WDW Daily News

Fantasmic! will be returning May 24, 2024 at Disneyland Resort. More details will be shared at a later date.

November 6, 2023

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and that means … holiday goodies! One of the best parts of this season are the tasty delights and this year is no different. The culinary teams at Walt Disney World Resort have been hard at work making sure everyone gets a flavorful present all across property. And with the passion and creativity put to the plate this year, there’s no doubt all of these talented culinary experts are on the nice list.

All throughout the Resort, enter a winter wonderland of flavor with tasty bites and sips that will light up everyone’s taste buds. From the almost too cute to eat (almost) Mickey Winter Hat Dome Cake from Amorette’s Patisserie to holiday festivities like the O’ Ham N’ Cheese Trees at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and even the sweet sip of the returning Gingerbread Martini, guests will be unwrapping delights all holiday season long.

It’s time to get to the Walt Disney World Resort Holidays Foodie Guide!

Disney Springs 

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31; mobile order available)

• Holiday Sweets Petit Cake: Layers of spice cake, cream cheese icing, and apricot jam with fresh apple compote and Italian buttercream (New) 
• Mickey Winter Hat Dome Cake: Layers of vanilla chiffon, chai tea mousse, cranberry-cherry pâte de fruit, almond crunch, and brown butter ganache (New) 
• Christmas Tree Cream Puff: Pistachio cream puff (New) 
• Hot Cocoa Crème Brûlée: Hot cocoa crème brûlée with toasted marshmallow cream (New) 
• Gingerbread Cheesecake (New) 
• Cookies and Milk Éclair (New) 
• Mickey and Minnie Gingerbread Cookies (New) 
• Santa Mickey Mousse: White chocolate mousse and dark chocolate mousse with crispy pearls

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available Nov. 24 through Jan. 1)

• Homecomin’ Holiday Turkey Sandwich: Smoked turkey on toasted artisanal bread, dressed with signature cornbread stuffing and a sweet and sour cranberry aioli served with house-made potato chips

Chicken Guy! (Available Nov. 6 through Dec. 31) 

• Holiday Cookie Shake: Hand-spun vanilla soft-serve, blended with sugar cookies and caramel drizzle topped with marshmallow whipped cream, mini chocolate candy pieces, holiday sprinkles, and a cookie
• Frozen Peppermint Cocoa Shake: Hand-spun vanilla soft-serve, blended with hot cocoa mix, peppermint, and crushed candy cane pieces topped with marshmallow whipped cream, sprinkles, crushed candy cane, mini marshmallows, and chocolate drizzle 

D-Luxe Burger (Available Nov. 9 through Jan. 7; mobile order available) 

• Caramel Apple Pie Shake: Vanilla Gelato blended with dark caramel sauce, Granny Smith apple syrup, cinnamon syrup, and graham cracker crumbs topped with whipped cream, caramel, and graham cracker crumbs (New)

Dockside Margaritas (Available Nov. 9 through Jan. 15) 

• Spiced Cranberry Paloma: Lunazal Reposado Tequila, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and spiced simple syrup

eet by Maneet Chauhan (Available upon opening through Dec. 31) 

• Yule Chai Greeting: Signature spiced chai, whipped cinnamon cream, toasted marshmallow, Christmas sprinkles, and a candy cane

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew (Available Dec. 1 through 31) 

• Holiday Donuts

Frontera Cocina (Available Nov. 10 through Dec. 31)

• Marzipan Delight: Centinela Blanco Tequila, Marzipan Cordial, tres leches home-made mix, and marzipan crumble rim

The Ganachery 

• Gingerbread Mickey Chocolate Piñata: Milk chocolate piñata with crisp pearls and gingerbread toffee (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
• Gingerbread-Pecan Toffee: Spiced toffee enrobed with milk chocolate and encrusted with toasted pecans and gingerbread crumbs (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
• Mickey Chocolate-covered Gingerbread Cookies: Spiced gingerbread cookies enrobed in milk chocolate and dark 65% chocolate (New) (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
• Chocolate Peppermint Bark: White and dark chocolate with crushed peppermint candy (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)
• Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise: Milk chocolate shell filled with The Ganachery hot cocoa mix and house-made marshmallows (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31)

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From Vacation Club Life: We have some exciting news to share with you! You have come to know us as ResalesDVC, but we’ve changed our name to Vacation Club Life. Same family, new name! Our mission has always been to help families create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. We feel our new name truly captures the spirit of what we do and the incredible customers like you who make it all possible. At Vacation Club Life, it’s not just a product. It’s a lifestyle.  We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone by visiting our new website and joining us on social media. We have some fantastic giveaways and events planned throughout 2024, and we can’t wait to share them with you.  Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this new journey. We are grateful to have you as a part of our Vacation Club Life family.   – The Tutas Family

November 3, 2023

We’re just over a month away from the launch of the latest nighttime spectacular from Disney Live Entertainment, “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” debuting Dec. 5 at EPCOT. Featuring dazzling fireworks, fountains, lights and music to connect us all through commonalities of the heart, this all-new show shines a light on how each of our unique melodies comes together to form a great symphony – the symphony of us.

Much like a beautiful piece of music, “Luminous The Symphony of Us” is made up of a series of movements, each representing life experiences that we have in common, showing us that we’re more alike than we are different. Punctuating these movements are two original songs written just for the spectacular, as well as new arrangements of carefully selected Disney songs we all know and love.  

At the start of the show, World Showcase comes to life as we hear voices from each pavilion welcoming us to this great gathering. With the tap of a conductor’s baton, our first movement begins with the original song, “Heartbeat Symphony.” Nothing says EPCOT nighttime spectacular like a sweeping ballad, and this one comes right out of the gate.

Check out this behind-the-scenes look at some of the music recording sessions for “Luminous The Symphony of Us,” including a sneak preview of “Heartbeat Symphony.”

With the stage set, our symphony takes us to the tender love of parenthood, highlighting childhood moments where each of our journeys began and featuring a stirring, multilingual arrangement of “You’ll Be in My Heart.” The symphony then transitions to “Proud Corazón” as we find our voice in a movement dedicated to the bonds of family. Friendship follows, with classic songs like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Friend Like Me” taking us back to the days of recess and friendship bracelets.

Set to a sweeping arrangement of “So Close,” a personal favorite hidden gem from Disney’s “Enchanted,” the romance movement celebrates the moments when we find someone with whom our melody blends.

Inevitably in life we experience the quiet loneliness of loss, but as “When She Loved Me” and “Remember Me” bring us “Into the Unknown,” the echoes of those around us remind us that we’re never truly alone. As we come out of the darkness, the music crescendos to “I See the Light” from “Tangled,” launching us into our finale – and our second original song, entitled “Beating of our Hearts” – where we all come together as one and find our place in the great symphony of life. 

Music plays a critical role in telling this tale. That’s why the team at Disney Live Entertainment is so excited to work with Pinar Toprak once again on the show’s incredible score. Guests may know Pinar from her work on film soundtracks or heard her EPCOT anthem at night by Spaceship Earth. Among the choir of voices lending their vocal talents to the score are singer/songwriter Sheléa and the multi-talented Katharine McPhee.

We hope this first look makes everyone as excited as we are to share this new symphony together when it debuts Dec. 5 – part of the grand finale as we near the completion of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT.

November 3, 2023

Today, we’re excited to give a closer look at some of the exciting venues that will be found at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Disney Lookout Cay is Disney Cruise Line’s newest, one-of-a-kind retreat on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas. As soon as guests step foot on this breathtaking island destination when it debuts in summer 2024, they will discover a celebration of Bahamian storytelling, artistry and culture.

Let’s start with a first look at the arrival point, Mabrika Cove.

“Mabrika” means “welcome” in Taino, the language of the Lucayans, who are considered the indigenous people of The Bahamas. While the language is no longer used, a few words remain – one of them being “Mabrika,” At this colorful arrival point, guests will immediately experience the warmth of Bahamian culture.

This next space is guaranteed to be the most festive on the island! The Goombay Cultural Center will embody the essence of “Junkanoo,” a Bahamian festival filled with joyous music and vibrant parades that will come to life in many ways across Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Goombay is one of the traditional music styles of The Bahamas, involving singing, dancing and drumming. The brilliantly colored cultural pavilion and its Junkanoo-inspired arch will invite guests to embrace the traditions of The Bahamas, along with the sights, sounds and spirit of the country’s signature festival.

There will be plenty of family entertainment in store at Triton’s Trumpet Stage. And fun fact: The gazebo name is inspired by one of the stunning natural wonders found among the Bahamian beaches – a large, spiraled seashell commonly called “Triton’s Trumpet.” 

Of course, we must mention the shopping opportunities! Treasures of Eleuthera will be the retail shop featuring locally made gifts and artisan crafts. The shops will spotlight Bahamian artists through an array of unique items that families will be able to bring home with them as a special keepsake.

Serenity Bay will be a relaxing retreat exclusively for adults 18 years of age and older. Guests who have sailed with Disney Cruise Line before might recognize Serenity Bay as a must-visit location on Disney Castaway Cay! At Disney Lookout Cay, Serenity Bay will feature a tranquil beach experience with a dining area and private cabanas available for reservation.

Relaxation, breathtaking nature, cultural celebrations, and Disney entertainment for all? We’re excited for guests to experience all that Disney Lookout Cay has to offer when this island destination debuts in summer 2024! There is so much more in store for this incredible Bahamian retreat, so keep following along for all the details. 

Return to the Wizarding World at Universal Orlando in 2024! We’re giving away a 3-night resort stay in 2024 to one lucky winner who books a 2023 Universal vacation with us. As a Platinum U-Preferred Agency with Universal, we have helped thousands of families experience amazing adventures with Universal Parks and Resorts. To say “thank you” to our amazing clients, we are giving away a 3-night stay at a Universal Orlando resort so you can experience the magic all over again in 2024! All you need to do is book a 2023 Universal vacation package or multi-day ticket with us, and you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway! If you’ve already booked a 2023 Universal vacation with us, you can still enter – see below for details:

If you’ve already booked a 2023 Universal vacation with us, you can still enter – just post a comment on our official Facebook post for the giveaway with your favorite memory from your trip or a picture from your vacation. Visit Our Official Facebook Page. Contest Details: All guests who book a Universal vacation package or multi-day ticket between October 30-December 31, 2023 for travel in 2023 will be automatically entered into the contest. Guests who booked a 2023 Universal vacation with Wish Upon a Star with Us prior to the start of the giveaway can be entered by commenting on the official Facebook post. Winner will be randomly selected and contacted directly by January 9, 2024. Prize: a 3-night resort stay at one of the Universal Orlando onsite hotels. Resort to be selected by Wish Upon a Star with Us. Blackout dates apply; tickets not included.

If you are interested in booking a Universal Orlando Vacation please feel free to reach out to any of the agents at Wish Upon a Star With Us.

Ghouls and ghosts! We’re calling on you, wherever you dwell, as we heard your sympathetic vibrations and are excited to share that some frightfully fun news has materialized. Get ready to mark calendars as we are dying to share event and registration dates for the runDisney 2024-25 race season, including an all-new event coming to the Disneyland Resort in September 2024!

What’s this? What’s this? Why that’s the sound of happy runDisney haunts making their way to The Happiest Place on Earth for a grim grinning good time during the 2024 Disneyland® Halloween Half Marathon Weekend. Taking place September 5-8, 2024, the DisneylandResort will be conjuring up high spirits with four days of events, including yoga, Kids Races, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Challenge, all themed to the 2024 Halloween season. Stay tuned to runDisney.com for more details about the frightfully fun weekend to come.

The wickedly wonderful news doesn’t stop there! Don’t miss out on one of our other bewitching events coming to the 2024-25 runDisney race season, which includes four onsite events at Walt Disney World® Resort and two at Disneyland Resort. From exciting races through Disney parks to virtual events you can run almost anywhere, a runDisney experience is anything but ordinary. Join us at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort for unique events through the Disney parks featuring on-course entertainment, beloved characters, and Disney magic at every mile. Or try one of our runDisney virtual events, perfect for training for your next runDisney race or to get a taste of the magic wherever you run.

We can’t wait for you to come out and socialize with us next year. Start marking your calendar and be sure to check back to runDisney.com for more event news and updates.

 Have yourself a (very) merry Christmas because the holiday extravaganza is on its way back to Magic Kingdom Park! That’s right, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is bringing the festive fun from Nov. 9, 2023 through Jan. 1, 2024. This beloved party is filled with holiday excitement sure to put everyone in the spirit of the season.

Back this year is the dazzling nighttime extravaganza – Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show and the beloved Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, not to mention all the exciting character greetings to be had throughout the park. And what evening at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party would be complete without all the cookies and cocoa guests can handle?

But the treats don’t stop there. This year is filled with nearly an all-new lineup of goodies to put you in a winter wonderland. With sweet treats like the Peppermint Snowman or savory delights like the Holiday Turkey Burger, guests will be getting all the flavors on their wish list this year, and then some!

Ready to get into the holiday spirit? It’s time to unwrap this year’s Foodie Guide to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

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October 26, 2023

Bookings open to the public on Nov. 6, 2023. Clients that are Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club and select other affinity groups may take advantage of the following extended early booking windows:

• Pearl Castaway Club Members: Monday, Oct. 30, 2023
• Platinum Castaway Club Members, Golden Oak and Club 33 Members: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023
• Gold Castaway Club Members: Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023
• Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club and Adventure Insiders: Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023
• Bookings open to all Guests: Monday, Nov. 6, 2023

Delight in Disney’s Island Destinations

In early 2025, the Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Dream and Disney Magic will all offer an assortment of three- to five-night getaways from Florida to Disney Cruise Line’s Bahamian destinations – the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and the beloved Disney Castaway Cay. The Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish will set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, while the Disney Dream and Disney Magic will voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Aboard all four ships, guests will have the opportunity to experience one of the Disney island destinations, with each ship also offering at least one special itinerary that will sail to both Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay.

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney’s celebration of The Bahamas and its newest, one-of-a-kind island retreat located on the island of Eleuthera, will welcome families with breathtaking natural beauty combined with the magic of Bahamian storytelling and artistry. Purposefully designed to be a unique fusion of Bahamian culture and Disney experiences, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will feature Bahamian art and music paired with signature Disney entertainment, sweeping architecture inspired by Bahamian natural wonders brought to life by Disney Imagineers and opportunities to explore Eleuthera through unique port adventures.

Meanwhile Disney Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in The Bahamas, will continue to provide guests of all ages with relaxation and adventure amidst its turquoise waters and lush landscapes. The whimsical tropical hideaway provides a hassle-free experience for a fun and relaxing beach day coupled with a picture-perfect setting with distinctly Disney touches.

The Disney Treasure’s Inaugural Season

Following its maiden voyage on Dec. 21, 2024, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Treasure, will embark on an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral. Eastern Caribbean sailings will take families to the beautiful island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, Disney Castaway Cay and either San Juan, Puerto Rico, or St. Thomas, while Western Caribbean sailings will bring families to destinations such as Falmouth in Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. The week-long voyages will offer at least two days at sea, giving families more time to enjoy the unique spaces, immersive dining and world-class entertainment onboard the Disney Treasure.

Pacific Voyages Aboard the Disney Wonder

The Disney Wonder will conclude its second season in Australia and New Zealand in early 2025 with a special 15-night South Pacific cruise from Sydney, Australia, to Honolulu, Hawaii. Its return to North America will feature two more special sailings: a nine-night Hawaiian Island cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver, Canada in late February, followed by a five-night cruise from Vancouver to San Diego, California, in early March. From San Diego, the Disney Wonder will take guests on three- to seven-night adventures to the Mexican Riviera or the Baja Peninsula.

Adventures from Texas on the Disney Magic

Before homeporting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Disney Magic will also offer the opportunity to visit Mexico on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. For the first three months of 2025, the Disney Magic will sail to Progreso and Cozumel in Mexico and Grand Cayman from Galveston, Texas. In April, the ship will set sail on a special seven-night cruise from the Lone Star State to San Juan, Puerto Rico that will stop at both of Disney’s island destinations, before returning to the Sunshine State  for a series of three- to four-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale, followed by four- and five-night sailings from Port Canaveral to Nassau and at least one of Disney’s island destinations in The Bahamas.

If you are interested in more information feel free to reach out to any agent at Wish Upon a Star with Us Travel Agency.

Calling all night owls! Disney After Hours events are returning to Walt Disney World Resort with plenty of late-night delights starting Jan. 10 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Jan. 11 at Magic Kingdom and Feb. 2 at EPCOT.

Think of the happiest things one can do during a Walt Disney World visit. Bet extra time in the parks after closing would be at the top of the list… when they can explore one of our theme parks like never before – with lower wait times for attractions. That’s what guests will get at Disney After Hours events!

The popular separately ticketed events mean tons of Walt Disney World theme park fun. Guests get three hours – after hours – to ride their favorite attractions, see beloved characters and refuel on unlimited, complimentary snacks!

There’s something about Walt Disney World Resort at night that just hits differently. Disney’s theme parks transform into dreamy adventures. From the sparkle of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park to the colorful spectacle of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, nighttime can be the best time to experience magical Disney fun.

Disney After Hours events allow a limited number of guests to enjoy Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT after they officially close for the day, offering shorter wait times to select attractions and character experiences. To cure late-night cravings, guests can indulge in ice cream novelties, popcorn and select beverages at a variety of locations throughout the park each event night – all included in the cost of the ticket.

Disney After Hours Event Times

Event times at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Event times at Magic Kingdom Park and at EPCOT are from 10 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Guests can get a head start on making happy memories by entering the park beginning at 7 p.m. to squeeze even more joy out of midnight merriment with family and friends.

After Hours Event Dates at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

These special nights will take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Jan. 10 through April 10, 2024. Guests can play in Andy’s backyard in Toy Story Land, join the resistance with Chewbacca in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and embark on a whimsical adventure aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, among other favorites.

After Hours Event Dates at Magic Kingdom Park

Throughout Magic Kingdom, guests can enjoy more than 20 attractions and experiences including the thrilling new TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Jungle Cruise on select nights starting Jan. 11 through April 8, 2024. A standby queue is planned for TRON Lightcycle / Run only during these events.

The nighttime fireworks spectacular, Enchantment will return exclusively to Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom – meaning on event nights, early arrivals will have the opportunity to see both Happily Ever After and Enchantment!

After Hours Event Dates at EPCOT

Welcomed by the colorful glow of Spaceship Earth, guests can delight in EPCOT at night with favorite attractions including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, Soarin’ and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Events at EPCOT will take place on select nights starting Feb. 2 through April 4, 2024.

Disney After Hours Event Tickets Information

Booked guests of Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting Nov. 7, 2023, by calling 407-W-Disney. Event tickets can be purchased online by all guests starting Nov. 14.

Disney After Hours ticket prices range from $155 to $175 (plus tax) for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. EPCOT After Hours ticket pricing ranges from $149 to $159 (plus tax). Specially priced tickets are available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members.

All guests have to do is pick a night, pick a park and enjoy an after-hours adventure. To learn more about Disney After Hours events, visit DisneyWorld.com/AfterHours. And check back for even more Disney After Hours updates in early 2024.

Theme Park closing times vary. Admission to this event requires a separately priced ticket valid only for a specific event date and select hours. Attractions and offerings are subject to change without notice.