Soarin’ Around The World Coming To Epcot

Soarin 1

Last month during the July 10, 2015 Behind The Magic Podcast, I shared the latest rumors about Soarin’ and over the weekend those rumors were finally confirmed!

Beginning next year, guests at Epcot will undertake a whole new journey when Soarin’ Around the World opens. This new experience is part of the planned updates to the popular attraction, including all-new digital screens and projection systems, an additional theatre, and a redesigned and themed queue .

Soarin’ Around the World will take guests on a journey to far-flung lands, over some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders.

Check out this video for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Soarin’ Around The World!

An official opening date for the new film has not been announced yet. Stay tuned and I’ll share more information about this new experience as soon as it is released!

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The Latest On Pandora – The World Of AVATAR


More news out of D23 Expo for fans of AVATAR! Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek gave lucky fans a behind-the-scenes look at what’s to come at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He was joined by Imagineers as well as legendary filmmakers James Cameron and Jon Landau who shared new details about the expansion including information about the new E-ticket attraction.

Avatar 1During the session, Imagineer Joe Rohde said one of the things that has made work on this project so special has been the collaboration with the Oscar-winning team behind the film – James Cameron, Jon Landau and the rest of the Lightstorm team.

“We’ve been working side-by-side with Jim and Jon to make sure that what we do is true to the story, characters and vision for the beautiful, mythical, epic land of Pandora,” Joe said. “We’re creating a transformational experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”

Avatar 4As part of the largest expansion in the park’s history, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will immerse guests into the mystical world of Pandora, and the entire park will transform after dark, offering guests longer days than ever before to experience this one-of-a-kind theme park.

The new themed-land, Pandora – The World of AVATAR, will give guests the opportunity to journey into the magnificent world of Pandora – a world that includes floating mountains, a bioluminescent forest and the winged creatures known as Banshees, giving guests a transformational experience they will never forget.

Flight of PassageThe new E-ticket attraction centerpiece of Pandora, AVATAR Flight of Passage, will allow guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage.

Check out this video to get a sneak peek of what’s headed our way at Animal Kingdom!

When will we get to experience all of these incredible new additions to Animal Kingdom, you ask? Well, Disney has not released an official opening date yet. Rumors are that Disney has hit several delays with this project and we could be looking at a late 2017 or early 2018 opening. This could work nicely with the currently scheduled release of the film AVATAR 2 on December 25, 2017. Stay tuned, and I’ll keep you posted with updates as more information is released!

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Skipper Canteen Coming To Magic Kingdom

Skipper Canteen

Looking for a fun, new place to eat while touring Magic Kingdom? Well, it looks like we’ll soon be in luck! Here’s the scoop on the newest restaurant currently under construction at Magic Kingdom courtesy of Disney:


Jungle CruiseThe Jungle Cruise, one of Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions, has delighted guests for years. Fans will have even more to look forward to later this year when the brand-new Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen restaurant opens in Adventureland.

At the Jungle Skipper Canteen, guests will be able to experience “World Famous Jungle Cuisine” in one of several unique dining rooms – including a crew mess hall and a once-hidden secret meeting room of the famed Society of Explorers and Adventurers. The restaurant will also be staffed by Jungle Cruise Skippers.

The Jungle Skipper Canteen is currently under construction and will open its doors in late 2015.


Stay tuned and I’ll share more information about this dining location as soon as it is released!

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Book Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party Now

Hallowishes 2

Every year Magic Kingdom celebrates the Halloween season with the family friendly Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights September through November 1.  There are special parades, exciting dance parties, stunning fireworks, and tons of trick-or-treating stations filled with candy for everyone! Adults and children alike really get into the spirit of the event by dressing in costume, trick-or-treating, and dancing the night away with all of the characters. This year Disney is offering a brand new Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party as part of the fun. Here’s everything you need to know about the premium event courtesy of Disney:


During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, enjoy Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade from a special reserved location right on Main Street. Experience fun, frightful floats and kooky-spooky Disney Characters dressed in their Halloween finest—followed by a private dessert party with to-die-for views of the Cinderella Castle fireworks—a super-special way to make the most of the Happy HalloWishes Nighttime Spectacular at Magic Kingdom!

Halloween Party 3At a table draped in black tablecloth with a flickering Jack-O-Lantern, dine on Halloween-themed cupcakes and desserts prepared that same day by our pastry chef, with sweet treats like chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream and fresh, seasonal fruits and cheeses. Make a toast to the best ghost at your table with sparkling cider or lemonade, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and then marvel as the sky above explodes with color, music and light. Plus a skull mug filled with candy is your very own trick-or-treat takeaway! 

The Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party costs $69 for adults or $39 for children (ages 3 to 9) which includes tax . A separate Event Party Ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is also required, and is not included in the price of the package. For more information or reservations, please click here or call 407-WDW-DINE. Remember tickets for this event are extremely limited, so book now before they’re gone!


Still need tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Here’s all of the info:

  • September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27; October 1 – Advance: $68 (plus tax) for adults; $63 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • October 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, November 1 – Advance: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • Halloween – $87 (plus tax) for adults; $82 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)

The party is held at Magic Kingdom from 7pm to 12am. You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as possible if you plan to attend, because they do sell out. Please click here to purchase now!

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Details About Disney’s Animal Kingdom After Dark

DAK at Night 2

More exciting news out of D23 Expo! Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced the plans Disney has to transform Disney’s Animal Kingdom after dark with new nighttime entertainment and experiences offering guests longer days than ever before at this one-of-a-kind theme park.

Rivers of LightNew details were just unveiled, telling guests more about the show that will take place on Discovery River at the park, between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest. Expected to open next spring, “Rivers of Light” will be an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live performers, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. “Rivers of Light” will magically come to life on the natural stage of Discovery River, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

“This is going to be a ceremonial event that will happen on our lake,” said Imagineer Joe Rohde. “It takes the idea of the special nature of the animals that are in this park and turns it into a celebration of the beauty of these animals. It starts simply and humbly, continues to unfold and grow as bigger and more elaborate lanterns appear, and then huge curtains of water and light emerge from the water with animals within them. And ultimately it takes off into the sky.”

Safari at NightNew details were also shared on a new nighttime adventure: Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris. This popular attraction will be extended into the evenings next spring for an experience where guests will travel through the African savanna amid the magical orange glow of the setting sun and discover two species new to the attraction: African wild dogs and hyenas.

I am thrilled to see Animal Kingdom getting extended hours and evening entertainment. I love this park and I’m looking forward to being able to enjoy it at night!

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