WDW Daily News

Micky Mouse and Cinderella costume characters, and many other beloved Disney icons continue to serve up smiles — millions of them — at attractions around the world.

Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida was the world’s most-visited theme park in 2018, with a whopping 20.8 million visitors, according to an annual report released Wednesday by Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM, which tracks and ranks attendance at theme parks around the world. (Disney doesn’t publicly release attendance figures.)

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This Halloween season, Guests of all ages are sure to have a ghoulishly good time at the new Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure® Park. This separately-ticketed party is packed with exclusive new entertainment and experiences, including the new “World of Color” spectacular – “Villainous!”

Tweens will be treated to multiple new experiences – including the new interactive DescenDANCE Party and more! Here’s what’s in store:

• DescenDANCE Party – A new pulsing party in the Backlot area of Hollywood Land is inspired by the popular “Descendants” franchise from Disney Channel. As the DescenDANCE Party begins, a spell is cast, summoning the greatest dance crew from the Isle of the Lost to throw down and lead everyone in moves that are set to the biggest hit songs from all three “Descendants” movies.  The original “Villain Kids” might even crash the party through magic mirrors. Once the DescenDANCE crew returns to their realm, the Backlot DJ continues to spin tunes that will make any “Villain Kid” proud, inviting everyone to step onto the dance floor into the night.
• “Villainous!” – The new “World of Color” show weaves a Halloween tale about a young girl named Shelley Marie. This twisted tale carries Shelley on an unforgettable journey, exploring the villainous side of Disney characters through fountains, lights, lasers, projections and special effects. “Villainous!” shows that, deep down, there’s a little villain in all of us.
• Character encounters – Tweens will love meeting beloved Disney characters – and villains, too. You may be surprised at who you discover at this Halloween party, like Dr Facilier, Jafar and Maleficent!
• Immersive Treat Trails – Trick-or-treating is not just for little kids! There is so much to see at the new, wonderfully wicked treat trails throughout the park. Iconic characters such as Mad Hatter from Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” or even Oogie Boogie himself will surprise and delight. Additional treat trails will feature oversized cauldrons full of treats for all Guests to enjoy.
• “Frightfully Fun Parade” – The favorite Halloween parade is coming to Disney California Adventure park for the first time! The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow starts the procession, followed by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse who lead the cavalcade of characters and many mischievous Disney villains who are ready to stir up some trouble along the parade route.

This spook-tacular Halloween party is only offered on 20 select nights this fall.

By: Disney DestinationsMay 23, 2019

The epic, aerial adventure Soarin’ Over California returns to Disney California Adventure® Park! From June 1 to 30, 2019, this beloved attraction is coming back for a limited time this summer.

Your Clients can take flight and enjoy a bird’s-eye view over California. This virtual tour celebrates the beauty and wonder of the Golden State—from San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the crashing waves in Malibu. Guests will be raised high into the air, and surrounded by an immersive, 80-foot projection dome to simulate the graceful motion of flight, while their senses will be teased with iconic scents found throughout California.

Originally opened in 2001, Soarin’ Over California became a fan-favorite attraction. In 2016, the attraction became Soarin’ Around the World, taking you over the many wonders of the world—from the majestic Swiss Alps to the Great Wall of China.

The return of Soarin’ Over California adds to the exciting offerings available at Disney California Adventure Park this June. 

“Rivers of Light: We Are One” debuts this weekend at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, as the next chapter of this beautiful nighttime pageant unfolds, telling the story of our connection with animals and the emotions and milestones we all share in our journey through the great circle of life. This reimagined version of the show introduces additional, stunning imagery and familiar animal characters from Disneynature films, along with a colorful tapestry of classic moments from Disney animation.

Also starting this weekend, the Tree of Life awakens each evening with a new story inspired by this summer’s release of “The Lion King.” Moments from Simba’s journey are depicted in a beautiful artistic style, set to an evocative musical score comprised of new arrangements of familiar tunes. And all summer long, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating “The Lion King,” from the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party and unique photo opportunities to the ever-popular “Festival of the Lion King” and special décor throughout the park.

There is a whole pride of eats and treats coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park this summer with offerings that celebrate some favorite characters and moments from Disney’s beloved tale, “The Lion King.”

All of the items listed below begin on May 24, 2019 and will run through the end of summer. From latte art and ice cream sandwiches to special cones and more, there are enough treats here to have a feast fit for a (lion) king!

Simba Ice Cream Sandwich – Available at Tamu Tamu

Vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies and decorated with chocolate tail and an image of Simba

Simba’s Sunset Dole Whip – Available at Tamu Tamu

Pineapple Dole Whip topped with red syrup made up of watermelon and coconut

King’s Cooler – Available at Tamu Tamu

Pineapple Dole Whip with rum topped with red syrup made up of watermelon and coconut

Asante Slush – Available at the Shave Ice Cart Near Harambe Market

Shaved ice topped with watermelon and passion fruit-mango syrup

Serengeti Sangria – Available at Dawa Bar, Harambe Market, and Boneyard Bar

Red sangria

Bugs ‘n Grub Waffle Cone – Available at Anandapur Bus and Trilo-Bites

Chocolate soft-serve ice cream in a green cone with cookies and cream “dirt” crumbles, gummy worms, and a chocolate beetle

“The Lion King” Novelty Sipper and Popcorn Bucket – Available Later this Summer at various Outdoor Vending Locations throughout the Park

Only available while supplies last

“The Lion King” Latte Art – Available at Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co.

Special latte art featuring Simba

Lion’s Latte – Available at Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co.

Hot or iced latte with white chocolate and coconut and featuring Joffrey’s “Flavors of Africa” artisan roast coffee from Kenya

Simba Cupcake – Currently available at Pizzafari

Yellow vanilla cupcake filled with white chocolate mousse and topped with buttercream, an edible piece featuring Simba, and a fierce mane of orange and yellow icing

Simba and Nala Waffles – Currently available at Tusker House (breakfast only)

Kid’s waffles featuring Simba and Nala

Special “The Lion King”-themed Merchandise – Available at Mombasa Marketplace, Discovery Trading Company, and Island Mercantile

You can enjoy these treats in style with apparel including a Long Live the King Black Youth Tee, a Simba Youth Baseball Cap, and a Hakuna Matata Adult Tee

But that’s not all – in addition to all of these fun treats, there are a few more ways you can celebrate “The Lion King,” such as our new limited-time dining experience – Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night. This event happens on Wednesday nights throughout the summer and takes Guests on a flavorful journey inspired by the animated classic. You can take a train ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, enjoy live entertainment, and graze on hors d’oeuvres featuring authentic African fare plus a variety of other delicious selections.

And as we’ve previously shared, next door at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jiko – The Cooking Place is featuring a limited-time special “Lion King”-themed prix fixe menu. 

In just days, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will welcome its first Guests at the Disneyland® Resort! And to celebrate, we’re thrilled to share that our Disney Parks Blog partners will be hosting a special #DisneyParksLIVE stream presented by AT&T covering the dedication ceremony of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort on May 29.  And we’ll be sharing it right here on Disney Travel News!

Be sure to head to the Disney Travel News section of this website on May 29 at 8:20 p.m. PDT | 11:20 p.m. EDT for a first look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and to see the historic dedication moment from Disneyland Resort in California.  

Now, more than ever, Walt Disney World Resort is the place to make lifelong memories with family and friends. For the first time, you can purchase the new Summer One World Ticket as a great way to experience all that’s fresh and exciting at the resort’s four theme parks and two water parks, with six admissions for only $74 per admission (plus tax) – a total price of $444 (plus tax).* 

Starting June 4, you will be able to purchase the Summer One World Ticket. For a total price of $444 (plus tax), this ticket includes one admission to each of the Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks. This ticket will be commissionable. Ticket details:

• Summer One World Tickets must be purchased between Jun 4, 2019, and Aug. 23, 2019.
• Each Summer One World Ticket includes six admissions – one admission to each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks and each of the two water parks.
• You have flexibility in how they use these tickets, including visiting more than one park per day.
• Tickets must be used June 4, 2019 – Aug. 28, 2019.

Pairing the Summer One World Ticket with a Disney resort hotel stay helps your Clients remain immersed in magic for every moment of a Walt Disney World vacation. And, you can save up to 25 percent on rooms at select Disney resort hotels for stays most nights May 28, 2019, through Aug. 28, 2019, when booking through Aug. 28, 2019.** 

Summer 2019 will be an amazing time to visit Walt Disney World, with new experiences at all four theme parks:

• Anything can happen during Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom Park, including the new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party,” featuring those true originals, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
• Party with Pixar pals at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the park’s 30^th anniversary year, featuring The Incredibles, Mike and Sulley from Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.;” Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang at the new Toy Story Land; and the new Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy that takes you into the world of Cars.
• Pandora – The World of Avatar comes to life each night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with bioluminescent fauna and flora. And now evenings in the park are about to be even more special with the May 24 planned debut of “Rivers of Light: We Are One,” introducing additional stunning imagery and familiar animal characters to the popular nighttime show on Discovery River. Also beginning May 24, the Tree of Life will awaken in a whole new way to honor the 25^thanniversary of “The Lion King,” with beautiful projections on the iconic tree featuring music and animation paying tribute to the classic film.
• “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” will return to Epcot this summer. Star-Lord and Gamora from the Guardians of the Galaxy films will take you on a musical journey through the cosmos, showcasing hits from Star-Lord’s Awesome Mix tapes. Live shows will take place daily from June 14 through Aug. 18.

*Ticket valid 6/4/19 – 8/28/19 for one admission to Magic Kingdom® Park, one admission to Epcot®, one admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, one admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, one admission to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, and one admission to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. Each park may be visited only once. Tickets are nonrefundable, nontransferable and exclude activities/events separately priced. Admission is subject to capacity closures and other restrictions. Water parks are subject to rehabilitation, seasonal and weather closures. After expiration date, the price paid for a wholly unused ticket can be applied to the purchase of a new ticket with an equal or higher price. **The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if there are more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Studios at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

Over the coming months, we will expand the popular mobile order food service to additional restaurants at Disney Resort hotels, including: Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

These restaurants will join our existing mobile order lineup of Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and over 20 other quick-service locations throughout the four theme parks and Disney Springs® area.

With the service, you can order ahead from wherever they happen to be, skip the order line and head directly to the pick-up counter where Cast Members deliver their food – helping you save time to enjoy all there is to see and do at Walt Disney World® Resort.

And don’t forget, if you have a Disney dining plan they can now redeem your meals and snacks through the service. We’ve also recently introduced a new enhanced look that makes the ordering experience easier than ever.

The mobile order service is yet another way we are improving the vacation experience for Guests through the My Disney Experience app, especially at Disney Resort hotels, where select Guests can streamline check in to start their vacation even faster, use their mobile device as a digital key, view bus times and much more. 

One of our most beloved Disneyland Resort attractions, Haunted Mansion, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. To celebrate, we’re throwing an “under the hill” soiree and we’re so excited to share details with you today.

In August, you can choose to attend one of the “The Haunted Mansion: Celebrating 50 Years of Retirement Unliving” events. These after-hours events at Disneyland Park are filled with chills, thrills and frightful fun. Your Clients can unearth commemorative anniversary merchandise items, delight in spirited sips and bites, enjoy special entertainment, character encounters, photo ops, and access to several west-side park attractions, plus a few supernatural surprises.

Here are the event highlights:

• Gather for a 13th Hour Celebration Kick-off moment along the Rivers of America. Madame Leota will make a special appearance to conjure up the ensuing party festivities, lovingly referred to as a “Swinging Wake.” Other supernatural surprises include a lively cavalcade of musicians, dancers and performers from beyond the grave.
• Re-create hauntingly fun moments and scenes from the attraction against themed backdrops. You will also receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the event.
• Enjoy event-themed food and beverages, in addition to other unique menu items available for purchase at select park locations.
• Mix and mingle with some of our dearly departed souls and otherworldly characters from the Haunted Mansion.
• Pay homage to 50 phenomenal years through themed décor as 999 tenants anxiously await their newest arrivals.
• Enjoy after-hours access to select attractions in New Orleans Square, Critter Country, Frontierland and Adventureland. Note: Select attractions will close early during the event.
• See and be seen while wearing attire inspired by favorite happy haunts! Plus, limited-time Snapchat filters and event hashtags are great for pics posted on social media feeds.
• Get a first look at all of the Estate Merchandise that has been conjured up for the event. You won’t believe your eyes.

Event Ticket Tip: When purchasing the event ticket, yous will be allowed to purchase one (1) ticket per person, per event date, per transaction. You might wonder why, and it is due to the merchandise offerings that will be released in conjunction with the event which requires each ticketed event Guest to have a unique registration ID.

A limited quantity of tickets for both event nights will be available beginning Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 10 a.m. PT.  Learn more about the event, details and pricing, including how to purchase tickets here. Tickets are non-commissionable.

Hurry Back …

Tickets to the event are valid only for the specific event date and hours.  Tickets can only be purchased online – availability is limited, while supplies last.  No discounts apply. Parking fees not included in ticket price. Tickets are non-refundable and may not be resold or transferred for commercial use. Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines athttps://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dress/ for restrictions. Disney PhotoPass is subject to the Disney PhotoPass terms and conditions at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required. Offer and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice. No refunds given for any such changes or cancellations whether due to inclement weather or otherwise.

Everyone will be feeling extra merry and bright at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park this holiday season, with festive new entertainment and holiday décor in every land!

It all begins when you cross the bridge to Discovery Island, finding themselves in the midst of a celebration of winter, hand-crafted by the eclectic community of artists who make the island their home. The village is filled with sparkling white holiday decorations. Colorful, animal-inspired luminaries line the rooftops, and wireframe lanterns in the shape of beautiful birds can be found perched throughout the area. And during the day, Discovery Island springs to life with a holiday gathering of winter animals, realized in the form of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets. Reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins and more interact with guests, accompanied by serenading musicians as they create a playful atmosphere of festive fun.

As day becomes night, the rooftop luminaries and bird lanterns all around Discovery Island bring a warm and festive glow to the entire village. At the center of everything, the Tree of Lifeawakens with a series of wintry tales, complemented by a familiar and heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score. Between awakening moments, the Tree of Life continues to shimmer and sparkle throughout the night, alive with the magic of nature and the spirit of the holidays.

Over in Dinoland, U.S.A., all the Disney character friends gathered for Donald’s Dino-Bash! get into the spirit with colorful holiday decorations in the style of Donald Duck and each of his pals, and at night, you are invited to gather ‘round Truck-O-Saurus for the Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Chip ‘n Dale and plenty of interactive fun and games.

In Asia, the residents of Anandapur have decorated the theatre district in celebration of Diwali, the holiday festival of lights in India. Glowing flowers, lanterns and more illuminate the square between Anandapur Theater and the waterfront stage, home to authentic cultural performances.

The village of Harambe in Africa welcomes visitors with a unique holiday presentation, blending the inspiration and style of western traditions with the colors and textiles of authentic African celebrations. The various groups appearing throughout Harambe introduce holiday-inspired enhancements, including costume additions and new music, to their performances. The holiday fun continues inside Tusker House for dining with Disney friends, where Mickey and his pals spread holiday cheer throughout the meal.

The holiday spirit even reaches Pandora – The World of Avatar, where the ex-pats living and working on the moon of Pandora bring a little Christmastime fun to their alien home, with a display at Pongu Pongu of kitschy holiday décor, combining vintage pieces from Earth with items handcrafted from materials indigenous to Pandora.

It’s going to be an extra magical holiday season at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and across Walt Disney World® Resort, filled with wonder and delight in all four parks! Make plans for you to join us, starting Nov. 8, 2019.