Disney has released an official lineup for this year’s Night of Joy event. Night of Joy is a 2 night event that features some of the best Christian Contemporary music all at Disney World and features such artists this year as Amy Grant, Colton Dixon and Toby Mac. This year, the event is returning to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Concert Lineup:
Friday, September 8th, 2017: MercyMe, TobyMac, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Rend Collective, Zach Williams
Saturday September 9th, 2017: Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tye Tribbett
All of these artists are subject to change, but as of right now these are the artists performing each night. Tickets will go on sale early June.
When the Satuli Canteen opens with Pandora: The World of AVATAR on May 27th, 2017, it will be one of the first restaurants at Walt Disney World to offer mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app. For those unaware of this new service:
Mobile ordering allows you to pay for meals on-the-go with the My Disney Experience app, bypassing the queue to order in the restaurant. Using the app, you can select any of the menu items, customize them as you wish, and pre-pay for the meal. Arriving at the restaurant, guests will simply tap “I’m Here”, which will notify cast members to prepare the meal. When it’s ready, you will be alerted in the app to pick up the food at a designated service window. Only credit card payments will be accepted for this service, with Dining Plan guests still having to use the normal queue, at least as of right now.
Mobile ordering will be also apparently be available for the following counter service locations at the four Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs:
ABC Commissary
Backlot Express
Columbia Harbor House
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
D-Luxe Burger
Electric Umbrella
Flame Tree Barbecue
Liberty Inn
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Pinocchio Village Haus
Pizzafari
Restaurantosaurus
Satu’li Canteen
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
Tortuga Tavern
An exact start date for the service at all of these restaurants is still unknown, but we do know that at the very least Satuli Canteen will be using mobile ordering starting in May. More restaurants may be added in the future should the program prove successful
Please stay tuned to WDWNT.com for more information on this rollout as it becomes available.
Today, Disney shared additional details about new Star Wars products launching this month at both Star Wars Celebration 2017 and at select locations in Disney Parks.
This month, Disney is rolling out a limited release, boxed set with four Astromech droid action figures inspired by characters from the animated series, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”
Additionally, three limited release action figures are making their debut including C1-10P “Chopper” from Disney XD’s animated series “Star Wars Rebels;” a two-pack featuring R2-D2 and C-3PO celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope; and a red Protocol droid, R-3D0, that was briefly seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
This will be the introduction of protocol droids to the Droid Factory line at Disney Parks. There has been no word as of yet if you will be able to build them in addition to Astromech Droids at the Disney Parks locations somewhere down the line, but it seems likely.
Other products include three emitters for the popular Star Wars Build-Your-Own Lightsaber experience at Disney Parks. These items were inspired by lightsabers seen in Star Wars Rebels.
Finally, look for a plush Ewok scout named Paploo as seen in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. This is the 12th character from the limited release Ewok plush collection, and was created especially for Star Wars Celebration 2017.
These products will debut in Booth 3463 at Star Wars Celebration, a Star Wars fan event coming to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from April 13-16, 2017. On April 17, guests may find action figures and the Build-Your-Own Lightsaber parts in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.
Let me start this off by saying that marijuana has not been allowed at Walt Disney World in the past, but apparently for the last few weeks, it has may have been.
You see, the list of prohibited items allowed into Walt Disney World Resort has always included illegal drugs. However, in the state of Florida, medical marijuana is no longer an illegal drug as of Election Day 2016. With this new legislature in place, Disney World will be adding “medical and recreational marijuana” to the list of prohibited items for all of their theme parks, likely sometime in the next few days. Recreational use is obviously still illegal, but Disney will be including that in the listing, regardless.
We could not confirm if the use of prescription marijuana will be restricted at resorts or other non-theme park areas though. Hopefully Disney will clarify this in the coming days.
The system is being described in internal documents as “transporting guests door to door or point to point within resort and theme park locations”. Drivers for the service will be expected to provide information about the advanced technology features of the proposed electric vehicles, while providing information about Disney property and vacation assistance.
Disney is only hiring cast members with at least one year of experience within the company for the positions, and only those with at least 3 years with a Florida driver’s license. It is expected that those Cast Members be knowledgeable about all aspects of the Walt Disney World vacation experience so that they can answer any questions that the guests in the vehicle may have.
Disney will be testing the service as a more personal experience as opposed to the wildly popular Express Bus Service introduced last year.
On Friday May 12th and Saturday May 13th, you can get a chance to see Disney Folk Artist Jim Shore at Disney World. He will be showcasing his brand new Figment figurine that will be available for sale starting that weekend.
The Figment figurine is made out of all hand-crafted stone resin with the look of carved wood and has been hand-painted. Figment stands at roughly 6” high. It’s dimensions are approx. 6”H x 3”D x 3.75”W. He will on sale for $45 plus tax. The maximum any one guest may purchase is 2 of these pieces.
If you are interested, you can pre-purchase this item if you are unable to attend the event All pre-orders can be made here from now until May 1oth, 2017 at 5pm Eastern. Each preorder will be pre-signed by Jim. The event at Disney will be taking place May 12th at Mouse Gear in Epcot from 10am-12pm and on May 13th at Disney Springs in the Art of Disney Store from 10am-12pm.
Later this Fall, the Walt Disney World Resort will present its own version of Club 33, the unique membership club founded by Walt Disney at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.
The former entrance to Club 33 at Disneyland
At Walt Disney World, members will enjoy the legendary guest service at four themed locations (one in each of the theme park) uniquely themed to Walt and Lillian’s world-wide adventures, in addition to other unannounced benefits.
Guests interested in joining can email WDWClub33@disneyworld.com for more information.
The membership will be site specific and will not include access to the other Club 33 locations worldwide.
More details will be revealed about the Club in the fall of 2017.
Ba ba ba bahhh bah, ba ba ba bahhh bah, ba ba ba bahhh bah, ba ba ba bahhhhhhhh!!
In a galaxy far far away … (ok, maybe not so far away) we are bringing you this special galactic edition of WDWNT’s Hostess with the Mostess. In honor of Star Wars’ 40th Anniversary I am bringing you my top five favorite Star Wars experiences in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
So grab your nearest furry co-pilot, warm up the sublight engines, and let’s make our jump to light speed! #InLessThanTwelveParsecs
5. Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
I know what you are thinking … isn’t this just for kids? Yes, unfortunately it is. The Jedi Council will not accept a woman in her twenties … I have tried. But even though this experience is reserved for the younger Jedi, force wielders of all ages should stop by to enjoy this show at least once. Not only is it entertaining and often times hilarious to watch kids try and fight with lightsabers, but it is also so much fun to see Jedi Masters and their Padawans go up against Darth Vader and the Sith. Located right next to the Star Tours attraction, this training is conducted multiple times a day giving you plenty of opportunities to stop by and cheer the younglings on.
4. Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
Watching young Padawans learn to become Jedi is certainly fun, but for anyone else who is still itching to be a Jedi Knight, a Star Fighter Pilot, a Service Droid, or even a Rebel Spy, Star Tours is for you! With dozens of different combinations, Star Tours is a unique ride because you never get the same story twice. Each ride consists of a beginning, middle, and ending sequence that rotate for each new ride experience. You may find yourself being interrogated by Darth Vader, escaping to help the Wookies on Kashyyk, and skidding to safety in the hanger bay on Naboo. This ride is always so much fun and to top it off, you exit the attraction right into Tatooine Traders where you can build your own lightsaber!
3. Star Wars Launch Bay
Everything we have talked about so far is just scratching the surface. If you really want to immerse yourself into the galaxy of Star Wars visit the Launch Bay. Ever wonder what it would be like to interact with a Storm Trooper, see Rey’s speeder up close, shake hands with a Wookie, or relive the fateful meeting between Han Solo and Greto in the Cantina? #HanShotFirst You can do all of those things at the Launch Bay! Meeting Chewbacca and Kylo Ren was one of the coolest meet and greets I have done. And now I am very much looking forward to meeting BB-8!
You can also grab a seat in the Star Wars Launch Bay Theater to watch a short film on the creation and legacy of the Star Wars universe. Packed to the gills with props, decorations, scenes, and even characters, the Star Wars Launch Bay is a must do experience!
So far we have watched Star Wars, rode Star Wars, lived Star Wars, now (my favorite) let’s eat Star Wars. I bought this experience for my husband for our anniversary last year and he absolutely loved it. This party gives you VIP access to the Launch Bay and a special viewing area for the Galactic Spectacular show. We had an absolute blast at this thing! The desserts and drinks were out of this world with theming and taste.
Storm Troopers walked around heckling guests and Jawas were hanging out in the Cantina ready for pictures. And yes! We did get that awesome Chewbacca mug in the picture. To top the night off, we watched Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular from a VIP viewing area. And the show was soooo good, it received the number one spot on my list all by itself.
1. Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
The force is truly strong with this one. This nighttime fireworks event includes projections, lighting, lasers, and pyrotechnics making it a unique and epic experience. Iconic images from the films play on the Chinese Theater and are accompanied by John William’s memorable score. This spectacle comes at you from all angles, immersing you into the action. When the X-Wings and Tie Fighters are engaged in combat, the lasers are coming right at you, making you feel like you are in the middle of the attack. #PewPew #ItsATrap
My husband and I were pleasantly surprised at how good this show really was. All of the special effects are orchestrated together so perfectly that the entire spectacle was amazing. I cannot wait to see it again on my next trip!
All of the Star Wars Experiences are so fun! Which made making this list so hard! But in the end, these are my top five favorites!
Now it is your turn to vote! Remember, if your favorite experience is not on the list, you can select “other” and comment below. I cannot wait to see how you vote! May the Force Be With You!
Extra Magic Tip: Be sure to go on Star Tours: The Adventure Continues more than once! With unique beginnings, middles, and ends, there are over 50 different combinations you can experience.
The very first Star Wars Galactic Nights event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is taking place on April 14th, 2017 as part of Star Wars Celebration Orlando, but it is now expected that the event will become a regular offering for the park in the weeks to come. Disney has released a full schedule and list of events for the evening (finally) ahead of the debut just hours away:
Entertainment
Stars in Cars – 8:05PM
Motorcade Route (Stars near Main Entrance)
Grab your spot to view a star-studded motorcade featuring a galaxy of your favorite Star Wars celebrities. The motorcade begins at the front of Hollywood Boulevard and travels towards Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.
Inside the Saga – Celebrity Chat Show – 9:00, 10:00, 11:00PM
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Theater (Pre-show begins 10 minutes before show time)
Hear from host Vanessa Marshall and Star Wars cast members and go behind the scenes of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” to learn what it takes to make remarkable cinematic moments. 30 minutes long.
Celebrate the Saga – 9:15 & 11:15PM
Rebel Base
Take an interactive journey that chronologically celebrates the milestones of 40 Force-filled years of Star Wars
DJ Dance Party – 7-7:25PM, 9:45-10:25PM
Rebel Base
Sway the night away at a galactic dance party.
Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away – 7:45, 8:50, 10:50PM
Rebel Base
Experience a live stage show of high energy film clips that juxtapose action-filled character moments on stage, including Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and many more! (Enhanced for Event)
Galactic Nights Epilogue – 11:40pm
Rebel Base
Prior to the evening’s grand finale, join our event hosts as you marvel at a spotlight of Star Wars Galactic Nights event highlights from the fans!
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular – 11:45PM
Rebel Base
Watch the fireworks above bring the entire Star Wars saga to life in a spectacular multimedia experience! (Enhanced for Event)
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple – 7:45, 8:45, 9:45, 10:45PM
Near Star Tours- The Adventures Continue
Witness the future of the Force, as younglings face their fears at the sacred Jedi Temple. 25 minutes in length. Visit Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost to reserve a spot in the training. Participants ages 4-12 must be present to register. Space is limited. (Enhanced for Event)
March of the First Order – 8:30 & 10:30PM
Hollywood Boulevard
Captain Phasma leads a unit of First Order Stormtroopers down Hollywood Boulevard to the Rebel Base, stopping for a demonstration of their power and strength.
Imperial March – 7:25, 9:25, & 11:25PM
Starts near Star Tours and travels to Rebel Base
The Sith Lord himself, Darth Vader, leads a battalion of Stormtroopers on a dramatic Imperial March to the Rebel Base.
Characters
The following Star Wars characters will be at the event to meet guests:
Darth Vader
Chewbacca
Kylo Ren
BB-8
Boba Fett
Jawas
Ewoks
Imperial Troopers
AWR Troopers
The following Disney characters will be available in their standard locations:
Mickey & Minnie Mouse
Olaf
Buzz Lightyear & Woody
Moana
Scavenger Hunt
Guests are invited to collect a piece of the saga at photo backdrops featured throughout the Park and affix each piece to your Star Wars Galactic Nights Credential! Disney
PhotoPass Photographers will also be at each location to capture your favorite moments.
Locations:
Jabba the Hutt’s Palace (Near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster)
Han Solo Frozen in Carbonite (Near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster)
Hoth Wampa Cave (Muppets Courtyard)
Trash Compactor (Left of Great Movie Ride)
Emperor’s Throne Room (Echo Lake)
Rogue One (Near One Man’s Dream)
Speeder Bike (Across from Star Tours)
Attractions
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Star Wars Edition is a special experience just for the event. Take a journey through hyperspace in this not-to-be-missed Star Wars experience. A version of this experience was run during The Force Awakens premiere hard-ticket event which was held in December 2015.
Other attractions that will be operating are:
The Great Movie Ride
Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Muppet-Vision 3D
Toy Story Mania!
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream
Voyage of The Little Mermaid
Star Wars Launch Bay
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Food and Beverage
Skywalker Vineyards wines will be available at the bars located near the Rebel Base. Snack carts located throughout the park will feature specialty cupcakes, lightsaber churros, Chewbacca steins, and TIE Fighter popcorn buckets.
Merchandise
Special event merchandise will be available at the following locations:
Legends of Hollywood
Mickey’s of Hollywood
Keystone Clothiers
Launch Bay Cargo
Tatooine Traders
WDWNT will be on the scene tonight to bring you all of the action, so stay tuned for live streams on our social media counts and much more, as well as plenty of photos, videos and thoughts after the event concludes.
