WDW Daily News

October 24, 2023

We have some eerie news just in time for Halloween! Happy haunts will soon materialize on the high seas at the Haunted Mansion Parlor, the world’s first Haunted Mansion-inspired bar on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure!

From inspired craft cocktails and an exclusive onboard merchandise collection to nostalgic décor and beloved characters, the Haunted Mansion Parlor will immerse guests in the next chapter of the Haunted Mansion saga, bringing this fan-favorite lore to life in a whole new way. The one-of-a-kind experience will be a swinging wake unlike any other, that of a jovial captain who entered the ghostly realm after a disastrous dinner with his beloved fiancé.

Thematic Décor

The design of the Haunted Mansion Parlor will resemble a first-class drawing room of a classic cruise liner from the golden age, invoking inspiration from the original Haunted Mansion with a nautical twist. Complete with nostalgic tributes to Haunted Mansion attractions around the world, fans will recognize the iconic wallpaper and the distinctive purple armchair tucked in the corner.

Guests will also encounter a few legendary characters from the original Disney Parks attraction, as well as some new seafaring arrivals, in a portrait gallery depicting the Disney Treasure’s own ghostly residents.

All-New Disney Cruise Line Haunted Mansion-Inspired Merchandise

Onboard the Disney Treasure, an exclusive new merchandise collection that will offer an array of haunted homewares and sinister souvenirs!

• The Haunted Mansion Parlor Music Box will be a keepsake inspired by an eerie music box that will be found inside the Haunted Mansion Parlor. As the rumors go, this mysterious box belonged to the captain’s bride-to-be and only opens in the presence of malevolent spirits.
• Inspired by the old grandfather clock from the original Disney Parks attraction, the Haunted Mansion Parlor clock will evoke the nostalgic allure of the Haunted Mansion.
• And, a ghost may even follow you home on your voyage… The Haunted Mansion Parlor Mirror will offer a frightening surprise when the hitchhiking ghosts mysteriously appear in the frame.

Deliciously Chilling Drinks

Get ready to indulge in a tempting selection of ghostly cocktails that capture the true spirit of The Haunted Mansion! And the team has put together a frighteningly fun set of recipes for guests to make these chilling concoctions from the comfort of home.

Sympathetic Libations

Want the perfect zero-proof cocktail? Look no further than the Sympathetic Libations, which will invite guests to sip on sour cherry and blood orange flavors in a specialty tiki mug.

Ghoulish Delight

Those with a sweet tooth will love the Ghoulish Delight, which will combine decadent ube fudge, oat milk and tapioca pearls into a glittery purple concoction, garnished with a gummy eyeball. 

Signature Beverage

A ghostly twist on a classic margarita, presented to guests amidst a swirl of flavored smoke, will be another signature drink at the Haunted Mansion Parlor. Topped with a lemon salt foam, this tequila-based cocktail will contain a secret message, only to be revealed by black light. 

The Haunted Mansion Parlor is one of several Disney Parks-inspired venues that will debut onboard the Disney Treasure. The exciting lineup will also include Skipper Society, a lounge inspired by the Jungle Cruise parks attraction, and Periscope Pub, which is inspired by the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea legacy parks attraction.

Hurry baaccckkkk!

Everyone’s favorite winter-themed warm water wonderland is ready for another season of magical fun! Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will reopen on Nov. 6 – just in time for another festive holiday season!

Here are some of the most frost-tastic things we’re looking forward to when Blizzard Beach swings open its gates once again:

1. Snagging the New Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass

We just launched the NEW Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass! This new pass allows guests to visit Disney Water Parks again and again now through May 24, 2024 for just $79 plus tax. So, make sure to stock up on sunscreen during your holiday shopping.

The seasonal pass has no block out dates and no reservations are required. Plus, free parking awaits all those embarking on an arctic journey to Blizzard Beach! 

2. Indulging in New and Returning Food and Beverage

Get ready to savor new food and beverage options! Specialty churros have made their way to the menu at Arctic Expeditions and there’s no way I’m missing out on these:

• S’mores Churros – Churro bites topped with graham cracker crumbs, marshmallow whipped cream, chocolate sauce and toasted mini marshmallows
• Banana Split Churros – Churro bites topped with banana slices, sliced strawberries, pineapple chunks, cookie and brownie pieces, chocolate and caramel sauce, whipped cream and a cherry.

Savor the new Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings at Warming Hut. Of course, guests can enjoy all of their returning favorite treats and drinks at Lottawatta Lodge, Polar Pub, Frostbite Freddy’s and more.

3. Letting the kids splash around on Tike’s Peak

Send photos to friends and relatives up north while enjoying the heated water flowing through Tike’s Peak. The Frozen-themed hangout features Anna and Elsa in their igloo castle and a wading pool where kids can splash around with Olaf and his Snowgie pals.

4. Twist and Turn down Teamboat Springs

Take the whole family on an epic whitewater journey! Up to six riders can float down a mountain on one of the world’s longest raft adventures.

5. Ski-daddle to the Toboggan Racers

Compete with other guests in a race on mats down an eight-lane slalom-style, 250-foot-long  “toboggan” waterslide race that features three exhilarating dips and hills.

6. Take a Chill-axing ride on Cross Country Creek

Float on a scenic lazy river passing through mysterious caves and illuminated grottos while dipping toes into Mount Gushmore’s refreshing (and heated) spring water.

7. Enjoy the Holidays with a Tropical Twist

Snow boots are not required to walk through the little white flurries greeting guests at the entrance. Just make sure to schedule time to hang out with Santa relaxing in his tropical best at his favorite vacation destination. Looking for holiday flavors? Blizzard Beach has those too! Peppermint shakes and cookie decorating are among the limited-time treats adding to the festivities.

There’s nothing better than spending a winter day in the Florida sun with friends and family! So, pick up a Disney Water Parks Seasonal Pass now and head to the top of Mount Gushmore.

Check out the new merchandise for the 2023 Disney Christmas Merchandise now available at Magic Kingdom.

More delightful and delicious things are coming to Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! As we previously shared, we have so much for guests to enjoy now and even more distinctive dining and entertainment settings coming in the future. We’re committed to bringing fresh, new, innovative experiences to make every visit special. So, let’s take a look at the latest, including plans for the new Parkside Market, plus a new stage and lawn, and more!

Announcing Plans for Parkside Market! 

We are thrilled to share about more innovative food and drink offerings coming to Downtown Disney in the future! Plans are underway for Parkside Market, a new, curated collection of diverse culinary concepts brought to life by Levy, with all four offerings under one roof as part of the expansion on the west end. 

• Seoul Sister is a fast-casual modern eatery that will serve a Korean-forward menu based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls) with a California twist. Executive Chef Kelly Kim will showcase bold Korean flavors through marinated meats, colorful vegetables and savory sauces over rice, noodles or salad, plus appetizers, an Asian-inspired breakfast menu, and hand-crafted drinks.

• Sip & Sonder, from founders Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas, is a Black women-owned brand that has been recognized as one of the best cafés in L.A. by the Los Angeles Times. Guests in the district can expect to enjoy Sip & Sonder’s signature lattes, as well as fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites.

• GG’s Chicken Shop, from Boka Restaurant Group, was founded by James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm, alongside Michelin Star Chef Partner Lee Wolen. Affectionately named after Wolen’s mother Geri, the shop will serve a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic dinner table sides.The first brick-and-mortar GG’s Chicken Shop opened earlier this year in Chicago and this new location in Downtown Disney District will be its first on the West Coast.
  
• A second story bar will be an al fresco spot offering great views to sip signature craft cocktails and mocktails from mixologists who infuse, muddle, stir, shake and swizzle the freshest mixes using local ingredients and artful garnishes. Refreshing selections will include frozen lemonades, frozés, espresso martinis, shareable cocktails and spirit-free elixirs.

Later this year, Downtown Disney will open a new stage and lawn for special events, activities, musical entertainment and more on the west end of the district. In this brand-new area, guests will also be able to see a soaring new sculptural tower designed by Nikkolas Smith. This new tower will pay tribute to the sublime work of pioneering architects of color in Southern California during the mid-20^th century with unique geometric patterns in the sculpture, evoking the famed mid-century buildings they created. We look forward to this beautiful new outdoor space!

Future plans for the district will also bring Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, plus masterful Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán at Paseo and Céntrico, and the popular California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries to come from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe. 

Guests will want to visit again and again, as it’s always an exciting time to eat, shop and explore in Downtown Disney District. 

NEW – In December 2024, the curtain will open on a brand-new original Broadway-style production on the Disney Treasure. Joining a dazzling lineup of fan-favorite shows including “Beauty and the Beast” and “Disney Seas the Adventure,” will be none other than “Disney The Tale of Moana.” Debuting exclusively at the Walt Disney Theatre onboard the Disney Treasure, “Disney The Tale of Moana” will bring the adventurous journey of Moana, inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, to center stage for the first time. The show will follow Moana as she embarks on an incredible journey to save her island after she is chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti. Fans of the original film will recognize many beloved characters like Gramma Tala, Maui and Tamatoa when they appear on stage, as well as songs from the film’s iconic soundtrack. 

More about this imaginative, one-of-a-kind show will be announced at a later date.

October 11, 2023

Beginning Jan. 9, 2024, guests with a ticket with Park Hopper benefits or an Annual Pass will be able to once again visit another theme park at any time of day during park hours (subject to capacity limitations). As a reminder, since returning in 2021, Park Hopper access has only been available after 2 p.m. each day. Now, there will be no more waiting – guests can decide when it’s time to visit another park.

On days when theme park reservations are required for Annual Passholders and certain non-dated tickets, Passholders and guests will be able to take advantage of the updates to Park Hopper access after visiting their first park.* For example, if a Passholder has a reservation at EPCOT and enters the park at 9 a.m. for a quick ride or two, they can then head to another park right after.

And there is even more news for Passholders! “Good-to-go days” will begin sometime in January! With good-to-go days, the theme park reservation calendar will be updated periodically and will show Passholders select days when they may visit a Disney World theme park without needing a theme park reservation (blockout dates will continue to apply like they do today). 

Disney Trips Made Easy & Simple  

Why are we doing this now? We want to make visiting Disney World easier, simpler and more fun! We know how much Disney means to so many of our guests, and we continue to make changes to get more value out of a vacation and to help guests enjoy our theme parks the way they want to. Here are just a few of the ways we’ve done that so far:

Now available   

• Complimentary self-parking is back for Disney Resort hotel stays
• Annual Passholders may visit the parks after 2 p.m. without needing a theme park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom
• Digital downloads of select PhotoPass attraction photos taken in the park on the day of visit now included in the purchase of Disney Genie+ service
• Parking trams returned to all four Disney World theme parks 

Coming Jan. 9, 2024   

• Announced today: Bringing back all-day Park Hopper access during park hours
• Theme park reservations no longer required for date-based tickets (our standard ticket option)
• Disney dining plans available once again for Disney Resort hotel guests as part of a package

2024 is going to be an incredible time to visit and guests can start planning their visits today.

*To use the Park Hopper benefit, Annual Passholders must make a theme park reservation for the first park they plan to visit AND enter that first park prior to visiting another.  Or, they can enter a theme park without a reservation on a “good-to-go” date for that park or after 2 p.m. (except Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays) before visiting another park.

October 5, 2023

The time for fa-la-la-la-la is just around the corner! To celebrate, the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth at Walt Disney World Resort brings the joyful season to life with magical traditions, jubilant entertainment, delicious dishes and sparkling merchandise.

Grab a mug of hot cocoa and let’s take a look at all that’s coming!

NEW Celebrity Narrators Join EPCOT Candlelight Processional Alongside Returning Favorites

Long a guest favorite, the EPCOT Candlelight Processional is the retelling of the Christmas story by a narrator and a massive choir, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets and the incredible Voices of Liberty. This spectacular event returns this year with more new celebrity narrators than ever before! Nine new voices join the ranks of captivating storytellers who share the universal message of this heartwarming story.

To plan your visit, here’s the full list of this year’s celebrity narrators:

• Chrissy Metz (NEW): Nov. 24-25
• Luis Fonsi (NEW): Nov. 26-27
• Ann-Margret (NEW): Nov. 28-29
• Simu Liu: Nov. 30-Dec. 2
• John Stamos: Dec. 3-5
• Neil Patrick Harris: Dec. 6-8
• Marlee Matlin: Dec. 9-11
• Brendan Fraser (NEW): Dec. 12-14
• Eva Longoria (NEW): Dec. 15-16
• Joey McIntyre (NEW): Dec. 17-18
• Sterling K. Brown (NEW): Dec. 19-20
• Jordan Fisher (NEW): Dec. 21-23
• Steven Curtis Chapman: Dec. 24-26
• Audra McDonald (NEW): Dec. 27-28
• Lisa Ling: Dec. 29-30

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Open Oct. 17

Want to ensure your seat for the performance? There’s no better way than to book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Choose from seven distinctive eateries, offering everything from character dining at Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land pavilion to signature dining at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion. With breakfast, lunch and dinner options, there’s something for everyone. For more information, including pricing and availability, visit the Disney Travel Agents website.

Santa Returns to the Odyssey Pavilion

Santa Claus himself will visit with guests at the Odyssey pavilion from Nov. 24 through Dec. 24. Don your festive best for the perfect photo op and make sure you’ve been nice! But that’s not all, because …

Storytellers From Around the World Share Tales and Traditions

… World Showcase comes alive with magical legends and lore as storytellers from around the globe captivate listeners with myriad tales. Celebrate the season with laughter in the Norway pavilion as a mischievous Barn Santa makes an appearance; observe the wonder of a Chinese Lion Dancer commemorating the Lunar New Year; join a fascinating journey to learn more about Hanukkah festivities around the world; and rediscover the magic of special moments as Pere Noel shares the delightful words of a child’s letter. As you stroll the park, don’t miss the beautiful and diverse décor throughout World Showcase – and beyond.

Even More Joy

To fill your cup up even more, sing along with the exuberant voices of JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season in World Showcase Plaza. With uplifting Gospel and R&B songs celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa, the biggest challenge you’ll have will be standing still! And as a bonus, enjoy a sparkling boat tour through Living with the Land in World Nature, where the greenhouses will be decked out with twinkling holiday light displays.

Tantalizing Holiday Kitchens and a Decadent Cookie Stroll Highlight Seasonal Flavors

What’s a holiday without feasting? If tucking into delicious goodies is your favorite way to celebrate, then you’ve come to the right place. More than 15 Holiday Kitchens will entice your palate with treasured dishes that celebrate a panoply of global holiday cheer. While we can promise you that there will be plenty of returning favorites like Slow Roasted Turkey with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Cranberry Sauce, there are also scrumptious surprises in store. Keep an eye out for all the jolly details coming soon in the Disney Eats Foodie Guide.

Remember to save room for the delectable Holiday Cookie Stroll! There’s nothing better than exploring the sights and sounds of the festival with a sweet treat in hand. My family loves to try them all, and I know you will, too. Purchase five cookies from any of the official cookie stroll locations and collect the matching stamp for each cookie to add to your festival passport. Once you’ve collected five stamps, bring the stamped passport to the Holiday Sweet & Treats Holiday Kitchen and receive a specialty cookie. Since you can complete the stroll at your leisure through December 30, it’s the perfect activity to enjoy with family and friends every time you visit the festival.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt

Set off on an adventure with Olaf for his Holiday Traditions Expedition Scavenger Hunt, a fun way to explore World Showcase. Just purchase your map and stickers from select festival merchandise locations and seek out the “tradition” that Olaf has found in each pavilion. Whether or not you complete the quest, you can redeem your map at Creations Shop, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway for a special festival holiday keepsake.*

Note that to experience any in-park offerings, guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on the type of admission and date of visit. The ability to visit a theme park is subject to the park’s capacity limitations.

From celebrating beloved and familiar traditions to learning about new ones, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is the perfect way to embrace the cheer and good will of the season. Be sure to stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for more details now through the beginning of the festival.

*Redemption valid through Dec. 30 or while supplies last.

By: Disney Destinations

Today Disney Vacation Club officially opened its 16^th property, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel at the Disneyland Resort, which is the 4^th and newest tower available to guests staying at the Disneyland Hotel.

Did you know each tower at the Disneyland Hotel has a unique name? The new Disney Vacation Club tower is named “Discovery” and joins the three existing Disneyland Hotel towers named “Fantasy,” “Adventure” and “Frontier.”

In this all-new, 12-story tower, guests will find 344 themed rooms celebrating the creativity and magic behind some of the most beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios stories just steps away from all the magic at the Disneyland Resort theme parks!

“The Villas at Disneyland Hotel celebrates the remarkable legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ storytelling and the creative process these talented artists go through to bring Disney characters to life from sketch to screen,” said Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “With imaginative details and spacious accommodations, this beautiful new tower is the perfect place for families to create magical vacation memories for years to come.”

Today’s dedication in California was FULL of character – literally!

Princess Tiana, Anna and Elsa, and King Louie and Baloo, all characters featured throughout the tower’s enchanting custom artwork, were there to celebrate the opening of this brand-new resort. And closing out the show with a powerhouse number, Disney on Broadway legend Kissy Simmons gave a soul-stirring performance of the new Disney Vacation Club anthem “Where We Belong (Welcome Home).”

 In the spirit of celebration, here are four reasons to check out the newest Disney Vacation Club resort:

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH DISNEY STORIES

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel celebrates the creative storytelling process with countless artistic details woven throughout every space.

From the moment guests enter the lobby, they’ll greeted by a beautiful mural exclusively created for The Villas at Disneyland Hotel by Disney Animation artist Lorelay Bové, known for her work on favorites like “The Princess and the Frog” and “Encanto.” This brand-new artwork brings together your favorite characters, scenes and stories – including a sneak peek of art from the upcoming Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “Wish.”

With extraordinary attention to detail, the creativity of Disney immerses every guest in beloved stories at every stop! From the stunning lobby to each of the 344 guestrooms where the worlds of “Sleeping Beauty,” “Fantasia” and “The Princess and the Frog” come to life.

Speaking of rooms…

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TREAT YOURSELF TO COMFORT

Powered with pixie dust and combined with just-like-home amenities, each room type at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel offers the perfect stay for families of all sizes to stay year after year.

For smaller parties, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel features newly imagined duo studios for two and spacious deluxe studios that sleep up to four.

For those looking for even more space, families can spread out in a one- or two-bedroom villa that features a full-size kitchen equipped with cookware, comfortable living area, and washer and dryer.

Guests looking for even more space can stay in the multi-level Grand Villas that sleep up to 12 guests. Grand Villas feature three bedrooms, full-size kitchen, large dining area, washer and dryer and a double-sided fireplace connecting the living area to a private outdoor balcony.

A PERFECT STAY FOR PLAY

Get ready for some fun in the sun at the brand-new Palette Pool area! Little ones can cool off at the whimsical “Steamboat Willie” splash pad, inspired by the revolutionary sound cartoon that marked the world debut of Mickey Mouse! Kids can star in their own story by joining captain Mickey at the helm of the boat brought to life with waterfalls, fountains and misty fog effects.

After all that fun, you can head to the Palm Breeze Bar – which will open later this year – to grab a tasty poolside drink and snack.

All Disneyland Hotel guests will be able to enjoy this exciting new area, as well as the other two pool areas and water slides that guests have enjoyed for years at the resort.

Guests can also take advantage of the tower’s ideal location just steps away from the excitement of Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and the Downtown Disney District.

We loved celebrating the official opening of The Villas at Disneyland Hotel today with our Disney Vacation Club family, and we can’t wait for guests to visit this incredible new tower soon!

All aboard! Guests can once again sail across Bay Lake between Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground on the watercraft “blue route” beginning Oct. 1. This route will be available to Guests daily beginning at 3 p.m., making it even easier to grab a bite to eat at a neighboring resort.

Save up to 25% on stays most Sunday to Thursday nights from January 9, 2024 through February 22, 2024—when you book by December 15, 2023
Save up to 30% on stays most nights February 25, 2024 through March 24, 2024—when you book by December 15, 2023
Not ready to book? Other savings are available when you book after December 15, 2023.

For more details & to book this deal, please reach out to any Travel Agent at Wish Upon a Star with Us,