Skip to main content

Ears the News: June 8, 2018 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Ears the News

Brought to you by our friends at WDWMagic.com.


Disney has announced a new Disney Junior live show coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios this fall. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com 

"Disney Junior Dance Party!" is a high-energy, live show featuring characters from Disney Junior shows on TV, including "Mickey and the Roadster Racers," "Doc McStuffins," "The Lion Guard" and the newest hit series "Vampirina."

According to the announcement, the new "Disney Junior Dance Party!" is a musically infused, interactive concert, hosted by Finn Fiesta and a DJ – named Deejay, of course – who involve you in all the fun, including live appearances from some of your favorite characters, fun music from Disney Junior and much more.

We first mentioned Vampirina being developed for park appearances earlier this year, and it seems this new show may mark her debut at Walt Disney World.

The new show will take over the existing "Disney Junior - Live on Stage!" space in the Animation Courtyard, which will have its final performance on September 1 2018.

Walt Disney's World's Minnie Van Service is now available to all guests and no longer restricted to resort hotels. 

Photo Courtesy of WDWMagic.com 

Using the Lyft app, you can request a Minnie Van to travel to and from any location at Walt Disney World for $25 per trip per vehicle.

Minnie Van service is also available to and from Orlando International Airport for Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. For service from a Walt Disney World Resort hotel to Orlando International Airport, speak with a Concierge Cast Member to book service at least 24 hours in advance of travel time.

For airport service for Club-level Guests traveling to and from a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and Orlando International Airport, you can book ahead of your trip through Disney Signature Services at 407-939-7777.

Beginning June 13, the Canada Pavilion will welcome the Blueberry Grass Band to the Mill Stage, an accomplished group from Quebec who transform French and English Canadian hits into their own festive sound.

Every member of this six-person band has a different musical background, resulting in a group that uses a variety of instruments – string bass, guitar, violin, drums, banjo and of course, voice

Blueberry Grass Band will be performing for a limited engagement, June 13 to August 26 2018. Showtimes will typically be 2:15pm, 3:30pm, 5pm, 6:15pm, 7:30pm, Wednesday through Sunday.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! will open this weekend, performing June 9 to August 19 2018 at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot's World Showcase. 

Concept art courtesy of Disney

The show will feature Star-Lord and Gamora in person as a 7-piece alien band brings many of your favorite hits from Awesome Mix Volumes 1 & 2 to life. You may even catch a glimpse of Little Groot. Showtimes are at 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8pm daily.

The reserved viewing areas for IlliumiNations Reflections are being adjusted to bring them all into World Showcase Plaza. 

Theme Park Extra guests will now be located near to the Canada boat dock on the right side of Showcase Plaza. Learn more about Theme Park Extra.

FastPass+ viewing remains in the large area the front of World Showcase Plaza between the two gift shops.

Frozen Ever After Dessert Party guests will continue to use the area near the Disney Traders gift store on the left side of Showcase Plaza.

On the second Saturday of each month, Passholders are invited to an exclusive, early bird shopping experience at World of Disney, DisneyStyle, The Disney Corner and Ever After Jewelry from 9am to 10am.

During this time, passholders can enjoy one full hour to explore the store before anyone else, and take advantage of 20% Passholder discount.

This is what will be happening inside the World of Disney store during the June 9 2018 event.

Photopass

Keep an eye out for Disney PhotoPass Photographers during the event—they’ll be traveling between World of Disney, DisneyStyle, The Disney Corner and Ever After Jewelry Co.

Ghiradelli

Chocolate square samples from 9am to 10am—and get 20% off your Ghirardelli purchases.

Kiehl's

Receive a complimentary consultation and samples from skincare experts.

Live Entertainment

Enjoy a performance by Bryan Malpass.

Paddlefish

Complimentary samples of crab ceviche—and receive a coupon for 20% off food and nonalcoholic beverages (valid for the month of June).

Starbucks

Complimentary beverage samples.

Sugarboo & Co.

Complimentary “Mr. Fabulous” notepad when you make a purchase of $50 or more (while supplies last). Plus, check out their special display featuring popular gift picks just in time for Father’s Day—and take advantage of 10% Passholder discount.

Vera Bradley

Passholder discount—$30 off a purchase of $125 or more. Plus, FREE monograming all day long (valid only on June 9, 2018; exclusions apply).

The Uzima Springs Pool and Uzima Springs Pool Bar at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House will be closing for refurbishment later this year. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com 

The work is planned to begin on September 4, reopening to guests on December 5 2018.

During the refurbishment at Jambo House, the Samawati Springs Pool and Maji Pool Bar at Kidani Village will be available.

2018 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival events, including celebrity chef demonstrations, Eat to the Beat dining packages, Party for the Senses grand tasting experiences, beverage and cheese seminars go on sale June 14 2018. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com 


You can view all of the offerings available to book on the official festival site.

New events to the 2018 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival include:

Sunday Brunch with the Chef: Start your day in the most delicious way at a two-hour event including a brunch buffet and featuring a distinguished culinary television personality. While enjoying a meal inspired by some of our VIP guest’s favorite dishes, attendees will be part of an in-depth question-and-answer session featuring kitchen tips, tricks and insights. Finally, foodies are in for a fabulous pièce de résistance: a sparkling wine toast and an exclusive meet-and-greet photo opportunity with our celebrated gourmet guest.

Celebrity Chefs include Richard Blais, Jamie Deen, Tiffani Thiessen, Masaharu Morimoto, Buddy Valastro, Art Smith, Geoffrey Zakarian and Carla Hall.

Food & Beverage Pairing: Learn from the pros at these 45-minute sessions, held each Friday to Sunday. Enjoy a collaboration between the featured chef and beverage presenter, pick up a few tips and best of all – taste the demonstrated dish and beverage pairing.

The festival this year runs from August 30 to November 12 2018.

More acts have been added to the line-up for the 2018 Eat to the Beat concert series at this year's Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Canadian country artist High Valley (“She’s With Me”) and pop artist Vertical Horizon (“Everything You Want”) are among the additions.

Here is the updated 2018 Eat to the Beat performer schedule:
August 30 to 31: Blue October
September 1 to 3: Tiffany
September 4 to 5: NEW! MercyMe
September 6 to 7: NEW! Glass Tiger
September 8 to 9: NEW! Tauren Wells
September 10 to 11: Postmodern Jukebox
September 12 to 13: NEW! Vertical Horizon
September 14 to 16: Baha Men
September 17 to 19: Plain White T’s
September 20 to 21: Living Colour
September 22 to 23: NEW! Sheila E
September 24 to 26: Sugar Ray
September 27 to 28: David Cook
September 29 to 30: Jeffrey Osborne
October 1 to 2: NEW! Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts
October 3 to 4: Everclear
October 5 to 7: Mark Wills
October 8 to 10: Air Supply
October 11 to 12: To Be Announced
October 13 to 14: To Be Announced
October 15 to 16: NEW! 98 Degrees
October 17 to 18: 38 Special
October 19 to 21: The Devon Allman Project
October 22 to 23: Kenny G
October 24 to 25: Billy Ocean
October 26 to 28: Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
October 29 to 31: Hanson
November 1 to 2: NEW! High Valley
November 3 to 4: Taylor Dayne
November 5 to 7: Boyz II Men
November 8 to 9: The Hooters
November 10 to 12: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Disney has modified the blockout dates on the lower level Annual Pass tickets.

The Silver Pass and Weekday Select Pass for Florida residents is now good for entry through June 29 2018. The summer blockout was originally set to begin on June 4 2018.

Following the summer blockout, both tickets are then good for entry beginning August 10 2018.

Disney has announced that Annual Passholders will get exclusive access to Toy Story Land on select dates in September. 

Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com 

The opportunity will be available to Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Passholders, and attendees will get exclusive access to Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania!

Advance registration will be required—so be on the lookout for an event invitation with registration details in your email. If an eligible Passholder would like to register a Guest to accompany them, that Guest must also have a valid Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus or Premier annual pass, be listed on your Family & Friends list and have opted to share “All My Plans” with you. Event capacity is limited and is subject to availability.

Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Passholders must pre-register by making an online reservation for ONE event. There is no additional charge for this event. Valid annual pass and photo ID required at check-in. Activities and attractions are subject to change without notice.

It is with a sad heart that I report the passing of a legendary Walt Disney World Castmember. Richard Gerth passed away earlier this week after a battle with pneumonia. 

Photo courtesy of  Richard Gerth - Grand Floridian Greeter Facebook page and Chapman Photography

Richard has been the greeter and the Grand Floridian since 1991. If you have so much as walked into the Grand Floridian over the last 27 years, odds are you welcomed by Richard’s smile and a tip of his straw hat.

To many, myself included, Richard was as much a part of Walt Disney World as Mickey mouse. Words can not express how much he will be missed.

Video from Walt Disney World Secrets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuJdF9_72Ac&t=5s

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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

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

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