Disney World is one of the top destinations for a fun-filled family vacation, because it has something for everyone, from babies to great-grandparents! But planning a group vacation with kids of all ages can be quite stressful, both before and once you’re there.
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail Debuts Extended Weekend and Holiday Hours
The holiday season has arrived at Disney Springs®, and it’s not only here, but it’s bigger and better than ever. That goes for everything from holiday shopping to entertainment, and of course, to the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail!
Based on the popularity of this new seasonal staple, hours have been extended an additional hour every Friday and Saturday and also on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Tree Trail is offered through the holiday season, and will run through Jan. 7, 2018. The updated operating hours are as follows:
Monday – Thursday: 12-10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Christmas Eve, 12/24: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Christmas Day, 12/25: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Disney Races to Top of Disc Sales Charts with ‘Cars 3’
Disney’s “Cars 3” topped the NPD VideoScan First Alert sales chart, which tracks combined DVD and Blu-ray Disc unit sales, and the dedicated Blu-ray Disc sales chart for a second consecutive week, holding off a surge from Universal’s “Atomic Blonde” the week ended Nov. 18.
10 EXPERIENCES FOR THE 2018 EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
As we’ve previously shared, the Epcot® International Festival of the Arts will return in 2018 to celebrate all things art – performing, visual and culinary.
Art of Topiaries – Our Disney horticulture team will be showing guests how we create some of the amazing signature Walt Disney World®topiaries.
Watermelon Carving – A watermelon will be artfully carved while guests receive great tips and tricks to use at their next party.
Magic with Water – The Disney Photo Imaging team will discuss tips and tricks for taking great photos around water; including swimming pools, play fountains, waterfalls, and even in the rain. Guests will also learn about using camera settings, lenses, and locations to get the best results.
Animated Flip Books – This session is animation 101 where guests will have the opportunity to create their own animated Flip Book while going over the fundamental principles of animation with one of our Disney animators.
Food Styling 101 – If guests love taking photos of amazing dishes, this is your experience. The session will look at the basics of what goes into making food photo- and video-ready. Lessons include going from ingredients to a beautiful hero shot, talking tricks and tools of the trade and sharing tips to make their own food photography shine.
Inspiring Floral – This workshop will share floral design principles along with Disney-inspired creations to help guests bring the magic of Disney home at any time of the year.
Handcrafted Calligraphy – It’ll be difficult not to have fun learning the basics of pointed pen calligraphy. This workshop will cover topics such as mastering faux calligraphy, how to hold an oblique pen, letter formation, common issues guests may run into, and which paths they can take with their new skill.
Phone Cam Photography – This photography session from Disney Photo Imaging is for everyone! Guests will learn how to maximize the capabilities of their phone’s camera to improve your photos. Lighting adjustment, color adjustment, taking High Dynamic Range photos, time lapse, and how to edit photos are just a few of the topics on the agenda.
Handwritten Typography – Nothing is more personal than typography created by hand and at this workshop, a Walt Disney World Resort creative service manager will teach guests how to draw their own hand drawn typography to create personalized gifts and cards.
Storytelling Drawings – A single drawing can tell a story – and this workshop will show guests how to do it. A Disney animator will share the art of quick sketching from life. Gesture drawing of people covered in this session is a foundational practice for animators, storyboard artists, and directors.
2016 NCAA National Champion Villanova Wildcats Headline 2018 AdvoCare Invitational Tournament Field at Walt Disney World
The Villanova Wildcats – the 2016 NCAA men’s basketball national champions – headline the field of teams set to participate in the 2018 AdvoCare Invitational tournament at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Wildcats will be joined by Alabama-Birmingham, the College of Charleston, Florida State, Louisiana State, Memphis and Oklahoma State. The eighth and final team will be announced at a later date.
The 2018 tournament will showcase the Wildcats, led by head coach Jay Wright, as well as mark the return of two other teams who are former AdvoCare Invitational champions. The Florida State Seminoles were crowned tournament champions in 2009 after defeating Marquette 57-56 while the Memphis Tigers left town with the 2013 championship trophy in hand following a 73-68 win over Oklahoma State.
Villanova – currently ranked No. 4 in this week’s Associated Press poll – claimed its second national championship in 2016 (won its first in 1985) in thrilling fashion over No. 1 seed North Carolina, 77-74, at NRG Stadium in Houston when junior forward Kris Jenkins sank a buzzer-beating three-point shot as time expired to knock off the Tar Heels.
The shot was the first buzzer-beater on a three-pointer in national championship history.
The AdvoCare Invitational tournament’s previous winners include West Virginia (2017), Gonzaga (2016, 2012, 2008), Xavier (2015), Kansas (2014), Memphis (2013), Dayton (2011), Notre Dame (2010), Florida State (2009), NC State (2007) and Arkansas (2006).
The three-day tournament – which tips off Thanksgiving Weekend (Nov. 22-25, 2018) — is regarded by basketball experts as one of the best early season tune-ups for college hoops.
Epcot Celebrates the Disney-Pixar Film ‘Coco’ with New Entertainment, Interactive Exhibits
At Epcot® This holiday season, guests will get a taste of the magic and music of Disney•Pixar’s blockbuster film “Coco,” which is now playing in theaters.
The film “Coco” revolves around Miguel, who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician – despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events during the celebration of the Dia de Muertos. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
Later this season, Mexico Folk Art Gallery, which currently houses a spectacular collection of “Dia De Muertos” artwork, also will feature an interactive exhibit and festive dioramas showcasing scenes from the film.
In addition to this new musical experience, guests can enjoy “Las Posadas,” featuring colorful dancers and performers from Mariachi Cobre celebrating the holiday customs of Mexico during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.
The Spectaculab Brings Fun Science and Science Fun to Epcot Innoventions
The SpectacuLAB, a brand-new exciting show that opened at Innoventions at Epcot® recently, brings out the scientist in Guests of all ages.
Presented by worldwide technology company Murata, The SpectacuLAB features interactive experiments and fun ways to get Guests intrigued about the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.
Two actual scientists run each show, with commentary and fun provided by our “intern” Frankie who is learning about science on his first day of training.
Young Guests can volunteer to participate in different experiments which showcase the connection between science and technology – along with other STEM concepts. They learn about force while watching the scientists lay on a bed of nails, and about sound wave technology by testing the latest in ultrasonic drums – which can tell how far away Frankie is from them through ultrasonic sound waves.
The real, live scientists are provided by Science from Scientists, a non-profit organization dedicated to exciting kids about the STEM fields through thrilling, informative and engaging training by practicing scientists.
Frankie and team will be conducting their experiments multiple times throughout the day at Epcot Innoventions.
Encounter Black Panther in 2018 at Disney California Adventure Park
Early next year, Super Hero fans will explore the isolated and technologically advanced kingdom of Wakanda when “Black Panther” opens in theaters February 16, 2018. And for a limited time, Disney California Adventure® Park Guests will have the opportunity to encounter the king of Wakanda himself, Black Panther.
“Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king — and Black Panther — is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.
Stay tuned for more information, including the date for Black Panther’s arrival at Disney California Adventure Park. And don’t miss “Black Panther,” in theaters Feb. 16, 2018!
Holiday Fun Awaits at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort
Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland® Resort is the perfect destination for guests to enjoy the holidays with friends, as well as for shop for everyone on their list.
This season, Downtown Disney District has “decked its halls” for an over-the-top holiday experience. Planters are bursting with oversized ornaments and bright holiday lighting, and a Christmas tree sparkles in the center of the promenade. In addition, nightly entertainment throughout the holiday season includes a new caroling act, Holiday Harmony. While their sweaters may be ugly, their voices certainly are not!
Here are a few things for guests to check out during the holidays at Downtown Disney District:
Festive Dining
- Breakfast with Santa: At Catal Restaurant, join Santa Claus and his elves for a family-style breakfast, carolers and more! All kids will receive a Build-A-Bear Workshop teddy bear from Santa himself! (Dec. 16; Dec. 21-22)
- Sundae Treats: Guests can enjoy a special Haagen-Dazs holiday treat! Scoops of peppermint bark ice cream are layered with hot fudge and Oreos, and topped with whipped cream and candy piece. Also available as a milkshake!
Holiday Shopping
- PANDORA Jewelry: Ifguests pick up a Mickey & Minnie “Love Icons” charm at PANDORA Jewelry, they’ll receive a free Disney clutch with purchase while supplies last.
- Build-A-Bear Workshop: All of Santa’s prancing reindeer are at Build-A-Bear Workshop! Guests can make their own reindeer stuffed animal and choose the outfit of their choice.
Other great retail spots include the newly redesigned Sephora, as well as Curl Surf and Sanuk. Disney fans will love the 40,000 square-foot World of Disney and recently opened Dream Boutique.
Counting on Fun for the Holidays: 12 Must-do Magical Experiences at the Disneyland Resort
The Happiest Place on Earth gets merrier once again as Holidays at the Disneyland Resort returns from Nov. 10, 2017-Jan. 7, 2018. From a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree on Main Street, U.S.A., to more than 400,000 lights adding sparkle to “it’s a small world” Holiday, the Disneyland Resort offers dozens of returning traditions and new experiences. Here are 12 “must-dos” to begin your holiday adventure.
For the 59 days of Holidays, Disneyland Resort gave to me:
- 12 toy soldiers: “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade in Disneyland Park features a daily procession complete with tin soldiers, roller-blading snowflakes, floats and holiday cheer. Mickey, Minnie, Disney Princesses and Santa Claus are just a few of the merry makers who share the joy of the holidays in this merry Disneyland tradition.
- 11 festive food offerings: With an abundance of seasonal flavors, resort guests will want to try these 11 and more: roasted turkey slider with cranberry sauce, macaroni & cheese with cornbread crumbles, gingerbread crispy treats, beef corn tamale a la plancha with spicy rojo sauce, braised pork belly adobo, peppermint marshmallow wands, beef brisket & brown sugar glazed carrots, peppermint bark, snowman cake pops, caramel apples and horchata fudge.
- 10-foot-wide snowflake: Dazzling decorations dress up “it’s a small world” Holiday with spectacular icicles, a snowman, a giant snowflake and dolls depicting children of the world dressed in seasonal costumes. For the first time, guests will enjoy FastPass on this festive, yuletide version of the classic Disneyland attraction.
- 9 special performances at Festival of Holidays: Guests will be immersed in the universal language of music and dance with exciting performances at Festival of Holidays, in Disney California Adventure Park: “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” street party, the Disney ¡Viva Navidad! bands, Mariachi Divas, Princess Elena’s Musical Grand Arrival, Holiday Toy Drummers, Blue13 Dance Company and the music of Mostly Kosher, The Sound and Phat Cat Swinger.
- 8 Christmas-themed challenges: Mischievous elves invite younger guests to play some interactive games at Santa’s Holiday Visit at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Guests will complete puzzles, cross a jingle bridge and more on a journey to visit Santa Claus in Disney California Adventure.
- 7-foot-tall Oogie Boogie: In Disneyland, Christmas and Halloween collide at Haunted Mansion Holiday. This year, Haunted Mansion Holiday marks the 17th season of its traditional gingerbread house with a giant, 7-foot-tall gingerbread Oogie Boogie; he’s caught feasting on an infestation of gingerbread bugs.
- 6 laser projectors: Half a dozen laser projectors combine with nearly 20 high-definition projectors in “World of Color – Season of Light” to illuminate Paradise Bay at Disney California Adventure. This sparkling winter fantasy blends classic holiday songs with memorable moments from treasured Disney and Disney•Pixar animated films.
- 5 diverse cultural celebrations: Festival of Holidays brings Christmas/Navidad, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Diwali and Three Kings Day to Disney California Adventure with 12 marketplace kiosks in the Festive Foods Marketplace. Guests will get into the holiday spirit and discover delicious foods inspired by different cuisines and traditions.
- 4 Dapper Dans: This iconic Disneyland quartet sings a scintillating selection of a capella holiday tunes as they play the chimes, tap dance and regale audiences with vaudeville humor on Main Street, U.S.A.
- 3 feathered friends: Donald Duck, Panchito from Mexico and José Carioca from Brazil host the “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” street party at Disney California. Guests who want to get up and dance to the infectious sound of Mariachi and Samba musicians will come alongside 12-foot-tall mojiganga puppets and authentic folklórico dancers.
- 2 new Cars Land experiences: The magic is put into overdrive as two attractions transform for the first time this holiday season, adding to the car-themed décor throughout Cars Land. Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters becomes Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree becomes Mater’s Jingle Jamboree.
- 1 more spectacular sight: Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle is illuminated each night with 50,000 twinkling LED lights and the “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular. It all culminates with the grandest of grand finales as “snow” falls lightly over the three viewing locations: in front of “it’s a small world” Holiday, portions of Main Street, U.S.A., and near the Rivers of America.
