Disney has long stated that the preferred method for booking an advanced dining reservation was calling the Disney Reservation Center. However, snuck into a Disney Parks Blog post today, they stated that the preferred method is now the My Disney Experience App and DisneyWorld.com.
From the Disney:
With hundreds of amazing dining locations to choose from, finding the perfect place to eat at Walt Disney World Resort is easier than ever before. From mobile ordering meals through the My Disney Experience app, to searching for favorite menu items online, guests are able to save time so that they can enjoy all there is to see and do across our parks. Beginning today, due to their overwhelming popularity, the My Disney Experience app and DisneyWorld.com will become the preferred home for booking and modifying table service dining reservations.
Guests can conveniently manage their table service dining reservations right at their fingertips, whenever they choose, alongside other plans they make with family and friends for their visit. Rest assured, as always, cast members at the Disney Reservation Center will continue to be available to help with reservations for groups of eight or more, same-day cancelations, in addition to other assistance guests may need, including Disney Resort hotel reservations, special offers, general questions and more.
Dining reservations could always be done on the website and the app, but Disney is pushing guests to the digital formats to reduce the strain on staffing at the reservation center. Guests can still call for “help with reservations for groups of eight or more, same-day cancelations, in addition to other assistance guests may need”.
Playful Pixar elements have been coming to life over the past few months at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel at Disneyland Resort, and we’re excited to share that the property will officially transform into Pixar Place Hotel on Jan. 30, 2024, becoming the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States. Today, we’re giving you a glimpse of rooms inspired by Pixar stories, menu items to look forward to when Great Maple opens soon, plus what you can enjoy on your vacation now!
Favorite Pixar Stories Abound in the New Pixar Place Hotel Lobby
Pixar Place Hotel will evoke the inspiration and humor that goes into every Pixar film, while celebrating the artistic process. Showcasing early sketches to finished design, the art and decor will highlight vibrant Pixar stories, revealing some never-before-seen artwork.
When the lobby is complete, guests will see even more unique art inspired by Pixar films and be greeted by the iconic Pixar Lamp balancing atop its ball, with an imaginative mobile of beloved Pixar characters floating from the bright skylight above. The mobile will depict the beginning stages of Pixar filmmaking, when animators create the characters’ designs with their most basic shapes and colors. The characters we’ll see are at the beginning of their journey, just as the guests who step into the lobby begin their own story at the Disneyland Resort!
First Look at a Reimagined Guest Room Featuring Iconic Pixar Characters
Now, let’s give you a colorful peek inside one of the guest rooms! From pillows inspired by the Pixar Ball to lighting reminiscent of the Pixar Lamp, there will be whimsical nods to the animation studio throughout these comfortable and contemporary accommodations. Some of the art was even created by Pixar Animation Studios artists expressly for Pixar Place Hotel! The headboards will consist of concept art from a variety of Pixar features, including “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story 3” and more that are arranged in order from warm to cool colors, sharing the importance of color to the tone of a scene.
Great Maple Opening Soon, Plus More Snacking Details Revealed
Now, let’s dish! Opening in November, Great Maple restaurant will bring its innovative menu of upscale comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This modern American eatery will serve a robust selection of dishes made from scratch daily including the Cajun Shrimp & Cheddar Biscuit Benedict, Soda Pop-Braised Baby Back Ribs, Charred Cauliflower Hummus, Maple Pecan-Crusted Salmon, Market Fish, a variety of inspired salads, and my favorite, the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Maple Bacon Doughnuts!
A few weeks after the ground-floor flagship eatery opens, more culinary delights also operated by Great Maple will open. A new grab-and-go coffee shop in the lobby called Sketch Pad Café will serve assorted pastries accompanied by a selection of coffee and tea. Plus, an all-new menu will debut at the rooftop pool bar to be named Small Bytes, serving up salads, wraps, assorted cheese plates and more which you can enjoy with signature beverages.
Pixar-Themed Offerings You Can Enjoy Now
If guests are ready to “dive in” to the fun now, families can frolic at the hotel’s new “Finding Nemo”-themed splash pad and pool area! Recently opened for guests of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, this rooftop oasis features Pixel Pool, which is lined with relaxing loungers, along with Nemo’s Cove pop-jet splash pad, and the not-to-miss Crush’s Surfin’ Slide, a 186-foot-long waterslide inspired by the coolest sea turtle in the ocean. The adjacent play court and pool bar will open later this fall.
Near the pool, gather with friends on comfy couches surrounding firepits inspired by some of Pixar’s more hotheaded characters, including Jack-Jack from Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and Anger from Pixar’s “Inside Out.”
Back in the lobby, browse through the new gift shop STOR-E — a playful take on the Pixar film name “WALL-E” — featuring Pixar-themed apparel and toys, plus more Disneyland Resort souvenirs and sundries.
Plus, a new and expanded fitness center recently opened, offering treadmills, free weights and more complimentary for hotel guests. Keep an eye out for a mural of Mike and Sulley running on a treadmill, inspired by Pixar’s “Monsters University.”
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is open and welcoming guests during this transformation and offers the added benefits of staying on property at the Disneyland Resort, including a dedicated entrance across the street with direct access to Disney California Adventure Park.*
There’s much more to come, so don’t miss a thing!
*Both Theme Park admission and park reservation for Disney California Adventure Park are required for park entry at this special entrance for Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel guests, and a hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access.
Brightline has announced a partnership with Mears Transportation that will see the latter’s fleet “incorporated into Brightline’s innovative door-to-door booking service . . . enabling guests to easily plan and book their entire journey within one seamless transaction.” As part of the partnership, Mears Transportation will power “Shared Connect Shuttle” and “Luxury Private Ride,” services that will offer transportation between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resort.
The announcement coincides with the upcoming commencement of Brightline services between five South Florida stations and Orlando International Airport. Brightline will start to offer those services on September 22, its new partnership with Mears Transportation offering several ways for those who travel via Brightline to get to their ultimate destination.
rightline launched in 2018 as a rail service connecting Miami and West Palm Beach. The line currently services five South Florida stations and will add Orlando International Airport to its offerings this week. Service will ultimately extend (close to) the borders of Walt Disney World Resort, as the company plans to build a Brightline station near Disney Springs. Plans for a Brightline station near the site of Universal’s forthcoming Epic Universe have also been revealed.
Mears Transportation is an Orlando-based transportation service that has long provided shuttles between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resort. It started offering Mears Connect in 2022 after Disney ended its Disney’s Magical Express Service. Mears Connect formally merged with Sunshine Flyer, a similar service, in August of this year.
Read the full press release from Brightline announcing the partnership below.
Orlando, Fla. (Sept. 20, 2023) – Today, Brightline and Mears Transportation announced a new partnership that will conveniently connect travelers between the Brightline Orlando Station in partnership with Orlando Health and various popular destinations within the region. The Mears Transportation fleet will be incorporated into Brightline’s innovative door-to-door booking service, Brightline+, available on its mobile app and website, enabling guests to easily plan and book their entire journey within one seamless transaction. Additionally, Brightline guests wishing to reserve a car may enjoy special rates when booking through Brightline’s preferred partnership with Avis Car Rental.
The new Brightline+ Shared Connect Shuttle and Luxury Private Ride powered by Mears allow guests to effortlessly extend their journey by reserving transportation to and from Orlando International Airport’s Brightline train station. Reservations can be made during the booking process or added by modifying a trip closer to travel dates beginning October 4. Once booked, guests will receive a reservation confirmation directly from Mears with travel instructions including driver details, pickup location and vehicle identifiers.
“Last mile connectivity is an integral piece of the travel experience for our guests, Mears is the respected transportation leader in Central Florida and will be a valuable partner delivering our Brightline+ service in Orlando,” said Michael Lefevre, vice president of operations for Brightline. “Mears Transportation is familiar to Orlando travelers and a brand that aligns seamlessly with the level of hospitality our guests know and love.”
“As an Orlando based company, we are excited to welcome Brightline to Orlando and the Brightline guests traveling to and from the Orlando Station,” said Rebecca K Horton COO – Mears Transportation Group. “What a great addition to the Orlando area, connecting people between South and Central Florida! Brightline guests will have the opportunity to use Mears Luxury & Mears Connect services, pending their destination. We are grateful for the partnership with Brightline and our team is eager to get started.”
BRIGHTLINE+ IN ORLANDO
Shared Connect Shuttles Powered by Mears: Say hello to Orlando’s exclusive 24/7, Florida-themed shuttle service. Effortlessly connect to and from Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World® Resorts. This shared shuttle service provides access to over 25 top resorts. Exceptional convenience comes standard: one-way adult fares start at just $16, and child fares begin at $13. As a bonus, little adventurers aged 3 and under ride for free.
Luxury Private Rides Powered by Mears: For guests seeking to elevate their Orlando travels to the level of luxury they’ve come to expect from Brightline+, we introduce Luxury Private Rides powered by Mears. Arrive in style at your Orlando destination aboard our carefully curated fleet of luxury sedans, plush SUVs, and versatile vans. Elegance is just a booking away, with rates starting at $63 per vehicle.
BRIGHTLINE+ IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Fixed Route Shuttles: offer pickup and dropoff service to and from Brightline MiamiCentral and Fort Lauderdale Stations with complimentary shuttles to and from Aventura Mall at Brightline Aventura Station. Shuttles depart 10 minutes after each train arrival.
Airport Shuttles: bi-directional, fixed route shuttles provide pick ups at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) at a flat rate of $10 per person and can be paid upon boarding shuttles. Live Airport Connector shuttle status can be tracked here.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles powered by Circuit: complimentary, all-electric, walk-up, first-and-last-mile shuttle with services around stations and nearby downtown areas in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Special Event Shuttles: offer complimentary direct service to select games and events including the Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, Inter Miami, Miami Dolphins and events at Hard Rock Stadium.
Scooter rentals, BrightBike and CitiBike rentals are available at all south Florida stations.
Avis Car Rentals are now available in Orlando joining MiamiCentral, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Aventura Mall Stations. In Orlando, guests can reserve a rental car available in Terminal C, a short walk from the Train Station. In addition to enjoying BrightLine preferred pricing, guests can manage their rental by downloading the Avis app.
BRIGHTLINE+ UBER ORLANDO AND SOUTH FLORIDA
Riders can utilize private rides powered by Uber and its multiple mobility options in Central and South Florida, which can be reserved during the train booking process on the Brightline app or website. This Brightline+ service includes complimentary private rides available for PREMIUM ticket holders within a five-mile radius of all Brightline South Florida stations (Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach).
Brightline+ was launched in South Florida in 2021 to make it seamless for guests to connect to Brightline stations and surrounding destinations. For more information and details on Brightline+ including Orlando connectivity options visit gobrightline.com/mobility.
BRIGHTLINE ORLANDO TICKETS
Tickets between Orlando and Miami are now on sale for travel through March 2024 with one-way SMART fares starting at $79 for adults and $39 for kids. Groups of 4+ automatically save an additional 25 percent on SMART fares. One-way PREMIUM fares start at $149, a first class experience with added amenities including a dedicated PREMIUM lounge, priority boarding, checked luggage, and complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the journey. Purchase tickets now at gobrightline.com.
The previously-announced Figment Little Golden Book has revealed its cover ahead of its January 2024 publication. The book can be preordered now on Amazon.
Figment Little Golden Book
Written and illustrated by Jason Grandt, “Figment” includes lyrics from the Sherman Brothers-penned song “One Little Spark,” and explores the ideas of creativity and imagination.
The cover features the purple dragon in his yellow and red shirt, paintbrush in hand. Dreamfinder on his Dream Mobile can be seen in the background along the top right. The Imagination Pavilion is below, with guests standing around outside it.
While this is Figment’s first Little Golden Book, there have been others released in the past that are related to Disney attractions — including a box set with books based on the Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain, Orange Bird, the Haunted Mansion, and “it’s a small world.” Each of these Little Golden Books are also sold individually.
A set of 12 Little Golden Books commemorating the 100th anniversary of Disney as a company was also released in December last year.
Figment has been a staple of EPCOT since 1983, cherished and beloved by guests from past and present. Imagineers Tony Baxter and Steve Kirk led the development of a new, elaborate, adventurous dark ride for all ages at a time in which many visitors felt the park was lacking an experience children could appreciate as much as adults. Journey Into Imagination was born, and a little purple dragon became the central figure, along with the mystical Dreamfinder, who would help riders learn to explore and appreciate the limitless power and potential of their own creative minds.
Our indigo friend has had a rough go of it over the years, enduring three immensely different iterations of the ride to varying degrees of success, failure, love, and pure, loathsome hatred. Generally, the public regards the original version as overwhelmingly superior, the second as one of the worst attractions of all time, with the third and current design somewhere in between. Our full and in-depth Figment history is available here, in honor of Imagination’s 40th anniversary.
As the major overhaul of EPCOT began, it was rumored that a new attraction in the space would feature characters from Pixar’s “Inside Out” alongside Figment, who was featured briefly in an Easter egg in the film; however, no ride change was ever announced. Joy from “Inside Out” does now meet guests in ImageWorks.
While his home attraction continues to see its popularity wane and fade over time, the character continues to expand in popularity and presence across EPCOT and general media. In September 2022, Deadline broke the news that Disney is developing a movie based on Figment. The feature film will be produced by Seth Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures, with Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit (“Pokémon Detective Pikachu”) serving as writers.
Guests can now meet Figment in person at EPCOT. A new meet and greet featuring the fan-favorite character debuted inside the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT on September 10.
The Little Golden Book starring the little purple dragon full of imagination will release on January 2, 2024. You can pre-order it now on Amazon.
Disney World has issued a new warning about a permanent closure coming to one of its resorts, effective May 1.
For Guests who visit the Walt Disney World Resort, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to interactive attractions, thrilling rides with the latest in cutting-edge ride technology, Broadway-style stage shows, and dining venues that feature menus for every taste and many diets, with gluten-free options, nut-free options, vegan and vegetarian options and more.
Disney World is, by far, The Walt Disney Company’s largest theme Park Resort, encompassing more than 43 square miles, though not all of Disney World’s property is developed at this time. The Resort includes four unique and distinct theme parks–Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as two whimsically-themed water parks–Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
When it comes to dining at Disney World, the Resort offers more than 200 different places to grab a bite, and Guests have three options when it comes to exactly how they want to grab those bites. They can choose table-service dining, during which they are seated and enjoy the comfort and convenience of a server during the meal, or they can choose quick-service dining, which allows Guests to order meals via the My Disney Experience mobile app and pick up their orders at the restaurant to enjoy in a self-seating atmosphere.
Guests also have the option of stopping at a kiosk or pick-up location inside the parks, such as Fife and Drum Tavern at the American Adventure pavilion on the World Showcase at EPCOT. These locations offer walk-up windows and limited offerings, but they’re perfect for Guests who don’t want to miss a beat as they explore the four theme parks.
But there’s perhaps no greater variation in offerings than across Disney World’s Resort Hotels. There are more than two dozen of them, each one complete with specific theming and associated decor and elements, dining options, shops, and other offerings that make for an exciting experience that can serve as a vacation getaway, even without ever visiting a theme park.
From the very first Disney Resort Hotels built in the early 1970s, like Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, to the newest ones, like Disney’s Gran Destino Tower and Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney World’s menu of Resort Hotels is vast, meaning there’s literally something for every Guest. Disney World offers different levels of hotels, and Guests can choose a Value Resort, Deluxe Resort, Moderate Resort, or Villa.
The list of Disney World Resort Hotels from which to choose is extensive and includes Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Fort Wilderness and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Yacht Club, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Coronado Springs, Saratoga Springs, Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts, and more.
Disney World even has a Resort Hotel option on property that caters exclusively to members of the U. S. Armed Forces. Shades of Green originally opened at the Disney World Resort in December 1973 as the Golf Resort. The hotel boasted 151 rooms and was unique in that it was built of wood and volcanic rock and constructed to have the appearance of a country club. It was once owned and operated by Disney World, but today it is operated by the United States Department of Defense.
The Resort is nestled between two PGA championship golf courses in a wooded setting, complete with lush gardens and spectacular vistas. There are more than 600 oversized guestrooms and guest suites inside the resort, many with private patios and balconies from which Guests can watch the sunrise every morning. The Resort books up quickly, and as such, reservations are accepted up to one year in advance of Guests’ planned visits.
One of the most popular experiences enjoyed by Guests of Shades of Green is strolling along a paved walkway from Shades of Green to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The beautiful half-mile walkway offers Guests scenic views as they make their way to the Polynesian, and it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to walk between the two Resort Hotels. The experience is so popular among Guests that Shades of Green issued a statement online on Tuesday, warning Guests that construction related to the World Drive Expansion Project at the Disney World Resort will lead to the permanent closure of the walkway:
“Starting Monday, May 1, 2023, the World Drive Expansion Project will begin between Shades of Green and the Grand Floridian Resort,” the hotel shared in a statement. “We know that it’s a lovely stroll on the walkway from our hotel to the Polynesian Village Resort, [but] unfortunately, it will no longer be accessible.”
But Shades of Green offered Guests a reprieve, stating that transportation offerings to and from the Resort Hotel will be increased to help Guests quickly arrive at their destinations around the Walt Disney World Resort:
“But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’re adding extra buses to the Transportation and Ticket Center route, so you can still easily get to your destination. And the best part? It’s totally free! If you prefer to use your own vehicle, you can still do so, but please note that you will be responsible for the parking fee at the theme parks. Alternatively, you could use a ride-sharing service like Uber, Lyft, or the Minnie Van™ service by Lyft – all available within the Walt Disney World Resort.”
The Resort is one of the Armed Forces Recreation Center Resorts (AFRC) and is available exclusively to members of the U. S. Armed Forces, their families, and other authorized Guests, and eligibility requirements are strict:
Veterans who are Purple Heart recipients, veterans who are former POWs, all veterans with VA-documented service-connected disability ratings, and individuals assessed, approved, and designated as the Primary Family Caregivers of eligible veterans under the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers are eligible Shades of Green Resort users when identified as follows:
Veterans must present a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) indicating at least one of the three acceptable eligibility statuses (PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW, or SERVICE CONNECTED); or HEC form H623A indicating placement in VA health care priority group 8E paired with an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant State driver’s license or a U.S. passport.
To learn more about Shades of Green, click on the video below, or visit the official Shades of Green website by clicking here.
