WDW Daily News

The Disneyland® Resort will once again transform into the Merriest Place on Earth as you begin your holidays here, Nov. 8, 2019 through Jan. 6, 2020. This festive season will include many holiday traditions, including cheerful entertainment, yuletide treats, specialty merchandise, sparkling décor and seasonal transformations of select attractions!

At Disney California Adventure® Park, “World of Color – Season of Light” will dazzle with its holiday-themed spectacular of lights, lasers, water, fire and hundreds of fountains bringing animation to life. Festival of Holidays returns, bringing the spirit of the season to life through the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas/Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day (Jan. 3-6). For the residents of Cars Land, two attractions rely on holiday magic to transform into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.

At Disneyland® Park, holiday magic shines brightly with the glistening Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle. Returning entertainment includes “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular and “A Christmas Fantasy” parade. In addition, one-of-a-kind seasonal transformations will once again take over “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Stay tuned  for more details as we get closer to the start of the holiday season at the Disneyland Resort on Nov. 8!

Today we’re sharing 5 reasons that a cruise aboard the Disney Dream is a dream come true. Take a look! 

1. It’s the perfect option for a land and sea vacation. A short cruise aboard the Disney Dream is best when combined with a visit to our Parks. The Disney Dream departs from Port Canaveral, Florida, less than an hour drive from Walt Disney World® Resort, so you can easily extend your 3- or 4-night cruise into a weeklong Disney vacation. 

2. All Disney Dream cruises visit our dreamy private island. The views on Castaway Cay are like something out of a movie, with pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The best part is that this sliver of paradise is fitted with everything you need for a day at the beach, including lounge chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, water activities and an all-you-care-to-eat lunch buffet.

3. You will be enchanted by a tale as old as time. In a whole new way. Exclusively on the Disney Dream, “Beauty and the Beast” is the newest Disney Cruise Line musical to hit the stage aboard our ships. The production was developed by a team of talented Broadway artists who adapted the story for the stage with innovative puppetry, cutting-edge theatrical design and breakthrough story-telling techniques.

4. Everyone in the family will be entertained. Like all Disney ships, the Disney Dream has venues and activities designed specifically for each member of the family. While the kids are piloting the Millennium Falcon and making new friends in the youth spaces, the grown-ups can live it up in The District – a playground just for adults in the evenings. Of course, there’s a ton for the family to do together, too, like our deck parties, live shows and the thrilling AquaDuck water coaster.

5. There are plenty of ways for you to treat yourself. Whether you indulge in fine dining at Remy and Palo, a luxurious treatment at Senses Spa or a decadent dessert at Vanellope’s, you can spoil themselves and their loved ones all day long. To surprise the kids with something extra-special, book an appointment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for a princess, knight or pirate makeover so they can feel like the royalty they truly are!

It’s time for Christmas in July! Although it may be a bit too warm out for sweaters and Santa hats, it’s the perfect excuse for to give you the gift of exciting new Disney Parks news. For the first time ever during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, select Magic Kingdom® attractions are receiving special enhancements just for the holidays!

When you get behind the wheel on the Tomorrowland Speedway, they’ll find yourself cruising a festive freeway filled with thousands of lights and stylized décor. The crew at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is putting some “Ha Ha Ha” in their “Ho Ho Ho,” with a new show for everyone visiting the Monster World during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Space Mountain launches Guests on a trippy jaunt through the cosmos, filled with dazzling lighting and high-energy holiday tunes, and Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland becomes a wild and wacky Christmas party, as Guests spin their teacups to one of four new holiday combos of lights and music.

All this is in addition to the brand new “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” show, debuting this year. And there are plenty of returning favorites like “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration,” “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas,” Club Tinsel, the Disney Junior Jingle Jam and “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade”, not to mention sparkling décor, complimentary treats and a magical snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.

And don’t forget about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The party starts at Magic Kingdom Park on Nov. 8 and is offered select nights through Dec. 22, 2019. 

With only one month left until Disney’s highly anticipated D23 Expo in Anaheim on August 23–25, Marvel announced a thrilling show floor lineup that includes guest appearances and panels, stage events, exclusive merchandise, and more!   Inside the Marvel Studios Pavilion on the show floor, fans can step inside the action of Avengers: Endgame via a D23 Expo-exclusive video experience, and tour the costume gallery to see costumes worn by characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.   Throughout the weekend, Marvel Studios will host panel conversations with filmmakers and artists, as well as special talent signings inside the Pavilion. Fans can test their encyclopedic knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with daily trivia games for prizes.    Showcasing an array of new experiences for guests around the world to enjoy for years to come, the Disney Parks “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” Pavilion will give fans a unique look at Tony Stark’s latest plans to recruit guests to join alongside the Avengers in fully immersive areas filled with action and adventure in Hong Kong, Paris, and California.   Outside of the Pavilion, fans won’t want to miss Marvel’s exciting film, television, animation, and comic book panels and stage events. These include:   How to Draw the Marvel Way  Friday, August 23, 3:30 p.m. PT, and Saturday, August 24, 3 p.m. PT, Center Stage Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski, Creative Director of Themed Entertainment Brian Crosby, and some of Marvel’s top artists take you step by step through a creative tutorial on how to draw your favorite Marvel characters! Marvel Animation’s Venom Invasion and a World Premiere! Friday, August 23, 6 – 7 p.m. PT, Stage 28 Join Marvel Animation for an exciting panel full of sneak peeks, special guests, and big announcements, including scoop on fan-favorite series Marvel’s Spider-Man and the world premiere of the new Marvel Rising special Battle of the Bands!   The Walt Disney Studios Hall D23 Presentation Saturday, August 24, 10 a.m. – noon, Hall D23 The Walt Disney Studios will present a behind-the-scenes look at its blockbuster collection of upcoming films, including a peek at exciting projects from Marvel Studios. As always, attendees will be treated to exclusive footage, special guest appearances, and more!   MARVEL COMICS: Marvel 80th Anniversary Saturday, August 24, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. PT, Stage 28 Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski and Executive Editor Tom Brevoort take you through the amazing, incredible, and uncanny history of Marvel Comics! Get the inside scoop on the House of Ideas—from Captain America to Captain Marvel! As part of Marvel’s 80th anniversary celebration this year, this commemorative panel looks back at the history of the Marvel Universe, honoring the iconic characters and timeless stories that have inspired fans all around the world. Marvel will continue celebrating this milestone with its characters and fans in exciting ways all year—from comics and games, to digital shows, toys, collectibles, and more.   Additional panel details will be released in the coming days and made available on the D23 Expo app.   Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children ages 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $79 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children ages 3–9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.   ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media. For more information visit marvel.com.  © 2019 MARVEL   ABOUT D23 EXPO 2019 D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2019 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.   ABOUT D23 The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.   Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Family Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

You can celebrate the magic of the holidays at The Most Magical Place on Earth with the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package at Walt Disney World® Resort. You’ll check-in on Dec. 21, 2019 and check out on Dec. 26, 2019, and enjoy an itinerary full festive fun in between! 

Check out the included Yuletide offerings:

• Dec. 21, 2019– EXCLUSIVE nighttime access to experience Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey and Expedition Everest®. Plus catch an exclusive showing of the park’s new Rivers of Light: We Are One show.
• Dec. 22, 2019– Celebrate the season with tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® Park. 
• Dec. 23 or Dec. 24, 2019 (one night per reservation)– EXCLUSIVE reserved viewing area at World View Plaza to watch Epcot® Forever, an all-new nighttime spectacular. Plus, each Guest (ages 3 and up) will receive a digital $50 Epcot Theme Park Dine Promo Card to use at participating Epcot locations.
• Dec. 25, 2019– An Ultimate Disney Christmas gift delivered to your Client’s room. 
• Dec. 26, 2019– Bid a fond farewell 

This package includes a 5-night stay at a select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort hotel and 4-day theme park tickets with Park Hopper Option. For example, for just $199 per person, per night (total package price of $3,980), a family of four can stay in a standard room at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. 

Book now through Oct. 26, 2019 to take advantage of this unique offer! 

Price based on 2 adults, 1 junior (ages 10–17) and 1 child (ages 3–9). The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. The number of packages available for purchase is limited. Deposit due at time of booking. Valid Theme Park admission is required to attend Theme Park events included in this package. Theme Park ticket is valid for admission beginning on 12/21/19 and must be used by 12/27/19. Special event ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is valid only on 12/22/19. Exclusive fireworks viewing area at Epcot® is one night per reservation; viewing night to be chosen at time of reservation and is reserved in order booked. Capacity for each night is limited. Epcot® Theme Park Dine Promo Card will be sent on 12/23/19 to email provided at check-in. One Ultimate Disney Christmas gift per room. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes the following room types: campsites, 3-bedroom Grand Villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

The Epcot® Theme Park Dine Promo Card (“Promo Card”) is not valid for use until purchased, activated and monetary value added. Card will be active 12/23/19 through 12/26/19. After 12/26/19, any unused funds will be forfeited. The Promo Card can only be used at select participating locations at Walt Disney World Resort, at select food locations at Epcot®, select third-party lessees and select Operating Participants for food and beverage. Check with individual locations for program participation before redemption. For participating locations and additional terms and conditions visit disneyterms.com/epcotdinepromo. Except as required by applicable law: The Promo Card is not redeemable for cash; cannot be replaced if lost, damaged or stolen without required proof of purchase and complete dine card number; may not be resold in any manner whatsoever; and may not be used toward the purchase of any Disney Dollars or gift certificates/cards or toward the purchase of a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club® Resort. The Promo Card is issued by Disney Gift Card Services, Inc., which reserves the right to modify, alter, amend or change the terms and conditions of program upon notice at disneyterms.com/epcotdinepromo. 

Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to plan and book your vacation.

Every year, Disney produces more and more live-action retellings of their beloved animated features. 2019 saw three of their biggest remakes hit theaters: Dumbo, Aladdin, and now The Lion King. Yes, The Lion King is completely CGI, but that photorealism is precisely what we’re talking about. Realistic-looking takes on Disney classics gives them refreshing makeovers and another chance at the box office. With Disney’s massive library of classics, they have plenty of animated movies to choose from. What will they remake next?

Full Story

By: Disney DestinationsJuly 24, 2019

Are you looking for the COOLEST and HIPPEST new spot to hang out at the Disneyland® Resort? Then be sure to encourage them to fly on over to the planet of Batuu to visit the Black Spire Outpost, where they’ll find a fun cantina hidden away among the streets of the outpost. Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the notorious watering hole where smugglers, bounty hunters, and weary travelers of all ages can come partake in some out of this world refreshments.

When you step inside, they’ll be greeted with the musical stylings of DJ R-3X (also known as DJ REX), the former Starspeeder 3000 pilot droid we first met in Star Tours. With his quirky banter and rad beats, Guests are sure to have a good time as they partake in concoctions made from unique “otherworldly” ingredients from across the galaxy.

One of these concoctions is the Hyperdrive (Punch It!) – a non-alcoholic specialty beverage featuring Powerade Mountain Berry Blast, white cranberry juice, black cherry purée, and Sprite. Or Guests can sip on the Jabba Juice, a yummy beverage featuring Simply Orange with pineapple, kiwi, cantaloupe, and blueberry popping pearls. For the adults, the Fuzzy Tauntaun is a delicious concoction with peach vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice with tangerine, pure cane sugar, and “buzz button tingling” foam. And while you are partaking in these refreshing treats, they can even snack on some Batuu Bits for a light and crispy galactic snack.

To make trip planning easier and give you more flexibility, Oga’s Cantina now offers advance reservations, which are highly recommended because walk-in opportunities are limited. Soon, Oga’s Cantina (as well as Savi’s Workshop) will follow the 60-day reservation process currently offered for restaurants and experiences requiring reservations. To make reservations for you, visit the Disneyland.com/Cantina.

Singer and songwriter Darius Rucker poses with Woody at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Tuesday, July 9, 2019. (Matt Stroshane, Photographer)

 D23 Expo 2019 will be a must for fans of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. An immersive pavilion will provide an insider’s look at new themed lands, attractions, shows, and more, in addition to a jam-packed schedule of entertaining presentations and a number of exclusive shopping opportunities for every Disney fan.

Showcasing an array of new experiences for guests around the world to enjoy for years to come, the Disney Parks “Imagining Tomorrow, Today” pavilion will give fans a unique look at the exciting developments underway at Disney parks around the world. Attendees will see a dedicated space showcasing the historic transformation of Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort. They will also see Tony Stark’s latest plans to recruit guests to join alongside the Avengers in fully immersive areas filled with action and adventure in Hong Kong, Paris, and California.

The fan-favorite Hall D23 presentation with Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, will take place Sunday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. Guests will be treated to more details on much-anticipated attractions, experiences, and transformative storytelling that set Disney apart.

During the three-day event, fans can scoop up never-before-seen collectibles across the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products-operated retail shops on the Expo floor: shopDisney.com | Disney Store, Disney DreamStore, Mickey’s of Glendale, and Mickey’s of Glendale Pin Store. Attendees will be introduced to new collections that celebrate milestone anniversaries and favorite characters across Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel, along with must-have official D23 Expo 2019 gear and accessories, nostalgic Disney Parks-inspired items, and limited-edition collectibles celebrating Walt Disney Imagineering’s heritage.

There are many other exciting offerings to discover, including several special panel presentations:

The Music and Sounds of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Friday, August 23, 12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena 

Sound design is an instrumental layer of storytelling found throughout every Disney park, resort, and cruise ship. Join Imagineering Music Studio lead Matt Walker in discussing the creative process behind the original music and sound design heard throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Join Imagineers and collaborators who will share how they developed all-new iconic soundscapes while taking inspiration from the rich legacy of Star Wars music and sound design, from the land’s epic John Williams-composed musical score to the sounds of low-flying starships.

Behind the Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between

Friday, August 23, 4 p.m., Stage 28

Celebrate the imagination, passion, and attention to detail in creating Disney costumes. Go behind the scenes with the team that crafted the dazzling new Walt Disney Archives exhibit on the D23 Expo show floor and its accompanying coffee table book.

Haunted Mansion: Celebrating 50 Years

Saturday, August 24, 12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena 

Celebrate Disney’s famed home of 999 happy haunts. The attraction’s rich history has generated global fandom from both the living and the unliving. Our ghost host has assembled a procession of bodies you will be dying to meet!

Immersive Worlds: Bringing Stories to Life in Disney Parks
Saturday, August 24, 3:30 p.m., Stage 28
Disney Imagineers continue Walt Disney’s legacy in creating themed environments where beloved stories and characters come to life. Join Imagineers Joe Rohde and Scott Trowbridge to learn about the creative process for dreaming up and developing new Disney experiences as we invite guests to enter authentic worlds previously seen only in a film, a book, or one’s imagination.

Travels with Marty: A Conversation with the Sklars and Imagineers

Saturday, August 24, 6 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage

Celebrate the legacy of Disney Legend Marty Sklar as his colleagues, mentees, and family recount the journey of publishing his last book and discuss his lasting impact on The Walt Disney Company.

Inspiring Women Behind Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Sunday, August 25, 2 p.m., Stage 28

Meet some of the talented women from across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products responsible for bringing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life. Hear stories about their roles and experiences in developing everything from the original backstories of the land and its inhabitants, to the themed merchandise, galactic fare, and the interactive elements found throughout Black Spire Outpost.

Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career with Kevin Rafferty

Sunday, August 25, 4 p.m., Walt Disney Archives Stage

Join veteran Imagineer Kevin Rafferty as he reminisces about a career spanning 40-plus years, from a dishwasher at Disneyland to builder of immersive worlds. Kevin explains his path to Imagineering and talks about his new book.

Marc Davis in His Own Words – Imagineering the Disney Theme Park

Sunday, August 25, 5:30 p.m., Stage 28

Authors Pete Docter and Christopher Merritt reveal their magnificent two-volume tribute to the artwork and career of Disney Legend Marc Davis. Featuring artwork from Marc for the creation of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, the presentation will also highlight the 50th anniversary of the storied attraction.

Disney Store Artist Signing Schedule

Friday, August 23 – Saturday, August 24, Talent Central

Come meet the artists and designers behind some of our amazing D23 Expo product ranges:

• Disney Pixar Tiki Mug Signing with Jerome Ranft – Friday, August 23, 4 – 5 p.m., Talent Central
• Midnight Masquerade and Animator Villains Collections with Steve Thompson and Courtney Watkinson – Saturday, August 24, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Talent Central
• The Little Mermaid 30th Anniversary Collection with Steve Thompson, Bryan Mon, Daria Vinogradova, Diana Tran, and Cathy Clark-Ramirez – Saturday, August 24, 4 – 5 p.m., Talent Central  

Disney Parks Designer Collection Artist Signing Schedule

Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25, Talent Central

Meet the artists behind the latest releases from this exclusive, limited-release collection of Mickey ear hats and Minnie ear headbands:

• Jerrod Maruyama – Friday, August 23, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Talent Central; Saturday, August 24, 12:30 – 2 p.m., Talent Central  
• SHAG – Saturday, August 24, 2  – 3:30 p.m., Talent Central  
• Noah Fine Art – Saturday, August 24, 2  – 3:30 p.m., Talent Central  
• Ashley Eckstein for Her Universe – Saturday, August 24, 9:30  – 11 a.m., Talent Central; Sunday, August 25, 5 – 6:45 p.m., Talent Central

Single-day tickets for Friday and Sunday of D23 Expo 2019 are available for $89 for one-day adult admission and $69 for children ages 3–9. Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $79 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children ages 3–9. Single-day Saturday tickets and three-day passes are sold out. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2019, visit D23Expo.com.

About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of Disney into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 60 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in the United States, Europe, and Asia with approximately 160,000 cast members; a top-rated cruise line with four ships and plans for three more to be completed in 2021, 2022, and 2023; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai‘i; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business; the world’s largest children’s print publisher; the world’s largest games licensor across all platforms; more than 200 Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and consumer products—including books, games, and merchandise.

About D23 Expo 2019

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2019 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99), Gold Family Membership ($129.99), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.