Disney Around The World
DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM
There isn’t any new news for Disney’s Animal Kingdom right now. Although, they are pretty set for a while with the opening of Pandora- World of Avatar in May. If you haven’t had a chance to visit yet, make sure to schedule time during your next visit. It’s a beautiful area and has some not-to-be missed features. Be sure to check out Flight of Passage, Satu’li Canteen, and the amazing Swotu Wayä Na’vi Drum Ceremony!
DISNEY SPRINGS
Disney Springs just celebrated Christmas in July! For guests visiting the last two weeks of July, they could experience a variety of holiday happenings at Disney Springs. For example, The Art of Disney had holiday art and meet and greets, Summer Santa was available for pictures, and Aristocrepes had a special gingerbread crepe. Sometimes it pays to visit Walt Disney World during the summer months to experience special events like this!
Disney Springs seems to have all the great merchandise releases. A special release party took place last month at Marketplace Co-op in Disney Springs. Two new Dooney & Bourke collections featuring Tiana and Madame Leota are now available to the public. For those of you not able to attend, check the Shop Disney Parks app for select availability.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Disney Photopass Day returns to the Walt Disney World Resort on August 19th. For one day only you will be able to find special Magic Shots and Character experiences throughout Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Walt Disney World is expanding guest transportation options! First, the Disney Skyliner is a gondola system reminiscent of the old Skyway found at Magic Kingdom. The Disney Skyliner will connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot International Gateway with Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney’s Pop Century, and Disney’s Caribbean Beach. Rumors were already circulating after permits were filed in these locations. No opening date has been announced. Another transportation option is Disney’s version of Uber. The “Minnie Vans” will take you anywhere you want to go on Disney property. Looks like those early morning breakfast reservations just got a little easier!
If you simply cannot get enough of Star Wars, listen up! Soon, you will be able to become a part of Star Wars through a completely immersive hotel experience! Disney Imagineers are busy creating a luxury resort for Walt Disney World that will make you an active citizen of the galaxy. In fact, every window within the resort will feature a view of space! No specific details, including opening date and cost, have been released. However, having it ready for the opening of the new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would probably be a wise move.
Have you ever thought about visiting Walt Disney World over July 4th? I just experienced it for the first time and will definitely go back! There are some spectacular celebrations that happened this year that you won’t want to miss if they return. First, Magic Kingdom had a special fireworks show called “Disney’s Celebrate America!” This was presented at 9p.m. on both July 3rd and July 4th and takes the place of “Happily Ever After” for those nights. I went on July 3rd. It was a packed house but the fireworks were incredible! There were also fun dance parties in Tomorrowland and Frontierland. If you are in Epcot on July 4th, don’t miss the special Voices of Liberty concerts at the America Gardens Theater. You can also meet patriotic Mickey (and friends) at The American Adventure. (The line was really long!) Plus, don’t miss the extra patriotic grand finale of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. We celebrated America in Epcot on the 4th. The extra fireworks at the end of
Illuminations was out of this world! I’ve never seen so many fireworks in my life! If you are hanging out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 4th, you were able to catch “Disney Movie Magic” at 9:00pm and “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” at 9:30pm.
On July 17th, the 14th Disney Vacation Club Resort opened Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The villas at this resort are stunning! It’s a great addition to the already incredible rustic resort. If you’re really looking for a vacation getaway that’s also close to the action of Walt Disney World, you might want to check them out. If the wilderness isn’t your style, Disney recently announced the 15th DVC that’s coming next. It’s Disney’s Riviera Resort. It will include a rooftop restaurant where you will be able to see the fireworks from both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney Vacation Club members currently have a limited-time deal from Disney. Now through September 30th, members get 30% off (instead of the usual 10%) at select table-service restaurants. Dining must take place before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm. Some of the restaurants include, Jiko- The Cooking Place, Citricos, The Wave, and Boatwright’s Dining Hall. It looks like a great way to sample some new cuisine and save a lot too!
Disney has created a way for you to see what kind of Magic Shots are being offered through Photopass. All you need to do is go to the Disney Photopass Service Facebook page, go to photos and then albums, and you can see what Magic Shots are currently found in each park, and where they are located.
Don’t forget, closures are subject to change without notice. If you have your heart set on an attraction, be sure to check before you go. Also, check the parks for changes the day of your arrival.
In between issues, be sure to visit our Facebook page for the latest updates and events. Changes are happening all the time at Walt Disney World and we want you to be the first to know what’s going on. Our page is full of all kinds of amazing stuff! Don’t forget to invite your friends to join us online. The more the merrier!