UPDATE: Details on the Ride System and Vehicles for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

This morning, we told you about the projected opening date for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now, we have some details to share on the ride system and the vehicles in which guests will be traveling when this attraction debuts in the Spring of 2019.

As stated at the D23 Expo 2017, guests will literally step through the movie screen and into a Mickey Mouse cartoon. As the concept art below shows, Goofy is the conductor on a wacky train, and it is that wacky train that guests will be boarding. With guests aboard Goofy’s train, only danger can be expected, and that’s why Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be following along in their car on your journey – in an effort to save you from Goofy’s clumsiness.

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The ride system will indeed be a trackless one, much like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt at Tokyo Disneyland and Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland. Trackless ride technology is becoming more prevalent at the U.S. Disney Parks now, with the opening of Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters in Cars Land, as well as the upcoming “Battle Escape” attraction for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Although The Great Movie Ride was indeed a trackless ride system, Runaway Railway’s vehicles will not be anything recycled from The Great Movie Ride. In fact, the track layout and placement of rooms in the building won’t even be nearly the same beyond the load area.

Guests will board the 16-passenger train, which consists of four separate cars that hold four guests each (two rows of two), before it departs the train barn at the beginning of the attraction. The part we are unsure of is whether the engine with Goofy at the helm will actually travel with guests through the entire ride. This would be very possible, despite the fact that the four car train can separate at any time, offering a unique ride path for every car. This being a cartoon and all, it wouldn’t be too strange for the train cars to separate and come back together at various points in the ride.

We still have one more post on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway to share with you today, Mickey’s 89th birthday, so stay “tooned”!

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Hidden Holiday Treasures at the Walt Disney World Resort

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

By Barbara Cash, Small World Big Fun Disney Authorized Travel Agent

So you are going to Disney World during the holiday season but, for whatever reason, you didn’t purchase tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in the Magic Kingdom. No worries! There is so much to see and do at Disney World to get into the holiday spirit.

Below are some “insider” tips and advice for things to do that are not always included in the standard maps and guides.  If you have any questions you can contact me anytime!

  1. Check out the resorts. Every Disney resort will be decked out in their themed holiday splendor. The Grand Floridian has a huge gingerbread house and a five-story Christmas tree.  Many nights, the deluxe resorts also have characters in the lobby taking pictures with guests and signing autographs.  Last year, after finishing dinner at ‘Ohana at The Polynesian, my family was greeted by Mickey and Minnie in the lobby decked out in their Hawaiian holiday attire. Most of these activities aren’t listed in map guides or schedule sheets. These are just special moments guests happen upon while visiting Disney World.
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  2. Visit Disney Springs. Grab a hot chocolate from Ghirardelli’s and take a stroll through the Disney-themed Christmas trees along the Trail of Trees. If you need to wrap up your holiday shopping, the options are almost limitless!  There is no cost to visit Disney Springs.  Take a stroll, have a snack, and take in all the decorations.
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  3. Explore the holiday decorations in the parks. At Epcot, Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree is a fun scavenger hunt around World Showcase. Be sure to visit the Santas Around the World and learn a little about his history and traditions in other countries.  In Hollywood Studios, there are special fireworks and throwback decorations from earlier eras.
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  4. Last but not least… the food!  The special treats at Disney World are always great but they are completely over the top during the holiday season. Everything from Christmas-themed caramel apples to the Holiday Waffle featured at the Holiday Marketplace in Epcot – It’s a sweet potato waffle base stuffed with roast turkey and topped with green bean casserole!
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The holiday season is a special time at Disney World.  You can visit resorts, take in the decorations at the theme parks, happen upon special groups sharing their cheer, and have some fantastic treats that are beyond the usual at Disney World.  Don’t let the lack of a party ticket keep you from getting into holiday cheer.

Barbara Cash is an Agent with WDWNT’s Exclusive Disney Travel Partner – Small World Big Fun. You can learn more about Barbara here. 

PHOTOS: Trader Sam’s, Great Movie Ride, and Haunted Mansion Cast Costume Bags Coming Black Friday

WDWNT on November 20, 2017

This Friday at Disney Springs in Cherry Tree Lane inside the Marketplace Co-Op, Guests will find bags made from authentic Walt Disney World cast costumes.

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The bags will be made using material from the cast costumes of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, The Haunted Mansion, and the shuttered Great Movie Ride.

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The totes will retail at $48 each, the cosmetic case at $18, and the zipper case at $14. Disney has not announced what the purchase limits will be on these items.

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Annual Passholder Previews of Sunset Seasons Greetings Begin Today at Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on November 10, 2017

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is hosting an annual passholder exclusive preview of their new “Flurry of Fun” beginning tonight, November 5th, 2017.

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The preview event takes place 8:30-9:30PM and primarily features the all-new Sunset Seasons Greetings experience. Passholders will also have access to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘ N’ Roller Coaster during this event. Select food & beverage and merchandise locations on Sunset Boulevard will also be available.

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A wristband is required to attend and are being distributed at the Annual Passholder entry line to park while supplies last.

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This event is likely to happen on additional nights between now and November 9th when the offerings officially debut.

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Sweet Lineup of Treats Unveiled for 2017 “Flurry of Fun” Holiday Season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on November 10, 2017

While the “Flurry of Fun” officially kicks off on November 9th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the festive sweets and treats for the season will actually be available throughout the park for you to enjoy starting on November 5th.

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To start off the list, there are cookies and gingerbread pops galore, offered at various locations throughout the park. In addition, there’s a “Prep and Landing”-themed gingerbread cupcake dropping in at ABC Commissary, Rosie’s All-American Café, Catalina Eddie’s, Sweet Spells and The Trolley Car Café.

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If you’re looking for that classic cup of hot cocoa to go with those cookies, guests of all ages can enjoy classic hot cocoa with marshmallows at ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, Rosie’s All-American Café, Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare, and Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner.

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Guests over the age of 21 can warm up with a special array of hot chocolate beverages offered at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner and Fairfax Fare, including a hot chocolate martini, Bailey’s Salted Caramel hot chocolate, black cherry bourbon hot chocolate, and a hot chocolate flight where you can sample all three. Other adult beverages available this year include a Peppermint White Russian, a Winterberry Cooler and a Let It Glow drink consisting of vodka and blue-raspberry frozen carbonated beverage with your very own glow cube at various locations around Echo Lake and Sunset Boulevard.

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These decadent red velvet whoopie pies are decorated with icing garland, ornament pearls, and holiday sprinkles. You’ll find these tree-shaped desserts at Sweet Spells and Fairfax Fare.

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Guests will find an apple cranberry cobbler at Hollywood Scoops and Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner; or if you’re looking for a sweet and savory snack, you can find a festive holiday popcorn mix at popcorn carts throughout the park. This popcorn comes with marshmallows, pretzels and M&M’s and is drizzled with chocolate.

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Olaf is also the star of several treats to mark the release of Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. Find his special cupcake at ABC Commissary, Rosie’s All-American Café, Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare and Sweet Spells. You’ll also find an Olaf Pop at Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction, an Olaf Sundae at Hollywood Scoops, and Sugar Frosted Fruit Bites at Pretzel Palooza. Also, be on the lookout for an Olaf-themed sipper that comes filled with a fun “Frozen” beverage.

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Finally, the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party is back (be sure to check out our review from last year). Indulge in specialty sweets and sips before you move to a special reserved viewing area to enjoy Disney Movie Magic and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, a holiday spectacular hosted by the elves Wayne and Lanny from “Prep and Landing.” Among the desserts offered are candy cane brownies, holiday Mickey and Minnie sugar cookies, warm pumpkin pie spiced bread pudding, and sweet Yule Log (some of this new from last year). In addition, you’ll be given an exclusive ornament to take home with you at the end of the party. This is a premium event with dates available November 9th through December 31st.

The Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starts November 9th, but you can start eating all this goodness come Sunday.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Sunset Seasons Greetings Holiday Show Debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on November 10, 2017

Tonight, during a special Annual Passholder event, Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios debuted. The show consists of 4 short vignettes with Disney characters combining projections on the facade of the Tower of Terror, giant screens, and some synchronized lights in the decorations and on trees going down Sunset Boulevard.

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Below, you’ll find a video showing the entire show loop through all 4 sequences featuring Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, The Muppets, and Toy Story (including brief appearances by characters from Prep and Landing):

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REVIEW: Alcoholic Hot Cocoa Flight and Red Velvet Whoopie Pie, Fairfax Fare at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on November 10, 2017

New for the Flurry of Fun this holiday season at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a selection of sweet treats at Fairfax Fare on Sunset Boulevard.

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Guests will find three alcoholic hot chocolates for sale, in both individual servings or all together in a flight, as well as Red Velvet Whoopie Pies shaped like Christmas trees!

Hot Cocoa Flight ($11.00)

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As pictured left to right, there’s a Hot Chocolate Martini made with Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, the Black Cherry Bourbon Hot Chocolate made with Jim Bean Red Stag Black Cherry, and Bailey’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate made with Bailey’s Irish Cream.

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The martini tastes just like hot cocoa with a liquor, which is shouldn’t considering there is vodka in it. It’s fine and enjoyable, but nothing about it stands out. Meanwhile, the Black Cherry Bourbon was a bit of a disappointment. It lacked the kick you would expect from that name, and also had an almost chemical-like taste to it.

The Bailey’s Salted Caramel was outstanding however, so much so that we then bought the stand-alone version of it…

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It is exactly what you would want out of it, with a strong salted-caramel and cocoa flavor is each sip, matched nicely with the accompanying Bailey’s. I would skip the flight and just get this one for $9.25.

Red Velvet Whoopie Pie – $4.99

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They went a little heavy on the powdered sugar on ours…

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Inside, it is basically just a red velvet cupcake with the cream cheese icing located between layers. No, this isn’t what most of the world would consider a whoopee pie, but in recent years, it is what Disney’s Hollywood Studios has come to call them. I have to say this because I was nearly ripped-to-shreds the last time I reviewed whoopie pies…

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The cake was moist and the icing mixed well with it. If I wanted a cupcake, this is what I would get, but if I wanted an actual whoopee pie, I’d have to leave the park.

REVIEW: Apple Cranberry Cobbler and Cookies ‘N’ Cream Olaf Sundae at Hollywood Scoops, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on November 10, 2017

Hollywood Scoops on Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is now offering two holiday specials for the Flurry of Fun: an Apple Cranberry Cobbler and an Olaf Sundae.

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Apple Cranberry Cobbler ($4.29)

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The apple cranberry cobbler is quite good if you enjoy such things. It was served nice and warm in a metal tin, featuring a lot of apple with traces of cranberry, covered in breadcrumbs and icing. This was one of the highlights of all the new offerings we had at the Studios.

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Olaf Sundae ($5.99)

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The Olaf Sundae features cookies ‘n’ cream ice cream, decorated with chocolate chip buttons, chocolate straw arms, and an Olaf white chocolate decoration, all on top of a jelly-filled, powdered-sugar covered doughnut.

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Once we hit the jelly, I enjoyed this more, but hard-packed ice cream on a pastry just isn’t as good as soft serve would be. Maybe a different flavor other than cookies ‘n’ cream would be better, but otherwise, this was pretty large for the price and probably something the kids would enjoy nonetheless.

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REVIEW: Winterberry Cooler & Sugar-Frosted Fruit Bites, Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on November 10, 2017

The pretzel cart near The Great Movie Ride… I mean, the soon to be Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is currently serving two holiday offerings for the Flurry of Fun: a Winterberry Cooler and Sugar-Frosted Fruit Bites.

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Look at the false advertising in this ad: the bag is overflowing with fruit bites. Just wait until you see what we got…

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Yes, our bag is not overflowing…

Winterberry Cooler ($11.25)

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If you’re looking to poison someone you don’t care for this holiday season, might I recommend the Winterberry Cooler? Winterberry is poisonous…

Warning: Although this shrub species is a good provider of wildlife food, its fruits are poisonous to humans. The attractive bright red fruit of winterberry is eaten by small mammals and more than 48 species of birds.

Besides the death part, the Cooler features a fruity, somewhat carbonated, artificially sweetened beverage flavor that is quite unpleasant. You wouldn’t even know there is alcohol in it, which is sad for the price tag it brings along with it. It was so tart and bitter, that it actually burns to drink it.

Sugar-Frosted Fruit Bites ($5.25)

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First of all, you get just 4 of these tiny bites for $5.25, which seems a bit ridiculous. They are basically cookies with dried fruit in them, which isn’t terrible, but this serving size is a joke for the price.

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Again, they aren’t terrible, but for this price, you could get something far more enjoyable from Trolley Car Cafe or Sweet Spells while you are at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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