The Magic Kingdom to Distribute Bonus “Surprise” Paper FastPasses on Select Evenings Through November & December

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

On select very busy evenings at the Magic Kingdom between November and December 2017, some guests will receive a bonus “surprise” FastPass to use on select attractions.

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These paper FastPasses will only be valid on the day they are distributed and will not work at Peter Pan’s Flight, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, or any character meet and greet experiences, but any other FastPass attractions in the park will accept them.

The distribution process for these FastPasses remains unknown, but it seems you will need to be in the right place at the right time (but they should be distributing quite a few on those nights). We suspect that these will be given out on most evenings where there is not a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom.

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Disney’s Magical Express Now Picking Up Guests 4 Hours Before Their Flight

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

Due to the increase in TSA security screening times at Orlando International Airport, Disney’s Magical Express will now pick up guests from their Walt Disney World resort hotel four hours prior to their scheduled flight time. This policy will go into effect on November 17, 2017.

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Disney has stated that the policy will be re-evaluated in early 2018 after the busy holiday season is over.

Previously, Disney’s Magical Express would pick up guess from their hotel 3 hours in advance for domestic flights and 4 hours in advance of international.

REVIEW: Giant Yule Log Cronut, Pumpkin Pie Smoothie at Schmoozies, Disney California Adventure Holidays 2017

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

Schmoozies in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure is offering a number of seasonal specialties this holiday season. Among them is a Yule Log Holiday Doughnut and Pumpkin Pie Smoothie.

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Yule Log Doughnut ($8.99)

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I’ve become so desensitized to Disney Parks food prices that I didn’t even think about this being $8.99 when I ordered it. With that being said, I was thus unprepared for the giant pastry I would be handed…

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This thing is giant, at least shareable between 3 people (at minimum) if you don’t want to feel like death afterwards. It is also quite good.

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It is basically a croissant doughnut (similar to the one we had at Schmoozies for HalloweenTime), but this time a larger version filled with a Pecan Praline cream and covered in chocolate. The exterior is flaky and delicious, the Pecan Praline cream adds a nice flavor, and there’s just enough chocolate on top to make this just about perfect for every bite. Everything is balanced properly and the cream filling is present just enough to not over power all of the other flavors.

If this sounds good to you, then bring a small horde over to the park to share this with you. Or try to eat it all yourself, I won’t judge.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie ($5.99)

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I have had many a smoothie from Schmoozies in my time, and I typically enjoy them quite a bit, but this was horrendous. It didn’t taste like pumpkin pie, but rather as if you were drinking a blended version of the metal tin that the pie came. So yes, there is a pumpkin pie flavor, but it is followed by a strong metallic, or even chemical-like flavor. I had to throw half of this out, and I only drank the other half because I felt bad wasting so much of it.

They’re also serving a Peppermint Malibu Mocha beverage right now, so I would probably go with that if you want a seasonal specialty drink.

REVIEW: Delectable Desserts Found Only at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

‘Tis the Season to be jolly, to celebrate, and to eat lots of delicious snacks! We made our way out to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom and tried a few different offerings, so here are our thoughts to help you on your sweet journey:

Eggnog Custard Dessert – $4.99

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Eggnog Custard topped with a Spiced-Chocolate Cake, Meringue, and a Scrooge McDuck Chocolate Gold Coin

You’ve got to be a big fan of eggnog to enjoy this dessert and luckily, I am! I really enjoyed this because it featured a delicious eggnog custard. Honestly the chocolate cake is a bit much in my opinion but still was completely delicious. The Scrooge McDuck gold coin is an awesome touch and this is yours for just $4.99 at Storybook Treats in Fantasyland. Again, this won’t be for everyone…

Enchanted Christmas Belle Dessert – $5.99

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White Chocolate Peppermint Mousse with Yellow Glaze and topped with a White Chocolate Enchanted Christmas Belle

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Honestly, this was the least favorite in the group mainly for the yellow glaze which ruined the peppermint mouse inside. Even if you’re a peppermint fan, you could skip this one. But if you choose to try it, you can find it for $5.99 at Gaston’s Tavern.

Chocolate Yule Log – $4.99

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Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Flourless Cake topped with Chocolate Ganache, and Powdered Sugar featuring Chip & Dale and Donald Duck

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This was a delicious yule log dessert that everyone in the group loved, but just couldn’t finish because of how rich it was. This is definitely highly recommended, but be aware of how rich and chocolatey it is. It’s also quite sizable. This is available at Pecos Bill’s for $4.99.

Red Velvet Mickey Waffles – $6.49

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Red velvet Mickey waffles, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and holiday sprinkles.

If you buy one dessert at the Magic Kingdom Christmas Party, let this be it. The red velvet Mickey waffles are perfect in flavor and paired nicely with vanilla ice cream, complemented nicely by the drizzle of caramel sauce. Please do yourself a favor and put this on your party agenda now. It is available only at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Liberty Square.

Sandy Claws Dessert – $4.99

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Orange vanilla cake, cranberry cherry mousse, white crispy pearls, cream cheese buttercream, holiday sprinkles, and a Sandy Claws white chocolate

Also available at Sleepy Hollow, the only thing that’s a nightmare about this is the taste. This is way to sweet, the consistency is gross, and the push-pop design does not make it easy to eat. The cake it itself was good, but there is way too much of what is basically an icing mix in-between. If you want to eat the most overly sweet, least enjoyable icing by itself, this is the dessert for you I guess.

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REVIEW: Gingerbread Funnel Cake Fries at Award Wieners, Disney California Adventure Holidays 2017

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

Award Wieners in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure is currently offering a seasonal specialty.

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They don’t light the boards very well in the evening…

New to the menu are Gingerbread Funnel Cake Fries, available through January 7th, 2018.

Gingerbread Funnel Cake Fries ($7.49)

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I haven’t had the normal variety of Funnel Cake Fries from Award Wieners, but if they are anything like these, I will have to.

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It is what the name implies, Funnel Cake in the shape of fries, in this case with a pretty fantastic gingerbread flavoring. The presence of a sweet icing and whipped cream on top is perfection and the order size is quite large, which it should be at this price point.

I did have to wait about 5 minutes for them to be made, but that also meant they were as fresh and warm as could be.

I can not recommend these enough, please try them if you have the chance!

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Black Friday at Disney Springs to Offer New MagicBands, Great Movie Ride Bags, and More

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

Disney Springs will be celebrating its second Black Friday this year from November 24-26 with the release of special limited items, including an all black MagicBand, and some accessories themed to Disney Parks attractions.

Starting with the Cast Costume Collection, Disney Parks Costuming has designed a limited-release collection of bags that have been crafted using fabric from authentic cast costumes from attractions and restaurants like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, Haunted Mansion, and The Great Movie Ride. Available options for purchase include totes, zip cases, and cosmetic cases. The products will be available at Cherry Tree Lane at Marketplace Co-Op and will release during the following schedule: November 24, 2017 – The Great Movie Ride and Tower of Terror, November 25, 2017 – Haunted Mansion, November 26, 2017 – Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (purchase limits will apply).

The solid black MagicBand will finally be getting a release starting on November 24. Additionally, a limited-edition Disney Springs Holiday MagicBand will also be available while supplies last. Both MagicBands will be available at World of Disney store, and the solid black MagicBand will eventually roll out to other stores across property following Black Friday.

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Starting on November 24 at 8am at Cherry Tree Lane inside the Marketplace Co-Op a new dress featuring the Woodland Winter Holiday design will become available, as well as a collection of Dooney & Bourke bags featuring the Woodland Winter Holiday design.

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Pandora will be selling their new Mickey & Minnie Holiday Gift Set at the newly opened Happily Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories in Town Center, starting on November 25. Also available at the Jewelry Co. & Accessories store is the Dooney & Bourke “Disney Dogs” collection, which will be available on November 26.

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A collection of limited-edition pins will be available at Disney’s Pin Traders. Here is a list of the pins along with their release dates:

  • Walt Disney World Resort Limited Edition Pin; Annual Passholder Pin and Ornament Set (11-24-17)
  • Christmas Stitch Limited Edition Pin (11-25-17)
  • Christmas Chip ‘n’ Dale Limited Edition Pin (11-26-17)

Lastly, World of Disney store will have a Black Friday “weekend only” sale that is as follows:

  • Select Kids T-Shirts: $15 each when you purchase two
  • Select Disney Mugs: $15 each when you purchase two
  • Classic Princess Dolls: $15 each when you purchase two

Aside from new merchandise, tons of stores will be offering unique discounts throughout the weekend. Here is the complete list, as provided by the Disney Parks Blog:

  • Alex and Ani – 20% off total purchase, plus debut of limited-edition snowflake bangle (offer valid Nov. 22 – Nov. 27, 2017)
  • Art of Shaving – 40% off all shaving and skin care kits (offer valid Nov. 24, 2017)
  • Chapel Hats – Buy one hat, get one 50% off (exclusions apply; offer valid Nov. 23 – Nov. 25, 2017)
  • Edward Beiner – Buy one pair of glasses, get a second pair at 30% off
  • Enjoy Your Face – Stop by this kiosk between 8:00 a.m. and noon and receive $2 off one face painting. Weather permitting, at Disney Springs location only. Offer valid Nov. 24, 2017.
  • havaianas – Free beach towel with purchase of $40 or more
  • Johnston & Murphy – multiple promotions including 40% off select men’s sweaters; buy one, get one free on select men’s scarves; $100 off leather briefcases and backpacks and more (see store for full details)
  • Kiehl’s Since 1851 – $20 off purchases of $65 or more (exclusions apply, see store for full details)
  • LACOSTE – Save 40% off entire store (exclusions apply)
  • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – All seats, except Golden Circle, are $39 each when tickets are purchased at the Box Office on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. (Up to 6 tickets per guest at the Black Friday rate, valid for shows Nov. 24, 2017 through Dec. 16, 2017.)
  • The LEGO Store – Get a complimentary nutcracker LEGO set with any purchase of $99 or ore, plus special doorbuster items
  • Levi’s – 40% off entire purchase (see store for full details)
  • Lilly Pulitzer – exclusive “Colorful Weekend” gift with purchase with $75 and $150 spends
  • Origins – Pick up the Origins Super Stars set for $70 ($170 value) or the Origins Superstar Minis (a collection of best-selling products) for $25 ($90 value). (Origins Superstar Minis offer only valid Nov. 23-24, 2017).
  • PANDORA Jewelry – 20% off gift sets (Nov. 24, 2017 only); buy two full-priced items, get one free (see store for full details)
  • Pele Soccer – Save 50% off select jerseys and apparel
  • SHORE – Save 20-50% off select items and enjoy other in-store promotions (see store for full details)
  • Sperry – Doorbusters starting at $24.99 on Nov. 24, 2017, plus 30% to 50% off select styles all weekend
  • Sugarboo & Co. – Doorbusters from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., plus 25% to 40% off select items in store (exclusions apply)
  • Superdry – 30% off entire store (exclusions apply)
  • UGG – Save 30% off select women’s, men’s and kid’s styles
  • UNIQLO – in-store games and sweepstakes opportunities, including the chance to win a trip to Tokyo
  • UNOde50 – Save 30% off all styles of men’s and women’s handcrafted jewelry (offer valid Nov. 24 to Nov. 27, 2017)
  • Vera Bradley – Save 50% off select patterns and styles and 30% off top gifts for the season!
  • Plus, Grand Totes are only $44 (MSRP $88) (Exclusions and limitations may apply. See a store associate for details.)
  • Plus Many More!

(Unless otherwise noted, all offers are valid Nov. 24 – Nov. 26, 2017, while supplies last.)

Shuttered Pirates of the Caribbean MMO Lives on in Fan-Made ‘The Legend of the Pirates Online’

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

Pirates of the Caribbean Online shut down for good back in 2013, but thanks to a passionate team of fans, the game now lives on in the form of The Legend of Pirates Online.

This recreation of Disney’s now defunct massively multiplayer online game is nearly a hundred percent faithful to the old one, which originally launched in 2007. People who grew up on Disney Channel during the era of The Sweet Life of Zack & Cody might remember Disney pushing this game like crazy during commercial breaks.

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This name generator…

Pirates of the Caribbean Online was essentially like World of Warcraft, but for younger audiences and with a popular Disney IP attached. It’s honestly a pretty competent free MMO, and despite looking like a PS2 reject, the gameplay holds up pretty well.

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That’s right, dog! How does it feel to be on the other side of the prison cell?

Like all things Disney and video games related, it’s life was short lived (RIP Disney Infinity) but it’s really cool that people can now go back and indulge in some mid-2000s Disney nostalgia. Remember when there was a High School Musical daytime parade at Disney-MGM Studios?

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The game doesn’t run perfectly. It’s technically in beta at the moment, and there’s a much smaller team working to keep this thing up and running compared to when the old game was around. I had a little trouble staying connected at first, as the game would occasionally crash during ship battles, but it’s definitely worth downloading and giving a try. The game is constantly being worked on, so updates are on the way.

Here is a link to the game’s website if you’re interested in giving it a try. It’s available for Windows and Mac.

Arg!

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Magic Kingdom’s Trolley Show and Street Party Being Modified Due to Concrete Work

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

Guests visiting the Magic Kingdom in the coming weeks should be advised that, due to concrete work, select entertainment offerings will be modified on November 14, 20, 22, 27, and 29, 2017.

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On these dates, the Main Street Trolley Show will use the Main Street Ranch Wagon, and the 10AM performance of Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It! will be cancelled.

TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (11/15/17) – Disney Parks Pursuit, Ranking Hollywood Studios Table and Quick Service Restaurants, & More!

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

Tonight! Disney Parks Pursuit is back, we’re ranking every restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we eat spicy peanut brittle.

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If you are in the Orlando area, you can tune in to 105.5 FM or AM 1520 WBZW at showtime. For those outside of the Orlando area, the show can be watched via video stream at listen.WDWNT.com on your computer or mobile device. You can also use WDWNT: The App to watch and chat along. The show also utilizes a live chat and the ability to call-in to interact with the show. WDW News Tonight is hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, but also features appearances by a number of other WDWNT correspondents.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the week’s news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
  • An in-depth discussion ranking every restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • “Disney Parks Pursuit” for prizes provided by WDWNT: The App
  • And more!

We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9PM ET for another episode of WDW News Tonight!

If you missed last week’s show, you can watch it below:

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer Coming to Downtown Disney at Disneyland in 2018

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

Known for its award-winning burgers and signature CrazyShake milkshakes, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer will open its first California location in the heart of Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort next year.

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Black Tap is creating a customized concept for its Downtown Disney District location, which will feature indoor and outdoor seating. The burger and beer joint will be set in a casual atmosphere reminiscent of a classic American luncheonette, but with a distinctly New York vibe.

Black Tap’s menu will include burgers ranging from the classic All-American to The Vegan Burger. In addition, their specialty “CrazyShakes” will boast whimsical and over-the-top decorations and flavors, such as The Cotton Candy Shake and The Bam Bam Shake.

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Construction is scheduled to begin soon, across from Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar.