Is Quick Service Coming to Planet Hollywood?; New Disney Junior Dance Party Coming to DCA

Is Quick Service Coming to Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs?:

A quick service location for Planet Hollywood is reportedly in the works for Disney Springs. After reopening last month, as the Planet Hollywood Observatory, officials from Disney Springs have reportedly given the go ahead with an expansion.

Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl said, "We've got the best location in the district right next to the movie theater and the car park. In confirming the quick service counter, Earl is hoping to boost figures after the relaunch of the restaurant. Along with adding the quick service counter, Earl is bringing celebrity guest appearances to the restaurant. Last night, at an event actress Reese Witherspoon was on hand and recently even Brittany Spears came by the restaurant.

The Planet Hollywood Observatory has a new menu with burgers inspired by Food Network star Guy Fieri as well as some old favorites from the old menu. Are you interested in a quick service option at Planet Hollywood?

New Disney Junior Dance Party Coming to Disney California Adventure:

A brand new Disney Junior dance party show is coming to Disney California Adventure this summer. The Disney Parks Blog announced details on the show yesterday.

This summer, there’s an all-new Disney Junior show coming to Disneyland Resort that you won’t want to miss. You and your little ones will love “Disney Junior Dance Party,” a high-energy, live show experience that takes its inspiration from the most popular Disney Junior shows on TV, including the new series “Mickey and the Roadster Racers,” as well as “Doc McStuffins,” “Sofia the First” and “The Lion Guard.” The show is set to include live appearances from some of your favorite characters, fun music from Disney Junior and much more.

The new Disney Junior Dance Party will debut in Hollywood Land of Disney California Adventure on May 26, 2017.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Planet Hollywood Observatory is Finally Opened; Preview of Beauty & the Beast Coming to Disney Parks

Planet Hollywood Observatory is Finally Opened:

After weeks of speculation and delays, the Planet Hollywood Observatory officially opened today. The re-imagined restaurant transformed from its iconic globe into a 4-story stargazing observatory with new spaces including an outdoor terrace, a new menu with the help of Food Network's Guy Fieri, and an exciting new look and feel to the restaurant. 

Inside it’s an immersive theatrical dining experience, with each floor providing a different ambience, including the fabulous curated collection of film-making memorabilia and a 4,500-square-foot video wall the uses trompe l’oeil 3D technology – images with such realism that they appear to be in three dimensions.

Classic dishes remain on the menu but it is the new over the top burgers and sandwiches inspired by Fieri that highlight the new menu. Of course, we can't forget the hand-dipped milkshakes and generous sweets that highlight the dessert menu. Beer, wine and cocktails offer a little something for every taste, and Stargazers Lounge has a beverage menu that focuses on Florida craft beers (with 20 on tap) and 10 signature cocktails. The Stargazer Lounge has yet to open but will be soon.

Check out this quick video of Guy and a look inside the Planet Hollywood Observatory:



Source: Disney Parks Blog

Preview of 'Beauty and the Beast" Coming to Disney Parks:

Beginning February 10, guests visiting Disney Parks will get a special sneak peak into the live-action remake of Disney's animated classic, "Beauty and the Beast."

At Disney California Adventure park, the preview of “Beauty and the Beast” will be presented in 3D with special in-theater effects at the Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land, while guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get to see this advance look at a segment from the film as part of the One Man’s Dream attraction. Each sneak peek location will also include a display featuring a collection of props and costume pieces actually used in the film’s production.

You can catch the 8-minute sneak peak of the film at Disney Parks beginning February 10 then experience the film as it waltz' into theaters March 17, 2017.

Special 2-Year Anniversary Note:

Today, marks the two year anniversary of It All Started With a Mouse and I just wanted to send a special thank you to you the readers. Never did I think two years ago, how I would continue to blog almost everyday. I also never thought I would be so involved in the Disney community which is amazing. Year 2 brought even more changes with the addition of me joining the podcast world.

The MouseLife family has helped me improve It All Started With a Mouse. Speaking of the MouseLife, I cannot wait to share with all of you what's coming very soon. Stay tuned. Thank you all so much don't forget that it was all started by a mouse and please continue living the MouseLife.

- John

Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs Now Taking Reservations, Ready to Open

The Planet Hollywood Observatory in Disney Springs is finally set to open according to a report by the Orlando Sentinel. The Observatory will begin taking reservations for as early as January 22 which is next week. It will be re-opening after a year of renovation which saw the transformation from Planet Hollywood to the Planet Hollywood Observatory. 

Lunch will begin being served at 11 a.m. and the restaurant is taking dinner reservations all the way up until 10:45 p.m. We already know that the Food Network's own Guy Fieri is helping out with the menu. Last week, just some of the menu items for the Observatory were revealed with both new items being revealed as well as some old one's returning.

"Let’s start with indulgent, like the L.A. Lasagna, a fried take on the classic comfort food with Bolognese sauce, roasted garlic cream and tomato basil sauce. Or one of Fieri’s new Big Bite Burgers or Knuckle Sandwiches – the Bacon Mac-N-Cheese with his signature Donkey Sauce on a garlic-buttered brioche bun. You can have Lobster Feast Fra Diavolo with kicky spaghetti piled high in a whole lobster shell. A 10-ounce bone-in New York Strip Steak for two (add a whole steamed lobster if you please). And if you can’t decide, go for the High Roller Platter, a generous serving of guest favorites: Chicken Crunch, Texas Tostados, Buffalo Wings, Cheesy Spinach Dip and Peri-Peri Shrimp – perfect for the whole table to share." - Disney Parks Blog

 For a lighter option try the Citrus Kale salad with julienned broccoli, silvered brussels sprouts, cabbage, feta, grapefruit, oranges, cranberries, and sunflower seeds with a citrus-agave dressing. Or try the Spinach & Berries salad with candied walnuts, blue cheese crumbles, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The drink menu will focus on Florida craft beers and hand-crafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients. Have no fear the souvenir glasses will be coming back, including the Halley's Comet cocktail served in a 45-ounce Planet bowl.

We can't forget about those decadent milkshakes that are returning including two new flavors in the Chocolate Comet and the new Strawberry Borealis. The whole dessert menu is promised to take you out of this world which features a blind tasting of 12 flavors of house-made ice creams and sorbets, or finish the Planet Melt Down, a chocolate hardshell dome that will be melted table side with hot chocolate sauce to reveal double chocolate fudge cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.

Visiting the Planet Hollywood Observatory is sure to be an out of this world dining experience. I know I am excited for the Bacon Mac N' Cheese Burger that I have actually had before at one of Guy's restaurants up here in Pennsylvania. It's delicious! Will you be visiting the new Planet Hollywood Observatory when it opens in Disney Springs?

Rumors About Rivers of Light Continue to Gain Strength; First Look at Stargazer Lounge Coming to Planet Hollywood

Rumors About Rivers of Light Continue to Gain Strength:

Rumors about Animal Kingdom's yet to debut new nighttime spectacular in Rivers of Light are gaining steam. WDW News Today is reporting that Rivers of Light might be seen exclusively first by attendees of Destination D: Amazing Adventures next month. With the schedule being released yesterday it was noticed that towards the end of Destination D, there will be an optional in-park gathering that takes place at 8 p.m. Originally park admission was required, but now the schedule has been updated to show that it won't be required and details on the in-park gathering are forthcoming.

Even more interesting is Animal Kingdom closes at 7:30 p.m. on November 20 where every other night the park closes at 8:30. Rumors have been swirling for months on Rivers of Light since it was delayed last April. No updates have been given although last week Disney did accidentally leak some info on dining packages for the nighttime spectacular. Although it was quickly pointed out the dates which some were thinking were for May 2017 were actually believed for the details for Rivers of Light original debut.

Could we soon be hearing details on the official debut of Rivers of Light finally? Will Destination D attendees next month actually be the first guests to see the new nighttime spectacular? It sure sounds like it, we will just have to wait and see next month. Destination D: Amazing Adventures takes place November 19-20 at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

First Look at Stargazer Lounge Coming to Planet Hollywood Observatory in Disney Springs:

The new Planet Hollywood Observatory inside Disney Springs will have completely new theming when it opens later this year. It will still feature stars from the big screen but the big focus will be on the stars in the sky, as the restaurant completes its transformation into a turn-of-the-20th-century observatory.

 Food and drink menus for the restaurant will be revealed soon. Guests can expect more famous movie memorabilia, video screens, cutting edge music, and a store that will feature themed merchandise. The restaurant will feature the Stargazer Lounge where guests will find signature craft cocktails with names that reflect the planets and space travel.

The Disney Parks Blog gave us a sneak peak at two of those cocktails in The Observatory and the Sparkling Sputnik. The Observatory is a sweet sip with Stoli vodka, tangy Limoncino Bottega, Monin  Peach Tea,  and an infusion of bubbles from Maschio Prosecco. The Sparkling Sputnik combines prosecco, sparkling water, fresh lime juice, and fragrant mint leaves. 

Guy Fieri to Design Part of Planet Hollywood Observatory's New Menu; Disney PhotoPass Now at Frozen Ever After

Guy Fieri to Design Part of Planet Hollywood Observatory's New Menu:

Planet Hollywood Observatory will re-open this Fall inside Disney Springs with a new menu designed by Food Network Chef Guy Fieri. He will introduce a flavor-packed burger and sandwich menu as part of the restaurants of the larger offerings on its menu. Robert Earl, the entrepreneur, restaurateur, and star of Cooking Channel's "Robert Earl's Be My Guest," reached out to Fieri because of their shared passion for food. Besides Fieri's section on the menu, Planet Hollywood Observatory will soon be sharing their full new menu that will feature a variety of offerings and bold flavors. 

Earl, who is Planet Hollywood's International Founder and Chairman said this on the partnership, "Guy Fieri has created an impressive culinary empire and has built an incredible TV following with several food-themed shows, so it was a no-brainer to invite him to create a special menu for Planet Hollywood Observatory. This partnership only furthers our commitment to refresh our guest experience while continuing to offer freshly-prepared, pleasing dishes."

Fieri added, " It’s awesome to be working with Robert Earl and the Planet Hollywood Team. For the Planet Hollywood Observatory, I’m bringing a big time burger and sandwich menu with real deal flavors for everyone.”

The new restaurant is centrally located and will overlook the heart of Disney Springs with a newly expanded terrace and bar. The exterior of the restaurant will be reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century observatory with a modern design aesthetic. The interior's refurbished upholstery, spherical planet-shaped lighting fixtures, and stylish finishing will create a welcoming atmosphere for fans to celebrate a new generation of superstore entertainers.

Planet Hollywood Observatory will open sometime this Fall. Stay tuned for the official opening date to be announced soon.

Disney PhotoPass Now at Frozen Ever After:

You can now relive your adventure to Arendelle on Frozen Ever After with the new on-ride photo capture thanks to Disney PhotoPass. While enjoying your journey through the kingdom during a special, "Summer Snow Day," with Queen Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and friends, a camera will capture a photo of you during an exciting moment of your journey through Arendelle. 

To preview, purchase and download this attraction photo, you must be wearing a MagicBand during your adventure. Your photo will be automatically associated to your My Disney Experience account, where it can be viewed at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com or in the My Disney Experience mobile app alongside all of your vacation memories from Disney PhotoPass Service.

So why don't you step aboard a Norwegian vessel and chill out while Disney PhotoPass Service captures your fantastically “Frozen” adventure!

Source: Disney Parks Blog