“Holidays Around The World” by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on October 8, 2009

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Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort can be daunting for even for the most seasoned Disney travelers, but visiting during the holidays can be truly overwhelming.  There are four theme parks, two water parks, the Downtown Disney district, twenty-one resort hotels, and not to mention the numerous water and sports activities available.  All of that alone is enough to keep someone busy on a vacation, but there are numerous special offerings that go under the radar of most visitors… and they shouldn’t.

Special events, backstage tours, and special dining events happen throughout various areas of the resort, but with one major difference: special events are offered for a limited time during the year and backstage tours and special dining events are typically offered year around.

First, we’ll take a look at special events.  These events typically happen around the same time of the year, every year. They are highly anticipated by those who know about them, but casual WDW visitor may not be aware.  Whether they are sporting events or holiday celebrations, many people build their Walt Disney World vacations around these happenings.

Both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade are popular events that take place at The Magic Kingdom. Because of the limited amount of tickets sold on select dates— 24 party days for Halloween and 19 party days for Christmas in 2009—these events tend to sell out quickly.  The general estimate is 20,000 tickets, but Disney does not release exactly how many they sell for each evening’s party.  It is best to purchase tickets in advance of course, but tickets can be purchased on the day-of the party if available.

Advance ticket purchase is the same for both parties.  After calling Disney (or purchasing online) and giving a credit card, tickets can be mailed or picked up upon your arrival.  If you’re already in the park on the day of the party, proceed to the Rose Garden near Cinderella’s Castle after 4:00 PM and Cast Members will swipe your party ticket and put a wristband on you.  Those holding party passes, but not planning on being in the park earlier, can typically head to the main gate at 4pm and look for specially designated Cast Members who will assist in getting you set up.  Although the Halloween and Christmas parties officially start at 7pm, guests will be admitted as early as 4pm.  When the park closes at 7pm to regular guests, only those guests with wristbands may stay.  Cast Members do check and will kindly escort out anyone not wearing a wristband.

Both events have similar set-ups: holiday-specific themed fireworks and parades, character meet-and-greets, access to some regular Magic Kingdom attractions, themed food and beverages, dance parties, and other specialty events and shows.

Read More about “Holidays Around The World” by Chuck Mirarchi

We Were “Totally” Right About Tomorrowland Stage

WDWNT on August 28, 2009

According to the Orlando Sentinel Theme Park Rangers Blog:

A trusted source reports that Disney is reviving a Stitch show that will be presented this year during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom. It’s name: “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas,” but it will include the rascally character.

Expect it on the stage where Stitch was previously seen for the short-lived, much-panned Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration.

A Disney official told me they have nothing to announce at this time.

In an 8/16 photo report, I remarked that a new show was set to debut on the stage in November and that modifications were currently being made to the stage. It appears my sources were correct and we can expect “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” to fill the gap caused by the demolition of the Galaxy Palace Theater and “Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on this breaking story.

Osborne Lights Dance Early in ’09

WDWNT on August 23, 2009

The Walt Disney World website has just been updated with new dates for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, now running from November 10, 2009, until January 4, 2010. The site originally had the Disney’s Hollywood Studios nighttime holiday event slated to debut at the end of November (as it surprisingly did in 2008), but was recently changed to move the starting date up by about 2 weeks. We have to believe that this change was in response to a large number of complaints made last year by guests who visited in mid-November and were shocked to find out the lights would not run during their vacation.

Holiday Magic in June at the WDW Resort

WDWNT on June 25, 2009

While Tom is away at the WDW Resort we have this Press Release from the Walt Disney World Resort to share with you. The Resort has released some early information on this year’s holiday offerings, including the dates for this year’s Very Merry Chirstmas Party and what guests can expect as they celebrate the holiday season aboard the Disney Cruise Line:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Trees glisten, snow flurries and Cinderella Castle sparkles during the winter wonderland season at Walt Disney World Resort.  By late November, themed décor will blanket the Vacation Kingdom as Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney and 23 resorts unwrap their own sleighfuls of yuletide gaiety.

And with the year’s “What Will You Celebrate?,” guests can get in the spirit beginning

Nov. 10 by beholding twinkling lights of one of Disney’s newest holiday traditions – Castle Dreamlights! – in Magic Kingdom.  Donning their holiday finest, Cinderella and friends take to the Cinderella Castle stage daily for a dream-come-true, light-the-night moment. With 200,000 sparkling, jewel-like crystals adorning the iconic castle, the glistening light-show spectacular signals the beginning of Disney seasonal merriment.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom – Nov. 10 also marks the first of 19 select evenings when the theme park hosts the long-running Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. During this popular special-ticket event, guests are treated to “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks spectacular plus special shows featuring Disney characters decked out in their holiday finest, carolers, festive tree lightings and more.

The “Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” celebrates the festivities with dancing snowflakes, marching toy soldiers, a horse-drawn sleigh, enchanting floats and spirited characters all proceeding through the streets of the theme park in a merry and melodic cavalcade.

During “Holiday Wishes-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,” Cinderella Castle beams brightly as the evening is capped with eye-popping fireworks orchestrated to classic holiday tunes.

Favorite attractions also are open throughout the evening.  And while forecasters predict the first snowfall of the season will swirl a winter-like effect down Main Street, U.S.A, guests can take heart: there’s hot cocoa and cookies to add a warm spirit, plus apple slices and apple juice as the perfect trimming for a not-to-miss outing for the whole family.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party dates are: Nov. 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29 and Dec. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18.  Advance tickets are suggested as some nights are expected to sell out. Advance tickets and information are available now.

Beginning Nov. 27, Walt Disney World Resort unwraps even more wintertime wonderment across property.  Here’s the lineup:

Epcot Presents Holidays Around the World – International holiday traditions unfold throughout World Showcase Nov. 27-Dec. 30 when storytellers such as Pere Noel in France, La Befana in Italy and Santa Claus in The American Adventure share the traditions of the season and spread the message of goodwill. As a “nightcap” to each day, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” – a kaleidoscope of lasers, lights, fireworks and music – takes on a spirited holiday finale.

Candlelight Processional at Epcot – A heartfelt holiday tradition led by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra showcases the reason for the season Nov. 27-Dec. 30. Presented at America Gardens Theatre at 5, 6:45 and 8 p.m. nightly, Candlelight Processional features celebrity narrators who retell the joyous Christmas story. The narration is interspersed with memorable music. Past celebrity narrators include Angela Bassett, Courtney B. Vance, Abigail Breslin and Edward James Olmos.  Performances are included with Epcot admission, and guests are advised to arrive early.  Entertainment is subject to change without notice. Special dining packages that include guaranteed seating for this beloved event also are offered by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Bathed in bulbs of brilliance, the streets of America glow with millions of dancing lights and animated displays Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2010.  Amid gently falling snow, guests will bask in the glow as twirling carousels, melodic angels, colorful wreaths, marching toy soldiers and Santa and his reindeer move to high-energy music and 3-D effects, creating a dazzling symphony for the senses.  The spectacle actually starts behind the scenes while the summer temperatures are still on the rise in Florida as dozens of Disney “elves” begin their meticulous work on more than six miles of rope lights, 84 angels, 66 snow machines and more.

Holiday Happenings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – “Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade” gets a holiday makeover Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2010, when it is magically transformed into “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.” This whimsical spectacle is a theatrical showcase of characters, floats and puppetry with a holiday world-beat twist. Guests can meet Disney characters decked out in their holiday best at Camp Minnie-Mickey, which also features live seasonal entertainment, holiday photo opportunities and decorative Christmas trees.

Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney – There are enough toys to fill up Santa’s sleigh at stores such as Once Upon a Toy, World of Disney, Team Mickey Athletic Club and LEGO Imagination Center.  Guests can finish their holiday shopping at this one-stop mecca featuring something for everyone on their list – Tren-D, the newest designer boutique; Basin bath and body shop; Arribas Brothers; Disney’s Days of Christmas holiday shop; Fuego by Sosa Cigars and more– and enjoy the dazzling light display and holiday décor that adorns the Downtown Disney streets.

Nov. 17-Dec. 24.  And at Downtown Disney Marketplace, guests can meet Santa himself Nov. 17-26 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Nov. 27-Dec. 24 from noon to 10 p.m. (subject to change).

Christmas Confections Sweeten Vacation Kingdom – Each holiday season, Disney chefs deck the halls in fanciful fashion, creating larger-than-life displays from edible ingredients all across Walt Disney World Resort.  The sweet scent of gingerbread fills the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where a life-sized Victorian gingerbread house is constructed for the holidays.  To create the 16-foot-high dream house, Walt Disney World pastry chefs use 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 800 pounds of flour, 140 pints of egg whites and 180 pounds of apricot glaze.  Meanwhile, at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, a life-size carousel silently spins in the lobby, featuring ponies made of chocolate and fondant, giant candy cane poles, handcrafted poinsettias and hand-painted portraits of famous Disney characters.

Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line – For a gift that’s both nautical and nice. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to both ships, with traditional “turkey day” fare to Christmas feasts, “snow flurries” and New Year’s Eve galas.  Beginning Nov. 21, special stem-to-stern events on both ships include: nightly King Triton’s Tree Lighting of a glittering, three-deck-tall tree; family crafts such as decorating stockings, making holiday cards and creating animation cels; storytellers sharing tales of diverse holiday traditions; feasts in Disney’s three themed dining rooms; and “Til We Meet Again,” a special seasonal edition of Disney Cruise Line’s cheerful farewell on the final night of each cruise.

To make arrangements for a holiday vacation at Walt Disney World Resort or the Disney Cruise Line, visit our friends at Magical Travel at www.magicaltravel.com or 1-866-207-8387.

“What Will You Celebrate?” How About A Holiday Party?

WDWNT on March 12, 2009

WDWinfo.com is reporting the following as the dates for the two Magic Kingdom Park after hours parties in 2009:

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
September: 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, 2009
October: 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 2009

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
November: 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 29, 2009
December: 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 2009

Tickets go on sale May 1, 2009 for both parties. These dates are not official yet, but are highly likely. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we get more information on this breaking story.

Jose Eber’s 1/2/09 WDW Update

WDWNT on January 3, 2009

WDWNT Photographer Jose Eber has some interesting updates from outside the parks to share with us today, so let’s take a look:

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Some work going on at the Monorail platform of the Transportation and Ticket Center

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A closer look

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The Bay Lake Tower addition to Disney’s Contemporary Resort continues to take shape

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A close-up shot later in the evening

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A final look at the Main Street U.S.A. Christmas tree as the holiday season closes on January 4th at WDW

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We end this short report with a look at a deserted TTC at the end of the day

New Year’s Eve Begins with a Bang

WDWNT on December 31, 2008

‘-While it comes as no surprise that the Magic Kingdom closed it’s gates to all but Annual Passholders and Disney Resort guests at 12:00 PM today, another more interesting closure took place. It seems a pipe of some kind burst in the Frontierland area of the park earlier today, closing the entire area off to guests. A large vehicle was then actually brought into that section of the park to fix the problem. The only downtime we can confirm thus far was for Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain which guests could not reach at this point. Stay tuned for more details on this story as it becomes available, as well as pictures sometime tomorrow.

-In a follow-up to yesterday’s DVC report, here is a video taken by WDWNT  Reporter Jose Eber:

  

You can also watch the video in HD HERE

New Year’s Eve 2009 Line-Up

WDWNT on December 29, 2008

Here is the current line-up for New Year’s Eve entertainment at the Walt Disney World Resort:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — A kaleidoscope of colors and elaborate light displays will decorate the skies on the final night of 2008 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Dazzling fireworks showers, live entertainment and extended park hours throughout the Vacation Kingdom on Dec. 31 make it a popular spot to ring in the new year.

  • At Epcot, a special version of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” the laser-light spectacular featuring dancing flames and cascading fountains orchestrated to an original musical score, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. and 11:40 p.m.  The park’s Dec. 31 operating hours are 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. 
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host “Fantasmic!,” the lavish spectacular of water animation, lasers and fireworks, at 6:30 p.m. and 8 and 10 p.m.  Revelers can “rock on” with live performances by in-park band “Mulch, Sweat and Shears,” plus a DJ spinning tunes at Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat.  A special “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” fireworks show brings in the new year at 11:50 p.m.  The park is open from 8 a.m. until midnight on Dec. 31.
  • Late-nighters can party at Magic Kingdom until the wee hours with parades and fireworks galore.  The park is aglow with “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” at 12 noon and 3:30 p.m., followed by the wondrous “SpectroMagic” parade at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.  “Holiday Wishes” fireworks, the boldest and brightest pyrotechnics show at Disney, takes place at 8:30 p.m. capped with the grand finale “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks at 11:50 p.m. On Dec. 31, the park is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31.  Guests can enjoy one of the final presentations of the romping character cavalcade “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade” at 3:45 p.m.