Initial Testing Underway for Disney Skyliner Gondolas – More Details Revealed!

Sharp-eyed visitors to Walt Disney World Resort this week may have spotted something new up in the sky while Disney Skyliner began its initial testing.

Scheduled to open this fall, Disney Skyliner will be a new, state-of-the-art gondola system that will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the proposed Disney’s Riviera Resort, which is now accepting guest reservations for stays beginning December 2019. The official Resort opening date will be announced at a later time.

The Skyliner’s towers have been under construction for about a year, so to have a gondola up on its cables is an exciting milestone! Check out this video to hear more about the project from Jordan Matthews at Walt Disney Imagineering:

Several gondolas will be adorned with graphics based on Disney films, attractions and characters. So for example, you may jump into a gondola where from the ground it will look like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto or Chip & Dale are riding along with you. Several Disney animated films will be represented, including “Beauty & the Beast,” “Frozen,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “Moana,” “Peter Pan,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Zootopia.”

Here’s a sneak peek at what a few of these special gondolas will look like:

Disney Skyliner Gondolas rendering

The other themed gondolas that will be part of the system include:

  • “Coco”
  • Goofy, Pete, Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow
  • “Finding Dory”
  • The Haunted Mansion
  • “Monsters, Inc.”
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • “Ratatouille”

These gorgeous gondolas will be gliding across Walt Disney World before we know it. If you are looking for discount Disney World tickets, make sure to check out The Official Ticket Center for the best prices and specials.

 

Article written by by Jeremy Schoolfield, Managing Editor, Walt Disney World Resort Public Relations

A Special Disney Tour Can Change Our Life as a Theme Park Fan For Sure

See firsthand how thousands of dedicated Cast Members make magic happen every day at Walt Disney World Resort.

See firsthand how thousands of dedicated Cast Members make magic happen every day at Walt Disney World Resort.

Visiting the WDW (Walt Disney World) Parks in Florida is a dream come true experience for many. But what if the world-famous rides, attractions and shows are just not enough for you? You might have seen most of them already in your earlier trips. And now as a returning visitor you will be looking for something new, something more special and unique. Never mind! The excitement at WDW is always new and refreshing. In fact the fun takes the most unusual leap whenever you set onboard a special WDW trip. Truly, the unique Disney World Tours or Behind-the-Scene Tours are just the right alternatives in taking your Disney Experience to the next level. It seems as if you are in a different Disney World altogether. And after you have taken a tour, your views about the Parks will never be the same any more.

Whether it’s all about discovering the secrets behind the Magic or getting more friendly and intimate with the favorite attractions, joining the crew and cast members right on the sets or learning the truth about the various surprising aspects, the Special Tours are meant to experience the Mouse in a completely different format. There are tours that are very specific such as The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour or something broad, such as the Backstage Magic Tour that takes you all across the Disney property and enlightens you about the Company’s rich heritage and cast-member roles. There are some that give rare access, such as the Wild Africa Trek Tour that enables you to explore the most remote reaches of the Animal Kingdom Park and more.

I think it’s worth spending a little extra for your favorite Disney Tour. All that you need to do is a little research before choosing the right one for your family. It’s to be noted that specific Tour has specific requirements, including age restrictions and more. Also reservation is mandatory to avail most of the Tours and the same can be done by a phone call to 1-407-WDW-TOUR (1-407-939-8687).

The Special Tours are also seen as great marketing opportunities by many theme park businesses today, especially in spreading the message with a more personal touch. And indeed how inspiring it’s to hear such wonderful things straight from the mouth of those passionate and knowledgeable keepers (from Imaginneers to Disney Historians to Animal Experts) of the Magic. Thanks to all the exclusive WDW undertakings in making our life as a theme-park visitor so special.

Orlando vacations are always expensive. And tickets play a major role in influencing the same. But there are many other options available to help you stay on budget. And I suggest you to visit the authorized agents and brokers for some real savings. If you are looking for discounts on your Disney Tickets and passes to exclusive Orlando attractions and events, including discount Sea World and Universal Studios tickets and other special theme park packages you can also consult WDW recommended Kissimmee based ticket Re-Seller – The Official Ticket Center.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival-Where Disney Springs to Life

Epcot is the place to be this Spring!

Epcot is the place to be this Spring!

Every year from March through May Disney World Epcot celebrates spring unlike any other. It is also the time when the entire park area transforms into a unique mix of breathtaking blooms and great marketplaces with fresh and tempting foods. The premier spring event, Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival brings to life the spirit of the season in its most unique and colorful style. Truly, a visit to the place during the occasion is a great opportunity to celebrate the season with inspiring Disney topiaries, magical gardens, exhibits and more. Thanks to the Disney World gardeners in putting together such a beloved and magical spring experience for us.

While rainbows of blooms keep our eye engaged, the fresh outdoor kitchens tempt guests for some all new and delicious marketplace tastes. Though the outdoor kitchens were the newest additions (first introduced in the 2013 event), they had already occupied an important place among fans. I think the introduction of those tantalizing food kiosks is a unique initiative on part of Disney. The availability of fresh flavors in fact had raised the level of our experience at the special event today. And more interestingly, the ever expanding list of menus seems to dominate fans taste at this year’s event also. With farm fresh flavors straight from the gardens there is little for us to resist the temptations. Also the availability of latest marketplace boot such as the Urban Farm Eats enables visitors to try and enjoy lots of new flavors ever tested.

However, your trip to Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival remains incomplete without enjoying the festival’s nearly 100 whimsical topiaries. They are among the major highlights of the event and consist of favorite characters- all inspired from Disney films. Moreover, the addition of new topiaries each year makes the Event more exciting among Disney character lovers. And not surprisingly, the 2014 fest also boasts of two new character topiaries, as Kermit and Miss Piggy join the board. Also the story-book scene of Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck topiaries in their best butterfly hunting actions at the entrance is no doubt a centerpiece attraction the 2014 event has to offer.

Besides the inspiring topiaries and foods, the 700 plus vibrant gardens make the place a center of great fun and surprises. Special gardens, such as the new Mike & Sulley’s Monstrous Garden welcomes you right into the world of a whimsical play-land full of activities and surprises for the entire family. For the flower fans the sights of amazing flower towers, the beautiful butterfly tapestry of flowers, and last but not the least the display of over 30 million colorful blooms is just an experience only Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival can offer.

For discounts on Walt Disney World admissions and passes to exclusive Orlando attractions and events, including discount Sea World Orlando tickets, Universal Studios tickets and other special Orlando packages you can consult authorized ticket Re-Seller – The Official Ticket Center

Tips on Bringing Your Own Food into the Walt Disney World Theme Parks

To pack or not to pack... that is the question.

To pack or not to pack... that is the question.

The Official Ticket Center ~ Having worked in the theme park guest service industry for over 2 decades, I would have to say that one of the most common questions that I have been asked is, “Can I take food into the parks?”

Well the answer is a big, “YES”.

There are many reasons that a person or family may need to bring their own food or drinks into the theme parks and here are a few. The biggest reason is budgetary as it is very expensive to eat in the parks, religious reasons or someone might have a medical issue which requires special dietary needs. Whatever the reason, Disney theme parks do not turn away guests with food or drinks. Here are a few questions that I and my staff have been asked over the years and here are our responses. Continue reading

How Effective Is Disney World’s New Ride Reservation System?

Will Fastpass+ Work for You?

Will FastPass+ Work for You?

The Official Ticket Center ~ Making products and services easily accessible is an important determinant in the success of a business. And I think Disney is probably the best in capitalizing this very crucial aspect in the theme-park industry today. Being the world’s biggest entertainment conglomerate, Disney is unique in handling both its core businesses as well as the demands of fans since inception. It’s not just a source that enables you to connect with your ultimate dreams, but also understands the importance of making things available in the most hassle-free and convenient way possible. One great example of this amazing quality is the implementation of the new ride reservation system at the WDW (Walt Disney World) resort in Orlando.

Intended to provide more flexibility in the booking of favorite rides and bring improvement in the wait-times is the new Fastpass+ (FP+) system and it comes with many great promises. Unlike the legacy paper Fastpass, the ability to obtain reservations in advance becomes a reality now for all those passionate about Disney World rides. If you are staying at a Disney resort then you are good to have a reservation as early as 60 days prior to your trip.

The new Fastpass+ reservation system also puts an end to the need of visiting a Fastpass machine in person. Guests have the advantage of choosing from multiple reservation options now. Moreover, if you are a Disney resort guest you can obtain reservations right from the comfort of your home at a mouse click, or on a smart-phone or tablet while in the parks. Besides, there exist many new Fastpass+ reservation kiosks as well as staff members to assist, throughout the parks for all guests. Another great feature the new system offers is the ability to change the attractions for which you have the reservations. One can also control the return times of attractions reserved and thus eliminate the risk of losing any reservation times.

However, there are also certain speculations about the latest reservation system that suggest otherwise. It’s observed that unlike its predecessor, the new Fastpass+ program brings discrimination among guests or vacationers. There are fans not as happy since the new reservation system mostly favors a particular section of guests specially, those staying at a Disney owned resort. So chances are if you are staying offsite then you are missing some great features. Again with the old legacy Fastpass one can have the ability to obtain reservation at more than one park per day. But the same is not the case with the new system as guests are limited to obtain reservations at one park per day.

But whatever may be the speculations, the ultimate objective of the new program is to cut wait-times and bring more flexibility to ride reservations. And I believe Disney is always a champion in adding more value to our dream vacations.

For discounts on Disney World admissions and passes to exclusive Orlando attractions and events, including discount SeaWorld Orlando tickets, Universal Studios tickets and other special Orlando packages you can all us toll free at 1-877-406-4836.

‘Glow With the Show’ Mouse Ears – A Dazzling New Way to Enjoy Disney Spectacles

Glow with the show Mouse Ears

Glow with the show Mouse Ears

The Official Ticket Center ~ It seems enjoying a nighttime show at Disneyland Resort is more than just a spectacular glow. Imagine watching a show where you are not just a mere spectator, but also have the opportunity to actually add more color and glow to the magic during the event. Imagine the magical ear-hats that you and other guests are putting on start glowing – dancing and playing along with each musical and illuminated sequence as the show progress. And while you are occupied with those dream spectacles (with amazing colors and fireworks) your glowing ear-hat offers an impressive twist to that spectacular theme as it comes out of the lagoon, up the sky and into the audience. Indeed the integration of Glow with the Show mouse ears has revolutionized the prospects of viewing famous nighttime spectacles for over a year now.

No other parks in the world except Disney can connect the shows’ environs with the audience in such incredible style. For all the fans it’s all happening out there in Disney California Adventure Park and the Disneyland Resort. Whether it’s the famous World of Color show or other colorful events the cool Glow with the Show ear makes an amazing and dazzling new way to enjoy the spectacles the Parks have to offer. Truly, the imaginers had gone at length in taking Disney nighttime experience to the next level.

The magical Glow with the Show LED-filled ear-hats are designed so that they can collectively sync up to pulsate and glow with the show. The technological mystery behind this all impressive glow concept has an interesting revelation. As explained by the Disney creative & technical head it’s all about the use of infrared technology that influences the entire control infrastructure for the system. Also the fact that the audience area is divided into as many zones, each capable of sending specific signals to the hats within that zone is a unique initiative on part of the technical team. And the combination of zones and the unique serial number associated with each individual hat enables the creative team to control the hats both individually as well as in group.

Moreover, given the immense popularity and success of the Glow with the Show ears, I am pretty sure that the other Disney Parks in Florida will follow suite soon. And the time is not far for Disney World fans to glow in myriad colors with their version of the magical ear-hats, be it in the midst of Magic Kingdom’s most celebrated castle projection show- celebrate the Magic or at some other special areas in the Disney Hollywood Studios Park for that matter.

For discounts on Disney tickets and passes, and other Orlando theme park tickets, including Universal Studios tickets and Sea World tickets, please call our office at 1-877-406-4836.

There Is Always Something Magical About Disney Parades

Magical Parades at Disney World

Magical Parades at Disney World

The Official Ticket Center ~ Disney parades have always been the most spectacular and memorable source of attractions that the Park has to offer. They make an integral part of the Disney-Magic that we all love and enjoy time and again. With awesome display of creativity and technological brilliance they tend to capture the sights, sound and imaginations of fans for years now. For many a visit to the park wouldn’t be completed without seeing one of them. These most special, sparkling and out-of-the-world entertainment extravaganzas, beside their unique sights, sounds and technological creativities also offer great opportunities for fans to witness many favorite Disney characters – all in one place and at the same time. Whether its the amazing sound -tracks or dazzling floats or the characters decked with special costumes and waving at you, the entertainment that Disney parades offer is a never-ending saga of joy beyond imaginations.

Being a spectator to one of these amazing parade shows is like a dream come true. If anything, these unique entertainment events will make your theme-park experience even more special. They tend to offer the much needed excitement break during your park visits. Watching the colorful and spectacular parades on the streets of Magic Kingdom, or the enchanting parades at the Hollywood Studios or at Disney Animal Kingdom is simply delightful. Whether it’s during the day, or at night-fall, there is a special parade event for every parade lover in the park.

Talk about the all time classic Main Street Electrical Parade and you have a whole lot of memorable stories to hear about. This one of a kind night-time spectacle at the Magic Kingdom enjoys a very special place in the hearts and minds of fans since inception. It is the longest running parade in the Disney park history. The parade is also one of the largest Disney parades with about 23 floats, 80 performers and a galaxy of over 600,000 lights. One should not miss this legendary Parade.

Guests visiting the Disney parks also have many other great parade options to watch for such as Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade. This one of a kind day-time parade makes for a great celebration of classic Disney moments with upbeat music, floats and favorite Disney characters all cheering and marching ahead in front of your eye on the Main Street USA. Again the Animal Kingdom lovers also have the opportunity to witness the famous Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade where guests can join the team of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, including Rafiki, Donald and Goofy in a wild and larger-than-life tribute to all the animal friends. At the Hollywood Studios, parade lovers are greeted with the most colorful and interactive parade – Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade featuring favorite characters from Disney films such as Monsters Inc, Toy Story and more.

Moreover, if you are a Disney Parade fan and planning to visit the Park sometime during spring 2014, the good news is you have an all new Parade marching into the Magic Kingdom. Disney had recently announced the coming of a new procession – Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. It is also revealed that the new Parade will incorporate the celebration of the new Fantasyland and features new innovative floats, costumes and original sound-tracks. Hope the upcoming Parade will take spectators experience to the next level.

For WDW park attraction tickets and passes, including Sea World tickets and discount Universal Studios tickets you can call us toll free 7 day a week from 8am until 8:30pm. at 1-877-406-4836

Disney Star Wars Weekends

Disney Tickets

Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios

For the fans of Star Wars nothing is so exciting than what Disney Star Wars Weekends have to offer. Started in 1997, this one of a kind exclusive Disney World event is a must anticipated fantasy-fest which celebrates and brings to life the favorite actions and scenes from the Iconic film saga of all times. Every year from May through June Disney Hollywood Studios theme park becomes the most happening place to look for. During the period the Park is at its best with plenty of special and unique Star Wars activities and attractions that every fan and guest loves to celebrate and enjoy. Continue reading

What is you favorite dish? Trying all 29 Marketplaces in One Day at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

The fun is on the griddle at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and there’s still time to enjoy the culinary adventures throughout the park before the event comes to a close November 12.

Half the fun of the festival is discovering new dishes in the 29 marketplaces. But what’s your favorite?

That’s the assignment I had on my recent trip around the Epcot culinary world. Whether it’s the subtle seasoning of the Kefta Pocket at the Morocco Marketplace; the volcano sauce on the Spicy Hand Roll at Japan; a smooth, fine Merlot from France; Griddled Greek Cheese at Greece or the wonderful selection of ales and beers at the Hops and Barley Marketplace, there’s a lot to please every palate. Rob, our Concerned Bystander, also makes a cameo in this video, but it seems his tune has changed just a tiny bit.

So, after experiencing all 29 marketplaces in one day, what was my favorite dish?

The Kalua Pork Slider (the chutney and spicy mayo are an unbeatable blend) from the Hawai’i Marketplace takes the top spot in my (very) unscientific sampling. Although the White Corn Arepa (AREPA!) from the Florida Local Marketplace was a close second. With the famous sweet corn from nearby Zellwood, Fla., it’s a tasty treat. (And if you order it, please shout “Arepa!” and you might get a reaction just like I did in the video.)

The best thing is that I received a special stamp at the Festival Center for visiting all 29 countries. (Although I might suggest visiting Epcot a few times before the event ends to collect all of the marketplace stamps!)

Let us know in the comments if you have visited all 29 marketplaces, or if you have discovered your favorite from this year’s festival. Arepa!

For you discount Epcot tickets to this event, please call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836 or visit our web site at http://www.officialticketcenter.com/epcot-tickets.aspx

Giant Ice Castle In Time Square Kicks Off “Limited Time Magic” At Disney Parks

The Official Ticket Center ~ We have 52 weeks of magical surprises planned for you at Disney Parks in 2013.

Regular Blog readers already know that next year is a momentous year – with New Fantasyland, the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom Park history at Walt Disney World Resort and the first full year of a re-imagined Disney California Adventure park. And now, we’re adding “Limited Time Magic,” featuring unexpected experiences with an extra sprinkle of Pixie Dust at Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort that’ll appear, and then disappear when the next debuts.
Giant Ice Castle in Times Square Kicks Off ‘Limited Time Magic’ at Disney Parks

Giant Ice Castle in Times Square Kicks Off ‘Limited Time Magic’ at Disney ParksGiant Ice Castle in Times Square Kicks Off ‘Limited Time Magic’ at Disney ParksGiant Ice Castle in Times Square Kicks Off ‘Limited Time Magic’ at Disney ParksGiant Ice Castle in Times Square Kicks Off ‘Limited Time Magic’ at Disney ParksGiant Ice Castle in Times Square Kicks Off ‘Limited Time Magic’ at Disney Parks

As part of this morning’s “Limited Time Magic” announcement, Mickey and pals helped unveil a three-story castle in the heart of Times Square in New York City. The fairytale castle is made of 45,000 pounds of ice and will be visible for a limited time thanks to the warm Autumn weather.

So, what can you expect with “Limited Time Magic” at Disney Parks when it begins in January? Here’s an idea:

  • True Love: Celebrate romance and enchantment throughout Valentine’s Week with special moments and entertainment geared to lovebirds. Disney Princes join their Princesses to meet park guests in special settings, prix fixe menus turn up at select restaurants and Valentine’s collectibles will be offered for the week.
  • Independence Week: It’s red, white and blue as Disney Parks salutes America with a 4th of July Fireworks Party — for an entire week, with patriotic lighting bathing the Disney castles on both coasts. Mickey Mouse appears in his patriotic finest and guests will find special USA shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs.
  • Long Lost Friends Week: Lesser-known Disney characters will move from the shadows to the spotlight meet-and-greets on both coasts. Photo ops with characters that could include Flik, Clarabelle Cow, Remy, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum will surprise and delight guests. And Disney guests even have the chance to vote online for which characters they want to see.
  • Pirate Week: Why talk like a pirate one day when you could celebrate these scalawags all week long? The adventures of Jack Sparrow come to life like never before during a bi-coastal buccaneer bash in which Disneyland and Walt Disney World become pirate-palooza: pirate bands, pirate meet-and-greets and more.
  • Dapper Dans Sing Boy Bands: The Dapper Dans, the iconic quartet from Main Street, U.S.A., will add a special finale to their show, claiming the title of the “Original Boy Band” and delivering a medley of hits from One Direction, *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.
  • Unleash the Villains: Friday the 13th in September 2013 is a special day, so Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are staying open until the 13th hour (1 a.m.). Maleficent, Captain Hook, Jafar and other Disney Villains host a dance party, complete with limited-edition collectibles and other nighttime mischief.
  • Golden Horseshoe Revue: The fabled Frontierland show returns to Disneyland park for one month only, bringing back the corny jokes and enduring songs that were often enjoyed by Walt Disney himself.

To purchase your discount Disney tickets for these events, please call our office toll free at 1-877-406-4836 or visit us on the web at www.officialticketcenter.com