And follow the link to see lots more pictures on Flickr!

If you’ve had a chance to go to the T-Rex Restaurant, leave a comment and share your review!

Image: Flickr

Post from: The Disney Traveler

I’m so excited for this restaurant to open.  My 4-year old triplets are really into dinosaurs right now, and I know they’re going to have a blast going to the T-Rex Restaurant when it opens on ….. October 14th, 2008.

What do you think about the new T-Rex Restaurant?  Will you make a point to visit during your next trip to Walt Disney World?

You can read more about the T-Rex Restaurant coming to Downtown Disney in these posts on The Disney Traveler:

• Pleasure Island Clubs to Close – New Attractions Coming
• T-Rex Restaurant Construction Photos
• T-Rex Restaurant to Open in Downtown Disney

Image: Susan Gunelius

Technorati Tags: downtown disney,disney restaurants,disney dining,Walt Disney World,t-rex restaurant,disney dinosaur

Post from: The Disney Traveler

Say goodbye to the Adventurers Club.

The Comedy Warehouse will also go.

8Trax and other clubs will meet their demise as part of the renovations.

No word on what will happen to the drink kiosks.

Also, no word on what will happen to the DJ booth, but I have to assume it will be replaced.

Harley Davidson will stay after the renovations.

Raglan Road will also stay.

Fulton’s Crab House will survive the renovations, too.

And Planet Hollywood will remain the iconic symbol in front of Pleasure Island and Disney’s West Side.

I’m looking forward to seeing the new changes to Pleasure Island.  What do you think?

Images: Susan Gunelius

Post from: The Disney Traveler

It will take two years for Pleasure Island to be recreated as a dining and shopping haven for a more family-friendly crowd.  According to Disney, the purpose for the redesign is to better meet the needs of Disney’s core audience – families.  Three businesses will stay after the transformation – Raglan Road (an Irish pub), Fuego by Sosa Cigars and Harley Davidson.

Some of the changes coming to Pleasure Island can be seen already from the new T-Rex Restaurant that’s already well into the construction phase to a tethered balloon that will take guests 300 feet up in the air to catch the view of Disney from the sky.  Other new venues will include a Central/South American restaurant scheduled to open in Spring 2009 and a design your own T-shirt store scheduled to open in Fall 2008. 

Changes will also be made to existing locations.  For example, Portobello Yacht Club will change to Tuscan Country Trattoria sometime this summer and Fulton’s Crab House and the Wolfgang Puck Cafe will be revamped.  The existing Marketplace Stage will also change into a larger stage that will be fully covered.

I’m actually not surprised by these changes.  What do you think?

Stop by The Disney Traveler later this week for my upcoming homage to Pleasure Island in pictures or subscribe to The Disney Traveler so you don’t miss it!

Image: Susan Gunelius

Technorati Tags: Walt Disney World photos,Walt Disney World,Disney rumors,Disney news,Pleasure Island,Pleasure Island nightclubs,Pleasure Island closing,Disney dining,Disney refurbishments

Post from: The Disney Traveler

Check out the scheduled events:

• Magic Kingdom: 9:00 p.m. – “Disney’s Celebrate America!-A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” uses incredible fireworks and music to honor the people and traditions of the United States.  Disney’s SpectroMagic parade will also run at 10:30 p.m. and again at 12:30 a.m.
• Epcot: 9:00 p.m. – “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth”, Epcot’s nightly lights, fireworks and music show, will include a special ending to celebrate July 4th.  Also, the American Pavillion will host special events throughout the day on July 4th including appearances by historical characters and additional performances by the acapella vocal group, Voices of Liberty.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 9:00 pm. – A special fireworks show will feature music and skyrockets. 
• Downtown Disney: 10:30 p.m. – A special fireworks show will entertain guests in the Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island areas.

Where will you be on July 4th?

Image: Flickr

Post from: The Disney Traveler

From the moment your child steps into the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, she is treated like royalty.  The staff of Fairy Godmothers-in-training works closely with each child to help them create the perfect makeover.  Your child can choose her own look, makeup and nail polish colors, and costume.  The makeover process is so much fun and the results are spectacular.

Your child can choose from three hairstyle choices (with hair accessories) offered through three different packages (each with a different price tag).  Check out the details below:

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Hairstyle Choices

• Fairy Tale Princess: The ultimate princess look with hair pulled back into a spectacular bun and a tiara perched on top.
• Disney Diva: Less fairy tale and more modern, this hairstyle pulls the hair back but rather than creating a bun, a ponytail hairpiece and hair accessories are added to complete the look.
• Pop Princess: The hair is pulled up with a colorful hairpiece and Mickey Mouse-shaped clips added on top.  This look is more punk than pop.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Makeover Packages

• The Coach Package: Includes hairstyle, shimmering makeup and a princess sash for $49.95 (plus tax)
• The Crown Package: Includes everything in the Coach Package plus nails for $54.95 (plus tax)
• The Castle Package: Includes everything in the Crown Package plus the child’s princess gown of choice, a crown, shoes, a wand and a photo package with one 6×8 and four 4×6 photos with a themed holder for $189.95 and up (plus tax – price varies depending on the princess gown and shoes selected)

Exclusive Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Packages

• Disney’s Secret Star Makeover: Available only at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Downtown Disney, this makeover will turn your child into Hannah Montana.  The package includes a Hannah Montana wig, a microphone headset, a Hannah Montana guitar purse, a choice of a pink or blue T-shirt, a backstage pass/make-up kit, and a secret star photo shoot with one 6X8 photo for $109.95 (plus tax).  You can also add a Hannah Montana costume with a jacket and pants and additional photos to this package if you’d like for an additional cost.
• Cool Dudes Package: Available only at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Magic Kingdom, this package is just for boys and includes colorful hair gel and confetti for $7.50 (plus tax).

I have to be honest and say that the Castle Package makeovers are incredibly beautiful and create photos and memories to last a lifetime, but I always feel bad for the children who have to wear the costume and makeup all day at the hot Disney theme parks.  Also, the later in the day you book your child’s makeover, the less time she has to enjoy wearing it!  Those are just a couple of things you might want to consider before you book your child’s princess makeover at one of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques. 

Also, keep in mind that children have to be at least 3-years old and must be accompanied by an adult during the entire makeover process.  One last note – if you book a makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Magic Kingdom, remember that you’ll have to pay park admission to get in.

You can book a princess makeover at either of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques by calling 407-WDW-STYLE.  You can make reservations (highly recommended) up to 180 days in advance, and you’ll need a credit card to secure your booking.  Keep in mind, if you cancel your makeover session within 24 hours of the appointment, your credit card will be charged a $10 penalty fee.  That’s tough since you never know what might come up during your Disney vacation that might make you want to reschedule.

Bottom line, princess makeovers at Disney’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique are fun and beautiful.  Take some time to decide upfront how much you want to spend, what your child would enjoy and how the makeover will affect your vacation plans before you schedule your child’s princess makeover.

Follow the link to read more Walt Disney World Reviews from The Disney Traveler.

Photos: Susan Gunelius

Post from: The Disney Traveler

If you didn’t read my original post about the T-Rex Restaurant, definitely check it out.  This restaurant sounds incredible, and I can’t wait until it opens!

Photo: Susan Gunelius

Post from: The Disney Traveler

Pleasure Island

Sham-Rock ‘n’ Roll is a fun-filled street party, which will be held on March 14, 15 and 17 starting at 7:00 p.m. each night. Disney says Pleasure Island will “turn green” with live music (featuring Seven Nations), videos by Irish artists, leprechauns, stilt walkers and more. Guests don’t have to pay club admission to enjoy the Sham-Rock ‘n’ Roll festivities. More information can be found at the Downtown Disney website or by calling 407-WDW-2NITE (select option 4 then option 1).

Raglan Road Irish Restaurant and Pub

One of the newest restaurants in Walt Disney World is the Raglan Road Irish Restaurant and Pub located between Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney. The restaurant will be filled with excitement on March 16 and 17 to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Guests will enjoy Irish music from the Raglan Road’s Irish house band and dancing by award-winning Irish dancer Danielle Fitzpatrick as well as performances by U2 Elevation (a U2 tribute band). The festivities begin at 11:00 a.m. on March 16 and continue through March 17, however, on March 17, there will be a $15 cover charge. You can get more information by calling 407-938-0300 or on the Raglan Road Irish Pub website.

Photo Source: Raglan Road website

Tags: Walt Disney World, Downtown Disney, Disney restaurants, St Patrick’s Day, Disney St Patrick’s Day, Raglan Road Irish pub, Disney Irish Pub, Disney special Events, Pleasure Island

Post from: The Disney Traveler

If you’re in Epcot, head over to the United Kingdom pavilion and have a pint (or yard) of ale at the Rose and Crown.  Situated on the shores of the World Showcase Lagoon, you can dine on British food while watching the ever-popular Illuminations show or just hang out at the authentic British pub.

If Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island are on your schedule, then you’ll definitely want to try one of the newest restaurants at Walt Disney World, the Raglan Road Irish Pub which is the perfect place to celebrate Tavern Day.  This is an authentic Irish pub with real Irish food and drink as well as Irish music, dancing and festivities.  Raglan Road Irish Pub is also a great place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day if you’ll be at Walt Disney World on March 17th.

You can read more about Tavern Day and get tips on great taverns around the world by checking out some of the other Tavern Day posts in b5media’s travel channel blogs (the links are on the right side of this page).  For example, Jon at The DC Traveler gives some background on the history of Tavern Day as well as some information on great taverns in Washington DC, and Carole at The San Diego Traveler discusses the history of San Diego’s taverns.

Photo Source: Flickr/Ken Dyck

Post from: The Disney Traveler

Hannah Montana makeovers will be available beginning on February 24, 2008 at the Downtown Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location only. The new makeover package is called Disney’s Secret Star Makeover. It costs $109.95 and includes a blonde wig, microphone set, makeup, guitar purse and a photo session. You can make a reservation for your daughter by calling 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895).

Photo © Garth Vaughan, source

Tags: Hannah Montana, Walt Disney World, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Disney makeovers, Hannah Montana Makeovers, Disney princess makeovers, Downtown Disney

Post from: The Disney Traveler