Author Archives: Cody Woodbrey
New Hotel Coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2021
Disneyland has some exciting news to share with everyone about continuing expansion and growth of the Disneyland® Resort. For the first time in almost two decades, Disneyland will open a new Four Diamond hotel! Set to open in 2021, this hotel will transform the west end of the Downtown Disney® District and anchor a new gateway to the Disneyland Resort.
The stunning 700-room hotel will feature a sophisticated design and be a game-changer for Anaheim, creating a dynamic dining, entertainment and hotel experience for resort visitors and local residents. Extensive landscaping and water elements will create a resort oasis, showcasing nature on every level of the hotel. The hotel’s location embraces the iconic Disneyland Monorail with a dedicated platform inside the hotel for direct transport into Disneyland Park.
Guest rooms, public spaces and gardens will provide views of the Downtown Disney District. In addition, an upper-level restaurant and lounge will give guests a view of the popular Disneyland Park fireworks.
The ground level of the hotel will include shops and restaurants opening onto an expansive landscaped plaza complete with playful water features, creating a gathering place for guests and visitors. The new hotel also connects all four Hotels of the Disneyland Resort through lush gardens and beautifully landscaped walkways, transforming the gateway on the west side and creating a welcoming entry for guests.
Construction is scheduled to start in summer 2018, with a grand opening slated for 2021.
Woodbrey Family Travel
Parking and Transportation Improvements Coming to the Disneyland Resort
As part of the multi-year expansion of the Disneyland® Resort, Disney is upgrading, improving and adding new parking and transportation enhancements that have been long envisioned for the resort. The centerpiece of this plan is an all-new parking structure to be built on the current Pinocchio surface parking lot next to Mickey & Friends.
This new 6,500-space structure is designed to dramatically improve parking and traffic flow throughout the resort. It is expected to significantly speed up guest arrival by providing a 60 percent increase in the number of access lanes and adding additional parking capacity on the west side of the resort.
The additional parking capacity and access lanes will streamline vehicle arrivals on the west side of the resort and eliminate backups onto city streets. In addition, the tram boarding area will be reconfigured to enhance the transportation experience for guests parking at both the new structure and Mickey & Friends.
Woodbrey Family Travel
Hurricane Irma Update for Disney Cruise Line September 8, 2017
Based on the projected path of Hurricane Irma, Disney Cruise Line is making the following adjustments to itineraries:
Disney Fantasy
The September 9 sailing of the Disney Fantasy is cancelled. Refunds will automatically be processed back to the original form of payment used for the cruise booking.
Disney Dream
The September 8 and September 11 sailings of the Disney Dream are cancelled. Refunds will automatically be processed back to the original form of payment used for the cruise booking.
Future Bahamian and Eastern Caribbean Sailings
At this time, there are no changes to other sailings on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. However, they continue to closely monitor Hurricane Irma and assess its impact on the ports of call they visit in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Updates regarding any necessary itinerary changes will be posted beginning September 12.
While they always strive to deliver magical cruise vacations, nothing is more important to them than providing a safe experience for thier guests and crew. They will continue to closely monitor the weather and provide updates as necessary
Woodbrey Family Travel
Hurricane Irma Update for Walt Disney World September 8, 2017
Walt Disney World Resort continues to monitor the path of Hurricane Irma as they take the necessary steps to maintain the safety of Guests and Cast Members. Please visit Walt Disney World > Frequently Asked Questions > General Questions to view the Hurricane Policy for Walt Disney World Resort.
CLOSURES, CANCELLATIONS & MORE
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park will be closed Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will remain open for Guests during this time.
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will be closed beginning Saturday, September 9 at 2:00 PM.
SPECIAL EVENT UPDATES
In anticipation of inclement weather associated with Hurricane Irma, please note the following event cancellations at Walt Disney World Resort.
- Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has been canceled on Saturday, September 9, 2017. The performances on Friday, September 8 will take place as planned.
- Guests with tickets for Saturday are welcome to attend Friday’s event instead by exchanging their tickets at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Box Office after 4 PM Friday.
- Requests for a full refund for either event night will be honored.
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been canceled on Sunday, September 10, 2017. The event will take place as planned on Thursday, September 7. Guests are invited to exchange their Sunday, September 10 event tickets for one of the following options:
- Tickets to attend another Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Tickets to attend an upcoming Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- 1 Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper Option, to be used within the next 2 years
- Receive a full refund for event tickets
To redeem these offers, Guests should call (407) 939-7818 by January 31, 2018 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM., or email us at Ticket.Inquiries@DisneyWorld.com. Please have your tickets available so we may process your request for you as quickly as possible. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
Woodbrey Family Travel
FIRST LOOK AT THE FULL ROSTER OF MARVEL SUPER HEROES TO ASSEMBLE ON DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Are you ready for the largest gathering of Marvel Super Heroes at sea? Marvel Day at Sea features exclusive character interactions where you will have a chance to meet astounding Super Heroes and a very extraordinary Villain.
Today, Disney is thrilled to reveal that Black Widow and Hawkeye will also join this epic event. They’re assembling with nearly a dozen others from the Marvel Universe, including Black Panther and Loki who will make their very first appearance as part of a Disney vacation experience. Since Black Panther and Loki will be joining us all the way from the remote Kingdom of Wakanda and faraway realm of Asgard, the opportunity to see these two icons is extra special.
The event also marks the first official appearance of Iron Man, Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Rounding out the roster of Marvel Super Heroes that will be onboard are Spider-Man, Captain America, Thor and Doctor Strange.
Throughout this day long celebration, you will have the opportunity to see some of these legendary characters from the Marvel Universe up close and in person …
- If you are booked on a Marvel Day at Sea cruise, you’ll be able to sign up for a designated time to meet Spider-Man, Iron Man and, for the first time, Black Panther during the sailing.
- In addition, you’ll have the chance for heroic encounters with Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Doctor Strange, Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot and Loki.
- Kids can train with some of their favorite Super Heroes in Marvel’s Avengers Academy.
- During the action-packed deck show spectacular, more than a dozen of everyone’s favorite Marvel Super Heroes will come together for an epic finale.
Some of your’ own heroic encounters may include sharing a salute with Captain America, joining forces with Black Widow, taking a selfie with Star-Lord, getting up close with Groot, coming face-to-face with Thor or catching Loki lurking around the ship. With all of these Super Heroes and a formidable Villain aboard, your’ adventure is sure to be epic!
Woodbrey Family Travel
MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE’S MOBILE ORDER FEATURE EXPANDS TO 15 LOCATIONS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
Now, it’s easier than ever to personalize your Walt Disney World Resort experience through the My Disney Experience app. My Disney Experience continues to add new features – including the new Mobile Order and Online Mobile Check-in at Disney Resort hotels – while still helping guests plan their vacation experience and make changes on the go through helpful tools like FastPass+, Disney PhotoPass and more.
Disney is pleased to share that the Mobile Order service is now available at 15 locations throughout Walt Disney World theme parks and at Disney Springs. The new service saves guests time when ordering meals at quick-service restaurants by allowing them to order on demand, pay in advance and skip the line, and not have mealtime interfere with time spent enjoying all of the other attractions and experiences throughout the resort.
To use Mobile Order, the guest can sign in to the My Disney Experience app and tap the “Order Food” button, which lists restaurants that offer the service. They can browse restaurant menus, select items, customize their order and prepay, all right through the app. Then, when they arrive at the restaurant, they simply tap “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” in the app, which notifies the kitchen to prepare their meal. When it’s ready, a notification will alert the guest to pick up their meal from the “Mobile Order Pick Up” area in the restaurant.
Here are the 15 restaurants that currently offer Mobile Order:
Magic Kingdom Park:
Columbia Harbour House
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
Pinocchio Village Haus
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
Epcot:
Electric Umbrella
Liberty Inn
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
ABC Commissary
Backlot Express
PizzeRizzo
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park:
Flame Tree Barbecue
Pizzafari
Restaurantosaurus
Satu’li Canteen
Disney Springs:
D-Luxe Burger
The only form of payment currently accepted through Mobile Order is credit card, but they’re working on adding more payment options soon. Anyone with special dietary restrictions, or those who want to use discounts or redeem dining plan entitlements must place their order with a cashier.
Woodbrey Family Travel
Grand Avenue, Coming Soon to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Muppets Courtyard, along with a portion of the former Streets of America, is being re-imagined by Walt Disney Imagineering to become a new area called Grand Avenue. Inspired by the revitalization and the vibrant culture of present-day downtown Los Angeles, Grand Avenue is where vintage office buildings and warehouses are being converted to exciting new uses. You will soon see facades for “merchants” appearing in this area for a music shop, loft apartments, a tailor and more, with each window on the street featuring charming displays.
A highlight of Grand Avenue is sure to be BaseLine Tap House, which takes over a former F&B location. This new corner pub will feature California beers and wines along with a selection of small bites. (Read more on BaseLine Tap House in this post by Pam Brandon).
The current Muppets Courtyard will become Grand Park, an urban square off Grand Avenue surrounded by shops and restaurants like PizzeRizzo and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. You can already see changes in the area, with the Muppets theater being renamed “Grand Arts Theatre” and boasting a brand-new marquee. But, not to worry – Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang continue to star in their hilarious and irreverent “Muppet*Vision 3D” show.
Grand Avenue will be opening to Guests this fall.
Woodbrey Family Travel
‘American Idol’ Bus Tour Visits Disney Springs for Open Auditions
The groundbreaking series, “American Idol,” will debut on its new home at ABC in 2018. And, there’s more exciting news! For the first time, the ‘Idol’ bus will kick off open auditions at the Walt Disney World® Resort.
If guests think they could be the next “American Idol”, they can head over to Disney Springs® on Aug. 17, 2017 to audition with “American Idol” Producers. (Celebrity Judges will not be on site). Early arrival is encouraged. And, for early birds, parking will be available as early as 4 a.m. – but not before. Registration will begin at 6 a.m. with auditions starting at 8 a.m. Early arrival is encouraged, as registration will close at 12 p.m or sooner due to capacity. No overnight camping.
The auditions will take place outdoors, so guests should make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat to stay in top shape for their audition. Parking will be available at the surface parking lot on the West Side of Disney Springs, near House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil®.
All singers must be at least 15 years old to audition. Pre-Registration is encouraged. You can pre-register and access additional details, full eligibility requirements, submission forms, and terms and conditions, by visiting www.americanidol.com. Those auditioning can bring one guest to accompany them and the guest must be over 5 years old.
Woodbrey Family Travel
New Minnie Van Service Now Available at Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World® Resort roadways just got a little more fun, with the launch of a new transportation pilot called Minnie Van service. Announced earlier this month at D23 Expo 2017, this new transportation service is now available to guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.
Through a collaboration with the US’ fastest growing rideshare service, Lyft, guests at these resorts can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone. With Minnie Van service, Disney Cast Members will then whisk them away to wherever they want to be at Walt Disney World Resort. This service accommodates up to six Guests and provides two versatile car seats so even the tiniest of passengers can travel in style!
Minnie Van service will be available between 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. (subject to change). Guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts can learn more by visiting their Bell Services desk.
Woodbrey Family Travel
Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America Reopen at Disneyland Park
Classic attractions have returned to Disneyland® Park with the recent official reopening of the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America attractions.
For the very first time, the Disneyland Railroad now makes a left-hand turn as it circles Disneyland Park, and Walt Disney’s legendary dioramas of the Grand Canyon and Primeval World have been carefully restored to their original splendor, with a bit of new magic added to both!
Plus, the classic Rivers of America attractions have also now reopened, starting with Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island last month, followed by Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes last week. For decades, guests have traveled the landscapes inspired by four of America’s majestic rivers: the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Missouri and the Rio Grande; each carefully recreated, complete with indigenous rock formations, natural forests and wildlife. The return of these watercraft will bring even more breathtaking views for guests to discover, including an enhanced adventure featuring the new Columbia Gorge section, highlighted by five picturesque waterfalls.
Woodbrey Family Travel
A New Way to Find Magic Shots at Walt Disney World Resort
With Magic Shots from Disney PhotoPass Service, you can transform their photos into unique keepsakes as you recreate a favorite movie moment, enjoy your vacation with a Disney Character, or react to a fun surprise. All you need is a little imagination – and a PhotoPass photographer!
Whether you want to take numerous Magic Shots or just a favorite, there’s a new way to locate these photo opportunities. PhotoPass now has one place where you and your family can discover which Magic Shots are currently available within each of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World® Resort.
To check it out, head over to the Disney PhotoPass Service Facebook page, navigate to the Photos tab, and then to the Albums. There’s now a photo album showing each park’s current Magic Shot offerings and where they can typically be found.
The information will be continuously updated as Magic Shot offerings adjust and expand (especially around festivals and holidays!), so be sure to check it out right before your Clients visit to Walt Disney World Resort so you can share latest information about availability.
Magic Shots are included as part of an active Memory Maker entitlement.
Please note that Magic Shot offerings are subject to change and photographer availability.
Woodbrey Family Travel
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort Expands to Disney California Adventure Park When it Returns Sept. 15-Oct. 31, 2017
Halloween Time at the Disneyland® Resort is growing with more frightful fun! This year, you can get into the spooky spirit at Disney California Adventure® Park, with all-new ghoulish delights at Cars Land and on Buena Vista Street.
On Buena Vista Street, a spell will be cast with new Halloween decor all along this stylish thoroughfare inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Oogie Boogie has risen from the shadows to take over Disney California Adventure park, and his oversized silhouette beckons guests through the main entrance as a swarm of bats encircle Carthay Circle Theatre.
At Disneyland® Park, the famous Pumpkin Festival will greet Guests as they make their way down Main Street, U.S.A., on their way to the eerily magical Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy attractions.
Also at Disneyland® Park, the popular Mickey’s Halloween Party returns! Tickets to the private Mickey’s Halloween Party, featuring special entertainment and trick-or-treating at locations throughout Disneyland Park, go on sale July 17 for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa Card holders; and July 24 for the general public. Mickey’s Halloween Party takes place on Sept. 20, 22, 25, 27, 29, Oct. 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 and 31, 2017.
New this year for Mickey’s Halloween Party Guests, Disney California Adventure Park will be featured for the first time as part of the pre-party mix-in. Early arrivals will be able to visit both theme parks for three hours prior to the party launch in Disneyland Park. Also new this year, admission to Mickey’s Halloween Party will include complimentary Disney PhotoPass.
Mickey’s Halloween Party features special entertainment, including Disney characters – Disney villains as well as Mickey Mouse and friends — and the Cadaver Dans ghostly quartet performing on the Rivers of America. An extra special treat is the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, a Mickey’s Halloween Party tradition presented exclusively for party guests. Also exclusive to Mickey’s Halloween Party is the “Frightfully Fun Parade,” led by The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow (from the Disney animated classic “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”).
Woodbrey Family Travel
Terms and Conditions
Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Space is limited. Advanced purchase savings available only for select party nights and only until one day prior to applicable event date. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. May not be combined with other discounts. Costumes subject to Disney guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/mickeys-halloween-party/ and should not be obstructive or offensive. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Entertainment may be cancelled due to inclement weather or otherwise. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the PhotoPass terms found in https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos captured during the Mickey’s Halloween Party must be linked to your Disney account and may be downloaded pursuant to the expiration policy at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-expiration-policy/. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Disney account holder only and may not be used for a commercial purpose. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
Oogie Boogie and Haunted Mansion Holiday are inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Disney Planning Not Two, But Three New Ships
Disney Cruise Line is planning not two, but three new ships in the next phase of expansion. By the time these three ships are sailing, they’ll have nearly doubled the size of our fleet! That means more families than ever before will be visiting spectacular destinations around the globe and creating magical memories at sea!
Last year, Disney told everyone that two new ships were going to be built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany with scheduled completion dates of 2021 and 2023. This additional ship will be built at the same shipyard and is scheduled to be completed in 2022.
“We decided two ships wouldn’t be enough to hold all of the exciting new experiences we have been dreaming up to take family cruise vacations to a whole new level with immersive Disney storytelling, world-class family entertainment, and imaginative innovations that are fantastically fun and uniquely Disney,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said.
All ship names, design plans and itineraries are still in development, with each of the ships expected to have their own unique experiences. The three new ships will be powered by clean-burning liquefied natural gas and be the same size – approximately 135,000 gross tons with about 1,250 guest staterooms planned – which is slightly larger than the newest Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
With a legacy of revolutionary design, Disney Cruise Line’s new ships will usher in the next generation of innovative cruise experiences designed especially for families that will transform the art-of-cruising and take guests on adventures in a way never dreamed of before.
Woodbrey Family Travel
First Mickey-Themed Ride-Through Attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A new attraction featuring international icon Mickey Mouse is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at the Walt Disney World® Resort!
On Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you will step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction will put guests inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen. This zany out-of-control adventure features surprising twists and turns, dazzling visual effects and mind-boggling transformations that happen before you very eyes.
The attraction is inspired by the Mickey Shorts that you can see on the Disney Channel. And the people who bring you the shorts at Disney Television Animation are partnering with us to help bring the attraction to life.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new story and a new singable attraction theme song as well as a new experience we’re calling “2 1/2 D.” No glasses required. Walt Disney Imagineer Kevin Rafferty said teams are inventing new technologies that turn the flat world of a colorful cartoon short into a “dimensional display of amazingness.”
We also wanted to let you know that in order to begin to prepare the new home of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at the Chinese Theatre in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Aug. 13, 2017 will be the final day of operation for The Great Movie Ride presented by Turner Classic Movies. Until Aug. 13, you can still relive some of the greatest movie moments in history on the Great Movie Ride attraction.
Woodbrey Family Travel
Reservations Now Open for ‘Fantasmic!’ Dining Packages at Disneyland Park
“Fantasmic!” returns to Disneyland® Park on July 17, 2017! If you are looking for a delicious way to have reserved viewing for this classic nighttime spectacular, reservations for three new “Fantasmic!” Dining Packages are now available. There’s something for everyone, from on-the-go options to extravagant three-course dinners.
Blue Bayou Restaurant “Fantasmic!” Dining Package will include choice of starter, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage; cost is $65 for adults, $25 for children age 3-9.
Starters
- New Orleans Gumbo
- Blue Bayou House Salad
- Louisiana Spiced Shrimp
Entrees
- Blue Bayou Bouillabaisse with sustainable fish fillet, mussels, clams, shrimp and spiced sausage
- Pan-seared Bone-in Pork Loin
- Citrus-marinated Chicken Breast
- Surf & Turf, featuring a petite lobster tail and broiled filet mignon
- Portobello Mushroom and Louisana Popcorn Rice
- Blue Bayou Bone-in Rib-eye
- Pan-seared Salmon
- Herb-crusted Rack of Lamb
Desserts
- Sorcerer Mickey “Fantasmic!” Dessert, with milk chocolate mousse, bananas foster sauce, milk chocolate pound cake and a chocolate glaze
- Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlèe with fresh berries
- 8-Layer Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
River Belle Terrace “Fantasmic!” Dining Package will include choice of starter, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage; cost is $45 for adults, $25 for children age 3-9.
Starters
- Corn Chowder
- House Salad
Entrees
- Pork Spare Ribs
- BBQ Tofu
- Oven-roasted Sausage Link Combo
- Sustainable Catch of the Day
- Oven-roasted Half BBQ Chicken
- Fried Chicken Sandwich
- Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Beef Brisket Sandwich
Desserts
- Maleficent Dragon “Fantasmic!” Dessert, with a milk chocolate crunchy base, spiced dark chocolate-blackberry ganache center, caramel mousse and orange-vanilla sauce
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Butterscotch Pudding
Hungry Bear Restaurant will offer choice of entrée and natural soda; choice of entrée and bottled water, juice box or milk for children age 3-9; cost is $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for children.
- Cedar Salt Roasted Salmon, with kale and garbanzo bean salad, cranberry-apricot grains and wild rice medley
BBQ Chicken, with kale and garbanzo bean salad, cranberry-apricot grains and wild rice medley - Blackberry BBQ Pork Ribblettes, with kale and garbanzo bean salad, cranberry-apricot grains and wild rice medley
- Mushroom and Leek Frittata, with kale and garbanzo bean salad, cranberry-apricot grains and wild rice medley
To book a “Fantasmic!” Dining Package, visit Disneyland.com/Dine or call 718-714-DINE.
Woodbrey Family Travel
Woodbrey Family Travel Blog 