Disney News

Category: News

  • Star Wars Day At Sea Has Some Out of This Galaxy Food On The Disney Fantasy

    Star Wars Day At Sea Has Some Out of This Galaxy Food On The Disney Fantasy

    Earlier today we got a chance to attend a Star Wars Day at Sea media preview on board the Disney Fantasy and the Star Wars inspired menu options are strong with the force.

    After a tour of some of the ship and its activities we got a chance to sit down and dine at Animator’s Palate. We started of with an appetizer sampler that was so good it was gone in less than 12 parsecs.

    Star Wars Day at Sea Food

    Here is a run down of some of the appetizing treats you can expect:

    Marinated Opee Sea Killer
    Marinated Shrimp on Iceberg Lettuce with Gooberfish, Cucumber, Lemon and Cocktail Sauce.

    Sand People Salad
    Marinated Chicken, Tomatoes, Tuskan marinated Cracked Wheat, Romaine LEttuce and Red Onions with a Red Wine Vinegar Dressing

    Mos ESPA Grand Arena Tailgate Sandwich
    Soft mini Brioche filled with cured Country Ham and an Orange Cranberry Marmalade.

    The entrees were just as impressive. I had the Kit Fisto’s Crisp Chicken which was amazing with its smoked Bacon Sauce. My daughter had the Obi-Wan Shroom Steak and she loved it so much it was gone before we could snap a pic.

    Star Wars Day at Sea Food

    Here is a full list of the offered entress:

    Grilled Alderaan Fish Filet (Swordfish)
    With seared Pineapple and Black Pepper Salsa, Roasted Chili Sweet Potatoes and preserved Lemon.

    Grand Moff Tarkin’s Spiced Pork Tenderloin
    With Chorizo Hash, Buttered Kale and Ancho-Chipotle Salsa

    Kit Fisto’s Crisp Chicken
    With crushed Potatoes, Buttered Green Beans, Biscuit and smoked Bacon Sauce.

    Obi-Wan Shroom Steak
    Portobello Mushroom katsu on Sticky Rice with Curry and Green Onions.

    Last but not least was a desert sampler that could turn your taste buds to the dark side it was so delicious.

    Star Wars Day at Sea Food

    Here is a peek at some of the decadent options you might encounter on this cruise:

    Cairissian Velvet Cake
    Layers of Red Velvet Cake and White Chocolate Ganache served with Zoochberry Sauce

    Cloud City Macarons
    Raspberry and Lemon Macarons, served with Raspberry and Vanilla Sauce.

    NSA – Galactic Senator Bail Organa Flan
    Dark Chocolate Flan with Mandarin and Strawberry Salad.

    It should be noted it was so delicious that my daughter had two appetizer samplers and two dessert samplers. This is just a taste of what you can expect aboard the out of this galaxy cruise.

    There is still plenty of sailings left if you want to experience the tastes of Star Wars on the high seas.  After the cruise that set sail today, you can still book cruises departing Feb. 17; March 3, 17, 31; April 14, 2018 and multiple dates in 2019 as well.

  • Credit Card Fraud Operation Broken Up On Disney World Property

    Credit Card Fraud Operation Broken Up On Disney World Property

    A man suspected in a credit card fraud operation was arrested, while staying on Disney World property, by the Secret Service with the help of Walt Disney World security.

    A credit card that had been used to check into a room at Art of Animation had been flagged after multiple transactions on the card were noticed by Disney security according to a report by WFTV. “Agents found around $5,000 in fraudulent purchases had been made on the one card.” the report says.

    After checking in for a two-week stay, excessive purchases made on the card in the Disney Spring’s area were noticed by Disney Security and they went to the room to investigate.

    The Disney security team went to the room in the “Cars” area of the resort, entering the room when no one answered, according to the Secret Service. Once inside the room they found numerous credit cards prompting them to call the Secret Service.

    While investigators were still in the room, four men from Brazil showed up. Agents found a card encoder in the room and multiple credit cards inside luggage belonging to a guest named Fabio Valdarnini.

    The guest was arrested and now investigators will try to track down where the men have been and if there are any other victims. Valdarnini is currently being held in the Orange County jail.

     

  • Mobile Order Now Available For Guests Using Disney Dining Plans

    Mobile Order Now Available For Guests Using Disney Dining Plans

    Now, it’s easier than ever to personalize your Walt Disney World Resort experience through the My Disney Experience app. My Disney Experience continues to add new features and now you can use your Disney Dining credits to complete your mobile order right from your phone.

    My Disney Experience Mobile Order

    The service has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests who have used Mobile Order in the My Disney Experience mobile app after its launch last spring. Currently offered at 23 locations throughout the theme parks and Disney Springs, this convenient service allows you to order meals and snacks on demand, pay in advance and skip the line at select quick-service food and beverage locations.

    Now, the Mobile Order service is being introduced to a whole new audience of guests. With a My Disney Experience update launching later today, guests with Disney dining plans can redeem meals and snacks in Mobile Order, providing them with more free time to enjoy all of the attractions and entertainment experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

    All three Disney dining plans are available with Mobile Order: the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. To access Mobile Order, tap the “Order Food” button under “My Plans” in the app. Watch the video below to see the convenience of using Mobile Order with a Disney dining plan – whether you’re redeeming a snack credit for a Dole Whip at Aloha Isle or a quick-service credit for a Pandoran feast at Satu’li Canteen.

    This latest app update builds on other new features, like room charge viewing, Online Check-In Service and wayfinding, that are helping to improve the overall vacation experience for our guests.

  • Man Accused Of Groping Boy On Disney Ride

    Man Accused Of Groping Boy On Disney Ride

    A man was arrested at Disney’s Epcot after he allegedly groped a child on a ride Saturday.

    He was in line for Test Track when a group of people let him get in front of them, the victim told deputies.

    The suspect is 20 year-old Arturo Benitez-Pita and according to deputies he told the child, “I’m riding with you” and the child assumed he was just being friendly. Benitez-Pita was continually asking the victim questions about the ride, deputies said.

    The victim said Benitez-Pita touched him inappropriately on the ride and the child told deputies he pushed Benitez-Pita’s hand away.

    Benitez-Pit admitted to going on the ride with the child, but denied that there was any touching.  He initially said he got scared on the ride and his hand moved toward the boy out of reflex, according to an arrest affidavit.

    He was arrested and charged with lewd or lascivious molestation on a victim under 12 years old.

  • VIDEO: Disney Animatronic With Missing Head Gives Guests Unexpected Shock

    VIDEO: Disney Animatronic With Missing Head Gives Guests Unexpected Shock

    The poor unfortunate souls riding The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure at Disneyland got an unexpected shock while on the attraction Sunday. The ride’s Ursula animatronic literally lost its head in plain sight of park guests.

    You would think The Queen of Hearts had been screaming, “off with her head!” but instead a few shrill shrieks were probably heard from park-goers as the figure continued to move and sing with its head dangling.

    In the words of The Sea Witch herself, “Don’t underestimate the importance of body language.” Take a look at the horrifying video below.

    “Immediately after we got off we were ushered out along with everyone else, and the employees looked very concerned,” the poster wrote. “Many people had seen Ursula decapitated, including kids who understandably were upset.”

    This was just one of a multitude of videos and pics of the horrifying event that have been plastered all over social media.

    In an odd coincidence, this isn’t the only attraction to lose its head in recent days. Social media also was buzzing when the auctioneer from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disneyland Paris also malfunctioned and lost his head too.

    These type of malfunctions are bound to happen, but it still can be rather horrifying for the young ones even if the adults (big kids) find it a little funny. Very soon after both rides were temporarily closed for repairs.

  • Former Disney Star Charged With Multiple Armed Robberies

    Former Disney Star Charged With Multiple Armed Robberies

    In connection with a string of armed robberies, former Disney star, Adam Hicks, was arrested and on Wednesday.

    The 25 year-old is accused of robbing several people on the street on Wednesday morning. According to the Burbank Police Department in California he committed three robberies over a two-hour period with the help of his girlfriend. His girlfriend is also in police custody.

    According to reports, Hicks and his girlfriend went up to several people and put a gun in their face, demanding money. Two of the victims were women in their 70s and another was a 52-year-old man.

    Police were able to locate the car used during the robberies and detained a female said to be connected to one of the suspects.  Some of the stolen property was recovered by police at the scene. Hicks was found and arrested at his home after a SWAT team showed up to serve a search warrant.

    Hicks starred as Luther on the Disney XD show from 2009 to 2012. He also appeared in Hulu’s “Freakish,” in 2016-2017, and the 2015 film “The Boy Next Door.”

    Hicks is set to appear in the movie “Shifting Gears,” due out in March, and is currently starring in the show “Freakish” on Hulu.

    Jail records show that Hicks was also arrested in both July and September of 2017. The arrest happened about 2 p.m and he is due to appear in court on Friday. According to court records he is being held in jail on $350,000 bail.

  • Coast Guard Medevacs Disney Dream Passenger Due To Medical Complications

    Coast Guard Medevacs Disney Dream Passenger Due To Medical Complications

    The Disney Dream had just set sail Thursday when the Coast Guard had to be called to medevac a 46-year-old man due to medical complications.

    The ship was 78 miles southeast of West Palm Beach when the Coast Guard 7th District Command Center received a medevac request. One of the ships passengers was experiencing medical complications and needed higher care than was available aboard the ship. They quickly directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to assist.

    ‘This was one of those times where every second counted, and I’m very grateful for the professionalism of the Disney crew and the hospital staff in their efforts to transport the patient as safely and efficiently as possible,’ said Lt. Michael Wightman, MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircraft commander. ‘The entire flight crew wishes for the patient’s speedy recovery and a safe return home.’

    The helicopter crew arrived on scene with the vessel, hoisted the patient and flew him to Saint Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach for further medical care.

  • Disney’s Gondola System Costs $3.8 Million For Electrical Work Alone

    Disney’s Gondola System Costs $3.8 Million For Electrical Work Alone

    Walt Disney World’s gondola system is already under construction and it comes with a hefty price tag.

    This new transportation system, known as Disney Skyliner, carries guests through the air from select Disney resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Reedy Creek officials approved a $3.8 million construction budget Wednesday for just the electric services on the project alone.

     

    Reedy Creek Energy Service’s, Manager for planning and engineering, Jason Herrick said, construction on the electrical infrastructure that will power the gondola system could begin in the next six months or sooner.

    According to a bid proposal submitted by Apopka-based Carter Electric the work should be completed by October.

    Reedy Creek documents show that just one part of the gondola project, which will include four switches, six transformers and 9,000 feet of cable (about 1.7 miles’ worth) — will cost $1.2 million.

     

    The six points of service will be built by Reedy Creek and one each could possibly have multiple transformers to run the transportation system, according to Reedy Creek district administrator John Classe. Having multiple service points is important so, in the event of a power failure, there’s an electricity backup to the keep the system running, said Classe.

    In December, more details were released showing that select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters featured on the outside of the gondolas. Guests will experience an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World Resort as they take to the sky and get a birds-eye view of the resort like never before.

  • $1,000 Cash Bonus Given To 125,000 Disney Employees

    $1,000 Cash Bonus Given To 125,000 Disney Employees

    Walt Disney Co. announced Tuesday, it is giving a one-time cash bonus of $1,000 to 125,000 employees. They are also investing $50 million to create a new higher education program for workers.

    “We are directing approximately $125 million to our cast members and employees across the country and making higher education more accessible with the launch of this new program,” CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.

    Nearly 88,000 hourly employees in the U.S. will be able to take advantage of Disney’s education initiative.

    “I have always believed that education is the key to opportunity; it opens doors and creates new possibilities,” Iger said. “Matched with the $1,000 cash bonus, these initiatives will have both an immediate and long-term positive impact.”

    The new education initiative is designed to cover tuition costs for hourly employees, and going forward it will continue to receive $25 million in annual funding, Disney’s statement said.

    The entertainment giant is just one of a number of companies handing back money to its employees since the December passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which lowered tax rates for corporations. AT&T, Wells Fargo, Boeing, Comcast, Bank of America and Walmart are just a few who have passed along the new tax benefits to workers.

    As for the bonuses, they are for full and part-time employees in the United States who have been with the company since Jan. 1. For those who are eligible the bonus will be given in two parts, the first in March and the next in September. Executive level employees are exempt.

    The two initiatives will cost the company $175 million this fiscal year. Disney said its current ongoing education reimbursement program will continue to be open to all full-time employees with no changes.

     

  • Refillable Soap Dispensers Showing Up at More Disney World Resorts

    Refillable Soap Dispensers Showing Up at More Disney World Resorts

    The soap opera created over the installation of refillable soap dispensers in Walt Disney World Resorts continues in what looks to be an effort to “clean” up the budget…

    One of the best parts of staying on Disney World property is all the extra toiletries, like soap and shampoo, that you get to take home. Well, that seems to be changing and Disney is moving ahead with its plan to replace the soap and shampoo within its resorts with refillable dispensers.

    Everyone’s favorite “free” souvenir looks like it could be a thing of the past and online reports say Pop Century will be seeing them installed in rooms as early as this week.

    Port Orleans Riverside was said have them installed back in August of last year and we knew it would only be a matter of time, before we started to see them show up at other resorts.

    The dispensers hold conditioner, shampoo, and body wash, but many guests feel it’s unsanitary and are not happy with the idea of having to share community hygiene products.  It’s unclear if this is still a testing phase or if a full resort-wide rollout is expect soon.  No word on if this will be rolled out beyond value and moderate resorts, but if you are paying deluxe resort prices the extra little soaps should be included if you ask me.