The BOATHOUSE Now Open At Downtown Disney

As you may know, Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney has been in the process of a complete and amazing overhaul. From the roads that will take you there to the experiences that you will have once you have arrived, there is going to be nothing like it. Even the name will be changing, to reflect the new theming that is being developed. Disney Springs, as it will be called when the transformation is complete, will be set up with several different neighborhoods providing dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences. The first restaurant to come to The Landing neighborhood is now open!

The BOATHOUSE: Great Food, Waterfront Dining, Dream Boats, described as an upscale dining experience will give you the chance to enjoy steaks and chops, fresh seafood, and a raw bar while checking out an impressive display of dream boats from the early to mid-1900s. Oh, but there is so much more to this place! You can also purchase tickets for guided tours on The BOATHOUSE Amphicars, which launch from lands and enter water with a splash, or The Venezia, a breathtaking 40-foot wooden Italian Water Taxi.

And, all day long, there will be entertainment, flag ceremonies, and amazing musical performances both inside and out of the restaurant!

If you haven't been to Downtown Disney in a while... maybe now's the time?

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Starbucks Now Open At Hollywood Studios

Looking for great coffee at Hollywood Studios? Well, look no further! The new Starbucks location at the Walt Disney World Resort theme park is now open. The Trolly Car Cafe, located on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard (just down the main street after you enter the park, on the right hand side), is currently serving coffee and various other beverage options, as well as sandwiches, wraps, pastries, etc. You know, like a Starbucks! This store joins the other Starbucks locations around the Disney World property, including stores at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, & Downtown Disney. An Animal Kingdom location is expected to open mid-year.

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Welcome In 2015 With These Amazing Disney World Experiences!

There is so much going on this New Years at the Walt Disney World Resort! Per Disney:

Countdown at Magic Kingdom
The new year kicks off with fireworks galore at Magic Kingdom Park. Along with "Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," you can enjoy "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks, capped off with a breathtaking musical show. This special fireworks display will be presented on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, 2014 at 11:50 p.m.

New Year's Around the Globe at EpcotAll across World Showcase at Epcot, you can explore each countries' traditions at participating pavilions - including Morocco, Italy, China, France, the United Kingdom and the USA - as they soak up the sounds of favorite bands and DJs. Plus, World Showcase promenade is the place to be as IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth lights up the sky with a message of peace and goodwill. Two showings of this nighttime spectacular will take place on New Year's Eve, at 6 p.m. and 11:40 p.m.

Celebrate at Hollywood Studios
Guests of all ages will enjoy the fabulous family-style fun and entertainment that New Year's Eve unreels at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Come nightfall on Dec. 31, 2014, the "rake and roll" cover band Mulch, Sweat and Shears takes the stage for a set of iconic songs. And, as midnight approaches, the evening ignites into an amazing shower of shimmering light. You can watch in wonder as majestic fireworks glitter, glisten and inspire awe in one and all.

Dining and Entertainment at Downtown DisneyIf you wish to enjoy New Year's Eve at Downtown Disney, please remember that, as in previous years, there are no fireworks displays. However, there are a variety of exciting offerings to enjoy this year at Downtown Disney, including special New Year's Eve food and beverage tents, merchandise stands and entertainment. Guests can also enjoy dining experiences, movies, bowling, Cirque du Soleil, shopping and more. Or, you can explore some of the newest offerings including the Food Trucks at Exposition Park and the flagship Starbucks location at Downtown Disney West Side, as well as the Marketplace Co-Op at the Downtown DisneyMarketplace. 

If you are arriving in your own vehicle, please  follows signs to available parking, which may be located adjacent to the Downtown Disney area. It is recommended that Guests arrive at least 60 minutes in advance of all reservations and planned activities. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, it is recommended that you use complimentary transportation, as parking may be limited. 

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Shopping Discount Is Back At Disney World!

Every so often, Disney adds merchandise discounts to the bottom of their Quick-Service Restaurant receipts. Well, those coupons have begun again, and are offering Guests 20% off at select merchandise locations. This program is slated to last until January 5, 2015, is only available from Store Opening until 1pm, and can be found at the following restaurants:

Magic Kingdom
Restaurants:
     • Casey's Corner
     • Columbia Harbour House
     • Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café
     • Main Street Bakery
     • Pecos Bill's Café
     • Pinocchio Village Haus
     • Tomorrowland Terrace
Redeem at:
     • Emporium

Epcot
Restaurants:
     • Electric Umbrella
     • Fountain View
     • Liberty Inn
     • Sunshine Season's Food Fare
     • Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Redeem at:
     • Mouse Gear

Hollywood Studios
Restaurants:
     • ABC Commissary
     • Backlot Express
     • Catalina Eddies
     • Fairfax Fare
     • Pizza Planet
     • Rosie's Red Hots
     • Starring Rolls
     • Studio Catering Company
Redeem at:
     • Mickey's of Hollywood
     • Keystone Clothiers

Animal Kingdom
Restaurants:
     • Flame Tree Barbecue
     • Kusifari Bakery
     • Pizzafari
     • Restaurantosaurus
     • Tamu Tamu
Redeem at:
     • Island Mercantile
     • Disney Outfitters

Plus you can also redeem your coupons at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney. Be sure to check your coupon for any additional details!

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6 Amazing New Shops Now Open At Downtown Disney

©Disney

Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney is undergoing some pretty significant changes. The Pleasure Island section has already been closed to make for the new and, in the meantime, that are some pretty awesome additions popping up in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. When it's all said and done, Downtown Disney will have been transformed into the fabulous Disney Springs.

One of the coolest additions to this super fun area at the Disney Resort is the new Marketplace Co-Op. Located next to Tren-D and taking the place of the former Team Mickey shop, Marketplace Co-Op is home to 6 new specialty stores:

• Beautifully Disney - This one will be my daughter's favorite, for sure! As the name suggests, it's full of make-up, fragrances, and beauty accessories.
• Cherry Tree Lane - Scarves, shoes, bags, jewelry, and other accessories are what you'll find at this high end shop designed for the "sophisticated" Disney woman.
• Zoey and Pickles - For the younger set, this trendy girls' destination provides the latest in glamour for the "up-and-coming fashionista."
• D-Tech on Demand - Looking for that perfect phone case? You can find it, along with other super fun Disney electronics accessories, right here. And, what's more? You can have them customized while you wait!
• The Trophy Room - Senior Merchandiser, John Sarni, said it best: "Once inside, guests will soon realize this space represents a lifestyle. The location aims to create sports fans... by offering high quality, vintage-inspired garments that instill a sense of nostalgia and old-school, collegiate spirit." The store will focus, predominantly on professional baseball as well as both professional and college football.
• Disney Centerpiece - My personal favorite, by far! This shop is where you can find products that will give your home that classy, Disney flair, from room furnishings to textiles to everyday ware, this place has got it all!

Not in the Disney World area at the moment? That's totally okay! You can check out some of the shops and their merchandise online at DisneyStore.com/MarketplaceCoOp!

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Warm Pastries And Baked Goods Coming To Main Street Bakery And More

©Disney

Many Disney Parks fans were quite skeptical when they first heard that Starbucks would be coming to Disney World... and replacing the Main Street Bakery, at that. However, once the coffee shop was in place, it became clear that Disney had no intention of changing the theming or the "feel" of the location. Still called the Main Street Bakery, guests can now enjoy Starbucks quality coffee while at the Magic Kingdom (and in its Epcot location, a soon-to-come Downtown Disney location, and its Downtown Disney Anaheim store). One of the things that I did hear that guests were dissapointed about was the lack of baked goods available. Well, all that is about to change!

La Boulange, a San Francisco bakery and café, has partnered with Starbucks to bring their artisanal pastries to Starbucks locations across the country - Disney Parks included. Guests can soon expect to find delicious, warm items like Croissants, Sticky Buns, Brownies, and Cookies at the Disney Starbucks locations.

Once again, it is apparant just how much Disney listens to the thoughts, comments, and ideas of its guests. If there is ever anything that you really love or would like to see more of, make sure to let the great folks at Disney know. Thanks to the guests who made their wonderful thoughts known in this case, we will all be able to enjoy delicious pastries with our morning coffee!

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Transform Into Anna Or Elsa At Disney World!

Great news for little princesses! From now until January 3, 2014 (or while supplies last) Walt Disney World's Bibbidi Bobbity Boutique will be offering makeovers, inspired by Anna and Elsa from Disney's upcoming animated feature, "Frozen." For those unfamiliar with the Boutique, it is owned by Cinderella's Fairy Godmother and run by her skilled apprentices. With location in both the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney, the Bibbidy Boppity Boutique provides an opportunity for children to have their hair, makeup, and nails done in the style of a Disney Princess, complete with gown and accessories! So, go ahead - get your Frozen on now, before it's too late!

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