Let’s jump right in to this week’s Disney news.
Walt Disney World
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park has announced plans to celebrate it’s 25th anniversary, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. From April 18th – April 22nd. Events include:
· The Wild by Nature speaker series will feature talks by some of the Animal Kingdom caretakers as well as renowned conservation specialists.
· Disney’s newest family members, National Geographic will join in on the festivities by discussing stories from the frontline of their travels and will also offer photography and video techniques and showcasing some never before seen images.
· Disney legend Joe Rohde will host his Tiffins Talks events – a lively discussion which includes a phenomenal four-course meal. (Registration begins on February 18th)
· Roy Conli – producer of numerous Disney Nature films will host a discussion and offer a sneak peak of this year’s Earth Day Disney Nature film, Elephant and Dolphin Reef (Premiering on Disney+ in April)
· At the Animation Experience at Conservation Station, animators will share their real life inspirations and guests will have the opportunity to draw some special Disney characters.
· On Earth Day, Animal Kingdom will be one of the featured locations for BORN WILD: EARTH DAY LIVE, a live simulcast which will air on National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD on April 22 at 8 Eastern/7 Central.
· Exclusive merchandise and food offerings will celebrate the week
Disney Villains After Hours is now running on select nights at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park. This extremely popular hard ticketed event allows guests to enjoys shows, dance parties and a nightly processional dedicated exclusively to Disney’s most wicked characters. Special food and merchandise are also offered. Advance tickets can be purchased at $145 or the day of the event for $155 and includes select complimentary food and drinks.
City Works Eatery and Pour House has now opened at Disney Springs. The establishment will offer an extensive dining and beverage menu as well as 17 televisions and a state of the art sound system – perfect for catching your favorite sporting events. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch will be offered and reservations can be made through My Disney Experience and Open Table beginning on March 9th.
Disneyland
“Magic Happens” is set to debut at Disneyland on February 28th. Disney has provided some insight into the new daytime parade and announced that Mickey Mouse will lead the parade and will be joined by Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Chip and Dale. In addition, a group of contemporary dancers known as the “magic makers” will bring an element of style to the parade.
Guests looking to experience Magic Happens with a reserved viewing spot can book a special “Magic Happens” dining package at the Plaza Inn. The package includes one lunch entrée, one beverage, one Plaza Inn credential and one voucher for access to the reserved viewing area. The price is $25 for children ages 3-9 and $40 for ages 10 and up.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will be added as a Fastpass option at the Disneyland theme park. Two other beloved rides, Autopia and Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! were also recently added as Fastpass options.
Disney’s California Adventure theme park will celebrate Friendship Night as part of Disneyland After Dark: Pixar Nite on March 5 from 8-12 PM. Guests will experience exclusive food offerings and photo ops with Pixar friends, limited edition merchandise and after-hours access to rides and attractions. Tickets for this special event are now on sale.
Aulani
Aulani: A Disney Resort and Spa has been ranked as the Number 1 Best Family Hotel in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report. This beautiful resort on the island of Oahu is perfect for families and couples. Right now, guests can save up to 30% on 5+ consecutive nights or 25% on 4 night stays this spring. Travel dates for these special offers are March 1 – June 13, 2020 and must be booked by May 8, 2020.
The Disney Wonder has begun its inaugural season sailing from the port of New Orleans, Louisiana. Sailings from New Orleans are extremely limited, but will return in 2021.
Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Wonder has begun its inaugural season sailing from the port of New Orleans, Louisiana. Sailings from New Orleans are extremely limited, but will return in 2021.
Stephanie McNulty is a Vacation Specialist with Coasters and Castles Travel. Contact her for help planning your next vacation at smcnulty@coastersandcastlestravel.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram @magicaltravelwithsteph
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