NEWS ROUNDUP: Disney Announces Discounted Tickets, Holiday Party Season Pass, Food & Wine Preview, Halloween Party Opens, Mobile Order Expands, Sweet Treat Guide and More
Not surprisingly, with so many new attractions, experiences and more opening or about to open around Disney World, there has been a steady stream of news lately. This week, Disney made two announcements regarding new ticket options that are getting a lot of positive buzz. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is back and there are a ton of changes this year that we had a chance to experience and review. A new experience also opened in Disney Springs along with an expansion of Mobile Order to several new locations. All this and a bunch more below.
1 – Disney Announces New Discounted Tickets for Walt Disney World
This week Disney announced a new ticket option that bring savings to guests. First up, for those who wish to sleep in or visit the parks after 12 noon, a new Mid-Day Magic Ticket might just be the perfect option for you. Mid-Day Magic Tickets are valid for admission after 12 p.m. and are valid at one theme park per day. There are 2, 3, and 4-day ticket options available.
For more information on the new Mid-Day Magic Ticket, click here.
2 – Disney Announces New Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Season Pass
For those wishing to enjoy Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party multiple times, the new Halloween party season pass will bring significant savings. This new pass allows up to 35 party visits. Halloween night is not included with the pass.
For all of the details on the new Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Season Pass, click here.
3 – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Begins at Magic Kingdom Park
Last week brought the return of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. We were there and had an absolute blast! It’s our favorite special ticketed event at Walt Disney World. There are a lot of new experiences that you don’t want to miss.
Check out the Headless Horseman riding through Main Street USA.
Click here for our Instagram Story from our night at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Click here for the Halloween Party Foodie Guide.
Click here to see a video of the novelty items sold at the party.
Click here to view the Disney PhotoPass Guide for the party.
4 – NBA Experience Opens at Disney Springs
We also enjoyed the opening of the NBA Experience at Disney Springs. Disney developed this one-of-a-kind environment in collaboration with the NBA, where guests enter the world of professional basketball. The high-energy, family-friendly venue is packed with 13 different basketball-related activities across 44,000 square feet and two floors. I’m not a basketball fan, but I still had a lot of fun at the various stations!
Click here for more about the Grand Opening ceremony and our full review.
5 – Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Preview
With the fall season in full swing at Walt Disney World, we’re eagerly awaiting the start of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival on August 29, 2019. Last week we enjoyed a preview of the festival and learned all about new food and beverage, entertainment, family activities, and more. We’ll have our guide for the 2019 Food & Wine Festival up later this week!
6 – Sweet Treats at Walt Disney World – August 2019
This month there are some new unique and tasty treats available throughout Walt Disney World. While most are only available in August, a few fall treats are available through November at All-Star Resorts.
Click here for the complete guide with photos and where you can purchase the items.
7 – Mobile Order Service Now Available at Additional Disney Resort Hotels
Since Disney rolled out the mobile order service, it has become our preferred way to order quick service meals at the parks. That’s why we are so excited that the service keeps expanding to more and more locations, including more resorts. Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Avery Maehrer:
Calling all foodies! The mobile order service is officially available at select Disney Resort hotels.
With a few taps of the screen, guests are now able to use this service to save time and skip the line to order at seven newly-participating quick-service restaurants, including Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, the World Premiere Food Court, the End Zone Food Court and the Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Resorts, as well as Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
These locations are the latest additions to the mobile order lineup, joining Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, as well as over 20 other quick-service locations throughout the four theme parks and Disney Springs area. And there’s more on the way, as we plan to expand the service to additional Disney Resort hotel locations soon!
The mobile order service offers the convenience and flexibility of ordering, paying for and picking up fresh meals and snacks directly from the pick-up counter where Cast Members deliver the food – saving you time to enjoy all there is to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort. To see the full list of participating locations, tap “order food” in the My Disney Experience app. And don’t forget, if you have a Disney dining plan you can now redeem your meals and snacks through the service.
So, what are you waiting for? Download the My Disney Experience app, available via the App Store and Google Play, to mobile order during your next visit!
8 – ‘The Phantasmal Fireworks’ Flash’ Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card
Calling all Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom fans! If you’re attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, don’t forget to pick up this year’s party exclusive card. Disney Cast Member Jennifer Fickley-Baker shares more below.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has returned to Magic Kingdom Park, and this year, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom fans can pick up an event-exclusive game card inspired by party’s brand-new fireworks show, “Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular.”
According to Imagineer Jonathan Ackley, the “Phantasmal Fireworks’ Flash” card was created after “Merlin the Magician was so impressed with – and excited – for the new spectacular that he created a spell in its honor!”
In case you’re new to Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, this in-park interactive experience that allows guests of all ages to join Merlin’s quest to stop Disney Villains from taking over Magic Kingdom Park. Guests search for villain hideouts throughout the park and visit magic portals where they use spell cards to fight back against a villain’s plan. Your journey begins at the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A., where you can pick up everything you need to play.
This special event card will be distributed separately (and in addition to) the regular Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card packs at this location. Guests must register to play with their party ticket and event wristband in order to get cards.
Will you pick this card up on your party night? Share your excitement in the comments section below!
9 – ‘College GameDay’ Crew Coming to Walt Disney World to Kick Off the College Football Season
As huge college football fans, we’re so excited to share that College GameDay will be broadcasting live from Magic Kingdom! Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Michael Loughran:
In advance of the highly anticipated college football game between the University of Miami and the University of Florida, the “College GameDay” crew will be coming to the most magical place on earth! Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard, David Pollack, and Maria Taylor will be broadcasting live from Magic Kingdom Park on Saturday, August 24. Check out this exciting announcement video featuring Mickey and Friends with Coach Corso.
The crew will all be at all four theme parks preparing for the broadcast as they experience all that the Walt Disney World Resort has to offer including getting an inside look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
If you are visiting Magic Kingdom Park on Saturday, check us out on Main Street, U.S.A.! And if you are at home, tune in to “College GameDay” on ESPN (9 a.m. – noon ET) on Saturday, August 24 for all the fun!
10 – Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Now Open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
There’s a new Biddidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Jennifer Fickely-Baker.
Young princesses and knights can step into their own fairytale at a “grand” new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, now open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa! The location offers guests age 3-12 magical transformations from their own Fairy Godmothers-in-Training at Walt Disney World Resort.
Joining the existing Biddidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney Springs, the latest enchanted boutique at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a great option for guests looking to dress up before visiting Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or enjoying a delightful buffet at 1900 Park Fare. Plus, a Disney PhotoPass Studio has also recently opened at the resort, providing guests the opportunity to capture picture-perfect royal portraits in front of a traditional backdrop.
In addition to the recently-opened boutique, all Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations have introduced special new merchandise including a spirit jersey, Minnie Mouse Ear headband, MagicBand and accessories, available to add to any transformation package.
Young princesses can also choose from four new hairstyles inspired by modern royalty with customizable options including braids, bows and flower halos. Take a look at the video below for examples of the new styles:
- Enchanted – Hair is styled in a bun or messy bun hairpiece and includes a choice of princess bow or shining tiara.
- Fantasy – Hair is swept back into a bun, covered with a curly hairpiece and topped with a coordinating flower halo.
- Royal Braid – Hair is styled in a bun and accessorized with an attached Royal Braid. A princess bow completes this look fit for royalty!
- Pixie Magic – Add a colorful touch to this hairstyle with an elegant ponytail and matching flower halo.
As always, a variety of transformations are available and may include hairstyling, nail polish, accessories, gowns and more depending on the package guests choose. Reservations for all Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations are encouraged and can be made up to 180 days in advance on DisneyWorld.com and Disneyland.com or by calling (407)-WDW-STYLE.
11 – Walt Disney Imagineering Partners with Khan Academy to Bring You ‘Imagineering in a Box’
Do you have a future Imagineer in your house? Then you’ll be interested in a new free program called Imagineering in a Box. Disney Cast Member Jennifer Fickley-Baker shares more below.
Imagineering fans, get ready! If you’ve ever been one of many guests who’s visited a Disney theme park and found yourself inspired to dream, build and create, there’s a new online program you just can’t miss!
‘Imagineering in a Box’ is a free online program that brings together the diverse talents of Disney Imagineers around the world for a one-of-a-kind learning experience and is part of Disney’s commitment to helping today’s youth create the future they imagine.
The series offers 32 videos in which Imagineers share how they use a wide range of skills – from story development and conceptual design, to math, physics and engineering – to create immersive experiences. The online curriculum aims to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and encourage innovation in the minds of students and teachers alike, while creating fun and engaging opportunities to explore new concepts.
Modules range from a tutorial on engineering software, to an interactive exercise where learners are encouraged to gather items around them and create something new. The program’s hands-on components will allow students to relate new concepts to real-world examples to bring treasured Disney stories to life. Each activity is designed to be scalable, allowing individuals to learn on their own or in a classroom setting.
12 – Walt Disney Imagineering Shares a First Look at Disney Skyliner Costumes
We’re getting closer to the opening of the Disney Skyliner and we’re so excited. Disney has shared more information about cast member costumes for the Skyliner. Disney Cast Member Jennifer Fickley-Baker shares more below.
The Disney Skyliner, which is just about a month away from opening, will transport guests high above the Walt Disney World Resort from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
But guests won’t be the only ones flying in style when Disney Skyliner opens. Our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) just shared the first sneak peek at the stylish new costumes Disney Skyliner cast members will don with the system opens on September 29.
WDI partnered with Costuming to design new mid-century modern costumes that were inspired by the travel system’s color scheme and the curved shape of the Skyliner cabins. Check out the video above for an inside look.
13 – New Disney Wedding Venues at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
With the reimagining of Disney’s Coronado Resort and the addition of Gran Destino Tower, there are now some incredible new wedding venues to choose from. Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Korri McFann.
With Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, we have venues that span private islands, castle courtyards, European plazas, and rose gardens. We’re excited to share with you the newest addition to our list of dreamy wedding locations!
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World Resort was recently re-imagined, creating new venues and picturesque backdrops. The resort celebrates a unique blend of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American cultures and offers updated amenities that you and your wedding guests will enjoy.
Destino Plaza
This lush lawn is flanked by a beautiful lakeside oasis and the incredible Gran Destino Tower. A versatile space, makes this a perfect location for ceremonies, pre-receptions or receptions! Whether you face the impressive arch windows or the fountain on the lake, you’re sure to have a stunning backdrop to your “I DO.”
Lantana Courtyard
Just steps away from Destino Plaza you can find Lantana Courtyard. A perfect spot for pre-receptions or intimate receptions. This private courtyard connects to an interior space, giving you the option of both an indoor and outdoor location!
La Mesa Patio
Dance the night away under twinkling lights at La Mesa Patio. This private courtyard is surrounded by lush greenery and towering palm trees setting the perfect scene for a wedding reception!
Casitas Courtyard
Casitas Courtyard is a charming venue surrounded by fountains, twinkling lights, fresh blooms and towering palm trees. Whether you host a ceremony or reception in this spot, it’s sure to be magical!
The dramatic transformation of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort makes this location even more appealing for wedding events! To learn more about the variety of Disney wedding venues across the globe, visit the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons website!
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