Blog Archives
New Celebs, Stunning Projections & More Announced for Star Wars Galactic Nights
We are less than one month away from the debut of the highly anticipated film, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” – and the return of the Star Wars Galactic Nights event to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
First up – Wicket. Wald. Willow. Wollivan. Warwick Davis has long been part of the Lucasfilm family and beloved by Star Wars fans since his career-starting performance as Wicket the Ewok in “Return of the Jedi.” An established film and television actor, Davis is known for other Lucasfilm roles in “Ewoks: Battle for Endor” and “Caravan of Courage,” and for portraying the title character in “Willow.” He returned to the galaxy far, far away for the prequels as well, with several roles in “The Phantom Menace.” He recently played Wollivan in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and will appear in this year’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and 2018’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
Actor David Collins will also appear at the event to host a special “Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” panel discussion with members of the Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm team. The panel, which will include Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering; Robin Reardon, Executive Creative Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering; Chris Beatty, Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering and Doug Chiang, VP/Creative Director at Lucasfilm, will give guests an inside look at the making of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands currently under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland® Park. Attendees will also get an exclusive peek into the progress being made and learn what it’s like to bring the epic saga to life in the theme parks.
Guests can’t miss Star Wars: Galactic Destinations on the Sunset Boulevard area of the park. Through state-of-the-art projections, the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform to showcase stunning locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all evening long.
Star Wars Galactic Nights will also be a great opportunity for guests to celebrate the release of the Star Wars: The Last Jedi at different park attractions, such as the Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Wars: Path of the Jedi and “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” which will debut new touches inspired by the film that night.
Previously announced event offerings include: The Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show, which will both be enhanced with special elements from the entire saga; park-wide photo ops, including three new backdrops inspired by Star WarsRebels, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; encounters with Star Warscharacters; specialty food and beverage and merchandise, and much more. Guests are also welcome to dress in their favorite Star Wars attire – please be sure to check our costuming guidelines. Attendees can also enjoy little-to-no wait-times at some of the park’s most iconic attractions.
Park access and activities will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket holders. Event hours on Dec. 16 are 7 p.m.-midnight. Tickets are priced at $129 adults, $124 ages 3-9.
Woodbrey Family Travel
Pixar Pier to Bring New Incredicoaster and More to Disney California Adventure Park Summer 2018
Summer 2018 will bring a transformed land for guests to experience at Disney California Adventure® Park when Pixar Pier opens along the southern shore of Paradise Bay, with newly themed attractions, entertainment, foods and merchandise throughout. This new, permanent land in the area that is now Paradise Pier will introduce four new neighborhoods representing beloved Disney·Pixar stories.
The first of the four themed neighborhoods guests will find is inspired by “The Incredibles.” Here, the new Incredicoaster, permanently transformed from the attraction that is now California Screamin’, will open with Pixar Pier in summer 2018. This new experience will feature a mid-century-modern-style loading area, new character moments and a new look for the ride vehicles. To prepare for this transformation, California Screamin’ will close Jan. 8, 2018.
The popular Toy Story Mania! will anchor the “Toy Story”-inspired neighborhood. A neighborhood inspired by “Inside Out” will be found on the western side of the boardwalk and will welcome a new family-friendly attraction, scheduled to open at a later date.
The fourth neighborhood will be a celebration of many favorite Pixar stories. In this neighborhood, Mickey’s Fun Wheel will have a new look, with each of the 24 gondolas featuring different Pixar characters and the iconic face of Mickey Mouse remaining on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel. At the Games of the Boardwalk, which already includes the Bullseye Stallion Stampede game, all of the midway games will be inspired by Pixar characters. Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Games of the Boardwalk and Sideshow Shirts will close Jan. 8, 2018 to begin this transformation.
Ariel’s Grotto restaurant and the Cove Bar will be transformed into a new lounge and grill offering sparkling views of Paradise Bay and the new Pixar Pier. Both locations will close Jan. 8, 2018, with Cove Bar reopening briefly in April before closing again for its permanent transformation. Guests wishing to reserve “World of Color” dining packages after Jan. 7, 2018, may consider Carthay Circle Restaurant or Wine Country Trattoria.
The remaining areas of the land that is now Paradise Pier, including Paradise Gardens, Silly Symphony Swings, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Goofy’s Sky School, Golden Zephyr and The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, will become a new land called Paradise Park.
Pixar Pier will open during the limited-time Pixar Fest celebration, which begins April 13, 2018. The celebration will include the new “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” fireworks spectacular as well as the return of Pixar Play Parade and “Paint the Night” parade, and much more throughout the entire Disneyland® Resort.
Woodbrey Family Travel
Fifth Annual Spooktacular Halloween Costume Contest!
We are having our Fifth Annual Spooktacular Halloween Costume Contest! Share your fun and exciting Halloween costumes on the Woodbrey Family Travel Facebook page and be entered to win FREE Disney gifts! There will be multiple winners so be sure share the contest with all of your friends and family members.
The contest will end November 2nd and the winners will be announced the following week. You can enter multiple pictures and the costumes do not have to be Disney-themed to qualify. Please make sure to “Like” the page to be considered.
We can’t wait to see all of your fun costumes!
Woodbrey Family Travel
First Look at Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
When Toy Story Land opens in Summer 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, guests will shrink to the size of a toy and explore all of the fun (and toys!) Andy has constructed in his backyard. This story continues at Woody’s Lunch Box, where Andy has used his lunch box and thermos to create a walk-up quick-service window that will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats. In the rendering above, you can see that Woody’s Lunch Box – like the rest of Toy Story Land – has been adorably strewn about with some of Andy’s favorite toys and items from his lunch. Guests can even spot a green army man on a nearby lookout tower, keeping watch for Andy’s return.
The Walt Disney World® Resort will partner with Mini Babybel to bring this location to life. Stay tuned for more information on Woody’s Lunch Box – and the menu of delicious items it will serve up – in the coming months.
Woodbrey Family Travel
Disney Cruise Line: Featured Ports and Itineraries for Early 2019
Disney Cruise Line Expands San Diego Season and Returns to Popular Tropical Ports from Both Coasts in Early 2019.
In early 2019, Disney Cruise Line will return to favorite destinations on a variety of itineraries, including an expanded two-month season from San Diego to the sun-drenched Baja and Mexican Riviera. A host of options to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Florida ports, plus cruises to the Southern Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico, take Disney Cruise Line Guests to visit timeless tropical locales and experience endless amounts of Disney magic.
From January to May, all cruises departing from Florida feature a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line Guests. The award-wining island is a pristine Bahamian oasis boasting clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, world-class recreation and signature Disney hospitality.
San Diego, California to Baja and Mexican Riviera
Disney Wonder returns to San Diego for an extended season from March to May 2019, with a variety of two to seven-night cruises to Mexico where Disney Cruise Line Guests can enjoy vibrant culture, stunning beaches, exciting water activities, cliff diving and zip-lining through the jungle.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Southern Caribbean
In January, three special Disney Wonder cruises from San Juan sail to the Southern Caribbean, visiting tropical destinations renowned for beautiful sun-kissed beaches and warm azure waters. On these six- and seven-night sailings, Disney Cruise Line Guests can dive into charming island cultures, sunbathe on golden beaches and revel in local marketplaces.
Port Canaveral, Florida to The Bahamas and Caribbean
With three Disney ships in port and cruise lengths spanning three, four and seven nights, vacationers looking for a getaway in early 2019 have a full menu of options from Port Canaveral, near Orlando, Florida. Disney Fantasy continues to sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages. Disney Dream embarks on three- and four-night Bahamian cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay, and Disney Wonder will alternate similar three- and four-night itineraries throughout February.
Miami to Bahamas and Western Caribbean
To kick off 2019, Disney Magic continues sailing from Miami with four- and five-night voyages to the Bahamas, plus five-night Western Caribbean cruises. The magical shores of Castaway Cay await Guests aboard every one of these Disney Magic sailings. Other ports of call on the Bahamian voyages include Nassau and Key West, Florida, while a stop in Grand Cayman or Cozumel headlines the Western Caribbean itineraries.
Bookings open via phone for Platinum Castaway Club members on October 30, 2017, Gold Castaway Club members on October 31, 2017, Silver Castaway Club members on November 1, 2017 and to all Guests via phone and online on November 2, 2017.
Woodbrey Family Travel
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
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
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
Woodbrey Family Travel Blog 