Top 3 All Time Favorite Themed Restaurants in WDW

#1: Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest is one of the best themed areas in Disney World, even outside of the themed dining scope, which is why it places top on my list. It is located in Fantsyland, Magic Kingdom and fits in perfectly as you already feel like you’ve been dropped into a fairytale with The Seven Dwarve’s Mine Train and Ariel’s Undersea Adventure nearby. The attention to detail is impeccable and longer you look around, the more you notice. When you’re in here you feel like you were dropped into the scenes where Beauty and the Beast took place. In fact the Beast himself makes an appearance like clockwork through all dining areas.

Captain EO to be Replaced Next Month

Captain EO, a musical number featuring Michael Jackson and his crew travelling to another world to deliver a gift to the “Supreme Leader”, is to close during early December in Epcot, WDW.

This attraction has been open since 1986 until 1994 when replaced by Honey I Shrunk the Audience and reopened in 2010 until December 2015 after replacing that same show. That means it has seen 13 years on the big screen overall, allowing a few generations worth of kids hold Captain EO as a fond memory in their heart, like I do. If we’re lucky maybe Captain EO will have another come back like it did in 2010. For those of you who have no clue what show I’m talking about, you should watch the video below because you’re missing out!

WDW Sorcerers of the Kingdom & Holiday Cards

Background on Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom:

Opening in 2012, SotMK is an interactive game played within, of course, the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. You are one of Merlin’s newest apprentices and he needs your help to keep Hades and his villainous friends from overtaking the Magic Kingdom. You’ll help out Merlin by travelling across the various themed lands inside the MK, with the exception of Tomorrowland, and go head to head in battle with the villains. However, fear not!  You won’t have to face battle along as different Disney pals will appear throughout your missions and help guide you throughout your quest.

WestJet Premiere’s New Disney Plane

WestJet and Disney Parks & Resorts Canada have been paired up in the hopes of creating unforgettable experiences for their customers since 2004. In December 2013, this idea and passion was taken to a whole other level when WestJet debuted their first custom painted airplane (Next-Generation Boeing 737-800). The plane features Cinderella’s castle and Mickey in one of his most famous and memorable forms – as sorcerer Mickey from Fantasia. Its premiere flight was to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL and was dubbed the “Magic Plane.” Truly dedicated to the experience, the Magic Plane’s seats are even decorated with the flurries of magic that leave Mickey’s hands and special Mickey shaped snacks are served to customers. Not only does the  plane go to Disney during the peak season in winter but it also flies to 80 other cities.

WestJet’s Magic Plane (pictured above)

WDW Announces Club Disney to Premiere on 12/5

Interactive attraction closures have been pretty high in the past couple of years, especially in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Attractions such as the Backlot Tour (closed Sept 2014), the American Idol experience (closed Aug 2014), the Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow (closed Nov 2014) and One Man’s Dream (closed until Dec 2015) have all ceased operation. This holiday season is also the last time the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights will be displayed. In retrospect, it’s obvious all these closures were made because Disney wanted to allot room for Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land which will both be located within DHS.

Disney World announces early 2016 Disney Junior Package

2015 is drawing to a close in a couple of months which means some early 2016 packages have been announced! Disney World introduced a Disney Junior themed package for select dates from January 2 to April 13, excluding weekends (Friday & Saturday).  This a great package for those who want to take their little ones away for a short time or can’t splurge on a week long vacation and hate peak seasons, especially if your little one(s) love Disney Junior.

Base Package includes:

• Resort room for 3 nights, 2 days                          base package sample prices
• 2 day base ticket for 2 adults & 1 child (ages 3-9)
• 1 Disney Junior Park Pack – goodies for your child from Disney Junior, Disney Publishing (most likely a book or coloring book), Walt Disney Records & GoGo squeeze (snack)

Note: 2 days/3 nights is the minimum, but anything over 3 days may not be worth it value wise

Disney World announces early 2016 Disney Junior Package

2015 is drawing to a close in a couple of months which means some early 2016 packages have been announced! Disney World introduced a Disney Junior themed package for select dates from January 2 to April 13, excluding weekends (Friday & Saturday).

Disney Junior base package sample pricing

The base package includes:

• Resort room for 3 nights, 2 days
• 2 day base ticket for 2 adults & 1 child (ages 3-9)
• 1 Disney Junior Park Pack – goodies for your child from Disney Junior, Disney Publishing (most likely a book or coloring book), Walt Disney Records & GoGo squeeze (snack)

While you’re there creating memories for a lifetime with your little one, you might want to consider partaking in some other Disney Junior fun such as:

• Disney Junior Pool Party – A 20 minute poolside party at your resort with a cast member leading  children in various activities such as “Sophia Says”,  and sing-a-longs favorite Disney Junior shows (like Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Miles from Tomorrowland and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse), and more. Be sure to check with your specific resort to see when this activity is available. Price: Free

• Disney Junior – Live on Stage! – In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s Minnie Mouse birthday and the fab 5 need help to give her a great surprise. With the help of Sophia the First, Doc McStuffins and Jake in this interactive performance, it’s sure to be a success! Make sure to check daily show times prior to visit. FastPass+ reservations or waiting on line early during EMH is suggested since the line is always long.           Price: Free, attraction inside resort park

• Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine – Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this character dining is available during breakfast ,
  lunch & dinner; food is served buffet style. Characters from Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Handy Manny make appearances to dance, play & take pictures with. Reservations highly recommended.                        Price: Breakfast $15-29.99  Lunch & Dinner $30-59.99

 

 

Disney Annual Pass Changes

If you’re a frequent visitor of Disney World or Disneyland (and are probably within driving distance), then you already know that an Annual Pass is the way to go as far as ticketing options go. This year both resorts changed the names of their passes, tweaked each passes benefits and of course, raised their prices.

DISNEY WORLD

Disney World introduced Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus which the Florida Seasonal, Annual, Premium and Premium Plus Annual Passes respectively.