Lightning Lane Attractions Announced - The Full List

Disney Genie will be launching at Walt Disney World on October 19, 2021. Disney Genie is available for guests conveniently located in the My Disney Experience app. The complimentary Disney Genie service offers new features that let guests create their best Disney day. These features include a personalized itinerary creator, forecasted wait times for attractions, mobile order, virtual attraction queue and a real-time tip board.

Genie+ is a paid service for guests within Disney Genie. Through Genie+ you’ll have access to select Lightning Lane entrances at various attractions. As well as unique VR screens through Disney Photopass and exclusive audio experiences around the park. Genie+ costs guests $15 per day, per guest.

The final layer to the Disney Genie service is the Individual a la cart, Lightning Lane Attractions. Here guests can choose from an exclusive list of the most popular attractions and purchase their Lightning Lane access on a one off basis. Costs varies per ride, but popular rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has been noted to cost $15 per person, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure has costs varying between $9 - $11 per person. This option may be purchased at two different attractions per day.

Below is the full list of attractions with Lightning Lane access.

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

Character Meet and Greets Scheduled to Return in November!

This is the news we have all been waiting for - character meet and greets will be returning to Walt Disney World. While there will still be social distancing required, your favorite characters are ready to meet with you at select locations at Walt Disney World this November!

Look for the Disney Princesses to return to Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom Park. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will soon find Minnie Mouse at Red Carpet Dreams and the stars of Disney Junior in Animation Courtyard. And when guests stop in to see Mickey Mouse backstage at Town Square Theater on Main Street, U.S.A., he’ll be sporting his all-new EARidescent look designed just for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration!

The great news is the very popular cavalcades, motorcades, flotillas, and surprise sightings, of all your favorite Disney characters, will be continuing as well! That means more time with the characters you love!

Stage shows have also returned to the Magic Kingdom! Beginning Oct 1, the start of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration, guests are now starting their day at Magic Kingdom Park with “Let the Magic Begin” on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage! More returning entertainment options include the ragtime piano player at Casey’s Corner on Main Street, U.S.A. A fan favorite!!

Nov. 7 also marks the return of “Disney Movie Magic,” the cinematic nighttime experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrating Disney’s live-action film legacy, and when this projection show resumes, it will feature a new sequence from Disney’s epic adventure, “Mulan.” And guests can mark their calendars for December 19, when the cast and crew of “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular” bring back all the comedy and thrills of that action-packed show.

Live entertainment brings the magic to life and now, with the return of these offerings, there is even more magic for you to experience at Walt Disney World!

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

New Menu at California Grill to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary

California Grill on the 15th Floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened back in 1971 and was an instant hit with guests. In it’s original format the restaurant was called “Top of the World” and name acts regularly performed for the dinner crowds. In 1981 it was renamed “Broadway on Top” and became a catchy dinner show with Broadway style musical numbers. It wasn’t until 1995 the space was rebranded to “California Grill” - and it is still one of the most popular dinner reservations to find at Walt Disney World.

The best part of California Grill is the spectacular view of Magic Kingdom Park - a perfect spot to watch the evening fireworks! The menu has also been a huge hit featuring seasonal dishes prepared on a stunning on-stage kitchen. This was (and still is) and impressive offering for a theme park - or any restaurant for that matter

It is fitting that a brand new menu will be offered during the 50th Anniversary Celebration at California Grill - giving guests a glimpse of popular dishes over the years and featuring an EARidescent Grand Marnier Soufflé for dessert that could NEVER go out of style.

Check out the full menu here:

This new menu will be offered on a limited basis beginning on October 3, 2021, with reservations becoming available on September 23, 2021.

Full List of the 50th Anniversary Statues at Walt Disney World

The 50th Anniversary Celebration will begin on October 1, 2021 - and Walt Disney World is already busy preparing for this magical time! As part of the celebration, Disney World is installing Golden Statues featuring 50 iconic Disney characters around the parks. If you’re looking for a fun scavenger hunt to take-on during your vacation, you can search for these statues.

In total there are 36 statues all around the parks. Below I have detailed out where you can find each statue so you can easily keep track of which ones you’ve located during your vacation. Snap selfies with these magical statues and be sure to tag me on Instagram! Hashtag your posts with #MOTM50. Click here for a PDF to take along on your trip so you can easily track which statues you found!

Magic Kingdom (19 statues, 25 characters)

• Mickey Mouse

• Minnie Mouse

• Donald Duck

• Daisy Duck

• Pluto

• Goofy

• Orange Bird

• Pooh and Piglet

• Abu

• Gus and Jaq

• Dumbo and Timothy

• Lumiere and Cogsworth

• Cheshire Cat

• Mad Hatter

• Pinocchio

• Stitch

• Lady and Tramp

• Tinker Belle

• Chip and Dale

Hollywood Studios (7 statues, 9 characters)

• Sebastian and Flounder

• Frozone

• Joe Gardner

• Edna Mode

• Woody and Buzz

• BB-8

• R2-D2

Animal Kingdom (4 statues, 7 characters)

• Timon and Pumbaa

• Simba

• Nemo and Dory

• Bambi and Thumper

Animal Kingdom (4 statues, 7 characters)

• Timon and Pumbaa

• Simba

• Nemo and Dory

• Bambi and Thumper

EPCOT (6 statues, 9 characters)

• Pua and Hei Hei

• Dante

• Miguel

• Olaf and Bruni

• Rocket Raccoon and Baby Groot

• Figment

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

The Beautiful ‘Candlelight Processional’ Returns Nov. 26 for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

A truly beautiful Christmas experience is returning to EPCOT this holiday season. The “Candlelight Processional” will be back, Nov. 26 – Dec. 30, as part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.

If you have never been to the Candlelight Processional, I cannot recommend this experience enough. It is a beautiful way to share the Christmas story, through a celebrity narrator, mass choir and 50 piece live orchestra. It’s truly a heart-warming and beautiful experience.

Dates and narrators for the 2021 Candlelight Processional are below:

• Chita Rivera
  November 29 through December 1

• Jodi Benson
  December 2 through December 4

• Alton Fitzgerald White
  December 5 through December 7

• Lisa Ling
  December 11 through December 13

• Steven Curtis Chapman
  December 23 through December 25

• Blair Underwood
  December 26 through December 28

• Pat Sajak
  December 29 through December 30

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

Popular Dessert Parties are Returning to Walt Disney World

Beginning October 1, the brand new nighttime spectacular, Disney’s Enchantment, will light up the skies at The Magic Kingdom. It was recently announced the incredibly popular dessert parties will also return, just in time for the show!

At Magic Kingdom Park, three unique dessert party options put Guests right in the middle of the magic to view Disney Enchantment.

Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment Pre-Party 

Starts Oct. 3, 2021; Reservations available beginning Sept. 17, 2021

Located at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park with 50th anniversary-themed desserts, a variety of cheeses and beverages, and a selection of beer and wine are included. Then, before the show begins, Cast Members will escort Guests to a reserved standing viewing location in one of the plaza gardens with prime viewing of Disney Enchantment.

Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment Treats & Seats

Starts Oct. 3, 2021; Reservations available beginning Sept. 17, 2021

After a day of Magic Kingdom Park fun, Guests can enjoy 50th anniversary-themed desserts prepared by our pastry chef, a variety of cheeses and beverages, with selections of beer and wine included. Guests can experience the fireworks views from the comfort of dedicated reserved seating at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant.

Magic Kingdom 50th Fireworks Dessert Parties: Disney Enchantment After-Party

Starts Oct. 3, 2021; Reservations available beginning Sept. 17, 2021

Like the Disney Enchantment Pre-Party, this experience includes reserved standing viewing of Disney Enchantment in one of the plaza gardens. After taking in the sights and sounds of the spectacular, Guests can visit Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant for a spread of 50th anniversary-themed desserts prepared by our pastry chef, a variety of cheeses and beverages, with selections of beer and wine included.

Outside of the Magic Kingdom, there is a new experience at the California Grill - located on the top floor of the Contemporary Resort.

Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors and Fireworks at Disney’s Contemporary Resort 

Starts Oct. 2, 2021; Reservations available beginning Sept. 17, 2021

A sophisticated evening awaits at this event, where Guests are welcomed to the private Sonoma and Napa Rooms at California Grill to sample a selection of specialty drinks, canapes, sushi and small plates. Several items pay homage to the original menu from the resort’s opening in 1971, including a Florida Lobster Bisque. After an elevated cocktail hour, Guests can step outside to the observation deck on the 15th floor for a unique viewpoint of Disney Enchantment, complete with the synchronized music. The event continues back inside after the show with petit-fours, cordials and coffee.

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

Disney Magic Begins Sailing with Halloween on the High Seas

Do you love cruising, and Halloween! You’re in luck this year, as Disney Cruise Line is offering Halloween on the High Seas with Disney Magic. This 4-night, Bahamian cruise onboard the Disney Magic will set sail on October 31, 2021 will depart from Miami, with stops at Nassau, Bahamas and Disney’s own private island, Castaway Cay. For a family of four to enjoy Halloween magic on the high seas, a Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom with Verandah is staring at $4,085.56* - can you think of a better way to celebrate Halloween?

This spook-tacular experience will provide thrills and chills await you at every turn, thanks to not-so-scary activities, eerie entertainment and bewitching décor, including a spooky Halloween tree.

Halloween on the High Seas Includes:

• Mickey's Mouse-querade
  Shiver in delight during a scare-a-bration alive with ghoulish fun with some of your favorite Disney Pals bedecked in Halloween attire. Bring your favorite Halloween costume and join in the fun!

• Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream
  It’s “Season’s Screamings” during this interactive movie experience, followed by an appearance by Jack and Sally.

• Halloween Activities
  Unearth frightfully fun crafts for the entire family.

• Spooky treats
  Enjoy unique Halloween-themed desserts, beverages and more!

And even more spooky surprises await you onboard! Be sure to pack your favorite costumes and get ready for happy haunts.

There are Halloween on the High Seas itineraries also available on Fall of 2022 - including onboard the brand new Disney Wish - so if you aren’t the last-minute travel type, consider a Halloween Cruise next fall.

In regards to vaccinations with Disney Cruise Line, please remember:

• Guests 12 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated. All Guests on the Nov. 5, 2021, 14-day sailing aboard the Disney Wonder must be fully vaccinated. (Guests 11 years of age and younger are not eligible to sail on the Nov. 5 Disney Wonder sailing.)

• Guests 11 years of age and younger are not required to be vaccinated, but must provide proof of a negative rapid PCR COVID-19 test or lab-based PCR COVID-19 test taken between 3 days and 24 hours before the voyage. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.

• All Guests are required to take a PCR-COVID-19 test administered by Inspire Diagnostics at the terminal before boarding, paid for by Disney Cruise Line.

• Beginning Sept. 3, 2021, Guests are no longer required to purchase the Vacation Protection Plan (VPP) or provide proof of a valid travel insurance policy in order to sail with Disney Cruise Line.

• Vaccinated Guests may explore ports on their own or take part in Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures.

• Children under 12 who cannot be vaccinated must book a Disney Cruise Line Port Adventure to debark the ship in all ports of call, except for Disney Castaway Cay.

If you are interested in booking a Disney Cruise, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

Club Level Lounges are Opening at The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

As Walt Disney World Resort in Florida continues it’s reopening, we have great news for guests that enjoy a little added luxury to their vacations. Club Level Lounges have started to re-open to guests! Below is the current opening schedule for the Club Level Lounges:

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Now Open!

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Royal Palm Club – Sept. 16, 2021

• Disney’s BoardWalk Resort – Sept. 23, 2021

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Sept. 26, 2021

• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Dec. 16, 2021

• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Dec. 16, 2021

If you have never stayed on the Club Level at a Walt Disney World resort, it is worth a splurge for a special trip like an adult-only anniversary trip or milestone birthday! The main benefit is the Lounge that provides small bites throughout the day and beverages, including alcohol, all included with your resort package. Also included, is access to a dedicated Club Level Concierge - someone who can help you immediately should anything pop up onsite, of course, we at Middle of the Magic Travel are also always there for you!

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

Ferrytale Fireworks are Set to Start Sailing September 18th

Reservations are now available for Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise, scheduled to resume sailings on September 18, 2021 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

All cruises will depart from the Transportation and Ticket center and include an unforgettable evening on the Seven Seas Lagoon. When you arrive to the Transportation and Ticket Center, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing beverage before setting sail!

While onboard, you’ll enjoy delicious treats like KABOOM! Cupcakes and Rocket Burst Popcorn Push Ups to Red Velvet Wow! Pie and Grand Finale Key Lime Tarts. All this alongside a bevy of specialty drinks—either with or without alcohol—themed to the sparkling, shooting stars of the fireworks. For the kiddos, there’s also an ultraviolet scavenger hunt. So whether you’re sipping a glass of Firecracker Fizz, nibbling on a tasty sweet or discovering blacklight clues, you’re a part of the magnetic magic that makes this cruise so special and unique.

This would be a wonderful way to watch a final performance of the Happily Ever After fireworks show, which will blast off for the last time on September 29, 2021. Or catch the special, brand-new show for the 50th Anniversary Celebration, Enchantment, scheduled to begin on October 1, 2021.

Cruises are available on select nights, and pricing is $99 for adults and $69 for children ages 3 to 9 (tax and gratuity included). You can reserve your cruise online, or if you are one of Melissa’s valued clients, I am happy to add this to your vacation itinerary, simply send along an email with your information and requested dates.

Disney recently announce the return of all dessert parties. For more information, click here.

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!

La Crêperie de Paris Scheduled to Open Oct 1, 2021, No Reservations Required!

The menu has been revealed for the brand-new restaurant that is scheduled to open in EPCOT on October 1st, and it looks amazing. La Crêperie de Paris is a traditional French crêperie and is inspired by the Brittany region in France. This restaurant will be both quick-service AND table-service, however table service will be offered on a First-Come, First-Serve basis. With the new Genie app, I’m hoping they integrate the ability to join the walk-up list, but more details should be announced soon!

The menu looks authentic and very delicious! There are gluten-friendly savory galettes will be made with buckwheat imported exclusively from France. The restaurant will also offer a daily prix fixe menu that includes a choice of soup or a salad, one savory galette, one dessert crêpe, and a glass of hard cider, soda or juice. The full menu of savory and sweet crêpes features:

SAVORY GALETTES

• Classique: ham, egg, Swiss cheese

• Poulet: chicken, bechamel cheese sauce, mushrooms

• Chèvre: goat cheese, spinach, walnuts

• Saumon: smoked salmon, crème fraiche, chives, lemon

• Ratatouille: tomato, zucchini, eggplant

• Savoyarde: Raclette cheese, onions, imported Bayonne ham

SWEET CRÊPES

• Gourmande: hazelnut chocolate spread, whipped cream

• Banane: banana, caramel beurre salé

• Melba: peach, red berries sauce, almonds

• Poire: pear, chocolate ganache, whipped cream

• Pomme: caramelized apples, caramel beurre sale

If you want a crêpes on the go, you’re in luck with the Crêpes À Emporter at La Crêperie de Paris. The walk-up window attached to the restaurant will serve three savory galettes, four sweet crêpes, soft serve ice cream, and an assortment of ciders and wines. 

SAVORY GALETTES

• Cream of Brie Cheese Galette

• Ratatouille Galette: tomato, zucchini, eggplant

• Bechamel, Cheese & Ham Galette

SWEET CRÊPES

• Butter & Sugar Crêpe

• Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread Crêpe

• Red Berries Crêpe

• Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream Crêpe

I can't wait to give this restaurant a try, and to see all the expanded France pavilion has to offer when it opens on October 1, 2021 - the start of the 50th Anniversary celebration!

If you are interested in booking a Walt Disney World vacation, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is the best way to go! Middle of the Magic Travel is a team of 40+ Disney Vacation planners here to help you along the way! Start planning today!