Mickey and Minnie Gingerbread House Popcorn Bucket Returns to Disneyland

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November 17, 2025

The Beloved Mickey & Minnie Gingerbread House Popcorn Bucket is Back at Disneyland

Just in time for the holidays, the highly sought-after Mickey and Minnie gingerbread house popcorn bucket is back at the Disneyland Resort! This adorable collector’s item is celebrating its second holiday season since its popular debut in 2024.

This delightful plastic popcorn bucket perfectly mimics a real gingerbread creation, covered in faux candy and colorful icing. The charming details are everywhere: candy canes adorn the corners, pink frosting trims the base, and the roof features gumdrops and adorable red Mickey icons for shingles.

A Mickey gingerbread man greets you at the front door, while a Minnie gingerbread cookie waves from a side window. You can also spot Chip ‘n Dale cookies and chocolate logs near the icing-rimmed chimney on the back! The peppermint-striped strap adds extra festivity, and lifting the roof for popcorn reveals a hidden “Happy Holidays” message inside.

Guests can purchase the gingerbread house popcorn bucket at a limit of two per person, per transaction, and please note that no discounts apply.

It is widely available across the resort, including at Disneyland Park locations like Alien Pizza Planet and Harbour Galley; at Disney California Adventure Park at spots such as Fairfax Market and Hollywood Lounge; and at the resort hotels, specifically The Coffee House at Disneyland Hotel and GCH Craftsman Grill at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Will you be picking up one of these popcorn buckets?

Chadwick Boseman Receiving Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame This Month

By

Sara

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November 17, 2025

Chadwick Boseman to be Honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Later this month, the late Chadwick Boseman, best known as Black Panther, will be honored posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This recognition is especially significant because, traditionally, only one posthumous star is awarded in each category annually, following a mandatory waiting period of at least two years after a person’s passing.

The ceremony honoring Chadwick Boseman will take place on November 20th at 11:30 a.m. ET. The star, located in the Motion Pictures category at 6904 Hollywood Blvd., will be accepted by his wife, Simone Ledward-Boseman.

Paying tribute to the late Black Panther star will be two of his esteemed collaborators: Black Panther director Ryan Coogler and his Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom co-star Viola Davis (Boseman’s final film role). The event will be emceed by Steve Nissen of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and livestreamed for fans worldwide on WalkOfFame.com.

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“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is deeply honored to celebrate Chadwick Boseman’s extraordinary legacy with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” said Ana Martinez, Hollywood Walk of Fame producer. “His powerful performances and enduring impact both on and off screen continue to inspire generations around the world.”

While Chadwick Boseman was originally slated to receive his star in 2024, the ceremony was unexpectedly delayed, with Juanita Moore receiving the posthumous Motion Pictures award that year instead. The two-per-year limit is strict, though exceptions exist: for instance, Carl Weathers received his posthumous Sports Entertainment star in 2024 because the award was already scheduled before his passing. This follows the 2023 ceremony, when Star Wars actor Carrie Fisher received the Motion Pictures star.

Disney World Announces New Year’s Eve Schedule including RARE Fireworks at Hollywood Studios

By

Chris B

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November 16, 2025

Disney World Announces New Year's Eve Schedule including RARE Fireworks at Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World Reveals 2025 New Year’s Eve Plans, Including Rare Fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Ring the bells and cue the confetti. Walt Disney World has officially shared its New Year’s Eve lineup for ringing in 2025, and this year brings a very rare treat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Normally, the park skips big fireworks on NYE, but not this time. Guests heading to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood Studios will get a full “New Year’s Countdown Fireworks” spectacular to welcome 2025 in style.

Here’s your full breakdown of what each park is offering and where the party is popping off.

Magic Kingdom is sticking with its classic two-night celebration. “Fantasy in the Sky” will light up the sky on both December 30 and 31 with shows at 6:30pm and 11:50pm. Magic Kingdom is the only park that doubles up its celebration because demand is notoriously high for that castle-side countdown. No extra ticket needed — just park admission and nerves of steel for the crowds.

Over at EPCOT, it’s the ultimate global party. “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” takes the early slot at 6:30pm, and the massive “Cheers to the New Year: A Sparkling Celebration” fireworks blast off at 11:54pm. Add in DJ dance parties around World Showcase and World Celebration from 7pm to 1am and you’ve got one of Walt Disney World’s most legendary NYE atmospheres. Silent disco in the UK Pavilion, international beats in Japan, over-the-top energy in China and Italy — it’s the ultimate choose-your-own-party adventure.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is where the biggest surprise drops. Alongside their usual nighttime DJs and Pixar Dance Party, the park will also host its own countdown fireworks — a rare and possibly returning-to-form moment for Hollywood Studios. Whether the show uses the long-dormant World Drive launch site or sticks with rooftop-style bursts, fans are buzzing to see fireworks back at the park in a meaningful way.

Entertainment fills nearly every corner: marching bands, live bands, Pixar pals, and DJ zones running from evening until just after midnight. If you want a more energetic NYE without EPCOT-level crowds, this may be your new go-to.

No official celebrations are planned for Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Disney Springs this year, so if you were hoping for a wild NYE at DAK or a late-night Springs stroll with fireworks overhead, you’ll need to hop to another park.

As always, capacity, entertainment, and park reservations may fluctuate, so keep your app refreshed and your patience topped up. New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World is unforgettable — as long as you’ve planned ahead.

Coral Reef Restaurant in EPCOT Drops Lunch Service in 2026

By

Chris B

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November 16, 2025

Coral Reef Restaurant in EPCOT Drops Lunch Service in

Coral Reef at EPCOT Ends Lunch Service Starting January 2026

Another dining shake-up is swimming into EPCOT next year as Coral Reef Restaurant prepares to shift to dinner-only service. Beginning January 4, 2026, the restaurant inside The Seas pavilion will close its doors for lunch, offering meals only from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Lunch service will officially wrap on January 3.

Disney hasn’t said whether this is a temporary winter tweak or the beginning of a long-term schedule change. With dining patterns constantly evolving at EPCOT, this move leaves Coral Reef as a strictly evening option — at least for now.

Coral Reef has always been a favorite for guests looking to pair their seafood with a side of sea life. The restaurant’s menu leans into Florida coastal flavors, with dishes like Coconut Shrimp, Grilled Snapper, seafood boils, and indulgent desserts, including Pineapple Coconut Bread Pudding and the Key West Sunset. Kids even get their own lineup of grilled fish or chicken with simple sides.

But it’s the atmosphere that sets Coral Reef apart. Guests dine in front of enormous aquarium windows looking into one of the largest man-made saltwater habitats in the world. The tank houses around 2,000 sea creatures across more than 60 species, so spotting rays, sharks, and sea turtles while you eat is all part of the experience.

Santa Claus Meet and Greet Opens at Disney Springs

By

Chris B

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November 16, 2025

Santa Claus Meet and Greet Opens at Disney Springs

Santa Arrives at Disney Springs with a New Virtual Queue for 2025 Meet and Greets

The holly-jolly season is officially underway at Disney Springs because Santa Claus has landed at his Marketplace outpost, ready to hear wish lists and spread plenty of cheer. If you’re planning to visit the big guy this year, there’s a new process in place to help keep things merry and bright.

Santa is meeting guests daily inside Santa’s Marketplace, located right next to Disney’s Pin Traders in the Marketplace area. Instead of waiting in a long line (because no one wants to spend their holiday shopping time standing still), guests must join a virtual queue through the My Disney Experience app.

Virtual queue times drop at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. You must be physically at Disney Springs to join, and you’ll be able to include up to ten people in your party. Once you’re in, you’re free to shop, snack, or explore until your group is called.

When your return time arrives, just show your QR code to the Cast Member at the entrance and step into a charming pre-photo area complete with a Christmas tree and fireplace scene. Inside, Santa’s cozy office awaits, decked out with toys, a Night Before Christmas book, and a green velvet couch where guests can sit with the man in red himself.

Santa will be greeting guests at Disney Springs through December 24, making it a perfect stop during a day of holiday shopping or a festive evening stroll.

Dole Whip Lime Holiday Sundae and Mickey Gingerbread Cone Debut at Disney Springs

By

Chris B

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November 16, 2025

Two New Holiday DOLE Whip Treats Swirl Into Disney Springs for the 2025 Season

Disney Springs is serving up some seriously sweet Dole Whip holiday cheer with two brand-new festive treats, and trust us, your taste buds will want to unwrap these ASAP. We stopped by Swirls on the Water to try the Tropical Holiday Tree Sundae and the Mickey Gingerbread Cone, and here’s the scoop on what to expect.

First up is the star of the swirly show, the Tropical Holiday Tree Sundae. This one is a merry little mashup of DOLE Whip Lime and Coconut soft-serve served in a waffle bowl, topped with colorful sugar light bulbs, graham cracker “snow,” and a sugar tree decoration that looks straight out of a holiday postcard. Flavor-wise, this treat is bright, refreshing, and definitely built for fans of the classic DOLE Whip tartness. If fruity, citrusy soft-serve is your holiday vibe, this one will jingle your bells.

Next is the Mickey Gingerbread Cone, a picture-perfect gingerbread-dipped cone filled with chocolate and DOLE Whip Pomegranate soft-serve swirls, then finished with festive sprinkles and an adorable gingerbread Mickey cookie topper. This treat delivers big holiday flavor and a super cute presentation. But here’s the inside tip: the pomegranate soft-serve leans very sweet, so unless you’ve got a Santa-sized sweet tooth, you may want to share or stick with a more refreshing option.

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Both desserts are available now at Disney Springs, making them the perfect post-shopping treat or festive finale to your evening stroll. If you’re making your holiday foodie checklist, add these swirls to the nice list.

EPCOT Christmas Decorations Arrive ahead of 2025 Festival of the Holidays

By

Chris B

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November 16, 2025

Epcot Christmas Decorations Arrive ahead of Festival of the Holidays

EPCOT’s Christmas Tree Shines Bright as Holiday Décor Pops Up Around World Showcase

The EPCOT holiday glow-up has officially begun, and the park is already jingling its way into the 2025 season. International Festival of the Holidays doesn’t kick off until later this month, but crews have wasted no time decking every corner of World Showcase with garland, ornaments, and a whole sleigh-full of festive flair.

The star of the show is once again EPCOT’s towering Christmas tree, standing proudly at the entrance to World Showcase between Port of Entry and World Traveler. It’s wrapped in golden garland, sprinkled with ornaments representing countries from around the lagoon, and topped with a beautiful blue-robed angel watching over the holiday hustle. Snow globe accents featuring each pavilion are back too, perfect for those “around the world in one photo” snapshots.

Over in Mexico, the pavilion is glowing with greenery, and even the La Cantina de San Angel seating area has joined the merrymaking. Norway never likes to let anyone out-festive them, and true to form, Frozen Ever After, The Fjording, and surrounding walkways are trimmed with candles, bells, lanterns, and more garland than Anna could shake a snowflake at.

Festival booths throughout World Showcase are already receiving their holiday ribbons and evergreen accents, setting the stage for all the season’s snacks and sips coming soon.

Germany’s pavilion is sparkling as always, with its stage and surrounding buildings wrapped in garland that follows the arches and balconies. Italy is lined with holiday greenery along staircases and terraces, bringing a warm touch of Natale to the waterfront.

The American Adventure is extra patriotic this year, with red ribbons and classic garland adding charm to the pavilion. The pavilion’s own Christmas tree has returned as well, adorned with Americana ornaments honoring the spirit of the season.

Over in France, look for three oversized ornaments placed inside lush greenery in the courtyard. Even Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is sporting its own holiday garland at the attraction entrance, now celebrating its new 2D experience in festive style.

The United Kingdom Pavilion features garland-wrapped light poles and the return of the charming Christmas tea set display nestled into the garden. And in Canada, the Mill Stage is decked in snow-frosted garland complete with icy touches worthy of the Great White North.

Guests entering EPCOT will also notice garland draped overhead with a giant ornament centerpiece greeting everyone as they arrive.

Decorations are still going up, but EPCOT is anticipated to be fully transformed by next week, perfectly timed for the start of International Festival of the Holidays.

Jolly Holiday with D23 Returning with Festive Photo Ops, Shopping, and More

By

Sara

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November 16, 2025

D23 Announces Return of ‘Jolly Holiday’ Event—Get Ready for Festive Fun!

Get ready for the jolliest celebration of the season! The D23 Jolly Holiday event returns, inviting members to gather together on the festively adorned Walt Disney Studios lot. We’ll kick off the holidays surrounded by dazzling decorations, delightful treats, and an atmosphere overflowing with cheer!

The holidays are all about sharing, and it’s a true gift to share this special time with our D23 Members, along with their friends and families. We’re thrilled to invite you to enjoy exclusive activities and shopping opportunities, like:

Themed photo opportunities with beloved Disney friends.
A host of fun activities, including family-oriented crafts, cookie decorating, and live entertainment—including live musicians and a DJ playing holiday hits!
Additional entertainment such as caricature and balloon artists; roaming jugglers; and magicians that will delight attendees of all ages.
Get in the giving spirit with Disney VoluntEARS activities, including a Toys for Tots gift drive!
Shop for holiday gifts and delights from a variety of local vendors and artisans.
Test your skills with our carnival games like ring toss, tip the cat, golf putting, basketball shoot, and more!
The opportunity to shop at The Walt Disney Company Store and The Walt Disney Studio Store.
Complimentary sweet and savory treats, including cotton candy, popcorn, cookies, and candied apples, along with hot cocoa and cider.

For those looking for more substantial fare, guests can purchase additional food and beverages at the Buena Vista Café. Plus, Starbucks will be serving your favorite brews at the Frank G. Wells Building. Guests over 21 can enjoy our holiday bar, featuring a variety of festive cocktails as well as non-alcoholic beverage options for purchase.

Discover delightful holiday shopping opportunities to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and shop for a Toys for Tots donation! Browse wares from a variety of local artisans and street merchants. Plus, at The Walt Disney Studio Store and The Walt Disney Company Store, discover a variety of gifts for Disney fans of all ages—including exclusive apparel and accessories only found at the Studio Store, and more one-night-only offers (including an All Night Offer for The Walt Disney Studio Store: D23 members can enjoy a 25% discount on the Walt Disney Studio Collection and other exclusive deals available only for the night.

D23 Gold Members will also have the chance to purchase an exclusive early-entry shopping ticket for The Walt Disney Company Store and The Walt Disney Studio Store (and a 40% discount on Select Styles, Including the Walt Disney Studio Collection) to shop prior to the start of the event.

Event Includes:

A D23 Event-Exclusive metal ornament celebrating 30 Years of the Disney and Pixar classic, Toy Story.
Holiday Shopping
- The Walt Disney Company Store (including an early ticketed shopping opportunity for D23 Gold Members)
- The Walt Disney Studio Store (including an early ticketed shopping opportunity for D23 Gold Members)
- Holiday pop-ups from local artisans and street merchants
- A variety of sponsored shopping booths
Jolly Activities
- Disney VoluntEARS activities, including a Toys for Tots gift drive
- Holiday cookie decorating
- Carnival games including ring toss, tip the cat, golf putting, basketball shoot, and more!
- Family-friendly winter-themed crafts and activities
Magical Experiences
- Character meet-and-greets
- Themed holiday photo opportunities
- DJ and other live musical entertainment
- Caricature artists
- Balloon artists
- Roaming jugglers and magicians
- Airbrush face painting
Festive Complimentary Food & Beverages
- Sweet and savory carnival treats, including cotton candy, popcorn, cookies, and candied apples
- Beverages, including hot cocoa and cider
Merry Food & Beverages Available for Purchase
- Buena Vista Café for food and desserts
- Starbucks at the Frank G. Wells Building
- Holiday bar (for guests over 21) serving a variety of cheerful cocktails as well as non-alcoholic beverages

Gold Member: $59 (+$3 Processing Fee) per ticket.
General Member: $79 (+$3 Processing Fee) per ticket.
Early Shopping: $114 (+$3 Processing Fee) per ticket.

Downtown Disney Decorated for the 2025 Holiday Season

By

Sara

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November 16, 2025

Downtown Disney is Decked Out for the 2025 Holidays!

The holiday season has arrived at the Disneyland Resort! The Downtown Disney District is now fully decorated, featuring everything from classic Christmas trees to festive Frozen figures. Colorful decorations and cheerful displays now adorn every corner, filling flowerbeds throughout the entire district.

Greeting guests near the Disneyland Hotel is a magnificent, towering Christmas tree adorned with striking white, blue, and green decorations. Crowned by a silver star, the base is surrounded by fake gift boxes, some cleverly featuring classic Disney wrapping paper patterns, though velvet stanchions ensure the beautiful display remains pristine.

Outside the Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, the holiday displays are vibrant and diverse. One area features a striking pair of trees heavily draped in various sizes of red ornaments, surrounded by massive light-up snowflakes in the flowerbed. Look closely for special Disney character decorations, such as a festive Dumbo ornament. Nearby, another flowerbed boasts elegant trees adorned with shiny gold baubles, where swirls of light-up snow extend outward from a large snowflake centerpiece. Most of the decorations are beautifully framed by clusters of white flowers.

In front of WonderGround Gallery, a whimsical cluster of trees stands surrounded by oversized gift boxes. The grouping features a striking color trio: one tree is covered entirely in red ornaments, the second features bright teal blue baubles, and the third blends teal and silver. Tucked into the displays are cheerful Disney touches, including a Goofy ornament and red bird-shaped ornaments in the teal/silver tree, and a playful Cheshire Cat ornament in the red tree. Nearby, a tree adorned with festive peppermint-patterned ornaments holds a lovely Daisy Duck ornament right in the center.

Don’t miss the cheerful statue featuring Mickey, Goofy, and Donald, perfectly capturing their playful holiday spirit.

Outside Parkside Market, a beautiful Frozen display awaits, featuring life-size figures of Olaf, Anna, and Elsa dressed in their iconic Frozen 2 outfits. The scene is illuminated by large, sparkling light-up snowflakes and festive Christmas trees, creating a perfect photo opportunity.

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Will you be visiting Downtown Disney this holiday season?

Disney Debuts First-Ever Interactive Holiday Billboard in Times Square

By

Sara

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November 16, 2025

Disney’s First Interactive Holiday Billboard Takes Over Times Square

Following the premiere of A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever on November 12, Disney brought its magic directly to Times Square! The company debuted a first-of-its-kind interactive holiday billboard that allowed fans to see their own doodle drawings displayed in real-time, lighting up the streets of New York on a massive, larger-than-life screen.

The holiday short, Best Christmas Ever, centers on a little girl and her beloved doodle, which magically springs to life on Christmas Day after Santa misinterprets the drawing as a holiday wish. The charming story follows the unique and heartwarming friendship between the girl and her animated creation throughout the holiday season.

This spirit of creation extended to Times Square, where thousands of doodles were submitted, including many from fans who participated in person at the Disney Store and received complimentary, customizable Mickey Mouse ears. The star of the short, Doodle, appeared on the giant screen, encouraging everyone to join the fun. This event was a remarkable fusion of innovation, creativity, and Disney holiday wonder.

Inspiring fans to “Make Someone’s Holiday Magic” this year, Disney is connecting seasonal stories with the spirit of giving. For generations, Disney has been an essential part of family holidays, helping to create cherished, lifelong memories. This season’s magic kicked off with the debut of the delightful short and the interactive Times Square billboard, and will continue with charitable activations, exclusive experiences at Disney Parks and Resorts, and beloved stories brought to life across films, series, and products.

First Look at the Disneyland Holiday Merch and Key to Disneyland

By

Sara

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November 16, 2025

A Look at Disneyland’s New Holiday Merchandise

The Disney Holidays have arrived, bringing a spectacular selection of colorful merchandise to store shelves across the entire Disneyland Resort for the 2025 season! Guests will find an expansive array of seasonal cheer, including festive apparel, accessories, home goods, decor, and a variety of unique collectibles and gifts.

There’s a sleigh-ful of apparel options for everyone! The collection features several Spirit Jerseys, hoodies, and sweaters, alongside a wide array of graphic tees starring beloved characters like Mickey and Friends, Winnie the Pooh, and Toy Story. Plus, you can find matching PJs and other apparel sets available in both adult and youth sizes.

A variety of festive ears and hats are available to serve as the perfect finishing touch to your holiday ensemble.

This festive sipper features Mickey Mouse dressed as Santa Claus, complete with black boots, a red coat, and a classic red hat. He carries a green sack filled with gifts representing classic park attractions, including Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Soarin’, and Autopia, plus a toy soldier. The top of Mickey’s head and hat twists off to easily fill the sipper, and it comes with a themed strap featuring gifts, Mickey, Minnie, snowflakes, and lights.

Also new to the Disneyland Resort are updated pin prizes that go with the Key to Disneyland collectible. The pins are now trimmed in gold instead of silver and a new pin has joined the collection. Along with the different attractions on the pins, you can now get a pin that features the Key to Disneyland itself.

Take a look at more of the holiday merchandise available at the Disneyland Resort:

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Holiday Movie Props Land at ‘Walt Disney Presents’ in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Catherine

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November 15, 2025

Movie Props from Fan-Favorite Films Deck the Halls at Walt Disney Presents

Just in time for the yuletide season, the Walt Disney Archives is “snow excited” to showcase an all-new holiday-themed exhibit at Walt Disney Presents at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Guests can now get an up-close look at original production assets from classic and modern Disney holiday films.

This seasonal refresh, titled “Disney Takes a Holiday,” transforms the gallery space ahead of the theater into a festive display, making it a central stop for holiday cheer—especially since it also plays host to the Santa Claus meet-and-greet!

A Peek Behind the Scenes of Holiday Classics

The new exhibit highlights screen-used props and costumes from four well-loved Disney holiday productions:

The Santa Clause (1994)

Fans of the Tim Allen trilogy will delight in seeing authentic pieces from the original film. Look out for:

Scott Calvin’s Pajamas: The silky red pajamas worn by Tim Allen the fateful night he first put on the suit.
The Naughty and Nice List: A pivotal prop from Santa’s world.

Hot Cocoa Mug: The famous cocoa cup
Bernard the Elf’s Costume: A velvet costume worn by the fan-favorite Head Elf.
Comet’s Name Tag and various Snow Globes used in the films.
Related-The Magic of Disney Animation Coming to Hollywood Studios!

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

This display is a must-see for Muppet fans, showcasing the incredible artistry and tiny details of the Muppet costumes and miniatures:

Costumes for the Muppets: See the screen-used outfits, including the distinguished Charles Dickens costume worn by The Great Gonzo, the humble ensemble of Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog), and the tiny, precious outfit of Tiny Tim (Robin the Frog).
Miniature Model: A tiny village house used in the production helps showcase the scale of the elaborate sets.

Noelle (2019)

Bringing a modern touch to the exhibition, the recent Disney+ original film starring Anna Kendrick is represented with key artifacts:

Costumes: Displayed are costumes worn by the cast, including Anna Kendrick as Noelle Kringle.
The Book of Santa: A primary prop from the film.

Babes in Toyland (1961)

The classic 1961 musical film also has its own section, featuring vintage toys and souvenirs, adding a deep dive into Disney’s long history of holiday storytelling.

A Screening of Holiday Shorts

In addition to the incredible artifacts, the theater inside Walt Disney Presents has temporarily replaced its traditional “One Man’s Dream” film with a rotating lineup of classic animated holiday shorts. Guests can sit back and enjoy nostalgic cartoons like:

“On Ice”
“Pluto’s Christmas Tree”
“The Art of Skiing”

Don’t miss this jolly opportunity to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year by exploring the magic behind these cherished holiday films!