Tag Archives: Hollywood Studios

Dec 14 2016

PizzeRizzo In Disney’s Hollywood Studios

pizzerizzo-1

Hey pizza lovers and Muppets fans alike, listen up, do I have some good news for you! PizzeRizzo, operated by your favorite Muppets rat and mine, Rizzo, is now open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios just in time for the busy holiday season. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

There’s a new neighborhood pizza joint at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, PizzeRizzo, run by and themed after the lovable Rizzo the Rat from the Muppets.

Located in the Muppets Courtyard area of the park, PizzeRizzo is a quick service dining restaurant with a classic, family pizzeria ambiance. Inside the two story eatery guests will find decor inspired by Rizzo, as well as his extended family and friends who have visited PizzeRizzo over the years. On the second floor, also known as Rizzo’s Deluxe Supreme Banquet Hall, the theme is a lively wedding reception complete with a disco ball and a fun party playlist.

Entrees are served with a side Caesar salad, and include personal-sized pizza pies, or a meatball sub. There’s also an antipasto salad option, as well as specialty drink options that include a non-alcoholic Peach Bellini and wildberry-basil lemonade limoncello, in addition to beer and wine for adults.

For dessert, guests can indulge in traditional Italian sweets such as cannoli and tiramisu.

Some Disney Dining Plans are accepted at PizzeRizzo. Entrees start at about $10, kids meals at about $6, and desserts at about $5. For the complete menu, please click here.

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Have you dined at PizzeRizzo in Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Dec 13 2016

New Star Wars Experiences Coming To Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Amazing news Star Wars fans! Even more exciting Star Wars experiences are coming our way at Disney’s Hollywood Studios very soon. Here’s the scoop on what we have learned so far courtesy of Disney:

star-wars-2016-aA galaxy of new Star Wars experiences is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning mid-December. The announcement noted that some of the coming-soon additions are inspired by “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” that opens in theaters worldwide on December 16.

Guests, including fans of the epic space saga, will find new entertainment, special displays inside Star Wars Launch Bay, a first-ever themed tour and more at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Premiering this Month

  • Star Wars Launch Bay – a multi-sensory space celebrating all things Star Wars – is now updated with authentic replicas from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” joining other Star Wars memorabilia in the preview gallery. Making-of footage from “Rogue One” has been added to the “Meet the Makers” film featured in Star Wars Launch Bay.
  • In the popular daytime stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away,” guests will get a first look at AWR Troopers from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Outfitted in their specialized Stormtrooper armor with a dark, ominous gleam, these soldiers serve as bodyguards and enforcers for Director Krennic, a highly placed officer within the Advance Weapons Research (AWR) division of the Empire. A new Troopers sequence will join the show December 16. Performances daily.
  • The fan favorite nighttime show, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on December 16 and will join “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” as a second nightly fireworks spectacular at the park through December 31. The show will continue to be presented in 2017.
  • Starting mid-December, randomized tracks will be returning to Star Tours – the Adventures Continue, the popular attraction that uses motion simulator-based technology. Instead of each ride experience launching from the planet of Jakku, the attraction will be randomized to both start and end at different locations for every galactic journey. New scenes from “Star Wars: Episode VIII” will be added to Star Tours in the coming year.

New in 2017

Star ToursFor the ultimate fan comes the ultimate tour. An all-new Star Wars guided tour is a seven-hour immersion in all the park’s current Star Wars experiences. Here’s what it includes:

  • A Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide
  • Priority boarding for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
  • Encounter two Star Wars characters (Chewbacca and Kylo Ren) at Star Wars Launch Bay
  • An in-depth, insider’s tour around Star Wars Launch Bay
  • Screening of “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi”
  • Enjoy Star Wars-themed menu items during dinner at Backlot Express
  • A spot in the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which includes themed sweets and specialty beverages, as well as reserved viewing for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show

Younglings ages 4-12 on the guided tour package can also train in the way of The Force in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Priced at $129 per person, tours begin January 2 and will be offered on Mondays and Saturdays throughout 2017. Please click here for more details or call 407-WDW-PLAY to book now! 

This latest flight of additions celebrating the Star Wars saga continues to elevate the Star Wars presence at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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:

Do you love Star Wars? What new addition are you most excited about?
Please leave a comment!

Dec 5 2016

New Benefits For Walt Disney World Passholders During Resort’s 45th Anniversary Year

Magic Kingdom Holiday Fireworks

Wrapped in exciting events, the merriest of holiday happenings and a 2017 filled with spectacular openings, Walt Disney World Resort is marking its 45th anniversary — and unwrapping three special offers for passholders.

Popular Walt Disney World passes, good for theme park admission, valuable Disney savings and other perks throughout the year, gets even sweeter to mark the anniversary:

  • The EmporiumNew dining and merchandise benefits – Passholders can receive 10 percent off food and nonalcoholic beverages at select table-service restaurants at theme parks and Disney resort hotels and 20 percent off purchases at Disney owned-and-operated merchandise locations. These new benefits will continue even after the anniversary comes to an end on September 30, 2017.
  • Skipper Canteen 17Even more savings exclusively during the 45th anniversary – In addition to the ongoing benefits, passholders can save up to 20 percent off the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages at select restaurants in the theme parks, resort hotels and Disney Springs, as well as dinner shows. Passholders can choose from 45 restaurants participating in this special offer during the 45th anniversary year that runs now through September 30, 2017. Among the great restaurant choices: Signature Dining (Flying Fish, Artist Point, Citricos) and Family Dining (Jungle Skipper Canteen, Wave of American Flavors). And, for the first time, savings are available at select quick-service locations.
  • France PavilionGet 13 months for the price of 12 – Guests who purchase a 12-month pass will enjoy 13 months of unsurpassed passholder magic filled with seasonal events, unique attractions and stellar entertainment. New passes must be purchased between October 2, 2016 and January 3, 2017. Prices vary depending on pass type selected – Weekday Select, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus.

In addition to offering theme park admission, passes include special savings on resort hotel rooms, merchandise, recreation, sports, tours and spa treatments. Passholders will find still more savings on admission to special events and entertainment. Passes also add value and convenience with benefits like standard parking, park-hopping privileges and a Magic Band.

For more information on the offers or to sign up for a pass, please click here.

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:

Are you Walt Disney World Passholder? Which benefits do you use?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Disney World Valentine's Day
Nov 30 2016

Helpful Information For Your February 2017 Disney World Vacation

So you are planning a vacation to Disney World in February 2017?
February is a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World!

Mickey Mouse Dressed For WinterWeather

The weather in Disney World during February can get chilly. The average high is about 73 degrees, the average low is about 50 degrees, and the average rainfall is about 2.71 inches. This is one the coldest months of the year, and it can sometimes drop into the 40’s. Be sure to pack accordingly!

Crowds

The crowds in February vary from low to high. President’s Day Weekend the crowds are high and during the rest of the month the crowds are low to moderate.

Magic Kingdom Welcome ShowFebruary 1 – February 4
Average Crowd Level  2 out of 10
February 5 – February 11
Average Crowd Level  1 out of 10
February 12 – February 18
Average Crowd Level  5 out of 10
February 19 – February 25
Average Crowd Level 10 out of 10
February 26 – February 28
Average Crowd Level 4 out of 10

Magic Kingdom ClockPark Hours

Magic Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 8pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Epcot
Open most days from 9am – 9pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Hollywood Studios
Open most days from 9am – 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)
Animal Kingdom
Open most days from 9am – 7pm (plus Extra Magic Hours)

For specific hours on each day during February, please click this link. Remember that park hours are subject to change and are often adjusted two weeks prior.

Events

spaceship-earth-at-nightDebuting in 2017 is the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. This event will run weekends until February 20, 2017 and will feature breathtaking works from Disney artists past and present, Broadway talent showcasing favorite Disney music, and Food Studios serving delicious culinary delights. For more information about the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, please click here.

Valentines DayIf you will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in Disney World, there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy the holiday. Try a couples treatment at one of the spas, a romantic fireworks cruise or dessert party, a delicious meal at one of the many signature restaurants, a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride at Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans, an exciting married proposal on the beach at the Polynesian Village Resort during Wishes, and then top your evening off with a thoughtful gift from Disney Floral delivered to right to your room like this adorable “Minnie’s Garden”. For more Valentine’s Day gift ideas from Disney Floral, please click here.

Refurbishments

Periodically throughout the year, Disney closes attractions for refurbishments and enhancements. Here are the currently scheduled closures during February (subject to change without notice):

Magic Kingdom
The Hall of Presidents: January 17 – June 29, 2017
Walt Disney World Railroad: January 9 – February 16, 2017

Epcot
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Land: Opening in 2020
Toy Story Land: Opening in 2018

Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of AVATAR: Opening in Summer 2017

Water Parks
Typhoon Lagoon: December 25 – March 11, 2017

Disney Springs
No Scheduled Refurbishments At This Time

Resort Hotels
All Star Music: Piano Pool December 12 – February 3, 2017
Old Key West: Sand Castle Pool January 2 – February 24, 2017
Walt Disney World Dolphin: Guest Room Refurbishments To Be Completed In 2017
Wilderness Lodge: Hidden Springs Quiet Pool, Resort Beach, Playground and Fire Pit To Be Completed In 2017

Planning Tips

If you are traveling to Disney World in February 2017, your planning is probably well under way at this point. Here’s a checklist to make sure you are on track:

  • Make sure you have created your My Disney Experience account. If you haven’t, click here to sign up now.
  • If you haven’t already made your dining reservations, be sure to make them now by clicking here.
  • If you are staying on site, be sure to customize your MagicBand on your My Disney Experience account by picking the color and adding your name. And if you really want to make your MagicBand special, personalize it with your own custom designed MagicBand Skin from Magic YOUR Band. Click here to get started!
  • Now is a great time to research what attractions you and your family would like to see at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Because Walt Disney World is so large, it is very difficult to see everything during one trip, so be sure to get everyone’s top priorities. This is also a great time to begin looking at menus for counter service restaurants so that you have an idea of which locations serve foods that your entire family will enjoy.
  • Whether you are staying on site or off-property, be sure to purchase your admission tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
  • 501 WaysOnce your tickets are linked and at exactly 60 days in advance of your check in date (midnight EST time) if you are staying on site or 30 days in advance for all other guests, login to your My Disney Experience account and book your Fastpass+ reservations.
  • If you are staying on site, be sure to check in online at 60 days out from your arrival date.
  • Double check your flight times and if you will be using Disney’s Magical Express for your airport transportation make your reservation at least 60 days in advance by clicking here.
  • It’s never too early to start creating a packing list so that you don’t forget anything.
  • Need more help planning? Please check out my new book 501 Ways to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation, for hundreds of insider tips and secrets for having the most magical Disney World vacation possible!

Special Offers

If you haven’t already made your February 2017 reservations, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Join The Fun

Next Disney VacationDisney Vacation Planner Jennifer Hardy and I have teamed up to create a new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Everyday you’ll find posts, photos, trivia, tips, and more that we find all throughout the Disney Universe. If you’re counting the days until your next Disney vacation or just dreaming of one, we would love to have you join in the fun! Please click here to be a part of our group!

Have a magical vacation!

Nov 25 2016

Walt Disney World 4 Park Magic Ticket

Christmas 5

Just in time for the holidays, Walt Disney World is offering an incredible discounted ticket. Here’s everything you need to know about this limited time special courtesy of Disney:

With so many new attractions and experiences to discover at each of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, there has never been a better time to plan a visit to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and a new special ticket offer, the 4 Park Magic Ticket, gives guests the chance to experience the distinctive magic in each park for only $70 per day plus tax.

Starting tomorrow, guests will be able to purchase the new 4 Park Magic Ticket, which provides one admission to each of the four theme parks on four separate days. Only available for a limited time, this special ticket offer may be used November 15, 2016 through May 26, 2017, with block out dates including December 17, 2016 – January 2, 2017 and April 10 – 21, 2017.

Here’s a look at some of the new experiences guests can look forward to:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • jingle-bell-jingle-bam-1New this holiday season, guests can experience the jolliest new nighttime spectacular, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Each evening through Dec. 31, the night is lit up with stunning projections, dazzling fireworks and state-of-the-art special effects that tell the story of Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve.
  • Guests can venture to a galaxy far, far away anytime they would like with Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular stage show, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, and special appearances by Star Wars characters.

Epcot

  • Candlelight ProcessionalThe spirit of the holidays comes to life around World Showcase with new Holidays Around the World marketplaces offering tasty bites and beverages, the Candlelight Processional with celebrity narrators sharing the Christmas story, and larger-than-life holiday decorations throughout the park.
  • Adventurers can take to new heights on Soarin’ Around the World, with new destinations that transport guests on a journey throughout the globe. Frozen fun awaits on the new Frozen Ever After attraction, taking guests into Arendelle.

Magic Kingdom Park

  • Jingle CruiseGuests can celebrate the spirit of the season with festive décor that sparkles throughout the park, with a gigantic Christmas tree welcoming guests to Main Street, U.S.A. and more, plus the Jungle Cruise transforms during the holiday season to the Jingle Cruise—with the skippers cracking holiday jokes and jolly decorations all around.
  • New this fall, the ‘Once Upon a Time’ nighttime spectacular illuminates Cinderella Castle and immerses guests in some of the most beloved Disney stories in an all-new projection show.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

  • DAK at Night 2Guests can now encounter the wonders of nature with rare animals both day and night. From the Tree of Life ‘awakening’ as the sun goes down, to taking an after-dark ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris, to soaking in the fun aboard Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest both day and night, there’s more to experience than ever before.

Guests may purchase this special ticket starting November 15, 2016 through March 5, 2017 by clicking here or by calling 407-939-5277.

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 visiting Walt Disney World soon?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!