Happy 4th of July Celebrate with #DisneyParksLIVE; New Fleet for Disney Magical Express

Happy 4th of July Celebrate with #DisneyParksLIVE:

Happy Birthday America! Tonight, as they have the past few years the Disney Parks Blog will live stream, “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” from Magic Kingdom. The #DisneyParksLIVE stream will begin at 9:10 p.m. EST. 

It is one of the most popular live streams and one of the best fireworks displays all year round. You will want to tune in for this one. Happy 4th of July everyone!

Source: Disney Parks Blog

New Fleet Coming this Summer for Disney Magical Express:

On Monday, Walt Disney World Resort announced that the Disney Magical Express will be getting a modernized look with a new fleet this summer. 

The new fleet will be much like the Disney Cruise Line fleet and will display the iconic Disney script as seen above. Guests will also be seeing Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, and Daisy on the busses. 

The new fleet will debut sometime later this summer.

Source: WDW News Today

New Pirates Scene Coming to Disney Parks, The Chew Returning to Food & Wine, and More

New Pirates Scene Coming to Disney Parks:

In an announcement yesterday on the Disney Parks Blog that new characters would be added to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Disneyland Paris. It was also announced that a change to once scene in the attraction will be made in 2018 in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

In the new artist rendering (as seen above) the famous 'We Wants the Redhead' scene will be changed in both parks. The famous redhead will now be joining the ranks of pirates in looting the town of its riches.

What do you think of the new changes coming to Pirates of the Caribbean?

ABC's "The Chew" is Returning for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival:

For the third straight year, ABC's 'The Chew' will be taping live shows from Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival. They dynamic cast will be taping live shows from the festival October 4-6 and the shows will air the following week October 9-13.

With Spaceship Earth as the backdrop, the Emmy Award-winning show hosts will again delight a live audience with on-stage cooking and stories of their Disney adventures plus segments from across Walt Disney World Resort.

Yesterday, also kicked off "The Chew's" Magical Culinary Adventure Sweepstakes in which one lucky winner plus 3 guests to see a taping of 'The Chew' at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. 

Creative cuisine inspired by “The Chew” also will be featured at “Earth Eats Marketplace, Inspired by The Chew.” Three dishes at the marketplace include Grilled Beef Skewer with Romaine, Apricots and Feta Cheese; Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce and Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with Caramel Drizzle.

This year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will run for a record 75 days this year beginning August 31 and running through November 13.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

#DisneyParksLIVE to Live Stream 4th of July Fireworks from Walt Disney World:

As they did last year, the Disney Parks Blog announced they will be live streaming the 4th of July fireworks from Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" is one of Disney grandest fireworks displays of the year. 

Our live stream of the park’s special “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” fireworks will be held July 4 at 8:55 p.m. ET. Join us minutes before the fireworks start at 9:00 p.m. ET to learn more about nighttime spectaculars at Walt Disney World Resort.
How can you catch the live stream? Visit the Disney Parks Blog on July 4 and a fresh blog post containing the live stream feed will be ready and waiting at the top.

Will you be tuning into to watch the spectacular display from the Magic Kingdom on the 4th of July?

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney World Announces 4th of July Schedule; Dining Reservations for Holiday Parties Now Available

Walt Disney World Announces 4th of July Schedule:

The 4th of July holiday is fast approaching and Walt Disney World will have several events on both Monday, July 3 and Tuesday July 4. Here is a rundown of nighttime spectaculars occurring at each park:

Magic Kingdom:

Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky -

Magic Kingdom commemorates the Fourth with brilliant fireworks choreographed to patriotic music. The red, white and blue extravaganza will bathe the sky on both July 3 and July 4 at 9 p.m.

Epcot:

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth -

This nightly Epcot favorite adds a patriotic twist to the show, with a special laser light finale celebrating America. Fireworks will blast off at 9 p.m. on July 4.

Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular -

Celebrate Star Wars, a great icon of American culture, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This one-of-a-kind show takes to the sky at 9:30 p.m. nightly.

Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Rivers of Light -

Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest nighttime show celebrates a connection with nature through light, water and fire. Rivers of Light has two showings nightly, 9:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Other activities happening over the holiday:

• The talented Voices of Liberty a cappella group will perform traditional Americana tunes during a 4th of July Concert on the America Gardens Theatre stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. The vibrant American Music Machine will perform pop hits, at noon, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 3:50 p.m.
• Meet favorite Disney Characters — all dressed up to celebrate America’s birthday – throughout the day at the American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot.
• The Muppets Present…Great Moments in History: Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and friends reenact famous moments in American history in a whimsical way. The live show is performed daily in Liberty Square.
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa hosts an All-American July 4 cookout from 7-8:30 p.m. The star-spangled feast includes grilled steak and shrimp, hot dogs, baked beans, sides, plus specialty drinks, beer and wine. There’s a live DJ and crafts for kids. After dinner, head to the Grand Floridian Marina for sweets and a view of the Magic Kingdom Park’s July 4 fireworks. Cost is $120 plus tax, gratuity is included; $59 ages 3 to 11. For reservations, 407-WDW-DINE.

Source: WDW News Today

Dining Reservations Now Available for Holiday Parties:

Reservations are now open for table-service dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table and The Crystal Palace for times during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party takes place select nights August 25 through November 1. Also, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party happens select nights November 9 through December 22.

Reservations for the frightfully fun HalloWishes Dessert Party and festive Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party are also now available. The cost for either of these dessert parties is $79 plus tax per adults and $47 plus tax per child.

Reservations for either dining or dessert parties can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. To make dining or dessert party reservations that take place during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you must have a valid event ticket for that night.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Fourth of July Celebrations at Disney Parks, Fireworks to be Live Streamed on Disney Parks Blog

Fireworks in the sky, food on the grill, and fun time with family and friends. Happy 4th of July Weekend everybody. Today, Inside Disney Parks Extra gave us an inside look at what going to happen this weekend to celebrate America inside both Disney World and Disneyland. Dave Roark, Manager of Creative Photography at Walt Disney World, gave us some tips on how to snap the best shots of your Disney vacation. Check it out:

Not able to be in Disney for the 4th of July fireworks? Don't worry the Disney Parks Blog will be live streaming their "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" fireworks live from the Magic Kingdom on July 4th. The live stream will begin at 8:50 p.m. ET with a fresh new blog appearing at the top of the site for the live stream.

Happy 4th of July everyone and enjoy the weekend whether your in Disney or not, enjoy the freedom we have here in America with some great times with family and friends.

4th of July Festivities at Disney World, Dining Plan Prices for 2016, and Rumors of The Magic of Disney Animation Closing

First off I want to say I'm sorry for the lack of blogs the last few days. I decided not to post anything on Friday after a long week. Then I had the wind knocked out of me on Saturday when I woke up with a pulled muscle in my back. This completely knocked me out of doing anything the whole weekend. I tried yesterday but I just could not begin to think about sitting down to write a blog. Today I feel a little bit better after working so hopefully we will be back to our normal schedule now.

4th of July Festivities Announced for Walt Disney World:

The 4th of July is next Saturday and Walt Disney World today announced its plans for the upcoming patriotic holiday. It will be a 2-day celebration of our nation's Independence Day starting July 3 with themed souvenirs, characters adorned in festive attire, and of course fireworks bursting in the air. The patriotic firework displays will light up the sky in the evenings of July 3rd and 4th. 

On both nights at the Magic Kingdom guests will be able witness a 14-minute firework spectacular will rocket into the air above Cinderella Castle at 10 p.m. called "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky." At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the "Coolest Summer Ever" dance party will lead into the "Rockin' Fourth of July Celebration" fireworks show, a pyrotechnic, rock 'n roll trip across America, where the DJ will kick things off at 5:45 p.m. with the party going until the fireworks set off at 10:15 p.m. At Epcot Illuminations will have a special red, white, and blue finale at 9 p.m. on both nights.

Epcot will have additional fanfare on the 4th with the Voices of Liberty performing a Fourth of July concert at the America Gardens Theatre at 12:30, 1:45, and 3 p.m. as well as in the American Adventure pavilion at 4:15 and 5 p.m. The Sounds Like Summer concert series will continue at the American Gardens Theatre with "Don't Look Back - A Boston Tribute band" will have performances at 5:15, 6:30, 7:45, and 9 p.m. Special patriotic character greeting will be available throughout the day. At the Walt Disney World Resorts guests will be treated to patriotic poolside activities including Fourth of July-themed crafts and games, pool parties, and movies under the stars at select Walt Disney World resorts. 

Walt Disney World Announced Prices for it Dining Plan in 2016:

The 2016 Disney Dining Plan prices have been released and there are slight increases to all the plans. Here are the details:

• Quick Service Dining Plan: $42.77/night for adults, previously $41.99 and $17.54/night for children ages 3-9, previously $16.03
• Regular Dining Plan: $61.82/night for adults, previously $60.64, and $20.98 per child, previously $19.23
• Deluxe Dining Plan: $111.73/night for adults, previously $109.53, and $32.56 for children, previously $29.86.

Rumor: The Magic of Disney Animation to Close at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

In an article today by WDW News Today, reported a rumor that The Magic of Disney Animation is set to close at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It will be closing for major changes to the area. Rumor is that it will close in a few weeks time leaving the park without the "Mushu film," the Animation Academy, and the character meet & greets throughout the area. The Incredibles meet & greet has already been moved out and beed replaced by a Doc McStuffin's meet & greet in the Disney Junior area of the park.

In the new space the Animation Academy would return in a new and expanded space with possible multiple theaters to help with the ever-expanding guests wanting to learn how to draw. Details on the rest of the space remain unclear and sketchy the article says. Maybe Joy and Sadness from "Inside Out" will get a meet & greet in the area. The only solid information the article states is that the space will be closing very soon and that it has to do with the rumored expansion of Disney's Hollywood Studios. This will be a park-capacity change that will help handle the crowds during the periods of heavy construction.