Guests visiting the Magic Kingdom Park will soon be able to enjoy a more convenient in-park ticket sales location found inside Liberty Square. As early as March 6, the new Liberty Square Ticket Office will open for park guests in the location known as Heritage House, next door to the currently shuttered Hall of Presidents attraction. The current in-park ticket sales location within the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. will have its final day of operation on Wednesday, March 1, 2017.
Guests may enjoy a variety of services in the Liberty Square Ticket Office, including:
Upgrading tickets by adding additional days or options (such as the Park Hopper option);
Upgrading tickets to an annual pass;
Replacing a lost ticket;
Making dining reservations and event bookings;
Additional Annual Passholder services.
This new location will be available to guests and Annual Passholders daily, from park open to park close.
It seems as though the long-running Cirque Du Soleil – La Nouba show at Disney Springs is reaching its end…
Upcoming promotional materials for the show talk about giving guests the opportunity to see La Nouba “one last time”. These materials do not speak about what will replace the show, but our assumption would be the a new show from Cirque would debut in a newly renovated theater at some point in the future. We have not been able to pinpoint an end date for La Nouba as of yet, but an announcement is expected later this week.
La Nouba debuted in December 1998 and has been performing regularly at Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) over the last 19 years.
The work on renovating the theater would coincide with the conversion of DisneyQuest into the NBA Experience and other changes (which we can’t talk about just yet) that will happen to the West Side of Disney Springs over the next few years.
Announced just over a week ago, the Celebration at the Top event offered at the California Grill on top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort debuted last night. Here is Disney’s description of the event…
Join us for an intimate event that celebrates fine food and fireworks.
Highlights
Experience the flavors of the Pacific Coast—and enjoy a dazzling fireworks display—during Celebration at the Top, a special event held in the private Sonoma Room and Napa Room of California Grill.
Here, you can relax, unwind and savor light bites and refreshments for one hour prior to the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Culinary offerings include:
Canapés, sushi and small plates inspired by the California Grill menu
Libations from the complimentary bar offering California wines, beers, and cordials.
As showtime approaches, step out onto the intimate and private observation deck reserved just for Celebration at the Top Guests. Here, you can enjoy an incredible view of the Wishes nighttime spectacular—the biggest and brightest fireworks in Magic Kingdom history. The lights will dim as music is piped into California Grill—so you’ll be immersed in the magic of the night.
After fireworks, head back inside to enjoy a sweet spread of petit four desserts, cordials and coffee.
Location
Celebration at the Top is held in the Sonoma Room and the Napa Room at California Grill, an award-winning restaurant located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. These private rooms are ideal for intimate events, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and connecting to an exclusive observation deck—where you can enjoy sweeping views of Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom park.
Parking
For your convenience, complimentary valet parking is included with this event.
Pricing and Reservations
Start planning for an unforgettable evening. Explore pricing and reservation details for Celebration at the Top:
Pricing: $99 plus gratuity and tax per person
Dates: Held on select Sundays through April
Reservations: Book online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463
Please note that the Wishes nighttime spectacular may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
So, Sunday, February 26th, 2017 was the first event, and we went to see just how good it would be. Mind you, the actual price of the event after tax and gratuity was roughly $123.00. Can you get your value out of an even that high in price? Let’s find out.
Check in took place starting at 6:30pm near the California Grill check-in desk, with the rooms upstairs opening for the event at 6:45PM sharp. I thought this was nice as it gave us 15 minutes to go and enjoy the view from the balcony before beginning our experience.
I honestly haven’t dined at California Grill since the week it reopened a few years back. Then again, I’ve never been a big fan. The views are unparalleled, but the food has typically disappointed me.
Regardless, it could not have been a prettier evening with nicer weather.
Once 6:45pm rolled around, we were invited into a private room with seating. The observation deck for the event was open if you wanted to go out there, but we wanted to start making the most of our time here with food and drink.
There were assigned seats last night, but we were told this would change moving forward. The views from here were nice and I thought it was a pleasant atmosphere. The tables were spaced out nicely and the event did not feel too overcrowded (maybe at the start of food service, but otherwise comfortable).
Once you are seated, you have a card with your name on it, and a strange light-up necklace thing. I don’t even know how to describe them…
At the open bar, this menu greeted guests. While this may seem like a short list, also available was Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Ketel One, Seagrams, Bacardi, Dewers Scotch, and Jack Daniels. Basically, you could order just about anything that the bartenders could make with any of those ingredients. This is the best selection at any dessert party event at Walt Disney World, far and away.
I have to say I enjoyed a majority of the wines listed (and yes, I did try all five of them), with the Bordeaux Blend being my favorite, but the MacMurray Estate Vineyards Pinot Gris being a close second though.
A variety of beers are available as well. The bars opened with the event at 6:45PM and remained open un till 8:45PM, when the bartenders made the rounds to see if anyone was interested in a final drink before departing.
The small appetizers include two flatbreads, tandoori style chicken satay, and a pork belly bao. The flatbreads are the Duck Confit and Roasted Tomato variety.
The flatbreads were just OK. The chicken satay with Vietnamese peanut sauce was solid, but my favorite had to be the Pork Belly Bao. Overall, this round felt a little lacking and could probably benefit from 1-2 more items.
Sushi makes up the second food station. A Shrimp Tempura Roll, Vegetable Roll, and California Roll were available .A lobster roll is also available at this station (and it was quite good).
I liked the sushi well enough, but it’s not really my favorite that I have had.
Fireworks Viewing
Just moments before fireworks begin, you may step outside on to a private balcony and enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks, which is still Wishes! until May 11th and will then be replaced by Happily Ever After on May 12th. While it has not been decided as of yet, it seems likely that these Celebration at the Top events will be extended past April and continue into the new show.
On your way out, you are handed a light-up glass with champagne. This is a nice touch, and you can take the cup home.
The viewing area is behind the usual viewing area, but it is far enough behind that the guests in front of you will in no way obstruct your view. There is also more than enough room out here with the limited number of guests at Celebration at the Top. All in all, the view is as good as a regular view from California Grill (which you can get if you go dine at the lounge or the regular restaurant).
Below is video of the fireworks from this private balcony, which is quite the nice view:
Dessert
Here its the dessert station, which opens once the fireworks conclude and guests are welcomed back inside. On a side note, you could stay inside and watch fireworks through the windows if you wish, assuming you want to continue to enjoy food and drink from a climate controlled environment.
Desserts include fruit tarts, cream puffs, a creme brûlée tart, chocolate ganache cupcakes, and a hazelnut crunch cake. The dessert service began at 8:15PM and ran until the end of the event around 9PM.
The Creme Brûlée tart was amazing, as was the Hazelnut Crunch Cake. Overall, all of the desserts were really great, and in a lot of ways saved the event from the somewhat disappointing appetizer servings.
OVERALL
Value wise, I don’t feel like Celebration at the Top is a waste, but you may find just as good of a time (and value) at California Grill through several other methods.
Brunch at California Grill offers unlimited mimosas and quite a bit more food, all without time constraints of Celebration at the Top. As well, by showing your receipt from earlier in the day, you will be welcomed back upstairs during the fireworks that evening and be given access to the balcony. $123 can also buy you quite a bit of food at California Grill during normal meal services, which also provides access to the balcony. And lastly, the lounge at California Grill, which does not require a reservation (but may be hard to get into later in the evening), also provides, you guessed it, balcony access.
So, where is the value in Celebration at the Top? Alcohol and service. If you feel like you can put back several drinks in 2 hours, then you can find your value here. Unlike other dessert parties, the bartenders were actively making rounds to top off and replenish drinks in the dining room. This is a nice change, but still doesn’t quite do the trick.
Honestly, I had a great time at Celebration at the Top, but it still falls under “overpriced”. This isn’t so much a feeling I had when we experienced the Star Wars or Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam dessert parties at Hollywood Studios, but those are priced at just about half of this. Even though there was less time to consume alcohol, those offered a wider selection and a better value per hour than Celebration at the Top. As far as Magic Kingdom offerings go, you may be better off with Ferrytale Wishes if you prefer alcohol, and for sure you will want to just book the in-park dessert party if you have young children.
Celebration at the Top is a savory, sparkly good time if you want an open bar and an event likely free of small children. Otherwise, there are plenty of other options you should explore.
Disney has just released an extended look at “Cars 3” that recently aired during the Daytona 500.
I am definitely getting a Rocky vibe from this movie.
Lightning! Lightning! Lightning! Sounds just like Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
I’m guessing Lightning goes up against an an opponent that he cant beat. Similar to Clubber Lang or Ivan Drago.
He becomes down and out. Similar to all Rocky movies.
Reflects on the words of his mentor/trainer, Doc Hudson. Similar to Mickey.
Training montage. Opponent uses advanced technology to train, Lightning trains outdoors. Similar to Rocky IV and Rocky running on the beach in Rocky III.
Lightning comes back to win against insurmountable odds. Like most Rocky movies.
Or Lightning can be training a new racer, like Rocky V. Just hope that is the only similarity with Rocky V.
We had previously told you about the upcoming Doc McStuffins Meet and Greet coming to Animal Kingdom, but we were not yet able to tell you when she was going to there. Well, now we can.
Starting this past weekend, guests can now take a visit to the Doc at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, just outside the vet clinic. She will be available to take pictures as well as sign autographs.
Doc will still continue to make appearances at Hollywood Studios as well, this is just another set location for her. Chip and Dale, however, are no longer meeting in the Planet Watch area.
To check the days and times she will be at Animal Kingdom, please refer to the My Disney Experience app, or a times guide.
The latest ad for Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom gives us our first really good look at the landscape of the area, showing guests walking under the mountain, and a sweeping shot of the mountain range and area below towards the end. Take a look:
“Cars 3” Director, Key Talent and Life-Sized Characters Roll into DAYTONA 500
Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3” is teaming up with NASCAR this year as crowd favorite Lightning McQueen prepares to return to the big screen June 16, 2017. Plans for the joint effort were shared by “Cars 3” director Brian Fee, Cristela Alonzo—the voice of the film’s elite trainer Cruz Ramirez—and NASCAR’S vice president of entertainment marketing & content development Zane Stoddard today at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida as fans gear up for the DAYTONA 500 (live Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. ET on FOX). Owen Wilson, the voice of Lightning McQueen, will serve as grand marshal for the 59th annual “Great American Race.”
NASCAR drivers Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Daniel Suárez and Bubba Wallace will join NASCAR legends Jeff Gordon and Richard Petty as voices in the upcoming film.
“‘Cars 3’ very much pays homage to stock car racing and its rich history,” said Fee. “Our story leans into the drama, emotion and excitement NASCAR fans find at every race.”
“We’re excited to take part in delivering the ‘Cars 3’ experience to our current and next generation of fans, at-track, in school, online and across the country,” added Stoddard. “In addition to all the engaging NASCAR ‘Cars 3’ elements industry-wide, we think our fans will really enjoy the roles of several young drivers in the film.”
According to Lylle Breier, senior vice president, worldwide marketing partnerships and special events for the Walt Disney Studios, the movie inspired an expanded program with NASCAR. “This collaboration marks the biggest between the ‘Cars’ franchise and NASCAR,” said Breier. “We’re looking forward to a fun and exciting season-long program with a host of activities.”
FAST FORWARD
Kicking off at the DAYTONA 500 with the premiere of a new on-air promo, the NASCAR-“Cars 3” collaboration continues throughout the entire race season.
The joint effort will include a variety of marketing initiatives, including digital and social cross promotional activities and sweepstakes.
Throughout the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, races will feature a “Cars 3” at-track presence via a wide array of promotions.
A co-branded merchandise program with Fanatics—the first of its kind for NASCAR and the “Cars” franchise—will also kick off at the DAYTONA 500 featuring the first film-related product available for fans to purchase. Product will be available at the Fanatics Trackside Superstore continuing at race tracks throughout the season, as well as online at the NASCAR.com Superstore.
NASCAR Acceleration Nation, the sport’s youth program, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame will be featured throughout the full duration of a “Cars 3” nationwide tour.
Later this year, NASCAR and Disney will release NASCAR Acceleration Nation and “Cars 3” co-branded in-classroom learning materials for elementary school students
THE VOICES OF NASCAR
The announcement included the introduction of NASCAR greats—from rookie drivers and legends to the voices behind the sport—tapped by Pixar Animation Studios to voice characters in the film.
CHASE ELLIOTT, 21, was named 2016’s Sunoco Rookie of the Year after finishing last season tenth in the driver standings. Elliott, who pilots the No. 24 car previously driven by four-time champion Jeff Gordon, lends his voice to second-generation Piston Cup racer CHASE RACELOTT in “Cars 3.” Racelott’s blend of skills, track smarts and top-of-the-line technology make this rookie a real contender.
RYAN BLANEY, a 23-year-old, third-generation racer, pilots the No. 21 Ford in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup series. He voices third-generation racer RYAN “INSIDE” LANEY in “Cars 3.” Known for his racing passion and ability to have fun on the track, Laney races with talent, speed and precision.
DANIEL SUÁREZ, who just turned 25, pilots the No. 19 ARRIS Toyota Camry in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The 2016 NASCAR XFINITY Series champion can be heard in the film voicing DANNY SWERVEZ, a next-gen racer who’s ascending the Piston-Cup ladder against all odds. A mid-season replacement, Swervez is a quick learner who pushes himself to the limit.
BUBBA WALLACE, 23, won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway in 2013, becoming the first African American to win in one of the top three touring divisions since Wendell Scott in 1963. In “Cars 3,” Wallace voices next-gen stock car racer BUBBA WHEELHOUSE, a fast and tenacious young racer who knows how to win.
DARRELL WALTRIP, the NASCAR Hall of Fame racer-turned-NASCAR on FOX color analyst lends his voice to DARRELL CARTRIP. Cartrip, a veteran Piston-Cup announcer also heard in “Cars” and “Cars 2,” may think he’s seen it all—but this new season might still have a surprise or two in store.
SHANNON SPAKE, NASCAR on FOX correspondent and college football and basketball reporter for FOX Sports, voices on-the-track reporter SHANNON SPOKES in the film. Spokes weaves her way into the middle of the action for in-the-moment interviews, and she’s not afraid to ask racers the tough questions.
HOWARD AUGUSTINE “HUMPY” WHEELER JR., the legendary NASCAR promoter and former president and GM of Charlotte Motor Speedway, lends his voice to iconic Dinoco team owner TEX DINOCO in “Cars 3.” Tex, who met Lightning McQueen in “Cars,” would love nothing more than to see #95 decked out in Dinoco blue.
JEFF GORDON, four-time NASCAR champion, current NASCAR on FOX analyst, and story consultant for “Cars 3,” lends his voice to JEFF GORVETTE. Gorvette, whose number of top-ten finishes remains unmatched, may have hung up his racing tires—but his heart remains on the track. His ability to succeed at all levels turned hoods wherever he raced.
RICHARD “THE KING” PETTY, team owner and champion NASCAR driver with 200 wins, returns to the role of STRIP “THE KING” WEATHERS. From his humble beginnings on the Piston-Cup circuit to the glitzy sponsorship and media attention, the champion racer now serves as crew chief for his nephew, Cal Weathers.
KYLE PETTY, retired NASCAR driver and current NASCAR commentator on NBC, helps bring CAL WEATHERS to life in “Cars 3.” Weathers grew up around the track watching his uncle, Strip “The King” Weathers, tear it up. The veteran racer finds himself taking a step back to make room for the next generation on the track.
MIKE JOYis FOX Sports’ lead NASCAR announcer who will call his 38th DAYTONA 500 this Sunday. He lends his iconic voice to on-the-spot radio talk show host MIKE JOYRIDE in the movie. Joyride stays one step ahead in the racing news game by keeping a keen eye on where the racing season is headed.
RAY EVERNHAM, winner of three NASCAR championships as crew chief for Jeff Gordon and current consultant to Hendrick Motorsports, lends his voice to RAY REVERHAM, Jackson Storm’s crew chief, and an expert at training in the cutting edge technology and tactics being used by the next-gen racers. Evernham also serves as a story consultant for filmmakers.
LIFE-SIZED CHARACTERS
NASCAR fans can picture themselves with Lightning McQueen and Cruz Ramirez—or at least life-sized cars designed to look like the big-screen characters. The Cruz Ramirez look-alike premiered in Daytona today, alongside #95—the Lightning McQueen car made its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January. Comedian and actress Cristela Alonzo got to hang with her character look-alike at the event. “I am excited to be here as race fans get to see these two life-sized characters together for the first time,” said Alonzo.
The Lightning McQueen and Cruz Ramirez look-alike cars are slated to make appearances at select races throughout the season as part of a “Cars 3” nationwide tour. Joining them on the tour will be a look-alike of Lightning McQueen’s on-track rival, Jackson Storm.
GOING GRAND
As was previously announced, Owen Wilson, the voice of Lightning McQueen, will serve as grand marshal of the DAYTONA 500 this Sunday, Feb. 26. Wilson has provided the voice of the red car in all of the “Cars” films.
Check out this beautiful poster by legendary artist Paul Shipper. This official poster brings together our favorite characters from The Original Trilogy, The Prequels and The Force Awakens (maybe The Last Jedi?).
Paul Shipper also did the wonderful artwork for the these badges below that will be available at Star Wars Celebration. They include characters from “The Last Jedi”, “Rogue One and Rebels”!
It’s hard to believe, but on May 25th, “Star Wars” will celebrate its 40th Anniversary. Star Wars Celebration wants to help attendees celebrate this historic event with an epic tribute.
Star Wars Celebration Orlando Kicks Off with Epic Tribute to Saga’s 40th Anniversary
A very special tribute to the 40th anniversary of Star Wars will kick start Celebration Orlando in grand fashion.
The panel, hosted by Warwick Davis, will feature Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and discussions with some of the saga’s brightest stars, highlighting the impact of the galaxy far, far, away and the fandom that has propelled it for the last four decades. As is tradition, this marquee Celebration event will undoubtedly include many not-to-be-missed surprises. Fans will definitely want to mark their calendars for Thursday, April 13th and make the Star Wars 40th anniversary panel a priority for their Celebration weekend!
Star Wars Celebration Orlando will take place April 13 – 16 at the Orange County Convention Center.
For the past few weeks, we have been bringing you a new column on WDWNT named ‘This Week In Disney History.’ Each week is meant to provide you tidbits of knowledge from the history of The Walt Disney Company. Some of these milestones may not be as important as others, but each played a specific or unique role in shaping the Walt Disney Company that we know and love today. In today’s edition of ‘This Week in Disney History’, we cover February 26th-March 4th.
Walt Receiving the Irving Thalberg Memorial Award from David O. Selznick. (Photo courtesy Walt Disney Archives)
This Week In Disney History: February 26th-March 4th
February 26th, 1942 was a very special day. On this day, Walt Disney received the Irving Thalberg Memorial Award. The award, named for the legendary head of the Production Divison of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, is periodically given to “Creative producers, whose bodies of work reflect a consistently high quality of motion picture production.” The award is presented at the Governors Awards Ceremonies as part of the Academy Awards. Disney was the youngest person at the time to receive this award. Actress Norma Shearer (the widow of Irving Thalberg) was so touched by the presentation, gave Disney a kiss as returned to his seat.
On February 27th, 1987, Tokyo Disneyland welcomed its 40-millionth guest into the park!
On February 28th, 2012, Disney Cruise Line’s ship, the Fantasy, docked at New York harbor making it the first DCL ship to ever dock in New York. Also, on February 28th, 2004, one of the most popular restaurants at Downtown Disney, Earl of Sandwich, opened to the public. The sandwich shop is named after British Navy Officer John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who is credited with inventing the ‘sandwich.’ The 11th Earl of Sandwich and his son collaborated with Robert Earl, the founder and CEO of Planet Hollywood, to create this one-of-a-kind eatery.
On March 1st, 1930, Ub Iwerks, the very first animator of Mickey Mouse, left Disney to set up his own animation studio. He eventually returned to Disney.
On March 2nd, 1976, Walt Disney World welcomed its 50-millionth guest into the park, who was Susan Brummer.
On March 3rd, 1937, Bobby Driscoll, who was the voice and model of Peter in ‘Peter Pan,’ was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Also on March 3rd, 1983, Journey Into Imagination at EPCOT Center made its grand debut to the public. The official grand opening ceremony was held on March 5th, 1983.
Finally on March 4th, 2011, author Dave MacPherson visited Disneyland. Who is Dave MacPherson? He was the very first paying customer to enter Disneyland when the gates opened to the public on July 18, 1955.
If you would like to read or learn about more Disney history, you can visit the Walt Disney Archives site here.
