WDW Daily News

Guests can spent this Friday the 13^th getting ready to have a hauntingly good time because Disney is counting down the 13 best ways to celebrate the spooky season across Disney Destinations!

Running Aug. 9 through Oct. 31 at Walt Disney World Resort and Aug. 23 through Oct. 31 at Disneyland Resort, as well as on select Disney Cruise Line sailings, this year’s Halloween season is frightfully packed with fun and festivities for guests and their families.

1. Fall Décor is Knocking!

While strolling through Disney parks, resorts or aboard Disney Cruise Line, guests will be greeted by the warm welcome of fall decorations everywhere they turn.

2. Haunted Mansion Holiday Returns

Foolish mortals will be able to celebrate with Santa Jack again this year as the Haunted Mansion Holiday has re-materialized!

3. Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular

Guests attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World can watch the skies come alive with a Halloween spectacular unlike any other. Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is the night’s bone-chilling host!

4. Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade

Another must-see moment of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade. Guests can watch as a masquerade of their favorite characters float by in mesmerizing fashion down Main Street U.S.A. … including some hitchhiking ghosts! Party-goers can catch the parade at 8:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.

5. Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

Cinderella Castle stage at Magic Kingdom will host a spell-bounding show during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party featuring everyone’s favorite witches, the Sanderson Sisters! Along with some of guests’ favorite Disney villains, the sisters work to conjure their Hocus Pocus party potion and cast a spell on the whole park.

6. Oogie Boogie Bash

At Disney California Adventure Park, guests can experience an exclusively ticketed after hours Halloween party! Oogie Boogie Bash is a shrieking affair where guests can don a costume and enjoy special Halloween-themed entertainment, attractions, treat trails and more!

7. Specialty Spooky Food

Both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World will be home to some scarily good specialty food and drink items all season long. From the Halloween Mummy Cupcake to the Villainous Double Cheeseburger, there are countless delectable bites for guests to sink their fangs into.

8. Specialty Merchandise

What better way to get into the spooky spirit than with festive merchandise? Guests can cozy up in new Haunted Mansion pullover crews, button-ups and tees alike. Not to mention a Mickey Jack-O-Lantern Sipper or a Green Poison Apple Glow Cube.

9. Halloween on the High Seas

Guests can enjoy Halloween at sea with Disney Cruise Line by setting sail on a Halloween on the High Seas voyage packed with haunted tricks and fun-filled treats for the whole family!

10. Themed Character Outfits

Characters dressed for the bewitching occasion can be found all around the parks this spooky season. At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World, guests will be greeted my Mickey and Minnie in their brand-new neon spiderweb attire. Aboard select Disney Cruise Line sailings, guests can look forward to seeing some spook-tacular themed character outfits as well!

11. Halloween Screams

On select nights during Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, guests can witness a spellbinding spectacular filled with the soaring images of ghosts and classic Disney Villains. Hosted by Jack Skellington and his ghostly dog Zero, it’s the perfect way to end a frighteningly good time at the park!

12. Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree

High spirited Halloween music fills the air at Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree at Disney California Adventure Park. Mater is in charge of the haunting tunes, and tractor-trailer dance partners will swirl guests around the graveyard.

13. Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit

At Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney District, guests can embark on the perfect fall scavenger hunt to find a patch of pumpkins! Once guests pick up their map and stickers, the hunt is on for hidden decorative pumpkins based on their favorite Disney characters. Guests can then return their map to a redemption location for a special keepsake.

There are so many exciting ways for guests to celebrate the spooky season this year at Disney Destinations. Let the ghoulish times roll!

Get ready for another year of Disney Vacation Club® Moonlight Magic events! Join DVC for no-charge, after-hours gatherings across select Disney Parks and Disney’s Typhoon LagoonWater Park. These enchanting, made-for-Members evenings are for eligible* Members and their guests to experience that magical feeling of Membership with shorter-than-usual wait times, character greetings, entertainment and delectable delights! Disney Vacation Club has extended Moonlight Magic in 2024, with additional events at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park on October 24, 2024, November 21, 2024, and December 10, 2024. MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2025 MOONLIGHT MAGIC Disney’s Hollywood Studios®: January 26 and September 1 Disney California Adventure® Park: February 3 Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park: February 12 EPCOT®: April 30and July 17 Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: May 20, June 9, and August 11 Visit DisneyVacationClub.com for eligibility and registration details regarding the extra 2024 event dates. Please check back for 2025 eligibility requirements and registration details. Event and registration dates are subject to change.

*This benefit is a part of Membership Extras. Eligibility requires new Members to have an ownership interest with 150 Vacation Points or more purchased directly from Disney. This is an incidental benefit subject to availability, change, or termination. Fees may apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Visit DisneyVacationClub.com/MemExtrasPolicyfor complete details. Developer: Disney Vacation Development, LLC, 1851 Community Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. For the additional 3 dates in 2024 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park (October 24, November 21 and December 10, 2024), Members are eligible to register for one of these extra event dates even if they have attended a Moonlight Magic event in 2024. Please check back for eligibility requirements for 2025 event dates. As a courtesy to other Members, if you need to cancel your reservation or reduce your party size, please do so at least 48 hours prior to the event by following the link in your original event confirmation email. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be sold. Member who is selected in the event registration process must provide their valid Disney Vacation Club digital Membership Card with photo ID and be the person to check in their full party. Walk-ups will not be accommodated. These are rain-or-shine events; some experiences may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Entertainment, activities and offerings are subject to change without notice. No-charge admission to Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic is valid for the duration of the event. Parking will be available at no cost for the duration of the event. If you wish to enter the participating Theme Park or Water Park before the event, valid admission is required.

September 3, 2024

Deep in the shadows of Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, something delightfully wicked is about to take the stage. It’s an all-new live production starring everyone’s favorite Disney Villains – debuting summer 2025!

The creative minds at Disney Live Entertainment will transform Sunset Showcase into the mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror. The show will feature appearances by dozens of the most infamous evildoers, with fiendish foes Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent each breaking through the glass to take the stage in live production numbers.

Before these villainous fiends take the spotlight at Sunset Showcase, guests should speed on over for another lap around the track at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy before October 7.

Never ones to shy away from barging in unexpectedly, the Disney Villains’ appearance in this new show comes in addition to the future Villains-themed land announced for Magic Kingdom during D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Guests should keep an eye out as we reveal more about this production and other new experiences coming to our parks and cruise ships around the world.

 Guests should prepare their goodie bags because Halloween treats are coming to Disney Springs. Starting September 9, a flavor spell will be cast upon Disney Springs with fang-tastic treats for guests to sink their teeth into.

The chefs have dusted off their cauldrons and made some delicious potions of their own. From new items like Madame Leota Petit Cake at Amorette’s Patisserie or the Creepy Mudslide at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar to the Haunted Mansion Portrait Bars at The Ganachery returning to haunt Disney Springs, there are plenty of Halloween items to keep guests satisfied all season long.

Let’s unwrap this year’s Halloween Foodie Guide to Disney Springs filled with more items than  a treat bag can handle!

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Sep. 9 through Oct. 31) 

• Jack Skellington Éclair: Cookies and cream mousse éclair (Mobile order available)
• Sally Éclair: Pistachio éclair (Mobile order available)
• Madame Leota Petit Cake: Layers of chocolate chiffon, caramel mousse, and crushed pretzels (New)
• Amorette’s Wilting Rose: Chocolate biscuit with dark chocolate mousse and raspberry sauce (New)(Mobile order available)
• Halloween Minnie Mouse Dome: Chocolate chiffon cake and dark chocolate mousse with cherry gel filling (New) (Mobile order available)

D-Luxe Burger (Available Sep. 9 through Nov. 7; mobile order available) 

• Pumpkin Shake: Vanilla gelato blended with pumpkin pie mix, caramel sauce, pumpkin spice, and graham cracker crumbles topped with whipped cream and pumpkin spice

Dockside Margaritas (Available Sep. 9 through Oct. 31)

• Mysterious Margarita: Patrón Silver Tequila, Grand Marnier Liqueur, sweet-and-sour, lime juice, black cherry purée, and Granny Smith apple garnished with an orange wedge and a cherry

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Available Sep. 9 through Oct. 31)

• Spiced Pear Potion: Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, pear nectar, lemon juice, and cinnamon simple syrup garnished with a cinnamon stick
• Pumpkin Patch Old Fashioned: Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon, simple and vanilla syrups, pumpkin spice, and Angostura Bitters served with an ice sphere (New)
• Creepy Mudslide: Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, and vanilla base served in a chocolate syrup-drizzled glass garnished with whipped cream, gummy candy, and crushed cookie pieces (New)

Marketplace Snacks (Available Sep. 9 through Oct. 31)

• Mickey Pumpkin Waffle Sundae: Vanilla soft-serve topped with pumpkin-caramel and M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies (New)

Swirls on the Water (Available Sep. 9 through Oct. 31)

• Maleficent Cone: Black vanilla cone filled with pistachio and purple cheesecake soft-serve swirl and chocolate horns (New)

The Ganachery 

• Pecan Ganache Square: Toasted caramelized pecans blended with milk chocolate (New)(Available Sep. 9 through Nov. 30)
• Pumpkin Chai Ganache Square: Pumpkin and chai spices blended with white chocolate and covered in 65% dark chocolate (Available Sep. 9 through Nov. 30)
• Oogie Boogie Chocolate Toffee Bites: Dark chocolate, ruby chocolate, and house-made pumpkin-spiced toffee with crispy pearls (New) (Available Sep. 9 through Oct. 31)
• Pumpkin Mickey Chocolate Piñata: Milk chocolate shell with pumpkin-spiced marshmallows (New)(Available Sep. 9 through Oct. 31)
• Haunted Mansion Portrait Bars: Four chocolate ganache bars with flavors of raspberry, salted caramel, chipotle, and passion fruit (Available Sep. 9 through Oct. 31)
• Hitchhiking Ghosts Chocolate Chiller: A chilling blend of three chocolates, malted milk, and cream (Available Sep. 9 through Oct. 31)
• Minnie Trick-or-Treat Chocolate Pop: Caramel ganache pop covered in 65% dark chocolate (Available Sep. 9 through Oct. 31)
• Jack Skellington Cinnamon Ganache Square: Sri Lankan cinnamon with milk chocolate (New)(Available Sep. 9 through Oct. 31)

West Side-Landing Outdoor Foods (Available Sep. 9 through Oct. 31)

• Eerie Apple Margarita: Lunazul Reposado Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple Liqueur, sweet-and-sour, lime juice, and Granny Smith apple syrup garnished with a lime wedge

Vivoli il Gelato

• Jack-O-Lantern Float: Vanilla gelato, Fanta Orange, and whipped cream (Non-alcoholic)
• Monster Shake: Mint chocolate chip gelato, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and chocolate chips (Non-alcoholic)
• Vampire Float: Vanilla gelato, Sprite, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream (Non-alcoholic)

With so many treats the frightfully delicious adventures are limitless! The foodie fun to be had at Disney Springs is not to be missed this Halloween Season.

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability)

 Disney After Hours is back at Walt Disney World Resort for 2025, offering late-night adventures for guests and their families. These separately ticketed events are limited to a select number of guests, allowing them to enjoy Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT after they officially close for the day. Guests can start their night as early as 7 p.m. and stay three hours after the parks close, experiencing shorter wait times for attractions, meeting some of their favorite characters, and indulging in snacks like ice cream, popcorn, and select drinks. The events begin on January 6 at Magic Kingdom, January 22 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and February 27 at EPCOT.

Disney After Hours Event Times

Event times at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Over at Hollywood Studios, event times are from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Plus, guests can enter the parks as early as 7 p.m. to make the most of the night with their friends and family.

After Hours Event Dates at Hollywood Studios

Guests can dive into Andy’s backyard in Toy Story Land, join forces with their bright lightsaber in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, rock out in Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and even visit the fifth dimension in The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Hollywood Studios offers all this and more as guests explore the park through the night.

These special nights will take place on:

• January 22 and 29
• February 12 and 19
• March 5 and 26*
• April 1* and 30
• May 14 and 28
• June 4,11 and 25
• July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
• August 6, 20 and 27
• September 3

*On March 26 and April 1, Disney After Hours will run from 10pm until 1am

After Hours Event Dates at Magic Kingdom

At Magic Kingdom, guests can ride some of the most mesmerizing attractions under the night sky like TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, both available via standby queue, as well as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain and many more!

These special nights will take place on:

• January 6, 13, 20 and 27
• February 3, 10, 17 and 24
• March 3, 17, 24 and 31
• April 7 and 28
• May 5, 12 and 19

After Hours Event Dates at EPCOT

Guests can bask in the vibrant glow of Spaceship Earth as they experience the magic of EPCOT after dark. Enjoy your favorite attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After and Soarin’ Around the World.

These special nights will take place on:

• February 27
• May 8 and 29
• June 19 and 26
• July 10, 24 and 31
• August 7, 14, 21 and 28
• September11 and 25

Disney After Hours Event Ticket Information

Disney After Hours ticket prices range from $175 to $185 (plus tax) for Magic Kingdom, $155 to $175 (plus tax) for EPCOT and $155 to $185 (plus tax) for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Tickets go on sale for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green on September 4. For all other guests, tickets will go on sale September 10.

All guests need to do is pick their night, pick their park and enjoy their after-hour exploration!

 The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, reliving warm traditions and giving thanks. For many families, Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is an embodiment of what makes this season special!

Guests beginning to make travel plans to experience the holiday season and the debut of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disneyland park can mark their calendars for one of the most magical times of the year: Holidays at the Disneyland Resort runs November 15, 2024, through January 6, 2025! Here’s how guests can look forward to making spirits bright during this especially enchanting time at The Happiest Place on Earth.

New Holiday Experiences Debut in 2024

This holiday season, Santa Claus and select characters will visit and create special memories with guests at the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland, which will also feature cookie decorating, craft making, storytelling and atmospheric music throughout the day.

Santa will also make stops for photos at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure park, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel through December 24. (Guests can also look for Santa in the finale of “A Christmas Fantasy Parade”at Disneyland park!)

As we previously revealed, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will debut charming new looks in Disneyland, reminiscent of writing warm letters to loved ones during the holidays. As another holiday treat, we are sharing a preview of the outfits some of their pals will sport on Main Street, U.S.A., as seen at the top of this post! Guests can also keep an eye out on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure and throughout Disneyland for characters making holiday appearances.

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We are bubbling with excitement to share more of the tropical features coming to the new Island Tower addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, projected to open on December 17.

Delicious Dining at Wailulu Bar & Grill 

Guests can get ready to indulge in the delicious flavors of the South Pacific Islands at the Wailulu Bar & Grill. “Wailulu” means calm water in Hawaiian, which is very fitting as this unique restaurant will boast breathtaking views of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Wailulu Bar & Grill will feature spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas and a bar space overlooking Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. This casual walk-up pool bar will feature an all-day menu for lunch and dinner that is influenced by the Polynesian Islands’ local and indigenous ingredients. Specialty coffee and on-the-go morning pastries will be available for breakfast.

The dining room will be adorned with dazzling Polynesian-inspired artwork created exclusively for the space, including pieces crafted from recycled materials and reclaimed fishing nets. The fish will be “swimming” throughout the space, leading to a grand textile piece featured in the bar area, representing a colorful coral reef. 

The center of the dining room will showcase an abstract Polynesian Stick Chart, an ancient navigation tool used to traverse the seas. A vibrant centerpiece composed of beautiful shades of blue, teal and green faux-stained glass will create an ambiance to dive in and explore the mouthwatering menu! 

Speaking of exploration, our favorite wayfinding princess, Moana, will be featured in a painting on display in Wailulu Bar & Grill. 

We will be sharing more information about Wailulu Bar & Grill and its tasty menu in the near future!

Soak Up the Sun in New Pool & Splash Area

Little ones can embrace their inner wayfinder at Moana’s Voyage, a whimsical new splash area that will feature life-size sculptures of Moana and her iconic canoe from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film.

The tower will also be home to Cove Pool, a brand-new zero entry pool offering even more opportunities to relax.

Take in Stunning Terrace Garden Views 

Guests staying at the Island Tower addition will enjoy exclusive access to four tropical terrace gardens.

Each terrace garden will feature vibrant artwork, lush foliage and uniquely themed seating areas. The distinctively designed hideaways will offer families a serene local to gather and take in the views during their stay. 

Speaking of views, these oases will offer picturesque views of Disney’s Oak Trail and Magnolia Golf Courses or Seven Seas Lagoon, making it a spectacular place for the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Our island-inspired adventure is just getting started, so stay tuned to see how far we’ll go!

The Island Tower addition is new developer inventory at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and is under construction, projected to open December 17, 2024. 

Over the weekend, we announced that “Disney Hercules” will debut on the Disney Destiny in 2025, along with a first look at a new rendering from “Disney The Tale of Moana” premiering on the Disney Treasure later this year!

From Zero to Hero: Disney Cruise Line to Debut All-New “Hercules” Stage Show

Our favorite Greek gladiator will take center stage onboard the Disney Destiny in an all-new, Broadway-style show, “Disney Hercules” when the ship sets sail in November 2025.

This lively retelling of the popular Walt Disney Animation Studios film will feature the iconic music and larger-than-life characters we all know and love from the original movie, presented in an all-new way. 

Mythical Melodies: New Take on a Timeless Tale

Developed exclusively for the Disney Destiny, “Disney Hercules” will stay true to the story and spirit of the film while showcasing a bold, modern adaptation tailor-made for the stage. 

The production will draw on the creative team’s extensive and diverse experience that ranges from theatre to pop music. Get ready for show-stopping musical numbers, incredible vocals, stunning visuals, immersive projection effects and so much more!

What to Expect: The Gospel Truth

Like the film, the Muses will be the show’s storytellers and take guests on a journey through this ancient tale of good vs. evil.

The show will include all the beloved songs from the film, so be prepared to go the distance! Plus, the theatrical debut of heartful ballad “Shooting Star.”  

The new musical arrangements in “Disney Hercules” will emphasize the pop and gospel influences that make this soundtrack iconic to so many fans.  

All the Ship’s a Stage: Entertainment Abounds

Beyond spectacular shows, the Disney Destiny will have entertainment experiences around every corner. You’ll never know where you might encounter characters, live music, interactive performances, game shows and more!

From the all-new “Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King” dining experience to a variety of shows, meet-and-greets, and special appearances by your favorite heroes and villains, a legendary cruise vacation awaits.

Guests will find their hero’s welcome onboard the Disney Destiny when it sets sail in 2025!

First Look: New Rendering from “Disney The Tale of Moana” Premiering on Disney Treasure Later This Year

“Disney The Tale of Moana,” the Broadway-style show debuting on the Disney Treasure later this year, will bring Moana’s unforgettable coming-of-age adventures from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film to live audiences for the first time – and we’re sharing a first look from one of the key climactic moments from the production. 

The scene depicts Moana as she takes her final stand against Te Kā, the fiery lava-wielding foe who will appear on stage as an incredible fifteen-foot-tall puppet, the largest puppet ever produced for a Disney Cruise Line show. “Disney The Tale of Moana” will also portray Moana’s courageous determination to restore the heart of Te Fiti and the resulting transformation of the Te Kā puppet into her true self, a stunning green goddess.

Audiences will see many of their favorite characters from the film reimagined as puppets, including a young version of Moana. The captivating array of puppetry is being developed for the show by Jeff Conover, creative director of puppetry and articulation for Disney Live Entertainment, and Michael Curry, whose previous credits include “The Lion King” on Broadway.

Guests can get ready because the time to taste their way around the world is almost here. The countdown to the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE is fast approaching. This delicious celebration takes place from Aug. 29 through Nov. 23, 2024, and is filled with incredibly tasty offerings featuring cuisines from around the globe.

Hopefully guests have saved their appetite because we have plenty of new additions and classic items on the menu this year. From the Liquid Nitrogen Frozen Sweet Potato Mousse at the Swirled Showcase to the Tostada de Camarones at Mexico, guests will embark on a flavorful journey.

Guests can’t forget to savor the flavors with one of the many signature drinks such as the refreshing Blood Orange Agua Fresca from Earth Eats. No matter where the destination takes guests, there’s tons of delicious bites and sips for their taste buds to celebrate.

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Check out the trailer for Moana 2.