WonderFALL Offerings are in Season at Walt Disney World

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – As the summer season winds down, festive fall happenings ramp up at Walt Disney World Resort with standout events, new eateries, and an out-of-this-world land where banshees fly and mountains float. The Vacation Kingdom is the place to celebrate the golden days of the harvest season.

This Autumn, Walt Disney World Resort guests can enjoy many WonderFALL experiences at each of the four theme parks and at Disney Springs. From tasty sips and small bites at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival to treats without tricks at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park to after-dark exploring at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to out-of-this-world Star Wars fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this fall season is filled with excitement at Walt Disney World Resort. (Tom Bricker, photographer)

Here’s a look at the fantastical experiences in store this fall throughout Walt Disney World Resort: 

First Fall for Pandora – The World of Avatar

The exotic new land of Pandora – the World of Avatar is a don’t-miss adventure this fall.  It’s where you can soar on a banshee, sail down a sacred river and discover a mystical world of glowing rainforests and floating mountains. Inspired by the epic film AVATAR from director James Cameron, the wondrous new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is big fun for guests of all ages.

Exotic eats are on the menu at Satu’li Canteen including healthful create-your-own bowls and bao bun pods stuffed with meat or spicy vegetables. Out-of-this world beverages and refreshing treats await at the Pongu Pongu specialty-drink location.

The day isn’t complete without a stop in Windtraders. This fun and immersive retail location offers more than 200 unique merchandise items, so guests can take a little piece of Pandora back home with them. There’s a banshee rookery where you can select your very own banshee. With a digital scan of your face, ACE Avatar Maker lets you create a personalized Avatar action figure. There’s even a handy translator unit that will help you learn how to speak Na’vi. At the shop’s bead bar, you can craft Na’vi-inspired necklaces using feathers and beads, 

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Offers Early Start

Not-so-spooky ghosts and goblins return earlier than ever with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that delights fun-seekers of all ages in the Magic Kingdom. For 32 select nights beginning on August 25, the Magic Kingdom will host this guest-favorite event from 7 p.m.–midnight (not included with regular park admission).  Highlights include Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade; Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular; Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular; Disney characters donning favorite Halloween costumes; and treat trails throughout the Magic Kingdom. Plus, partygoers can enjoy dozens of iconic attractions.

The 2017 Party dates: August 25, 29; September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 and 29; October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 and 31; and November 1, 2017. Advance tickets are $74 for adults and $69 for ages 3-9. Visit Disneyworld.com/Halloween for party dates and prices, or call 407/WDISNEY (934-7639).

Spirits Soar With Night of Joy

A stellar line-up of Christian music will light up the stages at ESPN Wilde World of Sports Complex September 8-9 during the annual Night of Joy Concert series. Along with hip-hop, pop, rock, praise and adult contemporary music, there’s a family activity zone, food trucks and more.

On Friday, September 8 artists TobyMac, MercyMe, Zach Williams, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey will perform on the Champion Stadium stage, while Matt Maher, Colton Dixon and Rend Collective will play inside the HP Field House, all starting at 5 p.m.

The party continues on Saturday night with headliners Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman, along with Kirk Franklin and Jordan Feliz performing at Champion Stadium, with Crowder, Jeremy Camp and Tye Tribbett taking the stage at the HP Field House.

Single-night tickets purchased in advance are $45 plus tax, and $69 plus tax for both nights.  Doors open at 5 p.m. To learn more about additional ticket offerings, check out NightofJoy.com or call 407-W-DISNEY (934-7639).

Disney Springs Welcomes Terralina Crafted Italian

The foodie scene continues to grow at the ever-evolving Disney Springs with the fall opening of Terralina Crafted Italian, a new dining experience curated by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tony Mantuano. Operated by Levy Restaurants, this new dining location will feature dishes inspired by Mantuano’s adventures in Italy’s Lake District. This entirely new restaurant is being built in the location formerly occupied by Portobello Country Italian Trattoria

Terralina’s menu will present authentic Italian cuisine cooked in Chef Tony’s signature olive oil imported directly from Italy. The restaurant’s wood-burning oven will fire up a selection of artisanal, hand-tossed pizzas and fresh vegetable dishes. Fan favorites from Portobello Country Italian Trattoria such as the antipasti platter and signature pasta dishes will remain on the menu alongside new additions such as mussels and pork chops. For more information or to make reservations call, 407-WDW-DINE (934-7639).

22nd Annual Epcot international Food & Wine Festival Expands

A record 75-day festival overflows with culinary events, celebrity chefs, seminars, musical acts and workshops, during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Aug. 31-Nov. 13, 2017.

Celebrated for its creative tapas-sized dishes and inspired sips, high-energy entertainment and premium signature dinners and tastings, the festival will sizzle with a more than 35 specialized marketplace – celebrating 35 years of Epcot. Guests can pair wines, beers and ciders with delicious tastings as they stroll World Showcase Promenade and Future World.

Celebrity and Disney chefs will present culinary demonstrations, and beverage experts will host daily wine tastings and seminars (additional charges apply), ABC’s “The Chew” returns to Epcot to tape a week’s worth of shows Oct. 4-6.

This year’s festival will also spotlight inspired dishes geared towards kids and offer scavenger hunts and culinary demos designed for the whole family.

Some 32 musical acts are set to perform during the popular Eat to the Beat concerts with returning fan favorites Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Air Supply and 38 Special, plus newcomers The Hooters, 10,000 Maniacs and Kenny G. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) or visit epcotfoodfestival.com for information and updates about booking premium culinary programs, dinners and tasting events such as the popular Party for the Senses.

Sporting events expand far beyond football this fall at Walt Disney World Resort with:

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Returns

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend takes place Nov. 2-5. Presented by MISFIT, the event coincides with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The food- and fitness-inspired weekend includes runDisney Kids Races, a 5K and a 10K. The weekend concludes with the Sunday half marathon that takes participants through multiple Disney theme parks and culminates at Epcot. Later that night, runners enjoy a festive and exclusive after-hours party in the park.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

 

Frights and Sounds of the Season! Spooktacular Fun for 2017 at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – With trick-or-treating throughout the park, bewitching  fireworks under a pumpkin moon, costumed characters on parade, a wickedly joyous Villain Spelltacular and much more, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party brings frightful fun to Magic Kingdom Park for a record 32 select nights, Aug. 25 – Nov. 1.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse are decked out in their newest Halloween party-wear in front of the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. It’s all part of the fun that takes place when the Magic Kingdom hosts “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.” A separate ticket is required to attend. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Mummies, daddies and their kids are in for a devilishly delightful time in this after-hours ticketed event guaranteed to make for boo-tiful memories. Not-So-Scary means just that – the party is family-friendly as only Disney can do and appropriate for children of all ages.

For ghouls and goblins eager to get the party started, Aug. 25 marks the earliest-ever launch date for the popular event.

Neighborhood trick-or-treating was never like this! Halloween handouts of sweets, treats, snacks and more happen throughout the park. Meantime, most of Magic Kingdom’s iconic attractions are available for all to enjoy.

Get your Halloween on! Dress-up is encouraged for ages 13 and under. Theme park rules for costume look and guest safety can be found at disneyworld.com/Halloween.

Among the eerily entertaining events:

  • Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. Chills, thrills and villains join in a wickedly fun celebration hosted by the Sanderson Sisters, a trio of witch sisters from Disney’s live action film Hocus Pocus. The mischievous sisters are joined by dancers, more Disney Villains and other-worldly visual effects. It’s a Halloween party not to be missed, and it takes place at Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage.
  • Happy HalloWishes. This fireworks spectacle high above the Cinderella Castle lights the night. Guests are encouraged to sing along with some of the most infamous Disney Villains, including Cruella de Vil, Jafar and Oogie Boogie. Creepy colors crawl over the castle, a spell is cast and it’s every guest for themselves.
  • Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade. Led by the Headless Horseman, it’s masquerade mania as favorite Disney characters dress up for the occasion and ghostly floats bring the frights and sounds of the season to Main Street, U.S.A. and other Magic Kingdom viewing locations.
  • Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet. Deadpan humor and other antics from this Dapper Dans-style “band” scare up the fun in Frontierland.

Admission for select nights to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starts at $74 per person ages 10+, $69 ages 3-9. Hours 7 pm-midnight.

Guests bobbing for even more Halloween fun can sign up for the special-ticketed Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party. Ticketed Not-So-Scary guests can also pair the event with a table-service dining experience. Even Disney PhotoPass Service gets in the spirit. Who knows what surprise guest will magically materialize in your photos?

Two weeks later, the number of huge announcements made at this year’s D23 Fan convention is still dizzying

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney’s annual D23 Fan Convention always seems to offer some exciting news and a few added surprises. This year was no different, although the sheer volume of major announcements caught most everybody off guard – in a good way!

Several projects and updates were announced for Walt Disney World Resort including a new line-up of attractions at Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, new resort hotel experiences and concepts, and two new transportation options.

Essentially, Disney has just guaranteed you will have a wide array of new experiences, dining, and lodging options for many years to come.

Here’s a rundown of all the news that was announced.

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS:

  • Star Wars-themed land update – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the name of the new Star Wars-themed land opening in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, after the opening of the land at Disneyland Resort. Guests will encounter several characters, including:
  • BB-8
  • Chewbacca
  • Rex
  • Kylo Ren
  • AT D23 EXPO 2017, DISNEY PARKS CHAIRMAN BOB CHAPEK ANNOUNCES NEW MICKEY AND MINNIEÕS RUNAWAY RAILWAY — During D23 Expo 2017, Disney Parks Chairman Bob Chapek announces Mickey and MinnieÕs Runaway Railway at DisneyÕs Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. The attraction will be the first ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, with a new original story and lovable attraction theme song.

    Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway –  In this game-changing attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature an original story that will take guests on a journey inside the world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies that turn the flat cartoon world into an incredible dimensional display. Located inside the Chinese Theatre, this new attraction will replace The Great Movie Ride, which will close Aug. 13, 2017. Opening for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be announced at a later date.

  • Toy Story Land – Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is scheduled to open summer 2018.

EPCOT:

In preparation for the park’s 35th anniversary, Epcot will continue to evolve to make it more timeless, more relevant, more family and more Disney, while staying true to its original vision beginning with several newly revealed offerings.

  • “Guardians of the Galaxy” – Epcot will have a brand new E-ticket attraction within Future World based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of Guardians of the Galaxy. This is the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at Walt Disney World Resort. To make way for this new adventure, Ellen’s Energy Adventure inside Universe of Energy will close Aug. 13, 2017. The new attraction will open by the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
  • “Ratatouille” – Within World Showcase, in an all-new space in the France pavilion, a new “Ratatouille”-inspired attraction will take guests on a dazzling chase across a kitchen with the sights, sounds and smells of Gusteau’s Parisian restaurant. Patterned after the number one family attraction at Disneyland Paris, the new attraction will open by the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.
  • China pavilion – To showcase the splendor and majesty of China, an updated film will be added using a next-generation digital camera system to film a brand new, seamless Circle-Vision show for the
    China pavilion.
  • Mission: SPACE – In addition to an updated Orange Mission, a brand new Green Mission will take guests on a stunning tour around the Earth, with younger cadets joining the adventure for the very first time. Mission: SPACE will reopen this August.
  • New restaurant – Adjacent to Mission: SPACE, a new table-service restaurant will invite guests to travel high above the Earth for an unforgettable dining experience. The new restaurant will be managed by Patina Restaurant Group and an opening will be announced at a later date.

MAGIC KINGDOM PARK:

  • “Tron”-themed attraction – The highest rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is coming to Tomorrowland in a new area near Space Mountain. Opening will be announced at a later date.
  • Live entertainment theater – Based on the iconic Willis Theater in the 1920s Kansas City where Walt lived after he left Marceline, this new addition to Magic Kingdom Park will be located off of Main Street U.S.A. and will be an entirely new venue for world class entertainment. Opening will be announced at a later date.

RESORTS:

  • Disney Riviera Resort – The proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property will be located near Epcot with a rooftop restaurant that has unbelievable views of nighttime spectaculars at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Opening will be announced at a later date.
  • Immersive Star Wars-themed hotel – An immersive Star Wars-themed hotel will be the most experiential concept ever. Dedicated entirely to the galaxy of Star Wars, guests will have a one-of-a-kind experience where a luxury resort meets a multi-day adventure in a galaxy far, far away. Opening will be announced at a later date.

TRANSPORTATION:

  • Disney Skyliner – This new transportation system will give guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Skyliner will connect Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to four resorts – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, as well as the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney Riviera Resort. Opening date for Disney Skyliner will be announced at a later time.
  • Minnie Van service – Starting later this month, the Minnie Van service is a whimsical, point-to-point transportation service that will help guests get around Walt Disney World Resort in a jiffy. Guests can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from their smartphone, and a Disney Cast Member will drive them wherever they want to go around Walt Disney World.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

 

DVC Members get 30% off at select WDW restaurant through Sept 30

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – For a limited time, some of the most popular table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort hotels are adding an extra 20 percent* to their Disney Vacation Club Member discount.

This special 30 percent discount is available through Sept. 30, 2017, at the following restaurants during the dinner meal period before 6:30 p.m. or after 8:30 p.m.:

*Discount will be applied in addition to regular member discount when dining during the hours mentioned above. Must present your valid Membership Card and photo ID. Not valid with other offers, discounts, packages or promotions. Existing 10% discount continues to be available between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. or other meal periods where available. Some exclusions and restrictions apply, and discounts cannot be combined. The Discount is valid on regular price food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) at participating Walt Disney World owned and operated locations. Special events excluded.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

 

You can enjoy a little bit of your Disney vacation at home, everyday!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – OK. We’ll admit it. When we vacation at Disney World, we collect and bring home all the extra free soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other toiletries that “Mousekeeping” provides when cleaning our room or Villa.

We don’t do it because we are hoarders. We do it so, for a least a few days after we return home, we can enjoy a tiny little happy memory of our trip each day when we shower up!

Well, there’s no need to do that anymore. Disney, in its infinite wisdom (and no doubt to draw a few extra buck out of our wallets) has now made the very same toiletries to enjoy during your Disney vacation available for online sales at The Disney Store.

And they aren’t those teeny-tiny ones you get from Mousekeeping. They are full size, and come in a wide-range of sizes and varieties.

Also, for at least few more days, you can save 25% of your entire purchase by using the Promo Code: DISNEYPAL at check-out.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

Tweet some love to your Favorite Disney Cast Members

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Disney Cast members are at the heart of your vacation, so why not show some love when one of them goes above and beyond?

Twitter users can post to @WDWToday with #CastCompliment to share the love with everyone. And, the Cast members will get special recognition for their work.

We love this Twitter feed, and we love that we can engage with Disney about Cast Members who truly deserve some recognition for all their effort in making Disney World so magical!

Here are just a couple of recent posts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

And another:

 

 

What’s not to love. Show (and share) some Cast Member love today.

 

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

 

Dining Packages now on sale for Epcot’s 2017 Candlelight Processional

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Dining Packages are now on sale for the 2017 Candlelight Processional, a part of Holidays Around the World at Epcot. The Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the Grand Opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the narrators confirmed so far:*

  • 24- Dec. 3 – To Be Announced
  • 4-5 – Pat Sajak
  • 6-14 – To Be Announced
  • 15-17 – Trace Adkins
  • 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • 22-24 – CCH Pounder
  • 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
  • 28-30 – To Be Announced

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,** with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Fornoat Disney’s BoardWalk.

Presented in the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot, Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir, this festive performance takes place annually in November and December. Show times are at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. Epcot is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Holidays Around the World is an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional dining packages or to find out more information, call (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

Holidays Around the World, including the Candlelight Processional, runs November 24 – December 30, 2017 at Epcot. Keep checking the Griswold Magical Memories Blog for updates.

 

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios new projection technology brings Classic Movie Moments to Life each night this Summer at iconic Chinese Theatre

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Star-struck guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer have a front-row seat for movie classics in the all-new entertainment experience “Disney Movie Magic.”  The nightly 10-minute performance bathes the park’s iconic Chinese Theater in breathtaking projection-mapping technology that brings to life scores of classic movie moments from the Disney family of film studios.

Disney Movie Magic, an all-new nighttime experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, glimmers with captivating footage from live-action comedies, adventures, musicals and more. This 10-minute performance brings classic movie moments to life on the park’s iconic Chinese Theater and features scenes from DisneyÕs greatest hits including the Indiana Jones and the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series. (David Roark, photographer)

Chimney sweeps from “Mary Poppins” “step in time” over the rooftops of London.  A playful Captain Jack swash-buckles his way across the high seas of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” “Tron: Legacy” Lightcycles speed through The Grid.  And Lumiere from “Beauty and the Beast” invites you to be his guest.

These and other cinematic gems that have lit up silver screens around the world play across the facade of the theater in the fast-paced “Disney Movie Magic” – from Disney classics like “Mary Poppins” to contemporary blockbusters such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and this summer’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

Set to searchlights painting the skies and a musical score composed and arranged by Michael Patti (Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, StarBright Holidays), “Disney Movie Magic” puts guests right in the middle of beloved Disney films. All genres are represented including musicals, romance, comedy, classics, fantasy, sci-fi, animation and adventure.

“For generations these films have touched our lives,” said Michael Roddy, Show Director, Disney Parks Live Entertainment. “They represent our childhood, our dreams, our fantasies and our mythology. We have laughed and cried, loved and been thrilled. ‘Disney Movie Magic’ celebrates those films and the films to come.”

“Disney Movie Magic” begins, fittingly, with Walt Disney himself. The red-carpet footage featuring Walt is from the 1964 premiere of “Mary Poppins,” which took place at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

What unspools from there is pure movie magic – from “The Jungle Book” to “Beauty and the Beast,” from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” to “Cinderella,” from “Swiss Family Robinson” to “The Love Bug.” With the front of the theater a dramatic canvas, decades of movie moments play out across the ten-minute run time of “Disney Movie Magic.”

“Disney Movie Magic” is presented nightly this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, in addition to regular performances of “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.”

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

 

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Earns AAA’s 4 Diamond Rating

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Of the 28,000-plus hotels an resorts rated by the American Automobile Association (AAA), juts six percent (approximately 160) earn a 4-Diamond Rating, and Disney Vero Beach Resort just made that exclusive 4-Start list.

This should come as no surprise to those who have ever visited Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. This Atlantic beachfront Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort has a devoted following of DVC Members who rave about it as is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation.

AAA is one of the leading sources of travel ratings in the industry. According to AAA, “A Four Diamond hotel is refined and stylish, providing upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail.”

Located on Florida’s East Coast just a two hours’ drive from Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort immerses visitors in its themes of citrus, treasure and the environment. The resort boasts a variety of water-themed activities, including access to the warm waters of the Atlantic, a children’s water play area, a miniature golf course, a Mickey Mouse-shaped swimming pool complete with a water slide and so much more.

Situated on one of the most active sea turtle nesting beaches in Florida, sea turtles are an important part of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. As part of Disney’s overall commitment to sea turtle conservation, a team of Disney researchers track sea turtle nests on several miles of the beach near the resort to help protect them and study what factors contribute to the successful hatching of sea turtle nests. From May to October, members and guests can observe the nesting season of threatened or endangered sea turtles such as loggerheads and leatherbacks during special outings with Disney sea turtle experts.

New to the resort is Wind & Waves, a dining experience that includes a grill focused on fresh, local seafood and produce, a market with grab-and-go meals and a poolside bar. This Florida-themed food experience offers something for every dining style.

Not only is the food amazing, but the accommodations at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort are stunning. Situated along the beautiful Atlantic coastline, Deluxe Studios, Inn rooms and one- and two-bedroom villas offer an assortment of options for your family, making this resort a truly unique Disney retreat.

Ready to see it for yourself?

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

Summer nights at Animal Kingdom just got even longer

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — With Disney Animal Kingdom’s new Pandora – The World of AVATAR turning into even more of a hit than perhaps Disney expected, plans have been announced to extended evening Extra Magic Hours (EMH) through August 19.

Disney had announced earlier that it would offer additional evening Extra Magic Hours at Pandora – The World of AVATAR from 11:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. each night through July 4, 2017.

The Rivers of Light nighttime show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Now, added Extra Magic Hours will extend through August 19, 2017 for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The park will now be open for resort guests from 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. each night so more guests to experience the park at night.

Extra Magic Hours are an exclusive benefit to guests staying at on-site Walt Disney World Resorts, including the Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Resort you can book at huge discounts with Griswold’s Magical Memories.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!