Disney Skyliner Gondolas – More Details Revealed!

Sharp-eyed visitors to Walt Disney World® Resort this week may have spotted something new up in the sky while Disney Skyliner began its initial testing. Scheduled to open this fall, Disney Skyliner will be a new, state-of-the-art gondola system that will conveniently connect Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and Epcot® to four resort hotels – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the proposed Disney’s Riviera Resort, which is now accepting Guest reservations for stays beginning Dec. 16, 2019.

The Skyliner’s towers have been under construction for about a year, so to have a gondola up on its cables is an exciting milestone! Check out this video to hear more about the project from Jordan Matthews at Walt Disney Imagineering:

Several gondolas will be adorned with graphics based on Disney films, attractions and characters. So for example, Guests may jump into a gondola where from the ground it will look like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto or Chip & Dale are riding along with them Several Disney animated films will be represented, including “Beauty & the Beast,” “Frozen,” “Lilo & Stitch,” “Moana,” “Peter Pan,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Zootopia.”  The other themed gondolas that will be part of the system include:

• “Coco”
• Goofy, Pete, Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow
• “Finding Dory”
• The Haunted Mansion
• “Monsters, Inc.”
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• “Ratatouille”

These gorgeous gondolas will be gliding across Walt Disney World Resort before we know it. Stay tuned as we reveal more exciting details about Disney Skyliner throughout the year!

For Disney Vacation pricing, contact me! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World hotel; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD for qualifying vacations and more!

To book your Disney vacation with me, Lauren Gonding a professional Disney Vacation Planner, contact me by: email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com; answer a few quick questions to request a quote; message me on Facebook; or call me at 800-883-1535 x 46!

New Lobby at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Island living at Walt Disney World® Resort just got even better, as several new features at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort debuted yesterday (10/8/18). Old Port Royale now serves as the port of entry for the resort, where an all-new porte-cochere welcomes Guests into a colorfully reappointed lobby under an open-trussed roof and a colonnade with floor-to-ceiling drapes.

Friendly Cast Members are waiting in the new lobby to help you check in, answer questions, offer advice and more. If Guests want to relax, there is plenty of lounge-style seating areas. Or if you need to stock up on supplies and souvenirs, check out the new Calypso Trading Post.

Old Port Royale is also home to three exciting new dining options:

• Sebastian’s Bistro is a Caribbean-inspired table-service restaurant featuring warm island hospitality and waterfront views. Guest will feel like they’ve stepped into a tropical beachfront home offering tantalizing Latin and Caribbean flavors. Highlights include a skirt steak “chimichurri,” sautéed shrimp and tamales, a crispy avocado-and-bacon burger and much more.
• Centertown Market is a fast-casual indoor street market where you will find a diverse menu of family-friendly fare. Made-to-order bowls with Latin- and Caribbean-inspired flavors allow you to choose a base, protein and sauce to create your own favorite dish.
• Banana Cabana is a festive pool-side bar that’s always on “island time.” Relax in Caribbean style with exclusive cocktails and non-alcoholic specialty drinks. (Ask about the Tropical Paradise!)

All these new amenities help life slow to a leisurely, breezy pace at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. 

Contact me Lauren Gonding - A Disney Vacation Planner to book your Disney vacation! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World hotel; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! 

Contact me by: Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com; Answer a few questions to request a quote; Message me on Facebook; or Call me at 800-883-1535 x 46!

Caribbean-Inspired Eats Coming to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World Resort has been undergoing some construction projects that include explading Centertown Market as well as updating the pool-side bar now called Banana Cabana!

First up, details on Centertown Market – the resort's quick-service restaurant has been expanded and reimagined as an indoor street market. The new space includes open shutters, wooden light posts, awnings, and most importantly, delicious new eats. The new menu at Centertown Market will include a combination of family-friendly fast casual offerings mixed with customizable Latin and Caribbean-inspired dishes. One of the highlights of the menu is the new Island Bowl available for breakfast and dinner.

The Island Bowls can be customized with a choice of base, protein, and sauce. For breakfast bowls, Guests can choose what kind of egg they want on top (scrambled, poached, or tofu scramble). Bases include red beans and rice (offered all day), home fries (for breakfast), and greens (for dinner). For proteins, Guests can choose between rotisserie beef, bacon, chorizo, or plant-based sausage for breakfast; and rotisserie beef, pork shoulder, banana leaf-wrapped fish, jerk chicken thighs, or vegan chipotle seitan for dinner! Breakfast sauce options include salsa verde or pico de gallo, while the dinner sauces include chimichurri, garlic ranch, or spicy pink sauce. 

On the breakfast menu are classic dishes like Eggs Benedict or the All American Breakfast Platter with eggs, home fries, sausage, bacon, and toast as well as island-inspired creations like Coconut Waffles with fresh fruit or the Banana Pancakes topped with granola and pineapple chunks and served with sausage and maple syrup.

Fresh salads, Sicilian-style pizza, pasta dishes, and a variety of sandwiches and burgers round out the dinner menu to provide a little something for everyone in the family!

Sweets include the Tropical Tart with key lime, mango, and passion fruit curd with Chantilly or the Chocolate Crème Tart with chocolate cake, coffee Chantilly, and caramel crispies.

There’s also a wonderful array of options for kids! Kids will enjoy familiar favorites like Pirate Mickey Waffles and French Toast for breakfast; and Chicken Breast Nuggets, Tacos, and Grilled Cheese for dinner. For adventurous little sailors, there are some unique new offerings like the Egg Popper for breakfast (a hard-boiled egg pop with green pirate juice, roasted pineapple, and bacon) and the Beef and Mushroom-blended Cheeseburger for dinner (with “cauli” fries, orange sauce, and a mini “build-your-own” Island Bowl).

The expansive beverage island will offer fountain beverages featuring Coca-Cola® Freestyle, freshly-brewed coffee, and a variety of teas as well as draft beer and single-serve wine and cocktails. Or Guests can step inside the Grab ‘n Go Market, where they'll find delightful specialty coffees and quick bites to-go.

Now – let’s talk about the Banana Cabana! The pool-side bar will feature an outdoor lounge where families can gather for yummy food and refreshing beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). The lounge is inspired by the festive culture found in the Caribbean, mixing a relaxed sitting area with a lively bar. Cabana-style drapes flank the seating groups and re-purposed steel drums will illuminate a central communal table made from a wooden boat.

The exclusive cocktails will be made with premium spirits. Delightfully-flavored libations include the Pink Guava Colada featuring rum, guava puree, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut and the Kraken Punch with spiced rum, blood orange sour, and pomegranate and orange juices. Caribbean beers will also be available for islanders along with a variety of craft and traditional beers and premium white and red wines on tap.

For non-alcoholic options, adventures await Guests with drinks made with fruit juices and tropical flavors. One of these drinks is the Tropical Paradise, a fruity blend of pineapple coconut, cinnamon, and lime dusted with nutmeg.

Centertown Market and Banana Cabana are set to open in late Fall of 2018 and are part of the greater reimagining of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

Contact me Lauren Gonding - A Disney Vacation Planner, today to book your Disney vacation! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! 

To book with me (or to request a quote or to have questions answered), you can:

1. Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com;
2. Answer a few questions to request a quote;
3. Message me on Facebook; or
4. Call me at 800-883-1535 x 46!

New Centertown Market at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

When Old Port Royale reopens at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort this fall, you will be able to check in and embark on an island-inspired vacation with new places to gather, dine and relax, including the newly expanded Centertown Market. Designed as an indoor street market-style quick service restaurant, Centertown Market is full of colors and details from the Caribbean.

Imagineers researched the variety of festivals found throughout the Caribbean islands and these celebrations served as the inspiration for the colorful, hand-painted mural found at the heart of Centertown Market. We caught up with some of the Imagineers as they were bringing this mural to life. 

According to Walt Disney Imagineering, you may find a mural like this in a local marketplace building in the Caribbean. The mural depicts a street parade complete with music, dance and lavish costume pieces made from feathers and colorful hand-cut and fringed crepe paper.

Don’t forget about the all-new table service restaurant, Sebastian’s Bistro, for additional colorful details, including a screen of hand-painted fishing floats at the restaurant’s entrance.

Contact me Lauren Gonding - A Disney Vacation Planner, today to book your Disney vacation! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the perfect vacation at no extra charge to you! Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE!

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!); 
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations;
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND 
• Get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! 

There are a few ways you can book with me (or to request a quote or to have questions answered), you can:

1. Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com;
2. Answer a few questions to request a quote;
3. Message me on Facebook; or
4. Call me at 800-883-1535 x 46

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Quick Service Option Open

Spyglass Grill is now open at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort! This new walk-up quick service location offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and featured on the menu are popular American foods infused with classic Caribbean flavors. Here’s a look at some of the delicious new menu items they’ve cooked up!

For breakfast, you will find some unique items like the Cream Cheese and Guava-Stuffed French Toast with fresh strawberry guava syrup! Order the Pineapple-Banana Pancake served with crispy granola and maple syrup. The Breakfast Cuban is a great savory option! This breakfast sandwich comes with ham, pulled pork, egg and Swiss cheese.

On the lunch and dinner menus you will find mouth-watering sandwiches and burgers. The Chorizo Burger comes with provolone, potato straws and crispy pork belly. Also featured on the menu are Chopped Jerk Chicken Salad, Plantain and Yuca Chips, and Caribbean Tacos. The tacos come with a choice of spiced fish, shredded beef, jerk chicken or vegan black beans and can be topped with pickled vegetables and cabbage, cilantro crema, cotija cheese and pico de gallo.

For kids, there’s a variety of options, including tacos with chicken or fish served with Mickey vegetable chips or fresh fruit. Get a Chopped Jerk Chicken Salad or even a Chili-Lime Shrimp Salad. And for dessert, they’ll love the Passion Fruit Tres Leche!

And the menu wouldn’t be complete without some refreshing drinks to go with your delicious burger or tacos. There’s a little bit of everything on the drink menu from wine and beer to specialty cocktails such as the Island Margarita, Caribbean Mai Tai or Piña Colada. Sit back and enjoy the sunset or relax by the pool with a Strawberry Daiquiri, or with a nice glass of Chardonnay. Non-alcoholic options include sodas, freshly brewed Joffrey’s Coffee, specialty coffee, hot cocoa, hot tea and even a Lava Smoothie. 

Spyglass Grill is located near the pool in the Trinidad South section of the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and is a great option for Guests staying at the southern end of the property. Whether you are fueling up for a day in the parks or just need a snack while hanging out by the pool, this new quick service counter is the perfect place to chow down!

Email me at lauren@magicaltravel.com to book your Disney vacation today! Or you can use this fast and easy form to request a free, no obligation quote! As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get personalized help and advice from someone that will get to know you, your wants and your travel plans (which you’re not going to get if you book on your own or direct with Disney)!  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE:

• Help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; 
• I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations (no early mornings for you!);
• I'll make your Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; 
• I'll make your FastPass+ selections (once gain no early mornings for you!); 
• Book any tours or unique experiences; 
• Send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment; AND
• Plus my clients that book a vacation package get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! 

With all of these perks from me, you're bound to have a magical vacation!

Disney Skyliner Details!

Earlier this year, the Disney Skyliner transportation system was announced. This new method of transportation will give Disney resort Guests an unforgettable journey and a picturesque view of Walt Disney World® Resort as they take to the sky to travel from select Disney resorts to Epcot® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.

Here are some just released details on what you can expect from the Disney Skyliner system:

Select Disney Skyliner cabins will have iconic Disney characters incorporated into their exterior design to give the appearance that a Disney pal is riding along with guests, such as characters from the ‘Fab Five,’ figures from Disney attractions, fan favorites from movies, and more.

The design of the Disney Skyliner station at International Gateway at Epcot will be inspired by the park’s nearby European Pavilions, and will be covered with metal and glass canopies, hand-painted murals and ornamental steel structures that harken back to the early 18th century Art Nouveau style. Guests traveling to Epcot via the Disney Skyliner will be welcomed to the park with a rare birds-eye view of World Showcase.

The Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station will be the hub of activity for Disney Skyliner. This station is inspired by the open air village marketplaces of the Caribbean and will showcase the nearby resort’s architectural detailing and color schemes. At this station, passengers will be able to transfer gondola routes to reach their destination, or are invited to sit and admire the waterfront resort setting.

The design style of the station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will fit with that of the park’s main entrance and bus stations. Passengers traveling here from the Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort station can expect a new aerial perspective of the park’s iconic attractions, like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will share a Disney Skyliner station that feels whimsical and contextual with both resorts. Upon departing the gondola station, Skyliner passengers will ascend over Hourglass Lake and enjoy a panoramic view of these two colorful resorts. 

Finally, cabins will slow down at the Disney Skyliner turn-station along Buena Vista Drive, where guests can see the mechanical and aerial components that make up the Disney Skyliner.

To book your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, email me (a trained and experienced Disney Vacation Planner) at lauren@magicaltravel.com. Or you can use this fast and easy form to request a free, no obligation quote!

As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get personalized help and advice from someone that will get to know you, your wants and your travel plans (which you’re not going to get if you book on your own or direct with Disney)!  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE: help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; make your FastPass+ selections; book any tours or unique experiences; and send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment!  

Plus my clients that book a vacation package get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! With all of these things from me, and all of the great things happening at Walt Disney World - you're bound to have a magical vacation!

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort: New Details

Earlier this year, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World® Resort began to undergo some transformations. Here are new details about those enhancements debuting late this summer!

Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be reimagined as the port of entry where you will check in before embarking on your vacation. This centralized location will offer resort Guests more convenient access to services, amenities and dining, including an all-new Centertown Market for casual eats, an all-new Shutters restaurant offering waterfront dining adjacent to the new Banana Cabana outdoor bar and lounge, and Calypso Trading Post for shopping.

Centertown Market will be expanded and enclosed, creating a quick-service restaurant with an indoor street market vibe. You will enter the space under a large palapa-like structure, accented with glowing colored light pendants made from glass bottles. The market will feature open shutters, wooden light posts, awnings, ornamentation and unique seating areas. Guests will also have access to the Grab n’ Go market for a specialty coffee and quick bites.

Shutters, a Caribbean-inspired table-service restaurant, will be located on the waterfront of Old Port Royale, transporting your Clients to a beachfront home in the tropical islands. Large open shutters will allow the sun to cast a warm light into the space adorned with handmade items that appear as they’ve been found on the islands. Leaves and floral design motifs will fill the space, celebrating the natural beauty of the Caribbean.

A festive poolside bar, Banana Cabana will be a great place to gather for food and drinks, immersing your Clients into the fun and relaxation of island life. Cabana-style drapes will flank seating areas and re-purposed steel drums will illuminate a central communal table made from a wooden boat. 

With its history of being the port’s import and export facility, Calypso Trading Post will offer shoppers Disney merchandise and other vacation essentials.  

Stay tuned for more details on these enhancements coming to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort!

To book your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, email me (a trained and experienced Disney Vacation Planner) at lauren@magicaltravel.com. Or you can use this fast and easy form to request a free, no obligation quote!

As a Disney Vacation Planner, I'll help you plan the most magical vacation - all for free! You won't pay one penny more by booking with me but you'll get personalized help and advice from someone that will get to know you, your wants and your travel plans (which you’re not going to get if you book on your own or direct with Disney)!  

Just a few of the few things I'll do for FREE: help to find you the perfect Walt Disney World Resort; I'll make your Advance Dining Reservations and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Reservations; make your FastPass+ selections; book any tours or unique experiences; and send you tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation investment!  

Plus my clients that book a vacation package get a FREE DISNEY GIFT CARD and more! With all of these things from me, and all of the great things happening at Walt Disney World - you're bound to have a magical vacation!