This one may sting a little, but we will keep to Walt’s quote “Progress is impossible without change“. Disney World is ever changing to keep guests entertained and wanting to come back for a visit. Hollywood Studios’ classic, The Great Movie Ride, will make it’s final run on August 13, 2017. We are sad to see it go, but are excited about the new attraction featuring our most favorite mouse!

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature our favorite mouse, Mickey and some of his friends! It will also star YOU! We can’t wait to see this new attraction!

From Disney Parks Blog

A new attraction featuring international icon Mickey Mouse is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort! Details for our first Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, were just unveiled during the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts presentation at D23 Expo 2017 – and we think you’re going to love it.

On Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you’ll step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen. This zany out-of-control adventure features surprising twists and turns, dazzling visual effects and mind-boggling transformations that happen before your very eyes.

The attraction is inspired by the Mickey Shorts that you can see on the Disney Channel. And the people who bring you the shorts at Disney Television Animation are partnering with us to help bring the attraction to life.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will feature a new story and a new singable attraction theme song as well as a new experience we’re calling “2 1/2 D.” No glasses required. Walt Disney Imagineer Kevin Rafferty said teams are inventing new technologies that turn the flat world of a colorful cartoon short into a “dimensional display of amazingness.”

“This is one of the boldest…most impossible things I’ve ever worked on in almost 40 years of being an Imagineer. And you know what? That’s what I love about it. Well, that, and Mickey,” Kevin said. “This is not going to be a small attraction, it’s going to be game-changing.”

As you plan ahead, we also wanted to let you know that in order to begin to prepare the new home of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at the Chinese Theatre in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, August 13, 2017 will be the final day of operation for The Great Movie Ride presented by Turner Classic Movies. Until August 13, you can still relive some of the greatest movie moments in history on the Great Movie Ride attraction.

What are your thoughts on this? Are you sad to see The Great Movie Ride go? Let us know!

Join our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, for tons more Disney fun!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

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Breaking News: Three NEW Italian Restaurants Opening In Disney Springs

Our friends from Disney Parks Blog has just announced that NOT one, but THREE, brand new Italian dining concepts are coming this winter to Disney Springs! WHOA! This is HUGE! Disney Springs is already home to some of the most magnificent dining options around, now add in three “Italian” options! Do we really need to go to the parks? Just kidding, just kidding! But, this makes for some great options for your “off-park” day or afternoon!

From Disney Parks Blog

Coming this winter, three modern Italian restaurants will be arriving at Disney Springs. These restaurants, all new concepts created by the Patina Restaurant Group, each feature unique menus and authentic Italian food in a beautiful and expansive dining complex. The complex will be located adjacent to The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic”-style destination also being developed by Patina. The new concepts all tie into Disney Springs’ story line of a restored Florida waterfront town, bringing unforgettable food and wine direct from Italy to the Sunshine State, with stunning scenery you can only find at Disney Springs.

The first concept, called Maria & Enzo’s, is a trattoria set in the town’s abandoned 1930’s airline terminal which has now been transformed into an open and airy restaurant. Featuring gorgeous views of Lake Buena Vista and incredible 50-foot ceilings, the interior dining room is adorned with artifacts that reflect air travel of the time such as maps and historic flight paths. Inspired by Sicily, the menu has a delightful range of family-friendly dishes – Arancini di Carne (rice balls stuffed with meat), Melanzane Parmigiana (eggplant parmesan), and handmade pastas including Busiate con Granchio (spiral pasta with crab) and ‘Ncasiata al Forno (Sicilian baked pasta) – all served tableside. Other delectable highlights include fresh fish, richly flavored steaks and chops.

The second concept is Enzo’s Hideaway – Enzo’s own personal speakeasy inspired by Roman aperitivo bars. Located in the storied rum-runner tunnels that adjoin Maria & Enzo’s and steeped in Florida’s true history of rum-running, Enzo’s Hideaway will pour Prohibition-era cocktails at its Tunnel Bar and serve a casual menu of hearty Roman Dishes such as the city’s legendary Bucatini alla Carbonara (hollow spaghetti with creamy egg and pancetta sauce) and Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe(square-cut spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper).

Finally, Pizza Ponte rounds out the group with a fast-casual restaurant serving pizza, pastries, Italian sandwiches and espresso. With the perfect blend of savory and sweet, Pizza Ponte is the ideal place quick bite. On the savory side, the menu features Pizza al Taglio (Sicilian-style pizza served by the slice), signature Tirangolo (stuffed pizza bread) sandwiches, and Porchetta (roast pork). To satisfy your sweet tooth, pastry specialties include Bombolini (Italian donuts), Sfoglia di Riso (pastry with rice cream), and Tiramisu.

Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte are set to open at Disney Springs this winter, and are sure to leave you saying, “Delizioso!” If you want to learn more about the Pantina Restaurant Group and their incredible restaurants such as these, visit www.patinagroup.com

These new concepts are just the beginning of a whole new list of exciting food and beverage concepts coming to Disney Springs. Coming soon are new locations such as The Edison, Terralina Crafted Italian, Wine Bar George, Jaleo by José Andrés, and Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill! Stay tuned for more updates on these amazing new locations.

Disney Springs is definitly the place to be for some delectable dining! Take a peek at the Top 5 Dining Options for Disney Springs for more great dining choices!

Head on over to our Facebook Group, Disney Express Lane, for more Disney information!

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Breaking News: Beginning 10/15, Dogs Welcome at Select Disney World Resorts

Grab the family pet and let’s GO! Now, beginning on October 15th, Disney World welcomes it’s four-legged friends to the magic! For the first time ever, Disney World (select resorts) will be pet friendly! Now, our furry friends won’t be left at home, or have to stay with sitters. They can enjoy the fun and excitement too! Read on to find out all of the details!

It looks like one resort from each category (value, moderate and deluxe) is represented to give everyone several options and price ranges to choose from. Your beloved “furbaby” will get magical prizes, too!

All of the “Furry” Details

Four Walt Disney World resort hotels have been designated dog friendly. Each property’s per night / per room pet-cleaning rate is:

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort $50/night
• Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort $50/night
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort $75/night
• Cabins at Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Resort $50/night

A maximum of two dogs per guestroom can be accommodated. Each Guest room will have easy access to outdoor pet walkways for exercise and green spaces with pet relief areas.

Dog lovers will find plenty of Disney amenities and special touches for their four-legged friends.

• At check-in, Pluto’s Welcome Kit includes mat, bowls, a pet ID tag, courtesy plastic disposable bags, puppy pads and dog walking maps. Also included: a Pluto “Do Not Disturb” door hanger indicating to hotel staff that a pet is in the room.
• Disney enjoys a partnership with Best Friends Pet Care, an on-property full-service facility that can provide assistance with pet daycare and other pet services (fees apply).
• Pet merchandise is coming soon to participating resorts.

While dogs will be allowed to stay in Guest rooms, they will be expected to be well behaved, leashed in public resort areas and properly vaccinated.

This dog-friendly option will be available to Guests with reservations Oct. 15, 2017 through Oct. 15, 2018.

Please read the below restrictions and policies about the new dog-friendly trial program (subject to change)

• • Only dogs will be allowed in Guest rooms, and there is a limit of two dogs per Guest room. 
  • Guests are responsible for the proper care, behavior and waste maintenance of their dogs throughout the Resort. 
  • Dogs must be well-behaved and are not allowed on furniture in public areas. 
  • Dogs should be supervised at all times while staying on Resort property and should not be left unattended in your Guest room for more than 7 hours. 
  • Dogs should remain silent if left unattended in your Guest room. If noise is heard, you will be called to address the noise within 30 minutes. 
  • Please display the provided “Do Not Disturb” door hanger outside your room to alert Cast Members that dogs are present. 
  • Housekeeping service in Guest rooms with dogs is only available when Guests are present. Please dial the Housekeeping button on your in-room telephone to schedule a cleaning time at your convenience. 
  • Please leash or restrain your dogs at all times while in public spaces on Resort property. 
  • Only licensed service animals are allowed in Food & Beverage locations, the Club Lounge, Pool Areas, Fitness Centers and other public Guest areas. 
  • Guests with dogs are allowed to use some Resort transportation services, including Disney’s Magical Express® and Minnie Van™. In order to use Resort transportation, dogs must remain in pet carriers for the duration of transit. All other Resort transportation and public transportation, including Walt Disney World® Monorails and Friendship Boats, are available to Guests with licensed service animals only. 
  • Dogs are not permitted in Theme Parks and Disney Springs®. Only licensed service animals are allowed in these Guest areas. 
  • Up-to-date vaccination records must be available upon request. 

What are you thoughts on this new option? Let us know in the comments!

I think Pluto may have had something to do with this decision! Go Pluto!

Come on over to our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, for more breaking news and tons of Disney fun! Thinking of a visit to Disney World but not sure where to begin? Start HERE: Complete beginner’s guide to Disney World!

photo credit: Peter E. Lee Not a Planet Either via photopin (license)

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Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Walt Express is so excited to bring you this “sweet” news from Disney Parks Blog! Reservations have opened up today for a brand new VIP experience for the Fantasmic! show in Hollywood Studios. This VIP experience will come with dessert! Yes, you read that right! DESSERT! In addition to your VIP viewing location, you will receive a snack/dessert box packed with some pretty impressive treats! Read on to find out what surprises are in store!

From Disney Parks Blog

There’s a sweet new way to take in the spectacular sights and sounds of Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios—the new Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience package.

Guests will check-in and pick up a delicious snack box, which features a mix of sweet and savory items, at the Fantasmic! theater prior to show time. A special light-up credential will allow Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience guests to enter the special reserved viewing area.

The adult box features chocolate-covered strawberries, cheesecake, a chocolate cupcake, apple crisp, California trail mix and cheese and crackers. Kids will enjoy chocolate pudding with crushed chocolate cookies and gummy worms, confetti popcorn, grapes and a vanilla cake bite which features the star of Fantasmic! — Sorcerer Mickey. Guests will also receive a bottle of water and a specialty alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage in a light-up keepsake Fantasmic! cup.

The Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience is another great offering from the Enchanting Extras Collection, which allows guests to enhance their Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Cost is $39 for adults and $19 for children ages 3-9. Reservations can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Tips

• Advanced payment is required.
• Valid Hollywood Studios park admission is required.
• Alcoholic beverages for quests 21 years of age or older.

What are your thoughts about this brand new experience? Would you take advantage of this VIP experience?

Check out what else is new in Hollywood Studios: BASELINE TAP HOUSE coming! Also coming soon will be WALT DISNEY PRESENTS!

Join us in our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, for lots more Disney news and fun!

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Hollywood Studios: One Man’s Dream To Become Walt Disney Presents

Our friends from Disney Parks Blog announced this morning that we will be seeing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge & Toy Story Land Models on Display in Hollywood Studios. Currently, One Man’s Dream is being re-imagined into WALT DISNEY PRESENTS. Beginning in mid-September, Walt Disney Presents will also act as a preview center where guests will be able to explore what’s next for the parks.

From Disney Parks Blog

With Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land currently under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the park is truly in the middle of an exciting transformation.

Today, we wanted to share another park update that will very soon give you a thrilling, up-close look at what’s to come at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The One Man’s Dream attraction is currently being reimagined into Walt Disney Presents, which like its predecessor, will continue showcasing historic items from Walt Disney’s history, such as sketches, photos and storyboards. But wait – Walt Disney Presents will also act as a preview center where guests explore what’s next for the park. Starting in mid-September, you’ll be able to view concept art, ride vehicle maquettes and a never-before-seen model for Toy Story Land. A portion of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge model also will be on display, as well as concept art for the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction.

The attraction will also continue to host greetings with characters like Star-Lord and baby Groot, plus special sneak previews of upcoming Disney films.

Looking for more HOLLYWOOD STUDIO NEWS? Take a peek at these!

• SLINKY DOG DASH COMPLETED!
• NEW ATTRACTION COMING!

What attraction are you most excited about coming to Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments!

Join our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, for more information on this and other Disney fun!

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Breaking News: New TRON Attraction Coming To Magic Kingdom Park

Currently, Tron is a HUGE attraction in Shanghai Disney. Now, plans are in motion for this attraction to come to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in the near future. We have been told this will be ready in time for Disney World’s BIG 50th Anniversary in 2021. It looks like Disney World will be the place to be in the year 2021!

From Disney Parks Blog

The new Tron attraction will sit in an entirely new area right next to the Space Mountain attraction at Magic Kingdom Park. Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, made the announcement during the Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts presentation at D23 Expo 2017.

Regular Disney Parks Blog readers know that the TRON Lightcycle Power Run attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is a coaster-style attraction where riders board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles. It offers access into the energy, lights and excitement of TRON’s high-tech universe and is one of the most thrilling adventures at any Disney park.

Also, during today’s presentation, Bob said the plan is to open the Tron attraction in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.

What do you think of Tron? Are you excited to see it coming to the Disney Parks in Orlando? Let us know!

More Breaking News

For more Disney news, check out:

• NEW MICKEY ATTRACTION TO REPLACE THE GREAT MOVIE RIDE.
• TOY STORY LAND to open in Hollywood Studios next Summer, 2018!
• STAR WARS THEMED RESORT Coming SOON!

Join our Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, for more breaking news and lots of Disney fun!

Photo Credit: DISNEY PARKS BLOG

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Breaking News: New Transportation Systems Coming To Disney World

Disney World is all about making guests happy and they KNOW we can’t wait to get to the theme parks. This is definitly a HUGE announcement. Walt Express is very excited to bring you all of the news about not ONE, but TWO, new services that will be coming very soon! It looks like this will give a few of the value resorts and moderate resorts an extra outlet when getting guests to and from the parks.

***UPDATE 7/17

THIS SUMMER!! As a Guest of Disney’s BoardWalk or Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, you can be the first to try this new pilot program launching this summer. And using it couldn’t be easier. It works with the Lyft app.

The private cars are roomy, comfortable and unquestionably cool. And the driver is a friendly Disney Cast Member trained to whisk you off to where you need to be – safely and with a smile.

HOW TO USE THE SERVICE: You can simply ask a Minnie Van Cast Member at the Bell Services desk to help get started. Once activated, you can open the Lyft app from anywhere in Walt Disney World Resort and auto-magically unlock the Minnie Van Service.

With Lyft, you can request a ride from your smartphone, and pay right through the app. Cars are usually minutes away. With the new Minnie Van service, there’s never been a friendlier way for you to be whisked off to the magic.

From Disney Parks Blog

A brand new transportation system is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort to add even more magic to your future vacation experiences. Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts just announced that the Disney Skyliner will soon give guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort.

The transportation system will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts and other locations with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot. And many of the gondolas with Disney Skyliner will feature favorite Disney characters.

Another new transportation service featuring vehicles themed to the one-and-only Minnie Mouse was also announced during the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts presentation at D23 Expo 2017.

“Since we’re all about exceeding guest expectations and making every aspect of your vacation uniquely Disney, we’re creating a new point-to-point transportation service in a way that only Disney can do,” Bob said.

The Minnie vehicles will take you everywhere you want to go at the Walt Disney World Resort, and you’ll ride in Minnie’s classic style.

A BIG Thank You to our friends from DISNEY PARKS BLOG for always keeping us up to date with magical information!

Join us in our “all things Disney” Facebook group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, for more information and of course, lots of Disney fun!

Photo Credit: DISNEY PARKS BLOG

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UPDATED

As of this morning, reservations are available to book in My Disney Experience beginning on April 2nd. Cost will be $34 for adults and $20 for children ages 3-9. This will also be one table service credit on the Disney Dining Plan. The system is not showing it properly, so just keep trying or call 1-407-WDW-DINE for reservations.

We were able to snag a couple of reservations for this, one in late April and one in late May. This is so exciting!! See you at the Bon Voyage breakfast!

Breaking News: New Character Breakfast to Open at Disney’s Boardwalk

Our friends from Disney Parks Blog has let us know about a super magical NEW dining experience coming to Disney’s Boardwalk Resort this Spring. This new dining experience will feature some of your favorite princesses and their princes! Characters from Tangled and the Little Mermaid will be there to make sure your morning is MAGICAL!

From Disney Parks Blog

An all-new character dining experience will debut this spring at Disney’s BoardWalk, with appearances by adventurous royal couples from beloved Disney films! A delicious breakfast awaits you at Trattoria al Forno, as you get ready to set out for a day of endless magic at Walt Disney World Resort. It’s a hearty “bon voyage” celebration, featuring popular characters from favorite Disney stories like “Tangled” or “The Little Mermaid.” During your visit, be sure to share the tales of your own hopes and dreams, the adventures you’ve had… and those still to come with our favorite princess or prince!

This unique, new character breakfast is slated to begin in late spring. Thank you to our friends at Disney Parks Blog for always keeping us “in the know”.

Trattoria al Forno is located in Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. We can’t wait to find out all of the details about this new dining experience! As soon as details are released regarding pricing and availability, Walt Express will update you right here!

Be sure to visit us in our Facebook group: DISNEY EXPRESS LANE for more breaking news and up to date information!

What do you think about this new dining experience? Will you be waiting to grab a reservation?

photo credit: jackoraptor Starlight via photopin (license)

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