What's New - Walt Disney World

Disney's Magic Kingdom  

Be a Disney Star at Magic Kingdom...

2011 is a huge year for Disney, the magical marvel sees in its fortieth anniversary. Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be any major celebrations for this huge milestone, but that doesn’t mean that Disney isn’t still celebrating.  The House of Mouse has found a new and inventive way to show just how much Disney appreciates its devotees. 2011 turns Disney holiday makers into celebrities. 

• Disney Imagineers have launched a new campaign, Let the Memories Begin, in place of their 2010 What Will You Celebrate, and it truly is an experience that remains an unforgettable one. Disney invites park guests to be the stars of their TV advertising campaigns and online promotions by using Disney holidaymaker’s very own holiday videos and photographs to feature in the campaigns. If this wasn’t enough stardom for you, Disney Photopass photographers will take five hundred photos of holidaymakers at random that will be transformed into a magical slideshow projected on the facade of the Cinderella Castle. If you have ever longed to be a Disney star, then 2011 could be your year.

PRO SPOT - THE BEST VIEW OF THE CINDERELLA CASTLE:

• You will want to be at the best vantage point to see if you or your family has been lucky enough to feature in the Cinderella Castle slideshow display. The best viewing spot is on Main Street at the Hub, adjacent to the castle.
• If you’re a Disney purist seeking the iconic snap of the Cinderella Castle against the starlit sky aim to get this picture taken before the slideshow begins.

Fantasyland Expansion causes closures

• At Magic Kingdom it’s not so much the excitement of ‘what’s new’, as it is the nostalgic sense of ‘what’s gone’ and the anticipation of ‘what’s yet to come’.  In the lead up to the land’s complete remodel, Ariel’s Grotto and Pooh’s Playful Spot closed in 2010. The entire Toontown is next to close as Disney Imagineers work on the expansion of Fantasyland. The final result will see Fantasyland almost double in size.

Add to the magic by staying at one of Disney's magnificent resort hotels. Find out more here.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Star Wars 3.5

• The biggest news is happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The long-anticipated update to Star Tours arrived in May. Star Tours II is an all new digital 3D film with new characters and original special effects, that takes the Star Wars story forward, after Episode III but before Episode IV (hence, the designer’s designation Star Wars 3.5). Riders are whisked to the planet Coruscant, home of the Galactic empire, then to the Boonta Eve Classic pod race, and several other thrilling destinations in a madcap gallop through the universe. Keep your wits about you on this one; your input may be needed during the trip. Star Wars 3.5 opens in May 2011.

Disney Channel Rocks

• Hollywood Studios' Disney Channel Rocks replaced High School Musical in 2010, with all the fist-pumping, high energy performance Disney does so well. Tweens will recognize the catchiest tunes from Disney Channel Original Movies and television shows, and you’ll be forgiven if you find yourself breaking into a spontaneous air guitar rendition of your own.

Disney Pixar Parade

• Hollywood Studios has one final addition you won’t want to miss. All of your favourite Pixar pals, including new characters Remy and Emile from Ratatouille and Carl and Russell from Up, make their way through the park in the Disney-Pixar Parade.

Disney's Epcot

 Captain E.O returns

• While Epcot saw the return of Captain E.O in place of Honey I Shrunk the Audience, surprisingly the best updates to the park weren't shows or rides, but a glimpse into two of the world's most fascinating cultures.

Naples Arrives in Epcot

• The Italy Pavilion, an Italian themed area in Epcot, set against the backdrop of architecture reminiscent of Venice. Typically Italian restaurants Tutto Italia and Via Napoli, named after the region of Italy famed for its Pizzas and shops selling genuine Italian jewellery and leather goods. Traditional Italian specialities and gourmet pizzas make this a must try addition to your theme park dining.

La Hacienda and Illuminations

• On another continent is La Hacienda, located in Epcot's Mexico Pavilion. While we rarely do cartwheels over theme park food, we truly flipped for the authentic Mexican cuisine. You will also find an utterly spectacular view of Illuminations, the firework display, from the restaurant. We definitely recommend trying Chiles toreados y chorizitos starter and a Rosita Margarita when you dining at La Hacienda.

PRO SPOT - TABLE BOOKINGS AT DISNEY:

• Dining at one of Walt Disney World's restaurants can make eating out that bit more special, particularly Character Meals. Bookings can be made 180 days prior to the date you intend to dine. If you stay at a Walt Disney resort and plan to dine in one of their restaurants more than once you can book all your Disney dining in one go, as opposed to booking each reservation individually 180 days prior to the date, as non Disney resort guests are required to do. Downtown Disney rumours abound over at Pleasure Island. 

Downtown Disney, a new experience

• Disney Imagineers are enhancing the Downtown experience with new shopping and dining and other innovative concepts the Imagineers are yet to reveal. Keep checking Expert View for further updates on Downtown Disney. 

Golden Oak, the Disney way every day

• For those that long to live the Disney dream in every day life, the new five star Golden Oak gated residential community offers the chance to live onsite at Walt Disney World full time. You'll need a big wallet for this, but the perks are unbeatable. 

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