Disney Traveller

18/11/2018

At last weeks International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products announced that much-anticipated Skyliner at Walt Disney World will be ready for guests in Fall (September - November) 2019!

For international Disney travellers this announcement means the new gondola system will open just prior to the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This additional transport system will be essential for Disney in assisting to manage the massive crowds expected to travel to Hollywood Studios once Galaxy's Edge opens and a fantastic way for travellers to get around Disney World.

This new state-of-the-art gondola system will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort as well as the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Riviera Resort.

17/11/2018

Disney Traveller, we were recently asked by a fan for our recommendations of the best places to dine at Disneyland. Although Disneyland (and DCA and Downtown Disney) have many great dining options our long term favourite is the Blue Bayou.

Blue Bayou is a full-service New Orleans/Cajun-style restaurant renowned for its unique location within the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in the Disneyland Park.

Although seated in a large, enclosed building, diners experience the illusion of eating in an outdoor restaurant at nighttime while listening to the calming sounds of crickets and frogs, the meandering glow of fireflies and watching riders floating by, in their attraction boats.

Reservations should be made at least one week in advance , but are able to be made up to two months in advance for the entire dining period.

Picture courtesy of Disney Parks.

16/11/2018

Fellow International Disney Travellers, after yesterdays very "carnivorous" post featuring a number of very yummy Christmas Hot Dogs, we thought it was only fair to share some Magic Kingdom "sweet tooth" offerings from the popular Main Street Bakery!

Holiday Mickey Cinnamon Roll (served daily throughout the holiday season) – with red and green icing garnished with a Mickey Santa Hat

Chocolate Yule Log (gluten friendly) – with chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, chocolate ganache, and white chocolate piece featuring Mickey and Minnie

Sugar Rush Jumbo Cupcake (served daily throughout the holiday season) – red velvet vanilla swirl cupcake with peppermint icing, assorted candy, sprinkles, and a white chocolate Wreck-It Ralph piece

Mickey Ornament Gingerbread Cookie – gingerbread cookie dipped in icing

Image courtesy of Disney Parks

15/11/2018

Team Disney Traveller, our long term readers will know that your travel guides love their food, especially when we are in the Disney Parks.

Can you image our joy when we found out that Disney has just announced their 12 Days of Christmas Dogs – featuring hot dogs of hot dogs past!

Throughout the year, Casey’s Corner has featured a variety of specialty Hot Dogs of the Month, and during December Disney will be bringing each and every one of them back for a limited time.

In the 12 days leading up to Christmas, you’ll be able to get your favorite Hot Dog of the Month once again.

Each one will only be available for one day only, so be sure not to miss them!

Dec. 14 – Pineapple Teriyaki Dog topped with roasted pineapple, onions, Teriyaki sauce, and green onions

Dec. 15 – Buffalo Chicken Dog topped with buffalo chicken, celery, and a garlic ranch drizzle

Dec. 16 – Greek Dog topped with olives, banana peppers, red onions, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce

Dec. 17 – Cuban Dog topped with mojo pork, relish, swiss cheese, and mustard

Dec. 18 – Aztec Dog topped with sweet and spicy ground beef and creamy elote mixed with spicy lime mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese

Dec. 19 – Philly Cheesesteak Dog topped with roast beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and cheese sauce

Dec. 20 – Casey’s Classic Dog topped with hash browns, bacon, cheese, and fried onion straws

Dec. 21 – Cheesy Dog topped with cheddar cheese, queso cheese, and spicy cheese puffs

Dec. 22 – Jalapeño Popper Dog topped with cheese sauce, garlic ranch, bacon bits, jalapeño poppers, and sliced jalapeños

Dec. 23 – Loaded Mashed Potato Dog topped with garlic mashed potatoes, caramelized onions, cheddar, bacon, scallion sour cream, and green onions

Dec. 24 – Poutine Dog topped with fries, poutine gravy, cheese curds, and chives

Dec. 25 through Jan 1. – 2 Foot-Long Hot Dog with your choice of two toppings (Casey’s Classic, Chili Cheese, or Macaroni & Cheese)

BTW, we are still craving the Jalapeño Popper Dog that we featured on facebook a few weeks ago :)

Images courtesy of Disney Parks / Disney Traveller

14/11/2018

Australian, Canadian and New Zealand Disney Travellers, the Holiday Season has already begun at the Disneyland Resort.

Seasonal magic and festive traditions have returned to the Happiest Place on Earth now through Jan. 6, 2019. The festivities include spirited entertainment, family-favorite attractions, seasonal dishes, glistening décor and more!

Favorite holiday experiences include the heartwarming Disney Festival of Holidays, which returns to Disney California Adventure park. You can enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali and Kwanzaa. In addition, “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” street party celebration features colorful live entertainment. Over in Cars Land, the residents of Radiator Springs have decked out Route 66 for the season.

In Disneyland park, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle sparkles by day and night. Be sure to catch “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, which remains a beloved tradition for guests. “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular will enchant guests of all ages, especially during its magical snowfall finale. Attractions have also transformed for the season, including “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Check out the video below to see what’s in store for your visit to Disneyland if you are travelling during the popular holiday season!

https://youtu.be/6IqQkgRsHHY

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks

13/11/2018

Disney Traveller loves spending Christmas and the Holidays in the Disney Parks and Disney World and Disneyland always look fantastic over this festive period.

If you have ever wondered how Disney transforms their parks from Halloween to Christmas themed overnight, here is a fun short behind the scenes video that will share a few "decorating" secrets.

https://youtu.be/Q8ZeicYEd9U

12/11/2018

As you know, your guides at Disney Traveller love saving time in the theme parks. As such we were please to hear recently that Disney has decided to expand its popular "After Hours Events".

Disney After Hours events have been a huge hit among Disney fans and its great that not only are more event nights set for Magic Kingdom Park, but for the first time Disney has expanded the fun to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

These evening events are your opportunity to experience the magic of a Disney theme park for three hours after regular park hours, which means little-to-no wait for attractions, experiences and character greetings!

You can even enter the park early at 7 p.m. on the event night before the official Disney After Hours begins. Ice cream, popcorn and select beverages are also included in your Disney After Hours admission, which is a separately priced ticket from daytime park admission.

Here’s what to expect at each park:

Magic Kingdom Park
Enjoy classic favorite attractions from Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain as well as newer favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, plus many more. Event nights will run on: Nov. 26; and Dec. 3, 10, 2018; and Jan. 7, 17, 24 and 28, 2019; Feb. 7, 14, and 28, 2019; and March 7, 2019.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Imagine having little-to-no wait for newly opened Toy Story Land attractions, including Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror and other attractions will also be available. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will also stay open for purchases throughout the night. Event nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be: Dec. 8, 15 and 22, 2018; and Jan. 5, 12 and 19, 2019; Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 2019; March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2019; and April 6 and 13, 2019.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Enjoy the best Disney’s Animal Kingdom has to offer at night, including heart-tugging Tree of Life Awakenings, the adventures within Pandora – The World of Avatar and more. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will remain open throughout the night for purchases. Dates at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are: Dec. 4, 12 and 18, 2018; and Jan. 8, 16, 22 and 31, 2019; and Feb. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 26, 2019; and March 5, 20 and 27, 2019; and April 3, 2019.

Tickets for Disney After Hours events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be on-sale November 15 through the Disney Reservation Center by calling 407-939-7795.

All Disney After Hours event tickets cost $125 + tax for advance purchase and $129 + tax for day-of purchases. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders do receive a discounted price $95 + tax.

Image courtesy of Disney Parks

11/11/2018

International Disney travellers next time your in Disney California Adventure take a quick break from touring the Park and enjoy some down time over a plate of lobster nachos and a few spicy habanero margaritas. Cheers 🍹

10/11/2018

On Wednesday of this week, we discussed 5 tempting options in how to celebrate the holiday season while in Walt Disney World. Disney Traveller has had a number of enquiries regarding one of the newest options we mentioned, the Have a Holly, Jolly Good Time at the new Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party! So here is more information regarding this new Disney Holiday event.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a festive and joyous experience for guests of all ages, and now Disney making it even more magical with the Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party!

At this new and special experience beginning at 9:30 p.m., you can pop in and out at your leisure and indulge in savory hors d’oeuvres including a selection of artisanal meats and cheeses as well as Tony’s famous meatballs, mini hand-tossed pizzas, boursin-stuffed artichoke and more! And if you’re wanting to satisfy that sweet tooth, then you can snack on pumpkin tartlets, Yule Logs, cannoli, Christmas cookies, and red velvet cupcakes.

To go along with this festive array of dishes, raise a glass to the spirit of the season with a selection of complimentary beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. While you eat, enjoy a holiday atmosphere and views of Town Square and Main Street, U.S.A

The party doesn’t stop there! At 11:00 p.m., you’ll have access to a special reserved viewing area for the truly enchanting Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade as it makes its way down Main Street, U.S.A. The festive procession includes dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers and beloved Disney characters in their holiday finery. And the party continues until 12:30 a.m., even longer than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party is available for $99 per person (plus tax) every Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event night at Magic Kingdom Park. Admission to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is required to attend.

Reservations are now available online or by calling 407-827-7348. Space is limited and will fill up fast, so book your reservation soon!

10/11/2018

Had some wonderful feedback from a friends that have just returned from a WDW trip. They used many of the suggestions and recommendations that your guides at Disney Traveller have to offer and they had an amazing time. Here is a quick trip report and a few of their leanings that may help fellow international Disney travellers.

This couple is in their early 50’s and have travelled the world and are self proclaimed foodies and wine connoisseurs.

Some of the highlights of their trip was Jiko, Wine Bar George and Epcot. In their opinion dinner at Jiko would be in the top 5 dining experiences they have ever had.

The opportunity to sample some fantastic wines at Wine Bar George for a very reasonable price along with some quality time discussing the selections with the sommelier.

Epcot’s Food & Wine Fest along with the World Showcase pavilions was also very enjoyable. Soar’n over the World was also a big hit.

Some of the things that they were not prepared for were the amount of people they encountered in the parks and around the resort. There is a lot of people in America already but Disney World is always relatively busy these days.

Unfortunately they chose park days with out checking park opening and closing hours and on their planned Magic Kingdom day the park closed early for a Cast member years of service party.

Also not being aware of all other Disney activities taking place during the trip, they found out ( the hard way ) RunDisney had a race on in the AM of a day they planned to go to NASA. They were planning to depart for Cape Canaveral by 7:30am but they could not get the rental car from the Car Care Center until 9:30am because of road closures that were required for the race.

Something they would also consider when they return to Disney is booking a resort where they could have a nice dinner and a glass of wine at the end of a day.

Please don’t forget your guides at Disney Traveller want you to have an amazing time during your Disney vacation and to avoid the pitfalls that can await international visitors.

Message us for any assistance you may require 😊

09/11/2018

Travel throughout the Walt Disney World Resort has never been easier, thanks to their own version of Uber, the Disney's Minnie Van Service!

With one click on your phone, your Minnie Van can take you from a Walt Disney World Resort hotel to any theme park location, other resorts and even Disney Springs! Of course, once you have enjoyed your time at your desired destination, just click on the app and your Minnie Van will arrive to take you to your next resort location!

To learn more, the following video from Disney Parks Moms Panelist, Emillie, as she shows us just how magical Minnie Van Service can be on your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation.

https://youtu.be/JHV8PEO-Xpg

08/11/2018

The Paint the Night Parade opened May 22, 2015, as part of Disneyland's Diamond Celebration in commemoration of its 60th anniversary.

Disney Traveller loves this parade as it utilises over 1.5 million LED lights, incredible special effects and features over 70 performers.

The show usually runs nightly and can now be found in Disney California Adventure and is a definite "Must See" during your next to the Disneyland Resort.

Excited to learn more, check out this amazing parade in the video below...

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUAKeUhebNk

07/11/2018

For Australian, Canadian and New Zealand travellers planning to travel to Disney in early 2019 you should consider planning your travels around the Epcot International Festival of the Arts.

Guests can kick off 2019 with the return of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts – a 39-day celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world. Beginning Jan. 18 and running through Feb. 25, the festival offers artful activities for the entire family, from special entertainment and interactive workshops to immersive art experiences and world-class cuisine.

Disney Traveller loves the festival events held at Epcot and the International Festival of the Arts is a event not to be missed.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks

06/11/2018

From glittering holiday decor to special entertainment to tasty seasonal treats, Disney Traveller loves spending the holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort.

Here are five holiday experiences you can book right now that can help you make the most of your holiday visit:

1) Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park

2) Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party – Reservations just opened for this brand-new Food & Beverage offering at Magic Kingdom Park.

3) “The Candlelight Processional” Dining Packages at Epcot – “The Candlelight Processional” is a holiday tradition for many Disney guests and families.

4) Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

5) New Year’s Eve Celebration Reservations – Three unforgettable New Year’s Eve experiences – Pixar Party: A New Year’s Eve Celebration, Disney Countdown to Midnight: A New Year’s Eve Celebration, and Disney Ink & Paint Club – are already on sale. Don’t miss out!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks

05/11/2018

Although we pride ourselves at Disney Traveller for our ninja-like planning skills to avoid large crowds in the Disney Parks, there will always be moments where you will want to retreat to a more private area in Disney, until the crowds move on to another area of the park.

When the crowds are large at the Magic Kingdom this is one of our favourite places to retreat. There is nothing better than grabbing a cold refreshment and a bucket of popcorn and then watching the sun slowly set over the "Happiest Place on Earth".

04/11/2018

Although we will provide a full dining review on the Disney Traveller website over the coming weeks, we are happy to say we really enjoyed our meal at Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs

03/11/2018

"Happily Ever After" night time spectacular versus "Wishes" The great debate...

The Magic Kingdom's 18 minute "Happily Ever After" fireworks and night time is certainly spectacular.

Disney states that the experience is the "grandest finale imaginable to your Disney day with the newest and most spectacular fireworks showcase in Magic Kingdom history".

I must admit however that although I am wowed by the amazing combination of the most advanced projection mapping technology available, pyrotechnics and music, it does not pull on the my heart strings that the previous "Wishes" show did.

Let us know your thoughts.

Photo Credits: Disney Parks / Pixar

02/11/2018

Many of our Australian, Canadian and New Zealand followers would of at one time or another seriously thought about the option of buying a house at Disney.

Although you can’t actually live inside of Disney World, one house currently on the market in Florida comes about as close as you can get.

This Palm Bay estate is located about an hour away from the Orlando theme park, but it’s decorated with more than a touch of Disney magic.

The 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom home is situated on an eight-acre lot, and comes with the opportunity to purchase the adjacent ten-acre lot. It’s listed for $849,000

Let’s us know if you decide to buy and we will call in for a beer when we are next in Orlando.

https://people.com/home/disney-themed-house-for-sale-mickey-mouse-shaped-pool-photos/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social-share-article&utm_content=20181026

This house on the market in Florida is as close as you can get to living in Disney World

01/11/2018

Australian Disney travellers here is a Disneyland discount you need to be aware of.

Hurry, sale ends 7 Nov 18!

31/10/2018

We love running the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon races and we really enjoy stocking up on the of the great merchandise that is offered during race weekend.

If you are travelling to Walt Disney World for this years race, here is a sneak peak on what will be on offer.

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2018/10/get-a-taste-of-the-2018-disney-wine-dine-half-marathon-weekend-merchandise/?CMP=SOC-DPFY19Q1wo1025181031180017C

The 2018 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend presented by MISFIT makes its delicious return to the Walt Disney World Resort November 1-4, 2018. Full of a delectable slate of exciting events, top off your weekend celebration with commemorative

30/10/2018

Happy Disney Halloween from all of us at Disney Traveller. We hope that you have a "frighteningly" good day!

29/10/2018

"Visiting Epcot is way better value than buying a Round The World Airfare" - Disney Traveller

28/10/2018

After riding Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey, we entered the closely Quonset-hut structure called Satu’li Canteen

The Disney back story is that Satu'li Canteen was long ago a mess hall, now a peaceful dining facility adorned with Na’vi art and cultural items. Owned and operated by Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), Satu’li Canteen supplies travelers all the comforts of home—courtesy of a unique, fast-casual menu that’s been crafted from Pandora’s natural abundance.

Regardless or not if you buy into the back story of this counter service dining location, the food should not be missed. Both dishes we ordered were perfectly prepared, came out in very large portions and were great value.

Be sure to check out Satu’li Canteen during your next adventure to Pandora...

27/10/2018

How much do you like Disney, enough to have your burial ashes scattered through the Happiest Place on Earth. Enjoy watching this video that discusses the pitfalls of this common practice and a interesting suggestion of a possible alternative.

https://www.facebook.com/colbertlateshow/videos/2205467466440100/

26/10/2018

For all our Canadian friends Disney has special pricing to combat the current exchange rate on the US dollar.

Both Disneyland & Walt Disney World have special offers . Checkout these links for all the official info regarding these Discounts.

Disneyland - https://disneyland.disney.go.com/…/offer…/multi-day-tickets/

Walt Disney World - https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/…/spec…/multi-day-tickets/

Message us today if you have any questions or require assistance.

25/10/2018

While I am a "savoury" type of guy, Chris was more than happy to take one for the team and try one of the most beloved food items at this years Epcot International Food and Wine Festival the "Cro-nut"

Chris's verdict, "this warm, fried sensation is a magical marriage of a croissant and a donut, which is then smothered in chocolate and marshmallow. This is not to be missed by anyone with a "bit" of a sweet tooth"

24/10/2018

Piggy wings and coloured beer flights are a great afternoon snack option at this years Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Yum!!!

23/10/2018

Every day is a great day at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. Cheers!

22/10/2018

We have been enjoying seeing the progress of the Disney Skyliner as we have been travelling around Disney World Resort recently.

The new gondola system will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort as well as the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Riviera Resort.

In addition to uniquely Disney station designs that complement their surroundings, we have been watching the new support towers that have been popping up across Walt Disney World Resort and will soon be connected with a series of reinforced cables to carry guests in stylish themed gondolas.

Check out the video below for a fun look at this new system and keep checking the Disney Traveller page for more details.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vYb3bgIGvo&feature=share

Last year we shared details about Disney Skyliner, a new way to move guests across Walt Disney World Resort with a bird’s-eye view. This new gondola system w...

21/10/2018

We wanted to share this new sneak peek fly through of Walt Disney World’s new 15 story tower addition to Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. Let us know your thoughts...



Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Flyover Video https://buff.ly/2q6sTOl

We’re thrilled to share another sneak peek of the new 15-story tower and other enhancements coming to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World R...