WDW Daily News

We have exciting news to share: Disney After Hours events will return to Walt Disney World Resort starting January 2023! These fan-favorite experiences are scheduled to kick off January 4 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and January 9 at Magic Kingdom Park. They offer an incredible way to experience even more Disney magic during the last months of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring the Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary.  

In case you aren’t familiar with Disney After Hours, these late-night, separately ticketed events let you enjoy a Walt Disney World theme park for three additional hours after regular park hours, with treats such as ice cream, popcorn and select beverages included. Best of all, the number of tickets for these events is limited, which means lower wait times for some of Guests’ favorite attractions. 

At Magic Kingdom Park, this means Guests can enjoy more than 20 popular attractions such as Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. 

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios Guests can pilot the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, ride through a zany cartoon adventure in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, shrink to the size of a toy in Toy Story Land and more. 

With Disney After Hours tickets, Guests can enter the park where the event is taking place as early as 7 p.m. giving them the opportunity to get a jump on the fun! 

Disney After Hours admission is a separately priced ticket not included with regular daytime park admission. Event tickets for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be purchased by all guests starting October 7, 2022, with prices ranging from $129 to $159 (plus tax). Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing Disney After Hours tickets as early as October 4. The advance-purchase window is available to Guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels as well as Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort. 

Disney Vacation Club members and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can also purchase specially priced tickets for select dates.

Disney After Hours events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are scheduled for select nights, January 4 through April 19, 2023. Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom Park are scheduled for select nights, January 9 through March 27, 2023. For a full list of events, dates and times, and to purchase tickets, visit the Disney After Hours page of DisneyWorld.com. Entertainment, available attractions and experiences are subject to change.

From Disney:

Given the latest projections for Hurricane Ian, Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29. Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28. We anticipate Disney Springs will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 29, and we will provide updates as we continue to track the storm. We are monitoring weather conditions so we can make timely decisions for the safety of our Cast and Guests, including when it’s safe for Cast to return to the site to prepare for reopening.

Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Water Parks

Walt Disney World will temporarily close our theme parks on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29:

• Magic Kingdom Park
• EPCOT
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park (Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for the season.)
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf

Partially used multi-day theme park tickets with a usage window impacted by Hurricane Ian related park closure will automatically be extended to use the remaining entitlements through any date through September 30, 2023.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

For the safety of our Guests and Cast Members, Guests must check in to our resorts on Sept. 28, by 3 p.m. Please feel free to reschedule your trip or cancel your stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived.

• Guests that are checked in by 3 p.m. Wednesday will be asked to shelter in place at their resort for the duration of the storm, this includes any resort-to-resort transfers
• Guests are strongly encouraged to enjoy food and beverage offerings at the parks and Disney Springs before returning to their Resort hotels.
• Dining options for Guests staying in our Resort hotels will vary, and in some cases may be very limited. Where available, restaurants will accept walk-ups only; Guests will not need dining reservations.
• Characters will not be available in character dining locations on Wednesday and Thursday
• The Grand Floridian Spa will close at noon Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will temporarily close Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Sept. 30 due to the weather. We are contacting Guests with current and upcoming reservations.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiservoyages departing Tuesday, Sept. 27 and Thursday, Sept. 29 have been canceled due to the potential impact on the Guest experience. Guests with reservations for these dates are asked to please call 407-939-5209 for help with modifying their plans.

Dining, Enchanting Extras, and Special Events

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom has been cancelled for Thursday, Sept. 29.

Effective immediately, we will not enforce cancellation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences like Savi’s Workshop,  Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and VIP Tours.

Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue have been cancelled Sept. 28 through Sept. 30 in light of the temporary closure of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be automatically cancelled and refunded.

Transportation

• Walt Disney World Transportation will stop operating Tuesday night after Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World theme parks close.
• Limited Minnie Van and Mears taxi service will be offered to Walt Disney World resort Guests with existing breakfast reservations.

Other Walt Disney World Experiences

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiservoyages departing Tuesday, Sept. 27 and Thursday, Sept. 29 have been cancelled due to the potential impact on the Guest experience. Guests with reservations for these dates are asked to please call (407) 939-5209 for help with modifying their plans.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29.

Disney Springs

Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28. We anticipate Disney Springs will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 29, and will provide updates as we continue to track the storm.

Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney will be cancelled on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday Sept 29.

Guests are strongly encouraged to enjoy food and beverage offerings at the parks and Disney Springs before returning to their Resort hotels.

The most up-to-date information about temporary closures and impacts will be available via the My Disney Experience app and DisneyWorld.com/Weather or the Disney Travel website.   

Please note that all reopening timelines are tentative, and subject to safety conditions

This year, October 1 marks the 40^th Anniversary of EPCOT. That’s right, 40 years! Since opening in 1982, the park has allowed guests who have passed through its gates to get a glimpse into the future, travel the world while experiencing different cultures, and take their tastebuds on a journey through delicious food festivals. The possibilities have been endless and will continue to be with the exciting plans that lie ahead in the future of this iconic theme park.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, it’s only fitting to have some tasty treats. For select days surrounding the anniversary, various locations will be serving up eats and sips honoring 40 years of fun and flavors. From the EPCOT 40^thLiege Waffle at the recently opened Connections Café to the Figment Sponge Cake at Sunshine Seasons, and the Dan Dan Noodles at Nine Dragons Restaurant, there is something for everyone to get a taste of the celebrations.

Let’s take a look at all the goodies coming in this Foodie Guide to the 40^th Anniversary of EPCOT!

Connections Café (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)

• EPCOT 40^th Liege Waffle: Brioche dough with pearl sugar

Chozo de Margarita (Available beginning Sept. 30 while supplies last)

• 40th Fiesta: Celebrate the colors for the anniversary of EPCOT with this frozen margarita in a “MEXICO 40” souvenir cup

Funnel Cake (Available Oct. 1 and 2)

• Celebration Funnel Cake with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, and 40th candies

Garden House (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)

• Sake Cocktail Flight featuring Samurai, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Sunset, and Violet Sake

La Hacienda de San Angel and San Angel Inn (Available beginning Sept. 30 while supplies last)

• Flan: Vanilla custard topped with blueberries, whipped cream, and a “MEXICO 40” white chocolate garnish
• Clarified Margarita: Tequila, orange liqueur, lemon, and simple syrup in a “MEXICO 40” souvenir cup with glow cube

Nine Dragons Restaurant (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)

• Dan Dan Noodles: Spicy pork with Sichuan sauce, peanut butter, sesame, shredded cucumber, and green onion 

Space 220 Restaurant (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)

• Crema Catalana: Vanilla cream custard, lemon snow, citrus segments, and spicy ginger crumble 

Sunshine Seasons (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3; Mobile order available)

• Figment Sponge Cake with honey-lime mousse

Teppan Edo (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)

• EPCOT 40^th Saketini: The saketini was on the menu when the Japan Pavilion first opened. This version combines sake and butterfly pea flower to create the color reminiscent of the night sky of EPCOT

Tokyo Dining (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 3)

• EPCOT 40^th Kaisen Chirashi Don: Celebration sushi bowl
• EPCOT 40^th Saketini: The saketini was on the menu when the Japan Pavilion first opened. This version combines sake and butterfly pea flower to create the color reminiscent of the night sky of EPCOT

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

Guests can get ready to fill their holiday season with songs at the “Candlelight Processional,” returning to the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth starting Nov. 25. This time-honored tradition has been a part of the holiday season at Walt Disney World since its opening in 1971. Guests can experience the celebrity narrators, the Voices of Liberty acapella ensemble, a 50-piece live orchestra and glorious massed choirs as they present a heartwarming retelling of the traditional Christmas story.

Because the holidays are best celebrated with others, we could not be more excited to again share this tradition with the community as we invite guest choirs from across Florida to take part in the show. Choirs comprised of Disney cast members will also return, bringing magic to their performances as they do in their roles every day.

The 2022 lineup of celebrity narrators features new and returning favorites, including actors from some of your favorite films, world-renowned singers, and other talented artists. Here’s your first look at this year’s narrators:

• 11/25 – 11/26: TBD
• 11/27 – 11/29: Edward James Olmos
• 11/30 – 12/1: Raul Esparza (NEW)
• 12/2 – 12/3: Whoopi Goldberg
• 12/4 – 12/6: Isabella Rossellini
• 12/7 – 12/9: TBD
• 12/10 – 12/12: Josh Gad (NEW)
• 12/13 – 12/14: Gloria Estefan (NEW)
• 12/15 – 12/18: Neil Patrick Harris
• 12/19 – 12/20: Mariska Hargitay (NEW)
• 12/21 – 12/23: Cal Ripken Jr.
• 12/24 – 12/26: Marie Osmond
• 12/27 – 12/28: Courtney Vance
• 12/29 – 12/30: Angela Bassett

Secure your spot at the show by booking a “Candlelight Processional” Dining Package! Packages go on sale Oct. 6. Find out more by visiting EPCOTholidays.com. 

Walt Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions as we prepare to make necessary adjustments based on the latest information from the National Weather Service. We continue to put the safety of our Cast Members and Guests first and will share updates as we monitor Hurricane Ian.

Current Updates: 

• Disney Resort Hotels: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort since these locations will temporarily close Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Sept. 30 due to the weather. We are contacting Guests with current and upcoming reservations.
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will close temporarily Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29. (Disney’s Blizzard Beach is currently closed). 
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf will also temporarily close Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29.
• Reservations for Dining and Other Experiences: Effective immediately, we will not enforce cancelation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences like Savi’s Workshop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
• We are currently monitoring weather conditions and will communicate any changes to park operating hours or special events at a later time.

The most up-to-date information about temporary closures and impacts will be available via the My Disney Experience app, DisneyWorld.com/Weather and the Disney Travel website. 

Please note that all reopening timelines are tentative, and subject to safety conditions.  

From Disney:

As you know, Disney KiteTails debuted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park for the launch of the 50^th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort. After this first year, we will transition the entertainment on Discovery River Lagoon to the Flotillas. The last flight for Disney KiteTails will be September 30, 2022.

We look forward to seeing our guests continue waving to their Disney Friends cruising by on Flotillas, embracing Disney pals with up-close encounters, and more to come as we introduce our Festive holiday season offerings in the months ahead.

Come ghoulish foodies –these treats will take anyone away. The theme parks and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort are ready for the Halloween season with mouth watering goodies that will leave guests and their taste buds spellbound.

The chefs and mixologists have conjured up some truly unforgettable items everyone will be dying to try. In a season full of sweets, eats, and tricks, guests are in for quite the culinary delight. With the can’t-miss Minnie Ghost Pinata from The Ganachery at Disney Springs, the Pumpkin Mousse from The Trolley Car Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Caramelized Apple Liege Waffle over at Connections Café in EPCOT, and some adorable novelties to bring the fun home, this year is not to be missed.

Get ready for some culinary magic because Halloween is coming to Walt Disney World Resort and we’ve got all the goodies everyone has been waiting for!

 

EPCOT

Connections Café

• Caramelized Apple Liege Waffle with caramelized white chocolate and graham cracker streusel (New) (Available October 4 through 31)
• Dark Chocolate Halloween Cupcake with dark chocolate mousse (New) (Available October 28 through 31) 

Connections Eatery

• Donald Candy Corn Sipper including choice of fountain beverage (Coming Soon)

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue

Read more

At the D23 Expo, it was just discussed that beyond Big Thunder Mountain, there may be some future development. Areas could include Encanto, Coco, and even Disney Villains. There was no timetable provided so stay tuned for more information as we get it

Today, Disney+ released the teaser trailer and key art for MICKEY: THE STORY OF A MOUSE from Disney Original Documentary. The announcement comes out of D23 Expo in Anaheim, which launched the official kick-off to the 100th anniversary celebration of The Walt Disney Company. The feature documentary will premiere globally on Disney+ on November 18– Mickey Mouse’s birthday.MICKEY: THE STORY OF A MOUSE is directed by award-winning filmmaker Jeff Malmberg (Marwencol) and produced by Academy Award^Ⓡ-winner Morgan Neville (Won’t You Be My Neighbor), Meghan Walsh, and Chris Shellen. The documentary was executive produced by Caitrin Rogers, edited by Jake Hostetter, Aaron Wickenden, cinematography by Antonio Cisneros, sound design by Lawrence Everson, and music by Daniel Wohl. The film had its World Premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival earlier this year and also screened at this year’s Sun Valley Film Festival and Newport Summer Film Series, among several others.
 
As one of the world’s most beloved characters, Mickey Mouse is recognized as a symbol of joy and childhood innocence in virtually every corner of the globe. Dreamed up at a low point in Walt Disney’s burgeoning career, Mickey became an overnight sensation when he starred in the first sync-sound animated short, “Steamboat Willie.” Through the decades that followed, the character evolved into strikingly different versions of himself that reflect both his creator’s remarkable career and dramatic societal shifts in the nation he came to represent. Director Jeff Malmberg and Academy Award-winning producer Morgan Neville (who previously teamed up for “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”) examine the cultural significance of the nearly 100-year-old cartoon mouse. The documentary also features an exclusive animated short film, “Mickey in a Minute,” created by the legendary hand-drawn team from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
 
“Ninety-four years ago, Walt Disney created a mouse that would become one of the world’s most beloved characters,” said Marjon Javadi, vice president of Disney Original Documentary. “We are excited for the world to see Mickey Mouse in a way they’ve never seen him before. Our award-winning team of filmmakers captures Mickey’s journey through the years and reminds us why he has had such an impact on us.”
 
MICKEY: THE STORY OF A MOUSE features legendary Disney animators Eric Goldberg, Mark Henn and Randy Haycock, as well as animation artist and Disney Legend Floyd Norman. Art historian Carmenita Higginbotham, director of Walt Disney Archives Rebecca Cline and archivist Kevin Kern are also featured in the film. With exclusive archival footage and interviews, the film examines the ongoing artistic and cultural significance — as well as the controversies — surrounding the nearly 100-year-old cartoon mouse. The film features a brand new Walt Disney Animation Studios hand-drawn animated short, “Mickey in a Minute,” and documents its animation process by Eric Goldberg, Mark Henn and Randy Haycock.
 
“Mickey Mouse is a symbol we see every day of our lives” director Jeff Malmberg says. “We all know Mickey, but he means different things to different people. We felt like Mickey deserved a documentary that was joyful but also honest. I’m glad that Disney allowed us to delve so deeply into the evolutions and meanings of the world’s most famous mouse.”
 
Jeff Malmberg is a documentary filmmaker whose debut film, “Marwencol,” won more than two dozen awards, including the SXSW Grand Jury Award. It was recently selected for the Criterion Channel and named a Cinema Eye Decade Film as one of the 20 best documentary films in the last 10 years. He received a Guggenheim Fellowship for his second film, “Spettacolo,” a Critics’ Choice nominee for Best Documentary. Malmberg edited Morgan Neville’s documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” which was released by Focus Features. Most recently, he was nominated for a GRAMMY^® for co-directing and editing “Shangri-La,” a four-part series for Showtime about Rick Rubin and the creative process.
 
Jeff Malmberg is directing MICKEY: THE STORY OF A MOUSE with Academy Award-winner Morgan Neville producing under his company, Tremolo Productions. Chris Shellen and Meghan Walsh are also producers. Caitrin Rogers serves as executive producer. Marjon Javadi is vice president of Originals for Documentaries and Docuseries for Disney Branded Television/Disney Original Documentary.
 
Disney Original Documentary previously announced upcoming projects “Goodbye Yellowbrick Road: The Final Elton John Performances and The Years That Made His Legend,” “Madu,” “If These Walls Could Sing,” the untitled film on Jim Henson, and the Oscar^®short-listed documentary short “Sophie and the Baron.” Critically acclaimed “Mija” will premiere on Disney+ on Sept. 16, 2022.

The new Disney Cruise Line ship will called the Disney Treasure