The 2018 Wizard World Comic Con in Chicago has come to an end but check out some highlights from the event. Make sure to see when Wizard World Comic Con is coming to a city near you at https://wizardworld.com.
13 Fun Facts about Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom
Let’s boo this! Magic Kingdom Park celebrates fall with the family-friendly Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights Aug. 17-Oct. 31, 2018. Here are 13 fun facts about this year’s event:
- 2018 marks 24 fantastically fun years of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party with 34 event nights.
- NEW! At Pirates of the Caribbean, guests interact with live pirates who encourage everyone to be on the lookout for Gunpowder Pete, a scoundrel with an eye on the same treasure sought by Captain Jack Sparrow.
- NEW! The Mad Tea Party will take guests on a colorful teacup ride, as special lighting and other effects put a glowing nighttime spin on the attraction at night.
- NEW! Explorers visiting Space Mountain will hurtle through the blackness of deep space to the riffs of a hard-rockin’ soundtrack.
- NEW! Storybook Circus welcomes the Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam, a dance party featuring favorite Disney Junior characters, including Doc McStuffins and Timon from “The Lion Guard.”
- NEW! In Frontierland, prospector Cactus-Flower Cate rounds up youngsters for the Frontierland Costume Promenade, encouraging them to show off their costumes in a quest for the greatest treasure in the land – candy!
- The mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” return to the mortal world during the party for the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show on the Castle Forecourt Stage.
- 176 individually themed, carved pumpkins adorn the balconies and windowsills of Main Street, U.S.A.
- A cast of 175 performers, float drivers, costumers, cosmetologists, decorators and maintenance cast members bring Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade to life, traveling 23 miles of parade route over the course of the season.
- Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade features event-exclusive characters, such as Dr. Facilier, Captain Barbosa, Oogie Boogie, the three hyenas from “The Lion King” – Shenzi, Banzai and Ed – plus three Hitchhiking Ghosts from The Haunted Mansion.
- The Happy HalloWishes fireworks spectacular is narrated by the Ghost Host from The Haunted Mansion and features many favorite Disney Villains who go trick-or-treating in the night sky.
- 999 Grim Grinning Ghosts enhance a not-too-spooky Halloween experience at The Haunted Mansion.
- More than 250 tons of candy, including 40 different kinds of brand-name candies, will be handed out to party guests at 14 tasty treat locations across the park.
It all adds up to zero tricks and countless treats that make Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party a memorable evening for all! Visit DisneyWorld.com/Halloween for more information.
Disney’s Streaming Service Gets Its Name as New Details Emerge
Disney’s direct-to-consumer streaming service will be named “Disney Play,” according to a new report by Variety. CEO Bob Iger called the launch of the streaming service “the biggest priority of the company during calendar [year] 2019.”
Video: Play Big Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort
Toy Story Land continues to be a big hit with Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World®Resort. Now you can shrink down to the size of a toy and Play Big at Toy Story Land on your next visit.
Categories: Toy Story Land, Hollywood Studios
Foodie Guide to Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2018
It’s that time of year – the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival is almost here! With delicious dishes and unique beverages influenced by cultures from around the world, this year we have more offerings than ever. The festival starts on Aug. 30, 2018 and runs through Nov. 12, 2018. Here’s a look at the menus for each of the Global Marketplaces located throughout the park.
In addition to the marketplaces, there are a variety of special culinary experiences available, including pairing seminars, culinary demonstrations, and more!
Here’s a look at the Foodie Guide to the 2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – brought to you by the Disney Parks Blog!
V indicates Vegetarian items
GF indicates “Gluten/Wheat Friendly” items
KA indicates Kid-Approved
Disney Parks Moms Panel Kicks Off 2019 Search Sept. 5, 2018
Calling all vacationers who know a thing or two about the power of magic: The Disney Parks Moms Panel is looking for you! Entering its 12th year, the search for the Disney Parks Moms Panel (www.DisneyParksMomsPanel.com) will be open Sept. 5-12, 2018, inviting park-savvy Disney buffs to apply for a coveted spot to serve on the popular online forum. Disney welcomes dads, moms, in-the-know family members and anyone who feels they’ve spent as much time at a Disney park as Mickey Mouse himself to apply at www.momspanelsearch.com for a chance to be a part of the magic.
The Disney Parks Moms Panel is an online resource comprised of everyday parents, grandparents and even adults without kids who share first-hand advice with those planning a Disney vacation, while offering personal guidance on any and all topics surrounding Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club and beyond. The panel offers recommendations on vacation “musts” and information on a variety of Disney experiences and activities, such as identifying the most incredible experiences for toddlers at Disneyland Resort’s new Pixar Pier, reccomendations on what to order at Woody’s Lunch Box in the newly opened Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort, or how to uncover the best snorkeling spots on Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay. New this year, the Disney Parks Moms Panel will be more accessible than ever with answers optimized for search engines and home assistant devices – a first for Disney Parks and Resorts – allowing the panelists to reach even more Disney guests around the world.
“My passion for creating epic Disney getaways led me to the Disney Parks Moms Panel,” said Jerry M., one of the Disney dads on the panel. “The magic of the Disney Parks Moms Panel is our collective experience and our diverse backgrounds coming together that make this panel so informative. Our mission is to be everyone’s trusted guides when it comes to planning a Disney vacation, offering heartfelt advice from our own experiences. Together, as a panel, we’ve just about done it all!”
“It is truly rewarding to see Disney guests come together and share their personal stories and experiences in an effort to help others plan a memorable Disney vacation,” said Leanne O’Regan, Director of Public Relations for Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “For 12 years, the Disney Parks Moms Panel has helped millions of people around the world plan outstanding Disney vacations with over 250,000 questions and answers available at any given time, all thanks to the impressive group of panelists who are chosen each year. We encourage those who have a passion for sharing their knowledge on all things Disney Parks to be our guest and apply to the 2019 Disney Parks Moms Panel!”
How to Apply
Applications for the 2019 Disney Parks Moms Panel will be accepted from noon EDT on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018, through noon EDT on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018. To apply, visit www.momspanelsearch.com. The application process includes a series of short-answer questions, a brief video submission and a phone interview over three rounds. The 2019 Disney Parks Moms Panelists will be announced in January. Applicants selected must be available to attend a training session at Walt Disney World Resort from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, 2018. Panelists are selected based on their wealth of Disney knowledge, as well as their ability to communicate authentic answers to those seeking assistance for their upcoming trips.
Everything You Need to Know About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park
Are you planning a visit to Walt Disney World® Resort for the holidays? Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® Park is an absolute must-do event during the holiday season. This in-park party celebrates the season with lovely decor, glittering holiday lights, special photo opportunities, snow on Main Street, U.S.A., and entertainment you will have to see to believe!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which requires a special ticket to attend, will be held on the following nights: Nov. 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27 and 29; and Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 21, 2018. Party fun takes place from 7 p.m.-midnight, although party ticket holders may enter the park as early as 4 p.m. to enjoy regular park offerings
The must-see offering, “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” kicks off the fun each night at dusk. Guests arriving early for the party can watch as royal sisters Anna and Elsa lead a celebration for their friends on the Castle Forecourt Stage that culminates in Queen Elsa using her incredible powers to transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering ice palace for the holidays.
The “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” stage show brings in Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto, and many others who drop by on Mickey’s party dressed in their Christmas best, ready to ring in the season with holidays with carols, old and new.
Another can’t-miss moment is the “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” This enchanting holiday procession features marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread men, Disney characters, Santa Claus and more!
The highlight of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party night is “Holiday Wishes Fireworks– Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,” a special fireworks show set to holiday tunes that light up the sky above Magic Kingdom Park.
The party also offers Guests complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, party exclusive character greeting opportunities – with familiar faces like Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws and Scrooge McDuck – plus event-exclusive merchandise and special holiday treats.
TIME Magazine Recognizes Pandora – The World of Avatar as Best of the Best
If you or you have journeyed to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, then you probably know how unique and awesome it is. Where else can you soar on the back of a banshee, sail through a bioluminescent rainforest or walk under mystical floating mountains? It’s no wonder Pandora instantly became a must-do experience when it opened at Walt Disney World Resort last year.
Among the countless people who’ve been wowed by Pandora are editors at TIME magazine. They’ve named Pandora to their first list of the World’s Greatest Places. According to TIME, the list of 100 destinations from around the world “recognizes newsworthy, groundbreaking and innovative travel destinations, experiences and companies that stand out in the travel space, influencing both leisure and business travel globally.”
The list truly captures the best of the best from among more than 1,200 editor and expert nominations from around the world. If you or you haven’t been to Pandora yet, now’s the time. It’s officially one of the world’s greatest places, even if it’s 4.4 light years away!
Play Big at Toy Story Land Before the Park Opens With Disney Early Morning Magic
Toy Story Land, which allows you to experience all the “Toy Story” fun in Andy’s backyard, has been a smash hit with Guests since the land opened this summer.
Today we’re happy to share a brand-new way to experience everything the land has to offer, with less wait.
On select dates, beginning Sept. 17, 2018, you can experience exclusive, limited-time access to Toy Story Land during Disney Early Morning Magic. Disney Early Morning Magic – which is a separate offering than the Extra Magic Hours enjoyed by guests staying at Disney resorts – allows you to enjoy Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania!, Alien Swirling Saucers, plus character greetings with Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie. The experience also includes a continental buffet featuring yogurt, fruit, pastries, and assorted cereal as well as your choice of a tasty main dish like avocado toast or fried chicken and cronut with maple glaze. The breakfast setup will be available at a quick service dining location outside of Toy Story Land.
Disney Early Morning Magic takes place on select Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Breakfast will be available until 10 a.m.
The Disney Early Morning Magic experience costs $79 plus tax for adults (ages 10+) and $69 plus tax for children ages 3-9. Tickets are limited. A separate ticket for admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required and is not included in the experience price. Book now by calling 407-827-7350 or visiting Disneyworld.com.
Digital Key Feature in My Disney Experience App Expands to Additional Disney Resort Hotels
Over the last several months, we’ve received great feedback from Guests using the recently launched vacation tools in the My Disney Experience app – from shopping for merchandise and mobile ordering food to checking into our Disney Resort hotels on-the-go and viewing bus times.
One of these exciting new features includes the ability for Guests to use their Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phone to unlock their hotel room door. This represents another seamless room-entry option for your Clients to use, in addition to theirMagicBands. This technology made its initial debut at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge earlier this year, and this week, we are completing its rollout to Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World® Resort, including Disney Vacation Club properties.
Using a digital key can help add convenience and flexibility to your stay, whether they simply prefer the look and feel of their mobile phone, or if they need a backup option after accidentally locking themselves out of their room (it happens to the best of us). The feature was designed with a distinctly Disney touch, and if you listen closely, they’ll hear the sound of pixie dust filling the air as their hotel door opens.
Guests can also use their digital key to unlock the hotel entrance gate and common area doors requiring a key, which may include fitness centers, elevators and club level lounges. And arriving travel parties that have checked in online may even use their digital key to bypass the front desk, similar to what they are able to do with the MagicBand, giving them the opportunity to go directly to their room when it is ready and start their vacation even faster.
Each Guest staying in the room with a My Disney Experience account may opt-in and activate the feature on their check-in day through a brief set up process in the app. To enter their room, guests tap the “Unlock Door” button and then simply hold their phone against the door lock.
This is the latest in the evolution of keyless room entry, which began with the MagicBand, the unique all-in-one device that allows you to effortlessly access the plans and vacation choices you’ve made in My Disney Experience. Guests can choose to use either or both options for room entry throughout their trip, but please remember to wear their MagicBand for all other uses, including park entry, FastPass+ redemption, linking Disney PhotoPass images and more.
Be sure to download the latest version of My Disney Experience today for iOS or Android to opt-in and activate their digital key during their Disney Resort hotel stay and discover all of the other great features in the app.
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