Disney News: Adventures by Disney Updates, New Disney Stores & More
Here’s our latest round-up of happenings with the various Disney brands we proudly represent.
ADVENTURES BY DISNEY INTRODUCES NEW SEINE RIVER CRUISE IN 2019
In 2019, Adventures by Disney® Guests will set sail on a record breaking 21 river cruise departures on three European rivers – the Danube, Rhine, and, new for this year, the Seine River in France.
The new 10-day, 9-night Seine river cruise vacation combines two days exploring Paris on land, followed by eight days of cruising to picturesque French destinations such as Normandy, Conflans, Vernon and more.
You can also add on an extension package at Disneyland® Paris Resort to complete your vacation.
Two Summer 2019 departures will offer enchanting activities for families, while two Fall 2019 epicurean sailings will be held exclusively for adults, offering a wide range of food and wine themed experiences both on and off the ship. Sailings depart from Paris, France on June 20, Aug. 6, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8, 2019.
Additionally, Adventures by Disney announced new departure dates in 2019 for its Rhine and Danube River Cruises. New 2019 sail dates for the Danube River Cruise include: 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 9/27, 12/22 and 2019 sail dates for the Rhine River Cruise include: 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 9/30, 10/14.
Sailing with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, the popular Adventures by Disney river cruises allow you to explore the heart of Europe in a way that’s active, immersive and easy.
Bookings are now open. But that’s just the first big announcement from Adventures by Disney.
ADVENTURES BY DISNEY WITH DISNEY CRUISE LINE LAUNCH NEW DISNEYLAND RESORT AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
In 2019, Adventures by Disney® will offer a new 4-day, 3-night Disneyland® Resort and Southern California Short Escape land tour that can be booked as a stand-alone vacation, or in conjunction with Disney Cruise Line sailings departing from the port of San Diego.
This guided group vacation allows you to revel in a behind-the-scenes look at places where Disney magic is made, including rare private tours of The Walt Disney Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, VIP experiences at Disneyland® Resort, an exclusive visit to Walt Disney’s Disneyland apartment, a sneak peek at props and costumes from beloved Disney films at the Disney Archives, and more.
This new Southern California Short Escape package is available on select dates in Spring and Fall 2018, making it an ideal pre-cruise option for Disney Cruise Line Guests sailing during this time period.
Bookings for this new adventure are now open.
DID YOU KNOW: DISNEY PHOTOPASS IS AVAILABLE AT SELECT DINING LOCATIONS
No matter your tastes, there are so many ways to enjoy dining while visiting Walt Disney World® Resort. Whether you are feasting while inside Cinderella Castle, experiencing a spirited luau, joining favorite Disney characters, or relishing any of the other fabulous dining options, the atmosphere (and of course the food!) are so superb, it’s easy for dining experiences to become some of the most memorable portions of your vacation.
As specialists in capturing memories, Disney PhotoPass Service has stationed photographers at the following dining locations to take a photo before – or at a few places during or after – your meal as you get to know some of your favorite Disney Characters or pose in front of picture-perfect backdrops:
Be Our Guest Restaurant (Dinner only)
Chef Mickey’s
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ
1900 Park Fare
‘Ohana (Breakfast only)
Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
These photos are an excellent way for you to remember your experience long after you’ve finished your meal.
And with Disney PhotoPass Service, it’s easy for you to savor your memories in whichever way you prefer: Your PhotoPass photos can be purchased a la carte or with an all-you-care-to-enjoy approach with Memory Maker. Memory Maker allows you to download all of your Disney PhotoPass photos taken during your vacation*, including those captured at dining locations!
*Memory Maker is subject to the applicable terms and policies available found here. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for the One Day product or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE TAKES YOUR CLIENTS ON EPIC ADVENTURES IN 2019 WITH THE RETURN OF STAR WARS DAY AT SEA AND MARVEL DAY AT SEA
In 2019, epic adventures at sea return to Disney Cruise Line with special engagements of two popular itineraries – Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea. Spanning two Disney cruise ships, sailing across the Caribbean and Bahamas, these cruises bring Disney and fan-favorite fun to families and Guests of all ages.
Star Wars Day at Sea
From January to early March, 2019, nine special seven-night Disney Fantasy sailings will transport you to the Caribbean and a galaxy far, far away.
Star Wars Day at Sea is an experience unlike any other where you can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga with Jedi, Wookiees, droids, Stormtroopers and others during the special day-long celebration.
The seven-night cruise features a full day of Star Wars activities including a deck party spectacular with an extraordinary fireworks display, encounters with the galaxy’s most formidable and heroic characters, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings and special merchandise. Star Wars Day at Sea will only be offered on nine Disney Fantasy seven-night Caribbean cruises sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida.
Departing Jan. 5, Jan. 19, Feb. 2, Feb. 16 and March 2, 2019, the Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica, and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.
Departing Jan. 12, Jan. 26, Feb. 9 and Feb. 23, 2019, the Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Disney Castaway Cay.
Marvel Day at Sea
From January to early March, 2019, 10 special five-night Disney Magic sailings will take you to the Caribbean and Bahamas, along with an action-packed, day-long celebration of the Marvel Universe.
Marvel Day at Sea combines the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series, with the excitement of a Disney Cruise to summon everyone’s inner Super Hero for adventures that lie ahead during this unforgettable day at sea.
Occurring on one action-packed day during each of the select five-night Disney Magic sailings, Marvel Day at Sea transports you to a new realm of possibilities when the largest collection of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains assembles on a cruise ship.
The event features all-day entertainment including interactions with some of the mightiest Marvel Super Heroes and the menacing foes who oppose them, an extraordinary deck show spectacular, Marvel-themed youth activities, special merchandise and unique food and beverage offerings.
Marvel Day at Sea will only be offered on 10 Disney Magic five-night Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Miami, Florida. Departing Jan. 6 and Jan. 20, 2019, the Western Caribbean itinerary includes Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay.
Departing Jan. 11, Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22 and March 8, 2019, the Bahamian itinerary includes Key West, Florida; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney Castaway Cay.
Departing Feb. 3, Feb. 17 and March 3, 2019, the Western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico, and Disney Castaway Cay.
Bookings for all these sailings are open now.
REIMAGINED WORLD OF DISNEY STORES COMING TO DISNEYLAND AND WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORTS
Shopping at Disney Parks is an adventure with hundreds of shops and boutiques to explore. The largest of these shops, World of Disney, has served as the “must see” destination for finding many beloved souvenirs from stylish apparel to home décor. Now, as part of continued enhancements to your shopping experiences at Disney Parks, the World of Disney store locations in Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort and in Downtown Disney® District at Disneyland® Resort will be reimagined. Changes are now underway!
When the interior redesign work is completed, you will discover the products you love from Disney Parks in a dynamic and distinctly Disney retail environment.
Work will be completed in phases throughout 2018, so you can continue shopping in the World of Disney stores during construction.
Shops in Town Center at Disney Springs, such as Ever After Jewelry Co. or The Disney Corner, will carry select merchandise while World of Disney undergoes renovations.
At Downtown Disney District in California, World of Disney will remain open during the renovation. Additionally, you can find great shopping in the recently opened Dream Boutique, as well as the Disney Home store which is also now open in the former D-Street location.
Stay tuned for updates as the transformation progresses throughout 2018.
MOBILE ORDER NOW AVAILABLE FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT GUESTS USING DISNEY DINING PLANS
Since launching last spring, Mobile Order in the My Disney Experience mobile app has been a popular service. Currently offered at 23 locations throughout the theme parks and Disney Springs®, this convenient service allows you to order meals and snacks on demand, pay in advance and skip the line at select quick-service food and beverage locations.
With a recent My Disney Experience update, Guests with Disney dining plans can redeem meals and snacks in Mobile Order, providing them with more free time to enjoy all of the attractions and entertainment experiences throughout Walt Disney World® Resort.
Mobile Order will accept any of the three Disney dining plans: the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. To access Mobile Order, Guests can tap the “Order Food” button under “My Plans” in the app.
If a party has a Disney dining plan included in a package and linked to their reservation, it will automatically appear as a payment option during the ordering process. Please note that Disney gift cards and discounts are not accepted through Mobile Order at this time.
This latest app update builds on other new features, like room charge viewing, Online Check-In Service and wayfinding, that are helping to improve the overall vacation experience for Guests.
STAR WARS: GALACTIC NIGHTS RETURNS TO DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS MAY 27
The Star Wars: Galactic Nights one-night special event will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort on May 27, 2018.
Star Wars: Galactic Nights is a thrilling Star Wars-themed event held after park hours from 7 p.m.-midnight. It celebrates the entire Star Wars saga with out-of-this-world entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise and F&B, and encounters with rarely seen characters that guests can only experience during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.
Here’s a look at other event offerings:
- Star Wars: Galactic Destinations Projections Transform The Hollywood Tower Hotel – Visible on the Sunset Boulevard area of the park the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform via stunning projection technology to showcase familiar locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all night long. Star Wars Galactic Destinations is currently an event exclusive.
- Existing Star Wars Entertainment Will Debut New Enhancements – The park’s existing Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will both debut new saga elements for the first time during Star Wars: Galactic Nights.
- Special Photo Ops – Throughout the park, guests can step into immersive and iconic scenes from their favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations. These special photo ops will only be available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Star Wars: Galactic Nights
- Character Encounters – Expect to encounter Star Wars characters from throughout the galaxy. Guests will also be able to view an Imperial Stormtrooper March with Darth Vader.
- Exclusive Food & Beverage offerings – Taste your way around the galaxy with specialty food and beverage offerings created for Galactic Nights. Inspired by the stories and iconic characters of Star Wars, these tasting-sized sips and bites bring a delectable addition to this event.
- Enjoy park attractions – Select attractions will be open to all guests – and some may even offer a special Star Wars twist on May 27 only.
Contact us for more details on this event or any of the great vacation options listed.