A worker died after falling at a construction site behind the France pavilion in the Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World, according to Orange County Sheriff’s officials.
58-year-old George Grimes fell shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday. Deputies did not specify what the man was doing when he fell.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of one of our team members in a tragic accident,” the company said in a statement “We are working closely with the local authorities.”
The Reedy Creek Fire Department said the man died at the scene. No additional details were available.
Only a select few restaurants are approved and highly rated with either the prestigious AAA Diamond or Forbes Travel Guide Stars awards each year. Friday, Disney announced that Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has once again received these impressive accolades for 2019.
Victoria & Albert’s has received the renowned AAA Five Diamond Award each year since 2000 and, for the second year, the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award. Victoria & Albert’s is the only restaurant in the state of Florida to be awarded both the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards – with only 26 other restaurants in the Unites States holding both awards. 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.
AAA rates and approves nearly 32,000 restaurants throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Only 0.2 percent of the restaurants are awarded the AAA Five Diamond rating and 2.1 percent receive the AAA Four Diamond. These ratings represent a combination of overall food, service, décor, and ambiance.
Out of the over 1,600 restaurants across the globe rated by Forbes Travel Guide, only 69 restaurants received the preeminent Five-Star rating. Forbes Travel Guide’s expert inspectors anonymously test each restaurant against up to 900 rigorous standards. Only the best of the best achieves the esteemed Five-Star rating.
A variety of new experiences – from art classes and fishing excursions, to pirate experiences and mermaid schools and more – are already, or will soon be, available to book at Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Here’s a look at each new guest offering:
Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Ahoy, mateys! Reservations are now open for a new group experience that invites young recruits ages 4-12 into the world of pirate feasting and treasure seeking, high-energy sailin’ and swashbucklin’ fun. The new Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew at Disney’s Beach Club Resort teaches youngsters pirate ways, and lets them follow clues that will lead to hidden treasure and being named to Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew. Armed with clues, young buccaneers will comb through the resort and set sail on a pontoon boat around Crescent Lake, in the latest seafaring adventure at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Once the treasure is unearthed, all join in a Pirate feast that includes selections such as Cannon Meatballs with marinara or macaroni and “gold” sauce for entrees, along with a treasure chest treat or fruit for dessert. Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew is priced at $55 per child (plus tax); the adventures begin April 28. For more information or to book a reservation, call 407-824-KIDS.
Mermaid School
Guests can become part of Ariel’s world at the Mermaid School at select Walt Disney World resort hotels. Guests ages 4 and older can enjoy an hour-long class where they’ll be fitted with a swimmable “tail” and led through activities teaching them how to swim in a pool like a mermaid. Mermaid School will be offered on select dates at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Classes are $50/person (plus tax). Bookings will open mid-March.
Cabanas at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
Reservations are open for rentals of the new poolside cabanas at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, where guests can indulge in the lap of luxury. These private hideaways exclusive to Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts provide guests with a bevy of services, including:
Padded furniture (chairs and couch)
Dedicated Disney cast member service
Cocktail service
Mounted television with cable access
Complimentary sunscreen and other skincare products
Mini-refrigerator stocked with complimentary soda and water
Complimentary fruit tray
Plush towels
Lockable cabinet
Charging outlets for mobile devices
These new cabanas are exclusively for guests staying at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Reservations for half and full day rentals are now open for dates beginning March 17.
New Art Programs
All-new master classes led by professional artists at select Walt Disney World resort hotels will have guests creating their own masterpieces. Classes range from $35 (plus tax) to $50 (plus tax) per person, offered to ages 12 and older for most experiences.
The artful lineup will include:
Win, Paint, Show at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Wild About Painting, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Painting on de’ Bayou (adults), Painting by the Lagoon (kids), Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter Resort. NOTE: children’s painting class is $30 per person (plus tax); designed for ages 6 and older; accompanying parent required.
Painting in the Vineyard, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
Canvas and Wine Glass Painting on the Boards, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
Fishing Excursions
Whether a seasoned sportsman or amateur angler, guided excursions or dockside fishing in the waterways of Walt Disney World Resort are great fun for guests of all ages. Aboard a 21-foot SunTracker pontoon (up to five guests) or a tournament-style NITRO bass-fishing boat (for one or two participants), teeming Disney waters are an angler’s dream. Outings (two or four hours) are catch-and-release. The fleet has been joined by a new NITRO ZV21, operating out of the Magic Kingdom marinas.
Disney Parks announced today it will open Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ahead of schedule at Disneyland Park in California on May 31 and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on Aug. 29.
On opening day for phase one, guests will be transported to the remote planet of Batuu, full of unique sights, sounds, smells and tastes. Guests can become part of the story as they sample galactic food and beverages, explore an intriguing collection of merchant shops and take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
Phase two, opening later this year, will be Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the most ambitious, immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined, which will place guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance and will blur the lines between fantasy and reality. In light of tremendous demand, Disney made the decision to open the land in phases to allow guests to sooner enjoy the one-of-a-kind experiences that make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge so spectacular.
Guests planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park between May 31 and June 23, 2019, will need valid theme park admission and will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access the land. Information on how to make a reservation will be available at a later date. Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels during these dates will receive a designated reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered guest); valid theme park admission is required.
Once guests step foot on Batuu, they will be part of the action as it unfolds around them. They may choose to aid a smuggler, join the Resistance or pledge their loyalty to the First Order. In this all-new environment, guests can make choices about their experience that could impact their adventures as they travel throughout the land by using the Play Disney Parks mobile app in a whole new way. This depth of storytelling is part of the total immersion that will distinguish the two, 14-acre lands – the largest and most technologically advanced single-themed land expansions ever in a Disney park – from any other themed land in history.
The new lands build off decades of collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm Ltd., a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production, including the Star Wars franchise. The work on Star Wars between these two creative powerhouses dates back to 1987, when the groundbreaking Star Tours attraction opened at Disneyland Park in California.
A new generation of Audio-Animatronic’s are being introduced into Disney Parks and this new iteration of the technology will be bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life in a whole new way!
A1000 advanced robotics are the next evolution of the A100 Audio-Animatronic figures that were first introduced by Walt Disney Imagineering in the mid-1980s. This standardized system for building humanoid robotic figures incorporates new electric functionality, replacing former hydraulic functions, producing extremely realistic, lifelike movement. Future figures in humanoid form can all use this system to ensure the same degree of realism and advanced levels of movement.
The advanced figures that were developed for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – like this animated figure of Hondo Ohnaka from the Star Wars animated television series – are a hybrid of A1000 technology enhanced with custom-built elements. Take a look at the video below:
The character can be seen talking and gesturing, and had the video not shown footage of the animatronic figure being assembled, it could easily be mistaken for a human being in make-up.
Hondo Ohnaka is a part of a ride called Smuggler’s Run and will presumably give you your mission briefing before you board the Millennium Falcon. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at California’s Disneyland Resort in summer 2019 and Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort in fall 2019.
Nancy Clancy, the high-spirited young girl from Disney Junior’s hit animated series “Fancy Nancy,” is making “une grande entrée” into Disney Parks this spring!
Just in time for the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1, you’ll be able to find Nancy at an all-new character greeting location in the park’s Animation Courtyard, where she’ll be meeting all her friends in front of her backyard playhouse. Nancy will also soon be part of the breakfast-time fun during Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine, the place to eat, play and laugh along with favorite Disney Junior friends including Vampirina, Doc McStuffins and Roadster Racer Goofy.
Later in May, Nancy will be heading to Disneyland Resort, too! There, you’ll get to see her just outside the “Disney Junior Dance Party!” in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park.
Disney Junior’s animated family comedy “Fancy Nancy” follows six-year-old Nancy, whose imagination and enthusiasm for all that is exquisite transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary – from her vast vocabulary to her creative and elaborate attire. Nancy uses ingenuity and resourcefulness to exemplify that even if life doesn’t always go as planned, it’s important to make the most of each day and encourage others to do the same.
“Fancy Nancy” airs weekdays on Disney Channel and daily on Disney Junior, and is also available in the DisneyNOW app.
If you’re looking for a Tour that is out of this Galaxy, then look no further than the Star Wars Guided Tour offered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
This tour gets you exclusive, VIP access to everything Star Wars Hollywood Studios has to offer, with some backstage magic thrown in. Be ready to start early because this tour starts with a 7:30am check-in time, at the front of Hollywood Studios. You’ll be given a personalized lanyard and a listening device to wear around your neck so won’t miss any of the details provided by your two tour guides.
Personalized Lanyard: EKVwithKimberly
Our first stop was launching into hyperspace aboard a Starspeeder 1000 on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. We were the first guests to ride that day and our guides took time to show us all the hidden Easter eggs in the ride queue. I don’t want to give away too much, but we even got a backstage peek at the inner workings of the ride!
After our Starspeeder landed safely we had a private screening of the movie, ‘Star Wars: Path of the Jedi,’ which is currently not available to regular guests.
Then we headed over to the Launch Bay for some character meet and greets. While we were waiting we got harassed by a couple First Order Storm Troopers, so make sure you keep your identification with you at all times!
In the Star Wars launch bay we met Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, and BB-8. All without a wait. Chewbacca gives the best hugs! Kylo Ren is a little intimidating, and BB-8 is super cute. He IS the droid you’ve been looking for! During his meet and greet the Cast Members help translate and he interacts with each guest differently.
Before leaving the Launch Bay our guides gave us a private tour of the exhibits featuring replica props, models, concept art and artifacts from the movies; some of which are on loan from Lucas Films.
If you lean toward the Dark Side you’ll love the next part of the tour. We were invited to be part of the March of the First Order! As Captain Phasma and her Storm Trooper guards made their way down Hollywood Boulevard we marched behind them; all the way to a reserved viewing area for the live stage show.
After the show it’s time to sink your jawas into a delicious meal at Backlot Express. Lunch includes reserved seating and any non-alcoholic drink of your choice. As a thank you for restoring freedom to your galaxy you will receive a souvenir of your tour to commemorate your adventures. During lunch you’ll also get another surprise character interaction. These characters can be a little demanding when it comes to pledging your loyalty, so make sure you know if you’re Dark side or Light side!
When
lunch is over it’s time to be Kylo Ren-dered speechless while
witnessing another live stage show; ‘Star
Wars:
A Galaxy Far, Far Away. This show features all your favorite
characters, past and present, including Darth Vader, Rey, and Darth
Mal.
Now, if you have younglings ages 4 through 12 in your party, this is the time for them to participate in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Normally you have to sign up for this experience, and slots fill up very fast, but you’re guaranteed a spot for all Padawan’s on the Star Wars Guided Tour.
Later
in the evening you get to experience the last part of this Out of
This World Guided Tour – a reserved viewing of the obi-wan and only
Star
Wars:
A Galactic Spectacular nighttime fireworks event where you’ll be
front and center with the best view in the park for the fireworks.
The Details:
I
have to say that you can definitely enjoy the full Force of Star Wars
fun happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with this all-access
tour. If you have Star Wars fans in your party it’s worth of the cost
of $99 per person.
**
$99 (with tax) for Adults & Kids **
Right now, during the introductory period, AP Holders and DVC members
can receive a 15% discount. **
Tours are not available on Sundays. **
Admission to Hollywood Studios is not included in the price.
A new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location is set to open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa this summer in order to provide more royal transformations than ever before.
The new boutique – the third of its kind at Walt Disney World – will be located inside what’s currently the Ivy Trellis Salon, which will relocate into Senses – A Disney Spa.
Also based on the popularity of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom Park, work will begin this spring to expand the location, adding more chairs, a very special magic mirror, and a transformation experience that will help guests choose the perfect outfits and accessories. The Magic Kingdom Park location will remain open during these enhancements and existing reservations will not be affected.
In case you aren’t familiar, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations currently exist at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney Springs, and pair up young guests age 3-12 with Fairy Godmothers-in-Training, who give them magical makeovers beyond their wildest Disney dreams, turning them into princesses or gallant knights.
A variety of royal transformations are available and may include hairstyling, nail polish, accessories, gowns and more, depending on the package guests choose.
Stay tuned to the Disney Dorks for future updates on the new location’s opening.
If you’re a fan of taking cute pics with character-themed treats, then you’ll be excited to learn that Disney has released a new ‘Adventure is Out There’ cone that will feally lift you Up!
The “Adventure is Out There” Cone is a blue sugar cone topped with mango soft-serve and a candy balloon piece. The balloons are made of yummy milk chocolate set on a white chocolate cloud.
This new cone can be found at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies for $5.29 and it will have you flying through Tomorrowland to try it.
So, what are you waiting for? Now More Than Ever is the time to get snackin’ at Magic Kingdom Park!
The ongoing evolution of Epcot includes plans “BIG plans” andtoday, Disney announced several new enhancements for the park, including a new “play pavilion” set to replace area previously known as Wonders of Life.
The new pavilion in development will include first-of-their-kind experiences devoted to playful fun, inviting guests into an innovative, interactive city bursting with games and hands-on activities. Friends and family will interact with favorite Disney characters in an energetic metropolis unlike anything ever seen before at Epcot. The as-yet-unnamed space will come to life under the vast dome of the pavilion previously known as Wonders of Life (more recently the Festival Center) and will debut to guests in time for the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary.
“This innovative, new pavilion is beyond anything we’ve ever created and is completely unique to Epcot,” said Zach Riddley, portfolio executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Built on the power of play, it introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. This is an experience worthy of our bold vision for Epcot – and another signature element of our transformation.”
Two more exciting new projects were also revealed today:
Changes are coming to the Epcot main entrance, where the plaza will welcome guests with new pathways, sweeping green spaces and a newly reimagined fountain. This new design will pay homage to the original park entrance with fresh takes on classic elements. As part of this new entry experience, Leave A Legacy photos will move into a beautiful setting just outside the park’s gateway. Additional significant redevelopment will begin between Spaceship Earth and World Showcase Promenade; more details about the transformation of this area will be announced at a later date.
Guests will be able to visualize the exciting plans for Epcot when doors open later this year on a new Experience Center in the Odyssey Events Pavilion. They will discover engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy and excitement driving the future of the park all throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.
“Epcot is beloved for its focus on imagination, innovation, fun, food and family,” said George A. Kalogridis, president, Walt Disney World Resort. “It’s a timeless place where the real is made fantastic through the magic of Disney. It has a very bright future ahead and the best part is that we’ve only just begun to dream.”
These new announcements join other projects already underway as part of the Epcot evolution. Larger-than-life Super Heroes will descend upon the park with the opening of a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction. This new experience will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world and feature a brand-new ride system when it opens in 2021.
Other exciting new developments underway at Epcot include:
“Beauty and the Beast” sing-along in the France pavilion, showing in addition to the pavilion’s current film, Impressions de France
Circle-Vision 360 film for the China pavilion and updated O Canada! 360-degree show
Signature Dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of Japan
Space-themed table-service restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE, inviting guests to travel high above the earth for an unforgettable dining experience
Epcot Forever, a 2019 limited-time nighttime experience over World Showcase Lagoon set to classic Epcot tunes, followed by an all-new nighttime spectacular debuting in 2020.
