Griswold's Magical Memories Blog

A new dining package for the monorail resorts at Walt Disney World has been announced. The “dine-around” on the Walt Disney World Resort monorail has been dubbed as the “Highway in the Sky Dine-Around. It will include stops for cocktails, appetizers, dinner and dessert along the way.

While some folks have, for years, been doing their own “homemade” version of the concepts, either dining around or just stopping for cocktail at each monorail resort (aka “Looped on the Loop”) the new package frees you from the planning involved as Disney will take care of all of that for you.

The new Highway in the Sky Dine-Around gives guests priority boarding on the monorail for an unparalleled dining journey around the circuit between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The package begins at The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort with a cocktail and then guest board the monorail bound for Disney’s Polynesian Resort where the will enjoy South Pacific with island-inspired drinks and appetizers.

Next, guest will hop back on the monorail and head to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for a sumptuous entrée with wine pairing at award-winning Cítricos. After dinner, guest will have a chance to sip sparkling wine and sample artisanal cheese in the lavish lobby.

The evening package concludes back at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for dessert, cordials and coffee on a private patio with the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks over Cinderella Castle as your backdrop.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Nov. 23, 2016) In it’s latest move to keep the crowds coming in what were once “slow seasons” at Walt Disney World, a new special event kicks off January 13, 2017. The first-ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts promises to combine visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world to “create a global masterpiece for six inspired weekends.” Planned for Fridays through Mondays starting Jan. 13 – Feb. 20, 2017, the Festival will feature new art each week, making each weekend original.

Here’s a sample of what’s in store:

• From the pieces of Disney historical artist Mary Blair and Herb Ryman art of Epcot, to current Disney artists Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos, guests won’t only be surrounded by incredible visions, they’ll watch the creative process live.

• In the inaugural year of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, a collaboration with Disney Theatrical will bring an exciting new showcase of favorite music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage.

• Over the six weekends of the festival, park Guests will enjoy different pairings of phenomenal Broadway talent in concert, performing songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows, including The Lion King, Newsies, and Aladdin, to name a few.

• New Food Studios will showcase culinary creations so delicious and intricate, guests may not know if the menus are for admiring or eating. Disney chefs will surely encourage guests it’s the latter.

• And there’s more: hands-on experiences for the whole family, favorite Disney characters channeling their favorite artists, and seminars. It’s a colorful, whimsical celebration of a new artful Epcot.

The festival is included with regular Epcot admission.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 16, 2016 – The holiday season is well underway at the Walt Disney World Resort. While many fans still lament last year’s closing of the Osborne Family Light show at Disney Hollywood Studios, there is something new lighting up the sky this year. Guests at Disney Springs – the shopping, dining and entertainment district of Walt Disney World Resort – have a chance to see Disney, in partnership with Intel a remarkable new technology as hundreds of lighted show drones take to the nighttime sky in “Starbright Holidays – An Intel Collaboration.”

The first-of-its-kind light show featuring 300 Intel Shooting Star show drones invites guests to gaze skyward and make a special wish this holiday season. The synchronized choreography of the new Intel Shooting Star drones is set to a specially orchestrated arrangement of classic holiday music. In the nostalgic and stirring medley, Disney Springs guests can listen for a few bars of classic Disney melodies.

“We are thrilled to share an experience as innovative and unique as Disney Springs,” said Keith Bradford, Vice President of Disney Springs. “‘Starbright Holidays’ is a wonderful surprise and delight moment for guests as they enjoy an evening of world-class shopping, dining and entertainment here at Disney Springs.”

Added Jon Snoddy, Studio Executive with Walt Disney Imagineering R&D, “At Disney, we are always looking for innovative ways to tell stories and create unexpected experiences. We’re excited to invite guests to watch as we explore the possibilities of this remarkable new technology.”

“Starbright Holidays – An Intel Collaboration” marks the first time in the United States 300 show drones have flown at one time. At 280g, the Intel Shooting Star drone weighs less than a volleyball, and features built-in LED lights that can create more than four billion color combinations.

“We are excited to work with Walt Disney Imagineering to bring a fresh and innovative approach to its world-renowned light shows,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s New Technology Group, Josh Walden. “Together, we worked to tackle the new frontier of entertainment, picturing the sky as our canvas, and flying lights as ink.”

“Starbright Holidays – An Intel Collaboration” will join other holiday enhancements at Disney Springs, including a brand-new Christmas Tree Trail, special seasonal entertainment, meet and greets with Santa, and festive decor throughout all four neighborhoods – Town Center, The Landing, West Side and Marketplace.

Guests can purchase the a new 4 Park Magic Ticket, which provides one admission to each of the four theme parks on four separate days for the discounted price of just $70/day. Only available for a limited time, this special ticket offer may be used Nov. 15, 2016 through May 26, 2017, with block out dates including Dec. 17, 2016 – Jan. 2, 2017 and April 10 – 21, 2017.*

Here’s a look at some of the new experiences guests can look forward to:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• New this holiday season, guests can experience the jolliest new nighttime spectacular, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Each evening through Dec. 31, the night is lit up with stunning projections, dazzling fireworks and state-of-the-art special effects that tell the story of Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve.
• Guests can venture to a galaxy far, far away anytime they would like with Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular stage show, Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, and special appearances by Star Wars characters.

Epcot

• The spirit of the holidays comes to life around World Showcase with new Holidays Around the World marketplaces offering tasty bites and beverages, the Candlelight Processional with celebrity narrators sharing the Christmas story, and larger-than-life holiday decorations throughout the park.
• Adventurers can take to new heights on Soarin’ Around the World, with new destinations that transport guests on a journey throughout the globe. Frozen fun awaits on the new Frozen Ever After attraction, taking guests into Arendelle.

Magic Kingdom Park

• Guests can celebrate the spirit of the season with festive décor that sparkles throughout the park, with a gigantic Christmas tree welcoming guests to Main Street, U.S.A. and more, plus the Jungle Cruise transforms during the holiday season to the Jingle Cruise—with the skippers cracking holiday jokes and jolly decorations all around.
• New this fall, the ‘Once Upon a Time’ nighttime spectacular illuminates Cinderella Castle and immerses guests in some of the most beloved Disney stories in an all-new projection show.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Guests can now encounter the wonders of nature with rare animals both day and night. From the Tree of Life ‘awakening’ as the sun goes down, to taking an after-dark ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris, to soaking in the fun aboard Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest both day and night, there’s more to experience than ever before.

Guests may purchase this special ticket starting through March 5, 2017 at DisneyWorld.com/tickets or by calling (407) 939-5277.

*NOTE: The 4 Park Magic Ticket is valid for a total of four admissions to the Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks and can be used to enter each theme park once. Tickets must be used within 14 days of first use or by May 26, 2017.

Disney is kicking off the holidays with three musical specials originating from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. The shows will be presented on several Disney-owned outlets, including ABC Television Network, Disney Channel, the ABC and Disney Channel apps and other digital platforms.

The holiday specials will include performances by some of the world’s most popular recording artists, celebrity hosts, Disney character appearances and heartwarming wish-come-true moments for three lucky families from across the country.

Julianne Hough (“Grease: Live”) and Derek Hough (“Hairspray Live”) are set to host two specials on ABC – “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, Nov. 24 (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST), and “The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” on Christmas morning, Sunday, Dec. 25 (9:00–11:00 a.m. EST; airtimes vary, check local listings). Julianne, who will also act as executive producer on the Thanksgiving and Christmas specials, and Derek are longtime “Dancing With the Stars” fan favorites with multiple Emmy Awards and mirror ball trophies between them.

Stars of “Descendants 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to the global smash hit “Descendants,” will host and perform holiday songs in “Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” on Disney Channel on Friday, Nov. 25 (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST). Hollywood Records recording artists Forever In Your Mind and Sofia Carson will also perform holiday songs.

Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks join the festivities, performing on all three holiday specials. The multi Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winning artists will light up the night singing duets from their newly released album, “Christmas Together” (Pearl Records, Inc.), plus solo performances, all from the steps of the Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World.

Multi Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson will also perform on all three holiday specials. From iconic locations across the Walt Disney World Resort, the talented singer, songwriter and author will perform songs from her 2013 Christmas record, “Wrapped in Red,” in addition to one of her most popular hit songs.

On each of the specials, ABC and Disney Channel stars will also grant wishes to families throughout the Disney theme parks, part of Disney’s “Share the Joy” campaign, inspiring families to spread goodwill this holiday season by giving back and volunteering to help others.

“Disney Channel Holiday Hits,” an album featuring holiday songs performed during “Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” will be released from Walt Disney Records on Friday, November 18. The album features four songs: “Jolly to the Core,” a holiday rendition of “Rotten to the Core” from “Descendants” (performed by Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Cameron Boyce and Booboo Stewart); “Silent Night” (performed by Sofia Carson); “This Christmas” (performed by China Anne McClain) and “Celebrate,” an original song from Forever In Your Mind.

Here’s the full Disney Holiday program schedule:

THANKSGIVING – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on the ABC Television Network (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST) and on the ABC app. Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough as they host the magical two-hour special from the Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments.

Musical performances include:

• Solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks from their newly released album, “Christmas Together.”
• Kelly Clarkson performing “Underneath the Tree” and “”

Additional performances will be announced in the coming weeks.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25

“Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on Disney Channel (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST) and on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel VOD, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PST. The special will be available on-demand and will be featured in encore presentations on Disney Channel through Tuesday, December 20.

Musical performances include:

• “Jolly to the Core,” performed by Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart.
• “Descendants 2” star China Anne McClain performing “This Christmas.”
• “Silent Night,” performed by Hollywood Records and Republic Records recording artist Sofia Carson.
• Forever In Your Mind performing “Celebrate.”
• Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks perform a holiday duet from their newly released album, “Christmas Together.”
• Kelly Clarkson will also be performing a song.

ABC stars and Disney Channel stars Jenna Ortega and Isaak Presley, of “Stuck in the Middle,” and “Bizaardvark” stars Olivia Rodrigo and Madison Hu will join Carson and Boyce in surprising families from around the country, who are dedicated to various philanthropic efforts, with once-in-a-lifetime experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

CHRISTMAS – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

“The Disney Parks’ Magical Christmas Celebration” will air on the ABC Television Network (9:00–11:00 a.m. EST; airtimes vary, check listings) and on the ABC and Disney Channel apps. This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates the joy of the holiday season, as hosts Julianne and Derek Hough take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street and beyond. The Christmas Day celebration will be bigger and brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Musical performances include:

• Solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks from their newly released album, “Christmas Together.”
• Kelly Clarkson performing “Underneath the Tree.”
• Sofia Carson performs “Silent Night,” featuring an alternate musical arrangement from her performance on Disney Channel, and also hosts from backstage.
• “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on An Open Fire)” performed by Jordan Fisher, who will also make his Broadway debut in “Hamilton” on November 22.

Additional performances will be announced in the coming weeks.

– See more at: WDW News; Christmas Holiday Shows Announced

There will be two new well know names among the Celebrity Narrators features in Epcot’s 2016 Candlelight Processional line-up. Taking part this year, for the first time, in one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved and cherished traditions will be Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famer Cal Ripken, Jr., and Ming-Na Wen, a familiar face (or should we say voice) to most Disney fans as she starred as the voice of Mulan, and is now currently starring in ABC-TV’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”.)

 

Epcot’s annual Candlelight Processional series is part of Epcot’s Holidays Around the World celebration. It features celebrity narrators sharing the story of Christmas while backed by a stellar a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir.

 

The line-up of performers for 2016 includes:

• Steven Curtis Chapman 11/25-27
• Neil Patrick Harris 11/28-12/1
• Whoopi Goldberg 12/2 -12/3
• Edward James Olmos 12/4-12/6
• Robby Benson 12/10 -12/12
• Meredith Vieira 12/13-12/15
• Jim Caviezel 12/16-12/18
• Joe Morton 12/19-12/21
• Ming-Na Wen 12/22-12/24
• Jodi Benson 12/25-12/27
• Cal Ripken jr.. 12/28-12/30

 

This is a favorite among Disney fans who especially cherish the Holidays at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Admission is included with your Epcot Park ticket. Performance will take place each day listed above at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. at the American Gardens Theatre at World Showcase.

It’s the day we all dread. Our Disney vacation is over. We make our way to our “real world” home clinging to the moments we enjoyed and immediately longing for the day we return.

Disney fans have all sorts of coping strategies for dealing with the post-Disney vacation blues, but one of us Griswolds favorites is to bring some of the wonderful tastes of Disney home with us. It definitely helps take the edge of the blues to unwrap and bite into one of our favorite treats from the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

With that in mind, here is our Griswolds Magical Memories list of the Top 10 Treats you can bring home with you:

We all want to make that feeling of being on a Walt Disney World vacation continue after we’ve returned home, and there are many ways you can do that. Most commonly you will bring home a souvenir that will remind you of your vacation, but have you ever thought about purchasing some of the delicious treats served at Walt Disney World to keep tasting the magic once you’ve returned home? Not only have I thought about it, I’ve done it (and I’m sure many of you have as well). Now, please note that my family drives to Walt Disney World, so some of these options will really only work if you drive, but some are available even if you fly. Without further ado, here are my Top 10 Treats to take home:

10. Spices

There are a number of locations where specialty spices, sauces, sweeteners (sugar) and other specialties can be found. And these are among the easiest to not only take home, but also among some of the best Disney gifts to bring back for the foodies on your list. With the opening of Disney Springs, the spice options have been take to a whole new level at the new Spice & Tea Exchange. There are some many things we’ve not seen anywhere else from specialty salts, to flavored sugars…and yes, there is also a rather impressive collection of teas!

9. Lollipops

Who doesn’t lollipop, and what’s better than one from WDW? The options are endless, from big-to-small, from “unicorns” to gigantic swirling versions. Again, very easy to grab some extras and throw them in your bag to have at home.

8. Cupcakes

The “hot” cupcake spot at WDW right now is the new Sprinkles at Disney Springs and, yes, they are extra special. But whether from Sprinkles or elsewhere around the parks and resorts, the cupcakes can be boxed and while they won’t last more than a week or so in terms of freshness, just one or two for those really “sad” days when you just return from your trip can do you a world of good!

7. Karamel Kuche

There are many, many food-related reasons that Germany is one of the favorites for “foodies” around Epcot’s World Showcase. We agree with many other bloggers and travel writers that the pinnacle of Germany’s culinary prowess is the famed Karamel Kuche. Just the smell of the shop makes us happy, and when you bite into one of its delectable treats, you can close your eyes and, just for a minute, be transported back to WDW. Pick any of their caramel treats and consider a prescription to can take home to beat back those post-vacation blues.

6. Mickey “Goldfish”

Two things most every Disney fan likes are Mickey Mouse and Pepperidge Farm Goldfish – and even if you don’t “love” the goldfish crackers, they are shaped like Mickey, so…why not? They come in nicely-sized, very packable containers and it’s easy to grabd a few extras while you are there and stash them at home for those moments when you really need a quick Disney food fix!

5. Special Bakery Treats

We’ve all seen them. Some are specific to specific resorts of bakery shops, and others are available most everywhere. Some require being kept cool. Those are better for those who drive rather than fly to Disney. There are plety, though, that can be easily wrapped (ask the cast member to give you some extra special wrapping fir travel – don’t worry, they’ll “get it!” Smart travelers will actually pack a box of Ziploc bags just for this purpose (and they are also useful in a plethora of other ways.)

4. Once Upon A Vine

Believe it or not, some of the best new wines we have every come across that are not outrageously expensive have been from Disney’s Once Upon a Vine label. You can find them at most all moderate and deluxe resort shops. We’ll never forget the time we found (and tried) a Fess Parker (remember Disney’s Davey Crocket show) that was so good, we ordered a case to be shipped to us when we got home. And, if your really into some fine specialty wines, do not miss the wine shop right at the entrance to Epcot’s Italy Pavilion.

3. Coffee

We admit it, we have a “thing” for Kona coffee. This is among the specialty blends offered at some of the resorts. We essentially do not visit the Polynesian Resort without a stop to grab a bag. Tip: Get the unground variety for a longer shelf life once you are home.

2. Candy from “Around the World”

Candy is candy, but some is better than others, and some of our favorites are the treats that remind us of our magical trips to Disney. As you walk around Epcot’s World Showcase, most countries have candy available that is specific to their country. Pick a few, grab some extra, and stock your candy jar at home with some unusual and tasty treats you (and your friends) are not likely to find elsewhere – at least not without some really serious searching.

1. Rice Krispie Treats or Marshmallow Sticks

There can be only one Mickey Mouse, and there can be only one #1 on our Top 10 list. When t comes to treats you can easily bring home that will help “transport” you back to Disney, there can be only one – Mickey Rice Krispy Marshmallow Treats. Do we rally need to say any more?

Did we miss one of your favorites? Leave a comment and let us know of any you think we should consider for our Top 10 List!

Even the most seasoned and passionate Walt Disney World travelers can have trouble keeping track of all the acronyms used by fellow Disney Fans, Disney Vacation Club members, and even WDW Cast members. It’s a bit of an alphabet soup, if you will.

As always, Griswold’s Magical Memories is here to help. Below is our quick reference list (sometime we even have to check what certain acronyms mean.)

If you see any that we’ve missed (or gotten wrong) please let us know using the Contact us form on our web page.

Walt Disney World Acronyms:

AA – The American Adventure

AA – Audio-Animations

AC – The Adventures Club

AE – Alien Encounter

AC – The Adventurers Club

AE – Alien Encounter

AK – Disney’s Animal Kingdom

AKL – Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort

AP – Annual Pass

AP – Artist Point

AS – Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

ASM – Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

ASM – Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

BatB – Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

BB – Blizzard Beach

BC – Beach Club Resort

BCV – Beach Club Villas

BLT – Bay Lake Tower

BPB – Block Party Bash

BTMRR – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

BWI – Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

BWV – Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

CB – Character Breakfast

CBJ – Country Bear Jamboree

CBR – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

CG – California Grill

CM – Cast Member

CoP – Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

CP – Candlelight Processional

CP – College Program

CP – Crystal Palace

CRO – Central Reservations Office

CRT – Cinderella’s Royal Table

CS – Coronado Springs Resort

CW – Comedy Warehouse

DCA – Disney’s California Adventure

DD – Downtown Disney

DL – Disneyland

DLP – Disneyland Paris

DME – Disney’s Magical Express

DMGM – Disney-MGM Studios

DTD – Downtown Disney

DVC – Disney Vacation Club

EC – Epcot

ECV – Electric Convenience Vehicle

EE – Expedition Everest

EMH – Extra Magic Hours

FLE – Fantasyland Expansion

FoTLK – Festival of the Lion King

FtW – Fort Wilderness

FW – Future World

GF – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

GMR – The Great Movie Ride

GN – Grad Night

HISTA – Honey, I Shrunk the Audience

HM – The Haunted Mansion

HM – Hidden Mickey

HoB – House of Blues

HoP – Hall of Presidents

IASW – It’s A Small World

ITTBAB – It’s Tough To Be A Bug

JC – Jungle Cruise

JIYI – Journey Into Your Imagination

KS – Kilimanjaro Safaris

LBV – Lake Buena Vista

MCO – Orlando International Airport

ME – Magical Express

MGM – Disney-MGM Studios

MK – Magic Kingdom

MNSSHP – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

MS – Mission: SPACE

MSEP – Main Street Electrical Parade

MVMCP – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

OKW – Disney’s Old Key West Resort

PI – Pleasure Island

PO – Disney’s Port Orleans Resort

PoC – Pirates of the Caribbean

POFQ – Port Orleans French Quarter

Poly – Disney’s Polynesian Resort

POR – Port Orleans Riverside

PotC – Pirates of the Caribbean

RC – River Country

RCID – Reedy Creek Improvement District

RNR – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

RoE – IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

SGE – Stitch’s Great Escape

SSE – Spaceship Earth

SFRT – Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse

SM – Splash Mountain

SM – Space Mountain

SoG – Shades of Green

ST – Star Tours

TL – Typhoon Lagoon

ToD – Tapestry of Dreams

ToN – Tapestry of Nations

ToT – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

TSMM – Toy Story Midway Mania

TST – Town Square Theater

TT – Test Track

TTA – Tomorrowland Transit Authority

TTC – Transportation and Ticket Center

UoE – Universe of Energy

VotLM – Voyage of the Little Mermaid

WDW – Walt Disney World Resort

WL – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

WLV – Villas at Wilderness Lodge

WoD – World of Disney

WoL – Wonders of Life

WoM – World of Motion

WS – World Showcase

WWoS – Disney’s Wide World of Sports

WWTBAM – Who Wants to be a Millionaire

Y&B – Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

YC – Disney’s Yacht Club Resort