Writer’s Stop to Become Sci-Fi Dine-In Lounge Starting April 3rd

For a limited time starting April 3rd, guests waiting for their table at Sci-Fi Dine-In will be able to enjoy some appetizers and drinks in the relaxing atmosphere of the Writer’s Stop next door.

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While the Writer’s Stop was originally set to close on April 2nd, it will instead begin operating from 11:30AM until one hour prior to closing time at the Dine-In on April 3rd.

The new menu at the lounge will include a warm pretzel with spicy mustard and cheese sauce, sugar spiced nuts, and a cheese platter, as well as a selection of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Somehow, the Writer’s Stop will still also function as a shop when it reopens on April 3rd, but it remains to be seen how.

BREAKING: D23 Expo Returns in 2017, Moves to July Dates

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All the magic and excitement of the past, present, and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again D23 presents D23 Expo 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center the weekend of July 14–16. Each of Disney’s magical worlds will unite under one roof to celebrate what’s new and what’s on the horizon from theme parks, television, music, gaming, and films, including Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel. Advance tickets for D23 Expo 2017 will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning July 14, 2016.

D23 Expo launched in 2009, and since then the biennial event has attracted tens of thousands of Disney fans from across the country and around the world.

Highlights planned for the fifth D23 Expo include the Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; an all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives; D23 Expo’s costume contest, Mousequerade, showcasing the most creative designs by fans; the D23 Expo Emporium, where Disney fans can buy, sell, and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia, merchandise, and more; and the D23 Expo Design Challenge. (Details on the Design Challenge and Mousequerade are coming soon.)

The 2017 Expo will feature a massive show floor full of immersive experiences and special opportunities to see what’s next for Disney around the world—and guests may run into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators, and filmmakers. StagePass, the popular ticket distribution system that allows attendees to obtain guaranteed seats for some of Expo’s most popular presentations, and StorePass, which allows priority entry to select shopping venues at the event, will once again enhance the guest experience. Hall D23, the popular presentation and performance venue featuring more than 7,000 seats, will return, as will Stage 23, Stage 28, and Center Stage.

The fifth event follows the success of D23 Expo 2015, where guests were treated to appearances by such celebrities as Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Evans, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Dwayne Johnson and watched performances by Ne-Yo, Sabrina Carpenter, the cast of Teen Beach 2, and stars of Disney’s shows on Broadway. Fans previewed costumes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and were the first to hear about the new Star Wars-themed lands coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. They also enjoyed a look back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations, and exhibits and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products coming from Disney.

D23 Members will receive special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the event, which is open to the general public. D23 Gold and Charter Members will also be entitled to special benefits at the 2017 Expo. Gold Members will also have an opportunity to purchase the Sorcerer Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities. Ticket prices will be announced this summer.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Nick & Judy Characters from Zootopia Arrive at Magic Kingdom

On Saturday, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps from Zootopia were added to the Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It! Street Party at the Magic Kingdom (replacing Stitch and Genie in the show):

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During the interactive portion, guests even picked “Try Everything” from Zootopia for the duo to dance to. Here are some highlights of the show:

Nick and Judy also ended up appearing in the Magic Kingdom Easter Parade later in the day as well:

Are you excited to see Nick and Judy appearing at the Magic Kingdom? Would you rather see them in a meet and greet opportunity?

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Rivers of Light Floats Begin Testing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Rivers of Light will debut at Animal Kingdom on April 22nd, but some of the animal floats that will be a part of the show are already traversing the waterways by Expedition Everest:

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These floats and others will debut in Animal Kingdom’s first nighttime spectacular, Rivers of Light, debuting April 22nd, 2016.

Stay tuned for more information on this new show as it becomes available.

VOTE & WIN: Round 2 of Jedi, Hero, Princesses Bracket That Pokes Fun at the Fact That Everyone Has to Have a Bracket to Vote On Bracket

Vote in Jedi, Hero, Princesses Bracket That Pokes Fun at the Fact That Everyone Has to Have a Bracket to Vote On Bracket as many times as you like, and each vote enters you in a random drawing for a Tsum Tsum, Star Wars & Marvel prize pack! Here is a look at the full prize pack that we revealed today.

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It includes Series 2 Tsum Tsum, Trading Cards from the D23 Expo, Hanger Bar coasters, an LE Age of Ultron Avengers pin and a Star Tours Pin. (mobile device users, click here to take poll)

Nick and Judy from Zootopia Coming to Disney Parks This Weekend

While not ever announced, it seems Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps of Disney’s Zootopia are coming to the U.S. Disney Parks this weekend.

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Judy and Nick with co-director Rich Moore at a media event

At Walt Disney World, guests will find Nick and Judy in the Move It, Shake It, Dance and Play It! Street Party starting Saturday, March 26th.

Nick and Judy will also appear on Hollywood Boulevard in a meet and greet at Disney California Adventure starting on the 26th as well.

PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 3/24/16 (STK, Souvenir Mason Jar, Edison, ETC.)

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited Disney Springs earlier this week and took a few newsworthy photos to share with us during his trip:

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A look at the construction of The Edison and STK from across the water

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Some walls up outside of La Nouba

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There is a The Good Dinosaur photo-op on the West Side

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United World Soccer will be staying where they are on West Side as they now have permanent signage

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Not much visible progress on STK Steakhouse

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Some walls outside of Earl of Sandwich as well

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The new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique should open soon

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Dockside Margaritas now has a souvenir mason jar

Magic Kingdom Adding “Early Morning Magic” Ticketed Fantasyland Event

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Earlier this week we told you about Disney After Hours, a $149.00 event that gives you three hours after park close to enjoy the Magic Kingdom. Well, now we’re finding that Disney will be rolling out an early morning option as well, one that will let you into select Fantasyland attractions early and provide a little bit of breakfast:

Fantasyland Fun Before the Park Opens

Make your Walt Disney World mornings more magical than ever with a first-access experience in the park!

Rising with the sun on select mornings, Disney Early Morning Magic gives you the chance to be among the first to enter Magic Kingdom park and experience a trio of Fantasyland attractions:

  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Peter Pan’s Flight.

Plus, in addition to the early-morning fun, you can get your fill of a fantastic continental breakfast at Pinocchio Village Haus—featuring such scrumptious breakfast fare as:

  • Chilled juices, coffee and teas
  • Seasonal fruit and berries
  • Freshly baked pastries
  • Cheese and cured meats
  • Scrambled eggs with assorted toppings
  • Vegetable frittata
  • Smoked bacon
  • Pork and turkey sausages
  • Fried potatoes with caramelized onions
  • Mickey Waffles

Available with the purchase of a separate ticket, Disney Early Morning Magic takes place on select dates from 7:45 AM to 10:00 AM. However, admission is limited—be sure to buy your tickets before it’s too late!

Admission to Disney Early Morning Magic is available $69 per adult and $59 per child (tax not included).

Learn all you need to know about this special event—including where to check-in and when you can enter the park.

  • Official check-in will take place near the far left turnstiles of the Main Entrance to Magic Kingdom park beginning at 7:30 AM.
  • Guests who have purchased both regular theme park admission and a special event will receive an event sticker for identification upon check-in.
  • Starting at 7:45 AM, event Guests will be admitted into the park and guided into Fantasyland.
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight are the only attractions that will be operational during this special event.
  • From 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM, breakfast will be available at Pinocchio Village Haus.
  • Around 9:00 AM, the theme park will open to Guests with regular Magic Kingdom admission tickets and event-only attraction access will end.
  • Please note that regular theme park admission is required for this event, in addition to a Disney Early Morning Admission ticket.
  • The number of tickets for these events is limited. In addition, all tickets are non-refundable, non-transferrable and are only valid for admission during the special event date and hours.
  • All attractions, entertainment and experiences are subject to change without notice.

The event is now official and on sale. Event dates are most Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Expands to 29 Nights, New Costume Guidelines

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to the Magic Kingdom in 2016, now on 29 evenings. Here is the full list of this year’s dates:

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September – 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30
October – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31

With new security procedures in place, Disney has revised their costuming guidelines for special events in the theme parks. While costumed attire may be worn, guests ages 14 and older are strongly discouraged from wearing layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body as they may be subject to additional security screening. Additionally, costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.

Tickets are not yet on sale, but should be soon.