Mobile Ordering Now Available for Disney Dining Plan Users

Last year, Walt Disney World introduced us to Mobile Ordering through the My Disney Experience App but only credit card users could use it up until now. Today, a new update was introduced to the app with Disney Dining Plan users now able to use Mobile Ordering. You can now redeem meals and snacks all through your phone. 

All three Disney dining plans are available with Mobile Order: the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. To access Mobile Order, tap the “Order Food” button under “My Plans” in the app. Watch the video below to see the convenience of using Mobile Order with a Disney dining plan – whether you’re redeeming a snack credit for a Dole Whip at Aloha Isle or a quick-service credit for a Pandoran feast at Satu’li Canteen.

Other updates introduced to the My Disney Experience app this time include room charge viewing, Online Check-in Service and wayfinding that are sure to help prove the overall experience for Walt Disney World guests. Are you excited for Mobile Ordering now accepting the Disney Dining Plan?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returning in May; Happily Ever After Moving to Earlier Start Time

Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returning in May:

Star Wars: Galactic Nights will return to Disney's Hollywood Studios this May 27, two days after the premiere of "Solo: A Star Wars Story." The after park hours event will be held from 7 p.m. until midnight. It celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and food and beverage, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights. Here is some of the stuff you can expect:

Star Wars: Galactic Destinations Projections Transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel – Visible on the Sunset Boulevard area of the park the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform via stunning projection technology to showcase familiar locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all night long. Star Wars Galactic Destinations is currently an event exclusive.

Existing Star Wars Entertainment Will Debut New Enhancements – The park’s existing Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both debut new saga elements for the first time during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.

Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations. These special photo ops will only be available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars: Galactic Nights

Character Encounters – Expect to encounter Star Wars characters from throughout the galaxy. Guests will also be able to view an Imperial Stormtrooper March with Darth Vader.

Exclusive Food & Beverage offerings – Taste your way around the galaxy with specialty food and beverage offerings created for Galactic Nights. Inspired by the stories and iconic characters of Star Wars, these tasting-sized sips and bites bring a delectable addition to this event.

Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests – and some may even offer a special Star Wars twist on May 27 only.

Stay tuned in the coming months for more information on Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Happily Ever After Moving to Earlier Start Time:

Happily Ever After has officially moved to an earlier start time at least for the winter months. The fireworks spectacular from now until March 10, 2018 will move to be presented at 7:55 p.m. nightly. Originally, the show was presented at 8 p.m. nightly. No reason has been given as to why the spectacular was moved to 5 minutes earlier nightly.

Egg-stravaganza Hunt Returns Plus New Scavenger Hunt Coming; Some Applications for Club 33 at Walt Disney World Sent Out

Egg-stravaganza Hunt Returns Plus New Scavenger Hunt Coming for Flower & Garden:

Beginning March 16 through April 1, the Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt will return to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Guests can hunt high and low in World Showcase for 'eggs' that portray their favorite Disney characters. 

As you find the hidden Disney Character-themed “eggs” in the park, you record your discoveries by placing a corresponding sticker on a specially themed Egg-stravaganza map. Maps and stickers can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at the following parks and locations Disney Trader, Pin Central, and World Traveler. When guests find all of the “eggs” and complete their scavenger hunt map, they can then return it to Disney Traders for a sp-egg-tacular surprise.

That's not all as a new scavenger hunt will be hitting this year's Flower & Garden Festival called Spike's Pollen Nation Exploration. During this hunt, guests will follow along with Disney's favorite honey bee, Spike, who has been pollinating around the festival, giving gardeners of any age the chance to follow his pollination trail around World Showcase. 

Just pick up a garden map and stickers at Port of Entry. Then, it’s time to look for Spike!

As guests explore the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, be on the lookout for Spike as he pollinates Epcot’s gardens. In each garden, they'll have to search for the plant Spike has pollinated, identifiable by Spike himself and a Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration plant stake. Once they find him, add the corresponding sticker to your map.

After they find everything they can return their completed map for a springtime surprise. Maps and stickers for Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at Port of Entry. This year's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival runs February 28 through May 28, 2018. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Some Applications for Club 33 at Walt Disney World Sent Out:

It appears some applications for Walt Disney World's Club 33 have been sent out to select individuals at Golden Oak, the upscale community near the theme park. Registration costs and annual dues have also been released which are $25,000 for registration and annual dues will be in the neighborhood of $15,000 per year. 

Although not officially announced, Walt Disney World's Club 33 will have an exclusive club in each of the four parks. Construction has already begun for location like Magic Kingdom's Club 33 in the Adventureland Veranda. There have been no official locations announced however or any opening dates. 

Source: WDW Info

Minnie Van Service Now Expanding to Airport Transportation Service

Announced this summer during the D23 Expo and over the past few months has expanded to several Walt Disney World resorts, the Minnie Van Service has been a point-to-point transportation system around the Walt Disney World Resort. Today, Walt Disney World is expanding that service to outside the resort to include service to the Orlando International Airport.

The Minnie Van Service will run to the airport daily from 9 a.m. until 12 a.m. Right now the service though is only available to concierge guests at Disney's Boardwalk. Guests are also advised to use the Resort Airline Check-In service for participating airlines if they are using the Minnie Vans. Guests may visit the Resort Club Level Concierge to book the trip, which will cost $150 per trip. Provided that this test at Disney's Boardwalk is successful it will be then expanded to other resorts and guests. 

Concierge guests are being invited to use the new service via a printed advertisement at Disney's Boardwalk.

Source: WDW News Today

Ballast Point Brewery and More Changes Coming to Downtown Disney District in Disneyland

Here's an update for our West Coast friends as San Diego-based Ballast Point Brewery will be coming to the Downtown Disney District in Disneyland among other changes coming to the district in 2018. 

Ballast Point pairs its high-quality, award-winning beers with an extensive menu of Southern California cuisine—salads, small plates, flatbreads and entrees featuring local, sustainable and seasonal ingredients. The space will house the first-ever on-site brewery, tasting room, kitchen and outdoor beer garden at Downtown Disney District. Construction is scheduled to begin soon, across from Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar.

This is on top of the already announced changes to coming to World of Disney in 2018 which you can read about here. Here are more exciting experiences coming to the Downtown Disney District in 2018:

• Splitsville Luxury Lanes will offer a unique combination of dining, drinks, bowling and entertainment. Opening on January 29.
• Disney Home will offer fans a variety of Disney-themed home goods. Opening in February 2018.
• Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria will undergo renovations to expand its outside patio with a new outside bar. Inside, three wood burning ovens will be installed to better meet guests’ demands for authentic Napoletana-style pizza pies. The restaurant will remain open throughout construction, which is slated to be completed in fall 2018.
• Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer will serve its award-winning burgers and signature CrazyShake™ milkshakes in a casual atmosphere. Opening later this year.

There are even more exciting updates coming in 2018 yet to be announced so stay tuned right here on It All Started With a Mouse for future updates. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Coco, The Last Jedi and More Nominated for 10 Academy Awards

The nominations are in and the Walt Disney Company and its films have been nominated for 10 Academy Awards for this year's awards show. Here are the nominees:

"Beauty an the Beast" secured 2 nominations for:

• Production Design - Production Design: Sarah Greenwood Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
• Costume Design - Jacqueline Durran

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" secured 4 nominations for the 90th Academy Awards, they are:

• Sound Editing - Matthew Wood and Ren Klyce
• Sound Mixing - David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce, and Stuart Wilson
• Original Score - John Williams
• Visual Effects - Ben Morris, Mike Mulholland, Neal Scanlon, and Chris Corbould

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" brought in one nomination for Visual Effects for Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Jonathan Fawkner, and Dan Sudick.

Pixar's "Lou" along with Dave Mullins and Dana Murray were nominated for Best Animated Short.

"Coco" was nominated for 2 Academy Awards, they are:

• Original Song - "Remember Me" - Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
• Animated Film - Lee Unkrich and Darla K. Anderson

The 90th Academy Awards airs SundayMarch 4, 2018 at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT on ABC and will once again be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. 

Pro Bowl Fever at Walt Disney World; Chef Paul Bocuse of Chefs de France & Monsieur Paul Passes Away

Pro Bowl Fever at Walt Disney World:

The Pro Bowl is back in Orlando this year taking place this Sunday, January 28. Of course, there will be many events leading up to the game taking place at Walt Disney World at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The AFC and NFC teams are training Wednesday starting at 10:30 and Thursday-Saturday starting at 11:30 am. Fans can also cheer on their favorite players from the AFC and NFC as they go against each other in unique competitions at the 2018 Pro Bowl Skills Showdown. Tickets for this event are sold out.

In addition to watching the players practice, fans can test their own football skills the NFL Pro Bowl Experience – a free, interactive fan zone with fun activities for the whole family. Open daily at 10 a.m. starting Wednesday, the NFL Pro Bowl Experience gives fans the opportunity to get even closer to the action with new football-related activities, immersive exhibits and sponsor activations.

After watching the pros, fans can get a look at the future at one of the NFL’s premier youth football events – the NFL FLAG Championships on Friday and Saturday. Fans interested in exclusive access to NFL-themed games and activities, youth football clinics and more, must register for the NFL Fan Mobile Pass.

NFL Pro Bowl Fun Run Series:

The Pro Bowl fun extends beyond the field, too. There’s a Pro Bowl Fun Run Series at the Track & Field Complex at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Saturday at 1 pm. The event features distances for runners of all ages and abilities, and participants will receive a finisher medallion, a race bib and a commemorative item, plus post-race refreshments. Runners can also expect to see some of their favorite Disney characters, Pro Bowl cheerleaders and mascots along the way. Spots are still available here.

There will be complimentary parking at ESPN Wide World of Sports, so fans cans participate in the fun all week long. Fans can also head over to Disney Springs for the NFL All-Star Pro Bowl Pep Rally on Saturday, January 27 at 4 p.m. The pep rally will feature special entertainment, games, NFL cheerleaders, Mascot appearances, and more!

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Chef Paul Bocuse of Chefs de France & Monsieur Paul Passes Away:

Over the weekend, Chef Paul Bocuse the chef and restauranteur behind both Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul in the France Pavilion at Epcot passed away at the age of 91. He opened Chefs de France in the pavilion when the park opened in 1982 and later opened Monsieur Paul in 2013. 

He was born in Collognes, France in 1926 and shared that "he had the luck" to among the first to be trained in the kitchens of La Mere Brazier and Fernand Point, which are considered to be the father of modern French cooking. 

Rest in Peace Monsieur Paul, you will be missed. 

RUMORS: Japan Pavilion to Add Signature Restaurant; Sweet Spells at Hollywood Studios to Close to Become Toy Store

A few rumors have popped up over the last fews days or so including a new signature restaurant being added to the Japan Pavilion in Epcot and saying goodbye to a favorite in Sweet Spells at Disney's Hollywood Studios very soon. 

A third table service restaurant appears to be on its way to the Japan Pavilion in Epcot as part of the parks ongoing expansion plan. While this hasn't been confirmed it appears a signature seafood and steakhouse restaurant that has yet to be named is on its way to the pavilion with construction beginning in the next few weeks.

The restaurant would reside on the first floor of the shopping/dining complex, taking over some of the space of the current Mitsukoshi store, merchandise storage, and other backstage facilities inside the pavilion. Guests would enter the restaurant to the right of the Mitsukoshi store, along an expanded pathway across the front of the pavilion. 

The interior according to internal documents would include several different themed rooms which include: Material Room (Check-in/Lobby), Wa Room, Water Room, Washi Room, Wood Room, Stone Room, and Earth Room. No additional information is available at this time as the project has not yet been announced by Disney, nor the 3rd party company that operates the dining venues in the pavilion. There has been no timeframe of when this restaurant will open in Epcot.

Next up was that Sweet Spells at Disney's Hollywood Studios is rumored to be closing in February and what will take its place is a Toy Story Land themed retail location along Sunset Boulevard. An attached shop to Sweet Spells was called Villains in Vogue until 2015 and is now called Reel Vogue. Recently, the shop has been selling many Pixar-themed merchandise.

It is no surprise that Sweet Spells would convert to a Toy Story Land themed merchandise store. This would help for this Summer as there is no full retail store planned inside Toy Story Land itself just themed merchandise carts. 

Have no fear while it does appear that some of our favorite snacks and sweets will be going away once Sweet Spells closes, the famous Carrot Cake Cookie has already made the move over to the Trolley Car Cafe across the way. It is expected that many other favorite baked good items will make the move over to the Trolley Car Cafe as well. 

This has not been announced or confirmed by Disney.

Source: WDW News Today 

             WDW News Today

Reimagined World of Disney Stores Coming to Both Coasts in 2018

As part of continued enhancements to guests’ shopping experiences at Disney Parks, the World of Disney store locations in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort and in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort will be reimagined beginning in mid-February 2018.

When the interior redesign work is completed, guests will discover the products they love from Disney Parks in a dynamic and distinctly Disney retail environment. Work will be completed in phases throughout 2018, so guests can continue shopping in the World of Disney stores during construction.

At the shops in Town Center at Disney Springs, such as Ever After Jewelry Co. or The Disney Corner (opening in mid-February), will carry select merchandise while World of Disney undergoes renovations.

At the Downtown Disney District in California, World of Disney will remain open during the renovation. Additionally, Guests can find great shopping in the recently opened Dream Boutique, as well as the Disney Home store opening February 2018 in the former D-Street location.

Stay tuned for future updates on the reimagination of World of Disney at both Downtown Disney in Disneyland and Disney Springs in Walt Disney World in the coming months.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Club Level Guests to be Able to Buy Additional FastPasses; Resort Child Activity Centers to Close

WDW InfoClub Level Guests to be Able to Buy Additional FastPasses:

According to WFTV's Chip Skambis Disney will roll out a pay-for-Fastpass program this Friday to Club Level guests at resorts. Here is what he revealed in a series of tweets yesterday:

As part of efforts to expand premium services at a surcharge, Walt Disney World is planning to offer club-level resort guests the ability to purchase three additional, no-strings fastpasses to use on a given day, sources say.

— Chip Skambis (@chickenlilchip) January 9, 2018

Sources say the three additional fastpasses will cost $50 a day and can be used at any park. The service will require a 3 day minimum and will only be available to club-level resort guests, sources say. Disney officials did not immediately return a request for comment.

— Chip Skambis (@chickenlilchip) January 9, 2018

I have confirmed Walt Disney World is going to roll out the club level pay-for-FastPass program Friday.

— Chip Skambis (@chickenlilchip) January 9, 2018

Club level resort guests who buy the additional fastpasses will also be able to book them up to 90 days in advance. They will also get an additional fastpass to see any of the nighttime spectaculars at the parks.

— Chip Skambis (@chickenlilchip) January 10, 2018

So that would be $50/day per guest with a minimum 3-day stay and would be booked up to 90 days in advance. This also included an additional fastness to see any of Happily Ever After, Fantasmic!, Star Wars Galactic Spectacular, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, and Rivers of Light.

While this has not been officially confirmed by Disney, it seems they pay-for-FastPass system is coming to Walt Disney World, kind of like MaxPass at Disneyland, only this will be exclusive to Club Level resort guests. If you are a club level resort guest will you be buying the extra Fastpasses?

Source: WFTV

Resort Child Activity Centers to Close July 31:

Due to lack of use, Walt Disney World will be closing its remaining Child Activity Centers at its resorts effective of their final day of operation on July 31, 2018. These activity centers are at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. 

Disney will be exploring other options for its other guests. Any existing reservations will be honored through July 31. 

Source: WDW Info

Coco Wins Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, Leaked Footage of Slinky Dog Dash, & More

Coco Wins Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature:

During last night's annual Golden Globe Award's Disney Pixar's "Coco" took home Best Animated Feature at the awards show. The film was directed by Lee Unkrich and Adriana Molina as well as being produced by Darla K. Anderson. 

You can see "Coco" now in theaters and we will be hoping for another big win at the Oscars in February. 

Leaked Footage of Slinky Dog Dash Coaster:

Mickey Views received the very first footage of the Slinky Dog Dash coaster running and being tested during the night. Through the footage you see that the ride will have 4 cars and 8 rows, meaning the ride will have 16 guests per ride through. Check out the night testing of the Slinky Dog Dash Coaster below:

Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios opens Summer 2018.

Sneak Peak of "A Wrinkle in Time" Coming to Disney Parks:

Very soon, guests visiting Disney Parks will be able to preview scenes from "A Wrinkle in Time" in sneak peeks planned for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. At Disney California Adventure park, this short preview of “A Wrinkle in Time” will be presented in 3D with special in-theater effects at the Sunset Showcase Theater. Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get to see this advance look at clips from the film as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction.

Be a warrior, and catch this sneak peek, along with a display of costumes used in the production of the film, for a limited time starting February 9 at Disney California Adventure park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

"A Wrinkle in Time" is directed by Ava DuVernay and is based on  Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic which takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light and, ultimately, the triumph of love. Through one girl’s transformative journey led by three celestial guides, we discover that strength comes from embracing one’s individuality and that the best way to triumph over fear is to travel by one’s own light.

Disney's "A Wrinkle in Time" opens in theaters nationwide March 9. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Circle of Life at The Land Pavilion to Close for Good in February

After a 22-year run, The Circle of Life - 'An Environmental Fable' inside The Land Pavilion at Epcot will close permanently on February 3. Disney Performing Arts will take over the space shortly after the closure for student workshops and performances beginning February 9th, 2018.

The film which debuted on January 21, 1995 was a 20-minute live action film featuring Timon and Pumbaa telling the story of man's relationship with the land and how we can protect and care for the environment. The show in recent year's has been almost outdated and was closed down for over a year for refurbishment before re-openeing last year.

According to WDW News Today, it seems with the moving of the trailer for the performing arts which was located between the Germany and Italy pavilions it seems that may clear land for a future new country possibly the long rumored Brazil pavilion. Stay tuned for updates.

Source: WDW News Today

runDisney Announces Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon, DVC Launches New Options for runDisney Fans

runDisney Announces First Ever Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon:

Beginning yesterday, runDisney fans can now sign up for the first ever Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon. You can register now through February 28 at runDisney.com or at this weekends' 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon at the Health & Fitness Expo. Guests are required to run 13.1 miles around their neighborhood, on a treadmill, or wherever you enjoy running and you'll earn a very specially-themed medal by March 31.

This new virtual run experience also includes the 2018 runDisney Kessel Run Challenge, offering runners the chance to earn a special challenge medal (seen in the middle above) for completing both the Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon from home and the Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon on April 22 at Walt Disney World Resort.

As part of the registration process participants will have the opportunity to make a donation to Starlight Children’s Foundation on behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change. Starlight Children’s Foundation brings joy and comfort to hospitalized children and their families through programs at children’s hospitals around the world.

On behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change, runDisney is also thrilled to make an independent donation to Starlight Children’s Foundation in honor of the Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon.

For updates and medal releases, follow runDisney on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Vacation Club Launches New Vacation Options for runDisney Fans:

Disney Vacation Club is launching new vacation options for runDisney fans called Guaranteed Event Weeks. Here are the details:

Purchasers of a Guaranteed Event Week will receive an annual, automatic, week-long reservation booking for accommodations at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort, for the week associated with their favorite Walt Disney World runDisney race! For example, if you purchase the Walt Disney World Marathon Guaranteed Event Week, you will have guaranteed accommodations at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins each year for that race. In addition, owners of a Guaranteed Event Week will also have the opportunity to secure up to five race entries in advance, annually, for eligible races offered during their selected runDisney event weekend.

Guaranteed Event Weeks went on sale yesterday January , with eligible events including the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side and Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.

Lace up your running shoes and visit DisneyVacationClub.com/Run or call 877-382-6244 for more information on Disney Vacation Club Guaranteed Event Weeks.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Magic Kingdom News and Notes

The 3:00 parade is back! Festival of Fantasy which moved to 2 p.m. back in August to better accommodate Magic Kingdom guests during the Halloween and Christmas parties who were entering the park at 4 p.m.

As of yesterday January 1, 2018, the parade had returned to its famous 3:00 time slot now that the holidays are officially over. We can now hear guests ask once again the famous question, "What time is the 3:00 parade.

The Liberty Square Riverboat will undergo a very lengthy refurbishment beginning next week. The riverboat will close January 8 and be under refurbishment until July 19, 2018. Right now there is no word on what will happen to the boat during the refurbishment.