Disney Junior “Discover the Magic” Sweepstakes

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March 2, 2020

Disney Junior wants to send you and your family to Walt Disney World Resort with the Disney Junior “Discover the Magic” sweepstakes. This is a once in a lifetime chance to share memories with your little ones at the Most Magical Place on Earth! From March 1st to March 31st you can enter the Disney Junior “Discover the Magic” sweepstakes for a chance to win a family vacation to Walt Disney World, to enter click here.

Now is the perfect time to experience Walt Disney World Resort through the eyes of your child, with incredible experiences such as the Festival of Fantasy Parade, the Disney Junior Dance Party as well as Frozen Ever After! Where you can meet Elsa and Anna! Not only that, but experience the brand new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway which is opening on the 4th March at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Check out the incredible merchandise here. The fun doesn’t stop there as there are four magical parks to choose from as well as specular firework displays!

Check out the Disney Parks video below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. or D.C. who are 18 years of age or older (or who have reached the age of majority in his/her primary state of residence, whichever is older). Sweepstakes starts 12:00 pm (noon) PT on 3/1/20 and ends 11:59 pm PT on 3/31/20. Click here for Official Rules including details on odds of winning, prize descriptions and limitations. Many will enter. One will win.

Moat At Magic Kingdom Drained In Preparation For Castle Updates

By

Susan Wilson

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March 2, 2020

We learned last month that Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World was getting a makeover. This new paint job is for the celebration of Cinderella’s 70th anniversary. They have now drained the moat at the Magic Kingdom in preparation for the castle updates.

We are really excited to see things taking place for this royal makeover. Since Disneyland’s castle got a fresh new paint job we couldn’t wait to see if Cinderella’s would be getting one as well.

So far it’s only the moat that has been drained. We will keep you updated with the latest in the castle makeover. You can read all about it and see the concept art in our article here. Keep following along as we see this beauty come to life.

A Path Less Traveled Tour is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Earth Day Celebrations

By

Chip

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March 2, 2020

As part of Earth Day Celebrations in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you will have an opportunity to experience A Path Less Traveled Tour all month long!

While on this onstage walking tour, you’ll learn more about the authentic details, clever construction and imaginative design throughout the park. You’ll also have the chance to meet with animal care experts to learn how we care for the hundreds of animals in the park and what we’re doing to save wildlife species worldwide. This limited-time opportunity provides a glimpse into what it takes to bring the magic of animals, culture and conservation to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The tour will be $69.00, plus tax per guest with a 15% discount for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members. Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m. and the tour runs 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. daily from March 29 – May 2, 2020, with the exception of April 21, 2020. All guests must be 10 years of age or older to participate. Tour participation requires park admission and ticket cost is not included in the tour price.

To reserve a spot in an upcoming A Path Less Traveled Tour, book in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY or visiting the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, across from Kilimanjaro Safaris, during park hours.

Celebrate Magic Happens with New Royal Cupcake

By

Chip

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March 2, 2020

Celebrate Magic Happens with New Royal Cupcake

The brand new parade “Magic Happens” just debuted at Disneyland California Resort. Already, everyone is falling in love with this magical parade. Now, guests can celebrate this daytime spectacular in an all new way with all new treats.

Introducing the new Royal Cupcake in honor Princess Aurora’s debut in the new “Magic Happens” parade. This cupcake is designed to not only replicate the likeness of Aurora herself, but more specifically her dress .

The Royal Cupcake is a vanilla cake base and is topped with a good amount of vanilla Tchaikovsky butter cream frosting. The cake itself is a light color, white the frosting is a swirl of pink and blue. Atop this already gorgeous treat is a tiara of course! You can find this delicious treat at the Jolly Holiday Bakery for $6.99.

This cupcake is definitely fit for royalty. It’s also perfect while you’re waiting for magic happens to come down the parade route. Make sure you keep an eye out for Aurora and her color changing dress!

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the new parade. However, the best way to experience magic happens is with the new Royal Cupcake!

Photo Courtesy of our friend and Disneyland Correspondent: Monique

Walt Disney World Refurbishment & Closure Schedule for March 2020

By

Chip

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March 2, 2020

There is nothing more frustrating than heading to Disney World and one of your favorite ride, attractions or restaurants being closed for Refurbishments. Unfortunately, from time to time things do need to close for maintenance or repair and this is where our monthly Closures and Refurbishments article comes into play.

Here is the current list of Closures and Refurbishments for March 2020 and beyond at Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
From May 4 to May 21, 2020, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed for refurbishment.

It’s A Small World Refurb Is Underway – The ride is still open Disney is just working on the exterior of the ride. More details at the link provided.

Monorail
The Walt Disney World Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form or transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available.

Ongoing until further notice

Walt Disney World Railroad – Main Street, U.S.A.

Early December 2018 – Until further notice

Epcot

Spaceship Earth to close on May 26th for a ride refurbishment – More details at the link provided.

Monorail
To accommodate planned maintenance, the operating schedule will be temporarily adjusted for the Epcot beam of the Walt Disney World Resort Monorail System. Monorail service to Epcot will start at 10 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Guests looking to visit Epcot earlier in the morning on those days will be able to access the park via bus from their Resort hotel. Additional buses will transport Guests between the Transportation & Ticket Center and Epcot.

We expect to return to normal operating hours in late March.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

None

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Kali River Rapids
Kali River Rapids will be closed for refurbishment from early January 2020 through late March 2020.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will close for refurbishment beginning on January 5, 2020 and reopen in mid-March 2020.

January 5, 2020 – mid-March 2020

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

None

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Calypso Pool
The Calypso Feature Pool at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort will be closed for refurbishment, but the Piano leisure pool will be available. Additionally, Guests at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort are welcome to use the Feature Pools at either Disney’s All-Star Movies or Disney’s All-Star Sports Resorts. During this time, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM. All dining and merchandise locations will remain in full operation.

Mid-September 2020 – Mid-December 2020

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Big Blue Pool
The Big Blue Pool is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment. During this time, other pool and recreation offerings will remain open-including Flippin’ Fins Pool, Cozy Cone Pool and the Schoolyard Sprayground. Noise may be heard while this work is being completed, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM.

Mid-September 2020 – Mid-December 2020

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Tri-Circle-D Ranch will relocate to a nearby area of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. As part of this, The Draft Horse Barn and Pony Farm will be redesigned into one new, enhanced barn within the ranch.

In preparation for the new Tri-Circle-D Ranch location, the current Draft Horse Barn, Blacksmith Shop and Pony Farm closed in mid-August 2019.

Pony Rides have temporarily moved to the Trail Blaze Corral near the entrance and Reception Outpost at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

During the refurbishment, Carriage Rides and Wagon Rides will be temporarily unavailable until Spring 2020. Beginning Nov. 29, Sleigh Rides will be available for booking. Please note that Carriage Rides are also available at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.

August 2019 – Until further notice

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Cítricos
Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will undergo renovations this year to improve the sophisticated space. As part of this, the signature restaurant will be modified in a few different phases, including:

Starting in February, the bar will be closed. Bar service and the restaurant’s award-winning wine list will continue to be available at Cítricos.
Also in February, the menu will be modified for a limited time as the main cookline is refurbished.
Starting in May, the dining room will be closed in sections, and the dessert menu will be modified for a limited time.
During this time, Cítricos will remain open and accept reservations while we continue to focus on delivering outstanding Guest service in an adjusted layout.

Cítricos is expected to finish its refurbishment in summer 2020. Once complete, the restaurant will feature an improved fine dining experience, our Guests will continue to enjoy the lively atmosphere, seasonally-inspired menu and elegance embodied by Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Hippy Dippy Pool
The Hippy Dippy Pool is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment. During this time, Guests can use the Bowling Pool and Computer Pool. Also, Movies Under the Stars will be offered in an alternate location. Guests may notice construction noise while this refurbishment is underway, but the noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM.

January 2020 – Early Spring 2020

Best Western, Lake Buena Vista

General Construction
Best Western Lake Buena Vista is currently undergoing refurbishments to make exciting updates to the hotel. Work will be limited to the hours between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM during the week and occasionally on weekends. All hotel amenities are available and every precaution is being taken to minimize any disruptions during your stay.

Ongoing until December 2020

Disney Springs

None

Golf Courses

None

ABC Commissary is Now Providing Breakfast at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios

By

Rebekah

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March 2, 2020

The ABC Commissary at Walt Disney World‘s Hollywood Studios is now serving breakfast, though only for a limited time!

Hollywood Studios guests will be able to indulge in the ABC Commissary‘s new breakfast options from 8-10 a.m. each morning.

There are so many different options- Mexican Corn Chilaquiles and Eggs Bowl, Bakery Sampler, Fried Chicken and Cinnamon-Sugar French Donut Bowl, Shrimp and Southern Grits Bowl, Breakfast Charcuterie Platter, Smashed Avocado Toast and Egg Plate, and two kids options including Kid’s Scrambled Eggs and Sweet Potato Barrels, and Kid’s Fried Chicken and Cinnamon-sugar French Donut Bowl.

We’ve worked up a major appetite while getting excited over Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway that is opening later this week! We are even more excited about all of these new breakfast options at the ABC Commissary, even though they are supposed to be temporary. But who knows, if they are successful they might be kept longer within the parks!

New Trailer And Poster For Disney’s Artemis Fowl is out now!

By

Chip

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March 2, 2020

Check out the new trailer and poster art for Disney’s “Artemis Fowl,” a breathtaking, fantastical adventure that will astonish and delight audiences of all ages, based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film follows the journey of 12-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis as he searches for his missing father.

Disney’s “Artemis Fowl,” based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, is a fantastical, spellbinding adventure that follows the journey of 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl, a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he seeks to find his father who has mysteriously disappeared. With the help of his loyal protector Butler, Artemis sets out to find him, and in doing so uncovers an ancient, underground civilization—the amazingly advanced world of fairies. Deducing that his father’s disappearance is somehow connected to the secretive, reclusive fairy world, cunning Artemis concocts a dangerous plan—so dangerous that he ultimately finds himself in a perilous war of wits with the all-powerful fairies. “Artemis Fowl” is directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Tamara Smart, Nonso Anozie, Josh McGuire, Nikesh Patel and Adrian Scarborough, with Colin Farrell and Judi Dench. Kenneth Branagh, p.g.a. and Judy Hofflund, p.g.a. are producing with Angus More Gordon and Matthew Jenkins serving as executive producers. Conor McPherson and Hamish McColl wrote the screenplay.

Disney’s “Artemis Fowl” opens in U.S. theaters on May 29, 2020.

Live Longer With A Visit To Disney

By

Melissa Welt

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March 1, 2020

What if we told you we had a fountain of youth of sorts right here in Orlando? That’s right, we have a way to live longer right here in Florida! We are talking about going to Disney World! Turns out Disney World may, in fact, help us live longer! According to this study, people with higher optimism have a better chance of living until 85. If you are still not sure, check out this quote from this article shared by Harvard Medical School!

“Plenty of research suggests optimistic people have a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and declines in lung capacity and function. Optimism is also associated with a lower risk of early death from cancer and infection. And now a new study links optimism to living a longer life.”

Disney World is pretty much the definition of optimism. After all, it is the most magical place on earth!

Just take a look at how our writers become more optimistic during their time at Disney.

Seeing beautiful sites all of the time is inspiring to all of us. Constantly feeling the magic around us brings a sense of joy and optimism one really can’t find consistently anywhere else around the world.

Laughter is a huge component of optimism and going to the parks always brings laughter out of us.

Disney allows us to forget about the outside world even for just a moment. We sometimes even get the chance to jump for joy as we are filled with pure happiness.

The snacks at Disney bring a whole new level of optimism! Having the opportunity to munch on cute snacks always brings a smile to our faces.

Their optimism at Disney may just lead them to a longer life. Basically what we are saying is book your next trip to Disney! Just tell your family and friends it’s on doctor’s orders to live a long healthy life.

Photo Sources: Disney, @justasunshinestateofmind, @sonshine.adventures, @always_holliday

Study Source: Harvard Medical School

New Finding Dory’s Friends Scavenger Hunt now available in Epcot

By

Chip

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March 1, 2020

Starting today you can become sea-sleuths with Finding Dory’s Friends Scavenger Hunt, a new self-led journey through The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at EPCOT.

To get started just grab a complimentary scavenger hunt booklet where you’ll follow a map through the Seas Pavilion to solve rhyming puzzles and look for clues to help Dory remember and locate her marine friends!

This new experience offers a fun and interactive way for guests of all ages to learn more about our friends under the sea. The booklets will be located on the first floor inside The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion. Collect cool stickers, learn fun facts about amazing ocean animals and make fun memories as you travel among the many fascinating exhibits and displays throughout the pavilion.

You won’t want to miss out on this new fin-tastic scavenger hunt adventure!

Source Disney Parks Blog

New Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway-Inspired Merchandise Available coming to Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

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March 1, 2020

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens on March 4th in Hollywood Studios. To celebrate Disney is releasing new merchandise inspired by Mickey and Minnie’s wacky new ride.

First up is this attraction-inspired headband featuring engineer Goofy, along with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Along the side of this headband, guests can find an embroidery of the attraction’s theme song: “Nothing Can Stop Us Now!”

Within this collection guests can purchase an array of items inspired by the attraction train locomotive including a whistle, ornament, pull back toy, MagicBand and sculpted mug!

Here is a closer look at the toy train!

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway inspired tees will be available featuring Mickey, Minnie and Goofy showcasing the zaniness featured in this attraction. New plush featuring Mickey and Minnie with Chuuby perched on her shoulder will also be available.

Match your new Mickey and Minnie plush with these classic sequined headbands – perfect for any adventurous duo!

Just in time to hop on board for opening day, one of the new #DisneyParksWishables collections for this month, inspired by the attraction is available on March 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and online at shopDisney! This collection offers the open-chase edition of engineer Goofy, with Mickey and Minnie in a car, Daisy, Chuuby and the train locomotive in the blind bags.

Walt Disney World Passholders can celebrate Mickey and Minnie’s first-ever-ride through attraction with all-new Passholder exclusive attraction merchandise including a T-shirt, limited edition pin and limited edition MagicBand. Plus, they can use their 20% discount on all these featured merchandises!

Looking to commemorate the opening day for this attraction? Be sure to check out this 2020 dated limited edition pin.

Find all these wacky treasures across Disney’s Hollywood Studios and select items on shopDisney.com on March 4. All merchandise available while supplies last.

Source Disney Parks Blog

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot Construction Update

By

Susan Wilson

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March 1, 2020

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is starting to really take shape over at Epcot. The latest addition to the France Pavilion is set to open this summer. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is going to be a trackless ride where guests shrink down to the size of a rat and race across Gusteau’s kitchen.

The fountain we reported about is really coming along. We can’t wait to see it finished. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is one of many new attractions coming to Epcot. We can’t wait to be able to ride this latter this summer and see all the amazing changes coming to Epcot within the next couple of years.

Disney x Coach Animal Friends Now At Coach Outlets And Online

By

Danielle

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March 1, 2020

A new Disney x Coach collection has arrived at the Coach Outlets, and online! This time, the collection is a revisit to the Disney x Coach Animal Friends collection from last year! The adorable Dumbo, Bambi, and 101 Dalmatian designs have been reimagined into new styles, and silhouettes.

The collection offers an assortment of handbags, accessories, and apparel. Classic C prints, and pastel leathers are adorned with favorite Disney animal friends. The classic C canvas has leather appliques of the animal pals, while the leather bags have printed debossed designs of them. The collection is also up to 60% off the original prices!

Just like the original, the bags from this collection have a retro, but still very classic look. Mixed materials with fine metal hardware also stand out, like the flap bags with a mix of C canvas, and leather. The linings in the collection are solid, but done in fabric, or suede.

Just like last year’s collection, this one also offers a variety of men’s pieces too! There are backpacks, and fanny packs in darker and richer color palette. The collection is selling fast, so make sure to check it out soon!

You can find the Coach x Disney Animal Friends online at Coachoutlet.com now, or at your local Coach Outlet store!