One of the big announcements at the D23 Expo was that a new Gondola Transportation system is coming to Walt Disney World called, Disney Skyliner. It will connect the International Gateway at Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and multiple resorts. One of the announced resorts was Pop Century, so we decided to check on the construction this weekend and see what progress has been made.
From what we can tell so far, the gondola system will stretch across from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and continue across Hourglass Lake. The station will be located off of the Generation Gap Bridge connecting Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts.
Heavy machinery is also in place. Won’t be long now!
These last two photos were taken on Victory Way near the guard shack.
The rooms at Pop Century have also been getting a mjor refurbishment. New flooring, pull-down beds, and fresh decor have all been added. You can see some interior pictures here. Building #9 is scheduled to open this week.
Could building #10 be next on the refurbishment list?
What do you think? Are you excited to see the new Disney Skyliner gondolas come to Pop Century?
Ready to experience Disney for yourself?There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Click hereor send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.
Want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way.I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services areFREE? Get in touch toll-free at1-800-454-4501, via email at[email protected]or follow along onFacebook.
While the Disney Fashionista and I were at Disneyland last week we decided to take a break from the parks and head to The Outlets at Orange. The Outlets at Orange is located less than 4 miles from Disneyland Park, Disney’s California Adventure and Downtown Disney. We had a rental car so it took us about 10 minutes to get here but we hear the Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) public transportation Route #16 will take you from The Outlets at Orange to Disneyland, and will pick up and drop off to many Anaheim Resort Area hotels.
The Outlets at Orange has over 120 stores, restaurants, play areas for the kids, they even have…
a Starbucks! It was really hot and I needed my caffeine fix.
Seriously though there are a lot of really great stores here and the Disney Fashionista and I were able to get some really great deals and even managed to find a wide variety of Disney items.
The Outlets at Orange is the only shopping destination in California home to Bloomingdale’s – The Outlet Store, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nordstrom Rack and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th.
One of my best finds was in Hot Topic where I picked up this Lilo & Stitch Hawaiian shirt I haven’t been unable to find anywhere!
Here are some of the other Disney Finds we were able to check out during our day trip to the outlets.
As you can see they have a wide selection of Disney items in almost every store.
After a long day of shopping, before we left we wanted to get a bite to eat. The Outlets at Orange has some yummy eateries such as Lucky Strike and Dave & Busters.
Since we didn’t have a lot of time we opted for El Torito, as they have a table side Guacamole almost as good as the one we had at Paddlefish in Disney Springs. You can see a full list of dining options here.
We had a great time visiting The Outlets at Orange and upon leaving we talked with one of the people at Guest Services. They shared a little information we will have to remember the next time we come back.
If you Pick up The Outlets at Orange Rack Card at your hotel and bring by Guest Services they will give you a FREE Savings Passport, with special discounts to restaurants and stores! It has over $400 in Savings!
I will remember that for next time when we come back.
All in all the crowds were light, the shopping was great, and the food was good. If you need a break from the parks, want to get a few extra souvenirs to bring home, or looking for something fun to do I highly suggest dropping by The Outlets at Orange.
If you have ever dreamed about being a Disney Princess, here is your chance! This Thursday, July 27, Disney is holding an open casting for “Female Disney Character Look-alikes.”
The positions available are for Cinderella, Rapunzel, Elsa, and Tiana at the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney is specifically looking for a “Female, 5’3″ – 5’7″ with a slender build and outgoing personality” for the role of Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Elsa. For Tiana, Disney is looking for a “Female 5’5″ – 5’8″ with a slender build and confident personality.”
The job description states that “All performers, including Disney Character Look-alikes, will also preform in meet-and-greets as fully costumed Disney Characters in our Parks and Resorts. This includes wearing large body costumes, heads, and feet, and exposure to hot and humid weather.” All performers must be at least 16 years old and authorized to work in the United States.
The auditions will begin at 6:00 pm with registration lasting from 5:30 to 6:00 pm on Thursday. Make sure to be right on time as late applicants will not be accepted. The casting will be held at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Wardrobe/Rehearsal Facility: 3271 Sherberth Rd Kissimmee, FL 34747.
To see the listing and additional open auditions for Disney Parks, CLICK HERE.
You don’t have to be a Princess to visit Disney World! Let’s start planning your next Disney Vacation now! CLICK HERE or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.
As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach has been home to major construction since May 2017. These “refurbishment projects” are scheduled to continue for a total of two years. Multiple guest accommodation buildings, dining locations, and amenities have been closed during this time. While most improvement projects have relatively low impact on guests we wanted to go check it out for ourselves and see how much this truly would affect your stay.
These photos are taken from outside Old Port Royals Centertown which previously housed the resort’s table service dining location Shutters and the Market Street Food Court.
Construction Projects
Announced at D23 Expo, a new gondola transportation system called “Disney Skyliner” will be coming to Disney World. It will transport guests to the International Gateway at EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and multiple resorts including Disney’s Caribbean Beach.
This will also be the home to the first of Disney’s Moderate Resort Category to have a DVC resort location. Disney Riviera Resort is slated to open in Fall 2019.
Image Credit : WDWInfo
Nine accommodations buildings have closed and are surrounded by construction fences. These buildings include all six buildings of Barbados and three buildings in Martinique.
The remaining three buildings in Martinique were previously categorized as “preferred,” but aren’t anymore.
The Old Port Royale Food Court (quick service location), Shutters at Old Port Royale (table service restaurant), the Banana Cabana Pool Bar and other amenities at Old Port Royale like the Calypso Trading Post are now closed.
Photos and video above are views from Martinique looking across the water.
Food Trucks are available on property to help alleviate the lack of dining options.
A semi-permanent dining location has been erected that provides guests with a buffet.
With the Banana Cabana Pool Bar closed, this structure is now home to the resort’s alcoholic beverages.
Three guest rooms have been converted in Martinique: Building 25 (2509), Jamaica: Building 43 (4308), and Aruba: Building 55 (5524) into mini “Island Markets” that sell a variety of grab and go food items. Guests will also be able to use their refillable mugs with the new Coca-Cola Freestyle machines located in these converted rooms and other locations on the property.
Pools and Beach access are still open to guests.
Because the Calypso Trading Post has closed, and no vacation is complete without a trip to the gift shop, Disney has this temporary gift shop location available.
So now the question is, should we stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort during the construction. My opinion is that for a little extra money you can book you stay at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside or French Quarter. They both are beautiful properties without all the construction and provide full amenities.
Image Credit: Disney
But as long as you go into a stay at Caribbean Beach knowing what to expect then you should be fine. Request your room away from Martinique as the construction noise will be worse here. The Pirate Rooms situated further back on the property should be the least affected.
So what do you think? Will you be staying at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort before the construction is complete?
Ready to experience Disney for yourself?There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Click hereor send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.
Want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way.I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services areFREE? Get in touch toll-free at1-800-454-4501, via email at[email protected]or follow along onFacebook.
The Princess and The Frog was my oldest daughter’s first movie in theaters. She fell in love and for years our house was filled with everything Tiana, so Princess Tiana holds a special place in my heart. I am SO very excited to see that they’ve extended Tiana’s Riverboat Party – Ice Cream Social & Viewing Party through Fall and into Winter!
Originally scheduled to end in August, the party calendar is now showing dates through December 21st. Enjoy ice cream and themed desserts aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat, where Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen will join guests for a cruise around the Rivers of America. The party offers guests a VIP view of the Magic Kingdom’s Festival of Fantasy Parade.
Tiana’s Riverboat Party can be a wonderful addition to your Walt Disney World vacation, adding a bit of extra magic. This special event costs $49 per adult and $29 for children ages 9 and under (tax included). Dining plans cannot be used towards the event.
Ready to start planning your 2018 Walt Disney World vacation? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote from one of our Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.
As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner withMickeyTravels, LLC, I can save you money and time planning your MAGICAL vacation! My planning services are always 100% FREE! Contact me today for your FREE, no obligation quote, [email protected]or follow me onFacebookfor the latest Disney updates, deals, and travel tips!
It’s been one week after the two big D23 Expo announcements for Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Land has a new name of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the opening date of summer 2018 was declared for Toy Story Land. Everything is moving full speed ahead so it’s a great time to check in on the amazing aerial photos from @bioreconstruct to see how far construction has progressed.
Big news! The track is completely assembled for the Slinky Dog Dash family roller coaster. The backstory on this ride is that Andy has used his Mega Coaster Play Kit to assemble the coaster in his backyard. Of course he has incorporated some of his other toys in his construction too.
At center is steel frame for the new entrance of Midway Mania, from Toy Story land. pic.twitter.com/V4BMGLUuRx
The blue circles in the middle of the photo is the second big attraction at Toy Story Land, Alien Swirling Saucers. Aliens are flying around in their toy flying saucers and trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle with “The Claw.” This attraction will be similar to Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Cars Land currently at the Disneyland Resort.
Toy Story land (bottom right) and Star Wars Galaxy's Edge (top right) relative to other areas of Disney's Hollywood Studios. pic.twitter.com/YaSleyS5Vg
Circular foundations have appeared at the Millennium Falcon show building. Some are speculating that these are circular tracks for KUKA arms which are similarly used for Sum of All Thrills and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios.
Current state of the Battle Escape show building in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge DHS. pic.twitter.com/Uod4xm4Qwu
Ready to experience Disney for yourself?There are still fantastic 2017 Summer and Fall packages to be had. Click hereor send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.
Want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way.I create customized itineraries, book advanced dining and FastPass+ reservations, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! And did I mention that my services areFREE? Get in touch toll-free at1-800-454-4501, via email at[email protected]or follow along onFacebook.
I might not be in school anymore, but I can’t resist an adorable mini backpack. They’re just so comfortable to wear and perfect for organizing daily essentials. Of course something like this adorable Loungefly Minnie Mouse Mini Backpack is absolutely irresistible.
Perfect for every fan of Minnie Mouse, this mini backpack is superbly styled with high-fashion features to take along everywhere. The faux leather mini backpack is embroidered with an applique bow and ears, for the perfect silhouette of Minnie Mouse. The front pocket is quilted with Mickey head stud details. The little Mickeys are seriously a perfect finishing touch. The backpack measures 9×10 so it’s big enough to hold lots of stuff, without being so big it weighs you down.
Get ready to unleash your inner super hero with the new MARVEL Powers United VR for the Oculus Rift making it’s debut next year. MARVEL Powers United VR, an action-packed, multiplayer co-op title from Marvel, Sanzaru, and Oculus Studios was announced at the D23 Expo 2017.
Oculus says you’ll be able to step inside the Marvel Universe and experience epic battles alongside three of your friends with this new VR game. The game has full locomotion and smart comfort options. You’ll be able to step into the pages of your favorite comics with more than a dozen of playable characters to choose from. This action-packed title will make it’s debut in 2018.
The first four playable characters announced are Rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy, The Hulk, Captain Marvel, and our favorite wise-cracking merc with a mouth Deadpool.
Captain Marvel looks amazing, and I’m hoping they stick to the costume she’s wearing for the upcoming movie. Check out the incredible trailer below to see more of the action.
What do you think of the new MARVEL Powers United VR game for the Oculus Rift?
One of my favorite reveals from the D23 Expo 2017, was the introduction of the new Interchangeable Bow Minnie Mouse Ears! These new Minnie Mouse ears will have a detachable bow, that can switch out with any of the new Disney bow clips coming to the collection.
The new Minnie Mouse headband is more than a pair of ears, it’s a collection! You start with the mouse-eared headband that comes with a removable black and silver sequin-covered bow. The starter headband has three spaces where a collectible and interchangeable bow can be attached using a clip.
The bows are inspired by popular Disney characters, that have complimenting details and embellishments. There will be will be a total 10 specially designed bows available when the collection is officially released this fall at Disney Parks! This is a Disney style girl’s dream come true! I love wearing a different pair of ears each day, especially ones that coordinate with my outfit or DisneyBounding. Now instead of bringing 5 different pairs with me, I can bring 1 and a few bows! Of course I’ll still love all of my other ears and will probably bring a pair or 2 of them with me when I vacation, but this will still make for lighter packing.
We know that the first six are inspired by Jasmine, Queen of Hearts, Maleficent, Aurora, Cruella De Vil, and Ariel. No word on the other four characters we will see this fall but, my bet is two other princesses and two other villains. I’m hoping for Belle and Rapunzel, and Ursula and the Evil Queen. Who do you think they will make bows inspired by?
Are you excited about the new interchangeable bow Minnie Mouse Ears coming to Disney Parks this fall? I want Maleficent and Ariel first! Which character bow is your favorite?
Great news if you are a Disney fan and looking to find a home-based career! The Disney Store is looking to hire customer service representatives to assist guests shopping by phone or online.
Sounds magical, doesn’t it? There is a catch though. You must reside in one of the following five states to be considered for the position:
Florida
Georgia
North Carolina
South Carolina
Texas
The job description that is posted on the Disney career site states that candidates will be required to have a high school diploma or GED. Previous customer service experience is preferred. Being a bilingual speaker (Spanish) is preferred but not required. All applicants must have access to a reliable, high-speed Internet connection to be considered.
To apply for this position, please CLICK HERE to be taken to the Disney careers site.
Let us know if you apply and good luck!
Let’s start planning your visit to a Disney Destination! CLICK HERE or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.
As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.
Several magical announcements were made at this year’s D23 Expo. Guests of Walt Disney World will be able to take a ride on the TRON Coaster in 2021 as well stay in a fully-immersive Star Wars Resort. Without a doubt, big changes are coming to the World. However, there were some rumors circulating in the days leading up to the Expo that were never confirmed by Disney. The folks over at The Kingdom Insider took a closer look at the announcements we were expecting to be made but did not come to fruition…. yet!
New Countries add to The World Showcase at Epcot
We were very certain at least one new country was going to be added to the World Showcase. The prevalent rumor was for Brazil to be the newest World Showcase Country. Some other rumors also pointed to Spain being added. While new Pavilions were not announced, we did receive confirmation on the Ratatouille ride from Disneyland Paris being added to the France Pavilion.
Figment, Inside Out, and Journey Into Imagination at Epcot
Surveys were sent out to guests this past Spring gauging the current popularity of the iconic Figment. The survey combined with rumors that an Inside Out attraction would be coming to Epcot led us to believe that the Inside Out attraction would be replacing Journey Into Imagination. There were also rumors that Journey Into Imagination would be turned into a combined Figment and Inside Out attraction. Sounds like Disney is still reviewing their survey results to see what the future of this attraction may hold.
Spaceship Earth at Epcot
It was announced back in June that Siemens would be terminating it’s sponsorship of this landmark attraction in Epcot. While we know that the actual structure wouldn’t be going away, were unsure of what would happen to the actual Spaceship Earth ride inside the “giant golf ball.” The ride is desperately due for a refurb and unless a new corporate sponsor steps up, Disney will be left to foot the bill. We do know that Disney is about to completely re-imagine all of Future World. It will be interesting to see what happens with Spaceship Earth.
We recently reported that word on the street was Rafiki’s Planet Watch would be overhauled to be Zootopia Land. This change made sense because just like in the movie, you would access Zootopia Land via a train. With the recent addition of Pandora – The World of Avatar, Disney may be a little gun-shy about investing any more money into Animal Kingdom at this time. Maybe we will see this one announced at the next D23 Expo in 2019?
Haunted Mansion Restaurant at Magic Kingdom
People got very excited about this rumor… including me! However, friends of the happy haunts that hang out in the Mansion were disappointed Disney did not announce another way to experience them. Some rumors pointed to the new restaurant replacing the current Columbia Harbor House. Some rumors even suggested that the area around the Haunted Mansion and Liberty Square would be re-imagined into a “Haunted Mansion Land.” The Haunted Mansion is a huge brand for Disney so hopefully we’ll hear at least of some kind of Mansion-themed restaurant in the future. I just hope I don’t have to lose my lobster roll at Columbia Harbor House in the process!
Volcano Roller Coaster and Moana at Magic Kingdom
We all love Moana! Every since she was replaced at Hollywood Studios by Star-Lord and Groot form Guardians of the Galaxy, guests have been upset. (We love Guardians of the Galaxy but we want our Moana too!) We were anticipating her to show back up in Adventure Land at the Magic Kingdom but unfortunately, we are still waiting. There is also a rumor that Disney might be adding a fourth coaster to the Magic Kingdom. This was rumored to be a volcano roller coaster inspired from Moana. While we may have to wait longer to hear about the Moana volcano coaster, hopefully we hear about Moana making appearances at Disney World in the near future.
What rumor were you hoping to be confirmed at the Expo that wasn’t? While we might not of heard confirmation on all of these yet, maybe we will in the future. If not, I am personally excited about all the other changes that have been confirmed!
Let’s start planning your visit to Disney World or any other Disney Destination! You can already start to make plans to visit Toy Story Land which was confirmed to open next Summer! CLICK HERE or send an email for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.
As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package to nabbing those hard-to-get dining and FastPass reservations. I work with all Disney Destinations. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.954.401.9577, via email at [email protected], or follow along on Facebook.
Adventure is out there! One of my favorite quotes from the emotional roller coaster ride that is UP!. Pixar movies always seem to speak to the heart, and I love the inspirations they give for every day life. This UP! Inspired Necklace is a great way to carry around the affirmation that adventure is out there for all of us.
This necklace features a one inch hand stamped aluminum pendant with the quote “Adventure is out there”. A metal house charm with rainbow micro crystals that mimic the infamous balloons blooming from the top dangles next to the pendant. The necklace is completed with metal balloon bundle charm as the perfect finishing touch. You can choose the length of the necklace as a 16′, 18′, or 22′ inch chain to get the look that’s right for you.
Check out these other Disney and Pixar inspired hand stamped charms too:
is absolutely irresistible.
, what about you?
