Disney Traveller

Pre Warning: Disneyland Resort Ticket Price Increase on its Way

Disney Parks Blog — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:42:22 +0000

Australian and New Zealand Disney travellers, s we have done in the past, we wanted to give our loyal Disney Parks Blog readers a heads-up that ticket prices at the Disneyland Resort will be increasing, starting on May 20. The following information was provided today from the Disney Parks Blog.

This summer is one of the most anticipated times in the resort’s history, and a visit to the Disneyland Resort has never been a better value. In the past few years alone, we’ve added new world-class attractions, such as The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, “World of Color” and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Now, with the expansion of Disney California Adventure park, including the 12-acre Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and the Carthay Circle Restaurant, almost complete, there are even more reasons to visit.

And this summer, both parks will open each day at 8 a.m. and offer increased entertainment, giving you and your family more time to stay and play. At Disney California Adventure park, we’re adding an additional showing of “Aladdin – a Musical Spectacular” and Pixar Play Parade will be presented up to twice daily. At Disneyland park, you’ll find more shows and characters at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree and increased performances at the Tomorrowland Terrace every day of the week, and the singing sensation “Voices of Liberty” performing at the Main Street Opera House.

We’re sharing the details here on the ticket prices, which also include increases to Disneyland Resort Annual Passports. Annual Passholders recognize that their investment pays for itself after just a few visits. Our California-based Annual Passholders have the added benefit and flexibility of a monthly payment program. This year, we’ll continue to offer unique passholder-exclusive entertainment and experiences, along with 10-20% discounts on select food and merchandise. As an example, you already know that Annual Passholders were invited to special viewings to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Fantasmic!” And later this summer, Passholders also will have early access to the parks through a new Annual Passholder Early Entry program – just for them. Details on this program were announced earlier this week here.

There are other ways to save when you visit. The popular 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket gives guests access to both parks on the same day, or if you are planning on playing with us longer, multi-day tickets also offer a variety of options for you to save on your California vacation. All updated pricing can be found here. The information will also be available at http://disneyland.disney.go.com/tickets on May 20.

Disneyland Resort Ticket Price Update by Erin Glover: Original Article By The Disney Parks Blog

AJ/Disney Traveller

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A Look “Down Thee Rabbit Hole” At The Mad T Party at Disney California Adventure Park!

Disney Parks Blog — Fri, 18 May 2012 21:34:04 +0000

Australian and New Zealand Disney travellers, by now, you may have heard that a funderful new party is in the making at Disney California Adventure park … the Mad T Party! But, before experiencing the assortment of joyfulutionary entertainment that awaits you, you must make your way down the Rabbit Hole!

This magical, mystical passageway is unlike any other … and it leads to a party that is fit for a Queen (or King)! Guests will feel as if they are leaving their world behind and entering into a special place that just gets curiouser and curiouser!

But wait! Not just anybody will be allowed to enter! You must have a smile as big as a Cheshire Cat … and a laugh as mad as a Hatter! Helping us enforce the rules are our Mad T Party “bouncers,” Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.

Enlisted by the Mad Hatter himself, these towering twins will officiate over the official opening of the Rabbit Hole each night. Afterwards, our D-lightful duo will remain outside the Rabbit Hole, making sure that all guests attending the Mad T Party are suitably splendiful.

Each night, a different password will be required in order to enter. How will you know the password of the day? That’s where our Hatters come in …

Fashionably festooned in wild colors and patterns – complete with TOP HATS – they are easily identified as they make their way through Disney California Adventure park. If you happen upon them, or if they happen upon you, they will offer an “invitation” that includes the night’s secret-but-not-too-secret password.

So, now you know how to enter the Rabbit Hole! And, from past Disney Parks Blog posts, you already know whom you will meet and what you might hear, which games you might play and when it all begins. The “Maddification” of Disney California Adventure park is almost upon us! Get your hats and smiles together and get ready to go “Mad” at the Mad T Party!

Original Article By The Disney Parks Blog

AJ/Disney Traveller

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Carnation Café Reopens With A New Menu on June 13 at Disneyland Park

Disney Parks Blog — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:47:37 +0000

At last! An expanded and spruced-up Carnation Café is getting ready for its debut June 13 on Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland park. There’s more seating, including indoor tables – and yes, cast member Oscar Martinez is back.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the new menu includes updated versions of classic comfort food, and a few of Walt’s favorites. For breakfast, the legendary Oscar’s Choice is back, with two eggs, breakfast potatoes and biscuit with bacon or (new) chicken-apple sausage links. They’ve added yummy apple-granola pancakes and a hearty huevos ranchero with corn tortillas, poached eggs, salsa and an avocado-black bean pico de gallo. And if you’re behaving, a healthful spinach-and-egg white frittata.

Lunch and dinner bring back the classic baked potato soup, and add a couple of “Walt’s favorites:” beef-and-pork meatloaf, served with trendy edamame succotash, and fresh fish, a sustainable catch of the day. Be completely decadent and have the Walt’s favorite chicken fried chicken breast with mashed potatoes, or enjoy a vegan burger. We can’t wait to try the green chile cheeseburger with a fried egg on toasted brioche. (Do we dare add a classic chocolate malt?)

Kids’ meals include chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes and veggies, a burger and fresh fruit or mac & cheese with fresh fruit.

Reservations may be made by calling the Disney Dine Line (714-781-DINE) or emailing dining reservation requests to dine@disneyland.com.

Original Article By The Disney Parks Blog

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Walt Disney World’s Zen Garden at Epcot

Disney Parks Blog — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:57 +0000

Australian and New Zealand Disney travellers, recently when walking around the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, the zen garden and “Cars 2” topiaries in Japan Pavilion captured my attention. As Lightning McQueen and Mater sat surrounding the rock garden and a gardener raked the gravel into wave-like patterns, I imagined Mater yelling out, “Hey! You done good. You got all the leaves!” just like he did in “Cars 2” before eating the bad pistachio ice cream.

When he was done raking, I was able to talk to our zen gardener, Ben Taveras. Ben is a cast member with the Horticulture team and takes care of the Japan Pavillion area for the festival.

Early each morning, the gravel is raked into different patterns, he told me, based on the gardener’s state of mind — wavy and whimsical when he is happy and straight and simple if things aren’t going so great.

“I don’t think I’ve ever raked them straight,” he said smiling.

The topiaries and zen garden will be on display until May 20.

“Every topiary has a story to tell,” says Ben, “and sharing that story with guests is the best part of my day.”

Original Article By The Disney Parks Blog

AJ/Disney Traveller

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‘Fantasmic!’ Celebrates 20 Years At The Disneyland Park

Disney Parks Blog — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:46 +0000

Australian and New Zealand Disney travellers, “Fantasmic!”, the incredible nighttime spectacular at Disneyland park, marks its 20th anniversary this month. I’ll never forget the first time I saw the show. What had been a tranquil scene during the day was magically transformed at night by the power of Mickey’s imagination, and when the Sailing Ship Columbia fired its cannon and suddenly appeared as Captain Hook’s galleon during the show, it gave me goose bumps. It still does!

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Barnette Ricci, Vice President/Show Director of Special Events for the Walt Disney Studios, who 20 years ago was senior show director for Disneyland park. She shared some of her memories of creating Fantasmic!

We had no new attraction opening that summer of 1992, so I was asked to create a show that could be marketed as something really special. I always felt that the [Rivers of America] was a truly unique venue, but I wanted to use it in a new way to create something different for our guests.

We researched all kinds of water-related special effects, and we discovered these water screens in France. We found that projecting animation footage on the water looked absolutely spectacular! By layering the dancing water fountains, special lighting, lasers, pyrotechnics and black light, along with live performers on watercraft and this new way to project animation on water, I was convinced all of these elements combined would create a rather exciting show!

It took months of searching through Disney film footage to find the right clips for the storyline and to create the film elements so they would look great on the water. We spent three months of ‘all-nighters’ out there on the river, programming all the effects and meticulously finessing the timing based on the time code of the film. Every burst of water, pyrotechnic, laser and live element had to be exactly timed and rehearsed to be in sync with what happened on the screen and with the fantastic musical score.

The show was originally called ‘Imagination’, as the title song implies, but everyone felt it needed a stronger title, so finally – and fortunately – it was renamed ‘Fantasmic!’

The first time we performed the show for a real audience, I was thrilled watching and hearing their reaction to the show. Words cannot express how proud I am of ‘Fantasmic!’ and how proud and thankful I am of everyone who worked so hard to bring it to life, and who continue to keep it going strong, night after night.

Creating ‘Fantasmic!’ for Disneyland Park by Shawn Slater: Original Article By The Disney Parks Blog

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Full Video Of Universal Orlando’s New Cinematic Spectacular

AJ — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:00:19 +0000

Australian and New Zealand Disney travellers, Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Spectacular new show is a tribute to Universal’s 100 years of film-making history, highlighting some of the most fun, dramatic, awe-inspiring moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films. These moments are shown in crystal-clear clarity on huge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios Lagoon, surrounded by colorful fountains and pyrotechnics, all against an incredible musical score and a powerful narration by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. The show will take guests on a journey of epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good versus evil and triumph – all against a backdrop of light, sound and special effects.

Everyone can remember powerful film moments such as Elliott and E.T. riding across the moon in E.T: The Extra Terrestrial, the heroic struggle of the crew from Apollo 13 or the terror of watching the famed shower scene in Psycho. Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular captures these moments – and so many more. Other iconic films featured in the show include American Pie, The Bourne Ultimatum, Jurassic Park, Scent of a Woman, The Mummy, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Fast and the Furious.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories and Universal’s Superstar Parade will run year-round except during annual and special events. Visit http://www.wdwinfo.com/universal/ for more information on Universal Studios Orlando and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular.

Enjoy the video.

Video courtesy of: WDWINFO

AJ/Disney Traveller

Discount Package Announcement: Universal Orlando Offers New Vacation Package and Dining Program

AJ — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:00:09 +0000

Harry Potter Three Broomsticks Restaurant at Universal Orlando

Australian and New Zealand Disney travellers, Universal Orlando Resort is offering incredible value this spring and summer, plus special, new dining experiences that will give guests and their families moments and memories to last a lifetime.

The vacation package and the new dining program come just in time for guests to experience all of the new entertainment coming to Universal Orlando in 2012. For example, starting May 8 guests can enjoy two all-new entertainment experiences at Universal Studios Florida: Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories and Universal’s Superstar Parade.

Visit Universal Orlando This Summer!
Explore all of the exhilarating rides and attractions in both Universal Orlando theme parks with a vacation package starting at $899 per family of four, tax inclusive. The package includes:

Four night accommodations at a nearby Universal Partner Hotel
3-Day Base Ticket to both Universal Orlando theme parks
Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and, for a limited time, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (valid for travel through June 30)
Breakfast at Three Broomsticks inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – one per person
Access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk
Free scheduled transportation between the hotel and Universal Orlando Resort

All-New Dining Program at Universal Studios Florida
Guests can add two new, extraordinary dining options to their vacation package – each designed to create memorable experiences for the entire family from day to night.

Universal’s Superstar Character Breakfast starts with a breakfast experience filled with smiles, laughter and long-lasting memories. Children of all ages will be joined by some very special friends: the stars from the new Universal’s Superstar Parade. Guests will be able to share special moments with their favorite characters, such as creating mayhem with the minions from the blockbuster animated adventure Despicable Me, posing for a photo with Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and getting a coveted autograph from Dora & Diego. Later that day, guests will feel like celebrities as they get special VIP viewing access to enjoy Universal’s Superstar Parade – an all-new entertainment experience that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology, hundreds of energetic street performers along with some of today’s most beloved animated characters.

To cap off the evening, Universal’s Cinematic Dining Experience offers a unique way to enjoy Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular. Guests will start off the night with a delicious meal at Lombard’s Seafood Grille, located along the picturesque Universal Studios lagoon. Later that evening, guests will enjoy dessert in an exclusive area at the restaurant’s waterfront boardwalk, where the entire family will share a spectacular view of Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular, featuring some of the best, most inspiring, emotion-filled moments in film history. The new show is a tribute to Universal’s 100 years of film-making history. It will highlight some of the most fun, dramatic, awe-inspiring moments from Universal Picture’s most iconic films – shown in crystal-clear clarity on huge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon. The show will take guests on a journey of epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good versus evil and triumph – all against a backdrop of light, sound and special effects.

Universal’s Superstar Character Breakfast will be available for guests to experience starting on June 15, for $26.99 per adult and $10.99 per child; Universal’s Cinematic Dining Experience begins on June 1 and is available for $44.99 per adult and $12.99 per child. Guests can add both of these amazing experiences to any Universal Orlando vacation package starting today.

Universal’s Superstar Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular are part of the new entertainment experiences debuting during the “Year to Be Here” at Universal Orlando. Earlier this year, in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man attraction re-launched with all-new 4K high definition animation, a new music score and new high-tech 3-D glasses. In addition, the Blue Man Group show in Universal CityWalk has taken its unique and captivating brand of live entertainment to another level, with a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences.

For more information about Universal Orlando Resort’s vacation packages and the new dining program, visit www.universalorlando.com.

About Universal Orlando Resort
There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation, but there is only one place where vacation becomes adventure: Universal Orlando Resort. It is a unique destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you become part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. Coming this summer: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

Universal Orlando Resort is owned and operated by NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies.

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AJ/Disney Traveller

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Star Wars Fans Rejoice, You Can Now Build Your Own Droid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney Parks Blog — Sat, 12 May 2012 22:52:15 +0000

Australian and New Zealand Disney travellers, ever since I was a little boy, I’ve dreamed of owning my own droid just like Luke Skywalker in Star Wars. Granted, I also wanted to learn the ways of the Force, but I think having an Astromech droid will be slightly easier with the Droid Factory experience launching during Star Wars Weekends 2012. Fans will be able to build and name their own R-series Astromech droid action figures. I spoke with product developer Cody Hampton who said this experience was in development for three years!

“We began discussing the Droid Factory in 2009,” explained Cody. “We know that personalization is an important aspect of the popular build-your-own light saber experience. We felt the same thing could be done with action figures but on a much larger scale.”

Large scale indeed – the Droid Factory has 71 different pieces to create the 3 ¾-inch figures! To get started, guests chose a dome, a body and legs offered in a variety of colors and styles (Cody said that availability of various parts and colors may change). There are optional third legs and novelty hats that can be added.

“We wanted lots of options for [the Droid Factory],” continued Cody. “There are literally thousands of combinations making each droid unique. Guests can also name their droids with sticker sheets provided at checkout.”

Three domes – R6, R8 and R9 – were created exclusively for this experience at Disney Parks. Cody also told me the multi-colored ear hats were inspired by Jedi Mickey’s Astromech droid, R2-MK. Four additional hats arrive later this summer including a Goofy hat, a pirate hat, a fedora and a Yoda cap.

Cody and fellow developer Brad Schoeneberg built Astromech droids for this article.

“My favorite droid is named R7-C4,” Cody continued. “He has an orange body like my favorite clone trooper, Commander Cody. He wears the Yoda cap as a nod to the actual hat created in the 1980s when I fell in love with Star Wars.”

Brad built R9-EIU in honor of Eastern Illinois University, where he completed his bachelor’s degree. He explained, “[The droid] would have been great to have around while I was in school.”

I can’t wait to create one for my office. Happy building!

For more updates on Star Wars Weekends 2012, see the posts below: Original Article By The Disney Parks Blog

AJ/Disney Traveller

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A New Attraction Will Open At Disney’s Hollywood Studios Later This Year!

Disney Parks Blog — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:57 +0000

Australian and New Zealand Disney travellers, earlier this month, you may have heard about a new pirate-themed offering coming to Walt Disney World Resort. Well, we can now officially confirm that The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow will open this fall at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Details are still emerging, but the attraction will give guests a chance to become immersed in the world of the four “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, and an opening date will be announced later this year.

According to Jason Roberts, show producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, “This is going to be an immersive experience. We’ll really delve into the story of Captain Jack Sparrow and put our guests in the middle of it all in new and exciting ways. Story is always the most important thing for us at Walt Disney Imagineering, but we’re always looking at new ways to tell the story that our guests have never seen before. In this attraction, we’ll let you walk in the footsteps of Jack Sparrow. It’s not ‘the making of,’ not ‘behind the scenes’ … it is really a first-person experience. We worked with the archives as well as the filmmakers while they were shooting the last movie. And as a fan, I just loved sitting through those films again and again, going through all the details and leveraging them for this new experience. It’s really been a blast.”

Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates on this and other new projects.

The Legend Of Captain Jack Sparrow To Open At Disney’s Hollywood Studios This Fall by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Original Article By The Disney Parks Blog

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Video: Staying Fit and Healthy on a Disney Cruise

Disney Parks Blog — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:25:33 +0000

Australian and New Zealand Disney travellers, have you ever dreaded an upcoming vacation because you were worried about breaking your fitness routine or diet?

Disney Cruise Line Mom, Andi, shows us in this video how you can stay fit and healthy on your Disney cruise vacation. Check it out and let us know your health and fitness tips for first-time cruisers!

Staying Fit and Healthy on a Disney Cruise by Jonathan Frontado: Original Article By The Disney Parks Blog

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