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Ears the News: November 30, 2018 Edition


Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com


Friendship boat service to and from Epcot will be unavailable for a few weeks this fall.

Beginning November 28 2018, construction for Disney Skyliner around the International Gateway area, will mean that the boat service will not be available. The work is expected to last through to early December 2018. Bus transportation will be available for resort hotel guests, and the pedestrian walkways will remain available, as will the International Gateway entrance to Epcot.

During the work, Friendship boats will still be available from the Epcot area resort hotels to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The Magic Kingdom's Walt Disney World Railroad closure due to TRON coaster construction is scheduled to begin early December and last into early 2019. 
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com.


The closure is expected to begin on December 3, 2018, and is planned to continue through to January 5, 2019.

During the closure, the Walt Disney World Railroad will temporarily take up residence at the Main Street Station. Disney has said that during this time, you will be able to get an up-close look at the railroad and take advantage of one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.


Along with opening reservations for the upcoming Gran Destino Tower, Disney has also now released a few more details on the new restaurants that will open alongside the tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.

First is Toldeo, a tapas, steak and seafood restaurant location on the top floor of the Gran Destino Tower. Along with classic tapas, steak and seafood dishes, will a selection of wines from Spain and California.

The new restaurant being built in the lake will be called Three Bridges Bar & Grill, and will serve sandwiches, shared plates and salads.

Both restarts will open July 9, 2019.

The first Disney After Hours events begin in early December at both Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

These will join the Magic Kingdom in offering access to the parks for three hours after regular park close with heavily reduced wait times.

Here is a look at the attraction line-up.

Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • Slinky Dog Dash 
  • Alien Swirling Saucers 
  • Toy Story Mania! 
  • Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith 
  • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue 
  • Star Wars Launch Bay
  • Character Greetings with Toy Story Land Pals, Mickey, Minnie and Olaf 
Event nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be: Dec. 8, 15 and 22, 2018; and Jan. 5, 12 and 19, 2019; Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 2019; March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2019; and April 6 and 13, 2019. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
  • Avatar Flight of Passage 
  • Na’vi River Journey 
  • Pandora Drummers – Swotu Wayä 
  • Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain 
  • DINOSAUR 
  • It’s Tough to be a Bug! 
  • Rivers of Light 
  • Tree of Life Awakenings 
  • TriceraTop Spin 
Select quick-service food & beverage locations will remain open throughout the night for purchases. Dates at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are: Dec. 4, 12 and 18, 2018; and Jan. 8, 16, 22 and 31, 2019; and Feb. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 26, 2019; and March 5, 20 and 27, 2019; and April 3, 2019. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com.
Tickets for Disney After Hours events at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom can be purchased through the Disney Reservation Center by calling 407-939-7795.

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.

The recently launched Play Disney Parks app is now featuring enhancements for the holidays.
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com.


At the Walt Disney World theme parks, you can now collect special achievements, and the app includes holiday music from the parks.

From Epcot, you can play the Candlelight Processional album, and also a collection of Disney Holiday Hits. These playlists are also available at home. 


Disney's Animal Kingdom is offering a special deal if purchasing a banshee in Pandora - The World of Avatar.

Dine at Satu'li Canteen and get a 15% discount coupon for a Banshee at Windtraders. Regular pricing is $59.99, and the offer is available through December 3 2018.

Marriott International, which owns and operates the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has announced that its new addition to the resort will be named 'The Cove.' 
Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com.



When complete, the expansion will add a 14 story tower with 349 guest rooms including 151 suites, 22000 square feet of meeting space and a 90 seat restaurant. The new location will be open for group bookings beginning March 1, 2021.





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.
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