Celebration at the Top Begins Next Week at Contemporary, All in the Details: Pandora: The World of Avatar, & More

Celebration at the Top Begins Next Week at Disney's Contemporary Resort:

Guests visiting Walt Disney World over the next month can send Wishes off with a celebration at California Grill inside Disney's Contemporary Resort. This new dining event beginning this Sunday, February 26 can be summed up in three words: sip, savor, and sparkle. Here are the details of what guests can enjoy:

Celebration at the Top guests can check in at California Grill an hour before fireworks. After being whisked up to the California Grill, which sits on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests will be taken to the intimate and secluded banquet rooms. Enjoy canapés, a selection of sushi rolled by the expert California Grill sushi chefs, a selection of flatbreads and other small plates. A complimentary bar offering craft beers, California wines, cordials and coffee will also be available.

Then before Wishes begins, guests will be lead to a private observation desk, which will offer stunning views of both Magic Kingdom and the fireworks. After the fireworks, guests will return to the private room for petite four desserts including decadent chocolate confections and fruit tarts. Reservations for the event are now available on Thursdays from February 26 through March 26. Cost of the event will be $99 per person plus tax and gratuity. Complimentary valet parking is also included for the event.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

All in the Details: Pandora - The World of Avatar:

We are just over 3 months away from Pandora: The World of Avatar opening at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Today, Joe Rohde and Walt Disney Imagineering shared with us some details on how the theming of Pandora fits in with the values of Disney's Animal Kingdom. Those values are:

• Emphasizing the intrinsic value of nature
• Exploring the idea that guests can be transformed through adventure
• Inspiring guests to understand and respect the nature that exists in our world

Check out the video below:

Pandora: The World of Avatar makes its debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom on May 27, 2017.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Han Solo Standalone Film Now in Production:

Cameras are officially rolling on the untitled Han Solo standalone film as production officially began on Monday, February 20. Here is the release from LucasFilm:

Cameras are rolling on the adventure-filled past of the iconic scoundrel and everyone’s favorite Wookiee; principal photography on the untitled Han Solo Star Wars Story officially began February 20 at Pinewood Studios, London. 

The movie will explore the duo’s adventures before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, including their early encounters with that other card-playing rogue from a galaxy far, far away, Lando Calrissian. 

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are directors co-piloting the movie, with a cast that includes Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Thandie Newton, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, with Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca. 

“Watching such inspired people from all over the world, with such unique voices, come together for the sole purpose of making art, is nothing short of miraculous,” Lord and Miller said. “We can’t think of anything funny to say, because we just feel really moved, and really lucky.” 

Written by Lawrence and Jon Kasdan, it will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur, Simon Emanuel, and co-produced by Kiri Hart, Susan Towner, and Will Allegra. Lawrence Kasdan and Jason McGatlin will executive produce. 

Crewing the ship will be some of the industry’s top talent, including Academy Award nominee for his work on Arrival, Bradford Young (Director of Photography), Chris Dickens (Editor), Dominic Tuohy (SFX Supervisor), Rob Bredow (VFX Supervisor) and Brad Allan (Action Designer). 

They will be joining returning Star Wars veteran crew members Neal Scanlan (Creature & Droid FX Creative Supervisor), Neil Lamont (Production Designer), Dave Crossman and Glyn Dillon (Co-Costume Designers), Jamie Wilkinson (Prop Master), Lisa Tomblin (Hair), Amanda Knight (Make-Up) and Nina Gold (UK Casting Director). 

The untitled Han Solo Star Wars Story is slated for release on May 25, 2018.

Source: StarWars.com

Two Disney Parks Live Events in the next 3 Days; New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World

Two Disney Parks Live Events in the Next 3 Days:

Over the next few days, the Disney Parks Blog will have two #DisneyParksLIVE events. One tomorrow where the Magic Kingdom will celebrate the historic championship of the Chicago Cubs. The other being on Monday November 7, when #DisneyParksLIVE will live stream "A Frozen Holiday Wish" during the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party of the season.

First up, MVP Ben Zobrist, Addison Russell, and Javier Baez from the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs will be joined by Mickey Mouse as they parade down Main Street, USA. The live stream will begin at 4:40 p.m EST tomorrow. It will be streamed live on the Disney Parks Blog and on Facebook. 

In celebration of ending the longest championship drought in sports history by winning the World Series ending the 108-year drought. The players will be cheered on by throngs of fans as they parade down Main Street with Mickey. After the parade, the players will enjoy some special time in the parks with their families and friends.

Next up on Monday, the Disney Parks Blog will be live once again to celebrate the return of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, with the very first "A Frozen Holiday Wish" castle lighting of the season. The live stream will begin at 6:25 p.m. EST on Monday, November 7. 

“A Frozen Holiday Wish,” features the royal sisters Anna and Elsa. Along with their friends, Olaf and Kristoff, Queen Elsa uses her incredible powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom – transforming Cinderella Castle into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays.

A new blog post will appear on the Disney Parks Blog when the live stream begins. Will you be tuning in to the next two live streams for Disney Parks Live. Users are encouraged to use the #DisneyParksLIVE on Twitter during the live streams.

New Year's Eve Events at Walt Disney World:

It's hard to believe but with the Christmas season already beginning at Disney World, that means 2017 is fast approaching. Will you be ringing in the new year at Walt Disney World? If so today, Disney announced its time to book these special events at several locations across the Walt Disney World Resort. Here is a list of what you can book:

• California Grill New Year’s Eve Dinner. The talented California Grill chefs create a dine-around style gala, with cooking stations throughout the restaurant. And we hear that the Disney characters will make appearances – along with Baby New Year. Wine and cocktails are included. And of course a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks! 7:30 p.m.-midnight, $650. (Dinner jacket required for men.) 
• Victoria & Albert’s New Year’s Eve Dinner. Enjoy a luxurious evening in this AAA Five Diamond restaurant with gracious “butler-style” service, live harp music and personalized menus to remember the special evening. Dinner is 10 courses, including eight savory courses and two desserts including eclectic wines from around the world. Seatings between 6-7:45 p.m. $600.
• New Year’s Eve at Epcot World ShowPlace. The spacious World ShowPlace Events pavilion opens for an all-you-care-to-eat extravaganza. Great photo ops with fun vignettes for posing (but no Disney characters) and Disney tunes make this a real family affair. Soups, salads, hearty dishes and desserts – and the kids get their own station with favorites like mac ‘n cheese, meatballs, chicken fritters and more. Seatings available from 3-9 p.m., $72.90, $44.38 ages 3 to 11. Later in the evening, head out to the promenade for fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon to welcome 2017.
• Monsieur Paul New Year’s Eve Dinner. The elegant upstairs dining room at the France pavilion at Epcot will offer six seatings on New Year’s Eve: 11:45a.m., noon, 2:15p.m., 2:45p.m., 5:45p.m. and 6:15p.m. A four-course, prix fixe menu of classical French cuisine reflects the traditions of Chef Paul Bocuse, one of the most famous chefs in France (for whom the restaurant is named). Cost is $110.81. A special late-night dinner with two seatings at 8:45p.m. and 9:45p.m. offers and enhanced French menu, including Paul Bocuse’s famous Soupe aux Truffles V.G.E. Cost is $305.03.
• La Hacienda de San Angel New Year’s Dinner. This special evening at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot World Showcase starts at 9:30p.m. and ends at 1a.m., and includes a five-course prix fixe dinner, live music with the mariachi band and a fabulous view of the Epcot IllumiNations holiday show. Start the evening with a welcome margarita, then try the tequila pairing with the appetizers. Wine is served with the main course (surf n’ turf) and a dessert liqueur with the sweet ending.
• Narcoossee’s New Year’s Eve Dinner, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. A generous four-course menu is offered with seatings between from 5 and 5:45p.m. A five-course menu is offered with seating from 8:30-9:25p.m. for a late-night celebration with live music. The menus both feature favorites such as Narcoossee’s lobster bisque, seared Wagyu beef and pan-seared halibut. First seating $150 for adults, $70 children ages 3-9. Second seating $255 for adults, $95 for children ages 3-9.

For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE.

Wine Bar George Opening in Disney Springs in Fall 2017; Guy Ritchie in Talks to Direct Live-Action 'Aladdin'

Wine Bar George Opening in Disney Springs in Fall 2017:

Fans of California Grill should be excited about this wine bar opening in Disney Springs in Fall 2017.  Many will remember Master Sommelier George Miliotes who was part of the opening team at the restaurant when it opened in 1995. Miliotes has started a new venture that will be opening in Disney Springs next fall called, Wine Bar George. Miliotes is one of 230 master sommeliers in the world.

The wine bar will seat 210 guests and will be reminiscent of a winemaker's home estate that will feature oak wood, warm lighting, and a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. It will also include a food menu featuring small plates that will be designed to compliment the wine list. Miliotes said, "Offerings will feature local artisans and seasonal flavors - bringing guests ideal food and wine pairings and culinary explorations."

Here is more from the Disney Parks Blog release:

"Wine Bar George will offer more than 100 selections both by the bottle and the glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Guests will be able to experience sips from acclaimed wineries as well as up-and-coming growing regions and wineries. Wine education will be served up in an approachable and fun manner, says Miliotes, and he is planning special events and visits from renowned winemakers."

Follow George @WineBarGeorge on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest and join the #WineBarGeorge conversation. Visit WineBarGeorge.com for news and updates.

Guy Ritchie in Talks to Direct Live-Action 'Aladdin':

In recent weeks, Disney has announced live-action re-makes of "The Lion King" and "Mulan" and today according to several reports "Aladdin" will be the live-action film Disney makes. According to reports director Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes) is in talks to direct the film. The script will be written by John August who performed the same role for the stop-motion film in Disney's Frankenweenie.

Previously, it was reported that a prequel to "Aladdin' was in development and that it would be centered around Genies. However, now it has seemed to transition into the more familiar animated classic from 1992. It is expected that the film will keep some of the musical elements, however the take on Robin Williams' Genie has yet to be determined. 

California Grill to Offer 'Brunch at the Top' Beginning 2/7, Memory Maker Sees Price Reduction, and More

California Grill to Offer 'Brunch at the Top' Beginning 2/7:

The California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort will begin offering a Sunday Brunch in February called 'Brunch at the Top.' For the first time ever the restaurant, who usually offers the sights of the beautiful skyline around the Walt Disney World resort at night, will begin with the sights during the daytime.

The new Brunch at the Top is the perfect way to indulge on a leisurely Sunday – not quite breakfast, not quite lunch. Chef Brian Piasecki’s team is excited to launch a whole new menu to showcase their fresh, market-driven cuisine. Of course a glass of bubbly or wine (the restaurant has more than 1,600 bottles on display) pairs nicely. And there’s an over-the-top Bloody Mary Bar as well as cocktails and craft brews, as well as a signature brunch cocktail and faux “mimosas” for kids (though you can also stick with the custom-roast French press coffee).
To start the experience Brunch at the Top will offer an assortment of house-made breakfast pastries (such as caramel apple Monkey bread, Tillamock Cheddar biscuit, and cranberry scones pecan) delivered to your table with house-made jams and a orange blossom honey butter. At the show kitchen small tastes will be offered such as orange honey ham, deviled Lake Meadow Natural eggs, Greek Yogurt with vanilla-scented granola and fresh berries, kale and apple salad, among other offerings.

The main courses will be delivered table side and here is what you will choose from:

• Pan-Fried Buttermilk Organic Chicken Cutlet with Haricots Verts, Toasted Almonds, Frisée, Beurre Noisette;
• Sweet Potato Pancakes with Caramelized Heirloom Apples, Dried Cranberry and Raisin Compote, Vanilla
• Custard, Warm Canadian Maple Syrup;
• Shrimp and Grits, Gulf White Shrimp with Tillamook Cheddar Grits, Spicy Tomato Broth,
  Espellette-Spiced Tomato Ragout;
• Poached Lobster Benedict with Butter-Poached Tail, Two Soft-Poached Eggs, Honey Ham,
  Yuzu Hollandaise, Marble Potato Hash;
• Chef’s Frittata with Three Lake Meadow Farms Eggs, Florida Heirloom Tomatoes, Roasted Poblanos, Chorizo, Creamy Goat Cheese, Marble Potato Hash;
• Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Soft Poached Eggs, Chimichurri, Marble Potato Hash and Charred Red Onion.

For dessert if there is room will include sweet mini desserts, macaroons, and chocolate truffles all while enjoying the beautiful skyline. Cost will be $80 for adults and $48 for children ages 3-11. Reservations can be made beginning this Wednesday December 16 by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/DINE.

Memory Maker Sees Price Reduction:

Disney announced today that their PhotoPass Memory Maker has decreased in price, a rarity for Disney. For guests who choose to purchase Memory Maker in advance the new price is $149, down from $169. For guests who choose not to purchase in advance the price will be $169, down from $199. 

Memory Maker allows guests with the special photo package to have all their family members included in photos. Guests simply go to Disney PhotoPass photographers around the resort and then guests are allowed to download the photos when they get home. It also allows you to download on-ride photos, receive Animated Magic shots, and as well as your photos taken in restaurants. 

Will you be purchasing Memory Maker the next time you visit Walt Disney World.

Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke Celebrates 90th at Disneyland:

Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday at Disneyland along with family, friends, and fans. Van Dyke received a special dedication at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, a cavalcade parade down Main Street, USA, and a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday." Van Dyke on his celebration, "This is the cherry on top of my entire life." He added that when he was younger he wanted to be in a Disney movie but yesterday topped being in "Mary Poppins." Here is a video of Van Dyke's Celebration:

In-Depth Look at Disney's Deluxe Resorts Part 2: Disney's Contemporary Resort

Today we return with part two of our in-depth look of Disney's deluxe resorts with another original hotel in Disney's Contemporary Resort. Here is a small overview of the Contemporary from Disney World's website:

Retreat to this ultra-modern Resort hotel and discover award-winning dining, white-sand beaches, spectacular views and dazzling pools. Walk to Magic Kingdom park, or catch the Resort Monorail as it breezes through the iconic A-frame Contemporary Tower. Inside, a 90-foot-tall mural by Disney Legend Mary Blair—responsible for the distinct look and feel of the “it’s a small world” attraction—celebrates the Grand Canyon and the American Southwest. 

Disney's Contemporary Resort is the other original hotel besides the Polynesian to open when Disney World opened in 1971. It is located between Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon and of course it is on the monorail loop along with the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian. It is also a very short walking distance to the Magic Kingdom. 

Rooms and Rates:

Like at the Polynesian and all the other deluxe resorts rooms can be a little expensive to stay at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Room rates begin at $356/night and up and most rooms sleep up to 5 adults. Amenities for your basic room and suites include a hair dryer, coffee maker, in-room safe, pack n' play crib, internet with free wi-fi service, telephone with voicemail, as well as an iron and ironing board. Your basic room is the Garden Wing standard view room that sleeps up to 5 adults with views of the parking lot as well as obstructed views for $356/night. The room includes 2 queen beds and 1 day bed or 1 king bed and 1 day bed. The next room would be your Garden Wing - garden view room that begin and $385/night with views of the gardens, pools, marina, or Bay Lake. This room has the same choice of beds as the standard view and sleeps up to 5 adults as well. 

The room upgrade from the garden view is the Garden Wing - Deluxe room has views of the gardens, pools, marina, and Bay Lake for $444/night. These rooms only sleep up to 4 adults and consist of 1 king bed and 1 queen-size sleeper sofa. Your next basic room is the Tower - Bay Lake View with views of Bay Lake and is $507/night. Rooms sleep up to 5 adults and has the same choices of beds as the standard and garden view rooms. Your final basic choice of room at Disney's Contemporary Resort is the Tower - Theme Park View with views of the Magic Kingdom and the parking area for $547/night. Room fits up to 5 adults and has the same choices of beds as the other standard, garden, and Bay Lake view rooms. 

You can also book rooms and suites with club level service at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Amenities in these rooms include:

• evening turndown
• complimentary fax assistance and health club access
• personalized front desk and guest services
• secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• access to concierge service at the Atrium Club or Tower Club
• pre-arrival Walt Disney World Resort itinerary planning
• complimentary newspapers in Club level lounge
• all basic room amenities plus in-room dvd player

Here is a run-down of the rooms/suites rates for club level service at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Your standard room at the Atrium Club level is $655/night, sleeps up to five adults, and consists of 2 queen beds and 1 day bed or 1 king bed and 1 day bed. The theme park room in the Atrium Club level is $707/night and has the same accommodations as the standard room at the Atrium Club level. The Garden Wing 1 Bedroom Suite Access is $1,066/night, sleeps up to 5 adults, and consists of one king bed, one queen-size sleeper sofa, and one twin-size sleeper chair. The Garden Wing - Hospitality Suite access is $1,257/night, sleeps up to 7 adults, and consists of one king bed, one queen-size sleeper sofa,  and one daybed or two queen beds, one queen-size sleeper sofa, and one daybed. The Bay Lake view - 1 bedroom suite with club level is $1,541/night, sleeps up to 6 adults, and consists of 2 queen beds and 1 queen-size sleeper sofa. Your final choice for a club level suite is the Bay Lake View - 2 Bedroom Suite at Club Level. It is $2,006/night, sleeps up to 8 adults, and consists of four queen beds and a queen-size sleeper sofa or two queen beds, a king bed, and a queen-size sleeper sofa.

Dining:

As stated on the Contemporary's site on Disney World's website, Disney's Contemporary Resort is conveniently located across from Magic Kingdom park and offers classic yet contemporary, award- winning American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

The Contemporary's California Grill allows guests to enjoy a fine/signature dining experience with award-winning cuisine all with a great view of Cinderella Castle and fireworks at night. Chef Mickey's allows guests to enjoy an all-you-can-eat American fare buffet with Mickey and pals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a unique and casual dining experience guests can make reservations at The Wave.... of American Flavors. For quick-service restaurants at Disney's Contemporary Resort consist of: The Contempo Cafe, Contemporary Grounds, and The Sand Bar. The Contemporary has 4 different bars and lounges which include the California Grill lounge, the Cove Bar, the Outer Rim, and the Wave lounge. Disney's Contemporary Resort also has 24-hour room service.

Recreation and Amenities at Disney's Contemporary Resort:

There are many things to do while you are staying at Disney's Contemporary Resort. To start out there is the main pool with waterslide as well as another more private pool at the resort. At the pools you can rent your own private cabana as well. You can go to Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre for some fun activities such as parasailing, wake boarding, waterskiing, tubing, as well as personal watercraft rentals. You can rent motorized boats or experience fishing with a guided catch and release excursion. There are volleyball and tennis courts at the resorts and don't forget the jogging trails all around Walt Disney World. Disney's Contemporary also has Campfire Activities, movies under the stars, a game arcade, and Pirates and Pals fireworks voyage. 

Amenities at the resort include:

• Disney monorail, water, and bus transportation
• Complimentary use of Disney's Magical Express
• Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access
• Complimentary parking
• Valet parking
• Online Check-in and Resort Airline Check-in
• ATM's and Banking
• Business Center
• Childcare Services
• Designated Smoking Areas
• Disney Meetings
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
• Locker Rentals
• Mail Services
• Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
• Resort Concierge
• Spa & Fitness

Disney's Contemporary Resort is as close as you can get to Magic Kingdom with how close it is. It is sure to be an enjoyable stay for anyone that is interested. That is all for part two of our in-depth look of Disney's deluxe resorts in Disney's Contemporary Resort. Next up in part three of the series, I will take a look at Disney's Grand Floridian.