Disney Springs – threestrandswdw

Out of the Loop

Good day, friends!

I know that I have been out of the loop for quite some time, now! But, my passion for all things Disney hasn’t gone away. I suppose I was trying to get away for a bit, because the people around me are tired of me talking about Disney this and Disney that. But, the truth is that, with the exception of my faith in God and the power of Jesus, Disney is what I know and love here on Earth!

To that end, I am just letting you know that I will be aiming to Blog Weekly! I will be covering important Disney News, giving my thoughts on what is happening in the parks, at the movies, and what’s coming up on TV (mainly Disney+). I am not a professional, but I am a lover of the Disney bubble!

As you may have heard, there will be some gradual reopening at Disney Springs. There are guidelines for visiting, but it’s a start! Here’s hoping that the parks and resorts will begin coming back to life sooner, rather than later!

There are rumblings of timelines for the parks at WDW and Disneyland to begin reopening, but nothing certain, at this time! However, construction at Disneyland has been allowed to resume on current projects. Maybe there won’t be a huge delay?

Finally, I would suspect that we will see some discounts and enticements from Disney to get people to return to the parks. What they will be and how they will work is anyone’s guess at this point in time. I also believe that 2021 package information may be delayed slightly, but should be along soon!

Until next time, keep your Dreams alive and a bit of Magic in your heart!

Benefits Staying At Disney Springs Resorts

DSRA Walt Disney World recently announced a new set of benefits for staying at the Disney Springs Resort Hotel Area (with the designation of being official Walt Disney World resorts). I couldn’t help but notice that this seems to have floated under the radar. Maybe it isn’t too important to some, but I can see where it could have an impact. So, what are the new benefits?

Basically, the Disney Springs resorts are now offering the same benefits as if you were staying at a Disney-Owned on property resort. From a personal standpoint, this seems like a good thing! My first trip to WDW in 1982, I stayed in the then Hotel Royal Plaza (now the B Resort). Transportation was provided by Disney with Regular service to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Transportation to all Disney Parks is now offered at 30 minute intervals. And I believe these shuttles are operated by a third party provider.

Beginning on January 1, 2018, all Disney Springs Resorts will be able to make FastPass+ reservations 60 days out! Your resort reservation will be linked to you My Disney Experience account, and visible through the App! You will also be able to take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express and have the ability to purchase Disney Dining Packages as a part of your vacation experience!

The resorts included in these packages are:

B Resort & Spa; Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort; DoubleTree Guest Suites by Hilton Orlando; Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Palace; Hilton Orlando Resort Lake Buena Vista; Holiday Inn Orlando; Wyndham Lake Buena Vista; and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista.

Something to look at when planning your next visit!

Thanks for reading! Have a Blessed and Magical Day, my friends!

Keeping the Magic Alive…threestrandswdw!

New Nights at WDW plus Tidbits

Walt Disney World announced that the Nights Of Joy concerts will change venue for the concerts beginning in 2016. Nights Of Joy has a history of selling out with large crowds, some too large to handle. As a result, the Concert portion of Nights of Joy will be moved to the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex and be set up on indoor stages. This will accommodate larger crowds, and allow the music to go on regardless of what the weather.

Admission to Nights Of Joy will INCLUDE access to The Magic Kingdom to allow attenders to enjoy some of their favorite attractions. And, Disney Transport will provide dedicated transportation to and from ESPN for the event.

No dates, or artists, have been announced, as yet. I will pass that on when I have the information.

Other WDW Tidbits:

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar opened this week at Disney Springs,
Official rebranding to Disney Springs this Tuesday, September 30
Dock to Port Orleans have opened at Disney Springs
A new special pricing program has been introduced for current U.S. Military check the Walt Disney World website for information.
Blizzard Beach announces lengthy closure of Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher due to technical issues for the remainder of the season. The water park is scheduled for it’s annual refurb beginning on October 4, 2015.

Thanks for reading, my friends. Have a Blessed and Magical day!!

What’s News At WDW

Jungle Cruise gets an extension…Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto goes soft…Marvel to Disney Springs…and, Innoventions West is closing!

You may recall that Sunshine Tree Terrace and Aloha Isle swapped locations a few weeks back. We now know that the reason is because of a refurbishment (of sorts) is taking place to bring in a new restaurant location at the Magic Kingdom. The Jungle Cruise themed “Skipper’s Cantina”, will take over the old Adventureland Verandah. It is expected to operate much like “Be Our Guest’ offering a counter service option for lunch and a table service experience at dinner time. There has been no word on what type of food will be served, as yet. Disney is aiming for a November 2015 opening.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto will begin a soft opening (today), March 28 at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This much anticipated addition to the Poly seats 50 guest inside, and 82 on the patio. There are a number of drink offerings with some being exclusive to the Grog Grotto, and some being brought over from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Room. One thing to note is that souvenir mugs will not be made available until the OFFICIAL opening in April.

As the Disney Springs project continues to roll on, we have received word that there will be a Marvel “Super Heroes Headquarters” opening up in May. It will be located in the former United World Soccer location on the West Side of Disney Springs. Whether this is a permanent placement, or not, has not been released by Disney. But, this seems like a good way to bring Marvel to the resort without infringing on the rights of the park up the street.

At EPCOT, it was announced this week that Innoventions West will be closing permanently beginning on April 30, 2015. This old Communicore complex has seen many exhibits come and go through the years. The recent pull out of IBM may have helped this decision to be made. (Side note: Innoventions at Disneyland is also closing at the end of this month.) And, in normal Disney style, there is no word on what is in store for the future of this space. Will it be utilized, reimagined, demolished, or put in moth balls ala the Wonders of Life pavilion? Only time will tell!

Thanks for reading, my friends. I wish you all a Blessed and Magical weekend! And, if you haven’t voted in our Battle of the WDW Podcasts poll, do it now by visiting WDW Podcasts Round 2 http://wp.me/p23hiG-lr