Category: News

  • Disney World Monorail Stalls With Guests on Board Headed to Magic Kingdom

    Disney World Monorail Stalls With Guests on Board Headed to Magic Kingdom

    A Walt Disney World Monorail stalled enroute to Magic Kingdom today trapping several guests including infants on board.

    One guest took to Twitter stating that she and others were “trapped” on a hot monorail for 30 minutes and had to open the emergency windows.

    Take a look at the post below witch includes a picture of what appears to be rescue workers below:

    Only one monorail was stuck on the line, according to a Disney spokesperson. Magic Kingdom’s monorail service was closed while Disney’s transportation team worked to fix the issue.

    The spokesperson would only confirm that the monorails experienced “down time.” Disney did not say what caused the monorail to stall or how long the monorails were down.

    All guests who were stuck on the stalled monorail train are no longer on it, according to Disney, and the monorails have since resumed normal operations.

  • Disney World Skyliner Gondolas Opening Date Announced

    Disney World Skyliner Gondolas Opening Date Announced

    Magic is definitely in the air as testing of Disney Skyliner cabins and other elements is well underway, and today Disney announced the opening date for Disney World’s newest form of transportation.

    On September 29, Disney Skyliner gondolas will take flight and officially begin transporting guests around Walt Disney World Resort.

    As many of you have seen, this state-of-the-art transportation system offers a new way to experience the resort with amazing views only available from the sky. Disney Skyliner connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort scheduled to open in December 2019. Take. Look at the video below:

    Some Disney Skyliner cabins feature graphics based on Disney films, attractions and characters. We previously featured a few of the character cabins on Disney Dorks, including those with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and Chip & Dale. Other Disney stories taking flight with guests include:

    • “Coco”
    • Goofy, Pete, Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow
    • “Finding Dory”
    • Haunted Mansion
    • “Monsters, Inc.”
    • Pirates of the Caribbean
    • “Ratatouille”

    Before you know it, Disney Skyliner will be floating guests across Walt Disney World Resort!

  • New Concept Art and Details Released for Disney’s Riviera Resort Opening in December

    New Concept Art and Details Released for Disney’s Riviera Resort Opening in December

    As we previously reported, Disney’s Riviera Resort is coming to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as the 15th Disney Vacation Club property and today Disney has released some beautiful new concept art and some exciting new details.

    For centuries, the European Riviera has inspired visitors to relax, rejuvenate and play along the Mediterranean. At Disney’s Riviera Resort, projected to open December 2019, the history and charm that enchanted Walt and Lillian Disney, and so many others, will be yours to experience.

    In each meticulous detail and around every turn, you’ll see how Imagineers are creating a resort that celebrates the elegance of a modern European retreat blended with a touch of old-world glamour and a uniquely Disney twist. Here’s a closer look at the careful planning and thoughtful features that make Disney’s Riviera Resort so special. Take a look at some more of the new concept art below:

    The overall design of Disney’s Riviera Resort is inspired by the elegant, early 20th century hotels situated along Europe’s Mediterranean coast. Like the region itself, Disney’s Riviera Resort will convey classic European designs mixed with modern expressions.

    Its articulated stone base and smooth stucco façades will be accented with decorative metalwork and colorful awnings. French mansard roofs and Italian style arches and loggias will intermingle with other architectural styles found along the coastal region.

    The center building, or tower, with expressive roofs and ornamental details, will be at the heart of the resort. Adjacent wings are designed as if added progressively to accommodate more travelers. The resort itself is a layered story, inspired by the buildings and architecture in Europe that grew and evolved over time.

    Each wing of the resort will grow in height, from eight to 10 stories, allowing for sweeping views of the resort to be seen from the rooftop restaurant, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera. If this sounds tantalizing, I should mention that bookings are now open for Topolino’s Terrace, with reservations available beginning on December 16.

    Porticos, towers and terraces, as well as a unique, coastal-inspired color palette, will give each resort wing an exterior style all its own – a visual representation of the changes in design styles that influenced regional resorts throughout the century.

    The window styles will vary across the façade of the resort, with variations in size, shape and mullion designs. Continuing the inspired architectural details, the iconic window awnings of the region will be married with shutters of varying colors and arrangements. A variety of decorative railings throughout the resort will feature a subtle Disney twist, with motifs of Mickey Mouse and his leading lady, Minnie.

    By incorporating these detailed differences into the design, Imagineers captured the progressive feeling of European architecture, imparting a sense of history and story that developed over time.

    Under construction and projected to open December 2019, Disney’s Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World Resort will be inspired by Europe and imagined by Disney. From the resort, you will be able to stay just a gondola ride away from all the excitement and experiences via the new Disney Skyliner system when it opens this fall.

    If you need 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!

  • Disney Cruise Line the ‘World’s Best’ According to Travel + Leisure Readers

    Disney Cruise Line the ‘World’s Best’ According to Travel + Leisure Readers

    Disney Cruise Line has hooked another award. The readers of Travel + Leisure agree that Disney Cruise Line is the “World’s Best.” They have chosen Disney as the No. 1 Ocean Cruise Line among those carrying 2,200 passengers or more as part of the publication’s annual World’s Best Awards. 

    Through this annual survey, thousands of Travel + Leisurereaders pick their favorite destinations, hotels, resorts, spas, airlines, tour operators, rental-car agencies, cruise lines and more. The results will be published in the August issue and are available online now at travelandleisure.com.

    Of course, all the credit goes to the thousands of Disney Cruise Line Crew and Cast Members. After all, they’re the reason why Disney Cruise Line has been recognized with hundreds of distinguished awards from the travel industry since first setting sail in 1998. As president of Disney Signature Experiences, Jeff Vahle says, “they are the secret to our magic!” 

    Service was among the list of criteria readers used to rate Disney Cruise Line, as well as staterooms, food, destinations, excursions and value. As one reader put it, “The best part of the cruise was the service that we received. The waiters knew exactly what my kids liked after the first night. They were attentive to detail, kind, and entertaining.”

    There are so many things to be excited about when it comes to Disney Cruise Line! Not only is Disney building three new ships and developing a new private island, next year they add New Orleans as a home-port and make highly anticipated returns to the Hawaiian Islands, Puerto Rico and Greece.

    If you need 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!

  • Rabies Alert for Epcot Area Issued by Florida Department of Health

    Rabies Alert for Epcot Area Issued by Florida Department of Health

    The Florida Department of Health in Orange County issued a rabies alert Tuesday after a cat that was found near the Epcot theme park tested positive for the disease.

    The feral animal was discovered near Epcot Center Drive and Interstate 4, just east of the park. The alert covers a two-mile radius around the intersection and expires in 60 days.

    This alert should not give a false sense of security to areas that have not been named under this alert,” the statement warned. Hollywood Studios and multiple resorts are also in the area.

    Other animals in the area may also be infected and officials urge the public to avoid contact with all wildlife, including “raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.”

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that rabies can be fatal, but it is preventable. The viral disease is passed through saliva, and early symptoms can resemble the flu.

  • Gran Destino Tower Opens at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

    Gran Destino Tower Opens at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

    The new Gran Destino Tower officially opened to guests Tuesday morning with a festive celebration, completing a multiyear re-imagining of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort that also includes new restaurants, a new arrival experience and more.

    Celebrating the rich cultures and vibrant landscapes of Spain, Mexico and the American Southwest through contemporary design and Old World traditions, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort shines with renewed luster.

    The new Gran Destino Tower rises dramatically on the southeastern shores of Lago Dorado (“Golden Lake”), the resort’s 22-acre lake. The tower – opening to the public July 9 – offers 545 modern guest rooms (including 50 suites and club-level services), a grand two-story lobby, new meeting venues, and a rooftop restaurant and lounge with spectacular views.The distinctive tower becomes the stylish new gateway to the 2,385-room resort.

    Gran Destino Tower takes its name from the classic Disney film “Destino.” Drawing inspiration from the surrealist animated short, the tower is a whimsical, magnificent visual feast, diverse in its design and execution. The tower’s outdoor Destino Plaza are also ideal for weddings, business receptions or other special events.

    Past its grand entrance and signature ribbon-patterned design that climbs up the side of Gran Destino Tower, guests step into a stunning lobby – an homage to the Catalan Modernism style. On their way to check in, new arrivals pass intricate wooden screens with rows of beautiful Moorish hanging lanterns, while decorative bronze screens inspired by Spanish tile patterns accent the rear wall of the lobby.

    The warm colors and patterns of Barcelona inspire the sun-filled Barcelona Lounge on the lobby’s lower level, offering plenty of casual seating and lake views. Beneath a magnificent chandelier framed by sculpted plaster columns, guests can enjoy coffee in the morning and cocktails as the day progresses.

    The Catalan theme extends to the tower’s stylish new guest rooms and suites. A wall covering in each room is inspired by Spanish tile medallions, adding an Old World touch to a contemporary design. The new tower also offers club-access rooms for guests who want to enjoy the benefits of the Chronos Club. The club boasts commanding views of Walt Disney World Resort and cast members who can assist with vacation planning. Light refreshments are available throughout the day.

    Each tower guest room also offers a new interactive television system that provides a more customized and Disney differentiated in-room experience. This new television system will enhance the guest experience with Disney-quality services, content and personalization. For example, guests can view their Disney PhotoPass images on the large screen and stream their entertainment services from their personal devices to the in-room television.

    Gran Destino Tower is crowned by dramatic rooftop dining locations, Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood and Dahlia Lounge, offering breathtaking views of Walt Disney World from the tower’s 16thfloor. Named for the storied Spanish city home to avant-garde writers and artists of the 1920s and ’30s, Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood is a table-service dining experience. The Spanish-inspired menu features entrees like chuletón, a 32-ounce, Spanish-style ribeye for two, as well as sustainable seafood and classic Spanish sides. It’s all served in a setting that features live olive trees, vibrant colors and an intricate vaulted ceiling with stained-glass accents. There’s also an onstage tapas kitchen inspired by the flavors of Spain, specializing in small plates, charcuteríá and cheeses.

    The adjacent Dahlia Lounge takes its mesmerizing shapes and swirling patterns from Spanish Modernism, inviting guests into an intimate, artful space where they can enjoy signature cocktails and panoramic views.

    As part of the broader re-imagining of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, three new pedestrian bridges now extend across Lago Dorado, allowing for quick and convenient passage to and from all parts of the resort. In the middle of the lake at the nexus of these new pathways is Villa del Lago (“Lake Villa”), home to a new outdoor restaurant, Three Bridges Bar & Grill. The open-air, waterfront dining location offers delicious entrees and shareables, along with refreshing cocktails and signature sangria pitchers. Three Bridges Bar & Grill features a rustic, Old World charm anchored by a large stone hearth behind the central bar.

    These new experiences complement the wide array of amenities and experiences at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, including floating gardens, scenic nature trails and palm-shaped courtyards. Throughout the resort, guests can enjoy a diverse collection of dining options, including:

    • Maya Grill – A grand Mexican dining room featuring ancient-modern styling and Nuevo Latino cuisines.
    • Rix Sports Bar & Grill – A stylish establishment with a unique spin on classic bar food.
    • El Mercado de Coronado – A food court filled with kitchens serving made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a wide array of options so there’s something for everyone.
    • Café Rix – A charming grab-and-go location offering pastries, coffee and tasty snacks.
    • Laguna Bar – A breezy lakeside lounge boasting signature cocktails.
    • Siestas Cantina – A poolside hideaway to unwind with refreshing beverages and snacks.

    Shoppers can delight in an updated Panchito’s merchandise location. Named after one of the main characters from the Disney film “The Three Caballeros,” Panchito’s resembles an open-air Mexican market.

    The Dig Site – a sprawling pool complex with a Mayan-ruins theme – is fed by water cascading dramatically down a Mayan pyramid and features a water slide that evokes the spirit animal of a jaguar. The Dig Site can be accessed via the new bridges over Lago Dorado.

    All existing guest rooms at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort were updated with new fixtures, furnishings and lighting. Guest feedback helped shape the room remodel that introduced an expansive desk space, hard-surface floors, platform beds and more. In addition, a fresh, sophisticated new color palette ties together the entire resort experience.

    Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is now a celebration of Spanish, Mexican and American Southwest cultures, infused with a profound respect for the natural world – most notably water. These design motifs span centuries to form a common thread that connects the new with the newly re-imagined.

  • Construction Worker Falls in Hole in Animal Kingdom Parking Lot

    Construction Worker Falls in Hole in Animal Kingdom Parking Lot

    A construction worker was injured while working Tuesday near Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

    The worker fell into a hole outside Disney’s Animal Kingdom, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. He was working near a trench box used for excavation when the ground gave way, dropping him into a 5-foot-deep hole.

    The worker was able to free one leg, but the other was buried up to his hip, according to officials. Orange County Fire Rescue crews dug him out and took him to a hospital.

    Deputies and Orange County Fire Rescue crews responded just after 2 p.m. to assist Reedy Creek firefighters with an “industrial accident” call at the park.

    The worker was a third-party construction worker and was safely removed, according to a Disney official.

  • New IllumiNations Light-Up Minnie Ears Now Available at Epcot

    New IllumiNations Light-Up Minnie Ears Now Available at Epcot

    In celebration of the farewell season of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot, Disney Parks has released a pair of new light-up Minnie Ears inspired by the Nighttime Spectacular.

    The Minnie Ear headband features a stylish bow-tie with a firework-inspired design and light up ears.

    These gorgeous new ears now available at Mouse Gear in Epcot while supplies last for about $30. Take a closer look below:

    For nearly 20 years, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” has entertained millions as the nighttime spectacular that brought each day at Epcot to a thrilling close. The show’s final night will be Sept. 30, to make way for an all-new, limited-time spectacular, “Epcot Forever,” debuting Oct. 1.

  • VIDEO: Violent Fight Breaks Out in Disneyland as Children Watch

    VIDEO: Violent Fight Breaks Out in Disneyland as Children Watch

    The happiest place on earth was certaily anything but for many guests visiting Disneyland Sarurday as a fight broke out in the middle of Toon Town.

    The incident happened Saturday night as an argument between family members escalated into a full-on brawl.

    The incident was caught on video and shows a woman spit in a man’s face. He retaliates by punching her, repeatedly. Take look at the video below, but be warned it contains extreme violence.

    Moments later that same man accuses another female relative of hitting his mother. He brutally attacks her, knocking her down and hitting her, over and over again.

    Anaheim police responded and interviewed family members, but officers say none of the victims was cooperative and they were escorted from the park.

    In a statement, a Disney official said: “We do not condone this behavior.”

    Police became aware of the video Sunday, and say they are now pursuing a criminal case.

  • First ‘Maleficent 2’ Full Length Trailer Released

    First ‘Maleficent 2’ Full Length Trailer Released

    Today, Disney released the first full length trailer for “Maleficent 2” and it reveals more of the dark fairy’s involvement with soon-to-be Queen Aurora’s political movement.

    “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”, the follow-up sequel to 2014’s “Maleficent”, sees the return of Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning as the dark fairy Maleficent and Princess Aurora.

    The sequel to the 2014 film is set five years into the future, and it appears Maleficent will continue to explore her hot-and-cold relationship with Aurora as Aurora gets engaged. Take a look at the teaser-trailer below:

    The sequel is described as “a fantasy adventure that picks up several years after “Maleficent”, in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney’s most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen, as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within.”

    Joachim Rønning directs from a story by Linda Woolverton and a screenplay by Linda Woolverton and Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster. Film is produced by Joe Roth, Angelina Jolie and Duncan Henderson with Matt Smith, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Michael Vieira serving as executive producers.

    Maleficent: Mistress of Evil hits theaters nationwide October 18.