Ears the News with Richard

The second phase of the newly expanded Magic Kingdom bus area is now in operation giving direct service to other theme parks. Starting 12/15/2013, the stops for Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom have relocated from the TTC to the new Magic Kingdom stops. You will find the Studios at stops 4 and 5, Animal Kingdom at stop 6 and Epcot at stop 9.

Part of Creature Comforts at Disney's Animal Kingdom will open as a MyMagic+ service center on 12/17/2013. Staffed by Guest Relations, service centers are located in all parks and provide guests with assistance and support in using MyMagic+ and all related services. The store, located on Discovery Island just before the entrance to Africa, will continue to sell merchandise along with operating as the service center.

The Refreshment Port in Epcot's World Showcase is now offering a Disney version of the famous 'Cronut.' Priced at $4.49 (and a snack on the Disney Dining Plan), you can get them now, and they are not just here for the holidays - expect them to be a permanent menu addition.

"It’s sweet, it’s warm, it’s deep fried and topped with cinnamon and sugar," says Epcot Executive Chef Jens Dahlmann. "Simply delicious."

The Cronut is a croissant-doughnut pastry attributed to chef Dominique Ansel for Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City and became famous due to frequent sell outs and being sold for up to $100 each on the black market.

Earlier this week Epcot carried out a small scale test of FastPass+ with non-Walt Disney World Resort guests. A small number of guests were recruited at the turnstiles to use MyMagic+ complete with FastPass+ access via kiosks and the My Disney Experience apps.

Currently all Walt Disney World hotel guests are eligible to use FastPass+, but off-site guests do not have access.

Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

The official Disney Parks Blog has confirmed that Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins will be joining Disney Jr Play n' Dine at the Hollywood and Vine in early 2014.

Look for the characters to begin appearances from January 26 2014 at the Hollywood Studios buffet restaurant. Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins will continue to be joined by Handy Manny and Jake from 'Jake and the Never Land Pirates.'

Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Existing characters June and Agent Oso will be leaving the restaurant.

Food Trucks are heading to the Streets of America this holiday season at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Look out for food trucks to be on the Streets of America at the back of the park from December 24 2013 to 1/4/2014, 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. It is expected that Disney will be deploying the trucks currently stationed at Downtown Disney West Side for this additional capacity offering.

Here is a link to the menus on WDWMagic.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/west-side-food-trucks/menus/09dec2013-west-side-food-trucks-menus.htm

Comments

Cruising with a Baby: A Complete Guide

You took a baby on a cruise!? Yep, and I'd do it again knowing what I know now. So, say goodbye to months of research - Everything you need to know is here!! One of the biggest challenges of traveling with a baby is planning what you need to bring. I wanted to share what worked for us, and hopefully help others who are planning their cruise! Remember, babies can only cruise after their 6-month birthday on sailings from the U.S. If you are going transatlantic, or have more than three days out at sea, they must be 12 months old by the first day of your cruise. Pre-Cruise We flew to the cruise port, and I couldn’t bring all the food and snacks I needed, so I placed an Instacart order for pick up near the port. I chose Publix in Cocoa Beach which is a few miles from Port Canaveral. I placed the order a few days before we left home, and set the pickup time to 11:00 a.m. I ordered formula, a box of diapers, swim diapers, bottle brush, dish soap, baby food, and baby snacks. I also broug

Complete Guide to Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Disney's new Bahamian island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a pristine, secluded paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. The cruise port is located on the island of Eleuthera (pronounced uh-loo-tr-uh) at it's southern tip, amidst a nature preserve called Lighthouse Point. Far from any towns, Lookout Cay feels like a tropical oasis that is separated from the outside world by mangrove forests. The landscaping is gorgeous with flowers like plumerias, and tall swaying palm trees. Whether you want to just kick back and relax or go for a thrilling banana boat ride, this port has something for everyone. There are family friendly areas as well as those reserved specifically for adults. Expert Tip: If you want a view of the island from your stateroom, be sure to book a starboard (right) side stateroom. Disney Magic docked at Lookout Cay After disembarking your Disney Cruise ship, you'll cross the pier to the island on foot. (It looks longer in

The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel Review

I love staying at the Disneyland Hotel so when I got the opportunity to stay at the new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel during opening weekend, I couldn’t pass it up. Because it was opening weekend, we were greeted in the entrance way of the lobby with balloons and many photo opportunities. When we arrived, there was a mural of the Haunted Mansion. I love how the seats in the main lobby were designed like the teacups in the parks. You can check in using the Disneyland app, drop your bags with bell services and head into the parks or use the amenities why you wait until your room is ready. When your room is ready, the resort will send you a text and you can use the Disneyland app on your mobile device to unlock the room. We dropped off our bags and went straight to the parks. We received a text around 1PM that our room was ready. In the new Discovery Tower (the Villas), you'll find that the lobby is very spacious with many places to sit while you read or wait for your family. Th

Kingdom Konsultant Travel Blog

Search This Blog