LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (May 3, 2019) – News from our friends at the Disney Parks Blog reveals plans for a fun, new dining options for visitors to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As reported on the blog earlier this week:

“Get yer lasso’s ready, cowpokes, because I’ve got some rootin’ tootin’ news for ya! There’s a brand-new table-service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Upon entering Andy’s back yard, guests are magically transformed to the size of a toy, surrounded by toys and playsets scattered throughout the area. And soon, guests will discover that a new play area has been set up – and this time, it’s a rodeo! But of course, being Andy, it certainly isn’t your usual rodeo…

Using three cardboard boxes cut and taped together, Andy has created a new rodeo arena using some of his favorite toys, games, and play sets. And while some pieces are definitely western-themed, what makes this rodeo special is the broad assortment of toys that have been brought together to create a fun, colorful mashup-atmosphere that only a child could create. 

Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by all of the rodeo festivities in-action as well as western town and train station play sets. And you just might spot some of your favorite Disney-Pixar characters scattered throughout the restaurant in the form of toys and game pieces including a toy version of Jessie riding on the back of a Trixie pull-toy and unique toy versions of Bo Peep and her sheep, all who appear to be performing in the rodeo together.

This immersive restaurant will surround guests with a kaleidoscope of toys, games, and playsets, providing yet another unique, fun, family-friendly dining experience that could only be had in Toy Story Land. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more news on this yummy rodeo-themed restaurant. And in the meantime, be sure to check out Woody’s Lunch Box for delicious sandwiches, Lunch Box Tarts, and more! For more information on Woody’s Lunch Box and all that Toy Story Land has to offer, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website. 

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers 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 Formtoday!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 29, 2019) – “Epcot Forever,” a new nighttime spectacular at Walt Disney World Resort, will debut Oct. 1, 2019, on World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot. The limited-time show will be a celebration of the past, present and future of Epcot, built around the magical soundtrack guests have come to know and love at the park.

The new show will feature fireworks, lighting, lasers and choreographed, special effects kites, accompanied by a stirring collection of songs that paints a colorful picture of Epcot. Disney Parks Live Entertainment is collaborating on the show with noted conductor and composer Don Harper, who is producing all-new arrangements of classic Epcot tunes to weave into the soundtrack of “Epcot Forever.”

“‘Epcot Forever’ is a celebration of what Epcot has been and what Epcot is going to become,” said Alan Bruun, show director for Disney Parks Live Entertainment. “Music is the star of the show, and we use songs going back to the very beginnings of Epcot to music in the park today – from attractions, spectaculars and other shows – and put them into a fireworks spectacular on the lagoon every night. Guests are going to hear music they know and love but in a whole new way.”

The current Epcot nighttime spectacular, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” will end its dazzling 20-year run on Sept. 30, 2019. Now, more than ever, guests will want to bid the show a fond farewell this spring and summer to once again take in a nighttime extravaganza dedicated to the joyful history of humanity and the remarkable achievements of our time.

After it launches Oct. 1, “Epcot Forever” will continue into 2020, when it will then make way for the debut of the next epic Epcot nighttime spectacular as part of the park’s multi-year transformation.

Other projects currently in development at Epcot include:

• Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction, which will be one of the longest enclosed roller coasters in the world and use a brand-new ride system
• Play pavilion offering first-of-their-kind experiences devoted to playful fun, inviting guests into an innovative, interactive city bursting with games and hands-on activities
• Changes to the main entrance plaza, featuring new pathways, sweeping green spaces and a newly reimagined fountain
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction in the France pavilion, patterned after the number-one family attraction at Disneyland Paris
• Crêperie in the France pavilion offering both table-service and quick-service options
• “Beauty and the Beast” sing-along in the France pavilion, showing in addition to the pavilion’s current film, “Impressions de France”
• “Awesome Planet” film in The Land, Circle-Vision 360 film for the China pavilion and updated O Canada! 360-degree show
• Signature Dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of Japan
• Space-themed table-service restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE, inviting guests to travel high above the earth for an unforgettable dining experience

Guests will be able to visualize the exciting plans for Epcot when doors open later this year to a new Experience Center. There they will discover engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation driving the park’s future during this unprecedented period of growth.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers 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 Formtoday!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 14, 2019) – Mizner’s Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Villas is soon to be no more.  Disney announced Saturday that the popular space is being “re-imagined” and themed to Beauty and the Beast. 

According to a posting on the Disney Parks Blog:  “Tie your napkin around your neck, because we are excited to announce that a new “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired lounge is coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa this fall. The enchanting lounge will celebrate the magic and romance of the popular Disney live-action movie.  

Formerly Mizner’s Lounge and Commander Porter’s, this re-imagined lounge will feature four unique spaces inspired by Belle and the Beast. The signature bar will glow from the light of a magnificent gold chandelier that takes its inspiration from Belle’s flowing ball gown, with subtle nods to the Beast’s magical rose. The formal library showcases classical baroque designs and French furnishings inspired by Belle, with hints of the Beast’s friends. The garden room will be a whimsical space that draws its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding Beast’s castle. And an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace.

It’s the latest new Disney magic coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. In February, we announced a new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location will open this summer at the beloved and picturesque resort hotel located on the banks of the Seven Seas Lagoon. 

With charm and elegance to be found around every turn, this quaint bar and lounge will be the place where you can put our service to the test and share a tale as old as time.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers 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 Formtoday!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 30, 2019) – Disney announced yesterday that Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will debut today, Sunday, March 31, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. According to the Disney press release, “This new show experience invites guests into the world of Pixar Animation Studios’ Cars films as they become rookie racers and learn the rules of the road from Piston Cup Champion Lightning McQueen.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is located next to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. When guests cruise inside, they will come face to face with Lightning, who appears live on stage. The theater features a 17-foot-tall wraparound screen that stretches more than 200 feet end to end, enveloping guests in high-octane fun.

During the 10-minute show, Lightning shares racing knowledge gathered over the course of his illustrious career. And if there’s one thing he’s learned over the years … things don’t always go the way they’re supposed to. But with the help of Mater, Cruz Ramirez and other friends from Radiator Springs, Lightning is bound to get back on track. Sometimes you just have to turn right to go left!

Disney Parks Live Entertainment worked closely with the creative team at Pixar to bring this completely new Cars story to life. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will run continuously throughout the day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

And when the race is over, guests can continue to immerse themselves in the world of Cars in the courtyard outside Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, where they can meet Cruz and snap a photo with the champion racer, or dance with DJ, the ultimate party on wheels. DJ made his way east across Route 66 and will now bring his own music mix to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In addition, several times daily Lightning McQueen’s Pit Crew will arrive on the scene for “DJ’s Ready! Set! Party Time!” that invites guests to gather around DJ for Cars-inspired dances and games.

The debut of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is the latest chapter in the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which will mark its 30^th anniversary on May 1. Guests can let their adventures begin by immersing themselves in their favorite stories – they can feel like a toy in Toy Story Land or, starting Aug. 29, live their own Star Wars adventures in the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.”

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers 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 Formtoday!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 11, 2019) – When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edgeopen in May at Disneyland and then in August at Walt Disney World’s Disney Hollywood Studios, it will be the culmination of perhaps the greatest effort ever put forth in the history of Disney’s Imagineering team.

For over six years, a project team of over 4,000 cast members and outside contractors have worked to be sure every detail is exactly as it should be. When park guests enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, they will indeed be “transported” to a land not of this Earth.

This, of course requires a level of effort and attention to details that only the likes of Disney can provide.

If you’d like a seriously detailed look at how the project development from inception go this year’s opening day, you’ll want to click through to this phenomenal piece by the folks at TechCrunch: How Disney Made Star Wars in Real Life.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers 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 Formtoday!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 6, 2019) – The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series is back, and for this year is expanding to every single day of the 26th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival!

This is the first time since the popular Spring festival was expanded to a full 90 days that that Garden Rocks will be offered 7 days a week, three time each day. That’s a total of 270 concerts! Pretty cool.

Performance times are 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. and are included with Epcot admission. Guests can enjoy guaranteed concert seating by reserving a Garden Rocks Dining Package and enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner at select Epcot restaurants. Here is this year’s lineup (subject to change without notice):

• March 6-8: Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI (NEW) “Don’t Stop Believin’”
• March 9-10: Glass Tiger (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone)”
• March 11-12: Jon Anderson of YES (NEW) “Owner of A Lonely Heart”
• March 13-14: Tony Orlando “Knock Three Times”
• March 15-16: Wang Chung (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Everybody Have Fun Tonight”
• March 17-20: Simple Plan “Perfect”
• March 21-22: Ambrosia (NEW) “Biggest Part of Me”
• March 23-24: Magic Giant (NEW) “Set on Fire”
• March 25-27: Air Supply (NEW to Garden Rocks) “All Out of Love”
• March 28-29: Berlin featuring Terri Nunn “Take My Breath Away”
• March 30-31: The Smithereens (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Top of the Pops”
• April 1-2: Rick Springfield “Jessie’s Girl”
• April 3-4: Christopher Cross (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Sailing”
• April 5-7: The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”
• April 8-9: Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX “Come Sail Away”
• April 10-11: John Michael Montgomery (NEW) “I Love the Way You Love Me”
• April 12-13: Sister Sledge (NEW to Garden Rocks) “We Are Family”
• April 14-16: Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
• April 17-19: Sister Hazel (NEW to Garden Rocks) “All For You”
• April 20-21: Steven Curtis Chapman (NEW) “Cinderella”
• April 22-23: TobyMac (NEW) “The Elements”
• April 24-26: Lonestar “Amazed”
• April 27-30: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
• May 1-4: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am”
• May 5-7: Don Felder, Formerly of the Eagles “Hotel California”
• May 8-9: A Flock of Seagulls (NEW) “I Ran (So Far Away)”
• May 10-11: Marshall Tucker Band (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Heard It in a Love Song”
• May 12-13: Peabo Bryson (NEW) “If You’re Ever In My Arms Again”
• May 14-15: Richard Marx (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Right Here Waiting”
• May 16-19: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
• May 20-21: Colin Hay of Men at Work (NEW) “Who Can It Be Now?”
• May 22-23: War (NEW) “Why Can’t We Be Friends”
• May 24-27: The Guess Who “American Woman”
• May 28-29: Jon Secada “Just Another Day”
• May 30-June 1: Blood, Sweat and Tears “Spinning Wheel”
• June 2-3: Eddie Palmieri (NEW) “Vamonos Pa’l Monte”

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers 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 Formtoday!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (February 25, 2019) – Our friends at the Disney parks Blog broke the news last Friday of new plans for a new park entrance and a new use for the old Wonders of Life Pavilion that, aside from use as a “festival center” during Epcot’s annual International Food and Wine Festival, has been largely dormant for years.

Touted as a “first-of-its-kind play pavilion” in the old Wonders of Life, the new area and a new park entrance will be among the many parts of Epcot’s historic transformation.

As reported in the Disney Parks Blog: “As many of you know, we’ve got BIG plans for our multi-year transformation of Epcot, with new experiences that’ll “Wow!” guests while keeping true to the original vision of the park. Today, we’re excited to share even more of what’s to come. 

“The ongoing evolution of Epcot includes plans for a play pavilion that’ll be unlike anything you’ve ever seen at the park. This new space will be devoted to playful fun and feature an innovative city that’ll come to life under the dome of the un-named pavilion previously known as Wonders of Life. The pavilion’s city will be bursting with interactive experiences, your favorite Disney characters, hands-on activities and engaging entertainment when it opens just in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort!

“This innovative, new pavilion is beyond anything we’ve ever created and is completely unique to Epcot,” said Zach Riddley, portfolio executive, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Built on the power of play, it introduces an immersive and interactive ‘city’ where you can explore, create, and interact with some of your favorite Disney characters. This is an experience worthy of our bold vision for Epcot – and another signature element of our transformation.”

There will also be exciting changes to the way you come and go at Epcot! As you can see above, changes are coming to the Epcot main entrance, where the plaza will welcome guests with new pathways, sweeping green spaces and a newly reimagined fountain. This new design will pay homage to the original park entrance with fresh takes on classic elements.

As part of the new entry experience, Leave A Legacy photos will be moving into a beautiful setting just outside the park’s gateway. Additional significant redevelopment will begin between Spaceship Earth attraction and the World Showcase Promenade. More details about the transformation of this area will be announced at a later date.

And if you’re as excited as we are about these upcoming projects, you’ll soon be able to look into the future with us at a new Experience Center coming to Epcot later this year. The Experience Center will be located in the Odyssey Events Pavilion and feature interactive exhibits to help visualize park projects throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.

Here are some of the other exciting Epcot experiences we’ve shared: 

• Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster in Future World
• Epcot Forever, a 2019 limited-time nighttime experience over World Showcase Lagoon set to classic Epcot tunes, followed by an all-new nighttime spectacular debuting in 2020
• Space-themed table-service restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction in the France pavilion, patterned after the number-one family attraction at Disneyland Paris
• Circle-Vision 360 film for the China pavilion and updated O Canada! 360-degree show
• Signature Dining experience inspired by the natural beauty of Japan
• Beauty and the Beast” sing-along in the France pavilion, showing in addition to the pavilion’s current film, Impressions de France

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers 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 Formtoday!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (February 11, 2019) – If you’ve been to Walt Disney World and spent time driving around the area outside the WDW Resort, you have no doubt seen all sorts of signs offering “Cheap” or “Deeply Discounted” tickets for the Theme parks.

Two words of advice: “Stay Away!”

These cheap tickets are not without risk, and the risk just isn’t worth it in our view. 

We tell all our Griswold’s Magical MemoriesVacationersthat other than Under Cover Touristand the American Automobile Association (AAA)tickets should be purchased directly through Disney (Note: Some companies do have legitimate discounted and official WDW ticket packages as part of an employee benefits program, so you may want to check on that as well.)

The ticket scammers are often selling you old tickets they bought because there were some admission days left on them. If you buy these tickets, you will be in for a potentially very costly and disappointing circumstance as you try to enter the parks. Disney will know based on the ways they track their tickets that you are NOT the person who bought them. You will lose the money to spent with the scammers and ten have to buy new tickets from Disney to enter the parks. Not a fun thing at all!

Remember, when the original ticket purchaser entered the parks on their first day they placed their finger on the scanner and their finger- print became immediately and permanently linked to that ticket. You, of course, don’t have the same finger-print so the your ticket will be invalidated and you will not be allowed the enter.

We also advise our Vacationers to be careful when purchasing theme park admission tickets online. There are ticket sellers running the same scams there as well. 

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers 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 Formtoday!