Did you know you can dine at Trader Sam’s at both US Disney Parks? It’s true! Which one is the “better” Trader Sam’s? Trader Sam’s Does the name Trader Sam sound familiar to you? You may know him as the famed Adventureland explorer who traveled the world looking for treasures. You will see nods to […]
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According to Deadline, the plight of Confederates who left the U.S. for Brazil after the American Civil War will be the spotlight for the new drama series Americana. What’s Happening: The “Confederados” who left the U.S. for Brazil after the American Civil War will be the basis of Disney’s new drama series Americana. This two-season, […]
The post Disney’s New Star+ Series “Americana” Tracks Confederates Who Left the U.S. for Brazil appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.
Hey, friends. Boy, did I wake up with an idea in mind that I simply must share with you. I went to sleep last night thinking about Disney’s announcement that the StarCruiser experience will close later this year and what caused it to fall over. As many have already said, the pricing was a prohibitive aspect for much of its market, a market that was admittedly quite limited. The project targeted a small niche of guests looking for this specific Star Wars experience with an enthusiasm for role-playing. Even if I were a Star Wars fan, this interaction style would count me out. Though this morning, I woke up with an idea that could see Disney make the best use of this facility while opening up the resort to a much broader audience.
One complaint that I heard constantly about this hotel was the lack of attention to detail when it came to the decor. However, I now see that this could become an asset when re-purposed into a new resort. While no official word has been released on what will happen with this property, I have an idea to offer. What if Disney were to turn this into a standard resort with themed wings that offered different stories to share? For example, one area could remain as Star Wars, but then you have so many more options that could use a similar theming with minor changes in decor, like, The Mandalorian, Buzz Lightyear, Wall-E, or Planet Turo from Lilo & Stitch. Similar to the All-Star Movies Resort, where you have themed rooms and areas, could this resort become themed accommodation for the park? I can imagine a space, excuse the pun, themed toward Guardians of the Galaxy‘s Knowhere that gets dressed up for the holidays with the colored lights from the Holiday Special.
If you tuned into Tuesday’s show, you might have heard the crew talking about this very topic, specifically, that not only that it was too expensive for most fans as an add-on to a park visit but also that it lacked an element of repeatability that would bring guests back time and time again. Even if you weren’t to stay at the resort, imagine visiting for character breakfasts that were differently themed throughout the week. By diversifying the character base, removing the role-playing, and taking more of a themed accommodation approach, guests could have a more cost-effective option that brings them back to the parks and essentially a classic hotel experience in an unexplored way. At the same time, by keeping similar theming, Disney would have the option to carry out special weekends or events where they did introduce some of that social interaction for special occasions. I can see this working…
Let me know what you think. What space characters could you see making a home in this resort if Disney were to look at a new approach to the idea?
The post Could Disney’s Ex-StarCruiser Become the Best New Themed Resort? first appeared on DIS.
Guests sailing aboard the Disney Wish can now purchase their own DisneyBand+ as the wearable technology begins its roll-out to the Disney Cruise Line fleet. What’s Happening: Guests sailing onboard the Disney Wish beginning June 12th and beyond, who are within 45-11 days of their sail date, are now invited to purchase a DisneyBand+. With DisneyBand+, […]
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The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger rejected ideas to retheme Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser or offer tours to day guests, The Wrap reports.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be permanently closing this September after a little more than a year and a half of operation. Disney has not stated what will happen to the facility after that, but there were behind-the-scenes conversations about retheming Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.
According to The Wrap, there were talks of turning Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser into an experience inspired by “The Mandalorian,” perhaps the most popular “Star Wars” property right now. It was also suggested to give day guests “tours” of the hotel that would include access to the bar, dinner, and gift shop.
CEO Bob Iger decided to instead shut Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser down.
As a Disney insider told The Wrap, only a small portion of wealthy guests were able to visit Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. “Once you went through the one-percenters who could afford it and the fanatical ‘Star Wars’ fans who would sell their mother to do it, you were done,” they said.
Another Disney insider told The Wrap, “No one connected to this came off well.”
Last week, Disney made the surprise announcement that they’d be closing their themed hotel aimed at immersive storytelling permanently after only one year and a few months of operation. Starcruiser has been burdened since before its opening, shrouded in financial troubles, budget cuts, high prices, low occupancy, and inconsistent levels of satisfaction when individuals compare what was delivered with what was initially promised in conceptual stages. Above all, the struggling resort was prohibitively expensive for the vast majority of potentially interested guests, with costs frequently exceeding multiple thousands of dollars for a brief, two-night stay.
Several days ago, the final voyage in late September sold out.
Though Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser did not perform as well as Disney had hoped, it will be a $300 million tax write-off.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser also has the distinction of winning the 2022 TEA Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in Brand Experience.
Curious about the full experience? Check out our guide to everything on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser and our honest, in-depth review.
Take a look at our recent Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser coverage using the links below:
What are your thoughts on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser closing? We’d like to see your opinions in the comments below.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post CEO Bob Iger Rejected ‘The Mandalorian’ and Other Retheme Ideas for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser appeared first on WDW News Today.
We know a lot about the Imagineering legends who were instrumental in creating Disneyland, including Marc and Alice Davis, Rolly Crump, Bob Gurr, Mary Blair, and many more, but there’s one Imagineer who managed to fly under the radar even though she’s responsible for designing many of the park’s most iconic elements. It’s my pleasure […]
The post Meet Tania McKnight Norris: Walt Disney’s Secret Imagineering Weapon appeared first on MiceChat.
June is Pride Month, and both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will be celebrating with a variety of delicious dishes and sips expertly created by Disney’s talented teams of chefs and mixologists. Let’s take a look at what’s available in an all-new Foodie Guide. Walt Disney World Resort Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge The Mara (Available June 1 through 30; […]
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The Japan Pavilion at EPCOT is one of the more picturesque of the countries in the World Showcase. It also is one of the best spots for shopping and food. Unlike others, the courtyard is one of the largest, making it feel so spacious. For many guests, this is their favorite pavilion, and I can see why, even though it isn’t mine. The other day I took a stroll through the area and mentally made a list of the best and worst parts of the pavilion; now I want to share that list with you.
The quick service location, Katsura Grill, which is nestled up on top of the hill, deserves to be on the best list for many reasons. The outdoor seating area and the surrounding parts are nice and quiet. It is a peaceful spot to relax and step away from the masses. Up here, you get a beautiful view of the pavilion and the nearby lush gardens.
The food in the restaurant is delicious, especially if you enjoy Japanese cuisine. I love ordering the Tokyo Sushi Combo or the Spicy Roll from here. If I’m not in the mood for sushi and it’s chilly outside, then I like to order the Yasai Udon noodle bowl. There are other food options here, but to me, this one is the best.
Next on the list is the Mitsukoshi Department Store. Whenever I talk to anyone about the Japan Pavilion, the conversation always centers around the store. Here guests will be able to discover an array of authentic and traditional Japanese gifts. This is the only Mitsukoshi store that exists in North America. That’s a pretty big deal. My favorite section of the store is the section where you can get a pearl! I always think this is such a fun experience, and I love standing on the side watching guests participate.
One of the most incredible things at this pavilion is the Koi Pond near the towering blue-roofed pagoda. I love to stand there and watch them swim around while hearing the flowing streams. In this area, there are also a few bridges and walking areas that make you feel transported to somewhere far from Disney.
It’s hard to say that something is the worst here. While making my mental list, only one thing made it onto my list.
This made it onto my list not because of the museum’s content but because it smells so bad every time I go in here. I do think it’s time to update this experience to make it a bit more inviting. When I was passing by, there was no one in there. It felt like an abandoned space. I think this is not on par with the rest of the pavilion.
All in all, I love this pavilion so much; it has so much to offer. There’s a different type of peace that comes out of here. Morocco is peaceful, but not on this level. The lush gardens and flowing streams make it feel like a whole different world. Now that I’ve shared my list, I’d love to know your best and worst list for the Japan Pavilion. Tell us in the comments so we can compare.
The post The Best and Worst Parts of EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion first appeared on DIS.
MagicBand+ is now available for select Disney Cruise Line guests to purchase online before their upcoming sailings. MagicBand+ will be known as DisneyBand+ on Disney Cruise Line and will be available for Disney Wish sailings beginning June 12.
Guests sailing onboard the Disney Wish beginning June 12th and beyond, who are within 45-11 days of their sail date, are now invited to purchase a DisneyBand+.
With DisneyBand+, Guests will experience the newest technology at sea, and see all the ways in which DisneyBand+ can create magic on their sailing. From boarding the ship on embarkation day and accessing their stateroom, to charging specialty food and merchandise to the payment card on a stateroom folio and more, DisneyBand+ adds convenience, fun and more magic to a Disney cruise. Guests with a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort MagicBand+ may also use it as a DisneyBand+ when sailing with Disney Cruise Line, starting with the Disney Wish preview.
DisneyBand+ is a waterproof, rechargeable wristband designed to enhance your Disney cruise experience. Wear your DisneyBand+ during your port arrival experience (available at US ports only) and enjoy hands-free convenience as you make your way on to the ship.
DisneyBand+ provides hands-free convenience throughout the ship and on shore at Disney Castaway Cay. Plus, enchanting surprises await! DisneyBand+ brings onboard magic to life with special interactions around the ship.
Key to the World cards will continue to be issued and can be used as they are today, including to access your stateroom and charging food and merchandise purchases to the payment card on your stateroom folio.
Your Key to the World and photo ID (for Guests 18 and older), will still be required to debark and embark at Ports of Call.
Guests on select Disney Wish sailings can order a DisneyBand+ by visiting My Reservations between 11 and 45 days of their sail date, if their reservation is paid in full (while supplies last). Shipping is available to US addresses only (excluding PO Boxes, APO, FPO, DPO, or any cruise ports). There will also be a limited selection of bands available for purchase on board (while supplies last).
Solid bands cost $34.99, and themed designs cost $44.99, plus tax. Shipping is included.
The expected wait time for your DisneyBand+ is approximately 10 business days from the date of your order, unless otherwise noted.
You will not be able to return or exchange your band because DisneyBand+ is non-refundable.
Disney Cruise Line is celebrating 25 years of sailing with the Silver Anniversary at Sea celebration on select sailings from May through September 2023. The first Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney Magic, began its maiden voyage on July 30, 1998.
Mickey and Minnie are wearing new shimmering teal and white costumes for the anniversary celebration. The rest of their friends also have new costumes.
Guests will be invited to join the ship’s captain and cruise director on one evening of each cruise for a special anniversary toast. They will be joined by Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie in their new Silver Anniversary at Sea outfits and the toast will feature the anniversary’s new theme song.
Disney Cruise Line was the first cruise line ever to have a fireworks show at sea. A new 25th-anniversary fireworks display will be featured on some Silver Anniversary at Sea itineraries. The limited-time show features iconic Disney music and a new signature song. The show will be on most Bahamian, Caribbean, and Mediterranean sailings this summer.
A 25th anniversary pre-show is currently playing before the Disney Cruise Line sail away parties.
The anniversary of Disney Cruise Line also heralds the unveiling of a brand-new membership tier for Castaway Club, which recognizes returning Disney Cruise Line guests with exclusive rewards and perks. Honoring 25 years of Disney magic at sea, members will now earn the distinction of Pearl status after 25 Disney Cruise Line vacations. As the line’s biggest fans, Pearl members will unlock new at-home and onboard benefits. Check out the new Castaway Club lanyards and stateroom gifts.
The Shimmering Seas Collection of merchandise includes a Loungefly mini backpack, Spirit Jersey, and more. Check out some of the 25th anniversary merchandise and the Silver Anniversary pin.
There are also plenty of Silver Anniversary-inspired food and beverage items. Souvenirs include a popcorn bucket and a tumbler.
Check out our Disney Cruise Line 101 post, comparing every aspect of the fleet’s ships.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post ‘DisneyBand’ MagicBand+ Now Available for Disney Wish Sailings Beginning in June appeared first on WDW News Today.
Starting today, guests visiting Disneyland Paris will have a new culinary experience based on the Kiri brand at Cable Car Bake Shop. This will include new offerings that are both sweet and savory. What’s Happening: Starting May 25, Cable Car Bake Shop will offer Disneyland Paris guests a new and unique culinary experience based on the […]
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