TRANSFORMERS: The Ride–3D

NOW OPEN!

Prepare for the greatest battle you’ll ever ride! The new TRANSFORMERS: The Ride–3D is an ultra-immersive, next generation thrill ride that blurs the line between fiction and reality! 

Information About Starbucks on Main Street USA at the Main Street Bakery

Starbucks on Main Street at the Magic Kingdom officially opens later this week, but this weekend it has been in previews. We now know more information about what you can expect when you step foot inside this new version of the Main Street Bakery.

First off, on first initial glance, you can’t tell it’s a Starbucks location. However, almost all of the food options, as well as beverage choices, are all Starbucks. (Merchandise is distinctly Starbucks, as well.) We are hearing that in the afternoon some additional Disney offerings may be sold, like cupcakes and other sweets.

Most items will be available for a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan. In addition, those on the Dining Plan may use a quick service entitlement for either one entree and one beverage OR one beverage, one piece of fruit, and one pastry. This does appear to be a full blown Starbucks, for the most part, menu-wise, with the pastries and sandwiches that Starbucks specializes in.

Unfortunately, the bad news is that the famous cinnamon roll didn’t make the cut. However, they are still available atGaston’s Tavern in Fantasyland.

There is also no indoor seating any longer. This was done to make the bakery bigger to accommodate larger crowds.

This is a Disney-run location. (As someone who has previously worked in a licensed Starbucks location, from the sound of it this is a licensed store.) The employees are all Disney Cast Members. The location will accept your Starbucks cards; however, it will not be able to access your rewards. You will still earn your stars.

For a review of the location, check out AJ at the Disney Food Blog.

One thing is for sure, for those who love a good cup of coffee in the morning, it seems like the Main Street Bakery will be the place to go to get it.

Fonte: http://networkedblogs.com/Me41q

Springfield “Fast Food Boulevard” Now Open at Universal Studios Florida

Last weekend the first half of the recently announced Springfield expansion in Universal Studios Florida opened to guests for the first time. Nicknamed Fast Food Boulevard, the view of Springfield from the outside plays host to the previously existing Kwik-E-Mart, along with the newly added venues, Cletus’ Chicken Shack, Krusty Burger, Moe’s and The Android’s Dungeon & Baseball Card Shop. As part of our in-depth coverage of this new area, we’ll be releasing a series of articles looking at the venues, the details and the delicious menu items that have been added the park’s growing list of dining options.

We’ll start by looking at the new area with an overview, with our follow-up articles honing in on Moe’s Tavern and on our initial Universal Food Finds experience.

Among the new facades along Fast Food Boulevard is Cletus’ Chicken Shack, home to a variety of interesting chicken products.

Moe’s Tavern has proven to be a faithful and immersive recreation of the notable hangout from The Simpsons–we’ll drill in more on that in our next post!

The Android’s Dungeon & Baseball Card Shop is actually an empty facade covering the entrance to the area’s restrooms, which also received a themed overhaul to match the new Springfield surroundings.

Inside of the former International Food and Film Festival complex, the revamped quick service venue is set up in a food court style, similar to that found in Disney’s Art of Animation Resort’s Landscapes of Flavor. Guests can order items from multiple stations and pay at a central checkout area in the middle of the restaurant.

Much like the video loop found in the queue for The Simpsons Ride, a special selection of clips from the show’s twenty four seasons highlight more of the Simpson family’s food-related antics.

The two largest seating areas feature themed character murals with plenty of hidden details like the essential Matt Groening signature buried at the bottom of the image.

Least Crowded Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2013 Dates

If you’re looking for the least crowded, best day to visit Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in 2013, circle Tuesday, December 10, 2013, on your calendar. That Christmas Party, on a Tuesday in early December, was the least-crowded event in 2012’s schedule.

If that date doesn’t fit in your schedule, last year’s crowds indicate that Tuesday Christmas parties are less crowded on average than parties held on any other day of the week.

Friday is the next-best day to attend a Very Merry Christmas Party. Thursday and Sunday are the busiest days, although that may be a bit skewed since Magic Kingdom often has morning Extra Magic Hours on Thursdays.

Unlike our analysis of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the earlier Very Merry Christmas parties are not the least crowded. With the higher crowds arriving at Walt Disney World around the Thanksgiving holiday, many November dates rank among our most crowded.

Where you will find lower crowds for the Christmas parties is in the lull between the Thanksgiving and Christmas busy periods. Four of the five parties between December 3 and 10, 2013, are among our top 7 least-busy parties (we expect Sunday, December 8 to be a bit busier).

While there are no Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties during Thanksgiving week, the parties just prior to and just after that break are traditionally busy. The last few parties before Christmas are also quite crowded.

If you are considering other dates, here are our predicted rankings of attraction wait times at each of the 2013 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties. The changing date of Thanksgiving makes these estimates challenging. In addition, the opening of New Fantasyland in 2012 skewed many of our 2012 Christmas Party numbers. The new area’s official opening was December 6, 2012, the date of 2012′s busiest Christmas Party. The parties immediately following that date also saw high wait times, so we have adjusted our rankings accordingly.

[Please note that the military discount ends following the November 21 party, and the Annual Pass and Disney VacationClub discounts end following the December 10 party, but are also not available for the parties on November 22 or December 6 or 8.]

Party Date	Attraction Wait Times Rank	Advance Purchase Price for an Adult Ticket	Notes
Tuesday, December 10, 2013	Lowest Wait Times	$62
Tuesday, December 03, 2013	2	$62
Friday, December 06, 2013	3	$67
Friday, November 15, 2013	4	$62	Sold out 1 day in advance in 2012.
Thursday, November 21, 2013	5	$62
Thursday, November 14, 2013	6	$62	Sold out 1 day in advance in 2012.
Thursday, December 05, 2013	7	$62
Friday, November 08, 2013	8	$62	Sold out 1 day in advance in 2011
Tuesday, December 17, 2013	9	$62
Sunday, November 17, 2013	10	$62
Monday, November 11, 2013	11	$62	Sold out 1 day in advance in 2012.
Sunday, December 08, 2013	12	$62
Friday, December 20, 2013	13	$67	Final Party of the year. Sold out 5 days in advance in 2012 and a month in advance in 2011. Lines for character greetings and parade viewing spots will be long.
Thursday, December 19, 2013	14	$62
Sunday, December 15, 2013	15	$67
Friday, December 13, 2013	16	$67	Sold out 6 days in advance in 2011
Thursday, December 12, 2013	17	$62
Friday, November 22, 2013	18	$62
Sunday, December 01, 2013	Highest Wait Times	$62	1st Party after Thanksgiving break. Sold out 1 day in advance in 2012. Lines for character greetings and parade viewing spots will be long.

To determine all of the above, we looked at posted wait times from key attractions including Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, it’s a small world, and The Barnstormer. We narrowed it down to times between 7pm and midnight, which is when the park is limited to party guests. Some quick notes about our research:

• Our wait times only include attractions−not character meet and greets, special shows, or parades. The characters, in particular, often have long lines, especially for rare characters like the Seven Dwarfs. Regardless of which party you attend, some of the character lines will be long. If those are a must do, do them as early in the evening as possible.
• In general the wait times during the Christmas parties are quite low, averaging only about 9 minutes. If there are any attractions that you have really been wanting to do, experiencing them during the Christmas party might just be the time.
• If you are a data nerd like we are, you can find all of our wait time data for the Christmas parties on this Google spreadsheet.

Looking for more information? Erin Foster wrote an amazing overview of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party that will help you whether this is your first trip or your 100th (and if it’s your 100th, you might have a problem…being too awesome).

Now that you are armed with the most powerful weapon…knowledge, you can plan your 2013 trip to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This blog post will help you find all of the party dates and prices.

Hopefully this analysis will help you choose the best Christmas Party to attend. Merry Christmas (a little early)!

Thanks!

Fonte: http://blog.touringplans.com/2013/06/05/disney-world-magic-kingdom-christmas-party/

Discover Antarctica: Empire Of The Penguin™

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, a unique, all-family adventure ride that combines 30-degree temperatures and nearly 250 penguins, is now open at SeaWorld Orlando!

To celebrate the grand opening of Antarctica, we held a special grand opening ceremony that featured a performance by award-winning country artist Lauren Alaina, singing a special remix version of the song for the ride called "Antarctica: One World, One Family".

What's even "cooler" is that you can take the music of Antarctica with you by downloading the remix version for FREE at SeaWorldOrlando.com/Antarctica.

Only SeaWorld Orlando can fully immerse you into the thrilling, chilling continent few will ever experience. Antarctica is a realm in SeaWorld where icebergs, snowcaps and howling winds greet you. You'll also meet a very special penguin named Puck, and through his eyes you'll learn about penguin life and the dangers and beauty of this frozen land.

As you can see, everyone was very excited to experience Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin – Now Open! – will transport you into a rarely seen, icy world. You’ll feel the majestic grandeur of the South Pole and see it through the eyes of a hero penguin named Puck on an exhilarating, first-of-its-kind family ride. You’ll explore a massive penguin colony in an expanse that envelops you in cool extremes, both above and below the penguins’ icy world. It’s a must-see, one-of-a-kind theme park experience only at SeaWorld in Orlando.

Fonte: http://www.insideseaworld.com/antarctica-empire-penguin-now-open-seaworld-orlando

10 Restaurants with a View at Disneyland

Instead of a room with a view, we’re going to talk restaurants with a view! I think most of us need to slow down when we’re at Disney. It’s too easy to get caught up in the rush to Cars Land, the rush to get to the parks in the morning, the rush to eat, the rush to do most anything! I know when my husband gets ahead of me in the mornings because I’ve stopped to take pictures and turns to see masses of people passing him while he waits, it stresses him out. There may even be an occasional dirty look when I catch up. Maybe. If you find, like us, you’re having a hard time slowing down, meals are the perfect time to catch your breath. Everybody has to eat right? And what better way to relax and take it slow than eating at a restaurant with a great view. Here are 10 of them!

1. Chef’s Counter at Napa Rose – While many of the tables at Napa Rose in the Grand Californian have a neat view of a small section of Disney California Adventure, the views at the Chef’s Counter are the best there are. When you’re sitting at the Chef’s Counter you are just a counter away from the working kitchen. And working they are. Stunning dishes are prepared right before your eyes. They go out at a furious pace. I recently was able to experience the Chef’s Counter firsthand, and I was amazed at the experience as the chef answered our questions, gave us made-to-order entrees, and told us everything he was doing. It’s an incredible experience and one I’d recommend everyone try at least once.

2. Blue Bayou – Some would say you only eat here for the view and not the food, but I’ve never had a bad meal at Blue Bayou in Disneyland. A dark meal, sure, but not bad! The general darkness of the dining table area is all part of the atmosphere. Diners are literally just a few feet away from the Pirates of the Caribbean boats floating by. You feel like you are dining on someone’s back porch in Louisiana, and a beautiful back porch at that. There are lanterns overhead, fireflies, weeping willows and more. The atmosphere and views are just wonderful. It’s a don’t-miss restaurant for me.

3. Carnation Café – The Carnation Café is right on Main Street U.S.A.. There’s an indoor seating area as well as an outdoor patio. I greatly prefer the patio, out where the Main Street happenings are happening. Oscar, the park’s longest employee, greets Main Street guests in the morning and then makes his way through the restaurant to greet the diners as well. The red and white Mary Poppins-reminiscent décor is delightful. And bonus – the food is absolutely scrumptious.

4. Ariel’s Grotto – Ariel’s Grotto in California Adventure has some beautiful views of Paradise Pier and the wharf. California Screamin’ is launching just a short distance away. The Mickey’s Fun Wheel is turning, the Jellyfish are Jumpin’ and if the wind is less than like one mile an hour, so like once a week or so (?), the Golden Zephyrs are a flying. The outside tables have 360 degrees of interesting views, but even the inside tables offer great views through the windows and an “Under the Sea” type feel for lovers of Sebastian and other cute crustaceans. Princesses are the main draw here of course, but the views are nothing to sneeze at!

5. Cove Bar – Does the Paradise Pier view sound good to you, but the idea of princesses visiting your table does not? Well then the Cove Bar right upstairs from Ariel’s is where you want to be. While it doesn’t have a full menu, it does have some yummy appetizers like lobster nachos to nosh on while you relax. The bar is outside and the views of the pier are perfect. At night you can even pay a cover charge of sorts and stay for World of Color. The angle isn’t perfect for all the elements of the show, but it’s good, and may be worth it to you to possibly have a seat and not fight the crowds.

6. Uva Bar – The Uva Bar has a fairly extensive menu for what is by name – a bar. With salads, entrees, appetizers, and desserts, you’ll likely see something that appeals to you. The big draw for me here, though, is the setting. The Uva Bar is smack dab in the middle of Downtown Disney. And when I say the middle, I mean the middle. There are stores and walkways on both sides. Everyone walking the length of Downtown Disney will pass by the Uva Bar. If you want to people watch – this is people-watching central. If you want to listen to the music and sounds of Downtown Disney while you eat, this is also the place. The location and setting are perfect for me!

7. Hungry Bear Restaurant – The Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland in Critter County is somewhat tucked away from the crowds. These days it’s popular enough that it can get crowded, but the seating is plentiful. There are two decks to eat on, both with views of the Rivers of America. On a busy day you may see the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, theMark Twain Riverboat and the Sailing Ship Columbia all pass by as you eat. Even with all the activity, it’s a pretty relaxing setting.

8. Café Orleans – Café Orleans in New Orleans Square is one of my favorite places to eat and not just for the views. I do love the food there. The views, however, are wonderful. The Patio overlooks the Rivers of America and all the bustling activity there. The last time I was there I had a great view of Jack Skellington and Sally entertaining park guests. It truly feels like a little New Orleans café. Well, not the Jack Skellington part. I’m not from Louisiana but I assume he is not a normal sight there. But the rest of it! Imagine the Mark Twain Paddleboat sailing (paddling?) by while you eat. That’s the views and atmosphere I’m talking about!

9. River Belle Terrace – The views at River Belle in Disneyland are very similar to Café Orleans, but it’s a quick service location. That means quicker and generally cheaper. It’s a great place to relax and watch the world go by as you eat your Mickey Mouse Pancakes. Or, Roast New York sandwich. Or, Tennessee Barbeque Pork sandwich. Or, whatever other favorite you may find there.

10. Carthay Circle Patio – Carthay Circle in California Adventure is such a stunning restaurant inside, that I probably wouldn’t recommend sitting on the patio if it’s your only chance to dine there. If it’s not, however, the patio is a pretty neat place. Arguably the busiest walkway in the park is right below you, so there’s a lot happening down there. People everywhere! You can see Soarin’ Over California in one direction, Grizzly Peak in another, and you’ve got a great view of the Buena Vista Street from there as well. Go check it out!

Where are your favorite restaurants with a view at Disneyland?

Fonte: http://blog.touringplans.com/2013/05/30/10-restaurants-with-a-view-at-disneyland/

Pirates Adventure Now Open At The Magic Kingdom

Guests of the Magic Kingdom are invited to journey over toAdventureland to the Headquarters for A Pirates Adventure – Treasure of the Seven Seas, as the game is now officially open!

This is a brand new interactive game where guests participate in pirate raids using special pirate maps. There are five different raids in all, each taking approximately 20 minutes to complete.

(For a more detailed description, check out Scarlett’s blog post about the game.)

Blogger’s Note: I have also recently played the game, and this should be more or less considered as a great distraction for the park. Your kids will more than likely enjoy it. It will also likely take you through different nooks and crannies of Adventureland that you may have never visited before.

The game is included with your Magic Kingdom theme park admission and will be a great addition to your summer visit to the park.

Fonte: http://blog.touringplans.com/2013/05/31/pirates-adventure-now-open-at-the-magic-kingdom/