Disney News

Category: Walt Disney World

  • 5 Children Headed to Disney Among 7 Killed in Florida Crash

    5 Children Headed to Disney Among 7 Killed in Florida Crash

    After a fiery crash on a Florida highway on Thursday involving two semi-trucks and at least two passenger vehicles five children bound for Disney World are among the seven dead, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

    FHP officials said in a press release that the crash began when a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle traveling northbound collided.

    According to the press release, after the collision, both vehicles crashed through the guardrail into the southbound lanes. That’s when a second semi-truck and a passenger van, both southbound, collided with the first semi-truck. The van overturned, ejecting some occupants, and both trucks caught on fire.

    Five of the children, ranging from about 8 to teenagers – from a Pentecostal church in Marksville, Louisiana – and the two truck drivers died. At least eight others were injured, some seriously.

    “It is a heartbreaking event,” Lt. Patrick Riordan said Friday. Identities of the victims have not been released, but the children were from the Avoyelles House of Mercy. Church officials did not immediately respond to phone calls.

    The accident occurred on a clear day along a straight, flat stretch of Interstate 75 outside Gainesville, the home of the University of Florida.

    The cause of that crash remains under investigation.

  • 2019 Brings Exclusive V.I.PASSHOLDER Pop-Up Events to Disney World

    2019 Brings Exclusive V.I.PASSHOLDER Pop-Up Events to Disney World

    It’s a New Year and there is so much to celebrate at Disney Parks. Today, Disney announced that they are kicking off 2019 with new V.I.PASSHOLDER Pop-Up Events you won’t want to miss.

    The first Walt Disney World V.I.PASSHOLDER event of 2019 will be the Potion Purple Premiere Pop-Up Event in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park on Thursday, January 10 from 5-7 p.m. At this event, you can be among the first to purchase the new potion purple merchandise, including adult and youth spirit jerseys, “Vacation Mode” water bottle, Loungefly mini backpack, Loungefly wallet and a new women’s Mickey T-shirt; sip and savor the newest purple food and beverage offerings for purchase – and discover more surprises.

    Registration not required to attend this event, however a valid annual pass card and photo ID are required at check-in. Activities and offerings are subject to change without notice. Merchandise available while supplies last. The 20% Passholder merchandise discount is applicable for merchandise purchases during this event.

    Also, from Jan. 6-31, Passholders will receive a limited-time 20% discount at the following restaurants across Walt Disney World Resort for lunch and dinner:

    • Biergarten Restaurant at Epcot
    • Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot
    • The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    • Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    • Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom Park
    • Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
    • Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park
    • Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
    • Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (Dinner Only)
    • Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Dinner Only)
    • Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
    • Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort (Dinner Only)
    • Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (8:30 p.m. show only)
    • Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort (Dinner Only)
    • Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (Dinner Only)
    • The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
    • Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

    Discount applies to the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) during available lunch and dinner meal periods. Valid for the Passholder and up to three (3) guests. Not valid for breakfast, special events and may not be combined with any other discount or offer.

    Last but not least, Passholders will not want to miss out on the excitement at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. With “one little spark of inspiration,” we’ll soon debut the newest Passholder magnet in time for Epcot International Festival of the Arts, along with special offerings to help you experience the upcoming festival to its fullest. 

  • Tomorrowland Speedway Closes for Tron Coaster Construction at Disney World

    Tomorrowland Speedway Closes for Tron Coaster Construction at Disney World

    As we previously reported, a clouser for Tomorrowland Speedway in Magic Kingdom at Disney World has been imminent and it seems the plans are right on track.

    The attraction has officially closed on Jan. 2nd for refurbishment to make way for Tommorowland’s new Tron Coaster.

    The attraction will be closed for about four and a half months. The exact date is yet to be determined but reports suggest it should reopen on May 18, 2019.

    The Tron coaster will occupy an entirely new area next to the land’s Space Mountain and the closure is necessary because parts of the giant coaster hang over Tommorowland Speedway. Parts of the track will be adjusted, but when it reopens it will be the same attraction guests know and love, according to Disney Parks.

    Magic Kingdom’s Tron attraction, is set to debut in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021. It is based on TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland. This coaster-style attraction allows riders to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling race through the digital frontier. TRON Lightcycle Power Run debuted on Shanghai Disneyland’s opening day and quickly became the highest-rated attraction at the park.

  • New Free Dining Plan Offer Released at Walt Disney World Resort and Available Now

    New Free Dining Plan Offer Released at Walt Disney World Resort and Available Now

    When you plan a Walt Disney World vacation, there are many choices to help you create a magical and lasting experience and one of them is the food! Today, Disney announced a new Free Dine offer starting today.

    To get the free dining offer all you have to do is book a non-discounted five-night/six-day Walt Disney Travel Co. package through Feb. 10, 2019, for arrivals most nights from July 5 to Sept. 30, 2019, you’ll receive a dining plan for free!

    The Disney Dining Plan provides flexibility and convenience, offering prepaid meals and snacks when you dine at Walt Disney World resort hotels, theme parks and select locations at Disney Springs.

    The package includes a room at a select Walt Disney World resort hotel and tickets with Park Hopper Option. Packages of other lengths of stay may also be available.

    Guests staying at select Value and Moderate Resorts receive the Disney Quick Service Plan, which includes two quick-service meals and two select snacks per night honored at more than 100 dining locations.

    Guests staying at select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts receive the Disney Dining Plan, which includes one quick-service meal, one table-service meal and two select snacks per night. Meals are available at over 200 select Walt Disney World dining locations.

    If you’re still recovering from the holidays, make it easy and let me book it for you. 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!

  • Magic Kingdom Closed After Reaching Capacity with New Years Eve Crowds

    Magic Kingdom Closed After Reaching Capacity with New Years Eve Crowds

    New Years Eve is one of the busiest days of the year at Magic Kingdom. And as expected the park has temporarily closed after reaching capacity as crowds descend on the most magical place on earth to ring in the 2019.

    Magic Kingdom is currently at a Phase B capacity closure with the announcement coming at 11:35 a.m this morning.

    Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom all remained open to additional guests and those are always a great place to ring in the new year also, but they can reach capacity as well so you might want to get there quickly before they fill up too.

    “We are experiencing a very busy day at Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom is not accepting new Guests at this time,” Disney said on its Twitter feed.

    UPDATE: All Walt Disney World Parks are currently open to all guests as of 5:45pm.  Keep checking back as they could easily reach capacity again.

    For details on closures, check out our complete list and breakdown of Walt Disney World’s Capacity Closing Procedures.

  • Purple Potion Minnie Mouse Cupcake Lands at Disney Parks

    Purple Potion Minnie Mouse Cupcake Lands at Disney Parks

    Disney has created a new tasty Purple Potion cupcake that will dazzle your taste buds!

    This absolutely adorable strawberry cupcake is topped with lavender vanilla buttercream and white chocolate Minnie Ears complete with Minnie’s signature bow. Oh yeah, and did we mention it’s filled with pink and purple sprinkles?

    Guests are now able to purchase purple potion cupcakes complete with Minnie Mouse ears on top at the at Contempo Café in Disney World’s Contemporary Resort. You can grab one for $5.85 and it’s every cent.

    This delish cupcake makes for a perfect “Insta”-opportunity. But you’ll have to visit Orlando in order to Instagram these photogenic desserts. Just make sure you’re also sporting your Minnie ears for all the double-taps in the world.

  • Retired Animatronic’s Clothing Stolen From Backstage Area at Disney World

    Retired Animatronic’s Clothing Stolen From Backstage Area at Disney World

    The Happiest Place on Earth isn’t so happy after The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced they’re investigating the theft of clothing that belonged to a retired animatronic character at Walt Disney World.

    The stolen items belong to “Buzzy”, who was part of the now-closed Wonders of Life pavilion attraction Cranium Command at Epcot.

    Cranium Command offered a fun look at how “the lean, mean thinking machine,” the human brain, worked. Guests first watched a video in which a rookie recruit, Buzzy, was assigned to take the controls of a 12-year-old boy’s brain. They then entered a theater to join Buzzy inside the boy’s head and saw firsthand how the boy’s brain reacted when different things happened throughout his day.

    According to officials, someone snuck into a backstage area that’s not open to the public and took a red jacket, green cap and rubber molded hands.

    An incident report lists the items’ value at $600, but it wasn’t known what a black-market collector might pay for parts of a Disney attraction.

    The sheriff’s office says they’ve interviewed a suspect. The man was charged with resisting arrest after refusing to hand over his phone, but no charges have been filed in the theft.

  • New Mary Poppins Returns Dooney & Bourke are Practically Perfect

    New Mary Poppins Returns Dooney & Bourke are Practically Perfect

    Spit spot! “Mary Poppins Returns” is off to a magical start, earning $4.8 million from 3,900 theaters on its first day of release and of course a movie of this magnitude is going to come with lots of merch. Dooney & Bourke has released a new “Mary Poppins Returns” collection and it is practically perfect in every way!

    These new Dooney and Bourke prints are perfect for taking a stroll down Cherry Tree Lane. Cue the music, and dance your way over to Disney Clothiers, Ltd. to pick up your favorite style. Take a look below at the new collection.

    Mary Poppins Returns Satchel by Dooney & Bourke – $268.00

    Show your whimsical, magical side with this charming satchel by Dooney & Bourke. Inspired by Disney’s live action Mary Poppins Returns, it features an allover pattern of penguins and umbrellas.

    Mary Poppins Returns Tote by Dooney & Bourke – $298.00

    “Magic Fills the Air” when you use this whimsical tote bag by Dooney & Bourke. Inspired by Disney’s live action, Mary Poppins Returns, it features leather accents and plenty of pockets for your essentials.

    Mary Poppins Returns Wallet by Dooney & Bourke – $158.00

    This whimsical wallet is inspired by Mary Poppins Returns, it features four penguins on one side and the iconic bird-handled umbrella on the other.

  • Walt Disney World Unveils 4-Park ‘Magic Ticket’ for 2019

    Walt Disney World Unveils 4-Park ‘Magic Ticket’ for 2019

    2019 is right around the corner and if making memories is among your new year’s resolutions, then Disney World has the perfect offer for you!

    A visit to Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect place to make these resolutions turn into reality, and special 4-Park Magic Tickets will help you experience the new fun and excitement heading to all four theme parks this coming year.

    Starting Jan. 18, 2019, you can purchase 4-Park Magic Value Ticket for $85 per day, plus tax (total price $340, plus tax) that include one day of admission to Magic Kingdom Park, one day of admission to Epcot, one day of admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and one day of admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for a total of four admissions over four separate days. The 4-Park Magic Value Ticket is valid for admission Jan. 18 – March 1, 2019, and must be used within seven days of first use or by March 1, 2019, whichever comes first.

    Two additional types of 4-Park Magic Tickets will also be available at higher price points and may be used on various dates through Sept. 30, 2019. For more information about the 4-Park Magic Tickets, visit Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki.

    2019 will be a fantastic year to visit Walt Disney World, with new shows, parties, character experiences and more debuting at all four theme parks, starting Jan. 18:

    • Anything can happen during Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom, including the new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party,” featuring those true originals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse. (Jan. 18-Sept. 30)
    • Pixar pals will party with guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the park’s 30th anniversary year, featuring The Incredibles, Mike and Sulley from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” and Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang at the new Toy Story Land.
    • To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Disney animated classic “The Lion King,” Rafiki and Timon will help guests let their inner animal loose on the dance floor during the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
    • As part of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, the Disney on Broadway Concert Series expands to seven days a week, providing more opportunities than ever before for guests to hear pairs of Disney on Broadway stars sing favorite tunes from award-winning productions. (Jan. 18-Feb. 25)

    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!

  • Storybook Dining at Disney World Now Open

    Storybook Dining at Disney World Now Open

    Get ready to go on a magical adventure at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with this new character dining experience! Guests can now meet the beloved characters from Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” while enjoying a bountiful dinner at Artist Point.

    This immersive character dinner takes place amidst the rustic elegance and exceptional dining that Artist Point is known for. You’ll enjoy a uniquely themed prix fixe menu, including shared starters, a choice of individual plated entrees and ‘sweet spells’ to finish the meal.

    The restaurant has been magically transformed into an enchanted forest where you’ll dine on a fanciful dinner that features delicious dishes such as Hunter’s Pie, Winter Squash Bisque, Royal Prime Rib, Seafood Stew, Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie, and more! While you dine, you’ll get to meet Snow White and a few of her forest-dwelling friends as they gleefully frolic around the restaurant. You’ll even have an opportunity for an encounter with The Queen!

    If you want to come see the enchanted forest and taste all of this delicious food yourself, you can make reservations by