Runaway Railway Media Event Impacts on DHS

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be hosting a media event on Tuesday, March 3. Some of the park’s entertainment offering will be impacted by this event.

•PYRO TESTS FEB. 29-MARCH 2

In preparation for the media event, pyrotechnic effects will be used around the Chinese Theatre and Theater of the Stars overnight on the following dates and times:

•February 29, 10 p.m. (Chinese Theatre)

•March 1, 9:15 p.m. (Theater of the Stars), 11:15 p.m. (Chinese Theatre)

•March 2, 1:30 a.m. (Chinese Theatre), 10:30 p.m. (Chinese Theatre)

Guests staying at nearby hotels should not be impacted by these tests.

 

•NIGHTTIME SPECTACULAR AND ENTERTAINMENT ADJUSTMENTS

Due to activity taking place in front of the Chinese Theatre, Wonderful World of Animation and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular will not take place on the evening of March 3.

Fantasmic! will occur as scheduled at 8 p.m.

In addition to that, the showtimes of Beauty & the Beast – Live on Stage, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, and the operating hours of several character greetings will be adjusted on Tuesday, March 3.

Please consult the Times Guide & MDX for more information that day.

 

 

Epcot Character & Entertainment Confirmed for 2020

Just a few hours ago, the Walt Disney World Resort confirmed that many of the popular entertainment offerings available at Epcot will continue to be available to guests in 2020. While the majority of these shows and character greeting locations have been around for years, a lot of entertainment offerings were recently removed at the Walt Disney World Resort, so the following schedule will reassure you that many of your favorite shows will still be available next year.

FUTURE WORLD:

SHOW: JAMMitors extended at least through November 26, 2020 with show times at 9:20 a.m., 10:10 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 1:35 p.m., 2:35 p.m., 3:35 p.m. Thursday-Monday.

NOTE: For the week ending on January 4, 2020, this entertainment offering will not be available on Thursday and Friday.

CHARACTER GREETING LOCATIONS:

Baymax extended through January 4, 2020 with the following operating hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Character Spot extended through January 4, 2020 with the following operating hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Garden Grill characters will continue to meet guests at least through December 30, 2020 with the following set times: 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., and 4 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Joy & Sadness extended through January 4, 2020 with the following set times: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Pluto extended at least through January 31, 2020 with the following set times: 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and 1:25 p.m.-3:55 p.m.

Ralph & Vanellope extended at least through December 30, 2020 with the following set times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Visa Experience character greeting location extended at least through December 31, 2020 with the following set times: 1 p.m.-7 p.m.

WORLD SHOWCASE:

SHOWS:

British Revolution extended at least through 11/26/20 with show times at 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. Friday-Tuesday.

Jeweled Dragon Acrobats extended at least through 11/26/20 with show times at 4:10 p.m., 5:10 p.m., 6:10 p.m., 7:10 p.m., 8:10 p.m. seven days a week.

Mariachi Cobre extended at least through 11/26/20 with show times at 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1 p.m., 1;45 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.

Marimba de las Americas extended at least through 11/26/20 with show times at 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1 p.m., 1;45 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday only.

Matsuriza, extended at least through 12/30/20 with show times at 11:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:10 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:40 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m.

Oktoberfest Musikanten on extended at least through 11/26/20 with show times at 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4;45 p.m., 5:55 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:05 p.m. seven days a week.

Restaurant Marrakeshextended at least through 12/30/20 with show times at 12:50 p.m., 1:50 p.m., 2:50 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m.; seven days a week

Rose & Crown Pub extended at least through 11/26/20 with show times at 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. NOTE: For the week ending on January 4, 2020, this entertainment offering will not be available on Tuesday and Saturday.

Sergio, extended at least through 11/26/20 with show times at 11:50 a.m., 12:35 p.m., 1:20 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:10 p.m., 3:50 p.m., 4:40 p.m. Sunday-Friday

Serveur Amusant extended at least through 12/26/20 with show times at 12:45 p.m., 1:35 p.m., 2:25 p.m., 3:05 p.m., 3:55 p.m., 4:45 p.m. Friday-Tuesday. NOTE: For the week ending on January 4, 2020, this entertainment offering will not be available on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Voices of Liberty extended at least through 11/26/20 with show times at 12:15 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4 p.m., 4:45 p.m. seven days a week.

CHARACTER GREETING LOCATIONS:

Akershus characters extended at least until 12/30/20 with set times at 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:10 p.m.-3:15 p.m., and 4:45 p.m.-8:30 p.m. seven days a week.

Alice extended at least until 12/30/20 with set times at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 5:20 p.m.

Anna & Elsa extended at least until 11/26/20 with the following operating hours: 9 a.m.-8:45 p.m. seven days a week.

Aurora extended at least until 12/30/20 with set times at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 5:20 p.m., 6:20 p.m.

Belle extended at least until 12/30/20 with set times at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2:50 p.m., 3:50 p.m., 4:50 p.m. seven days a week.

Daisy extended through 1/4/20 with set times at 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3:10 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Donald Duck extended at least until 12/30/20 with set times at 12 p.m.-3 p.m. and 4:10 p.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week.

Jasmine extended at least until 12/30/20 with set times at 11:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4:35 p.m., 5:35 p.m. seven days a week.

Mary Poppins extended at least until 12/30/20 with set times at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:50 p.m., 4:50 p.m.  Mulan extended at least until 12/30/20 with set times at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:50 p.m., 4:50 p.m. seven days a week.

Snow White extended at least until 12/30/20 with set times at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:20 p.m., 6:20 p.m. seven days a week.

Winnie the Pooh extended at least until 12/30/20 with set times at 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 3:40 p.m.-6:30 p.m. seven days a week.

Please, be aware that showtimes are subject to change without notice. Always refer to the My Disney Experience app and the current Times Guides for the most up-to-date information.

 

 

Epcot Changes Coming January 4th 2020

Earlier this year, several locations in Epcot’s Future World closed to make way for future projects like Journey of Water inspired by “Moana,” and the new pavilion that will play host to park events and festivals. In addition to that, other locations will be impacted in January 2020, including the following:

• On January 4, 2020, Mouse Gear will have its final day of operation in its current location, and will reopen in its temporary location in Innoventions East on January 5, 2020. The temporary location will also be called Mouse Gear.
• Also on January 5, 2020, the character greetings in Innoventions West will close or move to new locations, including:
  • Mickey Mouse will greet guests in the queue area of Disney-Pixar Short Film Festivalin the Imagination! pavilion
  • Minnie Mouse will greet guests in the World Showcase Gazebo. As a result of Minnie’s move, Daisy will relocate to Future World East.
  • Goofy will greet guests in the Main Entrance near Spaceship Earth.
  • Joy will greet guests in the Imagination! pavilion, near Wreck-it Ralph in the ImageWorks area.
  • Sadness and Baymax will not be available to greet guests at this time.

As the park continues to change, new and expanded walkways will open to help guests travel around the impacted areas.

• Some walkways are complete (such as the Rose Walk) and even more are still in development, like the walkway leading to the Family Play Zone.
• Coming soon and continuing through January 2020, new walkways will open connecting the west side of the Main Entrance to the promenade near The Seas with Nemo & Friends; and the east side of the Main Entrance to Future World East near Mission: SPACE and the new, temporary Mouse Gear location.

Cast Members Get a First Look at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

On a recent visit to Walt Disney World Resort, Bob Chapek (chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products) surprised a select group of Cast Members with a first look into the development of the all-new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction that’s scheduled to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2020.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be the first ever ride-through attraction themed to Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

The attraction will feature a new story, a lovable new theme song and new technologies that will transport guests into the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts.

On the attraction, one magical moment will allow guests to step into the movie and onto Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.

Characters Visiting Resorts for a Limited Time

Adventure is out there for 15 familiar Disney Characters as they explore and see the sights at seven Walt Disney World Resort hotels!

Keep an eye out for Donald, Goofy, Daisy, Minnie, Tigger, Pooh, Mary Poppins, Alice, the Mad Hatter, Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale.

These Character experiences are unique from standard Character Greetings, offering the opportunity for Guests to catch a glimpse of their favorite Characters surprising Guests in their travels as they have fun and make magical memories at unique locations.

A good time can always be found on the lawn at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but Chip & Dale are hoping to find some acorns there too!  If they’re not exploring the wilderness, they may join in on a game of corn hole or giant checkers at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The lawn outside of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s Great Ceremonial House is a great place for Lilo to say “aloha” while Stitch gets into mischief, or for Mickey and Pluto to stop by for some mouse’s-best-friend bonding time.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has so much to offer that several characters may stop by.

Pooh and Tigger may bounce around in search of “hunny” along the sidewalks at this resort. The winds may bring Mary Poppins on a jolly holiday at the “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” topiaries near the main pool.  Alice and the Mad Hatter might switch places from their regular tea setting to the Mad Hatter Tea Party pool.

The sights, smells and shopping at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and Disney’s BoardWalk Resort have a lot to offer Daisy, Minnie, Donald and Goofy.

Daisy and Minnie might take in the sights or go for a swim during a girls’ day out. Donald and Goofy won’t be too far away, catching some sun at the pool deck or looking for a tasty treat.

These Characters are excited to explore the “world,” but these vacations may not last forever, so Guests are encouraged to say hello before the Characters set out on their next adventure.

 

 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Details Announced

 

Disney has just announced some of the special events and merchandise that will be revealed for Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary, taking place May 1, 2019.

This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the past, present, and the new, exciting future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Take a look at all that’s to come:

•View a Star Studded Celebration Parade – A Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Star-Studded Celebration cavalcade starring Mickey and friends will begin at 10 a.m. and will head down Hollywood Blvd.

•Pick Up a Commemorative 30th Anniversary Guide Map & Button – Guests entering the park can grab a special 30th anniversary commemorative guide map and button.

•Grab Exclusive 30th Anniversary Merchandise – Special 30th anniversary merchandise will be unveiled on May 1, including a new adult T-shirt, baseball cap, Tervis 24-oz tumbler, MagicBand, ornament and much more.

Annual passholders can also shop for some items exclusively created for them. Merchandise can be found starting at 8 a.m. in Grand Park, while supplies last. (Please note: Merchandise will go on sale at 8 a.m., Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens at 9 a.m.)

•Taste Special Food & Beverage Items – A slew of special anniversary food & beverage items will be available throughout the park, including Kylo Ren Cupcakes, Incredibles Macarons, Tres Leches Verrine and many more.

An official foodie guide will be announced next week!

•Stay For the Debut of “Wonderful World of Animation” – The park’s new nighttime projection show will light up the park for its official debut on May 1. Watch in wonder as the façade of the Chinese Theatre is magically transformed – displaying this stirring tribute to animation. Behold spectacular sequences celebrating themes like magic, family, adventure, romance and friendship. Each theme is brought to life through unforgettable moments from beloved films—like “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Incredibles,” “Coco” and many more. The show will debut at 9:05 p.m. just prior to the park’s “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks show.

 

 

 

 

Woody’s Roundup BBQ Coming in July

Sheriff Woody and his Toy Story pals are heading to Disney’s Contemporary Resort to put on a shindig that will feature games, crafts, and barbeque goodness.

The holiday weekend celebration will be offered nightly July 4 through 6 from 6:15 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. and the scene will be set as a “larger-than-life recreation playset of Woody’s Roundup—a rustic, wild western town.”

Woody, Jessie, Bullseye, and Buzz Lightyear will be on-hand and guests can sing and dance as Mr. Microphone plays some of Woody’s favorite tunes.

Playtime activities will include:

•Trick Roping Demonstration

•Camp-style Carnival Games

•Toy Story Craft Station

A balloon artist will be roaming around and creating favorite Toy Story toys.

Guests will experience the following fireworks shows from the Porte Cochere which provides a spectacular view. Each show begins at approximately 9:15 PM:

•July 4: Disney’s Celebrate America!—A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky

•July 5 and 6: Happily Ever After

Below is the menu for each evening of the party:

*Entrees

•Grilled Boneless Chicken Breasts and Thighs with Roasted Peach Coulis

•Fire-roasted Vegetable Cake served with a Chipotle Succotash

•Low and Slow Smoked Pork Ribs

•Barbecue Beef Brisket Carved

*Sides

•Fresh Cornbread and Honey Butter

•Mixed Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Roasted Pepper Ranch Dressing

•Sweet Cream Cole Slaw

•Southern-style Potato Salad

•Grilled Seasonal Vegetables with a splash of Smoked Olive Oil

•Vegetarian Campfire Chili

*Dessert

•Salted Caramel Cookie Bars

•Assorted Sliced Fresh Melon

•Red, White and Blue Push Pops

•Cherry-Pie Shots

*Kid’s Options

•Garden Salad with Ranch Dressing

•Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

•Butter Corn Kernels

•Steamed Hot Dogs

•Creamy Mickey Roni & Cheese

•Chicken Fingers with BBQ Sauce & Honey Mustard

•Potato Barrels

•Assorted Cookies and Brownies

*Beverages

•Juices, milk and an assortment of libations—including premium adult beverage options for guests 21 years of age and older.

The event will be held in the Fantasia Ballroom at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The price is $149 for ages 10 and up; $99 for ages 3-9 – tax and gratuity are included.

Disney Dining Plan entitlements may not be redeemed for this event. Discounts and promotions are not available. Reservations can be made now on Disney’s site.

Tables for this event will be assigned and multiple parties will be seated together.

 

 

 

Epcot Operating Schedule for New Year’s Eve 2018

EPCOT PARK HOURS FOR DECEMBER 31:

Future World: 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.

World Showcase: 9 a.m. – 1 a.m.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth: 6:30 p.m. and 11:40 p.m.

FUTURE WORLD: All attractions operate park open – 1 a.m. except:

•Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival will close at 11 p.m.

•Journey Into Imagination with Figment will close at 11 p.m.

•Living with the Land will close at 11 p.m.

•Turtle Talk with Crush will operate from 9 a.m. -11:40 p.m.

WORLD SHOWCASE: All attractions operate 9 a.m. – park close except:

•Frozen Ever After will operate from park open to 1 a.m.

•Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure will operate from 9 a.m. – 8:15 p.m.

ENTERTAINMENT:

•Future World East JAMMitors 9:20, 10:10, 11:10 a.m., 12:10, 1:35, 2:35, 3:35 p.m.

SpectacuLAB 10:30, 11:45 a.m., 2, 3:15, 4:30 p.m.

•The Seas with Nemo & Friends – Turtle Talk with Crush Continuously 8:40 a.m. -11:40 p.m.

•United Kingdom – British Revolution 6:55, 8, 9:30, 10:30 p.m., 12 a.m.

•Japan – Matsuriza 10, 10:50, 11:35 a.m., 12:35, 1:30, 2:20, 3:05 p.m.

•The American Adventure – Voices of Liberty 10:05, 10:50, 11:35 a.m., 12:20, 1:05, 1:50, 2:35 p.m.

•China – Jeweled Dragon Acrobats 12, 1, 2, 3, 4 p.m.

•Norway – Vikings 9, 9:50, 10:40 a.m., 12:10, 1, 1:50 p.m.

•Mexico – Mariachi Cobre 10, 10:45, 11:30 a.m., 12:15, 1:45, 2:30, 3:20 p.m.

Not offered on Dec. 31:

•Muppet Mobile Lab (Future World)

•Canadian Holiday Voyageurs (Canada)

•Rose & Crown Pub musician (United Kingdom)

•Serveur Amusant (France)

•Sahara Beat (Morocco)

•Sergio (Italy)

•Durch & Durch (Germany)

CHARACTER GREETING LOCATIONS:

•Pluto (Main Entrance Plaza) 8:45 a.m.-3:55 p.m.

•Joy & Sadness and Baymax at Character Spot (Innoventions West): 8 a.m.-1 a.m.

•Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope Von Schweetz (Innoventions West): 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Mickey, Minnie, Goofy at Character Spot: 8 a.m.-1 a.m.

•Alice (United Kingdom): 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:20, 3:20 p.m.

•Mary Poppins (United Kingdom): 11 a.m., 12, 1, 2 p.m.

•Princess Aurora (France): 10, 11 a.m., 12, 1, 2:50, 3:50 p.m.

•Princess Belle (France): 9:30, 10:30, 11.30 a.m., 12:30, 2:20 p.m.

•Princess Jasmine (Morocco): 10, 11 a.m., 12, 1, 2:50, 3:50 p.m.

•Snow White (Germany): 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:20, 3:20 p.m.

•Mulan (China): 10, 11 a.m., 12, 1:50, 2:50, 3:50 p.m.

•Anna & Elsa (Royal Sommerhus): 8 a.m.-1 a.m.

•Donald (Mexico) 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., 1:10-3 p.m.

•Daisy (World Showcase Gazebo) 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:10-5 p.m.

•Pluto (near Showcase Plaza): 8:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., 1:25-3:55 p.m

FOOD & BEVERAGE:

Breakfast

•Open at 8 a.m. Fountain View, Sunshine Seasons, all Joffrey’s locations except AA

•Open at 9 a.m. Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway), Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie (France)

Holiday Kitchens

•All Holiday Kitchens except for Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada) and Feast of the Three Kings (Rosewalk) will operate from 10:30 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Odyssey

•Open 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. Serving snacks and beer.

FRIENDSHIP BOATS (TRANSPORTATION):

World Showcase Lagoon: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.International Gateway (to Epcot Resorts and Disney’s Hollywood Studios): 7 a.m. – 2 a.m.

PhotoPass to Introduce Automated Cameras

Disney is set to roll out automated cameras to take your photo instead of PhotoPass photographers at select meet and greet locations.

Instead of a PhotoPass Cast Member, an automated camera will be located in the room to take photos of your interaction with the character.

At the moment, there are 9 different meet and greet locations planned that will utilize the technology.

 

 

 

Donald’s Dino Bash Coming to Animal Kingdom

Beginning May 25, Donald Duck will take over Dinoland, U.S.A. to celebrate his recent discovery that ducks are descendants of dinosaurs as part of Donald’s Dino-Bash!

Feathered friends Scrooge McDuck, Launchpad McQuack and other friends of Donald will be on hand to meet Animal Kingdom guests. In addition to bringing his own decorating touch to the land, Donald will throw a nightly dance party where everyone is welcome to “shake their tail feathers.”