Disney News

Category: Walt Disney World

  • Epcot Forever – Epcot’s New Nighttime Fireworks Show

    Epcot Forever – Epcot’s New Nighttime Fireworks Show

    The brand new fireworks show, ‘Epcot Forever‘ was unveiled last night, and we can report that this nighttime spectacular is a Showstopper! Get ready, because this show is packed with new special effects and plenty of nostalgic music for long time Epcot fans.

    The music in Epcot Forever will take you on a journey through the past, present, and future of this amazing theme park. There are new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes threaded throughout the show, such as “One Little Spark” and “Tomorrow’s Child.” The music was performed by a talented choir of singers from across Central Florida, and recorded by the legendary London Symphony Orchestra at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios.

    I was blown away by the new special effects kites! As the music from Soarin’ plays you see individual kites being pulled around World Showcase Lagoon with beautiful, color changing tails. Later in the show you see groups of 5 white kites that shoot sparklers as they glide though the air. The kites are impressive in size – you can even hear the tails rippling in the air as they pass!
    Epcot Forever also has a lot of fireworks than the previous show, Illuminations.

    Epcot Forever

    Epcot Forever runs about 12 minutes long, and you can view it anywhere throughout Epcot that offers a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon. My favorite spot is La Cantina de San Angel, the quick service restaurant in Mexico. If you can snag a seat next to railing you’ll have a great view of the show, and you can enjoy a delicious margarita while you watch!

    Epcot Forever will only be shown for a limited-time before “HarmonioUS” starts in May of 2020, so make sure you plan a trip to see it soon!
    Contact me at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly for a Free quote for your next Disney vacation!

  • New ‘Epcot Forever’ Nighttime Spectacular Debuts Today at Epcot

    New ‘Epcot Forever’ Nighttime Spectacular Debuts Today at Epcot

    Across the canvas of a darkened sky, the new “Epcot Forever” nighttime spectacular debuting today at Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the past, present and future of Epcot.

    The new show is a showcase of soaring fireworks, inspiring music, lasers and colorful glowing kites flying above and around the park’s World Showcase Lagoon.

    As the dramatic curtain-closer to each theme park day, the show takes guests on an emotional journey set to stirring renditions of Epcot music that guests will know and love. It will stoke fond memories from the park’s history and spur excitement for the bright future of Epcot – a future filled with new attractions and experiences as part of a multiyear transformation already underway.

    “Epcot Forever” exemplifies the park’s founding principles – innovation, exploration, imagination and celebration. Children sing of “one little spark of inspiration” as guests marvel at fireworks that pinwheel, corkscrew and explode in giant aerial starbursts. As colorful pyrotechnics dance across the heavens, the Epcot story plays out to a grand orchestral soundtrack. Noted conductor and composer Don Harper produced new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes to thread through the show.

    Future World pavilions past and present inspire familiar themes, building to Epcot’s grandest moments. In one sequence, uplifting music from Soarin’ Around the World cues dazzling LED kites to crisscross the sky in a kaleidoscopic effect. Guests also will recognize cherished music from Epcot spectacles of the past, including the “Tapestry of Nations” parade.

    Approaching its dramatic conclusion, the show pivots from the park’s familiar music to a new verse of “One Little Spark” celebrating the future of Epcot yet to come. As the music and fireworks build, “One Little Spark” transitions to a spectacular finale that brightens the sky one last time with fireworks and special effects.

    “Epcot Forever” is set to perform into 2020, leading to the park’s next nighttime spectacular, “HarmonioUS.”

  • 7-year-old boy Who Used Money to Help Hurricane Evacuees Gets His Disney World Trip

    7-year-old boy Who Used Money to Help Hurricane Evacuees Gets His Disney World Trip

    Jermaine Bell and his family were rewarded a VIP getaway to Walt Disney World after Bell used the money he was saving for a trip to help Dorian victims and over the weekend the 7-year-old finally made it to Disney World.

    Millions were moved by the story of this child’s generous spirit, and just a few days later, Mickey Mouse made a surprise appearance at Jermaine’s birthday party to personally invite him to visit Walt Disney World.

    Over the weekend, Walt Disney World Resort rolled out the red carpet for Jermaine and his family, as they visited all four Walt Disney World theme parks and even took in a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park.

    For Jermaine, a highlight of his trip was visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where he experienced Kilimanjaro Safaris, received a private tour lead by Disney Animal Programs, watched “Festival of the Lion King” (and was surprised with a private meet and greet with the cast after the show), and also attended “Rivers of Light.”

    According to Jermaine’s mother, Lauren Creech, her son’s generosity came as no surprise – but the reaction to it did. 

    “In our family, we are givers and it just makes me overjoyed to see that at such an early age that he has grasped those values,” she said.

    A few park guests even recognized Jermaine during his visit, a fact that his mother said was a true highlight for her.

    “I think that’s the biggest thing,” Lauren said. “There’s no way we could’ve known that something as simple as him being generous would’ve blown up and affected so many people.” 

  • New Disney Skyliner Merchandise Soars into Disney World

    New Disney Skyliner Merchandise Soars into Disney World

    Yesterday, Disney shared the first look at the first Disney Skyliner merchandise inspired by artwork similar to what will be featured on the gondolas.

    The new collection offers something for every member of the family, including t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, pins, MagicBands, Christmas ornaments, toys and more.

    We’re just a few days away from the official September 29 opening of the Disney Skyliner and no Disney Transportation system would be complete with out new merch! Take a look below at all the offerings:

    Skyliner Tees and Hoodies

    Skyliner Hat

    Skyliner Mug

    Skyliner MagicBands

    Disney Pins and Buttons

    Christmas Ornaments

    Merchandise will be available at these locations:

    • International Gateway at Epcot
    • Mickey’s of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
    • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
    • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Merchandise will also be available at the new Disney’s Riviera Resort when it opens later this year!

    The magical gondola system will offer guests transportation between Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot and select Disney World resort hotels.

  • New Disney Skyliner Transportation System Opens Sept. 29 at Disney World

    New Disney Skyliner Transportation System Opens Sept. 29 at Disney World

    Excited to finally get a bird’s eye view of Walt Disney World? Well, magic will soon be in the air at the Resort when the new Disney Skyliner transportation system opens to guests this Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019.

    We were invited to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort yesterday for a special dedication moment for the complimentary new transportation system. The festivities featured Disney characters, fireworks and more in honor of this “most magical flight on Earth.”  

    Take a look at this video below to see some of the fun: 

    Disney Skyliner connects Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to four Disney resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the forthcoming Disney’s Riviera Resort, a Disney Vacation Club resort set to open Dec. 16, 2019. The system serves as a magic carpet, floating guests through the air aboard approximately 300 gondolas, nearly half of which are wrapped in whimsical Disney scenes of beloved characters, fan-favorite movies, theme park attractions and more.

    While riding Disney Skyliner, guests are treated to never-before-seen views of Walt Disney World Resort as they float along the treetops and waterways alike. The system provides bird’s-eye vantage points of Disney icons such as the Hollywood Tower Hotel and Spaceship Earth.

  • Virgin Atlantic Launches Millennium Falcon Themed Star Wars Plane

    Virgin Atlantic Launches Millennium Falcon Themed Star Wars Plane

    This is the airline you are looking for! Virgin Atlantic has given one of its Boeing 747 aircraft a major Star Wars themed makeover and it is out of this galaxy!

    The Millennium Falcom themed 747 will now transport you from London Gatwick Airport to Orlando, Florida, where you’ll be able to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, at Walt Disney World Resort.

    The aircraft, which will be known as “The Falcon” – showcases the iconic Millennium Falcom – the famous spaceship once owned by Han Solo. It forms part of Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays’ celebrations of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened in Orlando in August.

    It’s part of a promotion that Virgin Holidays is doing in partnership with Walt Disney World. Virgin says the decal is 144 feet long from end to end and took three weeks to print.

    “It was a very exciting brief to be able to redesign our aircraft livery to represent something as iconic as the Millennium Falcon and it’s not something that you get to do every day,” Virgin Atlantic senior engineer Dave Napper said in a news release. “We have many Star Wars fans within the company who jumped at the chance to get involved in some way, and we cannot wait to see ‘The Falcon’ take flight.”

    The new plane wrap also comes as Disney World ramps up promotion for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 29.

  • New Farewell Illuminations Spirit Jersey Now Available Only at Epcot

    New Farewell Illuminations Spirit Jersey Now Available Only at Epcot

    After a dazzling 20-year run, we’ll soon be bidding a fond farewell to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot and to commemorate the occasion Disney has released a Farewell IllumiNations Spirit Jersey.

    If you love “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” too, you still have a few more nights left to catch this classic Epcot show before its final performance on September 30, 2019.

    Fans of the firework show will be able to purchase a Farewell IllumiNations spirit jersey at Mouse Gear, World Traveler, and the kiosk outside Port of Entry in Epcot starting today. There is no better way to remember this dazzling show after its 20-year run!

    Looking for a Minnie headband to top off your “IllumiNations” look? The light-up Minnie headband is the perfect addition for your farewell look.

    Illuminations Minnie Ears

    Keeping checking Disney Dorks for details on upcoming “Epcot Forever” merchandise available on October 1! All merchandise available while supplies last.

  • Dooney & Bourke Celebrates 10 Years of Disney Designs with New and Familiar Bags

    Dooney & Bourke Celebrates 10 Years of Disney Designs with New and Familiar Bags

    Dooney & Bourke is celebrating ten years of Disney-inspired designs with the release of new designs for the 10th anniversary bags.

    They are also celebrating with the re-release of “Disney Sketch” and “Mickey Balloons” – two original prints that were originally released ten years ago and will be available in new color combinations. Each of the anniversary patterns has a special hangtag and dustcover; plus, a few favorite silhouettes have been released from the vault.

    If you want to be among the first to purchase the latest Dooney & Bourke bags, make plans to visit Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories at Disney Springs on Friday, October 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

    Guests who make any Dooney & Bourke purchase during the event will receive a complimentary Dooney & Bourke small zip pouch, while supplies last, and will also have the chance to meet Ian Ray, the Creative Director for the brand. Not sure where to park? The Lime Garage is closest to the store, which is located in the heart of Town Center.

  • Sneak Peek at the New Disney’s Riviera Resort

    Sneak Peek at the New Disney’s Riviera Resort

    We were invited to a Special Preview of the new Riviera Resort rooms at Disney’s Vacation Club Preview Center, and we can report that this is the resort of your dreams!

    Inspired by Walt’s love of Europe and the Mediterranean, Disney’s new Riviera Resort will be your new home away from home on your next vacation. With amenities such as shelves by the front door for Magicbands and hooks in the entrance for rain coats, Disney has thought of every little detail to make your vacation Magical.

    One Bedroom Villa

    For centuries, the European Riviera has inspired visitors to relax, rejuvenate and play along the Mediterraneann, and this new resort is filled with ways to make that happen. There will be 2 pools, one of them being a “quiet” pool, and a kids splay and play area. The music will be themed to reflect Disney favorites and layered into the resort experience. Also, expect to hear lots of live music at Riviera resort.

    Sitting area

    All of the restaurants will feature handcrafted cuisine and even the Casual Dining option will serve dishes on porcelain plates.

    Topolino’s Terrace – Flavor’s of the Riviera, will be the crowning jewel of Riviera. Topolino gets it name from the European name for Mickey – Topolino! This restaurant will give you a view of two fireworks shows – Epcot and Hollywood Studios, and it will feature made from scratch pasta and sauces and a wine heavy menu.

    Blueberry pancakes with Lemon Creme and Real Maple Syrup

    The rooms at Riviera are spacious, made for family fun. We were able to preview a Deluxe Studio and a One Bedroom Villa. The Deluxe Studio has a kitchenette, dining room table that will comfortably seat 4 people, and washer and dryer. The one bedroom has a full kitchen including a dishwasher! Both rooms include an amazing new style of pull-down bed in the living room area, a huge shower separate from the tub, and amazing details.

    Bathtub in a One Bedroom Villa

    Both rooms also feature a pull-down twin sized bed under the television in the main living area. Each bed features unique artwork, and their own reading light. I’m sure this cute bed will be a favorite among young guests!

    Pull-down twin bed with a peek of the kitchenette.
    Pull-down bed open.

    There are artistic touches throughout the rooms, inspired by European artists, but with a fun Disney twist! You’ll see Beauty and the Beast characters painted in the style of Rembrandt, and Lighting McQueen from ‘Cars’ inside a Mediterranean setting.

    DVC aspect: This resort will finally offer something that most DVC resorts are missing – a smaller Studio perfect for couples. A DVC Cast Member told us that a regular Studio will run about 90 points for a week during “Choice Season,” and Deluxe Studios will run about 118 points for the same time period.

    Couch that pulls down into a bed

    Stop by the Disney Vacation Club Preview Center at Saratoga Springs resort for your own preview, and stay tuned for more information closer to the Riviera Resort opening scheduled for December 16th, 2019.

    Contact me today at Kimberly at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations to plan your own magical vacation. I have lots of Disney trips and tricks that will make your trip even more magical; all at no extra cost to you!

  • Outraged Fans Create Petition Asking Disney to Keep PhotoPass Photographers

    Outraged Fans Create Petition Asking Disney to Keep PhotoPass Photographers

    Disney World has replaced more PhotoPass Photographers with more automated cameras at character meet-and-greets across Disney Parks and now some upset guests have launched a petition on change.org that is quickly gaining attention.

    According to the petition, the photogs capture “more than just a picture and add a touch that can’t be replaced.” 

    Many upset Disney fans have taken to the internet to voice their frustrations and even show the difference between photos taken with real PhotoPass Photographers and the new automated counterparts as you can see in the post below:

    Disney made the move to automate cameras last fall at nine of their character greeting locations. There are currently over 60,000 signatures on the petition.

    “Please help overturn this decision and keep our wonderful Disney Photographers. It’s so important we do not let the magic slide. Keep the magic alive Disney,” the petition continues.

    These new automated cameras use AI software to capture candid and posed character photos, but are locked in a stationary position so the characters and character attendants are left to make sure everyone is in view of the camera.