There are new experiences coming to Walt Disney World over the next few months! Here is what is coming:

New Character Greetings Debuting Soon
We recently saw the return of fan-favorite character experiences including Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel’s Grotto and Pete’s Silly Sideshow at Magic Kingdom Park. New friends will make their debut soon. 

And this fall, Mirabel from the Walt Disney Animation Studios hit film “Encanto” will greet Guests in the Fairytale Garden at Magic Kingdom, which will be transformed with whimsical décor inspired by La Familia Madrigal.
​
EPCOT Transformation Comes to a Crescendo Later This Year
If you’ve been to EPCOT recently, you’ve likely seen the amazing progress happening around World Celebration and World Nature as part of the park’s multi-year transformation. Well, get ready because it will all be completed later this year!
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will debut this fall in World Nature. This self-guided exploration trail will take you through the natural water cycle – from the skies to oceans and all the way back again. Just like Moana, Guests are encouraged to become a protector and friend to our natural resources.

CommuniCore Hall will also be the home of a dynamic exhibition space that will transform with each festival throughout the year, as Guests can see here in one possibility imagined for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Playing with light, shapes and reflections, the architecture of this building was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering to celebrate the legacy of EPCOT and the original CommuniCore buildings.

Commemorating Disney100 at Walt Disney World 
EPCOT will host the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World Resort to commemorate this monumental milestone later this year. To honor the legacy of Disney storytelling and unforgettable characters that have entertained and inspired people of all ages for a century, now is the time to relive those beloved Disney memories and delight in making new memories with friends and family in our theme parks. Enjoy all-new experiences as the Disney Parks celebrate this momentous anniversary and the culmination of the EPCOT transformation – from meeting Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their platinum attire to snapping a selfie with a platinum sculpture of the one who started it all and watching Spaceship Earth illuminate the evenings with a special lighting design.

Plus, a new nighttime spectacular will debut at EPCOT later this year, inviting everyone to gather around World Showcase Lagoon for a show that will unite us through commonalities of the heart in a dazzling display of fireworks, lasers, music and light. Featuring an original composition along with select songs from the Disney songbook, this new spectacular will remind us that we’re more alike than different, connecting our hearts together as one.

Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation & Conservation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 
We can’t wait to celebrate 25 years of magic at Disney’s Animal Kingdom next month on Earth Day! Since it opened on April 22, 1998, this one-of-a-kind theme park has offered awe-inspiring animal encounters, thrilling attractions and larger-than-life musical stage shows. Since 1995, with support from The Walt Disney Company and guests, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed $120 million to support nonprofit organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet. Additionally, the Disney Conservation team leads best-in-class scientific programs to conserve wildlife in Disney’s backyard and beyond, connects people to build a network for nature, and cares for the planet through everyday actions.

In April, there will be new ways to join in the celebration for Earth Day and this milestone, including new sweet and savory treats, specialty merchandise and limited-time character sightings in the park. There will be more surprises on April 22, when the park officially turns 25. Stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for more details coming soon.

Summer House on the Lake Opens Later This Year at Disney Springs
A stunning new restaurant will open at Disney Springs in late 2023. Summer House on the Lake embodies a breezy, beach house vibe that will pair perfectly with the sweeping views of Lake Buena Vista.
​
Guests will be able to enjoy a California-inspired menu featuring simple, sustainable ingredients – from pizza and pasta to fresh salads and sandwiches. Plus, Guests can savor the restaurant’s exclusive Summer House Rosé along with a selection of wine, beer, handcrafted cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Just imagine sipping a favorite drink on one of three expansive outdoor patios with a lake view. Those of us with a sweet tooth will be delighted to hear about The Cookie Jar, a dessert-focused market within this space serving up freshly baked cookies and house-made pastries.

Corkcicle Opening First-Ever Retail Location at Disney Springs
Corkcicle is coming to Disney Springs! A local Orlando business, Corkcicle creates innovative, obsession-worthy, high-performing insulated drinkware, coolers and accessories in a variety of gorgeous colors that elevate every sip and bring delight to everyday moments. This kiosk will be Corkcicle’s first-ever retail location and will open later this spring.

Book your Disney vacation with Simply Perfect Vacations, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, and you'll receive our concierge vacation planning services complimentary when you book a package with at least 3 days of theme park tickets. This means we will help you dining reservations and activity reservations; recommendations on what theme parks to visit and when; recommendations on where to eat, what rides to ride; tips and tricks to make the most of your day and so much more!

​Simply Perfect Vacations is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner that will make sure you and your vacation are taken care of with our concierge style planning services that start from the moment you contact us.  Simply Perfect Vacations has assisted over one thousand clients! Helping them plan their simply perfect Disney vacation and we'd love to help you plan yours, request a quote today!  Or you can contact a Simply Perfect Vacations agent for more details about a Walt Disney World vacation!

To get Disney vacation news this and other travel news and highlights delivered straight to your email inbox, sign up for our newsletter.  As a thank you for signing up, you'll get our mini-guide to the Walt Disney World theme parks AND Universal Orlando parks for FREE!

Character dining will return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park when Tusker House reopens on June 20!

When you walk inside Tusker House you're stepping inside a lively Harambe marketplace eatery, the perfect surrounding to see Donald Duck and his friends dressed in their safari gear.  Guests are encouraged to take pictures of Donald and his friends as they stroll throughout the dining rooms.

The updated menu will be family-style, instead of a buffet, brimming with African-inspired flavors for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Breakfast will start with fresh fruit and a pastry basket containing the favorite, Safari Bread. The breakfast platter will have Mickey and Simba Waffles, Durban Chicken and Egg Curry with Jasmine Rice, potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and waffles.

Lunch and dinner will start with an assorted bread basket and African-inspired salads. Entree options include Moroccan Spiced Beef, Berber Marinated Pork, Spit Roasted Herb Chicken, and Cape Malay Green Curry Shrimp. Sides include green beans, roasted potatoes, jasmine rice, and macaroni and cheese. Animal inspired mini dessert will end the meal.  

Those will kids who might be on the picky side will find comfort in classic offerings such as fruit and yogurt for breakfast and mac and cheese for lunch and dinner.

To dine at an in-park table-service restaurant, you need a confirmed dining reservation for the total number of Guests—regardless of age, plus a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on that same date for each Guest ages 3 and up. Dining reservations do not guarantee access to a park, and Park Hopper availability may change daily. We recommend Guests book in-park dining at the park where they have a Disney Park Pass reservation.

Simply Perfect Vacations is a travel agency specializing in Disney Vacations and beyond. When you book your Disney vacation package with Simply Perfect Vacations you will receive our concierge services from the day you contact us to the day you get home, and everything in between.  Contact a Simply Perfect Vacations agent today for more information or request a complimentary, no-obligation Walt Disney World resort quote.

To get Disney vacation news this and other travel news and highlights delivered straight to your email inbox, sign up for our newsletter.  By signing up you'll get our mini-guide to the four Walt Disney World theme parks for FREE - helping you kick-start the planning for your theme park vacation!

Walt Disney World's Easter Egg displays will return to the Walt Disney World Resorts this year! These talented pastry chefs have created eggs-travagantly detailed pieces of sweet edible art that will be on display at various resort locations. If you'll be visiting during Easter, we highly recommend taking the time to visit these resorts and seeing these egg-credible works of art. The resorts having displays are:

• Disney’s BoardWalk Resort – Lobby area (available for viewing March 26-April 4)
• Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa – Lobby area, concierge level, and Grand Floridian Café lobby (available for viewing March 15-April 4)
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort – Carriage House (available for viewing April 1-11)
• Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort – Beach Club lobby, Yacht Club lobby, Ale & Compass Restaurant, The Market at Ale & Compass (available for viewing March 18-April 4)

Easter brunch will be available at these Walt Disney World Resort restaurants:

• Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney's Yacht Club Resort
• Whispering Canyon Café at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

And last but not least, Easter themed treats will be available throughout the theme parks, Disney Resorts and Disney Springs. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

• Thumper Cupcake – Carrot cupcake with cream cheese filling, caramel buttercream, and a chocolate “Thumper” (available March 18-April 5) available at Creature Comforts; Flame Tree Barbecue; & Restaurantosaurus
• Easter Basket – Mango and mixed berry cake, lemon cheesecake, vanilla meringue, marshmallow variations, Kataifi, berry coulis, and mango chantilly (available April 2-5) Tiffins Restaurant, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

EPCOT

• Easter Brookie Basket – Easter brookie basket with white chocolate ganache, buttercream, and chocolate eggs (available April 4) at Coral Reef Restaurant
• Key Lime Robin Egg – Key lime mascarpone cheesecake with blueberry gelée, crème fraîche whipped cream, graham cracker shortbread, and key lime powder (available April 4) at Le Cellier Steakhouse​

Disney Resorts Continued:
The Market at Ale & Compass, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (mobile order available) & 
The Beach Club Marketplace, Disney’s  Beach Club Resort (mobile order available)

• Mickey Chocolate Easter Egg (available March 14-April 4)
• Minnie Chocolate Easter Egg (available March 14-April 4)
• Robin’s Egg Blueberry Macarons –Three blue-speckled macarons filled with blueberry ganache and blueberry jam sitting on chocolate crunch “nest” (available March 14-April 4)
• Easter Bunny Strawberry Cheesecake – Strawberry cheesecake with lemon crust with velvet white chocolate and decorated with a ruby red glitter glaze and fondant (available March 14-April 4)
• Easter Cookies n’ Cream Bonbons – Cookies n’ Cream bonbons with cookies ‘n cream mousse and cookies ‘n cream base covered in chocolate (available March 14-April 4)
• Easter Carrot Cupcake – Carrot cake cupcake with a cream cheese icing decorated chocolate ganache, cookies ‘n cream crumbs, buttercream, and wildflower quins (available March 14-April 4)
• Lemon Crinkle Cookies – A pack of three brightly colored lemon-flavored crinkle cookies (available March 14-April 4)

The Disney Vacation Planners of Simply Perfect Vacations could not be happier today as it has been announced that one of our favorite Walt Disney World shows will be returning!  Expected to return this summer, the Harambe Theatre at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will host the Festival of the Lion King. This fan-favorite show features a troupe of musical storytellers, along with Simba and his friends, and more. 

Singers, dancers, technicians and other Cast Members have been called back to start rehearsing one of the most popular shows at Walt Disney World Resort. When it returns, Festival of the Lion King will be presented in a modified format to be mindful of the current environment. There will be adjustments to the show on stage and backstage, including updates to choreography to allow for appropriate physical distancing. How the audience is seated will also be modified, line with other theater-based experiences at Walt Disney World Resort.
​
If you're ready to clap along with “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” thrill to the fire knife performance during “Be Prepared,” swoon over “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” and take in the joyous “Circle of Life?” - contact your Simply Perfect Vacations Disney Vacation Planner or request a Walt Disney World vacation quote.  The return of this show is going to be an amazing celebration you won't want to miss!

The holidays have arrived at Walt Disney World Resort!  Guests visiting the Resort this holiday season will get to experience extra magic; festive decor; and fun experiences at all of four theme parks and Disney Springs.

Magic Kingdom Park has been transformed to celebrate the holidays with twinkling lights; toy soldiers; poinsettias; wreaths; and the iconic Christmas Tree has returned to Main Street U.S.A.  Your favorite Disney characters have put on their best holiday costumes for their character cavalcades throughout the park.  Even Santa has joined the cavalcade route, bringing joy and holiday cheer to those visiting the theme park.  The park's barbershop quartet, the Dapper Dans, have returned and are singing festive tunes from various parts of the park.  And the crowd favorite Toy Soldiers have joined the Main Street Philharmonic band to march throughout the Magic Kingdom. 

At night, Cinderella Caste is showing off her special projection effects!  Watch as the castle transforms into a snow fall; a Christmas sweater; a winter castle and more right before your eyes!

Disney's Animal Kingdom's entrance now has a great Christmas tree and other holiday decorations, greeting guests upon their arrival.  The character flotillas along Discovery River now have festive decorations and holiday music.  Characters guests will see on the flotillas are Chip 'n' Dale; Discovery Drummers; Santa Claus and more! 

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Hollywood Tower Hotel has been transformed into the Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel.  Fun projections transform the hotel into a Muppets gingerbread hotel; a "Toy Story" hotel; Arendelle; a Dickensian village; and more.  Speaking of Frozen, Olaf is has joined the "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration" attraction for a festive finale.

In addition to the Pixar, Disney Junior and Mickey Mouse motorcades on Hollywood Boulevard, guests visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios are now reporting sightings of Santa and elves in their very own motorcade! 

The shopping and entertainment district, Disney Springs, has become a winter wonderland complete with lights, decor, a Christmas Tree Stroll and the occasional snow flurry.  On the Christmas Tree Stroll guests can enjoy elaborately-decorated Disney-themed trees that are spread throughout Disney Springs.  Guests can also see Santa and Mrs. Claus at Disney Springs cruising around the lake on decorated pontoon boats. 

Starting on November 27th, Epcot's newest festival, the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, will open!  This holiday festival will offer guests holiday kitchens serving seasonal food and beverage specialties from nations around the world.  Guests will also experience live holiday entertainment; a holiday cookie stroll through World Showcase and more!  Joyful cavalcades around World Showcase Pavilion will offer guests the chance to see Santa Claus, Elsa, Mickey Mouse, The Voice of Liberty and so much more!

If you're interested in visiting Walt Disney World this holiday season, request a quote or email your preferred Simply Perfect Vacations travel agent!  As always, our concierge services are always free to our clients that book a Disney Vacation package with Simply Perfect Vacations.