. Three other Disney theme parks also ranked in the top ten, with Tokyo Disneyland coming in at #5, Magic Kingdom Park landing at #6, and Disney California Adventure park earning the #9 spot.

And this isn’t the first time Disney Parks has landed at the top of Instagram’s list. In 2016, “Disney Properties” ranked #1 as Instagram’s most photographed location around the world.

New to Instagram? Following official Disney Parks Instagram accounts – Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and the Disney Parks Blog – is a great way to start.

December 11, 2017
‘Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic’ Airs December 11 on Freeform

Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas” is in full swing and if you love wedding your going to want to ‘save the date’ for this special. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings is returning to Freeform for a brand new TV special highlighting gorgeous holiday weddings at Disney Parks.

Tune in to see unforgettable celebrations during the most spirited time of the year. Hosted by Stephen “tWitch” Boss, resident DJ for “The Ellen Show” and Allison Holker, “Dancing With the Stars” pro, this one-hour special follows two couples as they plan their dream weddings and make their way down the aisle.

New York couple, Dominique and Joe say “I Do” with a winter wonderland wedding at Walt Disney World Resort.

Their large Italian families are coming together to watch as the couple begins their happily ever after. Be a guest at their heartfelt ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion followed by a Frozen-inspired reception at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Ballrooms. You won’t want to miss their surprise musical performance in the Italy Pavilion in Epcot!

Airing during Freeform’s “25 Days of Christmas” event, you’ll see holiday wedding magic come to life. Mark your calendar for December 11th at 8/7c

December 10, 2017
Disney on Broadway Line-Up Announced for 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Arts
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will returns for the second year in a row. Celebrating all things art – performing, visual and culinary – from January 12 – February 19 – with festivities running seven days a week and Disney On Broadway performances happening each weekend (Fridays through Mondays) in 2018.

Last year, the Disney On Broadway series was a highlight of the festival for many guests. We’re happy to share a first look at the lineup of Broadway artists set to take the America Gardens Theatre stage this year.
- January 12-15 and 19-22: Kara Lindsay (NEW!) and Kevin Massey, who will perform songs from “Tarzan,” “Aladdin,” “Newsies” and “Frozen.”
- January 26-29 and February 2-5: Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White, who will perform songs from “Tarzan,” “The Lion King,” “Aida,” “Aladdin,” and “The Little Mermaid.”
- February 9-12 and 16-19: Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland, who will perform songs from “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Tarzan,” “Mary Poppins,” “Newsies” and “Frozen.”
All Disney on Broadway shows are included in theme park admission and will take place Fridays through Mondays at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m.

One of the best ways to experience Disney on Broadway is through a dining package. Guests can book a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner, and later enjoy priority seating at the show.

After a successful year one in 2017, the festival is coming back better than ever.

In addition to the broadway line up the festival will have so much more. This year guests will experience world-class cuisine, remarkable visual art and an extraordinary lineup of live entertainment. Introduce your inner aficionado to an exciting extravaganza brimming with phenomenal artists, gourmet fare, musical performances, stage productions and other amazing acts. We’ve rolled everything you love about the arts into one spectacular festival.

The festival features:
- Seminars and workshops from top Disney, local and nationally-renowned artists including classes on drawing animation, photography and the art of making topiaries – just to name a few
- More than a half a dozen specially-created food studios offering a wealth of “artistic” culinary delights
- A host of performing artists that build on Epcot’s already stellar lineup of authentic performers
- And, my favorite, the Disney on Broadway series featuring performers from some of the best Disney Theatrical productions
Dinner and a Show
Another returning favorite is our Disney on Broadway Dining Packages, where you can maximize your experience at the Festival with a meal at one of the participating Epcot restaurants and priority seating for our Disney on Broadway concert series.

Guests can book a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner, and later be followed by a phenomenal Disney on Broadway inspired concert – select dates from January 12 – February 19, 2018. The concert series will feature pairings of Disney on Broadway stars, singing favorite songs from award-winning Broadway shows. When you reserve a Disney on Broadway Dining Package, you’ll be able to relax at your meal with friends and family and rest assured that your priority seats are waiting for you for the 5:30, 6:45 or 8 p.m. concert.

If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Travel Time 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!
December 10, 2017
AERIAL PHOTOS: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Construction Update at Hollywood Studios

Construction is forcefully underway on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in the Back Lot area of Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. The now demolished area that used to make up the Streets of America, the Back Lot Tour, and the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt show which was closed to make way for Star Wars.

Most of the construction can’t be seen by guests, so aerial pics really give some perspective on what progress is being made on the transformation of Batuu, a planet on the edge of the Star Wars galaxy.

Rock work at Millennium Falcon. Flag (and tree) is a construction tradition, a topping off when the highest point of a project is reached. Note scaffolding. 3rd arrow notes workers for scale. pic.twitter.com/EwibCsvma4

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 9, 2017

Cast members were excited to see the new land coming to life recently celebrated a major construction milestone with the signing of a support beam that’ll top out the new land. The beam that’ll eventually be part of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a 14-acre remote outpost that will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

Here we can see some rock forms at the new hillside isolating Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Note also dirt piled up and inside the section next to the concrete of the Grand Avenue tunnel.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

Here is the current state of the separation and tunnel between Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Grand Avenue. At right, note that construction walls are down at the new backstage gate.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

Peering into the Millennium Falcon ride. There are two more turntables under the roof at left.

The land will be split into two sections; one for the First Order and one for the Resistance/Rebels. The First Order side is the side closest to the newly renamed Grand Avenue area that many believe will be used as a holding area for those waiting to enter Galaxy’s Edge.

After crossing through a tunnel into the new land guests will encounter the more urban decay style First Order area with a large, possibly multi-level restaurant, in the middle of it. The central feature of the First Order area will be a massive trackless ride, currently known as “Battle Escape.”

Coming out of the merchant’s alley area guests enter into the Rebel side of the land. This more lushly landscaped area will feature the 100-foot wide Millennium Falcon that will be near the entrance of the Millennium Falcon ride where groups of six guests can pilot the Falcon in a simulator experience.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park in 2019. The new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is just one element of the multi-year transformation of the park, which also includes Toy Story Land, set to open in the summer of 2018.

December 10, 2017
Hong Kong Disneyland Getting a New Castle

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo and just like that Hong Kong Disneyland gets a new castle. As part of the massive multi-year expansion plan, the icon of the park will soon be reimagined and will reach new heights with its upcoming transformation.

It is the first-of-its-kind at any Disney park. Today, Disney released a new rendering to show you what a magical centerpiece the new castle will be for guests in Hong Kong.

The classic castle will draw inspiration from a variety of storybook influences and styles, with new thematic spires, domes and a design that reaches ever skyward. Features will be inspired by many of the Disney princesses, including special finial decorations on the spires such as Snow White’s apple, Cinderella’s coach and Belle’s rose. Original artwork and unique sculptures will add even more magic and fantasy.

Guests will be able to visit the all-new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for transformations of their own and meet Disney princesses at the castle. The changes will also take the park’s entertainment to new heights with the premiere of a new daytime show and nighttime spectacular against the impressive backdrop.

This comes on the heels of several amazing additions to the resort already this year, including the opening of Iron Man Experience and Disney Explorers Lodge. In addition to all this, soon you’ll be able to step into the storytelling world of Frozen, Marvel and more like never before at the park.

Work on the castle will begin after the finale of the “Disney in the Stars” fireworks on January 1, and the expansion plan will continue to bring new entertainment to the park almost every year through 2023.

December 10, 2017
PHOTO: Guests Attempt to Climb Disney’s ‘Tree of Life’ at Animal Kingdom

So some park guests got it in their head that it would be a good idea to climb the “Tree of Life”, the iconic symbol in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Gonna go out on a limb here and say this is on the list of things to not do at Disney World.

Onlookers hoped the trespassers would just make like a tree and leave. The Four guests were caught quickly after the shenanigans, but according to reports they were up there for a good twenty minutes. Plenty of time for guests to see the whole thing and even snap a few photos.

The incident took place on Sunday around 2 p.m. and is slightly reminiscent of when a park guest tried climbing The Mexico Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. The Tree of Life stands 145-foot-high and has numerous animals that “appear to magically emerge” from it, but no one though people would end up emerging from it.

Luckily no one was injured and security got them to come down rather quickly.

There has been no word on if there were any repercussions for the guests, but this is the type of behavior that can easily get you banned for life.

You guys thought drunk people climbing the Mexico Pavilion was bad? Apparently 4 people tried to climb the Tree of Life at DAK today. pic.twitter.com/YDQubwpyOO

— Nick Cucerzan (@NCucerzan) December 3, 2017

December 8, 2017
Details on Disney’s New Skyliner Gondolas

The new gondola system known as The Disney Skyliner isn’t running yet, but is still flying high today with some really exciting new details and visuals. Today Disney unveiled concept art and elaborated on new the gondolas that will connect A few of the theme parks and resorts at Walt Disney World.

Guests will experience an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World Resort as they take to the sky to travel from select Disney resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests, such as characters from the ‘Fab Five,’figures from Disney attractions, fan favorites from movies, and more.

The design of the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at Epcot will be inspired by the park’s nearby European Pavilions, and will be covered with metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals and ornamental steel structures that harken back to the early 18th century Art Nouveau style. Guests traveling to Epcot via the Disney Skyliner will be welcomed to the park with a rare birds-eye view of World Showcase.

The Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station will be the hub of activity for Disney Skyliner. This station is inspired by the open air village marketplaces of the Caribbean and will showcase the nearby resort’s architectural detailing and color schemes. At this station, passengers will be able to transfer gondola routes to reach their destination, or are invited to sit and admire the waterfront resort setting.

The design style of the station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will fit with that of the park’s main entrance and bus stations. Passengers traveling here from the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station can expect a new aerial perspective of the park’s iconic attractions, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will share a Disney Skyliner station that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Upon departing the gondola station, Skyliner passengers will ascend over Hourglass Lake and enjoy a panoramic view of these two colorful resorts.

Finally, cabins will slow down at the Disney Skyliner turn-station along Buena Vista Drive, where guests can see the mechanical and aerial components that make up the Disney Skyliner.

December 8, 2017
Star Wars: Galactic Nights Complete Guide
Star Wars: Galactic Nights is back and guest are going to love the new additions. Held after park hours on December 16th from 7 p.m. to midnight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the event immerses guests in a Star Experience like no other. Here is a rundown on what you can expect:

ENTERTAINMENT

Experiences available only during this special event:
- Star Wars: Galactic Destinations – State-of-the-art projections shoot across the Hollywood Tower Hotel to display favorite film moments from across the galaxy accompanied by the stellar Star Wars cinematic score. Star Wars: Galactic Destinations will run continuously beginning at 7 p.m
- Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Epic Stunt Theater – 8:10 p.m., 9:10 p.m., 10:10 p.m. and 11:10 p.m.) – During this one-night-only panel discussion, hosted by David Collins, expert panel of team members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm will give Guests an inside look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
- Galactic Nights Epilogue (Rebel Base – 11:40 p.m.) – Prior to Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, Guests are invited to join event hosts as they marvel at a spotlight of Star Wars: Galactic Nights event highlights straight from the fans themselves! To be a part of the Galactic Nights Epilogue, Guests should tag their photos with #GalacticNights when sharing on social media.
- DJ Dance Party (Rebel Base – Intermittently 7 p.m. to midnight) – Guests can dance the night away in a galaxy far, far away!
- Imperial March (Park entrance to Rebel Base – 7:05 p.m., 8:05 p.m., 9:05 p.m., 9:55 p.m.) – Join a battalion of Stormtroopers on a dramatic march down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage, where Darth Vader will meet his troops.
- Droidbuilders (Animation Courtyard – 7 p.m. to midnight) – Encourage Guests to keep an eye out for roaming R2 Builders droids! R2 Builders is an international community of Star Wars fans who build their own replica robots of the recognizable droids from the Star Wars galaxy.
Star Wars experiences also available during the event:
- Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away (Rebel Base – 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10:20 p.m.) – Guest are able to experience a live stage show of high energy film clips that bring together action-filled character moments on stage, including Rey, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and many more.
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (Rebel Base – 11:45 p.m.) – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular lights up the night.
- Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (Near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – 6:10 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 9:45 p.m., 10:15 p.m.) – Guests can witness the future of the Force, as younglings face their fears at the sacred Jedi Temple. Guests can visit Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost to reserve a spot in the training for young Guests ages 4-12. Space is first-come, first-serve and limited.
ATTRACTIONS

The following daily attractions have been enhanced by the Force for Star Wars: Galactic Nights:
- Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
- Star Wars: Launch Bay
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Star Wars edition
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Muppet Vision 3D
- Toy Story Mania
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Walt Disney Presents
CHARACTERS

Meet all your favorite Star Wars characters at various locations around the park:
- Star Wars: Launch Bay – Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, BB-8 and Rey
- Sunset Showcase Courtyard – Seventh Sister
- Cantina inside Star Wars: Launch Bay – Jawas
- Inside Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Imperial Storm Troopers
- Animation Courtyard – AWR Trooper
- Commissary Lane – Mickey & Minnie Mouse
- Echo Lake – Olaf
- Pixar Place – Buzz Lightyear and Woody
- Walt Disney Presents – Star Lord and Groot
PHOTO BACKDROPS

There are eight different dimensional photo background for guests.

Backdrop locations:
- Ahch-to: Luke’s Hut – Near Rebel Base
- Death Star: Emperor’s Throne Room – Near Hyperion Theater
- Batuu – Grand Avenue
- Jedha: U-wing and K-2SO – Grand Avenue
- Malachor: Sith Temple – Sunset Showcase Courtyard (featuring appearances by the Seventh Sister)
- Hoth: Wampa Cave – Sunset Showcase Courtyard
- Jakku: Luggabeast – Inside Sunset Showcase
- Tatooine: Rancor – Inside Sunset Showcase
MERCHANDISE

Pick up your favorite Star Wars gear.

Special event merchandise is available at:
- Mickey’s of Hollywood
- Celebrity 5 & 10
- Once Upon a Time
- Stage 1 Company Store (open during event mix-in from 5-7 p.m.)
PREMIUM OFFERINGS, PACKAGES, AND MORE

This year, event Guests can choose a variety of options to enhance their galactic experience:
1. Galactic Tasting & Viewing Package – Guests are able to enhance their Star Wars: Galactic Nights experience with a Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package. Tasting-sized sips and bites inspired by the stories and characters of Star Wars will be available at various locations throughout the park. With the Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package, Guests can enjoy up to five food & beverage items as well as reserved seating for the 9:10 p.m. or 10:10 p.m. Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge panel. The Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package is available for purchase for $30 (plus tax) near Rebel Base and Sunshine Day Café. Food and beverage items included in this package are marked in the event passport as well as at each food & beverage location.
2. Jedi Recruitment Package – Guests are able to equip their youngling with the necessary tools and tips to defeat the Dark Side at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Check-in for the Jedi Recruitment package is located at Ewok Village (external queue of Star Tours).
3. Galactic Character Couture Packages – Disney Senses Spa will be onsite at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering Guests hair, makeup and nails transformations with stylish designs inspired by Star Wars characters. Located inside Legends of Hollywood, appointments are available via walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis.
December 8, 2017