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What We’re Talking About: The Mandalorian, The Mouse, and More

We’re mixing things up here with In Case You Missed It! First things first….you know them….you love them….the team here from TouringPlans is going to weigh in on some of their thoughts of the articles of the week! So, get ready….they have a lot of thsoughts. (Well….most….maybe not Derek. Just kidding Derek!)

This week, we take a look at the newest trailer to feature The Child and learn what Brian has to say about the upcoming season, find out what film might be released to Disney+ like Mulan was (and see why I’m disappointed), and learn Derek’s thoughts on the new Mickey Mouse series for Disney+ and more.

In Case You Missed It – Disney and Universal Orlando News and Rumors

The OC Register shared an article this week discussing the fact that Disney (and many others) are ready to get back to things in the state of California, as a trade organization representing the company and others has called on Governor Gavin Newsom to reopen California theme parks this week, as it was the six-month anniversary of the coronavirus closure of Disneyland.

James shared his take – “Well, they can ask, but you may recall that Disney actually announced an earlier plan to open Disneyland in July that basically got a pocket veto from the state because it apparently declined to even act on it, opting instead to focus upon the surge in cases California was seeing at the time. With that said, cases have calmed down since then in the area, the Florida parks seem to have demonstrated that there are ways to operate a theme park in a safe and responsible fashion during a pandemic, and hopefully that will put the state in a position to at least offer some guidance on when things can reopen. There’s been a lot of activity at the Disneyland parks lately, so it seems like Disney is expecting to get the green light sooner than later as well. Fingers crossed!”

This article from the Orlando Sentinel is just one of those melt your heart stories. This little girl, Harper Mae, who was born with spina bifida, is building muscle to help her walk better as she makes her way around the theme parks at Walt Disney World. Take a look at the awesome way she gets around too!

In news that makes me very sad, Disney is considering moving Soul to Disney+. Now, one would expect that it would be the way that they did it with Mulan, where you would get premium access first, but still, I was really excited about the film and hoping that I would be able to see it in theaters. I would hate to think that what happened to Onward would possibly happen to Soul, which looks like it’s going to be a lovely, albeit incredibly sad film. Speaking of still being able to see a film in theaters, it does appear that they will be doing whatever they can to make sure Black Widow will be shown in theaters – likely delaying that film’s release date. Click to read the article from Variety. What do you think? Would you prefer if Soul was just put out on Disney+ and how would you like it if Black Widow was delayed once again?

We’re a little over a month out from season two of The Mandalorian! So, I guess 2020 isn’t a completely negative year. Take a look at the recent trailer here and let us know your thoughts about what you hope to see from the upcoming season in the comments.

Brian had his own thoughts of the second season – “I’m very excited for more Mando, as are my kids who are not particularly Star Wars fans. It looks like there will be more mixing of a new story with some familiar sights (to us nerds anyway) which was so successful in Season 1. I mean X-wing fighters! Banthas! Gamorreans! Wee little Yoda!”

Do we maybe have the villain for the upcoming Ant-Man film? According to Deadline, Jonathan Majors, from HBO’s hit series Lovecraft Country may be tapped to play Kang the Conqueror. For those who don’t know, and it is possible the character could be used differently in the movie, in the comics, Kang is a time-traveling entity who had battles with everyone from Thor to Spider-Man to the entire Avengers team. Will be interesting to see if the rumors are indeed true and Kang will be a part of the upcoming movie.

If you love Mickey Mouse shorts, then I have some good news for you! The main mouse will have a brand new animated shorts series for Disney+ that comes out this November 18 according to this article.

Derek has some thoughts about the upcoming series – “The more Mickey on Disney+ the better. This is great news.” Do you agree with Derek?

We have our She-Hulk! Reports are stating that Tatiana Maslaney from Orphan Black is taking the role for the upcoming Disney+ series! For those who don’t know who She-Hulk is, She-Hulk is Jennifer Walters, an attorney and cousin of Bruce Banner, (or the Hulk.) An emergency blood transfusion from her cousin gives Walters her powers, but unlike Banner/Hulk, She-Hulk was able to keep her intelligence and personality when she Hulked out. Definitely sounds like this will be one interesting series once it hits Disney+! Are you anxious for it?

Well, I don’t know about you, but one of my guilty pleasures on Disney+ is Forky Asks a Question. The show is so silly and yet still makes me laugh. So, I’m happy to share that Forky Asks a Question has won the Emmy for Outstanding Short Form Animated Program! If you haven’t caught the series, go watch it now. The episodes are short and so enjoyable!

Um….have you seen video of the cutest non-real dog?! At Universal, they’ve introduced Latte as part of the steampunk character line up for Toothsome Chocolate Emporium! He’s made of cogs and silverware and is super cool, not gonna lie! I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see him in person!

 

In Case We Missed It

What did we miss? Attach your ideas to a  Fleece Throw featuring The Child (gotta get ready for the new season) and send it to blog@touringplans.com with the words “In Case You Missed It” in the subject line.

The post What We’re Talking About: The Mandalorian, The Mouse, and More appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: In Case You Missed It

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NEW Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom Getting Closer to Opening

The massive Seven Seas Lagoon has been an iconic part of Walt Disney World since opening day 1971. Providing a relaxing waterway leading to Magic Kingdom, one thing that has been missing from the Seven Seas Lagoon is the ability to walk all the way around it.

Soon guests will be able to walk to and from Disney’s Grand Floridian, and by extension Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and get to the Magic Kingdom by foot. We were hoping this walkway would be ready with the reopening of the Grand Floridian next week. But judging from the pictures taken by our field team aboard the Express Monorail, the outlook for such an event is cloudy.

NEW Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom Getting Closer to Opening
Walkway Connecting Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom Under Construction
NEW Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom Getting Closer to Opening
Walkway Connecting Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom Under Construction
NEW Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom Getting Closer to Opening
Walkway Connecting Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom Under Construction

The walkway does look wide and well landscaped, providing a scenic stroll to and from the Magic Kingdom. There is lighting and a fair amount of trees that will hopefully provide some shade.

NEW Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom Getting Closer to Opening
Walkway Connecting Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom Under Construction
NEW Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom Getting Closer to Opening
Walkway Connecting Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom Under Construction

Many are concerned about the fate of the Electrical Water Pageant which has been a staple of Walt Disney World for nearly 50 years. It appears there is a movable bridge to open up the canal that is where the Electrical Water Pageant is stored each day. So one can hope that this beloved flotilla will return to delight guests sometime in the future.

NEW Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom Getting Closer to Opening
Walkway Connecting Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom Under Construction
NEW Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom Getting Closer to Opening
Walkway Connecting Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom Under Construction
NEW Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom Getting Closer to Opening
Walkway Connecting Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom Under Construction

Have you ever stayed at any of the resorts on the Monorail Loop before? Which one is your favorite?

You can use our TouringPlans Room Finder to help you select the right room to fit your needs. This tool is free to use, but you’ll gain lots of tools by becoming a TouringPlans Subscriber.

The post NEW Grand Floridian Walkway to Magic Kingdom Getting Closer to Opening appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: In the Parks, Magic Kingdom, Resorts, Transportation, Trip Planning, Walt Disney World (FL), disney construction, Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, magic kingdom walkway, Monorail

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Walt Disney World Issuing Partial Refunds to Guests With Platinum Plus Annual Passes

For those of you who are Walt Disney World Platinum Plus Annual Passholders, you will have definitely noticed that since the parks reopened back in July, the thing that didn’t reopen yet are the Walt Disney World water parks. In addition, Guests are not currently able to visit the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, due to the fact that the NBA is playing their games in the facility. Many Platinum Annual Passholders have been a bit frustrated because a big chunk of what they’ve paid for is unable to be used.

Disney has heard the frustration and they are now going to be automatically issuing Platinum Plus Annual Passholders a partial refund.

The amount you’ll be refunded is based on the price difference between the price you paid for your Platinum Plus Pass and the price of a Platinum Annual Pass prorated by the number of days left on your pass prior to Water Park reopening. For those on the Annual Pass Monthly Payment program, you will receive a lump sum refund as noted, however your ongoing monthly payment will not change.

Refunds will be made to whatever original form of payment was used to purchase your pass and they can be expected by late October through early November. If for some reason, your original form of payment is not available, you should receive a check by late November.

Your pass will still include admission to Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course and if Disney Water Parks (either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon) and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex reopen before your pass expires, you will be able to visit them, as well.

The post Walt Disney World Issuing Partial Refunds to Guests With Platinum Plus Annual Passes appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: News, Walt Disney World (FL), annual pass, Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Walt Disney World Platinum Plus Annual Pass, water parks

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Can’t Miss Halloween Snacks Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort

We know that TouringPlans readers love treats….let’s be honest, we do too! And today, Disney has shared with us a number of great Halloween snack options that you’re going to want to consider picking up during your fall trip to the World!

We’ve already shared with you some of the great Halloween snacks that you can pick up at the theme parks and you can take a look at what some of our favorites were, but what if you’ll be visiting the resorts or even Disney Springs! The good news is that no matter where you are on Disney property, you’ll never be far away from a fun themed snack!

Let’s take a look at what Halloween snacks you’ll be able to pick up, where, and even when!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Mike Wazowski Dome Cake (Available September 20-October 31 at Capt. Cook’s) – Milk chocolate cake dome with white chocolate icing
  • Halloween Minnie Cupcake (Available September 20-October 31 at Capt. Cook’s) – Chocolate cupcake with milk chocolate “rocky road” filling
  • Poisoned Apple Cocktail (Available through November 1 at Barefoot Pool Bar) – Vodka, melon liqueur, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice with a novelty glow cube

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Spooky Rum Punch (Available Through October 31 at Banana Cabana) – Caribbean rum, sour apple liquor, and cranberry juice garnished with a Purple Poison Apple Novelty Glow Cube
Can’t Miss Halloween Snacks Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort
©Disney

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

  • Monster Cupcake (Available at Contempo Café October 29-31) – Confetti cupcake filled with candy bar custard and purple buttercream
  • Pumpkin Pie Tart (Available at Contempo Café October 26-29) – Pumpkin pie tart with cinnamon whipped cream

 

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

(All Treats Available at Roaring Fork September 27-October 31)

  • “Going Batty” Halloween Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake with cookies and cream filling and ganache icing
  • Spooky Mickey Brownie – Classic brownie topped with a dark chocolate spider
Can’t Miss Halloween Snacks Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort
©Disney

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

  • Pop’s Potion Cocktail (Available through October 31 at Petals Pool Bar) – Coconut rum, melon liqueur, pineapple and orange juice, Sprite, and blue curaçao floater with gummy worm garnish and purple Poison Apple Novelty Glow Cube

Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

(All Items Available October 1-November 1)

  • Monster Cookie Bag (Available at The Artist’s Palette, Good’s Food To Go, and Conch Flats General Store) – Sweet and salty chocolate chip, pretzel, and candy-filled cookie bites
  • Pumpkin Spiced Whoopie Pie (Available at The Artist’s Palette) – Chocolate whoopie pie filled with a pumpkin-spiced marshmallow and garnished with a spider web chocolate decor
  • Caramel Cauldron Cupcake (Available at The Artist’s Palette, Good’s Food To Go, and Conch Flats General Store) – Chocolate cupcake filled with a salted caramel buttercream and sauce garnished with chocolate flames and a witch’s broom
Can’t Miss Halloween Snacks Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort
©Disney

Disney’s Riviera Resort – Le Petit Café

  • Pumpkin Mousse (Available September 17-November 28 starting at 12:00 p.m. daily) – Pumpkin mousse with pumpkin cheesecake and autumn-spiced sable
  • Jack O Lantern Mousse (Available October 30-31 starting at 12:00 p.m. daily) – Pumpkin mousse with pumpkin cheesecake and Autumn spiced sable
  • Pumpkin Glacé Coffee (Available through November 28) – Frozen blend of coffee, pumpkin purée, and fall spices topped with cinnamon whipped cream and salted caramel crispy pearls

Disney’s BoardWalk – BoardWalk Bakery

(All Items Available October 26-November 1)

  • Candy Corny Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake filled with white chocolate candy corn mousse and decorated with orange and yellow buttercream swirls, yellow crispy pearls, and a white buttercream ghost
  • Ghostly Mickey Brownie – Mickey-shaped brownie topped with chocolate ganache and garnished with meringue ghosts
  • Witch’s Mallow-Hat – Breton cookie topped with a marshmallow witch’s hat, coated in dark chocolate, and garnished with Halloween sprinkles

Can’t Miss Halloween Snacks Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort Halloween Snacks

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club

(All Items Available September 22-October 31)

  • Tiramisù (Available at The Market at Ale & Compass and Beach Club Marketplace) – Classic tiramisù with coffee flavor, a chocolate pretzel skeleton, and marshmallow skull
  • Candy Corn Cupcake (Available at The Market at Ale & Compass and Beach Club Marketplace) – Vanilla cupcake with chocolate Mickey ears
  • Pumpkin Whoopie Pie (Available at The Market at Ale & Compass and Beach Club Marketplace) – Pumpkin cake with brown butter cream cheese filling and sprinkles
  • Pumpkin Spiced Butter Pecan Shake (Available at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop) – Pumpkin-spiced butter pecan shake with chocolate sauce and orange icing topped with a pumpkin cupcake and decorated with assorted chocolate crispy pearls

 

Disney Springs

Can’t Miss Halloween Snacks Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort Halloween Snacks
©Disney

Amorette’s Patisserie

  • Candle Petit Cake (Available through November 2) – Layers of chocolate biscuit, vanilla chiffon and cookies and cream mousse with a layer of cookie cream
  • Halloween Minnie Mousse (Available through November 2) – Carrot cake with pumpkin mousse and marshmallow mousse
  • Pumpkin Crème Brûlée (Available through November 27) – Pumpkin custard, leaf cookie, and candied pecans
  • Novelty Pumpkin Tire Straw (Available through November 2)
Can’t Miss Halloween Snacks Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort Halloween Snacks
©Disney

The Ganachery

  • Minnie Frankenstein Piñata (Available through October 31) – Dark 65% chocolate sphere decorated with modeling chocolate and edible “bolts” filled with milk chocolate-covered vanilla bean marshmallows and crispy pearls
  • Caramel Ganache Skulls (Available through October 31) – Dark 65% chocolate skulls filled with creamy caramel ganache
  • Hot Sipping Chocolate (Available through November 2)
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte Ganache Squares (Available through November 2)
Can’t Miss Halloween Snacks Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort Halloween Snacks
©Disney

AristoCrépes

  • Oogie Boogie Worms in Dirt (Available through November 2) – Mint ice cream, chocolate cookie crumbs, and gummy worms
  • Bug Juice (Available through November 2) – Vodka, raspberry liqueur, melon liqueur, and blue curaçao with house-made sweet-and-sour and topped with cranberry juice and gummy worms
  • Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket

D-Luxe Burger

  • Pumpkin Milk Shake (Available Through October) – Vanilla gelato, caramel, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie baking spices, whipped cream, and pumpkin pie baking spices on top

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

  • Poison Apple Glow Cube (Available Through November 2)

The Daily Poutine

(All Items Available Through November 1)

  • Oktoberfest Poutine– French Fries with stout gravy, bratwurst sausage, sauerkraut, and cheese curds
  • Canadian Apple Slushy – Apple whisky with Odwalla Lemonade, caramel, and apple topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle

Dockside Margaritas

(All Items Available through November 2)

  • Black Magic Margarita – Tequila, orange liqueur, house-made sweet-and-sour, and black cherry purée
  • Poison Apple Glow Cube

Outdoor Bars

(All Items Available Through November 2)

  • Witch Way – Vodka and blue curaçao with pineapple and orange juices
  • Jack-O-Lantern – Rum, dark rum, orange liqueur, lemonade, and orange juice with a float of grenadine
  • Shimmery Star Cosmo
  • Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw

Select Outdoor Vending Locations

(All Items Available Through November 2)

  • Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket
  • Halloween Novelty Glow Cubes
  • Halloween Novelty Straws
  • Mickey Pumpkin Premium Popcorn Bucket
  • Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket

Which Halloween snack will you be picking up on your trip to the Walt Disney World Resort? We’ll have reviews of many of these great new Halloween snacks here soon too, so stay tuned!

The post Can’t Miss Halloween Snacks Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: News, Walt Disney World (FL), Disney Snacks, Disney Springs, Halloween, walt disney world

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How To Maximize Disney’s New Dining Features Including Walk-Up List, Wait Times, and Reservations

Dining at Walt Disney World is all part of the experience. It can be just as fun as the world-class attractions offered in the parks. Disney has added new features to the MyDisneyExperience app that will enhance your dining experience. If you pair these new features with some of the features on our Lines app and website, you’ll be in for a spectacular Disney dining experience.

 

Wait Times Shown for Disney Dining Locations

How To Maximize Disney’s New Dining Features Including Walk-Up List, Wait Times, and Reservations
Sci-Fi Dine-in Estimated Wait Time in MyDisneyExperience

Our team discovered in that wait times are now showing for most dining locations inside the Walt Disney World theme parks. This is a great tool if you’re trying to decide where to eat while inside the park.

Lines 2.0 Dining Rating and Information

How To Maximize Disney’s New Dining Features Including Walk-Up List, Wait Times, and Reservations
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments Lines App Rating

You can also check our Lines app for ratings of all Walt Disney World dining locations. You can see its overall rating, and how each locations ranks against all other dining locations. Using this information can help you decide which locations are worth your vacation time and money, and which ones will satisfy your tastes.

 

In App Walk-Up List Now Available for Table Service Locations

How To Maximize Disney’s New Dining Features Including Walk-Up List, Wait Times, and Reservations
Liberty Tree Tavern Estimated Wait Time in MyDisneyExperience and Walk-Up List

Once you’ve looked at wait times and ratings, and you’re ready to dine, then you can use MyDisneyExperience to get on the Walk-Up List. Just select the table service restaurant and then select “Join Walk-Up List.”

How To Maximize Disney’s New Dining Features Including Walk-Up List, Wait Times, and Reservations
Magic Kingdom Reopening Liberty Tree Tavern Waiting Area July 2020

With the current elimination of FastPass+ many guests are enjoying more spontaneous fun inside the parks. Still, it is best to use tools like our Lines app and the MyDisneyExperience app to maximize your experience. But combining these tools you can have a great Disney day.

If you’re more into planning ahead, you can use our free Reservation Finder for help with booking in-demand table service reservations that are often hard to get.

What’s your favorite tip for Disney dining?

The post How To Maximize Disney’s New Dining Features Including Walk-Up List, Wait Times, and Reservations appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, In the Parks, Observations, Walt Disney World (FL), disney dining, disney dining reservations, walt disney world restaurants, where to eat disney