A new lounge coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in the fall of 2019. Located on the second floor of the lobby, this re-imagined lounge will celebrate the magic and romance of Disney’s popular live-action movie, Beauty and the Beast. The lounge includes a chandelier inspired by Belle’s flowing ball gown as well as a formal library that will showcase classical baroque designs and French furnishing. A garden room will take its inspiration from the enchanted forest surrounding the castle, and an outdoor patio will evoke the romance of Beast’s garden terrace. 

The Menu

Enchanted Rose will feature a delicious menu with a variety of shareable bites.

• Artesianal Cheese Selection
• White Sturgeon Caviar
• Mini Smoked Short Rib Sliders
• Espelette Pepper-Spiced Shrimp
• Octopus a la Plancha
• Crab and Gnocchetti Gratin
• Truffle Fries
• Flatbread Pizza

Of course, it wouldn’t be a lounge without the drinks. They will have a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Disney’s Enchanted Rose is welcoming people of all ages to enjoy the splendor of Beauty’s Lounge. They will be offering wine and Champagne by the glass along with some specialty drinks.

Specialty Drink Menu

• Island Rose ( grapefruit and rose vodka, lime, orgeat, pineapple, bitters, and rose water Island Rose )
• Lavender Fog ( dry gin, crème de violette, English breakfast tea, vanilla, and cream Island Rose ( grapefruit and rose vodka, lime, orgeat, pineapple, bitters, and rose water Island Rose )
• Garden Daisy (tequila, midori, lime, egg white, and cucumber) Island Rose ( grapefruit and rose vodka, lime, orgeat, pineapple, bitters, and rose water Island Rose )
• Garden Cocktail (non-alcoholic spirit, lime juice, agave nectar, and soda) Island Rose ( grapefruit and rose vodka, lime, orgeat, pineapple, bitters, and rose water Island Rose )
• B&B (fresh-brewed iced tea, lemon, blueberry, and basil) 
• The Rosemary Cooler (Odwalla lemonade, vanilla, and rosemary)

If you are in or around the Grand Floridian, you might want to stop by and check out this lounge this fall. You might be able to be part of the soft opening!

Discover all that’s festive and fun this fall and holiday season with a delicious offer at Walt Disney World Resort! Enjoy a FREE dining plan when they purchase a non-discounted 5-night/6-day vacation package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and ticket with a Park Hopper Option.

Book through September 29, 2019 for arrivals most nights:

• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Riviera Resort (for stays starting December 16, 2019)
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney Moderate Resort Hotels

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Disney Value Resort Hotels

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites only
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites only

Disney has revealed new information and two early conceptual artist renderings for its second island destination in The Bahamas, which is located on the  island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point and will serve cruise passengers on an expanding Disney Cruise Line fleet.

“With three new ships joining our fleet, we thought this would be an incredible opportunity to add another unique destination to our ports of call. We looked all over The Bahamas and Caribbean for an ideal location that would enable us to create new experiences, while celebrating the culture of this amazing region,” said Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.

As Star Wars, Galaxy Edge in Florida starts it’s second full day of, let’s see what is to come to Batuu later this year. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at will open on Dec. 5, 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® in Florida. This harrowing adventure will blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Guests will join the Resistance and depart from Batuu in a transport ship to meet General Leia Organa at a secret rendezvous point. Along the way, however, they’ll be captured by a First Order Star Destroyer. The action then ramps up as Guests seek to escape the clutches of Kylo Ren and the First Order – with the help of some heroes of the Resistance.

The attraction is also one of the largest Disney has ever created. Its massive show building is a world unto itself, housing two full-size AT-AT walkers and a Star Destroyer hangar bay – complete with a TIE fighter and a garrison of Stormtroopers.

Hopefully, a 3:00am start time will not be necessary for a December 5th voyage.

I don’t know if anyone has an itinerary for a cruise this weekend. But here is some information they might find helpful.

Based on Hurricane Dorian’s current location and projected path, we have determined that it is safe for Disney Dream to set sail on Friday as originally scheduled. Once the ship departs Port Canaveral, it will keep a safe distance from the storm. Depending on its path, there is a possibility that we may need to modify the itinerary, including not being able to return to Port Canaveral on Monday.

Guests that do not want to sail on Friday, must call Disney at 866-325-3905 or 407-566-7032 by noon on Friday. Guests will then have until October 31 to choose a new sail date. They may change their reservation to a later date without incurring a change fee, though there may be a difference in price depending on the new sailing selected.

The Disney Fantasy setting sail Saturday the 31st of August and the Disney Dream setting sail Monday September 2nd are currently not anticipating any changes.

Hope this is helpful to someone.

For those lucky enough to be at WDW, try cooling down on a hot August day at the Polynesian resort. The Laupu Laupu can be found at the Tambu Lounge located just outside of Ohana. If you are uncertain where Ohana is??? Ask any cast member upon arrival at the Polynesian and they will help you get there.

For those of us not in Orlando, here are the ingredients and directions for you to use at home.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Pineapple, hollowed out
• 2 oz Myers Rum
• 2 oz Orange Juice
• 3 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz Sour Mix
• 1 oz Bacardi 151 floated on top

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Shake everything except the 151 with some ice to thoroughly chill it
2. Pour the drink into a hollowed-out pineapple (or glass if you have to)
3. Top with the 151 and serve

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disney is an experience unlike any other! While there will be amazing rides, food, and shopping the biggest change is an immersive experience. This land encompasses more Disney cast members than ever before just to provide an experience that makes you feel like you are in the films. It’s time to get ready for last minute missions and escapes that have to happen at a moments notice on the planet of Batuu. Will you be part of the Resistance or helping Darth Vader? Impromptu experiences await. Here’s everything to look forward to.

Hollywood Studios

From Aug 29- Aug 31 Hollywood Studios will be open for ALL GUESTS at 6 am. Afterwards Extra Extra Magic Hours will kick in as follows. 

• When: Sept 1- Nov 2
• Time: 6 am-9 am
• Who: Disney Resort and Select Hotel Guests
• What: Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land and select attractions will be open

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT STAR WARS GALAXY’S EDGE

• Galaxy’s Edge in both Disneyland and Hollywood Studios is 14 acres. For context, those who have visited Toy Story Land will remember that covers 11 acres.
• Galaxy’s Edge is stationed on the planet Batuu. For those Star Wars fanatics out there wondering how they can learn more about this planet, Batuu appears in the novel called Star Wars: Thrawn Alliances,by Timothy Zahn. Rumors around town are that we will also see Batuu in Star Wars Episode IX. The whole feeling of Batuu has been likened to the real-world Marrakesh. Bustling, filled with people who are on their way to something. Adventurers, smugglers, rogue traders and people who are hiding from the First Order.
• Galaxy’s Edge is located at the Black Spire Outpost. Think of a secret hideaway for the outlaws of space.
• Star Wars characters from the movies will be working this new land. Running the gift shop counters, the quick service, and the line queue, as well as walking around as part of the experience. Immersive to the max.  You could also see Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, BB-8, and Chewbacca. And of course, a variety of folks from the First Order are bound to show up. 

New Details Revealed for the Historic Transformation of Epcot Underway at Walt Disney World Resort

Epcot will be unified with four neighborhoods that each speak to important aspects of the world and its people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. These neighborhoods will be filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation. Some of the new attractions coming include:

• Mary Poppins in the UK pavillion
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the French pavillion
• Wondreous China in circle vision 360
• Canada Far and Wide in circle vision 360
• Guardian’s of the Galaxy roller coaster
• Space 220, a new restaurant expanding Mission:SPACE pavillion

Starting 10/1/19, you will be able to see the plans at Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience in the Odyssey Events Pavilion.