Ears the News: April 19 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

Disney has released a first look at the Star Wars Galaxy's Edge booth at the Star Wars Celebration Chicago.

photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

Most interestingly, the video shows a look at the full-size First Order Troop Transport that will be the ride vehicle for the land's signature attraction - Rise of the Resistance.

Video from the Disney Parks Blog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=Ct6-0m-9r7w

Disney  also live streamed the “Bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Life at Disney Parks” panel that occurred on Saturday which featured Chris Beatty, Asa Kalama, Margaret Kerrison and Scott Trowbridge from Walt Disney Imagineering and Doug Chiang and Matt Martin from Lucasfilm.

The panel begins at roughly 24 minutes in.

Video from Star Wars.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=pPIyVPlwBL4

In a land where everything must fit authentically within the Star Wars universe, selling regular Coca-Cola packaged products was a no go. So together, Disney, Coca-Cola, and Lucasfilm Ltd designed unique packaging for Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite and Dasani bottled water.

And like much of the food and beverage at Galaxy's Edge, you will only be able to buy this on Batuu.

Video from the Disney Parks Blog.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sAstC56zmE

Disney has announced that a new lounge inspired by Beauty and the Beast will replace Mizner's Lounge.

photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

According to Disney, this re-imagined lounge will feature four unique spaces inspired by Belle and the Beast. The signature bar will glow from the light of a gold chandelier that takes its inspiration from Belle’s flowing ball gown, with subtle nods to the Beast’s magical rose.

The formal library showcases classical baroque designs and French furnishings inspired by Belle, with hints of the Beast’s friends.

The garden room will be a whimsical space that draws its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding Beast’s castle.

Finally, an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.

To make space for the expansion, Mizner's has already closed, along with the adjacent men's apparel shop Commander Porter's. Summer Lace on the ground floor will ultimately become home to both men's and women's apparel.

Construction is already underway, with the area around Mizner's and Commander Porter's sealed off and a temporary bar has been setup on the ground floor during the work.

General sales are now open to the general public for Disney's Riviera Resort - the 15th Disney Vacation Club property and the first all-new, stand-alone Disney Vacation Club property at Walt Disney World since 2004.

photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

As part of the opening of general sales, Disney Vacation Club is offering savings of $2250 when you become a DVC member at Disney's Riviera Resort by May 31 2019.

Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny will be hosting Easter Egg Relays and Hunts on Easter Sunday April 21 2019 at Epcot's United Kingdom Pavilion.

photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

The Egg Hunts will take place every 10 minutes from 11am to 3:30pm. Check-in opens 30 minutes before each hunt. A separate hunt will be available for kids under 3.

Egg Relays will take place 11:40am to 3:40pm for ages 8 to 12.

Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny will also be on hand for meet and greet photos from 11:30am to 4pm.

There will also be an Easter Basket Toss, running continuously.

As always, space for the relays is limited, so check in early (upto 30 minutes before each hunt) to get a place. Be sure to check times guides on the day for any changes to schedules.

The Magic Kingdom will be celebrating Easter with a pre-parade before Festival of Fantasy Parade, featuring the Azalea Trail Maids, Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny, Daisy, Duck, Thumper & Ms. Bunny, White Rabbit, Yellow Rabbit, Clara Cluck, Hippos, Ostriches, and Dancing Chicks.

The pre-parade begins at 2:40pm on both April 20 and April 21 2019. The Azalea Trail Maids will also be appearing in Town Square from 9:45am - 10:30am and 11:30am to 12:15pm on both days.

You can also meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny in the Town Square Courtyard daily through April 21.

If you are still looking for ideas for Easter dining on April 21 2019, Disney Springs has several great options including brunch and dinners.

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante

From 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a buffet of classic Italian dishes for the entire family such as Mascarpone French Toast, Poached Hen Egg & Quinoa Kale Salad, and hand-carved NY Strip Steak. The guest of honor, the Easter Bunny, will also be available for a complimentary printed photo souvenir. Tickets for Brunch with the Easter Bunny are $45 per adult and $20 per child. For reservations, visit mariaandenzos.com or call 407-560-8466.

Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., Enzo’s Hideaway’s will offer its traditional menu along with three specialty à la carte items. From savory to sweet, these exclusive gourmet dishes include a Spicy Italian Breakfast Skillet (spicy Italian sausage, pancetta, potatoes, red peppers, tomatoes, fontina, calabrian pepperoncini), Nutella French Toast (brioche bread, fresh berries, vanilla mascarpone, whipped cream, maple syrup), and a Frittata Rustica (classic Italian omelet, mushrooms, tomatoes, broccoli, onions, ricotta, ciabatta toast). Make a reservation by visiting, enzoshideawayfla.com or calling 407-560-3696.

The Edison

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., Easter à la carte specials include fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes (whipped ricotta cheese, lemon, macerated berries, butter, maple syrup), an Edison Egg Burger (brioche bun, bacon, egg, avocado, Edison spicy sauce, hash brown potatoes), or a Smoked Salmon Frittata (smoked salmon, roasted shallots, tomatoes, fontina cheese, chive sour cream, hash brown potatoes). Reservations can be made at theedisonfla.com or by calling 407-560-9288.

Paddlefish

Paddlefish’s menu features flounder with shrimp, scallops, beurre blanc and asparagus ($36) as well as a special Easter Martini complete with a chocolate egg candy garnish ($14).

The Orlando Sentinel got a close-up look at the Disney Skyliner system earlier today and posted some images of the gondola cabin interiors.

photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

Each gondola cabin has two wooden bench seats that can accommodate up to 10 guests per cabin. Although there is no air conditioning, each cabin has reflective windows to block the sun and plenty of ventilation.

The 300 gondolas on the Disney Skyliner system will travel at 11mph at heights of up to 60ft.

A link to the full article is below.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-bz-gondolas-disney-sneak-preview-20190416-story.html

Disney has also released a new video on the Skyliner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwJrkFlOKKg

The ABC Commissary at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be closing for a refurbishment later this month.

The closure begins April 28 2019 through to June 1 2019.

Disney has released details for the May 1 2019 celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Disney's Hollywood Studios.

photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

Park hours on May 1 are 9am to 9pm, with the Disney After Hours ticketed event being offered from 9:30pm to 12:30am.

Here is a run-down of the special entertainment and offerings.

• A Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Star-Studded Celebration cavalcade starring Mickey and friends will step off at 10am and will head along Hollywood Blvd.
  
  
• Guests entering the park can grab a special 30th anniversary commemorative guide map and button.
  
  
• Special 30th anniversary merchandise will be unveiled on May 1, including a new adult T-shirt, baseball cap, Tervis 24-oz tumbler, MagicBand, ornament and more. Annual passholders can also shop for some items exclusively created for them. Merchandise can be found starting at 8am in Grand Park, while supplies last. (Please note: Merchandise will go on sale at 8am, DisSpecial anniversary food & beverage items will be available throughout the park, including Kylo Ren Cupcakes, Incredibles Macarons, Tres Leches Verrine and more.
  
  
• Debut of “Wonderful World of Animation” projection show at 9:05pm.
  
  
• Disney After Hours ticketed event will also be on offer, with the addition of meet and greets at the Chinese Theatre Courtyard and Star Wars Launch Bay, and a special showing of “Wonderful World of Animation” projection show.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens at 9am)

PizzeRizzo at Disney's Hollywoods Studios will reopen for business on May 4 2019 after being closed since late October 2018.

photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

The official Disney Parks Blog has released more information on the upcoming Disney Villains After Hours coming to the Magic Kingdom this summer.

photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

The new 20 minute villains stage show will be called 'Villains Unite the Night,' and will take place three times each night.

In addition to the stage show, Maleficent from Festival of Fantasy Parade will be let loose into the park, and special overlays will be found at Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean.

According to the Disney Parks Blog post, "A dark magic is taking over Magic Kingdom Park and inviting you to run amuck in the Villains’ scary world. The party DJ gets things lit, energizing the castle stage with sick beats and transforming the entire Central Plaza of the park into a killer club scene. As the party heats up, the DJ introduces your “Caretaker” for the evening, the Lord of the Dead, Hades, who arrives in a burst of blue flames for the all-new show, “Villains Unite the Night.”

With Meg by his side, Hades sits atop his dark throne awaiting the alignment of five planets, following a prophecy that states when the five come together he will be able to rule the universe. But this dastardly plan doesn’t go quite as expected, when an assemblage of Disney Villains interrupts his party. Jafar, The Queen, Dr. Facilier and Maleficent arrive with henchmen in tow, prepared to showcase their power with spine-tingling displays of skill. It seems these Villains have also heard the prophecy and believe they are the ones who will rule all."

“I think guests will really be impressed with ‘Villains Unite the Night!’” said Kate Pappas, managing producer with Disney Parks Live Entertainment. “This show is going to be more than 20 minutes long and run three times each night of the event, so everyone will have a chance to see all these great Villains on stage. Add in our amazing DJ, and the hub of the park will be pulsing with energy all night long!”

Disney Villains After Hours tickets cost $139 plus tax in advance, $144 plus tax on the event night. Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club Members get a $30 discount and can purchase tickets for $109. Tickets for these specific Disney Villains After Hours event nights will go on sale April 29. Regular Disney After Hours events cost $125 + tax for advance purchase and $129 + tax for day-of purchases. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders do receive a discounted price of $95 + tax.

Disney Villains After Hours is scheduled for:

• June 6, 13, 20, 27 2019
• July 1, 11, 18, 25 2019
• August 1, 8 2019

Ears the News: April 12 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

Seven hotels in the Disney Springs Resort area and the Four Seasons Resort have all extended their arrangement with Walt Disney World for Extra Magic Hours and FastPass+.

The extension means that the hotels will be eligible for Extra Magic Hours and the 60 day booking window for FastPass+ through December 31 2020.

The Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are: B Resort & Spa; Best Western Lake Buena Vista; DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando; Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace; Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista; Holiday Inn Orlando; and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista.

The Disney Springs area hotels began offering EMH and 60 day FastPass+ in 2018.

Toy Story 4 arrives in theaters on June 21 2019, and Disney has just announced that one of the main characters from the movie will begin appearing at Walt Disney World. 

Photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

Bo Peep will be appearing in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios from the summer. The land currently includes meet and greets with Woody, Buzz and Jessie.

Attractions business website blooloop sat down with several creatives at Disney Parks Live Entertainment and revealed a few details of what we can expect with the upcoming Epcot Forever show. 

Photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

The original announcement from Disney described "Epcot Forever" beginning with a spark of imagination that swells into an epic spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers, and special effects kites.

blooloop.com elaborates on that, indicating that the show's kites will be operated by two-man teams abroad personal watercraft - something similar to a jet ski. Each of the 8 watercraft will carry a driver and kite operator.

Music is said to include "One Little Spark" and "Magic Journeys," and Walt Disney World Live Entertainment producer Ray Coble says that "pyro is the star."

The limited time "Epcot Forever' show will open immediately following the conclusion of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth in the fall of 2019. The park's permanent nighttime spectacular will debut later in 2020.

The full article can be found at the link below.

https://blooloop.com/features/walt-disney-world-nighttime-entertainment/

"Epcot Forever" nighttime spectacular will debut on October 1 2019.

Epcot Forever will feature fireworks, lighting, lasers and choreographed, special effects kites, accompanied by a stirring collection of songs that paints a colorful picture of Epcot. Disney Parks Live Entertainment is collaborating on the show with noted conductor and composer Don Harper, who is producing all-new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes to weave into the soundtrack of “Epcot Forever.”

Don Harper is credited with work on the scores for National Treasure, Training Day, Armageddon, The Rock, Twister, Broken Arrow, Assassins, and Speed. In the theme park environment, Harper recorded the soundtrack for Fantasmic! at Tokyo DisneySea and most recently, for Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

“Epcot Forever is a celebration of what Epcot has been and what Epcot is going to become,” said Alan Bruun, show director for Disney Parks Live Entertainment. “Music is the star of the show, and we use songs going back to the very beginnings of Epcot to music in the park today – from attractions, spectaculars and other shows – and put them into a fireworks spectacular on the lagoon every night. Guests are going to hear music they know and love but in a whole new way.”

In the video below, you can hear some of the music from the new show and see test footage of the new kites that will be part of the show.

Video from the Disney Parks Blog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PICH94UTxmI

After it launches October 1, “Epcot Forever” will continue into 2020, when it will then make way for the debut of the next Epcot nighttime spectacular as part of the park’s multi-year transformation.

The Orlando Sentinel has reported that Virgin Trains plans to build a station at Walt Disney World as it begins work on a rail link from South Florida to Central Florida. 

Virgin Trains president Patrick Goddard said that the service "would integrate with their transportation system, hotels and theme parks."

The service would also include a station at Orlando International Airport, which could see a rail service from Miami to Orlando and to the theme parks. The expected timeframe is 30 - 36 months.

Aiming to reinvent train travel in the United States, Virgin Trains USA is the express inter-city passenger rail service that currently connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with plans to expand to Orlando and Tampa. The company, under direction of Sir Richard Branson, has raised nearly $1.8 billion in the last few weeks, enough to build the link to Orlando.

The full article can be found at the link below.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/transportation/os-ne-branson-talks-virgin-trains-20190404-story.html

Walt Disney World Resort hotels are now charging a service fee for in-room deliveries of packages and groceries. 

Photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

A $6 service fee will be charged if you request the grocery order or package to be delivered to your room. Pickup at the lobby continues to be complimentary.

The service fee is per order and not per bag and only applies to deliveries made to the room. Deliveries made to bell services can still be picked up at no charge.

The new Citizen Watch Mickey Collection is now available for purchase online. 

Photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

The nine Mickey timepieces that celebrate Mickey's 90th birthday are featured in two distinct sizes, 29.5mm and 40mm, all featuring the iconic Mickey figure.

Four 40mm timepieces feature a flat mineral crystal case in all black with silver indexes, two of which are on a bracelet and the others, a black leather strap.

Two of the styles feature black dials with matte and shiny Mickey silhouettes with his iconic red hue accented on both the hands and figure. The other two styles include a silver silhouette of Mickey ‘chasing after time.’

The three remaining 40mm timepieces are offered on a black leather strap, black mesh band or silver mesh band. The dials are black with transparent Mickey print and face design details with spherical mineral crystal.

Citizen’s two 29.5mm Mickey timepieces feature a black dial with diamond accents and case and bracelet in either stainless or stainless steel with rose gold plating. The flat mineral crystal case is complete with a miniature Mickey face positioned at the 8 o’clock marker.

Inspired by Citizen’s best-selling silhouettes, the entire collection ranges from $295 – $475 and are now available for purchase via citizenwatch.com.

“Since his big-screen debut in Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928, Mickey has been the global ambassador for The Walt Disney Company and he embodies a positivity that reflects Citizen’s ‘Better Starts Now’ initiative,” says President of Citizen Watch America, Jeffrey Cohen. “We are proud to honor this iconic character on our new timepieces and continue celebrating moments like this as we build on our collaboration with the Disney brand.”

Late last year, Disney and Citizen also unveiled the new Citizen branded in-park clocks, part of the 12 year agreement between the two companies.

The full collection can be seen and purchased on Citizen’s website.

https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/collection/disney/

The Pixar Play Zone at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, has concluded its limited-time run and The Game Station Arcade will be returning. 

Photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

The Game Station Arcade will reopen at Disney's Contemporary Resort on April 8 2019.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2019 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which will feature an all new firework spectacular this year. 

Photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

The least expensive ticket remains at $99 as it was last year, although the highest price ticket goes up from $125 last year to $139 for this year.


Event dates for 2019 are as follows

November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24
December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22

As in previous years, pricing varies depending on the date of the party. Passholders can get $5 discount on the advance pricing listed below.

November 11, 12, 14, 17, 21:
Advance purchase: $99 adult, $94 child
Day of purchase: $109 adult, $104 child

November 8, 15, 22 and December 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15:
Advance purchase: $109 adult, $104 child
Day of purchase: $119 adult, $114 child

November 24 and December 1, 6, 13, 17:
Advance purchase: $115 adult, $110 child
Day of purchase: $125 adult, $120 child

December 19
Advance purchase: $129 adult, $124 child
Day of purchase: $139 adult, $134 child

December 20, 22:
Advance purchase and Day of purchase: $139 adult, $134 child

Tickets can be purchased at the official website.

The Tasting Sampler that debuted last year at Disney's Animal Kingdom will be returning in the Spring of 2019.

The offer last year got you $35 of food for $30, and preferred seating for one guest at the second showing of Rivers of Light.

For 2019 the deal is a bit more complicated. The sampler costs $50 and includes two digital value cards: one $50 card that can be used at over 40 outdoor food and beverage locations throughout the park (and does not expire), and a bonus $10 card that can be used at the following quick-service restaurants after 5pm from April 12-22, 2019: Restaurantosaurus (DinoLand U.S.A), Pizzafari and Pizzafari Family-Style Dining (Discovery Island), Flame Tree Barbecue (Discovery Island), and Satu’li Canteen (Pandora – The World of Avatar). At each of the outdoor food and beverage locations, you can use the $50 card to purchase anything on the menus.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tasting Sampler can be purchased through April 22 2019 at noon and can be used at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park during regular operating hours. When you purchase the sampler, you’ll receive an email for each digital value card. Each email will have a barcode that can be added to your digital wallet on your mobile phone and scanned at most food and beverage locations throughout the park. For a full list of participating locations and menu offerings, visit any food and beverage location at the park.

To purchase, visit Offers.Disney.com and use the code DAKDINEBONUS.

Walt Disney Presents at Disney's Hollywood Studios will soon begin showing a sneak peek of the upcoming live-action movie 'Aladdin.'

The preview replaces the sneak-peek of Dumbo and begins April 29 2019 ahead of the movie's release in theaters on May 24 2019.

Disney's Animal Kingdom will be celebrating Earth Day with Party for the Planet April 20 - 22 2019. 

Photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

'Tiffins Talks' returns, with Walt Disney Imagineer and Portfolio Executive Joe Rohde talking about his travels around the world. The 4-course lunch features global dishes, desserts and specialty beverages. Pricing for this dining package is $199 plus tax and gratuity and requires separate park admission. Reservations can be made beginning today by calling 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463).

Joe Rohde will also be at Mombasa Marketplace, 10am - 11:30am April 20 and 22, where he will be on hand to sign his own unique artwork, a commemorative lion print that will be on sale throughout the event while supplies last. A wristband is required to meet Joe Rohde.

The third parking garage at Disney Springs, known as the Grapefruit Garage, will officially open on April 16 2019.

Located across from the existing Lime Garage, it will offer direct access into the Marketplace at Disney Springs via a pedestrian bridge.

With the opening of the new garage, Cast Members will now be required to park in this garage, which will free up additional space in the more conveniently located Orange and Lime garages. Guests will also be able to park in Grapefruit if they wish.

As with Orange and Lime, Grapefruit will feature the smart parking system that identifies free capacity on each level and free parking spaces within each row.

The new Disney Ticket Center is now open in the Town Center at Disney Springs. 

Photo courtesy of www.wdwmagic.com 

Located next to Blaze Pizza behind D-Luxe Burger, the new store offers assistance with Disney theme park ticket purchases, upgrades, Annual Passes and dining reservations.

You can also pick-up guide maps for the parks and Magic Bands.

Take a Peek into Toy Story Land

Agent Maci here and today I wanted to take you into the new addition to Disney's Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land!

Toy Story Land brought two new attractions, Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, and a new restaurant, Woody's Lunch Box, to the park in a larger than life play-set. The addition of this part of the park also moves the entrance to Toy Story Mania into the new land.

If you go at any busy time of year in the morning, the crowds will head in mass to Toy Story Land to ride Slinky Dog Dash, and it will stay busy throughout the day. But with good reason, the land is themed great and the rides are fun for the whole family!

As you enter the area, you are greeted by a larger than life Woody. Often throughout the day there is also a PhotoPass photographer set up here to capture your family at the entrance! If you stand around and listen, you'll hear some key catch phrases from the sheriff himself!

Woody greets guests coming into Toy Story Land

The major draw here is the new Slinky Dog Dash attraction, which is a family-friendly coaster.  The line might be long, but the queue has a lot of fun theming and if you download the Play Disney App you can see the game Andy designed for his toys and play along! We had a great time taking in the details and playing the game to help pass the time.

The entrance to Slinky Dog Dash

The car and track from Slinky Dog Dash

The other new attraction is Alien Swirling Saucers which is another fun for all ages ride. The aliens take you on a ride twisting and turning around the game.

The claw!

After all that excitement it's easy to work up an appetite for lunch. We headed over to Woody's Lunch Box to grab some sandwiches, sit, and have a break from the crowds. We got 3 grilled cheeses (the kids grilled cheese is half a sandwich) with the sides of potato barrels or tomato-basil soup and a bbq brisket melt. For a grilled cheese, we were very impressed with these. The BBQ brisket melt also had a lot of great flavors and a nice amount of meat. We also gave the Grown-Up's Lemonade a try while we were here which was a great refreshing summer drink.

Lunch from Woody's Lunch Box

Grown Up's Lemonade

If all that excitement wasn't already enough to have you ready to explore Toy Story Land, I saved my favorite part for last! While we were there, we saw the Green Army Men patrolling the area several times and it was so fun to see them go by. Sometimes they had Pixar balls and sometimes they had drums, you just never knew what to expect and I loved that you could enjoy it from near or far.

Army Men patrolling the area

Also included in Toy Story Land are Toy Story character meet and greets including Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie. The lines for these characters can get very long so be sure to plan accordingly. Finally there are bathrooms behind Woody's Lunch Box that are big, new and relatively nice.

Have you explored Toy Story Land yet? What was your favorite part?  Let us know in the comments below!

- Agent Maci

2019 Flower and Garden Festival: Treats & Eats Part 1

Agent Maci here to bring you some details on my favorite time of year at Epcot, the International Flower and Garden Festival! Today's post is going to focus on one part of the festival: The food and beverage offerings! Over the last few years, this festival has really stepped up it's food and drink game offering new booths each year that feature seasonal, fresh and garden-related or regional items. 

To help navigate, this blog post will focus on the booths that are more garden-focused (not tied to the countries of World Showcase). The booths that would fall into this category include Arbor at the Gardener's Terrace, Flavor Full Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth, The Citrus Blossom, The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board, Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE Foods, Pineapple Promenade, Florida Fresh, and Taste Track. 

First up is the Arbor at the Gardener's Terrace.  This place is really a hidden gem because it's inside the Odyssey Pavilion with AC and tables to sit and take a break! Here I sampled the dessert, which was a mixed berry buttermilk cake and the cider flight, while I met some friends that enjoyed the fried green tomatoes and smoked salmon stack. I personally loved the cake. It was gluten free which is a huge plus and it was a nice indulgence without being too sweet or too heavy. I enjoyed all of the ciders as well and love getting to try a few. I loved the rainbow the different flavors provided and enjoyed the "black widow" cider the best. 

Cider Flight

Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab-fennel Salad, Remoulade and Smoked Paprika Oil

Smoked Salmon Stack with Avocados, Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Caviar and Focaccia Crostino

Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake, served with Apple Cider Sorbet (V) (GF) (KA)

The Citrus Blossom was home to this year's big hit, the Orange Bird Sipper. So of course I had to give that a try and paired it with the crispy citrus chicken.  I've heard the lines/availability of the sipper varies, so you'll just have to try your luck. I had no issue getting mine and only waited about a minute in line so I was very lucky! I just love how cute it is and the orange cream slushy inside was delish! Think a creamsicle milkshake, yum! The Crispy Citrus Chicken was also a huge hit for me.  Again, you wouldn't be able to even tell this was gluten free and it just had a great, bright fresh citrus punch to it. They were a little heavy on the aioli for my liking but otherwise a huge hit! 

Orange Cream Slushy in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic) (KA)
Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aïoli and Baby Greens (GF) (KA) 

Florida Fresh has been a staple for a few years now and is home to one of my favorite beverages, the watermelon slush! It's so light and refreshing on a hot Disney day. It comes in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. The shrimp and grits from this booth are also a favorite of the festival.

Watermelon Cucumber Slushy with Gin

Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Local Sweet Corn Relish

A surprise for me this year was Trowel and Trellis, which was an entirely vegetarian and, I believe, vegan booth. Here I tried the street corn which you can smell before you can even see the booth! It was delicious and great to eat while walking to the next adventure. 

Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread (GF) (V) (KA)

Last up (for now) is one of my absolute favorites, the Honey Bee-stro. I pretty much enjoy everything on this menu every year. They do a great job balancing the sweetness of the honey with the other flavors in each dish. 

Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey-blistered Grapes, Sunflower Brittle and Coriander Flowers (GF) (V)
Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine, St. Petersburg, FL

Honey-peach Cobbler Freeze with Blueberry Vodka

Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, Charred Vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream and Micro Citrus Greens 

Now this is only a few of the booths available and only a thing or two from each that I tried so there's lots more out there left to enjoy! Have you tried any of these items? What has been your favorite so far? What should I try next?! Let us know in the comments below!

- Agent Maci

Ears the News: March 29, 2019 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

During the Orlando Magic – Philadelphia 76ers game, Mickey Mouse made a surprise on-court appearance to announce that The NBA Experience at Disney Springs will open August 12, 2019.

In collaboration with the NBA, Disney is developing NBA Experience as a one-of-a-kind environment packed with 13 interactive elements and hands-on activities across 44,000 square feet and two floors. NBA Experience will give guests the chance to feel like a basketball superstar.

“When we were young, we played basketball in our driveways or in the park, creating those imaginary moments of making the game-winning shot for a championship,” said Stan Dodd, executive producer, Walt Disney Imagineering. “We want to take that energy and help you feel what it’s like to be an actual NBA or WNBA player.”

Concept art courtesy of Disney

Upon entry to NBA Experience, guests will feel as if they’re walking through the players’ tunnel at an NBA or WNBA arena. A ticket to NBA Experience grants access to every activity, in any order guests choose, with the ability to return to stations to improve performances or learn even more about the game, players and teams they love. In addition to the competitions and games, the experience will also include a retail store featuring NBA-themed merchandise.

Additional elements of the destination include:

• A slam dunk challenge, where guests can change the height of a standard 10-foot hoop to as low as seven feet to perform their own superstar moves – captured by burst photography. 
• An activity that tests shooting skills with spots on a court that light up as guests move from one location to another attempting to sink as many shots as possible in 15 seconds. 
• A way for guests to see how they stack up to some of the world’s best basketball players by measuring their vertical leap, wingspan, shooting and dribbling. 
• Personalization for various activities with guests’ names and associating the activity with their favorite NBA or WNBA teams. 
• Real-time technology to aggregate statistics of NBA and WNBA games and players for continuous updates, while leaderboards will track top NBA Experience performers throughout each day. 

Video courtesy of the Disney Parks Blog.

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach is offering a bundle of food and merchandise, providing a 20 percent saving over purchasing the items separately.

The Splash Pack includes select food entrées and dessert options, a refillable Disney Water Park mug and a Disney-themed towel to take home.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Guests will be able to choose from “Lilo and Stitch,” “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo” and of course, Mickey Mouse-themed towels.

The limited time pilot will be available March 26 to May 4, 2019, and Splash Packs costs $44 per person, plus tax. Splash packs are available at Singapore Sal’s at Typhoon Lagoon or the Beach Haus at Blizzard Beach.

The highly rated Wine Bar George at Disney Springs will be introducing brunch, starting March 30, 2019.

Available Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm, main plates include French Toast, Steak & Eggs Frites, Burrata, Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Eggs Benedict and a Wine country Omelet.

Disney Vacation Club has announced that sales of the all-new Disney’s Riviera Resort are now open exclusively for Disney Vacation Club Members until April 15, 2019, at which time sales will open to the general public.

Planned to open on December 16, 2019, the 300 unit Disney's Riviera Resort is the 15th Disney Vacation Club property and the first all-new, stand-alone Disney Vacation Club property at Walt Disney World since 2004.

“Not only will Disney’s Riviera Resort delight families with its gorgeous architectural details and wide range of accommodations, but members and guests will simply fall in love with the sights, sounds and flavors of Europe around every corner,” said Terri Schultz, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Vacation Club. “This new resort will pay tribute to Walt and Lillian Disney’s amazing European travels, connecting Disney artistry and storytelling to this region’s renowned art heritage and inspiration. Our team can’t wait to welcome families to this relaxing destination inspired by the world-famous sun drenched Mediterranean Coastline.”

Disney’s Riviera Resort will include deluxe studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, grand villas, that sleep up to 12 guests each, and a new, unique accommodation, Tower Studios.

Concept art courtesy of Disney

Located in its own tower of the resort, Tower Studios will provide an upscale studio experience that maximizes efficiency, inclusive of a queen-sized bed housed in a built-in wall unit that is pulled down for sleeping and tucked away to reveal a comfortable lounge-worthy space. This elegant area will include a sofa, quaint writing nook, a beverage center and microwave, plentiful storage and bright and modern bathroom.

Throughout the resort and inside the accommodations, guests will experience a variety of art including Disney concept art with European settings, posters of Disney films as released in Europe, archival photograpy of Walt Disney’s travels thoughout the region and book titles Walt Disney gathered on his journeys. Additionally, there will be more than 40 signature art pieces created for Disney’s Riviera Resort featuring unique Disney character art inspired by the renowned artistic heritage found along the shores of the European Riviera.

This all-new resort designed in early 20th-century elegance reflected throughout Europe and the Mediterranean coastline will boast a palm tree-lined boulevard with a striking façade featuring grand archways, porticos, cascading water features, and towers and terraces. The pools of Disney’s Riviera Resort will continue this theming with a focus on showcasing a Southern European coast inspiration.

The feature pool, Riviera Pool, will offer lounge chairs and colorful sun umbrellas, with a winding stone turret slide, giving the feel of swimming and playing along the Mediteranean coast. For those traveling with young guests, an interactive water play area, S’il Vous Play, is the perfect place to splash and have fun in a whimsical fountain featuring several beloved characters from Disney “Fantasia,” drawing inspiration from the grand public fountains seen throughout Europe with a patina and limestone-inspired design. For guests looking for a more leisurely poolside experience, the Beau Soleil leisure pool will feature a natural, lush-green wall surrounding the tranquil area, creating a semi-private pool experience, perfect for enjoying the sun or resting beneath the shaded seating area in a grove of tropical palm trees.

Concept art courtesy of Disney

Guests at the resort will have a new way to travel to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios via Disney Skyliner. Disney Skyliner will not only efficiently move guests to their location, it will also offer a whole new way to experience Walt Disney World Resort with amazing views only available from the sky — with great photo opportunities. Passing through a tunnel archway with sparkling water features, Disney’s Riviera Resort guests will be connected to a dedicated station where they can hop aboard a Disney Skyliner gondola. When operating later this fall, some cabins will feature graphics based on Disney films, attractions and characters. Once aboard, guests can take a European-inspired ride through the sky to Epcot International Gateway or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Riviera Resort will offer restaurants from signature dining experiences to quick service options within the resort and poolside. Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, perched on the rooftop, will feature authentic dishes infused with French and Italian flavors, with an onstage kitchen featuring a wood burning grill showcasing finely prepared meats and seafood. The culinary team will be handcrafting artisanal pastas tossed with fresh pressed olive oil. A gourmet selection of cheeses from France and Italy will also be featured. This restaurant will also have an impressive collection of wines sourced throughout the South of France and Coastal Italy.

Stepping into Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, guests will be surrounded by stunning visual aesthetics of modern interpretations of Italian and French textures, colors, and carvings mingled with stonework that harkens to what can be found in ancient European villages along the coastline. And while dining, guests may then step out onto the terrace for a grand view of the resort’s stunning vistas, and possibly even enjoy the nighttime spectaculars of nearby Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Plus, guests looking to start their morning off with a breakfast experience can visit Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera for special Disney character dining, with exclusive character experiences, inspired by the Riviera. 

Concept art courtesy of Disney

For those wishing to dine closer to the pools, at Bar Riva, an open-air pool bar with a seaside décor, guests will encounter a relaxed European coast vibe with hospitality that will extend poolside. Those looking for that European café touch, Le Petit Café, taking its name from the classic Disney film, “The Arisotcats,” will have the feel of a modern French patisserie that will be a charming coffee bar by day, and transform into a stylish wine bar by night. With its modern design stylized with a traditional feel, and views of the lawns and the Riviera pool through the large windows framed by beautiful arches, for guests looking to share a casual meal or quick snack, Primo Piatto will feel like dining on along a Riviera promenade.

For Disney Vacation Club Members ready to purchase vacation points at Disney’s Riviera Resort, there is a special introductory offer available at DisneyVacationClub.com/RivieraWelcomeOffer, or by calling 855-883-0181. Guests can contact 407-W-Disney (934-7639) to make reservations for the new Disney’s Riviera Resort.

A number of rule changes for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will go into effect on May 1, 2019.

Smoking areas will no longer be present inside Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex or Downtown Disney in California.

Designated smoking areas will be available outside the entrances to the areas listed above, and at Disney Springs in Florida. For guests who have room or dining reservations, smoking areas are also available at Disney Resort hotels.

Beginning May 1, 2019, Walt Disney World will begin enforcing stroller size restrictions to keep them within a reasonable size for navigating through the parks.

New regulations will require them to be no larger than 31" (79cm) wide and 52" (132cm) long.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Popular strollers, such as the Bob Revolution (including the Duallie double wide version) fit within these size guidelines.

Wagons are already banned, but beginning May 1, stroller wagons (such as the Keenz) will also no longer be permitted.

Beginning March 28, 2019, loose or dry ice is no longer permitted in the Walt Disney World theme parks.

As an alternative, Disney suggests using re-useable ice packs. Complimentary cups of ice are also available at Food & Beverage locations inside the parks if needed.

More dates have just been added to the Disney After Hours events at all three participating theme parks, extending the event through to the summer.

All Disney After Hours event tickets cost $125 + tax for advance purchase and $129 + tax for day-of purchases. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders do receive a discounted price $95 + tax.

The event gives you access to the park for three hours after regular park hours, which means nearly no wait for attractions, and you can enter the park early – at 7pm on your event night – before Disney After Hours begins. Ice cream, popcorn and non-alcoholic beverages are also included in your Disney After Hours admission, which is a separately priced ticket from daytime park admission.

Magic Kingdom Park

10pm to 1am

• Thursday, March 28, 2019
• Thursday, April 4, 2019
• Thursday, April 11, 2019

9pm to midnight

• Thursday, May 2, 2019
• Thursday, May 9, 2019
• Thursday, May 16, 2019
• Thursday, May 23, 2019
• Thursday, May 30, 2019

Tickets are currently available for Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park at DisneyWorld.com/DisneyAfterHours.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Attractions available include Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania! Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror . Select quick-service food & beverage locations will also stay open for purchases throughout the night.

9pm to midnight

• Saturday, March 30, 2019
• Saturday, April 6, 2019
• Saturday, April 13, 2019
• Wednesday, May 1, 2019
• Saturday, May 4, 2019
• Friday, May 10, 2019
• Friday, May 17, 2019
• Friday, May 24, 2019
• Friday, May 31, 2019
• Friday, June 14, 2019
• Friday, June 21, 2019
• Friday, June 28, 2019

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Includes the Tree of Life Awakenings, the adventures within Pandora – The World of Avatar and more. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will remain open throughout the night for purchases.

9pm to midnight

• Tuesday, May 7, 2019
• Tuesday, May 14, 2019
• Tuesday, May 21, 2019
• Tuesday, June 4, 2019
• Tuesday, June 11, 2019
• Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Starting this summer, the ABC Commissary at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be changing its Fast Casual dinner experience to accept reservations.

Each night starting at 4pm, guests with reservations will be able to place an order, take a pager and find a seat. Then, when the order is ready, the food will be brought to your table as before.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Walk-ups will still be available, although wait times may be longer. Mobile Order will no longer be available for dinner, for guests with or without reservations. Lunch service is unaffected and remains walk-up only as a counter-service offering.

Reservations are available now for dinner beginning Sunday June 2, 2019.

The quick service restaurant moved to the fast-casual model with food delivery to the table back in November 2016, but was available as a walk-up option only.

Disney has announced that the all-new cinematic nighttime

experience, “Wonderful World of Animation,” will officially debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1, 2019 as part of the park’s 30th anniversary celebration.

The show will use state-of-the-art projection technology to take guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation, all beginning with Mickey himself.

This new show will replace the existing Disney Movie Magic projection show.

Concept art courtesy of Disney

Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.

Ears the News: March 22, 2019 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

A fifth dining location will be added to Epcot's France Pavilion as part of the expansion that will also include Remy's Ratatouille Adventure.

The new Crêperie will feature the cuisine of chef Jérôme Bocuse, who also runs the pavilion’s Chefs de France brasserie and Monsieur Paul. With a menu inspired by the Brittany region of France, the new location will offer table service dining as well as a quick-service stop for savory crepes called galettes and sweet crepes.

Concept art courtesy of Disney

Disney's Hollywood Studios has opened its all new resort bus stop loops, with an impressive complex that will greatly improve the arrival experience from resort hotels.
The new loops hold more than 50 bus stops, and are located within a minutes walk from the park entrance, adjacent to the new Disney Skyliner station.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

The two loops contain load and unload on both sides, and all the stops are covered and have overhead fans.

The opening of the new bus stops are the first phase of a major redevelopment of the parks main entrance area, which will also see new security checkpoints and a new tram station.



Disney has announced that a new film will be coming to Epcot's Land Pavilion in the Harvest Theater - the former home to the Circle of Life film.

“Awesome Planet,” an on-screen exploration of the realm we call home, showcases the spectacular beauty, diversity and dynamic story of our earth with all the grandeur guests have come to expect.

With spectacular nature photography, immersive in-theater effects, and space sequences created by none other than Industrial Light & Magic (which provided the cinematic foundation for the Star Wars franchise), “Awesome Planet” will stir Epcot guests and deliver an environmental message that will resonate far beyond its final scenes.

Disney has announced that Rafiki's Planet Watch at Disney's Animal Kingdom will reopen to guests in the summer of 2019.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch, the Affection Section and the Wildlife Express will all return to operation, along with a few enhancements in celebration of The Lion King.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Mizner's Lounge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort is to be expanded during an upcoming refurbishment beginning early April 2019.

To make space for the expansion, the adjacent men's apparel shop Commander Porter's will close on April 4, 2019. Summer Lace on the ground floor will ultimately become home to both men's and women's apparel.

During the closure of Mizner's, a temporary lounge will be setup by the Garden View Tea Room on the ground floor. The Grand Floridian Orchestra will perform from the ground level during the work.

The work on expanding Mizner's is expected to be complete by Fall 2019.

DJ's Ready Set Party Time to open alongside Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy.

Several times daily, there will be “DJ’s Ready! Set! Party Time!” where Lightning McQueen’s Pit Crew arrives on the scene, getting everyone around DJ engaged in entertaining “Cars”-inspired dances and games.

Video from the Disney Parks Blog

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.

Ears the News: March 15, 2019 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com

The new "Captain Hook's Pirate Crew" at Disney's Beach Club Resort is the latest immersive experience for kids at Walt Disney World Resort.

Taking place from 5pm to 8:30pm, Captain Hook will be lookin’ for a new band of adventurers to learn the pirate code and follow clues leading to hidden treasure. As part of Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew, these young buccaneers will comb through the resort and set sail on a pontoon boat around Crescent Lake including an escape room type experience. Once the treasure is unearthed, all join in a Pirate Feast that includes selections such as Cannon Meatballs with marinara or macaroni and “gold” sauce for entrees, along with a treasure chest treat or fruit for dessert.

Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew is priced at $55 (plus tax) per child and is available for ages 4 to 12; the adventures begin April 28, 2019. For more information or to book a reservation, call 407-824-KIDS.

The Pixar Play Zone experience at Disney's Contemporary Resort ends on March 30, 2019.

Month-long Sakura Festival begins tonight at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs

Beginning on March 8th, Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs will be hosting their second annual Sakura Festival for guests to experience a month-long celebration steeped in Japanese tradition and dedicated to the beauty of the cherry blossom. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

From March 8th to the 31st 2019, the restaurant will be decorated with vibrant décor, showcasing the pink blooms of the Sakura. Similar to the festivals in Japan, guests can attend a series of ticketed events and enjoy menu specials inspired by the cherry blossom.

Crooked Can Happy Hour
The first event is the Crooked Can Happy Hour, Friday, March 8 from 5-7 p.m.

Kick off the festival with Crooked Can Brewing Company’s brewmasters to taste the Sakura Kolsch, available only at Morimoto Asia paired with a gourmet selection of Pan-Asian light bites upstairs in the Forbidden Lounge. Crooked Can offerings will be available for $5. No tickets necessary.

Rosé All Day
Then on Sunday March 10, 11:30am to 3:30pm the afternoon tasting event will highlight the famed pink drink with multiple stations of Rosé including 11 wineries, two sakes, and a thoughtful selection of food pairings meant to enhance the flavors of each wine. Each guest will also receive a complimentary souvenir stemless tasting glass before departure.

Tickets are $55 each and can be purchased online.

Pairings include:

• Erath Pinot Noir Rosé – Paired with scallops bathed in a butter black bean sauce
• M Chapoutier Bellarouche Rosé – Paired with Peking duck
• Domaine De Cala Rosé – Paired with octopus light yuzu koshu
• Smoke Tree Rosé – Paired with a beef yakiniku lettuce wrap with quick kimchi mayo
• Vinho Verde Rosé - Paired with chicken yakitori
• Banfi Rosé – Paired with raw bar menu items
• Hana Hou Hou Rosé Sake - Paired with pork belly 
• Shayna – Fleurs Da Prairie – French Rosé - Paired with miso glazed salmon belly
• Strawberry Nigori Sake - Paired with banana lumpia dessert
• Dewatsuru Rosé Sake - Paired with tonkatsu-style pork
• Meriden Rosé – Paired with assorted Dim Sum

Select hotels at Walt Disney World are now offering Mermaid School, where guests are fitted with a mermaid tail and taught how to swim with it.

Guests ages 4 and older can take part in an hour-long class where they’ll be fitted with a swimmable “tail” and led through activities teaching them how to swim in a pool like a mermaid.

The Mermaid School will be offered at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Classes are $50/person (plus tax). Bookings (select dates per resort) will open mid-March through 407-WDW-PLAY.

The experience is being operated by local Orlando company, The Mermaid Academy, who provide the instructors and the loan of the tail.

Video from the Mermaid Academy.

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

Direct bus service to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach will be returning.

Beginning March 17, 2019, busses heading to the water parks will display "Typhoon Lagoon" or "Blizzard Beach." Currently, if you want to get to Typhoon Lagoon, you have to board a bus to Disney Springs and then transfer to a Typhoon Lagoon bus. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Although the service will be direct to the water park, some routes may stop at other resorts prior to the water park.

• All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, All-Star Movies 
• Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian 
• Pop Century, Art of Animation 
• Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk 
• Jambo House, Kidani Village 
• Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge 

At some resorts, boarding for the water parks will be at specific bus stops.

• Caribbean Beach - Old Port Royale 
• Coronado Springs - El Centro/Stop #1 
• Old Key West - Hospitality House 
• Port Orleans - South bus depot 
• Saratoga Springs - The Springs bus stop 

If you need to get to a water park from one of the main parks, you will need to go to a resort hotel and then board the water park bus.

Walt Disney World theme park ticket price increases are now in effect. The main impact will be to date-based tickets and water parks.

Date-based Theme Park Tickets, Multi-day theme park tickets, Water Park Annual Passes have all seen price changes. For example, a 1 day base ticket between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve (one of the busiest weeks of the year), is now $159. A 4 day base theme park ticket in the summer (with a starting date of July 4), has seen an increase of $9 per day.

Walt Disney World introduced a more flexible ticket model last October, where prices vary by the date a guest chooses to visit. This date-based ticket and pricing model helps to spread attendance throughout the year. Ticket prices are higher during peak periods (i.e. Christmas, summer, spring break), while off-peak periods with less demand are priced lower.

A single day ticket, in the lowest priced date range, remains unchanged at $109.

The water park Annual Pass has increased by $9 from $130 to $139.

Annual Passes for the main parks have not changed pricing.

Standard parking remains unchanged, but preferred parking now has two tiers. In regular season, preferred parking is $45, and peak tier preferred parking is $50 per day. Preferred parking was previously a flat rate of $50.

Disney has released a new backstage look at Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy with actor John Ratzenberger, the voice of Mack in the Cars movies.

When you enter the theater, Mack and Sally Carrera welcome all the rookie racers and test your knowledge of Lightning McQueen as you take your seat and get ready for the show. The show opens March 31, 2019 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Ratzenberger is a legend of Pixar movies, having contributed his voice talents to every Pixar Animation Studios feature film.

Video from the Disney Parks Blog

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

A 2-month-old male Masai giraffe named Jabari has officially joined the giraffe herd at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

According to Disney - Jabari, which means “brave one” in Swahili, is a bold, curious and courageous calf and his name celebrates his spirit. The name was chosen by drivers at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Standing seven feet tall, Jabari has spent the past two months bonding with his mom, Mara, in a backstage habitat. True to his name, Jabari has quickly reached all his key developmental milestones, so on March 12 2019, he was reintroduced to the savanna and his tower – otherwise known as a group of giraffe. Jabari has several special distinctions; he is the first giraffe calf to be born on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and he has a special heart-shaped spot on his neck.

Video from the Disney Parks Blog

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

Jaleo at Disney Springs will open on March 17, 2019 in the West Side at Disney Springs.

The restaurant, created by José Andrés, will feature an extensive menu of tapas reflecting the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, as well as sangrias and a premier selection of Spanish wines. Highlights include a variety of authentic paellas cooked over a wood-fired paella pit, Spanish specialties like hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork, and signature dishes like Gambas al ajillo, shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili, and Pollo Croquetas, classic Spanish chicken fritters.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

On the restaurant’s front corner adjacent to the Jaleo entrance will be Pepe by José Andrés, the first brick and mortar location of the chef’s wildly popular Spanish food truck, which has been a D.C. fixture for more than six years. Pepe by José Andrés will offer a diverse menu of Spanish sandwiches, or bocatas, both hot and cold, as well as gazpacho and salads to go. The quick-service location will also sell delicious Spanish sangria, complete with sangria ice cubes to prevent any dilution of the drink in the Florida climate.

On the restaurant’s front corner adjacent to the Jaleo entrance will be Pepe by José Andrés, the first brick and mortar location of the chef’s wildly popular Spanish food truck, which has been a D.C. fixture for more than six years. Pepe by José Andrés will offer a diverse menu of Spanish sandwiches, or bocatas, both hot and cold, as well as gazpacho and salads to go. The quick-service location will also sell Spanish sangria, complete with sangria ice cubes to prevent any dilution of the drink in the Florida climate.

Jaleo at Disney Springs will be open for dinner starting March 17, 2019 with lunch service beginning later in the month. Pepe will be open for lunch and dinner beginning March 17, no reservations needed.


Looking to plan your next trip to Walt Disney World? Contact the agents at Kingdom Konsultant Travel to help you plan your dream vacation. Email vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com for a free quote today.