Disney News: Toy Story Land Update, Marvel Day at Sea Show & More

Here’s a look at some of the latest happenings at the various Disney Destinations we proudly represent.

FIRST LOOK AT WOODY’S LUNCH BOX IN TOY STORY LAND AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

We’re excited to share a look at a new area planned for Toy Story Land that hasn’t been unveiled until now – Woody’s Lunch Box.

When Toy Story Land opens in Summer 2018 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, you will shrink to the size of a toy and explore all of the fun (and toys!) Andy has constructed in his backyard. This story continues at Woody’s Lunch Box, where Andy has used his lunch box and thermos to create a walk-up quick-service window that will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats. In the rendering above, you can see that Woody’s Lunch Box – like the rest of Toy Story Land – has been adorably strewn about with some of Andy’s favorite toys and items from his lunch. You can even spot a green army man on a nearby lookout tower, keeping watch for Andy’s return.

The Walt Disney World® Resort will partner with Mini Babybel to bring this location to life. Stay tuned for more information on Woody’s Lunch Box – and the menu of delicious items it will serve up – in the coming months.

MARVEL SUPER HEROES AND VILLAINS BATTLE IN ACTION-PACKED STUNT SPECTACULAR DURING MARVEL DAY AT SEA

Marvel Day at Sea premiered recently on the Disney Magic, and today we’re excited to share glimpse at the day’s epic finale. For the first time ever, Marvel Super Heroes and Villains will face-off in an incredibly exciting battle at sea!

During an action-packed deck show spectacular like you have never seen before, incredible stunts, special effects and pyrotechnics put you right in the middle of the thrilling Marvel Universe along with more than a dozen of your favorite Marvel Super Heroes. Let’s set the scene …

Tony Stark is throwing an exclusive gala on the high seas aboard the Disney Magic. The occasion: unveiling the latest Stark Industries technology.

The flashy celebration is in full swing and the party is abuzz as Super Heroes like Captain America, Black Widow and Hawkeye make their grand entrances to join Tony Stark, who is dressed for the occasion in his Iron Man suit. Of course, powerful new technology is a beacon for evil and plans quickly go awry.

The villainous Loki and some sinister cohorts invade the ship, and as a special guest at the gala, you are in the middle of the ensuing action. In a whirlwind of excitement, you’ll witness heroic entrances by Thor, Black Panther, Spider-Man and Doctor Strange. Even Star Lord, Gamora and Groot will join this ultimate confrontation of Super Heroes and Villains.

Now that’s some super-charged celebration! Whether you are a lifetime Marvel fan, a brand-new fan or just love the idea of being in the middle of a sensational stunt spectacular, you need to be at this party.

Marvel Day at Sea premieres on select 7- and 8-night Disney Cruise Line sailings from New York this fall, and returns on select 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018.

FERRYTALE FIREWORKS: A SPARKLING DESSERT CRUISE RETURNS

Beginning Dec. 1, 2017, you are invited to enjoy a unique dessert party featuring unforgettable views of the Magic Kingdom® Park fireworks as Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise returns to Walt Disney World® Resort. The event will begin one hour and 15 minutes prior to each evening’s fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park, meeting at the Transportation and Ticket Center Tour Garden.

Once you board the iconic General Joe Potter ferryboat, you’ll set your sights on the horizon and celebrate your senses with decadent sweets and tasty specialty beverages for all ages, followed by one-of-a-kind views of the world-famous fireworks blooming over Magic Kingdom Park. On select nights that coincide with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party during the month of December, the cruise will feature the beautiful holiday fireworks spectacular and special seasonal desserts such as holiday cookies and peppermint cheesecake, as well as hot cocoa with a variety of toppings.

In addition to desserts and drinks, this event also offers fun activities such as a Glow-in-the-Dark Scavenger Hunt, where you can search for Hidden Mickeys throughout the Ferryboat. And when the fireworks begin, you’ll receive a pair of “Mickey Vision” viewing lenses, through which you might just be able to see one of your favorite characters appear in each burst of light!

Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Party takes place on Fridays and Sundays through Jan. 28, 2018.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE WINS HIGHEST HONOR IN THE CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

ondé Nast Traveler readers have once again recognized Disney Cruise Line as the “Top Large Cruise Line” in the magazine’s 30th annual Readers’ Choice Awards. The reader survey honors the best travel experiences from around the world. This marks the 15th consecutive year that Condé Nast Traveler readers have recognized Disney Cruise Line in the annual survey.

It’s always such an honor for Disney Cruise Line to be recognized with awards that come directly from travelers themselves, who have countless vacation choices. More than 300,000 readers cast their votes in this year’s survey, submitting millions of reviews.

Since they first set sail in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has delivered incredible family vacation experiences that combine the magic of Disney with the wonder of exploring different parts of the world. From Broadway-style productions inspired by classic Disney tales and dedicated spaces for kids and adults to signature dining and spa experiences, Disney Cruise Line offers something for every member of the family.

KURT RUSSELL, OLYMPIAN LAURIE HERNANDEZ ADDED; ANA GASTEYER, JODI BENSON RETURN TO LIST OF CANDLELIGHT NARRATORS

Rounding out this year’s celebrity narrators for the 2017 Candlelight Processional, part of the Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays , are two new faces and two returning favorites.

Disney Legend Kurt Russell, who has starred in Disney films from the 1960s to 2017’s “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” will read the Christmas story this year – as well as gold- and silver-medal-winning gymnast Laurie Hernandez. Two veterans of the event – actress/comedienne Ana Gasteyer and Jodi Benson, voice of Ariel in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” – complete this year’s list.

New narrators for this year’s lineup include Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “The Last Tycoon,”); Star Wars fan favorite Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi;” Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

And returning this year are everyone’s favorite hard-driving Dr. Bailey from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Chandra Wilson – and newly-named Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of ABC’s “The View.”

Here is the full list of narrators (everything subject to change, of course):

Nov. 24- 26 – Laurie Hernandez – NEW!
Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer – NEW!
Nov. 29 – 30 – Ana Gasteyer
Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak – NEW!
Dec. 6-8 – Jodi Benson
Dec. 9-11 – Kurt Russell – NEW!
Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis – NEW!
Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder – NEW!
Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a massed choir.

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

In addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Epcot provides an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

A FIRST LOOK AT THE NBA EXPERIENCE AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT COMING TO DISNEY SPRINGS IN SUMMER 2019

As the 2017-18 NBA season tips off, we want to give you a first look at the new NBA Experience at Walt Disney World® Resort coming to Disney Springs®.

Inspired by the modern architecture of new NBA arenas around the country, the building design exudes the same spirit and energizing impact, while creating an unmistakable and entertaining connection to the NBA in a way that only Disney can.

It’s one of several ways Disney Springs is still growing and adding new experiences to delight and entertain Guests.

The state-of-the-art space will include interactive games and competitions, immersive experiences, a retail store and an adjacent restaurant.

Stay tuned as we’ll be sharing more information on this exciting West Side addition coming in Summer 2019.

VICTORIA & ALBERT’S VOTED #2 RESTAURANT IN U.S. BY TRIPADVISOR FOR SECOND YEAR

Victoria & Albert’s, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, was voted the second-best fine dining restaurant in America among TripAdvisor’s 2017 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in their Travelers’ Choice awards – the only Florida restaurant to make this prestigious list.

Under the helm of Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef de Cuisine Aimee Rivera, maître d hotel Israel Perez and Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, this is the second time Victoria & Albert’s has received high honors from TripAdvisor. The restaurant also is a recipient of AAA’s highest achievement, the Five Diamond Award.

The ultimate in fine dining, Victoria & Albert’s 50-seat main dining room allows you to choose between a 7-course menu and a 10-course Chef’s Tasting Menu with optional wine pairing selected by the sommelier. The intimate Queen Victoria Room offers a 10-course meal with tableside presentation and wine pairings.

The highly sought-after 10-seat Chef’s Table, located in the restaurant’s kitchen, grant diners a behind-the-scenes look at the Victoria & Albert’s team crafting the evening’s dishes. The restaurant’s impressive cellar boasts over 700 wines from over 35 regions.

Travelers’ Choice winners are determined using an algorithm that takes into account the quality and quantity of reviews from TripAdvisor users gathered over a 12-month period.

Victoria & Albert’s is among an illustrious group of restaurants. Here is a full list of the impressive top 10 fine dining restaurants:

Daniel – New York City, New York
Victoria & Albert’s – Orlando, Florida
Charleston Grill – Charleston, South Carolina
Alinea – Chicago, Illinois
Chef and the Farmer – Kinston, North Carolina
Halls Chophouse – Charleston, South Carolina
Geronimo – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Mama’s Fish House – Paia, Hawaii
Restaurant Gary Danko – San Francisco, California
Merriman’s – Kapalua, Hawaii

Congratulations to the entire Victoria & Albert’s team! The restaurant is open daily for dinner.

For more information on any of these great vacation options, please visit our Disney Destinations page.