Disney World 24-Hour Kickoff To The Coolest Summer Ever

24 Hour Disney Event

Have you heard the exciting news? Disney World is bringing back the 24-Hour event to kick off summer! Here are the details from Disney:

24-Hour Kickoff to Summer Travel

Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of family vacation time, and Walt Disney World Resort will launch into the season full force. The Magic Kingdom will be open 24 hours to guests from 6am to 6am, Friday May 22 to Saturday, May 23. Guests will be invited to come in costume to show their Disney Side while a selection of favorite attractions, entertainment, special event merchandise, plus food and beverage are on tap all night long to celebrate the start of the “Coolest Summer Ever” at Walt Disney World Resort. The around-the-clock celebration features Disney character greetings, dance parties and surprises into the wee hours of the night.

Coolest Summer Ever“Coolest Summer Ever” Brings Excitement Throughout Walt Disney World Resort

During the “Coolest Summer Ever,” with Olaf as the official host, Walt Disney World guests can get their cool on all summer long at four theme parks and two water parks.

Among the highlights:

Frozen Fun – “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE will bring together Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf with citizens of Arendelle, all appearing daily in shows and experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, June 17 – September 7. Guests will find cool thrills this summer including a royal processional, a sing-along show, Frozen-themed treats and merchandise, plus a Frozen fireworks display above Hollywood Blvd.

Cool Thrill Rides – Guests will find thrills from mild to wild to out of this world in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Don’t-miss attractions include Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom; Test Track presented by Chevrolet and Soarin’ at Epcot; Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Star Wars Weekends – Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will find stars from another galaxy during Star Wars Weekends May 15 – June 14.

New Restaurants and Shopping – Throughout the summer, new waterfront dining and boutique shops flow into the Downtown Disney shopping/dining/entertainment district as its transformation into Disney Springs continues.

Epcot Entertainment – New entertainment acts will appear throughout Epcot World Showcase, which also brings a fresh summery twist on a fan favorite, Voices of Liberty.

A Splash at Water Parks – A cool new deal doubles the fun at Disney’s two iconic water parks – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Purchase a one-day water park ticket and park-hop between the two water parks in the same day that both are open.

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:

Will you be attending the 24-Hour Summer Kickoff?
Are you excited for the “Coolest Summer Ever”? Please leave a comment!

Disney World Reality Versus Rumor – February 2015 Edition

Welcome to the February 2015 edition of Disney World Reality vs. Rumor where we’ll take a look at the stories that are currently circulating to see which ones are confirmed and which ones are purely speculation.

Disney World Reality

  • It has been confirmed that Disney World ticket prices will be increasing this month. Sources say a single day Magic Kingdom ticket will exceed $100.
  • It has been confirmed that the Creature Comforts location in Animal Kingdom will reopen this summer as a Starbucks.
  • It has been confirmed that Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom will start accepting advance dining reservations for lunch beginning February 25.
  • It has been confirmed that the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment has been moved to April.
  • It has been confirmed that the Richard Petty Driving Experience and Exotic Driving Experience will be closing this summer as well as the entire race track will be demolished to make way for future transportation improvements near Magic Kingdom.
  • It has been confirmed that the Tomorrowland Arcade in Magic Kingdom has closed due to changes in Florida law. All prize counters and claw-like games have also been removed from the arcades throughout Disney World.
  • Disney World confirmed that it has pulled the Epcot coffee mug, part of Starbucks’ “You Are Here” collection, because it included a purple-colored monorail train. Disney retired Monorail Purple after its involvement in a deadly crash in 2009.
  • It was confirmed that Disney filed paperwork to build a new “Frozen” meet and greet that will take up the space between the Mexico and Norway pavilions.
  • It has been confirmed that the Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios will soon see a much need update thanks to a new deal with Turner Classic Movies.
  • It has been confirmed by Disney Parks CEO Bob Iger during an interview with Bloomberg Television that there will be a lot more Star Wars in Disney Parks in the near future.
  • It has been announced by Disney that the following shops will be coming to Disney Springs: APEX, Art of Shaving, Chapel Hats, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, Havaianas, Sanuk, and Sound Lion.

Disney World Rumor

  • It is rumored that Disney is currently testing LCD displays at select resort bus stops that will display the estimated wait time until a particular bus should arrive.
  • There are many rumors that the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Magic Kingdom will undergo a lengthy refurbishment later this year to deal with the last row in the new boats taking on water, safety concerns after a guest seated in the back row lost a finger, and general maintenance.
  • Permits were recently filed spurring speculation that a new restaurant will be built in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. Rumors are that its theme will tie into the Jungle Cruise.
  • It is being speculated that a third theatre is being added to Soarin’ to help accommodate the crowds.
  • There are also rumors that a new Soarin’ movie is being filmed that will replace the current film and will highlight well-known landmarks from around the world.
  • It is being speculated that a new country pavilion may be added to World Showcase. The most popular country being talked about is Brazil.
  • There are rumors that Echo Lake, Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner, and Gertie the Dinosaur will be removed this spring to make way for a Star Wars themed land in Hollywood Studios.
  • It is rumored that a third track is being added to Toy Story Mania to help accommodate the crowds.
  • There are rumors that a Pixar Place/Toy Story Land may be built in Hollywood Studios using part of the space made available with the closing of the Backlot Tour.

Look for another edition of Disney World Reality vs. Rumor in April 2015!

Are you excited about any of these changes – real or rumored? Please leave a comment!

Celebrating Valentine’s Day Disney Style

Disney World Valentine's Day

Last weekend while I was shopping with my family at Target, I was amazed to see that right next to the Christmas clearance section was an area filled with everything imaginable for Valentine’s Day. It’s hard to believe that we are already well into January with February 14 less than six weeks away! If you are one of those lucky people who will be celebrating in Disney World this year, you have lots of romantic options available and if you are like so many of us far away from that magical place, I have a few ideas for you to bring a little Disney magic into your celebration as well as some gift ideas.

Here are just some of the many possibilities available at Disney World from WDW News:

The Couple that ‘Spas’ Together… What’s more enjoyable than a luxurious spa treatment? Imagine sharing it with that special someone.  The new Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort or Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, both feature a “couples room” where guests can enjoy specialized spa treatments – such as massages and facials – with the one they love. For information about spa treatments, call 407-WDW-SPAS.

Make like Aladdin and Jasmine – Fly through the sky with your special someone on an adventurous tandem parasail over Bay Lake. Those looking to soar to new heights can spend 10 minutes soaring high above Disney and get a bird’s-eye view of Magic Kingdom and its neighboring resorts. Contact Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or call 407-939-0754 for reservations for a tandem flight.

Sunset in the Sky – A very different kind of flight is aboard a tethered balloon rising gently into the Florida sky. Located on the waterfront at Downtown Disney, Characters in Flight gives romantics a chance to take their love to new heights.  Operating daily, the giant balloon provides breathtaking sights from 400 ft. up in the air with an unparalleled, 360-degree view of the Vacation Kingdom and beyond. Flights take place between 8:30 a.m. and midnight (weather permitting) and last approximately 8-10 minutes. Romantics who time their flight to sunset or fireworks bursting above the parks are in for a special treat. Tickets can be purchased at Downtown Disney West Side; tickets are $12.00 per child and $18.00 per adult.

Magical Resorts – From the tropical splendor of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to the Victorian era of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the mood is set for an enchanting stay at a Walt Disney World resort hotel. Disney’s fantasy hotels transport couples to faraway places with lavish theming, picturesque views and superior service. For reservations, call 407-W-DISNEY.

The Love Boat The Grand Floridian’s Grand 1 – an elegant 52-foot yacht – can give couples, or parties up to 18, a stunning view of “Wishes” fireworks showering above Magic Kingdom during select evening cruises along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Private butler service and gourmet meals also are available. Romantic evening cruises include a captain and private deck hand. Reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Callers to that same number can ask about Magic Kingdom or Epcot fireworks cruises aboard gently floating pontoon boats. To turn up the romance, lovebirds can order up champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries for their fireworks viewing.

Disney Dining Serves Romance Couples find Disney dining infused with romance in settings ranging from subdued to spectacular.

  • Indulge in a romantic dinner for two at California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Situated on the 15th floor of the resort, the onstage, market-inspired kitchen boasts breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon and nightly fireworks.  The menu is creative, seasonal, sophisticated and fun.
  • Beneath shimmering chandeliers, lovebirds can dine in fairy tale elegance at Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland. Known as the place where Belle and Beast fell in love, the grand ballroom in Beast’s Castle is the perfect setting for romance as ‘snow’ falls on the French countryside outside the windows and guests dine on French-inspired cuisine and fine wines.
  • One of the most romantic dinner spots at Walt Disney World Resort is a table for two at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The elegant restaurant has been honored with the Five-Diamond Award from AAA for its gourmet cuisine. Combining Royal Doulton china, Cristofle silver and personalized menus, Victoria & Albert’s is the “crown jewel” of the Grand Floridian’s dining destinations. Soft harp music fills the air in the intimate dining room. Ladies also receive a long-stemmed red rose. For the ultimate romantic experience, an evening at the Chef’s Table is unsurpassed. Couples are seated at a cozy table in Victoria & Albert’s kitchen and treated to a culinary feast custom-tailored to their palates by Chef Scott Hunnel.
  • Guests who prefer to dine in an even more intimate setting at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa need only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach – or aboard the Grand 1 – on a sunset excursion along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Seven-day notice is requested.
  • There’s nothing more romantic than a champagne toast with classical French cuisine. Monsieur Paul restaurant at the France pavilion at Epcot pays homage to one of France’s most celebrated chefs, Paul Bocuse with upscale French creations. The second floor vantage point of the newly redesigned restaurant offers stunning views of the nightly IllumiNations fireworks display.

For all Walt Disney World dining information, guests can call 407-WDW-DINE.

Nature Lovers A horseback ride through one of the backwoods trails at Walt Disney World Resort is just the thing for couples who share a love of nature and each other. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers wrangler-led tours (45 minutes) through the deep, pine-scented woods that make up part of the Vacation Kingdom’s 40 square miles. Tours leave several times daily from Trail Blaze Corral, and may be reserved by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

Romantic Evening Horse-drawn carriage rides through the wilderness of Walt Disney World Resort are a romantic treat for couples looking for a secluded nighttime outing. The antique carriages depart from Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and traverse throughout the scenic landscape of the 750-acre rustic resort. Or guests can choose a relaxing old-fashioned carriage ride through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside with pickup at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Each nightly excursion is 25 minutes long. For reservations, guests can call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Looking to bring a little Disney magic into your Valentine’s Day celebration at home? Here are a few of my Disney inspired ideas that would work not only for a romantic evening for two, but for the whole family as well.

  • Decorate the space like a rustic Italian restaurant, make a simple spaghetti or lasagna dinner, open a bottle of wine, put on some romantic music like Andrea Bocelli, and then after the meal pop in Lady and the Tramp.
  • Decorate the space like an old library, make some easy French desserts like cream puffs or éclairs, add a little French wine and music, and follow it up with Beauty and the Beast.
  • Decorate the space like you are “under the sea”, make a tasty seafood meal, turn on some lively Caribbean music, and watch The Little Mermaid.
  • And of course, for those Frozen fans out there, decorate the space like a winter wonderland, make a delicious chocolate fondue and cut up fruits and cakes for dipping, and don’t forgot some yummy hot chocolate while watching the movie.

Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for that special Disney fan in your life? Here are a few of my favorites from the Disney Store. Just click the images for more information about each item and if you place an order, be sure to use promo code SHIPMAGIC to receive free shipping on purchases over $75. This is just a small sampling of what is available. The Disney Store has items for Princesses and Prince Charmings of every age and prices range from just a few dollars to thousands (contains affiliate links)!

Mickey Mouse Dangling Icon Earrings by ArribasMickey Mouse Dangling Icon Earrings – $19
Mickey puts the ear in heart with these Mickey Mouse Icon Earrings. His distinctive silhouette features a large Swarovski crystal and dangles from a heart on this pair of sparkling earrings by the renowned Arribas Brothers.

Minnie Mouse Icon Necklace by ArribasMinnie Mouse Icon Necklace – $39.50
Minnie’s iconic outline is crafted with Swarovski crystals and accented with her fa-mouse bow on this dazzling necklace. Crystals add extra sparkle to the polka dots on this glamorous reminder of your visit to the Park.

Disney Sketch Wristlet by Dooney & BourkeDisney Sketch Wristlet by Dooney & Bourke – $88
Carry your small essentials in this strapping handbag by Dooney & Bourke. Mickey’s fine fashion fun-purse comes to you direct from the Disney Parks and the designer label you love.

Mickey Mouse Icon RingMickey Mouse Icon Ring – $175 (Silver)
Mickey puts his head together and comes up with this contemporary styled ring. Part of the Disney Dream Collection, this band of alternating Mickey icons is available in a choice of sterling silver ($175) and gold ($1500) so Mickey will always be on hand.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Disney Parks Christmas Day Special

Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration TV Special

If you can’t be in a Disney Park this year for the holidays, be sure to tune in for “Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration” on Christmas Day! Here’s the scoop from Disney:

Robin Roberts Hosts This Year’s “Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration” with Performances by Train, Ariana Grande, Lucy Hale, Trisha Yearwood and More

Anaheim, Calif. and Lake Buena Vista Fla.: Dec. 15, 2014 –  This holiday season, Disney will put a “Frozen” twist on its 31st annual Christmas Day telecast, appropriately renamed the “Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration” airing Dec. 25, 2014 on ABC-TV.

Robin Roberts of ABC’s “Good Morning America” will host the reimagined television special inspired by the blockbuster hit’s message of uniting family and loved ones. Roberts will lead the telecast from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida with support from GMA Contributor and ESPN and SEC Network analyst Tim Tebow.

They will be joined by Rob Marciano, senior meteorologist of ABC’s “Good Morning America” from the “The Happiest Place on Earth” at Disneyland Resort. Sarah Hyland, star of ABC’s Emmy award-winning show “Modern Family,” joins the fun from Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai‛i. The festivities will also feature a special appearance by Miss America 2015, Kira Kazantsev, making this year’s Christmas special a magical “Frozen” celebration not to be missed.

Disney Parks will celebrate this Christmas with more than a parade, but with a heartfelt wish for the holiday season, the coming together of loved ones and family. In keeping with the spirit of “Frozen” where two sisters are united through the power of true love, Disney will bring together three groups of families and friends who have been apart or separated for the holidays, providing the ultimate Christmas gift. The reunions will take place at three magical Disney destinations – Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Aulani – making these reunions bigger, brighter and merrier.

The joyous occasion will fittingly include a special rendition of the “Frozen” hit single, “Let It Go,” as performed by 12-year-old YouTube sensation, Lexi Walker.

There will also be festive performances from some of today’s top musical talents at each of the various Disney locations:

  • Ariana Grande will regale Walt Disney World Resort guests with her new Christmas single “Santa Tell Me” and the Christmas tradition “Last Christmas”
  • Prince Royce adds to the merriment with “I Want to Wish You a Merry Christmas/Feliz Navidad”
  • The spotlight also will shine on special performances from the X Factor USA third and final season winners Alex and Sierra singing “Love is an Open Door” from “Frozen”
  • Yuletide cheer will be brought to the Hawaiian Islands by Gavin DeGraw, performing his latest single “Fire” and the holiday standard “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
  • Laura Marano, of Disney Channel’s “Austin & Ally,” entertains viewers with her version of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” as posed by Princess Anna in “Frozen”
  • Trey Songz, Lucy Hale and Train will serenade audiences at Disneyland Resort in California with holiday favorites such as “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Mistletoe,” and “Shake Up Christmas”
  • Country music superstar Trisha Yearwood will perform her hit single, “Prizefighter,” and the holiday classic, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

Holiday Spirit Brought to Life

Celebrate the most wonderful time of year with familiar Disney friends and holiday characters as they spread Christmas joy and cheer at Disneyland Park in California and along parade routes at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

  • The “Frozen” stars of the parade, Elsa and Anna, return from Arendelle to join the royal court and ring in the holidays on Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World Resort
  • Olaf, the summer-loving snowman from “Frozen,” joins hundreds of Dance the Magic youth performers in front of Cinderella Castle for a musical number to “In Summer”
  • Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty makes her holiday debut as the steampunk-inspired fire-breathing dragon, as featured in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
  • A new Club Penguin float joins the procession highlighting the holiday special, “We Wish You a Merry Walrus”
  • The superheroes of Big Hero 6 take a break from saving the world to wish onlookers happy holidays
  • The National Cheerleaders Association and National Dance Alliance Performance Cheer Team, featuring 800 members from 41 states, entertain park guests lining Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Boys and Girls Club National Youth of the Year winner, Maryah Sullivan, appears in the regal coach from the upcoming live action film, Cinderella
  • Traditional Christmas favorites such as Toy Soldiers and Gingerbread Men get their time in the spotlight to make the season merry and bright
  • After a long night of delivering presents, the jolly man in the red suit, Santa Claus, finishes his route on Main Street, U.S.A.

Tune in for the “Frozen” Magic and Merriment

The “Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration” airs December 25, 2014 on ABC-TV at 10 a.m. EST. Other airtimes vary; check local listings in your market.

Looking for more Disney holiday fun? Be sure to check out these posts, too!

Disney World Decorates For The Holidays
Frozen Gingerbread Castle At Contemporary
Holiday Videos From Around Disney World
A Frozen Holiday Wish Now Appearing At Magic Kingdom
Jungle Cruise Transformed To Jingle Cruise
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2014
Holiday Treats At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Holidays Around The World At Epcot
Holiday Happenings At Hollywood Studios
The Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights Returns
Holiday Happenings At Downtown Disney
Disney’s Christmas Cookie Cocktail
Disney’s Poinse-tini Cocktail
Celebrating New Year’s At Disney World

Happy Holidays!

Disney World News – Holiday Happenings At Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios Holidays

It’s that time of year again when each of the Walt Disney World theme parks goes all out for the holidays! Let’s check out some of the holiday happenings being offered at Hollywood Studios:

Osborne Family SpectacleOne of the most beloved traditions at Hollywood Studios is The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights which features millions of dancing lights, plus animated displays and 3-D effects perfectly synchronized to electrifying holiday tunes amidst snowfall. This dazzling show is running from now until January 4, 2015. This year there are over 80 hidden Mickeys to be found throughout the display. Here’s a video giving a behind-the-scenes peek:

Frozen Summer Fun

Frozen Holiday Premium Package is available from now until January 4, 2015. This package includes reserved seating for a performance of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at the Premiere Theatre, reserved Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights viewing with a Frozen-themed dessert party (which will feature mini Anna cupcakes and mini Elsa cupcakes among other delicious treats) in the evening, a holiday themed lithograph and a Frozen pin. The package costs $89 per adult and $59 per child (ages 3 – 9) plus tax (gratuity is included). Valid theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required and is not included in this package price. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.

Comedy WarehouseBeginning December 20 through January 4, 2015, the Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special will return. Here’s the scoop from Disney: Back by popular demand, it’s the Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special—an interactive improv extravaganza where anyone in the audience could find themselves reigned in as part of the funny. Come join in the hoots as holiday-seasoned comedians field suggestions from the crowd to compose knee-slapping Christmas songs, put their own spin on classic stories and poems, and invent absurdly hilarious scenarios—all festive, all on the fly and all family-friendly, of course. The show is 20 minutes in duration and takes place in the Superstar Television Theater. Show times are scheduled at 12:45pm, 1:45pm, 2:45pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm and 7:00pm daily (subject to change) and Fastpass+ is available.

Gingerbread CupcakeAnd what holiday celebration would be complete without some festive food and drink? You might want to try a delicious gingerbread cupcake or maybe a specialty Christmas cocktail. There’s the Gumdrop with Stoli Razberi vodka, Chambord, Sprite, pineapple and cranberry juices garnished with candy gumdrops. Plus other favorites such as a Winter Berry and Torched Holiday Cider, the Very Merry Cherry, and the Holiday Delight – a tasty combination of Bacardi Razz rum, blue curacao, orange juice and a splash of Sprite with a souvenir glow cube.

(all photos & video courtesy of Disney)
Happy Holidays!