FuelRod Kiosks Now at Disney World Resorts; Moana Meet & Greet Coming to Disney Parks

FuelRod Kiosks Now at Disney World Resorts:

FuelRod chargers have become very popular for guests visiting the parks at Walt Disney World. I can attest it was very useful on my last trip. Now they are being installed inside Walt Disney World Resorts beginning yesterday November 16. 

Right now, kiosks have only been installed Disney's All-Star Sports, Movies, and Music as well as Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. The FuelRod chargers cost $30 and come with a set of USB cables which are able to charge cell phones, tablets, and many other devices. The batteries can be either recharged or swapped out for another fully charged FuelRod at a kiosk. 

FuelRod kiosks beside the resorts are in all 4 parks as well as Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports. 

Moana Meet & Greet Coming to Disney Parks:

We are one week away from Disney's next animated hit to release into theaters in "Moana." Moana herself will now be meeting and greeting with guests at Disney Parks. She is already at Disney's Aulani in Hawaii earlier this week. Later this month she will arrive in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. 

From Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Moana” is the story of an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana convinces the mighty demigod Maui to guide her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought – her own identity.

Disney's "Moana" will be riding a wave into theaters next Wednesday, November 23.

Disney Parks & Resorts Receive Top Honors; Tank Gang Scene that Never Made it into "Finding Dory"

Disney Parks & Resorts Receive Top Honors:

Disney Parks & Resorts has once again been named one of the top destinations in the world to visit in the 29th Annual Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. The awards celebrate the best of the best in travel according to everyday travelers.

• Walt Disney World Resort:
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
  • Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
• Disneyland Resort:
  • Disneyland Hotel
  • Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• Disney Vacation Club:
  • Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
• Disney Cruise Line
• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

"To date, Disney Parks & Resorts around the world have been recognized more than 60 times by Condé Nast Traveler. It is awards like these that inspire us to work harder to continue living up to even higher guest expectations. Thank you again to Condé Nast Traveler readers and to our guests for this incredible honor!" - Disney Parks Blog

Congratulations to Disney Parks & Resorts for being one of the destinations around the world. Disney has to give thanks to its amazing cast members that help create those unforgettable vacation experiences for its guests.

Tank Gang Scene that Never Made it Into "Finding Dory":

Today, Disney/Pixar released a deleted scene from "Finding Dory" featuring the Tank Gang. It was a scene that was part of the movie for almost 2 and a half years where after Marlin & Nemo get separated from Dory they run into the Tank Gang. Check out the deleted scene below:

Today's the day! The sun is shining, the tank is clean, and a deleted scene from @FindingDory is here! pic.twitter.com/mR0iUTqsJr

— Disney•Pixar (@DisneyPixar) October 18, 2016

"Finding Dory" releases on Digital HD on October 25, 2016 and hits store shelves with Blu-Ray/DVD release of November 15, 2016.

'Late Check-Out" Coming to Tower of Terror at DCA; New Entertainment & Dining Coming to Celebrate Aulani's 5th Anniversary

"Late Check-Out" and More Coming to Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure:

With the Tower of Terror checking out this coming January 2, 2017 at Disney California Adventure, Disney is offering some special experiences before the ride closes beginning next week. For the Halloween season, from September 9 through October 31, guests can experience the attraction like never before after twilight in complete darkness. It will be called, "Late Check-Out." 

In addition to this limited time experience, guests will find commemorative merchandise as well as special food and beverage items through out the celebration. Here's more from the Disney Parks Blog:

"You’ll also get the chance to picture yourself “checking out” with a special photo location in front of the Hollywood Tower Hotel marquee, complete with vintage luggage and other nods to the landmark’s story and the glitz and glamor of a bustling young movie town."

Also in the Tower of Terror area during Halloween time, the Silver Lake Sisters, will be performing. Dolly, Dottie, and Ethel Bounds are veterans of the vaudeville circuit professionally known as Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical, performed throughout their glittering career atop the rooftop lounge at the famous Hollywood Hotel. They then opened the Fiddler, Fifer, & Practical Cafe where a wall inside shows pictures and memorabilia of their many performances. They will be returning to the Hotel for a farewell tribute to the Tower of Terror.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror says goodbye on January 2, 2017. The attraction will be re-imagined as Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT opening in Summer 2017.

New Entertainment & Dining Coming to Aulani to Help Celebrate 5th Anniversary:

Aulani is in the midst of celebrating its 5th anniversary of opening and this Fall, Hawaii's top family beach resort, will experience some new dining and entertainment options.

In November at KA WA'A, a luau at Aulani, will bring epicurean dining and imaginative entertainment to guests visiting the resort. Guests at the luau will feast on sumptuous local island buffet, enjoy live music, and traditional Hawaiian dance. It will include hula kahiko and modern hula 'auana. Before the luau there will be pre-show entertainment family activities, traditional crafts, and more for guests to enjoy.

Also in November, Moana will make her debut at the resort to help celebrate the release of Walt Disney Animation Studios next hit film out this Thanksgiving Day. She will meet and greet with guests and recount tales of her adventures. The film tells the tale of Moana, a teenager who with the help of the demigod Maui, sails out on a canoe for a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people.

Both new experiences brace the Hawaiian culture and its deep roots in canoe exploration, a voyage which brought Hawaiian ancestors to the beautiful 'Ewa Loa plains surrounding the Aulani Resort. 

Disney Vacation Club Celebrating 25 Years with Brand New Offerings for Members

While I am not a DVC member, my sister's family is and she was nice enough to share with me what the Disney Vacation Club will be doing to celebrate it's 25th anniversary. I also did some research myself and found even more including a new membership card, a Walt Disney World ticket offer (no details announced yet), special 25th anniversary buttons to be given out in Disney theme parks, Disney Cruise Line ships, and at select DVC resorts, the first ever DVC Member Lounge in Epcot, exclusive parties, and much more.

New Disney Vacation Club Membership Cards:

Beginning next week on January 11, members will begin receiving a signature direct mail piece containing an overview of the 25th anniversary celebration, as well as their new Disney Vacation Club Membership Cards. This will now be the only card accepted for discounts on merchandise and food & beverage, entrance into events for Members and their guests, etc. beginning on April 4, 2016. Before April 4th their will be a grace period for members to use both the old and the new cards.

Exclusive 25th Anniversary Merchandise:

Members will be able to purchase a variety of fun 25th anniversary merchandise to wear and display as they showcase their Member pride. Items available for purchase will include, but are not limited to, t-shirts, pins, hats and more. 25th anniversary merchandise will be available via the Member Marketplace on disneystore.com, some merchandise locations on property, and the Shop Disney Parks app. Standard Disney Vacation Club Member discount will apply.

New 25th Anniversary Buttons Given Out in Disney Theme Parks and Select Resorts:

Distribution Points at:

• Disney Vacation Club information kiosks at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea and the Ikspiari customer service center in Japan
• Disney Vacation Club Sales Centers at Disneyland and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
• Disney Vacation Club information kiosks onboard Disney Cruise Line ships
• The front desk at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

Members must show their Member Card and matching government-issued photo ID to receive buttons for themselves and everyone in their entire party.

Signature After Hours Events at Disney Theme Parks and Beyond:

• Disney Vacation Club 25 and Beyond Bash – FEBRUARY 25 and MARCH 3Disney Vacation Club Members and their Guests will gather at Magic Kingdom Park for a complimentary after-hours party allowing revelers to experience some of their favorite attractions while also enjoying special entertainment, refreshments and more. Reservations open on January 12.

• Disney Vacation Club Neighborhood Beach Bash – JUNE 23, 29, JULY 6, 13Members and their Guests can slide into summer during this complimentary after-hours event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park where they’ll rock out to beach party tunes, participate in family fun activities and enjoy delicious refreshments and treats, as well as enjoy many of the great water slides and attractions around the park. Reservations open April 8

• Disney Vacation Club Safari Spectacular – SEPTEMBER 6, 13, 20, 27The “wildest” party on the Disney Vacation Club community calendar will unfold at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where Members and their Guests will gather for a complimentary after-hours celebration that includes access to favorite attractions, special entertainment, refreshments and more. Reservations can be booked through Member Services beginning July 6.

• Member Mixer – Dates and details remain in the works. Members can enjoy a special event at Epcot. Attendees will meet Disney characters, dance to the tunes of a DJ, enjoy complimentary treats and more. No reservations required, but event is subject to capacity limits. Event is complimentary, but park admission is required.

25th Anniversary Photo Opportunities:

Utilizing a special photo opportunity kiosk located in select areas, Members can capture fun family photos and take home a print-out photo keepsake to enjoy. The photo kiosks will be located at:

-Disney Vacation Club Resort Community Halls

• Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
• Disney's Boardwalk Villas
• Disney's Old Key West Resort
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

- Disneyland Disney Vacation Club Preview Center

- Aulani Disney Vacation Club Preview Center

First Ever Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge at Epcot:

The new lounge, available in late Spring 2016, will be available for Members to relax and get their Member Service questions answered, will be located in the Imagination! Pavilion in Future World at Epcot. 

The lounge will feature comfortable seating, complimentary soft drinks, strong Wi-Fi, charging stations, helpful Member Services Advisors and computers with printers, and will serve as a gathering place for Members to meet up and celebrate their pride for Disney Vacation Club.

For more information on the 25th anniversary, you can visit disneyvacationclub.com/25years beginning tomorrow, January 4th. 

Your Daily News from Around Disney 2/9/15

It's Monday and I returned to work today after a 10 day vacation of going nowhere. It was nice to be off but it was back to reality. That's enough about me though as I'm here to report another day full of Disney news. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend, so let's dive into your daily news from around Disney.

Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life Grows New Roots:

After there had been walls around Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life for a while, those walls finally came down on Saturday to reveal the tree had grown new roots. The roots now have grown into the central hub area. Within the new roots on the tree are carvings of new animals from the circle of life from tiny bugs to large crocodiles and much more the Disney Parks Blog reported. With the addition of these new roots its gives guests a wonderful view of the Tree of Life as well as a widened walkway for guests going to Discovery Island. Here are some pictures that Disney released of the new roots that have grown from the Tree of Life. 

Disney's D23 Releases Lineup of Events for 2015:

Today, Disney's D23 released its lineup of events for 2015 for all around the country. It has added some new events and experiences for its members in San Francisco, Dallas, Boston, Los Angeles, New York City and more. D23 said it will release dates, ticketing information, and even more events, including in Orlando, will be announced throughout the year. All events and dates are subject to change and here is your list of D23 events for 2015:

• February 25: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, San Francisco (sold out)
• March 12: Cinderella Lights Up the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
• March 13: A Taste of Disney at Silverado Vineyards, Napa, Calif.
• March 14: Breakfast on Broadway, New York City
• March 15: The Hunchback of Notre Dame VIP Experience, Millburn, N.J.
• Spring 2015: Lunch with a Legend, Burbank, Calif.
• Spring 2015: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
• April 14: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Los Angeles (sold out)
• April 30: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Dallas (sold out)
• May 9: The Parent Trap, Burbank, Calif.
• May 29: VIP Studio Tour with Disney Legend Dave Smith, Burbank, Calif.
• June 10: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Washington, D.C. (sold out)
• June 20: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
• June 25: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Boston
• July 15: D23 Member Night at Newsies—On Tour, Toronto
• July 18: Disneyland U.S.A., Burbank, Calif.
• August 14–16: D23 Expo 2015, Anaheim, Calif.
• Fall 2015: Lunch with a Legend, Burbank, Calif.
• September 26, Pinocchio, Burbank, Calif.
• November 6, VIP Studio Tour, Burbank, Calif.
• November 7: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives, Burbank, Calif.
• December 4: Light Up the Season, Burbank, Calif.

Disney Hotels are Reaching Occupancy Plateau:

Today, the Orlando Sentinel reported that Disney is reaching the hotel-occupancy plateau after their stellar first quarter results. Disney reported a hotel-occupancy rate of 89% up from 81% at this time last year. CFO Jay Rasulo stated it would be hard to see it going any higher. He is quoted as saying, "I think hoteliers in general will tell you that to try to fill a hotel up past 89 percent, 90 percent, 91 percent, is extremely difficult. He also points out that there are many hotels outside of Disney who aren't experiencing such high occupancy rates. According to Visit Orlando, the region's occupancy rate for the final quarter of 2014 was only 72.2%. Disney has dropped the amount of rooms it has with the conversion of 360 suites at the Polynesian Village Resort for its newest vacation club shares. Disney also has 3 hotels at its Disneyland Park as well as about 361 hotel rooms at it resort in Hawaii, Aulani.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day, February 9, in 1996 The Disney Institute opens at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Also on this day in 2006, Disney reacquires the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit back from NBC Universal along with sports considerations for ESPN. The considerations include sports play-by-play analyst, Al Michaels, to contract with NBC.

Daily Disney Quote:

"I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter."

Walt Disney

Well that is all for today, tomorrow is another day looking forward to sharing the Disney news again tomorrow. You can now contact me with any suggestions for the blog at allstartedwithamouse5689@gmail.com. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."