Disney News

Category: Walt Disney World

  • 14 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World

    14 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World

    “Love is an open door” at Walt Disney World and there is no better place to celebrate the most romantic week of the year. Whether it’s a night out with that special someone, a “galentine’s” evening or special moments shared with friends, the options for romance and fun on Valentine’s Day are practically endless.

    Here are 14 enchanting and memorable things to do this Valentine’s Day at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

    1. Epcot International Festival of the Arts: Guests can celebrate romance with a brush stroke of sense-tempting activities during this Epcot festival that celebrates the visual, culinary and performing arts. The festival runs now through Feb. 19 and offers everything from sparkly, bubbly drinks to imaginative works of art and performances by Broadway stars. Some of the enticing festival tastes include Le Coucher de Soleil at L’Art de la Cuisine Food Studio in the France Pavilion. This sunset mango and raspberry cake is a must-have!

    2. The Edison: Swing by this lavish, “industrial gothic”-style hotspot for classic American cuisine, craft cocktails, live music and jazz-inspired performances. There’s no better place to evoke the romantic, adult side of Disney Springs than this new restaurant and bar inspired by the decadent lifestyle of the Roaring ‘20s.

    3. Delicious Dinner Experiences:The magic of Disney dining brings romance to the table with special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menus that include optional wine pairing, themed desserts and drinks at select restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Couples can share unforgettable meals at some of the swankiest restaurants on property such as Narcoossee’s and Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club, Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

    4. Sneak a Smooch at the Parks: Disney theme parks are filled with countless romantic spots to share with a loved one. But some of them might not be on lovers’ radars! The Magic Carpets of Aladdin at Magic Kingdom provides the perfect place to sneak a romantic kiss while flying high over Agrabah.

    5. Dreamy Photo Ops: A stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park can quickly turn into an impromptu photo session, and Mickey-shaped balloons are the perfect prop. After the sun sets, guests can pose under the lanterns of Rapunzel’s tower in Fantasyland for another Insta-worthy shot. There are literally hundreds of unforgettable photo locations.

    6. Sweets at Amorette’s Patisserie: Experience romance in all its sugary deliciousness at this artsy and sophisticated pastry shop located at Disney Springs. Chocolate covered strawberries? Check. French champagne? Check. Eleven layers of red velvet cake? Yes, please.

    7. Kilimanjaro Safaris at Sunset: At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can experience this popular attraction in a whole new light. Travel to the tranquility of the African savanna and see an array of exotic animals under the setting sun. After all, nothing says romance like the glow of twilight’s golden hour.

    8. Venezia Champagne Cruises: It’s a whole new world aboard a beautiful, 40-foot Italian water taxi that launches from Disney Springs to sail the waters of Lake Buena Vista. Each sailing comes complete with chocolate-covered strawberries and a champagne toast to christen the occasion in style. No trip to Italy necessary!

    9. Get Pampered at Senses Spa: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort are both home to the finest, most indulgent experiences at Walt Disney World Resort – Senses Spa. At either location, guests will find a full selection of therapies and treatments. Couples can enjoy a romantic massage for two. The spas are also great for creating an unforgettable girls’ day out.

    10. Creative Gift Ideas at Disney Springs: It’s easy to get creative with gift giving at Disney Springs. For the special guy who needs a little pampering, The Art of Shaving is the place. This handsome shop features high-end grooming products for the modern man. Guys can even get a haircut and shave onsite in The Barber Shop.

    11. Carriage Rides at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: Couples looking for rustic romance can relax on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the pine and cypress forests of Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground where deer, rabbits, ducks and even wild turkeys like to roam.

    12. Unforgettable Engagements: The romantic and magical ambiance of Walt Disney World makes it the perfect place to pop the big question. Those looking for new and creative places for a truly memorable proposal should consider proposing at Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom or during IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth near the Italy Pavilion at Epcot. The Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons team can also help guests plan the perfect proposal. Adding even more magical romance, Freeform TV will broadcast a special airing of “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings” on February 14, featuring an unforgettable engagement at Walt Disney World Resort.

    13. Romantic Stroll at Disney’s BoardWalk: Guests can experience the timeless charm of Disney’s BoardWalk, a quarter-mile promenade of exquisite dining, unique shops and exciting nightlife. And only on Valentine’s Day, the recently redesigned Flying Fish will offer diners a magical prix fixe menu that includes everything from filet mignon, lobster tail and even a delicious fondue for two.

    14. Happily Ever After Fireworks: An evening around the Most Magical Place on Earth isn’t complete without experiencing Happily Ever After – the newest and most spectacular fireworks showcase in Magic Kingdom history. Guests can experience the magic of beloved Disney movies firsthand—and be inspired to find their own happily ever after.

  • Logo for Disney World’s Club 33 Revealed

    Logo for Disney World’s Club 33 Revealed

    Walt Disney World is getting its own version of Club 33, Disneyland’s famously exclusive members-only posh hideaway and it appears the official logo has made its way to the internet.

    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. The photo below posted on twitter shows another look at the new logo.

    The original Club 33 was originally intended as a hideaway for Walt Disney to host elite park guests. The private club is hidden at the top of a staircase in New Orleans Square at Disneyland. When he was working with various corporate promoters for his attractions at the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair, he noticed the various “VIP Lounges” provided as accommodation for the corporate elite. This gave him the idea that culminated in Club 33. When New Orleans Square was planned, this special area for corporate sponsors and VIPs was included.

    While Club 33 was originally intended for exclusive use by Disneyland’s corporate sponsors and other industry VIPs, when it opened on June 15, 1967, six months after Disney’s death, individual memberships were also offered.

    It’s not exactly clear what benefits members of the club will receive at Walt Disney World, but Disneyland members get quite a few. Club 33 members and their guests have exclusive access to resort experiences, which vary depending on type of membership. In addition to the clubs restaurant, access may also include Le Salon Nouveau, a jazz lounge within New Orleans Square, and 1901, a lounge in Disney California Adventure; neither are open to the public. Club 33 is the only location within Disneyland Park to offer alcoholic beverages.

    Club 33 Members designate themselves and/or others to receive Premier Passports valid for Disneyland and Walt Disney World. In addition, their Club 33 membership card grants them access to early park admission, as long as they and up to three accompanying guests have an accompanying annual pass or valid day ticket. Members are entitled to complimentary valet parking at the Disneyland Resort Hotels and access to many private and exclusive events held within the Club 33 restaurant and Le Salon Nouveau, throughout the Disneyland Resort, and a select number of experiences in destinations outside of Disneyland.

    For the price tag you can bet the exclusive membership at Walt Disney World will surely come with quite a few perks.

    There are plans to put a Club 33 outpost in each of Disney World’s four Orlando theme parks, each with its own unique look. Including Disneyland the club has three locations already with similar sites in Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland.

  • Mobile Order Now Available For Guests Using Disney Dining Plans

    Mobile Order Now Available For Guests Using Disney Dining Plans

    Now, it’s easier than ever to personalize your Walt Disney World Resort experience through the My Disney Experience app. My Disney Experience continues to add new features and now you can use your Disney Dining credits to complete your mobile order right from your phone.

    My Disney Experience Mobile Order

    The service has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests who have used Mobile Order in the My Disney Experience mobile app after its launch last spring. Currently offered at 23 locations throughout the theme parks and Disney Springs, this convenient service allows you to order meals and snacks on demand, pay in advance and skip the line at select quick-service food and beverage locations.

    Now, the Mobile Order service is being introduced to a whole new audience of guests. With a My Disney Experience update launching later today, guests with Disney dining plans can redeem meals and snacks in Mobile Order, providing them with more free time to enjoy all of the attractions and entertainment experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

    All three Disney dining plans are available with Mobile Order: the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. To access Mobile Order, tap the “Order Food” button under “My Plans” in the app. Watch the video below to see the convenience of using Mobile Order with a Disney dining plan – whether you’re redeeming a snack credit for a Dole Whip at Aloha Isle or a quick-service credit for a Pandoran feast at Satu’li Canteen.

    This latest app update builds on other new features, like room charge viewing, Online Check-In Service and wayfinding, that are helping to improve the overall vacation experience for our guests.

  • Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 27

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 27

    Alright Star Wars Addicts, it’s back – the Star Wars: Galactic Nights one-night special event will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27.

    In case you aren’t familiar, Star Wars: Galactic Nights is a thrilling Star Wars-themed event held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight. It celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

    Here’s a look at other event offerings:

    • Star Wars: Galactic Destinations Projections Transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel – Visible on the Sunset Boulevard area of the park the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform via stunning projection technology to showcase familiar locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all night long. Star Wars Galactic Destinations is currently an event exclusive.
    • Existing Star Wars Entertainment Will Debut New Enhancements – The park’s existing Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both debut new saga elements for the first time during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.
    • Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations. These special photo ops will only be available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars: Galactic Nights
    • Character Encounters – Expect to encounter Star Wars characters from throughout the galaxy. Guests will also be able to view an Imperial Stormtrooper March with Darth Vader.
    • Exclusive Food & Beverage offerings – Taste your way around the galaxy with specialty food and beverage offerings created for Galactic Nights. Inspired by the stories and iconic characters of Star Wars, these tasting-sized sips and bites bring a delectable addition to this event.
    • Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests – and some may even offer a special Star Wars twist on May 27 only.
  • VIDEO: Ellen Comes Face To Face With Her Disney World Animatronic

    VIDEO: Ellen Comes Face To Face With Her Disney World Animatronic

    Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot closed last August and when Ellen DeGeneres found out, she made a plea on “The Ellen Show” for the return of her Audio-Animatronic double.

    Well for her 60th Birthday Ellen received some Disney magic as she was reunited with remains of the former attractions Ellen Audio-Animatronic.

    Wrapped in a large box, a figure dressed like her animatronic, was rolled out as part of the shows birthday festivities. It came with a note that called this a “heart-warming reunion with all that remains.”

    When the box was opened it revealed a figure with a red T-shirt and blue shirt and brown pants. The head she found a bit disturbing and at one point she said the figure “could star in a horror movie.”

    Still a bit awestruck Ellen continued.

    “Is this real? This is … me? This is not real. This is the robot they used for Ellen’s Energy Adventure? … That is so offensive.”

    The audience erupted with laughter and as she questioned the likeness, a voice from off-screen said the pants and T-shirt were real. They were donated by a private collector who picked them up after the attraction closed.

    What Ellen may not have known was that the audio-animatronic figure was destroyed by Walt Disney Imagineering and used for parts. She has actually been missing from the attraction for several years. There are reports that it was removed due to some technical difficulties, but it may not have ever made it back to the attraction as Disney has had a plan in the works to create a new attraction for some time.

    Ellen’s Energy Adventure is being replaced at Epcot by the upcoming “Guardians of the Galaxy” rollercoaster.

  • Disney Minnie Van Service Expanding to Orlando International Airport

    Disney Minnie Van Service Expanding to Orlando International Airport

    Walt Disney World’s popular Minnie Van Service will now be offering transportation to Orlando International Airport. The polka-dotted transportation option currently transports guests to locations on property.

    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.

    Well now you can end your vacation in Disney Style to grab that one last bit off magic before you hit the sad flight home. But it will run you $150 bucks. Currently point-to-point trips on Walt Disney World property cost $20.

    According to fliers passed out at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, the polka-dotted service is now offering transportation services from select Disney Resorts for airline departures from 9:00am through 12:00am.

    The price is steep when you think about the fact that they already have a complimentary airport bus transportation, Disney’s Magical Express, for hotel guests. Though that’s better know as the Tragical Express and perhaps riding in your own personal Minnie Van will put one last smile on your face as you bid farewell to Walt Disney World.

    It does allow you to ride in privacy however and not be bound to the Magical Express schedule. This service accommodates up to six guests and provides two versatile car seats so even the tiniest of passengers can travel in style!

  • Romantic Valentine’s Day Spa Package Available at Disney World Feb. 10-18

    Romantic Valentine’s Day Spa Package Available at Disney World Feb. 10-18

    Are you looking for that perfect romantic evening with your sweetie? Well look no further because Disney Parks & Resorts has created the perfect Valentine’s Day spa package that will make for date for any couple.

    Senses – A Disney Spa has created an exclusive Valentine’s Day massage package designed to be enjoyed with that special someone you feel so fortunate to have as “Part of Your World.”

    Available at both Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa from Feb. 10-18, 2018, the “Part of Your World” package includes a couple’s massage with apricot-infused body oil, a chocolate hand-hydration treatment, sparkling wine served in a chocolate champagne glass and a take-home, custom-blended bath salt.

    While the regular price is $340 (plus tax) for 50 minutes and $450 (plus tax) for 80 minutes (note that a 20 percent gratuity is added automatically for convenience, with any additional gratuity paid at your discretion), Disney Vacation Club Members enjoy a 15 percent discount.

    Call Member Services for reservations.

    A valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card with photo ID will be required for this discounted experience.

  • Egg-stravaganza Returns to Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival With New Scavenger Hunt

    Egg-stravaganza Returns to Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival With New Scavenger Hunt

    Some really Egg-citing news coming from Disney today! The popular Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt is coming back to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and we have first details on this springtime egg-sperience as well as an ALL-NEW Spike the Honey Bee scavenger hunt.

    Egg-stravaganza Flower & Garden Epcot

    From March 16 through April 1, guests visiting the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival can participate in our Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt – hunting high and low in World Showcase for “eggs” that portray favorite Disney characters.

    As you find the hidden Disney Character-themed “eggs” in the park, you record your discoveries by placing a corresponding sticker on a specially themed Egg-stravaganza map. Maps and stickers can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at the following parks and locations:

    • Disney Trader
    • Pin Central
    • World Traveler

    When you find all of the “eggs” and complete your scavenger hunt map, you then return it to Disney Traders for a sp-egg-tacular surprise.

    Egg-stravaganza Flower & Garden Epcot-624x352

    Also, along with the egg-cellent adventure, Epcot is featuring a new springtime scavenger hunt called Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration. In this hunt, Disney’s favorite honey bee, Spike, has been pollinating his way around the festival, giving gardeners of any age the chance to follow his pollination trail around World Showcase at Epcot.

    It’s easy to start this new scavenger hunt. Just pick up a garden map and stickers at Port of Entry. Then, it’s time to look for Spike!

    As you explore the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, be on the lookout for Spike as he pollinates Epcot’s gardens. In each garden, you’ll have to search for the plant Spike has pollinated, identifiable by Spike himself and a Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration plant stake. Once you find him, add the corresponding sticker to your map.

    After your journey is complete, return your map for a springtime surprise.

    Maps and stickers for Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at Port of Entry.

  • Dad Who Wore T-Shirt Asking For A Kidney to Disney World Finds A Donor

    Dad Who Wore T-Shirt Asking For A Kidney to Disney World Finds A Donor

    Father of five, Robert Leibowitz, was in need of a life saving organ transplant and he went to Walt Disney World in Orlando hoping for a little magic.  He turned himself into a walking billboard wearing a T-Shirt advertising his need for a kidney around the park.

    Leibowitz walked around the park, for a week, wearing a T-shirt that read: “In Need of Kidney. O Positive.” The message had his cell phone number written below it and after park-goers snapped photos and videos of the shirt and shared them on social media the story quickly went viral. One post saw 90,000 shares with in the first week.
    That was about 5 months ago, but he has finally found the Disney magic he was hoping for and now he has found a donor. Leibowitz, 60, had suffered from chronic kidney disease for 15 years.

    Richie Sully from Fort Wayne, Indiana saw the photo and decided to take action, according to the report from WPIX.

    Sully left a voicemail after calling the number saying simply, “Hi, my name is Richie. I saw your post. I have an extra kidney. I’m O-positive. You’re more than welcome to have it.”

    Also a single dad, Sully who has two girls, took off from work and went to New York where he stayed in a hotel for two weeks on his own dime. He was able to meet Liebowitz and he spent time with him everyday.

    “We walked around Manhattan for, like, six hours and we had sushi and he took me to Times Square and we talked about music and about being dads and things like that and really hit it off,” he said.

    Thursday, Sully underwent surgery beside his new friend at New York Presbyterian Hospital according to the report.

    “It’s not a big deal,” Sully said of the procedure, but for Rob Liebowitz and his family, it’s a very big deal.

    “I keep saying, ‘Thank you,’” Liebowitz said. “But you can’t put into words what he did for me, so I’ll have to figure out how to do the best I can for the rest of my life.”

  • Disney’s Gondola System Costs $3.8 Million For Electrical Work Alone

    Disney’s Gondola System Costs $3.8 Million For Electrical Work Alone

    Walt Disney World’s gondola system is already under construction and it comes with a hefty price tag.

    This new transportation system, known as Disney Skyliner, carries guests through the air from select Disney resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Reedy Creek officials approved a $3.8 million construction budget Wednesday for just the electric services on the project alone.

     

    Reedy Creek Energy Service’s, Manager for planning and engineering, Jason Herrick said, construction on the electrical infrastructure that will power the gondola system could begin in the next six months or sooner.

    According to a bid proposal submitted by Apopka-based Carter Electric the work should be completed by October.

    Reedy Creek documents show that just one part of the gondola project, which will include four switches, six transformers and 9,000 feet of cable (about 1.7 miles’ worth) — will cost $1.2 million.

     

    The six points of service will be built by Reedy Creek and one each could possibly have multiple transformers to run the transportation system, according to Reedy Creek district administrator John Classe. Having multiple service points is important so, in the event of a power failure, there’s an electricity backup to the keep the system running, said Classe.

    In December, more details were released showing that select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters featured on the outside of the gondolas. Guests will experience an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World Resort as they take to the sky and get a birds-eye view of the resort like never before.