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

DuckTales Gets Premiere & Opening Title Sequence; Walt Disney World to Honor Lane Graves

DuckTales Gets Premiere Date & New Opening Title Sequence:

The long awaited date for the premiere of Disney XD's revival of DuckTales has finally been revealed. On Saturday, August 12 the show will premiere a 1 hour episode at midnight and play for 24 hours continuously on Disney XD. The show will then commence a few weeks later with two new episodes on September 23 coincidentally that is the 30th anniversary of the shows original premiere date. Episodes will air at 7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 10:30 p.m., EDT/PDT.

Along with a new poster, the new opening sequence of the show was also revealed. Check it out below:

 It all starts with a coin, as we follow Duckburg’s trillionaire, Scrooge McDuck, and his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, with Webby Vanderquack and Donald Duck tagging along as they all chase down the runaway 10 cent coin. They run through comic book style settings featuring monsters, villains, epic adventures, and piles of gold. It’s amazing! With an animation style inspired by the classic Carl Barks’ comic designs, this opening combines classic DuckTales elements with a new updated look that has got us feeling both super nostalgic and super excited for this new series. The ending is perfectly tied together as Scrooge McDuck impressively catches the stray coin with his cane, followed by Launchpad McQuack literally crashing into the DuckTales title.

I can't wait for August 12.

Source: Oh My Disney

Walt Disney World to Honor Memory of Lane Graves:

One year ago today, 2-year-old Lane Graves' life was taken way too soon as an alligator dragged him into the Seven Seas Lagoon from the shores at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. His death was ruled an accident but in the months since, changes were made to Walt Disney World properties that sit alongside bodies of water. Rockery was placed right at the edges of the lagoons, roped fences were also added along with signs warning guests of the presence of snakes and alligators.

His parents, Matt and Melissa Graves, made a public announcement stating that they would not be suing The Walt Disney Company over their precious son’s traumatic death; instead, they would establish the Lane Thomas Foundation in his honor. The purpose of the foundation is to support pediatric organ donation.

The official symbol of the Lane Thomas Foundation is a beautiful lighthouse which Walt Disney World is planning to have sculpted and placed at an undisclosed site on their property.

“To provide continued awareness of the foundation and its mission, we’ve commissioned an original sculpture of the lighthouse the foundation uses as a symbol of love and hope, to be installed on our property this summer,” George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a statement Tuesday.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Pre-Show Packages Available Now for 'Frozen - Live at the Hyperion; Beaches Re-Open at Disney World Resorts

Pre-Show Packages Available Now for 'Frozen - Live at the Hyperion':

'Frozen - Live at the Hyperion' debuted last month at Disney California Adventure's Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Land. Now guests can an experience the show in a cool way with the new pre-show packages that are now available. There are now three new pre-show packages that will allow guests to experience the new stage show with priority seating along with special experiences for before and even after the show.

The Frozen Pre-Show Package:

Lets you chill with family and friends while enjoying refreshments, photo opportunities and more at a festive, “Frozen”-themed celebration before the live show. This one-of-a-kind gathering commences inside Stage 17, transformed into a castle courtyard in the wintry world of Arendelle with “Frozen” delights sprinkled all around, including a shave ice treat for you to enjoy. When the magical reception winds down, you’ll be whisked off to the nearby Hyperion Theater and land in your priority seats.

The Frozen Pre-Show Plus Package:

This includes the pre-show experience and priority seating, plus a melt-in-your mouth dining experience at Carthay Circle Restaurant. You can savor a three-course meal that includes your choice of four stunning main course dishes. There’s also a special kids menu, but everyone big and small should save room for a sweet “Frozen”-inspired dessert.

Frozen Signature Dining & Behind-the-Scenes Package:

This is an incredible offering custom designed for the biggest “Frozen” fans, which includes not only the pre-show celebration and priority seating, but also an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at the Hyperion Theater following the performance. You’ll then cap off the experience with an elegant four-course dinner at Carthay Circle Restaurant.

For more information, availability dates, pricing, and reservation information can be found by visiting the 'Frozen - Live at the Hyperion' page on Disneyland.com.

Beaches Re-Open at Disney World Resorts:

More than a week after the fatal gator attack at the Grand Floridian that took the life of 2-year old Lane Graves, Disney World has reopened its beaches at its resorts. Temporary barriers and new signage had begun being installed last Friday after the attack that happened late last Tuesday night. 

Guests will be able to use the beaches from sunrise to one hour before sunset, the beaches will also be staffed by Cast Members. Recreation marinas have also reopened, offering boat rentals and water sports. 

The Associated Press is also reporting that the alligator that had attacked and drowned the child was removed from Seven Seas Lagoon. In all six alligators were removed from the waters during the search. 

The Making of Shanghai Disneyland, Anthony Daniels at Star Wars Celebration, and More

The Making of Shanghai Disneyland:

We are just hours away from the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland. I could only wish I was there to be joining in on the fun and excitement of Disney's newest theme park. Today, Disney released a six-minute plus video on how the new Shanghai Disney Resort became authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese. Check it out:

See how Shanghai Disney Resort became authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese:https://t.co/qUbfiLQTiQ

— Disney (@Disney) June 15, 2016

 Anthony Daniels Joining the Fun at Star Wars Celebration London:

Anthony Daniels, the only actor to work on all 7 Star Wars films as C-3P0 will be joining many of his fellow all-star cast members next month at Star Wars Celebration in London. He will meet with fans in the Celebration Autograph Hall and will join the fun on stage with host Warwick Davis.

Daniels not only appeared in all seven movies as the lovable droid also in television appearances, in animation, and public service announcements. He is the arms, legs, and voice of one of favorite droids of the saga. He also toured as host of "Star Wars in Concert" in presenting the wonders of music from the movies to audiences around the world.

Also appearing with Daniels in the Celebration Autograph Hall for all three days of Star Wars Celebration will be: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Jeremy Bulloch, and Daniel Logan. Star Wars Celebration in London takes place July 15-17, 2016.

Body of 2-Year Old Recovered in Seven Seas Lagoon After Horrific Gator Attack at Grand Floridian:

As many of you know the horrible week in Orlando continued last night when a 2-year old (which I will not name for privacy of the family) on vacationing at Disney's Grand Floridian with his family was tragically dragged into Seven Seas Lagoon by an alligator. His body was recovered fully intact this afternoon by divers around 3:30 p.m. this afternoon and turned over to a medical examiner.

Disney had closed all beaches at its resorts and water transportation while in search for the remains of the boy. The body was found about 15 yards from shore where the water is about 6 feet deep. George Kalogridis, President of Walt Disney World released this statement on the tragedy: 

"There are no words to convey the profound sorrow we feel for the family and their unimaginable loss. We are devastated and heartbroken by this tragic accident and are doing what we can to help the family during this difficult time. On behalf of everyone at Disney, we offer our deepest sympathies."

I questioned whether I would even write this story after the horrible tragedy this weekend. I pray for the family of this child that they may heal. I can't imagine the pain they are going through as no parent should have to go through the loss of a child. Please join me in sending thoughts and condolences to the family in their time of need.

Fall Free Dining Now Available to Book and Trader Sam's Grog Grotto is Now Officially Open

Fall Free Dining Now Available to Book at Walt Disney World:

If you were waiting to see when free dining would be available this fall to book your trip, this morning it was announced for select dates and resorts this fall. Walt Disney World have now until July 10 to jump on this yearly offer now for the fall. Here are the dates that the offer is available:

August 28 - October 2, 2015

October 25 - October 31, 2015

November 8 - November 19, 2015

December 15 - December 21, 2015

The Free Disney Dining Plan is available when guests book a non-discounted 6-night/7-day Magic Your Way Package that includes a room at select Disney resorts and tickets with Park Hopper or Water Park & Fun option. The basic dining plan is given at deluxe, moderate and deluxe villa resorts. The Quick Service is available at value resorts, it can be upgraded to the basic plan for a fee. At Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid standard rooms are excluded from the deal.

Disney is also offering the up to 30% off of rooms at select Disney World resort hotels for vacations booked for dates August 15 - October 3, 2015. Booking for this deal must be booked by August 7, 2015. 

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto is Now Officially Opened:

The souvenir mugs for the specialty drinks are in so that means Trader Sam's Grog Grotto is now officially opening. After soft opening earlier this month Trader Sam's Grog Grotto will be opening nightly from 4 p.m. until Midnight. Guests under the age of 21 are only allowed in the Grotto until 8 p.m. The souvenir mugs for the specialty drinks Uh-Oa!, Krakatoa Punch, Nautilus, Polynesian Pearl,  HippopotoMai-Tai, Rum Flight shot glasses come in three colors, and the Shrunken Head are now all available. 

It has been pretty busy since the soft opening with some nights having waits of up to 2 hours to get in the new tiki bar. Guests are advised to arrive early and if they want a table they can look no further then the outside of the bar in the new Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace with its lava rock waterfall and live Hawaiian-themed entertainment nightly. You even have the beautiful view of the Seven Seas Lagoon with prime seats for Magic Kingdom's Wishes.