For a limited time, Magic Kingdom's newest restaurant, Skipper Canteen, will accept same-day reservations, according to the Disney Parks Blog.
Photo taken by Molly Blaeser for The Disney Freak's Blog.
Previously, the restaurant was walk-up only location, using the text-when-ready service. But from Feb. 12 to 27, Guests can reserve a table and enjoy either lunch or dinner within the same day. (It's a clever way to handle the upcoming busy season!)
Skipper Canteen is based off the popular attraction, The Jungle Cruise. With skippers for hosts, your meal is sure to be a pun-filled delicious treat!
I recommend Trader Sam's Heads-on Shrimp for seafood lovers. But all the food is amazing, and not overly pricey.
I was able to get a very, very short video showing the signs and size of the new restaurant.
Apparently, the cast preview was this past Monday, while I was at Hollywood Studios checking out Star Wars Launch Bay -- darn! Soft openings are supposed to happen soon, or may have already started. The actual opening date is still unknown, but the restaurant is supposed to start serving guests sometime this month.
What do you think of Skipper Canteen? I'm sure there will be plenty of corny jokes, a la Jungle Cruise style, so I'm excited!
A photo posted by Molly the Disney Freak (@mollythedisneyfreak) on
That rumor, my friends, has been officially...denied.
A very close friend of Winifred's reached out to me and told me the rumor is false. Bette Midler did not appear at the debut show of Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. It was indeed the one and only Winifred Sanderson.
The first day of MNSSHP was Tuesday, September 15. I was lucky enough to be there and see the first show -- during which there were many, many excited screams from Hocus Pocus fans!
Watch the full debut Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show below:
As sad as I was about Villains' Mix and Mingle being replaced, I'm actually really in love with this new show. I think it's absolutely incredible!
The coolest part about the whole show? It really seemed the sisters had walked right out of the movie. I read in a Cast Member magazine that Costuming was able to get their hands on the original dresses Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker wore in the film in order to make the most accurate replicas. And also, fun fact: that's live dialogue and singing from the sisters!
Of course, the video doesn't do the show justice -- you really need to go in person and see it! Along with HalloWishes and the Boo to You Parade, MNSSHP is an absolute must for any Disney or Halloween fan!
"The Sanderson Sisters are back!"
Interested in attending MNSSHP? It requires an extra ticket, which you can get by clicking HERE. The party happens on select nights until November 1!
Everyone in the Disney College Program has to go through Traditions, which is the orientation overview to the Walt Disney Company, specifically Walt Disney World. You'll have orientation pertaining to your role later, and then orientation at your location, followed by actual role training.
But the first step is Traditions. And the best part?
After Traditions, you become an official Cast Member, with free entrance into the theme parks, finally!
Your day begins on the bus ride to Disney University, where your Traditions "class" takes place.
Regular classes offered during the DCP are usually here too, though
mine is at Chatham.
I was in group A, and we pretty much deducted that it was organized alphabetically by last name. So if your roommate's last name starts with the same letter as yours, you'll probably end up together! Sadly, Dana and I were separated the entire day.
My name on our classroom screen!
You're ushered into a room, and the leaders start off with some trivia to earn special pins. These pins can only be received at Traditions, so don't expect me to be trading mine any time...ever!
The more you know, the more pins you can earn! Fellow vlogger Sam
earned two pins for knowing two answers.
Eventually, your leaders begin the session. I had Jen, who works in Entertainment, and Tasha, who works in stocking. They were really great, bringing a whole level of fun to the slow day!
What do I mean by 'slow'? Well, the entire morning is spent going over what working for the Walt Disney World really means. For example: what's the goal here at Disney? It's all very important to know, but without a bit of lightheartedness, it can become painfully slow and dull.
Luckily, with good leaders, it won't be!
At each table sat a red box. We were told quite explicitly not to open them, and about halfway through the day, we were allowed to. Inside were our very own pair of Mickey ears, as a gift from Disney to us.
I can't wait to get mine personalized!
So, briefly, what all is discussed during Traditions?
Be prepared to learn some of Disney's business success secrets, their special "language," the Four Keys, creating magical moments and interacting with Guests, and a look back at Walt's life. (Tip: it gets emotional at that point!)
We watched many videos of Guests explaining how Cast Members made their vacation extra magical, and how the Cast Members responded to the Guests' letters. There were videos of children being told they were going to Walt Disney World and their reactions to the news. Ladies, you're going to want to bring a wad of tissues!
Let's step back for a moment. What are the Four Keys? These are Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency. These are integral to success at any branch of the Walt Disney Company. And you will never stop hearing about them while on your Disney journey -- they are that important!
The best part of Traditions comes around lunch time: a special visit to the Magic Kingdom to see these Four Keys in action!
Since we can't get into the theme parks until receiving our Disney IDs at Traditions, this was my first visit to Magic Kingdom since arriving for the DCP!
Yes, I'm aware there's a pole coming out of my head.
Was it intentional. Maybe. (No. Always no.)
We were able to go into the "utilidors"--or, the underground tunnels that make up the real first floor of Magic Kingdom. This was my favorite part of the day, as I'd been dying to explore these tunnels for year! I can't tell you anything (Disney secrecy at its finest, folks) but they are pretty incredible! And very efficient.
When you get back to the classroom, the leaders quiz you over what you saw, and then say something like this: "Well, we had some Cast Members, experts in the Four Keys, show you how to utilize them in action. Now we need an expert in magic to help us finish up your time here!"
Cue Mickey Mouse.
Proud to say I wasn't a bit scared!
Jen announced that Mickey Mouse had brought us something a little special. Inside a gold gift-wrapped box were our official Disney nametags, sprinkled with a little extra pixie dust by the Big Cheese himself!
Mickey left to create more magic right after this, but it was nice
to see our new boss on our first day!
And with that, your time at Traditions is completed, making you an official Disney Cast Member. Welcome to the team!
The loot of an official Cast Member!
Earned Donald and Goofy for volunteering in class. Make sure
to raise your hand and speak up!
Watch my video below of my first Cast Member trip to Magic Kingdom, as well as Sam's vlog featuring me in a cameo role!
Disney fanatics across various social media platforms posted videos and photos of the May 31 Festival of Fantasy, when the parade encountered several mishaps, including a deflated balloon!
At the beginning of the month, I reported that Villains' Mix and Mingle would not be performing during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year. At the time, details on the replacement show were unannounced.
This week, Disney Parks Blog delivered an early Halloween treat: the new stage show features the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus!
In “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” return to the mortal world for one night during the Halloween season. With only a few hours to run amuck, the three sisters decide to use their magic to throw the best, evil Halloween party this side of the graveyard!
Artist concept art via Disney Parks Blog
With the help of the Disney villains, Winifred, Mary and Sarah gather together sinister shadows, nefarious nightmares and the power of their frightful friends to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion and cast a spell on everyone in the Magic Kingdom Park. “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” features appearances by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other great Disney villains, along with dancers, projections and special effects that combine to make this new show a not-to-be-missed Halloween treat.
Unfortunately, the witches will not be mingling with guests after the show, though their villain friends (reportedly) still will.
I, for one, am excited to see this well-loved but overlooked villains come to Walt Disney World!
The show runs September 15-November 1, on select nights.
I don't necessarily disagree with this rumor: the show is nearly 10 years old, having debuted back in 2006.
It could be time for a change.
But, I also don't think the show is dated. If it does indeed reopen, I wouldn't be disappointed. It's still a fun and entertaining story to this day, with plenty of beloved characters, despite the songs getting stuck in your head quite annoyingly easy.
I'll keep you posted on this rumor as it develops. Nevertheless, I promised Young Disney Freak I'd Skype her the show during my DCP--it's her favorite--so I better make sure to do that before July! (Also, I'll try and videograph the potentially final performance.)
However, there is a stage show confirmed to be closing for good.
Villains Mix and Mingle is performed at night during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Honestly, as much as I love all the Halloween-themed events and music at Walt Disney World, Villains Mix and Mingle may be my favorite.
So when I read that it wouldn't be performed this September and October, my heart dropped. I think the show is a fun, slightly racy way to bring out the villains--or rather, the more adult, darker side of Disney. Whatever show replaces it better incorporated the villains.
A video posted by Lane the Wee One (@ferdalump) on
No exact causes have been given, but rumors say that fireworks are to blame.
There was a small fire tonight at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train mountain, most likely caused by fireworks. It's out now. No reports of injuries.
— Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) November 2, 2014
Cms are telling the guests that the dwarves are having a bonfire
— do as dreamers do (@DoAsDreamersDo) November 2, 2014
No injuries have been reported. All guests on board the Mine Train were evacuated when the fire started, and now the ride is closed.
See you all real soon.
***UPDATE***
There has been no structure collapse, and guests are now being allowed back into the queue.
@DisCastShow they're letting guests back into the queue. No collapse, only cosmetic damages
— Spot Mickey (@SpotMickey) November 2, 2014
And of course, there's a simple lesson to be learned from all of this:
@ThemePark This is why the old Snow White ride was drenched in water during fireworks...they knew the Evil queen would try anything! :)
— Elizabeth Rasmussen (@TheRaz2007) November 2, 2014
***UPDATE***
Inside the Magic reports that firework fallout caused the fire.
Roughly a month ago, I shared Doctor Disney’s announcement of rumors that the Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it! Street Parade would get “a complete overhaul.”
Among the changes confirmed (and one that Doctor Disney did not announce) is a slight change to the parade’s name. The street party concept will stay the same, but it appears the characters themselves will do less dancing and interacting.
The "Play it!" part of the parade refers to a new way for park guests to interact with the parade: by voting for the final song to play. Guests will vote from three current hits.
This fall, we’re kicking things up a notch with new music, new characters, and a new way for you to be part of the show!
Things heat up in the Central Plaza when hosts Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy appear atop giant gift boxes, leading everyone in a medley of remixed classic party songs. Once you’ve moved it, shaken it, and danced it, it’s time to help decide what comes next, as you vote for one of three current hits during the “Play It!” part of the show.
Originally the Mad Hatter, Sebastian, Lumiere and the Genie appeared atop the floats, while the Mickey and Co. were able to step off the floats to dance with guests. Now they won't, I guess. Disney Parks Blog announced that Stitch, Phineas and Ferb would be added to the parade.
Today, Doctor Disney announced that this fall, some pretty big updates are coming to the Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it! Street Party at Magic Kingdom.
In fact, he says to practically expect a new parade.
Among the changes/updates would be replacing Mad Hatter, Lumiere and Sebastian (who currently stand on the top of the gift-styled floats) with members of Mickey's gang. The music and floats could also be completely new and different.
Here’s exactly what he said. Note that Disney has not officially confirmed anything at this point.
As of now, the name of the parade is set to remain, but there are going to be some serious changes as a complete overhaul is coming to the new Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! which is set to debut around October of this year.
The Mad Hatter, Lumiere, and Sebastian currently top the floats, but they’re going to be removed from the parade and replaced with others.
Now, the tops of floats will have Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy on top of them. Stitch is also expected to be added into the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It Parade.
There will be brand new floats, new music, and a few other changes as well. Essentially, expect an almost brand new parade.
It’s not known if the “street party” aspect of the parade will continue with the floats stopping at the Cinderella Castle hub for characters to dance with guests.
Disney has not officially given word of these changes or confirmed anything at this time. With that being said, changes are always possible from what is being reported and it’s possible that nothing could change or happen at all.
I saw this parade when I went to WDW in June. Bestie thought the idea of a dance party in the street, with characters mingling among park guests, was pretty unique. And I agree. It would be sad to see this one go.
Below is a video of the parade:
What are your thoughts? Please leave a comment below!
We went to Walt Disney World on Tuesday-Thursday, with Wednesday being our all-day Magic Kingdom day.
I took lots of videos, Bestie and her mom took lots of photos, and I did my best to keep my Instagram and Twitter filled.
Of course, it will take me a little bit to go through all the content, but I'm planning on having lots of posts and YouTube videos for you all! In fact, I've decided to start a Flickr account for all the photos we took.
Give me a few days and then I'll blow up your feeds!
Float 1: Yes, that is an awesome steampunk Maleficent dragon float – too fantasmic for words! I literally fangirled when I saw the tweet a few weeks ago about the float because, as you (should) know, Maleficent is one of my favorite Disney characters, especially in her dragon form! I just hope this isn’t a tie-in to the upcoming movie because, well, you know….
Float 2: this float is going to hold Mickey and Minnie. I love the colors, and I absolutely adore the use of Fantasia characters. That movie and its characters needs more spotlight at the Disney Parks!
Float 3: Merida will be astride this bagpipe float, with her bear brothers popping out of the drones. I think it’s funny how Hubert, Hamish, or Harris (whichever one of the three it was) looked limp in the video….odd that Disney let the animatronic/puppetronic hang loose like that in the video.
Float 4: Can you say WHOA-ho? (Catch my wordplay there?) This fantasmic float is going to host Peter Pan and Wendy in the ship, with Captain Hook and Smee on the anchor and Tink in the back. I absolutely love the different layers and film elements on this float – one of the best!
I love the colors on the Ariel float and the fact that it reminds me of my favorite Disney parade (Mickey’s Soundsational Parade), and I can’t get over how absolutely astonishing the Tangled float looks. That one I can’t way to see in person!
What are your thoughts? I’m thinking we’re in for a pretty fantasmic parade!
Keep in mind these floats won’t be parading in public until March this year! Book your tickets now with Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney vacation planner and proud affiliate of The Disney Freak’s Blog!
Disney fans, you might want to get some tissues ready.
On Jan. 4, 2013, Disney cast members and fans alike said farewell to the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade at the Magic Kingdom after the parade’s nearly five-year run.
The Share A Dream Come True Parade which ran from 2001 until 2006 was changed to the Disney Dreams Come True Parade in 2006 and ended on January 22, 2009. The Share A Dream Come True Parade had the Disney style floats with original music and characters but incorporated snow globes which held many of the characters. The Disney Dreams Come True Parade was similar to the previous parade, though many of the floats were changed, and the snow globes were removed. This parade also had new soundtrack which was previously been used for Disney's Dreams on Parade... Moving On at Tokyo Disneyland. The Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade replaced the Disney Dreams Come True Parade on January 23, 2009. The parade incorporated the new What Will You Celebrate? theme that both the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland were using.
Speaking of Walt Disney World, now is the time to book your trips! Jennifer Hardy at Destinations in Florida can save you money and help you plan your next magical Disney vacation. To get a free quote, go to this link or click the banner at the top of the Blog!
Video from YouTube. Leave it to InsidetheMagic.net to always create an amazing video!
In a pretty epic coronation ceremony, all the members of the Royal Court showed up in front of Cinderella Castle to welcome the newest member, who came in riding on Angus (that was sweet!) with banners and Scottish dancers. Let me just say at this point that I love how “Merida” stayed in perfect character during the entire ceremony – just wonderful!
And then the best part: Merida happily stood before the audience in her new crown and proclaimed, “I am strong. I am brave. I am Merida…and I am a princess!”
I just can't.
Love love love!
Cue fan girl screams now. Man, Disney sure knows how to do it right.
.jpg)
