WDW Daily News

It’s a special day here – Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are celebrating birthdays!  And to mark the occasion, we’re sharing a new poster for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® in spring 2020.

On Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you will step through the movie screen and join Mickey, Minnie and friends like never before – bursting into a world where mouse rules apply.

And with mouse rules, anything can happen!  Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will transport you into the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy® Award-winning“Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts where you’re the star.  As we’ve shared, the park’s Chinese Theatre will serve as the magic portal through which Guests will step from the human world directly into the unforgettable cartoon world.

Today’s new underwater poster offers a glimpse of the zany fun you will discover on each adventure. 

Stay tuned for exciting updates on this immersive experience opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Spring 2020 and at Disneyland® Park in 2022.

Walt Disney Travel Company is now booking vacation cottages at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, located near Walt Disney World® Resort.

Bookable by phone only, these vacation cottages are offered by vacation home rental companies Rentyl and VStays. The cottages range in size from two to five bedrooms and offer many amenities, including daily housekeeping, full kitchens, washers and dryers, pet friendly accommodations and, in some instances, private pools.

 Guests staying at Margaritaville Cottages Orlando have access to everything at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, including the onsite Sunset Walk retail center, the fitness center, multiple pools and much more. Please note that this does not include the Island H2O Live! water park. Guests can also take Margaritaville Resort Orlando transportation to the Walt Disney World® Ticket and Transportation Center, where they can access Walt Disney World® transportation to theme parks and more.

Holidays at the Disneyland® Resort brings magical entertainment, sparkling décor, festive foods, specialty merchandise and of course, seasonal attractions! From now through Jan. 6, 2020, you can enjoy Disney magic with friends and family on attractions themed especially for the holidays.

Over in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure® Park, the residents are racing to celebrate the season. Two attractions rely on holiday magic to celebrate the haul-idays:

• Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl – Luigi and his extended family of roadsters are celebrating the season in style.  You can take a seat and take a merry spin as the cars cruise to festive tunes, including “We Wish You Season’s Speedings,” “Joy To The Whirl,” “Jolly Joyous Santa Car,” “Carol Of The Horns” and “Jingle Bells.”
• Mater’s Jingle Jamboree – This haul-iday tractor spins through a festively decorated junkyard. Mater croons classic holiday tunes, including “Christmas In Radiator Springs,” “Mater’s Jingle Jamboree,” “Radiator Rockin’ Holiday,” “The Gifts of the Mater” and “Tractors, Tractors, Tractors.”

In Disneyland Park, two popular attractions also transform just for the season:

• “it’s a small world” Holiday – The beloved attraction takes you around the world and back as dolls and toys representing children enjoy the distinctive holiday traditions of their countries. In the evenings, the attraction’s facade twinkles with 50,000-plus colorful lights, music and video projections. 
• Haunted Mansion Holiday – ‘Twas “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and all through the Haunted Mansion, Jack Skellington and his friends are causing a collision between Christmas and Halloween. You can enjoy the frightfully festive décor and familiar characters from the classic film, including Sally, Zero and Oogie Boogie.

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Disney PhotoPass Service is a perfect way for you to capture and relive their adventures inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, especially with creative new offerings like our Tiny World Magic Shot!

Available by visiting a Disney PhotoPass photographer near the Milk Stand, this unique photo puts you right in the center of Black Spire Outpost and its surrounding landscape with a single 360° image!  . 

During their visit to Batuu, you can check out two of our Super Zoom Magic Shots, which provide amazing angles from high above and a one-of-a-kind video. 

The Tiny World Magic Shot is available exclusively during daytime hours in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and is available for download as part of the Memory Makerand Memory Maker One Day products. Or, you can purchase a digital download of the photo for $16.95 at Disneyworld.com/PhotoPass.  

Parks, attractions, entertainment or character experiences may change operating hours; close due to refurbishing, capacity, weather, special events, character availability or other reasons; and otherwise change or be discontinued without notice and without liability to the owners of the Walt Disney World Resort.

*Disney PhotoPass Service and Memory Maker are subject to the applicable terms and policies. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for Memory Maker One Day or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). If Memory Maker is purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days of the date Memory Maker is purchased are not included and must be purchased separately. A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations.

If you or you have had the chance to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, then you know Disney Cast Members and Star Wars characters interact with Guests in ways never experienced before in a Disney park.  Everyone is part of the story – helping guests to live their own Star Wars adventure! 

At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney Cast Members are local citizens of Batuu with their own identities and personas within the stories of their roles in the land.   And each Cast Member is also a storyteller with a galactic backstory that enhances every Star Wars adventure.

Whether it’s speaking Shyriiwook with Chewbacca, meeting a local at Oga’s Cantina or haggling with a vendor at Black Spire Outpost Marketplace, there’s always an out-of-this-galaxy adventure to be found and shared at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland® Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.

Epcot® International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World® Resort will kick-off its annual global celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts Jan. 17, 2020 and continue for 39 days through Feb. 24, 2020. The event features visiting artists, an array of foodie delights and opportunities for guests to embrace their own inner artists.  

The popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series returns to America Gardens Theatre with three daily performances headlined by Broadway stars who reprise favorite songs from past performances in award-winning shows. This year’s talent-rich lineup includes Kissy Simmons, who starred as Nala in “The Lion King,” and Kevin Massey of “Tarzan.” The show-stopping schedule currently features:  

• Jan. 17, 20, 21, 24 and 25 – Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”) 
• Jan. 18, 19, 22, 23 and 25 – Heidi Blickenstaff (“The Little Mermaid”; “Freaky Friday”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins”)
• Jan. 25 – Special performance featuring Simmons, White, Blickenstaff and Lee 
• Jan. 26, 28, 29; Feb. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 9 – Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”) 
• Feb. 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24 – Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”; “Beauty and the Beast”) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
• Additional January and February performances still to be announced. 

All shows are included with theme park admission. The best way to experience a performance is by reserving a Disney on Broadway Dining Package, which guarantees seating for one show on the day of the dining experience. 

Premium festival experiences that include Paint with a Disney Artist and the World Showcase: Destinations Discovered guided tour are also available to Guests for a fee. 

General reservations for dining packages and workshops start Nov. 14, 2019. Please can visit ArtfulEpcot.com or call (407) WDW-Fest for more information. Dining packages and workshops are available to book for Disney Vacation Members and Annual Passholders starting Nov. 13. DVC Members can contact Member Services at (800) 800-9800 and Annual Passholders can call (407) WDW-Fest.

More to See, Do and Eat During the Festival

• Guests can indulge in new culinary fun at the Le Cellier Brunch in the Canada pavilion, a leisurely prix fixe bounty each Saturday and Sunday in the relaxing Canadian chateau. Reservations required. 
• Guests can explore the Green Landing Family Play Zone where Wall-E and Eve invite the entire family to enjoy a lush, green environment built for exploring. 
• Guests can jump into photo-ops located throughout Epcot, such as the Peter Pan Storybook installation by the United Kingdom pavilion where they can flap their fins in Mermaid Lagoon or get their pirate on at Skull Rock.
• Guests can grab a paintbrush and add color to a wall mural along World Showcase Plaza. 
• They can also join Figment’s Brush with the Masters, a scavenger hunt where the friendly dragon has painted himself into famous pieces of art in each World Showcase pavilion.  
• Guest can marvel at and purchase works by Disney’s iconic artists in displays throughout World Showcase.  
• They can watch visiting artists as they create new pieces, from Disney-inspired works to creative art across diverse mediums.
• And they can create festival-inspired T-shirts and candles.

For the seventh year in a row, Disney Cruise Line has earned number one spots in the Best Cruise Lines for Families and Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean categories of the U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Cruise Line rankings and we couldn’t be more excited! 

These annual rankings celebrate the very best of the best and recognize how our fantastic teams continue to outdo themselves each and every year. In the words of our Disney Cruise Line President Jeff Vahle, “The energy and enthusiasm our Crew Members bring to their roles is the driving force behind why Disney is such a trusted name in cruising.”

U.S. News & World Report rates more than 150 cruise ships based on an analysis of expert and user opinions that factor in traveler type, overall cruise ship quality, reputation in the industry, types of itineraries, approval ratings and more. 

There is so much passion and planning that goes into creating the perfect ocean-going vacation for each member of the family, but what is the best thing about a Disney cruise for your Clients? Is it seeing the Broadway-style shows in the Walt Disney Theater or splashing along our amazing “water coaster” at sea?  Watching the waves roll in from the comfort of a swaying hammock at our island paradise, Disney Castaway Cay? Or indulging in a delicious brunch at Palo, our chic adult-exclusive restaurant.

We hope to see your Clients around the ship real soon!

Since we first set sail in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has delivered incredible family vacation experiences that combine the magic of Disney with the wonder of exploring different parts of the world. From Broadway-style productions inspired by classic Disney tales and dedicated spaces for kids and adults to signature dining and spa experiences, Disney Cruise Line offers something for every member in your family. For a full list of this year’s U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Cruise Line rankings, visit U.S. News 2020 Best Cruises Guides.

It’s been an exciting time at Walt Disney World® Resort since the arrival of Disney Skyliner! Since September, Guests have taken flight in new, incredible gondolas infused with Disney magic. In celebration of this new transportation system, a Funko Pop! figure inspired by Disney Skyliner will be available beginning Nov. 16, 2019.

This collectible Funko Pop! figure will be available across Walt Disney World Resort at these locations:

• World Traveler at Epcot® 
• Mickey’s of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort 
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort 
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk
• Merchandise will also be available at the new Disney’s Riviera Resort when it opens later this year!

Be sure to tell your Clients to check out more Skyliner merchandise available across Walt Disney World Resort.

All merchandise available while supplies last.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World Resort will unveil its annual global celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts Jan. 17 and continue for 39 days through Feb. 24, 2020. The event features visiting artists, an array of foodie delights and opportunities for guests to embrace their own inner artists.

Disney on Broadway Concert Series Returns with New Performers

The popular Disney on BroadwayConcert Series returns to America Gardens Theatre with three daily performances headlined by Broadway stars who reprise favorite songs from past performances in award-winning shows. This year’s talent-rich lineup includes Kissy Simmons, who starred as Nala in “The Lion King,” and Kevin Massey of “Tarzan.” The show-stopping schedule currently features:

• 17, 20, 21, 24 and 25 – Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”)
• 18, 19, 22, 23 and 25 – Heidi Blickenstaff (“The Little Mermaid”; “Freaky Friday”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins”)
• 25 – Special performance featuring Simmons, White, Blickenstaff and Lee
• 26, 28, 29; Feb. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 9 – Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
• 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24 – Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”; “Beauty and the Beast”) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
• Additional January and February performances still to be announced.

All shows are included with theme park admission. The best way to experience a performance is by reserving aDisney on BroadwayDining Package, which guarantees seating for one show on the day of the dining experience. Packages are available to book starting Nov. 14, 2019, at participating Epcot restaurants; guests can visit ArtfulEpcot.com or call (407) WDW-FEST to make a reservation.

Food Studios Serve Up the Culinary Arts

Twelve festival Food Studios plus additional food and beverage locations will take culinary arts to the next level with scrumptious, imaginative dishes – artistically sculpted and ready for camera closeups.

Festival guests will discover seven-days-a-week fun including a colorful new interactive mural, that everyone in the family can help paint, workshops, artful photo ops, art galleries and mesmerizing performance art like the daily Epcot Living Statues and Art Defying Gravity shows.

More to See, Do and Eat During the Festival

• Indulge in new culinary fun at the Le Cellier Brunch in the Canada pavilion, a leisurely prix fixe bounty each Saturday and Sunday in the relaxing Canadian chateau. Reservations required.
• Explore the Green Landing Family Play Zone where Wall-E and Eve invite the entire family to enjoy a lush, green environment built for exploring.
• Jump into photo-ops located throughout Epcot, such as the Peter Pan Storybook installation by the United Kingdom pavilion where guests can flap their fins in Mermaid Lagoon or get their pirate on at Skull Rock.
• Grab a paintbrush and add color to a wall mural along World Showcase Plaza.
• Join Figment’s Brush with the Masters, a scavenger hunt where the friendly dragon has painted himself into famous pieces of art in each World Showcase pavilion.
• Marvel at and purchase works by Disney’s iconic artists in displays throughout World Showcase.
• Watch visiting artists as they create new pieces, from Disney-inspired works to creative art across diverse mediums.
• Create festival-inspired t-shirts and candles.

Premium festival experiences that include Paint with a Disney Artist and the World Showcase: Destinations Discovered guided tour are available to guests for a fee. To book a workshop, guests can call (407) WDW-TOUR or sign up for openings still available the day of their festival visit. Visit ArtfulEpcot.comfor details.