Major Change Announced For ‘Star Wars’: Galactic Starcruiser

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Hollywood Studios

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser has been making waves since its inception at D23 Expo 2017 in Anaheim, Southern California. Then, in March last year, the 2-day, 2-night adventure officially opened and welcomed Guests onboard the immersive world of the Chandrilla Star Line’s Halcyon spacecraft.

But, its cost has caused significant backlash and feedback, leading Disney Parks to enact a major change to the pricey experience.

Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando, Central Florida) welcomes millions of Guests each year. Even though The Walt Disney Company has divided opinion in recent years with the introduction of the paid FastPass service, Disney Genie+, and the continuing use of the polarizing Park Pass reservation system and its Park Hopper attribute, Disney fans flock to the Resort for their dose of Disney magic. Though, some say that magic is gone and will “never again” return.

But with over 25 Disney Resort hotels spread over the giant theme park estate, Guests can harness their own wallets to match their chosen Disney experience. From Value Resorts like Disney’s Pop Century Resort to Moderate offerings like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Deluxe hotels like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, vacations to Disney World can vary quite significantly.

Stormtroopers in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

One stay at Disney World sent shockwaves through the fandom when it debuted last year. The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opened in the Disney’s Hollywood Studios area last March to mixed reviews. While some applauded its immersive adventure element and feat of Walt Disney Imagineering, most blasted its astronomical price, which sees starting prices for a standard cabin beginning around $5,000.

The 2-day, 2-night adventure welcomes Guests to take part in the storytelling of the Star Wars universe, even going so far as to link Guests up with adventures in the Black Spire Outpost, AKA Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. As part of the experience, Guests will embark on a trip to Batuu at Hollywood Studios where they will be able to ride iconic attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, as well as take in the local delicacies and beverages at Oga’s Cantina or build a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop. They may even encounter some Star Wars characters like Kylo Ren along the way.

When the Halcyon launched, voyages could be booked throughout the year on most days — weekdays and weekends. Since, the company has drastically reduced the number of voyages, seemingly due to the lack of bookings from Guests. Just recently, Disney announced a huge Annual Passholder discount for the following voyages:

  • April 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29
  • May 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25, 29 and 31
  • June 2, 4, 6, 14, 18, 20, 24, 26 and 28

And that Annual Passholder discount has been extended with an additional voyage added on July 2, 2023.

Guests on the Galactic Starcruiser

But that is not the only change that has happened for the Star Wars: Galatic Starcruiser. Disney Parks have just revealed another major pricing change for the costly experience, seemingly in an effort to attract more Guests to the halls of the Halcyon to experience the galaxy far, far away.

Per WDW Info, Disney Visa Cardmembers are now able to book a Galactic Starcruiser voyage at the Disney Park with a 30% discount, much like the Annual Passholders were offered. The dates of these reduced voyages are:

  • May: 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25, 29 and 31
  • June: 2, 4, 6, 14, 18, 20, 24, 26 and 28
  • July: 2, 8, 10, 22, 24 and 30
  • August: 3, 13 and 29
  • September: 8 and 16

For full terms and conditions, head to the Walt Disney World website.

The Star Wars: Galatic Starcruiser offers experiences like the Crown of Corellia Dining Room, the Sublight Lounge, Lightsaber Training, and Bridge Training.

A rainbow crosses the sky over Magic Kingdom's Cinderella Castle

The discount announcement comes as Disney CEO Bob Iger and the Walt Disney World Resort sue Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over his government’s retaliation to their views on his controversial Florida Parental Rights in Education bill and the subsequent fallout, including the dismantling of Disney’s special district Reedy Creek.

Disney Celebrates World Wish Day by Bestowing Highest Honor

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Make-A-Wish is an organization near and dear to my heart. Though I’ve never been in the position to have a loved one be a Wish Kid, having lost a child I know all too well the fear and pain the Wish Families go through. The fact that Make-A-Wish exists to bring joy to terminally and critically ill children is one of the purest things on earth if you ask me. There’s no honor I think Wish Kids don’t deserve so when I discovered how Disneyland celebrated World Wish Day my heart smiled.

April 29 is World Wish Day in honor of the day the very first wish was granted, and it just so happened to be a Disney Wish! To honor that, Disneyland bestowed Make-A-Wish with its highest honor- a window. At both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. If you look up on Main Street USA, you’ll see names on the windows. These names aren’t random- they honor an individual (typically a Cast Member or Imagineer) who has made a significant impact in Disney Parks history.

On April 28 2023, the day before World Wish Day, Disneyland dedicated three windows to Make-A-Wish. Present at the dedication was Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock, Make-A-Wish America President and CEO Leslie Motter and Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Josh D’Amaro. Two very special mothers were also in attendance as well as six children on their own Wish Trips.

The center window is dedicated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and all Wish Kids, past, present, and future. The two represent the wishes that started it all. One window is dedicated to Chris Greicius, the inspiration for Make-A-Wish. The other window is dedicated to Frank “Bopsy” Salazar, the first ever wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Both children tragically lost their battle with leukemia at 7 years old but their stories on and inspire.

The Chris Greicius Story

Disney Make-A-Wish

In 1979, Chris Greicius had one dream in life: to be a policeman. He always said that he wanted to catch bad guys. During the course of his illness, he developed a close bond with family friend and US Customs Agent, Tommy Austin. They would play cops and robbers together (Chris was always the cop).

Eventually, Chris was hospitalized and it became clear to his family (and Austin) that he was going to lose his fight. Austin decided he had to do something for Chris. It wasn’t fair that he wasn’t going to get the chance to grow up and catch bad guys, but maybe his dream could still come true somehow.

Austin reached out to Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer Ron Cox and together with the help of the department, they made a plan for Chris’ Wish to come true.

Disney Make-A-Wish

Lt. Col. Dick Schaefer stepped in and gave Chris one of his own old badges. He also swore Chris in as an official honorary Department of Public Safety Officer. They didn’t stop.there though. The department gave him a helicopter tour of Phoenix and he even got to “drive” a police car (with help of course). The officers presented him with an official police uniform that had been specially created for him. They delivered it to him at the hospital where he wore it with pride. Unfortunately Chris lost his battle with leukemia two days later.

His mother, Linda Pauling was touched by the kindness shown to her son in his final days. She recognized what a difference that wish being granted made for him. Together with Frank Shankwitz and Scott Stahl, Linda helped found the Greicius Make-A-Wish Memorial which would later become the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Linda was one of the two special mothers present at Disneyland during the dedication. She is pictured above with her son’s window before it was installed.

The Frank “Bopsy” Salazar Story 

Disney Make-A-Wish

Frank “Bopsy” Salazar’s story has been told so many times that it has become something of an urban legend. It’s been changed and altered and details have been added or taken away as the story is passed along. After much research, I’ve tried to do his story justice and bring the most accurate retelling available because everyone’s true story deserves to be told.

Like Chris Greicius, he was a 7 year old boy in Arizona battling leukemia When his wish came true. It was his doctor, Dr. Frank Barranco, who helped make it happen. He introduced Bopsy’s mother to Linda Pauling in 1980 and Pauling explained what her brand new foundation was trying to do. When asked what his wish was, Bopsy gave it some very serious thought.

At first he said he wanted a hot air balloon ride. Then he changed his mind and wanted to go to Disneyland. Finally he decided what he really wanted was to become a fireman. He let everyone know he’d decided. Make-A-Wish had other ideas though. The organization’s co-founder Frank Shankwitz had been visiting with Bopsy to find out about his dreams. Instead of making him choose between the three wishes, they’d grant all of them!

He got his balloon ride and his trip to Disneyland (which catalyzed a long-lasting relationship between Disney and Make-A-Wish) but it was the firemen who really made Bopsy’s final days joyful.

Phoenix Fire Department’s Fireman Bob — whose real name is Bob Walp — stepped in the give the boy his wish and make his firefightinf dreams come true.

In an interview with HufPost Walp said, “We didn’t want to just give him a tour. We decided to give him a badge and a jacket. We let him use the hose. We took him in the truck.”

One day in 1981 Bopsy took a turn for the worse. Someone from the hospital called Make-A-Wish who contacted Fireman Bob. The fireman brought his team out and decided to say hello to their friend Bopsy in the most unforgettable way: they climbed their fire ladder up to his window and climbed in. Toward the end of the visit, Bopsy turned to Fireman Bob. “Am I a real firefighter?” he asked. “Well, yeah,” Walp responded. “Of course you are.” Bopsy passed away the next morning, after becoming the first ever Wish Kid.

Bopsy’s mother, Octaviana Trujillo, is the other very special mothers that was in attendance. She is pictured above also with her son’s window.

Disney Make-A-Wish

It is my sincere wish that child illness and loss never touch your life. Pauling, Trujillo, and I all belong to a tragic club and I never want to accept new members into this club. Losing a child is the greatest pain imaginable. No one should ever know what it feel like for your child to receive a devastating diagnosis …or worse. However, for those who do know and live this pain, I am grateful that Make-A-Wish exists. Bringing joy to any child, but especially a sick child, is one of the most noble things a person could ever do. If you’d like to be a hero and help make a child’s wish come true, you can donate here.

Spirit of Aloha is Demolished but a NEW Luau is Coming to Disney

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

When Spirit of Aloha was demolished at Disney’s Polynesian Resort last year it left a hole in our hearts and Disney’s “dinner and a show” offerings. With its departure, only the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue was left. We love Hoop-Dee-Doo but there was something truly magical about Spirit of Aloha. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a luau? 

Get ready to get excited because a brand new Luau experience is coming to Walt Disney World! This time, the festivities are coming to Disney Springs! Morimoto Asia is hosting an all-new luau where you’ll immerse yourself in Asian-Pacific culture during this traditional Hawaiian party. 

Morimoto Asia Exterior

The food will be and upscale buffet but true to theme: in true Morimoto style, sushi, and poke bowls will abound and there will even be a whole roasted pig! The fun doesn’t stop at the food either! Live performers will delight and dazzle with performances by a live band and hula dancers will. There’s even a strolling ukulele player! For dessert, you’ll enjoy island favorites like pineapple tarts and butter mochi, haupia squares, and Mango parfait! Custom leis will also be available for purchase when you book. 

That’s the good news. The bad news? This event will only be around for an extremely limited time. In fact, it’s one say only: Sunday, May 14, 2023, to celebrate Mother’s Day! That means you’ll want to hurry because this event will sell out. The cost is $150 per person and tickets can be purchased in advance here. 

Curious about the food? Check out the menu: 

POKE BAR:

  • Traditional ahi poke, Hawaiian sea salt, inamona, chili, green onion
  • Korean-style tako (octopus) poke, kimchi, gochujang
  • Lomilomi salmon, tomato, cucumber, onion, shiso
  • Rainbow’s local mac salad
  • Chinatown chilled ginger chicken
  • Okazuya namasu, cucumber, carrot, wakame

SUSHI BAR:

  • Spicy tuna roll
  • Spicy salmon roll
  • Yellow tail roll
  • California roll
  • Shrimp tempura roll
  • Vegetable roll
  • Chef’s selection nigiri

HOT LINE:

  • Kahuku Food Trucks’ famous garlic shrimp
  • Aloha shoyu roasted chicken
  • Mahi-mahi tartar sauce
  • Morimoto baby ribs, hoisin chili
  • Portuguese sausage fried rice
  • Spam musubi teriyaki sauce
  • Mini loco moco, mushroom gravy
  • Saimin

PIG ROAST

  • Roasted pig and cabbage
  • Yuzu chutney, hoisin BBQ

DESSERTS (SERVED TO TABLES):

  • Haupia squares: coconut milk, milk, sugar, cornstarch
  • Pineapple tarts: caramel cream, vanilla tart shells
  • Mango parfait: mango mousse, raspberries
  • Passionfruit pops: white chocolate, passion fruit puree, pop sticks, white truffle shells, heavy cream
  • Butter mochi mini cakes 

Celebrate mom in style this year at Morimoto Asia. Food, dancing, entertainment…this event will have it all so that you can give her a Mother’s Day she’ll never forget!

Ariel from ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live-Action Film Coming to Disney Parks

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

“The Little Mermaid” is releasing in theaters on May 26, 2023, and Disney Parks are gearing up to commemorate the film with new meet and greet opportunities with Ariel inspired from the film.

Life truly is the bubbles at Disney Parks! Beginning in late May, Ariel is trading her fins for human legs and stepping into a world beyond the sea as she appears in the all-new live-action story “The Little Mermaid,” releasing in theaters May 26, 2023. In celebration of the film’s release, Ariel will be venturing out to select Disney Parks where guests will get to meet her this summer.

We’re always looking for ways to build connection through the power of our stories, and we are excited for fans to enjoy meeting Ariel from both the animated and live-action stories at Disney Parks. Check out all the places Ariel from the live-action story will be making special appearances this summer!

Walt Disney World – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

When Ariel’s adventures on land take her to Walt Disney World Resort, guests will be able to meet her by visiting Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Ariel invites guests to be “part of her world” and for a limited time, see a special sneak peek and props from the film available at Walt Disney Presents Theater. Come be immersed in the live-action “The Little Mermaid” story at Walt Disney World!

Disneyland Resort – Disneyland Park

Heading west to Disneyland Resort, Ariel will venture on land to greet guests along the promenade near “it’s a small world” at Disneyland park. Is life under the sea better than anything they have on land?! Guests will have to come see for themselves this summer at Disneyland!

Starring singer and actress Halle Bailey (“grown-ish”) as Ariel, the film holds an all-star cast, including Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy. Check out Halle’s announcement below!

Disneyland Paris

At Disneyland Paris, guests can share an interactive and fun experience with the character Ariel, from the live-action story, as she invites everyone at Walt Disney Studios Park to join a joyful, limited-time celebration in honor of the new movie release. From “Under the Sea” to “Kiss the Girl”, come and join in this unforgettable musical moment!

“The Little Mermaid,” visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of the studio’s Oscar-winning animated musical classic, opens exclusively in theaters nationwide May 26, 2023. “The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.

Be sure to see “The Little Mermaid” only in theaters May 26, 2023!

Six Disney100 Offerings to Get Excited About at Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Via DisneyLists.com

Later this year, Walt Disney World will join the global celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary – 10 decades of creativity and innovation. EPCOT is preparing to host this unforgettable celebration at Walt Disney World in the fall. However, there are some offerings that have already begun to pop up around the parks and resorts, with much more to come as the year continues.

For 100 years, The Walt Disney Company has created unforgettable stories and lifelong memories for generations of families. Some of my favorite memories are tied to visits to Walt Disney World, seeing Disney stories brought to life and getting the chance to experience them in magical ways.

The entire Walt Disney World cast is excited to join in the celebration of Disney100, and you’re invited to be part of the fun! I’m thrilled to share that you can now experience magical, limited-time offerings sprinkled throughout the resort. Here are six great ways to commemorate this momentous milestone, with many more to come.

1 – Say Hi to Mickey and Minnie in Their Platinum Best

As previously shared, EPCOT will be the center of the Disney100 celebration later this year at Walt Disney World. Recently opened attractions like the exhilarating family thrill coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and the captivating 4D Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure bring even more family fun to the park where the impossible becomes possible. Even more is in store as the park’s multi-year transformation culminates later this year during the Disney100 celebration.

Have you been looking forward to seeing Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their new dazzling platinum outfits? I know I have! You’ll be able to hug and take photos with the duo in their platinum outfits at EPCOT later this year. What a way to celebrate this major milestone and the legacy that their beloved stories represent for our Company. We’ll have more details on when and where you can meet them soon.

2 – Admire Special Spaceship Earth Lighting

I’m excited to announce that the night sky will light up with a dazzling spectacle of colors and lights as Spaceship Earth honors Disney100 with a special display later in 2023. Here’s your first look at what’s sure to be a memorable moment during the celebration.

Our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering have been dreaming up new ways to honor this important milestone by turning to their own cherished memories and favorite Disney stories as they create this one-of-a-kind display.

“The Show Lighting Team at Walt Disney Imagineering has been amazed at our guests’ reaction to the nightly shows on Spaceship Earth,” said Jason Read, show lighting designer principal for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’ve helped celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, EPCOT’s 40th and the park’s signature festivals. Now, we’re excited to have Spaceship Earth ring in the biggest celebration yet, the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company.”

“We’re also inspired by many things from the history of the company, its characters, theme parks and shows – even the Disney100 opening logo that plays before our feature films during this anniversary,” Read continued. “You may see homages to everything from the ‘Wonderful World of Disney’ television show opening to Mickey balloons that we sell on Main Street, U.S.A.”

3 – Take a Selfie in Front of a Disney100 Backdrop

Whenever I make my way to Walt Disney World, I get a rush of adrenaline thinking about the magic that awaits me. So, you can only imagine my excitement when I saw the Disney100 sign at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park right in front of the entrance. If you’re like me, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to snap a few photos as a way to remember your visit during this very special celebration. This photo op is perfect for the entire family and is a great way to start your day. If you’re not going to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, don’t worry. You’ll be able to snap photos with Disney100 backdrops at all four theme parks plus Disney Springs.

4 – Keep an Eye Out for Surprise Character Visits at Disney Resort Hotels 

If you’ve ever had the joy of staying in one of our enchanting Disney Resort hotels, you may have seen the magic of various Disney characters stopping by for an impromptu photo opportunity. As the Disney100 celebration ramps up at Walt Disney World, you may run into some of your favorite Disney characters in their platinum best as they pop up at various Disney Resort hotels. You never know when or where they’ll show up next!

5 – Celebrate With New Food and Drinks

The celebration doesn’t stop with character greetings and fun photo ops; you’ll also be able to indulge in some Disney100 treats across the resort. Beginning May 1, guests can enjoy the Disney100 Petite Cake for a limited time at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs. This mouthwatering dessert has layers of vanilla chiffon, berry mousse and berry compote, all topped with a celebratory Disney100 Medallion macaron.

The Disney Culinary team has been dreaming up all kinds of delicious dishes to commemorate the milestone, and this is just the beginning. I was lucky enough to learn about the inspiration behind this yummy dessert from Chef Amanda.

“The culinary team has the wonderful opportunity to use food for storytelling,” Chef Amanda said. “We get to make special themed treats that bring guests into the story, letting them feel immersed in a tangible and very delicious way.”

“The inspiration of this cake pulls from the rich purple and platinum colors used for the Disney100 celebration,” Chef Amanda shared. “The drapery on the sides of the cake represents the traditional bunting that adorns Main Street, U.S.A. for special occasions. And of course, Mickey Mouse is proudly represented on the front of the cake because as we all know: ‘It all started with a mouse.’”

6 – Find Your Perfect Disney100 Memento

You may have spotted and already started to collect some of the amazing Disney100 merchandise that’s popping up at Walt Disney World. To help you prepare for what’s to come, a little fairy told me about the new Disney100 Cinderella Premium Bucket that will be exclusive to Magic Kingdom. This dazzling souvenir is intricately designed, great for the entire family, and my favorite souvenir thus far. Stay tuned for more details on when this beauty will make its debut. For now, you’ll be able to enjoy drinks and popcorn in the new Disney100 refillable cups available now at the Disney Resort hotels and popcorn buckets at all four theme parks and Disney Springs.

You can also check out the wide variety of limited-release merchandise, available across the Walt Disney World Resort. Cherish nostalgic memories with the new 40s-themed Disney100 Decades Collection featuring Disney classics such as “Fantasia,” “The Three Caballeros,” “Pinocchio” and “Dumbo.” While you’re at it, marvel at all the magic with the Disney100 Platinum Celebration Collection — perfect if you’re looking for even more ways to shine! Or maybe the Disney100 Unified Character Collection is more your style with beloved characters from throughout the history of Disney, including Snow White, Elsa and Simba. My favorite Disney100 pieces so far are the Unified Characters Backpack and the Three Caballeros Ear Headband, but there is even more merchandise debuting soon.

As you can see, the celebration is just getting started at Walt Disney World, and there’s much more to come!