Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Year in Review: The Good and The Bad of Walt Disney World 2014





It's that time again.  The time for a brand new year to swoop down upon us is here.  When the clock strikes midnight, we all say goodbye to 2014 and hello to 2015.

Again at Walt Disney World this year, we saw a lot of change, but most of this change was done to make way for future change, it would seem.  We saw so many things ending their run, as well as a few nice new full scale additions.  So, without further adieu, here is a look at some of the things that I think we’ll all remember this past year for.  As always,I thought I'd  rate them in a system that is lovingly borrowed from the former Betamouse crew…Win, Fail, Meh. (We miss you Betamouse!)

Win


  •  Festival of Fantasy Parade:  Wow!  This parade is fantastic!  (And this is coming from someone who hates parades.)  The new parade, themed after New Fantasyland was a fantastic new addition and a well needed upgrade from the previous parade.  It's kinetic, colorful, got tons of characters, and well...it has a fire-breathing dragon.  That's cool.  While it isn't my favorite parade (that goes to Boo to You) it is up there and something that I'd actually stop and watch, as opposed to seeing it as I'm walking past.  

  • Rivers of Light Announced:  While it won't officially open until 2016, the announcement that Disney's Animal Kingdom is finally getting its very own nighttime spectacular is a big deal.  The show will include water screens, lighting, and more!  It's surely gonna be gorgeous.  Now we just have to wait.   


  • Harambe Nights:  While I'm pretty harsh on these extra cost events that Disney seemed to roll out for every stupid thing this year, this one was actually a win for me.  I liked the vibe that it had and it seemed like a no-brainer experience for Disney's Animal Kingdom.  I'm hopeful that they do something similar to this next year, because I think it could potentially be a great annual event. 
  • Marketplace Co-Op:  Oh my gosh...this store!  I could really spend a ton of money here, if I didn't watch it.  The store is 6 separate boutique stores all under one roof and it features some great merchandise with something for everyone.  

  • Memento Mori:  Another great merchandise shop, this time especially for The Haunted Mansion.  (It feels weird to praise places designed to make me part with my money.)  This shop again features creative and unique merchandise that I would like to spend all my money in.  Plus there are some fantastic special effects that happen periodically that make it even better.  Take a gander around...I promise you'll find something awesome.

  • Frozen Summer Fun Live:  So yes, I know it was a rush job to get this event into Disney's Hollywood Studios; the fact is that it was a pretty darn cool event.  I mean how can you go wrong with the ability to ice skate, build a snowman, see Anna and Elsa in a special parade, sing with the Arendelle Historians, see a kick-butt fireworks show, and more?  Kudos to Disney on this one.  No matter whether or not you have Frozen Fatigue, this event was more or less a home run. (I mean some parts of the event have stuck around even after it disappeared.  That's impressive.)  

  • Changes at Disney's Hollywood Studios:  We lost a lot of attractions here.  Bye bye American Idol Experience, AFI, Backlot Tour, and Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow.  It's clear there are big changes in store for all of us here and while the rumors are flying, we don't know exactly what they are just yet.  Also, it's pretty cool that the Sorcerer's Hat will be going away and The Great Movie Ride will get a sponsorship, featuring updates, thanks to Turner Classic Movies. 


Fail



  • Spice Road Table:  Wow did this one not go as planned.  The restaurant, which served tapas sized portions had exceedingly high hopes when it opened.  It was supposed to be another great new place to watch Illuminations from and the cuisine from Morocco has always been regarded highly by many, so how could this one not be a hit too?  Well, it wasn't a hit.  It was a big dull dud.  The food was expensive for the sizes that you received and the view for IllumiNations, to me, was not the greatest.  Even offering deep discounts for Passholders did nothing to entice people to dine here.  Disney is attempting to hopefully fix this dud, having recently added it to the Advanced Dining Reservation System and adding a few dishes that have more substances. (The tapas are actually appetizers now.)  Maybe this will make a difference in the fledgling restaurant, but truth be told, I actually doubt it. 
  • PUSH:  This one goes in the fail category not because the talking trash can was removed from the parks, but actually because of the way the whole thing went down.  You see, it was all because of contract negotiations.  One minute we get word that PUSH will be removed, the next Disney is claiming that everything is fine, and then two days later, PUSH goes bye bye.  Whether you think that it was appropriate that the information that the contract negotiations weren't going well (rumored to have been leaked by the creator of PUSH in hopes that Disney would give them what they were asking thanks to outcry), what really was the fail was the way Disney handled it.  They should have never gone on record to say that PUSH was staying to have that not being true two days later.  That was a mistake on their part, which made them seem like, well, liars.  

  • Villains Unleashed:  This was just a terrible event that had so much potential.  It was so bad that Disney actually gave refunds....something they never do.  There were too many people, not enough to do, terrible shows, a too late fireworks show, and it seemed very understaffed.  If Disney tweaks this one, it has the potential of being a huge success, but in it's current form, it failed miserably.

  • Maelstrom:  Ok, so this was the major fail for many this year by Disney.  Maelstrom was dated and extremely odd, don't get me wrong, but it was also a classic Epcot attraction that was one of the few attractions left within the park that upheld the original intent of Epcot.  With the addition of a Frozen attraction, many felt the icy stab that yet another classic part of what made the park they fell in love with would be Disneyfied.  (Which if you remember, the park didn't have characters in it begin with and was mostly about the edu-tainment.)  Maelstrom, while you were a strange and dated attraction, you will certainly be missed. 


Meh


  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train:  After all the hype, the attraction opened, and the hype quickly died down.  While the roller coaster does have some fantastic aspects--such as the AudioAnamatronics and the intense attention to detail, the ride could have used at least one more show scene and really just seems to end rather abruptly.  While people are still talking about the other big attraction that opened this year (Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts), I hardly hear anyone talking about Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.  

  • Festival of the Lion King:  Ok, so the new Harambe Theater is gorgeous.  And the fact that the attraction is now located in the Africa section of the park is fitting, but I do kind of wish they would have updated the show, even a little bit. Instead, it's the same it's always been.  That's not necessarily bad, but they had the opportunity to make changes and they didn't take it.  Not even a little bit. 

  • Changes in World Showcase:  This year we said good-bye to many entertainment acts, including the Ziti Sisters,World Showcase Players, the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps, Mo’Rockin, and Off Kilter.  With those being removed we got new acts by way of The Paul McKenna Band in the UK, B’net al Houwariyate in Morocco, the flag-twirling Sbandieratori Di Sansepolcro  in the Italy Pavilion, and The Canadian Lumberjack Show in Canada. Most acts are pretty decent switches, however, the removal of Off Kilter for The Canadian Lumberjacks clearly didn't go well.  And those of us who love improv lament the loss of The World Showcase Players. Overall though, most changes weren't too bad.
  • Every other "special hard-ticket add on":  This was the year of the add-on.  If Disney could find a way to milk money from people, boy did they!  It's not necessarily a problem when done right (ie: Harambe Nights) and of course, people have the right to choose to spend the money if they would like on these types of things.  The thing that was a bit annoying was that it was literally done for every single special event.  How many premium packages can be offered?  Disney tested it and found out that people caught on really quickly.  Matter of fact some of the events, like one for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival got cancelled due to lack of interest. 
  • Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade:  Due to construction, the parade ended this year after more than 10 years of rolling down the streets of Disney's Animal Kingdom.  It was an ok parade, but it's still sad to see a parade go when it's one of the few offerings the park has for guests to experience.    


  • Disney's Polynesian Resort:  This one had many pluses this year, but one big minus.  On the plus side, it was announced that the resort would be called Disney's Polynesian Village Resort once again, Captain Cooks got a refurb, they added the Pineapple Lanai which is where you can get Dole Whips (though they are no longer all you can fill in a cup), the pool is being upgraded with a hot tub, and Trader Sam's is on its way.  The minus--the removal of the large fountain that made the Poly, the Poly.  While the new lobby is beautiful, the fountain is what made the resort special for many. It will be missed.

  • Trattoria al Forno:  Earlier this year, we saw the closure of Kouzzina at Disney's BoardWalk.  In it's place is the recently opened Trattoria al Forno.  While I haven't heard anything bad about the new restaurant, one does wonder if it's too much Italian within the Resort overall.  I plan to dine here at some point in 2015, so hopefully it won't disappoint. 
  Ok! That's gonna do it for this year, but I'm sure I missed something or you disagree with where I put something.  So don't be shy, let me know!  You can do so via Facebook or the comments section. 

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word about us here at A Disney World After All!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pinterest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!     

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 12/22/14 - 12/28/14


News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News

Magic Kingdom
  • Island Supply shop to reopen as Island Supply by Sunglass Hut in Adventureland on January 8. 

Epcot
  • Two changes will take place at Innoventions. IBM's THINK exhibit will close on January 1.  In addition, the Test the Limits Lab will end on January 6. 
  • The Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party will be taking place in January and February. Cost is $49 for adults and $29 for children ages 3-9.


General Walt Disney World News
  •  Contactless Payments, such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet are now able to be utilized throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Most stores, quick service restaurants, bars and ticket sales booths take the contactless payments. Locations that use portable payment terminals, like table service restaurants, will be added later.
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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Happy Holidays!



I would like to send out a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family!  May you spend the day with family, friends, and have good cheer and laughter throughout the day.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 12/15/14 - 12/21/14






News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News

Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • In the ABC Sound Studio this holiday season, until January 4, guests will be able to enjoy holiday Disney animated shorts from 10:30 a.m. until park close.


Disney's Animal Kingdom

  • Creature Comforts will close January 4. The location is expect to roeopen as that park's Starbucks. 
  • Kali River Rapids will have a brief closure from March 10 - 13.


Downtown Disney


  • A brand new steakhouse has been announced for Disney Springs called STK Orlando.  The restaurant is expected to open in the Spring of 2015 in The Landing. 


Walt Disney World Resorts


  • Trattoria al Forno has opened at Disney's BoardWalk 
  • The Polynesian lobby has reopened with an open look, large balled light fixtures, and a smaller fountain that is reminiscent of the old larger one.


General Walt Disney World News

  • ApplePay will be available this week.


Rumors


  • Inside Out characters will be meeting at Disney's Hollywood Studios this Spring.


Download the brand NEW Disney Food Blog Guide to the 2014 Holidays.  Find out about this year's holiday festivities.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

A Complete Guide To the Holidays at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom



The Holidays are a magical time at Walt Disney World and both Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios have great offerings for guests.  Disney's Hollywood Studios takes holiday Hollywood glamor to the next level. At Disney's Animal Kingdom, it's a wild time, yes even around the Christmas season. 

Let's start with Disney's Hollywood Studios, as this one of the most magical are the experiences that you can participate in.  While this park has only a few things that they do for the holiday season, what they do do is ridiculously awesome!


What's New

  • A new Frozen package, called the Frozen Holiday Premium Package is available for the holiday season. The cost of these premium event is $89 per adult and $59 per child (age 3-9). Gratuity is included. Tax not included. Guests purchasing the package will get:
    • Reserved seating for your choice of a performance of "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration."
    • Reserved Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights viewing section.
    • Frozen-themed dessert party.
    • Holiday themed lithograph
    • "Frozen" pin.


Disney's Hollywood Studios Events


The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

This is one of the best Christmas experiences and the best part is that it's included in the price of admission! While it's the common definition of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, it really is like experiencing Clark Griswold's house from Christmas Vacation, but on steroids!  The entirety of the Streets of America are filled with thousands and thousands of lights, decorations, and more.  You really won't believe your eyes and huge apparatuses twirl and spin high in the air. In addition, every 15 minutes or so the lights will dance to special music! It's truly a sight to behold. Oh and did I mention that it snows?! (Ok, it's snoap, but still...it's cool!)

The lights take place from November 7 until January 4, 2015

Miscellaneous

  • Meet Santa Goofy on the Streets of America beginning at 6:00 p.m. 

  • Take a look at the decorations that line Sunset and Hollywood Boulevard.  They are made of tinsel to represent Tinsel Town.  I love that little touch.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Events


Unfortunately, with the removal of the Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade earlier this year, Disney's Animal Kingdom doesn't have a lot of events for the Holidays.  One wonders what the park will have in store for us in the next few years with the expansions going on in the park.

Character Meet and Greets
  •  At the Adventurer's Outpost, guests can meet Mickey and Minnie in holiday attire.
  • In Dinoland, guests can meet Santa Goofy, as well as Pluto, who's dressed in his holiday finest.

Miscellaneous


  • The decorations here are great. Some are even animal themed! So be on the lookout!


The holiday season at these two parks is a lot of fun.  While they aren't nearly as elaborate as they are in the other two parks, they are still a great way to get in the festive mood.  

What's your favorite part of either Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom? Let me know in the comments or on the Facebook page.

If you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word about A Disney World After All!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pinterest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!   


Sunday, December 14, 2014

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 12/8/14 - 12/15/14


News

Magic Kingdom
  • The Haunted Mansion has reopened early from its refurbishment.

Disney's Animal Kingdom
  •  Tusker House will introduce a character meal dinner beginning March 8.

Walt Disney World Resorts
  • New details have emerged about DVC accommodations at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.  There will be 20 bungalows on the water which sleep up to 8. These will have plunge pools and fantastic views of the fireworks. There will also be 360 Deluxe Studios which will sleep up to five and will have a bathroom separated into two areas, one with a shower and sink and the other with a sink and tub/shower. They also will have kitchenettes and enhanced storage space. 


General Walt Disney World News
  •  The Star Wars expansion will be focused on the new movies.
  • Guests can now purchase tickets via the My Disney Experience app. Tickets can be purchased for anywhere from 1 to 10 days, as well as adding the ability to add park hopping. Tickets will be automatically linked and assigned to Family and Friends in your My Disney Experience network. Also, tickets are automatically linked, which means that FastPass+ privileges are automatically assigned at the time of purchase.

Rumors
  • Beginning Star Wars work will likely begin next year.
  • A new version of Illuminations could be on tap for 2015. 



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Thursday, December 11, 2014

A Complete Guide to Holidays at Epcot



Epcot is one of the best places for the holidays at Walt Disney World.  I love the real world experiences that take place, the sharing of different culture's holiday experiences, and the different stories that are told. It's a fantastic experience filled with that traditional edu-tainment that we all know and love.

There are a few main components to the Epcot Holiday experience.  They include Holidays Around the World, Candlelight Processional, Illuminations.  Let's dive right into the fun!

What's New?

  • There are a few new experiences taking place with the Holidays Around The World performers.  In Mexico, guests will be able to experience “Fiesta de Navidad,” which will feature dancers and mariachis celebrating the holiday customs of the country. In Morocco, a new storyteller will share holiday traditions and festivals. Finally, in China, we’ll see the Chinese Lion Dance, which will take place to honor the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival.
  • A newly updated Holiday Tag has been added to Illuminations: Reflections of Earth
  • New celebrity narrators for this year's Candlelight Processional include Jonathan Groff, Ana Gasteyer, and Joe Morton.  
Epcot Events

Holidays Around The World

Holiday Storytellers

Each country features storytellers that teach Guests about how that specific area celebrates the Holiday. They include:

©Disney

  • Canada: The Canadian Holiday Voyageurs take guests on a musical journey across the Great White North. 
  • United Kingdom: Father Christmas tells tales of Christmas past dating back to 15th century England. 
  •  France: Pere Noel unfolds the magic of Christmas with a letter from a child.   
  • Morocco: A new storyteller will share holiday traditions and festivals. 
  • Japan: Hear the story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year.  
  • American Adventure: Hear three different stories.  The first is the story of Hanukkah and the  Maccabees and the lamp that burned miraculously for eight days.  Also, experience the spirit of Kwanzaa, a celebration of family, creativity and community. In addition, don't miss seeing Santa Claus who will be on hand from November 29 – December 24 at 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Also, don't miss the Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers, who are an a cappella group singing holiday songs.
  • Italy: La Befana is Italy's good Christmas witch. She comes down the chimney of the little ones and leaves treats.  
  • Germany: Listen as Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker.  
  • China: See the Chinese Lion Dance, which will take place to honor the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival. 
  • Norway: Sigrid will tell you of the mischievous Julenissen, or Christmas Gnome.  
  • Mexico: Celebrate Fiesta de Navidad,” which will feature dancers and mariachis celebrating the holiday customs of the country. 
In addition to the Holiday Storytellers, there's also the option to stop in each country and delight in different dishes and beverages from around the world with the Tastes Around The Globe. Special dishes include:
  • World Showcase Promenade: turkey waffle (a sweet potato waffle with roast turkey and green bean casserole)
  • Canada Pavilion: pecan-maple bark
  • United Kingdom Pavilion: hot applejack cider with whiskey and a blend of seasonal spices
  • France Pavilion: bûche de noël au chocolate (chocolate cake shaped like a log) from Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie and gingerbread ice cream from L’Artisan des Glaces.
  • Morocco Pavilion: honey walnut baklava from the Morocco Juice Bar
  • Japan Pavilion: teriyaki chicken karaage, (crispy fried chicken bites with teriyaki sauce) at Kabuki Cafe
  • American Adventure Pavilion: gingerbread men, chocolate chunk cookies and sugar cookies, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and peppermint bark at the Sugar and Spice Holiday Bakery
  • Italy Pavilion: panettone, the sweet bread loaf, moscato wine, and ciocolata calda (hot chocolate)
  • Germany Pavilion: stollen fruit cake and sip glühwein (hot spiced wine)
  • China Pavilion: kaikouxiao (happy face fried cake) from The Joy of Tea kiosk
  • Norway Pavilion: rice cream from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
  • Mexico Pavilion: sweet tamales at La Catina de San Angel

Candlelight Processional



The premiere portion of Epcot’s celebrations is the Candlelight Processional. This incredibly beautiful performance includes a mass choir, a 50-piece orchestra, and a celebrity narrator who all combine together beautifully to share and delight in the story of Christmas. Here is the full list of the 2014 celebrity narrators:

  • November 28 – 29: Jodi Benson
  • November 30 – December 2: Neil Patrick Harris
  • December 3 – 4: Jonathan Groff (NEW!) 
  • December 5 – 6: Whoopi Goldberg
  • December 7 – 9: Levar Burton
  • December 10 – 11: Edward James Olmos
  • December 12 – 14: Joe Morton
  • December 15 – 17: Chita Rivera
  • December 18 – 20: Ana Gasteyer (NEW!)
  • December 21 – 23: Marlee Matlin
  • December 24 – 25: Isabella Rossellini
  • December 26 – 27: Blair Underwood
  • December 28 – 30: Steven Curtis Chapman
Show times occur three times each evening, 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. in the American Gardens Theater. The show available to guests on a first-come, first –served basis, however, Disney offers Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages at select restaurants that will allow you to enjoy dinner and guaranteed seating for a show.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth Holiday Tag

This beautiful show includes a special holiday ending from November 28 - December 25 at 9:30 p.m. nightly and from December 26 - 30 at 10:00 p.m. nightly. The "Peace on Earth" holiday finale is gorgeously narrated and includes some incredible pyrotechnics.


Miscellaneous


  • The Christmas Tree is set up in World Showcase Plaza and it showcases ornaments signifying each country found in World Showcase. 

  • Don't miss the gospel group, Joyful! Taking place on Future World's Fountain Stage from November 28 until December 30.

  • Make sure you keep an eye out for a few Disney Christmas-themed topiaries! 

  • A few countries have some special decorations...I won't tell you which ones, but make sure you explore. 
  • Did you know there was a gingerbread display in the American Adventure Pavilion? 
 Epcot at the Holidays is truly a fantastic experience that you cannot miss. What are your thoughts about this fun event?  Let me know on the Facebook page or on Twitter!

If you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word about A Disney World After All!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pinterest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs!   

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 12/1/14 - 12/7/14




News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News

Magic Kingdom
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed for a refurbishment from March 4 - 8. 
  • Pirates of the Caribbean will be closed December 17

Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • Star Wars Weekends dates have been announced.  They are:
    • Weekend I: May 15-17
    • Weekend II: May 22-24
    • Weekend III: May 29-31
    • Weekend IV: June 5-7
    • Weekend V: June 12-14
  • In addition, also announced for Star Wars Weekends, the fact that the character meals are returning.  Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine Dinner at Hollywood and Vine will have guests meeting Jedi Mickey, Princess Leia Minnie, Darth Vader Goofy, Storm Trooper Donald, and Ewoks Chip ‘n’ Dale. The cost for this meal is $57.99 per adult (ages 10 and up) and $34.99 per child (ages 3 to 9).  The second character meal that will also be returning is the Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast at Sci Fi Dine-In Theater and guests can meet characters from the Star Wars universe including Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Greedo, Jawas, and Stormtroopers. The cost for this breakfast is $49.99 per adult (ages 10 and up) and $31.99 per child (ages 3 to 9). These meals are available daily from May 4 through June 14. 

Disney's Animal Kingdom
  • There has been some character meet and greet shake ups.  Daisy is no longer meeting guests, Tarzan is meeting guests now, and Pocahontas has moved to Discovery Island Landing.

Disney Resorts
  •  The Intermission Food Court at Disney's All-Star Music Resort has reopened from it's refurbishment.  It has a new color scheme, clean lines, and new murals involving the Disney characters.

General Walt Disney World News
  • Winter Summerland Mini Golf Course will be closed for a refurbishment beginning January 4. The refurb is expect to last approximately 6 weeks.
  • The pre-purchase price of Memory Maker has increased to $169.00. 

Rumors  

  • Hiro and Baymax may not stick around too much longer
Download the brand NEW Disney Food Blog Guide to the 2014 Holidays.  Find out about this year's holiday festivities.

Friday, December 5, 2014

A Complete Guide to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party



There are so many different great aspects to the Holidays at Walt Disney World.  There's Holidays Around the World, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and at the Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on select nights in both November and December.


This year's party dates are:

November: 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, and 30
December: 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 19

The parties run from 7:00 p.m. through midnight.  Guests are typically able to enter the Magic Kingdom at around 4:00 p.m. with their party ticket. When guests enter, they will need to obtain a wristband, which will be necessary to stay at the party.

The party is a can't miss event. There's the fireworks, the cookies and hot cocoa, and a wonderfully classic parade, plus more.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a hard-ticket event, which means you'll need to purchase separate admission to attend. Different dates have different costs associated with them.  Ticket prices are as follows:

November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20
December 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16
Advance Purchase Discount: $71.36 Adult: $66.03 (Ages 3-9)
Day of Event: $75.62 Adult; $70.29 (Ages 3-9)

November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20
December 2, 4, 9

Annual Passholder and DVC Member: $66.03 Adult; $60.71 (Ages 3-9)

November 21, 30
December 5, 12, 18
Premium/Day of Event: $75.62 Adult; $70.29 (Ages 3-9)

December 19
Premium/Day of Event: $78.81 Adult; $73.49 (Ages 3-9)


Ok, so I know you must be thinking, wait...what on earth does all that mean? Let me break it down for you.

Advance Purchase Discount: Tickets sold at least one day in advance that are designated with the Advance Purchase Discount will pay a cheaper rate. This is the best general public discount available.

Day of Event: Tickets sold on the day of the party will pay a slightly higher cost.

Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club Member Tickets:  AP holder and DVC Members pay a discounted rate for tickets, if purchased in advance. Annual Passholders who purchased tickets online must show a valid Passholder ID at park entrance for each ticket or pass purchased. Disney Vacation Club members must call Member Services to purchase.

Premium Tickets: These are the most popular nights, and offer no discounts.

Tickets can be ordered by calling 407-W-DISNEY or online on Disney's Web site. Payment is required at time of purchase and tickets are non-refundable after purchase.


What's New

 

  • A Frozen Holiday Wish - a special stage show, where Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and and Olaf appear on the Castle Forecourt Stage where Elsa's icy powers are on hand and utilized to present a gift to everyone, transforming Cinderella Castle into an icy wonderland. This stage show isn't only presented during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and is, instead presented daily from Nov. 5 until December 31.  The Castle being all iced over is one sight you do not want to miss!  It is simply stunning!
  • A meet and greet opportunity with Jack Skellington, dressed as Sandy Claws in Storybook Circus.  Get in line early.  This is a super popular meet and greet! 
  • The Holiday Hootenanny, which takes place in The Diamond Horseshoe in Liberty Square and is a dance party that features Clarabelle Cow, Horace Horsecollar, Clara Cluck, and The Country Bears. It takes place from 7:00 p.m. until 12 midnight.


Party Events

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

©Disney


This spectacularly fun parade which brings good tidings and cheer.

The parade features all of your favorites that you see in the Christmas Day Parade, including snowmen, dancing reindeer, Disney characters, tin toy soldiers, and of course, Santa! Honestly, this parade features a ton of characters and is, I believe, one of the longest (though the Main Street Electrical Parade may be longer). It's a fun and fanciful romp! (Also, be on the lookout for some fantastic scents that are piped in, like peppermint, evergreen trees, and gingerbread!)

©Disney


©Disney

New for this year are Anna and Elsa, plus Kristoff and Olaf too!  Actually Frozen is a large part of the parade this year. Also new this year are Vanellope and Wreck-It Ralph.

The parade steps off in Frontierland twice nightly, at 8:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

If you would like to view it in a less crowded area, consider heading towards Frontierland or Liberty Square, however Main Street USA does offer a very a unique feel to it. This is one parade where I would actually wait on Main Street to catch it, and that's saying a lot.  Also, keep in mind the second parade is often less crowded than the first.
 
Holiday Wishes

©Disney
Here, Jimminy Cricket shares with guests, through fireworks, why home really is where the heart is. It really is the Spirit of the Season!

This show features beautiful holiday music, as well as perimeter fireworks, which are a sight to see. My favorite part is the "O Christmas Tree" section.  It's so beautiful. Overall, I find that the story on this show is really secondary to the music and the fireworks. And the fireworks are plentiful for sure!

The show takes place nightly at 9:30 p.m.

For the best view, make sure to be standing on Main Street, about halfway down the street.  You don't want to be too close to the castle.

Celebrate The Magic Castle Show

©Disney

The Castle Show gets a special holiday tag included on the end of it's regular show.  The holiday tag includes the castle looking like a Christmas present, it being decorated with "lights", and it looking like a candy cane and a gingerbread house! (PS:  look out for The Big Guy!)

Celebrate the Magic is shown at 9:15 p.m.

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show

Um...ever thought of combining Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, and Mike Wazowski in a show together?  Well, for the Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show, they did! The trio band together to fight holiday doldrums across the galaxy in a jolly musical revue.  I swear I am not making this up.

The show features many rockin' versions of different classic Christmas anthems. Also, it features Stitch trying to track down Santa.  Make sure you don't miss the finale. The performers are really what sell this show.  You can tell they are really having fun and into it.

The show takes place on the Rockettower Plaza Stage at 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m., 9:55 p.m., 10:50 p.m., and 11:45 p.m.
 

 Celebrate The Season Stage Show

This stage show, which features your favorite Disney characters, like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, plus Pluto and (my favorites) Chip n' Dale as well as other favorites. I know that a unique version of the Nutcracker is told, but I'm not sure there's much of a story here; it's just a fun show and a musical spectacle.

The show takes place at 7:45 p.m., 10:05 p.m., and 11:20 p.m.

If you are wanting to watch one show, this is the one to watch, in my opinion, over A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas.

Club Tinsel

This dance party takes place at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe and features the fun Phineas and Ferb! Get down with your bad elf (get it?) from 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight.

Holiday Hootananny

Another dance party, which is new this year.  Takes place in The Diamond Horseshoe from 7:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight.


Special Treats

One of the best part of the event are the complimentary cookies and hot cocoa that are available for guests to enjoy.  Cookies are of the snickerdoodle variety.  If you would prefer though, you can choose to get apples or apple juice.

To find the treats, be on the lookout for the giant candy cane inflatables! Holiday treats can be picked up at many different locations, which include: 

Adventureland
  • Sunshine Tree Terrace
  • Tortouga Tavern
Liberty Square
  • Columbia Harbor House
Fantasyland
  • Pinocchio's Village House
Tomorrowland
  • Tomorrowland Terrace
  • Cosmic Ray's
Main Street USA
  • Crystal Palace
Do keep in mind that lines can sometimes be very long for these treats.   But the best part is you can stop for as many treats as you want!  But if you want to grab the treats with minimal wait, go more towards the end of the evening.

Characters
©Disney


Meeting the characters is a lot of fun for this event!  Many times special characters are brought out and many characters are dressed in their holiday finest.

There are two character greeting opportunities that seem to be the most popular.  The first is the opportunity to meet all Seven Dwarfs.  This is very rare and they can be found near the entrance to New Fantasyland.  In addition, new for this year, they added the opportunity to meet Jack Skellington dressed as Sandy Claws from Nightmare Before Christmas.  Both see lines that last hours.

Attractions


Adventureland
Swiss Family Treehouse
Pirates of the Caribbean
Jingle Cruise
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
A Pirates Adventure

Frontierland
 Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain
Country Bear Jamboree

Liberty Square
Haunted Mansion

Fantasyland
it's a small world
Peter Pan's Flight
Mickey's PhilharMagic
Prince Charming's Regal Carousel
Princess Fairytale Hall
The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
Mad Tea Party
Dumbo
Barnstormer
Casey Jr's Splash n' Soak
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Ariel's Grotto

Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland Speedway
Space Mountain
Astro Oribter
Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Stitch's Great Escape
Monster's Inc Laugh Floor


Merchandise

Special merchandise is created for the event and can be picked up at the following locations:

  • Emporium
  • Frontierland Trading Post
  • Big Top Souvineers
  • Ye Olde Christmas Shop
  • Mickey's Star Traders
Food
 
Main Street USA
  • Main Street Bakery
  • Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
  • Casey's Corner
 Frontierland
  • Pecos Bill's
  • Westward Ho
  • Frontierland Turkey Leg Cart
  • Frontierland Churro Wagon
 Liberty Square
  • Sleepy Hollow
  • Liberty Square Market
Fantasyland
  • The Friar's Nook
  • Storybook Treats
  • Gaston's Tavern
 Tomorrowland
  •  Cosmic Ray's
  • The Lunching Pad
Miscellaneous

  • Make sure to dress up!  It really is part of the fun to be dressed for the holiday season.
  • Try to make sure you eat a substantial meal before attending the party.  Your time is so limited that if you spend it dining on a full meal, you are essentially wasting quality party time. 
  • Try to stay the full night.  Again, you paid a lot of money for the event; it seems like a waste to leave early. 
  • Make sure to pick up a park map ahead of time to know where exactly locations. 

  • The park is decorated to the nines for Christmas.  Make sure to take in those unique touches! And do not miss seeing the iced out castle.  (Not that you can miss it.)

  • Don't miss The Jingle Cruise!  This fun holiday overlay sees the skippers homesick, so they attempt to decorate the jungle.  Unfortunately, not everything they had shipped made it to them. 

  • Snow on Main Street is SO cool!  There's nothing like walking in the middle of it.  (PS: it's really soap.)
  • For those who enjoy playing the interactive game, Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom, guests with a Mickey's Very Merry ticket can pick up a special Sorcerer's spell card, featuring Elsa.  Guests may pick up this special card at the Firehouse on Main Street U.S.A.   
  • If you visit the park after December 19 through December 31, during the day, you will see the Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, and at night you will see Holiday Wishes. (Holiday Wishes is not shown Dec. 30 and 31, as they special New Year's Eve fireworks are shown instead.)
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a great time for both the young and the young at heart!  It is truly a magical time!

What are your thoughts about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party?  Let me know in the comments or on the Facebook Page.

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Sunday, November 30, 2014

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 11/24/14 - 11/30/14



News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.
News

Magic Kingdom
  • There's a new indoor queue for Peter Pan's Flight that guests can experience.

Epcot
  • The Paul McKenna Band has now debuted at the UK Pavilion. They are an acoustic folk band outside the Crown and Crest shop.  

Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • Turner Classic Movies has signed a deal to partner and sponsor The Great Movie Ride. They will be re-working the pre-show and will be re-doing the finale movie.


Downtown Disney
  • The Food Truck Park on Downtown Disney's West Side has officially opened. The Food Trucks typically open around 4:00 p.m. 


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