Disney News

Category: Walt Disney World

  • PHOTO: Guests Attempt to Climb Disney’s ‘Tree of Life’ at Animal Kingdom

    PHOTO: Guests Attempt to Climb Disney’s ‘Tree of Life’ at Animal Kingdom

    So some park guests got it in their head that it would be a good idea to climb the “Tree of Life”, the iconic symbol in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Gonna go out on a limb here and say this is on the list of things to not do at Disney World.

    Onlookers hoped the trespassers would just make like a tree and leave. The Four guests were caught quickly after the shenanigans, but according to reports they were up there for a good twenty minutes.  Plenty of time for guests to see the whole thing and even snap a few photos.

    The incident took place on Sunday around 2 p.m. and is slightly reminiscent of when a park guest tried climbing The Mexico Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. The Tree of Life stands 145-foot-high and has numerous animals that “appear to magically emerge” from it, but no one though people would end up emerging from it.

    Luckily no one was injured and security got them to come down rather quickly.

    There has been no word on if there were any repercussions for the guests, but this is the type of behavior that can easily get you banned for life.

  • Details on Disney’s New Skyliner Gondolas

    Details on Disney’s New Skyliner Gondolas

    The new gondola system known as The Disney Skyliner isn’t running yet, but is still flying high today with some really exciting new details and visuals. Today Disney unveiled concept art and elaborated on new the gondolas that will connect A few of the theme parks and resorts at Walt Disney World.

    Guests will experience an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World Resort as they take to the sky to travel from select Disney resorts to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    Select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests, such as characters from the ‘Fab Five,’figures from Disney attractions, fan favorites from movies, and more.
    Disney Gondolas Skyliner

    The design of the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at Epcot will be inspired by the park’s nearby European Pavilions, and will be covered with metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals and ornamental steel structures that harken back to the early 18th century Art Nouveau style. Guests traveling to Epcot via the Disney Skyliner will be welcomed to the park with a rare birds-eye view of World Showcase.

    Disney Gondolas Skyliner

    The Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station will be the hub of activity for Disney Skyliner. This station is inspired by the open air village marketplaces of the Caribbean and will showcase the nearby resort’s architectural detailing and color schemes. At this station, passengers will be able to transfer gondola routes to reach their destination, or are invited to sit and admire the waterfront resort setting.

    Disney Gondolas Skyliner

    The design style of the station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will fit with that of the park’s main entrance and bus stations. Passengers traveling here from the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station can expect a new aerial perspective of the park’s iconic attractions, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

    Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will share a Disney Skyliner station that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Upon departing the gondola station, Skyliner passengers will ascend over Hourglass Lake and enjoy a panoramic view of these two colorful resorts.

    Finally, cabins will slow down at the Disney Skyliner turn-station along Buena Vista Drive, where guests can see the mechanical and aerial components that make up the Disney Skyliner.

  • “Millennial Pink” MagicBands are the Next Disney Must Have

    A new solid colored pink MagicBand will be arriving at Walt Disney World in a couple of weeks and these are totes adorbs. The new MagicBands dubbed “millennial pink”, may be ‘light’ pink but they will for sure be a ‘hot’ seller.

    This according to a couple of YouTubers who posted it on their Instagram account recently. It’s unknown how they actually got a hold of them, but we can’t wait to see them in person and sport one around the parks. As a solid color they will probably cost $12.99, but you never know with a new MagicBand as cute as this one.

    Keep an eye out in the coming days on shopDisney.com and in Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts.

  • Star Wars Themed Resort Coming to Walt Disney World

    Star Wars Themed Resort Coming to Walt Disney World

    At Disney the resort experience is out of this world, but they now have plans for a resort that comes from a galaxy far far way. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced to fans at D23 Expo last summer that a “Star Wars” hotel will be coming to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

    According to Bob, this revolutionary new vacation experience will be a living adventure that allows guests to immerse themselves in an entirely new form of Disney storytelling.

    Star Wars Resort

    “It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Bob said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

    Star Wars Resort

    Chapek didn’t reveal a date for the opening of the “Star Wars” hotel, but with the new themed land coming to Disney World in 2018, it probably can’t be too far behind.

  • Star Wars: Galactic Nights Complete Guide

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights Complete Guide

    Star Wars: Galactic Nights is back and guest are going to love the new additions. Held after park hours on December 16th from 7 p.m. to midnight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the event immerses guests in a Star Experience like no other.  Here is a rundown on what you can expect:

    ENTERTAINMENT

    Experiences available only during this special event:
    Star Wars Galactic Nights Projections
    • Star Wars: Galactic Destinations – State-of-the-art projections shoot across the Hollywood Tower Hotel to display favorite film moments from across the galaxy accompanied by the stellar Star Wars cinematic score. Star Wars: Galactic Destinations will run continuously beginning at 7 p.m
    • Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Epic Stunt Theater – 8:10 p.m., 9:10 p.m., 10:10 p.m. and 11:10 p.m.) – During this one-night-only panel discussion, hosted by David Collins, expert panel of team members from Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm will give Guests an inside look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
    • Galactic Nights Epilogue (Rebel Base – 11:40 p.m.) – Prior to Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, Guests are invited to join event hosts as they marvel at a spotlight of Star Wars: Galactic Nights event highlights straight from the fans themselves! To be a part of the Galactic Nights Epilogue, Guests should tag their photos with #GalacticNights when sharing on social media.
    • DJ Dance Party (Rebel Base – Intermittently 7 p.m. to midnight) – Guests can dance the night away in a galaxy far, far away!
    • Imperial March (Park entrance to Rebel Base – 7:05 p.m., 8:05 p.m., 9:05 p.m., 9:55 p.m.) – Join a battalion of Stormtroopers on a dramatic march down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage, where Darth Vader will meet his troops.
    • Droidbuilders (Animation Courtyard – 7 p.m. to midnight) – Encourage Guests to keep an eye out for roaming R2 Builders droids! R2 Builders is an international community of Star Wars fans who build their own replica robots of the recognizable droids from the Star Wars galaxy.
    Star Wars experiences also available during the event:
    • Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away (Rebel Base – 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10:20 p.m.) – Guest are able to experience a live stage show of high energy film clips that bring together action-filled character moments on stage, including Rey, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and many more.
    • Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (Rebel Base – 11:45 p.m.) – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular lights up the night.
    • Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (Near Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – 6:10 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 9:15 p.m., 9:45 p.m., 10:15 p.m.) – Guests can witness the future of the Force, as younglings face their fears at the sacred Jedi Temple. Guests can visit Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost to reserve a spot in the training for young Guests ages 4-12. Space is first-come, first-serve and limited.

    ATTRACTIONS

    The following daily attractions have been enhanced by the Force for Star Wars: Galactic Nights:
    • Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
    • Star Wars: Launch Bay
    • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Star Wars edition
    • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
    • Muppet Vision 3D
    • Toy Story Mania
    • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
    • Walt Disney Presents

    CHARACTERS

    Meet all your favorite Star Wars characters at various locations around the park:
    Kylo Ren Launch Bay
    • Star Wars: Launch Bay – Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, BB-8 and Rey
    • Sunset Showcase Courtyard – Seventh Sister
    • Cantina inside Star Wars: Launch Bay – Jawas
    • Inside Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Imperial Storm Troopers
    • Animation Courtyard – AWR Trooper
    • Commissary Lane – Mickey & Minnie Mouse
    • Echo Lake – Olaf
    • Pixar Place – Buzz Lightyear and Woody
    • Walt Disney Presents – Star Lord and Groot

    PHOTO BACKDROPS

    There are eight different dimensional photo background for guests.
    Backdrop locations:
    • Ahch-to: Luke’s Hut – Near Rebel Base
    • Death Star: Emperor’s Throne Room – Near Hyperion Theater
    • Batuu – Grand Avenue
    • Jedha: U-wing and K-2SO – Grand Avenue
    • Malachor: Sith Temple – Sunset Showcase Courtyard (featuring appearances by the Seventh Sister)
    • Hoth: Wampa Cave – Sunset Showcase Courtyard
    • Jakku: Luggabeast – Inside Sunset Showcase
    • Tatooine: Rancor – Inside Sunset Showcase

    MERCHANDISE

    Pick up your favorite Star Wars gear.
    Star Wars Shirt
    Special event merchandise is available at:
    • Mickey’s of Hollywood
    • Celebrity 5 & 10
    • Once Upon a Time
    • Stage 1 Company Store (open during event mix-in from 5-7 p.m.)
    PREMIUM OFFERINGS, PACKAGES, AND MORE
    This year, event Guests can choose a variety of options to enhance their galactic experience:
    1. Galactic Tasting & Viewing Package – Guests are able to enhance their Star Wars: Galactic Nights experience with a Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package. Tasting-sized sips and bites inspired by the stories and characters of Star Wars will be available at various locations throughout the park. With the Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package, Guests can enjoy up to five food & beverage items as well as reserved seating for the 9:10 p.m. or 10:10 p.m. Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge panel. The Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package is available for purchase for $30 (plus tax) near Rebel Base and Sunshine Day Café. Food and beverage items included in this package are marked in the event passport as well as at each food & beverage location.
    2. Jedi Recruitment Package – Guests are able to equip their youngling with the necessary tools and tips to defeat the Dark Side at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Check-in for the Jedi Recruitment package is located at Ewok Village (external queue of Star Tours).
    3. Galactic Character Couture Packages – Disney Senses Spa will be onsite at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering Guests hair, makeup and nails transformations with stylish designs inspired by Star Wars characters. Located inside Legends of Hollywood, appointments are available via walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • VIDEO: Galaxy’s Edge Construction Milestone Celebrated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    VIDEO: Galaxy’s Edge Construction Milestone Celebrated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Recently, thousands of Disney cast members excited to see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge coming to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrated a major construction milestone with the signing of a support beam that’ll top out the new land.

    Look closely and you’ll see that cast members and Imagineers put their mark on theme park history by drawing artistic pictures and writing messages on the beam that’ll eventually be part of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a 14-acre remote outpost that will transport guests to a galaxy far, far away.

    As regular readers know, beam signings are part of a longtime construction tradition at Disney Parks. We’ve shared updates on beam signings for expansions like Pandora – The World of Avatar, plus the Disneyland park site of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park in 2019. The new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is just one element of the multi-year transformation of the park, which also includes Toy Story Land, set to open in the summer of 2018.

  • Transformation Details Revealed for Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

    Transformation Details Revealed for Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

    It’s day three for Disney’s 12 Days of Disney Parks Christmas and it’s time for another exciting new announcement.  Earlier this year we found out that Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World would undergo some transformations. Today we have new colorful details about those enhancements debuting late this summer.

    Caribbean Beach Resort
    Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be reimagined as the port of entry where guests will check in before embarking on their island vacation. This centralized location will offer resort guests more convenient access to services, amenities and dining, including an all-new Centertown Market for casual eats, an all-new Shutters restaurant offering waterfront dining adjacent to the new Banana Cabana outdoor bar and lounge, and Calypso Trading Post for shopping.

    Caribbean Beach Resort
    Centertown Market will be expanded and enclosed, creating a quick-service restaurant with an indoor street market vibe. Guests will enter the space under a large palapa-like structure, accented with glowing colored light pendants made from glass bottles. The market will feature open shutters, wooden light posts, awnings, ornamentation and unique seating areas. Guests will also have access to the Grab n’ Go market for a specialty coffee and quick bites.

    Shutters, a Caribbean-inspired table-service restaurant, will be located on the waterfront of Old Port Royale, transporting guests to a beachfront home in the tropical islands. Large open shutters will allow the sun to cast a warm light into the space adorned with handmade items that appear as they’ve been found on the islands. Leaves and floral design motifs will fill the space, celebrating the natural beauty of the Caribbean.

    Caribbean Beach Resort
    A festive poolside bar, Banana Cabana will be a great place to gather for food and drinks, immersing guests into the fun and relaxation of island life. Cabana-style drapes will flank seating areas and re-purposed steel drums will illuminate a central communal table made from a wooden boat.

    Forget something? No worries! With its history of being the port’s import and export facility, Calypso Trading Post will offer shoppers Disney merchandise and other vacation essentials.

  • Hot New Walt Disney Limited Release MagicBand

    Hot New Walt Disney Limited Release MagicBand

    A special new MagicBand was released Wednesday for Walt Disney’s Birthday. This beautiful purple magic band features Tinker Bell and a black-and-white photo of Walt Disney on one side and his signature on the other.

    This one’s already wildly popular as it’s the first ever MagicBand with Walt on it available for purchase and not promotional use. You’ll feel like the king of Walt Disney World Resort when wearing this limited release MagicBand 2. With a simple touch, redeem FastPass+ selections, enter parks, charge purchases to your room, and much more.

    MagicBands are colorful, waterproof wristbands – resembling a watch or bracelet – that you can quickly and easily touch to a sensor called a ”touch point.” You will receive a MagicBand 2 if you stay at a Disney Resort Hotel in Florida or you are a Walt Disney World Resort Passholder.

    This beauty is available at shopDisney.com for $27.99 and is a very good price for a Limited Edition.  Especially when it has the face of Walt himself.

  • AERIAL PHOTOS: Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios – Construction Update

    AERIAL PHOTOS: Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios – Construction Update

    They’re not playing around on construction as progress on Toy Story Land is really starting to take shape at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Most of the construction can’t be seen by guests, so aerial pics really give some perspective on what progress is being made on the transformation of the former “Hollywood East” park.

    This the most recent look, Cowgirl Jessie and dinosaur Rex were put in place by crane this month and Slinky Dog was recently trucked in too as the 10-acre attraction continues to take shape ahead of its summer 2018 opening.

    These new aerial photos of the Toy Story Land construction site come courtesy of Don Gworek (@bioreconstruct on Twitter) and show progress on the expansion to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

    Unlike the Toy Story Lands found in Paris and Hong Kong, the Orlando version will have a roller coaster themed to Slinky Dog instead of a simple carnival-style ride. The Slinky Dog Dash family coaster looks to be of a similar thrill level as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Magic Kingdom, but with multiple launches instead of a traditional lift hill. The bright red track is nearly finished on the new coaster that will be the central feature in the new land. A large wall is being built behind the coaster that will block views of a castmember parking garage.

    Along with the two new rides, the Toy Story Land will feature a new entrance for Toy Story Mania through what is currently the back of the building. New retail, dining and entertainment is also expected in the land.

  • Passholder Gift: Holiday Magnet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Passholder Gift: Holiday Magnet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    Celebrate this holiday season at Walt Disney World and Jingle All the Way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to pick up your special holiday magnet.

    This passholder freebie is available December 1 through December 17, 2017 at the following merchandise locations while supplies last:

    • Mickey’s of Hollywood
    • Celebrity 5 & 10
    • Once Upon a Time

    While you’re at Hollywood Studios make sure to check out Flurry of Fun featuring the brand-new Sunset Seasons Greetings! Enjoy a holly, jolly celebration with festive shows, enchanting “snows,” holiday decor and much more.

    If you aren’t able to participate in this offering, don’t worry! They are excited to bring more great Passholder offerings next month with the Epcot International Festival of the Arts and more throughout the new year!

    Walt Disney World looks forward to providing a flurry of Passholder fun this holiday season!