Archive for Walt Disney World

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail Debuts Extended Weekend and Holiday Hours

The holiday season has arrived at Disney Springs®, and it’s not only here, but it’s bigger and better than ever. That goes for everything from holiday shopping to entertainment, and of course, to the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail!

Back for its second year, the Tree Trail now boasts 25 Disney-inspired trees, including ten additions featuring iconic characters. Wondering what’s new? Peter Pan, Robin Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio, Snow White, Dumbo, Fantasia, and Lady and the Tramp now take center stage with trees themed to these beloved stories. There’s also a tree featuring an assortment of ornaments that are all available at the nearby Disney’s Days of Christmas store.

Based on the popularity of this new seasonal staple, hours have been extended an additional hour every Friday and Saturday and also on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Tree Trail is offered through the holiday season, and will run through Jan. 7, 2018. The updated operating hours are as follows:

Monday – Thursday:   12-10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday:  10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday:  10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Christmas Eve, 12/24:  10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Christmas Day, 12/25:  10 a.m.-11 p.m.

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10 EXPERIENCES FOR THE 2018 EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

As we’ve previously shared, the Epcot® International Festival of the Arts will return in 2018 to celebrate all things art – performing, visual and culinary.

Here’s a look at some of the can’t-miss experiences that you can enjoy at this year’s event:

Art of Topiaries – Our Disney horticulture team will be showing guests how we create some of the amazing signature Walt Disney World®topiaries.

Watermelon Carving –  A watermelon will be artfully carved while guests receive great tips and tricks to use at their next party.

Magic with Water – The Disney Photo Imaging team will discuss tips and tricks for taking great photos around water; including swimming pools, play fountains, waterfalls, and even in the rain. Guests will also learn about using camera settings, lenses, and locations to get the best results.

Animated Flip Books – This session is animation 101 where guests will have the opportunity to create their own animated Flip Book while going over the fundamental principles of animation with one of our Disney animators.

Food Styling 101 – If guests love taking photos of amazing dishes, this is your experience. The session will look at the basics of what goes into making food photo- and video-ready. Lessons include going from ingredients to a beautiful hero shot, talking tricks and tools of the trade and sharing tips to make their own food photography shine.

Inspiring Floral –  This workshop will share floral design principles along with Disney-inspired creations to help guests bring the magic of Disney home at any time of the year.

Handcrafted Calligraphy – It’ll be difficult not to have fun learning the basics of pointed pen calligraphy. This workshop will cover topics such as mastering faux calligraphy, how to hold an oblique pen, letter formation, common issues guests may run into, and which paths they can take with their new skill.

Phone Cam Photography – This photography session from Disney Photo Imaging is for everyone! Guests will learn how to maximize the capabilities of their phone’s camera to improve your photos. Lighting adjustment, color adjustment, taking High Dynamic Range photos, time lapse, and how to edit photos are just a few of the topics on the agenda.

Handwritten Typography – Nothing is more personal than typography created by hand and at this workshop, a Walt Disney World Resort creative service manager will teach guests how to draw their own hand drawn typography to create personalized gifts and cards.

Storytelling Drawings – A single drawing can tell a story – and this workshop will show guests how to do it. A Disney animator will share the art of quick sketching from life. Gesture drawing of people covered in this session is a foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors.

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Epcot Celebrates the Disney-Pixar Film ‘Coco’ with New Entertainment, Interactive Exhibits

At Epcot® This holiday season, guests will get a taste of the magic and music of Disney•Pixar’s blockbuster film “Coco,” which is now playing in theaters.

From now until Jan. 6, 2018, El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia, a new musical group inspired by the film, will entertain guests at the Mexico Pavilion. Named for the town of Santa Cecilia seen in the film, El Mariachi Coco de Santa Cecilia perform songs from the movie including the beautiful “Remember Me” and the heartwarming “The World Es Mi Familia.”

The film “Coco” revolves around Miguel, who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician – despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events during the celebration of the Dia de Muertos. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Later this season, Mexico Folk Art Gallery, which currently houses a spectacular collection of “Dia De Muertos” artwork, also will feature an interactive exhibit and festive dioramas showcasing scenes from the film.

In addition to this new musical experience, guests can enjoy “Las Posadas,” featuring colorful dancers and performers from Mariachi Cobre celebrating the holiday customs of Mexico during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.

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The Spectaculab Brings Fun Science and Science Fun to Epcot Innoventions

The SpectacuLAB, a brand-new exciting show that opened at Innoventions at Epcot® recently, brings out the scientist in Guests of all ages.

Presented by worldwide technology company Murata, The SpectacuLAB features interactive experiments and fun ways to get Guests intrigued about the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.

Two actual scientists run each show, with commentary and fun provided by our “intern” Frankie who is learning about science on his first day of training.

Young Guests can volunteer to participate in different experiments which showcase the connection between science and technology – along with other STEM concepts. They learn about force while watching the scientists lay on a bed of nails, and about sound wave technology by testing the latest in ultrasonic drums – which can tell how far away Frankie is from them through ultrasonic sound waves.

The real, live scientists are provided by Science from Scientists, a non-profit organization dedicated to exciting kids about the STEM fields through thrilling, informative and engaging training by practicing scientists.

Frankie and team will be conducting their experiments multiple times throughout the day at Epcot Innoventions.

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Holiday Fun Awaits at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort

Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland® Resort is the perfect destination for guests to enjoy the holidays with friends, as well as for shop for everyone on their list.

This season, Downtown Disney District has “decked its halls” for an over-the-top holiday experience. Planters are bursting with oversized ornaments and bright holiday lighting, and a Christmas tree sparkles in the center of the promenade. In addition, nightly entertainment throughout the holiday season includes a new caroling act, Holiday Harmony. While their sweaters may be ugly, their voices certainly are not!

Here are a few things for guests to check out during the holidays at Downtown Disney District:

Festive Dining

  • Breakfast with Santa: At Catal Restaurant, join Santa Claus and his elves for a family-style breakfast, carolers and more! All kids will receive a Build-A-Bear Workshop teddy bear from Santa himself! (Dec. 16; Dec. 21-22)
  • Sundae Treats: Guests can enjoy a special Haagen-Dazs holiday treat! Scoops of peppermint bark ice cream are layered with hot fudge and Oreos, and topped with whipped cream and candy piece. Also available as a milkshake!

Holiday Shopping

  • PANDORA Jewelry: Ifguests pick up a Mickey & Minnie “Love Icons” charm at PANDORA Jewelry, they’ll receive a free Disney clutch with purchase while supplies last.
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop: All of Santa’s prancing reindeer are at Build-A-Bear Workshop! Guests can make their own reindeer stuffed animal and choose the outfit of their choice.

Other great retail spots include the newly redesigned Sephora, as well as Curl Surf and Sanuk. Disney fans will love the 40,000 square-foot World of Disney and recently opened Dream Boutique.

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Enjoy a More Relaxing Black Friday Weekend at Disney Springs

Back for its second year at Disney Springs®, Black Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, marks the onset of three full days featuring fantastic finds and prominent promotions throughout the property. Over 80 retailers will take part in the festivities. Here are just a few of the offerings guests can expect.

Special Product Releases at Disney retail locations, available while supplies last:

    • Cast Costume Collection: A limited-release collection created by the Disney Parks Costuming team, this special assortment of bags transforms fabric from authentic Cast costumes from The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ Attraction, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Restaurant, Haunted Mansion Attraction, and the The Great Movie Ride Attraction into collectible items that can be used and enjoyed in a new form. Totes, cosmetic cases and zip cases are the perfect gifts for those who want to own a piece of Disney Parks Magic! (Products will be available at Cherry Tree Lane at Marketplace Co-Op according to the following release schedule: 11/24/17 – The Great Movie Ride Attraction and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Attraction; 11/25/17 – Haunted Mansion Attraction; 11/26/17 – Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Restaurant. Purchase limits apply.)
    • New MagicBands: Fittingly for a Black Friday weekend, we will debut the much-anticipated solid black MagicBand, with a “first release” at Disney Springs before expanding to additional merchandise locations at Walt Disney World® Resort the following Monday. In addition, a limited-release Disney Springs Holiday MagicBand will be available while supplies last, enabling guests to unlock the magic of their Disney vacation with a festive new design. Both items will be released at World of Disney store on 11/24/17.
    • Making its grand debut, the Woodland Winter Holiday Dress will be available for purchase at The Dress Shop at Cherry Tree Lane located inside Marketplace Co-Op, starting at 8 a.m. on Friday, 11/24/17. If your Clients love holiday patterns, the Winter Wonderland design from Dooney & Bourke will also debut on select bag styles – same place, same time, same date.
    • The PANDORA Jewelry Mickey & Minnie Holiday Gift Set will be available for purchase at Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories, the new Disney-inspired jewelry shop in Town Center, starting on Saturday, 11/25/17.
    • Do you love dogs? And purses? Dooney & Bourke will release a new “Disney Dogs” pattern on Sunday, 11/26/17, also at Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories.
    • Limited Edition Pins at Disney’s Pin Traders:
      • Walt Disney World Resort Limited Edition Pin
      • Annual Passholder Pin and Ornament Set (11/24/17)
      • Christmas Stitch Limited Edition Pin (11/25/17)
      • Christmas Chip ‘n’ Dale Limited Edition Pin (11/26/17)
    • “Weekend Only” offers at World of Disney store:
      • Select Kids T-Shirts: $15 each when purchasing two
      • Select Disney Mugs: $15 each when purchasing two
      • Classic Princess Dolls: $15 each when purchasing two

Offers from World-Class Brands and Niche Boutiques:

      • Alex and Ani – 20% off total purchase, plus debut of limited-edition snowflake bangle (offer valid Nov. 22-27, 2017)
      • Art of Shaving – 40% off all shaving and skin care kits (offer valid Nov. 24, 2017)
      • Chapel Hats – Buy one hat, get one 50% off (exclusions apply; offer valid Nov. 23-25, 2017)
      • Edward Beiner – Buy one pair of glasses, get a second pair at 30% off
      • Enjoy Your Face – Stop by this kiosk between 8 a.m. and noon and receive $2 off one face painting. Weather permitting, at Disney Springs location only. Offer valid Nov. 24, 2017.
      • havaianas – Free beach towel with purchase of $40 or more
      • Johnston & Murphy – multiple promotions including 40% off select men’s sweaters; buy one, get one free on select men’s scarves; $100 off leather briefcases and backpacks and more (see store for full details)
      • Kiehl’s Since 1851 – $20 off purchases of $65 or more (exclusions apply, see store for full details)
      • LACOSTE – Save 40% off entire store (exclusions apply)
      • La Nouba™ by Cirque du Soleil® – All seats, except Golden Circle, are $39 each when tickets are purchased at the Box Office on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 between 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (Up to 6 tickets per guest at the Black Friday rate, valid for shows Nov. 24-Dec. 16, 2017.)
      • The LEGO Store – Get a complimentary nutcracker LEGO set with any purchase of $99 or ore, plus special doorbuster items
      • Levi’s – 40% off entire purchase (see store for full details)
      • Lilly Pulitzer – exclusive “Colorful Weekend” gift with purchase with $75 and $150 spends
      • Origins – Pick up the Origins Super Stars set for $70 ($170 value) or the Origins Superstar Minis (a collection of best-selling products) for $25 ($90 value). (Origins Superstar Minis offer only valid Nov. 23-24, 2017).
      • PANDORA Jewelry – 20% off gift sets (Nov. 24, 2017 only); buy two full-priced items, get one free (see store for full details)
      • Pele Soccer – Save 50% off select jerseys and apparel
      • SHORE – Save 20-50% off select items and enjoy other in-store promotions (see store for full details)
      • Sperry – Doorbusters starting at $24.99 on Nov. 24, 2017, plus 30-50% off select styles all weekend
      • Sugarboo & Co. – Doorbusters from 8 a.m.-12  p.m., plus 25-40% off select items in store (exclusions apply)
      • Superdry – 30% off entire store (exclusions apply)
      • UGG – Save 30% off select women’s, men’s and kid’s styles
      • UNIQLO – in-store games and sweepstakes opportunities, including the chance to win a trip to Tokyo
      • UNOde50 – Save 30% off all styles of men’s and women’s handcrafted jewelry (offer valid Nov. 24-27, 2017)
      • Vera Bradley – Save 50% off select patterns and styles and 30% off top gifts for the season! Plus, Grand Totes are only $44 (MSRP $88) (Exclusions and limitations may apply. See a store associate for details.)
      • Plus Many More! 

(Unless otherwise noted, all offers are valid Nov. 24-26, 2017, while supplies last.) 

Disney Springs will open two hours early, at 8 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 with regular operating hours the remainder of the weekend. Be sure to keep an eye out for special food and beverage deals and make time to enjoy festive holiday offerings including the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail with plenty of photo ops, Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt which will help keep the kids entertained while you shop and Santa’s Chalet, which should give you some clues into everyone’s holidays wish lists!

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Disney World celebrates the holidays at all four parks

You might associate Florida’s Walt Disney World with summer vacation getaways. While the mega theme park resort is busy in June, July, and August, historically it actually welcomes more visitors during the week between Christmas and New Year’s than any other time of year.

Full Story

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How to do Walt Disney World like a rock star

If you’re a Disney fan, you’ve done your share of spinning teacup rides, Dumbo flights and Haunted Mansion tours at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Perhaps it’s time to kick things up a notch.
Here are seven personalized packages that will make you feel like you own the place. Think: going behind the scenes, viewing fireworks from a yacht (while chowing down on a five-course meal) and snoozing in an overwater bungalow.
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4 Great Ways to Celebrate the New Year at Walt Disney World Resort

If you are celebrating New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World® Resort this year, there’s plenty of options for them to ring in 2018 in style! With special events happening around the resort, you’re sure to have a ball counting down to midnight wherever you are.

Down in New Orleans: A Disney New Year’s Eve Experience – Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Guests can ring in the new year in style with Down in New Orleans: A Disney New Year’s Dining Experience inspired by the New Orleans French Quarter and Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.”

When they arrive at the Sorcerer’s Apprentice Ballroom of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, they’ll be surrounded by beautiful French Quarter-inspired décor and an array of stations that will immerse their senses in unique and extraordinary flavors, such as smoked salmon mousse cones and oyster beignets fried right before their eyes. Then, when dinner time finally approaches, guests will be guided to a premier dining destination for the main course of the night where they’ll be welcomed by art-adorned walls with visions of New Orleans. They can take in the rich scents and vibrant flavors as they enjoy herb-crusted Louisiana redfish, crayfish étouffé, Black Angus beef, braised short ribs and roast filet of beef with truffled celery root silk, all while enjoying the authentic sounds of a live jazz band. At the evening’s end, a spirited vocalist will join the band and bring the classic sounds of Disney’s “Princess and the Frog” by legendary composer Randy Newman to life. Soon after, guests will be ushered to a private viewing area near the Porte Cochére, for champagne and the unforgettable sights of the world-famous Magic Kingdom®Park fireworks to ring in the new year!

From beginning to end, this event is a beautiful way to welcome 2018 and it’s sure to be a night guests will remember. Reserve seats today for this once-in-a-lifetime event! Down in New Orleans – A Disney New Year’s Eve Experience will take place on Dec. 31, 2017, from 7 p.m.-12:15 a.m. at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and will feature restaurant-style reserved seating.

This event starts at 7:30 p.m., and is a premier event you won’t want to miss! For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE.

New Year’s Eve Bash at Atlantic Dance Hall – Disney’s BoardWalk

Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk invites guests to ring in the new year with rockin’ music, tasty treats, high spirits and an enchanting dash of Disney magic. Guests can dance the night away while they enjoy tasty treats such as soft pretzels, churros, and other sweet and salty snacks. In addition, guests can celebrate the new year with complimentary party hats and horns, a view of the sensational Epcot fireworks, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Doors open at 9 p.m. and Guests must be 21 years or older with valid ID to enter. For reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.

Dinner and Dancing Under the Sea – Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk

Guests can kick off the new year at Flying Fish with Dinner and Dancing Under the Sea. Starting at 7 p.m., Guests can enjoy a cocktail hour with scrumptious hors d’oeurves and a gorgeous and delectable seafood display, followed by a spectacular family-style dinner spread with sustainable seafood offerings and accompaniments. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary character artist drawing throughout the night and the opportunity to dance all night long to the tunes of a live 3-piece jazz band. Then they’ll toast to the new year with champagne and a midnight celebration! Guests of this exclusive event will also have the opportunity to hop on over to the Atlantic Dance Hall to enjoy the Epcot® fireworks and midnight festivities.

Guests must be 21 years or older with valid ID to enter. For reservations, call (407) 939-2398.

Mickey’s New Year’s Eve BBQ – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Guests can join Mickey, Minnie and friends for a family-friendly barbecue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort as they celebrate the new year at Mickey’s New Year’s Eve BBQ. During this special finger-licking, foot-stomping barbeque event, guests will feast on mouth-watering items such as Bacon Jam Burger Sliders grilled on site, Wagon Wheel Mac’n’Cheese for the kiddos, and Mini S’mores served in Mason Jars!

In addition to this all-you-care-to-enjoy BBQ spread, Guests will enjoy the sounds of a live bluegrass band and a DJ. After dinner, cowpokes can mosey on over to the dance floor for line dancing led by Disney Friends! Then get ready to count down to midnight and watch the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks from a special viewing area.

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New Celebs, Stunning Projections & More Announced for Star Wars Galatic Nights

Disclaimer: This post includes new information about the “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” film.

We’re nearly a month away from the debut of the highly anticipated film, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” – and the return of the Star Wars Galactic Nights event to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.

Some thrilling updates to this year’s event were just announced moments ago on “The Star Wars Show” on StarWars.com that we had to share with you, as this year’s Star Wars Galactic Nights is truly a can’t-miss offering.

First up – Wicket. Wald. Willow. Wollivan. Warwick Davis has long been part of the Lucasfilm family and beloved by Star Wars fans since his career-starting performance as Wicket the Ewok in “Return of the Jedi.” An established film and television actor, Davis is known for other Lucasfilm roles in “Ewoks: Battle for Endor” and “Caravan of Courage,” and for portraying the title character in “Willow.” He returned to the galaxy far, far away for the prequels as well, with several roles in “The Phantom Menace.” He recently played Wollivan in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and will appear in this year’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and 2018’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”

Actor David Collins will also appear at the event to host a special “Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” panel discussion with members of the Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm team. The panel, which will include Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering; Robin Reardon, Executive Creative Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering; Chris Beatty, Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering and Doug Chiang, VP/Creative Director at Lucasfilm, will give guests an inside look at the making of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands currently under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland® Park. Attendees will also get an exclusive peek into the progress being made and learn what it’s like to bring the epic saga to life in the theme parks.

Guests can’t miss Star Wars: Galactic Destinations on the Sunset Boulevard area of the park. Through state-of-the-art projections, the facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel will transform to showcase stunning locations from across the galaxy. Favorite film moments, special effects, lighting, and of course the stellar Star Wars cinematic score supports each galactic location moment all evening long.

Star Wars Galactic Nights will also be a great opportunity for guests to celebrate the release of the Star Wars: The Last Jedi at different park attractions, such as the Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Wars: Path of the Jedi and “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” which will debut new touches inspired by the film that night.

Previously announced event offerings include: The Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show, which will both be enhanced with special elements from the entire saga; park-wide photo ops, including three new backdrops inspired by Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; encounters with Star Wars characters; specialty food and beverage and merchandise, and much more. Guests are also welcome to dress in their favorite Star Wars attire – please be sure to check our costuming guidelines. Attendees can also enjoy little-to-no wait-times at some of the park’s most iconic attractions.

Park access and activities will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket holders. Event hours on Dec. 16 are 7 p.m.-midnight. Tickets are priced at $129 adults, $124 ages 3-9. Star Wars: Galactic Nights tickets are available by calling 407-W-DISNEY (407 934-7639).

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