Copy
MAIN STREET TOURIST NEWSLETTER
Hey friends!

Happy Friday!! How is everyone doing this week? This has been a busy week for me. I'm happy the weekend is upon us!

There were some changes this week to the rules and guidelines at Walt Disney World & Disneyland that you should be aware of if you are planning a visit to either coast. 

Select dates for "Disney After Hours" events have been added through June (more info below). I'm so excited that some of the new dates now overlap with my scheduled trip to WDW in May! I will finally be able to attend one of these awesome events. I have heard nothing but GREAT things and I can't wait to experience it!! 

So, let's jump right in and get to all the details!
NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK
Enhancements Coming to ABC Commissary
in Hollywood Studios
Adding to the evolution of Hollywood Studios, Disney announced exciting changes coming to ABC Commissary! This popular lunch and dinner quick service restaurant serves classic and international flair amid the Art Deco setting of this Hollywood commissary. 

There are a variety of menu and decor changes, but I think one of the most important for you to know is the restaurant will now offer reserved seating after 4PM starting with bookings on June 2, 2019. 

Currently, starting at 4PM daily, you can enjoy a fast-casual dinner experience allowing you to place your order at any one of the cash registers.  You receive a pager and find a comfortable place to sit. When your order is ready, the food is served right to your table. With the addition of reservations, you can now enjoy this same fast-casual dining experience but now with guaranteed seating. Reservations are available starting today!

For more information on the menu and decor changes, click here.
 

Strollers, Smoking & Ice - Changes Coming Coast to Coast

As families count down to their next Disney vacation or are in process of planning one, it's important to read and understand all of the rules before your vacation begins.  General rules can be found here: Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

Disney has announced a few changes to the rules for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. 

STROLLERS
Beginning May 1, if you bring or rent a stroller on your Disney vacation, be aware that the size guidelines on strollers are changing.  Strollers can be no larger than 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long. The good news – many strollers on the market, including many double jogging strollers, fit within these size guidelines.

REMINDER: Wagons are not permitted in the parks and beginning May 1, stroller wagons will no longer be permitted either.

These updates are designed to help guest flow and ease congestion, making the parks more enjoyable for everyone.

SMOKING
Beginning May 1, smoking areas will no longer be available inside Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex or Downtown Disney District in California.

TIP: Designated smoking areas will be available outside the entrances of the areas listed above and at Disney Springs in Florida. For guests who have room or dining reservations, smoking areas are also available at Disney Resort hotels.

LOOSE ICE
Starting immediately, if you plan to bring a cooler or cooler bag to store snacks and drinks, it’s important to know that loose or dry ice are no longer permitted in our parks.

TIP: You can use reusable ice packs instead or freeze water in water bottles. Don't forget you can also visit any Quick Service location for free ice or ice water.  

PLANNING INFO & OTHER WDW NEWS

#DisneyParksLIVE will Stream "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" Live from Epcot on April 9th at 8:55PM EST.
Visit the Disney Parks Blog page to watch! 

"Disney After Hours" Events - The Ultimate Nighttime Experience
Disney has added select dates in May and June for the ever-popular and well-attended "Disney After Hours" Event. This amazing opportunity allows Guests to visit Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios after park closing to experience unlimited snacks, drinks and access to attractions with little to no lines. To purchase tickets or learn more visit the following pages: Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom



New Film "Awesome Planet" Coming to The Land Pavilion in Epcot
Disney has announced a new film coming to the Harvest Theater - home to the former Circle of Life movie. “Awesome Planet,” an on-screen exploration of the realm we call home, showcases the spectacular beauty, diversity and dynamic story of our earth with all the grandeur guests have come to expect. This is one of several new cinematic films (Beauty and the Beast Sing-A-Long in the France Pavilion, updates to the film in the Canada Pavilion and the new Circle-Vision film in the China Pavilion) and  coming to Epcot during the parks transformation over the next several years. An opening date has not been announced yet.

Fancy Nancy is Coming to Hollywood Studios
Starting on May 1, Guests will be able to find Nancy at an all-new character greeting location in the Animation Courtyard. Nancy will also soon be part of the breakfast-time fun during Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine. To make way for Nancy, Sofia the First will be leaving both Hollywood & Vine and the Animation Courtyard.

Bollywood Beats Stage Show at Animal Kingdom
This energetic show brings traditional Indian dance together with the fire of Hindi film. Bollywood Beats will be presented several times daily at the stage across from the Anandapur Theater in Asia.

Early Morning Magic Hours Added for Summer
Disney has added early morning magic hours for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. This allows Guests to enter the parks before park opening and experience the park(s) with minimal crowds. Click here to purchase your tickets for this event. There are various dates through August for Magic Kingdom, and through May for Hollywood Studios. 

Ralph and Vanellope Moving to a New Location in Epcot
You can now meet Ralph and Vanellope daily in the ImageWorks area of the Imagination Pavilion! 

Dapper Day Returns
April 27th and 28th - Magic Kingdom (April 27) and Epcot (April 28) For more information, click here!
November 16th and 17th - specific parks to be announced at a later date
Read complete details here

Sun in the Fun Hotel Offer
If you are thinking about planing a vacation to Walt Disney World, now is the time! Take advantage of current offers providing deep discounts on hotels. These discounts are for room-only reservations.
  • Save up to 25% for stays most nights April 28 through May 27, 2019 when you book through May 27, 2019
  • Save up to 30% for stays most nights May 28 through September 30, 2019 when you book through March 24, 2019
Click here for more great offers for Guests visiting Walt Disney World in 2019. There are great Annual Passholder discounts and rates as well! Take advantage will all of the new things happening in the parks this year.

Discover Disney Special Ticket Offer (Florida Residents ONLY)

For a limited time, Florida residents can purchase a 4-day Discover Disney Ticket for less than $49 per day plus tax (valid for admission to one theme park per day). Here are the ticket details:

  • 3-day Discover Disney Ticket (one theme park per day) – $175 (plus tax), that’s less than $59 per day (plus tax)
  • 4-day Discover Disney Ticket (one theme park per day) – $195 (plus tax), that’s less than $49 per day (plus tax)

Tickets can be purchased now through June 27, 2019, and must be used by June 30, 2019. Valid proof of Florida residency is required. With these special tickets, residents can visit any three or four days through June 30, 2019, with no block out dates.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable and exclude activities and events separately priced. For more information, click here.

REFURBISHMENT SCHEDULE
Mickey's Backyard BBQ - Disney's Fort Wilderness
Now officially and permanently closed to make way for an all-new resort! 

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop  - The Beach Club Resort
Set to close in early August 2019 and reopen in December 2019.  Currently, the last date available for advanced dining reservations at Beaches & Cream is Saturday, August 3.

Tomorrowland Speedway - Magic Kingdom
Closed now through mid-May 2019

Walt Disney World Railroad, Main Street U.S.A - Magic Kingdom
Closed now through TBD

Tower of Terror - Hollywood Studios
Tower of Terror will be undergoing refurbishments this Spring and Summer. It will still be open, but running at a lower capacity. Expect less available FastPass+ and longer standby wait times.

Rafiki's Planet Watch - Animal Kingdom
Scheduled to re-open Summer 2019! The area will include a few new enhancements and join the celebration of all things “The Lion King.”
REMINDERS & UPCOMING EVENTS
MAGIC KINGDOM

Mickey & Minnie's Surprise Celebration
This new celebration will will honor those true originals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, with new entertainment, merchandise and specialty food and beverages. Mickey & Minnie will greet guests together inside Town Square, and there will even be a guestbook for Guests to sign. 
Dates: Now through September 30, 2019

Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party!
With an all-new song, “It’s a Good Time,” this new parade will make its way down Main Street USA several times daily. Join in the fun with all of your beloved friends including Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and many others.
Dates: Now through September 30, 2019

Rare Character Meet & Greet
Rare characters have been appearing daily for meet and greets at the flag pole near the entrance to the park. They are unpublished and anyone's guess who will show up each day! But here's a list of the characters that have been spotted and chances are you will see one or some of them during your visit:
  • Judy & Nick
  • Phineas & Ferb
  • Gideon & Foulfellow
  • Remy & Emile
  • Prince John & Friar Tuck
  • Chicken Little & Abby Mallard
  • Robin Hood & Little John
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
It's hard to believe but tickets are on sale for MNSSHP! Here are this year's dates:
  • August 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
  • September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
  • October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
  • November 1
Call 407-827-7350 or visit waltdisneyworld.com for details.

EPCOT

26th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Welcome Spring in the best way possible at the annual Flower & Garden Festival with brilliant flowers, topiaries, gardens, fresh flavors and awesome entertainment, featured in Future World and World Showcase! Click here for your complete foodie guide
Dates: March 6, 2019 - June 3, 2019 

Guardians of the Galaxy - Awesome Mix Live! Returns this Summer!
Star-Lord and Gamora of Guardians of the Galaxy will take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos, highlighting hits from Star-Lord’s Awesome Mix tapes. Live shows will take place daily this summer. 
Dates: June 14, 2019 - August 18, 2019 

Hollywood Studios

Celebrate Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary
Enjoy special anniversary merchandise, additional character greetings and more food & beverage offerings to purchase.
Dates: May 1, 2019


“Wonderful World of Animation” Show 
This new show will use state-of-the-art projection technology to take guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation, all beginning with Mickey himself. According to Disney Parks Blog, this show will be a projection show on the Chinese Theater and not a replacement for Fantasmic. More than likely, they will run simultaneously, so you’ll need to choose one or the other.
Dates: May 1, 2019

Celebrate May 4th at Hollywood Studios
Come dressed in your best galactic Star Wars attire*. Prepare yourself for Epic Character Encounters including Chewbacca with REY, Darth Vadar, Kylo Ren with CAPTAIN PHASMA, Ewoks, Jawas and imperial stormtroopers. Plus, specialty treats available for purchase. *Be sure your costume fits within these park guidelines.
Dates: May 4, 2019

Incredibles Come to Pixar 
The entire area will be transformed into Metroville, the world of The Incredibles. There will be a dance party, a meet and greet with Edna Mode, photo ops, and more! 
Dates: Now through September 30, 2019
 
Mike & Sully Meet and Greet 
Meet your favorite characters from Monsters, Inc. 
Dates:  Now through September 30, 2019
 
Lightning McQueen Racing Academy 
Lightning demonstrates what he’s learned over the years by using his brand-new, state-of-the-art racing simulator and its wraparound screen. After the show, you’ll even have the chance to snap a photo with trainer-turned-racer Cruz Ramirez just outside the Academy.
Dates: March 31, 2019

Animal Kingdom

Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party
A family-friendly event featuring music, dance, games and some of your favorite Disney friends—including Timon and Rafiki. Daily on the Discovery Island stage.
Dates: Now through September 30, 2019
 
Tree of Life "Lion King" Projection Show
Starting Memorial Day Weekend and appearing nightly through September 30, new projections on the Tree of Life will feature music and animation paying tribute to the classic film.
Dates: Memorial Day Weekend - September 30, 2019
MST TIP OF THE DAY (WEEKLY RECAP)
In case you missed it on social media, here is a recap of my tips for this week! 

Be sure to follow along on social media (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) for the latest tips, news and information!! 
As always, thank you for following along and reading! If you enjoy reading these newsletters, feel free to share with family or friends so they can sign up for them too! Just hit one of the "share" buttons below and spread the word! I'd be forever grateful! 

Until next week...have a magical weekend and week ahead! 
Marnie  ºoº
Share
Tweet
Forward
Pin
HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

If you hit reply, it comes right to my inbox.
I'll get back to you shortly.
Twitter
Facebook
Website
Instagram
Pinterest
Copyright © 2018-2019  Main Street Tourist, All rights reserved.

Our email address is:
info@mainstreettourist.com
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Write by the Magic · 200 Epcot Center Drive · Orlando, FL 32821 · USA

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp