Category Disney World

Apr 6 2015

What’s On The Agenda For Star Wars Weekends 2015

Star Wars Weekends

It’s hard to believe that in just a few short weeks Star Wars Weekends will be returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. If you haven’t been to this event before, it is a one-of-kind extravaganza for fans of the super popular Star Wars franchise. Filled with celebrity appearances, special experiences, unique merchandise, tasty treats, and favorite classics, Star Wars Weekends is sure to be a hit with the Star Wars junkie in your family. Here’s what is on the agenda for this years celebration courtesy of WDW News:

Beginning May 15, 2015, the Force returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as Star Wars Weekends combines the fun and adventure of the Star Wars franchise with the magic of Disney Parks.

This year’s event welcomes a new show, “Star Wars: Rebels,” new locations for autograph sessions and merchandise and several Star Wars luminaries making their first hyperspace jump to Star Wars Weekends.

Bringing Walt Disney World Resort guests as close to the Force as they can get, Star Wars Weekends features more than 60 Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, a Star Wars motorcade, the “Symphony in the Stars” nighttime fireworks spectacular saluting iconic sounds of the films, event-exclusive merchandise at Darth’s Mall, Star Wars-inspired dining offerings and specialty food and beverages, interactive activities, and more every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) May 15-June 14, 2015.

Highlighting the event, Star Wars celebrities, including returning favorites and event newcomers, will appear in star conversations, talk shows, autograph sessions, and the motorcades each weekend. Bringing his evil prowess to Star Wars Weekends for the first time, actor Ian McDiarmid, Senator/Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars movies, will kick off Weekend I May 15-17. To balance out the appearance of the dark side with a beacon of light, actor Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda in the Star Wars movies, will make his first event appearance in Weekend V June 12-14.

Celebrities scheduled to appear at Star Wars Weekends 2015 include voices from the hit Disney X D series “Star Wars Rebels” and stars from Episodes I-VI of the Star Wars film franchise (entertainment is subject to change):

Weekend I (May 15 – 17)

  • Ian McDiarmid: Senator/Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
  • Amy Allen: Aayla Secura (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
  • Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend II (May 22 – 24)

  • Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
  • Silas Carson: Ki-Adi-Mundi, Nute Gunray (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
  • Vanessa Marshall: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend III (May 29 – 31)

  • Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
  • Daniel Logan: Boba Fett (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
  • Steve Blum: Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend IV (June 5 – 7)

  • Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
  • Jeremy Bulloch: Boba Fett (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
  • Ashley Eckstein: Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)

Weekend V (June 12 – 14)

  • Frank Oz: Yoda (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; Star Wars Rebels)
  • Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
  • Peter Mayhew: Chewbacca (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: A New Hope; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
  • Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)

The host of Star Wars Weekends, actor James Arnold Taylor, from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and “Star Wars Rebels,” will also host the new Star Wars Weekends show “Star Wars: Rebels,” where guests can relive the twists and turns of the first season of the Disney X D series with special guests from the show’s voice cast. In addition to Ashley Eckstein’s Weekend IV guest spot, she will also be joining every day of the event as host of “Padawan Mind Challenge – Family Edition.”

In addition to all of the scheduled fun, guests of all ages can enjoy the classic Star Wars attraction Star Tours and young fans can still participate in the Jedi Training Academy. Plus there will be lots of yummy themed snacks to feed hungry adventurers! All of this Star Wars entertainment is included in your regular Hollywood Studios park admission.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

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Apr 3 2015

Finding Dole Whip

Dole Whip

Dole Whip? Dole Whip, where are you? Has anyone seen a Dole Whip?

If you are looking for the fan favorite sweet treat on an upcoming Disney World vacation, some things have changed. In March, the menus and names swapped at Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace at Magic Kingdom. Speculation is that this swap was made in advance of the opening of a new Jungle Cruise themed restaurant. Orange BirdRumors are that this new restaurant, being built under the working name “Skipper’s Cantina”, could open as early as November of this year. Aloha Isle always has a huge line of people queued up to get their Dole Whip fix so swapping locations with Sunshine Tree Terrace will help clear up traffic in front of the new restaurant’s entrance. Also by moving Aloha Isle to the location behind the Magic Carpets, it puts the Dole Whips that much closer to the Enchanted Tiki Room, giving it a feel similar to Disneyland where you can enjoy a Dole Whip in the Tiki Room courtyard while waiting to view the attraction. Sunshine Tree Terrace will continue to serve its Citrus Swirl and that cutie, Orange Bird, will make the move, too. If you happen to adventure over to the Polynesian Village Resort to check out all the changes that are happening there, you can pick up a Dole Whip at the Pineapple Lanai which is located just outside the rear entrance of the main lobby. If you are in Animal Kingdom, you can find a Dole Whip at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in the Africa section of the park. And for just an extra $1.25 at this location, you can add a dash of dark or coconut rum to the already tasty treat!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

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Mar 27 2015

Frozen Fun For Fans At Many Disney Destinations

Frozen Fun

Do you happen to know any Frozen fans? Of course, you do! Who doesn’t? With Frozen 2 on the horizon, Disney is pulling out all the stops and offering even more experiences for fans at many of their destinations. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of WDW News:

From the kingdom of Arendelle, guests can immerse themselves in the Oscar-winning animated blockbuster hit “Frozen” throughout Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. From meet and greets with royalty, to vacationing at the stunning sites that inspired the blockbuster film, here’s where you can enjoy your own icy adventures:

Walt Disney World Resort:

  • Meet Elsa and Anna inside Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom.
  • Elsa and Anna appear in the daytime spectacular, “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” at Magic Kingdom.
  • Also at Magic Kingdom, the “Celebrate the Magic” nighttime projection show transforms Cinderella Castle with visuals from “Frozen”.
  • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can sing along to “Frozen” songs with Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and the Royal Historians of Arendelle daily at “For the First Time in Forever: A ‘Frozen’ Sing-Along Celebration” inside Premiere Theater.

Disneyland Resort:

  • At Disney California Adventure Park, for a limited time, guests will enjoy an array of “Frozen Fun” experiences, including:
    • Meet Elsa and Anna at the “Royal Welcome,” inside the Animation Academy.
    • Learn how to sketch characters such as Olaf and Marshmallow inside Animation Academy.
    • Join the musical fun as “Frozen” springs to life during “For The First Time in Forever: A ‘Frozen’ Sing-Along Celebration” at the newly  reimagined Crown Jewel Theatre.
    • Play in the snow at “Olaf’s Snow Fest,” featuring a snowcapped courtyard reminiscent of Arendelle. Guests may build a snowman in real snow, swoosh down a snow slide, meet Olaf and get a warm hug, and also enjoy music, food and entertainment.
    • “Chill out” during “Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party,” with exciting music, games and even ice carvers.
  • Guests may browse cool collections of “Frozen”-themed apparel, keepsakes, trinkets and toys on the Hollywood Backlot in Disney California Adventure.
  • During the holiday season, Olaf, Elsa and Anna appear in “World of Color – Winter Dreams,” the holiday version of the popular after-dark spectacular at Disney California Adventure. “World of Color – Winter Dreams” may be seen mid-November through early January.
  • At Disneyland Park, a new “Frozen”-themed show plays at Fantasy Faire. The team of Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones put their unique spin on the “Frozen” story as they adapt it for the Royal Theatre.
  • Also at Disneyland, Anna, Elsa and Olaf make a “pre-parade” appearance on their own special float daily prior to the daily Mickey’s Soundsational Parade.
  • At Downtown Disney, guests enjoy skating on Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink through Feb. 22, 2015.
  • Anna & Elsa’s Boutique, a wintry salon at Downtown Disney, invites guests to shop for “Frozen” treasures or undergo a magical transformation to become a princess or a snowman.

Adventures by Disney:

  • A new vacation experience to Norway guides families through the beauty and majesty of Norway, the country that inspired Disney’s Frozen, on an eight-day, seven-night adventure  takes guests into the storybook village of Bergen, which served as the inspiration for the kingdom of Arendelle. Adventurers will journey through ice-capped mountains, fjords and see the stave churches that shaped the landscape and architecture depicted in the hit film.

Disney Cruise Line:

  • Memorable meet and greets with Anna, Elsa, and for the first time in forever, Kristoff and Olaf
  • “Anna’s Chase for the Chocolate” scavenger hunt for those who share Anna’s sense of adventure, with a special surprise for finishing the game
  • “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” activity where kids take on Elsa’s magical powers to make snow and ice
  • “The Maypole Swirl and Twirl” for families to learn a traditional Scandinavian dance spinning and braiding giant ribbons
  • “Frozen” themed dining experience, including a menu inspired by traditional Nordic fare and special dishes inspired by the film
  • “Freezing the Night Away with Anna, Elsa and Friends,” a family-friendly interactive deck party featuring the famous royal sisters of Arendelle and their fun-loving Nordic companions
  • In summer 2015, Anna, Elsa and Olaf join the line up of beloved Disney characters in the Disney Cruise Line original production, “Disney Dreams … An Enchanted Classic,” Walt Disney Theatre aboard the Disney Magic
  • Olaf’s Summertime Freeze bar will open on Castaway Cay summer 2015 and serve non-alcoholic specialty frozen drinks in souvenir cups

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Excited about the Frozen Fun? What do you want to see?
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Mar 25 2015

Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party Coming This Summer

Wishes Party

Beginning, July 5, 2015, Magic Kingdom will be changing the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party to the Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party. Here’s the scoop on what is being offered courtesy of Disney Parks Blog:

Delight in a selection of themed desserts prepared daily by our pastry chef including chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, and ice cream. Delectable new additions to the menu include a variety of seasonal fruit and cheese, Disney character-themed cupcakes, and more! As the fireworks begin, celebrate with a sparkling cider toast and create a special memory with family and friends. Throughout the evening, you can now enjoy hot drinking chocolate and signature lemonades as well as coffee and tea.

The Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party is $53.24 for anyone ages 10 and older and $31.94 for ages 3 to 9 (including tax). Reservations are available by clicking here or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Epcot also has a similar party called the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party. For more information, please check out this link.

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Excited about the dessert party? Did you get a reservation?
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Mar 17 2015

Be Our Guest Breakfast Testing Begins March 20, 2015

Be Our Guest Breakfast

Today is the big day to begin making reservations! As I reported last month, Be Our Guest is going to begin testing breakfast on March 20 through June 18, 2015. Starting today, guests can make advance dining reservations either online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. I was able to book a reservation for a party of six in June with no problems today, so hopefully the system won’t crash like it did when lunch reservations opened up a few weeks ago. Here’s the scoop on what is being offered at breakfast courtesy of Disney Parks Blog:

Starting on March 20, Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort will begin testing a prix fixe breakfast from 8-10 a.m. daily through June 18. The fast casual breakfast menu has a decidedly French touch; each meal begins with a pastry basket for sharing. Your entrée options include assorted cured meat and cheese served with marmalade, fresh fruit and a toasted baguette. You can also enjoy eggs Florentine served in a puff pastry shell with country ham and roasted plum tomatoes. Even the open-face bacon-and-poached-egg sandwich has Brie. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, choose the scrambled egg whites with roasted tomatoes, multigrain croissant and fresh fruit. Or go with a vegetable quiche with mushroom, zucchini, bell pepper, onion and chive, served with seasonal fruit. The prix fixe menu will also include a selection of self-service beverages. But the decadent start to the day is the Croissant Doughnut: a fried doughnut topped with banana caramel sauce, chocolate ganache and whipped cream. (True vacation indulgence!) The kids’ menu includes brioche French toast with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs with Applewood bacon and fresh fruit, fruit crepes with yogurt and fresh fruit with a berry foam, cereal and oatmeal.

Breakfast will be served as a counter service meal. You will place your order at the kiosk and then your meal will be delivered at your table. The dining plan will be accepted and it will count as one quick service credit. The price is $19.99 for guests ages 10 and older and $11.99 for children ages 3 to 9. The price includes an entrée, beverage, and pastry basket to share. Here is the full menu:

Entrees $19.99

Assorted Cured Meats and Cheese
Alpine-smoked Ham, Serrano Ham, Sopressata, and Cheese with Marmalade, Fresh Fruit, Toasted Baguette, and a selection of pastries.

Eggs Florentine
Puff Pastry Shell filled with Scrambled Eggs, Cheese, and fresh Spinach served with Country Ham, Roasted Plum Tomatoes, and a selection of pastries.

Vegetable Quiche
Mushroom, Zucchini, Bell Pepper, Onion and Chive Quiche served with Fresh Fruit and a selection of pastries.

Open-Face Bacon and Egg Sandwich
Poached Eggs, Applewood Bacon, Brie Cheese, and Arugula on a toasted Baguette served with Fresh Fruit and a selection of pastries.

Scrambled Egg Whites
Scrambled Egg Whites with Roasted Tomatoes, Multi-grain Croissant, Fresh Fruit, and a selection of pastries.

Croissant Doughnut
Fried Doughnut topped with Banana-Caramel Sauce, Pastry Crème, and Chocolate Ganache served with a selection of pastries.

Kids Meals $11.99

Crepes
Stuffed with Yogurt, Fresh Berries, and Wildberry Foam served with a selection of pastries.

French Toast
Brioche Bread served with Fresh Fruit and a selection of pastries.

Scrambled Eggs
Served with Applewood Bacon, Fresh Fruit, and a selection of pastries.

Kellogg’s® Cereal
Choice of Kellogg’s® Cereal with Milk, Fresh Fruit, and a selection of pastries.

Oatmeal
Steel-cut Oatmeal served with Golden Raisins, Brown Sugar, and a selection of pastries.

Beverages Included In Price

Self-serve, Fresh-brewed Coffee or Hot Cocoa
Dasani Bottled Water
Lowfat Milk 1%
Nestlé® Nesquik® Chocolate Milk 14 oz
Simply Orange Juice
Minute Maid Apple Juice
Self-serve cold fountain beverage, 22oz
Perrier Water

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Excited about Be Our Guest Breakfast? Did you get a reservation?
Please leave a comment!