Off to Neverland Travel® Disney Vacations Blog

Celebrity chef Cat Cora and Disney are joining together to open a casual, family restaurant at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.

Kouzzina by Cat Cora features time-honored Mediterranean recipes, as well as the chef’s personal favorites. The new table-service restaurant is included in the Disney Dining Plan and available to book simply by letting your personal Dream Maker know your desired date and time.

Kouzzina is the Greek word for kitchen. This family dining restaurant has an open kitchen with a wood-burning grill and oak-fired ovens. It will serve creative, Greek-inspired dishes that are described as simple, yet sensational.

To complement the flavors and aromas wafting out of the open kitchen, Chef Cora has hand-selected a beverage menu, including her special cocktail recipes and private label wines from California.

Cat Cora achieved celebrity status by becoming the first female Iron Chef on the Food Network’s hit show “Iron Chef America.” She’s been a featured chef at the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival and at Disney’s California Food & Wine Festival at the Disneyland® Resort.

Just dropping a quick note to let you know that Walt Disney World® 2010 Packages have been released and are now ready to be booked.  If you’ve been waiting for 2010 Walt Disney World® Packages, please contact us now to request a quote so that we can get you the best option possible for your Walt Disney World® 2010 Vacation.  As always, if you book with us, and a Walt Disney World® Special is released that is applicable to your package, we will automatically and gladly have it applied in order to save you money or add on something special.

What are you waiting for?  Dream Makers are standing by to help with your 2010 Walt Disney World® Vacation.  Click here to request a quote!

Are you hungry for some fun? Check out this fantastic Walt Disney World® Resort vacation packages that not only include hotel accommodations and Theme Park tickets, but also includes:

• Disney Dining Plan (Deluxe and Moderate Resorts) or
• Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan (Value Resorts) for FREE!

These vacation packages are available for stays most nights Sept. 29 – Nov. 24 and Nov. 29 – Dec. 17, 2009.

Click here to request more information!

A remarkably lifelike Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama enters the spotlight in a revised and refreshed Hall of Presidents show that recently reopened in the Magic Kingdom® Park at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

The figure of the country’s 44th chief executive – which comes to life with recognizable mannerisms and makes comments that were recorded at the White House – is only part of a makeover so significant that the iconic attraction in the park’s Liberty Square has been retitled The Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders.

Other updates to the “re-Imagineered” attraction which has been entertaining Magic Kingdom Park Guests since 1971:

• A re-programmed Abraham Lincoln delivers arguably the greatest speech in the history of the presidency – the Gettysburg Address.
• For the first time in the attraction’s history, George Washington stands and delivers a stirring speech.
• Developed with the assistance of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, the show now tells a moving story of the bond between the presidents and “We, the People,” focusing on the chief executives who have guided America through trying, turbulent times.

“Our goal with every major Disney attraction is to completely immerse our Guests in a compelling story,” said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The stories associated with the American presidency are some of the most engaging and relevant our Guests will hear while they are with us. And, like all great stories, these stories inspire, motivate and teach us to appreciate the challenges and personal triumph that comes with overcoming adversity.”

True to Walt Disney’s vision, The Hall of Presidents features the appearance on stage of every United States president - life-sized, three-dimensional and fully animated. Seven presidents have been added to the “Hall” since the attraction opened during the presidency of Richard Nixon.

The figure of President Barack Obama is not only the seventh addition but also the most dynamic figure Disney has ever created. Disney Imagineers, who’ve been refining Audio-Animatronics technology since 1963, have discovered new ways to integrate an array of subtle movements and facial expressions into the figures. Imagineers also worked closely with White House staff to create realistic clothing and accessories worn by the Obama figure in the show, right down to a lapel pin and watch.

Imagineers enhanced the soundtrack with digital production and state-of-the-art speakers; they also upgraded the lighting with energy-efficient LED technology.

Presentations of The Hall of Presidents show takes place daily and are included with Magic Kingdom Park admission.

So, you’re enjoying your day at one of Disney’s magical theme parks and you see on your entertainment guide that you have a chance to see a Disney parade. First of all, you are in for a treat! Disney is the master of entertainment and their parades are wonderful sites to behold. Here are just a few quick tips to maximize your viewing pleasure and enjoyment of your Disney parade. Follow these, and your Disney parade time will be magical!

Tips for Enjoying Disney Parades:

1. Arrive Early – Disney parades are extremely popular and many people line up anywhere from forty-five minutes to one hour and a half before the parade starts. Unless you are there during an extremely busy day, forty-five minutes should be plenty of time to find a good viewing location.
2. Find a Great Viewing Spot – Check your park map for parade routes. Some parades actually stop their forward motion for a period of time to put on a street party/show. You should definitely try to position yourself where those events occur. They are marked on your park map. Also, when in doubt, ask a Cast Member for the best viewing location. They’ve seen the parade tons of times and can tell you their favorite spot.
3. Prepare for the Elements – Whether hot or cold outside, be aware that you may be waiting in extreme weather conditions for over an hour. Be ready to cool off with a fan or sprayer (and don’t forget your sunscreen) OR be ready to warm up with a nice hot chocolate and a blanket.
4. Attend the Late Parade – If the Disney parade you are wanting to experience is running twice on the same day, attend the second running as it will almost always have less of a crowd and you can get a better spot to experience the magic.
5. Be Ready to Party – Disney parades are full of excitement, music, dancing, and other crowd pumping activities. If you want to experience the parade to the fullest, then jump out there and participate. Dance, sing, and have fun. Don’t worry about making a fool out of yourself…you’re on vacation…you’ll never see these people again!

Following a few simple tips can make your Disney parade experience magical. Disney parades are a perfect way to expierence the wonder and fantasy that the Disney parks are famous for!

Book through July 26, 2009:
Walt Disney World® Resort Free Dining Plan Offer

Click here for a free quote for Free Dining at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Through July 26, 2009, you can purchase a 5-night, 6-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company package for stays most nights Aug. 22 – Oct. 3, 2009, at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and get the Disney Dining Plan FREE.  This is an extension through most of July from the original special.

Are you hungry for some fun? Check out this fantastic Walt Disney World® Resort vacation package that not only includes hotel accommodations and Theme Park tickets, but also includes the Disney Dining Plan for free!

This vacation package is available for stays most nights Aug. 16 through Oct. 3, 2009.

Click here for a quote for Free Dining at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

With the Disney Dining Plan included in your vacation package, you can choose from over 100 select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants and enjoy one Table-Service meal, one Quick-Service meal and one select snack, per person, per night of your package. Gratuities and alcoholic beverages are not included. Children ages 3-9 must choose from the children’s menu, if available.

What are you waiting for? An offer this tasty won’t last forever. Hurry up and book by June 21, 2009, before it’s too late! To book one of these delicious vacation packages, click here.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – With all the thrills and suspense that have made it a television and pop culture phenomenon, “American Idol” comes to Walt Disney World® Resort in a groundbreaking new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. 

“The American Idol Experience” captures the energy and excitement of the TV series, with some guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios auditioning to take the spotlight onstage, while fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite singer with instant results. 

“Disney parks are all about making dreams come true, and that’s exactly what will happen at ‘The American Idol Experience,’ ” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Whether they are onstage singing or in the audience cheering on their favorite performer, our guests will feel immersed in a world of instant stardom.” 

Each show takes place in a 1,000-seat indoor theater that features the twirling neon signs and a multi-layered backdrop inspired by the actual “American Idol” set in California. Building on its hallmark of attention to detail, Walt Disney Imagineering worked with the Hollywood set designer who designed the actual TV show set for “American Idol.” The newly designed venue is the most technologically advanced theater found at Walt Disney World® Resort. 

Designed to reflect the best and brightest elements of the TV show, “The American Idol Experience” includes an audition process open to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests 14 and older (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early). These guests perform live in front of a Disney’s Hollywood Studios casting director for the opportunity to be cast in one of the preliminary theme park shows that same day. 

Performers with the highest votes during the preliminary shows return for a high-energy grand finale show that same evening. After their encore performances, the big moment arrives. It’s a super-charged, eye-popping scene as audience votes are tallied, the other performers drop off, music builds and the spotlight shines down, amid a blizzard of confetti, on the day’s top singer. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getter receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket, which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition to a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show. And every member of the audience can take a bow, too, because they had a role in deciding that day’s star. 

“The American Idol Experience” is the newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The showbiz-inspired theme park immerses guests in the glamour of show business with thrilling attractions, Broadway-style shows, world-class atmosphere entertainment and interactive film, music, television and radio production facilities.

Disney has extended the Buy 4 Nights, Get 3 Free special for travel dates through August 15, 2009

Through Mar. 29, 2008, when you purchase a 4-night, 4-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way package you’ll get three additional nights (with tickets) free. This offer is now valid for stays most nights Feb. 15 - March 9, March 17 - April 4 and April 19 - Aug. 15, 2009.

Plus, if you travel on this package between March 1 – March 8 and March 22 – March 29, 2009, you’ll also receive a Disney Gift Card worth $200 that you can choose to spend at the Walt Disney World® Resort during your stay.

And, those taking advantage of this offer at Disney’s Old Key West Resort or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will receive a $100 Disney Gift Card**, available for arrivals beginning March 30 - April 1 and April 19 - Aug. 15, 2009.

Click here to request a no-obligation quote for this incredible package!

When visiting Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort you now can enjoy a brand-new, ultra-interactive attraction inspired by the Disney Channel animated series, “Kim Possible.”

Using the latest technology, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites Guests of all ages to become secret agents, teaming up with members of “Team Possible” to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions.

As you embark on this international adventure, they will receive an official “Kimmunicator.” This handheld wireless device will help them maneuver through the mission. Using state-of-the-art technology, the interactive device connects you with a variety of characters from “Kim Possible” who provide clues to stop villains from taking over the world. These devices also allow Guests to control top-secret equipment hidden inside World Showcase pavilions, creating an adventure jam-packed with mystery and excitement.

You can play Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure in sevenWorld Showcase pavilions: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France and United Kingdom. Each pavilion features a unique mission including distinctive visual events and a different super-villain from the animated series.

Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is included in Epcot admission.