Disney World News Today

One of the big Limited Time Magic events for 2013 was the Monstrous 24-Hour “All-Nighter”.

For the second time, in recent memory, the Magic Kingdom would stay open for 24 hours, from 6:00 a.m. on May 24 to 6:00 a.m. on May 25. Also, sister parks in California, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure would also be open for 24 hours.

Unique to this event would be special appearances by Mike and Sully in the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! party/parade, the two serving as Grand Marshalls in the Celebrate a Dream Come True, a Monster Mania Dance Party, special merchandise, food, beverages and other surprises

Just as it did with Turtle Trek, SeaWorld Orlando is again educating and entertaining its visitors about a particular species by telling a story through the point of view of one animal. This time, though, the experience is more immersive, including a restaurant and other themed areas.

The new Antarctica section of the park opens today (May 24) and its centerpiece ride, Empire of the Penguin, takes visitors on a journey with Puck, a baby penguin. Much like last summer’s new TurtleTrek, Empire of the Penguin appeals to its audience by showcasing one animal’s battle against nature and then allowing guests to observe the animals in their habitat

Just as it did with Turtle Trek, SeaWorld Orlando is again educating and entertaining its visitors about a particular species by telling a story through the point of view of one animal. This time, though, the experience is more immersive, including a restaurant and other themed areas.

The new Antarctica section of the park opens today (May 24) and its centerpiece ride, Empire of the Penguin, takes visitors on a journey with Puck, a baby penguin. Much like last summer’s new Turtle Trek, Empire of the Penguin appeals to its audience by showcasing one animal’s battle against nature and then allowing guests to observe the animals in their habitat

Beginning Thursday, May 23, current Disney Vacation Club members will be able to purchase real estate interests at what will be Disney Vacation Club’s 12th resort. General sales will begin June 19.

Disney Vacation Club is building 106 two-bedroom equivalent villas on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon as part of a previously announced expansion of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa that will also include a lively children’s water-play area and other amenities.

Once opened, the new property will feature deluxe studios and one-bedroom villas that sleep five guests, as well as two-bedroom villas that sleep nine guests. Additionally, expansive grand villas will sleep 12 guests and will feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a media room with a home theater system, all designed to bring families closer to create memories that last a lifetime. All of the deluxe studios and villas will feature decor reminiscent of the Victorian era, made playful and relaxed with classic Disney touches

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the site of Star Wars Weekends, a Star Wars fan-fest, which take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 17-June 9, 2013. The event features Star Wars parades, celebrity appearances, live entertainment, limited-edition merchandise releases, behind-the-scenes presentations and special editions of Jedi Training Academy. Most Star Wars Weekends activities are included in regular theme park admission

Beginning Thursday, May 23, current Disney Vacation Club members will be able to purchase real estate interests at what will be Disney Vacation Club’s 12th resort. General sales will begin June 19.

Disney Vacation Club is building 106 two-bedroom equivalent villas on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon as part of a previously announced expansion of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa that will also include a lively children’s water-play area and other amenities.

Once opened, the new property will feature deluxe studios and one-bedroom villas that sleep five guests, as well as two-bedroom villas that sleep nine guests. Additionally, expansive grand villas will sleep 12 guests and will feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a media room with a home theater system, all designed to bring families closer to create memories that last a lifetime. All of the deluxe studios and villas will feature decor reminiscent of the Victorian era, made playful and relaxed with classic Disney touches

Fall 2013 is a grand celebration at Walt Disney World Resort, with the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Boo-tiful Fun, Night of Joy, an Opening Fit for a Princess and more leading up to the holidays. On land – and sea – Disney guests will find unrivaled excitement. As temperatures cool, the fun heats up. Here’s a look at what’s ahead

On June 17, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, will launch a new free level of membership, as well as a massive reimagining of its D23.com website, opening up the wonderful worlds of Disney like never before to its members. The website will provide access to newly digitized content that delves deeply into The Walt Disney Company’s vault of material, past and present, along with exclusive glimpses of the future.

In addition to its existing gold and silver levels, this new free level includes:

Access to all exclusive content on D23.com
Exclusive, limited-edition merchandise and collectibles
Subscription to Weekly D23 FanFare E-newsletter with breaking news and special offers
Discounted tickets to the D23 Expo 2013: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
Access to the Members Only content on D23.com
An array of discounts and special offers

D23.com will continue to offer the latest Disney news free to all guests who visit the site. But D23 Members can unlock even more magic in each section by logging in and accessing content whenever a golden key is shown

Disney fans, who also are Star Wars fans, know that for four weekends in May and June, Disney’s Hollywood Studios turns into a mecca for all things related to that galaxy far, far away. As the event has grown, so have the number of things that are geared toward kids. This year, we had a more casual approach to our arrival time because we weren’t seeking an autograph. That was a mistake, though. The Force is not with families who do not line up outside the turnstiles at least an hour before park opening

Bongos certainly does not receive as much hype or publicity as some of the other restaurants in Downtown Disney and when discussing it with family and friends it seemed as though no one that I knew had ever been there. After finally dining there, the only thing I can say now is “what took me so long?”