Frozen Attraction to Open at Epcot’s Norway Pavilion this June

By

-

April 20, 2016

2016 04 20 10 06 51 Releases Walt Disney World News

Frozen fans heading to the park this Summer will be pleased to know that Walt Disney World has announced that the much anticipated Frozen Ever After attraction will open in Epcot’s Norway pavilion this June.

Designed to take visitors on a boat ride through the Kingdom of Arendelle, visitor will be transported to a “Winter in the Summer” Celebration hosted by Queen Elsa who uses her magic powers to create a Winter wonderland for her visitors. Guests will pass a valley full of trolls and climb up the famous Icy North Mountain where they will view Queen Elsa’s Ice Palace before making their decent to the Bay of Arendelle.

The ride will feature the voice talent of original “Frozen” cast members with new dialogue and songs by composers Bobby and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

The Frozen fun won’t stop there. Visitors to the new Frozen themed attraction will also get to meet Anna and Elsa in their new Royal Sommerhaus greeting location inspired by the quaint cottages dotted along the Norwegian countryside.

Watch this space for further details on an official opening date.

Want to plan a Frozen themed getaway for you and your family? As an agent with MickeyTravels I can help you create a magical vacation to Walt Disney World with lots of Frozen touches. Drop me an email at [email protected] or get in touch via Facebook.

Disney releases a First Look at the upcoming attractions of Toy Story Land

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 20, 2016

We have some great news on the upcoming expansion of Toy Story Land! Not only will Toy Story Land have some all-new themed rides unique to the movies, but they will also be adding an additional track to Toy Story Midway Mania over Memorial Day Weekend, which should help alleviate the extremely long stand-by wait times. Disney made an announcement today on what we can expect from this new “land”:

In Toy Story Land, you’ll find yourself shrunk to the size of a toy to explore the world of Andy’s backyard with your favorite Toy Story characters, including Woody and Buzz. There are two new themed attractions being developed for Toy Story Land.

The first – Slinky Dog Dash – will be a family coaster attraction you’ll want to ride again and again. The attraction features a coaster track that Andy has built all over his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit, but as you know, he has a pretty amazing imagination, so he’s combined it with some of his other toys, according to Imagineer Kathy Mangum. Take a look at a concept video of Slinky Dog Dash that Kathy shared earlier.

On Slinky Dog Dash, you will zip, dodge and dash around many turns and drops that Andy has created to really make Slinky and his coils stretch to his limits.

The second all-new attraction in Toy Story Land will be Alien Swirling Saucers. This attraction is designed as a toy play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet, inspired by the first Toy Story film. Aliens are flying around in their toy flying saucers and trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle with “The Claw.”

As you rotate around the toy planets and satellites as part of the game, you’ll swirl to the beat of fun “Space Jazz” music developed just for this experience, Mangum said. The music, the lighting, and the sound effects will add to the flurry of your adventure while “The Claw” looms ominously over you.

Which attraction are you looking forward to most?

If you’d like to plan a magical vacation to experience Hollywood Studios’ new “Lands”, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Photo and Video Credit: Disney

Princess Elena of Avalor will be appearing at Walt Disney World & Disneyland starting this summer!

By

Chip

-

April 20, 2016

Staring this summer Disney will welcome its first princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures. Princess Elena of Avalor will be appearing at Walt Disney World Resort this summer and at Disneyland Resort in the fall, following her television debut in a new animated series this summer on Disney Channel.

Kids and families worldwide will be enchanted by the story of Princess Elena, a bold, caring, funny and clever 16-year-old who is ascendant to the throne in the fairytale kingdom of Avalor. The series follows the story of Elena, who saves her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule with the support of her appointed Grand Council and some magical friends by her side. Elena’s adventures will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders, while highlighting the importance of family and family traditions.

The inspiring story of Elena of Avalor will be shared in 33 languages in 163 countries on Disney Channels worldwide. And, Disney Parks, where universally enchanting stories come to life every day, will be the place where families can see Disney’s newest princess in person. At Walt Disney World Resort, Elena will appear in the Magic Kingdom. At Disneyland Resort, she will appear at Disney California Adventure. The Disney Princesses at Walt Disney World Resort will welcome Elena in August. Her Disneyland arrival date will be announced in the near future.

Soarin’ Around the World opening this June!

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 20, 2016

Everyone has been eagerly awaiting Soarin’ Around the World to open.

Good news! Disney announced this morning that guests will be able to experience the new adventure starting on June 17th in Epcot and at Disney’s California Adventure Park! With the new opening the Epcot location has also added a third viewing theater and an interactive ride queue while you wait if you don’t have a fast pass!

Need help planning or booking your next trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland to experience the all new Soarin’ Around the World? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for MickeyTravels, I would be happy to help you plan your trip! Contact me anytime [email protected], or on my Facebook page. Vacation planning services are 100% free.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival celebrates Earth Day

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 20, 2016

If you’ve ever experienced the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, then you know just how “green” and earth-friendly the festival is, and how it works to bring conservation awareness to guests. It only seems appropriate then that the Festival will be celebrating Earth Day for the weekend of April 22-24, 2016. Here is what Disney has to say about the special offerings for the weekend:

Start your Earth Day fun by checking out the Festival’s first-time expansion into The Land, where you can see large overlays of edible flowers. The greens harvested from the pavilion are part of the Field Greens salad at the Cider House outdoor kitchen.

A pocket beagle named Captain Ron is gearing up for beach season, and is taking a break to meet guests at The Seas. During the summer, three days a week, he can be found at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, assisting Disney’s Sea Turtle Conservation team in detecting the location of freshly laid eggs in sea turtle nests. This helps the team protect the nests.

You’ll have a chance to meet Captain Ron and his trainer Pepe Peruyero, at 10:30 a.m, 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Earth Day weekend. The duo will give a short presentation about their work, and will be available for photos.

You can help Disney’s butterfly scientists collect data about these creatures and their plant preferences in our new Citizen Science project at the Pollinator Garden. The data will be used to help some of the endangered butterfly species.

Also, at 11:00 a.m. each day during Earth Day weekend, you can get an up-close look at a nest with a purple martin expert, presented by the The Florida Audubon.

At the Festival Center, catch horticulture and wildlife experts leading seminars about aquaponics, making your property wildlife-friendly and how to grow new plants from the plants you already have.

If you’ll be at Epcot this coming Earth Day weekend, be sure to check out some of these great activities that are planned!

If you’d like to plan a magical vacation to experience one of Disney’s special events, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Captain Ron/butterfly Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Conservation Fund Celebrates 20 Year Anniversary with 10 Year Initiative to Protect the Planet

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 20, 2016

The Disney Conservation Fund celebrates its 20 year anniversary with a 10 year commitment to protect the planet through its Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time initiative. The initiative builds upon DCF’s 2012 commitment to connect 35 millions kids with nature by 2015.

The Disney Conservation Fund released a video highlighting the two focal points of the upcoming project:

There are two focal points to the initiative. The first is to develop strategies to reverse the decline of 10 endangered species including: big cats, butterflies, coral reefs, elephants, great apes, migratory birds, monkeys, rhinos, sea turtles, sharks and rays. Disney Conservation Fund will aim to accomplish this by providing grants, working with leading nonprofits, and engaging Disney employees and Cast Members to develop strategies to protect the natural habitats of these species and raise awareness through global educational and conservation focused programs.

The second part of the initiative will aim to connect children and families with nature and to inspire a lifelong commitment to care about their planet. Disney will aim to accomplish this through collaborating with agencies such as the 4-H, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, National Park Foundation, and the National Wildlife Foundation to make sure that nature inspired events, educational activities and resources are available to a greater number of children, families and educators.

Over the past 20 years Disney Conservation Fund has been responsible for providing $40 million in funding to over 114 conservation-focused non profit organizations throughout the world. More information about the Disney Conversation Fund can be found by following their Facebook page.

Did you know that Walt Disney World is filled with educational experiences designed to enrich the lives of your little ones. As an agent with MickeyTravels, I love helping families come up with ways to make their trips both educational and fun. From Disney’s Animal Kingdom to the amazing pavilions at Epcot, there are a ton of ways for your family to learn and grow. To find out more contact me at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Offer Evening Hours and Jungle Book Show Starting Memorial Day

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 19, 2016

Animal Kingdom finally goes nocturnal with the announcement that Disney will release a range of evening offerings starting Memorial Day weekend.

A highlight of the festivities will be a new Jungle Book show designed to take the place of the delayed Rivers of Light . ‘Jungle Book: Alive with Magic’ will be packed with music, special effects, Indian theming and classic songs that will have you singing along with Baloo and friends.

With the help of some cunning fireflies, the Tree of Life will also spring to life sharing its story of wonder to visitors throughout the evening.

Animal Kingdom will also give guests an opportunity to experience headline attraction the Kiliminjaro Safaris with an After Dark option. Special lighting will allow guests to view the animals in the savanna throughout the evening.

Disney also brings a bit of the nightlife to Animal Kingdom with its Discovery Island Carnivale and Harambe Wildlife Party. Discovery Island will come alive in this nightly party featuring stilt walkers, music and food in a celebration of nature. While Harambe Market will be abuzz with African music, African inspired cuisine and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Visitors to the Animal Kingdom will also have an opportunity to experience some of their favorite attractions under the cover of darkness as rides like Expedition Everest, and Kali River Rapids will remain open to visitors. And the midway of Dinoland USA will bring a bit of Coney Island color to the evening.

Tiffins, the newest addition to Animal Kingdom’s culinary line-up will also be open for dinner with delectable options like Berber-spiced Lamb, New York Strip Steak, Thai Curry Soup and Miso-glazed Black cod with Forbidden Rice.

Watch this space for further details of the events listed above including showtimes.

Want to experience all the Animal Kingdom has to offer? As an agent with MickeyTravels I’d love to help you plan a Walt Disney World holiday jam-packed with all of Disney’s new Summer festivities. Drop me an email at [email protected] or via Facebook.

Robert Downey Jr Displays Team Iron Man Pride on the Eiffel Tower

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 19, 2016

The Paris premiere of Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” was today, and Team Iron Man members Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Emily Van Camp, and director Anthony Russo were there for the special occasion, held at Le Grand Rex theatre.

Robert Downey Jr., to make it clear to Team Captain America that he stands strongly on his side of the Avengers, paid a special visit to the Eiffel Tower (aka The Iron Lady). Seeing as how Paris is known as “the city of lights”, why not share his pride for Team Iron Man by decking out the Iron Lady in red and gold?

We all know that Tony Stark creates some pretty spectacular gadgets…controlling the colors of the Eiffel Tower with just an iPhone app? That is way too cool.

“Captain America: Civil War” comes out in theatres May 6th, you can catch the latest trailer below:

Alice Through the Looking Glass Preview Coming to Disney Parks

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 19, 2016

The Disney Parks are getting another movie sneak peek–coming May 6th guests will be able to experience a 10-minute preview of “Alice Through the Looking Glass“. Guests will be able to experience clips and scenes from the upcoming film, which is a sequel to the 2010 “Alice in Wonderland” movie.

At the Disneyland Resort, the preview will be at Disney California Adventure at the Sunset Showcase Theater (formerly known as the Crown Jewel Theater). At the Walt Disney World Resort, it will be playing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in One Man’s Dream.

“Alice Through the Looking Glass” comes to theaters May 27th, and stars Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Helena Bonham Carter.

New Adventures by Disney 2017 Itineraries Announced

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 19, 2016

Walt Disney World News released information today on new 2017 itineraries for Adventures by Disney as well as enhancements to their already existing itineraries for China and Australia.

In addition to offering a second season of Danube River sailings, Adventures by Disney will expand offerings to include sailings along the Rhine River in 2017. The new Rhine River itinerary gives adventurous travelers the opportunity to experience the beauty of four countries – France, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands.

“Last year, river cruising itineraries on the Danube River sold out rapidly, proving that families are eager to enjoy this immersive and luxurious new way to travel through Europe with Adventures by Disney,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Adventures by Disney. “For 2017 we dreamt even bigger, expanding our offerings to include not only the already popular Danube sailings, but also exciting new experiences along the Rhine River. Here we can make unforgettable vacation memories a reality for even more travelers by offering family river cruise sailings that are effortless, personalized and exhilarating.”

Guests will sail on the Rhine River aboard the all-new, 170-passenger AmaKristina, a river cruise ship being custom built by AmaWaterways with families in mind. Family-friendly design elements include sets of connecting staterooms and suites, some of which accommodate three- and four-person families, and other details that lend themselves to luxury family vacations. Adventures by Disney has also worked closely with AmaWaterways to reimagine shipboard spaces and activities, offering unique programming for kids, teens and adults.

Highlights of the eight-day/seven-night adventures include:

Ride a toboggan, hike along a waterfall or zipline through the Black Forest.

Visit the famous storybook Heidelberg Castle.

Enjoy tubing, snow biking, curling and more at Germany’s first indoor ski hall.

Explore the Alsace Region of France by canoe or on horseback.

Get hands-on during clog painting and a cheese making demonstration in Holland.

Bike along the Rhine River, within the German wine countryside, through towns and beyond.

Savor unique local dining, including Swiss fondue, a French macaron cooking class, German chocolate tasting and more.

A post-cruise land package is also available in Amsterdam at the conclusion of the Rhine sailings, offering a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk and a private farewell dinner.

Also new for 2017 are enhancements to Adventures by Disney vacations to China and Australia. With the June opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, the China itinerary has been reimagined to include a visit to this exciting new destination. Here Adventures by Disney guests will explore the newest Disney theme park with VIP tour guides, offering a truly world-class experience. In Australia, travelers will now enjoy time on the beautiful Gold Coast, including kayaking on Bryon Bay, whale and dolphin spotting, an excursion to Mt. Tamborine and more.

The new United States 2017 itineraries join an existing lineup of more than 35 other guided group vacations to destinations on six continents, including three recently announced vacations to the diverse United States locales of Central Florida, Montana, and Washington, D.C. & Philadelphia. Debuting in summer 2016, each of these weeklong trips is filled with activities unique to the destinations. In Central Florida, families will enjoy unprecedented backstage access and VIP experiences at Walt Disney World Resort, airboat through Florida marshlands and thrill to a visit to the “Space Coast.” Montana offers glamorous camping, or “glamping,” near Yellowstone National Park and a stay at a dude ranch in Big Sky. And American history comes alive during a visit to the nation’s capital, and the United States’ first capital city.

Adventures by Disney is the perfect way to explore a new destination, and they offer the most high class service you could expect on a grand vacation exploration.

If you’re interested in learning more about Adventures by Disney, Contact me today for more information, and to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.

Photo credit: Adventures by Disney

$3.8 Million Renovation at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Underway with Restaurant Closure

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 19, 2016

Disney has broken ground on a $3.8 million dollar renovation project at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, a 20 year old inn and DVC property located along the Atlantic Coast in Vero Beach, Florida located just 2 hours south of Walt Disney World.

The renovations will result in the closure this month of Sonya’s signature dining restaurant. Famed for its wood-fired steaks and seafood specialties, Sonya’s will officially close its doors on April 30th. Plans are also afoot to close Shutter’s table service restaurant, the home of Beachside Sunday Brunches, a Goofy character breakfast and the Pirate Character Dinner during the month of June. Bleachers Bar and Grill which has long been serving up hamburgers, ice cream treats and libations will also finish pulling pints this summer.

In their wake, a new table service restaurant, a marketplace dining room catering to quick service diners and a new poolside bar are slated to open in the Autumn of 2016.

Vero Beach, the first of Disney’s offsite Vacation Club properties will also undergo extensive renovations to its guest rooms, beachfront cottages and villas including updates to both hard a soft furnishings. Opened in 1995, the renovations are anticipated to give the rooms a more contemporary updated feel.

Refurbishments are expected to near completion by the end of 2016.

Want a Disney escape without the theme parks? As a travel agent specializing in vacations to Disney destinations with MickeyTravels, I would be happy to help you plan your next cruise with Disney Cruise Lines, European escape with Adventures by Disney, or Hawaiian getaway at Aulani. Email me at [email protected] or get in touch via Facebook.

Frozen Ever After celebrates a Summer Snow Day

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

April 19, 2016

12986319 10153699195653983 1257713855 o.png

Many guests are anxiously anticipating the opening of the new Frozen Ever After ride in the Norway Pavilion this summer. As we get closer to the ride’s opening, we’ve been starting to see/hear more details revealed little by little about the new attraction. We now know that the setting of the ride takes place after the movie leaves off, while Arendelle is celebrating a “Summer Snow Day”.

Disney released more information today about the ride:

“A stone archway entrance greets guests to the kingdom of Arendelle. Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, trolls and Marshmallow join them on their boat journey through the frozen willow forest, past Troll Valley and up to the North Mountain to Elsa’s ice palace.

After disembarking, guests can meet the regal sisters in the cozy Royal Sommerhus. Inspired by a cabin in the countryside of Norway, the sisters have opened their summer home for visitors.”

They also released a few “fun facts’ about the ride and it’s design:

Frozen Ever After is the first Frozen-themed attraction and the Royal Sommerhus is Elsa’s and Anna’s permanent meet and greet at Disney Parks.

Guests will witness Elsa’s ice magic on Frozen Ever After.

Composers Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez created new lyrics to the cherished Frozen film songs.

All of the original voice talent from the film returned and recorded dialogue and songs for the attraction

WDI traveled to Norway to research architecture, décor and artifacts; guests will find their inspiration in the Royal Sommerhus.

The design of Royal Sommerhus and the surrounding area is modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin in Trondheim.

We’re all waiting patiently for the new ride to open, and can’t wait to see what Norway will have to offer this summer!

Contact me today to take advantage of my FREE Disney Vacation planning services. I specialize in Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can find me on my Facebook page here.