Disney continues to break records at the box office. The company announced Sunday that “Frozen II” surpassed the $1 billion mark on Saturday, becoming the sixth movie from the studio to do so this year.
Guests at this Disney wedding were assigned rides instead of table numbers
When Robert and Roxana Magana were dating, they spent much of their time together at the Happiest Place on Earth. After some amazing Cast Members helped Robert to pull off a surprise proposal while the couple was on the Storybook Land Canal Boats, the couple knew that a Disney-themed wedding at Disneyland was the only way to go.
VIDEO: First Look at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
During the Disney Channel holiday special, “Disney Channel Holiday Party @Walt Disney World,” viewers got a first look at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway rolling into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida on March 4, 2020, and coming to Disneyland park in California in the future.
Concept Art & Details about the New ‘Magic Happens’ Parade to Premiere on Feb. 28, 2020 at Disneyland Park
Exciting news! The all-new “Magic Happens” parade will make its debut at Disneyland® Park, beginning Feb. 28, 2020.
As we previously shared, “Magic Happens” celebrates awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. Mickey Mouse leads this new daytime spectacular down Main Street, U.S.A., revealing a parade of stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. “Magic Happens” will also feature an energetic musical score and a new song, co-composed by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall.
Here are some highlights of the new parade, including a few more sneak peeks:
From Walt Disney Animation Studios’ record-breaking hit “Frozen 2,” Anna and Elsa explore the mysteries of an enchanted forest protected by Nokk, the mystical water spirit, as their friends Kristoff, Sven and Olaf tag along.
On her voyager canoe, Moana journeys forth on the crest of a towering wave, inspired by beautiful koa wood carvings and inset with dazzling, animated glimpses into the magic the ocean holds.
Joining Moana on her journey is legendary demigod, Maui, making his Disneyland Resort debut on his own magical island, along with Moana’s adorable pet pig, Pua.
Miguel appears in person for the first time, celebrating the magic that happens when he strums the guitar of Ernesto de la Cruz in the Disney and Pixar film, “Coco.” This spectacular float bridges the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead with vibrant marigolds, and fantastical alebrije spirit animals join the procession, along with Miguel’s dog Danté.
The regal grand finale of “Magic Happens” celebrates magical moments from several classic Disney stories, including the happily-ever-after scene from “Sleeping Beauty” with a trio of fairies and Princess Aurora’s gown shimmering between hues of pink and blue.“Magic Happens” will remind us we don’t need wings to fly, that shooting stars were made to wish upon, and that magic doesn’t stop at midnight. Stay tuned for more fun details about this extraordinary parade, as we get closer to opening day on Feb. 28, 2020!
Book Tickets Now for ‘Drawn to Life,’ the New Cirque du Soleil Show Coming to Disney Springs in Spring 2020
Earlier this season, we shared a spectacular behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a new Cirque du Soleil show that’s coming very soon to Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort.
Today, we’re happy to unveil the show’s name will be “Drawn to Life”.
This new show follows the story of Julie, a courageous and determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her late father: an unfinished animation piece. Guided by a surprising pencil, she embarks on an inspiring quest sprinkled with her Disney childhood memories. Through this journey, she learns to imagine new possibilities and animate the story of her future.
“Drawn to Life” is the product of a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. The show will open for previews March 20, 2020, and officially debut April 17, 2020. Tickets are on sale now at DisneyWorld.com/Cirque.
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop Set to Reopen at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Bring out the spoons and get ready to return to one of the most popular restaurants at Walt Disney World® Resort! That’s right, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is set to reopen at Disney’s Beach Club Resort on Dec. 26, 2019. The popular restaurant will return with those classic fan-favorite flavored sodas, malted milkshakes, hot-off-the-grill items, and of course the beloved Kitchen Sink.
When Beaches & Cream Soda Shop reopens, you will find even more room to enjoy those diner dishes and desserts. As part of an improved layout and enhanced experience, the restaurant has expanded to offer more space, inviting returning fans and first-timers more opportunities to scoop up a spot. In addition, a fresh new look embraces the timeless charm of an old-fashioned soda fountain. Throughout the playful eatery are subtle pops of color found within its beach-inspired design. Soft shades of teal, almond and rose adorn the walls and décor, along with accents of yellow and blue. Colorful, decorative balls reminiscent of beach balls are scattered throughout, while a collection of blue, amber, and pink beaded glass globes hang overhead highlighting the center of the space. At the counter, bistro-styled barstools are situated in front of scalloped aqua tiles and rose-colored banquettes line the tables along the wall. And prominently situated near the counter is a tall, bright jukebox, a staple within this turn-of-the-century soda fountain, featuring hits that span the decades. Framed antique mirrors and artwork of Mickey and friends at the beach complete the space.
In addition to all of these colorful transformations, you will find a number of new items sprinkled throughout the menu, including a Seared Salmon Filet Sandwich (with bacon aïoli, lettuce, and tomato on a house-baked multi-grain bun), a French Dip Sandwich (topped with crispy fried onions and swiss cheese and served on a toasted French roll), and a selection of loaded tots like the Sock Hop Topped with cheese sauce and green onions. There’s also a plant-based loaded tots with plant-based chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Another plant-based option on the menu will be the Plant-Based Burger featuring a plant-based patty with plant-based mayonnaise and caramelized balsamic onion jam on a house-baked multi-grain bun.
And to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth, there are plenty of sweet treats on the menu, including the popular specialty shakes and sundaes as well as seasonal cheesecake and Old Fashion Apple Pie! And another new dessert is COOKIE FRIES! This yummy dish comes with marshmallow cream, chocolate, caramel, and strawberry dipping sauces and it’s not just delicious, it’s plant-based too! And of course, if Guests are up to the challenge, they can take on the famous Kitchen Sink sundae with scoops of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, and mint chocolate chip ice cream smothered in every topping available!
Reservations are now live for bookings starting on Dec. 26, 2019. For more information or to make reservations, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website.
2020 Epcot International Festival of the Arts Announces Festival Additions and Updated Disney on Broadway Lineup
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- Feb. 24, 2020. The new Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine debuts at this year’s festival, showcasing food creations that make you look twice and delight all the senses. New stellar Broadway talent is slated for the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, and more special performances are scheduled. The festival fun is designed for all ages, so you can plan for an outing complete with something for everyone in the family, including three brand-new film experiences that debut at Epcot on festival opening day!
As Walt Disney once said, “Color does brighten things up, doesn’t it?” We say, “yes!” This year’s Food Studios’ menus are bursting with bright hues and flavors, and you will have a chance to sample the spectrum of delicious dishes with the reward of a colorful culinary prize. As they stroll the World Showcase Promenade, they’ll be tempted by the creative bites and sips created by talented Disney chefs. Guests can collect a stamp for each menu item they taste along the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, fill their Festival Passport “palette,” then collect their colorful culinary prize.
Guests can savor abstract fare at Deconstructed Dish and satisfy their sweet tooth at Decadent Delights. The edible options are endless at 12 Food Studios and other festival food and beverage stops.
In November, we shared some of the show-stopping talent lineup for the festival’s popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series, running three times daily at America Gardens Theatre. Now, here’s the rest of the story:
- Jan. 17, 20, 21 and 24 – Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (“The Lion King”)
- Jan. 18, 19, 22 and 23 – Heidi Blickenstaff (“The Little Mermaid”) and Gavin Lee (“Mary Poppins”)
- Jan. 25 – Special performance featuring Simmons, White, Blickenstaff and Lee
- Jan. 26, 28, 29; Feb. 1, 2, 5 and 6 – Kara Lindsay (“Newsies”) and Kevin Massey (“Tarzan”)
- Jan. 27, 30, 31, Feb. 3, 4, 7 and 8 – NEW! Liana Hunt (“Newsies”) and Adam Jacobs (“Aladdin”)
- NEW! Feb. 9 – Special performance featuring Lindsay, Massey, Hunt and Jacobs
- Feb. 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22 and 23 – Ashley Brown (“Mary Poppins”) and Josh Strickland (“Tarzan”)
- Feb. 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20 and 21 – NEW! Syndee Winters (“The Lion King”) and NEW!Michael James Scott (“Aladdin”)
- NEW! Feb. 24 – Special performance featuring Brown, Strickland, Winters and Scott.
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. Packages at participating Epcot restaurants are now booking; visit ArtfulEpcot.com or call (407) WDW-FEST to make a reservation.
And remember: age doesn’t matter – art is for everyone! There’s fun for kids of every generation at the Green Landing Family Play Zone. Guests can pose for some memorable family pictures at several Artful Photo Ops, then paint a piece of our Expression Section: Paint by Number Mural at World Showcase Plaza.
When guests join us for festival fun, they won’t want to miss the new films debuting at Epcot Jan. 17, 2020. They’ll see art meet science in “Awesome Planet” at The Land pavilion, which employs spectacular imagery, in-theater effects, and an original musical score. They’ll get to perform as part of the audience at the “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in the France pavilion. And they’ll be surrounded by the visual beauty of northern climes when viewing “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” in the Canada pavilion – it’s a breathtaking update to the original “O Canada!” film with new scenes, a new musical score and narration by award-winning actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.
While visiting World Showcase, be sure to check out a brand new to Epcot performing in the Germany pavilion, Lebendig (“Alive”), Jan. 17 – Feb. 25. This four-piece pop/rock outfit will delight audiences with its contemporary interpretation of the beloved German Schlager style, including covers and originals.
The Absolute Best Holiday Treats To Try At Disney World Right Now
Have you heard? It’s basically Christmas! And while you might not be ready for it, Disney has been more than ready for weeks now. And what is the most logical way to bring you news of Disney’s most wonderful and magical holiday treats, you might ask? Well, it is for me to try them all and report back to you, of course!
With Star Wars land now fully opened, what’s next for Disney World?
The most anticipated theme park land in recent memory has now fully opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Beyond a few last items – like the upcoming Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway ride and a new theater to play Mickey Mouse shorts in – the updates at Hollywood Studios are mostly done.
Drury Hotels to Develop Property in Disney Springs Resort Area
Drury Hotels is developing its largest property to date, the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista, and will begin to welcome guests by spring 2021. The new hotel will be located in the Disney Springs® Resort Area and the entire project will be complete by the end of 2021, with its first set of rooms available by spring 2021. The new hotel will feature a host of amenities and will be located near the Walt Disney World® theme parks.
The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista will be bookable through the Walt Disney Travel Company and offered as part of Walt Disney World® Resort vacation packages. As with the other hotels in the Disney Springs Resort Area, Drury will offer transportation to and from the theme parks.
The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista will feature a resort-style pool, splash pad, poolside cantina bar and grill in addition to an extensive marketplace for grab-and-go food items and sundries. The hotel will also feature hot breakfast, an appetizer and beverage reception and 24-hour business and fitness centers.
