Riders on the recently opened Skyliner gondola ride at Walt Disney World were stranded for hours late Saturday night after an apparent malfunction, according to witnesses and social media posts.
A Walt Disney World spokeswoman confirmed there was an issue and said there are no reported injuries. There was “unexpected downtime” on the Skyliner, the spokeswoman said.
Riders were starting to be evacuated from the ride after 11 p.m.
As of midnight, Disney offered no new details on what happened and did not confirm that riders had been taken off the gondolas.
Reedy Creek officials are on the scene on Epcot Resorts Drive, along with fire trucks from Orange and Osceola counties. That is adjacent to the system’s line that connects Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort with Epcot. It also runs through a station for Disney’s Riviera Resort, a Disney Vacation Club offering scheduled to debut in December. It is the longest line on the system, which opened last week.
Guests who purchase the Memory Maker option at Walt Disney World Resort can now purchase a Disney PhotoPass Archive USB Drive.
With this new product, all of your Disney PhotoPass photos and videos viewable in your Disney account at the time of purchase are loaded onto a USB drive that’s easy to store and share.
So when you get home from vacation, you won’t have to worry about downloading your photos before they expire or trying to figure out where to store them. No copying and pasting or dragging and dropping! All you have to do is plug in your USB and relive the magic. There’s no easier way to preserve and enjoy your treasured Disney PhotoPass memories.
Unless you have a Disney World Annual Pass you should make final arrangements to purchase Memory Maker at least three days prior to your vacation at the advance purchase price of $169 or you can purchase Memory Maker after your vacation for $199.
The Disney PhotoPass Archive USB is available for $34.95, plus applicable taxes and shipping fees, only at Disneyworld.com/PhotoPass and only for guests with Memory Maker or a Walt Disney World Resort Annual Pass with a Disney PhotoPass download benefit.
$19.99. That’s right, your favorite Walt Disney World Resort Rapid Fill refillable mug has just gone up in price… Again. Okay, so it only went up a dollar, but it’s a pretty steep price at nearly twenty bucks.
Originally they had pricing tiers depending on how many days you were staying, which was nice for guest who were only staying a day or two, but since May 2015 only a “length of stay” option has been available. The price has been set at $18.99 since December 2017.
As the name implies, the Length of Stay price is the same regardless of whether your Resort stay is one night, two weeks, or any length of time in between. Guests are entitled to unlimited free refills on fountain drinks, coffee, and tea from self-service beverage locations at Disney resorts for their length of stay.
Refillable mugs are provided to guests that have purchased one of the Disney Dining Plans, but for other guests the price for a refillable mug is now $19.99 for the length of stay.
The mugs can be refilled with fountain beverages, coffee, and tea at any resort self-service beverage location. The refillable mugs are purchased or redeemed at the quick service location at each Disney resort. You will find different colors to choose from. The cast member will activate the mug and then you are able to use it at the Rapid Fill location, which is also usually also located inside the quick service location, or in some cases the resort gift shop. You hold your cup under your drink selection of choice and it will fill up the cup.
Leave us a comment if you remember the days before the RFID chip when people would just bring their favorite mug and fill it up as they pleased?
Epcot is going to be seeing some out of this world changes in the next couple years! So, to help showcase these changes, the Odyssey building has been transformed into ‘Walt Disney Imagineering presents The Epcot Experience,’ which opened October 1st.
This new space is a must-see! Inside the Epcot Experience, which is on your left as you enter the World Showcase from Future World, you’ll find a 360 degree screen that plays a 12 minute movie that will completely immerse you in all the details – such as swirling cherry blossoms, a night sky full of floating lanterns, and booming fireworks. In the middle of this space is a 3-D model of all the areas in Epcot that will be effected. As the movie progresses thru all the changes that area of the map lights up and the entire model changes depending on what attraction they’re focusing on. For example, during the Ratatouille portion the whole map reflects that theme. The glass pyramid and Spaceship Earth both look like giant pieces of cheese, and little mouse shaped ride vehicles move through the map.
The movie begins with vintage footage of Walt reminding us that “the heart of everything we’ll be doing at Disneyworld will be…” Epcot. EPCOT will soon be labeled with four new neighborhoods. Each one will speak to important aspects of the world and it’s people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery.
World Nature: Dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty and balance of Nature
This is the area that includes The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilions.
Journey of Water, Inspired by “Moana” will be the first experience inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film. This lush exploration trail will invite you to meet and play with magical, living water. The water will have a life of its own – just like Moana’s friend, the ocean – and you’ll learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.
World Discovery: Where Science , technology, and Space come to life
This is the area that includes Test Track
The PLAY! pavilion will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. In this digital metropolis, you’ll discover an interactive city bursting with games, activities and experiences that connect you with friends, family and beloved Disney characters – both real and virtual – like never before. As part of this new pavilion, you’ll have the chance to help legendary fashion icon Edna Mode on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style, or make a splash competing in a water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, and Louie.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewindwill be the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at Epcot. The adventure starts in the “Galaxarium,” a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth’s galaxy and Xandar. You will be invited to learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share – until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue. The attraction will feature a new innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering – a storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus your attention on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
World Celebration: Will offer new experiences that connect us to one another and the world around us
The iconic Spaceship Earth will remain a voyage through time as the journey transforms to reflect the power of storytelling to unite the human experience. New narration and an entirely new musical score will focus on the moments and ideas that define our story. You will follow a magical “story light” that brings the entire experience to life in dynamic ways, giving each scene energy and beauty that ties the entire journey together.
The narration during this part of the show is very vague, only saying it’s “A journey you may know well.” The only imagery during this portion is a night sky full of lanterns and floating faces of different ethnicities. The music and faces made me feel like I was riding through the ending of ‘Living With The Land.” All of this leads me to believe that Spaceship Earth is certainly going to be completely re-themed – so die hard Spaceship Earth fans should start preparing themselves for that now.
World Showcase: Will remain a celebration of culture, cuisine, and traditions – infused with new magic
In the China pavilion, “Wondrous China” will take guests on a spectacular journey across the country, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.
In summer 2020, the France pavilion will offer even more for you to discover, including the much-anticipated attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, where you’ll shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure.
The United Kingdom pavilion will welcome the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins. You will step in time down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom’s house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family, where your adventure will begin.
In 2020, following the limited-time run of “Epcot Forever,” the new “HarmonioUS” will debut as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, carrying you away harmoniously on a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. “HarmonioUS” will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.
Watching this part of the show gave me goosebumps. I am SO excited for HarmonioUS! Expect a change from the message of Illuminations, as it seems like the new show will be centered around Disney movie music.
Before you leave the Epcot Experience make sure that you check out all the ride posters and Photo Ops! There are old attractions that aren’t around any more, current, and upcoming attractions to see. The Photo Ops put you in the middle of all four new rides – Ratatouille, Guardian’s of the Galaxy, Mary Poppins, and the re-imagined Spaceship Earth.
If you want to check out all the new experiences coming to Epcot make sure you contact me at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly to book your next Disney trip!
The brand new fireworks show, ‘Epcot Forever‘ was unveiled last night, and we can report that this nighttime spectacular is a Showstopper! Get ready, because this show is packed with new special effects and plenty of nostalgic music for long time Epcot fans.
The music in Epcot Forever will take you on a journey through the past, present, and future of this amazing theme park. There are new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes threaded throughout the show, such as “One Little Spark” and “Tomorrow’s Child.” The music was performed by a talented choir of singers from across Central Florida, and recorded by the legendary London Symphony Orchestra at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios.
I was blown away by the new special effects kites! As the music from Soarin’ plays you see individual kites being pulled around World Showcase Lagoon with beautiful, color changing tails. Later in the show you see groups of 5 white kites that shoot sparklers as they glide though the air. The kites are impressive in size – you can even hear the tails rippling in the air as they pass! Epcot Forever also has a lot of fireworks than the previous show, Illuminations.
Epcot Forever runs about 12 minutes long, and you can view it anywhere throughout Epcot that offers a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon. My favorite spot is La Cantina de San Angel, the quick service restaurant in Mexico. If you can snag a seat next to railing you’ll have a great view of the show, and you can enjoy a delicious margarita while you watch!
Epcot Forever will only be shown for a limited-time before “HarmonioUS” starts in May of 2020, so make sure you plan a trip to see it soon! Contact me at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Kimberly for a Free quote for your next Disney vacation!
Across the canvas of a darkened sky, the new “Epcot Forever” nighttime spectacular debuting today at Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the past, present and future of Epcot.
The new show is a showcase of soaring fireworks, inspiring music, lasers and colorful glowing kites flying above and around the park’s World Showcase Lagoon.
As the dramatic curtain-closer to each theme park day, the show takes guests on an emotional journey set to stirring renditions of Epcot music that guests will know and love. It will stoke fond memories from the park’s history and spur excitement for the bright future of Epcot – a future filled with new attractions and experiences as part of a multiyear transformation already underway.
“Epcot Forever” exemplifies the park’s founding principles – innovation, exploration, imagination and celebration. Children sing of “one little spark of inspiration” as guests marvel at fireworks that pinwheel, corkscrew and explode in giant aerial starbursts. As colorful pyrotechnics dance across the heavens, the Epcot story plays out to a grand orchestral soundtrack. Noted conductor and composer Don Harper produced new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes to thread through the show.
Future World pavilions past and present inspire familiar themes, building to Epcot’s grandest moments. In one sequence, uplifting music from Soarin’ Around the World cues dazzling LED kites to crisscross the sky in a kaleidoscopic effect. Guests also will recognize cherished music from Epcot spectacles of the past, including the “Tapestry of Nations” parade.
Approaching its dramatic conclusion, the show pivots from the park’s familiar music to a new verse of “One Little Spark” celebrating the future of Epcot yet to come. As the music and fireworks build, “One Little Spark” transitions to a spectacular finale that brightens the sky one last time with fireworks and special effects.
“Epcot Forever” is set to perform into 2020, leading to the park’s next nighttime spectacular, “HarmonioUS.”
Jermaine Bell and his family were rewarded a VIP getaway to Walt Disney World after Bell used the money he was saving for a trip to help Dorian victims and over the weekend the 7-year-old finally made it to Disney World.
Over the weekend, Walt Disney World Resort rolled out the red carpet for Jermaine and his family, as they visited all four Walt Disney World theme parks and even took in a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park.
For Jermaine, a highlight of his trip was visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where he experienced Kilimanjaro Safaris, received a private tour lead by Disney Animal Programs, watched “Festival of the Lion King” (and was surprised with a private meet and greet with the cast after the show), and also attended “Rivers of Light.”
According to Jermaine’s mother, Lauren Creech, her son’s generosity came as no surprise – but the reaction to it did.
“In our family, we are givers and it just makes me overjoyed to see that at such an early age that he has grasped those values,” she said.
A few park guests even recognized Jermaine during his visit, a fact that his mother said was a true highlight for her.
“I think that’s the biggest thing,” Lauren said. “There’s no way we could’ve known that something as simple as him being generous would’ve blown up and affected so many people.”
As part of Disney’s commitment to environmental stewardship they began eliminating single-use plastic straws at Disney Parks last April. The alternative, paper straws… And for those who aren’t fond of them, you’ll be excited to find out that Disney has released another reusable straw just in time for Halloween time.
The Sleepy Hallow “Pumpkin Straw” is reusable and can be found at several ice cream carts throughout Animal Kimgdom.
The straw has Ichabod Crane’s charred pumpkin head and is made of rubber. It has flashing lights inside the pumpkin head with three different settings and it will only set you back about $4.00.
Last July, Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products said, “Eliminating plastic straws and other plastic items are meaningful steps in our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Yesterday, Disney shared the first look at the first Disney Skyliner merchandise inspired by artwork similar to what will be featured on the gondolas.
The new collection offers something for every member of the family, including t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, pins, MagicBands, Christmas ornaments, toys and more.
We’re just a few days away from the official September 29 opening of the Disney Skyliner and no Disney Transportation system would be complete with out new merch! Take a look below at all the offerings:
Skyliner Tees and Hoodies
Skyliner Hat
Skyliner Mug
Skyliner MagicBands
Disney Pins and Buttons
Christmas Ornaments
Merchandise will be available at these locations:
International Gateway at Epcot
Mickey’s of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Merchandise will also be available at the new Disney’s Riviera Resort when it opens later this year!
The magical gondola system will offer guests transportation between Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot and select Disney World resort hotels.
Excited to finally get a bird’s eye view of Walt Disney World? Well, magic will soon be in the air at the Resort when the new Disney Skyliner transportation system opens to guests this Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019.
We were invited to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort yesterday for a special dedication moment for the complimentary new transportation system. The festivities featured Disney characters, fireworks and more in honor of this “most magical flight on Earth.”
Take a look at this video below to see some of the fun:
Disney Skyliner connects Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to four Disney resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the forthcoming Disney’s Riviera Resort, a Disney Vacation Club resort set to open Dec. 16, 2019. The system serves as a magic carpet, floating guests through the air aboard approximately 300 gondolas, nearly half of which are wrapped in whimsical Disney scenes of beloved characters, fan-favorite movies, theme park attractions and more.
While riding Disney Skyliner, guests are treated to never-before-seen views of Walt Disney World Resort as they float along the treetops and waterways alike. The system provides bird’s-eye vantage points of Disney icons such as the Hollywood Tower Hotel and Spaceship Earth.
