Category: Other

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a destination all its own. It is such an immersive resort that you could make a vacation of just enjoying this resort. Our team ventured over to both Jambo House and Kidani Village to view the holiday decorations that arrived this week.

From the colossal towering Christmas tree in the center of Jambo House’s lobby, to the garlands adorned with handcrafted decorations inspired by African art, there is a lot to see and admire. The lights and color palate are warm and rich. Gold, bronze, and Earth tones mirror the motif of the resort itself.

Have you ever stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge during the holiday season? Which resort is your favorite this time of year?

The post PHOTOS – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Holiday Decorations Have Arrived appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Christmas, Resorts, disney christmas, disney on site hotels, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you’re a Star Wars fan, then Walt Disney World truly is the place where dreams come true. I’m referring to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While this attraction isn’t on the same level as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (which to be fair – what is?), it offers guests the experience of piloting the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.

The attraction itself is an interactive simulator where guests are assigned unique roles and tasks to perform throughout the ride. Think of it as an upgraded version of EPCOT’s Mission: Space set in the Star Wars Universe and minus the claustrophobia and motion sickness courtesy of detached screens.

1. The Situation with the Cockpit

The cockpit is designed to replicate the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon down to the most minute details. You will truly feel like you’re stepping into a Star Wars movie when those whooshing doors slide open and you see inside.

However, this Millennium Falcon has three rows of seats with six seats in total; and every row has a different job to perform.

The two pilots are seated at the front and at the controls. The gunners sit behind them followed by the engineers. These latter two positions have buttons to push and functions to perform on the wall panel beside them.

So here’s the thing. The pilot positions are simply the best. They’re closest to the screen and have the most to do. What’s a little unusual is the shared piloting. For instance, the left pilot controls the ship moving left and right while the right pilot controls up and down.

Tip: The right pilot is way better than the left simply because they get to pull the lever for lightspeed! (By the way, if you don’t yell punch it; you’re doing it wrong. Just sayin’.)

When the ride first opened with Galaxy’s Edge in late August of 2019, some guests found that the pilot positions came with a lot of pressure since the actions of the pilots impact the ride the most. This was especially awkward when the pilots didn’t know the other guests riding with them.

Well, due to our current global situation, that’s no longer a concern. In order to allow for social distancing, each party now receives their own cockpit when riding Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Now there’s no concern about riding with strangers or feeling their ride experience is entirely in your hands! It also increases your odds of receiving the pilot position since it’s now up to you and your group what your role is as opposed to being assigned it by a Cast Member.

2. Your Performance (Sort Of) Makes a Difference

Back in the day when we were first hearing about Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and the rest of Galaxy’s Edge, eager guests were told their actions and performance would influence their other interactions in the land. For instance, a Cast Member at Oga’s Cantina would know if you crashed the Falcon or did a great job and say something to you about it.

That never quite happened. While the pilots do impact the overall ride, it’s more along the lines of damage. The ride film doesn’t allow for much deviation; and in some cases, guests who have intentionally tried to do a terrible job have received a similar, if not better, score than when they actually tried! And if you attempt to crash the Falcon, you still go through the motions of the ride film and reach the same endpoint.

So even though there’s an element of control on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, it still too much like Mission: SPACE. Great for kids; not so much for teens and adults.

3. The Queue May Be Better Than the Ride

It’s true. Apart from sitting in the cockpit of the Falcon and going to lightspeed, the queue for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run may wow fans more than the ride experience itself.

The first half of the queue is through a detailed space garage for Ohnaka’s Transport Solutions offering incredible views of the life-size Millennium Falcon parked just outside. But it gets really awesome when guests encounter audio-animatronic Hondo Ohnaka, a jolly but shady pirate from the Star Wars Universe, who needs you to join the Falcon’s crew for a job.

The next phase of the queue allows guests to enter the hold of the Millennium Falcon which, again, looks exactly as it does in the film complete with the iconic holographic chess table, porg nests, the hallway where Han and Leia first kissed, familiar trinkets from the films, and more.

4. There’s a “Chewbacca Mode” Hack

“Chewbacca Mode” is a special modification or cheat code you can activate while aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. This mode basically replaces Hondo Ohnaka’s narration with Chewie for the length of the ride experience.

According to the FreshBaked! YouTube channel, there’s a process to activate this mode. First of all, you should not choose manual or automatic flight mode right away. Instead, have the left and right pilots push their controls to the extreme left, right, up, or down. With the controls pushed, the pilots should then press the flight mode activation button followed by the engineers and gunners pressing any of the white buttons before pressing the orange flight mode button.

All of these steps need to be completed before the Cast Member finishes checking seatbelts and starts the attraction.

5. The Characters and Locations Are Not Mainstream Star Wars

Casual Star Wars fans may be confused by the ride’s story. Who is Hondo Ohnaka? Why is Chewbacca working with him? And after leaving Batuu, where did you go and why?

So Hondo Ohnaka is a legit Star Wars character from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels animated series. Imagine a blend between an enthusiastic salesman and a Captain Jack Sparrow – that’s Hondo. He’s been known to help out the Rebels and now the Resistance, as long as he profits in the end. That’s why Chewbacca is letting him use the Falcon and that’s why Hondo needs you.

Now after you leave Batuu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, you go to Corellia. That’s Han Solo’s home planet featured in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Your mission is to obtain containers of coaxium, a material needed for hyperspace travel, from a First Order train on Corellia.

Hopefully, this will prevent any confusion for when you ride Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run on your to-do list? Let us know in the comments!

The post Five Things You Should Know About Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Attractions, Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World (FL), Batuu, Disney Attractions, disney world, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, galaxy’s edge, hollywood studios, hollywood studios attractions, Hondo Ohnaka, Millennium Falcon, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, Smugglers Run, Star Wars, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, walt disney world

National
Gingerbread Day is tomorrow, and we have a delicious recipe to celebrate the
day and gear us up for the holiday season – Gingerbread-Cream Cheese Muffins!

Let’s face it, the scent and taste of freshly baked gingerbread screams HOLIDAY and this spiced gingerbread muffin with cream cheese filling is the perfect bundle of holiday goodness! Want to enjoy this gingerbread treat in our parks? Head on over to Isle of Java and Harambe Fruit Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park starting Dec. 1 through Jan. 2.

Interested
in more tasty holiday treats at Disney? Check out our food and beverage Holiday
Highlights
and the Foodie Guide
to the Taste of EPCOT International Festival for the Holidays. 

GINGERBREAD-CREAM CHEESE MUFFINS

Isle of Java and Harambe Fruit Market, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Makes 12

CREAM CHEESE FILLING

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

GINGERBREAD MUFFINS

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup canola oil (1/4 cup butter, softened, may be substituted)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Reserved cream cheese filling

FOR CREAM CHEESE FILLING:

1. Combine sugar and butter in bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle
   attachment and beat on low speed until there are no lumps. Add cream cheese and
   mix on medium speed for 3 minutes, until smooth.
2. Reduce speed to low. Add egg and lemon juice and mix until smooth.
3. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, up to 3 days, until ready to use.

FOR GINGERBREAD-CREAM CHEESE
MUFFINS:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Prepare a muffin pan with 12 liners and set
   aside.
2. Sift flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking
   soda, and salt into medium bowl and set aside.
3. Combine oil or butter, brown sugar, molasses, honey, and egg in bowl of
   electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Mix on medium speed until
   combined. Reduce speed to low and add buttermilk until incorporated.
4. Add flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Scrape sides of
   mixer and mix an additional 30 seconds. Batter will be slightly lumpy.
5. Scoop batter into prepared muffin pan, filling each cup 3/4 full.
6. Place reserved cream cheese filling in piping bag fitted with large
   round tip. Insert piping tip into the center of each muffin, piping about 1
   tablespoon into the center, then pipe a swirl around the top of the muffin.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until top of muffin is firm when touched.
8. Cool before serving.

Note: Always
use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise
children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a
larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from
the restaurant’s version.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Stay
connected with Disney Parks
Blog for
more delicious Disney recipes and be sure to share the magic with other Disney
fans using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Happy cooking!

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, Dining, Recipe, WDW

The countdown to Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning this year. Most of my family and friends have started decorating early adding those nostalgic holiday touches at home along with kicking off their holiday shopping. I have to admit I’m a little behind this year, but Disney Springs always saves me especially when I need to shop for everyone. For foodies, kids, stocking stuffers and gifts for him and her, there’s always a store that fits my shopping needs. Of course, if you have a Disney Fan or two on your list, World of Disney is your one-stop-destination for Disney fans of all ages and starting next week, we’ll be kicking off holiday shopping with a few magical releases.

On Monday, Nov. 23, get your paws on the new Disney Parks Reigning Cats & Dogs Dooney & Bourke totes at World of Disney! Whether you’re a dog-person or a cat-person there’s something “purrfect” in this collection for every Disney dog or cat-loving fan. If you look closely, you’ll spot some familiar favorites like Thomas O’Malley, Yzma as a Cat, Lucifer, Nana, Pongo and Perdita, Max, and so many others on the front and back. See how many you can name!

We’re also releasing the Tangled Dooney & Bourke collection in celebration of the 10^th anniversary of Tangled. I’ve always loved the glow of the lanterns from this film which are beautifully illustrated in the collection along with Rapunzel’s flowing hair and her best side-kick, Pascal. 

You’ll find both of these collections at World of Disney at Disney Springs in addition to Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom Park, Legends of Hollywood and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Discovery Trading Company at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park while supplies last.

If new Disney accessories weren’t exciting enough, we’ll also be featuring specially-priced items at several of our Disney retail stores November 23 through December 7 (some only available at Disney Springs!). This is the perfect opportunity to start shopping for some of those Disney-loving fans on your list. As an added bonus, Disney Annual Passholders can stack their discount for even more savings! See what’s in-store:

• Disney’s Days of Christmas & World of Disney- Receive 25% off a select holiday tote with any merchandise purchase*  
• Goofy’s Candy Co. – Receive (1) complimentary select consumable with the purchase of (1) select consumable*
• Marketplace Co-Op – Receive 25% off a Loungefly Unicorn Backpack*
• Once Upon a Toy – Receive 25% off Classic Disney Princess Dolls*
• Star Wars Galactic Outpost – Receive 29% off Talking Yoda*

Beginning on November 24, two additional offers join the mix. I love a good “BOGO” so the thought of a free Loungefly Wristlet with the purchase of a qualifying Loungefly Backpack puts a huge smile on my face! Check ‘em out:

• DisneyStyle – Receive (1) complimentary Loungefly Pastel Wristlet with the purchase of (1) Loungefly Pastel Backpack* 
• Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories – Receive (1) complimentary Loungefly Minnie Bow Wristlet with the purchase of (1) Loungefly Minnie Bow Backpack*

Be sure to take advantage of additional shopping promotions and discounts at many retailers as early as Nov. 23 across Disney Springs. See details below: 

• Coach (Nov. 20 & 27): Save 50% off select styles every Friday in November.
• Coca-Cola Store (Nov. 27-29) Save $10 off a purchase of $50 or more and $25 off a purchase of $100 or more.
• Columbia Sportswear (Nov. 23-Dec.1): Pillows $19.99, Select outerwear starting at 40% off, Pint Glasses $24.99, 30% off, All Ski Goggles, Graphic T-Shirts 2 for $25. 
• Lilly Pulitzer (Nov. 26-28): Celebrate Lilly’s favorite things this holiday season with (1) one complimentary original, printed ornament with each $75 purchase. 
• Melissa Shoes (Nov. 26-30): Take 60% off all regular priced items and an extra 60% off all sale items. 
• Ron Jon Surf Shop (Nov. 23-29): Get the classic Ron Jon Trusty Badge T-Shirt on sale up to 50% off. (Limited time offer. Available colors and sizes may vary.)
• Shop for Ireland (Nov. 27-29): Enjoy 25% off all jewelry and up to 70% off select clothing, souvenirs, and gifts.
• Sperry (Nov.24-30): Enjoy $54.99 doorbuster boots and up to 50% select styles while supplies last.
• UGG (Nov. 27-Dec.31): Enjoy 30% off select styles while supplies last.
• UNOde50 (Nov. 19-30): Enjoy 50% off select styles.
• Vera Bradley (Nov. 19-Dec. 1): $20 Medium Cosmetic (reg. $40) from the Mickey’s Paisley Celebration Collection with your purchase of $75 or more. Exclusions and limitations may apply. See a store associate for details.
• Take a quick snack break and check out the 4R Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck now located at Disney Springs West Side with a brand-new menu. On Nov. 27, 2020 enjoy complimentary queso and chips with any entree purchase.

(All offers subject to change. Not to be combined with other offers. While supplies last. See each location for more details.)

Don’t forget the Disney Springs Virtual Gift Guide is always at your fingertips if you need a little gift-giving inspiration while you’re shopping. Visit us at @disneysprings on Instagram and scroll through our highlight buttons for popular gift categories.

As a friendly tip, we recommend shopping in the morning and early afternoon as parking may be more available earlier in the day. Planning to join us for Thanksgiving? Please arrive at least 60 minutes before your dining reservation. 

(*Discounts taken off at register. Not valid on previous purchases. Price adjustment made at register.  Not valid on previous purchases.  Complimentary item is valid on lower priced item. Regular prices apply when purchasing a single item or purchasing in odd-numbered quantities.  Complimentary item must be returned if the qualifying purchase is returned. No other discounts apply to promotional items.  Promotion does not apply to the purchase of tickets, passes, Disney Dollars or Disney Gift Cards. Valid while supplies last. Offer subject to change without notice.  In store purchase only.)

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com

Filed Under: Disney Springs, Walt Disney World Resort, Merchandise, WDW

It’s hard to believe that Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have been closed since March 14. While Disneyland remains completely closed, Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street (as well as portions of Hollywood Land and Grizzly Peak) reopened today for shopping and outdoor dining. In this post we’ll go over what’s available and share our experience from today’s reopening.

Starting off with this sight for sore eyes. The Storytellers statue with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse has been restored (aka cleaned and polished) just in time for the opening of Buena Vista Street.

Looking good!

Entry in to DCA/Buena Vista Street is via the gate on the far right of the entrance (when coming from Downtown Disney). If the park is at capacity you can join a virtual queue and wait for your turn to enter. Getting in this morning is pretty painless for me. I parked my car in the Downtown Disney parking lot at 9:15 and got in line to enter. By 9:30 Disney started to let people in for temperature check and security screening. We then walked through Downtown Disney and entered DCA around 9:45. I saw that Buena Vista Street was at capacity shortly after 10 a.m.

Upon entering Buena Vista Street we were greeted by waving cast members.

You’ll see these signs everywhere reminding visitors of the safety rules. From my observations the facemask and social distancing rules are strictly enforced by cast members.

Most people got in line to make a reservation for Carthay Circle Lounge, which features an expanded outdoor seating area.

The outdoor seating area is partially located in the extended queue for the Disney Junior Dance Party.

Speaking of outdoor seating, a ton of extra tables and chairs have been added in the areas that reopened today.

The park’s usual Christmas tree was not installed this year. We assume it’s because Disney is afraid of guests crowding around it for pictures.

Thankfully there are other Christmas decorations around the land, including garland, bows, and wreaths.

Speaking of Christmas decorations, the shops on Buena Vista Street are adorned with some nice ones.

Plenty of Christmas items are available.

Ding ding!

The beloved Disney churros are once again available to Disneyland fans. Popcorn is also available at other carts.

Moving on to Grizzly Peak, Smokejumpers Grill is open.

The menu is limited, but at least there’s mobile ordering and plenty of available seating.

Seating in front of Soarin’.

The restrooms in Grizzly Peak are also open.

Over on Hollywood Blvd. Award Wieners is open, serving Disneyland’s famous corndogs.

The Red Car Trolley is available as a photo opportunity, but it’s about 20 feet away.

Moving back to Buena Vista Street, here’s the posted wait times for the park

Taking a look over the construction wall in to Avengers Campus.

A new gate behind has appeared behind Carthay Circle.

Before we wrap this up it’s worth mentioning there are more Christmas decorations scattered around Downtown Disney.

Buena Vista Street and Downtown Disney are open daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Demand will be high through the entire holiday season and capacity is limited.

Are you excited for the reopening of Buena Vista Street? Are you excited to be reunited with a Disney corn dog and churro? Let us know in the comments below.  

The post PHOTOS: Buena Vista Street Reopens at Disney California Adventure appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Disneyland (CA), Downtown Disney, California Adventure