My Disney Experience App Update Brings AP Renewal, Dining Plan & Credit Card Tracking

Yesterday, Disney released a new update for the My Disney Experience app for both iOS and Android, bringing a bunch of new features to the app. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will now be able to renew their pass on the app directly on their mobile device. Additionally, guests using the Disney Dining Plan will now be able to track how many meal and snack credits they have remaining directly on the app, and for guests staying on property, they will now be able to track charges made to their room using MagicBands.

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Guests can download this update (version 4.8) directly from the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store.

Walt Disney World Is Ending Express Bus Transportation Service Next Week

With the success of Minnie Vans already proven in a very short period of time, Disney has decided to axe the Express Bus Service after 8 months.

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The service, launched back in December of 2016, allowed unlimited park-to-park transportation for guests for a price. However, a Minnie Van, while more expensive as it is sold on a per-ride basis, offers point-to-point transportation anywhere on Walt Disney World property, including resorts and more.

The final day for guests to purchase Express Bus Service is August 16th, with the final day of operation being August 23rd, 2017.

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Yak and Yeti Counter Service Now Serves Breakfast Daily

Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes is now serving quick service breakfast at Animal Kingdom from 9:00am to 10:30am daily.

Located in the Asia area of Animal Kingdom, Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes will now be serving a variety of breakfast sandwiches and tacos, as well as some kid favorites including french toast sticks and a pancake and sausage stick.

Here is a look at the full menu:

Full Menus for the 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

At last it’s already that time of the year where we can start planning how much food we will be chowing down this fall. Today Disney released the food booth menus for the 2017 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Starting earlier than ever this year, Aug. 31, the festival will include an unprecedented 35 booths for Epcot’s 35th anniversary.

Epcot Food Booth Menus

Epcot Legacy Showplace

Chilled Scotch Egg wrapped in Sausage with Mustard Sauce
Zesty Cheeseburger and Cheddar Cheese Macaroni Handwich
L’Orange Cotton Candy: A mixture of Lime and Orange Cotton Candy (vegetarian)
Bright Horizons: Sprite® with Multi-flavored Boba Pearls (non-alcoholic)
M.I.A Beer Company 305 Golden Ale, Doral, FL
Playalinda Brewing Company Blonde Ale, Titusville, FL
Florida Beer Company Passport 35 Triple Chocolate Milk Stout, Cape Canaveral, FL
JDub’s Passion Wheat, Sarasota, FL
Central 28 Trekkerbier Farmhouse Ale, DeBary, FL
Cigar City Guayabera Citra Pale Ale, Tampa, FL
Eastern Florida Flight

  • M.I.A. Beer Company 305 Golden Ale
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Blonde Ale
  • Florida Beer Company Passport 35 Triple Chocolate Milk Stout

Western Florida Flight

  • JDub’s Passion Wheat
  • Central 28 Trekkerbier Farmhouse Ale
  • Cigar City Guayabera Citra Pale Ale

Flavors from Fire

Piggy Wings: Roasted Pork Wings with Korean BBQ Sauce and Sesame Seeds
Smoked Corned Beef with Warm Crispy Potatoes, Pickled Onions, and Blonde Ale Beer Fondue featuring BelGioioso Romano and American Grana Cheeses
Sweet Pancake with Spicy Chipotle Chicken Sausage, Onion Jam, and Maple Butter Syrup
Chocolate Picante: Dark Chocolate Mousse with Cayenne Pepper, Chili Powder, and Raspberry Dust
Orlando Brewery Smokin’ Blackwater Porter
Ravenswood Zinfandel, Napa Valley
Swine Brine featuring Evan Williams Bourbon

Light Lab


Beverage

T=C2: Tonic Water and Cotton Candy (non-alcoholic)
RGB: Citrus Apple Freeze (non-alcoholic)
Bleu Spectrum: Blanc de Bleu Cuvée Mousseux with Boba Pearls
Left Hand Brewing Company Polestar Pilsner, Longmont, CO
Playalinda Brewing Company Robonaut Red Ale, Titusville, FL
Elysian Brewing Space Dust IPA, Seattle, WA
Sixpoint Brewery Mad Scientist Radiant Flux, Brooklyn, NY
Founders Brewing Company Green Zebra Watermelon Gose Ale, Grand Rapids, MI
Blue Point Brewing Company Hoptical Illusion IPA, Patchogue, NY

Space Flight

  • Left Hand Brewing Company Polestar Pilsner
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Robonaut Red Ale
  • Elysian Brewing Space Dust IPA

Light Flight

  • Sixpoint Brewery Mad Scientist Radiant Flux
  • Founders Brewing Company Green Zebra Watermelon Gose Ale
  • Blue Point Brewing Company Hoptical Illusion IPA

Earth Eats Inspired by ABC’s “The Chew”

Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce (vegetarian)
Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots, and Feta Cheese
Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle (gluten friendly)
Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Chardonnay “Goldie,” California
Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Pinot Noir, California
Redstone Meadery Black Raspberry Mead

Active Eats

Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers, and Green Onions
Roasted Verlasso® Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimichurri (gluten friendly)
Sweet Avocado Crema with Strawberries, Yellow Cake, and Tortilla Streusel (vegetarian)
M.I.A. Beer Company HRD WTR Cucumber & Lemon Lime Hard Sparkling Water, Doral, FL
Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Riesling, Washington
Evolution by Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

Coastal Eats

Lump Crab Cake with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Lemongrass Cream
Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip with Sourdough Baguette
Seared Scallops with Roasted Corn and Butterbean Succotash and Chili-chipotle Butter Sauce
Erath Pinot Gris, Oregon
Soter Planet Pinot Noir, Oregon

The Chocolate Studio

Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey-Caramel (gluten friendly)
Sweet Dark Chocolate Raspberry Torte with Whipped Cream and Raspberry Dust (vegetarian)
Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
Banfi Rosa Regale, Piedmont
Lenotti Recioto della Valpolicella, Italy
RL Buller Fine Muscat

The Cheese Studio Hosted by Boursin® Cheese

Braised Beef “Stroganoff” with Tiny Egg Noodles, Wild Mushroom, and Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese Sauce
Savory Caramelized Onion Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese Tart with cold Arugula Salad and Aged Balsamic (vegetarian)
Cheese Trio: Profiterole topped with Boursin® Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese and Orange Apricot Jam; Smoked Salmon Pinwheel with Boursin® Shallot and Chive Cheese and Everything Seasoning; Strawberry Macaroon with Boursin Pepper Cheese
Leth Steinagrund Gruner Veltliner, Austria
Liberated Pinot Noir, California

The Wine & Dine Studio

Seared Scallops, Truffled Celery Root Purée, Brussels Sprouts, and Wild Mushrooms featuring Melissa’s Produce
Pulled Duck Confit with Cannellini Bean Ragoût and Zinfandel Reduction
Trio of Artisan Cheese (vegetarian): Fromager d’Affinois de Excellence with Toasted Baguette; Point Reyes Original Blue with Apricot Jam; Point Reyes Toma with Honey
Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese: Trio of Artisan Cheese Paired with Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc, St. Francis Chardonnay and Recuerdo Malbec
Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford
St. Francis Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Recuerdo Malbec, Argentina
Eden Canyon “Jolie” Red Blend, California
Meiomi Rosé, California

Islands of the Caribbean

Jamaican Beef Patty with Mango Salsa
Mojo Pork with Black Beans, Cilantro Rice, and Pickled Red Onions (gluten friendly)
Quesito: Puff Pastry with Sweetened Cream Cheese and Guava Sauce (vegetarian)
Carib Lager
Caribbean White Sangria
Frozen Mojito

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New Zealand

Steamed Green Lip Mussels with Garlic Butter and Toasted Breadcrumbs
Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
Seared Venison Loin with Wild Mushroom Marsala Sauce and Kumara Purée
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir, Marlborough
Frozen Wine Cocktail featuring Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

Australia

Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper, Onion, and Snap Peas (gluten friendly)
Grilled Lamb T-Bone with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies (gluten friendly)
Lamington: Yellow Cake Dipped in Chocolate and Shredded Coconut (vegetarian)
Coopers Brewery Original Pale Ale
Robert Oatley McLaren Vale Shiraz
Hope Estate “Wollombi Brook” Semillon, Hunter Valley

The Almond Orchard Hosted by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze®

Cauliflower Risotto with Pulled Chicken, Artichokes, Spinach and Parmesan Cheese with Aged Balsamic
Fire-roasted Tomato Hummus topped with Blue Diamond® Salt & Vinegar Almonds served with Blue Diamond Nut Thins®
Banana Almond Soft-serve Sundae with Fresh Berries and Crunchy Chocolate Oats

Patagonia

Beef Empanada
Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée (gluten friendly)
Verum Pinot Noir, Rio Negro
Bodega Noemía de Patagonia “A Lisa” Malbec, Rio Negro

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Hawai’i

Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour DOLE® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
Grilled Tuna Tataki with Seaweed Salad, Pickled Cucumbers, and Wasabi Cream
Teriyaki-glazed SPAM® Hash with Potatoes, Peppers, Onions, and Spicy Mayonnaise
Passion Fruit Cheesecake with Toasted Macadamia Nuts
Maui Brewing Company Bikini Blonde Lager
Florida Orange Groves Sparkling Pineapple Wine
Mai Tai featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum

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Farm Fresh

Crispy Chicken with Griddled Cornbread and Red Eye Gravy
Roasted Beet Salad with Green Beans, Feta Cheese, Minus 8 Vinaigrette, and Toasted Walnuts (vegetarian and gluten friendly)
Gumption Citrus Freak Hard Cider, Middlebury, VT
Woodchuck Raspberry Hard Cider, Middlebury, VT
Two Henrys Elderberry Cream Hard Cider, Plant City, FL
Florida Orange Groves Mango Mama Wine
Cider flight

Greece

Loaded Greek “Nachos”: Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles, and Vegan Tzatziki (vegetarian)
Taste of Greece: Stuffed Grape Leaves with Lemon Dill Sauce, Grilled Octopus and Feta Cheese Dip with Warm Pita
Spanakopita (vegetarian)
Bougatsa: Warm Phyllo Dough Strudel with Sweet Vanilla Custard, Lemon Honey Syrup and Cinnamon (vegetarian)
Domaine Skouras Moscofilero, Peloponnese
Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko, Santorini
Argyros Atlantis Red Blend, Santorini

Thailand

Marinated Chicken with Peanut Sauce and Stir-fried Vegetables
Seared Shrimp and Scallop Cake with Cold Noodle Salad
Red Hot Spicy Thai Curry Beef with Steamed Rice
Helfrich Gewürztraminer, Alsace
Singha Lager

Mexico

Rib Eye Taco: Marinated Rib Eye, Roasted Chipotle Sauce, and Grilled Scallions on a Corn Tortilla
Tequila Chipotle Shrimp: Served on a Black Bean Huarache garnished with Red and Green Cabbage, Queso Fresco, and Crema Mexicana
Cajeta Mousse served with Cajeta Sauce and White Chocolate Flakes
Prickly Pear Margarita
Classic Pomegranate Margarita
Mexican-style Sangria
Pacifico Lager with Floater

China

Beijing Roasted Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin Sauce
Spicy Chicken Bao Bun
Black Pepper Shrimp with Garlic Noodles
Chicken Potstickers
Mango Bubble Tea with Assam Black Tea and Milk (non-alcoholic)
Tsingtao Lager
Ritzy Lychee with Courvoisier Cognac VS and Smirnoff Vodka
Happy Peach with DeKuyper Peach Liqueur and Myers’s Dark Rum
Kung Fu Punch with Smirnoff Vodka and Bols Triple Sec
BaiJoe Punch: Chinese Bai Jiu Spirit, Lychee, Coconut and Pineapple Juice

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India

Warm Indian Bread with Pickled Garlic, Mango Salsa and Coriander Pesto Dips (vegetarian)
Madras Red Curry with Roasted Cauliflower, Baby Carrots, Chickpeas, and Basmati Rice (vegetarian and gluten friendly)
Korma Chicken with Cucumber Tomato Salad, Almonds, Cashews, and Warm Naan Bread
Pistachio Cardamom Bundt Cake with Chocolate Coconut Mousse (vegetarian)
Mango Lassi (non-alcoholic)
Sula Chenin Blanc, Nashik
Sula Shiraz, Nashik
Kingfisher Lager

Africa

Berbere-style Beef Tenderloin Tips with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato, and Pap (gluten friendly)
Spicy Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew with Vegan Yogurt and Quinoa (vegetarian)
Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket with Mint Raita (vegetarian)
Ernie Els “Big Easy” Chenin Blanc, Western Cape
Simonsig Pinotage, Stellenbosch
Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz, Western Cape
Wine flight

Brewer’s Collection
Lebkuchenherz: Decorated Gingerbread Heart
Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
Hacker-Pschorr Hefe Weisse Naturtrüb
Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen Pomegranate Beer
Beer flight

Germany

Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham and Cheese
Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce (vegetarian)
Lebkuchenherz: Decorated Gingerbread Heart
Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett, Mosel
Dr. Heyden Oppenheimer Sacträger Riesling Spätlese, Rheinhessen
Selbach Riesling Classic Dry, Mosel
Wine flight

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Spain

Charcuterie in a Cone with a selection of imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses, and Olives with an Herb Vinaigrette
Traditional Spanish Paella with Shrimp, Mussels, Chicken, and Crispy Chorizo (gluten friendly)
Seafood Salad with Shrimp, Bay Scallops and Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar, and Smoked Paprika (gluten friendly)
Sweet Olive Oil Cake with Powdered Sugar and Lemon Curd
Rafael Palacios Bolo Godello, Valdeorras
Bodegas y Viñedos Artazu Garnacha Rosado, Navarra
Casa Castillo Monastrell, Jumilla
Wine flight

Italy

Crispy Calamari with Spicy Pomodoro Sauce
Absolut Penne: Vodka Sauce with Shrimp
Cannoli al Cioccolato: Chocolate-covered Cannoli Filled with Sweet Ricotta, Chocolate and Candied Fruit
Pinot Grigio
Chianti
Prosecco
Corbinello
Moscato
Frozen Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
Moretti Lager Beer
Moretti La Rossa Double Malt Beer

Hops & Barley

New England Lobster Roll
Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese served on Griddled Garlic Toast
Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing (vegetarian)
New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire White Ale, Fort Collins, CO
Anchor Brewing Liberty Ale, San Francisco, CA
Orange Blossom Brewing Foxtail Cold Brew Coffee Pilsner, Orlando, FL
Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
Atalon Pauline’s Cuvée Red Blend, Napa Valley
Beer flight

Japan

Wasabi Shumai Steamed Pork Dumpling
Salmon BLT Sushi Roll
Teriyaki Ginger Pork
Pom Pineapple Sake Cocktail
Kara Tamba Tarekuchi Dry Sake
Yukikiage “Snow Shadow” Junmai Sake
Sapporo Lager

Morocco

Kefta Pocket: Seasoned Ground Beef in a Pita Pocket
Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomato, Onions, and Tzatziki Sauce (vegetarian)
Chocolate Baklava: Rolled Phyllo Dough with Toasted Almonds and Dark Chocolate Sauce (vegetarian)
Mimosa Royale: Sparkling Wine and Orange Juice topped with Orange Liqueur
Les Trois Domaines Guerrouane White Wine, Meknes
Moroccan Sangria
Casa Pale Lager

Belgium

Beer-braised Beef served with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream (vegetarian)
Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream (vegetarian)
Hoegaarden Witbier
Leffe Blonde Belgian Pale Ale
Stella Artois Hard Cidre
Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
Beer flight

Brazil

Escondidinho de Carne – “Little Hidden One”: Layered Meat Pie with Mashed Yucca (gluten friendly)
Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato, and Onions (gluten friendly)
Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread (vegetarian and gluten friendly)
M.I.A. Beer Company Barbosa Black Beer, Doral, FL
Lidio Carraro Chardonnay
Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

France

Moelleux au Fromage de Chèvre et Épinards: Warm Goat Cheese Pudding with Spinach (vegetarian and gluten friendly)
Croissant aux Escargots: Escargot Croissant with Garlic and Parsley
Boeuf Bourguignon, Purée de Pommes de Terre:Cabernet Sauvignon Braised Beef with Mashed Potatoes
Crème Brûlée à la Confiture de Framboises: Crème Brûlée with Housemade Raspberry Jam (vegetarian and gluten friendly)
La Passion Martini Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, Cranberry and Passion Fruit Juice
Chardonnay, Bouchard Ainé & Fils
Château les Graves de Barrau Merlot and Cabernet Blend, Bordeaux
St-Germain Sparkling Kir: Sparkling Wine and St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Pale Lager

Ireland

Roasted Irish Sausage with Colcannon Potatoes and Onion Gravy
Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip with Irish Brown Bread (vegetarian)
Warm Chocolate Pudding with Irish Cream Liqueur Custard
Twinings® Pumpkin Chai Tea and Caramel Shake (non-alcoholic)
Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
Guinness Blonde American Lager
Twinings® Pumpkin Chai Tea Frozen Cocktail with Caramel Vodka

Scotland

Fresh Potato Pancake with Scottish Smoked Salmon and Herbed Sour Cream
Traditional Scottish Lamb Stew with Neeps and Tatties
The Tipsy Laird: Whiskey-soaked Cake with Lemon Cream and Toasted Oats (vegetarian)
Belhaven Brewery Scottish Ale
Citrus Thistle featuring Hendrick’s Gin

Canada

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup served with a Pretzel Roll
“Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce (gluten friendly)
Moosehead Radler: Lager infused with Grapefruit, Grape and Lemon Juices, New Brunswick Neige Premiere “Apple Ice Wine”, Québec
Fielding Estate Red Conception, Niagara Peninsula

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BREAKING: Disney World’s Uber-Like Service To Be Called “Minnie Vans”, First Details Emerge

Information has started being shared with cast members at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts about the long-rumored “Uber-Style” service Disney World will be launching, and no it is NOT called Duber, rather it will be called Minnie Vans.

Guests at these resorts and the Boardwalk will be a part of the initial test for this service, rolling out slowly over the next few weeks. A team of Chevrolet Traverse vehicles will be utilized, which makes sense considering the corporate sponsor for Test Track is Chevrolet and they have an overall deal with WDW. Given the name Minnie Vans, we expect the truck to be polka-dotted in some way, a play on Minnie Mouse’s classic look, but that’s just a guess.

Guests can expect a flat rate to anywhere on property when utilizing the Minnie Vans service once it launches. While we don’t have an exact number, we expect the rate to be between $15 and $20 a ride. Additional information on the proprietary app or how guests will be able to use the service are scarce right now.

We expect a formal announcement either from the Disney Parks Blog or at the D23 Expo this weekend.

2018 Walt Disney World Travel Packages Now Available, Dining Plan Now Includes Alcohol

2018 Walt Disney World travel packages did in fact go on sale today, with the Disney Dining Plan now offering alcoholic and specialty beverages as rumored.

Guests of select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels with Magic Your Way Vacation Packages that include a Disney Dining Plan have several new beverage options available.

Beverages – Guests under 21 can choose (1) non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests over 21 can choose either one (1) single serving non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one (1) single serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement.

A single serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Artisanal Milkshakes
  • Fresh Smoothies
  • Premium Hot chocolates
  • Soda, Coffee, or Tea

A single serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Beer or Cider
  • Wine or Sangria
  • Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails

Most beer, wine and mixed drink beverages included, some exceptions apply. Guests must be age 21 and over and present valid ID to be served one (1) alcoholic beverage. Alcoholic beverages may only be redeemed with a quick-service or table-service meal entitlement.

With the additions, there is of course a price increase (prices below are per adult, per day):

                                    2018                   2017

Quick Service           $52.49                  $48.19

Disney Dining          $75.49                  $69.35

Disney Deluxe         $116.24                 $106.68

Contact Kingdom Konsultant at 1-866-566-7858 or Vacations@kingdomkonsultant.com if you would like to book these packages now!

Please note that the last date of a Guest’s 2018 Magic Your Way Package may not be more than 499 days in the future and most airlines can not be booked more than 331 days in the future.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Take in the Splendor of Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Night (and During a Thunderstorm)

With the opening of Pandora: The World of AVATAR over the weekend, the world was finally introduced to the beauty and splendor of the nighttime bioluminescence that fills the newest land at Animal Kingdom when the sun goes down.

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

While there is no grand lighting ceremony, watching the plants and walkways slowly come to life as the sun goes down is pretty neat. It’s not the greatest nighttime lighting package I’ve ever seen, but it’s still awesome to see. While I still think Cars Land at Disney California Adventure is far more grandiose (in the mountain range alone, never mind all of that fantastic neon), this is a solid runner up.

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

Nighttime on Pandora is a hard thing to capture in pictures or video, so you will need to see it for yourself before you judge, but here is a look at some highlights:

Last night, we actually got caught in the land during a thunderstorm which offered some really beautiful shots.

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

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Nighttime bioluminescent lighting in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, Walt Disney World

We also have video of that experience to share:

If you haven’t seen it yet, a nighttime trip to Animal Kingdom is certainly in order to experience Pandora: The World of AVATAR at night.

REVIEW: Mobile Ordering Debuts at Walt Disney World Counter Service Restaurants, Does It Work?

A few weeks ago, we told you that Mobile Ordering through the MyDisneyExperience app was coming to select Walt Disney World Resort counter service eateries. Well, yesterday, during a special preview of Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we got to try out the service at the Satuli Canteen.

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The latest update of the app is necessary to use mobile ordering, so make sure you download it.

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Upon opening the updated app, it informs guests of the new service, even though it is in very limited testing.

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Guests registered for a preview of Pandora: The World of AVATAR can utilize the service at Satuli Canteen, who plans to launch with the service when they open on May 27th.

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All you have to do is go to the restaurant of your choice in the app (who offers the service, of course), and select the “Order Food” option.

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As we told you before, the Dining Plan can not be used for this service, only credit cards.

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Ordering is very simple as you just select an entree…

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Once the entree is selected, you can then customize it as you wish.

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You can pretty much remove any of the ingredients, which I thought was impressive.

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When I selected a fountain beverage, the app even tried to up-sell me a Navi Flute Cup. Don’t be ridiculous app, I already have it!

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You can take a look at what’s in your “cart” or “bag” at any time to remove or change the quantity of an item. Once it is to your liking (and you skip over the cup up-sell again), you can hit “Review Order Summary”.

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The “Order Summary” screen gives you one final chance to look at the order, see the price, and purchase it. It will automatically use the credit card attached to your MyDisneyExperience account unless you change it at the bottom of this page. Then you can just hit purchase when ready.

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Once you have pre-paid using your credit card on file, you get a confirmation message. At this point, you can go do whatever and return when you are ready to eat later that day. I, in fact, placed this order three hours before returning to Satuli Canteen. When I even got anywhere near the restaurant, a notification would pop up and ask if I was ready to dine there, a nice feature to have.

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Upon reopening the app, you can find your pre-order in a separate box in “My Plans”, awaiting you to click the “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” button.

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You will need to present your order number, so have this ready when you do retrieve your food.

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Once you hit the button, then your food will be prepared. You don’t have to do anything until it tells you that your order is ready.


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I kept the app open through the entire process, so I saw the 3rd light turn green and tell me that my order was ready to be picked up. If you close the app, you can still get a notification to go to the counter, as you can see below.

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As I said above, when the food is ready, the 3rd dot will turn green and it will tell you to head on over.

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This is when you visit the counter labeled for Mobile Order Pick-Up, and if all goes according to plan, you will have your food and drink within seconds of your arrival. Everything worked for us and it was super convenient. The other person I was visiting with used the regular ordering process and I had my meal in hand much faster than he did, so should this system continue to work in this fashion, I think Disney has a real winner on its hands.

Mobile ordering will be also be available for the following counter service locations at the four Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs at some point in the future:

  • 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.