VIDEO: Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade Modifications for 2017

Guests at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year may notice a few changes to Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade.

Most notably:

  • There is a new Olaf float
  • A small live band now plays in the parade
  • Kristoff now speaks to guests
  • There are new gingerbread costumes
  • Performers with Toy Story units now have the PIXAR Luxo balls

Check out the full video of the 2017 Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade on our YouTube channel:

New Projections, Celebrity Appearances & More Announced for Star Wars Galactic Nights

Star Wars: Galactic Nights is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios next month, and Disney is bringing big changes to the event this year by adding a projection show, celebrity appearances, and more.

From the Parks Blog:

First up – Wicket. Wald. Willow. Wollivan. Warwick Davis has long been part of the Lucasfilm family and beloved by Star Wars fans since his career-starting performance as Wicket the Ewok in “Return of the Jedi.” An established film and television actor, Davis is known for other Lucasfilm roles in “Ewoks: Battle for Endor” and “Caravan of Courage,” and for portraying the title character in “Willow.” He returned to the galaxy far, far away for the prequels as well, with several roles in “The Phantom Menace.” He recently played Wollivan in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and will appear in this year’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and 2018’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”

Actor David Collins will also appear at the event to host a special “Inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” panel discussion with members of the Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm team. The panel, which will include Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering; Robin Reardon, Executive Creative Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering; Chris Beatty, Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering and Doug Chiang, VP/Creative Director at Lucasfilm, will give guests an inside look at the making of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands currently under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park. Attendees will also get an exclusive peek into the progress being made and learn what it’s like to bring the epic saga to life in the theme parks.

A new projection show called Star Wars: Galactic Destinations will take place on Sunset Boulevard. Projections of iconic scenes from Star Wars movies and familiar locations throughout the galaxy will transform the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Lighting and special effects, as well as a cinematic music score will add to the show, culminating in a grand experience that will be unique to this ticketed event.

 width=

Inspiration from Star Wars: The Last Jedi will change other Star Wars-based attractions throughout the park, including Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, and “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.” Each attraction will receive an update starting on that night of the event and the new elements will be pulled directly from the new film.

Special presentations of the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show and the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show will also take place and feature new elements from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Star Wars Rebels, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Of course specialty food and beverage will also be available, and guests are welcome to come dressed up as their favorite Star Wars characters (provided they follow Disney’s costume guidelines). Oh yeah, and did I mention, Star Wars!

The event takes place on December 16 from 7pm to midnight, and only guests with tickets to the event will be allowed in the park during event hours. Ticketing for Star Wars: Galactic Nights is priced at $129 for adults and $124 ages 3-9, with discounts available for Annual Passholders and DVC Members. For more information, as well as to purchase your tickets, follow the link here or call 407-W-DISNEY (407 934-7639).

Disney Announces Another New Star Tours Destination, Reveals New Crait Concept Art

Today the Disney Parks Blog has released some concept art of the new Crait scene debuting on November 17 at Star Tours in Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and later at overseas parks).

 width=

Disney also hinted in the Parks Blog post that there is another new scene coming, and this is likely the new opening sequence featuring characters from Episodes 7 and 8 that we reported yesterday.

 width=

We’ll be on the scene on November 17 to bring you all the details, so stay tuned!

Reservations for Ale & Compass at Yacht Club Resort Now Open

Beginning today, guests can make reservations for the soon-to-open Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The restaurant, set to open Nov. 26, replaces the Captain’s Grille at the Yacht Club. The new venue is themed as a New England gastropub reminiscent of an off-shore lighthouse, using salvaged materials for the decorative finishes. A few select diners will be able to sit at the on-stage “hearth” oven area, which is the focal point of the new space.

Ale & Compass will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring menu items inspired by New England cuisine and developed by Disney’s Flavor Lab. The culinary director of the Flavor Lab, Lenny DeGeorge, is from the Boston area and spent his summers in Cape Cod.

“The menu is inspired by all the great restaurants in the New England area that I have experienced growing up,” says DeGeorge. “The New England melting pot of flavors and ingredients from Italy, Portugal, and England, coupled with central Florida influences, are present on the menu that delivers modern gastropub classics.”

Next door to the Ale & Compass Restaurant is the expanded and reimagined Ale & Compass Lounge, also opening Nov. 26. The lounge will feature a variety original and classic cocktails, an extensive list of New England and local beers, and a menu of lighter bites.

Disney’s announcement about the new restaurant included a photo review of a number of items from the menu, including:

 width=
Blueberry-Bacon Pancakes

 width=
Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Cheeseburger

 width=
Fried Chicken and Waffles with House-made Pickles and Orange-Chili Honey

 width=
Coastal Clambake (1/2 Maine lobster, clams, corn, and potatoes)

 width=
Caramelized Leek and Chorizo White Clam Hearth “Pie”

 width=
Parker House Rolls with spreads of Bacon Jam, Pub Cheese, and Smoked Trout

 width=
Lemon “Curd” Meringue Pie

 width=
Twelve-Layer Chocolate Cake (Flourless chocolate cake and ganache served with milk-coffee chantilly)

You can find the full Ale & Compass menu in our our previous post.

For reservations, visit DisneyWorld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE.

 

 

Finding Nemo: The Musical Will Be Dark Most of February 2018

The Walt Disney World website is telling guests that no showtimes are available for Finding Nemo: The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park beginning on February 4, 2018.

 width=

The first date after February 4 that displays showtimes is Sunday, February 24, 2018.

However, the Disney Travel Agents website is showing closure dates of February 4 – 18, 2018. It may be that the closure is planned through the 18th, but they have added an extra week as a buffer in case extra time is needed for whatever changes are being made.

 

PHOTOS: Long-Delayed Choza de Margarita Now Open in Mexico at Epcot

Choza de Margarita has finally opened just outside of the Mexico pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase.

 width=

 width=

Below, we take a look at the menu:

 width=

 width=

 width=

Here are a few of the items offered:

 width=

Tacos al Pastor, $9.25

 

 width=

Empanadas de Barbacoa, $9.75

 

 width=

Guacamole, $7.95

 

 width=

Wild Strawberry and Passion Mango Frozen Margarita, $10.50

 

 width=

Choza de Margarita is now open daily at Epcot.

SaveSave

Magic Kingdom’s Trolley Show and Street Party Being Modified Due to Concrete Work

Guests visiting the Magic Kingdom in the coming weeks should be advised that, due to concrete work, select entertainment offerings will be modified on November 14, 20, 22, 27, and 29, 2017.

 width=

On these dates, the Main Street Trolley Show will use the Main Street Ranch Wagon, and the 10AM performance of Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It! will be cancelled.

Black Friday at Disney Springs to Offer New MagicBands, Great Movie Ride Bags, and More

Disney Springs will be celebrating its second Black Friday this year from November 24-26 with the release of special limited items, including an all black MagicBand, and some accessories themed to Disney Parks attractions.

Starting with the Cast Costume Collection, Disney Parks Costuming has designed a limited-release collection of bags that have been crafted using fabric from authentic cast costumes from attractions and restaurants like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, Haunted Mansion, and The Great Movie Ride. Available options for purchase include totes, zip cases, and cosmetic cases. The products will be available at Cherry Tree Lane at Marketplace Co-Op and will release during the following schedule: November 24, 2017 – The Great Movie Ride and Tower of Terror, November 25, 2017 – Haunted Mansion, November 26, 2017 – Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (purchase limits will apply).

The solid black MagicBand will finally be getting a release starting on November 24. Additionally, a limited-edition Disney Springs Holiday MagicBand will also be available while supplies last. Both MagicBands will be available at World of Disney store, and the solid black MagicBand will eventually roll out to other stores across property following Black Friday.

 width=

Starting on November 24 at 8am at Cherry Tree Lane inside the Marketplace Co-Op a new dress featuring the Woodland Winter Holiday design will become available, as well as a collection of Dooney & Bourke bags featuring the Woodland Winter Holiday design.

 width=  width=

Pandora will be selling their new Mickey & Minnie Holiday Gift Set at the newly opened Happily Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories in Town Center, starting on November 25. Also available at the Jewelry Co. & Accessories store is the Dooney & Bourke “Disney Dogs” collection, which will be available on November 26.

 width=

 width=

A collection of limited-edition pins will be available at Disney’s Pin Traders. Here is a list of the pins along with their release dates:

  • Walt Disney World Resort Limited Edition Pin; Annual Passholder Pin and Ornament Set (11-24-17)
  • Christmas Stitch Limited Edition Pin (11-25-17)
  • Christmas Chip ‘n’ Dale Limited Edition Pin (11-26-17)

Lastly, World of Disney store will have a Black Friday “weekend only” sale that is as follows:

  • Select Kids T-Shirts: $15 each when you purchase two
  • Select Disney Mugs: $15 each when you purchase two
  • Classic Princess Dolls: $15 each when you purchase two

Aside from new merchandise, tons of stores will be offering unique discounts throughout the weekend. Here is the complete list, as provided by the Disney Parks Blog:

  • Alex and Ani – 20% off total purchase, plus debut of limited-edition snowflake bangle (offer valid Nov. 22 – Nov. 27, 2017)
  • Art of Shaving – 40% off all shaving and skin care kits (offer valid Nov. 24, 2017)
  • Chapel Hats – Buy one hat, get one 50% off (exclusions apply; offer valid Nov. 23 – Nov. 25, 2017)
  • Edward Beiner – Buy one pair of glasses, get a second pair at 30% off
  • Enjoy Your Face – Stop by this kiosk between 8:00 a.m. and noon and receive $2 off one face painting. Weather permitting, at Disney Springs location only. Offer valid Nov. 24, 2017.
  • havaianas – Free beach towel with purchase of $40 or more
  • Johnston & Murphy – multiple promotions including 40% off select men’s sweaters; buy one, get one free on select men’s scarves; $100 off leather briefcases and backpacks and more (see store for full details)
  • Kiehl’s Since 1851 – $20 off purchases of $65 or more (exclusions apply, see store for full details)
  • LACOSTE – Save 40% off entire store (exclusions apply)
  • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – All seats, except Golden Circle, are $39 each when tickets are purchased at the Box Office on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. (Up to 6 tickets per guest at the Black Friday rate, valid for shows Nov. 24, 2017 through Dec. 16, 2017.)
  • The LEGO Store – Get a complimentary nutcracker LEGO set with any purchase of $99 or ore, plus special doorbuster items
  • Levi’s – 40% off entire purchase (see store for full details)
  • Lilly Pulitzer – exclusive “Colorful Weekend” gift with purchase with $75 and $150 spends
  • Origins – Pick up the Origins Super Stars set for $70 ($170 value) or the Origins Superstar Minis (a collection of best-selling products) for $25 ($90 value). (Origins Superstar Minis offer only valid Nov. 23-24, 2017).
  • PANDORA Jewelry – 20% off gift sets (Nov. 24, 2017 only); buy two full-priced items, get one free (see store for full details)
  • Pele Soccer – Save 50% off select jerseys and apparel
  • SHORE – Save 20-50% off select items and enjoy other in-store promotions (see store for full details)
  • Sperry – Doorbusters starting at $24.99 on Nov. 24, 2017, plus 30% to 50% off select styles all weekend
  • Sugarboo & Co. – Doorbusters from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., plus 25% to 40% off select items in store (exclusions apply)
  • Superdry – 30% off entire store (exclusions apply)
  • UGG – Save 30% off select women’s, men’s and kid’s styles
  • UNIQLO – in-store games and sweepstakes opportunities, including the chance to win a trip to Tokyo
  • UNOde50 – Save 30% off all styles of men’s and women’s handcrafted jewelry (offer valid Nov. 24 to Nov. 27, 2017)
  • Vera Bradley – Save 50% off select patterns and styles and 30% off top gifts for the season!
  • Plus, Grand Totes are only $44 (MSRP $88) (Exclusions and limitations may apply. See a store associate for details.)
  • Plus Many More!

(Unless otherwise noted, all offers are valid Nov. 24 – Nov. 26, 2017, while supplies last.)

REVIEW: Delectable Desserts Found Only at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom

‘Tis the Season to be jolly, to celebrate, and to eat lots of delicious snacks! We made our way out to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom and tried a few different offerings, so here are our thoughts to help you on your sweet journey:

Eggnog Custard Dessert – $4.99

 width=

Eggnog Custard topped with a Spiced-Chocolate Cake, Meringue, and a Scrooge McDuck Chocolate Gold Coin

You’ve got to be a big fan of eggnog to enjoy this dessert and luckily, I am! I really enjoyed this because it featured a delicious eggnog custard. Honestly the chocolate cake is a bit much in my opinion but still was completely delicious. The Scrooge McDuck gold coin is an awesome touch and this is yours for just $4.99 at Storybook Treats in Fantasyland. Again, this won’t be for everyone…

Enchanted Christmas Belle Dessert – $5.99

 width=

White Chocolate Peppermint Mousse with Yellow Glaze and topped with a White Chocolate Enchanted Christmas Belle

 width=

Honestly, this was the least favorite in the group mainly for the yellow glaze which ruined the peppermint mouse inside. Even if you’re a peppermint fan, you could skip this one. But if you choose to try it, you can find it for $5.99 at Gaston’s Tavern.

Chocolate Yule Log – $4.99

 width=

Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Flourless Cake topped with Chocolate Ganache, and Powdered Sugar featuring Chip & Dale and Donald Duck

 width=

This was a delicious yule log dessert that everyone in the group loved, but just couldn’t finish because of how rich it was. This is definitely highly recommended, but be aware of how rich and chocolatey it is. It’s also quite sizable. This is available at Pecos Bill’s for $4.99.

Red Velvet Mickey Waffles – $6.49

 width=

Red velvet Mickey waffles, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and holiday sprinkles.

If you buy one dessert at the Magic Kingdom Christmas Party, let this be it. The red velvet Mickey waffles are perfect in flavor and paired nicely with vanilla ice cream, complemented nicely by the drizzle of caramel sauce. Please do yourself a favor and put this on your party agenda now. It is available only at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Liberty Square.

Sandy Claws Dessert – $4.99

 width=

Orange vanilla cake, cranberry cherry mousse, white crispy pearls, cream cheese buttercream, holiday sprinkles, and a Sandy Claws white chocolate

Also available at Sleepy Hollow, the only thing that’s a nightmare about this is the taste. This is way to sweet, the consistency is gross, and the push-pop design does not make it easy to eat. The cake it itself was good, but there is way too much of what is basically an icing mix in-between. If you want to eat the most overly sweet, least enjoyable icing by itself, this is the dessert for you I guess.

SaveSave

Disney’s Magical Express Now Picking Up Guests 4 Hours Before Their Flight

Due to the increase in TSA security screening times at Orlando International Airport, Disney’s Magical Express will now pick up guests from their Walt Disney World resort hotel four hours prior to their scheduled flight time. This policy will go into effect on November 17, 2017.

 width=

Disney has stated that the policy will be re-evaluated in early 2018 after the busy holiday season is over.

Previously, Disney’s Magical Express would pick up guess from their hotel 3 hours in advance for domestic flights and 4 hours in advance of international.