WDW Daily News

Disneyland® Resort landscapes play a vital role in our immersive storytelling and the Horticulture team continues to use resources are safe, attractive, healthy and using our water resources wisely. In recognition of these efforts, Disneyland Resort has been selected as a winner of the 2019 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards for its environmental efforts and ongoing commitment to water conservation and the use of technology to drive efficiencies in water use. 

Our Horticulture team has diligently worked to reduce water usage by planting water-savvy plants, using advanced technology such as water saving devices, such as weather based irrigation controllers and proficient teamwork.

One of the many ways the Disneyland Resort’s Horticulture team has implemented various water saving is by planting water-savvy plants. When walking around Frontierland, guests are immersed in nature that is fitted to the theming of the land. Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, a guest-favorite restaurant in the land, welcomes diners with the warmth of a hacienda in Mexico, featuring water-savvy plants such as the Echeveria and Russelia.

Strolling over to Tomorrowland, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage queue landscape is created to feel as if you are in ocean habitat, complete with their own water-savvy plants such as the Crassula ovata and Phoenix reclinata. Throughout each land, the beautiful plants not only add to the park’s signature storytelling, but also have a low environmental impact.

Today, the resort consumes less water than it did a decade ago, even with the considerable growth of both parks. Disneyland Resort’s Horticulture team has continued to strive for excellence in environmental efforts for our parks to sustain the magic.

Spaceship Earth is more than just the physical icon of EPCOT – it’s a symbol of how the park continues to evolve. The attraction is a crucial piece of the historic transformation already underway at EPCOT, and the team at Walt Disney Imagineering is excited to start implementing a new vision for Spaceship Earth beginning May 26.

This means Spaceship Earth in its current form will close for a time starting that day, and the ideas WDI are working on inside that geosphere will be well worth the wait. The next iteration of Spaceship Earth will focus on the story of humanity, following our long journey from prehistoric humans to today brought to life with magic and depth that only Disney can deliver. Many of the moments you know and love will be updated in amazing ways, blended with brand-new scenes to tell a story about our human experience.

Today we’re excited to share a few additional details of what guests can expect when this icon returns. Guests will visit Egypt, which is part of the current version of the attraction, but it will be an Egypt like you’ve never seen before, transformed through the power of light.

Throughout the attraction, guests will hear new narration and see how light plays a central role in our shared human journey, coming to life in dynamic ways in a celebration of the magic that’s possible when we all come together.

Walt Disney once said EPCOT “would always be in a state of becoming,” and Spaceship Earth has lived up to that vision for generations. This will be the attraction’s fourth – and most ambitious – update since the park’s grand opening on Oct. 1, 1982.

Ready, set, boo! Vacation planners, today’s the day to start planning your visit to Walt Disney World® Resort for late summer and early fall. That includes getting your tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! 

Tickets are now available for the event that transforms Magic Kingdom® Park into a spook-tacularcelebration. Fun for everyone begins on August 13 and continues on select nights through Nov. 1. 

This devilishly delightful night includes the return of “Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular” fireworks show (hosted by Jack Skellington, telling a Halloween tale about Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy), “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade,” the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show and more! 

During the event, you will have the opportunity to greet favorite Disney characters (some of them wearing Halloween costumes of their own!), go trick-or-treating throughout the park, dance the night away at the Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam and enjoy popular attractions with a special Halloween twist, including Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and Mad Tea Party. 

The fun also includes Halloween décor, delicious food, specialty merchandise, and some bewitching surprises along the way. 

Here are the dates for 2020: 

• August 13, 18, 21, 25, 28
• September 1, 4, 7, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29
• October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
• November 1

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets start at $85. If you buy early, you can save $10!  

We will share more details for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – as well as on-sale dates to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – soon, so keep checking back for updates. 

A selection of new and returning experiences that offer memorable fun for guests of all ages are set to bloom at Walt Disney World Resort® Hotels this spring! Chocolate tastings, painting activities, pirate adventures and more are now accepting reservations for you that are planning a springtime getaway.

NEW! The Chocolate Workshop Presented by The Ganachery

You can come discover the delights of chocolate – nature’s most beautiful ingredient! This hands-on chocolate workshop hosted at the new Disney’s Riviera Resort will give guests a taste of The Ganachery, a specialty chocolate shop located in Disney Springs®. Participants will learn from an expert Chef Chocolatier from The Ganachery how to properly taste chocolate, observe a demonstration on how ganache is made and create their very own chocolate truffle pops. Starting in March, the workshops will take place on Sundays at 11 a.m. at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Classes are $60/person (plus tax). To book a reservation for your Clients, call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Mermaid School

Back by popular demand, Mermaid School at Walt Disney World Resort hotels gives guests ages 4 and older the chance to live out their mermaid dreams by participating in fun pool activities while wearing a swimmable “tail” – just like Ariel! At the end of the experience, guests will now receive a unique medallion to commemorate their time “under the sea.” Mermaid School will be back in session on select dates starting March 1, with classes offered in new additional locations for you to enjoy. This year, Mermaid School experiences will be available at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Riviera Resort. Classes are $55/person (plus tax). Reservations for this experience are now open and can be made through 407-WDW-PLAY.

Crockett’s Craft Corner at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

You can let out your inner-artist at Crockett’s Craft Corner at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground! This two-hour board-and-brush style workshop invites guests ages 8 and up to design, paint and take home their very own rustic wooden sign. As you paint, you can enjoy a complimentary assortment of light food and beverage options. Crockett’s Craft Corner takes place on Wednesday afternoons inside Trails End Restaurant and is priced at $75/person (plus tax). Reservations can be made through 407-WDW-PLAY.

Walt Disney World Resort Fun Runs

If you are looking for a fun way to stay active during your vacation, you should check out one of the many Fun Run opportunities located at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels! These experiences offer scenic views of Walt Disney World, with courses ranging from 1.2-1.8 miles at the following resorts: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s All Star Resorts. 

The total cost for this experience is $15/person (plus tax) and includes a custom bib, finishers prize and a selection of snacks. Guests 2 and under are free, and strollers are welcome during the runs. Bookings may be made for you by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is bringing another year of swashbucklin’ fun for you! This immersive group experience invites kids ages 4-12 to go on an epic pirate adventure with Captain Hook and his crew as they search for hidden treasure, set sail for a short jaunt around Crescent Lake and enjoy a delicious Pirate feast! Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew is the perfect way for kids to make lasting memories in a safe and fun environment as parents enjoy time on their own, such as an evening at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, opening March 4. The cost for this experience is $55 (plus tax) per child. Reservations can be made through 407-824-KIDS.

In summer 2021, Disney Cruise Linewill sail a variety of itineraries around the world including a return to Greece – back by popular demand – and exciting and varied European destinations, Alaska ports and tropical locales. Plus, Disney Cruise Line will visit three first-time ports of call in Greece, Sweden and Norway.

Explore the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Beyond

In summer 2021, a new collection of itineraries is part of Disney Cruise Line’s grand tour of Europe. From May through July, the Disney Magic will visit captivating locales in the Mediterranean including the Greek Isles, Spain and the French Riviera. From late July through September, the ship will transport guests to bucket-list destinations in the British Isles, northern Europe, the Baltic, Iceland and Norwegian fjords.

The Disney Magic will return to the awe-inspiring beauty of Greece in summer 2021, where guests can marvel at the stunning landscapes and archeological wonders of the region, like Santorini with its iconic whitewashed cliffside dwellings and Mykonos with beautiful beaches along the azure Aegean Sea. Four special voyages departing from Rome will visit the Greek Isles, with cruises ranging from eight to 11 nights.

Each of these unique Mediterranean itineraries combines a selection of stops in Greece with visits to other notable cities in the region. Noteworthy ports of call in Greece include Katakolon near ancient Olympia – home to the first Olympic Games – and the gorgeous Greek island of Kefalonia, a first-time port of call for Disney Cruise Line.

Another itinerary highlight is a visit to the picturesque Sicilian harbor city of Messina, where guests can sample tantalizing, locally grown citrus fruits and delectable olives. One cruise features a stop at the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Thewalled medieval Old City of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers spectacular seaside views and centuries-old cobblestoned lanes to explore.

Additional first-time ports of call for Disney Cruise Line include the medieval city of Visby, Sweden, considered to be one of the best-preservedmedieval cities in Scandinavia andthe village of Eidfjord, Norway, home to geographic wonders and situated at the foot of Hardangervidda, Norway’s largest national park.

Adventures in Alaska 

The Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for the 2021 summer season to explore the region’s breathtaking natural vistas, glaciers and wildlife.

Departing from Vancouver, Canada, seven-night itineraries will visit Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Dawes Glacier. One nine-night Alaskan adventure will visit Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan. A special five-night cruise will travel to Dawes Glacier and Ketchikan.

Each Alaska sailing will offer adventure and fun in port and aboard the ship, with stunning scenery, exciting Port Adventures and special Disney Cruise Line touches that will bring the splendor and spirit of “The Last Frontier” to life onboard.

Tropical Vacations to the Caribbean and Bahamas 

In summer 2021, Disney Cruise Line will embark on a variety of vacation voyagesto tropical destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Ranging from three- to nine-night sailings, the varied itineraries allow guests to experience charming island cultures, sunbathe on golden beaches and revel in local marketplaces. Most itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

In addition to seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, near Orlando, Florida, and the Walt Disney World® Resort, the Disney Fantasy will embark on an assortment of itineraries throughout the summer of 2021. These include a six-night sailing and an extended nine-night Caribbean cruise. Three-, four- and five-night Bahamian cruises round out the Disney Fantasy summer season – all including a stop at Castaway Cay. One special five-night cruise features two stops at Disney’s private island.

The Disney Dream will provide even more opportunities for guests to visit Castaway Cay in the summer of 2021 with all three- and four-night Bahamian cruises calling on the private island paradise.

Guided Experiences with Adventures by Disney

In summer 2021, Disney Cruise Line guests can enrich their cruise vacation with a variety of add- on packages from Adventures by Disney, a leader in family guided group vacations. Highlights include a return to Alaska and popular packages in northern Europe and the Mediterranean. 

With Adventures by Disney, guests can book the ultimate Disney cruise experience on select sailings in Alaska and Europe. Throughout the voyage, knowledgeable Adventure Guides provide dedicated service both onboard and in port, as they lead guests on specially curated excursions, interactive activities and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Onboard the ship, guests enjoy unique experiences and premium amenities exclusive to Adventures by Disney, such as an intimate talkback session with Walt Disney Theatre cast members followed by a behind-the-scenes costume and prop activity.

Adventures by Disney also offers popular pre-cruise vacations in Rome; London; Barcelona, Spain; and Copenhagen, Denmark. These two- to three-night Escapes feature unforgettable experiences in iconic cities, such as a private guided tour to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome. Plus, activities like flamenco dancing, mosaic making and preparing local cuisine immerse families in the culture of each region.

Bookings for these Adventures by Disney offerings open to the public on Feb. 27, 2020.

When To Book Summer 2021 Itineraries 

Platinum, Gold or Silver Castaway Clubmembers, can take advantage of the opportunity to book summer 2021 itineraries before they go on sale to the general public on February 27, 2020.  Book either online or by phone during the designated booking window: 

• February 25, 2020: Platinum Members 
• February 26, 2020: Platinum and Gold Members 
• February 27, 2020: Platinum, Gold and Silver Members 
• February 28, 2020: all Guests 

Oh, boy! It’s time for “Vacation Fun!”

The newly re-imagined Mickey Shorts Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® will debut March 4 to feature a one-of-a-kind animated short featuring everyone’s favorite mouse and his leading lady.

The original animated short, “Vacation Fun,” celebrates Mickey and Minnie’s favorite vacation memories, plus a few new adventures! “Vacation Fun,” which is exclusive to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will feature new animation and clips from favorite Mickey shorts, including Panda-monium, Couples Sweaters, Potatoland, Croissant de Triomphe, Entombed, Dumb Luck, Al Rojo Vivo, Yodelburg and Outback at Ya!.

After the show, you can make even more memories by stepping into life-sized versions of beloved animated Mickey shorts, where you can pose for photos with family and friends. Existing shorts from the Mickey Mouse television series that are being used in the post show photo experience are Yodelburg, Potatoland, Entombed and Panda-monium.

Check out the new attraction poster for Vacation Fun, debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios March 4.

There’s so much Mickey & Minnie excitement beginning soon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where a visit to “Vacation Fun” is a great way for you to sit back and enjoy a new short, or snap some pics with some of their favorite Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, and the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction is an opportunity to actually burst into an all-new adventure where they are immersed in the center of a Mickey Mouse cartoon!

Nobody wants to spend more, but higher prices may not be all bad.

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The tastiest time of the year is just around the corner as the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to the Disneyland® Resort on Feb. 28! In addition to the amazing sips, savories and signature events coming for you to enjoy next week, there is an exclusive menu of merchandise items arriving that every Disney foodie must check out! Take a look at the sneak peek! 

For those ready to experience the festival, the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine spirit jersey is the perfect attire to don as you taste their favorite foods. Chef Mickey welcomes all who are ready to eat in this hot pink jersey decked with whimsical food ingredients. And the chef headband makes the perfect accessory! 

Tasting the good life is possible with this year’s tee shirts that celebrate the yummy side of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. You can keep it casual with tees that showcase your inner Disney foodie! They can complete the look with their very own stainless tervis that they can enjoy any beverage in during their visit. 

The merchandise menu doesn’t end there! You can add some Disney touches to your kitchen with the serving bowl, oven mitt and dish towel. The festive kitchen wear will transform their home into a magical festival of its own! 

This year, there is something on the menu for everyone! You can head over to  Festival Gifts (on the Performance Corridor, near Seaside Souvenirs), Studio Store and Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure Park to explore all these limited-time items!

90-plus performers in vibrant costumes will soon bring the “Magic Happens” parade to life when it debuts in Disneyland® Park on Feb. 28. This all-new daytime spectacular celebrates moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories.

Drawing inspiration from modern fashion runways and adding a uniquely Disney flair, these pieces are on the cutting edge of design and technology. Our creative costume team gave us a tour as the team was fitting, stitching and fabricating a few of these elaborate creations. Check out the video below for this behind-the-scenes peek:

The Disney Parks Merchandise Team is now offering MADE—a new and expanded way to customize and create your own Disney merchandise. With MADE, guests will now be able to create customized apparel, including short and long-sleeved T-shirts, (even Disney Springs designs) from a library of Disney art to celebrate everything from family vacations, birthdays, seasonal holidays and more. (Don’t worry, guests will still be able to customize phone cases, MagicBands, magnets, and commemorative bricks as well.) Purchases are ready for pick-up in just a few hours or conveniently delivered to a Disney resort or shipped home.

Guests will start to see this new brand transitioning at current D-Tech on Demand locations inside our retail stores including:

• Magic Kingdom Park – Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.*, Frontierland Trading Post, and Curtain Call Collectables
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Star Wars Launch Bay and Celebrity 5 & 10 Shop
• Disney Springs – Marketplace Co-Op* and NBA Experience
• Disneyland Resort – Star Wars Launch Bay and Star Traders

(*At this time, customized apparel options are available exclusively at Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. and Marketplace Co-Op.)

New designs and art will be continually added to the MADE experience throughout the year.