The Walt Disney World Resort is the most visited resort in the world. It features 4 theme parks, over 14 resort hotels, waters parks, golf courses and a shopping center. The Walt Disney World Resort’s 4 parks include EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.
There is a certain magic and anticipation that comes with planning your visit to Walt Disney World Resort, especially when it is time to choose a MagicBand customized with your name and favorite color. And soon, Disney will be adding even more ways to further customize these beloved wearables!
Soon, Disney Resort hotel guests and new and renewing Annual Passholders will have the option to upgrade, at a discounted price, from a complimentary solid-color MagicBand to one of more than 30 new MagicBand options featuring favorite Disney characters and designs. These new MagicBand options will be available for pre-arrival purchase at a special price of $14.99 off retail cost through the My Disney Experience website.
Check out the video below to get a sneak peek!
A colorful selection of complimentary MagicBands is still available for guests who choose not to upgrade to one of the new options, and these new design options can also be shipped to guests’ homes (U.S. addresses only) if ordered 11 or more days ahead of arrival and can be personalized if done so at least 6 or more days ahead of arrival.
The MagicBand, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, effortlessly links the Walt Disney World Resort vacation choices and plans guests make in the My Disney Experience app – from entering the parks to redeeming FastPass+ selections, using dining plan credits, linking Disney PhotoPass photos and more.
Dean has been writing and blogging for over 10 years. He specializes in Disney theme park news including updates, openings, special events and general advice for travelers. He doesn’t shy away from the good, the bad and the ugly. His previous work includes being a Cast Member at Disneyland and working as a travel agent.
Each day, Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and other select hotels have the opportunity to enjoy select attractions in at least one of our four theme parks, before or after regular operating hours, as part of the Extra Magic Hours benefit. Today we have even more great news: Guests staying at these hotels this fall will have more opportunities to take advantage of thisExtra Magic Hours benefit with Extra, Extra Magic Hours at the Walt Disney World theme parks!
The Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit will include expanded daily offerings at three of the theme parks, which includes more time to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as other experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom theme parks. Here’s the rundown:
Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Daily fromSept. 1-Nov. 2, the park will have Extra, Extra Magic Hours from 6-9 a.m., including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, plus Toy Story Land attractions and select other attractions. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences subject to capacity.
(Please note that on Aug. 29-31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at 6 a.m. for all Guests. There will not be Extra, Extra Magic Hours on those days.)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park — Extra, Extra Magic Hours will happen daily fromAug. 29-Nov. 2, from 7-8 a.m., featuring Pandora – The World of Avatar and other attractions throughout the park (same as today’s morning Extra Magic Hours offerings).
Magic Kingdom Park —Extra, Extra Magic Hours will happen daily fromAug. 29-Nov. 2, from 7-8 a.m., featuring favorite attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland (same as today’s morning Extra Magic Hours offerings).
Extra Magic Hours will also continue to be available on select days at Epcot.
If you are visiting this fall, you should know that the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit at the Walt Disney World Resort requires a valid theme park admission and hotel ID. Guests without the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option must spend the day at the same park where they’d like to enjoy the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit.
Also, not all Walt Disney World attractions are available with the Extra Magic Hours benefit. Park hours and available attractions are subject to change without notice.
Extra Magic Hours is one of the many benefits and amenities you can enjoy as a guest of a Disney Resort hotel. Some of the others include early access to Disney FastPass+ planning (not available during Extra Magic Hours benefit), complimentary motorcoach transportation and standard theme park parking and other entertaining amenities.
We highly recommend you take advantage of these new hours by staying on property. Guests willing to show up at 6am will get a lot more done in the day and face smaller crowds. Our experience is that most people are more willing to stay out late than they are to get up before 6am so take advantage of that!
Dean has been writing and blogging for over 10 years. He specializes in Disney theme park news including updates, openings, special events and general advice for travelers. He doesn’t shy away from the good, the bad and the ugly. His previous work includes being a Cast Member at Disneyland and working as a travel agent.
Foodie Guide to Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Celebration
May 1, 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort. In addition to new attractions, entertainment, and merchandise, there will be an incredible menu of limited-time offerings starting May 1 as well as a few legacy menu items that have been offered since the park opened. You won’t want to miss out on these yummy treats.
Kylo Ren Cupcake – peanut butter and chocolate cupcake – Found at Rosie’s All-American Café and Dockside Diner
Lightsaber Churros – churros dusted in red or blue sugar – Found at Anaheim Produce, Market at Pixar Place, Pretzel Palooza, and various churro carts throughout the park
Playful Luxo Ball – mango mousse, banana sponge cake, caramel chocolate, and rice croquant – Found at The Trolley Car Café and BaseLine Tap House
Incredibles Macarons – black and red almond macarons with mango passion ganache – Found at Market at Pixar Place and BaseLine Tap House
The Sorcerer’s Hat – lemon sponge cake with vanilla swiss buttercream, lemon curd, and white chocolate glaze – Found at ABC Commissary and Fantasmic! Food Carts
Mickey Mouse’s Celebration Cake – chocolate sponge cake with chocolate cream, vanilla marshmallow, and passion fruit crispy pearls –Found at Backlot Express
Minnie Mouse’s Celebration Cake – yellow cake with strawberry cream, strawberry marshmallow, and strawberry crispy pearls – Found at Backlot Express
Key Lime Pie Verrine – layers of Key lime custard and graham cracker finished with whipped cream and a white chocolate 30th anniversary logo – Found at Rosie’s All-American Café and Backlot Express
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Verrine – lemon cheesecake topped with blueberries, white chocolate crispy pearls, and a white chocolate 30th anniversary logo – Found at Catalina Eddie’s
Tres Leches Verrine – tres leches cake served with whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, strawberry candy rocks, and a white chocolate 30th anniversary logo – Found at Fairfax Fare
Raspberry Mousse Verrine – raspberry mousse topped with fresh raspberries and a white chocolate 30th anniversary logo – Found at ABC Commissary
Galaxy Margarita – silver tequila, blue curaçao, sweet and sour mix – Found at various walk-up bars throughout the park
Celebration Fizz – vanilla vodka, cranberry juice, prosecco – Found at Tune-In Lounge and The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
Banana Split Cocktail – vanilla vodka, crème de cacao, crème de banana, strawberry monin, pineapple juice – Found at various walk-up bars throughout the park
LEGACY OFFERINGS
These dishes have withstood the test of time and have been offered throughout the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, dating all the way back to the parks opening day in 1989. These original dishes are some of the most iconic and popular items offered throughout the park. In addition to being featured throughout this momentous celebration, these dishes are offered year-round.
The Hollywood Brown Derby Legacy Dishes
Our Famous Cobb Salad – finely-chopped greens topped with turkey breast, bacon, egg, tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, avocado, chives, and cobb dressing
Brown Derby Original Grapefruit Cake – available as part of a customizable mini dessert trio
50’s Prime Time Café Legacy Dishes
Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken – crispy, bone-in fried chicken served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, and seasonal vegetables
Cousin Megan’s Traditional Meatloaf – blend of beef and pork topped with tomato glaze and served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and green beans
Dean has been writing and blogging for over 10 years. He specializes in Disney theme park news including updates, openings, special events and general advice for travelers. He doesn’t shy away from the good, the bad and the ugly. His previous work includes being a Cast Member at Disneyland and working as a travel agent.
Today, we’ve got some rootin’ tootin’ news for ya! There’s a brand-new table-service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Upon entering Andy’s back yard, you are magically transformed to the size of a toy, surrounded by toys and playsets scattered throughout the area. And soon, you’ll discover that a new play area has been set up – and this time, it’s a rodeo! But of course, being Andy, it certainly isn’t a usual rodeo …
Using three cardboard boxes cut and taped together, Andy has created a new rodeo arena using some of his favorite toys, games, and play sets. And while some pieces are definitely western-themed, what makes this rodeo special is the broad assortment of toys that have been brought together to create a fun, colorful mashup-atmosphere that only a child could create.
Once inside, you will be surrounded by all of the rodeo festivities in-action as well as western town and train station play sets. And you just might spot some of your favorite Disney•Pixar characters scattered throughout the restaurant in the form of toys and game pieces including a toy version of Jessie riding on the back of a Trixie pull-toy and unique toy versions of Bo Peep and her sheep, all who appear to be performing in the rodeo together.
This immersive restaurant will surround you with a kaleidoscope of toys, games, and playsets, providing yet another unique, fun, family-friendly dining experience that could only be had in Toy Story Land. Stay tuned for more news on this yummy rodeo-themed restaurant. And in the meantime, be sure you check out Woody’s Lunch Box for delicious sandwiches, Lunch Box Tarts, and more!
Dean has been writing and blogging for over 10 years. He specializes in Disney theme park news including updates, openings, special events and general advice for travelers. He doesn’t shy away from the good, the bad and the ugly. His previous work includes being a Cast Member at Disneyland and working as a travel agent.
Tie your napkin around your neck, because we are excited to announce that a new “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired lounge is coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa this fall. The enchanting lounge will celebrate the magic and romance of the popular Disney live-action movie.
Formerly Mizner’s Lounge and Commander Porter’s, 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 magnificent 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. And an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.
It’s the latest new Disney magic coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. In February, we announced a new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location will open this summer at the beloved and picturesque resort hotel located on the banks of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
With charm and elegance to be found around every turn, this quaint bar and lounge will be the place where you can put our service to the test and share a tale as old as time.
Dean has been writing and blogging for over 10 years. He specializes in Disney theme park news including updates, openings, special events and general advice for travelers. He doesn’t shy away from the good, the bad and the ugly. His previous work includes being a Cast Member at Disneyland and working as a travel agent.
One of the central and incomparable strengths of Disney—cinematic excellence—is coming to The Land pavilion at Epcot®, and its subject is as wide as the great, big, wonderful world around us.
“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.
This new film – together with the new Circle-Vision film previously announced for the China pavilion, updates to the film at the Canada pavilion, and the “Beauty and the Beast” Sing-Along that is coming to France – hints at the scope of the coming transformation of this amazing park. The new films herald a bold new era for a theme park that is distinctly Disney in its view of the earth, its lands and its people.
We’re aware, of course, that each time we touch Epcot, we are touching the setting for millions of precious family memories. So, we are very careful stewards of this park.
“Beauty and the Beast” Sing-Along will rotate, for instance, with “Impressions de France,” which retains its place in Guinness World Records as the longest-running daily screened film in the world.
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.
Look for more news soon on the transformation of Epcot. We’re looking forward to welcoming the world in a whole new way!
Dean has been writing and blogging for over 10 years. He specializes in Disney theme park news including updates, openings, special events and general advice for travelers. He doesn’t shy away from the good, the bad and the ugly. His previous work includes being a Cast Member at Disneyland and working as a travel agent.
Throughout the year we’ve been talking individually about some of the changes that are coming to Epcot at Walt Disney World. Any many of you know there are several new additions coming to both parts of the park in Future World and World Showcase. Just yesterday Disney announced another major change coming to the front of the park involving the entrance.
Disney has decided to update the entrance of Epcot which we’re very happy to hear. While there is nothing wrong with how it is set up now, we think the park deserves an update. The new entrance will feature more gardens and trees as well as a new water fountain. Guests who have come to love the Leave a Legacy photo walls will still be able to enjoy them just outside the new entrance.
The project pays homage to the original entrance of Epcot while incorporating fresh new elements and ideas.
Along with a new entrance is coming a newly redeveloped area between Spaceship Earth and World Showcase. Disney hasn’t released any details about this update but we’ll be sure to let you know once they do.
If you’re visiting the park there will be a brand new Experience Center coming to Epcot later this year. The Experience Center will be located in the former Odyssey Pavilion and feature interactive exhibits to help visualize park projects throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.
The ongoing evolution of Epcot includes plans for a play pavilion that’ll be unlike anything ever seen at the park. This new space will be devoted to playful fun and feature an innovative city that’ll come to life under the dome of the un-named pavilion previously known as Wonders of Life. The pavilion’s city will be bursting with interactive experiences, favorite Disney characters, hands-on activities and engaging entertainment when it opens just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort!
While we’re excited about the new entrance we’re even more excited about the new attractions coming to Epcot as part of the parks major transformation. First up, the new Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster in Future World. Not many details have been released about this new attraction other than it will be a roller coaster (not like Guardians at California Adventure Park) and will the in the area left of Test Track. Our guess is that it will incorporate the technology that’s currently being used on the Tron attraction in Shanghai.
Epcot Forever, a 2019 limited-time nighttime experience over World Showcase Lagoon set to classic Epcottunes, followed by an all-new nighttime spectacular debuting in 2020 is the next show on our list. Because of the transition show starting this year, Illuminations will be ending. If you’re wanting to catch it before it’s gone be sure to make a trip soon!
The new night-time shows will include water, fire, fireworks and lighting. No details have been released on the new show debuting in 2020.
Next up is the space-themed table service restaurant that will be opening up by Mission: SPACE inside Future World. This new dining experience is supposed to be like any other and will be located in a newly-developed area between Mission: SPACE and Test Track. The restaurant will transport guests to space where they will enjoy a meal among the stars. No opening date is set at this time.
In a rare move, part of the new expansion is for the France pavilion to receive a brand new attraction. This hasn’t happened in years! Guests who enter Epcot through the World Showcase entrance can see all the construction for this new attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. The attraction comes from Disneyland Paris and is one of our favorite rides! Remy is slated to open in 2019 or 2020.
The China and Canada Pavilion’s will also receive updates to their 360 films as well as Japan receiving a brand new dining experience.
As you can see there is a lot coming to Epcot which we will is going to bring the park up to family status like Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.
Dean has been writing and blogging for over 10 years. He specializes in Disney theme park news including updates, openings, special events and general advice for travelers. He doesn’t shy away from the good, the bad and the ugly. His previous work includes being a Cast Member at Disneyland and working as a travel agent.
2019 marks the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort. And, now more than ever, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the perfect place to step into the amazing worlds of Pixar stories like “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story,” and very soon, “Cars.”
An Incredible Celebration brings a Municiberg city block from Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” to life with a hometown celebration honoring the city’s super heroes – and the hero in all of us! You can get caught up in the excitement of “The Super Shindig” featuring Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone. You may even find yourself on TV, thanks to the local news crew. “The Super Shindig” is filled with music, dancing, interactive games, and tons of super fun!
The entire area has a great, early-‘60s vibe about it, directly inspired by “The Incredibles.” As Guests explore, they will find fun photo ops, evidence of young Jack-Jack discovering his powers, and super tasty “num num” cookies. And you won’t want to miss The Edna Mode Experience, where after touring a gallery of the famous designer’s super suits, Guests will get to meet Edna Mode herself.
Inside the nearby Walt Disney Presents attraction, you can go on another Pixar adventure when you step through a door to the monster world to say hello to Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan on the Scare Floor of “Monsters, Inc.”
Just around the corner is the all-new Toy Story Land, where you can shrink down to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard and encounter Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie; get caught up in a game of “Sarge Says” with the Green Army Patrol; or delight in the playfully percussive rhythms of the Green Army Drum Corps.
Starting March 31, 2019, the world of “Cars” comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the form of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, a new high-octane show experience that’ll bring Guests face-to-face with the legendary Piston Cup champ.
There are even more exciting new things on the horizon as Disney’s Hollywood Studios marks its 30th anniversary, but right now, it’s the perfect time for you to come out and celebrate with some of your favorite Pixar pals!
Dean has been writing and blogging for over 10 years. He specializes in Disney theme park news including updates, openings, special events and general advice for travelers. He doesn’t shy away from the good, the bad and the ugly. His previous work includes being a Cast Member at Disneyland and working as a travel agent.
Initial Testing Underway for Disney Skyliner Gondolas
Sharp-eyed visitors to Walt Disney World® Resort this week may have spotted something new up in the sky while Disney Skyliner began its initial testing.
Scheduled to open this fall, Disney Skyliner will be a new, state-of-the-art gondola system that will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and Epcot® to four resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the proposed Disney’s Riviera Resort, which is now accepting Guest reservations for stays beginning Dec. 16, 2019. The official Resort opening date will be announced at a later time.
The Skyliner’s towers have been under construction for about a year, so to have a gondola up on its cables is an exciting milestone! Check out this video to hear more about the project from Jordan Matthews at Walt Disney Imagineering:
Dean has been writing and blogging for over 10 years. He specializes in Disney theme park news including updates, openings, special events and general advice for travelers. He doesn’t shy away from the good, the bad and the ugly. His previous work includes being a Cast Member at Disneyland and working as a travel agent.
Since Disney’s Riviera Resort was first announced in July 2017, guests have asked to be kept informed about the newest Resort. With that in mind, we wanted you to be among the first to hear some exciting updates. Construction is progressing extremely well on the proposed Disney Vacation Club Resort, and it’s currently on schedule to open in Fall 2019.
Disney’s Riviera Resort will begin taking rental reservations for you this month. Also, Disney Vacation Club Members will be able to book this Resort with Vacation Points this Spring. More information will be available soon!
When it opens its doors, Disney’s Riviera Resort will offer all the grandeur of Europe combined with the magic of Disney. The new Resort will be conveniently located in the heart of Walt Disney World® Resort, and feature unique access to Epcot® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios® via the new Disney Skyliner.
Dean has been reporting news on the Disney theme parks for over 10 years. His experience includes working at the theme parks, attending previews and openings and of course writing about anything newsworthy that’s happening at the parks. He enjoys spending time at his home resort Disneyland with his family.
