Disney News

Category: Walt Disney World

  • Reimagined Redhead Returns to Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney World with New Auction Scene

    Reimagined Redhead Returns to Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney World with New Auction Scene

    Pirates of the Caribbean reopened Monday in the Magic Kingdom Park with a new role for the storied Redhead who was once up for auction on the attraction.

    So if you ‘wants the redhead’, don’t worry she hasn’t gone anywhere. The famed Redhead now has a new look and a new attitude. She is also sporting a rifle and clearly isn’t taking any guff from any scurvy pirates.

    Red Head Pirates of the Caribbean

    The pirate auctioneer now oversees a sale of the townspeople’s most prized possessions and goods. In this scene, the familiar redhead figure has switched sides to become a pirate named Redd, who’s just pillaged the town’s rum supply and has something to say about it.

    “Aw, quit your cluckin’,” Redd says. “The gentlemen wants the rum, dontcha, boys?” she calls to pirates on the opposite side of the ride’s waterway. The pirates shouting back, “We wants the rum! We wants the rum!”

    The scene originally depicted a group of women bound to an auction block, with a banner reading “Auction: Take a wench for a bride” hanging above their heads. A group of nearby pirates could also be heard requesting the redheaded “wench,” who was the most prominently displayed woman on the block.

    The storyline change for the attraction’s was announced by Disney last summer and put into place during the recent refurbishment.

    “Just as Walt Disney embraced and encouraged Disney Parks to ‘keep moving forward’ since the opening of Disneyland Park in 1955”, Disney said about the new changes.

    This isn’t the first time Disney has modified its “Pirates” rides to become more family-friendly. In 1997, Disney redesigned a scene in which pirates were chasing women, and changed it so the pirates looked to be chasing the women for the trays of food they carried. They have also augmented scenes with Jack Sparrow from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise.

    Pirates of the Caribbean Johnny Deep

    The auction scene in the attraction at Disneyland Paris received a similar revision last year. Disneyland park will also receive similar updates to its Pirates of the Caribbean attraction later this spring, with work beginning April 23.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary Celebration Honors Two Decades of Wild Encounters

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary Celebration Honors Two Decades of Wild Encounters

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom will mark its 20th anniversary on Earth Day, April 22, with more wild adventures than ever before – kicking off spring and setting the stage for an incredible summer filled with all-new events and experiences at  the Walt Disney World Resort.

    Commemorating the milestone year, the 500-acre adventure park will offer animal encounters, family-friendly activities, specialty desserts and more during an expanded Party for the Planet celebration April 22-May 5. If plan on joining the festivities, then you can do it in style with the Limited Edition 20th Anniversary MagicBand.

    Over the two-week “Party for the Planet” celebration, guests can attend conservation talks by animal-care experts and participate in enhanced interactions with some of the more than 2,000 animals that make their home at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited park.

    Rafiki’s Planet Watch will take center stage for the year-long 20th anniversary. It’s home to fun educational exhibits and activities that help create awareness of animal issues. During the 20thanniversary, Rafiki’s Planet Watch will offer backstage experiences with experts where guests can learn about animal nutrition, visit the veterinary hospital and hear how Disney promotes global wildlife conservation.

    Guests can also commemorate their visits to the theme park with special photo opportunities.  They can step into an oversized picture frame celebrating the park’s 20th anniversary. Other photo frames support Disney’s “Reverse the Decline,” an initiative created to help protect 10 threatened animal species. One recent success of the program was the birth of two critically endangered Sumatran Tiger Cubs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

    Just for kids is the chance to earn a limited-edition badge as part of the Wilderness Explorer program. The badge is one of many that youngsters can earn by completing fun activities throughout the park.

    Party for the Planet will also include six different Tiffins Talks – themed dinners hosted by animal experts at Tiffins, the theme park’s signature, full-service restaurant.

    The 20th anniversary fun also includes a commemorative adventure guide, limited-edition merchandise, and a special-edition print created by renowned Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde. He will be available on April 22 from 1-4 p.m. to sign prints at Discovery Trading Company. Quantities are limited. For more information on Party for the Planet, visit Disneyworld.com/PartyforthePlanet.

    Here are other experiences and adventures rolling out in 2018 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

    • April 22 will mark the debut of a brand-new show, UP! A Great Bird Adventure featuring Russell and Dug from the Disney•Pixar animated comedy-adventure film “UP.” The show will give guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his fuzzy friend Dug in a new adventure that includes encounters with exotic birds from around the world. This free-flying show will be performed multiple times daily.
    • A “dino-tastic” celebration with Donald and his friends will also premiere Memorial Day weekend in DinoLand, U.S.A. This dinosaur-themed party celebrates Donald Duck’s discovery that his bird ancestors were actually dinosaurs. DinoLand U.S.A. will feature colorful new décor and playful character greetings with rarely seen pals like Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack and more. A DJ-powered dance party will mix tunes from the truck-o-saurus stage, capping the nighttime festivities.
    • Memorial Day 2018 commemorates the one-year anniversary of Pandora – The World of Avatar. Here, travelers are transported to a mystical world of floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences. Inspired by the blockbuster film, AVATAR, the epic land invites guests to explore a glowing landscape, encounter a larger-than-life Na’vi Shaman of Songs and soar on the back of a banshee.
  • DisneyStyle Opens This May at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World Resort

    DisneyStyle Opens This May at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World Resort

    At Disney Springs you can find a one-of-a-kind environment combining family-friendly entertainment, dining and shopping and this May, a new shop, DisneyStyle, will join Disney Springs West Side as the destination for fresh and stylish apparel and accessories inspired by beloved attractions at Disney Parks and timeless Disney characters.

    Disney Style Merchandise

    Modern Disney fashionistas will find a curated assortment of fashion forward products at DisneyStyle, from Spirit Jerseys with nods to Disney Princesses to playful headwear with a Disney twist. Guests can easily create stylish outfits perfect for visiting Disney Parks by mixing and matching fun shirts with accessories such as handbags, headbands, hats, socks, and more. The location will be found adjacent to Star Wars Galactic Outpost.

    DisneyStyle will complement an already stellar lineup of Disney-themed merchandise locations at Disney Springs.

    Disney Style Merchandise

     

    Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories in Town Center is now the ultimate spot for high-end fashion jewelry from Disney Parks, with an even larger selection of Guests’ favorite brands and products including PANDORA Jewelry, Alex & Ani, handbags by Dooney & Bourke, stylish headwear and more.

    This weekend, celebrate the luck of the Irish and find your own pot ‘o gold at Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories with a special CRISLU jewelry showcase. Guests attending the event will receive a complimentary gift with any qualifying Disney by CRISLU purchase, while supplies last.

    Disney Style Merchandise

     

    The Disney Corner, the newest pop-up shop also located in Town Center, is home to apparel, collectibles and accessories fit for princesses of all ages or fans of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The location also carries fun Disney apparel for infants and toddlers. This enchanting two-story space will only be open for a limited time.

    Specialty boutiques offer a dazzling array of the latest trends and seasonal products from Disney Parks Merchandise making Disney Springs one of the best places at Walt Disney World Resort to discover unique merchandise.

  • Mickey Balloon Popcorn Buckets Released At Magic Kingdom Have Guests Flying High

    Mickey Balloon Popcorn Buckets Released At Magic Kingdom Have Guests Flying High

    If the newest popcorn bucket from each trip is a must have for you, then you’ll be excited to know that the Mickey Mouse Balloon Popcorn Bucket which debut in Disneyland in 2015 as part of the park’s 60th Anniversary is now available at the Magic Kingdom!

    We know everyone loves those Mickey Mouse shaped Balloons at the parks and of course there is the popcorn bucket collectors and connoisseurs; well now you can have the best of both world.

    As you can see in the photo below red is the only color available right now, but you never know if any other colors might “pop” up during your next trip to Walt Disney World Resort.

    A post shared by Kelly (@livingthetheme) on

    During their debut in Disneyland in 2015 as part of the park’s 60th Anniversary — the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, they released various other colors including blue, and purple.

    The premium popcorn bucket which celebrates the iconic Mickey balloon and is this bucket is perfect to hold your keepsakes long after your visit to Walt Disney World.The buckets will only set you back about $15 including and same-day refills are only $1.75.

  • Easter Bunny Hops To Magic Kingdom Park Starting March 19

    Easter Bunny Hops To Magic Kingdom Park Starting March 19

    Even if you are having a bad “hare” day you are still going to want to get your picture with this guy! Guests visiting Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park are in for some hippity hoppity fun starting March 19, when the Easter Bunny will begin making appearances at the park.

    Easter Bunny will greet guests from March 19 through April 1 in the Town Square Courtyard. On March 31, and April 1 (Easter Sunday), a special pre-parade will make its way down Main Street, U.S.A.

    The parade is a veritable Character Palooza and will  feature Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny, Daisy, Duck, Thumper & Ms. Bunny, White Rabbit, Yellow Rabbit, Clara Cluck, Hippos, Ostriches, Dancing Chicks and the Azalea Trail Maids from Mobile, Alabama.

    All entertainment is subject to change without notice. Check the Times Guide or the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for the most up-to-date information.

  • After Internet Confusion Disney World Is NOT Reversing Resort Parking Fees

    After Internet Confusion Disney World Is NOT Reversing Resort Parking Fees

    As we reported Wednesday Walt Disney World will begin charging guests a fee for overnight parking at their resorts as of March 21, 2018. They have received serious backlash over the new fee and after a brief ‘glitch” on the Disney World official website, the new updated pricing information was missing causing a bit of excitement for many guests.

    Don’t get too excited yet though because, if you check the official Walt Disney World Parking page you will see the new overnight parking fees are back and aren’t going anywhere. Well…  More like, if they disappear from the site again, it doesn’t mean they’ve changed their minds.

    For a moment earlier on Thursday it simply said “Standard self-parking at Resort hotels is complimentary for Resort Guests. Valet parking is available at select Disney Deluxe Resorts for $25 per day.” You can see the apparent internet mishap in the picture below .

    Disney Parking Fee

    The internet quickly blew up with people hoping that Disney had listened to complaints, but Disney isn’t usually in the habit of reversing decisions like this after they have become public.

    Maybe Stitch ate the page and they had to make a new one. In any event, the change is permanent and still coming in March. Disney World’s website now again lists the full details of the resort overnight parking fees. You can take a look at the full break down of pricing details here.

     

     

  • Reservations Now Open for Pixar Play Zone at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

    Reservations Now Open for Pixar Play Zone at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

    This April Disney’s Contemporary Resort will introduce a brand-new, playful and immersive Pixar character experience for kids ages 4-12 as part of a pilot program.  Starting today, the reservation lines are officially open!

    The little ones will be transported to a world full of excitement and adventure with their favorite characters from Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story” and “The Incredibles”!

    It all kicks off with Space Ranger Training where kids will learn how to identify and battle enemies of the Star Command. Then, Woody and Jessie will show them the ropes of the Wild West during Woody’s Roundup. During the Piston Cup Challenge, youngsters will be able to build a race car, then race it on the Radiator Springs Racetrack. And finally, kids will learn some sweet dance moves during the Incredible Dance Party with Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible. What else is on the menu? Games, dinner and dessert, of course!

    Pixar Play Zone Disney’s Contemporary Resort

    The nightly getaway for kids will open doors for registration at 5 p.m. and programming will run from 6-10:30 p.m. for a fee of $65 per child (plus tax). Children must be fully toilet-trained.

    While the kids play, parents can enjoy their own getaway throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

  • The Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival Returns to Disney Springs March 16 – 18

    The Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival Returns to Disney Springs March 16 – 18

    St. Patrick’s Day revelers may go for the perfect-pour Guinness when U2 tribute band Elevation launches into “With or Without You.”  Families with kids can opt for a fish-and-chips party as award-winning traditional Irish band The Maguires – new to Raglan Road Pub – tunes up their talent dubbed “insanely awesome” by Milwaukee Irish Fest.

    And more award-winning bands are lined up for three non-stop days of live music, Irish dance, first-rate food and fun during the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival 2018 at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs March 16-18.  Here’s the complete lineup:

    • Young Dubliners – One of Celtic rock’s hardest working bands, the Young Dubliners play hundreds of shows to thousands of fans across the United States and Europe every year. Young Dubliners are known for their hearty rock and Irish-infused live performances.
    • Elevation (U2) — Back by popular demand, this stellar U2 tribute act will play two special nighttime shows March 16 and 17. They appeared at Raglan Road’s Great Irish Hooley last September during U2’s world tour celebrating 30 years of the groundbreaking Joshua Tree album.
    • The Maguires – Called “brilliant” by IrishCentral news, The Maguires traditional Irish family band comprises Emma, 17, on fiddle, flute and whistle; Aoife, 15, on concertina and uilleann pipes; Sean, 12, on bodhrán; and their dad, Philip, on guitar. Trad favorites and modern tunes combine with syncopated, infectious rhythms sure to wow Mighty Festival crowds.
    • Briste — This inspiring all-female trio includes Emma Robinson (flute, whistle), Joanna Boyle (banjo, vocals) and Alison Crossey (bodhran, guitar). They grew up listening to and playing traditional Irish music, winning numerous awards at County, Ulster and All Ireland competitions, quickly gaining themselves a fine reputation in traditional music circles. Blending together their rich musical backgrounds, Briste creates a fresh and exciting mix of country, folk and Irish traditional music.
    • The Byrne Brothers — An exceptionally talented traditional Irish music family from Donegal. They are Luca, 13 (button accordion); Finn, 11 (banjo, mandolin and whistle); Dempsey, 8, (whistle and bodhran); and father,Tommy (guitar, Uilleann pipes, fiddle, whistles, bagpipes and bodhran). Their show combines exciting traditional Irish tunes with modern dance beats, and they love to interact with every audience.
    • The Raglan Roots Coalition – This edgy house band is known for its soul-rockin’ Celtic bluegrass with hip-swingin’, knee-shakin’ funky roots beats.
    • Reel Republic – Hailing from the southwest corner of Ireland, Aisling Egan-Sage (fiddle); Liam O’Keefe (box, vocals); and Colin Foley (guitar, vocals) are Reel Republic 2.0, three seriously talented musicians always pushing to make the next gig better than the last.
    • Out the Gap – Niall McIlroy (guitar, ukulele bass, whistles and flute); Deirdre Ni Mheachair (fiddle); and Aidan Byrne (guitar, vox, keys and percussion) make up the pub’s newest house band performing a sweet combination of innate musicianship, beautiful tune playing and fairly outrageous virtuosity.
    • The Raglan Road Irish Dancers – Plucked from the cast and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows, the Raglan Road Irish Dancers perform throughout the Mighty Festival. You can even learn some traditional Irish dance steps – no experience necessary!

    Guests can enjoy a mighty selection of beers, spirits and craft cocktails to pair with exceptional pub grub and more elegant Irish fare while musicians and dancers perform on multiple stages, indoors and out, from noon-1:30 a.m. March 16 and 10 a.m. until 1:30 a.m. March 17 and 18.  Mighty Festival guests can accent their Irish holiday attire with complimentary face painting available for up to nine or 10 hours each festival day.  On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older.

  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Lights Up With Disney H2O Glow Nights For Incredible Summer

    Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Lights Up With Disney H2O Glow Nights For Incredible Summer

    As part of the ‘Incredible Summer‘ at Walt Disney World parks there will be a host of new offerings that will bring beloved Disney stories to life at all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks this summer. Now Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will also join in on the fun with new Disney H2O Glow Nights!

    As part of Incredible Summer, “Toy Story” pals will throw glow parties at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, inspired by the awesome party in the Pixar short, “Partysaurus Rex” Take a look at the clip below if you haven’t seen the short before.

    On select summer nights starting June 21, special lighting effects will transform the water park like never before as Buzz, Woody and Jessie throw a Beach Party inspired by their friend, “Partysaurus” Rex. Come join the fun, dance on the beach, play party games, and meet up with Buzz, Woody and Jessie, plus, all attractions are open for guest enjoyment.

    Disney H20 Glow Nights will take place only at Typhoon Lagoon on Thursdays and Saturdays from June 21-August 11, from 8-11 p.m.

    Disney H20 Glow Nights are a separate ticketed event and the party is not included in daytime admission. Tickets will go sale March 19 and cost $55 for adults and $50 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax).

  • Bus of High Schoolers Returning From Disney World Crashes

    Bus of High Schoolers Returning From Disney World Crashes

    The trip back home to Texas from a school trip to Walt Disney World ends in tragedy. The bus carrying Texas high school band members crashed into a ravine off the side of an Alabama interstate. According to authorities, the accident happened just before dawn at 5:33 a.m. killing the bus driver and injuring multiple passengers.

    First responders used ropes to rappel down the 50-foot ravine in the middle of Interstate 10 to reach the bus, and then had to cut some of the victims free from the wreckage, said Baldwin County Sheriff Huey Hoss Mack, who confirmed the fatality.

    Only hours before the crash, the band’s Facebook page had been updated to show a large group posing outside Disney World.

    Forty students and six adults were on the bus at the time, according to the school district. In the video below you can see just how steep the embankment is.

    Emergency units were dispatched to evacuate and extricate the passengers. Some were carried out by police deputies, others were brought to the surface by firefighters who rappeled down the ravine.

    The interstate was closed down in both directions as the injured were flown to hospitals including emergency rooms in Mobile and Pensacola, Florida, plus a free-standing emergency room in rural Baldwin County, said Chris Elliott, a Baldwin County commissioner who helped out at the county emergency management center following the crash.