PHOTOS: New ‘Magic Shots’ for Disney PhotoPass at Animal Kingdom feature Pascal, Kaa, AVATAR, and More!

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

Just recently, PhotoPass has created some new ‘Magic Shots’ to enhance photos take at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

width=

These ‘Magic Shots’ will add a little extra ‘pixie dust’ to your Disney photos.

width=

At Animal Kingdom, you can expect to find a wide variety of these special photo-ops. All you have to do is just ask any PhotoPass photographer, aside from those at Character Experience locations, to set up the photo.

width=

width=

width=

width=

You can find Kaa from the Jungle Book, Kion from The Lion Guard, Flik from A Bug’s Life, and even an adorable panda from the Disneynature movie Born in China.

width=

width=

width=

width=

Also starting May 27th, you can find some special ‘magic shots’ on the Planet of Pandora where you can have Banshees in the background, or even have the official Pandora logo beneath you!

“American Idol” Auditions To Be Held At Walt Disney World, Disneyland

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

width=

TMZ is reporting that with “American Idol” now coming back and airing on ABC, that auditions will be held at Walt Disney World and possibly even Disneyland Resort.

From TMZ:

Yep, TMZ has learned the show will shoot audition weeks at Walt Disney World in Orlando. We’re told there are 2 reasons:

— It promotes a huge brand within the Disney company — amusement parks.

— It’s way more cost-effective than travelling the show to various cities.

A source familiar with the deal tells us there’s also talk of doing some of the auditions at Disneyland on the West Coast.

It would also give the show a cross-section of America and beyond, without having to hit the road.

Money is definitely an issue. The show got too expensive to produce, which is why it went off the air a year ago, and this will save a considerable sum.

Of course, Walt Disney World used to host auditions of sort for the show when it was on FOX through the American Idol Experience attraction, which is now long gone.

Source: TMZ

Caribbean Beach Resort Introduces Breakfast and Dinner Buffet for Hotel Guests

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is now offering a breakfast and dinner buffet (called the Centertown Buffet) while extensive work is done to the existing Old Port Royale restaurants.

width=

Centertown Buffet is for Caribbean Beach resort guests only. Supposedly, cast members will scan MagicBands to verify that guests are staying at the resort.

For breakfast, adult meals cost $13.99, and children 3-9 cost $7.99. For dinner, adults cost $20.99, and children 3-9 cost $11.99. Both breakfast and dinner will use one Quick Service dining credit for those on the plan. Breakfast buffet hours are between 6:30AM-11:30 M, and dinner buffet hours are between 5:00PM–10:00PM.

The breakfast buffet includes:

  • Scrambled Eggs
  • Potato Casserole
  • Bacon
  • Sausage
  • Carved Breakfast Ham with Spiced Pineapple Glaze
  • “Gold Doubloon” Pancakes
  • Buttermilk Pancakes with Assorted Toppings and flavored syrups
  • Island Crêpes in Warm Dried Fruit Compote
  • Biscuits and Gravy
  • Warm Buttery Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
  • Stone Ground Grits drizzled with Florida Honey
  • Mini Vegetable and Cheese Frittatas
  • Fruit and Yogurt Station
  • Assorted Seasonal fresh and Dried Fruits
  • Plain and flavored Yogurts
  • House-made Granola
  • Selection of Mini Pastries, Donuts, and Bagels

The dinner buffet includes:

  • Island Conch Chowder
  • Curried Pasta and Vegetable Salad
  • Iceberg House Salad with Assorted Dressings
  • Sweet Island Slaw with Mango, Cabbage, and Papaya
  • Carved and Sliced Meats Mojo-roasted Pork
  • Citrus-brined Turkey Breast
  • Sugar-glazed Ham
  • Jerk-spiced BBQ Chicken
  • Curried Shrimp
  • Sustainable Fish with Chutney
  • Glazed Mahi-Mahi
  • Penne Pasta with Assorted Sauces
  • Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets
  • Assortment of fresh Sliced Fruits
  • Coconut Rice Pudding
  • Chocolate Rum Cake
  • Lemon Cream
  • Roasted Pineapple Cheesecake
  • Brownies, Cookies
  • Rice Krispies Treats
  • Dinner Rolls
  • Sweet Corn Muffins
  • Island Rice
  • Black Beans
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Braised Collard Greens
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Buttered Broccoli
  • Sweet Corn
  • Specialty Vegetable Medley

Tickets Now On Sale for 2017 Magic Kingdom Halloween and Christmas Party Events, Prices Announced

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

Tickets are finally on sale starting today for the Magic Kingdom’s annual hard-ticket holiday events.

width=

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will start earlier than ever this year, with parties running on Aug. 25 & 29; Sept. 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 & 29; Oct. 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 & 31; and Nov. 1. The event will feature trick-or-treating, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show, Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and “Happy HalloWishes.” Guests of all ages are also welcome to dress up for the party (check the park costuming guidelines here).

width=

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be held Nov. 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26 & 28; and Dec. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 & 22. The party will feature Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, “Holiday Wishes,” “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” and much more.*

  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Advance ticket prices starting at $74 for adults and $69 for children (3-9).
  • Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Advance ticket prices starting at $89 for adults and $84 for children (3-9).

For more information and to order tickets, head to Disneyworld.com, call 407-W-DISNEY or contact your travel agent. You’ll want to get these tickets early, because certain popular dates may sell out fast. Reservations for event-night dining and dessert parties will open later this summer.

REVIEW: Gaston’s Tavern at the Magic Kingdom Introduces Macaron Dessert Trios

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

In the 5 years it has existed, Gaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom has seemingly had an endless number of offerings come and go. From pork shanks and beef stew, to specialty hot chocolate and cupcakes, there are many items that came and left at the Beauty and the Beast-themed eatery. The latest items to roll through that revolving door are macaron trios…

width=

Gaston Tavern Trio of Macarons, The Magic Kingdom

For $5.99, guests can choose a trio of flavored macarons to enjoy with (or without) a LeFou’s Brew.

width=

Gaston Tavern Trio of Macarons, The Magic Kingdom

So how are they?

Pistachio, Raspberry, and Lemon Macaron Trio ($5.99)

width=

Pistachio, Raspberry, and Lemon Macaron Trio ($5.99)

I’m deftly more of a chocolate and coffee-flavored dessert person, so I was surprised when I enjoyed these flavors more. The macarons were very fresh and had a very crisp, strong flavor. Yes, they are quite small and bit so for the price point, but they make up for it in quality and taste.

Chocolate, Vanilla, and Coffee Macaron Trio ($5.99)

width=

Chocolate, Vanilla, and Coffee Macaron Trio ($5.99)

While these were not as good as the above trio, they were still really, really good. Again, the flavors are quite pronounced and even if you didn’t have the names of the flavors available to you and were blindfolded, you would undoubtedly still be able to tell what flavor it was that you were eating.

width=

Size comparison on an iPhone 7 Plus

While I would like to tell you to not order these as they are really tiny and a terrible value, they are so good that I can’t bring myself to do it. If you are visiting Gaston’s Tavern and want to give these a try, I highly suggest you do. I also suggest you do it soon, because who knows how long they will last.

PHOTOS: Splitsville Encloses Upper Floor Patio for New Dining Experience at Disney Springs

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

Splitsville Luxury Lanes has been a hotspot since it opened 5 years ago at Disney Springs, offering bowling with a surprisingly good food and drink menu to boot. With more guests than ever visiting Disney Springs now, they embarked on a major remodeling project recently.

width=

Construction on the upper floor of Splitsville taking place on the evening of May 4th, 2017.

Well, today we got to see exactly what they were working on…

width=

Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs

As you can see, they have enclosed the former patio and bar area on the upper floor.

width=

Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs

While it is unknown what the space will be (bar/lounge, more dining space, or something else), it is at least now enclosed to offer great views in any weather. Splitsville is often quite busy, so we can understand the need to be able to utilize all the space they have at all times.

width=

Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs

What do you think? Did you prefer the open air patio?

The Market at Ale & Compass Counter Service Dining Location Opens May 15th at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

On Monday, May 15th, The Market at Ale & Compass will open to guests at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

The former Ale and Compass Lounge at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, now The Market at Ale and Compass

The former Ale and Compass Lounge at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, now The Market at Ale and Compass

Operating daily from 6am until 11:30pm daily, guests will find handmade salads, sandwiches, healthy snacks, breakfast pastries, expanded coffee offerings, and more at this counter service location. Guests will also be able to refill their resort mugs at brand new Coke Freestyle machines at this location.

The merchandise side of The Market at Ale and Compass will open later this Summer, as will a new counter service location in the former home of the Fittings and Fairings shop.

BREAKING: Fire Reported at Cinderella Castle, Royal Table Restaurant Evacuated

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

There appears to be a small fire at Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom tonight as the structure was being evacuated about a half an hour ago…

width=

Photo courtesy of @bkabbash on twitter

Fire alarms in the kitchen at Cinderella’s Royal Table do go off from time to time, but this appears to be outside of the Castle. Firefighters were reported responding to the incident on the side where the Wishing Well stands, somewhere in the rocks that are part of the front facade at its base. It is likely that fallout from the nightly pyrotechnics displays are to blame.

No further details are available at this time, but it does not appear to be a very large scale incident and likely no one was harmed.

We will keep you posted as more becomes available.

UPDATE – The small fire appears to be out and operations at the Magic Kingdom are back to normal.

Tarzan Meet and Greet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Moving to New Location

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

With the crowds expected to descend on Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Tarzan meet and greet experience will be moving.

width=

Formerly located just outside of Pizzafari on what will be the path to Pandora, Tarzan moved to a new spot behind the Tree of Life on Wednesday, May 10th. This will be his new, permanent meet and greet location and no character will be replacing the former meet and greet spot near Pizzarfari.

Figment, Dreamfinder & More Celebrate Love at the Pin Celebration Coming to Epcot

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

Th annual Pin Celebration will return in 2017 from August 25-26th. This years’ theme is ‘Love is an Adventure’.

width=

There are some very unique and specially designed pins for this year, including ones themed to the Dreamfinder with Figment and Jessica Rabbit with Roger Rabbit.

width=

Featured below are some pins that feature some timeless classic Disney Characters. We also have some pins that might make you cry; the story of Carl and Ellie from Up.

width=

The pins below are part of a mystery pin collection which there are a total of 16 pins in this set, and each box contains two randomly selected pins. In addition to the eight pins shown below, the set will also contain eight limited edition chaser pins each with an edition size of 250.

width=

Next up we have the ‘Love is Vain’ set which features six 3D sculpted pins inspired by Disney Villains.

width=

This Pin Celebration event is a separate ticketed event inside of Epcot. You can only purchase these pins at the event, nowhere else.

In addition to perusing through the pins created for this event, guests will participate in trading activities, meet Disney artists and merchandisers, and have opportunities to take photos with world famous Disney characters.

For more details on how to register for this event, please visit DisneyParksMerchandise.com.

Please note space is limited.