VIDEO: Celebrate Halloween with a Water Boat Hay Ride at Disney’s Old Key West Resort

WDWNT on November 8, 2016

The Walt Disney World Resort hotels had no shortage of special Halloween activities presented for resort guests over the weekend, but among the new offerings was a “Water Boat Hay Ride” at Disney’s Old Key West Resort.
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Offered on Saturday and Sunday, the 1st annual Disney’s Old Key West Resort Water Boat Hay Ride consisted of some themed decorations being placed on a watercraft, some cast members leading in spooky stories and Halloween songs, and a leisurely trip from the resort down to Disney Springs and back.

Here is a little bit of the experience for you to enjoy:

Right after the boat ride, we were welcome to a special meet and greet experience with Chip and Dale in their Halloween finest as well:

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Have you ever done any of the special holiday activities at the Disney Resort Hotels? Which ones do you enjoy?

D23 Hosting 2 Special Member Events at Disney Springs in December

WDWNT on November 8, 2016

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D23 is inviting members to celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Disney Springs with reserved seating for a Walt Disney World Holiday Services Q&A, shopping discounts and merchandise, delicious treats, and a few holiday surprises!

The event is being held on Tuesday, December 13th, 2016 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. 

Guests in attendance will have the opportunity to pick up a complimentary cup of hot cocoa and an exclusive sweet treat, as well as shop at various locations along the way. All attendees will receive a D23 reusable souvenir mug and some additional surprises.

There is also a separate ticketed event the same evening, a private moonlit meal at STK Orlando. Continuing the seasonal celebration, members have the opportunity to gather under the moonlight for a festive meal at the newly opened STK Orlando at Disney Springs.

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D23 attendees will enjoy a three-course meal personally designed in the spirit of holiday gatherings. In addition, guests will receive a specially crafted holiday-inspired cocktail. Throughout the meal on the private outdoor patio, guests will have the opportunity to spend time with fellow Disney fans, as well honorary Disney luminaries and special guests. 

In the spirit of the season, all attendees will receive an exclusive, one-of-a-kind set of historic Disney holiday cards, selected from the Walt Disney Archives. This event is only open to Gold and Gold Family Members.

Registration for both events opens to D23 Gold Members on November 14th. Registration to the Holiday Celebration event then opens to all D23 members on November 21st. More details on these events can be found at D23.com.

BREAKING: Dancing Drone Holiday Light Show Coming to Disney Springs

WDWNT on November 8, 2016

A flying drone light show is coming to Disney Springs, Walt Disney World

A flying drone light show is coming to Disney Springs, Walt Disney World

Just moments ago, Disney shared a first glimpse at their very first drone-related nighttime show:

No further details are available yet on this show, but it will be presented at Disney Springs during the holiday season.

PHOTOS: Christmas 2016 Merchandise Featuring Obscure & Rare Disney Characters Hits Shelves at Disney Parks

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

While visiting Disney Springs over the weekend, I couldn’t help but notice that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

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It’s almost Halloween, but it’s now full speed towards the Christmas holiday season at the Walt Disney World Resort. Apparently, an entire, HUGE Christmas store in Disney’s Days of Christmas just isn’t enough for Disney Springs, so holiday merchandise has now taken over what was the Wonderful World of Memories shop (located between Hanes Design-A-Tee and The Art of Disney). This is located literally right across the path from Days of Christmas as well.

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Now, we already previewed all off the great new ornaments for 2016 in our last Disney Springs photo report, including the Pluto reindeer ear hat seen above, so go check that out if you haven’t.

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The continued growth in the popularity of some of the older films in the Disney library is showcased this year, with Bambi taking center stage with an entire ceramic kitchen collection.

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Even friend Owl is in on the fun. He is $16.99.

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The Thumper gravy boat is $26.99.

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Bambi and Flower retail at $19.99 each.

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The teapot features Mickey and Minnie Mouse on the front, but…

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Some of the animal characters from Sleeping Beauty can be found on the back.

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Some of the shirts feature a few more obscure characters in plush form on a tree. Keep this in mind for later…

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Remember those plush characters on the tree in some of the merchandise? Well, Disney made those plush as ornaments you can buy. They feel a bit pricey at $16.99 each, but it is a rather fun assembly of characters, including Meeko from Pocahontas above.

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The rather cute collection includes Chip, Dale, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Flower, Thumper, Bambi, Meeko, Robin Hood, Olaf, Sven, and the three bear brothers from Brave.

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This tin Countdown to Christmas sign is pretty neat as well.

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So, what do you think? Will you be buying any of the 2016 holiday merchandise at the parks?

Disney Springs to Host Festival of Holiday Trees Among New Line-Up for 2016 Holiday Season

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Disney Springs will celebrate its very first holiday season since it was completed with an entirely revamped lineup of offerings for guests between November 14th, 2016 and January 8th, 2017.

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This year’s highlights include:

  • A nightly tree lighting ceremony at the Once Upon a Toy fountain play area
  • Elaborate storefront window displays at select shops
  • Santa’s Chalet! Meet and take a keepsake photo with Santa Claus from November 14 through December 24, 2016; and with Santa Goofy from December 25 through December 30, 2016.
  • A holiday-themed DJ dance party with games and activities at the Once Upon a Toy fountain play area
  • Live entertainment, including toy solider and snowflake stilt walkers, pop carolers, acapella groups and more—6:00 PM to 10:00 PM from November 13 through January 8, 2017
  • Special performances celebrating Kwanza on Waterside Stage in the Marketplace on December 26 and December 27, 2016
  • Songs and stories in honor of Hanukkah at Waterview Park in The Landing, with evening performances from December 24 through January 1, 2017.
  • A decked out trail near the Marketplace bus loop with custom-decorated holiday trees—all centered around a different Disney theme
  • Photo ops with oversized toy sculptures throughout Disney Springs

Here is some additional information on the Festival of Holiday Trees, new for this year:

Wander through an enchanted wonderland and marvel at a stunning collection of custom-decorated trees. Each one has been designed to capture a popular Disney theme.

Begin your walk-through experience near the play fountain outside Once Upon a Toy in the Marketplace. Once there, you’ll spot an alluring pathway—a fun invitation to explore.

Santa’s Chalet will also utilize the pager waiting system currently being used for the temporary Princess meet and greet at the World of Disney store:

Steps to Meet Santa

  • Check in at the podium.
  • Receive a pager from one of Santa’s Helpers.
  • Shop, eat and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Marketplace.
  • When you receive a message from Santa’s Helpers, return to the podium within 10 minutes.
  • Take your place in line to meet Santa.

Have a Disney’s Memory Maker Package?
Your photos with Santa are included!

Santa’s Schedule
Noon to 10:00 PM

Disney Springs Renames Festival of Holiday Trees to Christmas Tree Trail, Full List of Trees

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Disney has already renamed the Festival of Holiday Trees for Disney Springs we told you about earlier in the week. The new name for the 15 tree walking path is the “Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail.

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Each tree is inspired by a different Disney character or story. During this walk-through experience, you’ll wind through a lovely winter wonderland complete with a gentle snow fall, toy soldiers, singers and plenty of opportunities for photos.

Below is a list of the planned tree themes:

  • Mickey and Minnie Mouse
  • Disney Villains
  • “Moana“
  • “Beauty and the Beast“
  • “The Little Mermaid“
  • “Cinderella“
  • “The Princess and the Frog“
  • “Alice in Wonderland“
  • “Frozen“
  • “The Jungle Book“
  • “Mulan“
  • “101 Dalmatians“
  • “Tangled“
  • “Mary Poppins“
  • The Muppets

 

The Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail will debut on November 11th and will run through January 8, 2017.

Amorette’s Patisserie Now has Crepes, New Hours; Aristocrepes Going Seasonal at Disney Springs

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

Beginning today, Aristocrepes and Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs have adjusted their menus to add more offerings (and because Artistocrepes ain’t doing so well).

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Guests visiting the Aristocrepes will now find popcorn, Mickey pretzels and cheese, assorted chips, and beverages. Beginning from Friday, November 11, Aristocrepes will transition to a seasonal operation and menu, serving a variety of holiday beverages including hot chocolate, unique cocktails, and more when open.

Amorette’s Patisserie is now serving a mixture of savory and sweet crepes to make up for the void created by Aristocrepes.

The operating hours for Amorette’s Patisserie were also adjusted just last week. The location is now open 3-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 11 AM–11 PM Friday-Sunday.

Zootopia Meet and Greet Coming as Part of the 2016 Holiday Season

WDWNT on October 31, 2016

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Deck the halls! Walt Disney World Resort does that and plenty more this holiday season – turning up the yuletide magic with new shows, thrilling spectaculars, beloved characters to create lasting memories, yummy and festive holiday treats, and theme parks and resort hotels all aglitter with holly, jolly decorations.

Here’s a sampling of the holiday fun in store for guests:

Magic Kingdom

· Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: It’s a Christmas party like no other, with joyful music, a shimmering Cinderella Castle, characters in their festive finery and the Magic Kingdom decked out and even more magical for merry-making guests of all ages. Disney princes join princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall. Guests can meet Nick and Judy from “Zootopia” in Tomorrowland. The special party – complete with cookies, cocoa and snow flurries – begins at 7 p.m., after regular park hours. Dates for this year:

November 7,8,10,11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29

December 1,2,4,6,8,9,11,13,15,16,18, 22

For more information and to purchase tickets for this after-hours spectacular: Disneyworld.com/Christmasparty

· All new! Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration: New to the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Mickey and his pals host some of their friends for an unforgettable Christmas soiree filled with medleys of delightful classic and contemporary holiday songs, and magical holiday projections on Cinderella Castle building to a sensational, snowy finale. (Also available Dec. 23 – 31 during regular park operating hours).

· Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: The enchanting holiday parade during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party transforms Main Street, U.S.A. Santa Claus, gingerbread men, elves, reindeer, toy soldiers and other friends from the North Pole join Mickey and his pals. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf from “Frozen” join in the fun.

· A Frozen Holiday Wish (Castle Dream Lights): This season, the wintry wonder and magic of Disney’s blockbuster “Frozen” enchants park guests as Queen Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into a glimmering, shimmering ice palace for the holidays.

· Holiday Wishes – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season: The night sky bursts with color high above Cinderella Castle with a holiday fireworks spectacular.

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· New Holidays Around the World Marketplaces – Explore what the holidays taste like around the globe at five new marketplaces: indulge in duck confit and dumplings from the Alpine Haus Marketplace, celebrate with the shredded beef tamale from the Three Kings Feast Marketplace, toast with Williams Punch from the Germany Marketplace, and more.

· Holidays Around the World entertainment – Enjoy the sights and sounds of the nations of World Showcase, as each country’s holiday heritage comes to life amid joyful music and time-honored traditions.

· A cherished Epcot tradition, the Candlelight Processional captures the spirit of the season in the retelling of the Christmas story by celebrity narrators, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and choir. The Candlelight Processional is performed three times each evening, 5:00, 6:45 and 8 p.m. at America Gardens Theatre from Nov. 25-Dec. 30. Narrators in 2016 include Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Meredith Vieira, and Cal. Ripken, Jr. Candlelight dinner packages are available through Disneyworld.com/holiday.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

· An all-new nighttime spectacular, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!,” premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Nov. 14-Dec. 31, sending beloved Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” combines state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and Christmas music to create a dazzling, one-of-a-kind holiday experience for guests – capped by a special message from Santa himself.

· A new dessert party themed to the show will be offered nightly, one hour prior to each performance, in the courtyard of the Chinese Theater. Guests who book the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Holiday Party enjoy holiday-inspired snacks, decadent desserts and specialty beverages. Guests can call 407/WDW-DINE or visit Disneyworld.com to reserve their spot (November 14-December 17, $69 adults, $39 children, including taxes and gratuities; December 18-31 $79 adults, $45 children, including taxes and gratuities).

· New for 2016 is the opportunity to meet Santa Claus at the Once Upon a Time shop. The beautiful and vintage setting reflects the bygone days of Santa’s visits to the great department stores across the country.

· During the holiday season, “Tinsel Town” takes on a new meaning at the theme park celebrating the magic of movies and television. A giant Christmas tree towers over the main entrance, holiday displays capture the imagination, shops along Hollywood Boulevard welcome holiday shoppers and colorful garlands and lights sparkle throughout the park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s adventure park presents holiday themes in a whole new “dark.” Decorations park-wide frame new daytime-into-night experiences, including Tree of Life transformations, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali Rivers Rapids and Expedition Everest.

· Guests will be greeted, at the park’s entrance, by a dramatic, animal-themed holiday tree.

· Mickey and Minnie don their holiday best to meet and greet guests at Adventurers Outpost. Their friends Santa Goofy, Baloo, King Louie, Donald and Chip and Dale also show off their holiday finest.

Disney Springs

With a multi-year makeover nearly complete, every corner of Disney Springs is wrapped and ready for its first full season of holiday cheer. Disney Springs becomes “the place to be” as each of its four neighborhoods is transformed through festive décor, entertainment and holiday shopping at exciting new retail locations, from name-brand to cozy boutiques to everything in between.

A sampling of what’s new:

· Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail: To capture the spirit of the holidays, Marketplace guests can stroll among 15 custom decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme.

· At the Once Upon a Toy Fountain (Marketplace), toys have magically come alive for an interactive holiday dance party nightly on the plaza. There’s pin trading, a nightly tree lighting ceremony and more.

Marketplace will be a holiday shopper’s delight. Seasonal offerings will fill shelves at Disney’s Days of Christmas, Art of Disney, Wonderful World of Memories, Marketplace Fun Finds and Marketplace Co-Op. Goofy’s Candy Co. is the place for yummy holiday treats. At Art of Disney, guests can find sketch artists doing holiday artwork. Meantime, some of the most recognizable names in retailing have opened their doors at Town Center, alongside venues unique to central Florida.

At Every Corner of Our World: Holiday Displays

Disney bakers and magic-makers transform Disney resort hotels and theme parks for the holidays. Just a few of the festive sights to greet guests:

· Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will feature an African Marketplace – made of gingerbread.

· Guests of Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Grand Canyon Concourse) will marvel at a world of majestic mountains and fjords anchored by a 17-foot-tall Gingerbread Holiday Ice Castle, inspired by Frozen and adorned with sugar snowflakes, gingerbread shingles and chocolate-coated trees.

· An annual treat, a life-sized holiday gingerbread house, is an eye-filling (and aroma-savoring) sight in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The Bake Shop uses a classic gingerbread recipe from Austria for its cookies and ornaments.

· A life-sized, edible spinning carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort while a holiday village with miniature train holds forth at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

No holiday is complete without a special dining experience. Holiday menus that celebrate the season may be found at restaurants throughout Walt Disney World Resort. For holiday dining information and reservations, call 407 WDW-DINE.