Toy Story Land Coming To Hollywood Studios

Toy Story Land

Toy Story fans received exciting news this weekend during the D23 Expo when Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced the plans Disney has to expand the Toy Story franchise presence in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here’s the scoop on what we have learned so far courtesy of Disney:


Toy Story Land 2The reimagining of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will take guests to infinity and beyond, allowing them to step into the worlds of their favorite films, starting with Toy Story Land.  This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard.  Guests will think they’ve been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys that Andy has assembled using his vivid imagination. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land, which will include two new attractions for any Disney park and one expanded favorite.

  • Family-friendly roller coaster – All on the back of Slinky Dog, this coaster will zip and zoom, plunge and coast as it takes guests on a fun, toy-filled adventure throughout the new land.
  • Alien saucers attraction – The famous little green aliens from the movie will take guests around for a spin in their very own flying saucers.  The music, lighting and sound effects add to the flurry of action, while “The Claw” looms over.
  • Toy Story Mania! – Guests glide into the Toy Story Midway Games Play Set and take aim at 3D objects in a variety of fast-paced games, with an expansion that adds a third track to this popular attraction.

No timeline has been released yet for the new Toy Story Land, but it is safe to expect at least 3 to 5 years of construction before it is complete. In the meantime, it looks like Disney will be giving us a few things along the way to keep the excitement growing!

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Do you love Toy Story? What new addition are you most excited about?
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Star Wars Land And Enhancements Coming To Disney World

Star Wars Land 4

Star Wars fans received thrilling news this weekend during the D23 Expo when Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced the ambitious plans Disney has in the works to add even more Star Wars to the parks. Here’s the scoop on what we have learned so far:

Star Wars Land 1Plans to bring Star Wars to life include creating Disney’s largest single themed land expansion ever at 14 acres, transporting guests to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life.

Along with retail and dining, this land will include two signature attractions. The first will be an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climatic battle between the First Order and the Resistance. The second attraction will put guests behind the controls of one of the most recognizable ships in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, as they take on a customized secret mission.

And if the incredible new land wasn’t enough, Disney also announced several new Star Wars experiences and enhancements being added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, many of which will be opening relatively soon.

  • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Later this year, Star Tours will include a new adventure featuring locations and characters from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, giving guests a new adventure in the Star Wars galaxy.
  • Star Wars Launch BayStar Wars Launch Bay – This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise and food offerings.  Star Wars Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and will be available for guests later this year.
  • Jedi Training Academy— A favorite of younger fans is reimagined with a new experience that includes new characters and a new villain to battle from the popular Disney X D series “Star Wars Rebels.”
  • Season of the Force – This new seasonal event, beginning early 2016, brings new  Star Wars experiences to guests. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will close out weekend nights with a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies.

No timeline has been released yet for the new Star Wars Land, but it is probably safe to expect about 3 to 5 years of construction before it is complete. In the meantime, it looks like Disney will be giving us a few things along the way to keep the excitement growing!

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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?
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Book Minnie’s Holiday Dine At Hollywood & Vine Now

Last week I shared a little sneak peek into what Disney World will be offering during the upcoming holiday season. In addition to all of the traditional celebrations and decorations, Disney has added a new character dining experience for this year – Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests will be able to enjoy holiday-themed decorations, food, music, and activities with Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Santa Goofy. The holiday character dinner will be available on select nights beginning November 7 and running through January 3, 2016. The cost is $46.99 for adults, $27.99 for children (ages 3 – 9), or one dining table service credit on the Disney Dining Plan. There is also a Fantasmic! Dining Package available that includes the holiday character meal plus special VIP seating for Fantasmic! Prices for this package are $52.99 for adults and $31.99 for children. All prices exclude tax and gratuity. Reservations are available by clicking here or calling 407-WDW-DINE. Make reservations now, seating is limited!

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Sneak Peek At Holiday Season 2015 In Disney World

Christmas

One of the most magical times of year at Walt Disney World is during the holiday season. The entire resort is brimming with dazzling decorations and special celebrations. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store for us this year, courtesy of Disney:


Magic Kingdom

Add some very to your merry at the veriest, merriest Christmas party of the season. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom hosts 20 nights of yuletide cheer from November 8 – December 18, 2015. From 7pm to 12am during select nights at Magic Kingdom park, this annual ticket event will bring Christmas joy to guests of all ages with festive decorations, towering Christmas trees, and wintry wonderful entertainment.

Beginning at 7pm (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets can enjoy the spectacular holiday splendor, along with complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. Special holiday entertainment during the event includes Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas! Dance Party, “Celebrate the Season” musical stage show starring favorite Disney characters, and “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks spectacular.

Disney characters dressed in their Christmas best will be available for meet and greets throughout the park. In addition, don’t miss Queen Elsa from “Frozen” as she uses her incredible powers to transform Cinderella Castle nightly into a glistening ice palace for the holidays during “A Frozen Holiday Wish” castle lighting show. (Please click here for additional party information or to purchase tickets.)

Also for the holiday season, the iconic Jungle Cruise will temporarily transform into “Jingle Cruise” for Magic Kingdom guests. Festive decor in the attraction queue and boathouse gives guests a bit of Christmas cheer. The Jingle Cruise boats each are given a unique holiday name, and the Skippers share a slew of seasonal holiday jokes throughout the tour.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

A spectacular light display boasting millions of glittering lights, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is perfectly synchronized to a high-energy holiday symphony. This magical display of Christmas lights can be seen on the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from November 6, 2015 through January 3, 2016.

Epcot

One of the most beloved holiday traditions at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional inspires guests and instills the Christmas spirit through the retelling of the Christmas story by celebrity narrators, accompanied by a masterful orchestra and choir. The Candlelight Processional is performed three times each evening, 5:00pm, 6:45pm and 8pm, from November 27 to December 30.

Guests become immersed in holiday festivities while experiencing holiday traditions from various countries throughout World Showcase during Holidays Around the World November 27 – December 30. Share in the sights and sounds of the nations of World Showcase as each country’s holiday heritage comes to life amid joyful music, interactive storytelling and time-honored traditions.

Epcot features special holiday merchandise perfect for every shopper’s Christmas list. Santa’s Village in American Adventure and Christkindlmarkt in Germany feature extra special shopping experiences with unique Christmas ornaments and holiday items.

While shopping, guests can stop by the Future World Fountain Stage for a joy-filled performance by “Joyful!” This spirited ensemble uniquely blends the soulful expressiveness of gospel and inspirational music with the sounds of jazz, R&B and urban music. This holiday performance features classic Christmas tunes with a soulful spin.

The merriment continues with meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus the nightly “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth – Holiday Edition,” a laser, light, fireworks display capped with a seasonal finale.

This spectacular light display boasting millions of glittering lights is perfectly synchronized to a high-energy holiday symphony and is capped off with a flurry of snow.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Meet Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost in Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the holiday season for a special photo opportunity. Mickey and Minnie dress in their holiday best, which makes for the perfect Christmas card photo.

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney will be decked with holiday décor to bring Christmas cheer to holiday shoppers and guests. Santa will be available for a special meet and greet, along with jolly holiday entertainment throughout the season.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

All of Walt Disney World shines brightly with merry décor during the holiday season, including Walt Disney World Resort Hotels. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is a favorite holiday stop with its 16-foot-high Victorian gingerbread house located in the lobby. Disney’s Beach Club Resort hosts an incredible gingerbread carousel display, accompanied by the sweet smell of Christmas treats wafting through the entryway. Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Boardwalk Resort have their own festive gingerbread holiday displays for guests’ delight. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge showcase breathtaking Christmas trees towering inside the resorts. With so many splendid sights to see, Christmas joy radiates to every corner of Walt Disney World Resort.


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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 visiting Disney World during the holidays?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Celebrating Thanksgiving In Disney World

Disney World Thanksgiving

Are you planning on spending the Thanksgiving holiday in Disney World? If so, you have lots of delicious options for your Thanksgiving Day feast. Here’s the scoop courtesy of Disney:


Walt Disney World Resort guests can join together for a joyous and delicious Thanksgiving Day dinner. With a variety of dining options at the theme parks and resorts, there is a cornucopia of exciting lunch and dinner offerings inspired by this American tradition.

Guests can enjoy menu options for Thanksgiving Day meals at Walt Disney World Resort featuring a classic turkey dinner, such as the hearty all-American eats and traditional family- style Thanksgiving feast at Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom Park. For guests looking for a special spin on the traditional turkey dinner, try some of the more unique options, such as traditional Norwegian meatballs and pan-seared salmon at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall or roasted heirloom beets with candied walnuts and mulled apple cider at Artist Point.

At Epcot, guests can dine on Thanksgiving menus during lunch and dinner seatings at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Tutto Itlalia Ristorante, Restaurant Marrakesh, Rose & Crown Dining Room, and Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, as well as quick service at Sunshine Seasons.

Holiday menus also are offered at Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom; Hollywood & Vine, 50’s Prime Time Café and The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Planet Hollywood, Portobello Country Italian Tattoria, Wolfgang Puck Grand Café, Fulton’s Crab House and Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Downtown Disney; and in resort hotels throughout Walt Disney World Resort.


Be sure to make your dining reservations as soon as possible, because availability is limited. For more information or to make reservations, please click here or call 407-WDW-DINE.

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:

Have you celebrated Thanksgiving in Disney World before?
What was it like? Please leave a comment!