WDW Daily News

Duffy is currently meeting guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios inside the Christmas Toy Shop next to Mama Melrose and Pizzarizzo. We are not sure how long he will be here for meet and greets but we are guessing through New Years Eve.

How many wonders can one cavern hold? What’s a fire and why does it burn? When will a stage show return to the Animation Courtyard theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? All valid questions – which we can’t wait to dive into!

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” a fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid,” will debut in the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theater in fall 2024. 

As part of our continued investment in the parks experience, Disney Live Entertainment has been dreaming up innovative ways to bring new life to the beloved story of Ariel’s journey to be part of the human world. When it opens, the show will feature stunning new set pieces, cutting-edge effects, and a bold new design that captures Ariel’s imagination and emotions through her unique view of the world around her.

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will have guests flipping their fins to musical numbers inspired by the film including “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and more. Check out this beautiful concept artwork of the show’s “Kiss the Girl” scene – an all-new addition that captures the magic of this fresh production. 

With construction inside the theater well underway, we can’t wait to share more in the coming months as the show comes together. 

December 18, 2023

2024 is looking bright at Walt Disney World Resort! Throughout the year we’ve been sharing updates that will make planning a vacation simpler, and today we are sharing a few tips to help make the most out of a visit.

Good-To-Go Days Calendar Coming Jan. 11

In 2024, resolve to be more spontaneous with “good-to-go” days for Annual Passholders! As Passholders prepare for their visits next year, we wanted to share more about how good-to-go days will work:

• On good-to-go days, Annual Passholders may enter the theme parks without needing a reservation (blockout dates will continue to apply like they do today).
• The theme park reservation calendar, Annual Passholder admissions calendar and My Disney Experience app will show days that are good-to-go. The first good-to-go days will be added to the calendars starting Jan. 11, 2024.
• Good-to-go days will be added periodically and may be released days or weeks in advance.

With the return of all-day Park Hopper access, Passholders can enter another Walt Disney World theme park any time during park hours.* Annual Passholders may also continue to visit without a park reservation after 2 p.m. unless visiting Magic Kingdom Park on a Saturday or Sunday (blockout dates continue to apply).

And beginning Jan. 9…

All-Day Park Hopper Access is Coming Back

Have a ticket with Park Hopper benefits or an Annual Pass? If so, don’t forget guests may visit another theme park ANY TIME OF DAY during park hours (subject to capacity limitations).* Start the morning watching the sun rise over the savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, then head on over to EPCOT to lunch around the world.

Theme Park Reservation Updates

Guests who purchase date-based tickets, the standard Disney theme park tickets, no longer need to make theme park reservations!

Dining Plans Return

The convenience and peace of mind of pre-paying for meals and snacks is right around the corner as Disney Resort hotel guests may once again purchase vacation packages with dining plans. Choose from two popular options: Packages that include either the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan or the Disney Dining Plan. Both plans are a great value for families with young children!

What’s New with Dining Plans

For all the Disney foodies out there, dining reservations are open for booking for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package with a Disney dining plan for arrivals in January through early February! Guests can book dining up to 60 days in advance, and as a Disney Resort hotel guest, guests may book dining for their entire length of stay (up to 10 days).

Pro tip: We recently made it easier to check availability so guests can now see every available reservation for their selected location and date!

Here are some additional tips to help get the most out of a dining plan:

• Guests may redeem meals and snacks at any time during their stay.
• Guests can see how many meals and snacks they have remaining in the My Disney Experience app. And don’t forget, using mobile order service in the app makes it easy to find quick and nearby dining options using a dining plan!

From the return of fan-favorites like dining plans and all-day Park Hopper access to the introduction of good-to-go days, there’s much to look forward to in the New Year. And there’s even more on the horizon later in 2024 – like the completion of the transformation of EPCOT and the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom Park! Stay tuned to Disney Travel News for updates.

*To use the Park Hopper benefit, Annual Passholders must make a theme park reservation for the first park they plan to visit AND enter that first park prior to visiting another. Or, they can enter a theme park without a reservation on a “good-to-go” day for that park or after 2 p.m. (except Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays) before visiting another park. Passes are subject to the Walt Disney World Resort Annual Pass Terms and Conditions.

December 18, 2023

Travel Weekly readers have spoken and Disney has received two 2023 Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards! 

For the 21^st year in a row, Walt Disney World Resort has been named the Best Theme Park. With unforgettable new experiences across our four theme parks, unique resorts to explore and so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Walt Disney World Resort is The Most Magical Place on Earth.

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December 18, 2023

With Christmas Day now just a week away, we thought it’d be a perfect time to share a special look at the 19 elaborately decorated Christmas trees (including some guests can interact with) at this year’s Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth at Walt Disney World Resort!

From now until Dec. 30, Disney Springs is decorated to the nines for the holidays with special experiences, decor and 19 beautiful Christmas trees designed for fans of Disney favorites like “Encanto,” “Frozen,” Star Wars and more!

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December 15, 2023

Walt Disney World has announced the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will return on Feb. 28, 2024!

This fan-favorite springtime event will be abloom with brilliant gardens, fresh flavors and lively entertainment. Guests can marvel at the topiary displays, gardens and exhibits, and enjoy all the delicious menu items the outdoor kitchens have to offer.

We look forward to sharing more details about the festival soon!

We’re continuing our holiday fun this week with a special look at some can’t miss experiences at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth.

This popular EPCOT festival is a celebration of the holidays like none other – packed with dazzling live entertainment like the popular Candlelight Processional and Holiday Storytellers along with delicious seasonal treats, family-friendly activities and more. 

Today, we’ve got nine popular things you need to do before the festivities end on Dec. 30.

Candlelight Processional is Disney Parks Tradition

Our first must-do is the guest favorite EPCOT Candlelight Processional – guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit.  This special retelling of the Christmas story by celebrity narrators features an amazing choir of Disney cast members and local community groups and a 50-piece live orchestra with herald trumpets. 

Here’s an updated list of list of celebrity narrators performing now through to the end of the festival:

• Brendan Fraser (NEW): Dec. 12-14
• Eva Longoria (NEW): Dec. 15-16
• Joey McIntyre (NEW): Dec. 17-18
• Sterling K. Brown (NEW): Dec. 19-20
• Jordan Fisher (NEW): Dec. 21-23
• Steven Curtis Chapman: Dec. 24-26
• Audra McDonald (NEW): Dec. 27-28
• Lisa Ling: Dec. 29-30 *

Notice the number of NEW celebrity narrators you can still enjoy in coming weeks.  Performances are nightly at America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT with showtimes at 5:15, 7 and 8:30 p.m.

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Welcome to the official ship’s log for the Disney Treasure! Follow along for an exclusive look into the complex ship building process as we document all the important milestones of the Disney Treasure’s journey. The Disney Treasure’s story began with the start of construction in January of 2023 and has continued to evolve ever since. Return here for the latest developments in the Disney Treasure’s progress as the world patiently waits for Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship to officially set sail in 2024. The adventure is just beginning!

The holidays are quickly approaching, but construction of the Disney Treasure hasn’t slowed down at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany. In fact, a lot of progress has taken place in recent weeks, including lifting of the forward and aft funnels to their rightful place atop the ship. Complete with a coat of primer paint, the icons that are known across the entire fleet have officially found their new home, bringing the Disney Treasure one step closer to completion.

Of course, the funnels on the Disney Treasure aren’t just for looks – guests will also be able to plunge through the forward funnel while riding the AquaMouse, Disney’s attraction at sea, or even stay inside the funnel in the two-story EPCOT-themed Tomorrow Tower Suite!

December 6, 2023

Many Disneyland Resort guests love attending our Disneyland After Dark events! Disneyland After Dark events are separately-ticketed, themed evenings that include after-hours theme park and ride access (often with less wait times!), unique entertainment, beloved and sometimes rare character appearances, specialty food, beverage, and merchandise offerings, and so much more! We are thrilled that in 2024, we will hold more Disneyland After Dark ‘nites’ than ever before, with some popular themes returning, plus an all-new one…Disney Channel Nite!

Each Disneyland After Dark event begins with a three-hour pre-party mix-in at Disneyland Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT before the party officially begins. In addition to all the themed fun brought to life just for the party, admission also includes commemorative keepsakes such as a souvenir credential and an event guide map, plus unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken throughout the party, which is a great way to capture treasured memories.

Whether a romantic at heart, a nostalgic Disney Channel enthusiast, Star Wars devotee or wanting to show Pride – these limited-time offerings are made for our guests! Here’s the 2024 line-up.

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite

Jan. 23, 25, 30, Feb. 1, 6, 8, 12 & 14, 2024, at Disneyland Park

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite celebrates the love all around us on eight different nights in Disneyland. Plan a dreamy rendez-vous, besties night, or start a family tradition at these sensational soirées. Sweethearts’ Nite will include many heartwarming offerings:

• A royal cavalcade will make its way through Disneyland Park, offering an enchanting assemblage of some of Disney’s favorite royals, transported by equally splendid equines.
• Near “it’s a small world,” dance along with princesses, princes and Disney characters at the evening’s royal ball.
• Stitch and Angel will host their very own dance party at the stage in Tomorrowland. Join them throughout the night to dance and sing to some awesome beats!
• Throughout the park, unique photo backdrops will offer an opportunity to step inside some of Disney’s iconic scenes of love and friendship, including “Lady and the Tramp,” “Tangled,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Aladdin,” and more.
• Divine lighting, fabulous projections and the music of Disney love songs create the ultimate atmosphere for romance, friendship and family throughout the park.
• Enjoy many sweet treats to indulge in and themed savory items available throughout the park, created especially for Sweethearts’ Nite. New offerings will include the shortbread cookie churro with strawberry cheesecake dipping sauce and the Café Daisy fried heart-shaped ravioli, plus some returning and reimagined favorites like the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe Chocolate & Strawberry-stuffed croissant.
• Plus, specialty menu items will also be available at Plaza Inn, Cafe Orleans, River Belle Terrace and Carnation Café, subject to availability. Reservations are recommended and can be booked online soon.

A limited number of Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite tickets will go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders beginning Dec. 12, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) on Disneyland.com. On Dec. 14, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), tickets will go on sale to the general public and are subject to availability.*

Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite

Mar. 5 & 7, 2024, at Disneyland Park

Get ready for this all-new, nostalgic celebration as Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite comes to life, highlighting themed offerings from favorite Disney Channel shows across various eras of programming with fantastic music, memorable characters, high-energy parties, unique photo opportunities, and more! Join in the fun with fellow Disney Channel fans with great offerings including:

• The “High School Musical” pep rally will take place through the streets of Disneyland Park celebrating the songs from the beloved “High School Musical” franchise.
• The “Phineas and Ferb” dance party at the stage in Tomorrowland will be a high-energy dance party, complete with a DJ and appearances by your favorite “Phineas and Ferb” characters!
• “Camp Rock” karaoke will allow guesrs to sing favorite songs, and The Ultimate Disney Channel Trivia Challenge will test true Disney Channel fans, all in the cozy atmosphere of The Golden Horseshoe.
• “Descendants” at the Rivers of America will invite you to take a cruise on the Sailing Ship Columbia and enjoy music from the “Descendants” trilogy.
• Opportunities to step into imaginative photo backdrops representing favorite Disney Channel shows and movies, including “Lizzie McGuire,” “The Cheetah Girls,” “Teen Beach Movie” and more, will make guests the star!
• Enjoy specially themed foods and snacks all evening long. A few items to expect are the mini banana burritos and tropical banana punch at Red Rose Taverne, plus chili cheese loaded nachos, and s’mores donut skewer from Café Daisy. Additionally, specialty dining packages will be available, too – more details coming soon.

A limited number of Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite tickets will go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders beginning Dec. 12, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) on Disneyland.com. On Dec. 14, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), tickets will go on sale to the general public and are subject to availability. *

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite

April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7 & 9, 2024 at Disneyland Park

Star Wars Nites are back, with more nights than ever before! Prepare to launch a course for a galactic adventure like no other. Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nites will take place during Season of the Force, happening at Disneyland Park from April 5 – June 2.

On sale dates and additional details for Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite are forthcoming, so keep your eyes on the Disney Parks Blog in the coming months.

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite

June 18 & 20, 2024 at Disneyland Park 

Last year, Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite came to life for the very first time, and it’s back in 2024 with entertainment, colorful characters, photo opps and more on two spectacular evenings in June at Disneyland Park!

Stay tuned for on-sale dates and additional details for Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite in the coming months.

We can’t wait for the return of Disneyland After Dark!

*The number of tickets available for each event date are limited, and event tickets are valid only for the specific event date and hours. Only select attractions, experiences, offerings, and services will be available during the event. Offer, event, and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice or liability.

Disney PhotoPass® digital photo downloads exclude separately priced Disney PhotoPass® packages and products offered at select locations. Disney PhotoPass® service is subject to the Disney PhotoPass® Terms and Conditions and expiration policy found at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required.

Visit disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

Greetings, foolish mortals… We are delighted to inform you the Hatbox Ghost has come out to socialize at the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park! The iconic grim grinning ghost has decided to reveal himself to guests for the first time since his arrival was announced at Destination D23 earlier this year.

For those unacquainted with this reclusive resident, the Hatbox Ghost first appeared in the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park in 1969. In 2015, he reappeared in the attraction but had yet to show himself at the Magic Kingdom attraction — until now!

Materializing next to the Endless Hallway, the Hatbox Ghost emerges through a cobalt blue glass-paned door under the cloak of night. Traces of muddy footprints mark his path as he arranges his cart of hatboxes and luggage. Lit by the moon and the warm glow of a dim lantern, guests come face-to-face with the Hatbox Ghost, grimly grinning as he takes fiendish delight in unnerving visitors with his heady parlor trick.

Disney Imagineers have been working hard to prepare the Mansion for his arrival — enhancing lighting and updating paint throughout the queue and attraction.

But, they’re not the only ones who have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Hatbox Ghost… The 999 happy haunts of the Haunted Mansion are in high spirits, celebrating his appearance by being on their ghoulishly best behavior for this hauntingly grand affair.

Come see the Hatbox Ghost for now at the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park!