Category: Walt Disney World

New Wearable Disney Gift Card Designs Available At Disney Parks

From Disneyland Resort in California to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, you’ll always find something being celebrated at the parks. And currently, Disney Gift Card is offering two wearable designs to make paying for the fun even easier at two celebrations taking place at Disney Parks right now.

While making your way through the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, have you ever wished you could take one of the flowers for yourself? The topiaries need to stay where festival-goers can enjoy them, but here are three flowers that were meant to be picked! Carry the beauty of the festival around your wrist by activating a Disney Gift Card with as little as $15. Available at festival merchandise locations throughout the park, the special-edition Disney Gift Card designs have a fresh, spring scent and are as photo-ready as ever!

Over at Disney California Adventure park, get ready to taste the culinary wonders of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Starting March 2, you can explore the unique flavors of California at Festival Marketplaces throughout the park. Keep an eye out for a special-edition Disney Gift Card design featuring Chef Mickey that, when activated with a minimum of $15, you can use to easily pay for everything the festival has to offer!

Disney Gift Cards are reloadable and never expire. Just stop by a merchandise or food and beverage location and ask a Cast Member for assistance. If you don’t spend it all at the festival, know that these and all other Disney Gift Cards can still be used for practically all things Disney from theme park tickets to Mickey merchandise at Disney Destinations nationwide!

March 5, 2018
New 20th anniversary Animal Kingdom MagicBand

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is fast approaching it’s 20th anniversary and to help celebrate the milestone for the park, Disney is offering a Limited Edition MagicBand that shows off some of the amazing creatures you can expect to see during your visit.

This MagicBand is brown and is adorned with various animals. It also has the 20th anniversary Animal Kingdom logo on it.

It will be exclusively sold at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as part of an edition size of 2,000 and will be available March 21.

With your MagicBand, you can connect to the choices you make in the My Disney Experience app and unlock the magic of a Walt Disney World Disney vacation – from effortless theme park entry to Disney PhotoPass association, FastPass+ redemption, room entry with Online Check-In Service and more.

March 1, 2018
Entrance For Epcot’s Exclusive Club 33 Location May Have Been Found

As we previously reported, a version of Disneyland’s Exclusive Club 33 is making its way to Walt Disney World. In fact, the plans are to have one in each of Disney World’s four theme parks and it now seems we may have the location of entrance to the club planned for Epcot.

One rumored location for the club has been the upstairs lounge at The American Adventure in Epcot’s World Showcase and in a recent picture posted on Twitter by WDW News there seems to be some clues that may prove this rumor true.

PHOTOS: Club 33 Doorbell Installed at Epcot’s American Adventure, Includes MagicBand Accesshttps://t.co/8HmMehEWQW pic.twitter.com/MJzvBRldrH

— WDW News Today (@WDWNT) February 24, 2018

Seemingly out of nowhere; a doorbell, a speaker and a MagicBand reader appeared recently next to the entrance to The American Experience.

It’s not official word from Disney, but there is a very similar system set up outside Club 33 at Disneyland. Suspicious much? Maybe… But due to the exclusive nature of the club things aren’t exactly revealed, but often just discovered. It’s part of the mystic and fun, but keep an eye out for the official Disney World Club 33 Logo to eventually adorn this new addition.

The speaker is used to communicate with guests coming in and this setup has a MagicBand reader which means members will have easy access after ringing the doorbell.

There is no official word on where the various locations will be, but in addition to The American Adventure—which now seems likely—other rumored locations include the Adventureland Veranda at the Magic Kingdom, the former Catwalk Bar at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a back room at Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Membership sales are expected to go on sale to the general public soon, but residents of Walt Disney World’s upscale community Golden Oak are already able to apply for membership for the Walt Disney World version of the secret club.

The cost of registration is $25,000 with annual dues of $15,000.

February 28, 2018
New Purple Wall-Inspired MagicBands Available in March

The purple wall at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is more than just a plain purple wall. It’s become one of the most popular spots for an insta-worthy selfie and now Disney Parks is offering a ‘Meet Me at the Purple Wall’ MagicBand to complement that perfect purple pic!

The spot has become increasingly popular for pics overtime and now getting a pic at the wall is becoming a Disney Must Do. To find the spot just walk down the ramp from Tomorrowland Terrace toward the entrance to Tomorrowland. Right when you hit the turn into the land, you’ll see the Purple Wall on your right.

Fans can now show off their appreciation for the famous Purple Wall at Magic Kingdom Park with a new, limited release MagicBand which Disney has carefully designed to match the exact color shade from the Purple Wall.

There is more purple merch where that came from. You can also pair the MagicBand with one of the “Meet Me at the Purple Wall” baseball caps.

They will both be available as part of a two-week flash sale on ShopDisney.com beginning March 5.

February 28, 2018
New Merchandise Blooming At The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Once agin the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in full bloom. And this year, along with the brilliant gardens, fresh flavors, rocking entertainment, you’ll find tons of commemorative merchandise.

The festival marks its 25th Anniversary as it returns to Walt Disney World Resort from February 28 through May 28, but the seeds of this year’s merchandise assortment were planted more than a year ago by event product developer Cathy Dawson. By collaborating with a talented art team and incorporating beloved products from Disney Parks, Cathy tells the Festival’s story from a fresh new perspective.

“This year’s merchandise mixes the latest on-trend designs with products we know guests love such as headwear or home décor,” said Cathy. “Since this year is a milestone anniversary, everything has a new look and many items include a 25th Anniversary logo in the artwork. There’s something for everyone to remember a springtime visit to Epcot.”

A garden of more than 75 items was created for this annual event. Cathy included little details on many products, which are best seen on the stylish accessories and easy-to-wear apparel. New headwear, such as the Mouse-eared baseball cap, contain nods to Spaceship Earth, while the flower-covered headband is reminiscent of the millions of blooms guests will see at Epcot.

Cathy partnered with Disney Creative Group artists when creating four art collections that complement the Festival’s overall design. She referenced an artwork style guide during the design process so the products have a consistent look when displayed throughout the park.

The “Mickey’s Grove” collection with Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Orange Bird contains a harvested assortment of apparel, accessories, home décor, and more. The lovable purple dragon Figment “unearths the unexpected” in the “Figment Discovers” collection with apparel, drinkware, and garden statuary. The “Fresh Epcot” collection has brightly colored picks of the season from a simple pocket t-shirt to collectible pins.

“My favorite collection is ‘Minnie’s Farmhouse Flower Shop’ as the adorable artwork of Minnie Mouse with her cat Figaro captures the essence of spring,” continued Cathy.

Annual Passholders attending the event will find a variety of Passholder Exclusive products including drinkware by Tervis, pins, apparel, and a handbag by Dooney & Bourke.

Additional Dooney & Bourke handbags with images of Minnie Mouse and Figaro will be available. Please note the wallet will be released at a future date during the Festival.

When the Festival kicks off on February 28, we are releasing two limited-edition retail MagicBands. The Mickey Mouse-themed one has an edition size of 2,000 and is packaged in an orange-scented box. The Passholder Exclusive MagicBand also has an edition size of 2,000 and complements other Figment products created for the event.

One additional MagicBand will be released at a future date during the Festival. Packaged in a box that smells like flowers, the Minnie Mouse-inspired item has an edition size of 1,000.

These products and many others, including the new springtime scavenger hunt, Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration, will be found in select merchandise locations throughout Epcot.

February 27, 2018
RUMOR: IllumiNations Fireworks Display at Epcot Could Be Getting Replaced Soon

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot which has been the parks signature nighttime show, since it started in 1999, may be coming to the end of its run and could be replaced by a whole new nighttime spectacular.

The show utilizes fireworks, pyrotechnics, water fountains, fire effects, lasers, and searchlights to create a visual production on the park’s World Showcase Lagoon and has been a favorite guests.

It’s been expected for some time now that the show would be updated somehow or possibly even replaced with the park currently undergoing a reimagining, but it may be happening sooner than anticipated according to a report from WDW News.

Apparently it has been fast-tracked and may even debut sooner than first thought in expansion plans for the park. “The score and vocals for the new show are being recorded this week, according to sources”, the report reads.

The major shift in the timeline could be due to recent shakeups in the creative team responsible for the parks overhaul.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is the longest continually running fireworks show at the Walt Disney World Resort.

February 27, 2018
New Dooney & Bourke Designs Revealed at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Blossoming again in 2018, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort from February 28 through May 28. The festival marks its 25th Anniversary this year and Disney Parks Blog has given us a look at some of the newest 2018 Dooney & Bourke designs.

Disney Parks Blog Annual Passholders attending the event will find a variety of Passholder Exclusive products including a handbag by Dooney & Bourke.

Additional Dooney & Bourke handbags with images of Minnie Mouse and Figaro will be available. Disney says the wallet will be released at a future date during the Festival.

February 26, 2018
Braves Spring Training Games at Disney Begin Today

Atlanta Braves spring training games get underway today at Champion Stadium when they host the Washington Nationals – their National League East division rivals.

This year marks Atlanta’s 21st season of conducting spring training workouts at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.

Atlanta’s rather impressive lineup contains several seasoned veterans and a bevy of talented newcomers, so watching this team this spring should be an exciting proposition for Braves fans.

Atlanta’s spring training home schedule is an attractive one with games against perennial MLB playoff clubs like the Nationals (Feb. 26, March 1), the St. Louis Cardinals (March 3, 17), the vaunted New York Yankees (March 9, 24) and the 2017 World Series Champion Houston Astros (March 8).

Disney character appearances and special moments such as kids running the bases after every game are some of the in-game entertainment opportunities that make Braves spring training at Disney a unique experience.

From a concessions perspective, Braves fans will be able to sample several new food and beverage options this season including the new Latin Rice Bowl (chicken or pork), which is available on the third-base patio at the stadium.

For those Braves fans who enjoy specialty craft beers, there are four new offerings this spring at the stadium.

Chopsecutioner, the first new craft beer, is produced by the Terrapin Beer Company in Athens, GA. This beer has a citrusy, hoppy flavor which is nicely paired with the beef brisket from Barbecue Smokehouse.

Bell’s Oberen Ale wheat beer from Bell’s Brewery in Michigan is available and should be paired with the chicken nugget basket from Champion Stadium’s Home Plate Grill.

Una Mas Amber Lager from Left Coast Brewing in California is the third new craft beer, which goes great with the buffalo chicken sandwich at the stadium, while Dock Light IPA from 3 Daughters Brewing in St. Petersburg, Florida rounds out the new craft beer selections. It should be paired with mini-hotdogs and brats from Slider Station on the third-base patio at the stadium.

Braves fans can purchase individual spring training game tickets at www.espnwwos.com/braves, through Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office. Tickets range from $15 (general admission berm seating in left field) to $59 (lower level reserved seats).

We’ll see you all at the ball park!

February 26, 2018
Victoria & Albert’s Gets Prestigious Five-Star and Five Diamond Awards For 18th Year in a Row

If you have never been to Victoria & Albert’s then you have to try it. Its Walt Disney World‘s most exclusive gourmet restaurant. So fancy that children must be at least 10 years of age to even enter. Well, the multi-award winning restaurant as just added a few more to their resume.

Two prestigious awards have just been bestowed this month on Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. For the 18th consecutive year, the restaurant has received the AAA Five Diamond Award and, for the first time ever, the coveted 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award.

There are only 68 Five Diamond restaurants in North America, and only 64 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurants out of over 1,600 restaurants across the globe. Victoria & Albert’s now stands as the sole restaurant in the state of Florida to receive both the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awards.

AAA Diamond Ratings represent a combination of overall food, service, décor and ambiance. A Five Diamond restaurant provides leading-edge cuisine of the finest ingredients, uniquely prepared by an acclaimed chef, served by expert service staff led by a maître d’ in extraordinary surroundings.

Forbes Travel Guide Star Ratings verify luxury and represent outstanding, iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities. Using the most exacting standards in the industry, this year’s list evaluates properties in over 160 destinations across 50 countries.

Every night, Victoria & Albert’s brings guests the ultimate in fine dining with classic Victorian elegance, haute American cuisine and an atmosphere of refined opulence. The esteemed restaurant features three unique dining experiences: the main dining room with the choice of a 7-course menu or 10 course Chef’s Tasting Menu; the intimate Queen Victoria’s Room offers a 10-course Chef’s Tasting menu with tableside presentation and optional wine pairings; and the highly sought-after 8-seat Chef’s Table located in the restaurants kitchen, where guests can get an exclusive look at their dishes being crafted by the culinary team. Victoria & Albert’s also has an incredible wine cellar with over 700 wines from over 35 regions.

“This has been a monumental year for the entire Victoria & Albert’s Team. They have developed a culture of success, which is over twenty years in the making. Every single member of the team is fully invested, combining the perfect formula of creativity, knowledge and passion for service. Our focus remains: Aim for perfection and settle for nothing less than excellence”, said Grand Floridian Resort & Spa General Manager Cosmo Kapoor.

Congratulations belong to Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef de Cuisine Aimée Rivera, Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, Maître d’Hôtel Israel Pérez and the entire Victoria & Albert’s team for earning these illustrious awards.

February 25, 2018
New ‘UP! A Great Bird Adventure’ Show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Opens April 22

Disney recently gave us update that their new show “UP! A Great Bird Adventure,” featuring Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “UP” will be debuting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22, 2018!

The new show takes the place of ‘Flights of Wonder’ in the Caravan Theater in the Anandapur village section of the park’s Asia land. The show gave its final performances on December 31st.

Beginning just in time for the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this new entertainment experience for the whole family offers guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug as they discover species of birds from around the world in their newest adventure in Anandapur village. There will be “UP” close encounters each day with amazing winged creatures!

February 23, 2018