This week marks the 88th anniversary of the premier of “Steamboat Willie,” the fist cartoon with synchronized sound, at New York’s Colony Theater. The short is considered so important in Disney history that its November 18th release date has long been considered the official birthday of its star, Mickey Mouse.
When John Musker and Ron Clements told Disney Animation chief John Lasseter that they were interested in creating a new story based on the Polynesian demi-god Maui, Lasseter had one response: “Go research.”
As we previously shared on Disney Travel News, there are two additional performances of La Nouba™ by Cirque du Soleil® taking place this Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. And now, your Clients can take advantage of a special limited time offer – any seat (excluding Golden Circle) for one low price of $49 for the 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. shows only*.
Guests can enjoy the vibrant music and whimsical characters with daring acrobatics and dazzling choreography. Plus, catch the newest acts including aerial bamboo artists and break dancers.
*Guests may purchase discounted Front & Center, Category 1, Category 2, Category 3, and Category 4 Adult and Child tickets for themselves and up to five (5) Guests per show. Sales are valid from 11/11/16 through 11/20/16 for both show performances on Sunday, 11/20/16 (both performances). Tickets must be purchased at the Box Office, Disney Reservation Center, or online.
With the emergence of Disney Springs as a world-class shopping destination, merchants throughout the retail, dining and entertainment district are taking part in that great American tradition of holiday shopping: Black Friday on Nov. 25, 2016.
In fact, the fun is being extended to a second day, Saturday, Nov. 26.
More than 60 stores are planning special Black Friday sales and promotions. And children of all ages will have a chance to meet Santa as early as 8 a.m.
While supplies last, World of Disney and other Marketplace favorites will offer special savings on popular items, such as Vera Bradley “Midnight with Mickey” hipster bags for $24.99 at Marketplace Co-Op. Star Wars fans will find Storm Trooper Action Figures for $14.99 at Star Wars Galactic Outpost, and a holiday wreath with lights is available at Disney’s Days of Christmas for $16.99.
Other deals include savings of up to 40 percent on select merchandise at Curl by Sammy Duval, a free bangle with $125 purchase at Pandora Jewelry, 40 percent off all merchandise, excluding “rare finds,” at Lucky Brand and up to 60 percent off original prices of select styles at APEX by Sunglass Hut.
All stores will open at 8 a.m. – two hours earlier than normal – on Black Friday, Nov. 25, and Saturday, Nov. 26. Adding to the festivities, the Disney Springs waterfront promenade will feature bars offering mimosas for purchase, while Bloody Marys will be available for purchase at nearby Dockside Margaritas.
For a full list of participating locations, shoppers can visit DisneyWorld.com/BlackFriday.
Beyond the Black Friday specials offered by merchants, a whole world of entertainment awaits shoppers at Disney Springs to make for a most unique day of fun for the entire family. Here’s a dozen diversions for shoppers to Disney Springs:
It’s a first not just for Disney Parks, but in the United States: A new holiday show at Disney Springs featuring 300 show drones illuminating the night sky. “Starbright Holidays – An Intel Collaboration” showcases the latest innovation in storytelling and spellbinding experiences to set your holiday season aglow at Walt Disney World Resort.
This holiday season, guests at Disney Springs – the shopping, dining and entertainment district of Walt Disney World Resort – will get a chance to see Disney and Intel exploring 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 StarTM 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.
Please note, Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels can receive mail throughout their stay. Occasionally, some Guests choose to ship items in advance of their vacation to help save luggage space.
If you intend to receive mail during your vacation, you should be sure the letter or package:
Please note that a $5 per package handling fee may apply to all packages that are received through the Front Desk or are delivered to your Disney Resort hotel room.
The World Premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana took place at AFI FEST 2016 Novemeber 15. Miranda has written songs for Moana, which “tells the story of a teenage girl from 2,000 years ago who sets sail to find a fabled island. She is joined by the demigod Maui,” voiced by Dwayne Johnson. The film also features songs by Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i.
He’s got Moana. He’s got Mary Poppins Returns. Eventually, he’ll have The Little Mermaid, too. But that’s not all when it comes to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s relationship with Disney. He’s also working on a secret movie with Byron Howard, one of the directors of Zootopia.
Guests of Disney Parks will be “Jingling All the Way” this holiday season with exciting new entertainment, holiday treats and holiday-themed parties throughout Disney Parks.
Here’s a round-up of some of the new merrimentat Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World Resort (Florida)
