Hey guys!
Happy Friday!! I hope everyone is doing well!
It's been a long week for me! I've been pretty quiet on my social platforms since coming back from Walt Disney World on Monday. Unfortunately I caught a nasty cold on the flight back, so I've been nursing that all week. I'm feeling better by the day...I will be back in action soon enough! In the meantime, I've been laying a bit low.
Onto more fun things... Walt Disney World was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G last weekend! Is it ever not? :) My bestie and I had a blast running from park to park - we hit all four parks in 2 days and tried to get in as much of the "new" stuff as we could! It was HOT and MUGGY! Oh my, I was melting! I have lots to share with you over the coming weeks and more tips and tricks I learned on this trip - stay tuned!
So without further ado, let's jump and get to the news of the week!!
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NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK
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NEW Dining Experience at Restaurantosaurus in Animal Kingdom!
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An all-new dinner dining experience is coming to Animal Kingdom! Beginning August 18, on select nights, you can reserve your spot to enjoy an entrée, side dish and even build your own sundae for just $22.99 ($14.99 - kids ages 3-9) or 1 quick-service credit (if on the Disney Dining Plan).
Dinner includes your choice of a burger, a chicken sandwich, a veggie burger, and a salad; either fries or onion rings and a non-alcoholic beverage. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. After dinner, pick up your bowl of 2 scoops of ice cream; visit the toppings bar with create your very own sundae!
To reserve your spot, call 407 WDW-DINE (407 939-3463). Regular quick service dining at Restaurantosaurus will still be available.
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The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
Rafiki's Planet Watch
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There is an all-new experience coming to Rafiki's Planet Watch when it re-opens on July 11! Inspired by Walt Disney's love of animals and wildlife, Guests will have an opportunity to learn about the animals that live at Disney and draw a personalized piece of Disney art in an instructor-led animation class.
FastPass+ reservation are available for this new experience. You can begin making those selections today.
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FastPass+ Changes Coming to Hollywood Studios
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Have you heard the news? FastPass+ changes are coming to Hollywood Studios, just in time for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
Beginning August 29th, the following will be considered Tier 1 attractions:
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Alien Swirling Saucer
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- Tower of Terror
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
You will get to choose 1 from the above choices, and the 2nd and 3rd FastPass+ selections will be from the remaining attractions at the studios such as Star Tours and the shows (Beauty and the Beast, The Voyage of the Little Mermaid, etc.).
It will be interesting the see how this plays out once SWGE opens and this new Tier structure goes into effect. Remember, the attractions in SWGE will not have FP+ when it first opens. That could change down the road, but in the initial weeks (perhaps months), FP+ will not be offered.
What I do know for sure is having all five of these main attractions bucketed as Tier 1 will cause extra long wait times, since you can't select more than 1 for your 3 initial FP+s. That said, I think long lines are to be expected no matter what, once SWGE opens. Only time will tell how the new Tiers will impact crowd levels and flow throughout the park.
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PLANNING INFO & OTHER WDW NEWS
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Annual Passholder Discounts for Table Service Restaurants
From June 11 through July 2, Disney Annual Passholders can save 20% on lunch at select Walt Disney World locations. Normally the discount is 10%. For a list of all locations, click here.
There are also a ton of Passholder Extras with GREAT discounts. Check that out here!
Dapper Day Returns
November 15 (Disney Springs), 16 (Hollywood Studios - Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge) and 17 (Epcot). Read complete details here. AND you can now SHOP for fun Dapper Day accessories! For more, click here!
Ticket and Vacation OffersOne World Ticket - One sale June 4, the all-new Summer One World Ticket is a great way to experience all four theme parks and two water parks for only $74 per admission (plus tax). Visit waltdisneyworld.com to purchase.
Limited-Time Get Your Ears On Ticket Offer - Florida Residents can purchase a 4-day ticket for $55 per day, plus tax (total of $219 plus tax)—or purchase a 3-day ticket for $67 per day, plus tax (total of $199 plus tax). For complete details, click here.
Spring/Summer Vacation Offers - Walt Disney World has released many vacation offers for Spring & Summer. You can check out all of them here.
Discover Disney Ticket (Florida Residents Only) - For a limited time, Florida residents can purchase a special 3-day or 4-day Discover Disney Ticket for less than $59 or $49 respectively per day plus tax. For full details click here.
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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.
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 July 11! The area will include a few new enhancements and join the celebration of all things “The Lion King.”
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REMINDERS & UPCOMING EVENTS
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MAGIC KINGDOM
Mickey & Minnie's Surprise Celebration
Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party!
Don't miss the Mickey & Minnie meet & greet inside Town Square! And be sure to enjoy the new street party featuring an all new song "It's a Good Time" as it makes its way down Main Street (several times daily).
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!
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
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
See my complete guide here!
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Here are this year's dates:
- November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24
- December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22
See my complete guide here!
EPCOT
Guardians of the Galaxy - Awesome Mix Live! Returns this Summer!
Live shows highlighting hits from Star-Lord’s Awesome Mix tapes for Guardians of the Galaxy. Shows will take place daily.
Dates: June 14, 2019 - August 18, 2019
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth Ending
IlluminNations: Reflections of Earth will end it's 20-year run making way for an all-new nighttime spectacular.
Dates: September 30, 2019
Epcot Forever
Temporarily replacing IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, Epcot forever will tap into the history of Epcot through music, imagery, laser, fireworks and more!
Dates: October 1, 2019
Epcot Food & Wine Festival
Celebrate one of the biggest festivals of the year with delectable food, drinks and entertainment. See my complete guide here.
Dates: August 29 - November 23, 2019
Epcot Festival of the Holidays
Celebrate all the delights of the season, including the Candlelight Processional!
Dates: November 29 - December 30, 2019
Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Grand Opening
Dates: August 29, 2019
Animal Kingdom
Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party
Dance party including Timon and Rafiki. Daily on the Discovery Island stage.
Dates: Now through September 30, 2019
Tree of Life "Lion King" Projection Show
New projections on the Tree of Life featuring music and animation paying tribute to the classic film.
Dates: Memorial Day Weekend - September 30, 2019
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MST TIP OF THE DAY (WEEKLY RECAP)
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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!!
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As always, thank you for following along and reading! I truly appreciate it!
Until next week...have a magical weekend and week ahead!
Marnie ºoº
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HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?
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I'll get back to you shortly.
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