Building Batuu: New Details Released about 

 

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be the largest single-themed land expansion at both Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios when they open this summer and fall, respectively. While the land is epic in size, every detail in the land has been designed to have an authentic Star Wars feel. We have previously shared teasers of our two anchor attractions – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, where your Guests will find themselves in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, which allows your Guests and their flight crew to take the controls of the fastest ship in the galaxy on a special mission. We’ve also previously announced that Oga’s Cantina will be a great place for your Guests to grab a beverage, catch up on the latest gossip while R-3X, formerly the Starspeeder pilot on the original Star Tours, DJ’s a collection of new music.

Today we’d like to introduce a new series called “Building Batuu.” Batuu is the home of Black Spire Outpost, the location your Guests will visit when they arrive at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Over the next several months, we will be sharing more details about this entire new land, the offerings and attractions and how your Guests can live their own Star Wars adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

Your Guests can dive deeper into Star Wars storytelling by engaging with the land through the Play Disney Parks app, if they desire a deeper level of immersion. But there is also plenty to see and do (and taste!) throughout Black Spire Outpost that we haven’t previously shared.

While we’re on the subject of taste, there will be several locations in the land to satisfy the appetites of most rogue adventurers:

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs has traveled throughout the galaxy following his longtime gig as the chef at Maz Kanata’s castle on Takodana and brings exotic flavors and unusual dishes to his traveling diner “Tuggs’ Grub.”

Ronto Roasters – A recycled podracing engine fires up a spit of exotic meats, meticulously turned by a former smelter droid, 8D-J8. Guests can even sample some of the tasty Ronto fare.

Milk Stand – The place to go to get your farm-fresh blue milk or green milk, direct from Bubo Wamba Family Farms.

Kat Saka’s Kettle – One of the many street market stalls, this grain vendor sells the ever-popular Outpost Mix (blend of sweet, savory and spicy popcorn).

For those looking to purchase in-story Star Wars merchandise and rare finds from across the galaxy, look no further than our many different Outpost stores and market stalls.

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – For those in the know, Dok-Ondar is the Ithorian you seek for selling and buying rare and uniquely-valued items from across the galaxy and spanning all eras.

Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers – Guests come to the workshop to meet with the Gatherers – a secretive group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of Jedi lore and the Force. The workshop Master guides guests to customize and build their own unique lightsabers, and instructs them on the ways of the Jedi.

Droid Depot – Visitors to Mubo’s workshop can choose parts and construct their own individual astromech droids to accompany them on their journey, and then take them home with them.

First Order Cargo – A spaceport hangar bay serves as the temporary base and landing spot for the First Order. First Order officers have brought in crates of gear, uniforms and other supplies to win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors to Black Spire Outpost. 

Resistance Supply – Resistance members and local sympathizers oversee a makeshift stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, pins, badges, hats, helmets, jackets, maps, tools, training supplies, food rations and other items.

There are also several market stalls which sell a variety of merchandise such as:

  • Toydarian Toymaker (toys)
  • Creature Stall (interesting critters that you can take home with you)
  • Black Spire Outfitters (clothing)
  • The Jewels of Bith (accessories and other trinkets to treasure)

We look forward to sharing additional details about these and much more through our “Building Batuu” series, with some additional news coming later on some of the food and beverage offerings that will be served in Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo and how the Disney Cast Members’ costumes will play a big part in bringing the inhabitants of this outpost to life.

If you are planning a vacation and need Disney World tickets, please visit our website at www.officialticketcenter.com to book your adventure today.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2018 Set To Go

 

Are you a fan of delicious foods and tasty wines? Are you a fan of the Walt Disney World Resort? Well if you answered yes to both questions then Epcot is a must for you! Every year towards the end of August, Epcot puts on one heck of a festival that includes wines, gourmet tapas dishes and art from around the world. It’s called the International Food & Wine Festival and has been going on for years.

This is a festival for the connoisseurs and foodies who enjoy taking a tour of the world right in the comfort of Disney. For a few months out of the year Epcot puts on a party of parties all day long. For the price of a daily admission ticket you can enjoy the sights, sounds and flavours as you explore the different cuisines from around the world. Vineyards and breweries from around the globe are center stage during this once a year event.

Executive chefs from the Walt Disney World Resorts prepare regional dishes while pairing up wines and beers that make your experience one to savour! As you wander through the theme park you will encounter different cuisines at different locations. As an example if you are in France or Germany, you will be a guest of that country and served local dishes that represent their country all the while being able to sample their regional wines and beer.

The downside is that this isn’t free and can get quite costly. The best way to approach this is to stop at the very first food kiosk and get yourself a prepaid wristband and preload it with as much money as you see fit. I normally will put $50 on mine and that will get me to at least the America pavilion which is the halfway point on the World Showcase at the back of the park. By this time you are feeling pretty good and might want to just put another $50 onto your wristband again to finish strong!

This event is a event worth Uber-ing, staying on property like at the Boardwalk, Swan or Dolphin which are staggering distances from the back entrance of Epcot. If your partake in the fermented beverages you will not want to be driving believe me. This is a great event to share with friends and families and probably should not be a festival that you would want to bring your kids to as people at this event can get pretty happy to say the least but in a good way. Here is a link to their current 2018 menu so have a look and see what you think ~ Epcot Food & Wine Menu 2018 

If you plan on attending this event and need Epcot tickets or Disney World tickets please visit our website at www.officialticketcenter.com or by calling us toll free at 1-877-406-4836.

Epcot Back in Blooms: The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Returns

Walt Disney World Resort

Some say Florida doesn’t have an official “Spring” season, but I beg to differ.

Spring most definitely begins in Florida when the more-than-30-million blooms come alive at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.

This year is the Festival’s 25th year, and the park again is overflowing with the brightest plants, flowers, trees and topiaries adorning both Future World and World Showcase.

Here are some of the top things you shouldn’t miss at the Festival:

  • Gardens, Gardens and More Gardens: In addition to all the natural flora throughout the park, the Walt Disney World horticulture squad has curated some truly breathtaking gardens for our guests this year. New garden destinations this year include “The How-To Garden” and “The Imagination Play Garden” which are perfect for adults and kids to enjoy together. Returning favorites include “The Goodness Garden Butterfly House” and “The Water Wise Garden,” which showcase environmental responsibility as well as just being fun!
  • Outdoor Kitchens: What would an Epcot Festival be without fun food and drinks? 15 Outdoor Kitchens this year grace World Showcase, with the newest being “The Honey Bee-Stro,” which features Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée; Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese; and Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses. These dishes were created to showcase multiple honey varietals in creative and exciting ways. Returning Outdoor Kitchen favorites include “The Berry Basket” (featuring a lamb chop with quinoa salad and blackberry gastrique) and “THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brew” (featuring a pulled-pork slider and warm chocolate cake with Bourbon-salted caramel sauce and spiced pecans). YUM!
  • Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration: One of the beloved characters from Disney animated short cartoons, Spike the honeybee, has been “pollen-nating” throughout the Festival. In this springtime scavenger hunt, gardeners of all ages can follow Spike on his pollination trail around World Showcase, where he will “bee” busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at Epcot. To get started, purchase your map and stickers at Port of Entry. Available while supplies last.
  • Garden Rocks Concert Series: Each Friday through Monday of the Festival (what we like to call a “Disney Weekend”), favorite artists from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s will rock out at the America Gardens Theatre. Night Ranger kicks off the series March 2-5, and Rick Springfield, Survivor and Lonestar are just some of the popular rock and rollers in the lineup. Each night, there will be three performances – 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. – and guests can pair a wonderful meal at several of our Epcot restaurants with reserved concert seating in a nice package. Click here for Garden Rocks dining package availability or call 407-WDW-DINE.
  • Character Topiaries: Locations throughout the park feature some of the most beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar characters including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lady and The Tramp and Buzz Lightyear.
  • Merchandise: Guests will find a wealth of hats, T-shirts, mugs and other fun Festival merchandise throughout Future World and World Showcase. I can’t resist anything with Figment on it; so you KNOW I’ll be buying some.
  • Tours: One of the great ways to get the “inside track” on the Festival or the latest in gardening techniques is to take one of the tours offered during the Festival. There are tours of The Land pavilion greenhouses and the “Gardens of the World – Spring Edition.” There is also the daily Royal Tea Garden Tour at the United Kingdom pavilion that includes a tea tasting. Guests can find out more about the tours here or call 407-WDW-TOUR.

If you’re coming out to this year’s festival, plan on more than one day to see, smell, hear, touch and taste everything. You surely can’t do it all in one!

For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, call us at 1-877-406-4836 or for discount Disney tickets to this event.

 

Happy gardening!

Having a Great Time at Walt Disney World for Almost Nothing

If you have ever come to Disney World and we were pretty strapped for cash, there are so many things to do for free that most people don’t even know about. The biggest and best one would have to be the Walt Disney World monorail. Guess can pay the parking fee of $20, then go to the ticket and transportation center and climb aboard the world-famous monorail. You can take it for a spin around the seven seas lagoon and even stop in and explore waltz resorts.

Next you can walk outback of those resorts and jump on a boat and go resort hopping. Doing this will get you some of the best and most beautiful views of Walt Disney world. One of my favorite stops has to be the wilderness Lodge. This resort is the closest thing to the Pacific Northwest without needing to jump on an airplane. Explore the great halls, sit by the fire or even walk out back and catch a Disney movie on an inflatable screen with the beautiful Bay Lake as your backdrop.

Next would have to be the boardwalk resort that is located behind Epcot. Here you can park in the parking lot of the resort and walk him through the hotel lobby and out onto the boardwalk. Here you will find a beautiful lake surrounded by a 30 foot wooden boardwalk peppered with restaurants and small stores. They even have a brick oven walk up pizza Rea that serves up some pretty delicious pizza slices. Walk a few more steps and you can catch a game inside the ES PN lounge while sipping on a cold brew.

If you are into Micro brewery, stop in to Disney’s own big River brewing Company for a pint of award winning Beer. When the daytime comes tonight walk over to the backside of Epcot and catch your free display of Epcot’s firework show.  I have spent many a evening with my children in tow watching illuminations reflections of earth while chowing down on a few slices of pizza.

If you want to catch another cool firework show, walk through the pathway from the boardwalk over by the Swan and dolphin hotel and continue on the path towards Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sit along the walkway in the evening and catch the all new Star Wars firework show. So it’s a little more than a parking fee or not one can have a great time at the Walt Disney World resort while saving money!

Disney World’s Frozen Fever Shows No Signs of Thawing Its Popularity

Disney Frozen Fever

Disney Frozen Fever

An overwhelming force is invincible by nature. Often it’s the cause of historic changes in life. There is nothing one can do to overcome the glory of such an irrefutable power, except giving up and go with the flow. And perhaps to my greatest excitement the WDW’s (Walt Disney World) Frozen Fever is a true example in this regard. What has been introduced as a highly temporary set-up turns into one of the most explosive theme-park surprises of all times. Given the anticipations and aggressions that the Frozen-inspired attractions register in such a short span is beyond anyone’s expectations. With Frozen at the helm, I think the Mouse has a new alternative to Universal Orlando’s Harry Potter experience for sure.

The new Disney animation blockbuster is definitely a big hit in all its formats. Whether it’s on the screens or as attractions in the Parks, there is no sign of thawing its popularity. Spreading its magical charm across the length and breadth of the WDW Resort, Frozen indeed seems to usher a new beginning in the history of theme park experience after what the multi-park Harry Potter attraction did for the Universal Orlando fans. Started as a rather standard cross media play at the Hollywood Studios, the story of the Norwegian Sisters is interestingly quick enough in extending its incredibly alluring influences at the other Disney World Parks as well.

Bringing the fun and excitements from one of Disney’s highest earning blockbusters to the most magical Parks of Orlando in such overwhelming style is more than just encouraging to me. In fact the kind of response as received by the twin heroines (Anna and Elsa), be it at the Hollywood Studios, the Magic Kingdom or the Epcot for that matter is surprisingly explosive. And the anticipations that follow in this regard only suggest one thing – the birth of one of the most irresistible and never-before theme park experience.

Moreover, if the mere availability of the twin heroines for meeting and greeting can register such record-breaking long wait-times in the parks, I think there is no harm in being a bit extra-obsessive about bringing to life the fantasy-filled story in a more detailed manner. In fact the plan to create a more prominent and perfect setting for the attraction is a wise move on part of Disney. Off-course it cost dearly for all the Maelstrom fans out there at the Norway Pavilion of Epcot. But then it’s only taken over by another and most fancied Norwegian attraction from the reigning animated blockbuster, which is showing no signs of thawing its popularity.

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.

Getting the Most Out of Your Walt Disney World Vacation Tickets

So you are going on vacation to sunny Central Florida and will be visiting the Walt Disney World Resort and are now in need of tickets. The first step in any travelers-to do-list will be choosing what parks they want to do and for how many day? Well this sounds about right, but there are a few very important issues that need to be discussed first. First of all there are four different theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. First and most famous is the Magic Kingdom, followed by EpcotHollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. In order to see all of these world famous attractions, you must first decide on what type of ticket you will need and in what capacity you wish to use them.

The most basic ticket offered is the Disney Base Ticket. The base ticket allows a guest to come into a selected Disney park and visit for the day at that particular park only. And moreover, as a visitor you may get in and out of the same park as many times throughout the day, but may not travel to another Disney park in that same day. You may buy as many days as you wish up to ten days for the Base Ticket.

Next will be the Disney Hopper Ticket. The Hopper Ticket allows a person to go to more than one Disney park in the same day. For example, a person might start the day at the Magic Kingdom then decide later on that day to finish up over at Epcot for dinner and drinks. This ticket will allow you to jump from one park to another park as many times in a day as you want. I always say that this ticket is worth the extra money as it gives the traveler the freedom to visit whatever Disney theme park they wish whenever they want.

Next is the Disney Water Park Fun & More Ticket. This ticket is the same exact ticket as the Disney Base ticket but comes with additional add-ons. The add-ons consist of the two Disney water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon LagoonDisney QuestESPN Wide World of Sports ComplexMiniature Golf at two different Disney courses and golf at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course. The amount of visits to any of the add-ons is determined by how many days you have purchased. For example, if you buy a fourth day Disney Water Park Fun & More ticket, you will receive four add-ons to choose from. This is a great ticket for the budget traveler giving you many things to do without the price.

Last is the Disney Park Hopper Water Park Fun & More Ticket. This ticket is the premium ticket and for good reason. This ticket is the regular Hopper ticket with all the bells and whistles. Not only do you get to Park Hop, but you get all of the add-ons to go with it. A good example would be that a person starts at Animal Kingdom and stays for the morning, then hops over to Hollywood Studios for lunch and their parade then finishes the evening swimming over at Typhoon Lagoon. The possibilities are endless. This is a ticket for the family who wants to experience everything that Disney World has to offer.

If you are in the market to purchase discount Disney World tickets or any other Orlando theme park passes, please contact Orlando’s authorized Discount theme park ticket company, The Official Ticket Center by calling toll free 1-877-406-4836.

Disney World’s Extra Magic Hours – A Unique Advantage One Should Not Miss

Disney World Tickets

This special perk is offered to Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

Often considered as one of the biggest advantages of staying at a Disney Resort hotel, the special EMH (Extra Magic Hours) option brings along a unique opportunity to enjoy the favorite WDW (Walt Disney World) parks in Orlando, Florida. Whether it’s the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, the Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom, the excitement of exploring the parks during those special hours of the morning or late in the evening is a different experience altogether. For guests staying at any of the WDW Resort hotel and those staying at the Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green, and Downtown Disney Hilton, EMH offers the advantage of avoiding crowds, ride queues and wait times like never before. Truly, the prospect of enjoying a specific park one hour prior to the usual opening time or being able to stay late into the evening and have fun for another couple of hours even after the park is officially closed for the day is just awesome.

Given the special opportunities it is no surprise that the EMH option is a unique gift in the offing. But to get the best out of this popular vacation option is a bit tricky for many. It often requires a good understanding and careful planning to make the EMH really beneficial for you and your family during the trip. One should be aware that there are two types of EMH in offer – Morning EMH and the Evening EMH. The Morning EMH allows you to enter the participating Park one hour before it opens for regular visitors, the Evening EMH allows you to stay back late and enjoy amidst a much lesser crowd as others (those staying outside the Resort) left the Park already.

Again to make the EMH work in your favor, it is very important to consider you family first. Such as if your family is more comfortable getting up earlier during the trip then the Morning EMH may best suites your vacation plans or if you are among those who don’t want to miss their early morning sleeps while in vacation, and love to enjoy staying up late night in the parks, perhaps the Evening EMH make a great option.

Moreover, it is also important to note that sometimes EMH may make no real difference to you. Since the number of active attractions in the park during the special hours is limited to a selected few, there is often the fear of facing huge gatherings during busier seasons on selected parks. But whether there is a gathering or not, the special hours will always enjoy a comparatively much quieter ambience than during those regular park hours. If you are a Resort hotel guest I think it is one of the most unique advantage you should not miss.

For discounts on 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

At Star Wars Weekends Guests Celebrate the Culture of One of the Greatest Franchises Ever

FEEL THE FORCE: The power of the Force at Disney'sStar Wars Weekends

FEEL THE FORCE: The power of the Force at Disney'sStar Wars Weekends

The annual Star Wars Weekends event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the WDW (Walt Disney World) resort in Orlando, Florida, is more than just a theme park celebration. The popular event is not only about enjoying the favorite scenes and characters from the amazing trilogy, it is in fact a giant attempt to bring to life the culture of one of the greatest franchises ever created. Paying homage to Star Wars in such a huge and magical way is always a dream experience to me. And I think there is no other place on earth where we can celebrate the same like the way one enjoys at the annual Disney event. Thanks to the Star Wars Weekends for keeping alive the spirit of this beloved Franchise unlike any other. Continue reading

Hunting Hidden Mickeys Is a Favorite Sport Among Disney World Mouse Lovers

Keep Your Eyes Open... They are Everywhere!

Keep Your Eyes Open... They are Everywhere!

Beyond the magical theme-park attractions and rides the existence of the legendary mouse – ears in ultimate disguise doubles our Disney delights. As a great fan of the Mouse I believe that the concept of Hidden Mickeys plays a unique role in strengthening our connections with the famous Disney World parks every time we visit them. Whether it’s at the Magic Kingdom or the Epcot the opportunities of finding Hidden Mickeys are many. Moreover, being able to figure out the magical ears in their most elusive formats during a Disney vacation is always a rewarding experience for me. In fact hunting for those secret images and shadows of the mouse is an ever-challenging fun opportunity one should not miss while visiting the world’s most beloved theme parks. Continue reading