News From The World of Disney – August 1 – 14, 2015

August 14, 2015May 20, 2016

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Written by Sue Nowicki

August 2 – The 2nd quarter injury report is out for the Florida theme parks. Walt Disney World had 10 injuries including spread evenly between their four theme parks and water parks. (Link)

August 3 – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for Halloween night is sold out. (Link)

August 3 – Breakfast at Be Our Guest has been extended beyond 10/4. (Link)

August 4 – The Walt Disney Company has purchased three parcels of land near Disneyland. Possibly Star Wars or Marvel expansion? Who know?! (Link)

August 4 – Disney Channel’s new original movie, The Descendants, was a huge hit. The first airing on Friday, July 31 garnered 6.6 million viewers. What’s even more impressive is that the rerun showing on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2 boasted another 6.2 million viewers. (Link)

August 4 – The Walt Disney Company reported record profits in the 3rd quarter of its fiscal year. For the quarter ending June 27 they had earnings of $2.5 billion. (Link)

August 4 – Disneyland has released a new smartphone app called ‘Disneyland’ (unique, I know). This app allow guests to check wait times and park hours. It is currently available in the App Store and Google Play. (Link)

August 5 – High school students can now apply for the Disney Dreamers Academy. (Link)

August 6 – Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine is now open for reservations. The special dining experience will take place November 7, 2015 through January 3, 2016. At the dinner you can meet Minnie, Mickey, Donald & Daisy Duck and best of all, Santa Goofy. (Link)

August 7 – The Disney Institute has long been a great place train business executives in the ‘Disney Way’. This year the Baltimore Ravens took it a step further by having the Disney Institute train their 2,000+ gameday employees with the goal being ‘championship’ services to fans attending games at the newly renovated M&T Bank Stadium. (Link)

August 7 – Disney’s Golden Oaks is adding Four Seasons-inspired homes. Not only will the owners of these private residences get the advantages of ownership in Golden Oaks they will also enjoy the amenities of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. Crack open your piggy bank as prices for these homes start at $5 million. (Link)

August 7 – Do you have the World’s Best Grandparents? Walt Disney World is accepting entries for the World’s Best Grandparent’s contest. The winner gets an eight-day Grand Adventure to Walt Disney World for up to six people. Entries are being accepted until August 28. (Link)

August 8 – “Disney Vacations” magazine is now available on Flipboard. This magazine features the daily stories and updates from the Disney Parks Blog. (Link)

August 11 – Have you ever wondered what it would be like for a hamster to visit Walt Disney World? Wonder no more. (Link)

August 11 – The House of Blue in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney is leaving for a bigger location in GardenWalk Mall in Anaheim. They have outgrown their current 23,000 sq. ft. venue prompting the move to the 40,000 sq. ft. location. (Link)

August 12 – The highly anticipated film (at least by huge fans of Walt Disney, the man and the myth) “Walt Before Mickey” is being premiered at the AMC Downtown Disney 24 on Friday, August 14. Cast members will greet movie-goers and sign autographs from 12:00pm – 6:00pm. (Link)

August 12 – “The Lion King” is getting a sequel which will air on the Disney Channel in November. “The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar” will follow Kion, the second cub of Simba & Nala. The cast includes James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Ernie Sabella as Pumbaa, Rob Lowe as Simba, Gabrielle Union as Nala and Max Charles (The Amazing Spiderman 1 & 2) as Kion, the leader of the Lion Guard who protect the Pride Lands. (Link)

August 13 – Disney-a-holics are uniting in Disneyland for the annual D23 convention. (Link)

8/13 – CoverGirl makeup is introducing a new “Star Wars” make up collection which will include lipsticks, mascara and nail polishes. (Link)

That’s all the news for now. Follow me on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom for more Disney news.

Latest News From the World of Disney: September 25, 2015

Other posts by this author:
”The Descendants” Movie Review
Disney by Land, Disney by Sea: Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3
”Tomorrowland” Movie Review
Best Walt Disney World Smartphone Apps
Restaurant Review – Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – The Way Life Should Be
A Day in the Life of Disney’s FastPass+ Service

News From The World of Disney: June 6-19

June 19, 2015May 20, 2016

Written by Sue Nowicki

June 6 – Super Hero Headquarters is the latest addition to Downtown Disney’s West Side. (Link)

June 6 – Are you ready for twice the fun at Mickey’s Backyard BBQ? This summer the barbeque is adding Tuesday’s and Friday’s. Currently, you can book the barbeque on Thursday and Saturday’s. (Link)

June 6 – As if I didn’t look bad enough in my Memory Maker picture when plummeting down Splash Mountain, PhotoPass photographers will also be available at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach until Labor Day. (Link)

June 8 – Early this year we reported about the Cobb family who were walking from Disneyland to Walt Disney World to memorialize their 8-year-old who passed away from a form of bone cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma. On their Facebook page they announced that they will arrive in Orlando Father’s Day Weekend, June 19-20. (Link)

June 8 – The lengthy rehab of the Pirate of Caribbean ride at the Magic Kingdom has begun. (Link)

June 10 – Storyboards of the new “Frozen” ride in were release by Disney as well as the name for the new water-based attraction, Frozen Ever After. (Link)

June 10 – In the MouseQuest review of “Tomorrowland” several weeks ago, it explains that the movie is not your typical ‘Disney movie’. Another way it’s not like typical Disney movies is that it is expected to lose a substantial amount of money. Some estimates say the movie could lose up to $140,000,000. (Link)

June 10 – Do you follow @DisneyParks on Twitter? If not, you are in the minority. This week they hit 1,000,000 followers. (Link)

June 11 – The world’s largest volleyball tournament is occurring at Walt Disney World this week. Over 27,000 athletes with an estimated 100,000 spectators will be in Orlando for the 42nd Annual AAU Girls’ Junior Nationals Volleyball Championships. (Link)

June 12 – Radio Disney announced that they will be launching a Radio Disney: Country in November. It will be available on their app as well as other third party digital platforms. (Link)

June 15 – What do you do with a movie which grossed $760 million worldwide? Order a sequel, of course! That’s just what it appear Disney is doing with ‘Maleficent’. The studio has already hired Linda Woolverton to write the script which Angelina Jolie is expected to star in. (Link)

June 16 – The guessing is over about what the fate of the Walt Disney World Speedway will become. Disney announced that they will demolish the facility to make way for additional Magic Kingdom parking. (Link)

June 16 – Guests staying at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village and Contemporary will be able to participate in a limited-time test where taxi cabs are offered for free to the following signature restaurants: Artist Point, Jiko and Flying Fish. Disney is conducting this test in hope of better gauging Guest’s interest in resort-to-resort transportation. The test will conclude June 30. (Link)

June 17 – June is construction time for Walt Disney World. Several new filing show that among small maintenance projects, there will be some significant work done on the Space Mountain queue as well as re-roofing buildings in the Norway Pavilion. (Link)

June 17 – A new quick service dining location has opened in Epcot. Located near Test Track, Taste Track will feature specialty grilled cheese sandwiches served with your choice of Tomato Bisque or a side salad. (Link)

June 17 – Another Disney hit is in the getting a sequel. Disney is moving forward with plans for a third installment of the “Princess Diaries”. The question remaining is will Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway reprise their roles as Queen Clarisse and Princess Mia. (Link)

June 18 – In a super secret location on the Walt Disney World website, it was announced that 2016 Walt Disney World Resort package and room-only reservations will be available online beginning June 22, 2015. (Link)

June 18 – Some users of the Disney Vacation Account encountered glitches which transferred too much money from their credit card or bank account into their vacation account this week. If you were effected by this you can call 407-939-7734. (Link)

That’s all the news for now. Follow me on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom for more Disney news.

Latest News From the World of Disney: September 25, 2015

Other posts by this author:
”The Descendants” Movie Review
Disney by Land, Disney by Sea: Part 1 & Part 2
”Tomorrowland” Movie Review
Best Walt Disney World Smartphone Apps
Restaurant Review – Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – The Way Life Should Be
A Day in the Life of Disney’s FastPass+ Service

Sue Nowicki splits her time between planning her next Walt Disney World vacation and being team mom to ten high-energy volleyball players where she fills the roles of secretary, navigator, treasurer, athletic trainer and team psychologist. You can follow her on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom.

Written by: Sue Nowicki

2 Comments

News From the World of Disney: May 23 – June 5

June 5, 2015May 20, 2016

Written by Sue Nowicki

May 23 – The beginning of this news period was dominated by Disney’s 24-Hour Event at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The 24-hour Event which included both parks being open from 6:00am on May 22 – 6:00am on May 23 was also Disney’s kick-off of the ‘Coolest Summer Ever’. (Link)

May 27 – Is a recent survey sent out by Disney a look at the future of tiered ticket pricing at Walt Disney World? The survey included a graphic which shows three levels of prices. The Gold tickets will be valid any day of the year. Silver will be valid most days except peak and holiday weeks. Bronze will only be valid during off-peak weekdays. This suggested pricing boosts the one-day ticket to Magic Kingdom up to $125/day during peak times. (WDW: Link; DL: Link)

May 27 – A new Castle Forecourt Stage show is coming to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The ‘Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular’ will star the Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus”. The show will feature Dr. Faciliert, Oogie Boogie, Maleficient and other Disney villains. (Link)

May 27 – Duke Energy in cooperation with Walt Disney World is building a 5-megawatt solar power facility on Disney property near World Drive and Epcot Center Drive. The 48,000 panels will be in the shape of a Mickey Mouse head. As part of the 15-year agreement, Duke Energy will lease the land from Disney and run and maintain the facility from which Disney will buy the power. (Link)

May 29 – A cool new attraction is coming to Tokyo Disney Resort. The attraction, based on “Finding Nemo”, will ‘shrink’ guests to the size of a fish and allow them to explore the underwater world from the point of view of Nemo and his friends. (Link)

May 29 – When Disney announced a partnership with Turner Classic Movies earlier this year there was a lot of excitement about possible changes which would come to The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The first part of those changes were on display this week as the queue area now features digital movie posters and movie props as well as a new video featuring scenes from classic movies. (Link)

May 29 – The schedule for the ‘Eat to the Beat’ Concert series at the 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival has been announced. For those of us who grew up in the 80’s, get your leg warmers and AquaNet ready because you will be rocking to acts such as Starship, .38 Special, Rick Springfield, The Pointer Sisters, The S.O.S. Band, Dennis DeYoung, Tiffany, Air Supply and Chaka Kahn. There will also be contemporary performers such as David Cook, Fuel, Jo Dee Messina, Everclear, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth. The daily shows will take place throughout Food & Wine Festival at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm. (Link)

May 29 – The new, expanded Harambe Market is now open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The new area features four new quick service ‘shop window’ dining locations: Kitamu Grill, Famous Sausage, Chef Mwanga’s and Wanjohi Refreshments. (Link)

June 1 – In a not unexpected move, Disney Jay Rasulo has announced he will step down on June 30. This announcement was not a surprise because Rasulo has been working without a contract since the end of January. (Link)

June 2 – Several news updates ago we talked about the baby rhino born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We also reported that a fan vote named this little girl Kiama, which means magic. Beginning on June 3, Kiama and her mom, Kendi, will be joining the rest of the animals on the savannah. You might even be able to catch a glimpse of her on Kilimanjaro Safaris. (Link)

June 3 – Downtown Disney continues to add unique shopping and dining experiences as they transition to Disney Springs. The newest addition is The NBA Experience which will feature hands-on activities, a store and a restaurant. (Link)

June 3 – The Disney Channel has announced that ‘Tangled’ will now be an animated series which will premiere in 2017. The great news is that Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi will reprise their roles as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider/Eugene Fitzherbert. (Link)

June 4 – The union who represents performers at Walt Disney World has filed a grievance with Disney’s labor relations board. The union is challenging a now-written policy which forbids performers from revealing which character they portray in the parks either online or in print media. (Link)

June 4 – A reprise “Sister Act” is coming back to the big screen. Now this is just me talking, but I would say with the world-wide success of “Pitch Perfect”, this is a no-brainer for Disney Pictures. (Link)

June 4 – I don’t think it will be a surprise to anyone that Disney theme parks across the world dominate the statistics on theme park attendance. All Disney parks combined brought in 148,341,000 visitors. Of the top 10 most visited theme parks in the world, Disney parks hold nine of those spots. The Magic Kingdom alone had 19,322,000 guests making it most visited single site theme park in the world. Just for funsies, this means there is an average of 52,937 guests in the Magic Kingdom each day of the year. (Link)

That’s all the news for now. Follow me on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom for more Disney news.

Latest News From the World of Disney: September 25, 2015

Other posts by this author:
”The Descendants” Movie Review
Disney by Land, Disney by Sea: Part 1 & Part 2
”Tomorrowland” Movie Review
Best Walt Disney World Smartphone Apps
Restaurant Review – Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – The Way Life Should Be
A Day in the Life of Disney’s FastPass+ Service

Sue Nowicki splits her time between planning her next Walt Disney World vacation and being team mom to ten high-energy volleyball players where she fills the roles of secretary, navigator, treasurer, athletic trainer and team psychologist. You can follow her on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom.

Written by: Sue Nowicki

6 Comments

News From the World of Disney: May 8 – May 22

May 22, 2015May 20, 2016

Written by Sue Nowicki

May 8 – Disney Cruise Line announced their Halloween and Christmas sailings. The Halloween sailings will be September 7 – October 30 on the Disney Dream, September 5 – October 31 on the Disney Fantasy, October 4 – 28 on the Disney Magic and October 1 – 23 on the Disney Wonder. These sailings will feature special food and drink offerings, costume parties, trick-or-treating and scary movies. The Very Merrytime Christmas sailing will be November 9 – December 24 on the Disney Dream, November 14 – December 19 on the Disney Fantasy, November 11 – December 23 on the Disney Magic and November 6 – December 24 on the Disney Wonder. These special sailing will include a tree-lighting party in the Atrium, carolers, story time with Mrs. Claus and a visit from Santa Claus. (Link)

May 11 – An 8-year-old boy was injured when he was ‘aggressively’ hugged by Pluto at Disneyland. The boy was transported to a hospital with back and neck injuries. Disneyland stated that they are “in contact with the family and are in the process of gathering the facts.” (Link)

May 11 – As reported several weeks ago, the Hatbox ghost did indeed reappear to rave reviews at Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion.

May 11 – Disney Infinity is adding Star Wars characters. So far three Star Wars sets have been announced: “Twilight of the Republic” based on Episodes I-III, “Rise Against the Empire” based on Episodes IV-VI and a currently unnamed set to be based on the new ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ movie. (Link)

May 13 – Indiana Jones fans unite! Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will be opening this fall in Downtown Disney. Named after Indiana Jones’ frequent pilot, the Hanger Bar will feature unique cocktails and themed small plates such as “Air Pirates Everything Pretzels”. (Link)

May 14 – We reported last month that Adventure by Disney was adding Danube river cruises to their line-up of destinations. This week it was announced that due to the popularity of these cruise two new cruise dates were added. You will now have the opportunity to enjoy sailing on August 4, 2016 and December 15, 2016 which will have a special holiday-themed departure. (Link)

May 15 –For the week of May 8 – 15 Walt Disney World filed for permits to update the electrical on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, upgrade the A/C at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, upgrade the Seas with Nemo and Friend and The Land in Epcot, “general construction” on the walkway from Disney’s Boardwalk to Epcot as well as paving projects at the Hook parking lot at the Ticket & Transportation Center, the East Tram Lane in the Epcot parking lot, the building 85 parking lot at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. (Link)

May 15 – California Grill located atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort celebrated its 20th anniversary. While no formal plans have been made to celebrate the occasion, I highly recommend giving them a visit on your next trip even if it’s only to grab a dessert and watch Wishes from this unique perspective. (Link)

May 15 – As the Disney Spring project begins its wind down more and more tenants are being announced weekly. This week 13 more retail and dining experiences were announced including Zara, Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulizter, UNIQLO and Pandora. (Link)

May 15 – Chef Mickey’s will now serve brunch beginning on May 31. Brunch will be served from 11:30am – 2:30pm. Reservations open today, May 22. (Link)

May 18 – Disney Cruise Line has released their Fall 2016 sale dates and itineraries. The new itineraries include new departure ports of New York city, Galveston, TX and Miami. (Link)

May 18 – Effective Friday, May 15, Walt Disney World instituted a “No Selfie Stick” rules on Big Thunder Mountain. The “No Selfie Stick” rule is also in place at Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland. (Link)

May 19 – Plans seem to be underway for 26 cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The cabins will be constructed along Bay Lake to the east and west sides of the main resort. Some of these cabins might even have a view of the Wishes. (Link)

May 21 – As the construction and enhancements take place to the Central Plaza (formerly the Hub) at Magic Kingdom, another exciting feature with just released. Cinderella Castle will be getting additional turrets. (Link)

May 20 – In odd news from the World of Disney, the Walt Disney World marine unit arrested a 27-year-old Ohio man after an apparent night of drunken fun at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The man stole a golf cart, crashed it into a pier then jumped in Bay Lake where the Marine Unit was forced to rescue him. (Link)

May 21 – WDW News Today is reporting that a FastPass+ System test is coming to Disneyland beginning in August 2015. (Link)

May 21 – “World of Color: Celebrate the Wonderful World of Walt Disney” will make its debut Friday, May 22 to kick of Disneyland’s 60th Celebration.

May 21 – Share of The Walt Disney Co. (DIS) took a 0.17% jump on the eve of the release of their new movie “Tomorrowland”. (Link)

May 21 – Go big or go home! The Disney Store opened its first location in China. The 9,257 sq. ft. store located in Shanghai will be the biggest Disney Store location in the world. (Link)

May 22 – And the hits just keep on… being remade. Another new movie live-action Disney remake is in the works and already has cast its lead character. Tinker Bell will star Reese Witherspoon as the feisty pixie. (Link)

That’s all the news for now. Follow me on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom for more Disney news.

Latest News From the World of Disney: September 25, 2015

Other posts by this author:
”The Descendants” Movie Review
Disney by Land, Disney by Sea: Part 1 & Part 2
”Tomorrowland” Movie Review
Best Walt Disney World Smartphone Apps
Restaurant Review – Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – The Way Life Should Be
A Day in the Life of Disney’s FastPass+ Service

Sue Nowicki splits her time between planning her next Walt Disney World vacation and being team mom to ten high-energy volleyball players where she fills the roles of secretary, navigator, treasurer, athletic trainer and team psychologist. You can follow her on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom.

Written by: Sue Nowicki

9 Comments

News From the World of Disney – April 11-24, 2015

April 24, 2015May 20, 2016

Written by Sue Nowicki

April 13 – A devastating crash occurred at the Richard Petty Driving Experience killing 36-year-old Gary Terry . Terry was an instructor/driver at the Experience. He was a passenger in one of the Lamborghinis used for the Exotic Driving Experience. (Link)

April 13 – The BOATHOUSE restaurant made its debut in Downtown Disney. While this restaurant is said to have a stellar menu of steaks, chops and fresh seafood, the major draw will be the Amphicars. (Link)

April 14 – Adventures by Disney has introduced riverboat cruising to their line-up of worldwide adventures.

April 14 – With the prevalence of food allergies growing exponentially, Walt Disney World and Disneyland have been introduced new allergy-friendly menus. The menus will be introduced in the signatures restaurants on April 14 with other table-service and quick-service locations join in through September. (Link)

April 15 – Reservations for the Frozen Summer Fun Premium package which includes reserved viewing of the Frozen Royal Welcome, reserved seating the Frozen Sing-A-Long Celebration and the Frozen Fireworks Dessert Party, are now available. (Link)

April 16 – It’s a big day for Star Wars fans. The second ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ trailer was release to MUCH anticipation.

April 16 – A West Virginia woman filed suit against the Walt Disney Company claiming Disney implanted her with a rubber chip which she called a “D-Chip”. The women, representing herself, went so far as to claim she had gathered “intelligence” supporting her claim. She has since dismissed the suit. (Link)

April 17 Dockside Margaritas is now open at Downtown Disney. This waterfront margarita bar will not only serve signature drinks such as the Orange Grove Run Runner, Florida Citrus Squeeze and the Habanero Lime Margaritas, it will also serve craft beers such as Orange Blossom Pilsner and Cigar City Jai Alai IPA. (Link)

April 18 – The Sounds Like Summer concert series announced its line-up of acts for the coming summer. The acts this year include tributes to Journey, U2, Billy Joel, Boston, Pat Benatar, the Bee Gees and the Eagles. (Link)

April 19 – Plans for the multi-million dollar Port Canaveral Cove development are moving forward. The current plans include restaurants, retail, entertainment and an upscale hotel. (Link)

April 20 – “LIVE with Kelly & Michael” is ‘GOING TO DISNEYLAND’! The pair will be joining the Disneyland Diamond Celebration. The air dates of the shows will be May 18-22, 2015! While there are no tickets left for these taping, you can put your name on the waitlist at LIVEKellyandMichael.com. Some of the show guests planned for the week are Dwayne Johnson, “Scandal” star Scott Foley and Jimmy Kimmel. (Link)

April 21 – Walt Disney World is testing bus routes between the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. This route will take place daily from 4:00pm – 11:30pm for four weeks. This is a great option for guests spending their day at the Magic Kingdom and want to attend the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue or Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. (Link)

April 21 – The cast of ‘Beauty & The Beast’ is going to be a star-studded affair. Already cast in this live action remake are Emma Watson as Belle, Josh Gad as Le Fou, Ian McKellen as Cogsworth and Audra McDonald as Garderobe. Two recent cast additions are Ewan McGregor as Lumiere and Stanley Tucci as a new character called Cadenza, described as a neurotic maestro grand piano. (Lumiere/Cadenza)

April 21 – The Disney Dream is getting some fun new experiences for children taking advantage of the Disney’s Oceaneer Club. Star Wars: Millennium Falcon and Disney Infinity Toy Box will make their debut on the October 26 sailing. They are also adding Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Satellite Falls. (Link)

April 22 – Disney’s parks and resorts celebrated Earth Day around the world by remaining diligent in their conversation and environmental impact efforts. This includes celebrating the 17th birthday of Disney’s Animal Kingdom which opened on April 22, 1998. (Link)

April 23 – Next weekend’s Expedition Everest Challenge, a favorite of MouseQuester Amy B, will be the last. This week runDisney announced the culmination of this event yet they did not say whether a new race or concept will replace the only obstacle race currently on the runDisney circuit. (Link)

That’s all the news for now. Follow me on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom for more Disney news.

Latest News From the World of Disney: September 11, 2015

Other posts by this author:
”The Descendants” Movie Review
Disney by Land, Disney by Sea: Part 1 & Part 2
”Tomorrowland” Movie Review
Best Walt Disney World Smartphone Apps
Restaurant Review – Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – The Way Life Should Be
A Day in the Life of Disney’s FastPass+ Service

Sue Nowicki splits her time between planning her next Walt Disney World vacation and being team mom to ten high-energy volleyball players where she fills the roles of secretary, navigator, treasurer, athletic trainer and team psychologist. You can follow her on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom.

Written by: Sue Nowicki

2 Comments

News from the World of Disney: February 28 – March 13

March 13, 2015May 20, 2016

Written by Sue Nowicki

February 28 – Disney’s Egg-Stravagana Easter egg hunt returns to Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Park and Epcot at Walt Disney World. (Link)

March 1 – The outdoor kitchen menus for Epcot Flower & Garden has been released. In addition to the established pavilions there will be other destination options including Botanas Botanico (Venezuelan), Urban Farm Eats, Pineapple Promenade, Florida Fresh and Intermission Café. Some perennial favorites such as the Pineapple Soft Service (Dole Whip) with a shot of rum and the “Piggylicious” Bacon Maple Cupcake are back on the menu again this year. (Link)

March 1 –Backstage Safari tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was retired on February 27. It is being replaced by Backstage Tales which began on March 1. As part of this new backstage tour guests will get to view the Veterinary Hospital, animal housing and the Animal Nutrition Center. Backstage Tales costs $90/pp and lasts approximately 4 hours. It is restricted to ages 12 and above. (Link)

March 2 – A small fire occurred at Disneyland near the It’s A Small World attraction. Authorities suspect the cause was fireworks related. (Link)

March 2 – The Food Network will be airing a primetime special where the network goes behind the scenes of the Disney Dream cruise ship. The special airs on March 27 at 8:00pm ET/PT. (Link)

March 4 – Walt Disney World announced a multi-year agreement to be the founding sponsor for the Orlando City Soccer Club who made their Major League Soccer (MLS) debut last weekend. This isn’t the first partnership between Walt Disney World and Orlando City. In 2014, Orlando City played all their home games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex while their stadium was being completed. (Link)

March 4 – Disney parking is going high-tech. The parking garage at Downtown Disney will feature new technology where an electronic sign at the end of each row with show drivers how many spots are left in that row. (Link)

March 4 – ESPN’s “Mike & Mike” celebrated their 15th anniversary at Walt Disney World by filming shows at ESPN Wide World of Sports and Downtown Disney. (Link)

March 5 – The newest must-have Disney app has hit the Apple App Store. The “Show Your Disney Side” app will transform you into your favorite Disney character. You can then add special effects, costumes and it can even create a video. (Link)

March 5 – Soarin’ & Toy Story Mania, arguably two of the most popular rides at Walt Disney World, will be adding ride capacity by the end of 2016. Soarin’ will be adding a new theatre and Toy Story Mania will be adding more midway track and screen. (Link)

March 5 – The new live-action version of “Beauty & The Beast” is starting to round out its cast. Last month it was announced that Emma Watson has been cast as Belle. Last week it was leaked that Dan Stevens, formerly of “Downton Abbey”, will play Beast/Prince Adam and Luke Evans, of “The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies”, will play Gaston. (Prince Adam: Link/Gaston: Link)

March 5 – ‘Wheel of Fortune’ held their Disney Week last week where they included several Disney-themed puzzles. Watch this epic fail as a contestant attempts to answer this clearly obvious puzzle… at least to us Disney enthusiasts.

March 6 – The eagerly awaited “Toy Story 4” can’t get here soon enough. However, in interesting news, Pixar President Jim Morris told Disney Latino’s Blog that the movie will not be a sequel. Instead it will be a romantic comedy. June 16, 2017 is the expected release day. (Link)

March 6 – Are you planning on spending St. Patrick’s Day at Disneyland? The Disney Parks Blog announced some great dining options to celebrate the holiday. (Link)

March 9 – In sad news for Guests traveling to Walt Disney World this summer, Pirates of the Caribbean will be closed for a major overhaul beginning on May 11 and reopen on September 25. (Link)

March 9 – Innoventions exhibit hall in Disneyland will be closing at the end of March. (Link)

March 11 – Disney merchandising is going outside of the box with their merchandise offering related to the new live-action feature, “Cinderella”. Not only are they offering merchandise fit for little princesses everywhere such as dresses and dolls, they are also offering items geared toward adults such as a $599.95 crystal necklace, a $75 pair of “Cinderella and Prince Charming” champagne flutes and an amazing pair of Jimmy Choo ‘glass slippers’ for the low, low, low bargain price of $4,595. I’ll take three please. (Link)

March 11 – In the trend of bringing classic Disney animated films to life, a live-action version of “Dumbo” is expected. Rumors are abound on the internet this week that famed filmmaker Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland & Sleepy Hollow) has been pegged as the director. (Link)

March 11 – The five sable antelopes I mentioned in my last news update are now on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve where they can be seen on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Everyone together with me now… AWWWWWW! (Link)

March 11 – Walt Disney World announced they will be having the ‘Coolest Summer Ever’ which will include the return of “Frozen” Summer Fun LIVE at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. (Link)

March 11 – Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will be hosting their 24-Hour parties on May 22-23. In Disneyland, this will kick off the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration (blog) and in the Magic Kingdom it will kick off the ‘Coolest Summer Ever’. (Disneyland: Link/WDW: Link)

March 12 – Are the Dole Whip or Citrus Swirl your favorite treats to cool off on a hot day in the Magic Kingdom? If so, you will find them in a new location as Aloha Isle, home of the Dole Whip, and Sunshine Tree Terrace, home of the Citrus Swirl, are switching spots. (Link)

March 13 – The Walt Disney Company held its annual shareholders’ meeting on March 12 in San Francisco, CA. The major announcements to come out of the meeting included the announcement that “Frozen 2” will indeed be released (as if we didn’t already know that) and that original directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck have again signed on to direct. The second big announcement was that Disney’s Hollywood Studios could be undergoing far more than a couple of new attractions. CEO Bob Iger let it slip that there is a potential name change in the works for the theme park as well. Star Wars Land, maybe? (Frozen: Link/ DHS: Link)

That’s all the news for now. Follow me on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom for more Disney news.

Latest News From the World of Disney: September 11, 2015

Other posts by this author:
”The Descendants” Movie Review
Disney by Land, Disney by Sea: Part 1 & Part 2
”Tomorrowland” Movie Review
Best Walt Disney World Smartphone Apps
Restaurant Review – Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – The Way Life Should Be
A Day in the Life of Disney’s FastPass+ Service

Sue Nowicki splits her time between planning her next Walt Disney World vacation and being team mom to ten high-energy volleyball players where she fills the roles of secretary, navigator, treasurer, athletic trainer and team psychologist. You can follow her on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom.

Written by: Sue Nowicki

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New Food Trucks Park in Downtown Disney WestSide

January 6, 2015May 20, 2016

Written by Corinne Leon

Who doesn’t love hearing about new food offerings at Walt Disney World? This is why I was so excited when, earlier this month, the Disney Parks Blog announced the opening of Exposition Park, which will be home to four Disney-owned food trucks. It sounds like there will be one or more of these trucks, plus the ESPN food truck, and also some visiting local food trucks, there at any given time. Exposition Park is located between Bongo’s Cuban Café and Starbucks on the West Side, near the grassy area overlooking the waterfront. The introduction of this new area is just the latest of many new concepts and entertainment options in the works for the new Disney Springs.

The four Disney-owned food trucks each have a theme that is loosely representative of the four theme parks in Walt Disney World. First, there is the Fantasy Fare food truck, which features favourites from Magic Kingdom theme parks around the world.

Many guests may remember seeing this truck parked outside the World of Disney store in the Marketplace. There are currently three entrees on the menu: Croque Monsieur, Sticky Chicken and Waffles, both from the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, and the Hand-Dipped Corndog, which is a Disneyland Park favourite. I’ve tried and enjoyed the first 2 items and will try the corndog on our next trip!

The second food truck is called the World Showcase of Flavors, which features dishes from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Current menu items are: Pierogies with Kielbasa and Caramelized Onions from Poland, Grilled Chicken Breast Gyro from Greece, and Grass-Fed Beef Sliders from the Florida Locals booth. As expected, there are also four different wines available. They change this menu from time to time because I ordered the Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie from a food truck here last March. I have not tried any of the current items but they all sound yummy!

The third food truck is called Superstar Catering, featuring some signature dishes from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The three items for sale here are the Margarita Flatbread, Turkey Meatball Sub, and Slow-cooked Pot Roast Sandwich. These don’t particularly excite me, but the food here is probably my least favourite of the four parks, so this is not a huge surprise. Of the three menu items, I’d most want to try the pot roast sandwich.

The fourth Disney-owned food truck is called Namaste Café, which features a few favourites from Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Reading this menu is making me hungry because I really love Indian food but don’t get to have it very often! There are four items on this menu: Butter Chicken, Tandoori Spiced Shrimp, Lamb Kefta, and Naan and Samosa Dipping Safari.

The ESPN food truck is most likely to be found over at Wide World of Sports, but we may get to see it at Downtown Disney occasionally. This truck offers such items as a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Angus Cheeseburger, Chi cken Nuggets, Hotdogs, and a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich (for breakfast).

All in all, I am very excited to check out each of these unique and interesting food truck options. I think they will add another dining experience layer to the evolving Disney Springs area that is both current as well as very practical!

Corinne is a busy commuter mom who works full-time in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Together with her husband and teenage daughter, they love planning their future Disney trips and cruises, always trying to add new experiences to each vacation! You can follow Corinne on Twitter @Jump4Joy8390.

Written by: Sue Nowicki

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Episode 76: WDW’s Summer Events

June 8, 2014May 20, 2016

Welcome to the MouseQuest Podcast- Your guide in the quest for the perfect Disney vacation. This is episode number 76. This week we will preview some upcoming summer events at Walt Disney World. We’ll also some tips to help you get through the heat and crowds during this peak season. Although there aren’t any major events going on this summer, there are some fun things planned for Walt Disney World guests that are only available during the next three months. Questions this week include:

Can you give us some info about the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series?

We just recently talked about Disney’s new event at Animal Kingdom that will be taking place this summer: Harambe Nights. We won’t go into too much detail about this one since we just covered it, but can you give us a quick recap?

Can you tell us about Car Masters Weekend at Downtown Disney?

Now that we’ve gone over some of the special events going on this summer at Walt Disney World, we’ll talk about how to survive the crazy heat and crowds. Can you give us your best 10 tips on visiting during the summer months?

Appearing this week are Amy Bechtol, Rich Grady, David Smith, and Marci Smith.

To submit a question for the show, please go to the MouseQuest Podcast website, or send an email to question@mqpodcast.com.

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Episode 39: Downtown Disney

September 21, 2013May 20, 2016

Welcome to the MouseQuest Podcast- Your guide in the quest for the perfect Disney vacation. This is episode number 39. On this week’s show we will be answering questions about Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort. This large waterfront complex features some incredible outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment for the entire family. Today we’ll share some of our favorite things to experience here with you.

In 1975 Disney opened the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village; an outdoor entertainment area with shopping and dining that was originally planned for residents of the area. Later on it became the Walt Disney World Village, focusing more on the guests of WDW. Then, in 1989 when Pleasure Island was added the area was again renamed to the Disney Village Marketplace. In 1997 the Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island were combined into Downtown Disney and the West Side was added. Since then, Pleasure Island has closed and there have been other changes throughout the years. Downtown Disney is now scheduled for a major overhaul that was announced earlier this year, and by 2016 we will have the new Disney Springs. For the purpose of this particular show we will be discussing what Downtown Disney has to offer right now as it is. Questions this week include:

Just to give someone an overview who may have not visited Downtown Disney before, can you tell us what it is?

There is a LOT of shopping available in the Downtown Disney area. We don’t have time to discuss all of the options, but could you tell us what are your top 5 shops to visit?

There are times throughout the year that Downtown Disney offers special events and entertainment. Could you give us an idea of what may be available in the coming months?

We all love to eat and Downtown Disney definitely has a lot to offer in the way of dining. What restaurants have you tried in Downtown Disney? Are there any you’d really like to try? Any that should be avoided?

If you were going to spend a day in Downtown Disney, what things are on your must do list?

Appearing this week are Kelly Collins, Dawn Gosdin, Rich Grady, Amy Leto, and Marci Smith.

To submit a question for the show, please go to the MouseQuest Podcast website, or send an email to question@mqpodcast.com.

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