December 15, 2023
Walt Disney World has announced the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival will return on Feb. 28, 2024!
This fan-favorite springtime event will be abloom with brilliant gardens, fresh flavors and lively entertainment. Guests can marvel at the topiary displays, gardens and exhibits, and enjoy all the delicious menu items the outdoor kitchens have to offer.
We look forward to sharing more details about the festival soon!
We’re continuing our holiday fun this week with a special look at some can’t miss experiences at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth.
This popular EPCOT festival is a celebration of the holidays like none other – packed with dazzling live entertainment like the popular Candlelight Processional and Holiday Storytellers along with delicious seasonal treats, family-friendly activities and more.
Today, we’ve got nine popular things you need to do before the festivities end on Dec. 30.
Candlelight Processional is Disney Parks Tradition
Our first must-do is the guest favorite EPCOT Candlelight Processional – guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. This special retelling of the Christmas story by celebrity narrators features an amazing choir of Disney cast members and local community groups and a 50-piece live orchestra with herald trumpets.
Here’s an updated list of list of celebrity narrators performing now through to the end of the festival:
Notice the number of NEW celebrity narrators you can still enjoy in coming weeks. Performances are nightly at America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT with showtimes at 5:15, 7 and 8:30 p.m.
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Welcome to the official ship’s log for the Disney Treasure! Follow along for an exclusive look into the complex ship building process as we document all the important milestones of the Disney Treasure’s journey. The Disney Treasure’s story began with the start of construction in January of 2023 and has continued to evolve ever since. Return here for the latest developments in the Disney Treasure’s progress as the world patiently waits for Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship to officially set sail in 2024. The adventure is just beginning!
The holidays are quickly approaching, but construction of the Disney Treasure hasn’t slowed down at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany. In fact, a lot of progress has taken place in recent weeks, including lifting of the forward and aft funnels to their rightful place atop the ship. Complete with a coat of primer paint, the icons that are known across the entire fleet have officially found their new home, bringing the Disney Treasure one step closer to completion.
Of course, the funnels on the Disney Treasure aren’t just for looks – guests will also be able to plunge through the forward funnel while riding the AquaMouse, Disney’s attraction at sea, or even stay inside the funnel in the two-story EPCOT-themed Tomorrow Tower Suite!
December 6, 2023
Many Disneyland Resort guests love attending our Disneyland After Dark events! Disneyland After Dark events are separately-ticketed, themed evenings that include after-hours theme park and ride access (often with less wait times!), unique entertainment, beloved and sometimes rare character appearances, specialty food, beverage, and merchandise offerings, and so much more! We are thrilled that in 2024, we will hold more Disneyland After Dark ‘nites’ than ever before, with some popular themes returning, plus an all-new one…Disney Channel Nite!
Each Disneyland After Dark event begins with a three-hour pre-party mix-in at Disneyland Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT before the party officially begins. In addition to all the themed fun brought to life just for the party, admission also includes commemorative keepsakes such as a souvenir credential and an event guide map, plus unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken throughout the party, which is a great way to capture treasured memories.
Whether a romantic at heart, a nostalgic Disney Channel enthusiast, Star Wars devotee or wanting to show Pride – these limited-time offerings are made for our guests! Here’s the 2024 line-up.
Jan. 23, 25, 30, Feb. 1, 6, 8, 12 & 14, 2024, at Disneyland Park
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite celebrates the love all around us on eight different nights in Disneyland. Plan a dreamy rendez-vous, besties night, or start a family tradition at these sensational soirées. Sweethearts’ Nite will include many heartwarming offerings:
A limited number of Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite tickets will go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders beginning Dec. 12, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) on Disneyland.com. On Dec. 14, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), tickets will go on sale to the general public and are subject to availability.*
Mar. 5 & 7, 2024, at Disneyland Park
Get ready for this all-new, nostalgic celebration as Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite comes to life, highlighting themed offerings from favorite Disney Channel shows across various eras of programming with fantastic music, memorable characters, high-energy parties, unique photo opportunities, and more! Join in the fun with fellow Disney Channel fans with great offerings including:
A limited number of Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite tickets will go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders beginning Dec. 12, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) on Disneyland.com. On Dec. 14, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), tickets will go on sale to the general public and are subject to availability. *
April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7 & 9, 2024 at Disneyland Park
Star Wars Nites are back, with more nights than ever before! Prepare to launch a course for a galactic adventure like no other. Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nites will take place during Season of the Force, happening at Disneyland Park from April 5 – June 2.
On sale dates and additional details for Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite are forthcoming, so keep your eyes on the Disney Parks Blog in the coming months.
June 18 & 20, 2024 at Disneyland Park
Last year, Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite came to life for the very first time, and it’s back in 2024 with entertainment, colorful characters, photo opps and more on two spectacular evenings in June at Disneyland Park!
Stay tuned for on-sale dates and additional details for Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite in the coming months.
We can’t wait for the return of Disneyland After Dark!
*The number of tickets available for each event date are limited, and event tickets are valid only for the specific event date and hours. Only select attractions, experiences, offerings, and services will be available during the event. Offer, event, and event elements are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice or liability.
Disney PhotoPass® digital photo downloads exclude separately priced Disney PhotoPass® packages and products offered at select locations. Disney PhotoPass® service is subject to the Disney PhotoPass® Terms and Conditions and expiration policy found at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required.
Visit disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.
Greetings, foolish mortals… We are delighted to inform you the Hatbox Ghost has come out to socialize at the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park! The iconic grim grinning ghost has decided to reveal himself to guests for the first time since his arrival was announced at Destination D23 earlier this year.
For those unacquainted with this reclusive resident, the Hatbox Ghost first appeared in the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park in 1969. In 2015, he reappeared in the attraction but had yet to show himself at the Magic Kingdom attraction — until now!
Materializing next to the Endless Hallway, the Hatbox Ghost emerges through a cobalt blue glass-paned door under the cloak of night. Traces of muddy footprints mark his path as he arranges his cart of hatboxes and luggage. Lit by the moon and the warm glow of a dim lantern, guests come face-to-face with the Hatbox Ghost, grimly grinning as he takes fiendish delight in unnerving visitors with his heady parlor trick.
Disney Imagineers have been working hard to prepare the Mansion for his arrival — enhancing lighting and updating paint throughout the queue and attraction.
But, they’re not the only ones who have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Hatbox Ghost… The 999 happy haunts of the Haunted Mansion are in high spirits, celebrating his appearance by being on their ghoulishly best behavior for this hauntingly grand affair.
Come see the Hatbox Ghost for now at the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park!
November 28, 2023
In celebration of Walt Disney’s birthday on December 5th, guests visiting EPCOT will be able to visit Dreamers Point in the newly-opened World Celebration neighborhood and see our company’s original dreamer in a completely new light. Everyone is invited to imagine alongside Walt himself and look out over World Celebration Gardens together.
This new statue, entitled “Walt the Dreamer”, represents Walt later in his life when he was dreaming up the overall Florida Project and the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. He sits with a sense of fulfillment, enjoying the beauty of his realized dream: a park that represents pure optimism and truly celebrates the magic of possibility.
This new statue of Walt is one of many areas to visit as a part of World Celebration Gardens where guests will be able to relax, unwind, and connect — to EPCOT, to nature and to each other. Each of the gardens found in the center of World Celebration, including Dreamers Point, will connect back to the areas surrounding them, drawing on the architectural legacy of EPCOT, modern lighting elements and a variety of natural textures.
Dreamers Point is named not only for the dreamer that has and continues to inspire us, but also all of us who visit EPCOT every day to celebrate the endless potential and possibility of our world.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! It’s that time of year again when I share what I’m thankful for – Disney Edition. I wanted to focus on something beyond what we all are most thankful for, such as a healthy and safe family, a good job, etc…
I wanted to write about things that I am thankful for, Disney style. Disney has created so many wonderful memories for my family I thought it would be fun to create a list. After reading my list I would like to hear your thoughts via Twitter.
I am thankful for….
November 20, 2023
Disney Cruise Line’s new dedicated cruise terminal at Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is now open! Here are five reasons why guests will love setting sail from Fort Lauderdale with Disney Cruise Line.
SECOND YEAR-ROUND DISNEY CRUISE HOMEPORT IN FLORIDA
Disney Cruise Line is in the midst of its largest expansion ever and opening our second, year-round home port is an important milestone. The Disney Dream will begin sailing from Fort Lauderdale today, followed by the Disney Magic on May 9, 2024, offering guests the opportunity to sail on a mix of three-, four- and five-night cruises to tropical destinations in The Bahamas and the Caribbean.
AN EMBARKATION EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE BIG BLUE WORLD
As guests enter the terminal, they’ll travel from land to sea and “dive” into the world of the Disney and Pixar’s film, “Finding Nemo.” There, they’ll find some of their favorite friends from the movie on colorful murals, including fish, rays and beautiful coral. Guests will “swim” by Nemo’s school friends, including Tad, Sheldon and Pearl, and as they inch closer to embarkation, they’ll be welcomed by Nemo, Marlin and Dory.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
With the Walt Disney World Resort just hours away from Fort Lauderdale, families can create lifelong memories together on land and at sea. The port is located in the heart of South Florida with close proximity to three international airports. And for pre- and post-cruise stays, Fort Lauderdale is just a short drive to the beach, offering a vibrant art scene, world-class restaurants, entertainment, shopping and family-friendly activities – including the area’s namesake, the Florida Everglades.
MORE CHANCES TO VISIT DISNEY’S ISLAND DESTINATIONS
Sail aboard the Disney Dream on four- and five-night cruises to tropical locales in the western Caribbean and The Bahamas. These sailings will visit to Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Nassau, along with stops at Castaway Cay, a private island paradise reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests to enjoy world-class beaches and ample amenities with a touch of Disney magic.
And for even more tropical fun, in 2024, families can sail from Fort Lauderdale to our new island destination, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera, The Bahamas. Disney is collaborating with talented artists and cultural advisors in The Bahamas who are helping to shape an experience at our new destination that celebrates the natural beauty, traditions and artistry of this one-of-a-kind nation.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Disney Cruise Line is committed to creating lasting, positive impact in the port communities we call home. In recognition of our arrival to the Broward County community, Disney Cruise Line is partnering with Junior Achievement South Florida and Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County and making a donation to each organization. The donations will support a variety of initiatives, including programs that inspire career exploration, innovation and storytelling.
As a reminder, to help market sailings departing from Ft. Lauderdale, a selection of assets are now available for download on Disney Copyright. These assets include a flyer, ad shells, boilerplate copy, web pages and banners and can be found by searching “Ft. Lauderdale” on Disney Copyright.com.
November 17, 2023
Art lovers, rejoice! A new year is right around the corner, and a visit to the 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is the perfect way to celebrate bright beginnings.
From Jan. 12 through Feb. 19, revel in this inspiring event that highlights the visual, culinary and performing arts as only Disney can. Today, we’re sharing details to help guests plan their artistic odyssey. Here are five fantastic ways to celebrate the arts at this colorful festival.
Some of Broadway’s brightest stars are coming to Walt Disney World as the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns to EPCOT with three daily shows throughout the festival. For the first time in forever, two original leading ladies from a certain icy kingdom will perform together on the America Gardens Theatre stage.
Performing songs from many of our favorite Disney shows, these stars never fail to inspire. Here’s the full lineup:
Showcase Plaza is also home to a kaleidoscope of performances daily, where Guests will find musicians, live painting and the thrilling acrobatic feats of Art Defying Gravity.
To guarantee priority seating for preferred performances, be sure to check out Dining Packages available at eight spectacular EPCOT restaurants:
For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Packages go on sale beginning Dec. 19.
More than 15 Food Studios throughout EPCOT blend touches of delectable flavors with an artistic twist – including tempting new dishes and drinks to savor. The Rainbow Cake with freeze-dried SKITTLES® bite-sized candies is always a sweet sensation at Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic. And don’t miss the Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with parsnip puree, broccolini, baby tomatoes and balsamic glaze at Pastoral Palate.
Stay tuned to Disney Travel News for all the details in an upcoming Foodie Guide!
Don’t miss the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. This fun food stroll highlights yummy sweet and savory offerings in all the colors of the rainbow. The handy Festival Passport will show where to make picturesque purchases and receive stamps. Once guests have collected five stamps, bring the passport to Deco Delights Food Studio to receive a complimentary surprise.
The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine can be completed at guests’ leisure – so they can enjoy a new treat every time they visit throughout the festival.
At Animation Academy, held daily at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. in America Gardens Theatre, learn drawing skills from some of the best in the business as they teach you how to draw a Disney character. At Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural, join fellow artists to leave a creative mark on a larger-than-life wall mural.
Kid’s Chalk Art takes place on the bridge to World Showcase Plaza daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. allowing little ones to create their very own chalk masterpieces. And what would a visit to the festival be without artful photo ops? From Botticelli to Renoir, these life-size tableaus beckon guests to become part of the painting.
Guests can also create your own works of art with Disney PhotoPass Service, including limited-time Magic Shots created for this colorful celebration.**
One of the coolest parts of the festival is visiting galleries and meeting the artists who bring imaginative works to life. New and returning favorites will be part of this year’s lineup, so be sure to visit ArtfulEPCOT.com to stay up to date on the latest news.
There’s no way that we can celebrate all things imagination without a visit from everyone’s favorite purple dragon – Figment! This lovable ambassador of whimsy takes center stage on a wide array of festival merch, ranging from household items and décor to apparel and trading items.
Looking for a convenient way to pay? We love the beauty and convenience of the mini festival-themed Disney Gift Card. Load it with as little as $15 and wear it on a wrist for quick and easy scanning when purchasing all festival delights.
Kids of all ages will want to engage in Figment’s Brush with the Master’s Scavenger Hunt. On this journey throughout World Showcase, guests will help Figment learn all about art. To get started, purchase a map and stickers at Creations Shop, Port of Entry, or World Traveler. Then, search for Figment hiding inside art inspired by famous works at each World Showcase pavilion—just look for the Figment-themed picture frame.
Every time guests find Figment, they add the corresponding sticker to the pavilion on the map. Once the journey is complete, return the map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for an artful little keepsake!***
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will be here before we know it!
*Entertainment subject to change without notice.
**Disney PhotoPass service is subject to Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions. Online registration required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
***Redemption valid through Feb. 19 or while supplies last.
It’s beginning to taste a lot like holidays! Get ready to experience traditions and cuisines from across the globe because the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is almost here. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, this classic and beloved festival will be serving up delights and excitement to get guests in the spirit.
This year, there are over 15 holiday kitchens filled with delicious bites and sips inspired by holiday traditions from around the world. With returning favorites like the Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl from Bavaria Holiday Kitchen and Slow Roasted Turkey from American Holiday Table, and even some new treats, like the Rugalach from L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen, guests will be gifted flavor with each and every bite.
If guests are looking to indulge their sweet tooth, they simply must do the Holiday Cookie Stroll, a food stroll featuring decadent and delightful cookies from the Holiday Kitchens. As they treat their elf, they collect stamps in the Festival Passport by purchasing five of these items to redeem a special treat from Holiday Sweets & Treats.
In addition to the food, a staple of the festival is the entertainment. As guests travel throughout the World Showcase, they can take the time to enjoy the holiday storytellers sharing each country’s holiday traditions. Listen to the joy of Christmas and Kwanzaa with a lively performance of JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season or grab the whole family for some more holiday fun with Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt. As the sun goes down, don’t miss Candlelight Processional – a moving retelling of the story of Christmas featuring a celebrity narrator and stirring songs performed by an orchestra and choir.
