Kingdom Konsultant Travel Blog

FastPass+ will begin testing this month for the first time with guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. Guests arriving between 11/4/2013 and 1/12/2014 will be eligible for the FastPass+ testing. Unlike guests staying at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, guests taking part in this test will not have access to MagicBands, and will not be able to make advance FastPass+ reservations. Instead, guests will need to visit a MyMagic+ service center at a park, where they can then make FastPass+ selections for that day and park. This is the first time that FastPass+ has been tested with guests staying at a non Walt Disney World resort hotel. Photo Courtsey of Disney Parks Blog The official Disney Parks Blog has given fans a sneak peek at the soon-to-open Jingle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom with an attraction poster and look at some of the props. The holiday overlay to the Jungle Cruise opens on 11/8/2013, with holiday decorations throughout the queue an

After leaving Adventureland last time, we arrive at Fantasyland. This land is where you'd expect it to be compared to the US parks, although again the size and scale is surprising. Castle Entering from Pirates of the Caribbean we pass under an ornate canopy to define and separate the theming between the lands. Each side is decorated to fit the land so as a themed buffer it works very well. The first thing that hits is the size. The land is huge, with main walkways linked by meandering pathways between lovely flower beds, trees, landscaping and a canal. Yes, the land is so big it has a waterway running around the base of dumbo, then dividing the land in half as it meanders towards Adventureland before ending in a waterfall in front of Skull Rock.  Soooo pretty. The Carousel is where you'd expect it to be, dumbo is next to that and the Teacups (with glass petal roof) beyond that. Again, the detailing and design surpasses the US parks. Its a small world is where you&#

Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog 'The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge' opens on 10/30/2013 at Disney's Hollywood Studios offering a new twist on Brown Derby dining. Taking space on the existing Brown Derby patio, the lounge will serve guests on a first come, first served basis, and will offer small bites and beverages. Menu items include Artisinal Cheeses, Brown Derby Sliders, Duck Confit Tacos, Prince Edward Island Mussels, Charcuterie Board for two, and Brown Derby Shrimp Cocktail. Beverages include beers, wines, and speciality cocktails. You can also order from the full Brown Derby menu on request. Reservations are not required, and Tables in Wonderland discount is available. The Disney Dining Plan will NOT be accepted. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster is now running test circuits under its own power. WDWMagic  forum member CTXRover spotted the train running a circuit under its own power rather than being pulled through. This is obviously a very good sig

I’m sure many of you are already thinking, why would I want to exercise, let along run while at Disney?   The answer…because you can have a lot of fun doing it!   Disney offers an amazing program called runDisney that holds running events of various lengths throughout the year at both Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Resort.   Each of these races allows runners to experience one or more theme park along the route- who could ask for better scenery as you run! The runDisney organization currently offers 7 different events.   There is the Tinker Bell Half Marathon in January of every year and the Disneyland Half Marathon in late August every year both out in California.   The Tinker Bell is a women’s themed run that makes its way thru Disneyland and the City of Anaheim and is full of the color green and lots of pixie dust.   The Disneyland Half Marathon also offers runners the chance to participate in the Dumbo Double Dare by running the 10k race on Saturday and the Half Maratho

Following Glow with the Show's debut at Fantasmic!  Earlier   last week, the Magic Kingdom tonight let g u e s ts become part of the show for the first time with Wishes and Celebrate the Magic. The Glow with the Show ear hats cost $25, and synchronize with the effects to make you part of the show. The hats interact with Fantasmic!, Celebrate the Magic, Wishes, HalloWishes, Holiday Wishes, and the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights.     Video Courtesy of WDWMagic Talking Mickey Mouse has moved from the prototype testing phase to daily appearances now at Town Square Theater in the Magic Kingdom.   We first saw testing of talking Mickey at Walt Disney World back in October 2011, appearing at the newly refurbished Town Square Theater. Since then he has appeared at various times, meeting and greeting guests during event party nights and in limited tests. The official Disney Parks Blog has today released a video of what you can now expect at your next Mickey Mouse meet and g

Welcome to Le Cellier Before Be Our Guest opened, reservations at Le Cellier were easily the most sought after reservations in the entire World…Walt Disney World, that is.  Still one of the most popular restaurants in Walt Disney World, Le Cellier is located in the Canada Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase. Chances are if you have never eaten there, you have most likely heard of Le Cellier.   I first heard about Le Cellier while looking up restaurant reviews on the internet and I decided that I needed to try this highly praised restaurant.   Advance reservations are always recommended for table service restaurants but this is the restaurant where it is essential to get a reservation at that 180-day mark.   I was lucky enough to nab a reservation and experience my first meal at Le Cellier in 2010. Le Cellier Bread Perhaps my favorite thing about Le Cellier is the bread.   The pretzel bread is just about the most wonderful thing I have ever eaten.   I love bread and I

Resort reservations- check. Park tickets- check. Dining reservations- check. Fastpass Plus, Photopass, Park Hours, Special Events- check, check, check, and check. A Walt Disney World vacation is a lot of fun to plan and prepare for- and you may think that you’ve thought of everything. But there is one category that often gets overlooked, and should not be missed: Live Entertainment. Upon entering a park, most people will pick up a Park Map and Times Guide. Even seasoned veterans grab these out of habit and nostalgia- who doesn’t love the feel of a freshly printed Times Guide, made especially for your vacation? Besides park and attraction hours, these also list the scheduled times for live entertainment and shows not included inside attractions. Some things are not listed on any schedule, so it is best to keep your eye open.                    There really is such a huge variety available that I couldn’t list them all. Here are a few of my favorites.  Main Street