India 19th May 2014–. – Hold on for the most twisty, turny, rollicking summer ever for Walt Disney World Resort. From the crowning jewel that completes the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, a breathtaking new parade that winds its way down Main Street U.S.A., to elevating the guest experience with MyMagic+, guests are rocking their Disney Side in 2014.
Here are the gems guests will find:
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: The lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey comes to life in a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Inspired by the Disney animated film classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the family-style coaster will feature first-of-its-kind ride vehicles mounted in cradle-like pivots that allow the vehicles to swing back and forth during the twists and turns of the ride. Adding to the fun, the journey will be accompanied by beloved music from the film classic and riders will be greeted by animated figures of Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and playful forest critters.
Festival of Fantasy Parade: The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade brings the magical stories of New Fantasyland to Main Street, U.S.A. through fantastic and innovative parade floats, vibrant costumes and an original soundtrack that features beloved songs from favorite Disney films, plus a new parade theme song. A Steampunk-inspired Dragon as the wicked Maleficent stretches 53 feet in length and 26 feet tall with a prickly spinning wheel dead center of the float. With fiery eyes and glowing effects the spectacular dragon was built on an articulating chassis allowing the float to bend and flex as it moves along the parade route – a first for Disney parades. Ariel and friends grace a larger-than-life music box showcasing a colorful musical party “Under the Sea” while Scottish dancers and a float shaped like an enormous bagpipe announce the arrival of Merida. Other floats celebrate Disney Princesses; Peter Pan and Wendy soar above a pirate galleon; Rapunzel and Flynn Rider appear on a longship in search of another “Best Day. Ever.”
Princess Fairytale Hall: Also part of the Magic Kingdom expansion, the fantasy world of Disney royalty becomes reality in the Princess Fairytale Hall, where guests get to live out their dream of meeting a real Disney princess. It’s the enchanting new home to Anna and Elsa, who join Cinderella and Rapunzel each day until the early evening, after which other visiting Disney Princesses will be available to greet guests. Surrounded by lush purple and gold trimmings, stone walls and ornate chandeliers, loyal subjects can choose between two queues: one for Cinderella and Rapunzel, or one for the Frozen sisters and visiting princesses.
MyMagic+: MyMagic+ is a fantastic new way to experience even more of the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation. Guests are able to design the Disney World vacation they want – customizing everything from their at-home planning to their in-park experiences to capturing memories to share and relive. Guests have the confidence of locking in their “must-do” experiences while having the flexibility to make updates on the go thanks to the My Disney Experience app. MyMagic+ takes renowned Disney guest service to a new level – more seamless and aimed at delivering the best Disney World experience ever.
Festival of the Lion King: The popular, high-energy, interactive live musical Festival of the Lion King show relocates in June to an all-new theater in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Festival of the Lion King envelops the audience in the sights and sounds of a tribal-like celebration featuring the music of Disney’s animated classic, The Lion King.
New Nighttime Experiences at Epcot: While enjoying the nightly fireworks spectacular, guests sample decadent desserts from around the world paired with the perfect international sparkling wines in an intimate and exclusive environment during the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party. After IllumiNations, guests can sample, sip and stay awhile longer with the Epcot After Hours Wind Down. Award-winning Epcot chefs and sommeliers pair a beverage flight with cultural cuisine; guests can choose from four locations. For reservations to both of these experiences: www.Disneyworld.com/spring.
Disney Fit Challenge: Disney Sports teams up with I Am CrossFit for an inaugural event at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex that will test athletes’ speed, strength, endurance, balance and power. During the three-day competitive fitness event September 26-28, recreational, intermediate and elite competitors will face challenges such as muscle-ups, double-box jumps, kettle bell swings, push-ups, squats and broad jumps based on age and skill level.
Disney Springs: Downtown Disney in 2014 continues its multi-year transformation into Disney Springs, a unique and vibrant shopping/dining/entertainment destination to be set amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm. Anchored by a signature water tower and grand entry, Disney Springs will boast four interconnected outdoor neighborhoods and be home to everything from shopping boutiques to flagship stores to great new restaurants and entertainment venues. The excitement has already begun! Newly opened in Downtown Disney West Side: Fit2Run serving both recreational runners and athletes. In 2014, Starbucks adds two locations: a storefront at Downtown Disney West Side and a kiosk near World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace. Also in 2014: new retail — from women’s accessories to electronics, sportswear to girl’s fashions, home design accents to salon products — will open as the Marketplace Co Op (replacing Team Disney).