We have some updated Disney refurbishment news to share with you: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is getting a much-anticipated room refurbishment! Get ready for a fresh, updated look for these beloved villas.
The refurbishment project will begin this September 2024 and is expected to be completed by September 2025. During this time, guests staying at Bay Lake Tower can expect to see and hear construction noise. Disney advises allowing extra travel time as there may be some alternate pathways in use to navigate around the work areas.
For those unfamiliar, Bay Lake Tower is a stunning Disney Vacation Club resort situated right next to the iconic Contemporary Resort. It boasts 428 luxurious villas offering modern amenities and incredible views of the Magic Kingdom. While the Contemporary Resort itself recently received an Incredibles makeover, Bay Lake Tower has been waiting patiently for its turn.
This refurbishment is sure to bring Bay Lake Tower’s rooms up to par with the modern standards Disney Vacation Club is known for. We can’t wait to see the exciting new design! In the meantime, if you have a trip booked to Bay Lake Tower during the refurbishment period, be sure to factor in the construction noise and potential for rerouted walkways.
Disney Installs Fence Around Disney Springs Drone Show Staging Area
Get ready to be dazzled by Disney magic taking flight! Crews are busy preparing for the upcoming “Disney Dreams That Soar” drone show at Disney Springs.
A dedicated area for the show is being set up in the corner of the Strawberry parking lot on the West Side. This section is now blocked off with traffic cones and fencing to ensure safety during the show’s preparation.
This isn’t the first glimpse of drone activity at Disney Springs. Back in March, permits hinted at the construction of drone paddocks, and now the dedicated staging area confirms those plans.
The “Disney Dreams That Soar” show promises an unforgettable experience. From May 24th to September 2nd, 2024, state-of-the-art drones will light up the night sky, weaving magical Disney stories with breathtaking formations. A stirring musical score and iconic movie quotes will further enhance the show, making it a true feast for the senses.
This exciting addition marks the second drone show at Disney Springs, following the success of “Starbright Holidays” in 2016. And with comments from Disney Live Entertainment executives hinting at drones being “the next thing,” we might expect even more dazzling aerial displays in the future.
So, mark your calendars and prepare to be dazzled by “Disney Dreams That Soar” this summer!
New Outdoor Seating Area Coming to Chicken Guy in Disney Springs
Calling all Chicken Guy! fans! The Town Center location at Disney Springs is getting an upgrade – construction is underway for a brand new covered patio.
Diners can rejoice! The existing outdoor patio at Chicken Guy! will soon be transformed into a shaded oasis, thanks to a new covered structure. This welcome addition is expected to be ready just in time for the sizzling summer months.
Packing a flavor punch without breaking the bank, Chicken Guy! is a Disney Springs favorite. This fast-casual spot is a brainchild of celebrity chef Guy Fieri, teaming up with restaurant mogul Robert Earl, the man behind Planet Hollywood.
Chicken Guy! isn’t afraid to fly the coop for bigger digs! Facing growing popularity, the restaurant doubled its indoor seating just two years after opening in 2018. This expansion involved taking over the former ground-level Planet Hollywood store, creating a more spacious dining experience.
Fresh off its January announcement, the new Vineyard Vines store at Disney Springs finally set sail this weekend, complete with signage that appeared in February.
Vineyard Vines has set up shop in Disney Springs’ Town Center! Their new location sits between Under Armour and L’Occitane en Provence, making it easy to spot.
The Vineyard Vines store sets sail with a clean aesthetic! White walls and wood floors create a breezy atmosphere, while the cash wrap area transforms into a charming ship’s deck. “Vineyard Vines” and “Lake Buena Vista, FL” proudly adorn the counter, completing the nautical theme.
Vineyard Vines dives into classic style with their selection of preppy apparel for the whole family! They offer looks for men, women, kids, and even your furry friends.
Don’t miss out on savings! Vineyard Vines is hosting their Sun & Savings Event. Take 30% off swimwear, tees, dresses, polos, and select shorts. Plus, an additional 30% off sale styles.
Disney Imagineer Sylvie Massara Receives Window at Disneyland Paris
In a rare honor reserved for Disney legends, Imagineer and Art Director Sylvie Massara was celebrated at Disneyland Paris with her own window on Main Street, U.S.A.!
Celebrating 35 years at Walt Disney Imagineering, this special tribute acknowledges the legacy of her passion and creativity forging unforgettable memories for generations of guests. “I was so surprised, I must admit, when I received the news.” Sylvie said. “I was very honored, of course, and very, very moved, because I wasn’t expecting it at all.”
It’s a tradition that goes all the way back to Walt Disney during the opening year of Disneyland in 1955. The shops along Main Street U.S.A., needed names and what better way to thank those who helped open the park than by using the names of real employees. And it caught on, not only at his original Magic Kingdom, but also at Disney parks around the world!
Sylvie’s window is located at the beginning of Main Street above Ribbons and Bows Hat Shop. Just like the other dedicated windows found in the park, her window has a theme. In this case it’s the three decades of her interior design work and states “New Century Interiors, Sylvie Massara, Proprietor, ‘All-time designs for all times!’” across it.
Sylvie began her Walt Disney Imagineering career during the construction of Disneyland Paris back in 1988, working mainly on developing the layout and interiors in Fantasyland. Sylvie shared, “I went to both Italy and England to follow the production of the furniture. In particular, I worked on La Chaumière des Sept Nains, La Bottega di Gepetto, as well as Le Chalet de la Marionette – which we called Village House at the time.”
Following the park’s opening and a brief year in Glendale working on early concepts for what would become the resort’s second park, she came back to France as part of Design and Show Quality, the team that maintains Disney magic.
In 1996, she was offered the opportunity to work specifically on Disneyland Paris hotels, a role she has since never left. In 2010, an ambitious transformation plan gave Sylvie and her team the opportunity to reimagine each hotel of the destination, starting with Disney Sequoia Lodge in 2010 up to the royal transformation of Disneyland Hotel earlier this year.
“It is far more challenging to work and transform an existing hotel rather than start from scratch and build a new one. For Disneyland Hotel, we pushed the boundaries of creativity further, with an extra level of detail. We also adapted the technology to add special effects, which I had never done when redesigning a hotel before,” shared Sylvie.
Looking back at her career, Sylvie reflects, “My absolute highlight all those years has been the collaboration with Imagineers and cast members to turn dreams into reality and create emotions for our guests. Seeing the look on their faces as they enter a freshly reinvented space makes me proud to have been part of this experience, alongside all other teams.”
China Anne Mcclain & Kylie Cantrall Perform “What’s My Name” from Descendants: The Rise of Red Soundtrack
Get ready to unleash your inner villain (or hero) because the music of Descendants: The Rise of Red is here! The soundtrack for the highly anticipated fourth installment of the Disney Channel smash hit franchise is now available for pre-order and pre-add ahead of the film’s premiere on Disney+ this summer.
Fans can get a taste of the new tunes with the release of the music video for “What’s My Name (Red Version)”. The track features the return of China Anne McClain reprising her fan-favorite role as Uma, daughter of Ursula, alongside newcomer Kylie Cantrall, who stars as Red, daughter of the Queen of Hearts.
This high-energy music video, available now on Disney Music, is the first song to be unveiled from the soundtrack.
Descendants: The Rise of Red Original Soundtrack track list will include:
“Red” Performed by Kylie Cantrall and Alex Boniello
“So This Is Love” Performed by Brandy and Paolo Montalban
“Love Ain’t It” Performed by Rita Ora, Kylie Cantrall, Brandy and Malia Baker
“What’s My Name (Red Version)” Performed by China Anne McClain and Kylie Cantrall
“Fight of Our Lives” Performed by Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker
“Life Is Sweeter” Performed by Descendants – Cast
“Perfect Revenge” Performed by Dara Reneé, Anthony Pyatt, Joshua Colley, Mars and Peder Lindell
“Shuffle of Love” Performed by Ruby Rose Turner
“Get Your Hands Dirty” Performed by Malia Baker and Morgan Dudley
“Life Is Sweeter (Reprise)” Performed by Rita Ora and Kylie Cantrall
“Life Is Sweeter (Remix)” Performed by Descendants – Cast
“Bad Reputation” Performed by Kylie Cantrall
“Descendants: The Rise of Red Score Suite” Performed and Composed by Torin Borrowdale
The complete soundtrack boasts seven new original songs, two reprises, and a cover of “So This Is Love” from the beloved Disney classic, Cinderella. Fans who pre-order the soundtrack will score an immediate download of “What’s My Name (Red Version)”.
For those wanting to relive the magic of the entire Descendants franchise, a special Music from Descendants vinyl album is also available. This must-have collection features 13 of the greatest hits from all four Descendants movies, including fan favorites like “Rotten to the Core,” “Ways to Be Wicked,” “Queen of Mean,” and “Good to be Bad.”
The film follows Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, as she joins forces with Chloe, Cinderella’s uptight daughter, to prevent a villainous coup. Their unlikely alliance takes them on a time-traveling adventure to alter the past and change the course of Auradon’s future.
Descendants: The Rise of Red premieres on Disney+ on Friday, July 12th, followed by a special encore on Friday, August 9th on the Disney Channel!
New Stitch Lip Balm Set from Basin Available At Walt Disney World!
Dive into a tropical paradise with this Stitch Lip Balm Set from Basin! We were able to find it at different locations around the Walt Disney World Resort like at the Basin store at the Grand Floridian Resort and Basin booth at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival!
The set includes 6 different lip balms with colorful packaging featuring Lilo, Stitch and Angel! These are the different flavors:
Tropical Cherry (Red)
Pineapple Paradise (Orange)
Luau Lemonade (Yellow)
Experimental Eucalyptus Mint (Green)
Colada Coconut (Blue)
Volcanic Vanilla (Purple)
These lip balms contain sunflower seed oil which helps to naturally hydrate and help retain the skin moisture. It also contains vitamins A, B, D and E plus omega 9 fatty acids and antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors.
America’s Super Sports Bar Coming Soon to Orlando promising the ultimate sports bar experience
Brace yourself, Orlando! This spring, Tom’s Watch Bar explodes onto the scene, promising the ultimate sports bar experience. Every seat is the best seat in the house – literally.
Forget neck strain! Here, you’ll be surrounded by sports action with a giant stadium screen as the centerpiece and over 150 TVs lining the walls. But that’s not all! This two-story venue boasts stunning rooftop views of the Orlando skyline.
Feeling peckish? Tom’s Watch Bar elevates the game with chef-inspired dishes alongside your favorite drinks. It’s the perfect spot to catch “all the sports, all the time” with their highly curated programming.
“Tom’s Watch Bar is known as the ultimate hangout for fans of all sports,” said Tom Ryan, co-founder of Tom’s Watch Bar. “Our menu has restaurant-quality, gameday favorites that everyone will enjoy, and the $10 kids’ menu makes an ideal spot for both local and visiting families. We look forward to welcoming the Orlando community and traveling sports fans into Tom’s for a viewing experience like no other.”
With a highly sought-after rooftop location right in the heart of the Orlando Entertainment District on International Drive just off I-4, the two-story, 13,000-square-foot sports bar and restaurant will create 160 jobs and be a game-changer for sports enthusiasts and local guests who want to enjoy the views just minutes away from Downtown Orlando and Windermere.
“With enhancements going into stadiums and arenas for beloved teams such as the Orlando Magic and Orlando City SC Lions, Orlando Pride, Orlando Predators, Orlando Solar Bears and new groups like The Orlando Squeeze pickleball team building a complex — Orlando is investing in sports,” said Greg MacDonald, Chief Brand Officer of Tom’s Watch Bar. “This is one of the many reasons we chose Orlando to be home for our first Florida location. We are excited to be a part of the Orlando sports community by providing a new, elevated way for sports fans to come together, with amazing food and drinks to complement our exciting, watch party atmosphere.”
And what’s a watch party without food? In addition to an unmatched viewing environment, Tom’s will also serve elevated gameday favorites like Deep-Dish Nachos, Tom’s Famous Prime Rib Dip and Korean BBQ Wings, just to name a few. Guests will also enjoy an extensive drink menu featuring numerous beers on tap, a vast selection of specialty cocktails and more.
Guests who want to get off the bench can see if they have what it takes to go pro in one of several Topgolf Swing Suites, featuring several virtual games, including the popular Topgolf target game, Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey Shots, Baseball Pitching, and more – paired with comfortable lounge seating, HDTVs and food and beverage service.
Tom’s Watch Bar can also host private events and meetings for groups from 10 to 800 with customizable menus, flexible spaces and advanced A/V capabilities. To learn more about private event bookings, click here.
Tom’s Watch Bar will be located at 8050 International Drive, Suite 1000 Orlando, FL 32819, and is expected to open by May 2024. For more information, visit https://tomswatchbar.com/loc/orlando/.
New Menu Items Debut at Pym Test Kitchen at Disney California Adventure
Calling all taste bud explorers! Prepare to be amazed by the latest culinary creations shrinking and growing their way onto the menu at Pym Test Kitchen and Pym Tasting Lab at Disney California Adventure.
Experiment 7290: Cookies & Cream Cold Brew: Chocolate cookie cold brew with sweet cold foam (Available May 1 through August 22 at Pym Test Kitchen)
Humongous Taco Salad: Taco shell loaded with romaine tossed in chipotle ranch and topped with chicken, corn, bell pepper, cotija, and avocado (Available starting May 1 at Pym Test Kitchen)
Mini Pretzels with Spicy Nacho Cheese (Available starting May 1 at Pym Tasting Lab)
Craving a dream vacation but short on time or overwhelmed by choices? Let me be your travel genie! I’ll craft a personalized itinerary packed with hidden gems and insider tips, all tailored to your interests and budget. Plus, I’ll handle all the bookings and be your advocate throughout your trip, ensuring a stress-free adventure. Book your escape today!
Disney World Resort Future Stay Offer Now Available for Select Dates Through 2025
Calling all Disney Resort guests! Did you know you can save big on your next stay? Book a future vacation with the Resort Future Stay offer and enjoy savings of 25-35% on select dates all the way through 2025!
Details of this offer will be emailed directly to Guests on the morning of their checkout. In the weeks following, the offer will be shared with Guests through in-room collateral and on their in-room TVs. This offer is only bookable over the phone, and must be booked within 7 days from the date of checkout on the current reservation.
The current offer is valid for the following dates:
2024 Dates: 5/27–8/29, 9/2–9/30, 10/27–10/31, 11/25–11/27 and 12/1–12/24/24.
Save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts, up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Moderate Resorts, and up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Value Resorts.
Craving a dream vacation but short on time or overwhelmed by choices? Let me be your travel genie! I’ll craft a personalized itinerary packed with hidden gems and insider tips, all tailored to your interests and budget. Plus, I’ll handle all the bookings and be your advocate throughout your trip, ensuring a stress-free adventure. Book your escape today!
Disney World Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with New Food & Drink Items for 2024
Throughout May, Walt Disney World Resort is inviting you to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a delicious adventure for your taste buds!
Our talented chefs have crafted a vibrant array of dishes, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and cuisines across the Asia-Pacific region. They’ve even added their own special touches to create truly unique offerings. Whether you’re looking for something new and limited-time, or a year-round favorite, Disney Parks has a way for you to experience these rich cultures through the magic of flavor.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Available May 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Moana Heart of Te Fiti Cupcake: coconut cake, pineapple custard filling, coconut buttercream, white chocolate “Heart of Te Fiti,” and coconut crumble
Nomad Lounge (Available May 1 through 31)
Bangkok Chicken Wings: Crispy chicken wings, fish sauce caramel, peanuts, and cilantro
Terra Treats (Currently available)
Thai Sweet Chili-glazed Pork Pizza: Sweet chili-glazed smoked pork on our thick fresh-baked pizza dough with melted mozzarella
Tiffins Restaurant (Currently available)
Butter Chicken: Chickpea-rice croquette, English peas, young squash, and pickled onion
Dawa Bar, Restaurantosaurus Lounge, and Thirsty River Bar (Currently available)
Singapore Sling: New Amsterdam Gin, Heering Cherry Liqueur, grenadine, and Sprite
EPCOT
The Citrus Blossom at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (Currently available through May 28)
Orange-Sesame Tempura Shrimp with Orange-Chile Sauce
Hanami at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (Currently available through May 28)
Food Items:
Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and lychee wrapped in coconut rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, drizzled raspberry sauce, and toasted coconut
Steam Bun filled with vegetables and plant-based soy meat (New)
Ramen Cup: Ramen salad shaken in a cup with fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, and dashi broth with chili oil and yuzu (New)
Beverages:
Watermelon-Strawberry Lemonade (New)
Orange Blossom Brewing Co. Cherry Blossom Green Tea Pilsner (New)
Ichigo Breeze Cocktail: Sake with Strawberry and Watermelon (New)
Ozeki Pineapple Nigori Sake (New)
Lotus House at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (Currently available through May 28)
Food Items:
Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce
House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons
Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings
Beverages:
Mango Bubble Tea (Non-alcoholic beverage)
Brew Hub Honey Jasmine Lager Draft Beer
Dragon Dynasty: Baijiu spirit, light rum, dragon fruit syrup, piña colada mix, and soda water (New)
Lucky Peach: Peach whiskey, oolong tea, honey, lemon juice, and soda water (New)
Tropical Moon: Vodka, triple sec, passion fruit syrup, soda water, and white boba pearls
Trowel & Trellis at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (Currently available through May 28)
Soy-glazed Sticky Ribs: Soy-glazed sticky ribs with green onions and peanuts
Magic Kingdom Park
Energy Bytes (Currently available)
Passion Fruit IceOForm: Ice cream mochi, citrus, shortbread crunch, and purple ube foam
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
“Hardy Har Char” Siu Pork: Char siu-marinated pork tenderloin served with house-pickled vegetables and jasmine rice (Currently available)
Nile Nellie’s Noodle Bowl: Sauteéd shrimp tossed with a spicy tamarind sauce, picked radish, eggs, toasted peanuts, and fresh-cut herbs(Currently available)
Mango Float: Kalamansi namelaka, mango crèmeux, and house-made graham cracker (New) (Available May 1 through 31)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary (Available May 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Pork Adobo: Soy and vinegar-braised pork served with steamed white rice, pickled onions, and a sesame-cucumber salad (New)
Backlot Express (Currently available; mobile order available)
Teriyaki Tofu Bowl: Seasoned jasmine rice, marinated tofu, yuzu-pickled edamame, carrots, cucumber, and onions drizzled with house-made lemon-tahini chipotle vinaigrette and sesame seeds
Year of the Dragon Chocolate Piñata: Dark chocolate shell filled with dark chocolate-covered candied orange peel and five-spice marshmallows
Morimoto Asia(Available May 1 through May 31)
Adobo Tacos: St. Louis pork adobo, taco shell, guacamole, tomato, lime, and micro cilantro
Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available May 1 through May 31)
Golden Spider Roll: Tempura fried softshell crab, cucumber and avocado wrapped in soy paper and sushi rice, topped with diced mango, honey wasabi, eel sauce, and micro greens
STK Steakhouse Orlando (Available May 1 through May 31)
Fish & Poi: Tuna poke, kukui nuts, and poi chili sauce
Tako Poke: Octopus, Maui onions, cucumber, kimchi garlic sauce, and sesame seeds
Loco Moco Meatloaf: With smoked sticky rice, lomi tomatoes, sunny side up egg, and smoked Maui onion demi glace
Vivoli Il Gelato (Available through June 30)
Ube Tiramisu: Ube cream with coconut-soaked ladyfingers
Disney Resort Hotels
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Sanaa (Currently available)
Samosas: Potato and pea samosas with tamarind and mango chutney
Zanzibari Vegetable Curry: Seasonal vegetables with fragrant rice
Zanzibari Vegetable Curry with Chicken: Seasonal vegetables with fragrant rice
Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Food Courts (Available May 1 through 31; mobile order available)
Pork Sisig with Noodles: Citrus-roasted pork with lo mein noodles, onions, peppers, chiles, and ginger-butter sauce (New); available at the following locations:
World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Moana Chocolate-Coconut Pie: Coconut and chocolate custard, graham cracker crust, Chantilly cream, toasted macadamia nuts, and Moana fondant décor; available at the following locations:
World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Available at Various Lounges and Bars across Walt Disney World Resort (Available May 1 through 31)
Dreaming of a magical Disney vacation? Let me take the stress out of planning! As your Disney-certified agent, I’ll craft the perfect itinerary, find hidden discounts, and ensure smooth sailing for an unforgettable adventure. Book your Disney World trip with me and focus on the pixie dust, not the paperwork!
“We have long been open to discussions around the proposed SunRail expansion to Disney Springs and have been engaged with state and community leaders on the topic. This is not to be confused with the agreement we previously had for a Brightline station that Brightline decided not to pursue.”
Brightline initially planned a station at Disney Springs in 2019, but the route changed and the station was scrapped in 2022.
Universal Orlando then proposed a SunRail station near their Epic Universe park. They also created a special tax district to fund construction of a “Sunshine Corridor” connecting Brightline’s Miami line with SunRail in Central Florida.
On April 25th, the Florida Department of Transportation presented ridership and cost estimates for the corridor. These estimates included a potential Disney Springs station, costing between $173 million and $247 million. The total Sunshine Corridor project is estimated at $4.78 billion. Orange County Mayor and SunRail Board Member Jerry Demings emphasized that federal, state, local, and private funding would all be crucial for the project’s success.
