"Rivers of Light" at Disney's Animal Kingdom

When the new nighttime experience “Rivers of Light” debuts in spring 2016 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park at Walt Disney World, you will enjoy one of the most memorable and emotionally stirring shows in the park’s history.

The show will take place on Discovery River between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest. During the show, a pair of mystical hosts come to the river bearing gifts of light and set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels for a dramatic dance of water and light to summon animal spirits. With the storytellers as guides, the wonders of “Rivers of Light” builds to a stunning crescendo.

In addition to the show, you will notice the park’s iconic Tree of Life undergo an amazing awakening as the animal spirits of the tree are brought to “light” by magical fireflies, revealing moments of wonder and enchantment.

To create “Rivers of Light,” Imagineers and Creative Entertainment partnered with the talents of master puppet designer Michael Curry, composer Mark Mancina and the filmmakers at Disneynature.

Want to plan your 2016 Spring trip to Walt Disney World to be one of the first to watch "Rivers of Light"? Email me, lauren@magicaltravel.com, to start planning your  vacation today!  I will help save you money but also your time!

Snack Review: Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Bar

The Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Bar in Walt Disney World is something that has reached icon status. And rightfully so.

Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Bar!

This ice cream treat is vanilla ice cream with chocolatey coating - in the shape of a Mickey Mouse head!  The ice cream bar can be found at Ice Cream and Frozen Treats cart at various and plentiful locations through out the World.  I happened to get mine at a cart located in Fantasyland outside of Pinnochio Village Haus.  This sweet treat cost me $4.25.

Various options from the Ice Cream and Frozen Treat cart.

The first bite of the Mickey Premium Bar is always the hardest - what Mickey's ear do I want to eat first?  I picked one and was rewarded with the pleasant sound of the chocolate shell breaking and then cold vanilla ice cream.  The chocolate shell is quite thick compared to most dipped ice cream bars.  The chocolate shell and vanilla ice cream is a quite a pleasant combination on a hot day in the parks.  I shared the Premium Bar with a friend and we both agreed that they are tasty and is a must do on every trip.

Adios Mickey ear!

Quick Recap: 

• Treat: Mickey's Premium Ice Cream Bar
• Where can it be found? Various locations around the World
• Cost? $4.25
• Sharable? Yes
• Good? Very good, 5-Mickey-Head Approval.

Season of the Force at Disneyland Park in California

At Disneyland® Park in Southern California, celebrate the excitement around all things Star Wars with brand-new themed experiences in Tomorrowland.  Season of the Force will take you to a galaxy far, far away with these special experiences:

Star Wars Launch Bay

This new area will offer opportunities to visit with favorite Star Wars characters, special exhibits, peeks at the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens and much more.

Choose Your Destiny with Special Character Experiences!

Dark Side – Encounter one of the most iconic villains from Star Wars, Darth Vader

Light Side – Fly casual at this makeshift Rebel base, and meet the most famous co-pilot in the galaxy, Chewbacca.

Season of the Force at Disneyland Park

Explore the Dark and the Light in Themed Galleries

Dark Side Gallery – Get a look at authentic pieces of stormtrooper armor as well as famous Sith lightsabers once wielded by masters of the dark side.

Light Side Gallery – Explore a gallery filled with Rebel flight helmets and lightsabers once wielded by Jedi Knights.

Preview Gallery – See items built exclusively for Star Wars Launch Bay by the same prop makers who worked on the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Starship Gallery – Discover models of famous starships from throughout the Star Wars saga.

Join the Battle in the Star Wars Game Center 

Play the latest games from the Star Wars galaxy, including Disney Infinity 3.0 – featuring park-exclusive Toy Box levels.

Hyperspace Mountain

Launch into a galaxy far, far away aboard Hyperspace Mountain, find yourself in an action-packed battle between Rebel X-wings and Imperial TIE fighters.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

This popular attraction will feature a new scene inspired by the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. 

Galactic Grill

Choose the dark side or the light at this new themed food and beverage location.  In the space that currently hosts Tomorrowland Terrace, the Galactic Grill will serve up specialty menu items inspired by both sides of the Force. Here are some of the menu options:

Breakfast - Darth Tamale: Blue corn tamale with scrambled eggs and chorizo, red chili sauce and tomatillo.

Lunch and Dinner - First Order Specialty Burger: Angus beef and chorizo patty topped with fried cherry peppers, spicy-lime aioli on dark bun.

Desserts - The Pastry Menace: Éclair with milk chocolate filling and a hint of cayenne pepper.

Collectibles - BB-8 sipper and TIE Fighter premium popcorn bucket

Star Wars: Path of the Jedi

Relive Luke Skywalker’s path to becoming a Jedi in a film that recaptures favorite Star Wars moments on the big screen. The Tomorrowland Theater presents Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, an exclusive cinematic event.

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

Opening Dec. 8, 2015, Guests will experience a twist on the Jedi Training experience when they encounter new characters and a new villain from the popular Disney XD series, Star Wars Rebels.

You can now choose a side at Season of the Force at Disneyland Park in California! Email lauren@magicaltravel.com to start planning your Disneyland vacation today!  I will help save you money but also your time!