Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Officially Opens May 28th

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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Earlier today, Walt Disney World hosted a special dedication ceremony for the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction at The Magic Kingdom. During the event, Tom Staggs officially announced that the new attraction will officially open to guests on May 28th.

The family-style coaster features an innovative new ride system that allows cars to swing back and forth as they travel down the track. The cars are even designed to reflect similar vehicles that appear in the film, handmade of wood by the Dwarfs, shaped by an axe, and used to haul rocks and jewels.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train also uses the latest in technology featuring some of the most advanced and charming Audio-Animatronics figures we’ve ever created. Adding to the fun, the journey will be accompanied by music from the film classic and scenes filled with Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and playful forest critters.

Re-Imagined Disney’s Polynesian Resort Announced

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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Back in February, we posted about the closure of the Polynesian Resort lobby as it made way for a complete overhaul. Well, its now official that Disney’s Polynesian Resort is going to be completely “Re-Imagined” starting with a name change. As part of a complete re-imagining, Disney’s Polynesian Resort is returning to its original, 1971 opening day name: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

The biggest announcement outside of the re-imagining, is that the infamous Trader Sam’s from the Disneyland Hotel is making its way to Walt Disney World as Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Check out the official concept art for the re-imaging.

Festival of The Lion Kingdom Returns in June

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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Festival of The Lion King will be returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this June in it’s new home in Africa. No specific date was given but you can stay tuned to WDWNT for more details on the re-opening of FoTLK. For now, enjoy this new concept art of the new theater.

“Rivers of Light” Nighttime Spectacular Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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As part of the largest expansion to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a new nighttime spectacular has been announced. “Rivers of Light” promises to be an innovative show unlike anything ever seen in Disney Parks, combining live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. The show will magically come to life on the broad, natural stage of the Discovery River, between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Harambe Nights Announced for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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Harambe Nights will be a hard ticketed event taking place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom starting June 7 through August 9. It all begins with a Welcome Reception in the park’s Harambe Village, including mouth-watering appetizers and African-inspired wine and beer. Then it’s time for the ‘mane’ event! Take your seat inside the newly built Harambe Theatre for an unforgettable performance of “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild.” This all-new, never-before-seen theatrical experience features a live orchestra and choir, dancers, digitally projected movie moments, and dramatic lighting and scenic elements – all hosted by a celebrity guest narrator. The show brings to life the humor, heart, and stirring emotional power of Simba’s journey to find his place as the Lion King. The lineup for “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild” will include:

  • June 7 – Viola Davis: “The Help,” “Ender’s Game”
  • June 14 – TBD
  • June 21 – Montego Glover: “The Following,” “Memphis”
  • June 28 – David Alan Grier: “Porgy & Bess,” “In Living Color”
  • July 5 – Michael Beach: “ER,” “Third Watch,” “Sons of Anarchy”
  • July 12 – Harry Lennix: “The Blacklist,” “The Five Heartbeats”
  • July 19 – Joe Morton: “Scandal,” “American Gangster,” “The Good Wife”
  • July 26 – Alfre Woodard: “Desperate Housewives,” “Miss Evers Boys”
  • August 2 – Patina Miller: “Pippin,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1”
  • August 9 – Brian Stokes Mitchell: “Ragtime,” “Trapper John, M.D.,” “Glee”

After the show, the celebration continues with the Harambe Nights Street Party, filled with music, characters, and live performers, encouraging everyone to join in and “Go wild!” You can enjoy an all-inclusive buffet of sophisticated and flavorful African cuisine and gourmet desserts. Exclusive Lion King merchandise and collectibles will be available for purchase during the event, and you’ll want to stick around for a special finale to bid “kwaherini” to a magical evening that could only happen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

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Harambe Nights takes place every Saturday from June 7 – August 9, 2014, with the Welcome Reception starting at 7 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. show time. Tickets are $119 for adults, $79 for ages 3-9, plus tax. Tickets with premium floor seating are $134 for adults, $94 for ages 3-9, plus tax. Capacity is limited, so you’ll want to go ahead and get your tickets by visiting Disneyworld.com/HarambeNights.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Very Merry Christmas Party Dates & Prices

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

Dates and Prices have been set for both of Magic Kingdom’s holiday hard ticket events: Mickey’s not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! Sales for both parties begin Monday May 5, 2014

 

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party: 

Dates:  September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, & 28

October 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, & 31

Pricing:                            Sept Advance     Oct Advance      Sept Same-Day        Oct Same-Day            Oct 31    

Guests Ages 10 & Up       $62 + tax           $67 + tax                   $68 + tax                        $71 + tax                 $77 + tax

Guests Ages 3-9                 $57 + tax          $62 + tax                    $63 + tax                       $66 + tax                  $72 + tax

**Note: Tickets are subject to availability. Advance Sales Pricing is available for all events except 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/30, and 10/31. For events on these dates only Same-Day Pricing applies. For events on all other dates, Advance Sales Pricing is available and Same-Day Pricing will be only on the day of the event (if available).

Passholder and DVC Member Offer:

  • Specially priced tickets are available to Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders for the following event days: September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, October 2, 5, 9, 13, 16, 19, & 21.
  • Specially priced tickets must be purchased in ADVANCE
  • Passholders may purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to three guests.
  • DVC Members may purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to five guests
  • Passholders may purchase discounted tickets by calling 407-560-PASS and via DisneyWorld.com/Passholder
  • Disney Vacation Club Members may purchase tickets via DVC Member Services bu calling 800-800-9800
  • All Discounted tickets will be set up for Will-Call. A valid Annual Pass of Disney Vacation Club Member ID must be shown at the time of ticket pickup

Passholder and DVC Member Prices:

  • Guests Ages 10 & up: $58.00 + tax
  • Guests Ages 3-9: $53.00 + tax

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party:

Dates:  November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, & 30

December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, & 19

Pricing:                                 Advance Sale                  Same-Day                     Dec 19

Guests Ages 10 & Up       $67.00 + tax                  $71.00 + tax                $74.00 + tax

Guests Ages 3-9                 $62.00 + tax                  $66.00 + tax                $69.00 + tax

**Note: Tickets are subject to availability. Advance Sales Pricing is available for all events except 11/21, 11/30, 12/5, 12/12, 12/18, &12/19. For events on these dates only Same-Day Pricing applies. For events on all other dates, Advance Sales Pricing is available and Same-Day Pricing will be only on the day of the event (if available).

 

Passholder and DVC Member Offer

  • Specially priced tickets are available to Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders for the following event days: November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, December 2, 4, & 9.
  • Specially priced tickets must be purchased in ADVANCE
  • Passholders may purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to three guests.
  • DVC Members may purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to five guests
  • Passholders may purchase discounted tickets by calling 407-560-PASS and via DisneyWorld.com/Passholder
  • Disney Vacation Club Members may purchase tickets via DVC Member Services bu calling 800-800-9800
  • All Discounted tickets will be set up for Will-Call. A valid Annual Pass of Disney Vacation Club Member ID must be shown at the time of ticket pickup

Passholder and DVC Member Prices:

  • Guests Ages 10 & up: $62.00 + tax
  • Guests Ages 3-9: $57.00 + tax

Final Performance of Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade on May 31

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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The final performance of Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be on May 31, 2014. There is currently no new parade scheduled to take its place but this will be due to heavy construction happening around the park including around the parade route. In the meantime, Rivers of Light is scheduled to debut sometime in the future with no current timeframe set.

If you’re a fan of the parade at Animal Kingdom, go check it out before it goes away forever!

“Winged Encounters” – A New Bird Show Coming to Animal Kingdom This Summer

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

There’s a new animal experience coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Stars of the show are flocks of macaws in a kaleidoscope of colors flying over and around the heart of the park — Discovery Island. Brought to you by the fantastic team that inspires and delights guests at our Flights of Wonder show in collaboration with Disney Creative Entertainment, “Winged Encounters — The Kingdom Takes Flight,” will debut this summer.

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The macaws, with wingspans up to 60 inches, are now making short flights in the early morning hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in preparation for the debut of the new experience, which features six types of macaw: hyacinth, green-winged, blue and gold, scarlet, blue-throated and military.

In addition to seeing these colorful birds in flight, during up-close encounters, avian experts will share conservation stories about the macaws, the majority of which are endangered in their native Central and South America.

Magic Kingdom Entertainment Schedule Released for 24-Hour Disney Side Party

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

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While some minor offerings have been left off of the schedule still, here’s when you might catch the larger entertainment offerings during the 24-hour Disney Side party at the Magic Kingdom May 23rd and 24th:

  • Magic Kingdom Welcome Show – 5:50 AM
  • Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! Street Party – 10:00 AM, 1:30PM, 5:45 PM
  • Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade – 12:00 PM, 3:30PM
  • Celebrate the Magic – 8:45 Pm, 10:45 PM
  • Wishes! – 9:00 PM
  • Main Street Electrical Parade – 11:00 PM,  1:00 AM

The park will be open from 6:00 AM on May 23rd until 6:00 AM on May 24th. Stay tuned for more information on this event as more becomes available.