Blog Archives
The BOATHOUSE Now Open at Downtown Disney
Now open at Downtown Disney, The BOATHOUSE: Great Food, Waterfront Dining, Dream Boats is the first of several new restaurants coming to The Landing, a new neighborhood that will be part of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.
The BOATHOUSE is an upscale waterfront dining experience where you can feast on fresh seafood, a raw bar, steaks and chops while enjoying a display of rare dream boats from the 1930s – 1950s.
And, if you want more, you can purchase tickets for guided tours on The BOATHOUSE Amphicars, which launch from land and enter water with a splash, or The Venezia, a breathtaking 40-foot wooden Italian Water Taxi.
Plus, Harbor Master festivities take place throughout the day and evening. You can experience flag ceremonies and lively musical performances of beloved bugle songs. Inside, they can enjoy live entertainment featuring a variety of musical styles.
– Cody Woodbrey
New Retail and Dining Experiences Announced for Disney Springs
A total of 13 new tenants were recently announced, including eight retail shops. With new retailers already aboard and new restaurants either open or coming soon, Downtown Disney is transforming into an exciting new waterfront district for world-class shopping, unique dining, and high-quality entertainment.
Newly announced tenants include:
Retail Locations
- Zara: Owned by the Inditex Group, one of the world’s largest fashion retail groups. Zara is known for its men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories, and how it expertly interprets current fashion and style trends of the season, delivering original designs to the consumer in a matter of weeks.
- Tommy Bahama: Iconic island lifestyle brand Tommy Bahama embodies relaxed sophistication. The hallmarks of this casual collection include island-inspired sportswear, denim, and swimwear for men and women in luxuriously soft silks and cottons, richly woven textures and eclectic prints.
- Lilly Pulitzer: The authentic American resort wear brand, Lilly Pulitzer, is landing in the heart of Disney and will be offering their clothing and accessories, optimistic outlook, and happy prints to those who’ve loved the brand for years and new Lilly Girls out there.
- UNIQLO: Leading global retailer UNIQLO designs, manufactures, and sells casual apparel that comes from the company’s Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. The simplest design hides the most thoughtful details in clothing that is constantly being innovated to bring more warmth and lightness, better design and comfort to people’s lives.
- PANDORA: Building on its existing relationship with Disney Parks, the popular jewelry brand offers classic yet modern charm bracelets, along with necklaces, rings and earrings, as well as a line of exclusive Disney-themed jewelry.
- UGG: The UGG® brand is recognized as a premium lifestyle brand offering men’s, women’s and kid’s footwear as well as loungewear, outerwear, home products, cold weather accessories and handbags.
- L’Occitane en Provence: L’Occitane en Provence is an international skincare and beauty line celebrating the culture and beauty of Provence, France.
- Edward Beiner: A leading eyewear designer, purveyor and retailer, Edward Beiner offers today’s aspiring lifestyle-oriented customer the world’s most original, authentic and innovative designer, fashion and high performance eyewear.
Dining Locations
- Edison: Inspired by The Edison venue in Los Angeles, this lavish “Industrial Gothic” -style restaurant, bar and nighttime destination is themed to a 1920s-period power plant, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination. It will feature exceptionally good classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret and music.
- Sprinkles: The world’s first cupcake bakery, as named by Food Network and others, serves up handcrafted cupcakes, slow churned ice cream and homemade cookies. Their innovative Cupcake ATM satisfies sweet-toothed epicureans 24/7.
- Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza: Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza is a modern day “pizza joint” known for its custom-built artisanal pizzas, freshly made salads, blood orange lemonade and s’more pies. The fast-casual restaurant features an interactive assembly-line format that allows guests to customize their pizza, choosing from over 40 fresh, artisanal toppings – all for one price. The generously sized, 11-inch pizzas are “fast-fired” in a blazing hot open-flame oven and ready to enjoy in just 180 seconds.
- Vivoli Gelateria: Vivoli Gelateria serves expertly crafted gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, panini sandwiches and espresso drinks.
- Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s: Tea Traders Café by Joffrey’s specializes in premium loose-leaf teas (hot, iced, blended) featuring customs blends, accessories and packaged teas from all over the globe; created to go or for a tea experience in the café.
Stay tuned for updates as Downtown Disney continues to expand into Disney Springs.
– Cody Woodbrey
Photo & content provided by Disney Destinations
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Attraction Height Ranges
If you are planning on taking to Walt Disney World in the future, please contact me for more information and deals.
– Cody Woodbrey
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Attraction Height Ranges
If you are planning on taking to Walt Disney World in the future, please contact me for more information and deals.
– Cody Woodbrey
Celebrities and Entertainment Announced for Star Wars Weekends 2015 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Once again, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is hosting this year’s Star Wars Weekends. Over the course of 5 weekends, Friday – Sunday, May 15 – June 14, guests have the opportunity to feel the power of the force with all new entertainment along with the chance to meet some of their favorite celebrities from the Star Wars films.
The universe of Star Wars comes to life for guests through having more than 60 Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, a Star Wars motorcade, and the “Symphony in the Stars” nighttime fireworks spectacular saluting iconic sounds of the films. The event will also feature event-exclusive merchandise at Darth’s Mall, Star Wars-inspired dining offerings where guests meet Star Wars characters, specialty food and beverages, interactive activities, and much more.
Many of the Star Wars Weekends’ favorite celebrities will be returning to this year’s event, such as: Warwick Davis – Wald and Wicket W. Warrick; Ray Park – Darth Maul; Peter Mayhew – Chewbacca; and several others. These celebrities, including the newcomers, will appear each weekend in star conversations, talk shows, autograph sessions, and motorcades.
Bringing his evil powers to Star Wars Weekends for the first time, actor Ian McDiarmid, Senator/Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars movies, will kick off Weekend I, May 15-17. And, to balance out the appearance of the dark side with a beacon of light, actor Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda in the Star Wars movies, will make his first event appearance in Weekend V, June 12-14, to finish out the event. Below is the full lineup of celebrities with the weekend they will be attending.
Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of my own experiences and excitement for attending Star Wars Weekends, so stay tuned for more information!
– Cody Woodbrey
Using FastPass+ Efficiently
Disney’s FastPass+ allows guests to reserve select attractions, entertainment, parades, shows, Disney characters meet-and-greets and much more using the My Disney Experience website or mobile app before you check into your resort. Guests can reserve up to three FastPasses per day for one park before you even arrive. You can start making these reservation 60 days before your trip if you are staying on Disney property and 30 days if you are staying off Disney property.
Tips: When selecting your FastPasses, choose times that are in the afternoon. If you arrive when the park OPENS, you will be able to experience most of your favorite attractions with minimal lines. If you save your FastPasses for the afternoon, it gives you a chance to repeat your favorite attractions, or skip the line for something new! Your FastPasses can be changed really anytime but they are subject to availability so be sure to book as soon as you can. Also, keep in mind to avoid selecting your FastPass+ options during or too close to shows, parades, fireworks and any dining reservations you may have. You will not want to miss out on any of the extra magic!
Once in the park you can use any of the FastPass + kiosks to change or add FastPasses. Once you have used your three Fastpasses for the day you can get an extra Fastpass at one of the kiosks but keep in mind most of the popular attractions will not be available. Actually, the popular FastPasses usually are taken before the day even starts
Below you will find the FastPass+ Priority List. This list is created with the most popular attractions at the top and the least popular ones at the bottom of the list.
Magic Kingdom
- Seven Dwarf Mine Train – 38″
- Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
- Space Mountain – 44″
- Peter Pan
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 40″
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Splash Mountain – 40″
- Jungle Cruise
- Meet Cinderella and Princess Aurora at the Princess Fairytale Hall
- Meet Rapunzel and Princess Tiana at the Princess Fairytale Hall
- Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Tomorrowland Speedway – 32″
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
- Meet Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto
- Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater
- Goofy’s Barnstormer – 35″
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Haunted Mansion
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Mad Tea Party (Tea Cups)
- it’s a small world
- Mickey’s Philhar Magic
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Epcot
Choose one FastPass from Tier 1 and two from Tier 2 or three from Tier 2
- Frozen Ever After (Tier 1)
- Soarin’ – 40″ (Tier 1)
- Test Track – 40″ (Tier 1)
- Mission Space – 44″ (Tier 2)
- Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot (Tier 2)
- Spaceship Earth (Tier 2)
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends (Tier 2)
- Turtle Talk with Crush (Tier 2)
- Living with the Land (Tier 2)
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment (Tier 2)
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival (Tier 2)
- Illuminatinos: Reflections of Earth – World Showcase Plaza (Tier 1)
Disney Hollywood Studios
Choose one FastPass from Tier 1 and two from Tier 2 or three from Tier 2
- Slinky Dog Dash – 38″ (Tier 1)
- Alien Swirling Saucers – 32″ (Tier 1)
- Toy Story Mania (Tier 1)
- Rock ‘n’Roller Coaster – 48″ (Tier 2)
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40″ (Tier 2)
- Star Tours: The Adventure Continues – 40″ (Tier 2)
- Fantasmic – Early entrance with priority seating (Tier 2)
- Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage – Early Entrance with priority seating (Tier 2)
- For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (Tier 2)
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Early Entrance with priority seating (Tier 2)
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid – Early Entrance (Tier 2)
- Disney Junior – Live on Stage – Early Entrance with priority seating (Tier 2)
- Muppet Vision 3D (Tier 2)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Choose one FastPass from Tier 1 and two from Tier 2 or three from Tier 2
- Flights of Passage – 44 (Tier 1)
- Navi Rive (Tier 1)
- Expedition Everest – 44 (Tier 2)
- Kilimanjaro Safari (Tier 2)
- Kali River Rapids – You will get wet – 38 (Tier 2)
- Dinosaur – 40 (Tier 2)
- Finding Nemo the Musical (Tier 2)
- Festival of the Lion Kin (Tier 2)
- Jungle Book: Alive with Magi (Tier 2)
- Meet Favorite Disney Pals at the Adventuress Outpost (Tier 2)
- It’s Tough to be a Bu (Tier 2)
- Primeval Whirl – 48 (Tier 2)
For more information on Disney’s FastPass + or to book a trip to Walt Disney World, please contact us!
Woodbrey Family Travel
12 Reasons to Stay on Property at Walt Disney World!
Guests often ask me, “What benefits are there to staying on Disney property and do guests really save money?” or “We don’t spend a lot of time in our resort, will it make a difference in our trip experience?” The answer is, “YES!” and here is why.
1. Free Transportation – No need to rent a car or pay for any toll-road fees when staying on Disney Property. Guests can enjoy free transfers to and from the Orlando International airport with Disney’s Magical Express. Included with this service is luggage pick up. Disney will pick up your luggage from baggage claim and deliver straight to your hotel. This will you time and a hassle of getting your own bags. On your return home, Disney will check your bags for your flight home right from your hotel. So you don’t have to drag them with you to the airport. To top it off, transfers to and from your resort to the various Disney theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs are also included with your package.
2. Free Parking at All Disney Theme Parks – It doesn’t matter if you choose to rent a car or take your own vehicle, Disney resort guests will not have to pay the daily parking fee to park at the various theme parks or water parks. The parking fee right now starts at about $20 per vehicle.
3. Proximity to the Parks – One of the main reasons for staying on property is the ability to get to the parks easily and quickly. Taking a quick break in the afternoon to get away from the crowds and heat has never been easier. There is nothing like enjoying a dip in the pool a hot summers day. Also, many of the resorts have multiple forms of transportation options to the parks like the taking the monorail or a boat. Some resorts are even so close you can walk from your resort to the park.
4. Free Magic Bands – Disney Resort guests will receive free Magic Bands for each person traveling. Which is a savings of about $22 per person. The Magic Bands connect your room key, park tickets, meal plan, Memory Maker, FastPasses and you can even make purchases for merchandise, food and more. Who really wants to carry all those extra cards around anyway?
5. Extra Magic Hours – One of the other benefits for staying on property are the extra park hours reserved exclusively for resort guests. Guests can enjoy extra time in the parks either an hour before the park opens or two hours after the parks close.
6. FastPass “+” Those staying with Disney have the chance to pre-pick Fastpasses up to 60 days before checking into their hotel. Giving them a 30 day head start over those not staying at a Disney Resort. The extra time allows the guest the opportunity of getting the desired attractions and times they want verses taking what’s left over.
7. Disney Atmosphere – From the moment you step on to Disney Magical Express to the time you arrive back to the airport you are immersed in that fun and exciting Disney Magic. Disney Resorts provide guests with a unique experience you can only get staying on property. From hidden Mickey’s in sheets to larger than life figures around your resort you will not get a grander and more Magical experience staying on property. Each resort has multiple pools with fun and exciting themes. Plus, there are great and unique photo opportunities at each of the resorts – Say “Cheese”!
8. Dine in the Magic – As we all know eating in the parks can be quite expensive and stressful. Well, Disney has come up with a delicious way in lowering this cost. Resorts guests can add one of the Disney meal plans prior to their trips and save about 25% of the cost of their meals. There is No reason for guests to choose the cheapest options of the menu or go hungry any more!
9. Package Delivery – When you buy merchandise in the parks you have the option for Disney to send it straight to your hotel so you don’t have to carry it around the park or carry it with you back to your hotel room.
10. Memory Maker Sharing – Let Disney’s professional photographers document your trip for you! Disney has photographers throughout each of the theme park ready to take your pictures. Enjoy an unlimited array of photos taken by Disney photographers which include pictures taken in the parks, at select dining experiences, attractions and videos from select attractions. You don’t have to purchase each photo individually any more, because you get digital copies of each picture taken. When traveling with a larger group you still only have to buy one Memory Maker for the whole family. Talk about savings!
11. Magical Extras – Each package will receive four vouchers to both Disney’s onsite miniature golf courses, four vouchers to visit the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, plus additional discounts at Disney Springs for savings of 10-20% off various goods.
12. 24-Hour services – Disney Cast members are available 24 hours – Which means you have less things to stress about and more time to relax and have fun!
Cody Woodbrey
Woodbrey Family Travel Blog 