BREAKING: Disney World Announces Reopening Park Hours Following Hurricane Irma

WDWNT on September 17, 2017

After being closed for two days, Walt Disney World has announced the reopening of their parks following Hurricane Irma. Hours for Tuesday, September 12th are as follows:

Magic Kingdom

  • Extra Magic Hours 8AM-9AM
  • Park Hours 9AM-7PM
  • Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 7PM-12AM

Epcot

  • Park Hours 9AM-9PM
  • Extra Magic Hours 9PM-11PM

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • Park Hours 9AM-9PM

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Park Hours 9AM-9PM

Disney Springs

  • Hours 10AM-12AM

Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks will remain closed until further notice.

Patina Opening New Italian Restaurant Inside of The Edison Complex at Disney Springs in 2018

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

Patina will reportedly be opening a new Italian concept, Maria & Enzo’s, located inside of the very same complex as The Edison on The Landing at Disney Springs. Patina Restaurant Group also currently operates Morimoto Asia, Tutto Italia and Via Napoli in Epcot, and The Edison when it opens later this year. They will even be involved in the upcoming unnamed space restaurant in Future World.

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The new Italian restaurant will also feature a speakeasy bar element, themed to an underground rum-running tunnel. This likely means that the restaurant is in basement of The Edison, replacing the long rumored “Neverland Tunnels” and “Walt’s Lounge” concepts originally meant for this space. Maria and Enzo’s is also expected to feature a counter service component of some kind.

Maria & Enzo’s is planned to open late 2017/early 2018.

SOURCE: Orlando Weekly

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REVIEW: The $8 Artisan S’mores from The Ganachery at Disney Springs are Life Changing

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

So, $8 seems like a lot of money for a s’mores, considering the average creation of a single serving of graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate probably would cost you less than $1 as a consumer. However, I don’t think you’ll be making s’mores quite like The Ganachery at Disney Springs…
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A relatively new offering, the above $8 s’mores can be ordered at the counter and the guest is then given a little sign to hold up at the window where the desserts are made. The artisan behind the glass will then begin to make your s’mores and brings it out to you. You can see this entire process in the video below:

So, how it it? Amazing, and certainly worth the hefty price tag. The quality of the chocolate is staggering and the flavor with the sea salt is perfection. The giant chunk of marshmallow makes sure every bite has more than enough, and the graham cracker isn’t terribly crunchy to the point where the entire thing falls apart. This thing can be a little messy, so be sure to grab a napkin… or all of the napkins. You may also want to share it if you don’t want to feel terrible about yourself afterwards, but hey, it’s your vacation so I won’t judge you if you eat the entire thing alone.

I can’t recommend this enough. It is undoubtedly the best s’mores I’ve ever had in my entire life!

So the next time you’re at Disney Springs, be sure to stop by The Ganachery in the Landing to try this for yourself (or try something else from here, you really can’t go wrong).

PHOTOS: New Concept Art & Location Revealed for Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Disney Springs

WDWNT on August 29, 2017

That odd, sunken-in plot of grass between the Coca-Cola Store and Planet Hollywood Observatory finally has a tenant: Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill.

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Opening in 2018, the new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in Town Center, housed in a completely new building.

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Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance.

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The restaurant, designed by tonychi, will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles.

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The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

American Idol to Kick-Off Auditions at Disney World, Disney Springs to Host Pop-Up Audition Kiosk

WDWNT on August 20, 2017

American Idol will begin its search for hopefuls at Walt Disney World before debuting on ABC this Fall.

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American Idol will kick off open auditions at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. The iconic American Idol bus will roll into Disney Springs for auditions taking place on THURSDAY, AUGUST 17. Idol-winners Jordin Sparks, Kris Allen and Ruben Studdard will make a special appearance and greet lucky audition participants during the kickoff celebration of the search for America’s next superstar.

Think you could be the next American Idol and are interested in attending this open audition with American Idol producers? Here are some important details: Early arrival is encouraged. Parking will be available beginning at 4 a.m. at the surface parking lot on the West Side of Disney Springs, near House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil. (No overnight camping, please.) Registration begins at 6 a.m. and closes at 12 p.m. (or sooner, due to capacity). Due to venue capacity, Disney Springs can accommodate a total of 4,000 audition participants. The auditions will begin at 8 a.m. and will take place outdoors, therefore it’s advised to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.

All singers must be at least 15 years old to audition. Pre-registration is encouraged. To pre-register and for more information, audition details, locations, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions, visit americanidol.com. Those auditioning can bring one guest to accompany them and the guest must be over five years old.

When the bus rolls away at the end of the day, Central Florida hopefuls will still have the chance to become a part of Idol history by auditioning via the American Idol pop-up audition kiosk, which will be at Disney Springs on FRIDAY, AUGUST 18 through FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15. During regular Disney Springs operating hours, visitors can create and submit their very own audition video at the kiosk.

BREAKING: “Star Wars – Secrets of the Empire” VR Attractions Coming to Disney World, Disneyland Later This Year

WDWNT on August 20, 2017

The Void announced today that their newest hyper-reality experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, is coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts later this year.

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This first-of-its kind Star Wars experience is being produced by the world-class teams at Lucasfilm and ILMxLAB in collaboration with the team at The VOID. Soon you’ll have the opportunity to step beyond reality into a galaxy far, far away!

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will plunge guests directly into the iconic Star Wars galaxy. They will move freely throughout the untethered, social, and multi-sensory Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire experience in a way that allows them to interact and engage with friends, family and Star Wars characters. This ground-breaking experience will open to the public at two new VOID Experience Centers at Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort beginning this holiday season.

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“At The VOID, we combine the magic of illusion, advanced technology and virtual reality to create fully immersive social experiences that take guests to new worlds,” said Curtis Hickman, co-founder and chief creative officer at The VOID. “A truly transformative experience is so much more than what you see with your eyes; it’s what you hear, feel, touch, and even smell. Through the power of The VOID, guests who step into Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire won’t just see this world, they’ll know that they are part of this amazing story.”

Vicki Dobbs Beck, executive in charge of ILMxLab, said, “At ILMxLAB, we want people to step inside the worlds of our stories. Through our collaboration with The VOID, we can make this happen as guests become active participants in an unfolding Star Wars adventure. By combining Lucasfilm’s storytelling expertise with cutting-edge imagery, and immersive sound from the team at Skywalker Sound, while invoking all the senses, we hope to truly transport all those who experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire to a galaxy far, far away.”

“Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire marks an important milestone in the continued expansion of The VOID, which also joined the 2017 Disney Accelerator earlier this year,” said Cliff Plumer, CEO of The VOID. “Through the power of The VOID, guests can now experience the magic of Star Wars firsthand.”

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Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs Introduces Late Night Happy Hour

WDWNT on August 20, 2017

Guests visiting Disney Springs can now quench their thirst for adventure during an expanded happy hour at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar!

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Visitors can enjoy special prices on cocktails, wine, and draft beer, or fuel up for their next adventure with happy hour appetizers including Jock’s Loaded Nachos, Belloq’s Bacon Fries and Double Agent Sliders. These happy hour savings are available Monday through Thursday from 3-6:30PM and 9-11PM, and Fridays, 3-6:30PM.

Full Character and Photo-Op Lineup Announced for Disney World’s PhotoPass Day 2017

WDWNT on August 20, 2017

August 19 marks World Photo Day, and Disney will celebrate the occasion with the return of Disney PhotoPass Day at Walt Disney World Resort! During this event, Disney PhotoPass Service will offer a number of exclusive photo opportunities that will let you take home even more picture-perfect memories of your visit.

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In honor of Disney’s “Dream Big, Princess” campaign, you’ll find photo opportunities focused on some Disney Princesses as well.

Check out all of the special opportunities that are planned in each of the four theme parks and Disney Springs on August 19 (Entertainment and photo opportunities are subject to change; some locations could be affected by inclement weather):

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Character Experiences:

  • Meeko joins Pocahontas at Character Landing on Discovery Island
  • Timon joins Rafiki at Rafiki’s Planet Watch
  • Princess Atta joins Flik at Discovery Island near Creature Comforts

Photo opportunities:

  • Dream Big Princess photo backdrop before the park entrance (daylight hours only)
  • Jungle Book Magic Shot near Yak & Yeti Restaurant
  • Visit the PhotoPass photographer in DinoLand U.S.A. from 9-10 p.m. to have magical Mickey light effects added to your photo

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Character Experiences:

  • The Queen from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” Maleficent, and Cruella de Vil will meet with guests at Sunset Showcase. This opportunity will be available from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Photo opportunities:

  • Dream Big Princess photo backdrop outside the Theater of the Stars (daylight hours only)
  • Poison Apple Magic Shot on Sunset Boulevard
  • Fisheye lens in the Chinese Theatre Courtyard area

Epcot

Character Experiences:

  • Genie will join Princess Jasmine in the Morocco Pavilion
  • Mushu will join Mulan in the China Pavilion

Photo opportunities:

  • Dream Big Princess photo backdrop near Epcot Character Spot (daylight hours only)
  • Baymax Animated Magic Shot with the PhotoPass photographer located near Mouse Gear and the Fountain of Nations
  • Fisheye lens near the fountain close to the entrance to Spaceship Earth

Magic Kingdom Park

Character Experiences:

  • Dopey joins Snow White at Town Square Courtyard
  • Captain Hook joins Peter Pan in Fantasyland

Photo opportunities:

  • Dream Big Princess photo backdrop in Fantasyland (daylight hours only)
  • Cinderella’s Coach in Fantasyland
  • “Tangled” light painting photo opportunity near Ariel’s Grotto (available after dark)
  • Mickey Mouse Magic Shot on the bridge near Fairytale Garden
  • Main Street Vehicle near the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (available in the morning and early afternoon)

Disney Springs

Photo opportunities:

  • Dream Big Princess photo backdrop next to the Marketplace Stage
  • Fairy Wings Magic Shot from the PhotoPass photographer roaming around the Marketplace near Tren-D (available from 1-10:30 p.m.)
  • You can also visit the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs to enjoy special $99.95 plus shipping pricing on a Personalized Storybook now through August 20!

Don’t forget to share your photos using #DisneyPhotoPassDay and #DreamBigPrincess, and if you want access to all of your PhotoPass photos from Disney PhotoPass Day, purchase Memory Maker One Day for $59 in the My Disney Experience mobile app during or after your visit.

PHOTOS: Disney Parks Unleashes Spooktacular New Halloween Merchandise for 2017

WDWNT on August 20, 2017

Disney has begun to release the Halloween merchandise for 2017, and the fantastic items can already be found in a giant portion of the World of Disney Store at Disney Springs.

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Most of the old Princess room is full of Halloween and The Nightmare Before Christmas items.

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The new 2017 Halloween merchandise features the Fab 5 in new garb. The simplifies and bright colors make the items stick out from years past.

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I’m partial to this ceramic treat bowl.

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It wouldn’t be Halloween without ornaments. Wait…

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The two-sided mug is pretty neat.

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The glow-in-the-dark treat bag is pretty fun.

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The orange shirt is for children.

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This grey t-shirt is for kids as well.

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A girl’s top.

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A pretty nifty popcorn tin.

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A hot chocolate cauldron.

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There are also lots of new The Nightmare Before Christmas items.

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Some of the items have a Haunted Mansion flavor, since Disneyland has the Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction that takes over the Mansion.

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How cool is this?

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Jack Skellington as the Hatbox Ghost is only in kids sizes, you can start complaining now…

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This wreath is probably just about the coolest holiday item I have ever seen. Not bad for $39.99.

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There’s a stocking shaped like a tombstone…

So, what will you be buying?

Marketplace Fun Finds Closing, Once Upon a Toy Being Remodeled at Disney Springs

WDWNT on August 2, 2017

Sections of the Once Upon a Toy store at Disney Springs will undergo a refurbishment beginning July 31st. To make way for this refurbishment, all of the Star Wars merchandise in the back section will be relocated to Marketplace Fun Finds across the way.

As a result, Marketplace Fun Finds will be closed July 24th to August 2nd as Disney refits and renames the location. The merchandise currently available in that store is typically available at other locations anyway, but Fun Finds has been a staple of Disney Springs for many years under many different names. Marketplace Fun Finds is not expected to return.