LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (January 11, 2019) – When Disney announced its new Magic Kingdom Fireworks and Dining Packageexclusively for Disney Vacation Club Members last month, it seemed one of the most valued DVC Membership perks might be going away.
The new package includes reserved seating for a party of up to 6 at The Wave at the Contemporary Resort. After dinner you are escorted to the Top of the World Lounge (TOWL) at the adjoining Bay Lake Tower for drinks, desert, and a reserved seat for the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks.
The price is $59 person for a prix-fixe menu at the Wave that starts one and one-half hours before the nightly fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom. The new dining package begins January 14 and is slated to run nightly through June 30. There are some blackouts around Easter and Mother’s Day.
The news has some DVC Members concerned that this means the end of a highly-valued Member benefit, and it appeared there was good cause to be concerned.
Fortunately, Disney put those fears to rest last week when Member Services confirmed the TOWL access benefits has been extended for DVC Members at least through the end of 2019!
(Dec. 29, 2018) – With the new year comes a new tiered, discounted ticket offer for the four theme parks at Walt Disney World.
Starting Jan. 18, guests can purchase a four-day, 4-Park Magic Value Ticket for $85 per day (plus tax) for a total price of $340 (plus tax). The 4-Park Magic Tickets include one day of admission to Magic Kingdom Park, one day of admission to Epcot, one day of admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and one day of admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for a total of four admissions over four separate days.
4-Park Magic Tickets will be available for purchase beginning Jan. 18, 2019, at Disneyworld.com/parkmagic, through the Disney Reservation Center or authorized travel professionals and ticket sellers. 4-Park Magic Tickets are seasonally priced for varied usage between Jan. 18 and Sept. 30, 2019, as follows:
4-Park Magic Value Ticket: Valid for admission Jan. 18-March 1, 2019; must be used within seven days from first use, or by March 1, 2019, whichever comes first
Adult: $85 per day, plus tax ($340 total, plus tax)
Child: $80 per day, plus tax ($320 total, plus tax)
4-Park Magic Select Ticket: Valid for admission March 2-March 14; March 27-April 9; April 27-May 27; and Aug. 19-Sept. 30, 2019; must be used within seven days from first use, or by Sept. 30, 2019, whichever comes first
Adult: $89 per day, plus tax ($356 total, plus tax)
Child: $84 per day, plus tax ($336 total, plus tax)
4-Park Magic Summer Ticket: Valid for admission May 28-Aug. 18, 2019; must be used within seven days from first use or by Sept. 30, 2019, whichever comes first
Adult: $95 per day, plus tax ($380 total, plus tax)
Child: $90 per day, plus tax ($360 total, plus tax)
Note: 4-Park Magic Tickets are valid for one theme park per day; tickets can be used to enter each theme park only once. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable and exclude activities/events separately priced. Higher-priced tickets are valid for use on dates with a lower price. For more information about the 4-Park Magic Tickets, visit Disneyworld.com/parkmagic.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (December 21, 2018) – Disney has announced plans for a new dining and fireworks package for Disney Vacation Club members. It includes reserved seating for a party of up to 6 at The Wave at the Contemporary Resort. After dinner you are escorted to the Top of the World Lounge at the adjoining Bay Lake Tower for drinks, desert, and a reserved seat for the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks.
The price is $59 person for a prix-fixe menu at the Wave that starts one and one-half hours before the nightly fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom. The new dining package begins January 14 and is slated to run nightly through June 30. There are some blackouts around Easter and Mother’s Day.
The news has some DVC Members concerned that this means the end of a highly-valued Member benefit, and it appears there is good cause to be concerned. For at least the past half-dozen years, access to the Top of the World Lounge to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks has been a benefit that could be enjoyed at no added cost by any DVC Member staying at WDW resorts. Those days appear to be ending.
The DVC Member website list the free access as ending on December 29. There is no information on the website regarding extending the benefit into 2019. The smart bet is this benefit is going away – at least until next July
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (December 17, 2018) – Now, more than ever is a great time to plan a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort, with new parties, shows, character experiences and more debuting Jan. 18, 2019, at all four theme parks. Excitement is building as a new countdown clock at WDW 2019 Now More Than Ever Countdownis ticking down to the launch of all of these new experiences!
Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration Arrives at Magic Kingdom Park
Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration will honor those true originals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, with new entertainment, merchandise and specialty food and beverages at Magic Kingdom.
JUST ANNOUNCED! Mickey and Minnie will greet guests together inside Town Square Theater, wearing all-new, colorful outfits for their special celebration.
JUST ANNOUNCED! Guests will enjoy Celebration Station inside Town Square Theater, where they may sign a guestbook to let Mickey and Minnie know, personally, how much fun they had during the party.
JUST ANNOUNCED! An all-new song, “It’s a Good Time,” will play several times daily as part of the new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party.” During this high-energy bash, singing hosts will invite guests to join in the fun with Disney pals including Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and many others.
JUST ANNOUNCED! Mickey’s beloved dog, Pluto, will meet guests under the big top at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus.
Party with Pixar Pals and More as Disney’s Hollywood Studios Marks 30 Years
JUST ANNOUNCED! May 1, 2019, marks the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park will celebrate this milestone all year long, starting Jan. 18 with the reveal of a new 30th anniversary logo.
Pixar Avenue will be the place for guests to show off their inner Supers with The Incredibles. Guests will celebrate the heroic deeds of Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone, who will make appearances throughout the day during a party featuring lively music, dancing, interactive games and more Super fun. Guests will meet super-suit designer Edna Mode and see some of her greatest creations. They may also spot signs for the whereabouts of the youngest Incredible – the mischievous and multi-powered Jack-Jack.
A door to the monster world will open inside Walt Disney Presents, inviting guests to visit with Mike and Sulley from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.”
Guests will feel like honorary toys in the new Toy Story Land. Based on the beloved Pixar Toy Storyfilms, the playful land features two new attractions – Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers – as well as fan-favorite Toy Story Mania!
In addition, the new high-energy live show “Disney Junior Dance Party!” will feature characters from Disney Junior television series, including Vampirina, Doc McStuffins and many more.
More Broadway Music Than Ever at Epcot International Festival of the Arts
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts comes to life Jan. 18-Feb. 25, 2019, where guests will indulge in world-class culinary, visual and performance arts.
The Disney on Broadway Concert Series expands to seven days a week during the festival, providing more opportunities than ever before to hear pairs of Disney on Broadway stars sing favorite tunes from award-winning productions. The lineup will rotate regularly, featuring music from “The Lion King,” “Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast” and other hit shows.
The festival will include 13 Food Studios, plus additional creative food and beverages around Epcot, featuring an expanded selection of delicious new tastes to savor.
Art collectors and Disney enthusiasts alike will find artwork for sale throughout the park, from the Art of Disney store to Festival Markets. In addition, special festival merchandise will be available at Mouse Gear and other Epcot locations.
The 2019 festival provides fun every day for the whole family, including performance artists, complimentary seminars, hands-on activities and Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt.
While experiencing all the Epcot International Festival of the Arts has to offer, guests will want to spend another evening around World Showcase Lagoon taking in “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which will be ending in the second half of 2019 to make way for an all-new nighttime spectacular.
Feel the Love During ‘Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Guests will take a walk on the wild side at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party,” featuring Timon and Rafiki from Disney’s “The Lion King.”
Each day on Discovery Island, the dance party will encourage young adventurers to let their inner animals roam free on the dance floor as a street band plays a fiery soundtrack in a World Beat style.
All this excitement will be here in two shakes of a mouse’s tail! To make sure no one misses a moment, guests will find a new countdown clock online at WDW 2019 Now More That Ever Countdown. It’s rolling down to when the fun begins on the morning of Jan. 18, 2019!
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (December 5, 2018)– Disney promises “Wide-eyed wonderment will wash over guests this holiday season when they see gingerbread displays at select Disney theme parks and Disney resort hotels, as well as the ships of Disney Cruise Line.”
DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN RESORT & SPA (LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA.) – The gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The 15-foot-tall house is home to The Bake Shop, the perfect place to pick up holiday treats such as house-made gingerbread ornaments and caramel pecan fudge. Over 10,000 pieces of gingerbread are used to bring the house to life. (Kent Phillips, Photographer)
In the spirit of the season, Disney chefs decked the halls (roofs, doorways and windows, too) to create life-sized, gingerbread houses yummy enough to eat.
Here’s a look at storybook houses, carousels and other confections baked with love by Disney chefs, with savory sweets for sale in most locations:
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – This year marks the 20th anniversary of this resort hotel’s gingerbread house. A classic recipe from Austria inspires the ornaments, cookies and a house standing 14 feet tall in the lobby. Home to The Bake Shop, the gingerbread house is the perfect place to pick up holiday treats. Gingerbread house decorating demonstrations occur daily Dec. 1-25.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Cinderella Castle is re-created with an “it’s a small world” backdrop depicting Cinderella and Prince Charming greeting guests in the castle forecourt. The 18-foot display is crafted from thousands of gingerbread blocks. A life-sized spinning carousel highlights the display.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Donald Duck- and Daisy Duck-themed horses are decorated with chocolate, sugar and fondant in this scrumptious classic carousel.
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort – A delightful gingerbread version of the resort’s BoardWalk features iconic locales such as BoardWalk Bakery, Flying Fish, Trattoria al Forno and more.
The American Adventure – Patriotic flair meets pastry magic at Epcot, where gingerbread renditions of the U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument (topped with golden Mickey ears!) are on display
Amorette’s Patisserie – This sophisticated pastry shop at Disney Springs dresses up its front window with a miniature gingerbread replica of itself – right down to the gingerbread trees!
The Haunted Mansion – Disneyland Resort turns to Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” to create a wonderfully spooky gingerbread display inside this classic attraction. A giant spider with glowing eyes hangs over the Grand Hall Table, attempting to pry the edible gingerbread mansion from its foundation as gingerbread zombies watch in amazement.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – Disney artists, engineers and bakers teamed up on a gingerbread house that adds to the resort hotel’s festive lobby. With over 600 pounds of gingerbread and adorned with Hidden Mickeys, this grandly Californian gingerbread house is on display all season long.
Disney Cruise Line – Aboard the four Disney Cruise Line ships, the chef competition is on! Bakery teams are challenged to create their own individual gingerbread houses for display throughout the holiday season in the atrium lobby of each ship. Taking weeks to conceptualize and construct, each features more than 600 pounds of gingerbread dough, 200-plus pounds of sugar and 5,000 gingerbread bricks.
Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii gets its gingerbread on with “A Kakamora Holiday.” This festive display includes a chocolate tree, a Moana-inspired gingerbread hut, chocolate sleigh and merrymaking Kakamoras celebrating with a tropical twist.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (December 2, 2018) – Once again, Moonlight Magic events, among the most enjoyed Disney Vacation Club Member Benefits each year, will be held on several dates at each park in 2019.
Thus far, Disney has announced only two Moonlight Magic nights, bot at Epcot (May 13, 2019 and May 20, 2019) but it seems clear date for added nights in other WDW Theme Parks will be announced soon.
In the meantime, now is the time to starting planning for the Epcot event. Here’s what you need to know about these evenings, which are complimentary to DVC Members and special guests:
Event Details
Enjoy an evening of thrills, entertainment and more as the park becomes your playground.
Event highlights include:
Access to select attractions throughout the park, with shorter-than-usual wait times
Meet-and-greets with Disney Characters
A DJ dance party
Complimentary refreshments
Note: Activities and offerings are subject to change without notice.
When & Where
Get details about event dates, times and location:
Dates:Monday, May 13, 2019 and Monday, May 20, 2019
Times: TBD
Location:Epcot
Know Before You Register
Before registering for this event, be sure to review important information.
Initial Registration Window
This initial registration window for this event is open to Members with existing Resort reservations—booked prior to Monday, April 1, 2019—at the Walt Disney World Resort or at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.
The initial registration window opens on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at 9:00 AM Eastern Time. Event registration opens to all Members on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 9:00 AM Eastern Time.
Party Size Limits
A Member can register themselves and up to 3 additional guests (total of 4 per Membership)—or up to the number of guests on his or her Resort reservation. Children younger than 3 years old do not need to be registered for this event.
Members With Multiple Resort Reservations
If Members have multiple Resort reservations, additional party size guidelines apply depending on how the reservation was booked:
When staying using Vacation Points, Members can register themselves and up to the number of individuals on their Resort reservation(s).
When staying using cash or RCI® points, Members can register themselves and up to the number of individuals staying in the same room as the Member.
Modifications & Cancellations
This event cannot be booked or modified through Member Services. If a Member wishes to change their party size or the date that they are attending Moonlight Magic, they may modify their event registration through the link found in their confirmation email.
Please note:
If you cancel your Resort reservation, your event registration will be cancelled automatically.
Cancelling and rebooking an event registration increases the risk of losing one’s registration.
Modifications or cancellations of an event registration cannot be made the same day as booking.
Registering for Another Member on Your Membership
If the primary Member is not registering for the event, another Member with the same Member ID number may be added as an alternate to check in at the event. Valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card and photo ID are required at check-in.
Event Date Limits
In order to allow as many Members as possible to enjoy Moonlight Magic, only one event date for each participating park will be available per Membership.
Other Important Information
Registration is required and limited. Unfortunately, walk-ins will not be permitted.
Valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card and photo ID required at check-in. Member listed on the Membership Card must be in attendance.
Complimentary admission to the after-hours event at Epcot is valid for the duration of the event. If you wish to enter Epcot before the event, valid theme park admission is required.
This offer is complimentary, non-transferable and cannot be sold. It is subject to availability, change or termination without notice.
Attendees under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian.
This is a rain-or-shine event; some experiences may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
We request that Members cancel at least 48 hours in advance.
FastPass+ selections may only be reserved using valid theme park admission linked to a My Disney Experience account. Theme park admission must be used at the Main Entrance touchpoints for FastPass+ selections to be valid.
How to Register
Register online when your registration window opens. Event registration is required in order to attend this event.
Members with Disney Resort hotel reservations during the event can register online beginning Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at 9:00 AM Eastern Time. Event registration opens to all Members on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 9:00 AM Eastern Time.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (November 26, 2018) – At last week’s D23’s Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek shared exciting new details surrounding highly-anticipated experiences coming soon to Disney parks.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek revealed exciting details of new experiences coming to Disney Parks during D23’s Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse fan celebration in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Ty Popko)
Destination D fans were the first to see Chapek reveal the names and the first-ever look inside the two signature attractions set for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge when it opens at Disneyland Resort next summer and at Walt Disney World Resort in fall 2019. The audience was also the first to hear that Academy Award-winning composer John Williams is creating original Star Wars themes exclusively for these lands, and was treated to a preview of this thrilling new music. Rounding out the galactic excitement, attendees heard more about the groundbreaking, fully-immersive Star Wars resort experience coming to Walt Disney World Resort.
In celebration of 90 years of Mickey Mouse, Chapek shared the many new exciting ways to celebrate the beloved mouse. He also shared more about the multi-year transformation of Epcot, including new spectaculars designed to honor the park’s original vision.
“We are currently in the midst of one of the most extraordinary periods of expansion in our history,” Chapek said. “We are always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible as we deliver world-class experiences and attractions, new hotels and entertainment, itineraries and destinations for our guests.”
Attendees were excited to get the first in-person look at the Disney Skyliner gondolas that will transport guests to their favorite destinations when it debuts in fall 2019. The audience also celebrated Disney’s #ShareYourEars campaign by participating in a group photo, led by Chapek and Mickey Mouse. Chapek announced yesterday that Disney will add a second phase to the #ShareYourEars campaign in honor of Mickey’s 90th Anniversary. From Nov. 18-27, participants can take a photo showing off their “Mickey Mouse ears” – or any creative “ears” – and upload it to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. For every public post with #ShareYourEars, Disney will donate US $5 to Make-A-Wish®, up to US $1 million, for a total of up to US $3 million. This is the third year in a row that Disney has run this campaign with Make-A-Wish to grant even more wishes.
ExploringStar Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Since Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was announced at D23 Expo 2015, fans have been eager to learn more. Today, Chapek announced that guests can take the controls in one of three unique and critical roles aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. On Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, guests can join an epic battle between the First Order and the Resistance – including a face-off with Kylo Ren. These two new incredible experiences, paired with the land’s interactive components and optional integration with the Play Disney Parks app, will invite guests to become galactic travelers and live their own Star Wars stories in a galaxy far, far away.
Chapek also announced that the music for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will feature original themes created especially for the land by Academy Award-winning composer John Williams. Chapek shared a stirring preview of the all-new music, recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.
Adding to the excitement, Chapek provided a sneak peek at the groundbreaking Star Warsresortcoming to Walt Disney World Resort. This multi-day, fully immersive adventure will take guests aboard a luxury starship with all the features expected of a first-class hotel, including dining, recreation, and accommodations, all authentic to the Star Wars universe.
Celebrating Mickey Mouse
For 90 years, Mickey has entertained generations of families and fans. To celebrate the mouse that started it all, Chapek shared the many new ways guests will celebrate one of the world’s most beloved icons.
Imagineers have been hard at work creating Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, using breakthrough technology to transform a two-dimensional cartoon into an amazing real-world experience. The first-ever ride-through attraction themed to Mickey Mouse – set to open in fall 2019 – will feature a new original story and lovable theme song as it takes guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts.
Following the kickoff of World’s Biggest Mouse Party earlier this year, the festivities continue at the Disneyland Resort with Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration,which will bring new entertainment, food and merchandise to the resort. On January 18, “Mickey’s Mix Magic” will light up the night at Disneyland Park with all-new music, projections and lasers that set the scene for an epic dance party that takes over almost the entire park. The party will get even bigger when the fan-favorite Mickey’s Soundsational Parade returns to the resort January 25, featuring an all-new float with Mickey himself, who will lead the celebration down Main Street, U.S.A.
Over at Walt Disney World, now there’s more magic than ever. From Jan. 18 to Sept. 30, Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom will feature new food, merchandise and entertainment, including a new dance party with Mickey, Minnie and their friends, and a chance to meet Mickey and Minnie together in their new birthday outfits. On the high seas, Disney Cruise Line will welcome Mickey & Minnie Surprise Party at Sea, an all-new high-energy deck party on the Disney Fantasy next summer.
Chapek also announced an all-new cinematic nighttime experience, Wonderful World of Animation, coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1 as part of the 30th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The show will use state-of-the-art technology to take guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation, all beginning with Mickey.
Adding to the excitement, Chapek shared a look at the recently opened Mickey: The True Original Exhibitionin New York City. The exhibition provides visitors with an interactive experience inspired by Mickey’s impact on popular culture, from Instagram-worthy design elements to larger-than-life multimedia installations. The exhibition runs through Feb. 10, 2019, and tickets can be purchased at Disney.com/MickeyTrueOriginal.
Transformation of Epcot
Fans were thrilled to hear more about the multi-year transformation of Epcot, designed to honor the park’s original vision while making it more timeless, more relevant, more family and more Disney.
At World Showcase, Chapek revealed that the Ratatouille experience coming to the France pavilion will be called Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Guests will also enjoy a brand new“Beauty and the Beast” sing-along, created by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live action “Beauty and the Beast” films. There will also be an update to theO Canada! 360-degree show.
For IllumiNations fans, Chapek announced an all-new, transformative spectacular set to debut in 2020. It will celebrate how Disney music can inspire people from around the world, featuring massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics and lasers. Before that new show debuts, there will be a limited-time experience Epcot fans will love, called Epcot Forever, a true celebration of this timeless park. Debuting in fall 2019 and set to classic Epcot tunes, the show begins with a spark of imagination that quickly grows into an epic spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers, and choreographed, special effects kites.
Stunning New Resorts
During his presentation, Chapek unveiled details about Reflections,adeluxe, nature-inspired resort coming to Orlando that will feature more than 900 hotel rooms and proposed Disney Vacation Club villas.
Chapek also offered a sneak peek at Disney’s Riviera Resort, inspired by the European grandeur Walt Disney experienced in his travels along the Mediterranean coastline. Projected to open in fall 2019, this proposed resort will be the 15th Disney Vacation Club property.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (November 19, 2018) – There are those out there who fancy a special hot dog now and again, and among them Casey’s Corner is a bit of a hot dog lover’s Mecca.
To add some holiday fun to its line-up, Casey’s Corner is bringing back its 12 Hot Dogs of the Month, but all for just one day each, over 12 days leading into and through the Christmas and New Year’s Holiday.
Here’s the day-by-day menu for the 12 days leading up to Christmas and then through New Year’s Day. Each one will only be available for one day only.
14 – Pineapple Teriyaki Dog topped with roasted pineapple, onions, Teriyaki sauce, and green onions
15 – Buffalo Chicken Dog topped with buffalo chicken, celery, and a garlic ranch drizzle
16 – Greek Dog topped with olives, banana peppers, red onions, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce
17 – Cuban Dog topped with mojo pork, relish, swiss cheese, and mustard
18 – Aztec Dog topped with sweet and spicy ground beef and creamy elote mixed with spicy lime mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese
19 – Philly Cheesesteak Dog topped with roast beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and cheese sauce
20 – Casey’s Classic Dog topped with hash browns, bacon, cheese, and fried onion straws
21 – Cheesy Dog topped with cheddar cheese, queso cheese, and spicy cheese puffs
22 – Jalapeño Popper Dog topped with cheese sauce, garlic ranch, bacon bits, jalapeño poppers, and sliced jalapeños
23 – Loaded Mashed Potato Dog topped with garlic mashed potatoes, caramelized onions, cheddar, bacon, scallion sour cream, and green onions
24 – Poutine Dog topped with fries, poutine gravy, cheese curds, and chives
25 through Jan 1. – 2 Foot-Long Hot Dog with your choice of two toppings (Casey’s Classic, Chili Cheese, or Macaroni & Cheese)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (November 12, 2018) – The holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort is a magical time where all four theme parks, Disney Springs and resort hotels come to life with festive decor, entertainment and other fun for the entire family.
Beginning November 8, 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.
With so much that goes into making the resort sparkle for the season, here are some fun facts about holidays at Walt Disney World Resort:
The Walt Disney World Holiday Services team provides decor for 780 locations within 41 different properties, including Disney theme parks, resorts, recreation and shopping areas. The team also decorates Disney Cruise Line ships and Disney Vacation Club resorts in Florida and North Carolina.
41 cast members work year-round to make the holiday transformation a reality, with an additional 90cast members added during the installation period.
Decor installation begins Halloween night and is finished by Thanksgiving.
The Iconic Trees
There are 29 custom-created iconic trees, ranging from 15 to 70 feet tall. Trees find their homes at all four theme parks, select resort hotels and Disney Springs.
The tallest tree – at 70 feet tall – is located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The tree is adorned with 16,000 lights and more than 200 custom ornaments.
Stars and toppers for the trees are up to 7 feet tall and can weigh more than 200 pounds each.
596 smaller trees – ranging from 2 to 14 feet – decorate other areas across Walt Disney World.
In the Parks
New this year, holiday fun will come to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Décor includes a 10-foot-tall Hamm sugar cookie at Woody’s Lunch Box, green alien ornaments near the entrance to Alien Swirling Saucers and much more.
Magic Kingdom Park is decorated with 590 garlands (measuring a total of 5,188 feet), 40 trees and 147 wreaths.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays includes 12 holiday kitchens serving more than 50 bites from around the world and 60-plus specialty
The Candlelight Processional will be performed 117 times at Epcot this holiday season. It’s also the first year performances will occur on Thanksgiving!
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Dinosaur Gertie is dressed in her finest holiday attire. Her hat is so big, four people could stand inside it!
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 scenes of the season. 21 palm trees along Sunset Boulevard illuminate with programmable, color-changing LED fixtures.
In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, nearly all lighting decor is LED. The park uses 25,000 C-7 shape LEDs and 40,000 mini-LEDs. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also home to 331 garlands and 40 wreaths.
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 decor, including a 45-foot-tall tree.
Each piece of decor 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 walkthrough wonderland featuring 27unique Disney trees that include new themes this year such as Toy Story and The Haunted Mansion.
Resorts
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the classic gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The life-size house is made from more than 10,000 pieces of gingerbread and requires 560 hours to construct (400 hours to bake and 160 hours to decorate). Located inside is The Bake Shop – the perfect place to pick up some sweet holiday treats.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to a 45-foot-tall iconic tree featuring authentic African decor and reproductions of traditional African masks.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (November 6, 2018) – From captivating décor and unique character experiences to delicious treats and magical moments, there is something for everyone during the holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort, starting Nov. 8. Here is a preview of the festivities that await guests.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Guests will experience a Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Nov. 8-Jan.6, with festive entertainment and exciting holiday touches around the park.
The new Toy Story Land will feature special seasonal fun, such as holiday songs on Alien Swirling Saucers.
Sunset Seasons Greetingsreturns this year with impressive new laser effects and “snow.” Guests will witness spectacular projections
f beloved Disney Characters – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Olaf and others – sharing their favorite seasonal stories as holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season.
The nighttime spectacular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! will combine state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and music to create a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
Guests will meet Santa at the Once Upon a Time shop Nov.10-Dec. 24, and Santa Goofy after he steps in Dec. 25.
Magic Kingdom Park
Charming decorations, holiday treats, a sparkling icy castle and more
will await guests at Magic Kingdom Park, transforming it into an enchanting holiday wonderland.
The holiday festivities at the park will also include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a specially ticketed, limited-attendance celebration that will take place on select nights starting Nov. 8. Each night of the event will feature an exclusive showing of Holiday Wishes fireworks and performances of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebrationstage show. Guests will also experience the beauty of a scintillating Cinderella Castle, meet characters in their festive finery and even enjoy complimentary cookies and cocoa.
Epcot
Guests will discover joyous holiday traditions from 11 World Showcase nations during Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Beginning Nov. 18, this year’s festival will deliver a yuletide extravaganza.
Seasonal tastes from around the globe are served at special Holiday Kitchens.
World Showcase pavilions come alive with the sights and sounds of special entertainmentcelebrating each country’s holiday heritage.
Chip and Dale will be collecting ornaments for their Christmas tree. In Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spreescavenger hunt, guests will purchase a map and stickers from select merchandise locations and travel around World Showcase looking for the famous chipmunks with their ornaments. Guests will then return their completed maps for a festive surprise, courtesy of Chip and Dale. Maps are available for $6.99 (plus tax).
The nightly fireworks display, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, will feature an additional holiday finale.
One of the most popular Epcot traditions, theCandlelight Processional, returns. This retelling of the Christmas story will feature a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a choir. Performances will run three times each night from Nov. 22-Dec. 30.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
New this year, the magic of nature will receive a holiday touch with the inclusion of
Diwali, the holiday Festival of Lights in India, as part of the new live show UP! A Great Bird Adventure. Starting Nov. 8, guests will join fun-loving pals Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “Up” in discovering some of the world’s most exotic birds.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs will be the perfect destination for holiday shopping,
dining and entertainment, with the chance to experience holiday magic along the way. Festivities run Nov. 8-Jan. 5:
Guests will stroll through the Christmas Tree Trailand view custom-decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme featuring characters like Mary Poppins, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, among others.
At Santa’s Chalet,Santa Claus will accept Christmas wish lists and welcome guests. From Dec. 25-Dec. 31, Santa Goofy will take over after Old Saint Nick heads back to the North Pole.
Guests will take part in Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt and discover where the mischievous Experiment 626 is hiding.
Holiday Fun at Resort Hotels
Resorts across Walt Disney World will be decked out for the holidays. Special offerings include:
Life-size edible creations will take shape at select resorts. A holiday gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will
e home to The Bake Shop, where guests will pick up holiday treats, including the namesake gingerbread. A life-size, edible spinning carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, while a holiday village with a miniature train takes center stage at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.
In the lobbies of Disney’s Wilderness Lodgeand Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, guests will take in the grandeur of massive Christmas trees.
No holiday is complete without a special dining experience. Holiday menus that celebrate the season will be found at restaurants throughout Walt Disney World. For holiday dining information and reservations, guests can call (407) WDW-DINE.
Ring in the New Year at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel
To celebrate the New Year, guests will be able to choose between two New Year’s Eve celebrations at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Pixar Party: A New Year’s Eve Celebrationand Disney Countdown to Midnight,including an option to purchase VIP access to the Ink and Paint Club. Both celebr
ations will feature entertainment, music, food and refreshments, plus a viewing of the Magic Kingdom New Year’s Eve fireworks to cap off the night.
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Thus far, Disney has announced only two Moonlight Magic nights, bot at Epcot (May 13, 2019 and May 20, 2019) but it seems clear date for added nights in other WDW Theme Parks will be announced soon.
