Disney+ Subscribers Can Save On a Disney World Stay

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

For the first time, Disney+ subscribers can save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels! Bookings are now available for visits between July 8 through September 30, 2022.

  • Save 25% on Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Resort Villas
  • Save 20% at Moderate Resorts and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
  • Save 15% at Value Resorts (20% at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Suites)
  • Save 10% on the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Opening Date Announced for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Get out those calendars and start planning! Disney has announced the opening date of the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind coaster. Soon, guests visiting EPCOT at Walt Disney World better get ready to crank up the mixtape and blast through an awesome intergalactic chase through time and space in Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind! We’re so excited.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Well plant me in the ground and call me Groot, cause Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is set to officially debut May 27 at EPCOT!

What do we already know about this awesome new family-thrill coaster attraction at Walt Disney World Resort? Well, we know people from the planet Xandar are coming to Earth and creating the first “other-world” showcase at EPCOT – the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. We know we’ll learn more about their technology and culture as we move through the pavilion, and discover how our two worlds are similar in so many ways.

But what actually happens? I’ve got an idea – or 12% of an idea, at least – based on the new commercial spot we’re debuting right here.

OK so … what exactly did we just see?

    • Someone shouts, “This is an SOS from Nova Corps … Our outpost on Earth’s EPCOT is in danger!” The Nova Corps is Xandar’s peacekeeping team serving as protectors of their planet and the broader Andromeda Galaxy, which is where Xandar is located. This must be a Nova Corps officer alerting us to an urgent situation.
    • Clearly the Xandarians have come to EPCOT to oversee the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. I can tell because Spaceship Earth is visible outside the window, gleaming in all its glory. Oh, and because it says “EPCOT – Walt Disney World Resort” right there on the screen (nothing gets by me, I tell ya). But something is amiss because …
    • Someone who appears to be a Nova Corps soldier shouts out, “Everything is disappearing!” And, yep, we see things – people, clouds, you name it – literally zipping backward out of existence. Rewinding, perhaps? Hmm …
    • The officer is holding up a viewscreen communicator, and then we flash to the other end of that line … to the familiar confines of an M-Ship cockpit, where Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord, and a few of our other favorite Guardians of the Galaxy are relaxing between missions.
    • Rocket is absorbed in apparently trying to “fix” Quill’s Awesome Mix tape. Thankfully, Groot is at least paying some passing attention to what’s happening on the screen in front of them and unmutes the volume – just in time to hear a distress call …
    • “Help the galaxy – before it’s too late!” the officer urges – and then she, too, disappears … along with Spaceship Earth! Now we have Rocket’s attention, too, even if Star-Lord is peacefully snoozing away. (He’s been asleep this whole time? Typical.)
    • Always considering himself the captain of the ship anyway, Rocket promptly takes the controls and decides to blast off for EPCOT. Because, as he says, “It’s save the galaxy time – again.”
    • This is where we’ll come in, I think. As Rocket fires up the ship, we see other people zooming around the screen in Starjumpers, a type of Xandarian spacecraft. And just as the clip ends, Rocket takes the M-Ship into a jump point – the technology that allows Xandarians to travel vast distances of space in mere moments. And that’s it!

The Guardians of the Galaxy are on their way to EPCOT, and we better be ready for an intergalactic chase through time and space. It all begins May 27 when Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind releases its awesome mixtape of an attraction to the world. This is another big, magical moment in the transformation of EPCOT and the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration currently underway.

New 50th Anniversary Merchandise Coming to Disney World

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

This spring will see three new product lines unveiled as part of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration. The new lines will invite guests to commemorate their visit by taking a piece of the magic home. Blending new and nostalgia, the merchandise range will put a fun spin on the latest fashion trends and includes pieces inspired by retro designs and artwork from the 1971 grand opening of Walt Disney World Resort.

50th Anniversary celebration merchandise is available throughout the Walt Disney World Resort including Disney Springs. Select items will be carried at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, Disneyland Resort and on shopDisney.com.

 Here’s a first look at the collections:

EARidescent Shimmer Collection
The EARidescent Shimmer Collection draws inspiration from the iconic gold and blue turrets of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park, reflecting the festive décor seen across Walt Disney World Resort as a part of the 50th anniversary celebration.

  • EARidescent Shimmer Collection Minnie Mouse Headband glistens with bedazzled gold-toned sequins, the perfect accessory for any 50th anniversary celebration-themed outfit.
  • EARidescent Shimmer Loungefly Backpack blends a classic royal color scheme with modern design through a unique swirl pattern that marbles blue and gold hues together.
  • EARidescent Shimmer Collection Spirit Jersey, debuting later in spring, is a premium pullover Spirit Jersey featuring a ribbed crew neck, cuffed sleeves and gleaming EARidescent embellishments.

Disney Vault Balloon Collection
Longtime visitors of The Most Magical Place on Earth may recall the colorful balloon-patterned shopping bags used to package souvenirs purchased at Walt Disney World Resort in 1971. The DisneyVault Balloon Collection pays homage to the vintage Mickey Mouse balloon iconography from decades past.

  • Disney Vault Balloon Collection Spirit Jersey features a bright, whimsical print and heritage Walt Disney World Resort logos.
  • Disney Vault Balloon Collection Bucket Hat, with a transparent green panel and vintage Walt Disney World logo along the brim, is a fashion-forward item combining current style trends and 1970s flair.
  • Disney Vault Balloon Collection Loungefly Backpack offers a bold geometric design across the exterior pocket, which makes a statement with its electric blue straps and classic balloon print.

New to the Celebration Collection
The Celebration Collection, which launched last fall at the start of the 50th anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World Resort, will expand to include brand new commemorative merchandise for the whole family.

  • Celebration Collection Backpack ­decorated with stylized renderings of Walt Disney World Resort landmarks including Cinderella Castle, Hollywood Tower of Terror, Spaceship Earth and the Tree of Life.
  • Dooney and Bourke Purses and Wallet will be available on two bag styles or a wallet, showcasing favorite characters and iconic Disney Parks locations.
  • 50th Anniversary Character Plush Toys offerings expand with the debut of Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy, all sporting 50th Anniversary celebration fashions.

Disney Vault Orange Bird Collection debuting later this spring!
The Disney Vault Orange Bird Collection pays tribute to Orange Bird, a favorite Disney character who has come to symbolize Florida and its legacy in the citrus industry. Orange Bird’s spunky personality shines through a range of groovy new products, inspired by the retro flower-power styles that rose in popularity during the early 1970s. The collection will debut later this spring.

  • Disney Vault Orange Bird Crossbody adds a touch of cuteness to any look as a three-dimensional replica of Orange Bird.
  • Disney Vault Orange Bird Camp Shirt features a notched collar and muted color palette reminiscent of the 1970s, complemented by a cheerful motif of Orange Bird and various florals.
  • Disney Vault Orange Bird Denim Jacket brings vintage trends to the 21st century with a funky bubble font, stylized Orange Bird artwork and decorative patches.

Disney removes all mentions of traditional gender roles from its parks

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

Guests visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth won’t hear the familiar words, “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls” anymore. That’s because Disney is scrubbing any references to traditional gender roles at its theme parks, according to Newsweek.

The change comes in the midst of weeks of tension from a culture war amongst the Walt Disney Company, fans of Disney, and the State of Florida legislature related to Florida’s House Bill 1557, the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which was signed into law on Monday by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Disney’s inclusion and diversity manager, Vivian Ware, announced the removal of nods to traditional gender roles in a video on Twitter, posted by Christopher Rufo. In the video, Ware is giving a presentation via video call, and the “reimagine tomorrow” can be seen on the upper right-hand side of the screen. Ware explained that last summer, live announcements that Guests hear at attractions at Disney Parks were devoid of the traditional “gendered greetings,” which welcome Guests–“ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.”

“We don’t want to just assume because someone might be, in our interpretation, presenting as female, that they want to be called ‘princess,’” Ware said in the video, which is accompanied by an American Sign Language translator.

“So we no longer say ‘ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,’” Ware explained in the video. “We’ve provided trainings for all of our Cast Members and in relationship to that so now they know it’s, ‘hello everyone’ or ‘hello friends.’”

Ware said that Disney is currently in the process of making changes to its recorded messages at its theme parks. During the nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom, Disney Enchantment, the welcome greeting extends to “dreamers of all ages,” rather than “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.”

Disney announces dates for EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Disney has announced dates for the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. Guests can sip, savor, and stroll, beginning July 14, 2022. Can’t make it over the summer? That’s ok because the festival runs through November 19.

Walt Disney World Resort invites Guests to enjoy a “smorgasbord of culinary delights” and “prepare their taste buds to go on an epicurean journey and discover new concepts and menu items at more than 25 Global Marketplaces located throughout EPCOT.”

Guest favorites that will be returning to this year’s festival include The Swanky Saucy Swine, Appleseed Orchard, Hops & Barley, Earth Eats hosted by Impossible, and Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE. In addition to that, some Global Marketplaces will open a few weeks after the opening of the festival, just to keep things interesting during the 129-day event!

The Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare will also return this year. Internationally recognized artists will be on hand, and locals bands will take the stage at the America Gardens Theatre.

Disney World Resort invites Guests to experience even more magic at EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival this year. Guests can:

  • Embark on a Ratatouille-inspired adventure that’s très magnifique with Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak. Kids of all ages can search for Remy on a savory scavenger hunt around EPCOT.
  • Try delicious cheeses served in fun ways as part of Emile’s Fromage Montage, and collect stamps in the festival passport after making eligible purchases at select Global Marketplaces.
  • Commemorate your visit with official festival event merchandise, including apparel, home décor, trading pins, and more.
On TikTok, Fans Are Making Their Own 'Ratatouille' Musical - The New York Times

And as long as you’re visiting for EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival, why not stay and enjoy other offerings at EPCOT, like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, “Harmonious” and the Spaceship Earth Beacon of Magic.