The Disney Vacation of a Lifetime, Starting Around $9,500 Per Person

Adventures by Disney: China. Special offer for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders. 

If you're Walt Disney World Annual Passholder you can take advantage of a special rate on an Adventures by Disney vacation to China. 

The trip takes place from July 6 through July 19, 2017 and kicks off with a special welcome event at Disneyland Park in California.

Highlights include:

A VIP visit to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and stops at such popular sites as Victoria Peak to Stanley Market.

Historic Beijing experiences featuring the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

A VIP visit to the new Shanghai Disney Resort and a tour of iconic landmarks and Old City wonders.

An immersive exploration of Chinese culture and traditions including dining experiences, performances, family activities and much more!

Download the Itinerary and Brochure. For information on booking this offer, contact Darren of Magical Vacations Travel today. 

First Look: Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort

Geyser Point Bar and Grill is a new but unremarkable restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort situated on the shores of Bay Lake. The lounge itself is a big improvement over the existing pool bar and will likely attract an evening crowd. The open air pavilion is reminiscent of a structure you’d find at a public park or a summer camp but with more comfortable furniture and a bar! There are plenty of servers are on hand but most didn't have anything to do. Disney's Wilderness Lodge isn’t fully operational at this time due to an extensive, down-to-the-studs refurbishment so crowds should pick up once construction is complete.

The nearby quick service restaurant feels like an afterthought being tucked away in the corner. It's an attempt at rustic, Pacific-Northwest cuisine offering a bison burger and a smoked salmon BLT. Neither will impress you but overall they're acceptable. There’s absolutely nothing special about the bacon cheeseburger, it’s the same frozen beef patty you can get anywhere at Walt Disney World: overcooked beyond recognition and dry. In fact, it was so dry, it wasn't edible. If Wendy’s and McDonald's can make a decent burger, why can’t Disney? The oversized waffle-fries are fresh, crispy and will certainly be a signature item here.

Service is painfully slow at Geyser Point Bar and Grill. I was the only customer at the restaurant, shortly after 12 noon. After 15 minutes I approached the counter again to ask if they forgot about me. Nope. But a Cast Member was indeed working feverishly in the kitchen. It took 22 minutes for the order to arrive at my table but the place is still new so I can understand that some things might need to be worked out. 
 
The open air design is only as good as the weather outside. Visit on a breezy winter day and you’ll fight to keep your plate and cup from blowing away. You can also expect cold food. It will be interesting to see if insects become a problem here - being that the pavilion has no screens. Disney has a great pest management system in place so it shouldn't be an issue. 

Prices are reasonable, entrees range between $10 and $14. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. The lounge offers typical beverages found throughout Walt Disney World and even a few regional beers from the Pacific-Northwest.

If you’re staying at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Geyser Point is a good place for breakfast or an evening beverage after the theme parks, but overall it's just average for Walt Disney World. 

By Darren Wittko
 

How Pandora – The World of Avatar Will Continue the Values of Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Pandora – The World of Avatar, which is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort on May 27, 2017, will transport you to a visually stunning world complete with floating mountains, bioluminescent plans and all kinds of immersive adventures.  

What's Happening: Star Wars Night April 14, 2017

Today, I'm excited to share more details on this new Hollywood-inspired special evening, which will include celebrity chats, behind-the-scenes looks, attractions and much more.

First, Vanessa Marshall, the voice of Hera Syndulla from Star Wars Rebels, will serve as host of “Inside the Saga: Celebrity Chat Show” and take you behind the scenes of the latest installment to the Star Wars franchise, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. This event-exclusive offering will take place multiple times throughout the event in the Epic Theater. 

Guests of all ages can explore Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Seize the Saga Interactive Scavenger Hunt, searching for unique Star Wars photo backdrops. You will step into immersive and iconic scenes from the films, including a newly created backdrop from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and receive a themed piece representing each of the eight Star Wars films. These pieces will come together to form a one of a kind event keepsake.

And as previously announced, the event will mark the debut appearance of BB-8 at Star Wars Launch Bay.

Park access and activities will be limited to Star Wars: Galactic Nights event ticket holders only. Here’s a look at other event offerings:

Rebel Base Activities – The Rebel Base will serve as the event hub with multiple events, hosted shows, Star Wars dance parties and more taking place in the center of the park.

Can’t miss Star Wars photo ops – You can don your Star Wars finest (costume guidelines apply) and enjoy iconic Star Wars backdrops, including the debut appearance of BB-8.

Galactic Nights Stars in Cars Motorcade – This procession will welcome in Star Wars celebrities down Hollywood Blvd.

Imperial March & March of the First Order –  Darth Vader will lead a battalion of stormtroopers on a dramatic march down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage. Captain Phasma will also lead a unit of First Order stormtroopers through the park, pausing to give a demonstration of power and strength.

“Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” – High-energy clips of the best moments from the film saga juxtaposed with character moments on stage, featuring Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and more.

“Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular lights up the night. 

Other popular attractions will be open, including Star Wars Launch Bay. Additional offerings will include the chance to experience Star Tours-The Adventures Continue attraction, AWR Trooper sightings, roaming droids, Star Wars-themed F&B, special merchandise and much more.

The event will be held at the park from 7 p.m.-midnight. The Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket costs $129 plus tax for adults and $124 plus tax for children ages 9 and under. Tickets to the Star Wars: Galactic Nights event is separate from admission to Star Wars Celebration at the Orange County Convention Center, April 13-16, 2017

By Darren Wittko

Sneak Preview of Pandora on Popular ABC Shows - March 9

Tune into ABC March 9 for an inside look at Pandora – The World of Avatar

Four ABC shows will offer sneak peeks into the new land coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park at Walt Disney World® Resort. As “The View” broadcasts from Disney’s Animal Kingdom this week, several other ABC shows - including "Good Morning America" and "Nightline" - will be joining forces on Thursday, March 9, 2017 for a look into the highly-anticipated Pandora – The World of Avatar.

By Darren Wittko - Specializing in Disney Destinations

New Princess Character Meal at Disney's Boardwalk

Recently, I shared that an all-new character dining experience will be coming to Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk at Walt Disney World Resort. The Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno, you'll have the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric.

 

Adult Offerings

Breakfast is your choice of a mixed berry parfait or fresh fruit salad and a frying pan of pastries featuring braided breakfast bread and clam shell pastries. Menu items “Shipwreck al Forno” - Calzone with scrambled Eggs, Soppressata, Bacon, Sausage, Blend of Cheeses and Sunday Gravy; “Tangled Eggs” Tomato & Basil Scrambled Eggs, Fresh Mozzarella, Sunday Gravy and Roasted Potatoes; “Tower of Pancakes” Seasonal Buttermilk Pancakes with Bacon or Sausage and more!

 

For the Kiddos

Choice of a Mickey Pancake, Mickey Waffle or a “Little Royal Breakfast,” which features an egg, bacon and toast.

Breakfast will also include a choice of non-alcoholic beverage such as coffee, tea juice, milk and soft drinks. Mimosas, a Peach Bellini, cappuccino, press pot coffee and more will be available as an additional charge.

This character breakfast will cost $34 for adults, $20 for children. Please note Disney Characters join Guests for breakfast only. Character appearances are subject to change.

Reservations are now open for dates beginning April 2, 2017 and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

By Darren Wittko, Specializing in Disney Parks and Resorts

 

Get a Closer Look at Disney's Elephants With This New Tour

Now you can get a closer look at the African elephants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and learn what it takes to care for them during Caring for Giants – a unique family-friendly backstage viewing experience at Walt Disney World Resort.

During this 60-minute tour, you can meet with animal care specialists who provide for the care and wellness of Disney's elephant herd.  African cultural representatives will also be on hand to share stories of Disney’s conservation efforts. Throughout this experience, you will be able to observe the elephants from approximately 80 to 100 feet away! 

Caring for Giants will be offered several times daily beginning March 12, 2017. Groups depart throughout the day between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Guests must be 4 years of age or older to participate. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529). Cost is $30 per person (tax included). 

By Darren Wittko

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A New Way to View Magic Kingdom Fireworks

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Celebration at the Top, a new dining event coming to California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort, allows you enjoy the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks from an intimate and private observation deck.

Celebration at the Top Guests can check in at California Grill an hour before fireworks. After being whisked up to the California Grill, which sits on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you'll be taken to a banquet room to enjoy a selection of sushi rolled by the expert California Grill sushi chefs, a selection of flatbreads and other small plates. A complimentary bar offering craft beers, California wines, cordials and coffee will also be available.

Just before the fireworks begin, you will be lead to a private observation deck on the roof of the Contemporary Resort, which offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom Park and the fireworks. After you can return to the private room for dessert including decadent chocolate confections and fruit tarts.

Reservations for Celebration at the Top are now open for select Sunday evenings from Feb. 26-April 16, 2017. Cost is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

By Darren Wittko

Disney Now Charging for Mail Received at Resort Hotels

If you stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel recently you may have noticed an increase in the number of discarded cardboard boxes lining the hotel hallways. Savvy travelers have learned that they can save money by shipping their vacation-clothes to their hotel rather than pay high baggage fees with the airlines. The same is true with groceries - I've been seeing a lot of Amazon Prime boxes as well. 

If you wish to receive mail at your Disney Resort hotel, your letter or package must:

  • Include the mailing address of your Disney Resort hotel
  • Clearly feature the word “Guest” on the front and the date of your arrival

For example: 

Guest Mary Sims - Arrival July 4, 2018
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
1600 Seven Seas Drive
Orlando, FL 32830

Recently Disney announced it will be charging a $5 per package handling fee to all envelopes and packages that are received through the Front Desk or are delivered to a Disney Resort hotel room at the following Disney Resort hotels:

Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

First Look: New Restaurant at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Opening today at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is the new Geyser Point Bar & Grill. Located along the water’s edge, Geyser Point is designed with cedar beams and natural stone to fit into theme of the rest of the resort. 

GEYSER POINT BAR & GRILL OPENS AT DISNEY’S WILDERNESS LODGE AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

At the Bar

At the bar, serves specialty drinks which feature Pacific Northwest brewers and distilleries, and wines focusing on heritage varietals grown in Oregon and Washington. Small plates include crispy fried oysters with miso tartar sauce; edamame with chili salt; cheesy barbecue brisket with house-made chips; “Shrimp on a Wire” with miso-lime vinaigrette, togarashi (Japanese spice mixture), shishito peppers and chili-aioli; salmon rillettes with sourdough crisps, and handcrafted charcuterie.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a quick-service walk-up window next to the bar makes it easy to order and dine alfresco.

Breakfast

Breakfast includes scrambled eggs with sausage and bacon, crab cakes Benedict, maple-cinnamon pancakes and more. For a lighter bite, seasonal fruit is served with lavender honey-yogurt, and steel-cut oatmeal is topped with dried fruit and nuts. For kids, scrambled eggs, buttermilk pancakes and granola with apples, strawberries and honey-yogurt dip is on the menu.

Lunch & Dinner

The quick-service lunch and dinner menu, available at the walk-up window includes:

  • Bison burger with Tillamook Cheddar, sweet onion straws and marionberry barbecue sauce

  • Classic bacon burger with Tillamook Cheddar

  • House-smoked turkey sandwich with cranberry mayonnaise

  • Lump crab cake sandwich with house-made Canadian bacon and spicy cabbage-carrot slaw

  • Grilled salmon BLT with lemon-caper mayonnaise

  • Salad with grilled Portobello, zucchini, roasted red peppers, tomato and multi-grain salad with goat cheese dressing

  • Grilled chicken or salmon with arugula and romaine, apples, seasonal berries, hazelnuts and red wine vinaigrette

  • Seasonal fruit plate with lavender honey yogurt

For dessert there’s seasonal pie and a chocolate brownie mousse with caramel popcorn and toasted meringue

Kids’ All-Day Menu

  • Grilled chicken strips with dipping sauces, apple or veggie sticks
  • Finger Food Sampler with sliced smoked turkey, Tillamook Cheddar, spiced apple jam, grape tomatoes and sourdough crisps.

Please note, Movies Under the Stars and the campfire experience have resumed. Roaring Fork and Trout Pass Bar are temporarily closed for refurbishment. 

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

See What's Coming to Magic Kingdom on May 12, 2017

“Happily Ever After,” a new nighttime spectacular that will combine the magic of Disney storytelling, beloved Disney characters, fireworks and so much more, will debut at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort on May 12, 2017.

The Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace will continue to be offered during “Happily Ever After.”

The spectacular will inspire you to seek out and find your own “Happily Ever After” by showcasing some of the greatest adventures Disney characters have taken to achieve their dreams. The show will feature the latest fireworks and pyrotechnics and original animation, plus a heart-tugging original score. And thanks to the inclusion of state-of-the-art projection mapping technology, more Disney characters than ever before will be featured in the show, including moments from “Moana,” “Brave,” “Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia,” “The Princess & The Frog,” “Aladdin” and many others. 

VIDEO:

 

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

Rivers of Light Opening Date Set for February 2017

For more than a year, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort has continued its evolution to a day-to-night park by introducing new nighttime experiences. And today, I'm happy to announce one of the park’s newest nighttime experiences, “Rivers of Light,” will make its official debut on Feb 17, 2017.

“Rivers of Light” combines live performance, floating set pieces, a soaring musical score, fountains and more in a celebration of animals and nature. The story unfolds on the broad natural stage of the Discovery River, conveying the uplifting spirit of an ancient and timeless lantern ceremony and filled with symbolism, storytelling and plenty of heart.

Dining and FastPass+ reservations for this new show are now available.  

And don’t forget that the next step in the expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom – the grand debut of Pandora – The World of Avatar – will take place on May 27, 2017.

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

Pandora - World of Avatar Opening Date Announced!

Today I'm excited to share that Pandora – The World of Avatar will open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park on May 27, 2017!

This new land will transport you to the visually stunning world of Pandora. Here, you will wonder at floating mountains and bioluminescent plants, and can join the Na’vi on two attractions that take adventure to the next level.

Related Offers

Check out the Late May Exclusive Offer for select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Related: 

Details Emerge About Pandora

Video: Pandora - World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park 

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

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New Character Meal Coming to Walt Disney World

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I am really excited to share that an all-new character dining experience will debut this spring at Disney’s BoardWalk, with appearances by royal couples from some of Disney's most popular films! This Character Breakfast will be held at Trattoria al Forno, one of my favorite Italian restaurants on Disney World property. According to Disney, some of the featured characters will be from Disney stories like “Tangled” and “The Little Mermaid.”  

This unique, new character breakfast is slated to begin in late spring. Disney has not yet released an official date but stay tuned Save At WDW  for more details, including the opening date, when you can make reservations, and menu offerings!

Related:

How to Save Money With the Disney Dining Plan

 

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

 

This Tour Celebrates Magic Kingdom Classics

Recently I had an opportunity to take the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour, a brand new tour at Magic Kingdom Park designed to highlight the classic attractions You may also want to read my article at The Best of Walt Disney World on Magic Kingdom Classics.

My four hour tour was led by an extensively trained and courteous Disney VIP Tour Guide. These are the ones you see in the plaid uniforms escorting guests and celebrities through the parks. Of course they know how to navigating the park but the focus here is to show you the attractions that we all think about when we think of Magic Kingdom.

During the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour, we were able to experience 10 of the most beloved Magic Kingdom Park attractions, including everything from Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “it’s a small world,” Peter Pan’s Flight, and a few more attractions throughout the park. We also saw Under the Sea Voyage - which in my opinion is not quite a "classic" when compared to oldies but goodies like Carousel of Progress and Haunted Mansion. 

Plus, no Magic Kingdom Park tour would be complete without saying hello to the mouse that started it all. As part of my tour, I also got to meet Mickey Mouse at the Town Square Theater! 

This tour is especially great for kids. You can ask your tour guide to avoid the attractions that have height restrictions.

The Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour ($199 plus tax)* is offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and is subject to availability. 

Related:

New Experience Offers Backstage Access at Disney World

This Limited TIme Magic Kingdom Experience Offers VIP Treatment

 

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

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Re-Imagined Planet Hollywood Observatory Opens at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort

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Planet Hollywood Observatory has opened its flagship location in the heart of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, transforming its iconic globe into a four-story stargazing observatory with new spaces including an outdoor terrace, a new menu and an exciting new look and feel.

Inside it’s an immersive theatrical dining experience, with each floor providing a different ambience, including the fabulous curated collection of film-making memorabilia and a 4,500-square-foot video wall the uses trompe l’oeil 3D technology – images with such realism that they appear to be in three dimensions. 

Classic Planet Hollywood dishes, including the World Famous Chicken Crunch, are on the new menu, as well as a selection of over-the-top burgers and sandwiches by celebrity Chef Guy Fieri. Desserts are a hallmark of the restaurant, like the hand-dipped milkshakes.

The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. The new 5,000 square-foot Stargazers Lounge that will let you relax under the stars will be opening soon.

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

DisneyQuest is Closing (This Time it's for Real - Most Likely)

DisneyQuest to Close July 3, 2017

Disney continues to bring new experiences to the West Side Neighborhood, including The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort. To make way for this basketball-themed experience, the West Side area will be undergoing changes – beginning with the closure of DisneyQuest on July 3, 2017.

The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will be a one-of-a-kind basketball-themed experience featuring hands-on activities that put guests of all ages right in the middle of NBA game action. There will be immersive NBA video productions and numerous interactive experiences, as well as a restaurant and a retail store.

Stay tuned to SaveAtWDW for more updates on The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort and the continuing transformation of Disney Springs.

Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World

FLORIDA RESIDENTS OFFER FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Florida residents can enjoy rates as low as $92 per night, plus tax at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from April 23- May 25, 2017. Additional great rates are available for stays most nights April 9-22, and May 26-Jun. 5, 2017

For more information contact your Travel Agent or visit the Florida Resident section of the Walt Disney World website. 

FLORIDA RESIDENTS ENJOY 3 DAYS OF THEME PARK FUN FOR $139 PLUS TAX WITH THE DISCOVER DISNEY TICKET

New Florida Resident Offer Available

Now for a limited time, Florida Residents can purchase the Discover Disney Ticket for $139, plus tax. Visit one Theme Park per day now through June 9, 2017 and save big on this special ticket offer. Ticket is valid 1/4 – 6/9/17. Note there is a blockout period: Not valid 5/27 – 6/9/17 at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

This ticket limits you to one Theme Park per day. Proof of Florida residency required. Ticket is nontransferable and excludes activities/events separately priced. Must be purchased by 6/5/17.

To purchase this ticket contact your travel agent or visit the Florida Residents section on the Walt Disney World website. 

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