D23 Brings Disney Magic to Fans Across the Country in 2018

In 2018, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club brings a new roster of events for fans around the country to enjoy.

DESTINATION D: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICKEY: November 18, 2018, will mark 90 years since Mickey Mouse made his debut in Steamboat Willie at the Colony Theatre in New York City, and D23 is throwing a party at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate. The event will include panels, presentations, an all-new exhibit from the Walt Disney Archives, a pop-up store from Walt Disney Imagineering’s Mickey’s of Glendale, and more. Additional details, including special hotel rates and ticketing information, will be announced in the coming months.

RETURN TO MARCELINE: In 2012, D23 Members journeyed to Marceline, Missouri, where Walt Disney spent his early childhood. The bucolic town served as a great inspiration for his work, and he once wrote, “More things of importance happened to me in Marceline than have happened since or are likely to in the future.” Members will have a chance to explore the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, enjoy some local treats, and stroll down Marceline’s own “Main Street, U.S.A.” during this full-day event with special guests.

SCREENINGS ON THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS LOT AND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT: Throughout the year, D23 will once again offer special screenings on both coasts of classic Disney favorites, including Peter Pan, Robin Hood, Mary Poppins, and more. And join us as D23 celebratesSaturday morning cartoons with a special experience—on a Saturday morning, of course—next summer on the Studio lot.

THE OFFICIAL WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TOUR—PRESENTED BY D23: D23 Gold Member-exclusive tours of the historic Studio lot return, including a look inside the Walt Disney Archives and a tour of Walt Disney’s office suite. The 2.5-hour tours offer fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television shows, and theme parks. Plus, the December tour will include a new holiday twist!

D23’S LUNCH WITH A DISNEY LEGEND: Beginning in January, D23 brings back these exclusive luncheons with Disney luminaries, where members will meet Disney Legends and hear their fascinating stories. The events return to both Walt Disney World Resort and The Walt Disney Studios, where members have already dined with such Legends as Imagineer Wayne Jackson, animator Burny Mattinson, Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith, and voice talent Russi Taylor.

PIXAR AND THE PARKS: D23 kicks off a trio of thrilling events with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in April, when members will be invited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom with in-park experiences, culinary delights, and surprises. Next summer, D23 will invite guests to shrink to the size of Woody and Buzz Lightyear when Toy Story Land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And more animated magic is on the way at a special event for the opening of Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure. And speaking of Pixar, for the first time ever, D23 Members will have the chance to tour Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. More information on all these events will be released in the new year.

ADVANCE SCREENINGS: From A Wrinkle in Time to Mary Poppins Returns, D23 Members can look forward to a host of exclusive, advance screenings across the country in 2018. This year, D23 brought movie magic to cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Plus, this year D23 Members attended the red-carpet premieres of Beauty and the Beast and Cars 3. D23 Gold Members across the U.S. will once again be selected at random to receive complimentary movie passes, which will be included in issues of Disney twenty-three,D23’s quarterly publication.

D23’s SPELL-TACULAR DISNEY FANNIVERSARY: From the spooky to the kooky, two beloved films are celebrating silver anniversaries in 2018:Hocus Pocus and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. In 1993, Hocus Pocus introduced us to the hilarious (if somewhat evil-minded) Sanderson Sisters, and later that year, the magnificently inventive Tim Burton introduced us to Jack Skellington; his “doll” of an admirer, Sally; the adorable “ghost dog” Zero; and the villainous Oogie Boogie. Next fall, D23 Members will enjoy a cauldron full of new features, as well as special screening events on the Disney Studio lot and around the United States, where fans will be able to vote in advance on which of the two classics we screen.

SIGNATURE EVENTS: D23 will bring back foodie favorite Sip & Stroll during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Guests at Walt Disney World Resort will once again make the season bright next December, and on the West Coast, members will be invited back to The Walt Disney Studios to Light Up the Season. Also, D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experiences will return, offering exclusive, one-of-a-kind events to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members.

MEMBER MIXERS: After mixing and mingling at complimentary gatherings in Providence, R.I.; Seattle, Wash.; and, once again, at San Diego Comic-Con, D23 will bring more mixers to U.S. cities in 2018.

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PLAY, STAY, DINE AND SAVE UP TO $500 AT SELECT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT HOTELS

Guests can Play, Stay, Dine and save up to $500* on a 5-night/6-day Walt Disney Travel Company room, ticket and dining plan package for a family of four at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for arrivals most nights Jan. 1-March 10, 2018 when they book Oct. 3-Dec. 22, 2017.

When you purchase this package and stay at a Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort, they’ll enjoy the Disney Dining Plan, which allows them to savor a variety of delicious dining options. When they purchase this package and stay at a select Disney Value Resort, they’ll get the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan that offers convenient meals and snacks throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same package for 2 adults, 1 junior, 1 child in the same room. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. First use must be by December 31, 2018. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid standard rooms.

Dining plan excludes gratuities. Children ages 3-9 must order from children’s menu, if available. Some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase. Locations subject to change without notice or liability. Theme Park admission is required for some dining locations. 

Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to plan and book your vacation.

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Disney MICKEY MOUSE Merry & Scary Holiday Collection Review

Love Mickey Mouse? Love the holidays!? If so, then you will absolutely love the latest Disney release… MICKEY MOUSE Merry and Scary Holiday Collection. This DVD has two full-length cartoons the whole family will enjoy.  Both my daughters are in college, and I was literally sitting in my living room laughing out loud by myself.  It is awesome when animation is so clever that adults can enjoy it just as much as the kiddos. In The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spookacular, Mickey and the gang are trying to tell the scariest story ever.  Of course the kids think it is a dud so Mickey, Goofy and Donald have to step up their game to really put some fear into them.  The last story they tell is so creepy–let’s just say it involves a little old lady, pies, and a shocking pie ingredient.  Blech!  I cannot wait to show this to my 5th graders at their Halloween party in a few weeks.  As we know, stores have pumpkins in one aisle and snowmen in the next so Duck the Halls: A Mickey Mouse Christmas Special is the perfect pairing. This story starts like a traditional Christmas tale with caroling in the streets and decorations everywhere.  Donald usually goes south for the season with Daisy.  He decides to stay to see his very first Christmas.  Winter and ducks apparently do not go well together so Donald doesn’t fare too well.  Mickey, Minnie and Goofy try to make it the best Christmas ever, but poor Donald struggles to make it to the special day.  There is a line with Goofy at the end that is hilarious!  Listen close.  MICKEY MOUSE Merry and Scary Holiday Collection also has 5 bonus shorts to keep you entertained. Ghoul Friend was my favorite.  Goofy has certainly looked better.  Yikes!  MICKEY MOUSE Merry and Scary Holiday Collection is the kind of fun we all need right now.  Pick up a copy of the DVD and let the world’s troubles wash away as you laugh along with Mickey and the whole gang.  It puts a smile on my face just thinking about it.

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Photo Gallery – Halloween Decorations Around the Entrance to Magic Kingdom

Take a look at photos of the Halloween Decorations Around the Entrance to Magic Kingdom

 

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Fun Facts about Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park

13 Not-so-Frightening Fun Facts for All

No need to be frightened out of your wits to enjoy true Halloween fun!  Magic Kingdom Park celebrates the season with the family-friendly Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights Aug. 25 – Nov. 1, 2017.  With your special admission ticket, you can dress up in your favorite costume and count the ways to enjoy this seasonal favorite funfest.  Visit DisneyWorld.com/Halloween for more information.

  1. 2017 marks 23 fantastically fun years of Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party
  2. The mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” return to the mortal world during the Halloween season during the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show on the Castle Forecourt Stage.
  3. 176 individually-themed, carved pumpkins adorn the balconies and windowsills of Main Street, U.S.A.
  4. More than 23,100 feet or about 4-1/4 miles of cable is installed for special lighting and sound effects that are part of the party’s Halloween entertainment
  5. A cast of 175, including performers, float drivers, costumers, cosmetologists, decorators and maintenance cast members, brings Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade to life
  6. 23 miles of parade route — that’s how far Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade will travel over the course of the season
  7. 13 Disney characters are exclusive to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party entertainment: Jack Skellington and Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” who greet guests near Pete’s Silly Side Show in Fantasyland, and during the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, guests can see Big Al, Captain Barbosa, Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Shenzi, Banzai and Ed — the three hyenas from “The Lion King,” — plus three Hitch-Hiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion
  8. The Happy HalloWishes fireworks spectacular is narrated by the Ghost Host from the Haunted Mansion and features many of your favorite Disney Villains who go trick or treating in the night sky
  9. 999 Grim Grinning Ghosts enhance a not-too-spooky Halloween experience at the Haunted Mansion
  10. More than 250 tons of candy will be handed out to party guests during 32 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties
  11. 40 different kinds of brand-name candies, including Skittles, M&Ms and Kit Kats, are included in three trick-or-treat candy mixes offered during the parties
  12. Guests can visit 14 tasty treat locations to fill their treat bags with candy
  13. 0 Tricks and countless treats make Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party a memorable evening for all!
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Photos – Halloween Themed Storefront Windows Along Main Street USA

Check out these cool Halloween themed storefront windows along Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom.

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Epcot at 35: Reflecting on a Storied Past, Poised for a Promising Future of Creativity and Innovation

Epcot marked its 35th anniversary Sunday doing what it does best: looking to the future. Against the backdrop of its iconic Spaceship Earth, Disney’s theme park that celebrates human achievement hosted ceremonies that reflected on 35 years of creativity and innovation. More important, the ceremonies shined a spotlight on an exciting future of new experiences and attractions.

“It’s been an amazing 35 years,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “And as we look toward the future, there is so much more on the horizon.”

Kalogridis was joined onstage by the patriotic Voices of Liberty ensemble and the Mariachi Cobre from the Mexico showcase – two acts that debuted when the theme park originally opened – as guests and cast members looked on. It was 35 years to the day – Oct. 1, 1982 – when Disney’s discovery park opened its doors as the second theme park on Disney property.

“Epcot has always been, and always will be, an optimistic celebration of the real world – brought to life through the magic of Disney,” he said. “I promise you the exciting plans we have on the horizon will honor Epcot’s rich legacy of creativity and innovation while continuing to exceed the expectations of our guests, for decades to come.

“The spirit of the expansion will continue to evolve Epcot to make it more timeless, more relevant, more family and more Disney, while staying true to its original vision.”

Already announced as part of the expansion are a new restaurant for the Mission: SPACE pavilion, inviting guests to travel high above Earth for an unforgettable dining experience; a Ratatouille-inspired attraction bowing in a new space in the France showcase; a new E-ticket Future World attraction based on the rockin’ world of Guardians of the Galaxy; an updated Circle-Vision film for the China showcase showcasing the country’s splendor and majesty.

Epcot remains “a place for family, a place for fun and a place for faith in our vision as a people,” Kalogridis said. “It is little wonder that so many have fallen in love with this park and its story.”

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Disney PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES Blu-Ray and DVD Review

Yo ho yo ho a pirate’s life for me! Looking for a way to bring out your inner pirate? Look no further than the latest Disney movie release-PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES, now on Blu-Ray and DVD. In fact, if you have been to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, I bet you just read that movie title in the same voice as the iconic ride. This rollicking adventure finds my favorite Disney character, Captain Jack Sparrow, trading away his beloved compass and trying to escape from a ghostly crew led by Captain Armando Salazar (Javier Bardem). Johnny Depp is amazing once again as Captain Jack. It is so cool that even in the Blooper bonus footage, he stays in the character of Captain Jack.  I believe Jack and Johnny share the same soul! PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN:DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES is the 5th movie in the franchise.  I can’t believe my daughter was only 6 when we took her to the first movie in the series, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, in 2003. She celebrated her birthday in 4th grade at the Pirates of the Caribbean:Dead Man’s Chest in 2006.  I remember carving out time on a family vacation to see Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End in 2007. When she was in 3rd grade, my other daughter dressed up like Captain Jack for a biography speech on Johnny Depp. We were even lucky enough to go the Disneyland red carpet event for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in 2011.  My husband got his first pirate tattoo last summer…”Take What You Can, Give Nothing Back”. Clearly we are a pirate loving household. Now PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES is part of our family story. Be sure to watch every single bonus feature. I literally could watch the behind the scenes footage for hours. Dead Men Tell More Tales: The Making of a New Adventure is amazing with all of the cast and crew interviews and filming footage. The bonus clips with legendary Paul McCartney is the coolest. Did you even catch him as Jack’s uncle when you saw it in the theater?  If not, keep a weather eye out for him on the Blu-ray and DVD. Disney’s PIRATE OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES is a must have in your movie collection. Sail on out and pick up a copy.  If you choose not to, there may be rough waters ahead for ya. Ye be warned!

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Photos – Halloween Merchandise at Walt Disney World Parks

Take a look at photos of the Halloween Themed Merchandise now available at Walt Disney World Parks

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Watch – The Dream Called EPCOT | Walt Disney World

Disney has an exciting find their video vault to share with you just in time for Epcot’s anniversary celebration – the original “The Dream Called EPCOT” film.

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