Disney World Adds Extra Perks For Visitors During Its 50th Anniversary

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

Walt Disney World already has a lot of bonuses in place for any Disney Guests who visit on or after October 1st of this year, since it marks their 50th anniversary, but now they’ve added additional sweeteners for anyone who stays at the Disney Resorts Collection hotels!

Anyone who is staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel during the “World’s Most Magical Celebration” can officially enter the Disney World theme parks earlier than everyone else. Furthermore, Disney visitors who are residing in the Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort hotels can take advantage of extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks.

Pluto and Goofy at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

There will also be special appearances by Disney “friends” (i.e. Disney characters), who will be wearing new EARidescent garb. Cast Members will also be wearing special-edition nametags. While you’re on your way to the parks, you can also see special 50th-anniversary decor on the Disney monorail, select Disney Skyliner cabins, and select Disney Transportation buses!

If you haven’t picked which Disney hotel to hang your hat in, you may want to give Disney’s Contemporary Resort a try! This Resort has just had a makeover, making it a mix of retro and modern, and characters from the Pixar Incredibles movies are being featured in lots of its decor.

Walt Disney World is also encouraging Guests to book rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, because the resort has new rooms that are based on the Disney film (and Polynesian heroine) “Moana.” The resort has a new entrance with lots of Polynesian detailing, which was only just finished as another part of Disney World’s current refurbishments!

Once you’ve picked a resort to stay in, be sure to try the limited-edition Joffrey’s Coffee blend that’s been formulated just for Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. With two new restaurants opening as well (one French and one futuristic), you won’t go hungry!

First Look: Steakhouse 71 Menus, Opening Soon at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

Steakhouse 71, located on the first floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, will open its doors on Oct. 1 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and we are excited to share a first look at all the menus.

The chefs created a terrific dinner menu with all the hallmarks of a family-friendly steakhouse, and offerings at breakfast and lunch are unique and delicious. They even give a nod to Walt Disney with contemporary spins on some of his favorite foods.

And kids get to be creative with their meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They can choose an entrée, select two sides, and a drink from a menu that includes oatmeal with dried cranberries and Mickey-shaped waffles for breakfast and PBJ wings and cheeseburgers for lunch and dinner. They can even create their own ice cream sundae!

Our talented mixologists and sommeliers have crafted fabulous alcoholic and nonalcoholic libations offered in the Steakhouse 71 Lounge or to enjoy while dining.

Check out all the new menus!

Steakhouse 71, which gets its name from the year the resort opened, has a sleek yet comfortable décor with fun design elements from the ‘70s and hints of our Florida heritage with subtle sightings of the beloved Orange Bird and citrus groves.

Guests can start their Disney day with a delicious breakfast at Steakhouse 71. The breakfast menu offers everything from Fresh-baked Pastries and Avocado Toast to Walt’s Prime Rib Hash and Eggs Benedict! Enjoy a variety of wake-up sips like the Steakhouse Bloody Mary and the Bourbon Cold Brew (Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew, bourbon, maple, vanilla bean cream), as well as espresso, cappuccino, latte, freshly brewed coffee, assorted teas, and juices.

Guests can take a lunch break and relax at Steakhouse 71. Check out this fantastic lunch menu!

Now, THIS is a steakhouse menu! Guests can customize their steak entrée with a choice of a side and yummy sauce. Craving something other than a steak? Steakhouse 71 has delicious fish, chicken, and plant-based offerings as well.

One favorite dessert is the Steakhouse 71 Chocolate Cake. It is 15 layers of whiskey-infused chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and raspberries – one layer for every floor at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Before dining (or any time), relax, sip, and nosh in the retro Steakhouse 71 Lounge with comfortable seating at the large rectangular bar.

The mixologists and sommeliers have created unique and refreshing concoctions to enjoy in the Steakhouse 71 Lounge or while dining.

Citrus groves surrounding the resort when first being built were the inspiration for two refreshing cocktails. The Citrus Grove Cocktail (Italian bitter, green herbal liqueur, citrus juices, simple syrup, and orange bitters) evokes the scents of fresh oranges and citrus groves. And the Steakhouse 71 Vodka Gimlet (vodka, green herbal liqueur, herbal blend, lime juice, simple syrup, and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade) is a fresh and herbaceous cocktail inspired by the Florida wetlands. The “Lily” pad garnish is in honor of Lillian Disney.

While Guests enjoy the subtle ‘70s vibe of the restaurant, they can relax with a popular drink from that decade – the Tequila Sunrise! Our mixologists gave their Tequila Sunrise a modern twist with tequila, tropical juices, rosemary simple syrup, and house-made grenadine. A “sharable” Tequila Sunrise is available for lunch and dinner, serving 2-4 guests.

Steakhouse 71 proudly offers a selection of “Disney Family of Wines,” a diverse collection of wines with a personal connection to the Disney name. The wineries display qualities long identified with Walt Disney and The Walt Disney Company – passion, innovation, and quality.

Reservations for Steakhouse 71 are now available. To make reservations, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Ceremony

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

From Disney Destinations;

Aloha! Cast Members at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa celebrated a special moment on Sunday, Aug. 29 in honor of Aulani Resort’s 10th anniversary. Aulani Resort’s own Aunty and Uncle hosted the moment with Disney friends by their sides, including the music loving ‘Olu Mel. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse also revealed their brand-new outfits – reserved just for their visits to Aulani Resort.

And, Guests can experience the music of a new song that premiered celebrating Aulani Resort. Watch the 10th anniversary ceremony celebration with ‘ohana and friends.

Refurbishments Update For Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

From Disney Destinations

The Contemporary Feature Pool at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be unavailable in winter 2023 while it undergoes maintenance work. As an alternative, Guests staying at this Disney Resort hotel may enjoy the Bay Pool, leisure pool at the Contemporary Resort.

Additionally, the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will be unavailable beginning January through April 2023 while it undergoes maintenance work. As an alternative, Guests staying at this Disney Resort hotel may enjoy the Wilderness Swimmin’ pool.

During this time, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms, Guest cabins and campsites between dusk and 9 a.m.

New Details for California Grill 50th Anniversary Dining Experience

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

Today, Disney announced further details about the special 50th anniversary dining experience coming to California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

“Upstairs at California Grill, a new dining experience will also be available later this year, featuring a limited-time menu with items inspired by the restaurant’s history,” the announcement states.

We noticed a few weeks ago that reservations were unavailable for California Grill after October 2. The reservations page mentioned a “special dining experience for the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort.”