Sector New York MWR

Interested in going to Washington DC? Here are some suggestions: https://washington.org/100-free-and-almost-free-things-do-dc

From the Disney Blog: Thanks Randy for letting us use this: Remember, Sector NY has Disney Salute Tickets and military discounted tickets for your other guests.

It seems there’s always a new reason to visit Walt Disney World Resort – whether it’s the debut of a new guest offering, an update made to a favorite attraction, or the return of a fun annual event, there’s always something to do and see at our parks. That said, here are 13 new reasons to visit Walt Disney World Resort in 2013.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes opened at Downtown Disney exactly two weeks ago on December 19. No doubt this new location will be a big draw for guests of all ages who love to bowl, dance, play pool and dine. Another recent debut is the Monsieur Paul restaurant in the France pavilion at Epcot. The restaurant now features a new menu created by Chef Francesco Santin. Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort just debuted to guests. I don’t know about you, but I hope to hit up this newly reimagined location for a facial or massage in the coming year. As Disney Parks Blog Author Tom Smith mentioned earlier, we’ll have a lot of fun surprises to look forward to in 2013 with Limited Time Magic. The Atlanta Braves will return to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for spring training, which means a chance to attend fun preseason games beginning February 22 against the Detroit Tigers. Characters from “Doc McStuffins” and “Sofia the First” will be added into the “Disney Junior – Live on Stage!” show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on February 15. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, its fun topiaries, and the Flower Power Concert Series will return for some spring fun March 6. As we previously shared, this year’s festival will also whisk guests back to the land of Oz. We’ve marked some milestone anniversaries at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot in the last two years. This spring, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will celebrate its 15th year. My fellow blog author Darrell Fry just announced that the Drew Brees Passing Academy and Tournamentwill be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, June 27-30. Sounds like an amazing opportunity for football fans! A newly updated California Grill will debut at Disney’s Contemporary Resort this summer (date TBA). In addition to decor, Chef Brian Piasecki is also tweaking the menu, which will continue to focus on fresh, seasonal creations. The 31st Night of Joy returns to Magic Kingdom Park September 6-7, this year featuring Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith as the main acts. Last fall, we shared the news that an interactive queue is coming to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park. Should be interesting to see exactly what materializes at this attraction in 2013. Princess Fairytale Hall, another new addition to Magic Kingdom Park, will open in New Fantasyland in 2013 (exact date TBA). This will be the new home for Disney princesses to meet their loyal subjects in the Magic Kingdom Park. To open in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland, the regal space will provide the perfect setting for meeting Cinderella, and Aurora and the other Disney princesses.

Anheuser-Busch salutes those who serve through their “Here’s to the Heroes” program. Active duty, Reservists, and National Guardsman (and three dependents) can obtain one free admission to any one of the amusements parks: SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Water Country USA, and Adventure Island each calendar year. The military member does not need to be present for dependents to participate in the program. All eligible individuals must register online or at the park to take advantage of the program. Other restrictions apply; some parks are seasonal. Thanks to military.com for this information.

ASSEMBLE THE MINIONS!

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S NEW BLOCKBUSTER RIDE,

DESPICABLE ME MINION MAYHEM, TO OFFICIALLY OPEN ON JULY 2

And MWR has tickets for you!

All-New 3-D Ride Will Take Guests on a Hilarious and Heartwarming Adventure with their Favorite Characters from the Worldwide Hit Film – Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and an Army of Mischievous Minions

Orlando, Fla. (June 13, 2012) – Minion recruits: mark your calendars! Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, one of the most anticipated theme park attractions of 2012, will officially open at Universal Orlando Resort on July 2.

This brand-new ride combines the outrageous humor and memorable characters of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s blockbuster film Despicable Me, with an all-new storyline, incredible new animation and the latest 3-D technology to create a wildly hysterical theme park experience.

Families will watch in amazement as they are transformed into minions, laugh together as they train to join Gru’s minion army and boogie down during the world’s-first minion-inspired dance party. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is hilarious and heartwarming fun for the entire family.

The ride begins when guests enter Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes’ home and learn they are being recruited to become minions. After picking up 3-D “minion goggles” in the living room and being scanned for “human germs” in the Minionization Prep Room, guests board Minion Transformation Pods to begin their training. Things don’t go as planned and guests find themselves on an unforgettable adventure through Gru’s lab that’s filled with laughter, chaos and tons of minions.

The ride experience is capped off with an exciting dance party where guests can show off their best moves with the minions. With a sparkling disco ball hanging overhead, the interactive celebration features large projection screens so that guests can see themselves partying with the minions to the legendary disco tune “Boogie Fever.”

Although Despicable Me Minion Mayhem officially opens on July 2, the attraction is now in technical rehearsal, meaning park guests may have the opportunity to experience the ride as a work in progress while Universal puts the finishing touches on the experience. Leading up to the grand opening, the attraction will run select days and times.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is located in Universal Studios Florida. For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Big news here at Mystic Seaport (below). I’m delighted to say that Mystic Seaport is recognizing the contributions made by military families in addition to those serving. This discount is available at the gate, no advance purchase is necessary.

Any questions, please feel free to give me a shout.

Active Duty Military to Receive Group Admission and Membership Discounts

We are pleased to announce an increase to the admission and membership discounts provided to active duty military. All active duty military and their accompanying family members will now be admitted at the group discount rate of $19 per adult and $10.50 per youth. This is an additional $3 savings from our previous military discount available at the gate. All memberships will receive a $5 discount.

Group Sales Manager Mystic Seaport The Museum of America and the Sea www.mysticseaport.org 860-572-5309