WDW Daily News

Beginning May 14, The Edna Mode Experience returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as part of a reimagined Pixar Place, where you’ll also encounter Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Frozone, and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.”

By: Disney Destinations

April 20, 2023

It’s #HalfwayToHalloween here at Walt Disney World Resort and, in celebration of the wicked occasion, we’re excited to share that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to Magic Kingdom Park late this summer and will run through this fall. Get ready for a spook-tacular celebration with plenty of tricks and treats when the series of parties kicks off August 11.

With spellbinding entertainment, favorite Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best and more, celebrate the most haunting time of the year at Walt Disney World Resort. This limited capacity, nighttime event starts at 7 p.m. and allows guests to experience shorter wait times on attractions, themed food and beverage and more. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting April 27, and tickets will be available to all guests starting May 2. The event dates are:

August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29

September: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29

October: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31

November: 1

In honor of #HalfwayToHalloween, check out some of the most ghoulish moments to look forward to when this guest-favorite event returns.

Watch a Ghostly Promenade with “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade”

It’s good to be bad, and your favorite Disney villains are back to stride down Main Street, U.S.A. alongside Disney heroes, the iconic Haunted Mansion graveyard diggers and other favorite characters. Guests may even spot some ghoulish new faces this year.

Get the Party ‘Startled’ With “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular”

Jack-o-lanterns aren’t the only ‘Jack’ at Walt Disney World this Halloween! The Pumpkin King, a.k.a. Jack Skellington, will once again host the must-see nighttime spectacular, “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” Featuring projections, special effects and lighting paired with fireworks, music and iconic Disney characters, guests won’t want to miss this!

Trick-or-Treat Yourself to Candy and Sweets

M&M’S, SKITTLES, and SNICKERS, OH MY! Guests can satisfy their sweet tooth at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party by stopping by trick-or-treating locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park. 

See a Spellbinding Spectacle With the Sanderson Sisters    

The Sanderson Sisters, stars of the iconic “Hocus Pocus” films, will unite for an adventure and call on their comrades to summon the ultimate “Hocus Pocus” Party Potion during the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle.

Also during the party, guests may have the opportunity to experience some of their favorite attractions including Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the newly opened TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise. TRON Lightcycle / Run will use a virtual queue* during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, allowing guests to enjoy all the festivities while they wait to enter the Grid. Stay tuned for more details! 

Guests won’t want to miss the hair-raising happenings at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting April 27, and tickets will be available to all guests starting May 2. Stay tuned for more exciting details about all the scream-worthy surprises in store as Disney Parks celebrate #HalfwayToHalloween.

*Virtual queues are limited and subject to availability, times are subject to change, and joining a virtual queue does not guarantee entrance to any experience.

During Pride Month in June, Disneyland After Dark will bring the first-ever Pride Nite for two unforgettable evenings at Disneyland Resort!

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite is a separately ticketed event which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, and will be held on June 13 and 15, 2023, inside Disneyland Park. This after-hours event includes themed entertainment, Disney characters, one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, specialty menu items, event merchandise and more! It begins with a three-hour pre-party mix-in from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT, then the private party runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. PT, when guests can ride some popular attractions after regular park hours.* A theme park reservation is not required.

In addition to the special offerings during this event, Guests will receive unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos** taken during the party, along with commemorative keepsakes including a souvenir credential and event guide map.

Here are the exciting details!

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite

June 13 & 15 2023 at Disneyland Park

• Celebrate at the Pride Nite Cavalcade featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle, Donald, Daisy and Goofy dressed in special attire as they make their way through the heart of Disneyland park down Main Street, U.S.A.!
• Join Stitch at the Ohana Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, where a DJ will be spinning great tunes with joyful energy at a dance party that celebrates “ohana” – family!
• The Pride Nite Dance Club will come alive along the Rivers of America, inviting everyone to dance and enjoy music under the stars.
• Kick up your heels with country line dancing at the Golden Horseshoe!
• Picture yourself in fun photo backdrops with inspirational messages or Disney characters and enjoy unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads.**
• Enjoy after-hours access to iconic Disneyland attractions such as Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, usually with shorter wait times.

• Nibble the night away with savory snacks and sweets specially made for the party such as the Chocolate Almond Churro at New Orleans Square, Spiced Beef Potato Loaded Bites at Red Rose Taverne, a Berry Cheesecake Funnel Cake at Stage Door Cafe or a Grapefruit Lemonade Soda at Galactic Grill, to name a few!

A limited number of these Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite tickets will go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders beginning April 18, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) and to the general public on April 20, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), on Disneyland.com, subject to availability.*

*The number of tickets available for each event date are limited, and event tickets are valid only for the specific event date and hours. Parking fees are not included in the ticket price. Tickets must be purchased online and are not available on the day of the event. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date, and no discounts apply. Tickets not required for guests ages 2 and under. Tickets are non-refundable and may not be resold or transferred for commercial purposes. Certain attractions and offerings may not be available during the event, including without limitation. Costumes are subject to Disney guidelines and should not be obstructive or offensive; please check special event costume guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/dress/ for restrictions. Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy found at Disneyland.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required.  Only select attractions, experiences, offerings, and services will be available during the event. Event, event elements, and available offerings may be modified and limited in availability, and are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice or liability. No refunds given for any changes or cancellations whether due to inclement weather or otherwise. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

**Separately priced Disney PhotoPass packages, including the photo packages offered at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or other locations, are not included with the unlimited digital photo downloads.

Welcome foolish mortals to the latest Foodie Guide. The time has come once again to gather for some sinister sweets and delightful treats because Halfway to Halloween is here – and this year we’re celebrating the Haunted Mansion! We’re kicking off the frightfully fun festivities with all the tasty ways you can celebrate this year.

Walt Disney World Resort has been dusting off the cobwebs to bring to you some items you won’t want to miss – like the return of the Madame Leota Chocolate Cake at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the exciting offerings coming to Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs. Over at Disneyland Resort, you’ll be able to fill your candy basket with some sweet treats like the Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat.

But there’s so much more than just food going on for Halfway to Halloween this year. Starting today, there is plenty of excitement happening, with much of it honoring the beloved attraction and soon-to-be-released Walt Disney Studios film – “Haunted Mansion.” Stay tuned all week as we share latest and greatest halfway news.

We’ve tempted you long enough. These bites are about to put a spell on you and your tastebuds. Welcome to the Foodie Guide to Halfway to Halloween 2023!

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney Resort Hotels

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping and Dining (Available April 20 through 23))

• The Whoopie Monster: Spiced apple whoopie pie with marshmallow buttercream and caramel

Disney’s Contemporary Resort  

Contempo Café (Available April 20 through 23)

• Madame Leota Chocolate Cake: Mini Devil’s Food Cake filled with dark chocolate ganache topped with chocolate glaze and marshmallow webs

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Gasparilla Island Grill (Available April 20 through 23)

• Jack O’ Lantern Mickey Cake Pop: Jumbo pumpkin-spiced yellow cake pop enrobed in orange-colored white chocolate
• Bewitching Minnie Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake topped with chocolate cream sandwich cookies for ears, an edible witch hat, and Halloween sprinkles

Read more

In the last few weeks, we have shared quite a few exciting updates about the Disney Treasure, the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, which will set sail in 2024. In case you missed it, here’s a quick recap of the latest news!

1. A New Adventure-Themed Ensemble for Captain Minnie Mouse

Onboard the Disney Treasure, guests will discover a brand-new motif unlike anything Disney Cruise Line has done before: the theme of adventure. Embodying the spirit of exploration and discovery, Captain Minnie Mouse revealed a new adventure-ready ensemble created exclusively for the new ship.

2. All-New Bow Artwork for the Disney Treasure

Equipped with her trusty telescope and a mysterious map, Captain Minnie embarked on a quest to uncover a hidden treasure, which ultimately unveiled new artwork that will adorn the bow of the Disney Treasure, continuing a beloved Disney Cruise Line tradition.

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3. Keel Laying Ceremony Marks Disney Treasure Maritime Milestone

On March 30, we reached a significant milestone in the construction of the Disney Treasure with the keel laying ceremony at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. In a time-honored maritime tradition, a newly minted coin was placed under the keel of the ship for good fortune. The coin portrayed Captain Minnie Mouse in her new adventure look, styled after the medallion on the bow of the ship.

April 12, 2023

Calling all foodies: The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE will begin dishing up delights at Walt Disney World Resort starting July 27 and continuing through November 18, 2023.

Get ready to sip and savor at more than 25 Global Marketplaces throughout EPCOT including returning favorites such as The Fry Basket, Flavors from Fire, Canada, India and Spain. Several new Global Marketplaces will open later during the festival as summer turns to fall.

The fun doesn’t stop with the food, however. It extends to exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy!

• Fans of fromage can take part in Emile’s Fromage Montage, a fun way to try tasty cheese dishes from around the world. Grab your Festival Passport and purchase any five cheese dishes listed in the back of the Festival Passport to collect a stamp. Once you’ve collected five stamps, head to Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE to redeem a sweet treat unique to the festival.
• Families can embark on Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak – a Ratatouille-inspired adventure that’s très magnifique! Guests of all ages can search for Remy throughout World Showcase and the Global Marketplaces.
• And to celebrate the Halloween season grab your gourd-eous group and partake in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a special pumpkin scavenger hunt from September 29 through October 31.

The festival will also welcome back the popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare at America Gardens Theatre. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details about this year’s lineup.

And don’t forget to commemorate your EPCOT visit by bringing festival magic home with official event merchandise including apparel, home décor, trading pins and more

Bright Suns! Over the weekend, the Star Wars Celebration 2023 took place in London and shared an exciting announcement about the attraction that started it all in this galaxy far, far away … Star Tours!

Since it debuted at Disneyland in 1987 as the first Star Wars attraction in a Disney park, Star Tours has traveled to new places as this galaxy of stories expanded. In 2024, Disney is going to add more stories and characters to Star Tours at both Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland Park in California.

Stay tuned for more news about the next travel destinations for the attraction!

There’s no better place to celebrate something special than at Walt Disney World Resort. Whether it’s anniversaries, engagements, birthdays, graduations, or just being with family, celebrating at The Most Magical Place on Earth makes these occasions even more joyful.

To help capture these celebrations, Disney PhotoPass Service launched Capture Your Moment, a 20-minute personalized photo session with a Disney PhotoPass photographer, available at all four theme parks. 

Over the past few years at Magic Kingdom Park, we’ve loved offering Capture Your Moment photo sessions on Main Street, U.S.A. and around Cinderella Castle, and we’re excited to continue offering these picturesque locations.

For those looking for extra whimsy in their photos, we’re thrilled to introduce a second Capture Your Moment experience at Magic Kingdom Park in Fantasyland! When we thought about where to expand Capture Your Moment, we knew an enchanted land where fairy tales come true would be the perfect place to capture milestones, family portraits, and dreamy photos.

Beginning May 1, Guests can escape into the timeless stories of Fantasyland and explore charming photo backdrop options. After checking in for this experience inside Sir Mickey’s, a photographer can help Guests choose a photo prop and their capture locations, including: the backside of Cinderella Castle, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Rapunzel’s tower, Prince Eric’s castle, Storybook Circus, Belle and Maurice’s cottage, outside Beast’s castle, around the Mad Tea Party, and so much more.* While they’re guaranteed one photo location per session, most sessions end up visiting a few locations to take photos. After being escorted to their chosen location, Guests will have up to 20 minutes to capture photos.

Guests may even be able to visit a location beyond Fantasyland to capture photos, such as the Haunted Mansion or other spots in Liberty Square. Guests can ask their photographer about available options and how long they’d have to capture photos at these locations.

Each Capture Your Moment session is $99 and can include up to eight guests. Photos are not included with the price of a session. However, those with a Disney PhotoPass entitlement such as Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day, as well as qualifying Annual Passholders with a Disney PhotoPass download benefit, can download the photos taken during Capture Your Moment at no extra cost. Guests can also opt to purchase photos individually.

Bookings for Capture Your Moment in Fantasyland will open April 24, with sessions offered daily starting May 1. Bookings can be made up to 60 days in advance, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. A limited number of same-day reservations may be available; to inquire, Guests can check the My Disney Experience app.

If Guests plan to experience Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique before a Capture Your Moment session in Fantasyland, we recommend booking a photo session to begin at least two hours after the start of their child’s transformation.

Capture Your Moment is the perfect way to capture shared memories and look back on what makes life meaningful to us. Our talented photographers will ensure your visit to Walt Disney World is more than a moment in time, but a lasting, treasured memory.

*Photo sessions do not provide access to any attractions. Wedding attire and clothing that drags on the ground are not permitted. Attire and guest-supplied props need to abide by the Park Policies found here. No refund will apply for no-shows or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the session start time. Gratuity is not necessary. Prices and services offered are subject to change. Full payment is due at time of booking. Those who wish to capture photos with a photographer for longer than 20 minutes can book additional 20-minute sessions, with each session priced at $99. Additional time must be booked in advance. Capture Your Moment is only available during regular park hours. Available session locations will be provided by your photographer at the start of your session and are subject to change based on inclement weather and park operations. Because of other guest appointments, guests arriving late to their session cannot have their session extended beyond the stated end time. Guests under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older). Valid Theme Park admission and park reservations are required and not included in the session price. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. 

The popular MagicBand+ technology used at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will start to make its way to Disney Cruise Line, beginning with a preview opportunity on select Disney Wish sailings before it officially debuts. At Disney Cruise Line, they are calling it DisneyBand+.

With DisneyBand+, guests will unlock the hands-free conveniences of wearable technology on the high seas for the first time on a Disney cruise. With three Disney Cruise Line-exclusive designs to choose from, DisneyBand+ will be the perfect accessory for a Disney cruise vacation.

Keep reading to learn how the smart features of DisneyBand+ will enhance the cruise experience while providing magicalsurprises along the way!

With DisneyBand+, guests can unlock their stateroom door or charge a sweet treat or a souvenir to the payment card on their stateroom folio. Whether cooling off at the pool, snorkeling at Disney Castaway Cay or taking a thrilling plunge on AquaMouse, guests can be assured that their DisneyBand+ is adventure proof.

Even the littlest explorers can experience the magic of DisneyBand+. Children ages 3 and up can also use their bands in lieu of the Oceaneer Club Band to access kids’ clubs including Disney’s Oceaneer Club while onboard and Scuttle’s Cove at Castaway Cay.

Whether guests are meeting their favorite Disney character or striking a pose in front of the iconic Disney Cruise Line red funnel, onboard photographers around the ship are ready to capture vacation memories. And with one simple tap, guests can easily link their photos to their stateroom making it easy to view and purchase photos during their cruise.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Wearing a DisneyBand+ will allow guest to discover enchanting surprises throughout their cruise, so guests should keep their eyes peeled for extra moments of magic. Plus, it is rechargeable — making it the perfect accessory for a future Disney vacation experiences, including Disney cruises and visits to Disney Parks and Disney Resort hotels.

Stay tuned to the Disney Travel Agent website as more information is revealed about the first Disney Wish sailings to preview DisneyBand+ this summer before it officially debuts.

DisneyBand+ is an optional add-on and is not included in your cruise fare.

By: Disney Destinations

April 6, 2023

New sales of the Disney Incredi-Pass, Disney Sorcerer Pass and Disney Pirate Pass will resume and can be purchased online beginning on April 20! Please know, as we look to provide a great experience for our Passholders, the quantity of passes will be limited and passes, or a pass type, may become unavailable for purchase at any time.*

For eligible DVC Members, we’ve got great news, as they’ll have the opportunity to purchase the DVC Disney Sorcerer Pass online beginning April 13 as part of their Membership Magic benefits.**

We are so grateful for our Passholders who have a deep, strong connection to Walt Disney World, and we are looking forward to welcoming more of you to the Annual Passholder family, just in time to experience the feelings of a Disney Thrill this spring and summer.

It’s an incredible time to be a part of the Walt Disney World Annual Passholder program as we’ve taken the feedback we received from Annual Passholders and are making exciting changes. Passholders now receive access to select Disney PhotoPass benefits (age restrictions apply) and, beginning April 18, Annual Passholders can visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Pass blockout dates continue to apply.

These updates will help Passholders enjoy some of our newest Walt Disney World experiences. We’re celebrating the return of the “Happily Ever After” nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom Park, the world’s first Toy Story-themed table-service restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened just a few weeks ago, and Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana is coming later this year to EPCOT. This month, we’ll also commemorate the 25th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

*Passes are subject to the Walt Disney World® Resort Annual Pass Terms and Conditions. All offerings are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

**To purchase the Disney Sorcerer Pass, Disney Vacation Club Members must be eligible for Membership Extras. Membership Extras is an incidental benefit – these offers are subject to availability, change or termination and may require a fee. General terms & conditions of the program are in the Membership Extras Acknowledgement and Disclosure Statement. Program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.