Ears the News: March 3, 2018 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com.

The Gardens of the World tour returns to Epcot during the 2018 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

The price of this tour is $85 plus tax per Guest, and Epcot admission is required and is not included in the price of the tour. Gardens of the World begins at 9am and takes place Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during the festival. Call 407-WDW-TOUR to book.

Gardens of the World Tour – Spring Edition

Explore the lush landscapes and signature displays of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival!

Over the course of 3 hours, join a knowledgeable Disney Horticulturist—and a small group of fellow enthusiasts too—for a fascinating walking tour throughout the World Showcase Pavilions. During this journey “around the world,” you’ll experience the following:

• Become privy to behind-the-scenes tales about the award-winning topiaries and gardens that make the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival so special.
• Examine the role of landscaping at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Learn ways you can apply Disney landscaping techniques at home.
• Discover various plant materials and gardening techniques—and see how landscaping helps develop a theme.

Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios officially opens on June 30, and the operating hours of the park have now been extended to accommodate the expected increase in attendance at the park.

On the opening day June 30, 2018, the park opens from 8am to 11pm, and then for the month of July, the operating hours are 8am to 10pm daily. For Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests, the park will open at 7am for morning Extra Magic Hours for the entire month of July. Evening EMH will take place on Friday nights from 10pm to midnight.

Disney is yet to announce plans for Cast and Passholder previews of Toy Story Land.

The recently reopened Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs may be about to introduce a new quick service offering. 

Although Planet Hollywood has yet to make a formal announcement, plans have just been filed for an "Interior alteration for a new restaurant within an existing restaurant."

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com.

For the very first time, Walt Disney World Golf operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management is now offering FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail golf course.

The 18-Hole FootGolf course is Certified by the American FootGolf League (AFGL), the governing body for the sport of FootGolf in the United States. Tee times can be booked to play 18 holes of FootGolf either in front of or behind those playing 9 holes of traditional golf. When played in groups of four, 18 holes of FootGolf should take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, much like that of 9 holes of traditional golf. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

Disney’s Oak Trail FootGolf course measures in at 2,438 yards over a par for the course of 69 with a challenging selection of par 3’s, 4’s and 5’s. Traditional golf is played to the Blue pin flags at Disney’s Oak Trail course while FootGolf is identified by its official color of Orange.

FootGolf is available 7 days a week, after 11:00am, subject to availability, priced at $10 per player. Reservations can be made online at golfwdw.com

Disney's Animal Kingdom will be offering a new limited time tour to mark the park's 20th anniversary - 'A Path Less Traveled - Disney's Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary.'

The experiences are spread throughout the day with check-in beginning at 10:30am. The tour will be held daily from April 1 to May 5, 2018, and is priced at $59 per person including a snack.

Highlights include:

• A Visit to Rafiki's Planet Watch – Go backstage and learn about the animal care program at our state-of-the-art veterinary hospital. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes peek at the Animal Nutrition Center—the meal prep headquarters for more than 1,500 animal residents.
• Birds Nest Exploration – Play conservationist and check on the homes of the purple martins, a species that migrates here every year.
• Unforgettable Elephant Encounters – Delve into the wondrous world of our park's largest inhabitants during a one-hour Caring for Giants tour.
• VIP Viewing of Rivers of Light – Watch the park’s newest nighttime show along the water from the comfort of a premium seat.

Reservations can be made for this tour by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529.

An all new exhibit is coming to Epcot's Norway Pavilion in the Stave Church Gallery later this Spring.

The current "Norsk Kultur: Inspiration for Disney 'Frozen'" will close March 12, with work then beginning on the new "Gods of the Vikings" display.

Inside the Stave Church, guests will learn more about the popular Viking gods Thor, Odin, Freyja and Loki through displays of authentic Viking artifacts.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com.

Starting March 1st, Disney Springs will be testing extended hours and late night entertainment in The Landing.

Thursday through Saturday during March 2018, there will be a live DJ on the stage next to The Boathouse from 10pm, and all locations will be staying open until at least 1:30am, with the extended Disney Springs hours officially running through to 2am.

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com.

Along with the waterside DJ, The Edison, Enzo's Hideaway, Morimoto Asia, STK Orlando, Raglan Road, and Paradiso 37 will also be offering their own entertainment from around 10pm.

Pizza Ponte, Vivoli Il Gelato, Joffery’s Coffee and D-Luxe Burger will also be staying open late, with D-Luxe offering a special late night menu which includes a donut burger.

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.