Magic Kingdom Offers New Kids Menu Items

While some little ones are content with mac ‘n cheese or a burger, other young guests have a, well, more sophisticated approach to dining. Four Magic Kingdom Park table-service restaurants are adding some delicious new dishes just for kids for ages 3 to 9. At Tony’s Town Square, look for a steak skewer “spiedini” with roasted sweet potato fries and fresh fruit (spiedini refers to cubes of meat cooked on a skewer, an Italian specialty).  Also at Tony’s, a grilled cheese sandwich on multigrain bread sliced into “dippers” with tomato sauce on the side should appeal to just about any child.

Tony’s, a grilled cheese sandwich on multigrain bread sliced into “dippers” with tomato sauce on the side should appeal to just about any child.

Liberty Tree Tavern is featuring a new barbecued chicken and pineapple flatbread pizza with a side of crisp veggies and apples, or oven-roasted turkey with mashed potatoes, veggies and fruit.

At Cinderella’s Royal Table, youngsters can try the new chicken drumette with rice and broccolini, grilled beef skewers with mashed potatoes and corn, or a chicken pot pie topped with a biscuit crust.

And The Plaza Restaurant has a kids’ plate with grilled chicken slices, cous cous and a fresh fruit skewer.  Ah, to be a young ‘un again.

For more information on the Best of Walt Disney World, visit our website at www.bestwdw.com.

The author is a Disney Travel Specialist with Magical Vacations Travel. Click here for Disney World offers and promotions.

This post originally appeared in the Disney Parks Blog. 

2 Classic Walt Disney World Characters Return for "Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom"

~ posted by Darren Wittko, Disney Travel Specialist, February 2012

When the new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game debuts at Magic Kingdom Park in February, guests might encounter two characters stright out of the 'Disney World Wayback Machine.'  Merlin and Mr. Toad reappear as playing cards in this new interactive experience where it is up to guests to defeat Disney villains who are wreaking havoc through the theme park.
In this role-playing game, guests become Merlin’s apprentice sorcerers and embark on a quest to stop more than 20 Disney villains – including Hades and Cruella De Vil – from stealing one of the four shattered pieces of Merlin’s crystal ball. Armed with spells in the form of special cards, guests search for the magic symbols that lead them to villains’ hiding places in Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Main Street, U.S.A. Once there, apprentices use magic keys to reveal a villain’s hideout and use spell cards to stop them in their tracks.According to the game’s developers, the cards really are the secret weapons of the game. There will be 70 different spell cards available and guests will receive five complimentary cards when they play. Each card features a different Disney character that offers a spell unique to him or her. Guests can use more than one card simultaneously, casting multiple spells at a villain at one time.

 

Some of the cards you may encounter include:

• Lumière’s Candle Blast – This card shows Belle’s favorite candlestick spurred on by his loyal ally, Cogsworth.
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride – This card shows Mr. Toad’s car careening through the underbrush.
• Prince Naveen’s Army of Frogs – This card shows Tiana’s prince enchanting his amphibian army to action.
• Rafiki’s Wisdom Stick – This card shows Simba’s counselor ready to imbue some knowledge on the enemy’s forehead.

Jennifer Fickley-Baker, Social Media Manager at Disney Parks Blog adds, "I do have some additional details for guests who want to collect or trade these cards. The 70 cards are divided into nine different spell classes, such as Princess cards, Hero cards or Warrior cards. In addition, all cards are marked with one of three designations – a star symbol, which indicates a rare card; a moon symbol, which signifies an uncommon card; and a planet symbol, which indicates a common card."

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom will debut in late February and is included in the cost of theme park admission.

Darren is a Disney Travel Specialist with Magical Vacations Travel. Click here for Disney World discounts and offers. Visit The Best of Walt Disney World website for more information on Walt Disney World Resort. 

Disney's Newest Ship Getting Ready to Set Sail

Disney Fantasy is Disney Cruise Line's Newest Ship

~by Darren Wittko February, 2012

With Disney Dream recently joining the Disney Cruise Line® fleet, and Disney Fantasy coming in March 2012, there are shiploads of all-new experiences waiting to delight you—even if you’ve been on a Disney Cruise Line vacation before!

Although Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are sister ships, each will feature different adult nighttime entertainment areas, different signature characters, different art styling and more to make each one a unique cruising experience.

Both ships feature AquaDuck, a fun-filled new action experience—as well as a cruise industry first. Imagine being propelled by gushing water through a transparent tube on a breathtaking journey up, down, around and over the edge of the ship! Unique Enchanted Art pieces in each ship look just like other framed art until they unexpectedly spring to life to entertain you! Magical Portholes in all inside staterooms provide a “real-time” view outside the ship, as well as an occasional surprise glimpse of Disney Characters.

Following in the beloved Disney Cruise Line tradition of fun, adventure and elegant sophistication, the two newest ships are each 40 percent larger. Disney Dream sails 3- and 4-night Bahamian cruises. Beginning March 2012, Disney Fantasy will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Also in 2012, new home ports of New York, Galveston, Seattle and Los Angeles will be added, offering a variety of itineraries and bringing more Disney Cruise Line enchantment

Darren is a Disney Specialist with Magical Vacations Travel. Click here for offers and discounts on Disney Travel. Visit The Best of Walt Disney World website for information on Walt Disney World Resort. 

Cinderella Castle to be 'Covered' in Red Roses and more...

Disney Creative Entertainment has a new Castle show, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Set to debut Feb. 1, this show was inspired by some of the most romantic moments in Disney animation. Cinderella Castle will be covered in red roses for one sequence and turned into a beautiful, star-filled sky for another. During part of the show, spectacular stained glass windows will grace the façades, depicting the stories of Cinderella, Snow White and Belle.

For more information on the Best of Walt Disney World, visit our website at www.bestwdw.com.


The author is a Disney Travel Specialist with Magical Vacations Travel. Click here for Disney World offers and promotions.

New Disney Visa Card Designs Available

Take a look at the new designs. There are eight double-sided cards featuring some of your favorite Disney characters like Sorcerer Mickey, Tinker Bell and Lightning McQueen. And all of the custom designs are reserved exclusively for Disney’s Premier Visa Cardmembers.

For more information on the Best of Walt Disney World, visit our website at www.bestwdw.com.


The author is a Disney Travel Specialist with Magical Vacations Travel. Click here for Disney World offers and promotions.

Walt Disney World for Adults - Traveling Without Kids

It’s time we confront one of the biggest and most menacing myths about Walt Disney World Resort, that it’s just a place for kids.” To some,  Walt Disney World is spilled soda and sticky sidewalks, long lines, and cartoon characters around every corner. But those folks are in for a pleasant surprise. Yes, Disney World is kid friendly but that’s only because Walt Disney World is family friendly no matter who or what makes up your family. Just as some folks say Disney World is a place for kids, one could just as easily make the same argument that the Vacation Kingdom is only for adults. Don’t believe it? Let’s take a closer look at some adult-friendly activities.

You'll forget your in Florida on this spectacular tour of Animal Kingdom's Savannah. 

Wild Africa Trek

Gear up and brace for a safari unlike any other this side of Africa. Guests on Wild Africa Trek crouch along trails, traverse swaying footbridges above crocs and hippos and delve deep into the jungles and savannas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. expert guides lead small groups of adventurers on excursions across untracked areas of the park. Extended time is spent observing and learning about the animals while on foot or while over-landing in customized safari vehicles. Trekkers close out their experience at a serene overlook above a wildlife-filled savanna while savoring Africa-inspired food and beverage. $189 per person.

Exotic Car Driving Experience

Imagine driving the world’s fastest and most exotic high performance cars on a real racetrack…no traffic…no stoplights…no law enforcement…just your dreams, your adrenaline and the wide-open asphalt. Located at Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando, Florida, Exotic Driving Experience features supercars by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi and Porsche. Exotic Driving Experience gives you the opportunity to get behind the wheel of these super cars. Not up for the drive? Ride-alongs also available. Contact your Disney Travel Specialist for current pricing. 

Dive Quest and Epcot Seas Aqua Tour

Epcot DiveQuest is a unique scuba diving experience inside the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater tank. Guests must be SCUBA-certified. The Seas Aqua Tour allows Guests to swim on the surface without certification. 

A tour of Disney's Grand Floridian is a must-do at Disney World

Disney Deluxe Resort Hopping

Take time out of your day, or evening, to explore some of Disney World’s finest hotels. Did you know you’re free to walk around any resort, even if you are not staying there? You are more than welcome to walk the grounds, check out the lobby and pool areas, and even stay for dinner. Some of the best Disney Resorts to explore are the hotels on the monorail loop: Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary are a few must-sees. But also check out Disney’s Boardwalk Resort area - both the hotel and the actual Boardwalk. Cost: FREE! 

Characters in Flight Balloon at Downtown Disney

Characters in Flight

Soar 400 feet over Downtown Disney in a giant tethered balloon over the waterfront. With a volume of 210,000 cubic feet of lighter-than-air gas, the 72-foot-diameter balloon, can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a ten-minute trip, day or night. At the top, you’ll discover a 360-degree view of the Walt Disney World Resort and beyond. Cost is $18.

Disney Floral Dept can create surprises right in your room. 

Romantic Surprise from Disney World Floral 

This is one for the guys. arrange to have the Disney Floral Department to deliver a floral bouquet and or chocolate treats while you’re out of the room. When you return, your special someone will open the door to a magical display left for her to find. It’s a memory that will last a lifetime. Prices start around $40. Click here for more information on the Disney Floral Department. 

Romantic Cruises on Disney’s World’s Famous Waterways

Magic Kingdom Wishes Cruise

You and up to 8 guests can board a smooth sailing pontoon boat around the Seven Seas Lagoon, just outside Magic Kingdom Park. Enjoy snacks and soft drinks as you cruise. When it’s time for the fireworks, you can immerse yourself in the magic with private viewing spot with nothing between you and Cinderella Castle. You can also arrange onboard dining to be delivered. Cost: $293.00

For larger parties, upgrade to the Premium package. Take up to 10 guests and enjoy a live audio feed of the Wishes fireworks soundtrack. Cost $347.00

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot

Illuminations Cruise at Epcot

You and up to 10 guests can enjoy a front row seat away from the crowds onboard a luxurious pontoon boat that includes your very own captain. In addition to the  spectacular views of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, you can enjoy water, soda and snacks or arrange private dining to enjoy out on the water. Cost: $325 plus tax. 

Grand 1 Yacht departs from Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Grand 1 Yacht

The Grand 1 is an indulgent 52-foot Sea Ray Sedan Bridge Yacht available for luxurious cruises accommodating up to 18 people (17 if a Butler is in service) around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. The Grand 1 is an ideal place to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Onboard dining can be arranged too. Cost: $520 for 60 minutes, $780 for 90 minutes, $1040 for 120 minutes.

Dolphins in Depth Experience

Swim with Dolphins - Disney’s Dolphins in Depth

Imagine getting up close and personal in the water with Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. The Seas pavilion invites guests on a three-hour, behind-the-scenes experience aimed at providing a keener understanding and heightened appreciation for dolphins. The 30-minute dolphin interaction takes place in waist-deep waters so guests don’t need to be SCUBA certified or even know how to swim. Disney’s Dolphins in Depth is $194 per person.

Sea Raycers were built exclusively for use at Disney World

Watercraft Rental

Walt Disney World Resort offers a fun fleet of motorized and non-motorized watercrafts for vacationers looking to make a splash.

Sea Raycers by Sea Ray boats, sailboats, SunTRACKER pontoon boats, Boston Whaler Montauk boats, pedal boats, kayaks and canoes are just a few of the available options for rent at various Walt Disney World Resort hotels. The best places to rent a boat are the Magic Kingdom resorts: Contemporary, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness Campground and Grand Floridian Resorts. Boaters can drive between Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon via a "water bridge." COST: Sea Raycers : $21.59 (plus tax) per 1/2 hour/ $27.23 (plus tax) per 45 min./$30.05 (plus tax per hour) Sun Tracker Pontoon Boats (1-10 passengers): $34.74 (plus tax) per 1/2 hour Canopy Boats - $24.88 (plus tax) per 1/2 hour Sailboats - 13' Catamaran $23.47 (plus tax) per hour

Underneath the Magic Kingdom on they Keys to the Kingdom Tour

Keys to the Kingdom Tour - Magic Kingdom Tour

Even if you’re not a Disney fan, there’s no denying how impressive the Walt Disney World Resort is. Go behind the scenes to see how the magic is created, and find amazing details hidden in plain sight. Best of all, you’ll be taken down underneath the Magic Kingdom into the service tunnels where all the day-to-day operations are performed. Tours are approximately 4.5-hours with complimentary lunch. Cost: $74 per person. This is one of the best tours available and is highly recommended.

Segway Your Way to Fun!

Walt Disney World guests can experience a Segway Human Transporter (HT) for themselves, firsthand, as part of three different programs. 

Wilderness Back Trail Adventures Segway Tour features custom
built Segways for off-road use. 

Around the World at Epcot is a two-hour guided tour that allows guests to operate the two-wheeled, one-person transportation device throughout World Showcase before it opens to other park guests. Cost is $99.00 per person. The 7:45 a.m. tour is highly recommended because you’ll have the entire park to yourself!  

Wilderness Back Trail Adventures is a two-hour tour that lets guests explore the natural beauty of the Florida landscape in and around Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.  Cost is $90 per person.

California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort

A Most Memorable Fine Dining Expereince

There are numerous restaurants that offer are attractions all themselves. The renowned  Victoria and Albert’s Restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort does not even allow children. For a complete list of fine dining at Walt Disney World, visit our Signature Dining Review Page. 

Prices subject to change without notice. For assistance with making reservations, contact a Disney Travel Counselor. 

For more information on the Best of Walt Disney World, visit our website at www.bestwdw.com.
The author is a Disney Travel Specialist with Magical Vacations Travel. Click here for Disney World offers and promotions.

Big Changes Coming to Epcot's Test Track in April 2012

Disney and General Motors have renewed their long-term business relationship with a new multi-year corporate alliance.

As part of the new alliance, GM will be actively involved with Walt Disney Imagineering in the development of a re-imagined, design-centric Test Track experience. The refurbished Test Track will be presented by one of GM’s most famous brands, Chevrolet. As Chevrolet marks its 100^th anniversary, the new alliance agreement enables General Motors to tell its story in new and exciting ways.

Plans call for closing the current GM Test Track in April 2012, with an anticipated opening of Test Track Presented by Chevrolet scheduled for fall 2012.

As part of the re-imagining, the Future World attraction will feature a sleek new “Chevrolet Design Center at Epcot” immersing Guests in the fascinating world of automotive design. Amid upbeat music, engaging media, dramatic lighting and a collection of Chevrolet concept cars and model vehicles, guests themselves will become automotive designers – and peer into the future of personal transportation in the process.

At interactive design and styling workstations, Guests will be able to create their own custom concept vehicles. The adventure will then shift into high gear as Guests buckle into their 6-person “SimCar” ride vehicle and put their design through its paces on the exhilarating hills, switchbacks and straight-aways of the Test Track circuit.

Their performance testing complete, Guests will move into a post-show area filled with special effects and be scored on how well their custom concept vehicle did. And of course, Guests will be able see the very latest Chevrolet vehicles in an all-new state-of-the-art showroom.

For more information on the Best of Walt Disney World, visit our website at www.bestwdw.com.

The author is a Disney Travel Specialist with Magical Vacations Travel. Click here for Disney World offers and promotions.