Weekly Roundup: Ratatouille Adventure Opening, MagicMobile Service and Disneyland Reopening

Here’s what you can expect in this Newsletter:

• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Grand Opening at Epcot

• Disney MagicMobile Service

• Disneyland Reopening

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Grand Opening at Epcot

The grand opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT is set for October 1 of this year! That date also marks exactly 50 years since Disney World officially opened for the first time. Chef Remy will help Disney World kick off “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in Parisian style. Isn’t that cool? Read more about the details of this amazing attraction in Epcot! We are super excited about it, but October seems SO far away! We are looking forward to it for sure! How about you?

Disney MagicMobile Service

With the eventual phase out of MagicBands, Disney World is rolling out a new service, Disney MagicMobile Service. 

Launching in phases starting later this year, Disney MagicMobile service is a convenient and contactless way to access MagicBand features like theme park entry through the power of your iPhone, Apple Watch or other smart device. Guests will be able to create a Disney MagicMobile pass through the My Disney Experience app and add it to their smart device’s digital wallet.

We knew something like this will was coming, we just didn’t know exactly how it would work…. but now we know! What do you think about this new MagicMobile Service? Do you think it will be helpful? Read more about the Disney MagicMobile Service, HERE.

Disneyland Reopening

Well, we could see our original favorite park, the one Walt loved so much, come to life in late April. This news did not come without much excitement. The park we have all grown up with and have loved is making a return and we could not be more excited about it! Look what they posted on Instagram, just a couple of days ago…

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Disneyland (@disneyland)

What?! I am not crying, you are crying! We are so excited to see Disneyland come back to life. Are you ready? Do you frequent Disneyland? You can read more about Disneyland’s Reopening HERE. 

There ya have it my friends, not a lot of news, but BIG news, for sure! We are so excited to hear your thoughts. Comment below with your thoughts, we would love to hear what you think of all of the changes, re-openings and fun coming to all of us! 

A version of this first appeared in our weekly newsletter. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox here. 

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Weekly Roundup: Flower and Garden, Blizzard Beach and the Polynesian Resort

Here’s what you can expect in this Newsletter:

• Celebrating the Release of ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’
• Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival at Disney World
• Blizzard Beach at Disney World is Open
• Polynesian Village Resort, Part of the Disney Resorts Collection
• Disneyland News 

Celebrating the Release of ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’

To celebrate the release of ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’, Disney World will have several fun things for you to enjoy and to introduce you to these great characters. At Animal Kingdom guests can take a photo with a 40-ton sand sculpture at Discovery Island Stage, learn to draw new characters at The Animation Experience at Conservation Station or enjoy several new tasty treats, all inspired by the film. Go check out the making of the sand sculpture that took two artisans three days to carve. Pretty cool, huh? 

Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival at Disney World

Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival at Disney World is back and here until July 5, 2021! After missing this festival in 2020, we are SO excited about its return! We cannot decide what excites us more…. the flowers, the topiaries, the food, the live music, who knows, but whatever it is…. we are here for it! What are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments.

When you go, you may notice a new look for the main entrance, where six flags of the original Epcot icons were raised for the first time, with new lighting and music. Read more about the Flower and Garden Festival, RIGHT HERE. 

Blizzard Beach at Disney World is Open

Yesterday was the big opening of Blizzard Beach! For all of you waterpark and Blizzard Beach fans, get excited! You can make reservations NOW. So who is ready to go and have some water fun with the family? Read more about why you should be excited about Blizzard Beach’s reopening, cause, I mean you should be! 

Polynesian Village Resort, Part of the Disney Resorts Collection

Not a lot of news here, but was definitely notable. As you know, the Poly is undergoing some major construction, but come October 1, 2021 you will see some new accommodations and changes just in time for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”, in honor of its 50th anniversary. For all of you Poly fans, I know this is what you have been waiting for. 

Disneyland News

Okay, so around here at Walt Express Blog, we do not get wrapped up in rumors…. BUT since everyone has been anticipating the opening of Walt’s first park, I wanted to add. The rumor is simple and IS NOT definite, so do not take it to heart. There is a rumor floating around that Disneyland may open April 1. AGAIN, this is not definite, but for sure worth noting. We are so ready for Disneyland to open, safely of course. How bout you? Tell us below! 

So there ya have it! Things are happening quickly as events and such start opening back up and the world gets back to “normal”. I laugh every time I say or type the word NORMAL, because seriously…. what is normal? See ya right here next week for another weekly roundup! 

A version of this first appeared in our weekly newsletter. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox here. 

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Weekly Roundup: Disney Eats, Vacation Club, Epcot and A Touch of Disney:

Here’s what you can expect in this Newsletter:

• Disney Parks Best Bites
• A Touch of Disney
• Harmonious at Epcot
• Disney Vacation Club Grand Californian Resort and Spa

Disney Parks Best Bites

All of you Disney foodies will be happy to hear about some of the new and/ or improved Disney eats! Check out all of the new and best bites at Disney World in February, right here. Get ready though, your mouth will be watering after you check it out. I was personally happy to see that they are continuing the holiday celebration through Feb. 28 with the oh so popular Peppermint Bundt Cake Shake at Hollywood Scoops! Peppermint ice cream topped with whipped cream, TWO festive Bundt cakes, and peppermint bark! YUM!

A Touch of Disney

A touch of Disney will allow you to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of Disneyland with A Touch of Disney, a new, limited-capacity ticketed experience that begins March 18 at California Adventure park. Disneyland may not be completely open, but you can still experience it with A Touch of Disney. Read more about it, HERE!

Harmonious at Epcot

Once complete Harmonious will be one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever on Disney property. Although a date has not been set for the opening, but when it does Epcot will bring even more fun and embracing the magic of possibility. Read more about it HERE.  

Disney Vacation Club Grand Californian Resort and Spa

The Villas at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa is currently scheduled to welcome Vacation Club Members once again beginning May 2, 2021. During this phase, only The Villas at the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa will be open for DVC Members. The Hotels of Disneyland Resort, including the rest of the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will remain closed. 

While Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park currently remain closed for normal operations, Downtown Disney has reopened with health and safety measures, and offers a variety of shopping and dining experiences. During the initial reopening period, most resort dining, amenities, activities and services will be modified, limited in capacity or unavailable based on physical distancing and health guidelines. 

Each week brings more fun and more news. I hope this gives you some hope that things are getting back to normal….. whatever NORMAL is. Who knows at this point! Am I right? What are you looking forward to the most. Let us know below, we would love to hear. 

A version of this first appeared in our weekly newsletter. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox here. 

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Weekly Roundup: California Adventure, Leave a Legacy and Refurbishments

Here’s what you can expect in this post:

• Limited-Time Ticketed Experience Coming to California Adventure 
• Leave a Legacy Continues
• Disney World Refurbishments

Limited-Time Ticketed Experience Coming to California Adventure 

This past week Disney sent a letter to their cast members announcing that they will be sending 1000 cast members back to work. It read as follows: Currently planned to begin mid-March, we will debut an all-new, limited-time ticketed experience, focused on our world-famous food and beverage offerings from around the resort, the latest merchandise and unique, carefully crafted entertainment experiences…all to be offered multiple days a week. With limited capacity and enhanced health and safety measures in place, Guests once again will get to step into a magical Disney environment — an environment that will provide memorable and fun experiences our Guests are craving. This is definitely an exciting time for Disneyland and California Adventure fans. New jobs and new experiences, I know we are excited! How bout you? Tell us below! 

Leave A Legacy Goes Continues

With the transformation of the Epcot main entrance area, the original Legacy sculpture has been removed, but Leave A Legacy lives on in a a new setting just outside the park with bright new colors. The new panels are the first of many that will be installed featuring the park’s new color palette. You can read more about it HERE. It definitely looks and sounds beautiful. We are loving these Epcot upgrades. 

Have you ever slowed down long enough to stop and read and look at this part of Epcot? What did you notice or find?

Disney World Refurbishments

Disney announced a few refurbishments for Disney World this past week. So as you plan your 2021 Disney vacation keep these refurbishments in mind. 

New Disney World refurbishments are as follows: 

• From January 2022 through April 2022, the Samawati Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village will be closed.
• Starting in April 2021, the Contemporary Resort will begin a refurbishment to SOME guest rooms. Most resort areas and amenities will still be available for Guests to enjoy.
• Starting in February 2021, the Stormalong Bay waterslide at the Beach Club Resort will be closed for refurbishment. 

I am excited see what the news next week will bring. As I said above, the year has started out with a lot of great news. We are well into the new year and the news keeps coming. What would you like to see Disney do, change, refurbish, etc.? we would love to know. We have a running list, but what is yours? 

Weekly Roundup: California Adventure, Leave a Legacy and Refurbishments

A version of this first appeared in our weekly newsletter. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox here. 

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Weekly Roundup: Downtown Disney, Carthay Circle and the Liberty Belle

Here’s what you can expect in this Newsletter:

• Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort

• Reservations for Carthay Circle Lounge on Buena Vista Street at Disneyland Resort

• The Liberty Belle Sets Sail as the Rivers of America Prepares a Return to Magic Kingdom Park

Downtown Disney District 

Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort will be welcoming the Star Wars Trading Post at its new location on February 19, along with some other outdoor dining and stores. Also if you are a Legacy Passholder there will be a limited-time magical extra opportunity for Star WarsTrading Post. Go HERE for more information! You do not want to miss it, I am sure. I can not wait to see what it is! 

Carthay Circle Lounge

Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining, with its seasonal menu and unique dining environment on Buena Vista Street, an extension of Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort welcomed back guests on Friday, February 5. You can use your mobile app for mobile dining order to make reservations. And if you are still hungry, you can also enjoy outdoor vending carts near Buena Vista Street. They are once again selling ice cream, cotton candy, soft drinks and other food and beverage items. They will have many options to choose from and more things are slowly opening up, so be on the lookout! Or better yet, come here and we will give you the goods!

The Liberty Belle Sets Sail as the Rivers of America Prepares a Return to Magic Kingdom Disney World 

Last October, Cast Members drained the waters of the Rivers of America in Fronteirland, sending the Liberty Belle to dry dock behind Magic Kingdom Disney World in order to replace her underwater track. She is now returning in all of her glory. She has been greatly missed and we are so excited about her return to one of our favorite Disney parks. 

We visited while the Rivers of America was drained. Looks so strange doesn’t it? But, cool in the same sense. It is always so amazing to see how they upkeep all of the attractions in Disney Parks. 

There ya have it! There is all of your Disney news for this week. Join us next week for more. As always, thank you for making us apart of your Disney adventures! 2021 is shaping up to be a great year for Disney adventures. We are ready to see what else 2021 has in store! It is beginning to look like an exciting year at the mouse’s house from coast to coast! ????

A version of this first appeared in our weekly newsletter. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox here. 

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Weekly Roundup: Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom News

Here’s what you can expect in this post:

• Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
• Festival of the Lion King
• Become a Disney Travel Planner

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

You may already know, but Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom came to a close yesterday, Sunday, January 24, 2020. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom was an interactive game attraction for the Magic Kingdom that debuted on February 22, 2012 that kids of all ages enjoyed. I know my kids have been enjoying it all eight years. An eight year run is not too bad, so I guess it was time. As we say about anything to do with Disney, we are sad to see it go, but excited for what is to come. I am sure, knowing Disney, they have something fun up their sleeve…. maybe. 😉 What would you like to see in its place? 

Festival of the Lion King

Secondly, Disney World announced last week that more entertainment will be coming back to the Animal Kingdom this summer! The Festival of the Lion King is one of our all time faves, so we are so excited to see it come back to one of our fave parks, Animal Kingdom! Of course, there will be modifications made in order to maintain social distancing for both guests and entertainment to insure everyone stays safe. Safety first, always is the Disney way.

We can’t wait to see what other entertainment and attractions will be coming back next. Disney World is slowly, very slowly, getting back to normal….. whatever normal is. Let me know if you find out what normal is. I need to know! What would you like to see come back next? I think I would really love to see Finding Nemo come back to Animal Kingdom next. It is such a colorful and beautiful show, I would not mind seeing it come back at all.

Become a Disney Travel Planner

Lastly, as we mentioned last week, if you or anyone you know would like to become a Disney Travel Planner, our sister travel agency, Walt Express Travel, is hiring until January 31, 2021. Want to know more about becoming a travel planner? Go HERE for details and HERE to apply. It is that easy! 

Thank you for making us apart of your Disney adventures! 2021 is going to be a great year for Disney adventures. It has not started out too bad so far. We are ready to see what else 2021 has in store, since it is shaping up pretty nicely so far. It is beginning to look like an exciting year at the mouse’s house. ????

A version of this first appeared in our weekly newsletter. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox here. 

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Not So Ordinary Things

When planning for a Disney World vacation, there are LOTS of things to remember. 2020 has added EVEN more to that list. These not so ordinary things will definitely help you not be surprised when visiting Disney World this year or even early next year

• Security IS a big deal, as it should be. Please do not take pictures or videos of the security personnel, areas around the security spots or the process of getting into the parks. This is for your protection as well as others and cast members.
• Not all shops are open. There are a lot of shops that aren’t open right now. You will also find that in most shopping areas (in the parks), there is a one way direction going. Entrance will be for entering only and the exit will be for exiting only. There are cast members at each spot making sure everyone is going in the same general direction. No back tracking in the stores!
• Take breaks (mask breaks). Yes, you would normally take breaks from walking, but we are referring to taking a mask break. There are locations in each park called, RELAXATION STATIONS. These are spots where you can rest from your mask for a bit. The current rule is you cannot take your mask off unless you are at a relaxation station or eating or drinking, while stationary. Get used to wearing the mask for long periods of time before your vacation.
• Characters greet you differently. Characters are around, just not in the way they have been in the past. There will be no interaction between you and the characters. As of right now, there will be no fireworks or parades. But, there have been some mini, pop up parades spotted with characters. Again, there is just no personal interacting with them.
• Temperature checks upon entrance to the parks AND entering a dining establishment.

Not So Ordinary Things PLUS ONE

Have patience. This one can be hard for some people, but patience is KEY right now. With social distancing guidelines in place, we need to feel AND be safe. Not just us, but cast members as well. Do you part by having a little patience.

If you are planning on visiting Disney World soon, here are five items that you may want to consider bringing along!

Did you know that we have friends over at Walt Express Travel that stays up-to-date on all things Disney? They would LOVE to help you plan your next Disney vacation. We also have a Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, where you can find tons of great information, tips and tricks!

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Stress free and a vacation do not always go hand in hand. But, it CAN happen! Follow these great and hilarious tips to make sure you and your family have a stress free Disney vacation! All done with a sense of humor.

Stress Free Disney Vacation

A sense of humor is needed for pretty much everything these days. If you don’t have it, well, it can be pretty rough. We have some great tips here for a stress free Disney vacation that will have you ready (and laughing all the way) to your Disney Destination!

Great Tips!

• Use a TRAVEL PLANNER. Using a travel planner can take away ALL the stress of planning a vacation. Now, if you enjoy the planning part yourself and you don’t get overwhelmed easily, go for it! Or if you are the control freak type who doesn’t want anyone messing with your vacation, do it yourself! Just teasing here, but a travel planner can be a great asset, even if you like to plan most of it yourself. Our travel planners over at Walt Express Travel will do as much OR as little as you need.
• No matter if you are visiting Disney World or Disneyland, take breaks from the heat. Disney World in Orlando gets very humid and hot! If you aren’t used to it, it can drain you! Watch the above video to find out what “swamp butt” is and how you can fix it!
• Traveling with extended family and/or friends. DON’T. Just teasing, but you also need breaks from them. You know they are going to get on your last nerve and vice versa. Choose your traveling partners VERY wisely!
• PLAN, but don’t over plan. It’s great to have a plan, but sometimes, plans change. Don’t let plans changing ruin your vacation. Go with the flow! Temper Tantrums aren’t just for the kiddos!
• Don’t rush! Take time to sit on the bench and enjoy all of the sights, sounds and smells! Grab a cake pop and chill!
• Eat AND Drink. This is super important and will help keep those attitudes at bay! Stay hydrated.
• Save money! As my husband says, just stay home! LOL! Set limits and stick to them!
• Leave the kids at home. Hear us out on this one. We know the kids enjoy it, but it’s totally OK to go without the kids!
• Leave your spouse at home WITH the kids! 
• Leave EVERYONE at home! SOLO TRIP! And head straight to the Mexican Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. Grab one for us!
• If these tips fail, then you need to just stay home. Just teasing, just teasing!

Laugh A Little!

We hope you have enjoyed and laughed a little at our crazy tips for a stress free Disney vacation! 

We get asked a lot, “is it even worth visiting Disney World right now“? Click that link for some amazing advice! Of we at Walt Express believe it’s ALWAYS worth it. For more great tips and tricks, visit our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE!

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Disney World without a dining plan. Those words just really taste bad. We understand and we get it, but it still isn’t a pretty picture. Dining is expensive at the parks and the Disney dining plans help us to save money. Which in turn means if we save money on dining, we can spend it on trading pins and other essentials! We are here to help.

Disney World Without A Dining Plan

If you have a Disney World vacation planned in the near future, you will be doing Disney World without a dining plan. I know, we don’t like to say it out loud either. But, we ARE here to help. If you missed the first section we did on Disney World without a dining plan, just click the link. We had so many of you asking questions and needing MORE tips, so here is our TAKE TWO!

Think About Your Resort/Hotel Options

Stay at a resort/hotel with a kitchen or kitchenette. There are several Disney Resorts that offer a kitchen or kitchenette. It’s important to have a plan and find a resort that will accommodate your needs. The following resorts have kitchens or kitchenettes at Disney World! A kitchenette usually just has your basic needs: a refrigerator (may be smaller size), sink and microwave. The full kitchen will have it all!

• All Star Music, family suite (kitchenette)
• Art of Animation, family suite (kitchenette)
• Cabins at Fort Wilderness (full kitchen)
• Deluxe Villas at multiple resorts (some have kitchenettes, some have full kitchens)

Stay off property. These words taste almost as bad as no dining plan, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Some off property hotels/resorts offer rooms with full kitchens. Talk to your travel planner if this is something you may be interested in. Your travel planner is your best asset when planning a vacation. They will help you determine what is best for your family!

• Plan menus. Speaking of menus, our family loves tacos, nachos and spaghetti. These are easy to make and require very little time!
• Make it at home. Just listen, it’s not bad! Pre-make some meals and pack in a cooler to bring to the resort/hotel.
• Cook extra and freeze. For a couple of weeks before you travel, prepare a little extra and freeze! We love to do this with muffins and other breakfast items.
• Take groceries. We also like to order from Garden Grocer, Instacart or Walmart. This one works well for our Disney friends who are flying and can’t pack as much!
• Bring sandwiches. Yep, bring your own to the parks along with other snacks.

Disney World Without The Dining Plan is DOABLE!

Even if you aren’t staying in a resort or hotel with a kitchen, you can still save! Bring a cooler and pack some groceries, such as deli meat for sandwiches! Every little bit saved, helps!

Did you know that we have an amazing Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, dedicated to all things Disney? Join us today! We also have friends over at WALT EXPRESS TRAVEL. They would love to share their expertise and help you plan the most perfect Disney World (or other Disney Destination) vacation!

A big THANKS to our Disney friend, Greg, for sharing some of his delicious pics with us!

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Top 5 Items

Our number one, without a doubt, item you need on your next trip to Disney World, is a Space Suit with a built in air conditioner. We know this isn’t very appropriate, but it would work, right? Since this might not be available on your next Disney World vacation, here are our top 5 items we cannot be without! Click the link to find out which ones we like to use and also for easy shopping. Read on, my Disney friends.

• Steel or silicone straws: It is extremely hard to find paper or plastic straws anymore. These are great and hold up perfect. Purchase two packs and color code everyone in the family! Some even come with the straw cleaners, total win win!
• Masks and mask inserts: These mask inserts are seriously a life saver. They keep the fabric away from the face mask, therefore, keeping it from your nose. This gives you a little more freedom. This helps tremendously, especially in the HOT Orlando heat.
• Fuel rod and/or brick: Your phone will go down QUICK! Be sure to have one of these handy to keep everything all charged up. Sorry, they do not work on humans!
• Ziploc baggies-SO many uses for Ziploc baggies. Be sure to bring different sizes. We go through baggies like crazy on a trip to Disney World, or any other vacation. These are PERFECT for storing dirty, sweaty masks! Also great for saving snacks, saving money! The Dollar Tree has Disney print ones that are super cute.
• Water bottle or Hydro flask: Water is free at most quick service locations, so grab a free water and fill that water bottle or flask. Staying hydrated will keep you going. VERY important!

 Honorable Mentions

• Calagel: Calagel is a miracle cure for the Disney Rash. Don’t know what that is? Click that link and find out. It’s not pretty at all. You can pre-order calagel for your trip or you can also find it at the First Aid locations in the parks. I promise, this stuff is amazing.
• Fog Gone: This amazing little jewel will help to keep those glasses fogging up while wearing a mask. We keep this around ALL of the time, just because it works!

Be sure to check out these things you need when traveling to Disney World with the kiddos. It can make your vacation SO much easier!

Have you joined our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE? If not, what are you waiting on? Join us today for some great tips and tricks on your Disney vacations! Do you need some help with the planning process? Our friends over at Walt Express Travel would love to help you.

Thank you to our friend, Greg, for sharing some of his pics with us!

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