Looking for ways to get around at Disney? Here are a few ideas (including one that’s coming soon!)

Minnie Van Service Now Available Resort Wide

A new transportation service featuring vans themed to the oneand-only Minnie Mouse will soon be taking you everywhere you want to go at the Walt Disney World Resort. Just arrange a Minnie van and a Disney cast member will arrive and drive you anywhere you wish at the Resort in a magical way that only Disney can do. Through collaboration with the US’ fastest growing rideshare service, Lyft, guests at these resorts can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone.

With Minnie Van service, Disney cast members will then whisk you away to wherever you want to be at Walt Disney World Resort. This service accommodates up to six guests and provides two versatile car seats so even the tiniest of passengers can travel in style! Minnie Van service will be available between 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. (subject to change). Guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts can learn more by visiting their Bell Services desk.

Disney Skyliner Transportation

A brand new transportation system is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort to add even more magic to your future vacation experiences. Disney Skyliner will soon give guests a bird’seye view of Walt Disney World Resort. The transportation system will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts and other locations with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot. And many of the gondolas with Disney Skyliner will feature favorite Disney characters.

At the recent D23 Expo in Anaheim, Calif., Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, announced the next planned development for Disney Vacation Club will be an entirely new resort near Epcot called Disney Riviera Resort and that a new skyway transportation system will connect the new resort to other areas on Walt Disney World property.

“We’re thrilled to announce plans for a new Disney Vacation Club property called Disney Riviera Resort coming to Walt Disney World Resort,” Chapek said. “Our Vacation Club Members are among our most loyal fans, and we think that they will love what we have planned, especially the rooftop restaurant that will offer unbelievable views of nighttime spectaculars at both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.”

In addition, Chapek announced that a whole new transportation system of gondolas is planned, called the Disney Skyliner, to give guests a never-before-seen birds-eye view of Walt Disney World and connect the new Disney Vacation Club property, Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot.

Estimated to open in fall 2019, this new resort experience is slated to be the 15^th Disney Vacation Club property with approximately 300 units spread across a variety of accommodation types.

On July 17, Disney Vacation Club will welcome its 14^th resort with the opening of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, featuring 184 rustically elegant vacation accommodations including Deluxe Studios, one- and two-bedroom Villas, three-bedroom Grand Villas and unique waterfront cabins.

Ken Potrock, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Disney Vacation Club, said, “The opening of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in just a few days and the announcement of our next planned development, Disney Riviera Resort, demonstrate the incredible momentum underway at Disney Vacation Club. Our members tell us over and over again how much they love the outstanding accommodations and the value and flexibility of a Disney Vacation Club Membership, as well as the unique location to our growing and evolving theme parks and the exclusive member experiences and benefits they get from our Membership Extras program.”

Today, Disney Vacation Club welcomes its 14th resort with the opening of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the latest vacation ownership property in its growing portfolio. Offering one of the widest ranges of accommodation types at Walt Disney World Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins features 184 rustically elegant accommodation options, including Deluxe Studios, one- and two-bedroom Villas, three-bedroom Grand Villas and unique Waterfront Cabins.

“Copper Creek Villas & Cabins offers members and guests a uniquely designed and exquisitely appointed home base for their Walt Disney World vacation, and it is truly a gem in the growing Disney Vacation Club portfolio,” said Ken Potrock, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Vacation Club. “This resort offers the best of everything, including immersive theming, accommodations in a variety of sizes to suit any type of family, high-quality amenities, and the ideal waterfront location that is just around the river bend from Magic Kingdom Park.”

Inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the resort features natural elements, such as wood and stone, in its design, as well as subtle nods to the American transcontinental railroad. The Deluxe Studios offer room for up to four guests, while the larger one- and two-bedroom Villas and three-bedroom Grand Villas seamlessly blend the comforts of home with the wonders of the wilderness to create a tranquil retreat for families of any size. Each Villa is thoughtfully designed with today’s families in mind offering full kitchens, expanded storage space for belongings, and private patios or balconies with scenic views.

The 26 all-new luxurious waterfront Cascade Cabins are the centerpiece of the resort. These two-bedroom, two-bath cabins sleep up to eight, offering modern luxuries with a homey, yet upscale feel. Large dining and living room spaces, along with a screened-in wraparound porch, allow for plenty of space for families. Amenities throughout the cabins include a full kitchen, flat panel televisions, a washer and dryer, a hidden pull-down bed featuring artwork of Chip and Dale, a built-in hot tub on the porch, an indoor/outdoor fireplace and a number of special Disney touches.

The resort is a short water taxi ride away from Magic Kingdom Park, and offers easy bus access to the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort, making it the ideal home base for families looking to explore a wide range of new Disney attractions, including the recently opened Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and the reimagined Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment district.

While staying at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, guests have shared access to all of the amenities and activities available just steps away at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Geyser Point Bar & Grill, which opened earlier this year, offers picturesque views of Bay Lake, as well as explorer-worthy feasts and trails-end spirits in an open-air lounge. Roaring Fork, the resort’s original quick-service restaurant, has recently reopened featuring a refreshed look and expanded outdoor seating.

The resort’s new leisure pool, Boulder Ridge Cove Pool, is themed to the legendary mining history of the Northwest featuring a zero-depth entry pool, a whirlpool spa and first-come, first-served cabanas. Additionally, a brand-new sports court, BBQ pavilions and a refurbished fire pit and movie area have all joined the lineup of resort amenities. Those in search of extra pampering will want to stop by Salon by the Springs, opening later this year, for pool-side manicures, pedicures and hair services.

Swim with Sharks at Discovery Cove in Orlando

In celebration of Shark Awareness Day on July 14, guests at Discovery Cove can now take part in exclusive new animal experiences at the park. Discovery Cove has always been known for its memorable dolphin interactions, and now guests can enhance their visit with one of-a-kind, hands-on encounters with sharks and stingrays.

The awe-inspiring Shark Swim program provides closer-than-ever encounters with legendary predators. While guests have always been able to view park’s sharks, the new program takes them on a daring next step – swimming freely among five species: Pacific blacktip, reef whitetip, nurse shark, zebra shark, and a spotted wobbegong.

The immersive session is divided into two unique interactions and begins as guests meet with the park’s shark team and head into the water. Through hands-on interaction, guests learn about shark anatomy and the threats the animals face in the wild. Guests can also join the sharks in the deeper part of their habitat and embark on an exhilarating snorkel experience.

Discovery Cove works to dispel myths about sharks and to inspire guests to learn more about these mysterious creatures. As top predators, sharks play an essential role in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems worldwide by monitoring fish populations. Sadly, shark finning and overfishing threaten many shark species and disrupt that natural balance. Guests who take part in the new Shark Swim program will walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for these fascinating ocean ambassadors.

The Shark Swim experience is available to Discovery Cove guests ages 10 and older. The cost is $85 per person. For every shark swim package purchased, SeaWorld will donate 5% of the proceeds to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) in support of shark conservation and research.

In addition to the Shark Swim program, Discovery Cove has launched a new Ray Feeding experience. This exclusive opportunity gives guests the chance to feed the stingrays during a private tour of the Grand Reef. Guided by one of the park’s aquarists, guests ages 6 and older spend their session in the Grand Reef learning all about the species of rays as they hand-feed the incredible creatures. The Ray Feeding program is $50 per person.

The new interaction programs require a Dolphin Swim or Day Resort reservation at Discovery Cove to participate. Space for each program is limited and guests are encouraged to book in advance.

Beginning August 1, Florida residents who book a day at Discovery Cove will also receive unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, through January 2018 – including SeaWorld’s special holiday events.

Visitors to SeaWorld Orlando now have the opportunity to experience the park’s majestic killer whales in a brand-new way. The Killer Whale Up-Close Tour gives guests the opportunity to meet the park’s killer whales in ways never before offered at the park. The 45-minute tour includes learning from the park’s killer whale trainers, meeting the whales and understanding their unique personalities and even taking part in an interaction with one off the whales.

 

During the tour, which takes place daily, SeaWorld’s trainers share stories and information about the killer whales, demonstrate how the whales take part in voluntary husbandry sessions and discuss their healthcare, feeding habits and more. The engaging and interactive tour also gives participants the chance to try their hand at a session with the whales alongside a trainer. Throughout the entire experience, guests can take photos to help forever preserve the memory of the one-of-a-kind experience.

 

The Killer Whale Up-Close Tour is the latest in the SeaWorld’s collection of memorable, educational and inspirational tours. Popular guest experiences, including the Dolphin Up-Close Tour and Penguin Up-Close Tour provide hands-on interactions with some of the park’s most popular animals while encouraging guests to care about all of the animals found in the oceans. The Behind-the-Scenes Tour, a guest favorite, provides an inside look at the park’s amazing animal rescue operation and ends with the opportunity to touch a shark and meet a Magellanic penguin.

 

Sea Turtles Returned to Ocean by SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Team

Two loggerhead sea turtles are back home in the wild thanks to SeaWorld Orlando’s Rescue Team. In partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) the turtles were returned to the ocean at Pineda Beach Park this morning.

Rescued in December 2016, a juvenile loggerhead sea turtle was transported to SeaWorld Orlando from Massachusetts, where the animal received initial treatment from the New England Aquarium. Upon intake, the turtle had a dangerously low body temperature and a large wound under its right flipper. As a part of the turtle’s wound care, SeaWorld utilized radiographs, antibiotics, and laser therapy to heal the injury.

The second turtle released, a sub-adult loggerhead, came to SeaWorld in March after it was found upside down in the surf at Port Canaveral. The animal was covered in barnacles, emaciated, and lethargic. At SeaWorld, the veterinary team discovered blockage in the turtle’s digestive track caused from seashells. Through fluid therapy, the team helped the animal pass the impaction and gain 28 healthy pounds.

With two more sea turtles back in the ocean, SeaWorld has now returned 14 total turtles this year. In partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, SeaWorld Orlando has rescued nearly 2,000 sea turtles since 1980.

It is critical that beachgoers are mindful of the impact they leave on Florida coastlines as sea turtle nesting season is in full swing now through October. Debris and trash left on beaches can threaten the survival of sea turtles during this vulnerable time of year.

The successful rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles is another great example of SeaWorld’s commitment to protecting sea life. For more than 50 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has helped animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. More than 30,000 animals have been rescued by the expert animal rescue team that is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you see an injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at 888-404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.

All turtle return footage produced by SeaWorld under FWS Permit Number MA7701911 and FWC Permit Number MTP-15-035.

A Galaxy of Star Wars Experiences Awaits Guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios can step into Star Wars experiences with exciting live entertainment, out-of-this-world encounters with favorite Star Wars characters, special displays inside Star Wars Launch Bay that take guests behind the scenes of the epic saga, and a first-ever themed tour.

Here are all of the Star Wars experiences in store for guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Star Wars Launch Bay is a multi-sensory space celebrating all things Star Wars where guests can interact with iconic Star Wars characters, tour galleries featuring treasured memorabilia and detailed replicas of Star Wars props and have access to special Star Wars merchandise. 

• Meet BB-8 – A docking bay leads to a Resistance freighter where guests will discover the loyal droid BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens starting this April.
• Launch Bay Theater – Guests hear directly from the creative minds behind the Star Wars saga in a short video that includes exclusive interviews with the directors, writers, producers, key movie crew members and Imagineers who bring the saga to life.
• Special Character Encounters – After entering a themed atrium complete with authentic replicas of Star Wars props, guests journey to the dark side and come face to face with Kylo Ren in a 360-degree immersive area themed around the Star Destroyer, or they may choose the light side by stepping into a makeshift Rebel base to meet the most famous co-pilot in the galaxy, Chewbacca.
• The Cantina – This setting, inspired by the unsavory “hives of scum and villainy” in the Star Wars galaxy, is a fun place to explore and take photos near elements of the cantina, such as a holochess game table.
• Themed Galleries – Special immersive galleries featuring authentic replicas of movie props, starships and more are located throughout Star Wars Launch Bay.
• Launch Bay Cargo – Guests may bring home a variety of Star Wars merchandise, including original artwork and collector’s items.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue Randomized tracks have returned to Star Tours – the Adventures Continue, the popular attraction that uses motion simulator-based technology. Instead of each ride experience launching from the planet of Jakku, the attraction is randomized to both start and end at different locations for every galactic journey.

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple This popular entertainment offering was reimagined with new characters and a new villain to battle from Star Wars Rebels, the popular Disney XD series. Younglings are magically transported to a secret and ancient Jedi temple where they will face villains such as Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from Star Wars Rebels, and discover if they have the makings of a true Jedi.

Star Wars: Path of The Jedi Guests re-live stories from the Star Wars saga with this abridged, cinematic reel featuring scenes from the complete Star Wars saga and gives anyone new to the Star Wars galaxy an opportunity to get acquainted with the films.

March of the First Order Clear the way for Captain Phasma as this ruthless commander leads her squad of Stormtroopers up Hollywood Boulevard to Center Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios—and witness a daunting demonstration of the First Order’s obedience and strength.

“Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” The nighttime spectacular “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fills Center Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with memorable moments the“Star Wars” films, presented as never seen before using state-of-the-art projection, lasers, lighting, pyrotechnics and other special effects.

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away Witness the power of a live show that brings iconic Star Wars scenes to life—including moments from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Guided Tours For the ultimate fan comes the ultimate tour. An all-new Star Wars guided tour is a seven-hour immersion in all the park’s current Star Wars experiences. Here’s what it includes:

• A Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide
• Priority boarding for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Encounter two Star Wars characters (Chewbacca and Kylo Ren) at Star Wars Launch Bay
• An in-depth, insider’s tour around Star Wars Launch Bay
• Screening of “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi”
• Enjoy Star Wars-themed menu items during dinner at Backlot Express
• A spot in the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which includes themed sweets and specialty beverages, as well as reserved viewing for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show

Imagine straddling the back of a wing-flapping banshee, darting and swirling through the canyon updrafts, free as the wind. Below you: the otherworldly planet of Pandora – grand in its vastness, surreal in its bioluminescence.

Hold on tight! You can ride this beast. You can sense its banshee breath. That’s because you’re high-flying in an immersive new adventure, Avatar Flight of Passage, set to open May 27 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

A shining star of the theme park’s all-new land, Pandora – The World of Avatar, this 3-D expedition transports travelers on a sweeping, simulated flight over Pandora’s colorful landscape. Guests soar around floating mountains, plunge through ancient caverns and skim across roaring oceans, culminating in a realistic encounter with the fiercest king of the air, the Great Leonopteryx that boasts a 45-foot wingspan.

“In Flight of Passage, the sensation of flying is really visceral, really believable,” said Joe Rohde, Walt Disney Imagineering portfolio creative executive. “Not only do you have the more obvious aspects of flying – the swooping and curving – but we’ve put in crosswind, air density and banking.”

Three Experiences Folded Into One

The journey begins in the queue as guests begin an uphill trek around a massive root structure, over a land bridge above waterfalls to an authentic totem garden. Meandering passageways lead to a cave-like structure where the great–winged banshees, or Ikran as the Na’vis call them, are celebrated in paintings and majestic totems. Next, guests enter an old, once abandoned RDA facility with a laboratory partially restored. Here, there are scientific experiments in progress with references to habitat restoration, the ecosystem, water purification and the connection of all living things.

Next stop is the genetic matching room where explorers are scanned and genetic material is sampled to connect them to personal avatars in preparation for a flight experience. Once matched, adventurers board link chairs, don flight visors and prepare for the flight.

Next stop: a mystical world like no other.

Flying on the back of a banshee represents an important rite of passage for the Na’vi and as visitors to the alien world, guests will have a chance to be tested and guided through the wondrous journey. After entering a state-of-the-art theater, each guest straddles a single-seat simulator (like a motorcycle) that delivers a realistic sensation of riding a living creature. Guests will experience the swift and graceful movements of flight and even feel the banshee breathing beneath them. The multi-sensory experience uses cutting-edge technology and intricate special effects like never before.

This heart-pounding adventure transports explorers through the alien world of Pandora, offering lifelike encounters – splashing whale-like creatures, blowing wind, roaring banshees, and a threatening encounter with a flying predator. The exhilarating 4-minute flight through the sci-fi world of bioluminescence and floating mountains is orchestrated to a complex musical score recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra.

“All of the mechanics behind it, all of the engineering, all the stuff that goes into the imagery is amazing,” said James Cameron, whose blockbuster film AVATAR inspired Disney’s new land. “You know, riding the Ikran is a thrill. You’re going to plunge. You’re going to dive. You’re going to swoop. It’s like dreaming with your eyes open.”

Avatar Flight of Passage will be a FastPass excursion at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Only explorers 44 inches or taller can fly on the back of these flying creatures.

The 12-acre Pandora – The World of Avatar will dazzle guests with its bioluminescent forests, floating mountains and glowing alien-like flora.

Mother’s Day is the special time of year when you get to celebrate mom, and at Walt Disney World Resort you can treat mom to some truly unforgettable experiences that she will cherish forever. Whether mom enjoys getting pampered with a spa experience, indulging in delicious dining, or spending time exploring the attractions and shows inside the theme parks, there’s something special for every mom this Mother’s Day and throughout the month of May.

Here are 10 ways to spoil mom at Walt Disney World Resort:

1. Relax with a Spa Day

Treat mom to a relaxing spa experience Senses – A Disney Spa at either Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Both offer a therapeutic haven of pampering and wellness with services including aromatherapy massages, water therapy, sugar exfoliation body treatments, rejuvenating citrus facials and more. Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort also offers a whimsical new nail treatment: Disney Nail Designs by Jamberry. Make it a mother/daughter day and have young spa-goers get matching Mickey, Minnie or Frozen nail decals with mom. To book a treatment at either spa, call 407-WDW-SPAS.

2. Try Your Hand at Cake Decorating

A new pastry experience at Disney Springs is sure to delight mom and all the sweettooths in the family. Amorette’s Patisserie, located next to the World of Disney store, offers a 90-minute cake decorating class led by expert pastry chefs. Participants will get to decorate their own iconic Mickey Character Cake.

3. Indulge in Bountiful Brunch at Walt Disney World Restaurants

Show mom how important she is with a delicious brunch at one of Walt Disney World’s top-rated restaurants. Several, such as The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Garden Grove at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort, offer special Mother’s Day brunches on May 14 to celebrate mom. Several other Disney eateries offer a daily brunch.

4. Enjoy Dinner and a Captivating Show

Treat mom to an enchanting evening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a Rivers of Light dining package. Mom will enjoy a delicious meal from one of two restaurants and receive guaranteed seating for Animal Kingdom’s newest nighttime spectacle, Rivers of Light. The show combines water and light to celebrate the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world. Families can dine at either Tiffins or Tusker House for their pre-show dining experience.

5. Tour the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Enjoy one of the many exclusive tours offered during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. In the Gardens of the World Tour, guests join horticulture experts to learn about the landscaping that goes into preparing for and maintaining the flora and fauna of this festival, including the artistic topiaries found throughout the park. In the English Tea Garden Tour Presented by Twinings of London, mom can stroll through an English tea garden and learn about the importance of this classic beverage in British culture.

6. Explore Unique Resort Adventures

Take mom on a one-of-a-kind adventure at one of many Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Mom can fly high above Bay Lake with a parasailing excursion at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. All fliers must be at least 6 years of age to take to the skies. Reservations can be made by calling (407) 939-7529. If she prefers to keep her feet closer to the ground, take her to Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. There, guests can see the horses that pull Cinderella’s carriage or trot up and down Main Street, USA. There are also pony rides, horse rides, carriage rides and more. Prices vary based on experience. Reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

7. Take in a Stage Show

Enjoy a theatrical day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by taking in all of the exciting stage shows in the park. Start mom’s day off with Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage. This 25-minute experience retells the classic story of Beauty and the Beast in a Broadway-style musical complete with live renditions of the film’s songs, enchanting choreography and favorite characters. After experiencing the tale as old as time, stroll over to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. This action-packed, 30-minute show gives guests a peek into how stunt scenes are executed for thrilling movies like the Indiana Jones series. Cap off the day with Fantasmic!, a 30-minute nighttime show where Cheer on Mickey Mouse and friends as they fight to win back his imagination from the hands of various Disney villains.

8. Live Adventurous Thrill Rides

The daring mom will love a day taking on the exciting attractions at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can complete the mountain challenge by riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain and Space Mountain all in one day. Once those are conquered, they take a ride to see where ‘a million diamonds shine’ on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland. If younger ones are in tow, take flight on The Barnstormer located in Storybook Circus.

10. Give Mom a Night Out

Guests at Walt Disney World Resort can enjoy a grown up night out and drop the kids off at one of the Children’s Activity Centers. There are four convenient locations on property that provide supervised childcare for children ages 3-12. Centers include arts & crafts, video and board games, Disney movies, dinner and activities. For reservations, see the resort’s front desk or call (407) 939-3463.

• Camp Dolphin, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Lilo’s Playhouse at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Sandcastle Club, Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Simba’s Cubhouse, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge