As Pandora: The World of AVATAR approaches its opening next month, Disney has released another behind the scenes look into this exotic land. Today the topic is on creating the lush wildlife, as well as the animals that live on the planet of Pandora. You will be able to hear and sense the animals all around you as you explore Pandora. Here is the video below from the Disney Parks Blog:
Disney is surveying guests about a possible Star Wars resort hotel experience at Walt Disney World, which would take place on an “actual” Star Wars Starship…
Concept Art, Star Wars “Starship” resort at Walt Disney World
The survey is not being conducted by Disney, but rather by a contracted third party. The survey includes concept art and many details of what the experience would be like…
This all-inclusive, 2-night immersive resort experience at Walt Disney World would include:
The opportunity to experience a 2-day story set in the Star Wars universe
Be surrounded in a continuous, story-driven entertainment experience as it unfolds over the course of the 2-night stay
Have personal interactions with Star Wars characters, live performers throughout the starship (experience the story or simply observe the action according to personal preference)
Engage in the story with programs such as flight training, ship exploration, lightsaber training, and personalized secret missions (both on the starship and throughout the Star Wars themed planet)
Concept Art, Star Wars “Starship” resort at Walt Disney World
While staying aboard an all-inclusive luxury “starship” at Walt Disney World, guests will stay in luxury accommodations offering:
All meals during your stay: buffet breakfasts, lunches, & signature evening dining
Featured entertainment & dinner shows
Exclusive park admission to the Star Wars themed land at the Walt Disney World Resort (a new land opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019)
Star Wars starship amenities including pool area & water garden, fitness area, on-board cantina, and robotic droid Butlers
As of right now, the experience would be priced at roughly $900 to $1000 per guest.
Concept Art, Star Wars “Starship” resort at Walt Disney World
So basically, in summary, the experience would include…
2 nights in an immersive luxury resort that looks and feels like a Star Wars spacecraft (set check-in and check-out dates so everyone is immersed on the same “story” timeline)
Room(s) that accommodate(s) up to 4 people, with an interactive “view” (galaxy or pool/atrium)
Every meal from checking-in on day 1 to check-out on day 3 (5 meals total, including 2 buffet breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 signature dinners with evening entertainment)
1 day of Walt Disney World theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to visit Star Wars-themed land on day 2
Story-driven entertainment that unfolds over the course of your stay (including live character chance encounters, and the opportunity to watch or engage in the story through things like personalized secret missions, flight training, starship exploration, and lightsaber training)
Documents released to media today by the Reedy Creek Improvement District confirm that the long-rumored gondola transportation system is coming to Walt Disney World. While this comes as no surprise based on the permits and such filled over the last few months, it is nice to have it finally admitted to by a Disney agency.
Proposed route for the gondola system at Walt Disney World.
The system will connect Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort when completed.
Today, Disney has given us a look at some of the specialty drinks you will be able to purchase at Pongu Pongu and Satuli Canteen in Pandora: The World of Avatar.
One of the drinks you can find, which is featured above, is the Pandoran Sunrise. It is a non-alcoholic drink mix of tropical juices blended with Powerade Melon – and you can get in the souvenir Satu’li Canteen Flute Flask. Banshee Chardonnay and Banshee Pinot Noir are on the menu by the glass, as well as a refreshing Dreamwalker Sangria with a splash of Blue Curaçao. These drinks listed above are only at the Satuli Canteen.
These 2 specialty ales from Pongu Pongu on the menu and are the Hawkes’ Grog Ale that has a fruity hop character (a taste of apricot and peach, a hint of wheat on the finish), and Mo’ara High Country Ale, which is a malty amber ale with the aroma of herbal spice hops and tastes of caramel, toffee, and nuts.
If you go to the walk-up counter at Pongu Pongu, you can also find the Night Blossom, which is a frozen drink, a non-alcoholic mixture of limeade with apple and desert pear flavors topped with passion fruit boba balls. You can purchase it in a souvenir Pongu Pongu mug with a glow cube as well. The walk up window will have the 2 Pandoran ales on tap, as well as the Mo’ara Frozen Margarita, which is another frozen drink with Sauza Conmemorativo Añejo Tequila with strawberry and blood orange flavor topped with strawberry boba balls. That drink can also be purchased in a souvenir cup.
Pandora: The World of Avatar opens May 27th, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
D23 has finally announced details for their event celebrating Epcot’s 35th anniversary, which will take place on October 1st, 2017…
OVERVIEW
D23’s Fanniversary kicks off a month-long celebration with a one-of-a-kind event on the 35th anniversary of the fan-favorite theme park. The event will include a series of presentations celebrating the magic of Epcot over the past 35 years.
DETAILS
Check-in location and timing details to come. Lunch will be provided to all attendees during the event.
Available to Gold and Gold Family Members. You will be required to show a photo ID. Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.
Join The Official Disney Fan Club as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Epcot during D23’s annual Fanniversary celebration throughout the month of October! Inspired by Walt Disney’s vision for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, EPCOT Center opened on October 1, 1982, as the second theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.
Gold and Gold Family Members have the chance to kick off Fanniversary with a visit to Epcot on October 1 for a D23-exclusive celebration event!
The event will take place at the World Showplace Events Pavilion and includes three presentations that celebrate the magic of this fan-favorite theme park over the past 35 years. The presentations will include rare content and stories from Disney luminaries who played an influential role in the development of Epcot!
All attendees will also have the chance to enjoy a lunchtime look back at Epcot over the years while snacking on a boxed lunch at your table. No event would be complete without a one-of-a-kind gift created exclusively for this celebration.
Learn more about our D23 progressive dinner, celebrating 35 years—which takes place later that evening—here! This separate ticketed event has very limited seating.
NOTE
D23 Gold and Gold Family Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest.
Due to the nature of this experience, all attendees must be at least 12 years of age or older to partake in this D23 event.
This event does not include admission to Epcot. Guests will need to have or purchase admission to Epcot to attend. If planning to use a Walt Disney World Annual Passport to attend, each guest should check blockout dates to verify that the pass is valid for admission on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Admission includes a prix fixe boxed lunch. Food allergy and restrictions must be communicated to our Guest Services team prior to the event.
There is a limited number of tickets available. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership cards may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event.
All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at Walt Disney World Resort during the event you will be attending. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize The Walt Disney Company, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Producer”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.
Tickets will cost $135 per person, plus a $5 per person processing fee. Tickets on sale Tuesday, May 2 at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) at D23.com.
If you are looking for something to do at the Disney Parks from April 21st-23rd, Animal Kingdom will be having an event (free of charge with admission) called ‘Party for the Planet.’ ‘Party for the Planet will be a weekend celebration in honor of Earth Day, as well as the 19th birthday of the park itself which is April 22nd.
Here are some things to look forward to when at the park during those days for the event:
Party for the Planet Times Guides will be available when you enter the park to help you plan the day.
Choose how you will “see nature” and tell the story of your day at the park. In the Oasis, select one of 10 different animal cut-outs (while supplies last) to enhance your experience while raising awareness of the animals Disney Conservation Fund is helping protect through our Reverse the Decline, Increase the Time initiative. Be sure to share your photos on social media using #DisneyAnimals!
Along Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia, take part in an activity focused on snow leopards, one of the amazing animals featured in Disneynature “Born in China.” You can also pick up a free activity packet (while supplies last) based on the film.
Disney PhotoPass photographers will create a special Magic Shot image based on “Born in China” and will have fun Earth Day props you can use to enhance your photos.
Treat yourself to a specialty Party for the Planet chocolate cupcake with chocolate mousse filling and buttercream icing at Creature Comforts and Isle of Java in Discovery Island or panda-themed cookies and candy apples at Zuri’s Sweets Shop in Africa.
You will also be able to:
Shop special vendors in Discovery Island and Africa who are here for our Earth Day celebrations.
Be sure to arrive at “Flights of Wonder” early for special conservation-themed preshows and opportunities to meet a Disney veterinarian.
Show your animal side with face painters and caricature artists at Conservation Station.
Embrace the adventure! There are more than two dozen other family-friendly experiences and special interactions with our animal care experts and education instructors planned throughout the park, so relax, celebrate nature and enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
‘Party for the Planet’ will be April 21st-April 23rd at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In addition to the Anniversary event, D23 will offer another Epcot 35th anniversary add-on in the evening on October 1st, 2017…
OVERVIEW
On the evening of the 35th anniversary of Epcot, a group of D23 Gold and Gold Family Members have the chance to attend an intimate behind-the-scenes, progressive dinner taking place at a variety of private venues throughout Epcot. The multi-course meal will highlight fan-favorite foods found throughout Future World and World Showcase. In addition, honorary Disney luminaries and members of the D23 family will join the group along the way. At the conclusion of the dinner, guests will enjoy a special, behind-the-scenes experience of an iconic Epcot attraction.
DETAILS
The event begins at 6 p.m. Check-in will begin at 5:45 p.m. Please do not arrive before 5:45 p.m. The event will last approximately 4 ½ hours.
Available to Gold and Gold Family Members You will be required to show a photo ID. Members will be required to show their D23 Membership Card.
Join The Official Disney Fan Club as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Epcot during D23’s annual Fanniversary celebration throughout the month of October! Inspired by Walt Disney’s vision for an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, EPCOT Center opened on October 1, 1982, as the second theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Fanniversary kick-off celebration continues on the evening of the 35th anniversary of Epcot with a behind-the-scenes, progressive dinner in a variety of private venues in the theme park. Guests will have the chance to enjoy four courses throughout the evening, the last of which will be a dessert reception along the World Showcase with VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth!
Attendees will progress through dinner within private areas of Epcot including the General Motors Lounge above Test Track and The Living Seas Salon!
Throughout the progressive meal, guests will have the opportunity to spend time with fellow Disney fans, as well as honorary Disney luminaries and special guests.
Before the evening concludes, attendees will enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience of an iconic Epcot attraction.
This one-of-a-kind experience wouldn’t be complete without a custom gift, created exclusively for you.
Be sure to join us earlier in the day for a separate Fanniversary event celebrating 35 years of Epcot with exclusive presentations and more! Learn more about this separate ticketed event here.
NOTE
D23 Gold and Gold Family Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest.
Due to the nature of this experience, all attendees must be at least 21 years of age or older to partake in this D23 event.
This event does not include admission to Epcot. Guests will need to have or purchase admission to Epcot to attend. If planning to use a Walt Disney World Annual Passport to attend, each guest should check blockout dates to verify that the pass is valid for admission on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Admission includes a prix fixe menu throughout the progressive dinner. Food allergy and restrictions must be communicated to our Guest Services team prior to the event.
There is a limited number of tickets available. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event.
All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at Walt Disney World Resort during the event you will be attending. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize The Walt Disney Company, its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Producer”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.
Tickets are $250 per person, plus a $5 per person processing fee. Tickets on sale Wednesday, May 3, at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) at D23.com.
Today, the Walt Disney World website was updated to include an image of what appears to be the Banshee Connect experience in Pandora – The World of AVATAR…
While not announced formally by Disney, here’s what we know about experience…
“Banshee Connect” service is where you will be matched with a tiny version of the beast; a robotic creature that you can take home with you for a price.
So it appears as though guests will enter this area where a number of small Banshee creatures will be perched on a wall. From there, a guest will somehow be linked with one in particular that they can then purchase and take home. This will apparently be located inside of the Windtraders shop in the land.
Pandora: The World of AVATAR will open on May 27th, 2017 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Our latest photo report brings us to the Magic Kingdom, but not before a quick stop at the Polynesian.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Ads for Copper creek are now being handed out since the location is on sale.
A bamboo barrier was erected at Tambu Lounge to separate it from the waiting area.
This was my first time going through security at a monorail station and I must say, it was wonderful. This is a HUGE improvement over the way things were done before and it was so nice to step off the monorail and into the park with just the scan of a MagicBand.
Welcome to The Magic Kingdom
The tagline on the grammatically correct busses was changed to “When You Wish Upon a Star” from “Charmed to See You”. I think this fits better for the Magic Kingdom vehicles. Many of the other phrases for other destinations changed as well.
Getting artsy with a monorail.
In what has been a point of much debate, the Railroad Station sign was changed and now simply says “Magic Kingdom” as opposed to “The Magic Kingdom”. The population sign was also removed, but in fairness, it hasn’t been updated in over a decade.
The local ducks do not seem to care either way.
The main reason for our latest visit was the annual Magic Kingdom Easter Parade on Saturday and Sunday, which you can watch below:
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 merchandise for sale in the Emporium.
Some of the taller trees around the Hub area have started to be removed for extra viewing space for Happily Ever After.
Yes, we ate at Pecos Bill’s again…
Mostly just to see this duck who refused to use his other leg. Even as people tried to walk past him, he wouldn’t budge.
Work to prepare for new launches in Happily Ever After is taking place up on the rooftops.
Shopping for Her
A new Snow White handbag for sale, $29.95.
There’s also this new reversible tote.
A new-to-me Belle handbag.
These outfits for little girls with tutus seem to be a big deal now. More on those shortly.
I thought that this Cinderella Horse and Carriage playlet was pretty neat.
It even lights up!
Who doesn’t need a backpack with a crown?
Here are the tutus with the matching shirts.
Some other new apparel.
This and That
For the 3 people who drink and like LeFou’s Brew…
The Easter season brings egg-shaped cake pops to the parks.
Some new apparel from the Disney Boutique line.
Slap band s are still cool, right?
A new Alice t-shirt for ladies.
Interestingly enough, there are Star Wars tutus and an entire portion of what was the Princess section of the Emporium is now dedicated to Star Wars.
The new purchase with purchase backpack available resort-wide.
The Humphrey the Bear mug has finally made its way to Florida.
Beginning in May of this year and continuing on for the rest of 2017, DVC members will get exclusive benefits at a featured store each Wednesday. The store will open an hour early (9am instead of the usual 10am) for DVC members only, and each store will have a special offer that will be available only on that day.
Here is a list below of the stores that will be currently open and what discounts they will offer:
Wednesday, May 3rd, Kate Spade New York: save 15% on purchases
Wednesday, May 10th, Origins: save 15% on purchases
Wednesday, May 17th, Pandora Jewelry: Save 10% and receive a cosmetic bag with purchase of $100 or more
Wednesday, May 24th, Basin: Spend $30 and get one Bath Bomb; Spend $50 and get 2 Bath Bombs; spend $150 and get a Bath Bomb Barrel
Wednesday, May 31st, Vera Bradley: Complimentary monogramming and gift with a purchase of $100 or more
Wednesday, May June 7th, UGG: Complimentary Disney customization (up to $35) with any purchase
Wednesday, June 14th, Sephora: Complimentary makeover (by appointment) and gift with a $50 purchase in product; complimentary gift with a $25 purchase in product
Wednesday, June 28th, L’Occitane en Provence*: Save 15% on purchases of $65 or more
Wednesday, June 28th, American Threads: Save 10% on purchases
Wednesday, July 5th, Sugarboo & Co.: save 15% on purchases
This is the current list as of right now. Updates and additions, as well as more details, are posted on the DVC Member Benefits website.
*L’Occitane en Provence will not be open early for Members; however, the store will feature a private shopping area for Members from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
