WDW Daily News

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Our second Disney retail store at Orlando International Airport reopened today after a transformative refurbishment. Now named Magic of Disney, the store is located on the east side of the airport and is the ideal spot for you to grab a MagicBand and a pair of ears on your way to Walt Disney World® Resort or find those last-minute mementos to remember their vacation.

Inside the new Magic of Disney, our helpful cast members can’t wait to share some of the most popular Disney Parks merchandise with you, including select trending and seasonal items that you may have missed while exploring our world. It’s the perfect last stop before hopping on a plane to head home.

While you are at Orlando International Airport, snap a photo at the recently installed photo opportunities celebrating Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Both recently reimagined Magic of Disney stores, combined with Disney’s Magical Express and the popular Minnie Van Service, which provide direct transportation to our Disney Resort hotels, are great examples of our strong, continued partnership with Orlando International Airport. Disney and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority have worked together for years to create an exceptional arrival and departure experience for Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and the Orlando area.

Stop by and check out the new Magic of Disney store on your next trip through MCO!

The galaxy may be vast, but you only need to travel to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for a grand adventure. Whether you are a Sith lords or Jedi master, Batuu is a great place for young adults to explore together. Here are seven experiences for young adults to experience while visiting Black Spire Outpost:

1. Hand craft a customized lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers 

After finding this hidden workshop, Guests can build their own personal lightsabers together as a group of helpers called the “Gatherers” guide them. You can pick out which color kyber crystal they want to accompany their hilt and soon enough, they’ll look just like a member of the Rebellion or First Order.

2. Gather for a memorable meal at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Foodies will rejoice over the unique food created by Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs. For breakfast, the Mustafarian Laval Roll is a sweet way to start the day. For lunch and dinner, Guests can take a bite out of the Fried Endorian Tip-yip featuring crispy chicken, roasted vegetable potato mash and herb gravy. The Batuu-bon chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard will add flavor to any social media feed!

3. Say “cheers” to the beats inside Oga’s Cantina

Oga Garra may be a Blutopian crime boss, but she knows how to run a popular cantina. Enjoy out-of-this-world beverages, including the Fuzzy Tauntaun, Bespin Fizz and Jedi Mind Trick. For non-alcoholic options, toast over the Carbon Freeze, Jabba Juice or the Blue Bantha. TIP: Oga’s Cantina now accepts reservations up to 60 days in advance.

4. Uncover amazing galactic treasure at Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities

You can be one with the Force by collecting unique artifacts harnessed from beyond the stars. Antiquities dealer Dok-Ondar in Black Spire Outpost is the best in the business and would love to sell his collections of jewelry, ancient tools, rare kyber crystals, statues and more.

5. Enhance the experience with the Star Wars: Datapad on Play Disney Parks Mobile App

Friendly competition is encouraged on Batuu. With the Star Wars: Datapad on Play Disney Parks Mobile App*, your friends can hack, scan, translate and tune into satellite frequencies at select locations throughout the land. They can use their cellphone to earn galactic credits when they activate games like “Outpost Control,” the multiplayer game that occurs several times daily.

6. Find photo-perfect locations throughout Batuu

You can capture their Star Wars adventures in action as Disney PhotoPass photographers take out-of-this-world photos of them in and around Batuu. Their  greatest memories could be captured in locations like next to the Millennium Falcon, in front of the TIE echelon in the First Order Cargo area or in front of the X-wing Starfighter in the Resistance encampment.

7. Punch it on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

You can \take the reins of the Falcon in groups of six. Each person is assigned one of three critical roles to complete their mission, and they’ll know it’s their turn to act when buttons light up in the cockpit!

And be sure you travel back when Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens on Dec. 5, 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® in Florida and Jan. 17, 2020 at Disneyland® Park in California.

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and device settings and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Some features require separate theme park admission.

Today, we’re providing a first look at two brand new MagicBand colors debuting at Walt Disney World® Resort on Nov. 29, 2019. The first new MagicBand is a dark gray color that is fashion-forward and sleek. This bold color complements any look for your Disney Parks visit. The second new color is a mint green color showcasing an effervescent and fun look. This cheerful color is sure to be a fan favorite!

MagicBands are an all-in-one device that allow you to access your Walt Disney World Resort plans in the My Disney Experience app, from entering the parks to redeeming FastPass+ selections, connecting Disney PhotoPass photos and more.

Items will be available for purchase wherever MagicBands are sold throughout Walt Disney World Resort.