Tag: disney world

New Details For Star Wars Resort Planned for Walt Disney World Resort

Disney has revealed more details about its theme park projects around the globe and at the D23 Expo Japan on Sunday, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek, gave us some new details on the upcoming Star Wars themed resort that promises to be ‘Unlike Anything That Exists Today’.

Last summer, Disney announced plans for an immersive Star Wars-inspired resort to be built at Walt Disney World Resort. The company now says that hotel will be “seamlessly connected” to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios set to open in 2019.

This first-of-its-kind resort will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Guests’ journey through space will start when everyone departs together for a multiday Stars Wars adventure by boarding a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy.

At the resort, guests immediately become active citizens of the galaxy and can dress up in the proper attire. Every resort window will also have a view into space. The opportunity for immersion at this resort will also stand out among all Disney resorts around the globe, as it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, allowing guests a total Star Wars experience.

February 12, 2018
New Details For ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Coaster at Epcot Revealed At D23 Expo

At the D23 Expo in Japan on Sunday, Disney revealed plenty of new details about the upcoming additions to its parks. Disney execs shared a first look at Epcot’s highly anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed roller coaster attraction which they describe as one of the biggest indoor coasters ever built.

“With the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’-inspired coaster, we’re going big. This one-of-a-kind family attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters when it’s added to Future World at Epcot.” said Disney reps. It’ll feature a unique story currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering and include a new innovative ride system that’s guaranteed to “wow” guests.

The “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster is part of Disney’s ongoing work to transform Epcot into a place that’s more family, more relevant, more timeless and more Disney.

“As we build upon its core mission of optimism and hope to inspire the world, the real will become fantastic and the fantastic will become real—in whole new ways at Epcot,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said.

The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.

February 12, 2018
Real Squirrel Climbs on Princess Merida While Meeting Guest

A squirrel managed to make its way into Fairytale Garden and climb on to Princess Merida’s dress while guests where in line the for the character experience at Disney’s Magic Kingdom on Thursday.

The squirrels at Disney World are known to be pretty ‘brave’ and one actually decided to make a cameo appearance at Merida’s Meet and Greet. One little guest got to see up close and personal how Disney Princesses truly do have natures touch when it comes to their woodland friends. Take a look at the cute video below:

A guest who was visiting the park snapped a quick video of the moment and posted it on social media and it has received a lot of attention among the Disney fan community.

The guests were giggling and really enjoyed the little bonus interaction and in true form Merida handled it like a highland warrior. She was calm and composed and didn’t break character at all, which would be a difficult feat for anyone, but it still just lends further proof to the argument that Disney Princesses can indeed talk to animals.

February 11, 2018
OFFICAL: Disney World 2018 Ticket Prices Have Been Increased
We reported earlier in the week that Disney World would soon be increasing ticket prices. Today that is official and effective today guests will see the increase when they go to purchase tickets. Disneyland also increased prices and you can find a completed price list here.

Here are the new prices you can find on Disney’s website:

Single Day Tickets

Magic Kingdom
- Value tier increasing from $107 to $109
- Regular tier increasing from $115 to $119
- Peak tier remaining $124 to $129
Park Hopper
- Value tier increasing from $162 to $164
- Regular tier increasing from $170 to $174
- Peak tier increasing from $174 to $184
Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom
- Value tier increasing from $99 to $102
- Regular tier increasing from $107 to $114
- Peak tier increasing from $119 to $122
Multi-Day Tickets

2 days
Increasing from $199 to $209

3 days
Increasing from $289 to $325

4 days
Increasing from $350 to $400

5 days
Increasing from $370 to $415

Annual Pass

Disney Silver Pass
- Increasing from $419 to $439
- Renewal increasing from $356 to $373
Disney Gold Pass
- Increasing from $559 to $589
- Renewal increasing from $475 to 500
Disney Platinum Pass
- Florida resident increasing from $679 to $729
- Florida resident renewal increasing from $653 to $704
- Regular pass increasing from $779 to $849
- Regular pass renewal increasing from $662 to $721
Disney Platinum Plus Pass
- Florida resident increasing from $769 to $829
- Florida resident renewal increasing from $653 to $704
- Regular pass increasing from $869 to $949
- Regular pass renewal increasing from $738 to $806
Since the resort opened in 1971 ticket prices have increased basically annually, save a year here and there so it’s to be expected.

Universal Studios Orlando usually follows right behind so you can expect a price increase from them coming soon after.

later this year, Walt Disney World Resort plans to implement date-based pricing. Given the small percentage of Guests that purchase a 1-day ticket at Walt Disney World, extending pre-published, date-specific pricing to multi-day tickets will further advance our efforts spread to attendance throughout the year and ensure all Guests have a magical experience no matter when they visit.

“Given the small percentage of guests that purchase a 1-day ticket at Walt Disney World, extending pre-published, date-specific pricing to multi-day tickets will further advance our efforts spread to attendance throughout the year,” said Andrea Finger, spokeswoman for Walt Disney World.
February 11, 2018
Steve Harvey Taking His Daytime Talk Show “STEVE” To Walt Disney World

Steve Harvey’s daytime series “STEVE” was picked up for a second season and now it’s is traveling to Walt Disney World Resort for an all-new week of exciting shows set to air March 19 – 23.

The week will feature celebrity families and couples including The Bella Twins, Eric Christian Olsen and Sarah Wright Olsen, Tracey Edmonds and Deion Sanders, Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker as well as celebrities Josh Henderson, Terry Crews and more.

True to “STEVE” form, these special episodes will be filled with exciting games, prizes and giveaways. Viewers will learn about an incredible summer in store for Walt Disney World guests, which includes the opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

One deserving couple will even get the wedding of a lifetime after their hometown wedding landed the bride in the hospital. Throughout the week, the couple’s family and friends will help celebrate with all things Disney to make the couple’s dreams come true.

Steve will also proudly honor students from the 2018 Class of Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine. Disney Dreamers Academy is an annual empowerment program featuring 100 select high school students from across the country who are looking to dream big and learn how to put dreams into action. The academy aims to prepare students for the future by developing networking and interviewing skills and showcasing a variety of career opportunities.

“STEVE” will tape March 9 -11 before a live studio audience from Epcot at Walt Disney World. This is the first time the show has visited Walt Disney World and the first time the show has taped from a remote location since its premiere this past fall.

February 10, 2018
Disney World Raises Ticket Prices For 2018
Attendance at Walt Disney World theme parks was down in 2017, but Disney is still expected to see a gain in profits. And as expected Disney’s annual ticket price increase will be coming soon.

Online reports have been circulating showing what the expected increases will look like and they could be coming as soon as this Sunday, February 11.

Disney has yet to confirm any pricing but here’s what you might see:

Single Day Tickets

Magic Kingdom
- Value tier increasing from $107 to $109
- Regular tier increasing from $115 to $119
- Peak tier remaining $124 to $129
Park Hopper
- Value tier increasing from $162 to $164
- Regular tier increasing from $170 to $174
- Peak tier increasing from $174 to $184
Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom
- Value tier increasing from $99 to $102
- Regular tier increasing from $107 to $114
- Peak tier increasing from $119 to $122
Multi-Day Tickets

2 days
Increasing from $199 to $209

3 days
Increasing from $289 to $325

4 days
Increasing from $350 to $400

5 days
Increasing from $370 to $415

Annual Pass

Disney Silver Pass
- Increasing from $419 to $439
- Renewal increasing from $356 to $373
Disney Gold Pass
- Increasing from $559 to $589
- Renewal increasing from $475 to 500
Disney Platinum Pass
- Florida resident increasing from $679 to $729
- Florida resident renewal increasing from $653 to $704
- Regular pass increasing from $779 to $849
- Regular pass renewal increasing from $662 to $721
Disney Platinum Plus Pass
- Florida resident increasing from $769 to $829
- Florida resident renewal increasing from $653 to $704
- Regular pass increasing from $869 to $949
- Regular pass renewal increasing from $738 to $806
Since the resort opened in 1971 ticket prices have increased basically annually, save a year here and there so it’s to be expected.

Universal Studios Orlando usually follows right behind so you can expect a price increase from them coming soon after.
February 8, 2018
New Concept Artwork For Toy Story Land’s Alien Swirling Saucers
Will You Be “Chosen” by the Claw? When you ride Alien Swirling Saucers after Toy Story Land Opens this summer you just might get the chance.

Here’s a first glimpse at the latest concept artwork for the attraction.

With blockbuster expansion continuing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney is rolling out the red carpet for the new Toy Story Land opening this summer. Guests will get to play big in Andy’s backyard and also get to ride big on two family-friendly attractions planned for the new land and one popular fan favorite.

Inside a play set that Andy won at Pizza Planet, the Aliens will power up their flying saucers and spin you on a wild ride into space! You’ll get to climb into a toy rocket and hang on as aliens lead the way on an interstellar romp set to an intergalactic soundtrack of electronic space music. And if you’re really lucky, you just might get “chosen” by the claw!

For more about Toy Story Land, visit the posts below:
February 8, 2018
BREAKING: Hollywood Studios Name Will NOT Change In The Foreseeable Future

With rumors swirling around about the future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a possible name change, Disney finally addressed the issue in a recent statement. Disney put the rumors to rest stating that the parks name will not be changing.

“In response to questions we have been receiving, we also want to let fans know that the Disney’s Hollywood Studios name will remain the same for the foreseeable future since we are immersing our guests in a place where imagined worlds of Hollywood unfold around them from movies and music, to television and theater”, the company said in a statement.

Rumors of a name change for Disney’s Hollywood studios have persisted since Disney CEO Bob Iger, not so subtly, hinted about it at a shareholder meeting back in 2015.

“It’s not announced. We used to be MGM Studios, we changed to Hollywood Studios and we’re doing some significant work there right now that I guess will result in a name change,” Iger said at the meeting. “We’ll announce that we’re changing the name, but we won’t announce what we’re changing it to. How’s that?” he continued.

So the “foreseeable future” still doesn’t mean they won’t be changing the name one day. We still know that with the evolving nature of the park a name change may still be the park’s future.

Toy Story Land is scheduled to open this summer at Hollywood Studios, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens in 2019 and neither of those projects had been announced when Iger made his off the cuff statement.

We know that the idea has been seriously considered by Disney, because back in August several Disney fans had received a survey asking their opinions of several potential new names for the park. The internet blew up last week with speculation that “Cinemagine Park” had been settled on, from that list, as the parks new name. Perhaps Disney didn’t like the survey results or maybe it was the reaction to the possible name choice that was floating around. In either case it’s clear that Disney doesn’t want possible name change to be a distraction to all of the upcoming changes.

If Disney really wanted to make it clear the name would remain the same indefinitely, they might have chosen different language for their statement. But for now everyone can rest easy that “Cinemagine Park” is not the new name of the Park. Perhaps Disney feels the Hollywood name does fit the future of the park, but only time will tell.

February 7, 2018
Hot New Colors and Dooney & Bourke Designs Highlight New MagicBands

Last month Disney released a brand new MagicBand color, millennial pink, and now there are two more exciting colors to introduce, as well as several new designs based on some of your favorite Disney films.

With Walt Disney’s timeless classic “Peter Pan” marking its 65th anniversary this month, they are rolling out our latest color, navy blue, in a design that features the London night sky – plus a bit of pixie dust. This MagicBand is currently available online at shopDisney and will be in stores Feb. 9 and retails for $22.99 plus tax.

A second new color, cream, will be available on a limited release Dooney & Bourke MagicBand that will come in specialty suitcase-themed packaging and may be purchased exclusively in the theme parks for $48 plus tax.

Another Dooney & Bourke-branded MagicBand, with a limited edition size of 500, will be offered at the 10th Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend expo beginning on Feb. 22 while supplies last for $48 plus tax.

The highly-anticipated Marvel Studios film, “Black Panther,” hits theaters on Feb. 16 and we’re celebrating its release with this super new MagicBand. The MagicBand has a limited edition size of 2,500 and will be available for purchase while supplies last online and in stores beginning Feb. 16 for $32.99 plus tax.

Other new MagicBand releases for February feature designs inspired by “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” including one of my personal favorites, a glow-in-the-dark Oogie Boogie-themed black MagicBand. These MagicBands will be available for purchase beginning Feb. 12 online and in stores Feb. 16.

Don’t forget, the MagicBand is your key to unlocking your Disney vacation and connects you to the choices you make in My Disney Experience – from effortless theme park entry to Disney PhotoPass association, FastPass+ redemption, room entry with Online Check-In Service and more.

Which MagicBand are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!

February 6, 2018
Eagles Star Quarterback Nick Foles Celebrates Super Bowl Title at Walt Disney World

It was a fairytale scene Monday, complete with its own castle, as Super Bowl hero Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles starred in a milestone moment – a celebratory “I’m Going to Disney World!” parade down Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park.

In front of the majesty of Cinderella Castle the day after the Eagles’ 41-33 improbable Super Bowl victory, park guests and Eagles fans lined the famous street as a smiling Foles waved from a float he shared with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other beloved Disney characters. Balloons and a blizzard of confetti in the Eagles’ team colors completed the happy scene.

“World champions,” shouted Foles. “To be at Disney World is unbelievable.”

Afterward, Nick Foles and the gang spent some time enjoying Disney World, experiencing several signature Disney attractions and interacting with Mickey and Minnie.

It was a magical experience for the hero of Super Bowl LII who passed for three touchdowns and caught a fourth touchdown pass (unprecedented for a quarterback in Super Bowl history) in Philadelphia’s upset victory on Sunday night in Minneapolis. A backup quarterback for most of the season, Foles stepped into the starter’s role in December and turned in a stunning performance in Sunday’s big game. His heroics helped him deliver Eagles fans their first world championship in franchise history and earned Foles the game’s Most Valuable Player award.

After the Super Bowl victory, Foles looked into the TV cameras and announced he was “Going to Disney World,” an iconic line that is part of a TV ad airing nationally.

Foles’ trip Monday to Walt Disney World Resort continued a rich Disney history that began in 1987 when New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms first uttered those famous words “I’m Going to Disney World!” Thirty-one years later, the post-championship celebrations that take place at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Resort in California remain an enduring reminder of the power of magic that happens at Disney Parks.

February 6, 2018