New Star Wars trilogy raises Disney hopes

The company said it had struck a deal with Rian Johnson, director of the upcoming “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”, to create a new trilogy of the science fiction blockbuster.

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“it’s a small world” Holiday

For many guests at the Disneyland Resort, a visit during the holidays means a must-do voyage through the heartwarming “it’s a small world” Holiday. Now in its 21st season, “it’s a small world” Holiday is transformed from the classic attraction into one that depicts children of the world dressed in seasonal costumes and happily singing a mix of holiday songs, along with the “it’s a small world” theme. The story of the attraction changes from a charming party with dolls, toys and decorations representing children of many nations, all joining in a song of unity, to the winter wonderland of “it’s a small world” Holiday. As a special treat this holiday season, FastPass will be available for this attraction.

Fun Facts:

 

  • Jolly decorators use 50,000 lights on the façade of “it’s a small world” Holiday, and an additional 350,000 mini-lights in the trees, hedges and animal topiaries surrounding the attraction in whimsical Fantasyland. Thousands of additional lights decorate the shops and food kiosks around the attraction, bringing the total to more than 400,000 lights adding sparkle and wintry ambiance to the plaza area around “it’s a small ”
  • The warm holiday atmosphere of the plaza area is further enhanced with colorful garland, festive poinsettias and beautiful, international holiday
  • After dark, the smiling clock at the front of “it’s a small world,” decked out in a Santa hat, reveals a sparkling projection On every quarter hour, the brightly light façade of the attraction is transformed into an enormous clockwork mechanism with advanced 3D- projectiontechnology. The gears and springs pull back to reveal a world of holiday wonders hidden behind the whimsical clock.
  • Guests on “The Merriest Attraction on Earth” sail through 10 scenes inspired by places around the world, such as EuropeAsia and Africa, each representing unique cultural holiday traditions celebrated in these
  • Among the holiday special effects inside the attraction are scents of fresh pine from a glistening winter forest and peppermint from tantalizing candy canes in the European In the South Seas scene, hundreds of iridescent bubbles float through the air.
  • Nearly 150 giant candles decorate the Christmas Tree in the European Once a common tradition in Western European countries, the lighting of candles has inspired the string lights seen on modern Christmas trees today.
  • The attractions’ finale features a 14-foot snowman made of glimmering crystal snowflakes that shine with thousands of luminous The snowman stands atop a 10-foot-wide snowflake and holds a beautiful “icicle” sign that spells out “Happy Holidays” in colors that change as guests drift along. The snowman joined this festive attraction in 2011, bringing an extra sprinkle of holiday pixie dust with him.
  • The iconic music of “it’s a small world,” written by the legendary Sherman Brothers, is one of the attraction’s signature elements throughout the regular During “it’s a small world” Holiday, guests may still hear this classic tune weaved in between the joyous caroling of holiday favorites “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.”
  • Many languages of the world can be heard serenading guests, with cheerful tunes in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Scandinavian Festive signs and banners throughout the attraction spread holiday greetings in such dialects as French Canadian, Dutch, Asante and Hawaiian.
  • The Disneyland Resort has its own team of holiday “elves” who help create the magic of “it’s a small world” Holiday each It takes a talented and dedicated team of nearly three dozen cast members 35 days to install the glittering façade, and nearly 18 days to decorate the holiday attraction’s dazzling interior.
  • Throughout the regular year, 100 percent of the holiday props and scenic elements are actually stored inside the A merry reminder: Do not open until the holiday season begins!
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Video – Watch ‘A Frozen Holiday Wish’ Castle Lighting at Magic Kingdom

This week, at the Disney Parks Blog they celebrated the start of the holiday season with a stream of “A Frozen Holiday Wish” castle lighting live from Magic Kingdom® Park!

“A Frozen Holiday Wish” stars the royal sisters Anna and Elsa, and their friends Olaf and Kristoff. In this show, Queen Elsa uses her incredible powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom by transforming Cinderella Castle into a glimmering ice palace, perfect for the holiday season. It’s a must-see show that’s sure to give you chills!

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90 Days of Spring Beauty Will Bloom at the 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Feb. 28 – May 28

As we continue to celebrate the cooler weather and fall holidays, we can’t help but look toward spring as well, with an update on plans for the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World® Resort.

Held each day from Feb. 28-May 28, 2018, the Festival’s 25th anniversary event will feature fan favorites like exhibits, events and tastings including:

  • Disney Character Topiaries
  • 15 Outdoor Kitchens serving creative, flavor-rich cuisine that highlights spring garden offerings
  • Garden Rocks music series – with its classic rock ‘n’ roll stars from the ‘60s, ‘70s ‘80s and ‘90s. Garden Rocks Dining packages will be available for certain Epcot restaurants – pairing a fabulous meal with reserved seating for your favorite concert
  • Garden Tours – Including Gardens of the World Tour (spring edition); the English Tea Garden Tour; and Royal Tea Garden Tour (extra fee required)
  • New interactive kids play areas
  • And – of course – the millions of extra plants, trees, shrubs, flowers and themed gardens that decorate Epcot in spring.
  • Also returning will be our Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt and hand-crafted and Festival merchandise to extend an already-packed day of adventure at Epcot.
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Flurry of Fun Debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests can get wrapped up in a Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® Nov. 9 – Dec. 31, 2017 with the return of the nighttime favorite Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! and new holiday happenings around the park including:

  • Sunset Seasons Greetings – This new nighttime holiday experience features spectacular projections of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories as a snowy Sunset Boulevard twinkles with stunning holiday decorations. This charming scene becomes enchanted with holiday magic that brings billboards to life and transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into a giant pile of Christmas gifts, a gingerbread house and a frozen winter wonderland! A frosty summer-loving snowman might even make an appearance to share his holiday wish! The fantastic and heartwarming experience runs continuously throughout the night.
  • Enhanced holiday décor around Echo Lake – Extra-large ornaments, colorful garlands and a giant Christmas tree centered on the water will make Echo Lake the merriest of places this holiday season. Even Dinosaur Gertie will be dressed for the occasion with a dino-Santa hat.
  • A new friend joins the cast of ‘For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration’ – The holiday fun continues as Anna, Elsa and Kristoff welcome Olaf to the sing-along celebration, featuring for a limited time all-new songs from Disney’s new animated short “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” at Hyperion Theater.

Many returning favorites will be a part of the Flurry of Fun this holiday season including:

  • Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! – The hit holiday show returns Nov. 9, 2017 sending beloved Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” combines state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and Christmas music to create a dazzling, one-of-a-kind holiday experience for Guests – capped by a special message from Santa himself.
  • Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party – Guests can wrap up their jolly holiday evening with reserved viewing of the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” holiday spectacular. This dessert party includes holiday-inspired snacks, delicious desserts, wine, beer, and specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages while mingling with a VIP Disney Character. This fun-filled holiday event is being offered Nov. 9-Dec. 30, 2017. Book online or call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.
  • Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood and Vine – Meet Minnie, Mickey, Daisy, Donald and Goofy for lunch and dinner celebrations centered on seasonal deliciousness. From Nov. 6-Jan. 7, 2017, the mouse-with-the-mostest will deck the halls for a banquet filled with holiday cheer and the joy of the season! To make a reservation, check availability online or call (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.
  • Santa Claus returns to the Once Upon a Time shop Nov. 9-Dec. 24, 2017. The beautiful and vintage setting reflects the bygone days of Santa’s visits to the great department stores across the country. Santa Goofy will step in for Old Saint Nick when he returns to the North Pole Dec. 25 -31, 2017.

With new experiences, beloved characters and festive holiday treat, this holiday season is the most wonderful time of year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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Video – The Holidays Begin Here at Disneyland Resort

The holidays begin here at the Disneyland® Resort. This is the place where traditions are shared, memories are made and new experiences make the spirit of the season shine even brighter. And this year, from Nov. 10, 2017-Jan. 7, 2018 the holiday celebration returns with wonder, joy and, of course, plenty of Disney magic in both Parks.

World of Color—Season of Light, the sparkling nighttime winter fantasy, blends cherished holiday music with treasured Disney moments, while Disney Festival of Holidays brings the sights, sounds and tastes of diverse seasonal celebrations to Disney California Adventure® Park. The centerpiece of this spectacular festival is Disney ¡Viva Navidad!, a lively street party featuring Mexican folklóric performers, Brazilian samba dancers and Disney Characters. And guests can also cruise over to Cars Land, where Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl put the holiday cheer in overdrive!

Of course, what would the holidays be without the timeless seasonal favorites in Disneyland Park? From the shimmering Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle and the twinkling “it’s a small world” holiday to “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, and Haunted Mansion Holiday there’s so much for guests to enjoy. And be sure they don’t miss the dazzling “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular, complete with its heartwarming “snowfall” finale.

So, whatever says “the holidays are here” to guests — the taste of a freshly made candy cane from the shop on Main Street, U.S.A., the warmth of a hot cocoa as they watch the parade go by, or the laughter as they gather with friends and family for a photo in front of the towering tree on Buena Vista Street — they can get ready to experience it again. Because this is where the holidays begin…and the magic never ends.

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Photo – Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Glows for the Season

 

Extra-large ornaments, colorful garlands and a giant Christmas tree centered on the water make Echo Lake the merriest of places this holiday season. Even Dinosaur Gertie is dressed for the occasion with a dino-sized Santa hat. (David Roark, photographer)

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Photo – ‘Hollywood Toy Hotel’ Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

Is the ‘Hollywood Toy Hotel’ coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this Christmas?  Well … sort of.

Sunset Seasons Greetings, a new holiday experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, features spectacular projections of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories as a snowy Sunset Boulevard twinkles with stunning holiday decorations. Holiday magic brings billboards to life and transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season. The experience runs continuously throughout the night. (David Roark)

So how many of you would love to stay at the Hollywood Toy Hotel if it were real? Let us know on Twitter.

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Disney Research created a fireworks display you can feel with your hands

The loud boom of a firework is an exciting stimulus, but those colorful explosions are primarily a visual experience. Disney Research has been working on a “Feeling Fireworks,” a display that offers haptic feedback—vibrations a person can feel—to help translate the pyrotechnic display for visually impaired guests.

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2018 Disney Vacation Club Dues and Resort Budgets

Disney Vacation Club has finalized and posted the proposed budgets and annual dues for 2018 in preparation for the annual Condominium Association Meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 7, 2017. Each year the Condo Association meets to elect new board members, vote on the proposed budgets for the upcoming year, answer questions from owners and make any special announcements.

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