24 Hours at the Magic Kingdom 2015: Morning

The Magic Kingdom will be open for 24 consecutive hours today, May 22, 2015 — the fourth 24-hour event hosted at the Disney Parks (Disneyland in California will also be open for 24 consecutive hours).

We were at the park at rope drop

IMG_5597_wdwtools

IMG_5612_wdwtools

… and snagged a copy of the Times Guide for this special event. This year, the theme is “Coolest Summer Ever”. Frozen was released in November 2013, 540 days previous to this event. Disney’s Tomorrowland, a major motion picture, hits theaters today. Disney also has another major motion picture hitting cinemas in 27 days, Pixar’s Inside Out. One may question the choice of theme.

times_guide_24_hr_2015_obverse.png

times_guide_24_hr_2015_inside.png

times_guide_24_hr_2015_reverse.png

The 24-hour day is the one day each year when it’s possible to photograph Magic Kingdom landmarks at sunrise.

IMG_5656_wdwtools
Sunrise on Tomorrowland

IMG_5630_wdwtools
Sunrise on Cinderella Castle

IMG_5699_wdwtools
Sunrise on Cinderella Castle

IMG_5659_wdwtools
Sunrise on Astro Orbiter

IMG_5755_wdwtools
Sunrise on The Hall of Presidents

IMG_5734_wdwtools
Sunrise on Rapunzel’s Tower

IMG_5805_wdwtools
Sunrise on Casey’s Corner

The event shirt is on sale between now and May 31st.

IMG_5824_wdwtools

IMG_5826_wdwtools

IMG_5829_wdwtools

We’ll be back with more coverage through the overnight hours.

Rebel Hangar: a Star Wars Lounge Experience

IMG_4786_wdwtools

Rebel Hangar: a Star Wars Lounge Experience is a new addition to Star Wars Weekends for 2015. A portion of the seating at Backlot Express has been repurposed to accommodate the new experience. Unlike Backlot Express, which remains counter service, Rebel Hangar is table service.

IMG_4964_wdwtools

Mobile red dividers separate the remainder of Backlot Express from the Hangar and many props that are part of Backlot Express have been replaced or Star Wars-ized in the Hangar section. Each table has a cemented Star Wars figurine; AT-ATs, X-Wings, and favorite characters like Han Solo and R2D2 are among the centerpieces. Many centerpieces can be posed or moved; the cockpit on the speeder on our table opened.

IMG_4986_wdwtools IMG_5073_wdwtools IMG_5096_wdwtools IMG_5097_wdwtools IMG_5149_wdwtools IMG_4962_wdwtools IMG_4951_wdwtools IMG_4810_wdwtools IMG_4872_wdwtools IMG_4869_wdwtools IMG_4865_wdwtools IMG_4864_wdwtools IMG_4856_wdwtools IMG_4853_wdwtools IMG_4957_wdwtools IMG_4988_wdwtools

As a lounge experience, the offerings are fairly light assortments of snack-style foods. We ordered The Dark Fried (waffles and chicken nuggets), Ilum Fruit and Cheese Sabers, a plate of crackers, cheeses, and fruits, and Blue Milk, a delicious blue-raspberry flavored milk.

IMG_5053_wdwtools
IMG_5065_wdwtools
IMG_4904_wdwtools

Although Rebel Lounge is not character dining, Stormtroopers, Jawas, and even Chewbacca may make an appearance and be available for pictures. Different characters may pass through as available. They make the rounds quickly but do not ensure they stop at every table. Politely approach the character shortly after he/she enters to ensure that you are able to get a photo. We encountered a Stormtrooper and Chewie.

IMG_4847_wdwtools IMG_4896_wdwtools_corrected

Price: ~$15 per plate
Tables in Wonderland: No

It can be very difficult to get reservations for this limited-time engagement, which runs through the close of Star Wars Weekends on June 14. Use WDWTools’s ADR Sniper to get Rebel Hangar and all the advanced dining reservations you need to make your trip as magical as possible!

IMG_5089_wdwtools

Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine at Hollywood & Vine 2015

Star Wars Weekends are just around the corner, but Mickey and friends have already brought the rebellion to Hollywood & Vine!

IMG_3360_wdwtools_cropped

When you check in, you’ll be given a buzzer and asked to wait on the front porch of Hollywood & Vine, which has ample bench space. Complimentary water is provided on hot days. When the buzzer goes off, you’ll line up and the first place you’ll be ushered is the Jedi Mickey photo-op. Use your wait time to freshen up, fix your hair, and cool off, so that you’re ready to have your photo taken with The Big Cheese.

IMG_2852

IMG_2880_wdwtools

After the photo opportunity with Jedi Mickey, an autograph card bearing the signatures of all characters on meet and a themed PhotoPass card will be furnished.

autocard_obverse autocard_reverse

Next, you’ll be escorted to your table and free to embark on the buffet.

IMG_3019_wdwtools_sharpended

The buffet has various breads, salads, meats, and an abundant dessert station. Pretzel rolls and fish and chips are among the more unique offerings. Staples included at a small kid’s buffet are mini corn dogs, chicken nuggets, and macaroni and cheese. Many dishes have a themed label, like “R2-D2’s Cantaloupe Salad” or “Chewbacca’s Chicken Tenders”.

IMG_3182_wdwtools

IMG_3193_wdwtools

IMG_3199_wdwtools

IMG_3054_wdwtools

IMG_3214_wdwtools

IMG_3252_wdwtools

The dessert station has a chocolate fountain in which pretzels and strawberries are dipped, key lime tarts with printed chocolate inserts featuring both Darth Maul Donald and Jedi Mickey, Yoda and Darth Vader cupcakes, Chewbacca and Stormtrooper cookies, soft serve, and more. The desserts here are awesome!

IMG_3268_wdwtools

IMG_3271_wdwtools

IMG_3270_wdwtools

IMG_3276_wdwtools

IMG_3283_wdwtools

IMG_3291_wdwtools

IMG_3407_wdwtools

IMG_3428_wdwtools

This dinner buffet provides meets with six characters:

  • Jedi Mickey
  • Princess Leia Minnie
  • Darth Vader Goofy
  • Stormtrooper Donald
  • Ewok Chip
  • Ewok Dale

In conventional character dining style, the characters roam the dining room and are available for photo ops throughout your meal. Each character will make sure to stop by at least once. The sole exception to this is Jedi Mickey, who does *not* roam the dining room in conventional style. He can only be met at the photo station as you enter the restaurant for your reservation.

Ewok Dale
Ewok Dale

Ewok Chip
Ewok Chip

Stormtrooper Donald Stormtrooper Donald

Darth Vader Goofy
Darth Vader Goofy

Princess Leia Minnie
Princess Leia Minnie

Jedi Mickey
Jedi Mickey

The cost is $57.99 per adult and $34.99 per child. Soft drinks are included. Tables in Wonderland is NOT accepted for this event.

Think you want to go? Reservations are required and very difficult to obtain. Our dining search tool may be able to help you find a reservation. If you can’t find what you need immediately, click the “Watch” button to set up a watch with our ADR Sniper tool and be notified as soon as an opening occurs. Hollywood & Vine’s standard dinner offering will be available again on June 15, 2015, the day after this year’s final Star Wars Weekend.

Look forward to more coverage of Star Wars Weekends 2015 in the near future.