WDW Daily News

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! It’s that time of year again when I share what I’m thankful for – Disney Edition.  I wanted to focus on something beyond what we all are most thankful for, such as a healthy and safe family, a good job, etc…

I wanted to write about things that I am thankful for, Disney style. Disney has created so many wonderful memories for my family I thought it would be fun to create a list. After reading my list I would like to hear your thoughts via Twitter.

I am thankful for….

• Walt Disney having the vision to create a place where families could have fun together in a safe environment
• The Walt Disney Co. continuously expanding and improving their parks, resorts, and service
• Being able to travel to Walt Disney World (and occasionally Disneyland) several times a year to get a different experience each time
• Having a wife and kids who love Disney as much as I do
• Minnie Mouse opening up her arms to greet my youngest daughter on a pathway at Animal Kingdom and giving her a HUGE hug, which is something she still remembers to this day
• The look of amazement the first time my daughters stepped foot into Magic Kingdom
• The look of joy the first time my daughters met a Princess
• The look of bewilderment on my face when Belle picked me to play Beast at “Storytime with Belle”
• The ability to have two sets of grandparents who “get” what Disney is about and love to vacation with us
• Being able to help friends and families maximize their time during their Walt Disney World vacations
• Being able to see my daughters reaction when she finally reached the magical 48” height mark
• Blizzard Beach’s Summit Plummet helping me overcome my fear of heights
• Disney Vacation Club allowing our family to have accommodations that we otherwise might not be able to afford
• The smell of the Pop Century lobby after a 20 hour drive
• The ability to head right to your room without checking in after a 20 hour drive and arriving late in the night. (Thank you Magic Bands)
• Entering my resort room, turning on the TV, and hearing the sounds of Walt Disney World Today Channel
• The time we were able to experience riding in the front of the monorail
• My youngest daughter, Peyton, who has Polycystic Kidney Disease, to be healthy enough to ride most attractions that she wants to
• Being able to “scream like a little girl” on Expedition Everest and fitting right in with everyone else
• Not looking like a fool wearing a crazy Disney hat around the parks
• Having a place where I can make a wish and truly believe it will come true
• Imagineers always wanting to “plus” an attraction
• Being old enough that my daughter, Jacey, had already completed the Disney College Program
• Being fortunate enough to start planning another Disney trip right now

In just over a month, Marvel Day at Sea returns to the Disney Magic! On special five-night Caribbean and Bahamian cruises sailing from Miami in early 2020, you can enjoy a thrilling, day-long adventure by immersing yourself into Marvel comics, films and animated series. With activities for the entire family, everyone can tap into their own, inner Super Hero.

Journey into the Mystic Arts with Doctor Strange
In the Walt Disney Theatre, learn the power of the Mystic Arts and join the battle against the Dark Dimension with the help of Doctor Strange. Guests can even try their hand at creating inter-dimensional portals.

Train in the Marvel Super Hero Academy
Super Heroes are assembling to teach the heroic values of enlightenment, worthiness and loyalty through a variety of courses in the Marvel Super Hero Academy. Inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club, kids learn to summon their inner super strength, participate in special secret agent training sessions and visit with some of their favorite Super Heroes like Spider-Man and Thor. 

Assemble for the “Heroes Unite” deck show
The entire family can assemble to witness this exciting battle at sea where Marvel Super Heroes and Villains face off in an epic finale. This nighttime spectacular features incredible stunts, special effects, pyrotechnics and music.

Read more

Embark on an amazing culinary adventure and raise a glass to the new Winemaker Dinner Series coming to Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Resort in 2020!

Steakhouse 55, the signature fine dining restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel, will offer one-of-a-kind, multi-course menus, expertly paired to selections from renowned wineries on select dates throughout the year.  A visiting vintner will guide guests through each wine’s journey from grape to glass and explain why it was chosen to accompany their meal.

The first event on January 15, 2020, features Wente Vineyards, the country’s longest, continuously operated, family-owned winery founded in 1883.  Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the Wente family has drawn from their California estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. These include chardonnay, merlot, pinot noir and rosé, to name a few, which are currently exported to 75 countries around the globe. Aly Wente, senior brand manager and fifth generation wine grower, will share her family’s passion and stories about each wine.

Read more

In 2020,D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is bringing back many of its most popular events, adding incredible new experiences, and putting new twists on fan favorites.

D23 DESTINATION D: FANTASTIC WORLDS: Returning to Walt Disney World Resort next November 20–22, Destination D will honor Disney’s many magical places, from the extraordinary to the fantastical. In addition, the Walt Disney Archives, which turns 50 next year, is creating an all-new exhibit that will include 50 iconic treasures, representing the 50 years of the Archives. And Walt Disney Imagineering’s store, Mickey’s of Glendale, will once again open a pop-up shop featuring exclusive items, just for the weekend. Additional details, including special hotel rates and ticketing information, will be announced in late spring.

D23 CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES: In addition to the new exhibit coming to Destination D, D23 Members will be invited to a special Grand Opening Preview ofInside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, Calif., on Saturday, March 4, 2020. Plus, on June 22, the actual anniversary of the founding of the Archives, D23 will hold a special “birthday party” at the Bowers Museum. And next year, D23 will offer two exclusive D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: A Day at the Studio Lot, for an exciting look behind the incredible work that goes on every day at the Walt Disney Archives.

WALT’S MARCELINE: Walt frequently cited this charming Missouri town, where he spent his early childhood, as one of his greatest influences. In fact, its lovely main thoroughfare was an inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. D23 Members will have a chance to explore the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, enjoy local treats, and mingle with special guests during this full-day event.

Read more

Disneyland After Dark—the specially themed, after-hours park experience featuring unique entertainment, special food, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, collectible merchandise and more—kicks off 2020 with four distinct events at the Disneyland Resort! 

These separately ticketed evening events grant your Clients special access to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure park after closing. Select attractions will also remain open exclusively for event guests, usually with shorter wait times! In addition, guests will receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the party.

Here are the details:



80s Nite

Jan. 29, Disneyland Park

Stroll down memory lane during this throwback bash packed with totally tubular fun! Dust off those leg warmers, shoulder pads and other vintage looks for 80s Nite to enjoy:

• “Flashback To Videopolis!” takeover of the Fantasyland Theatre with a live VJ, music videos and dancers boogieing to the decade’s hottest hits. 
• “Awesome After Dark – Fireworks To The Max!” fireworks show, high-energy musical entertainment and more.
• “Throwback”-style encounters with Disney friends of yesteryear.
• Immersive photo opportunities with a nostalgic twist.
• Decade-inspired décor, food, beverages and merchandise offerings.
• Access to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m.

Sweethearts’ Nite

Feb. 12 and Feb. 13, Disneyland Park

The Happiest Place on Earth will once again transform into the most romantic—with an extra pinch of pixie dust! Experience the ultimate date night in style with: 

• Love song-themed dance parties throughout the park, as well as a glitzy royal ball.
• Encounters with darling Disney couples, including Cinderella and Prince Charming, Aladdin and Jasmine, and of course, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
• Romantic photo opportunities featuring sweet scenes from iconic Disney films.
• Lovely décor, food, beverages and merchandise offerings.
• Access to Disneyland park starting at 6 p.m.

PIXAR Nite

Mar. 5, Disney California Adventure Park 

Spend an exciting night celebrating some of the world’s best-loved stories and characters from Pixar Animation Studios! Check out all that Pixar Nite has to offer, including: 

• Interactive dance parties themed to favorite Pixar stories, including the retro-cool Incredibles family and scare-tastic gang from Monsters, Inc.
• Encounters with crowd-pleasing Pixar pals, including Russel and Carl from “Up” and Joy and Sadness from “Inside Out.”
• Playfully fun photo opportunities. 
• Whimsical décor, food, beverages and merchandise offerings.
• Access to Disney California Adventurepark starting at 5 p.m.

Villains Nite

Apr. 30, Disney California Adventure Park 

This deliciously sinister soiree is bursting with Disney’s most mischievous misfits! At Villains Nite guests can experience:

• Villains Cabaret with a cast of outlaws singing and dancing their way through a riff-raff-lovin’ revue.
• Spellbinding DJ-hosted dance parties and sing-alongs throughout the park. 
• Encounters with some of Disney’s famously nefarious fiends or their henchmen!  
• Photo opportunities themed to popular villain lairs and thrones. 
• Dastardly décor, food, beverages and merchandise offerings.
• Access to Disney California Adventurepark starting at 6 p.m.

A limited quantity of tickets for each event will be available beginning next week:

• Dec. 3: Tickets on sale for DisneylandResort Annual Passholders
• Dec. 4: Tickets on sale for general public

*The number of tickets available are limited and valid only for the specific event date and hours. Parking fees are not included in the ticket price.  Tickets can be purchased online, at Disney Desk locations in participating Good Neighbor Hotels, or by calling (714) 781-4636until the day before the event, or at any Disneyland® Resort Ticket Booth.  Limit eight (8) tickets per person, and no discounts apply. Tickets not required for Guests ages 2 and under. Tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable and may not be resold. Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dress/ for restrictions.  Offer and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice.

Read more

Earlier this month, Walt Disney Imagineers and Magic Kingdom Park cast members celebrated a milestone in the construction of the TRON Lightcycle / Run attraction, when the final piece of the attraction’s ride track was lowered into place.

TRON Lightcycle / Run is a coaster-style attraction that will allow riders to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling race through the digital frontier. A similar attraction exists at Shanghai Disneyland, where it opened in 2016, and became an instant guest-favorite.

Our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering just shared this video with us, which offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the Tomorrowland attraction is coming together.

TRON Lightcycle / Run is set to open at Magic Kingdom Park in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary in 2021.

In celebration of the film release of Disney’s “Frozen 2,” we are giving you an up-close look at the beautiful dresses inspired by this epic new adventure, which Anna and Elsa will be wearing as they visit Disney Parks.

Anna and Elsa can be seen sporting their new royal attire as they set out on a journey around the world. You can meet them at Royal Sommerhus at Epcot and as part of Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome at Disney California Adventure Park when they head west. The sisters will also be traveling to Frozen Fantasy Gardens Village at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Disney’s “Frozen 2” is now playing in theaters!

When Frozen Celebration begins at Disneyland Paris next year, Anna and Elsa will also be attending in their “Frozen 2” attire.

Also, available first at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris and Shanghai Disney Resort, kids can get in on the action with new dresses inspired by these royal looks exclusively available at Disney Parks through Nov. 30 along with an abundance of other “Frozen 2” merchandise. Stay tuned as these new dresses will soon be available at Disney Stores and online at shopDisney.com on Nov. 30!

Get the latest “Frozen 2” merchandise at the following locations:

• Disneyland Resort: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Disney Showcase in Disneyland park, Off the Page in Disney California Adventure park and World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District
• Walt Disney World Resort: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Magic Kingdom Park, Disney Springs and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Emporium and Sir Mickey’s at Magic Kingdom Park, Mickey’s of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Fjording in Epcot and World of Disney in Disney Springs
• Disneyland Paris: World of Disney in Disney Village, Emporium and La Chaumière des Sept Nains at Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Store at Walt Disney Studios Park
• Shanghai Disney Resort: World of Disney in Disneytown and Avenue M Arcade, Be Our Guest Boutique, Tinker Bell Gifts and Mickey & Minnie’s Mercantile at Shanghai Disneyland

Headed overseas to Shanghai Disneyland? You’re in luck! Songs from “Frozen 2” will be incorporated into the “Frozen: A Sing-Along Celebration” show. What’s more, Anna and Elsa will appear in their new dresses while they perform, reflecting their continued adventures in the new film.

After you’ve seen the film, you’ll also be able to relive some of your favorite moments when you visit select Disney Parks and catch the sneak peek at scenes from “Frozen 2.” 

A special look at moments from the film is presented daily in the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure park, for those seeing “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion!” A sneak peek of the film is also being shown as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Why was Elsa born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she’ll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In “Frozen,” Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In “Frozen 2,” she must hope they are enough. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” is now open!

Frozen 2 was released in theaters around the world last week and guess what? It made heaps and heaps of money. More money than any animated film has ever made in an opening weekend, in fact. Frozen 2 made $350 million at the global box office, according to Box Office Mojo, $127 million of which was from the US.

Full Story

As part of Project Stardust, the Disneyland Resort—and specifically Disneyland park—has been undergoing a number of enhancements to continue to deliver a world-class Guest experience. The enhancements have ranged from overall beautification of the theme park to maxi­mizing Guest flow. The latest of these efforts include a new entrance for Tomorrowland.

If guests are in the parks this holiday season, they’ll notice work is currently underway. A new look will be completed in 2020, but we wanted to share a first look today!

When planning, Imagineers wanted to open up the space and improve access into the land. However, it was important to maintain its overall complexion—with trees and beautiful planters. As shown in this rendering, Guests will soon be entering Tomorrowland on a widened pathway lined with elliptical planters that are filled with swirls of colorful flowers.

You may recognize that this new threshold into the future pays homage to Tomorrowland entrances of yesterday. Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine noted, “Tomorrowland has always represented a feeling of optimism. [Imagineer] John Hench originally designed the land with this notion of being wide open to innovative ideas and technology. When we started looking at the different Tomorrowland entrances through the years, both the 1955 and 1967 versions had a very optimistic appeal which resonated with us.”

When “new” Tomorrowland debuted in 1967, Walt Disney and his Imagineers envisioned this land as a “world on the move,” featuring a variety of futuristic vehicles zooming around and the Googie architecture that had become representative of the Space Age. Today’s Imagineers are creating Space Age-inspired spires, which will flank the entrance.

We look forward to revealing the new entrance soon, welcoming future generations to tomorrow.