Category: Walt Disney World

Check Out The New Eats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hooray for Holly-FOOD! In addition to the yummy new eats at Woody’s Lunch Box at Toy Story Land, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has welcomed some other new menu items this summer at restaurants across the park. With new menus, vegan offerings, Star Wars-themed desserts, funnel cakes, and more, you’re definitely in for a tasty time.

First up, if you’re craving anything Star Wars, this park is the place to go! There are plenty of ways to satisfy your hunger for the force here, like the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party!

This dessert party is an experience that you just CAN’T miss out on! With Star Wars-themed desserts, drinks, and charcuterie and cheeses, this is definitely the dessert party you’re looking for. The party begins at Launch Bay, where you’ll get to enjoy reserved seating and a buffet with sweets such as Blue Milk Panna Cotta with crispy pearls, chocolate Darth Vader-themed cupcakes with peanut butter icing, and Raspberry Mousse Domes just to name a few.

On the savory side, there are options such as cheese, charcuterie, roasted red pepper hummus, black bean dip with sriracha sauce, and smoked sea-salted flatbread. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available and for guests 21 and over, you can enjoy out-of-this-world beverages like the Lightspeed Margarita with tequila, blood orange, sour mix, and lime juice in addition to beer and wine selections. After enjoying the delicious selection of desserts and drinks, you’ll be escorted to an exclusive reserved viewing area where you can watch Disney Movie Magic and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. This sweet dining experience fills up fast, so be sure to make your reservations today!

Now if you just can’t get enough of those Star Wars desserts, you DEFINITELY need to get your hands on the BB9-E and Kylo Ren Cupcakes! Found at Backlot Express, the BB-9E Cupcake is a vanilla cupcake with caramel cheesecake buttercream and the Kylo Ren Cupcake is a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter buttercream.

And at various locations throughout the park, you can also get some pretty awesome novelties, LIKE THE AT-AT POPCORN BUCKET! This thing is seriously so cool by itself, but then you add popcorn to it and it’s even better! You can also find an ADORABLE BB-8 Sipper and a Darth Vader Stein – which both come with your choice of fountain beverage.

Speaking of sweets, have you tried the new Cookies and Cream Funnel Cake at Oasis Canteen? Not only is it tasty, it has mouse ears too! This classic funnel cake is topped with powdered sugar, crushed cookies and cream pieces, chocolate sauce, and your choice of vanilla or chocolate soft-serve. There’s also a yummy S’mores Brownie at Dockside Diner with fudge, graham cracker crumbs, and marshmallows.

Drive on down to Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant to find a bunch of new menu items – like the Sci-Fi Appetizer Sampler with boneless buffalo tenders, shrimp and crab fondue, house-made tortilla chips, and fried dill pickles and served with blue cheese and horseradish. And if you like Shrimp and Crab Fondue, well you can also get it as a full-sized appetizer! This dish is a blend of shrimp, crab, and cheeses with roasted red peppers, fresh dill, and corn tortilla chips. Another new appetizer is the Sci-Fi Wedge Salad with crispy iceberg wedge, grape tomato, bacon, red onions, blue cheese crumbles, radish, balsamic glaze, and blue cheese dressing.

New entrees include Buffalo Chicken Salad, a Smoked Prime Rib Sandwich, Pan-Seared Shrimp or Chicken Pasta, Beef and Blue Burger, and Vegan Tofu Lettuce Wraps! These wraps comes with salt and pepper crispy-fried tofu, lettuce cups, water chestnuts, shredded carrots, spicy cucumber, Szechuan sauce, and soba noodle salad.

There’s also the Sci-Fi Barbecue Platter or the Drive-In BBQ Burger. The burger is a signature blend of beef with BBQ spice, house-made BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar, and crispy-fried jalapeño and onion straws served on a brioche bun. The Sci-Fi Barbecue Platter features smoked pulled pork, St. Louis-style ribs, grilled chicken, sausage, cheddar cornbread, southern coleslaw, and cowboy beans finished with a Coca-Cola barbecue sauce.

Next door at ABC Commissary, there’s a ton of new dinner entrées to choose from! Among these new items are the Shrimp Teriyaki Bowl (stir-fried Napa cabbage, snap peas, red peppers, carrots, onions, edamame, shitake mushrooms, and broccoli tossed in a house-made teriyaki sauce over brown rice) and the Southwest BBQ Burger (flame-broiled 1/3 lb angus burger topped with sweet BBQ pulled pork, bacon, bread and butter pickles, and cheddar cheese finished with garlic aïoli and crisp onion rings between Texas toast and served with signature southwestern steak fries dusted in chili-lime seasoning).

For a couple healthful options, available for both lunch and dinner, you’ll love the Mediterranean Salad with Chicken or the Vegan Burger. The salad comes with grilled chicken breast on a bed of fresh mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, red onions, pepperoncini, kalamata olives, and feta cheese tossed in a Mediterranean vinaigrette and served with hummus and flatbread. The Vegan Burger is topped with lettuce, tomato, sautéed peppers and onions in a balsamic glaze, vegan mayonnaise ketchup, and sriracha mustard and served on a brioche bun with french fries.

New desserts include a Chocolate Banana Cream Almond Crisp as well as the Toy Story Land Cupcake (which can also be found at The Trolley Car Café). Celebrating the grand opening of Toy Story Land this summer, this chocolate cupcake is topped with vanilla buttercream and a white chocolate piece.

So there you have it! If you’re planning a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, be sure to try out a few of these new eats.

August 5, 2018
Church Sends Children of Mother Killed on Facebook Live To Disney World

A church in Shreveport is attempting to bring some magic to a family still in mourning after the tragic murder of a Louisiana woman, that was captured on Facebook Live, by sending the family to Walt Disney World.

Rannita “NuNu” Williams was allegedly shot and killed by Johnathan Robinson in April and his trial is currently underway. The trial could be lengthy, but it will take even longer for Williams’ family to cope with the loss and Praise Temple Church is trying to ease this difficult time for them in any way they can.

Williams’ mother and three children are currently in Walt Disney World thanks to Bishop L. Lawrence Brandon and Praise Temple. The church raised enough money for the trip and the family took to the skies on Thursday morning headed to Disney World and is expected to return Sunday.

Bishop Brandon and Praise Temple wanted to make an impact in the life of that family to bring about positive memories moving forward.

Bishop Brandon said, “This will be their first time returning to school without their mother. So other than the church, what better place to go to, to experience happiness, then one of the happiest places in the world? Disney World!” according to KTBS.

“When vile and malicious incidents happen in our communities people often ask where is the church? Most of the support I give to people is given in private, and some of it is done in public to answer the question. The church is still here doing as the Bible commanded us to do as Christians; we are yet feeding the hungry, praying for the sick and heavy burden, and standing in the gap for those that seem to have lost all hope.” Bishop Brandon said.

August 3, 2018
Disney Villains Collection From Alex and Ani Coming To Disney Parks

The Alex and Ani Disney collection is getting a little more devious. A new set of bangles inspired by Disney Villains is coming to Disney Parks and they are absolute fire!

This cruel new set which features four of the most evil Disney villains, will make their debut at Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories in Disney Springs during the Alex & Ani Jewelry Showcase and normally I would say they are “totes adorbs,” but these are just plain wickedly cool!

You can see the villainous bracelets in the photo above thanks to a heads up from The Disney Fashionista. The Alex & Ani Jewelry Showcase takes place on August 10 and 11, 2018 from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM and these wicked beauties will be on full display.

The collection features some of your favorite villains including the Evil Queen, Cruella de Vil, Maleficent, and Ursula.

Created with the perfect combination of pixie dust and positive energy, the Disney Collection by ALEX AND ANI features beloved Disney characters, icons, and more. If you’re not a Alex and Ani bangle stacking fanatic then here is a little more information on them.

Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder, Creative Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alex and Ani, hails from a family of jewelers where mastering their craft was not only an aspiration, but a family tradition. For more than 15 years, the lifestyle company, named after her first two daughters, has helped spread positive energy across the globe with its hand-crafted, eco-conscious and Made in America products. The Alex and Ani Disney Collection, featuring signature expandable (yes, they are adjustable for the perfect fit) wire bangles with Disney icons and characters.

August 2, 2018
ABC’s ‘American Idol’ Nationwide Bus Tour Auditions Kickoff at Walt Disney World

The groundbreaking series, “American Idol,” debuted on its new home at ABC in last year. The show is coming back once again and for the second year in a row, the ‘Idol’ bus will kick off open auditions at the Walt Disney World Resort.

On Saturday, August 25, ABC’s “American Idol” will begin its 20-plus city search for the next singing sensation when the Idol bus arrives at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. And during auditions at the complex, ABC’s “American Idol” Season 1 winner Maddie Poppe, runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson and finalist Catie Turner will make special appearances.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is located at: 700 S. Victory Way Kissimmee, FL 34747

Early arrival is encouraged. Parking will be available as early as 4 a.m., but not before. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. with auditions starting at 9 a.m. Overnight camping will not be allowed. Celebrity judges will not be on site. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen and a hat to stay in top shape for your audition.

All singers must be at least 15 years old to audition. Pre-registration is encouraged. To Pre-register and for additional details, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions, visit www.americanidol.com/auditions. If you’re auditioning, you can bring one guest to accompany you, and the guest must be over 5 years old.

“American Idol” bus tour auditions will begin on the same day in San Diego, California, as a second Idol Bus joins the nationwide quest for talent.

In addition to appearing in person, hopefuls can submit audition videos online via www.americanidol.com/auditions or by showing off their talents via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Musical.ly using the hashtag #TheNextIdol.

American Idol” returns for its second season on ABC for the 2018-2019 season with all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy®-winning producer Ryan Seacrest will also return as host.

Can’t make it to the auditions at Walt Disney World Resort? Check out www.americanidol.com/auditions for other cities around the United States.

August 2, 2018
Festival of the Lion King Dining Packages Coming to Animal Kingdom

Two all-new Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Packages are coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Simba and his friends are inviting you to join in the festivities with a delicious meal at Tiffins Restaurant followed by special VIP seating at one of the most popular shows at Walt Disney World Resort.

For both dining packages (Tier I and Tier II), savor a delectable lunch or dinner at Tiffins Restaurant on Discovery Island. Here, you’ll enjoy a world-class three-course meal that includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert, and your choice of wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage.

This seasonally-inspired menu features unique dishes from around the world. On the appetizer menu, you’ll find items such as Avocado-and-Tomato Salad, Spiced Chickpea Falafel, and Charred Octopus that serve as a grand way to kick off your feast! And for the main course, you’ll get to choose from a selection of mouthwatering entrées like Kamo Ramen (duck confit, soft-poached egg, spiced coconut broth, alba mushrooms, and chili-lime cashew), Shrimp and Grits (with Gulf white shrimp, Anson Mills grits, applewood smoked bacon, heirloom tomatoes, and smoked pepper jam), Surf and Turf (with grilled local beef tenderloin, butter poached lobster tail, Yukon gold potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and Cape Mountain Whiskey butter), or Fort McCoy Beef Tenderloin (with char-crusted beef tenderloin, loaded crushed potato, seasonal vegetables, bacon-sherry vinaigrette, and crispy shallots).

Of course, you’ll have to save some room for a decadent dessert. Try the Guava Mousse, South American Ganache, or the Whipped Cheesecake among other sweet dishes sure to make everyone in the family a happy camper!

Along with your meal, you’ll receive special vouchers for priority reserved VIP seating at Festival of the Lion King, a Broadway-style show filled with pageantry, puppetry, and popular songs from the film. You’ll even receive a commemorative cast photo that captures the moment forever.

With the Tier I dining package, you’ll get to continue the fun with a unique safari tour through the African outback, where over 34 distinct wildlife species seemingly roam free. Escorted by a special guide, you’ll ride through rugged terrain to see some of the world’s most exotic animals in their unique habitats. Tour guides will provide interesting information on the land and its residents for an expedition you’ll never forget!

The Tier I Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Package (which includes lunch or dinner at Tiffins Restaurant, priority VIP seating at Festival of the Lion King, and a safari tour) is $99 per adult and $49 per children ages 3-9 (tax and gratuities not included).

The Tier II Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Package (which includes lunch or dinner at Tiffins Restaurant and priority reserved seating at Festival of the Lion King) is $74 per adult and $29 for children ages 3-9 (tax and gratuities not included).

The Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Packages are available daily starting August 13 through November 21, 2018. Space is limited – so be sure to book your experience in advance! 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!

August 1, 2018
Applications Now Open for Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort

Applications are being accepted now through Oct. 31, 2018, for the Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence magazine. This annual outside-the-classroom mentoring program is scheduled for March 21-24, 2019, at the Walt Disney Resort in Florida. The program helps 100 select high school students, ages 13-19, from across the United States jump-start their life goals and pursue their dreams.

Disney Dreamers Academy turns the entire magical setting of Walt Disney World into a vibrant classroom. Students participate in a series of sessions and workshops designed to help them imagine bright futures, make exciting discoveries and learn how to put their goals into action. Disney Dreamers engage in a wide variety of experiences at Walt Disney World while working side by side with celebrities, community and industry leaders and Disney cast members.

For more than a decade, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired young people from across the country by fueling their dreams and showing them a world of possibilities as they prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in hands-on, immersive career seminars in a wide range of disciplines found at Walt Disney World. Participants learn how to improve their communication skills, what it means to be a leader and networking strategies, among other skills. They are also inspired by celebrity speakers and other special guests who share their stories and provide insights on how to achieve their life goals.

The second decade of Disney Dreamers Academy is focused on challenging young people to relentlessly pursue their dreams through the “Be 100” campaign. This promotional push is inspired by the powerful impact Disney Dreamers Academy has made on graduates, who have gone on to become doctors, nurses, engineers, pilots, journalists and more. Some have started their own public relations firms, while others have worked with national political leaders.

Applicants must answer essay questions about their personal journeys and dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams. A parent or guardian accompanies each student on the trip.

This four-day, all-expenses-paid experience at Walt Disney World will continue to help change the lives of young people in 2019. For more information or to apply, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com.

July 24, 2018
Capture Picture-Perfect Memories During Disney PhotoPass Day on August 19

Disney PhotoPass Day is returning to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts on Sunday, August 19!

During this day-long celebration of photography in Disney Parks, you’ll discover creative, fun photo opportunities captured by a dedicated team of Disney PhotoPass Service photographers.

Stay tuned for more details about all of the picture-perfect memories you can capture in the parks on August 19.

And if you want to show off your favorite photos from previous Disney PhotoPass Day celebrations you can tag your images with #DisneyPhotoPassDay.

July 24, 2018
Minnie Van Service Extending to Port Canaveral For Disney Cruise Line

The Minnie van service which transports guests to locations on Disney property is expanding yet again and will soon be offering guests transportation from Disney World to Port Canaveral.

It was recently announced that Disney had expanded it’s Minnie Van service to Orlando International Airport and now they are looking expand it even further by giving guests who like to combine a cruise with their Disney trip an alternate and convenient way to get to Port Canaveral.

Adding Minnie van service to the port has been rumored for months, but we now know Disney will begin transporting guests to the port starting September 1st. The service is only one way and will not offer return transportation.

Through a collaboration with the rideshare service, Lyft, guests at select resorts can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone. With Minnie Van service, Disney cast members will then pick you up and take you to wherever you want to be at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando International Airport and now soon Port Canaveral.

Currently point-to-point trips on Walt Disney World property cost $25, but Disney hasn’t released any info on price points for the trips to Port Canaveral.

July 23, 2018
V.I.PASSHOLDER Nights Coming to Disney World In August
Beginning in August, Disney World is introducing V.I.Passholder Nights which will give Annual Passholders exclusive access to Magic Kingdom or Epcot for two hours after each parks closes.

Gold, Platinum, Platnum Plus and Premier Passholders will enjoy access to select attractions, shops and dining locations.

The events will take place on the following dates/times:
- August 5 at Magic Kingdom from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- September 6 at Epcot from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- October 25 at Epcot from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Check your email regularly for future event invitations and registration detail. If you receive and email invitation, be sure to register soon; event capacity is limited and subject to availability.

Other new V.I.Passholder offerings include:
- Passholder-exclusive in-park offerings: Passholders can enjoy special V.I.Passholder perks during some of the seasonal events throughout the year, like special giveaways and exclusive offerings.
- Special surprises in the parks: Experience sneak peeks of new park offerings!
- Merchandise events: Take advantage of the passholder merchandise discount at special events like Super Saturdays at Disney Springs.
July 23, 2018
Disney Sued By Dog Trainer Who Brings Service Dogs to Parks

Disney is being sued by a dog trainer who brings service dogs to the parks. If you’ve been to Disney Parks, then you’ve probably seen plenty of service dogs as many trainers bring them to the parks to expose them to crowds. One trainer however, has filed a lawsuit in Orlando federal court this week alleging discrimination and retaliation by Walt Disney Parks and Resort.

Susan Grill claims that the cast members, Disney security, and managers harass her when she brings her dogs to the parks. Grill, who has epilepsy and migraines filed a complaint in May 2017 with the Florida Commission on Human Rights, and she believes Disney is retaliating against her for filing it, the lawsuit said.

Disney allows service animals — a dog or a miniature horse trained to help their owners with disabilities, according to Disney’s definition — at most places within its Orlando theme parks and hotels, according to its website.

“This person’s complaints were already reviewed by the Florida Commission on Human Rights, which found that no unlawful practice occurred,” a Disney spokeswoman said in a statement.

According to the lawsuit, in February 2017, Grill took a stroll around Disney Springs with three poodles. Grill often trains her dogs at Disney to adjust them to crowds. “All three were well-behaved and were wearing clearly labeled gear identifying them as ‘service dogs,’” the lawsuit said.

Two Disney security guards stopped her and told her she could not train her dogs on Disney property, the suit said. An Orange County deputy sheriff who also approached her demanded to see the dogs’ certification papers and said the poodles were “fake,” the suit says.

Disney security told Grill she couldn’t leave until their case was closed — which made her feel intimidated, she said in the lawsuit. A Disney Springs manager allowed Grill to stay but warned she was forbidden from returning with the dogs. Grill tried to argue, and the manager told her to leave immediately, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit alleged Disney’s head of security told Grill “…If she did not want people to grab her service dog and scream curse words at her, then she should not bring her service dog to the Disney Parks,” the lawsuit said.

July 20, 2018