WDW Daily News

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.

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.