Disney World Extends New Year’s Eve Theme Park Hours for Magic Kingdom & Epcot
Walt Disney World has extended New Year’s Eve theme park hours at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Guests wanting to ring in the new year at one of those parks will get extra time to experience the magic!
Guests celebrating New Year’s Eve at Epcot can now stay at the park until 1 am on January 1st. The park was previously scheduled to close at midnight.
Over at Magic Kingdom, the park will now be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on December 30th and 31st.
Will you be ringing in the New Year at Walt Disney World?
There’s still time to plan your holiday vacation to Disney World! Contact me today if you’d like to plan your next Disney vacation. I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Disney’s Yacht Club Nautical Decorations for the Holidays. One thing we love about being at Walt Disney World Resorts during the Holidays is seeing all the various decorations. You can see all kinds of different styles at each different resort. From the wilderness theme to the old-school New England style, and everything in between, one of our favorites is going over to Yacht Club Resort and seeing the Nautical Decorations.
Schooners, row boats, and tackle boxes, and crab traps all have one thing in common. They all grace the decorations at Yacht Club. The tree is now up, and the lobby looks amazing. Nothing over the top, but you get that feel of being back in Rhode Island or at the New York Yacht Club waiting to watch the Americas Cup races. Check out some of the images below.
Almost everywhere guests look they will be immersed in festive holiday decor at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Theme parks, resorts and the Disney Springs dining, entertainment and retail district are transformed into all that is merry and bright.
Decor highlights include:
Jolly trimmings and theming throughout Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park.
Holiday glamour on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and festive touches in Toy Story Land.
Animal-inspired décor, luminaries on Discovery Island and holiday cheer that expats from Earth have brought to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Dazzling international decor around World Showcase at EPCOT.
Nightly snow flurries and Disney-themed Christmas trees at Disney Springs.
Iconic Gingerbread displays and embellishments at Disney Resort Hotels.
And Christmas trees seemingly everywhere – more than 1300 at last count, some towering 65 feet.
Epcot’s Christmas Tree is Finally Up just in time for the Festival of the Holidays. Thanksgiving week is upon us, and that means the beginning of Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays. Today we got over to World Showcase and could see in the distance Disney had finally installed the World Showcase Tree.
The Giant blueish tree, which features giant ornaments of the various countries found in the World Showcase is looking stunning with the blue sky background. Topped by an Angel holding the world, this tree can be seen from around Epcot’s World Showcase. Check out some close-ups of the various ornaments below.
Wondrous sights, sounds, and flavors of the holiday season are in store when the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth returns from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, 2022.
To the delight of guests, EPCOT will welcome back the “Candlelight Processional,” a Disney Parks tradition. This heartwarming production takes place nightly at America Gardens Theatre and features celebrity narrators retelling the Christmas story accompanied by the Voices of Liberty a cappella ensemble, a 50-piece live orchestra with herald trumpets, and glorious massed choirs comprised of Disney cast members and Central Florida community groups.
This year’s lineup of award-winning actors, singers, and TV personalities features several new celebrity narrators making their debut, including Gloria Estefan, Josh Gad, Simu Liu, Daymond John, Mariska Hargitay, and Raúl Esparza, to name a few. They will join returning fan-favorite celebrity narrators, such as Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Marie Osmond, and Angela Bassett.
Epcot’s Christmas Tree
Other exciting festival offerings:
“JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season,” a stirring and uplifting performance of music in celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa, returns with multiple performances daily.
Storytellers, musical acts, and other performers will bring holiday traditions of the world to life around World Showcase.
Holiday Kitchens will cook up treasured recipes and festive drinks from around the globe, as well as an eye-popping selection of treats to satisfy nearly any sweet tooth.
New savory offerings include an Impossible™ Chorizo Tamale, a Plant-based Cotija Cheese, and Spicy Red Chile Sauce found at Nochebuena Cocina Holiday Kitchen.
Returning guest favorites include the Maple Bûche de Noël found at Holiday Hearth Holiday Kitchen. This sweet treat features Maple Mousse and Cranberry rolled in Gingerbread Chiffon Cake.
The Holiday Cookie Stroll offers guests the opportunity to embark on a sweet scavenger hunt and visit different booths and purchase an array of cookies. Those who complete the scavenger hunt are rewarded with a completer cookie.
Delightful Holiday Decor Abounds
Almost everywhere guests look they will be immersed in festive holiday decor at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Theme parks, resorts, and the Disney Springs dining, entertainment, and retail district are transformed into all that is merry and bright.
Decor highlights include:
Jolly trimmings and theming throughout Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park.
Holiday glamour on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and festive touches in Toy Story Land.
Animal-inspired décor, luminaries on Discovery Island, and holiday cheer that ex-pats from Earth have brought to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Dazzling international decor around World Showcase at EPCOT.
Nightly snow flurries and Disney-themed Christmas trees at Disney Springs.
Iconic Gingerbread displays and embellishments at Disney Resort Hotels.
And Christmas trees seemingly everywhere – more than 1300 at last count, some towering 65 feet.
New Strange World Merchandise To Bring Home A Little Piece Of Adventure!
On November 23th you will be able to get immerse into Strange World with this new movie telling the story of The Clades, a legendary family of explorers as they attempt to navigate an uncharted treacherous land alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob, a three legged dog and a slew of ravenous creates. In the meantime, you can bring a little adventure into your home with these new products inspired in the movie!
Recreate your favorite scenes from the movie or imagine your own new adventures with this great cast of characters! You will experience the excitement of the Clade family explorations through wondrous new lands, where you will discover new creatures and endless thrills.
Disney’s Boardwalk Holiday Gingerbread is on Display. Almost everywhere guests look they will be immersed in festive holiday decor at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Theme parks, resorts, and the Disney Springs dining, entertainment, and retail district are transformed into all that is merry and bright.
At Disney’s Boardwalk Resort this year, you can see the Boardwalk Deli Gingerbread House in all its glory. A little smaller display than last year, but still as spectacular. Mickey and Minnie Mouse are cooking up your favorite foods behind a glass display. While out front you get the feeling like you have actually sat in the same seats miniaturized. Check out more images below of this fantastic display.
The Boardwalk Deli storefront looks good enough to eat.
Disney’s Boardwalk Holiday Gingerbread
Check out the video below.
Maximize your holiday wonder by staying in the heart of the festivities.
When you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, you’ll discover yuletide cheer at every turn, including:
Seasonal Décor – Delight in holiday decorations, including iconic trees and gingerbread displays adorning the lobbies and Guest areas at select Resort hotels.
Delicious Treats – Nosh on gingerbread goodies and savor specialty menu items at select restaurants.
Plus, when you add valid theme park admission and a park reservation, you can enjoy extra time in the theme parks—where even more merriment awaits. Benefits include:
Early Theme Park Entry: As a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you can enjoy early entry to the theme parks 30 minutes before opening to experience select attractions.
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours: As a Guest of a Disney Deluxe Resort or a Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, you can experience more attractions and yuletide joy with extended evening theme park hours—offered select nights in December at Magic Kingdom park and EPCOT.
And now—to help you better enjoy the holiday season—we’re also offering extended evening theme park hours select nights in December at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as well!
First Look at Harrison Ford & Mads Mikkelsen in Indiana Jones 5
Photo Credit Empire
In a major world exclusive, Empire presents the first look at the epic comeback of Indiana Jones.
The Empire magazine cover finds Indy in 1960s-era New York City, bathed in golden light.
Photo Credit Empire
In the new issue, we get the first word on the film that brings the iconic hero back to the screen – and its star promises all the excitement, emotion, spectacle, and unexpected turns that only Indiana Jones can provide. “It’s full of adventure, full of laughs, full of real emotion. And it’s complex and it’s sneaky,” Harrison Ford tells Empire. Stepping back into the world of Indy was no mean feat. “The shooting of it was tough and long and arduous,” he says. “But I’m very happy with the film that we have.”
Little is known about the plot of the new movie, but the footage, which hasn’t been released online yet, shows Ford’s retired adventurer Jones lamenting about his return to staid academic life with Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) from the original “Raiders of the Last Ark.”
“Indiana Jones 5” is directed by James Mangold and is out June 30, 2023. The legendary composer John Williams returns to write the score.
Also shared by Empire Indiana Jones 5 will pit Indy against Nazis again, in 1969. Meet Mads Mikkelsen’s villainous Voller. “He’s a man who would like to correct some of the mistakes of the past,” he tells Empire.
EXCLUSIVE 🚨
Indiana Jones 5 will pit Indy against Nazis again, in 1969. Meet Mads Mikkelsen’s villainous Voller. “He’s a man who would like to correct some of the mistakes of the past,” he tells Empire.
Chris Hemsworth Believes Thor Could Die in His Next Marvel Movie
No one has officially stated when Thor may reappear in the MCU. However, Chris Hemsworth thinks it might be fitting to see a story with Thor’s death.
Chris is happy with his experience as the God of Thunder in the Avengers movies. We’ve seen the birth and journey of the hero. But, if the MCU wants to give us something new with the character, then showing us the end of his heroic journey would be an exciting final chapter.
Chris Hemsworth expressed his thoughts in a recent Vanity Fairinterview:
“I feel like we’d probably have to close the book if I ever did it again, you know what I mean? I feel like it probably warrants that. I feel like it’d probably be the finale, but that’s not based on anything anyone’s told me or any sort of plans. You have this birth of a hero, the journey of a hero, then the death of a hero, and I don’t know—am I at that stage? Who knows?”
The most recent Marvel Studios film to hit theaters was Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The movie closes Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The next Avengers film will take place near the end of Phase Five, so many fans are hoping Thor return to battle Kang the Conqueror.
Not even Chris Hemsworth knows what the future holds. What kind of story are you hoping to see if Thor returns to live action?
Each evening holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” As a part of the 50th anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World Resort, the festive fun continues when Hollywood Tower Hotel becomes a Beacon of Magic at night, awash in an EARidescence evoking all the glimmer and shimmer of the golden age of imagination and adventure.
You can see a sample of the dazzling performance in our YouTube video below.
We do recommend watching the four transformations yourself if you plan on visiting the theme park anytime soon.
We enjoyed watching the holiday display before heading over to Echo Lake to see the Christmas decorations on that side of the theme park.
Will you be visiting Walt Disney World during the holidays this year?
These Black Polka Dot Minnie Mouse Ears Will Be A Staple Piece In Your Wardrobe!
Everyone needs a pair of black polka dot Minnie Mouse ears in their collection, and this new design is a good option to add to it! We found them at Epcot for $29.99, and you can also order yours online at shopDisney.
This ear headband features a basic black polka dot design on the ears and a black faux leather bow making it a black on black on black piece in your park going wardrobe that will be easy to match with your most magical outfits!
Take a closer look at these Minnie ears in our Instagram post:
New Groovy Mickey Mouse Swirl Loungefly Backpack Available At Epcot!
Get psyched-edelic over this Mickey Mouse swirl Loungefly backpack we found at Epcot for $78. You can also order yours online at shopDisney and use their code SHIPMAGIC to get free shipping in orders of $75 and more.
The backpack features an all over swirl pattern in green, pink and yellow colors giving it a very groovy vibe. It also features Mickey ears, padded pink straps and gold hardware.
This swirl collection also features a spirit jersey and Minnie ears to complete your look. Take a closer look at this backpack and spirit jersey in our Instagram post:
New Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Black Starbucks Tumbler Spotted At Epcot!
Celebrate 50 years of magic with this new matte 50th anniversary black Starbucks tumbler! We spotted it at Epcot for $49.99, you can also get it online at shopDisney right now. Perfect for those looking for a more subtle and neutral design but just the perfect amount of pixie dust.
The tumbler features the same geometric design we all love, with the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary logo featuring the 50 with Cinderella Castle and “The Most Magical Celebration” slogan at the bottom.
On the opposite side, it features the Starbucks logo. You can take a closer look at this tumbler in our Instagram post:
Guests can commemorate their merry visit to the festival by picking up an adorable EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Olaf Dooney & Bourke tote. At home, you can trim the tree with a glistening Olaf light-up ornament, then sit back and relax with loved ones as you sip hot cocoa from a favorite Olaf and Sven mug. As you can see, this collection will add warmth to your holiday season.
My favorite item from this year’s collection is the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Olaf & Sven Spirit Jersey. The collection also includes a festival-inspired crew long-sleeve tee for adults, a new MagicBand design, and trading pins (while supplies last). To collect these and more magical souvenirs, stop by the Festival kiosk at EPCOT.
Guests of all ages can take part in Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt to search for holiday traditions Olaf has gathered from around the world—and lost along the way!
There is no word on if these products will show up on ShopDisney at this time. What do you think of the new Olaf and Sven Merchandise? Will you be heading to Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays?
