News and Events

All posts in the News and Events category

2013 Star Wars Weekends Entertainment…Food…and Merch oh my!

Published May 17, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Check out all the Star Wars fun beginning today!!

Entertainment:
Encounter over 60 Star Wars characters from the entire saga
From Darth Maul and Anakin, to Chewbacca, you’ll find heroes and villains from throughout the galaxy
Celebrities
Autograph Sessions
Legends of the Force
A Star Wars themed motorcade
Stage Shows
Stars of the Saga
Behind the Force: Star Wars Voices
Padawan Mind Challenge
Hyperspace Hoopla
Obi-Wan and Beyond
Visit to the Maul (Weekends 1 & 2)
An Ewok’s Tale, my short story (Weekends 2 & 3)

–
Food and Beverage Featured Menu Offerings:
Darth Vader Cupcake
Available at – Sunset Ranch Market, ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, Studio Catering Company, Pizza Planet Arcade and Darth’s Mall
Only Available on Event Weekends

R2-D2 Kids’ Power Pack Bucket
Available at – Sunset Ranch Market, ABC Commissary, Backlor Express, Studios Catering Company and Pizza Planet Arcade
R2-D2 Churro Bucket with Chocolate Sauce
Available at – Churro Cart at the Great Movie Ride, Pretzel Garden and Darth’s Mall
R2-D2 Corn Dog Bucket with Chips
Available at – Herbie’s Drive-in

Additional Food and Beverage Locations on Event Days
Hot Dogs at Pixar Place
Hot Dogs on Echo Lake
Hot Dogs near Animation Courtyard
Churro Cart at Darth’s Mall

Additional Alcoholic Beverage Locations on Event Days
Outside 50′s Prime Time Café
Outside The Hollywood Brown Derby
Outside Sci-If Dine-In Theater Restaurant

–
Merchandise
Darth’s Mall
A galaxy of Star Wars themed and special event logo merchandise developed just for Star Wars Weekends 2013.
Merchandise Offerings include: Tee Shirts, Hats, Pins, Glassware, Buttons, Totes, Vinylmations, Toys, Plush, Artwork, Cell Phone Cases, and Ashley Eckstein’s clothing line: “Her Universe”
Annual Passholder Products
Name Tags, Event Pins, Poster Size Calendar, Autograph Book, Han Solo Carbonite Vinylmation, and a Baseball Cap
Product Offerings Throughout the Park
Star Wars Product Everyday and Select Event Product on the Weekends
Tatooine Traders
Superstar Shop
Mickey’s of Hollywood
Prop Shop
Villains in Vogue (Beverly Sunset)
Special Event Product Only During Event Days
Main Entrance Cart
Stage Show Cart
Sorcerer’s Hat Shop (Event Trading Pins OnlyBacklot Express Cart

Click here to see the map for week one!

Food and Wine 2013: Dessert Party, Full Concert Series List, Photos and More

Published May 16, 2013 by Disneyways.com

It is not too early to start planning your visit to Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival! In fact, why wait?

You can start now by getting great tips for saving time at Food and Wine here.

(While you are planning – you’ll want to make a space in your calendar for a fabulous dessert party. You can get details on that here.)

Today we wanted to bring you a list of the artists that have been officially scheduled to perform – and their respective dates. Aren’t you glad you get your Disneyways updates by email so you don’t miss a “beat”? (See what I did there?)

That’s right – it’s called the Eat to the Beat Concert Series – and it’s just one more reason to love the Food and Wine Festival.

As a reminder, the festival dates this year are September 27 – November 11, 2013.

Eat to the Beat concerts happen three times per evening, so you have three chances each night to see your favorites — 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm!

In the past, each set was about 20 minutes long.

2013 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up!

Note that this schedule is subject to change.

Check out the full schedule below:

Sept. 27-29 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas
Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Go-Go’s
Oct. 2-4 – Air Supply
Oct. 5-6 – Sister Hazel
Oct. 7-9 – Sugar Ray
Oct. 10-11 – Edwin McCain
Oct. 12-13 – Manhattan Transfer
Oct. 14-15 – Wilson Phillips
Oct. 16-17 – The Pointer Sisters
Oct. 18-20 – Night Ranger
Oct. 21-23 – Boyz II Men
Oct. 24-25 – Survivor
Oct. 26-27 – 38 Special
Oct. 28-30 – Smash Mouth
Oct. 31-Nov. 1 – Spin Doctors
Nov. 2-3 – Christopher Cross
Nov. 4-5 – Hanson
Nov. 6-8 – Dennis DeYoung
Nov. 9-11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

You can see photos of the performers by clicking here.

Are you as excited about Food and Wine this year as I am as this guy?

Which acts are you planning to see?

New Epcot ice cream shop offers adult options (disneyfoodie.com)
Laila By Geir Ness EPCOT’s Norway Fragrance ON SALE (meetthemagic.com)

Mickey and Minnie New Meet and Greet Spot Inside Animal Kingdom May 15, 2013

Published May 14, 2013 by Disneyways.com

On May 15, 2013 Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will begin making appearances at a new, indoor venue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park called Adventurers Outpost.

MICKEY-AND-MINNIE-MOUSE

Adventurers Outpost on Discovery Island will be Mickey and Minnie’s exploration headquarters and the new location where Guests can meet the famous duo before they head onto their next adventure within the park.

Meanwhile, over at Camp Minnie-Mickey, Guests will still be able to meet other Disney friends and catch a performance of the incomparable Festival of the Lion King.

Over the next few months, additional character changes will occur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park with the arrival of Daisy Duck. Also, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger will soon greet Guests in Camp Minnie-Mickey. Several of Guest favorites including King Louie, Baloo, Pocahontas and Chip ‘n’ Dale will remain in Camp Minnie-Mickey.

Eeyore will no longer greet Guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park after May 9. Eeyore appears at the Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom Park.

PHOTOS: New Disney Visa Card Enrollment Center in Liberty Square by the entrance of Haunted Mansion

Published May 13, 2013 by Disneyways.com

On scene photos from May 13, 2013 courtesy of Ramon Rodriguez of Theme Park Concierges!

Here are some photos of the New Disney Visa Card Enrollment Center in Liberty Square by the entrance of Haunted Mansion:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Limited Time Magic: “Merida’s Royal Celebration” at Magic Kingdom Park May 11th 2013

Published May 11, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Watch us as we stream live from the event!
DisneyParksPodcast.com beginning at 9:30am EST!
Chat live on Twitter @Disneyways #DPP

Almost one year ago today – one of my very first blog posts here on Disneyways was all about how Merida brought back one of my favorite things in fashion – BIG HAIR!

Merida is fabulous – and this weekend she will be enjoying some major recognition – that she so very much deserves.

Limited Time Magic: “Merida’s Royal Celebration” at Magic Kingdom Park on May 11th!

Magic Kingdom Park will play host to a joyous, regal celebration to officially welcome Merida into the Disney Princess Royal Court. As a part of Limited Time Magic, guests will join in for the festivities at Cinderella Castle, as all 10 Disney Princesses come together in honor of their newest member, the brave and independent Merida. This will be a grand event! To give you a little history, the last princess to become official was Rapunzel in 2011. Her ceremony took place in London. Tiana, in 2009, enjoyed hers at the historic New York Palace Hotel.

Merida

There will even be a chance to commemorate Merida’s special occasion with a limited edition Merida inspired T-shirt created for toddlers and youth, available at the Emporium inside Magic Kingdom Park while supplies last!

Meridahorse

Magic Kingdom’s First Royal Coronation Since 2011 Announced (thedailycity.com)

Exclusive Photos!! Be Our Guest Restaurant Testing FastPass+ Dining!

Published May 9, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Back in February we shared news that there would be periodic testing going on for My Magic+ testing at Be Our Guest!

Just the THOUGHT of this happening at Be Our Guest in New Fantasyland makes me happy!! Why? Because I believe they have some of the absolute BEST food in the Magic Kingdom.

I dream of having the grey stuff often. Doesn’t everyone? In fact, below you will see a photo explaining the only reason I don’t eat at Be Our Guest every single time I see the gates!

Be Our guest LINE

Long lines! You can’t get reservations for lunch – it is walk-up only. Most people would say I am a patient person – but I really can’t stand waiting in line. Sure you can make reservations for dinner (way in advance – if you are lucky). Here is what being lucky looks like:

485616_10151462901963650_450951148_n

But there is hope for everyone out there who is hungry and impatient like me! HOPE – in this case – came in the form of a little unassuming card today:

PHOTO ©ThemeParkConcierges.com

What you are seeing here is an actual Fast Pass+ that is being tested for the Be Our Guest Restauran t! These are very exclusive right now and by invitation only! I have to send a BIG thank you to Ramon Rodriguez for sharing these with us today!

Here are a few more photos. I scribbled out the name and other info to protect the privacy of Ramon’s guests.

PHOTO ©ThemeParkConcierges.com

If you are not already subscribed to get our updates by email – you will want to go ahead and do that now! We will soon have complete details on this awesome news, how Ramon was able to get these photos for us, and so much more!!

Tables in Wonderland Event: Raglan Road June 20th 2013

Published May 8, 2013 by Disneyways.com

New Tables in Wonderland Event!

Tables in Wonderland TIW

Raglan Road Irish Pub Presents: The Summer Solstice Signature Dining Experience with Master Chef Kevin Dundon

Date: Thursday June 20th 2013
Time: 6.30pm
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Price: $95.00, plus tax and gratuity
Tables in Wonderland Discount Accepted

To book your Reservation please call 407-938-0300

Master Chef Kevin Dundon of Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant has created a tantalizing menu incorporating fresh seasonal flavors for a special Summer Solstice Signature Dinner which takes place on the 20th of June. Enjoy a sumptuous five course menu paired with the finest wines that have been expertly chosen to complement and enhance the delicious flavors of each dish. Chef Kevin adds his unique style and flair to the menu combining his passion for freshness and simplicity.

The Summer Solstice marks the official start of the summer in the Northern Hemisphere and has long been associated with ancient summer customs and traditions. It is often the time of the first harvest and when plants and herbs planted during the spring equinox were collected hence a celebration of nature’s bounty. In ancient times the Summer Solstice was hugely significant; it was a time when the power of the Sun was at its highest and crops & fields were blessed to ensure a good harvest.

Celebrations take place across many parts of Europe dating back thousands of years. Most involve festivals, maypole dances, lighting of bonfires, feasting and celebrations. The Summer Solstice is such a joyous and magical occasion celebrated for centuries. We hope you can join us for a truly memorable dining experience.

raglan

Menu Offerings:
Appetizer
Platter of Chicken Filet Terrine & Duck Liver Pate with Summer Chutney, Assorted Crostini and Pickled Vegetables
Rosenblum Rockpile Vineyard Zinfandel 2009

Soup
Duet of Potato Soup with a Champagne Splashed Oyster
Steffina di Notte & Guinness Black Velvet

Fish Course
Crispy Dungarvan Pale Ale Battered Atlantic Monkfish with Sea Salted Golden Chips
Dungarvan Pale Ale

Main Course
Sage Butter Roasted Poussin with Lemon Scented Potato Puree, Braised Cabbage and Natural Jus
Chorey-Les-Beaune, Domaine Tollot-Beaut, 2010

Dessert
Strawberry Fields Forever
Chandon Rose

Will you be attending this event at Raglan Road? Please comment below!

May the 4th be With You 2013 – Photos and Video

Published May 4, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Photos from the fourth!

For a recap of the day’s events and more check out: Inside the Magic!

You Can Now Hear Krista on the Disney Parks Podcast!

Published May 3, 2013 by Disneyways.com

OK so maybe you are getting enough of me each and every day right here at Disneyways.com! That is totally understandable. Still, we are branching out a little and I hope you will come join in on the fun.

Podcasts are multimedia digital files made available on the internet for downloading to a portable media player or directly on your computer. It’s like a radio show that you get to listen to whenever you want, such as when you are on a walk or driving to work. There are podcasts on just about any subject imaginable – and Disney is one of the best subjects out there.

Thanks to my friends John Donahue from WDWParkHoppers.com, his beautiful wife Parkhopper Sid (Sarah I. Donahue!) and Tony Caselnova of DisneyByTheNumbers.com - I have been invited to co-host the Disney Parks Podcast. This group is SO much fun, but also tremendously knowledgeable about all things Disney. I am always in a good mood and feeling great during and after each podcast. I hope you will tune in and enjoy the same!

disney parks podcast

Podcasting has been on my list of things to do since I began blogging here at Disneyways, because it fits in to our mission and goal to bring you Disney magic where ever you are!

I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am to the DPP team for this wonderful opportunity. The show has been very successful and has a large audience, but if you aren’t yet listening in – we need YOU!

Currently we are recording each podcast weekly. Here are some ways to tune in:

You can catch the latest episode by visiting DisneyParksPodcast.com directly from your computer and clicking “Listen Now!”

You can also download the Stitcher Radio App here.

Find us on YouTube here.

Head over to iTunes and subscribe! This will give you access to each episode as soon as it is released. To learn more about how to subscribe to a podcast in iTunes click here.

If you like what you hear – please rate us with lots of gold stars. This makes it easier for new people to discover Disney Parks Podcast when they are searching to upload some a new one to their collection.

Please head over and “like” our facebook page HERE and add us to your interests list! I will be posting there daily to help keep you up to date on the latest!

Thank you so much for the support you have already shown me in this new endeavor. Disneyways readers and subscribers are AWESOME and I appreciate you all more than you will ever know.

Have a magical day!!

Dates & Pricing for MNSSHP, NOJ, and MVMCP! Tickets Available Now!

Published May 1, 2013 by Disneyways.com

TouringPlans.com just released information and pricing for all hard ticket events coming to Walt Disney World for the fall and winter season 2013! Tickets go on sale tomorrow and will sell out for the more popular dates, so don’t delay if you are thinking of attending any of these fun events! (Information, dates, pricing etc. are always subject to change without notice from Disney.)

Official Dates and Prices for 2013 Fall/Winter Hard Ticket Events at Magic Kingdom

We now have the official dates and prices for Night of Joy,Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2013. Tickets for all three events go on sale May 1, 2013.

Night of Joy

Described by Disney as a “contemporary Christian music festival,” Night of Joy will be held on September 6 and 7 from 7:30pm to 1:00am. Prices are $55.00 for one night in advance, $65.00 if bought the day of the event, and $99.00 for both nights if bought in advance.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

The 2013 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party dates are:

September 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, and 29
October 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
November 1

Pricing for the Halloween parties is as follows:

Advance Sale Tickets

Tickets may be purchased in advance (starting May 1) from Disney’s website or by calling 407-939-7211.

September dates (excluding September 29): Ages 10 and up: $59.00 plus tax. Children ages 3-9: $54.00 plus tax.
September 29 and October/November dates (excluding October 31): Ages 10 and up: $62.00 plus tax. Children ages 3-9: $57.00 plus tax.
Advance sale pricing is not available for the October 11, 18, 25, and 31 parties.

Day of Event Tickets

September dates (excluding September 29): Ages 10 and up: $65.00 plus tax. Children ages 3-9: $60.00 plus tax.
September 29 and October/November dates (excluding October 31): Ages 10 and up: $67.00 plus tax. Children ages 3-9: $62.00 plus tax.

Premium Night Tickets

October 31: Ages 10 and up: $73.00 plus tax. Children ages 3-9: $68.00 plus tax.

Military Discounts

This year Active and Retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and active members of National Guard or Reservists, may purchase discounted Halloween party tickets for select event nights. They may also purchase additional tickets for up to five family members or friends.

These dates are: September 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, and 27.
Prices are $41.30 for ages 10 and up. Children ages 3-9 are $37.80 plus tax.

Military purchasing tickets at Shades of Green receive the same discount, but tickets purchased there are exempt from sales tax.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

The 2013 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates are:

November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, and 22
December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 20

Tickets may be purchased in advance (starting May 1) from Disney’s website or by calling 407-939-7211.

Pricing for the Christmas parties is as follows:

Advance sale tickets: Ages 10 and up: $62.00 plus tax. Children ages 3-9: $57.00 plus tax.
Advance sale pricing is not available for parties on November 22, December 6, 13, 19, and 20.
Day of Event tickets: Ages 10 and up: $67.00. Children ages 3-9: $62.00.
Premium Night (December 20): Ages 10 and up: $71.00. Children ages 3-9: $66.00.

There is also a military discount on select nights for the Christmas party. Dates are November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, and 21. Prices are $43.40 plus tax for ages 10 and up. Children ages 3-9 are $39.90. Military purchasing tickets at Shades of Green receive the same discount, but tickets purchased there are exempt from sales tax.

****All of the above information was re-posted from TouringPlans.com

Disneyways

From the Heart of Orlando - Walt Disney World Dreams from a Native's Perspective

News and Events

All posts in the News and Events category

2013 Star Wars Weekends Entertainment…Food…and Merch oh my!