Disney News Round-Up: Butter Pecan Pumpkin Shake, Moana Construction Update, Guided Tours Return to Disneyland, White Crocs. Moana Journey of Water is moving along quickly now plus good news for AP holders waiting for magnets to be mailed out. We got news about Indiana Jones, in Disneyland will be closing for refurbishments, and in more Disneyland news guided tours are returning.
Filming is underway for the upcoming Disney+ series ”Star Wars: The Acolyte.”
The show is being filmed at Shinfield Studios in Berkshire. The Acolyte is slated to film from October into May of next year, with a rumored 2024 release expected for the series.
The upcoming Star Wars project will be a Disney+ series set a full century prior to the events of The Phantom Menace. Actor Amanda Stenberg is cast as the lead character for Star Wars: The Acolyte.
The series promises to depict the galaxy at the peak of the era of the High Republic, when the Jedi were at their strongest and the Sith were believed to have been eradicated from the galaxy.
The series is directed by “Russian Doll” comic-creator Leslye Headland. Not much is known yet about Amanda Stenberg‘s role, but she will be the main character for this upcoming Disney+ series. Leslye Headland is drawing at least in part from Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The High Republic” publishing effort. Announced in February 2020 and launched throughout 2021, the “High Republic” series spans comic books, audio dramas, web series and novels.
There is currently no release date for The Acolyte.
Eva Longoria and George Lopez will star in a Disney+ remake of author Judith Viorst’s best-selling 1972 children’s book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
The book was first adapted as TV special for HBO in 1990 and a live-action Disney feature film in 2014.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, this new version follows a Mexican American family who have recently lost their connection to each other and their roots, as they embark on an epic road trip that immediately goes hilariously wrong.
Longoria will play Alexander’s mother, a travel writer who has lost her passion for work, while Lopez has been cast as the family’s grandfather, a tough biker.
Marvin Lemus, the co-creator and showrunner of Gentefied, will direct the movie. Matt Lopez (Father of the Bride, Clifford the Big Red Dog) will provide the script. Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps and The Jim Henson Company are producing the film.
Filming is slated to begin this spring in New Mexico.
A release date for Disney+ has not been announced yet.
Made with slate and wood, the cheese board features the spectral image of the Hitchhiking Ghosts and the distinctive wallpaper seen at the attraction.
You can get it at Memento Mori in Magic Kingdom for $59.99, as well as, on shopDisney! Check out more pictures of this Haunted Mansion Cheese Board on our Instagram post:
This Hocus Pocus Light Up Ornament will cast a spell on your holiday decor!
The Sanderson Sisters are ready to take over your Christmas tree with this fun ornament from the Sketchbook Collection that lights up and play spooky sounds like a cat meow, cauldron bubble and more.
This fun figure feature Winifred, Sarah and Mary on top of a black base with the Hocus Pocus logo in yellow. They are surrounded by green flames that light up!
We found it at Magic Kingdom for $26.99. It is available on shopDisney as well so you can order yours now!
Exciting News! Guided Tours are returning to the Disneyland Resort!
The latest guided tour highlighting Walt and Main Street U.S.A. “Walt’s Main Street Story.”
On this intimate walking tour, discover hidden details, little-known facts, and endearing trivia about Disneyland Park’s magnificent Main Street, U.S.A.
Listen as your dedicated tour guide regales you with behind-the-scenes stories and enchanting tidbits throughout this 90-minute experience. Plus, learn about special links to Walt Disney’s boyhood town of Marceline, Missouri.
It all culminates with a visit to Walt’s apartment high above the Disneyland Fire Station in Town Square where Guests will have the chance to enjoy refreshments on the patio—for the first time ever!
This experience includes:
A walking tour down Main Street, U.S.A.
A visit to Walt’s legendary apartment
Refreshments on the apartment patio
PhotoPass photos of your party with complimentary digital downloads
Returning just in time for the Holidays is “Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort.”
Gather ‘round for a festive tour of both parks for a close-up look at our dazzling seasonal transformation.
Your guide for this 2.5-hour walking tour will share favorite Disneyland holiday traditions from around the world. You’ll also enjoy reserved viewing for A Christmas Fantasy Parade, delicious holiday treats, a wonderful wintry ride on “it’s a small world” Holiday and more.
Tour Schedule Holiday Time at Disneyland Resort Tour is offered daily during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. A seasonal tradition, portions of the tour are refreshed each year, so Guests returning to enjoy their favorite highlights can also look forward to discovering some new surprises.
All offerings, experiences and collectible souvenirs are subject to change without notice. Valid theme park admission and park reservation are required and not included in the price of the tour.
Reservations are now available for two exciting offerings. Just click here to learn more.
All Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World for the Holiday Season
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year, and holiday cheer is already in the air at Walt Disney World Resort. This yuletide season, guests can celebrate in the merriest way with festive sights and experiences, and jolly new flavors, plus the return of fan-favorite events.
Here is an overview of all that is merry and bright this holiday season across Walt Disney World:
Holiday Festivities Come Ringing in with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Holiday cheer will fill Magic Kingdom Park as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns on 24 select nights Nov. 8-Dec. 22, 2022. The separately ticketed event will invite guests to an evening of unforgettable merriment.
Mickey Mouse and his pals appear on Cinderella Castle stage for a Christmas extravaganza – “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.” The show features singers, dancers and surprises all choreographed to nostalgic and modern medleys of holiday music.
Minnie Mouse orchestrates a sparkling nighttime spectacular with dazzling fireworks, castle projections and seasonal songs in “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.”
Santa Claus joins Mickey Mouse and friends in the must-see “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.”
Partygoers can indulge in complimentary cookies and hot cocoa at locations throughout Magic Kingdom.
Select Magic Kingdom attractions get a jolly holiday overlay with Jungle Cruise transforming into Jingle Cruise, and special holiday makeovers of Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party.
Guests can join Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski, and Stitch for the out-of-this-world holiday stage show, “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas,” on the Rockettower Plaza Stage.
New to this year’s party, attendees have three jolly new Disney PhotoPass opportunities and they will receive a special 50th Anniversary commemorative keepsake themed to the holidays.
New sweet treats this year include Texas-sized Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue and Candied Pecans found at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café to go along with returning favorites like the Mickey-shaped Cinnamon Roll with White Icing and Holiday Sprinkles at Main Street Bakery.
Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are limited and can be purchased on the Walt Disney World website with prices ranging from $149 – $199 per person. Event dates are:
Joyous Holiday Traditions Return to EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Presented by AdventHealth
Wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season are in store when the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth returns Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, 2022.
To the delight of guests, EPCOT will welcome back “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, Angela Bassett and Edward James Olmos.
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 bringholiday 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 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.
Experience Enchanting Entertainment This Holiday Season
As the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration continues, select theme park icons will continue to transform into Beacons of Magic in between showings of glittering holiday-themed displays. Disney elves have gone above and beyond to bring guests a variety of yuletide entertainment experiences this holiday season.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A Merry Menagerie of life-sized, artisan-sculpted puppets of winter animals bring Discovery Island to life as they interact with guests alongside serenading musicians.
After dark, watch the Tree of Life awaken as a series of wintry tales emerge from within, complemented by holiday-inspired music.
EPCOT
From Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, 2022, guests will find holiday magic throughout the entire park.
Santa will be greeting with guests inside the Odyssey Pavilion as he gets ready for the big day.
Heartwarming performances around World Showcase include Canadian Holiday Voyageurs, Las Posadas with Mariachi Cobre, the Chinese Lion Dance and holiday storytellers.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Sunset Seasons Greetings brings holiday magic each evening as the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel transforms into myriad scenes including a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and more.
The Santa Claus Merry Motorcade features jolly St. Nick himself cruising down Hollywood Blvd. in his candy-apple red convertible stuffed full of presents.
Olaf stars in a festive finale to “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” that delights guests with performances of celebratory songs of the holiday season.
Magic Kingdom Park
On nights when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is not held, Cinderella Castle transforms to take on a magical holiday look complete with special projection effects, festive colors and a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater, a jeweled castle look and more.
Holiday Magic Awaits Guests at Disney Springs
Guests can discover glad tidings at Disney Springs through specialty food & beverage options, decorations and entertainment to ring in the holiday season.
A collection of elaborately decorated Disney trees is on display as part of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. Located throughout Disney Springs, these festively decorated trees are sure to spruce up the holiday atmosphere. Guests can even go on a scavenger hunt to find all the trees. Once completed, they can bring it to a redemption location for a special surprise.
Guests can walk in a winter wonderland, strolling through Town Center and the West Side as angelic flurries of snow add a touch of magic to holiday shopping.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar transforms into a Holiday Bar complete with jolly decorations to ring in the merry season. Guests can indulge in limited-time holiday-themed sips and snacks to get into the spirit of the season.
Guests will find Santa at Once Upon a Toy where they can take photos and share holiday wishes with him.
Enjoy new and returning festive food items throughout Disney Springs like the Olaf Hot Cocoa Surprise from The Ganachery.
Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly-day Merchandise
Shopping for gifts doesn’t get any better than at Walt Disney World Resort. Anticipate arctic attire and festive keepsakes for the home, all of which are perfect for gifting to loved ones (or for yourself!) this holiday season. The cheerful Mickey’s Vintage Christmas collection features hues of red and green, snowfall and peppermint to celebrate the holiday season. Guests can also sport the cozy, plaid Homestead collection and a specially themed line to celebrate Hanukkah.
If you’d like to plan your holiday visit to Disney World, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Holiday Storytellers Revealed for 2022 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
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. 25th through Dec. 30th, 2022.
Throughout the holidays, World Showcase comes alive with the legends and lore of the season.
Las Posadas Celebration – Mexico Pavilion
¡Feliz Navidad! Join the fun and pageantry of Las Posadas with dancers, piñatas, and the music of Mariachi Cobre.
Get ready for Christmas with Santa Claus now through December 24. Whether you know him as St. Nick, Père Noël, or Father Christmas, a visit with jolly Santa Claus brings good cheer to the season.
Hanukkah Storyteller – Between Morocco and France Pavilions
Guests will discover an entertaining celebration of Hanukkah along the World Showcase promenade, where a storyteller recounts traveling abroad to explore the diverse music and traditions of Hanukkah around the world.
The popular and cute White Mickey Mouse Crocs are back!
This pair was a hit when it first came out thanks to its simple and magical design, so of course we are super happy to see they are back and available at Magic Kingdom for $54.99.
Their white color makes them an easy pair to match with your outfits plus they feature Mickey head shaped holes for a subtle touch of Disney style! So if you are looking for a cute and comfy pair of shoes, these are a great option.
If you find these White Mickey Mouse Crocs during your next visit to Walt Disney World, definitely get them before they sold out again!
Disney Visa Cardmembers can enjoy special savings on a wonderful winter getaway at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, valid most nights through Jan. 5 to March 30, 2023. This includes savings up to 35% on select rooms for stays of 5 or more nights or 30% on stays of 4 nights!
Take advantage of this great offer, where the longer you stay, the more you save:
Ocean View or Partial Ocean View Rooms
Save 35% for stays of 5 or more nights
Save 30% for stays of 4 nights
Standard View, Island Garden View or Poolside Garden View Rooms
Save 30% for stays of 5 or more nights
Save 25% for stays of 4 nights
Additionally, a similar offer with savings up to 30% for stays of 5 or more nights will be available for Disneyland Resort Magic Key holders, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders, U.S. Military and Hawaii residents.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll enjoy an amazing vacation filled with fun for the whole family!
If you’d like to take advantage of this offer and plan your next Aulani vacation, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland Closing for Refurbishment
The Indiana Jones Adventure attraction in Disneyland is closing for a refurbishment next month. The ride will close for refurbishment starting January 9th, 2023.
Indiana Jone Adventure is a fast-paced thrill ride located in Adventureland. The Disneyland website describes it as:
“Board a rugged troop transport and enter the Chamber of Destiny. Confront inconceivable dangers, like precarious precipices over molten lava, screaming mummies, swarms of giant insects, spear-throwing wraiths, collapsing bridges, slithering snakes—and a massive rolling boulder.
Disney News Round-Up: Country Star Passes, Dream Lights not Returning in 2022, New Food & Drink Options, Dumbo Bags Fly into Disney World. While it may have been a sad day for a “Coal Miner’s Daughter” fans around the world, Walt Disney World Holiday fans were also sad hearing the “Frozen” lights won’t be returning for 2022. We did have some good news about a new Mickey’s Main Attraction bad showing up in the parks and also Walt Disney World Railroad is getting closer to completion. Read on for all the news from yesterday.
