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.

Ferrytale Dessert and Fireworks Cruise Returns December 1

The Ferrytale Dessert and Fireworks Cruise will be returning to the Seven Seas Lagoon with a spectacular view of Magic Kingdom fireworks and a night of sparkling desserts on December 1. The Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise will run on most Friday's and Sunday's in December and January.

Besides a spectacular view of the fireworks which some night it will coincide with Happily Ever After and some with the holiday fireworks at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on some nights in December. Those nights will have seasonal desserts that will include holiday cookies and peppermint cheesecake as well as hot cocoa and a variety of toppings. 

Guests will step aboard the General Joe Potter ferryboat, named after the Disney Legend, about 1 hour and 15 minutes before the fireworks start at the Ticket and Transportation Center. In addition guests have a variety of activities they can participate on the cruise which include a Glow-in-the-Dark Scavenger Hunt, where you’ll search for Hidden Mickeys throughout the Ferryboat. Also when the fireworks begin, you’ll receive a pair of “Mickey Vision” viewing lenses, through which you might just be able to see one of your favorite characters appear in each burst of light!

Admission for this Ferrytale Cruise is $99 for adults and $69 for children ages 3 through 9 (tax and gratuity not included). Discounts for Annual Passholders can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE and DVC members can apply discounts by calling Member Services. You can book this adventure by calling 407-939-3463 or you can book online.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

"Adventure is Out There" Trip Report Part 2

After 17 plus hours in Animal Kingdom the previous day, there really was no rush to get to Magic Kingdom for when it opened. We somehow without any intention though got to Magic Kingdom right at 9 a.m.

I must say moving the security to right after the busses was a great idea and really does leave a much cleaner look when entering the parks. Of course is there any better view of entering the parks then when you first see Cinderella Castle walking down Main Street, USA.

After a quick stop at First Aid to drop my insulin off, it was time to really start our day. We headed over to Adventureland and began our day with a ride on one my favorites in the Jungle Cruise. Lines weren't horrible through out the day, we waited about 20 minutes to get on.

Rhino was still missing, replaced by hyenas on 6/10/17

Now I won't bore you with each ride we went on, but it was easy picking with getting on the rides that day with the exception of Big Thunder Mountain which was down for most of the day. In the morning we rode besides Jungle Cruise were 'its a small world', Mine Train, Little Mermaid, and Splash Mountain (not in this order). We then headed to lunch at Be Our Guest.

I have now been to Be Our Guest at lunch twice and both times were spectacular. My mother and I both had the Croque Monsieur (Ham & Cheese Sandwich). I had the Master's Cupcake (my favorite) and my mother had the Chocolate Cream Puff. Both meals were delicious and the meals were brought to us rather quickly. 

After lunch it was much of the same with getting on rides as it was in the morning. Although, we did get caught in two quick moving thunderstorms (normal June Florida weather), but they didn't stop us. We saw Mickey's Philharmagic, then headed to Haunted Mansion where we got caught in the first rain storm while in line. It helped that we were in line as even it was still pouring after the fact it did slow down a few minutes later to allow us to get our FastPass at Peter Pan. 

I then had to head over to the Big Circus Tent to switch out my FuelRod which had died. While in the tent another storm had started up so we just waited it out. It was about 10-15 minutes and it stopped and we headed to Tomorrowland. Here we hit Buzz, Peoplemover, Carousel of Progress, and the Laugh Floor pretty quickly. Since, we used up all our FastPasses, I was able to grab a FastPass for Pirates.

Not my best but I'll take it. 

We headed over to Pirates of the Caribbean but since it was still a bit early for the FastPass. So my mother gladly went and got a Dole Whip and we enjoyed the Enchanted Tiki Room. It was then time for our Pirates FastPass and one of my favorite attractions. 

It was a pretty successful day at that point, it was time for dinner. We decided on a whim to eat at the Plaza Restaurant on Main Street. We sure enough got in and had a great quick meal while sitting down and relaxing. I had the Grilled Reuben Sandwich while my mother really enjoyed the Strawberry Chicken Salad. Really, I've never had a bad meal at the Plaza.

After dinner, we headed to the Emporium to do some shopping and then headed to the Confectionary for some snacks before Happily Ever After. We grabbed a spot on Main Street and waited for Happily Ever After. 

Even after watching the live stream of Happily Ever After, nothing could of prepared me for seeing it live in person. It really is the best nighttime spectacular that I've ever seen. The emotions really do get to you with the music and classic Disney films that make an appearance during the show. It was the perfect ending to our trip and another 12 plus hours at the park.

The next morning we were up at the butt crack of dawn to be back at the airport for our 7 a.m. flight. I was back in Pennsylvania and home by the middle of the morning. The trip was so worth it that I can't believe all things that I was able to see in just two days.

It was an amazing and successful trip and I would do it 10 times over if I had the chance to do it again. Being able to see Pandora just shortly after it opened, being able to experience Flight of Passage and the Caring for Giants Tour (seeing Baby Stella will be a lasting memory), and of course seeing Happily Ever After live were some of the amazing highlights of this trip. 

I can't wait for my next trip and its looking like April 2018 can't come soon enough and I already know its going be one my most memorable trips yet. See you all real soon.

- John

Breakfast & Dinner Buffet for Caribbean Beach Guests, Happily Ever After & #DisneyParksLIVE

Breakfast & Dinner Buffet Available for Caribbean Beach Guests:

With the extensive work being done on Old Port Royale restaurants inside Centertown, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is now offering a breakfast and dinner buffer for only guests staying at the resort. It will be called the Centertown Buffet. Cast Members will scan guests' MagicBands to show they are staying at the resort. 

For breakfast, adult meals cost $13.99, and children 3-9 cost $7.99. For dinner, adults cost $20.99, and children 3-9 cost $11.99. Both breakfast and dinner will use one Quick Service dining credit for those on the plan. Breakfast buffet hours are between 6:30AM-11:30 M, and dinner buffet hours are between 5:00PM–10:00PM.

The breakfast buffet includes:

• Scrambled Eggs
• Potato Casserole
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Carved Breakfast Ham with Spiced Pineapple Glaze
• “Gold Doubloon” Pancakes
• Buttermilk Pancakes with Assorted Toppings and flavored syrups
• Island Crêpes in Warm Dried Fruit Compote
• Biscuits and Gravy
• Warm Buttery Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
• Stone Ground Grits drizzled with Florida Honey
• Mini Vegetable and Cheese Frittatas
• Fruit and Yogurt Station
• Assorted Seasonal fresh and Dried Fruits
• Plain and flavored Yogurts
• House-made Granola
• Selection of Mini Pastries, Donuts, and Bagels

The dinner buffet includes:

• Island Conch Chowder
• Curried Pasta and Vegetable Salad
• Iceberg House Salad with Assorted Dressings
• Sweet Island Slaw with Mango, Cabbage, and Papaya
• Carved and Sliced Meats Mojo-roasted Pork
• Citrus-brined Turkey Breast
• Sugar-glazed Ham
• Jerk-spiced BBQ Chicken
• Curried Shrimp
• Sustainable Fish with Chutney
• Glazed Mahi-Mahi
• Penne Pasta with Assorted Sauces
• Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets
• Assortment of fresh Sliced Fruits
• Coconut Rice Pudding
• Chocolate Rum Cake
• Lemon Cream
• Roasted Pineapple Cheesecake
• Brownies, Cookies
• Rice Krispies Treats
• Dinner Rolls
• Sweet Corn Muffins
• Island Rice
• Black Beans
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Braised Collard Greens
• Mashed Potatoes
• Buttered Broccoli
• Sweet Corn
• Specialty Vegetable Medley

Source: WDW News Today

"Happily Ever After" Debut to be Live Streamed on #DisneyParksLIVE:

When "Happily Ever After" officially debuts this Friday, May 12, it will be only Magic Kingdom's third nighttime fireworks spectacular ever to blast off from the park. Those of us who won't have the chance to be there in person will get to experience the amazing debut of the new spectacular as it is live streamed on #DisneyParksLIVE.

The live stream will begin at 8:55 p.m. EST on Friday. A new blog post will appear at the top of page on the Disney Parks Blog. Tune in a few minutes early before the fireworks begin for a behind the scenes look on the creation of "Happily Ever After."

Wishes & Happily Ever After Fireworks Tees Hit Disney Store Online; Guardians Soars in Domestic Debut

Wishes & Happily Ever After Fireworks Tees Hit Disney Store Online:

Say goodbye to "Wishes" and hello to "Happily Ever After" with special edition fireworks tees that are now available online on the DisneyStore.com. The shirts are now available and will be up online until Sunday, May 14. 

Each shirt has three different styles one for adults, women, and kids. The adult and women shirts cost $27.99. The women's style shirt is a v-neck. The two children style shirts light blue for "Happily Ever After" and a dark blue color for "Wishes" cost $22.99.

The deal through Sunday is Buy 1 t-shirt, Get 40% off the second t-shirt. Get yours now before they glow away.

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" Soars at Opening Weekend Box Office:

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2" soared in the opening weekend box office in the United States with $146.5 million. This brings its total to $431.5 million worldwide after hitting theaters internationally last week, a total for 13 days in movie theaters. 

"The $146.5 million domestic debut is the second-biggest opening of the year, behind Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and Marvel Studios’ sixth opening above $100 million. It was the 15th consecutive No. 1 debut out of 15 Marvel Cinematic Universe films, and opened 55 percent above the 2014 debut of the first Guardians of the Galaxy. 

After opening in several international markets the week of April 25, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 debuted in Korea, Russia and China this weekend, with China quickly becoming the top international market for the film with $49.3 million in its first three days. In Korea, where it opened May 3, the film has already exceeded the entire run of the original Guardians of the Galaxy. In addition to China, top markets include the U.K. ($35.5 million), Germany ($18.6 million), Australia ($17.3 million), France ($16.2 million), Mexico ($15 million), Brazil ($14.3 million) and Korea ($13.1 million). The total international gross through May 7 is $285 million."

With the debut of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" it has pushed Marvel Studios past the $11 billion mark for all 15 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

Source: The Walt Disney Company

Video: 'Happily Ever After' Gets Ready for Debut; Rumor: Once Upon a Time to End?

Believe it or not, we are just a week away from "Happily Ever After" debuting at the Magic Kingdom on May 12. While the sadness of saying goodbye to "Wishes" remains, the previews of "Happily Ever After" have been amazing and it is sure to be an awesome replacement. 

The other night Disney tested the show after park hours and today, we got a video from the Disney Parks Blog showing a preview of the run-through that makes me so excited for the new fireworks/projection show. Check it out:

I am so excited for this show after seeing all the previews and I can't wait to see it in 34 days when I'm down there. This leads into the next story and rumor that just surfaced over the last few days.

RUMOR: Once Upon a Time Projection Show to End?:

This has not been confirmed by Disney but rumors have surfaced that the "Once Upon a Time" projection show will be ending with the debut of "Happily Ever After." The projection show which replaced "Celebrate the Magic" last year is rumored to be "glowing away" as soon as June 3rd.

With the debut of "Happily Ever After" the new fireworks show has both fireworks and projections on the castle as seen in the video above. While news of the show's demise was shot down back in February when "Happily Ever After" was confirmed, it seems Disney never actually planned to keep the new projection show. It has been said that "Once Upon a Time" was just a filler until "Happily Ever After" debuted.

None of this has been confirmed by Disney themselves but with "Happily Ever After" debuting next week it appears we will soon know the fate of "Once Upon a Time."

Sources: Disney Parks Blog
               WDWThemeParks.com

New 'Beauty and the Beast' Stage Show on Disney Dream; Wishes to be Replaced by 'Happily Ever After' Fireworks

New 'Beauty and the Beast' Stage Show Coming to the Disney Dream:

A brand new 'Beauty and the Beast' stage show is coming to Disney Cruise Line aboard the Disney Dream. The new musical production that will be a live-action adaptation of the animated classic. 

“Beauty and the Beast” aboard the Disney Dream will bring the timeless fable to life like never before, featuring a style of theater that interlaces classic storytelling elements with cutting-edge technology, to create a unique, theatrical experience in the 1,340-seat Walt Disney Theatre. An innovative take on the story will transform renowned songs into spectacular, show-stopping numbers, and lavish costumes and puppetry will bring a fresh perspective to beloved characters."

The show will debut aboard the Disney Dream voyage on November 6, 2017. It will be joining an already show-stopping lineup that includes "The Golden Mickey's" and "Disney's Believe." Stay tuned for more information in the coming months on the new "Beauty and the Beast" musical stage show.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Wishes to be Replace by New Nighttime Fireworks Spectacular 'Happily Ever After':

"Wishes" will perform for its final time on May 11 with a brand new nighttime fireworks spectacular, "Happily Ever After", will debut on May 12. Here are the details from the Disney Parks Blog:

The spectacular will inspire guests to seek out and find their own “Happily Ever After” by showcasing some of the greatest adventures Disney characters have taken to achieve their dreams. The show will feature the latest fireworks and pyrotechnics and original animation, plus a heart-tugging original score. And thanks to the inclusion of state-of-the-art projection mapping technology, more Disney characters than ever before will be featured in the show, including moments from “Moana,” “Brave,” “Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia,” “The Princess & The Frog,” “Aladdin” and many others.

The Fireworks Dessert Parts that takes place at the Tomorrowland Terrace will continue to take place for guests to enjoy a spectacular view of the new "Happily Ever After" fireworks. Check out this video previewing the show:



Source: Disney Parks Blog