Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/27/15

Well another week completed and another day closer to my Disney vacation. I can't believe how quickly this month has gone by as next Wednesday is April 1. Let's get into your news from around Disney on this Friday.

Trader Sam's Grog Grotto to Soft Open Tomorrow, Official Opening in Late April:

Earlier this week we shared new details on the Polynesian's much anticipated new tiki bar: Trader Sam's Grog Grotto. Today, the Disney Parks Blog shared that tomorrow March 28, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto would have a soft opening and have its official opening in late-April. No official date is set as the tiki bar's souvenir glasses (which fans go nuts over at its sister bar in Anaheim) have yet to arrive. Trader Sam's Grog Grotto will be much like its sister location in Anaheim but the magical theming of this location will reflect that of Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

The enchanted South Seas hideaway will welcome guests to explore a menu of "magical tropical drinks and food" in a new menu created by Beverage Manager Brad Ward, Chef Lenny DeGeorge, and the Concept Development team. As stated earlier in the week Trader Sam's Grog Grotto will offer  light bites to eat such as chicken lettuce cups, pork tacos, Headhunter sushi roll, and many other small appetizers. 

Today, on the blog it offered some of the drinks that will be served at Trader Sam's served in the collectible mugs. New drinks being offered only at the new Polynesian location include: Polynesian Pearl, Nautilus, Castaway Crush, Tahitian Torch, and Dark & Tropical Stormy. Old drinks to be served from the original include: the famous Krakatoa Punch, Uh-Oa!, HippopotoMai-Tai, and the Shrunken Zombie Head. Some non-alcoholic drinks to be served include: Schweitzer Fall, Skipper Sipper, and Polynesian Punch. 

As reported seating will be limited both inside and outside in the adjacent Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace. No reservations are required.

Jedi Knight and TIE-Fighter Pilot D-Tech Me Figures to Premiere at Star Wars Weekends:

Also today on the Disney Parks Blog they announced two new D-Tech Me Figures that will premiere at Star Wars Weekends. A Jedi Knight and a TIE-Fighter Pilot will be added to the options along with the Carbon Freeze Me figurine, Alderaan princess figurine, and the male and female options of both the Stormtrooper and X-wing pilot figurines. 

The experience which was first introduced in May of 2012 is a 10 minute experience where guests faces are captured using a 3D single shot face scanner which are used to be imprinted on the figurine. The Star Wars D-Tech Me figurines will run $119.95 for a 7-inch figurine and $999.95 for a 16-inch figurine plus shipping and applicable sales tax. All participants in the experience will also receive a specially designed button. Figurines will take 6-8 weeks to arrive to the guest's home if it is being shipped domestically, it takes a little longer internationally. Guests can already begin booking their experiences by calling (407)WDW-TECH. It should be known that experiences will only take place on weekends during Star Wars Weekends beginning May 15. 

More Cast News for Disney's Live-Action Beauty and the Beast:

Today, according to "The Hollywood Reporter" it is being reported that broadway star Audra McDonald has been casted as the Wardrobe in Disney's live-action remake of the animated classic "Beauty and the Beast." McDonald is most known for her role as Dr. Naomi Bennett on ABC's Private Practice and for her role as Grace in Disney's TV production of Annie. McDonald already joins a star-studded cast which includes Harry Potter film star Emma Watson who will play role of Belle. The film is due to be released in theaters on March 17, 2017.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day (March 27) in 1952, the first public announcement of Walt Disney's plans to build Disneyland are printed in the Burbank Daily Review.

Daily Disney Quote:

"Why Worry? If you've done the very best you can, worrying won't make it any better."

-Walt Disney

That's a wrap for the blog today. Tune in on Sunday for our part 5 of our in-depth look at Disney's deluxe resorts. This week was a big week in news, take a look at the rest of this weeks blogs. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Tomorrowland Movie Preview Coming to Epcot and Disneyland, is Captain EO Finally Closing?

Today, Disney announced that preview screenings of the movie "Tomorrowland" will be shown in the Imagination Pavilion in Epcot and the Tomorrowland Theater in Disneyland. While the Tomorrowland Theater in Disneyland used to be home of Captain EO and has since shown many previews of movies such as last year's Marvel hit "Guardians of the Galaxy." Disney has said Captain EO would return to the theater in Disneyland but as of now almost a year later it seems to be gone once again. At Disneyland, guests will be able to discover and exhibit inspired by "Tomorrowland," which will feature production artwork and props used in the film.

Now onto the preview in Epcot which does house the Captain EO attraction starring Michael Jackson. The attraction which returned after the death of Jackson in 2010 has never really been a hit to guests at the park. With the showing of "Tomorrowland" screenings in the theater, does this mean the end to this abysmal attraction much like its sister attraction in Disneyland. Disney has made no comment on whether it will come to an end. The attraction which originally opened in 1986 in Florida could mean an end to another attraction in Epcot which has already seen Maelstrom close back in October.  I for one hope this is the end of Captain EO and more new beginnings for Epcot as a park.

This Disney Parks exclusive "sneak peak" of "Tomorrowland" will begin in mid-April in both Epcot and Disneyland. "Tomorrowland" hit theaters in the United States May 22, 2015.

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/25/15

It's Hump Day and that means I am now half way through the work week, but today marks a bigger milestone. I am now only 60 days aways from being in sunny Orlando, Florida in you guessed it Disney World. I really can't wait to get back to the most magical place on Earth. Anyways lets get into your daily news from around Disney today.

New Menu Coming to Studio Catering Company at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

A new menu will be coming to the Studio Catering Company at Disney's Hollywood Studios featuring both light as well as hearty options. New sandwiches such as the braised pulled brisket sandwich with munster cheese, arugula and creamy horseradish comes to the menu. Also for a more hearty sandwich that will be sure to keep you full in between meals will be the Deli sandwich with ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, a creamy pesto spread, pepper relish, and a balsamic glaze. 

For a much lighter fare guests can choose a vegetable wrap with a garlic herb spread or the new turkey panini with swiss, provolone, and honey mustard served with tomato basil soup. Along with the traditional sides of french fries and apple slices that are usually served at Disney Parks, two new sides have been added: tomato basil soup (as mentioned above) and house made chips. 

Enjoy these new meals at the Studio Catering Company as well as other new menu items that have been added to other quick-service options at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Disneyland to Hold Diamond Celebration Event:

                                            

Disneyland will be holding a merchandise event to kickoff its Diamond Celebration on May 20-21. Tickets are limited to availability and will be $100 per person. Reservations for the event begin tomorrow March 26 at 11 am (Pacific time). Admission for the event includes panel discussions, signings, and other entertainment activities and activities as follows:

• Merchandise Pick-Up and Event Store Shopping
• Merchandise Artists and Author Signings
• A Silent Auction
• Trading Area
• Entertainment/Panel Discussion - "Disneyland Dreamers & Doers" with Mouseketeers Bobby Burgess and Sherry Van Meter, among others

Guests will also receive a commemorative Disney Photopass digital download, two commemorative gifts, and the first opportunity to pre-purchase select Diamond Celebration themed merchandise via the Random Selection Process.  An itinerary for the event can be seen here.

204 Jobs to be Cut for Disney's Magical Express Contractor:

Now for some not so happy news to report. Today, the Orlando Business Journal reported that 204 jobs will be cut from the parent company of Disney's Magical Express effective May 31. Aircraft Service International Group (ASIG) is responsible for "shuttle service, luggage handling, and other related services for the Disney Magical Express." Disney contracts with the company to shuttle guests to and from Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World. 

ASIG filed a Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification today, March 25, 2015. The 204 jobs will be cut from transportation and warehousing. Interestingly enough ASIG has several positions open on its website for the Orlando area.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day March 25 in 1969, President Richard Nixon presents a commemorative medal to Lillian Disney in honor of her late husband, Walt Disney. 

Also on this day in 1986, Disney World welcomes 500 millionth guest to enter a Disney Park  in Don McGrath. 

Daily Disney Quote:

"Don't look backwards for very long. Keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things."

Walt Disney

That's it for today just finished reserving all my fastpasses for my trip in 60 days. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/24/15

First off, thank you everyone who read yesterday's blog, it had the most hits since I started the blog almost 2 months ago. Today, I hope everyone will enjoy what I am writing about today and continue to read the blog. The weather seems to be finally breaking and warm weather may finally be on its way here in Pennsylvania. Life goes on and let's get on with your daily news from around Disney.

Disney Cruise Line Announces 2016 Summer Sailings:

Today, Disney Cruise Line on the Disney Parks Blog announced its summer sailings for 2016. For the first time ever DCL will be offering a sailing to the British Isles a 12-night voyage on the Disney Magic. The sailing will depart from Dover, England with visiting ports of call in Scotland, Ireland, France, and England. A sampling of what you may experience on your British Isles voyage includes:

• The majestic beauty, iconic castles, and Highland culture of Scotland.
• The merry, cosmopolitan city of Dublin, Ireland.
• The culturally rich and romantic Paris, France.
• The birthplace of the Beatles and the British invasion in Liverpool, England.
• The charming countryside of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. 

Also on the list of sailing for Disney Cruise Line will be ports of call in more than 15 European countries. DCL's cruises in its tour of Europe include the Baltic, the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, the Greek Isles, and the Mediterranean. Of course besides Europe, Disney Cruise Line will be revisiting ports such as Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas. For more details you can check out different itineraries for 2016 on disneycruise.com. All sailings will be available to book this Thursday.

Jungle Cruise Themed Restaurant Coming to Adventureland at Magic Kingdom?:

While being confirmed by many websites including WDWNT.com. We are still waiting for Disney itself to confirm that a Jungle Cruise themed restaurant will be coming to Adventureland in the old Tinkerbell & Friends meet and greet spot. The key is that a wall to the building is connected to the Liberty Tree Tavern mainly a kitchen which will allow it to improve capacity and upgrade its offerings. The rumor is that it will be much like Be Our Guest and server a quick-service lunch and have a sit down dinner reservation. 

The rumor also includes a name for the restaurant which would be called the "Skipper's Cantina". The backstory of the restaurant would be that skippers of the Jungle Cruise are looking to open a restaurant to make a little money on the side for themselves.

There have also been growing signs that the announcement is inevitable and will be announced relatively soon as rumors are that Disney will have it open around Christmas time this year. Already the park has made the swap of Sunshine Tree Terrace and Aloha Isle to move the lines for the famous Dole Whip away from the future entrance. Also Liberty Tree Tavern is scheduled for a long closing scheduled to begin in July and last until the middle of November. Tune in to see when Disney will make an announcement on this newly themed restaurant maybe?

This Day in Disney History:

On this day two attractions in different years open in Disneyland. In 1956 the Astro-Jets open in Tomorrowland, the ride will be open until 1966. Also in 1972, Disneyland's version of the Country Bear Jamboree debuts in Bear Country. This attraction will run until September 9, 2001. 

Daily Disney Quote:

"Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood."

Walt Disney

I will end again with a thank you for reading the blog, it is my pleasure to bring everyone news from around Disney. As always in the words of Mickey, "See Ya Real Soon."

More Details Revealed for Trader Sam's Grog Grotto and a Sneak Peek into the Bora Bora Bungalows

Today Disney revealed more details into the upcoming Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. They also offered a sneak peak preview of the Bora Bora Bungalows that are slated to open April 1st. First however lets get into the details of Trader Sam's Grog Grotto that will be open at the end of this month.

Concept Art for Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

Trader Sam's will be located in the former arcade space next to Captain Cook's just off of the Polynesian's lobby area. The new lounge will be very similar to the Trader Sam's in Disneyland and will offer both food and drinks with an emphasis on specialty cocktails and small appetizers. Trader Sam's will be open daily from 4 pm till midnight however only guest 21 and older will be let into the lounge after 8 pm. 

There will be 12 specialty drinks, a rum flight, 3 different non-alcoholic beverages, along with a wide selection of beers and wines. A Kona beer flight will also be available to go with the Polynesian theme and most drinks will be served in souvenir tiki glasses. Food offerings at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto will include: pork tacos, sushi roll, chicken lettuce cups, fried Portuguese sausage bites, dumplings with sesame soy dipping sauce, and tuna poke. 

There will be seating both indoors and outdoors. Inside space will be limited to 50 guests while outside on the patio there will be seating for 80 guests. With no advance reservations at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, guests can expect to wait to get in within the first few months of it opening. 

The long awaited opening of Disney's Polynesian Village Resort's Bora Bora Bungalows won't be here for another week, but Disney has allowed a small preview of them to certain guests beginning today. Here are some photos with a sneak peak inside the bungalows:

Views of the Bungalows

Pull Down Bed in the Living Room Area

Master Bedroom

Bed in Secondary Bedroom

Kitchen Area

Your own personal plunge pool is available on  a private deck.

Also, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort made the final addition to the new lobby area of the resort by adding the giant tiki statue to the middle of the lobby.

Photo Credit goes to WDWMagic.com

In-Depth Look at Disney's Deluxe Resorts Part 4: Disney's Wilderness Lodge

One of my favorite resorts to stay at the Walt Disney World Resort is the next resort in our in-depth look at it. That resort is Disney's Wilderness Lodge, which opened on May 28, 1994. The 728-room resort is modeled after the historic Old Faithful Lodge circa 1904 in Yellowstone National Park. It is one of the best themed hotels on property because you really get that nostalgic feel as soon as you walk through the doors. The lobby of this hotel is just amazing from the 80-foot tall fireplace to the details in the carvings in the totem poles around the lobby, it is just an amazing resort. This Magic Kingdom resort allows you to be to close to the park but enjoy a nice and relaxing feel while staying there. Here is the simple overview from Disney World's website:

Escape to the rustic majesty of America’s Great Northwest. Inspired by turn-of-the-century National Park lodges, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge celebrates American craftsmanship and honors the beauty of the untamed wilderness. Soak in the splendor of the great outdoors, from nature trails through pine forests to rocking chairs that overlook a murmuring creek. Inside, discover towering totem poles, headdresses and more, and sink into a plush leather armchair in front of the roaring fireplace. 

Room Types & Rates:

While this resort is probably one of the cheapest deluxe resorts to stay at, you won't feel any different then if you stayed at any of the others. This resort is a deluxe resort for a reason and that is why many people say that Disney's Wilderness Lodge is one of their favorite resorts to stay at. Amenities for your basic rooms include: a hair dryer, in-room safe, coffee maker, pack n' play crib, internet with free wi-fi service, telephone with voice mail, and an iron and ironing board. So of these rooms have bunk beds which is something you really don't see at any of the other resorts.

As pictured above a Standard View room is $289/night with views of service areas, rooftop, or parking areas. The room sleeps up to 4 adults and has a choice of 2 queen beds or a king bed. A Woods View room is $335/night with views of Woodlands or the Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. It also sleeps up to 4 adults with the choice of 2 queen beds or a king bed as well. A Courtyard View room is $340/night with views of the Courtyard, the pool, the waterfall, or Bay Lake. Again the room sleeps up to 4 adults and has the choice of 2 queen beds or a king bed. 

As stated above some of the rooms available at Disney's Wilderness Lodge have the choice of bunk beds. The Courtyard View with bunk bed (pictured above) is $365/night and has the same choice of views as your standard Courtyard View room. It sleeps up to 4 adults and has a queen bed and a bunk bed. The Woods View with bunk bed is $374/night and has views of either the woodlands or the Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. As per the other rooms it sleeps up to 4 adults and has a queen bed and a bunk bed.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge also has rooms and suites with club level services. These rooms have these amenities: evening turndown, complimentary fax assistance, complimentary health club access, complimentary newspapers in the club level lounge, secured key access to the club level lounge which serves drinks from 7 am to 10 pm, pre-arrival Walt Disney World Resort itinerary planning, as well as all the standard room amenities plus a dvd player.

A Standard Room at Club Level is $495/night with views of either the woodlands, courtyard, pool, waterfall, or Bay Lake. It sleeps up to 4 adults and gives you the choice of a queen bed and bunk bed or 2 queen beds. The Deluxe Room with Club Level Access (pictured above) is $654/night and has views of either Bay Lake, woodlands, or the interior courtyard. It sleeps up to 6 adults and has 2 queen beds and a queen-size sleeper sofa. 

Dining:

As described on Disney World's website dining at Disney's Wilderness Lodge allows you to indulge in seasonal specialties for breakfast, lunch, and dinner amid rustic yet elegant, turn-of-the-century in a Pacific Northwest setting. Dining options vary at Disney's Wilderness Lodge from fine/signature dining, unique/themed dining, quick service, lounge, and in-room dining. At Disney's Artist Point (pictured below) you get to experience fine dining that celebrates the culinary heritage of the Pacific Northwest with season specialties, such as buffalo, and stunning waterfront views of Silver Creek Falls. 

For a unique and rowdy good time an experience you won't forget at Disney' Wilderness Lodge is dining at Whispering Canyon Cafe. The Whispering Canyon Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving western specialties. The meal however isn't the experience as the servers are the treat to your whole experience. Shenanigans usually breaks out during your meal there and there are many things that may cause your waiter/waitress to make you laugh out loud. Be careful what you wish for, especially if you ask for ketchup or say that you went a theme park other than Disney.

For a quick bite to eat whether its breakfast, lunch, or dinner your best spot for that is Roaring Fork. Also the Trout Pass Pool Bar is open for specialty cocktails, draft and bottled beer, as well as wine. At the Territory Lounge you have a full bar with specialty cocktails and beers. For room service at Disney's Wilderness Lodge service is available from 6:30 am to 11:30 am and 4 pm till midnight.

Recreation and Amenities at Disney's Wilderness Lodge:

Silver Creek Falls is a sight to see at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

Recreation at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is plentiful at this deluxe resort. From the pool where you may just get a visit from playful ducks who swim in the pool from time to time. Also don't forget to see the 120' geyser spouts which go off every hour on the hour from 7 am to 10 pm daily. Here is a list of other recreational activities happening at Disney's Wilderness Lodge:

• Pool the starts in the Resort lobby and runs into Silver Creek Falls before finally leading into the larger pool
• Bike rentals 
• Surrey bike rentals
• Cub's Den for preschoolers ages 0-5 and kids ages 6-9
• Motorized boat rentals
• Sailboat rentals
• Fishing
• Movies under the stars
• Jogging Trails
• Playground for children ages (5-12)
• Buttons and Bells Arcade
• Pools at The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Wilderness Lodge Campfire activities
• Backstage Magic (park tours for kids (6-9) tweens (10-13) and teens (14-17)

Amenities at Disney's Wilderness Lodge include:

• Disney watercraft and bus transportation to the parks
• Complimentary use of Disney's Magical Express
• Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access
• Complimentary Parking
• Valet Parking
• Online Check-in
• Resort Airline Check-in
• Use of 24-hour ATM as well as Banking for foreign exchanges
• Designated Smoking Areas
• Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Services
• Locker Rentals
• Mail Service
• Merchandise Delivery and Pickup
• Resort Concierge
• Sturdy Branches Health Club
• Spa & Fitness

As you can see Disney's Wilderness Lodges offers everything you need for a deluxe resort all while being affordable for your family. It truly is an experience that not many other resorts offer at the Walt Disney World Resort. I said earlier it is one of my favorite resorts to stay at and I hope that if you do choose to stay there you will understand why many say it is a favorite. That's it for our in-depth look of Disney's Wilderness Lodge, next up is Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

Your Daily News from Around Disney 3/19/15

We are almost to the weekend again and boy are the days just flying by lately. In other news after about 10 days of spring like weather here in Pennsylvania and the start of Spring coming tomorrow, guess what? We are in the picture for up to 5 inches of snow tomorrow. My sad face right now is unbearable, at least there is only 66 days until my visit to Disney World. Enough sad news about snow, let's get into your news from around Disney.

Disney Channel Plans Biopic of LLWS Pitching Prodigy Mo'ne Davis:

Disney Channel announced today that a biopic about Little League World Series pitching sensation Mo'ne Davis is in development. The movie will be called, "Throw Like Mo". It will tell the story of last years LLWS 13-year old pitching sensation who caught the hearts of many last year by being the first girl in the history of the Little League World Series to pitch a shutout. Also as a member of Philadelphia's Taney Dragons became the first little leaguer to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. Davis is said to be a consult to the movie in which she hopes it will encourage viewers and fans to believe that dreams really can come true. While no specific airdate for the film has been announced, Davis said she can't wait to get started.

"Star Wars: Battlefront" to Debut at Star Wars Celebration:

Next month at the Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, CA taking place from April 16-19, Disney and EA will officially debut "Star Wars: Battlefront".  An EA blog post read, "You've been patient young padawans, and soon your patience will be rewarded."

The blog continued with EA saying, "We're thrilled to share that Star Wars Battlefront will be taking part in Star Wars Celebration next month in Anaheim, CA from April 16-19. We could not think of a better or more appropriate place to debut the game officially for the first time than the premier event that celebrates the Star Wars universe and the legions of fans who have fallen in love with it." Gamers get ready because this just the beginning as Star Wars Battlefront is set to be released later this year.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flyover Disney World's Magic Kingdom:

Here is something you don't see everyday as this morning the famous Blue Angels of the U.S. Navy made a rare flyover the Magic Kingdom. It was not only performed once but twice as thousands of guests at the park cheered their appearance. The Blue Angels were on the way to a performance for this weekends Melbourne Air & Space Show, they decided to make a detour to Disney World. Six F/A-18 Hornet jets executed what they call their "Delta Breakout" over Cinderella Castle. It was a sight to see for guests as there is a strict no-fly zone over Disney World.

Daily Disney Quote:

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Walt Disney

Tomorrow is Friday and I am ready for the weekend. Have a great day tomorrow everyone and as always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."