Disney will Live Stream Epcot’s Dec 3 “Candlelight Processional” starring Neil Patrick Harris

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (December 2, 2019) All lovers of the Magic of Dsney Holidays are invited to join “Inside Disney Parks” on December 3, for its live stream one of the most time-honored holiday traditions at Epcot, “The Candlelight Processional.”

This annual show is a holiday tradition for many guests during their visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. The show combines a reading of traditional scripture by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by the sounds of a massed choir and live orchestra. 

The celebrity narrator appearing in our stream on December 3 will be fan favorite none other than Neil Patrick Harris.

The live stream will start at 8:10 p.m. EDT. To watch, simply visit the Disney Parks Blog on December 3. The live stream will be the lead story!

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed,and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

ABC & Disney Channel will share the Holiday Magic of Disney Parks with 3 Holiday Specials

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (November 25, 2019) This holiday season, ABC and Disney Channel will transport the magic of Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line during the holidays to viewers with three magical specials featuring star-studded performances, merry entertainment and more. During the specials, viewers will get exclusive looks at upcoming Disney Parks attractions, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opening soon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

ABC officially kicks off the holidays with “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration,“ THURSDAY, NOV. 28(8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC; followed by “Disney Channel Holiday Party @ Walt Disney World, “premiering FRIDAY, DEC. 13(8:00-8:30 p.m. EST), on Disney Channel and in the DisneyNOW app. As part of the annual tradition, the “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” airs Christmas morning, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25(10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CST/MST/PST; airtimes vary, check listings, on ABC and on the ABC app).

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” kicks off the holiday season Thursday, Nov. 28, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. EST, on ABC and on the ABC app. Join hosts artist Matthew Morrison, singer-songwriter and TV host Emma Bunton, and TV host Jesse Palmer as they present the two-hour prime-time special on Thanksgiving night from Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in California. This magical celebration will feature celebrity musical performances among a flurry of Disney holiday entertainment. During the prime-time special, viewers will be treated to several Disney Parks sneak peeks, including a behind-the-scenes look into Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opening in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on Dec. 5, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Jan. 17, 2020, at Disneyland Park in California.

Musical performances include the following:

  • GRAMMY®Award-winning icons Sting and Shaggy perform duets and solo numbers from Walt Disney World Resort, including a new festive reggae version of “Silent Night (Christmas is Coming).”
  • GRAMMY Award-winning rock band The Man performs “Happy Christmas” and “Merry Christmas Everybody” from Disneyland Resort.
  • Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning group Pentatonix will sing a cappella renditions of “Deck the Halls” and “Here Comes Santa Claus” from Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Singers Ingrid Michaelson and Andy Grammer perform an all-new original holiday song from Disneyland Resort.
  • International pop star Ally Brooke sings “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” from Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Singer-songwriter and TV host Emma Bunton(Baby Spice) performs “Santa Baby” from Walt Disney World Resort.
  • The Tony®, Emmy and two-time Golden Globe-nominated artist Matthew Morrison performs a medley from Walt Disney World Resort of “When You Wish Upon A Star” from the upcoming album “Disney Dreamin’ with Matthew Morrison” and the classic “Let it Snow.”
  • Acclaimed two-time Billboard Award-winning electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling pulls all the strings for “Carol of the Bells” from Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Channel Holiday Party @ Walt Disney World“ airs Friday, Dec. 13, from 8:00-8:30 p.m.  EST/PST, on Disney Channel and in the DisneyNOW app. Disney Channel’s “ZOMBIES 2” stars Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim will co-host this holiday party with artist Matthew Morrison, treating fans to a magical holiday celebration featuring performances from Shaggy,  Pentatonix and Disney Channel stars Issac Ryan Brown(“Raven’s Home“), Ruby Rose Turner(“Coop & Cami Ask the World”) and Kylie Cantrall (“Gabby Duran & The Unsittables”) broadcast from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and aboard the majestic Disney Fantasy – part of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. During the special, viewers will enjoy exclusive Disney Parks sneak peeks, including a first look at Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida in spring 2020 and Disneyland Park in California in the future. Viewers will also get an exclusive look at the Disney Channel Original Movie sequel “ZOMBIES 2,” premiering on Disney Channel in 2020. Additionally, “BUNK’D” stars Scarlett Estevez and Israel Johnson will host a special family segment highlighting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program.

Musical performances include the following:

  • Disney Channel’s “ZOMBIES 2” star Meg Donnelly sings “Home for the Holidays” from Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Disney Channel stars Issac Ryan Brown(”Raven’s Home”) and Ruby Rose Turner(”Coop & Cami Ask the World”) perform “12 Days of Christmas” from Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Disney Channel’s “Gabby Duran & The Unsittables” star Kylie Cantrall performs “Santa Claus is Coming to Town“ aboard the Disney Fantasy.
  • Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning Pentatonix performs an a cappella rendition of “Here Comes Santa Claus” from Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Two-time GRAMMY Award-winning reggae star Shaggy sings “Jamaican Drummer Boy” from Walt Disney World Resort.

“Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” airs Wednesday, Dec. 25, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CST/MST/PST; airtimes vary, check listings, on ABC and on the ABC app. Disney’s annual Christmas celebration airs Christmas morning on ABC hosted by artist Matthew Morrison, singer-songwriter and TV host Emma Bunton, and TV host Jesse Palmer. Joining as co-hosts are ABC’s “black-ish” star Marsai Martin with Hollywood Records Artist and Disney’s “The Lion King” star JD McCrary, who voiced young Simba in the live-action film. Presented from Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in California, the show features the Christmas Day Parade down Main Street U.S.A., heartwarming stories and amazing celebrity performances. Among the exclusive Disney Parks sneak peeks planned for this special are Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida in spring 2020 and Disneyland Park in California in the future, plus Avengers Campus coming to Disney California Adventure Park in California in 2020. Viewers will also get a special look at “the most magical flight on earth”: the newly opened Disney Skyliner gondola system, connecting Walt Disney World Resort guests to two Disney theme parks and four resorts, including the new Disney’s Riviera Resort, opening Dec. 16.

Musical performances include the following:

  • Seventeen-time GRAMMY Award-winning Sting performs “Soul Cake” off his platinum-selling album “If On A Winter’s Night…” from Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Two-time GRAMMY Award-winning reggae star Shaggy sings his new Caribbean-flavored original song “Christmas with Friends” from Walt Disney World Resort
  • Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix performs “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” from Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Singers Ingrid Michaelson and Grace Vander Waal sing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” from Disneyland Resort.
  • GRAMMY Award-winning rock band The Man performs “White Christmas” and “Feel it Still” from Disneyland Resort.
  • International pop star Ally Brooke performs “Christmas Through Your Eyes” from Walt Disney World Resort.
  • The cast of the new Disney+ original “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” performs a high-energy medley from Disneyland Resort.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed,and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

Holiday Fun Facts from the Happiest Place on Earth

Guests visiting Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., can expect to see Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear in festive holiday attire. In addition to holiday character greetings, guests can also enjoy the Toy Story Land’s new holiday decor, including including oversized cranberry-and-popcorn garland, a holiday card “selfie” of “Toy Story” pals, an oversized Hamm sugar cookie, Green Alien ornaments and more. The land’s attractions will also be plussed up for the season with new holiday audio or music: guests will hear sleigh bells ringing on Slinky Dog Dash, while Alien Swirling Saucers will offer two holiday tracks, plus themed lighting.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (November 18, 2019) The magic of the holodays is already on full display at Walt Disney World. Here is a list of “Fun Facts” about the holidays at the Happiest Place on Earth:

Walt Disney World Resort

  • The Walt Disney World Holiday Services team provides décor for 780 locations within 41 different properties, including Disney theme parks, resorts, Disney Springs and recreation and shopping areas. The team also decorates Disney Cruise Line ships and Disney Vacation Club resorts in Florida and South Carolina.
  • 41 cast members work year-round to make the holiday transformation a reality, with an additional 119 cast members added during the installation period.
  • Décor installation begins Halloween night and is finished by Thanksgiving.

Magic Kingdom Park            

  • During the holidays, Magic Kingdom is home to 40 trees, 147 wreaths and 590 garlands that measure a total of 5,188 feet.
  • Guests can celebrate the season at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on 23 select nights from Nov. 8 to Dec. 22. This year’s celebration welcomes the dazzling new nighttime spectacular, “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.”
  • Tomorrowland Speedway joins in the merriment of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for the first time this year with a new holiday overlay that glimmers with 30,000 controllable lights and stylized décor. Guests racing around the track will spot 12 geometric trees ranging from 6 to 10 feet tall. It’s one of Magic Kingdom attractions to feature holiday overlays.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom will celebrate the holidays in full for the first time in its history, with enchanting entertainment and décor in new locations.
  • 148 animal-inspired luminaries will cast a warm and festive glow throughout Discovery Island as a merry menagerie of 10 artisan-sculpted puppets resembling winter animals roam and interact with guests throughout the land.
  • 2,600 light bulbs will adorn the DinoLand U.S.A. water tower, giving the land a festive new look for the holidays.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • The Christmas tree on Echo Lake is 65 feet tall, with a 25-foot-wide base.
  • Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios includes 12 high-definition projectors used to visually transform the façade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel with holiday scenes.
  • 21 palm trees along Sunset Boulevard illuminate with programmable, color-changing LED fixtures.
  • Dinosaur Gertie is dressed in her finest holiday attire. Her hat is so big, four people could stand inside it!

Epcot

  • Epcot International Festival of the Holidays takes place Nov. 29 through Dec. 30 and celebrates holiday traditions from around the world through storytelling and music presented throughout World Showcase.
  • Holiday treats are also part of the festival, which includes 13 Holiday Kitchens serving more than 50 bites from around the world and 60-plus specialty beverages.
  • The Candlelight Processional will be performed 96 times at Epcot this holiday season with a 50-piece orchestra, mass choir and 12 different celebrity narrators.
  • The Candlelight Processional stage at America Gardens Theatre features Christmas trees that are each 18 feet tall.

Resorts

  • Guests will find a life-size holiday gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This elaborate 10-foot-wide,15-foot-long and 14-foot-tall structure is covered with more than 10,000 pieces of gingerbread and is the perfect place to pick up holiday sweets and treats.
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its iconic gingerbread Cinderella Castle. This 18-foot-tall display is crafted from more than 5,000 gingerbread shingles, 47 pounds of rolled fondant, 38 pounds of modeling chocolate and much more!
  • This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Holiday Carousel gingerbread display at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This life-size spinning carousel features 20 “Hidden Mickeys,” Peter Pan-themed horses and handcrafted gingerbread shingles.
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort is home to the tallest Christmas tree at Walt Disney World. This 70-foot-tall tree is adorned with 16,000 lights and more than 200 custom ornaments.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to a 45-foot-tall tree featuring authentic African décor and reproductions of traditional African masks.

Disney Springs

  • Disney Springs is the epicenter of holiday shopping at Walt Disney World. It’s also the largest of all of the decorated Disney locations, with more than 2,000 pieces of individual décor, including a 45-foot-tall tree.
  • Each piece of décor was custom designed to fit the classic Florida town theme that carries throughout the entirety of Disney Springs.
  • Disney Springs is also home to the Christmas Tree Trail, a walk through wonderland featuring 23 unique Disney-themed trees.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed,and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

Mark your Calendars to Watch Live Stream of ‘Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks’ Debut Nov. 8

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (November 6, 2019) Guests attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year are in for a special treat, as a brand-new fireworks spectacular, “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks,” will light up the night.

Disney will live stream the very first showing of “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” right here on the Disney Parks Blog November 8 at 9:55 p.m.

According to the announcement, the new show has Minnie inviting guests “to take in a sparkling, yuletide fireworks display as the sky above Cinderella Castle brightens to the tunes of “Deck the Halls” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” The fireworks show is exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which guests can attend on select nights November 8 through December 22, 2019.”

To watch the live stream, simply visit the Disney Parks Blog on November 8 at 9:55 p.m. The live stream will be the lead story!

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed,and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

Disney to Live Stream Sunday’s debut of “A Frozen Holiday Wish”

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (November 1, 2019) The folks over at Disney Parks Blog have just released news of a special November 3 Live Stream to celebrate the return of the holiday season to the Walt Disney World Resort with the debut performance of “A Frozen Holiday Wish.”

The new show will perform nightly at Magic Kingdom Park starting November 3. The show stars the royal sisters Anna and Elsa, and their friends Olaf and Kristoff. In the show, Queen Elsa uses her magical powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom by transforming Cinderella Castle into a shimmering ice palace for the holidays. 

The Live Stream will start at 6:10 p.m. EST. To watch, simply visit the Disney Parks Blog on Nov. 3. The live stream will be the lead story.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memories offers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed,and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

Magic Kingdom Park transforms with fun ghoulish for 36 nights for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

The new “Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular” at Magic Kingdom Park invites guests to embark on a hair-raising Halloween adventure with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck. With Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” as host, this spellbinding display of state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting and dazzling fireworks will delight guests during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a separately ticketed event held on select nights Aug. 16-Nov. 1, 2019, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (August 12, 2019) An all-new nighttime fireworks spectacular puts a spirited spin on the 2019 spooky season as Magic Kingdom Park hosts Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for a record 36 select nights, Aug. 16-Nov. 1.

Here’s a look at all this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has to offer.

‘Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular’

The new “Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular” lights the night sky during the witching season in a spellbinding display playing across the heavens. As host of the spectacle, Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” spins a not-so-scary tale about how anything can happen on Halloween night.

Jack’s ghost dog, Zero, brings everyone along on a trick-or-treating adventure where four friends – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck – find themselves drawn into a haunted house. Encounters with dancing skeletons, waltzing ghosts and wickedly troublemaking Disney villains make for a hair-raising adventure. It all comes to life with state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting and dazzling fireworks.

‘Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade’

The galloping Headless Horseman fronts “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade,” setting the stage for spooktacular fun throughout Magic Kingdom. The parade opens with a flurry of beloved Disney friends, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in new Halloween costumes. The spectral Bride from The Haunted Mansion appears in the parade this year alongside waltzing spirits and those famous Hitchhiking Ghosts. Pixar pals join the fun, too, including The Incredibles and designer extraordinaire Edna Mode, as well as Buzz Lightyear and alien explorers on a planetary playset float inspired by Pixar’s Toy Story films.

Wreck-It-Ralph, Vanellope von Schweetz and the girls from Sugar Rush make sure there’s plenty of candy to go around during the parade. In addition, pirates sail in from Adventureland, Clarabelle Cow hosts a square dance during a Frontierland hoedown and a wicked assortment of Disney villains reigns over a Fantasyland-inspired grand finale.

Cruella’s Halloween Hide-a-Way at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

As only she can, host Cruella de Vil invites guests to mix and mingle with her impossibly hip circle of friends during Cruella’s Halloween Hide-a-Way at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. This new reservations-only social promises a fun, festive atmosphere with themed music and décor matched with divine hors d’oeuvres, sweets and drinks (including beer and wine). Guests can come and go as they please throughout the night and enjoy prime parade-viewing spot reserved just for them. The party keeps rollin’ until 12:30 a.m.

Cruella’s Halloween Hide-a-Way ($99 per person, plus tax) is available only during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Reservations are required and can be made at Disneyworld.com or by calling Disney Dining at (407) 939-3463.

Candy, Costumes, Special Attractions and More

Enchantments of the season scared up for the party include:

  • New this year, when guests follow a treat trail into the Monster World at Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor,they’ll interact with a comic entourage of monsters who are learning about the curious human-world holiday called Halloween.
  • Among many popular park attractions available to roaming ghosts and goblins, Space Mountain turns out the lights, going completely dark and hurtling guests through the blackness of deep space to the sounds of a new hard-rockin’ soundtrack.
  • Guests embarking on Pirates of the Caribbean will encounter a crew of live pirates engaged in a whole new swashbuckling quest for treasure.
  • At the Mad Tea Party, special lighting and music enhance the nighttime experience to bring out the maddest hatter in everyone.
  • The new DescenDANCE Party takes the stage at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland, where guests can groove to a beat inspired by the “Descendants” Disney Channel movies.
  • For young park goers, the Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam in Fantasyland is the place to party with favorite Disney Junior characters like Doc McStuffins, Timon and Vampirina. New this year, Nancy Clancy from the hit Disney Junior series “Fancy Nancy” joins the fun.

Dates in 2019 for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are:

  • Aug. 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
  • Sept. 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
  • Oct. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
  • Nov. 1

Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party start at $79 (plus tax) and can be booked through Disneyworld.com or the Disney Reservations Center at (407) 827-7350. Children are encouraged to dress in costume and enjoy the spirit of Halloween with their families.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Formtoday!

First Look at the New NBA Experience at Disney Springs

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (May 19, 2019) The new NBA Experience attraction is nearing its August 12, 2019 grand opening. Last week, cast members were given on exclusive “first look” sneak peek at the new addition to Disney Springs. Here’s their report:

“Last week we had the good fortune to step inside the new NBA Experience at Disney Springs as part of Disney cast member previews. This one-of-a-kind destination was created by Disney in collaboration with the NBA to make you feel what it’s like to walk in the footsteps of NBA and WNBA champions. 

“Ahead of its Aug. 12 grand opening, I had a blast trying out the venue’s 13 basketball-related activities. Dribble, for example, works on your ball-handling skills, while Dunk! features an adjustable rim so you can make a highlight-reel slam. Over in the Arcade, you can challenge your friends and family to get the high score in the classic Pop-A-Shot game, or check out Trivia to see who knows the most about the NBA and WNBA.

“You can participate in these activities in any order you choose, and return to them throughout your visit to NBA Experience to improve your scores and skills.

“To get you pumped up for the debut of this new destination, here are five takeaways from my preview of NBA Experience: 

  • All About the Guest – This place is all about you – almost every activity encourages you to be an active participant. I recommend you complete the optional registration once you’re inside; this allows you to customize and personalize your experience by adding your own nickname and choosing your favorite NBA or WNBA team. Your team’s logo will be associated with you throughout your stay on various leaderboards and signage, and when you try the Shoot! activity, the court magically transforms to make it feel like you’re in your favorite team’s home arena! Plus, you can choose different basketballs to best fit your hand size (NBA, WNBA or Youth) and set your own skill level – if you’ve never even picked up a basketball before, don’t worry, NBA Experience has you covered. 
  • Immersive Environment – Walking into NBA Experience feels like stepping onto center court of an arena, complete with huge overhead video monitors, pulsing music and swirling lights. Whether you’re a huge NBA fan or wouldn’t know what the inside of a basketball arena looks like, you will get swept up in the energy. That stunning entry sets the tone for the whole place; I lost track of time as I moved from one activity to the next, completely absorbed in what I was doing. 
  • Authenticity – Walt Disney Imagineering worked closely with the NBA to ensure NBA Experience is authentic. The hoops are regulation size (unless you need them adjusted to dunk!), and team and league logos are all over. Everything just feels right. For those new to the game, this is a great way to learn all about the league, its players and the game as a whole, straight from the source. If you’ve ever been curious about the NBA or WNBA, let your journey into fandom begin here!
  • Interactive Technology – For how physically fun NBA Experience is, it’s also a high-tech environment. When I first entered the building, I immediately went over to the massive touchscreens in the Champions area and started looking up my favorite championship teams. You can dive deep into league history, with notes about each of those legendary teams along with photos and video highlights. I also thoroughly enjoyed Replay, the activity that challenges you to make the right call in three different scenarios using your own personal interactive replay station; you can view the play from different angles, zoom in on key moments, and move the video forward and backward before deciding to confirm or overturn the call. Going back to my earlier point, Replay feels so real – I could easily imagine NBA or WNBA replay officials sitting at a very similar setup every night of the season. 
  • Inspirational – After spending a good amount of time inside NBA Experience, I realized there’s a fundamental principle that runs throughout the entire place – it’s inspirational. Everyone around me was constantly encouraging me to do my best. Or, sometimes, the activity itself is the inspiration all its own, such as Dribble. Here a virtual coach kept saying things like “Good job! Keep it up! Keep going!” as I was working my way through a series of ball-handling drills. NBA Experience focuses on your successes, and always encourages you to do better.”

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Formtoday!

Disney to Live Stream its Main Street Electrical Parade

Pete’s Dragon dazzles in the night during the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland Park. The nostalgic fan-favorite Main Street Electrical Parade will once again create magical summer memories for guests of all ages at Disneyland Park, with a limited-time encore engagement taking place nightly, from Aug. 2 – Sept. 30, 2019. The nighttime spectacle features half-million sparkling lights and “electro-syntho-magnetic musical sounds.” Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim, Calif. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland)

The folks at Disney Parks Blog posted yesterday that there will be a very special chance to see the Main Street Electrical Parade without having to go to Disneyland.

According to the announcement: “DisneyParksLIVE returns to Disneyland park on Friday, Aug. 2, with a live stream of “Main Street Electrical Parade.”

Since its debut performance at Disneyland 47 years ago, “Main Street Electrical Parade” has become an iconic Disney Parks parade. The nighttime spectacle features half-million sparkling lights and “electro-syntho-magnetic musical sounds.” Today, the beloved parade still brings guests of multiple generations a sense of wonder, joy and – for some – warm nostalgia. 

The parade will travel down Main Street, U.S.A., for a limited-time engagement taking place nightly, from Aug. 2 through Sept. 30.

Tune in for our live stream of “Main Street Electrical Parade” on Aug. 2 beginning at 8:55 p.m. PT on the Disney Parks Blog.”

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Form today!

Does my DVC Villa’s Kitchen have a Blender?

Here’s a photo from one of our Vacationers of the kitchen in their Deluxe 1 Bedroom Villa at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Not only did they enjoy the great accommodations, they also saved 55% on lodging by booking with Griswold’s Magical Memories instead of booking their stay directly through Disney!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (May 19, 2019) – We get asked by our Vacationers all the time: “What’s stocked in my Villa’s kitchen?”

Well, other than the Deluxe Studio Villas which do not have a full kitchen, the Deluxe 1, 2, and 3 Bedroom Villas come wit6 pretty much everything you’ll need.

Many of our Vacationers opt to upgrade from a Deluxe Studio Villa to a Deluxe 1 Bedroom Villa to save money. How? Well the added cost for the Villa (which has a washer/dryer as well as a full kitchen) is offset by having a few meals and snacks (most often breakfast) right in their Villa. They save big bucks on the cost of the meals, and they can get their dya started by heading straight to the parks without the delays of “going out” for breakfast.

So, if you do decide to upgrade from a Deluxe Studio to one of our DVC Member’s 1, 2, or 3 Bedroom Deluxe Villas, here the list of what you find stocked in the kitchen:

(Items with ** are available upon request.)

IN THE KITCHEN CABINETS

  • Dinner Plates – 8 
  • Salad Plates – 8 
  • Cereal Bowls – 8 
  • Coffee Mugs – 8 
  • Platter – 1 
  • Vegetable Bowl – 1
  • Creamer/Sugar Bowl Set 
  • Salad Serving Bowl – 1 
  • Juice Glasses – 8
  • Water Glasses – 8
  • Wine Glasses – 8
  • Pitcher – 1 
  • Colander – 1
  • Sieve – 1
  • Cheese Grater – 1
  • 3 Rubbermaid Containers for Storage
  • Cookie Sheet 
  • Oblong 3 Qt Dish – 1 (13×9)
  • Serrated Bread Knife 
  • Paring Knife 
  • Roast Slicer 
  • 2 Quart Covered Casserole – 1 
  • 3 piece Mixing Bowl Set 
  • Plastic Measuring Cups
  • Plastic Measuring Spoons
  • Cutting Board 
  • Wastebasket
  • 3 Packets Dishwasher Detergent
  • Extra Roll of Paper Towels
  • Fire Extinguisher

ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER

  • Wicker Sugar Basket – 1
  • 12-cup Coffee Maker 
  • Small Bottle Dish Detergent 
  • Pot Holders – 2
  • Dish Towel
  • Sponge
  • Toaster 
  • Dish Drainer
  • Ice Bucket
  • ** Electric Mixer
  • ** Blender

IN THE KITCHEN DRAWERS

  • Solid Serving Spoons – 2
  • Serving Fork – 1 
  • Tablespoons – 2 
  • Dinner Forks – 8 
  • Salad Forks – 8 
  • Dinner Knives – 8 
  • Steak Knives – 8 
  • Soup Spoons – 8 
  • Teaspoons – 8 
  • Cutlery Tray – 1 
  • Vegetable Peeler – 1 
  • Bottle Opener/Corkscrew – 1 
  • Set Measuring Spoons 
  • Tongs – 1 plastic for salad, 1 metal 
  • Soup Ladle
  • Hand Can Opener 
  • Pancake Turner 
  • Slotted Spoon

OTHER ACCESSORIES

  • Vacuum Cleaner
  • Iron and Ironing board 
  • Broom 
  • Dust Pan
  • Brush
  • Ice Cube Tray in Fridge
  • Tea Kettle on Stovetop
  • Broiler Pan in Oven

Cookware Set in Oven Lower Drawer

  • 1 small skillet
  • 1 medium skillet
  • 1 small pan with lid
  • 1 6 qt. pot with lid

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Formtoday!

The 2019 Epcot Food & Wine Fest shows it will be the longest ever at 87 days!

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (May 10, 2019) – Disney has released initial dates and a few details for the The 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The ever-popular event will run August 29-November 23. This will make it the longest Food & Wine Festival in the park’s history at 87 days! 

The festival’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series will run August 29-November 19 and will feature a lineup of pop, rock, R&B, country, Christian, swing and Latin artists. (NOTE: The concert series will conclude a few days earlier than the festival in order to set the stage for the return of the park’s beloved Candlelight Processional).

This year’s festival will continue its tradition of offering tasty dishes, fine dining events, and appearances by favorite Disney culinarians and top celebrity chefs.

Keep your eye on TasteEpcot.com and the Disney Parks Blog for updates on this year’s celebrity chef appearances, Eat to the Beat artists, dining packages, special events and more.

Remember, when planning for your next Disney Vacation, Griswold’s Magical Memoriesoffers the lowest prices available on rental of Deluxe Disney Vacation Club Villas at savings that are often more than 50% less than booking directly through Disney Central Reservations. Take a look at examples of actual savings our Vacationers have enjoyed, and then submit your Free, No Obligation Reservation Request Formtoday!