WDW Daily News

With the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort now in high gear, there’s exciting EARidescent magic to discover throughout our four theme parks and beyond – especially at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!   

Right now, once-in-a-lifetime 50th offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom include new experiences, celebratory anniversary sips and bites, must-have merchandise, dazzling park decorations and more.  Today, we’re sharing a special look at our magical 50th anniversary celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

At the park’s Discovery River Theater, the magic of nature and Disney storytelling are hitting new heights with “Disney KiteTails.”  Several times a day, performers fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, including elaborate three-dimensional kites – some 30 feet long – that allow Disney animal friends like Simba and Zazu or Baloo and King Louie to soar like never before.

Each 10-minute kite display is a gala performance of color and movement, with original, worldbeat arrangements of favorite tunes from “The Lion King” or “The Jungle Book,” filling the air in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family. 

As we have previously shared, each Walt Disney World Resort theme park icon is being transformed into a magnificent Beacon of Magic at night, beckoning all to come and celebrate during the 50th anniversary festivities. And at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Tree of Life is shining like never before!  

A warm and glorious light emanates from the Tree of Life on select nights as enchanted fireflies gather to call forth the magic of nature, inviting everyone to join in the celebration. The Tree of Life also continues to awaken from time to time throughout the evening, sharing its animal tales filled with whimsy and heart.

During the celebration, beautiful “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection” golden sculptures can be found throughout all four of the Resort’s parks paying homage to the past 50 years of Walt Disney World while also ushering us into the next 50 years and beyond. 

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Guests can find sculptures of special Disney characters, including Pumbaa, Timon, Simba, Bambi, Thumper, Dory and Nemo. As Guests encounter the golden sculptures in the parks, they can snap a photo and share on social with #DisneyWorld50.

And for the 18-month celebration, dazzling decorations and magical touches can be found throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom and our other theme parks.  Disney teams have created all sorts of new decorations that shimmer and sparkle all day and into the night!  

The magic is also calling all Foodies to the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney chefs and mixologists have created delights that include a touch of EARidescent shimmer – and here’s where to find them: 

Drinkwallah

• Hand-dipped 50th Celebration Mickey Premium Bar – Our classic Nestlé Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar dipped in blue raspberry-flavored coating with celebration sprinkles and a little bit of pixie dust

Restaurantosaurus

• Cheese Fries with Walt’s Chili – Crispy fries topped with Walt’s favorite chili and cheddar sauce
• Walt’s Favorite Chili on Foot-long Hot Dog – A foot-long hot dog served on a warm bun topped with Walt’s favorite chili and cheddar sauce 

Tiffins Restaurant

• 50th Celebration Chocolate Gâteaux – Almond praline, white chocolate crémeux, ganache, and chocolate-South African cream liqueur sauce

Special merchandise collections have been created for The World’s Most Magical Celebration and they’re now available at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks.  The collections, which are filled with must-have mementos for Disney fans of all ages, can be found at several locations across the resort while supplies last, including Island Mercantile at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Also, for the 50th anniversary celebration, the anthem “The Magic Is Calling” can be heard in special live entertainment moments across Walt Disney World Resort, including performances by the Discovery Island Drummers and as the EARidescent Mickey & Friends Flotilla cruises along the Discovery River at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  

Beginning Oct. 15, we’re introducing pin trading mystery boxes and Mickey-themed boards – a new, interactive and fun way to trade official Disney Trading Pins. 

As we commemorate the Walt Disney World 50^th anniversary celebration, these boxes and boards are designed for fun for the whole family. Guests can hunt for pins honoring their favorite characters, attractions and so much more on the Mickey-themed pinboards, or be delightfully surprised by choosing a numbered pin from one of our mystery boxes. 

Here’s how they work:

Guests can locate a cast member with a pin trading mystery box or Mickey-themed board and present an Official Disney Trading Pin to exchange. (up to two exchanges per location)

Mystery trading boxes: Guests can select a drawer from the pin box numbered 1-24. The cast member will open the drawer and present the Guest with their mystery pin in exchange for their Disney pin.

Mickey-themed boards: Guests can search the trading board for the Disney pin they would like to trade. The cast member will remove their desired pin from the board and give it to them in exchange for their Disney pin.  

It’s that simple! 

New pin boxes and boards can be found in locations across Walt Disney World Resort. To make pin trading even more convenient, these locations are designated in guide maps and include all four theme parks, Disney Springs and select resort locations.

While Guests search for their next incredible pin finds, they can keep an eye out for the Walt Disney World 50^th anniversary celebration pins, released throughout the 18-month celebration. Guests can get ready to celebrate the past, present & future of The Most Magical Place on Earth with these special pins available across the Walt Disney World Resort including select pins available on shopDisney.com.

If Guests want to take their pin trading to a whole other level, they can register for the Disney Parks Disney Heroes vs. Villains Digital Pin Experience, occurring Dec. 4, 2021. Guests can discover exclusive pins created just for this event, featuring our favorite heroes and villains from Disney, PIXAR, Star Wars, and Marvel. Get event details, browse the product catalog and register for this virtual event here.

Whether it’s searching for that special pin to add to their collection, connecting with other pin traders or the thrill of mystery pin selection, Disney Pin Trading is guaranteed to add a little adventure to any Disney vacation.

Whether your holiday traditions include choirs singing, chestnuts roasting, kitchens cooking, cookies baking or gifts unwrapping, EPCOT is the place to be from Nov. 26 through Dec. 30.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth features cherished cultural traditions, savory seasonal flavors and costumed storytellers from the 11 nations around World Showcase. And, during “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” the 18-month celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, guests will discover incredible EARidescence and countless ways to make new memories with family and friends, making this holiday season extra special.

We’re excited to welcome back the beloved “Candlelight Processional”, a Disney Parks tradition dating back to 1958 at Disneyland park. This heartwarming production at America Gardens Theatre features the Voices of Liberty and a choir of Disney cast members, a live orchestra, and celebrity narrators retelling the traditional Christmas story.

This year’s celebrity narrators will include Chita Rivera, Jodi Benson, Alton Fitzgerald White, Lisa Ling, Steven Curtis Chapman, Blair Underwood and Pat Sajak with more names being added over the next few weeks. Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are also returning, and can be booked online beginning Oct. 26.

During the festival, holiday traditions of the world come to life around World Showcase, such as: 

• Las Posadas at the Mexico pavilion
• Canadian Holiday Voyageurs in the Canada pavilion
• Chinese Lion Dance celebrating the new year in the China pavilion 
• A Hanukkah storyteller along the promenade and delightful holiday storytellers in France, Italy, Japan, Norway and the United Kingdom. 
• And outside The American Adventure, you can wave hello to Santa Claus as he gets ready for the big day.

Holiday Kitchens will cook up treasured recipes from around the globe – from slow-roasted turkey and holiday pot pie to pumpkin gingerbread cheesecake and peppermint sundaes. A new offering, Chestnuts & Good Cheer Holiday Kitchen, will dish out fire-roasted chestnuts and cinnamon-glazed almonds and cashews, filling the air with delightful aromas.

Guests of all ages will enjoy sweet treats during the popular Holiday Cookie Stroll. Purchase any five cookies – such as the delicious SNICKERS®-Doodle Cookie made with SNICKERS® Bars or the tasty Chocolate Crinkle Cookie made with DOVE® Dark Chocolate – from any of the official Cookie Stroll locations featured in the Festival Passport and collect a matching stamp. Once guests have collected all five stamps, they can bring their passport to Holiday Sweets & Treats to receive a specialty cookie!

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt is another fun family activity for guests of all ages. Search for holiday traditions Olaf has gathered from around the world – and lost along the way! Guests can purchase the map and stickers from select festival merchandise locations while supplies last.

And, what’s a holiday season without gifts? From designer fragrances to handmade confectionary treats to festive holiday wines and teas from around the world, it’s easy to find gifts for everyone on the list – including commemorative festival merchandise featuring Olaf!

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is available with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date. Stay tuned for more details in the weeks ahead.

Guests who love Pixar movies and those who adore Christmas are now able to order two new special Walt Disney Travel Company gift baskets for their stay at Walt Disney World Resort.

The Pixar Pals Celebration Basket allows Guests to celebrate friendship…and beyond! This special basket features:

• Collapsible Pixar toy chest
• Banner to decorate the resort room door
• Cozy blanket
• Toy Story balloon bouquet
• Other goodies inspired by Guest-favorite Pixar characters

Additionally, Mickey and Minnie’s Ultimate Christmas Celebration helps holidays dreams come true for loved ones. This “most wonderful time of the year”-themed basket includes:

• Santa-themed bin
• Popular Disney snacks and goodies
• Mickey and Minnie Mouse plushes
• Holiday Minnie headband, two ear hats
• Festive light-up lanyards and themed storybook
• MickeyVision HoloSpex firework-enhancing glasses

Both baskets are commissionable and available now. The Pixar Pals Celebration Basket is available for 2021 and 2022, while the Mickey and Minnie’s Ultimate Christmas Celebration Basket is available for arrivals beginning Nov. 2 through the end of 2021. Offerings are subject to change without notice and may depend on current availability of selected product.

What a week! “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” at Walt Disney World Resort is in full swing, as we kicked off the 50th anniversary festivities on Oct. 1 with all-new experiences and countless magical moments.

Now, we’re gearing up for yet another milestone: We’re excited to share that the previously announced Disney Genie service will launch on Oct. 19 at Walt Disney World Resort! 

Available for all of our guests right in the My Disney Experience app, the complimentary Disney Genie service offers new features that let guests create their best Disney day. These features include a personalized itinerary creator that effortlessly and smartly maps out an entire day inspired by the things guests tell us they love – helping them make the most of their park time so they can have more fun.

Similar to a navigation app on a phone, Disney Genie continues to update the guest’s itinerary from morning to night as the day changes, so they can stay spontaneous and go with the flow – whether guests need a nap, encounter an unexpected rain shower or want to take a detour for a Mickey ice cream bar.

Many of you have asked about how this cool new technology works. Behind the scenes, the app is capable of magically evaluating thousands of possible itineraries in seconds – so guests don’t even have to think about it! Disney Genie puts guests at the center of the experience by prioritizing ways to:

• Reduce time in lines while keeping in mind guest’s top picks
• Pace the day with experiences guests will enjoy – and haven’t already done yet
• Build around existing plans like dining reservations and Park Hopper® preferences

Disney Genie uses our 50+ years of knowledge and expertise in how guests visit our parks to make the experience better for everyone.

With this launch, we’ll also be introducing the Lightning Lane entrance. Available for purchase through our Disney Genie+ add-on at more than 40 attractions – or individually, “a la carte” at some of our most highly demanded attractions – the Lightning Lane entrance can save guests time waiting in line. See below for a first look at the list of current attractions with Lightning Lane entrances and click here for pricing information.

As a reminder, attractions continue to offer a traditional standby queue or from time to time, a virtual queue may instead be used at select attractions, like right now at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

To get ready for the launch, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to know. Be sure to register for the following upcoming webcasts to learn more about Disney Genie: 

Monday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. ET

Monday, Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. ET

Our Guest Experience Team will also be available throughout all four theme parks to assist guests. 

Disney Genie service will come at a later date for Disneyland Resort, so stay tuned for future updates! You’ve never had a friend like this.

Conde Nast Traveler readers have made their voices heard, naming Disney Cruise Line as the best for the tenth time! 

Earlier today, Conde Nast Traveler released the results of its 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards and we’re honored to share that their readers have once again ranked Disney Cruise Line as the #1 Top Large Cruise Line in the World for the tenth straight year. These awards are a true reflection of our Crew Members and their unwavering commitment to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences to our Guests every day, and we could not be prouder. 

Conde Nast Traveler shared with us that this year’s results highlight the travel experiences their readers longed for most when they could not travel and what they decided to do first once they could. More than 800,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted tens of thousands of ratings and comments, sharing their recent travel experiences with their favorite cruise lines, hotels, resorts, airlines and more.  

Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards is one of the longest running and most prestigious honors in the travel industry. This year’s full list of winners can be found here.

Cast members have always been the heart of the magic at Walt Disney World Resort, creating timeless memories and magical moments for the millions of guests who spend their vacations with us. Over the years, guests have shown their appreciation for our cast by sharing positive feedback about their experiences through emails and posting their photos and messages of gratitude on their social media channels.

In honor of the 50^th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World, we’re providing an additional way for guests looking to share their positive cast member experiences across our parks and resorts. With the touch of a button, guests on the go can now access a new feature via the Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary Destination Guide in the My Disney Experience mobile app. Guests can simply select a positive statement and location from an easy-to-navigate dropdown menu that reflects the magic they experienced made possible by the cast members at the heart of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” Watch this video to learn how the new, searchable feature works.

Whether thanking cast members for taking time to share a unique tip, helping to celebrate a guest milestone, or going above and beyond to make a guest’s experience extra magical, we love hearing about all of the positive experiences our cast members create every day. This new mobile cast compliment feature provides an additional way to identify and share those positive interactions with us immediately while on the go. Of course, we still welcome all of the emails and social media posts sharing specific stories and magical moments made possible by our cast members — so please continue to keep them coming! 

This is just the beginning! We continue to enhance the way guests provide appreciation for our cast, so look forward to additional updates and exciting improvements to this mobile cast compliment feature in the future.

Be sure to follow Walt Disney World Cast and Community Facebook and Walt Disney World Ambassador Instagram to stay up to date on stories of cast members making magic.

A special new shop will be opening soon at Disneyland park! It’s an all-new holiday store called Plaza Point, coming to the corner of Main Street, U.S.A., and East Plaza Street. 

Today we have Dawn Keehne, Resort Enhancement Manager sharing some of the store details and providing a sneak peek of the skilled artistry that’s underway in preparation for opening day.

This Victorian-era space will envelop Guests in the warmth of the holidays as soon as they step into the wood-paneled space decorated with garlands, nutcrackers and festive décor! Careful observers will notice displays that reflect seasonal holidays around the world and our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Once the store opens, Guests will see a variety of holiday goods available to purchase for themselves or as gifts for family and friends including ornaments, housewares, linens and accessories. And Guests will want to visit throughout the year because other holidays like Hanukkah, Lunar New Year, Spring and Easter, and Fall and Halloween will be reflected in merchandise and store decor at appropriate times, along with Christmas-themed merchandise year-round.

Here’s also a first look at some of the inspirational pieces and décor Guests may see during the year:

Stay tuned to learn more about this new holiday store!

It’s time to eat, drink, and be spooky!. From the spellbinding shopping at World of Disney to all the ghoulish good treats and sips! Guests will find some returning favorites and sweet new additions this spooky season, including the Haunted Mansion Petit Cake, Pumpkin Donuts, Monster Cookies, and more.

We’ve rounded up all the “fa-boo-lous” and yummy details. (Most of these are only available through Oct. 31)

Amorette’s Patisserie

• Haunted Mansion Petit Cake – Chocolate and vanilla chiffon cakes, with chocolate brownie, and diplomat cream sprinkled with candy-coated chocolate pieces and chocolate chips
• Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake Roll – Pecan Chiffon cake, pumpkin cheesecake filling, and dulce nutmeg chocolate mousse
• Pumpkin Crème Brûlée – Pumpkin custard with brûléed sugar, candied pecans, spiced whipped cream, and raspberry cranberry tuile

Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar

• FANTAween Punch – Fanta Orange, Simply Orange, muddled cherries, and whipped cream
• StrawScary Float and BlueScary Float with Ice Cream

Read more

It’s an exciting time to be at Walt Disney World Resort! We just launched The World’s Most Magical Celebration, with dazzling new EARidescent experiences in every corner of our world. Of course, our Cast is at the heart of everything, and since the reopening of our theme parks, Walt Disney World Resort is proud to have returned more than 50,000 Cast Members to work. Now, more than 65,000 are working across the resort, and we are hiring hundreds more each week as we continue to open more resorts and guest locations. Today, we’re thrilled to tell you we’re bringing back more Entertainment Cast Members this fall, as we relaunch some favorite live entertainment experiences at all four theme parks and beyond!

Some of our atmosphere entertainment resumed October 1 with the start of the Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary Celebration. Early birds at Magic Kingdom Park are now starting their day with “Let the Magic Begin” on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, and we’ve welcomed back the ragtime piano player at Casey’s Corner on Main Street, U.S.A. Over at EPCOT, World Showcase travelers are dancing to the Canadian rhythms of Alberta Bound, laughing at the antics of Sergio in Italy, and experiencing the majestic percussion of the Taiko drummers of Matsuriza in Japan.

Next week at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, guests visiting Asia can once again enjoy the music of Chakranad, and Kora Tinga Tinga returns to the streets of Harambe in Africa. And guests can look for the Tam Tam Drummers to come back to Africa in early November. Performers will also soon be captivating guests strolling along the waterfront at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, and the inimitable Yeehaw Bob will have his audience in stitches of fun starting October 14 in the River Roost Lounge at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.

Over the past year, beloved Disney Characters have been popping up in cavalcades, motorcades, flotillas, and surprise sightings, much to the delight of our guests, and we’re pleased to tell you many of those experiences will be continuing. Although the environment is not right just yet for hugs and autographs, guests will soon be able to have individualized time with some of their favorite characters, getting to visit with them in a themed location and snap a photo or two. Look for the Disney Princesses to return to Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom Park. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will soon find Minnie Mouse at Red Carpet Dreams and the stars of Disney Junior in Animation Courtyard. And when guests stop in to see Mickey Mouse backstage at Town Square Theater on Main Street, U.S.A., he’ll be sporting his all-new EARidescent look designed just for the Walt Disney World 50^th Anniversary Celebration! Each of these locations is planned to start welcoming guests in November.

Nov. 7 also marks the return of “Disney Movie Magic,” the cinematic nighttime experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrating Disney’s live-action film legacy, and when this projection show resumes, it will feature a new sequence from Disney’s epic adventure, “Mulan.” And guests can mark their calendars for December 19, when the cast and crew of “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular” bring back all the comedy and thrills of that action-packed show.

Live entertainment experiences such as these are among the reasons Walt Disney World Resort truly is The Most Magical Place on Earth. We are incredibly grateful to our cast and guests for the patience they’ve demonstrated as we presented modified forms of some entertainment while continuing to work through the details required to resume others. We’re delighted to be welcoming back so much live entertainment – and so many of our favorite entertainers – this fall and look forward to sharing news about even more additions very soon. Stay tuned for news and updates throughout the 18 months of The World’s Most Magical Celebration!