Disneyland Was the Most Photographed Location on Instagram in 2017

WDWNT on December 11, 2017

Instagram has named Disneyland Park in Anaheim, CA the number one most photographed place for the social media giant in 2017. Take that, Eiffel Tower.

In 2016 Instagram noted “Disney Properties” as being among the top of their list, but in 2017 four Disney parks have cracked the top ten.

With over 800 million active users, Disneyland has been the most frequently photographed place on Instagram, with Tokyo Disneyland taking the number five spot, along with Disney World’s Magic Kingdom at number six, and Disney’s California Adventure at number nine.

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It’s a rather impressive feat for Disney, although not surprising as Disney Parks are some of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.

Splitsville & Secrets of the Empire Opening, D-Street Closing at Downtown Disney in Early 2018

WDWNT on December 11, 2017

Disney has revealed a couple of new dining, retail, and entertainment locations that will be opening in early 2018 at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort.

To kick off the new year, the highly anticipated hyper-reality experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID will open on January 5, 2018. Guests will be transported to the Star Wars universe where they will be able to freely walk through this multisensory experience. Guests will enter in groups of four and be sent undercover as stormtroopers, with the objective of capturing Imperial intelligence. Tickets for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire are available now at TheVOID.com.

Next up is Splitsville Luxury Lanes. If you’ve been to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World, you may be familiar with this dining and entertainment establishment. With 20 bowling lanes, four dining areas, both indoors and out, over 25 flat-screen TVs, and occasional live music performances, Splitsville will be one of the ultimate destinations for food and entertainment at Downtown Disney. The menu offers everything from pizza to sushi, and the full service bar will be offering up fun drinks. Splitsville will open in Mid-January 2018.

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D-Street will be closing on January 2 and reopen sometime in early 2018 as a reimagined retails space that offers Disney-themed home goods. As the seasons change, so will the products, making this a must see retail space for Disney fans. However, if making your way out to Disneyland isn’t an easy option right now, most of the goods can be purchased through shopDisney.com.

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That’s not all. As 2018 goes on Disney will be opening even more retail and dining locations at Downtown Disney, so stay tuned!

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Guests Can No Longer Order Merchandise by Phone or Email from Disney Parks, Will Have to Rely on Shop Disney Parks App & ShopDisney

WDWNT on December 11, 2017

For years, Disney Parks Merchandise Guest Services has fulfilled orders from guests by phone or email in many cases where guests could not make their way to the theme parks. While there were some restrictions, guests could often provide SKU numbers for items and place an order with cast members in that department. Well, as of this month, that service is no more.

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Guests will now have to rely purely on the Shop Disney Parks mobile app and the ShopDisney website to buy any theme park items directly from the Walt Disney Company. The app and the website do not carry absolutely everything that you can find at the parks, so guests may find themselves relying on the secondary market to get many items moving forward.

Disney has yet to publicly state anything about the discontinuation of the service, but any guests who call or email to place orders are being given the news.

Thanks to the WDWNT reader who sent this information our way for this story.

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Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2018 Expands to Six Weeks, Dates Released

WDWNT on December 11, 2017

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will return March 2 through April 12, 2018, bringing delicious cuisine, specialty beverages and exciting entertainment to Disneyland Resort guests for its third season. The culinary festival will expand to six weeks, with more days for guests to enjoy the flavors of the Golden State.

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More than a dozen Festival Marketplaces will feature California-inspired tastes and sips. Guests will experience presentations and demonstrations with celebrity chefs such as Robert Irvine and Alex Guarnaschelli; food and beverage tastings; winemaker dinners; beer, wine and spirit seminars – all in addition to live music, entertainment and special activities throughout the festival.

The festival’s signature events will include new experiences such as the Disney Family of Wines Dinner, as well as returning favorites like Sweet Sundays and the Winemaker or Brewmaster Dinners. Another guest-favorite returning to the festival is the Junior Chef experience, with hands-on fun led by Chef Goofy, for children ages 3 to 11.

MARVEL Black Panther Meet and Greet Coming to Disney California Adventure

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

Early next year, “Black Panther” will open in theaters February 16, 2018, and for a limited time, Disney California Adventure park guests will have the opportunity to encounter the king of Wakanda himself, Black Panther.

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“Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king — and Black Panther — is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.

No date has been given for Black Panther’s arrival at Disney California Adventure park – so stay tuned. “Black Panther” arrives in theaters February 16, 2018.

Christmas Experiences Coming to Downtown Disney at Disneyland

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

The Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort is getting ready to celebrate the holiday season with new entertainment, shopping, and dining options for guests.

In the center of the promenade stands a dazzling christmas tree, while all throughout the shopping and dining district guests can enjoy brightly lit planters that feature some oversized ornaments.

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A new caroling act, Holiday Harmony, will be performing nightly during the holiday season. The group will be dressed in tacky sweaters and sing classic holiday favorites.

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Catal Restaurant will be offering a special “Breakfast with Santa” on December 16, 21, and 22 where guests can join Santa Claus and his elves for caroling and a family-style breakfast. Haagen-Daaz will be offering a limited time holiday sundae: peppermint bark ice cream layered with hot fudge and Oreos, topped with whipped cream and candies. This sundae will also be available as a milkshake.

Guests shopping at PANDORA Jewelry will receive a complimentary Disney clutch with the purchase of a Mickey & Minnie “Love Icons” charm. Additionally, Build-A-Bear Workshop will now be selling reindeer stuffed animals for guests to make and customize with clothing options.

Have fun shopping and dining!

PHOTO: Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar Releasing “Jingle Cruise” Elephant Mug This Week

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

Beginning on 11/30 at 7 AM, you can get your very own 1st Edition Holiday Elephant Tiki Mug from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel. The Jingle Cruise may be gone in California, but its spirit lives on…

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Although it seems 7 AM is a bit early for alcoholic beverages (who are we to judge), the line is sure to be long for such a prized possession.

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Is it stupendous? You tell us in the comments!

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Moonlight Magic Events for 2018 Announced

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

Disney Vacation Club Members will enjoy more Moonlight Magic event dates than ever in 2018, with parties confirmed for every month from January through November, with more dates still to come. To help you plan accordingly, Disney Vacation Club is sharing confirmed party and booking dates.

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The confirmed slate includes the first Moonlight Magic events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where Toy Story Land is scheduled to have made its debut by the time Members take over the park. Also confirmed is a return to Disney California Adventure park, where Paradise Pier is scheduled to have become Pixar Pier – headlined by the highly anticipated transformation of California Screamin’ into “The Incredibles”-inspired Incredicoaster.

Complimentary Moonlight Magic events invite Disney Vacation Club Members and special guests to turn Disney Parks into their own personal playgrounds at the end of the parks’ operating days. While attendees may get a jump start on the fun by mixing in with the regular crowd earlier in the evening, the real magic happens after the park has closed to the public. It’s then that privileged partiers discover shorter-than-usual wait times on popular attractions, meet off-the-beaten-path characters, enjoy complimentary refreshments, let loose at dance parties and more.

Here’s a look at the confirmed 2018 Moonlight Magic schedule, including the dates on which online reservations will open for each event:

  • Jan. 11 and 28, and Feb. 6 at Magic Kingdom Park
    (Booking begins for Members with Resort reservations on the event dates Dec 7. Pending availability, booking opens for all Members on Dec 21.)
  • March 21, April 17 and May 16 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
    (Booking begins for Members with Resort reservations on the event dates Feb 8. Pending availability, booking opens for all Members on Feb 22.)
  • May 30 and June 11 at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
    (Booking begins for Members with Resort reservations on the event dates April 19. Pending availability, booking opens for all Members on May 3.)
  • July 16 and Aug. 13 at Epcot
    (Booking begins for Members with Resort reservations on the event dates June 6. Pending availability, booking opens for all Members on June 20.)
  • Sept. 19 and 26, and Oct. 3 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
    (Booking begins for Members with Resort reservations on the event dates Aug 30. Pending availability, booking opens for all Members on Sept. 13.)
  • Nov. 15 at Disney California Adventure Park
    (Booking begins for all Members on Oct. 4.)

Please note that, in order to allow as many Members as possible to enjoy Moonlight Magic, only one event date for each participating park will be available per Membership. Watch disneyvacationclub.com for additions to the Moonlight Magic event slate, as well as party hours and transportation information.

An R.S.V.P is required for these events. At least one valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card with photo ID will be required for these experiences. Activities, entertainment and Characters are subject to change and these events are subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather.

PHOTOS: Giant Star Wars AT-AT Popcorn Bucket Arrives at Disney Parks

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

We have seen some amazing popcorn buckets being sold at Disney Parks recently, but this one has the power to destroy a rebel base on Hoth…

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Available at the Tomorrowland popcorn cart in Disneyland Park, guests can now take home a classic AT-AT filled with popcorn.

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The price is a little steep at $25.00, but it is pretty cool and looks to be quite large. Luckily, Disneyland is limiting just one per guest to make sure that everyone gets one.

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This “bucket” should also be arriving at Walt Disney World soon, likely being sold at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Oh, and don’t expect there to be a lot of popcorn in it…

Our thanks to @Tarihc78 on twitter for the photos!