Top of the World Lounge at Contemporary Resort Reopening Soon

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts, Magic Kingdom

Popular among Disney Vacation Club Members, the Top of the World Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is finally reopening in July after being closed since March 2020.

From a Disney Cast Member;

This summer marks the return of one of Disney Vacation Club Members’ favorite places around the neighborhood: the Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

On July 11, the lounge will officially reopen to *eligible members, which upon closer inspection, reveals a few new details.

Though long gone by now, it seems our Disney Villains briefly settled in while the lounge was closed, leaving behind a few infamous portraits and accessories.

Our cast embraced this latest chapter in the lounge’s ongoing story by creating a new, Villain-inspired menu of fiendish fare – from “Cherna-Board” of meats and cheeses and herb-roasted “Unfortunate Souls Shrimp” to “Lair-Made Hummus” and “Who’s Afraid of Pork Belly Sliders” – paired with cleverly named cocktails like “The Other Side,” “The Underworld” and “Mirror Mirror Moonshine.”

Like the villains who lounged before you, toast to your travels and relish in rebellious recipes while swapping stories of wicked fun and plotting your next (vacation) escape before capping the evening with a rooftop viewing of the “Disney Enchantment” nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom Park.

Welcome home to Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair. For the most current information on operating hours and upcoming events exclusive to *eligible Members, please visit DisneyVacationClub.com.

*Ownership interests must be purchased directly from Disney Vacation Club Development, Inc. in order to have access to this offer. These options are part of Membership Extras, which are incidental benefits subject to availability, change or termination. Access to Top of the World Lounge requires a valid photo ID, digital Disney Vacation Club Membership Card and Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation.

What’s Cooking at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Reopening June 23

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

The wait is nearly over! It’s almost time to raise the curtain and bring on the food once again at a true classic at Walt Disney World Resort. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue will soon be opening its doors once again on June 23 for a musical extravaganza accompanied by a family-style feast. Over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Guests will find Pioneer Hall and within its walls the Pioneer Hall Players who are ready to dance and sing their way into the hearts of our Guests!

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue plays host to some of the best comfort food around. As the gang brings on the tunes, the servers bring on the food. Not to mention, it’s all-you-care-to-enjoy with fountain drinks and for those over 21, red and white sangria, draft beer, and wine are also included!

Whether Guests have never experienced it before or they’ve been longing for its return, this outing is not one to be missed upon reopening. 

Alrighty, it’s showtime! Let’s get into the food and drinks soon to be served up at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.

Once Guests sit down, they better have your appetite ready because the feasting begins right off the bat. The Hoop Salad is simple yet incredibly satisfying with the signature “hoop” vinaigrette topped with sharp white cheddar, cucumbers, and tomatoes. The House-made Cornbread with delicious honey butter is to die for. Guests can also nibble on the tasty Creamy Coleslaw before the main course graces their table. 

The tastebuds are in for a real treat because once Guests see what dishes will lie before them, they’ll want to chow down immediately! First up, we’ve got the Pecan-smoked BBQ Pork Ribs with BBQ sauce. This dish is a BBQ-lovers dream with delicious flavors that just melt in the mouth. The other main plate is the one, the only – the Legendary Fried Chicken – and it tastes just like how it sounds … legendary. 

What dinner is complete without some yummy side dishes? Hoop-Dee-Doo brings its A-game to the stage with its accompaniments. The Cornbread-crusted Macaroni and Cheese is an explosion of flavors and truly is the ultimate comfort food and the Home-style Mashed Potatoes pair perfectly with the fried chicken and pork ribs. And rounding out the sides is a classic – Cowboy Beans because you can’t have some BBQ without some beans!

And now for the grand finale, the delectable ‘Ma’s Famous Strawberry Shortcake topped with whipped cream and strawberries. This can’t-miss dessert is a staple of Pioneer Hall and is the perfect way to finish up your foodie evening.

Guests with dietary needs or restrictions for any of these eats should let the chef know when they check-in and they’ll get an alternative dish that’s just as delicious to enjoy while watching the show!

Now that we’ve talked about the food, we’ve got to discuss the drinks! In addition to the included beverages Guests can enjoy, there are a few new adult beverage options to sip on for an added cost. Try the new The Giddy-Up cocktail featuring the hall barkeep’s blend of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, and freshly brewed iced tea. Guests can also choose from an assortment of locally crafted beers including Tampa Bay Brewing Elephant Foot IPA, Cigar City Jai Alai IPA, Cigar City Maduro Brown Ale, Orange Blossom Pilsner, Central 28 UnderDuck Lager, and 3 Daughters Brewing Blonde Ale.

Harmony Barber Shop Reopening this Summer at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

One of parents’ most cherished memories is the first time their little one visits the barber to shorten their unruly, yet luscious locks. How special it would be to share this moment with her at The Most Magical Place on Earth!

A mainstay of Magic Kingdom Park since opening day, Harmony Barber Shop is opening its doors once again on July 31 for the world’s most magical haircut. Considered by many to be a rite-of-passage, the cherished “My First Haircut” experience is making its return as stylists eagerly await to shower their young friends with magic and extra special pixie dust for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration to commemorate this special milestone. In fact, Guests of all ages are welcome to take a break from the hustle and bustle and let our friendly stylists polish you up for a day at the park.

To ensure service is a cut above the rest, a limited number of reservations for this timeless experience will be bookable in the My Disney Experience app beginning June 28. For those who wish to look sharp at the park, walk-in appointments will be accepted based on availability.

This marks a special moment for Magic Kingdom Park as our final Main Street locale reopens its doors to invite young and old alike to share in the cheer of yesteryear. We look forward to providing families with magical memories in the whimsical nostalgia of a bygone era. 

And for inquiring (and eager!) minds, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will also begin reopening its doors for royal transformations later this year at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for all the sparkling details.

Aunty’s Beach House to Reopen at Aulani Resort May 25

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Aunty’s Beach House at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, will reopen May 25, treating keiki (kids) ages 5-12 to fun and adventure and – for the first time – offering evening activities the whole family can enjoy.

Designed as a typical hale or house where kids might visit their “aunty,” the rollicking kids club puts the focus on fun. Each of the six colorful rooms is dedicated to different activities – from a movie room to computer lab, arts and crafts studio to a game room.

Parents can reserve a playtime in Aunty’s Beach House between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily for secured children’s programming. During these hours, parents may select 1.5 hours of playtime for complimentary themed activities on “Uncle’s Side” of the house or 2 hours on “Aunty’s Side” of the house for premium activities. Reservations are required, please see below for details.

Complimentary activities include interactive games and arts and crafts based on the theme of the day. Premium activities include Surf’s Up, A Surfin’, Fishin’ and Dancin’ Party with Disney friends. Children will learn about the ocean, catch a wave on carpet surfboards with Max and get the somewhat wacky lowdown on fishing Hawai‘i waters with Goofy.

And now, the whole family can get in on the fun with “after hours” activities from 4-9 p.m. when Aunty’s Beach House turns into an evening entertainment venue. Families can choose from an assortment of complimentary and premium activities where they can learn to play the ‘ukulele, get together for a lesson in animation, or make lasting memories with photo opportunities in front of surfing scenes and other colorful backdrops.

Aunty’s Beach House reopens with new operations, safety and health protocols in place. Among them: face covering requirements, capacity limits, physical distancing, spacing between craft benches and play areas and temperature checks.

Reservations for Aunty’s Beach House are required and will begin on May 11 at 10 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time (1 p.m. PDT) for reservations on May 25. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance by calling (808) 674-6943 from 7 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily. Programs are subject to change.

Disney Reveals When Expedition Everest Will Reopen

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

According to Walt Disney World’s official calendar, Expedition Everest will be returning on April 16. The attraction will also be available on Disney Genie and Disney’s Lightning Lane services. The website does note that this will last until August:

Until August 7, 2022, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Frozen Ever After, Space Mountain and Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain will be included via Disney Genie+ service and will not be included as an individual Lightning Lane selection.

Expedition Everest at night