Disney News: Pandora Magic Bands, Guardians at Sea, Disney Springs Dining & More

Here are some news updates from the various Disney Destinations.

New MagicBand 2 Designs Exclusively for Pandora – The World of Avatar

Up first we have a sneak peek at the new graphic MagicBands available exclusively at this spectacular world at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. These MagicBands unite out-of-this-world Avatar designs with the innovation of MagicBand 2.

The purple limited-edition graphic band with scenes from nighttime in Pandora features the artwork of Dylan Cole, co-production designer for the upcoming “Avatar” motion picture sequels. The band retails for $32.99 and debuted at the official opening of the new land.

And for Avatar fans looking to coordinate their MagicBand with other cool Na’vi merchandise, check out the blue graphic band representing the Na’vi pattern. This band retails for $22.99 and will make any Avatar feel like a Na’vi.

The MagicBand continues to delight Guests as it unlocks the magic of a Disney vacation – from effortless theme-park entry, FastPass+ redemption and Disney PhotoPass association, to skipping the front desk and going directly to your resort room.

These new bands are sold in Windtraders at Pandora – The World of Avatar. Visit our Walt Disney World page for more about vacation packages.

Characters from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Join Marvel Day at Sea

Exciting news! Disney Cruise Line recently announced that characters from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’: Star Lord, Gamora and Groot, will join other super heroes from the Marvel Universe on Marvel Day at Sea sailings onboard the Disney Magic starting this fall!

In addition, an adult-exclusive Marvel Day at Sea experience inspired by the Guardian’s interstellar adventures transforms Fathoms nightclub into a Ravager hideout with alien dance performers pumping up the energy before the Guardians arrive!

As a reminder, the Marvel Day at Sea sailings start on Oct. 6, 2017 on the 8-Night Bahamian cruise from New York and continue on select sailings throughout the fall.

Marvel Day at Sea returns on Jan. 7, 2018 for a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise from Miami for select sailings throughout the spring. Visit our Disney Cruise Line page for more info.

More New Dining Spots for Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort

Five new dining concepts debut as early as Fall 2017, joining the stellar line-up of awarding-winning restaurants at Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort:

Opening in 2018 on the West Side is Jaleo, a concept by world-renowned Chef José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup. Bringing the spirit and flavors of Spain, Jaleo will feature an extensive menu of tapas that reflect the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Think paella cooked over a wood fire, hand-carved Jamon Iberico de Bellota and wood-grilled Iberico pork. With five locations in the United States and Mexico City, this will be the first location in Florida. The first floor of the multi-level restaurant will feature a “grab-n-go” storefront with Spanish-style sandwiches.

Also in 2018, a new Wolfgang Puck concept will open in a new location in Town Center. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, will modernize the traditional “bar and grill” concept in a setting inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance. The restaurant, designed by tonychi, will capture the essence of laid-back California dining made popular by Puck at Spago, his flagship restaurant in Los Angeles. The menu will highlight the best of Puck’s signature dishes with Mediterranean influences, innovative takes on comfort food classics and handcrafted specialty cocktails, beer and wine.

This fall, Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is introducing a new Italian concept at Disney Springs with James Beard award winner and “Top Chef Master” Chef Tony Mantuano leading development. The new restaurant will replace Levy’s Portobello Country Italian Trattoria and will feature dishes inspired by Mantuano’s adventures in Italy.

And pening later this year, The Edison, a lavish “Industrial Gothic” restaurant, bar and nighttime destination will debut. A collaboration of Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape’s Andrew Meieran, The Edison is noted for classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including cabaret. (The Disney Springs location is inspired by its sister location in Los Angeles.) With Old World sophistication and romance, The Edison will be themed to a 1920s-era electric company, recalling an exuberant era of invention and imagination with entertainment that includes contortionists, aerialists, DJs and more.

Also opening in late 2017 is Wine Bar George, with Master Sommelier George Miliotes bringing his expertise to Disney Springs with an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass in a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie will complement the wine list, featuring local artisans and seasonally relevant dishes. Wine education will be served up in an approachable and fun manner, including special events and visits from renowned winemakers. Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the industry’s foremost wine experts, and is one of only 236 professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

To learn more about shopping and dining at Disney Springs please visit our Walt Disney World page.

Dessert Parties Now Available for Holiday Party Nights at Walt Disney World Resort

Tickets are now available for holiday party nights at Walt Disney World® Resort! Whether you are heading to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this fall or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this winter, you can make the evening even more magical with these delicious additions.

At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Dessert Party, you can raise a glass for a ghostly toast of sparkling cider while indulging in Halloween-themed eats, including chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, cupcakes, ice cream, seasonal fruits, cheeses and other ghoulish goodies created daily by Disney’s master pastry chef. Specialty drinks, signature lemonades, coffee, tea and hot chocolate will also be served.

You can top off this delectable event with boo-tiful views of the Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular over Cinderella Castle for a fright fest of color, music and light you’ll never forget! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Dessert Party takes place select nights Aug. 29 – Nov. 1, 2017.

If you are planning on attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can experience spectacular views of the holiday fireworks and sweet treats at the Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, select nights from Nov. 9- Dec. 22, 2017.

Before the fireworks, at a table decked with boughs of holly, discover a host of holiday-themed cupcakes and desserts prepared by Disney’s pastry chef, along with a bountiful buffet of sweet treats – like chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, cheeses and fresh, seasonal fruits. And raise a cup of good cheer with sparkling cider, signature lemonades, specialty Christmas drinks, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and then marvel as the sky above explodes with color, music and lights!

The cost is $79 plus tax for adults; $47 plus tax for children ages 3-9.

A valid ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is required to attend the fireworks dessert parties.

To learn more about these special events please visit our Walt Disney World page.