2013 Star Wars Weekends Map for Week One

Published May 14, 2013 by Disneyways.com

As always, Disney reserves the right to change this information at any time, without notice.

Click to enlarge!

star wars weekend map

Photo Source KennythePirate.com

sta wars weekend map 2

Photo source KennythePirate.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.

Lion King show

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:

 

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Related Links:

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!! BE OUR GUEST RESTAURANT TESTING FASTPASS+ DINING!

SOLVING THE MYSTERY SURROUNDING THE RAPUNZEL TOWER IN NEW FANTASYLAND…

 

 

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

Disney Parks Podcast Episode 44! Lots and Lots of Disney News!

Published May 10, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Please click here to read more about our relationship with the Disney Parks Podcast and all the different ways to listen in!

This episode was recorded on the heels of all the major announcements for the this summer!

Disney Parks are bursting with a Monstrous lineup of unforgettable thrills and entertainment, so you’ll want to listen in and get to get up to date.

Just click on the photo below to be taken to a direct link to connect from your PC.

DPP

As always, I want to thank the fabulous teams at WDWParkHoppers.com and  DisneyByTheNumbers.com! We are so honored to be a part of the show.

WDW Parkhoppers

DTBN

More News on Star Wars Weekends 2013

Published May 10, 2013 by Disneyways.com

May 4th Disney celebrated “May the 4th Be With You” as part of Limited Time Magic.

Star Wars

May 6th we were one of the first sites to post an unofficial  list of Star Wars celebrities expected to make an appearance at Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends 2013.

Today we are happy to report Disney has finally officially released this information as well.

star-wars-disney

New this year is a photo opportunity with a “life-size” rancor. The giant beast, which was Jabba the Hutt’s prized pet in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, will be on display during the event. The handcrafted replica is 17 feet long and weighs more than 700 pounds. The reptomammal sculpture is well-traveled — it’s a popular piece at Star Wars events around the globe and will make its way to Walt Disney World for Star Wars Weekends.

(I was going to put a picture of  the giant rancor here – but frankly, it frightens me a little – and it won’t go with all my pink sparkles.)

Crazy Princess Hair

Also new – a trio of specialty “one-man shows” will be presented this year, giving guests a peek into the on- and off-screen worlds of three Star Wars celebrities — James Arnold Taylor, Ray Park and Warwick Davis.

  • “Obi-Wan & Beyond” (each event day) stars James Arnold Taylor. James takes audiences on a journey into his wonderful world of voice acting.
  • “Visit to the Maul” (Weekends I and II) features Ray Park. Guests can see a demonstration of amazing martial arts skills by the actor who portrayed Darth Maul on the silver screen.
  • “An Ewok’s Tale – my short story” (Weekends II and III) stars Warwick Davis. Guests get a unique look into the fascinating world of this Star Wars legend.

As you plan your visit to Star Wars Weekends, be aware that many of the behind-the-scenes shows reach capacity quickly, so arrive early. Also, you’ll want to arrive early to the park if you would like to get a celebrity autograph.

Vader

Join the conversation online by using the hashtag #StarWarsWeekends on Twitter.

Star Wars: © 2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM.
(*celebrities and entertainment schedule subject to change)

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:

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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

PHOTO ©ThemeParkConcierges.com

What you are seeing here is an actual Fast Pass+ that is being tested for the Be Our Guest Restaurant! 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

PHOTO ©ThemeParkConcierges.com

PHOTO ©ThemeParkConcierges.com

PHOTO ©ThemeParkConcierges.com

PHOTO ©ThemeParkConcierges.com

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!

Disney Parks Podcast Show #43 – Disney News Reviews and The Top 5 Disney Songs

Published May 8, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Please click here to read more about our relationship with the Disney Parks Podcast and all the different ways to listen in!

Episode #43 has been uploaded! During this episode, you will hear me mention the contest Julie’s Contest. That contest has already completed and you can see the contest results here.

Thank you Julie for your amazing generosity in sending every single person who entered their requested piece of jewelry.

Check out the winning stories here.

Even though the contest is over – you can still shop with Julie at a discount by using the keyword Disneyways at checkout.

Tony mentions a podcast where we got updates on Polynesian Resort rumors from the Tikiman. Please check out the WDW News Today podcast featuring the Tikiman here.

Click here for a direct link to check out episode #43 of Disney Parks Podcast from your computer, and thanks in advance for tuning in!

disney parks podcast

As always, I want to thank the fabulous teams at WDWParkHoppers.com and  DisneyByTheNumbers.com! We are so honored to be a part of the show.

DBTN

WDW Parkhoppers

Monthly Disneyways Subscriber Drawing – May 2013

Published May 7, 2013 by Disneyways.com

UPDATE: Congratulations Jody F. From Albuquerque New Mexico! When I emailed her to let her know she won she said,

“Wooohooo! How very exciting! Disney everything makes me happy! I just love your Disneyways! Thanks so much for your notice.” ~Jody
Thanks Jody for subscribing – we appreciate you!
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Yahoo!! It is time once again for the monthly Disneyways subscriber drawing! All you have to do to be entered is subscribe to get your Disneyways updates by email. Everyone who has ever subscribed is automatically entered every single month for our various prizes. Winner will be chosen at random and notified by email on May 8, 2013 – and will have 3 days to respond with their mailing address.

Our winner this month will receive:

An Art of Animation Resort Pop-up

A Disney Dogs compactable throwing disk with case

A Disney Parks Blog wristband

A Prada Perfume sample from Epcot

A Disney wild about safety fun book

A Beautifully Disney pamphlet…and a few other surprises not pictured here!

prize pack 2

Here is the AOA Pop-up on the inside

Prize pack

Good luck and thanks for subscribing to Disneyways!!