Make the Jump to Lightspeed in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
On the heels of its Aug. 29, 2019 grand opening, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios gives you the chance this fall to live your own Star Wars story.
While visiting the land, you can stop for a drink at Oga’s Cantina or discover rare artifacts at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, among other immersive experiences. T
he groundbreaking attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run gives Guests control of the iconic spacecraft as the ship hurtles through space on a smuggling mission.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences are subject to capacity.
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Book Fall travel to Walt Disney World with these exclusive offers
Last Call for Illuminations Reflections of Earth Sep 30 - Book Fall Travel Now
Last Show of Illuminations Reflections of Earth
Come see the Last Call for “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” as “Epcot Forever” Debuts Oct. 1
For nearly 20 years, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” has entertained millions as the nighttime spectacular that brought each day at Epcot to a thrilling close.
The show’s final night will be Sept. 30, 2019 to make way for an all-new, limited-time spectacular, “Epcot Forever,” debuting Oct. 1, 2019.
This new show will be a celebration of the past, present and future of Epcot featuring fireworks, lasers and choreographed special-effect kites accompanied by a stirring collection of songs celebrating Epcot.
Now is the best time to book your fall 2019 travel to Walt Disney World Resort. Check out my list of Current Offers for Walt Disney World.
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New Video: Disney Skyliner at Walt Disney World
Disney just unwrapped 55 gondolas for special test runs of the Disney Skyliner system that’ll transport you at Walt Disney World® Resort later this fall.
The Haunted Mansion themed gondola is one of my favorites!
Haunted Mansion themed Disney Skyliner Gondola
The unwrapped cabins, some of which feature stunning graphics based on Disney films, attractions and characters, are now making test runs back-and-forth between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
When fall arrives, Guests staying at the Disney Skyliner Resorts – Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – will be able to enjoy the benefit of traveling between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Check out the Walt Disney World Offers page for fall 2019 offers. There are several offers for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and for Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, both will be on the Disney Skyliner System. However, just keep in mind that an operation date for Skyliner has not yet been announced. Stay tuned for more information
NBA Experience Opens Aug 12, 2019 at Walt Disney World
On Aug. 12, 2019 the NBA Experience will open at Disney Springs with 13 interactive and hands-on activities. With a ticket to NBA Experience, you can improve your shooting and dribbling skills, get some creative photos taken to name a couple of the immersive opportunities that will blend Disney magic with the NBA and WNBA.
Tickets to NBA Experience are $34 (plus tax) for guests ages 10 and older, and $29 (plus tax) for children ages 3-9.
I recommend bringing athletic shoes (footwear will be required for entry). You will also be asked to sign a waiver prior to starting their activities; children under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver for them.
For Walt Disney World Summer Offers, check out my Offers Page
New Magic Band Designs Coming Soon!
New design options coming to Magic Bands at Walt Disney World Resort
Soon, guests of Walt Disney World Resort will have the option of adding new customized Magic Bands. But…for the right price.
Hotel guests and new and renewing Annual Passholders will have the option to upgrade, at a discounted price, from a complimentary solid-color MagicBand to one of more than 30 new MagicBand options featuring favorite Disney characters and designs.
Guest staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel will have more designs to choose from compared to those staying off-site.
These new MagicBand options will be available for pre-arrival purchase at a special price of $14.99 off retail cost through the My Disney Experience website.
No word yet on when these new Magic Bands will become available, but Disney is saying that this will launch in the coming weeks.
Check out special hotel discounts and offers on the Current Offers Page
Extra, Extra Magic Hours Announced. May the 4th be With You
Today I have great news regarding Extra Magic Hours at Walt Disney World Resort: Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel this fall will have more opportunities to take advantage of this Extra Magic Hours benefit with Extra, Extra Magic Hours at our theme parks!
The Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit will include expanded daily offerings at three of our theme parks, which includes more time to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as other experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom theme parks. Here’s the rundown:
Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Daily from Sept. 1-Nov. 2, the park will have Extra, Extra Magic Hours from 6-9 a.m., including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, plus Toy Story Land attractions and select other attractions. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its experiences subject to capacity.
(Please note that on Aug. 29-31, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open at 6 a.m. for all Guests. There will not be Extra, Extra Magic Hours on those days.)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park — Extra, Extra Magic Hours will happen daily from Aug. 29-Nov. 2, from 7-8 a.m., featuring Pandora – The World of Avatar and other attractions throughout the park (same as today’s morning Extra Magic Hours offerings).
Magic Kingdom Park —Extra, Extra Magic Hours will happen daily from Aug. 29-Nov. 2, from 7-8 a.m., featuring favorite attractions in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland (same as today’s morning Extra Magic Hours offerings).
Extra Magic Hours will also continue to be available on select days at Epcot.
If you are visiting this fall, you should know that the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit at the Walt Disney WorldResort requires a valid theme park admission and hotel ID. Guests without the Park Hopper Option or Park Hopper Plus Option must spend the day at the same park where they’d like to enjoy the Extra, Extra Magic Hours benefit.
Also, not all Walt Disney World attractions are available with the Extra Magic Hours benefit. Park hours and available attractions are subject to change without notice. *Applicable theme park, days and times of operation, attraction and service availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity and cancellation.
View Fall 2019 Offers for Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
May The Fourth Be With You!
*The Extra Magic Hours benefit applies to Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Shades of Green® Resort, Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
Visit the Offers Page for current Walt Disney World offers including Agency-Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel.
Lion King Dining Event - Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Starting June 30, 2019, an exclusive three-course menu, crafted as a one-of-a-kind culinary celebration of Simba’s story, will be available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort. As the dinner progresses, wildly talented musicians will join in on the fun with vibrant African melodies as well as live performances of the award-winning movie soundtrack.
The menu will feature dishes inspired by The Circle of Life: Nants’ Ingonyama, a story celebrating Simba’s journey through life. Each dish follows the lion prince as he grows up, highlighting each stage of his life through unique flavors and spices.
This limited-time prix fixe menu will be available during the dinner period at Jiko – The Cooking Place starting June 30, 2019 in addition to Jiko’s regular menu.
The cost is $65 per person, tax and gratuity not included, with the option to add a choice of two levels of wine pairings at an additional cost. To book reservations, please call 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463) or visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.
Exclusive Epcot Fireworks Dessert Party Coming August 22, 2019
Magical Vacations Travel - Epcot Dessert Party
Magical Vacations Travel Presents
A Fireworks Spectacular Dessert Party at Epcot
August 22, 2019 - 7:50 pm.
After the fireworks, stay for a “magical moment” surprise.
This event is available exclusively for clients of Magical Vacations Travel. Get your quote today!
Event is subject to availability and is open exclusively to clients of Magical Vacations Travel. Contact Darren Wittko for event rates and additional information.
Exclusive VIP Event from Magical Vacations Travel
Magical Vacations Travel - Epcot Character Breakfast
Magical Vacations Travel presents
A Toyrific Breakfast at Epcot
August 25th, 2019
World Showplace 8:15 am. Adult-size games and Toy Story character meet & greet*
This private event is offered exclusively to clients of Magical Vacations Travel. Start your quote today!
*Event is subject to availability. Open to clients of Magical Vacations Travel who have booked a room or package reservation during the event date. Contact Darren Wittko for event rates and additional information.
Preview: Merchandise Coming to Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
New merchandise coming to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
Be sure to check out these locations at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge:
Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers – Guests come to the workshop to meet with the Gatherers – a secretive group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of Jedi lore and the Force. The workshop Master guides guests to customize and build their own unique lightsabers, and instructs them on the ways of the Jedi.
Droid Depot – Visitors to Mubo’s workshop can choose parts and construct their own individual astromech droids to accompany them on their journey, and then take them home with them.
First Order Cargo – A spaceport hangar bay serves as the temporary base and landing spot for the First Order. First Order officers have brought in crates of gear, uniforms and other supplies to win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors to Black Spire Outpost.
Resistance Supply – Resistance members and local sympathizers oversee a makeshift stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, pins, badges, hats, helmets, jackets, maps, tools, training supplies, food rations and other items.
There are also several market stalls which sell a variety of merchandise such as:
Toydarian Toymaker (toys)
Creature Stall (interesting critters that you can take home with you)
Black Spire Outfitters (clothing)
The Jewels of Bith (accessories and other trinkets to treasure)
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens on May 31 at the Disneyland Resort and August 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney Villains Coming to Magic Kingdom This Summer
Get ready for Disney Villains After Hours! Tickets go on sale April 29, 2019 – for this wicked fun special event, offered on select nights this summer from June 6-Aug. 8, 2019.
A dark magic is taking over Magic Kingdom Park and inviting you to run amuck in the Villains’ scary world. The party DJ gets things lit, energizing the castle stage with sick beats and transforming the entire Central Plaza of the park into a killer club scene. As the party heats up, the DJ introduces the “Caretaker” for the evening, the Lord of the Dead, Hades, who arrives in a burst of blue flames for the all-new show, “Villains Unite the Night.”
Beyond the castle forecourt, ominous lighting and music abound. In Tomorrowland, the Villains invade Space Mountain, taking daring voyagers on a villainous trip they won’t soon forget, with a new music underscore and the vilest Villains taunting you as you whiz by. And over in Adventureland, a live crew of scurvy scalawags invades Pirates of the Caribbean in search of treasure.
Disney Villains After Hours also includes wickedly good food and beverage selections, special event merchandise and low wait times at more than 20 attractions and experiences across the park. It all adds up to a party like no other.
This event does not include character greetings with the Villains. Tickets for Disney Villains After Hours will be available starting on April 29, 2019 and are $139 plus tax in advance or $144 plus tax on the event night.
Related:
2019 Dates for 'Disney After Hours' at Walt Disney World Resort
VIDEO: Disney Skyliner Will Not Offer Air Conditioning
Disney Skyliner
Disney released additional information about the Disney Skyliner transportation system coming to Walt Disney World Resort this fall. Today we learned that the cabins will not be air conditioned but they they will have ventilation windows. Here’s more details:
VIDEO: Preview of Epcot's New Nighttime Show
“Epcot Forever” coming to Epcot October 1, 2019
After a dazzling 20-year run, we will bid a fond farewell to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot® on Sept. 30, 2019. So come and gather around World Showcase Lagoon this summer to enjoy this breathtaking display of lasers, lights and fireworks, as we get ready to launch two new nighttime spectaculars as part of the park’s unprecedented, multi-year transformation.
“Epcot Forever” will be anew, limited-time spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers and choreographed, special effects kites starting October 1, 2019. The show will take us on a journey through the past, present and future of Epcot.
Featuring a stirring collection of songs that paint a colorful picture of the park, this nighttime extravaganza will offer both a trip down memory lane and a look towards the future and all the magical possibilities still to come.
2019 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Dates - Walt DisneyWorld
2019 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates:
November: 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24
December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22
2019 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party | Walt Disney World Resort
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets start at $99 for select nights after $10 advance-purchase savings.
The party include a special holiday-themed parade and fireworks display as well as holiday stage shows such as “A Frozen Holiday Wish.”
Additional details about the Christmas party will be released in he coming months.
4th of July Disney’s Contemporary Resort
A rootin’ tootin’ DJ will spin Woody’s favorite tunes from a rustic toy set right in the heart of it all. Kids can go have some fun with activities like the Trick Ropin’ Toy, Make-Your-Own Toy Station, camp-style carnival games, and a larger-than-life balloon artist who can recreate their favorite Toy Story characters. And finally, at the end of the night, you’ll be invited out to the Porte Cochére to end the evening with a viewing of the famous Magic Kingdom Park nighttime spectacular.
This limited-time event is happening for three nights only, July 4-6, from 6:15-9:15pm each night at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your client's spot before it’s too late! Tickets are $149 for adults and $99 for children ages 3-9, tax and gratuity included.
Important News Regarding Star Wars Galaxy's Edge
According to the Walt Disney World Resort, capacity for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and its experiences will be limited after it opens on August 29, 2019. Access to the Park, land and experiences may be restricted or unavailable depending on Guest demand and other factors. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction opens later in the year.
Make Reservations for ABC Commissary at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Starting today, it’s possible to make advanced dining reservations for ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for dinner.
Currently, starting at 4 p.m. daily, a fast-casual dinner experience will begin. Place an order at one of the cash registers, take a pager, and find a comfortable place to sit. Then, when the order is ready, a server will bring the food right to your table.
In short, this is similar to quick service dining but with guaranteed seating. Reservations are available starting today, with bookings beginning on June 2, 2019.
2019 Dates for 'Disney After Hours' at Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World After Hours Events 2019
If you aren’t familiar with Disney After Hours events, they’re your opportunity to experience a Disney theme park for three hours after regular park hours, with limited attendance, which means little-to-no wait for attractions, experiences and character greetings. The event ticket also allows you early entry into the park, beginning at 7 p.m.
New dates for Disney After Hours at Walt Disney World Resort:
Magic Kingdom: May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: May 7, 14 and 21; and June 4, 11 and 18.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: May 1, 4, 10, 17, 24 and 31; and June 14, 21 and 28.
And at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are two special celebration nights:
May 1 – Celebrate Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th anniversary with special anniversary merchandise, additional character greetings and more food & beverage offerings to purchase.
May 4 – Celebrate May the Fourth dressed in your best galactic Star Wars attire. Experience Character Encounters including Chewbacca with REY, Darth Vadar, Kylo Ren with CAPTAIN PHASMA, Ewoks, Jawas and imperial stormtroopers. Plus, specialty treats available for purchase. *Be sure your costume fits within park guidelines.
Loose Ice No Longer Permitted at Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Beginning today, loose or dry ice are no longer permitted at Walt Disney World Theme Parks.
TIP: I recommend your use re-useable ice packs instead. Complimentary cups of ice are available at Food & Beverage locations inside the parks if needed.
Smoking Banned at Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Beginning May 1, smoking areas will no longer be present inside Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex or Downtown Disney in California.
TIP: Designated smoking areas will be available outside the entrances to the areas listed above, and at Disney Springs in Florida. For guests who have room or dining reservations, smoking areas are also available at Disney Resort hotels.