The Magic of The Festival of the Holidays Is Back!

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November 3, 2019

The Magic of The Festival of the Holidays Is Back!

It’s that magical time of the year again. The Festival of the Holidays returns to the Disneyland Resort! We have all the information of what’s in store for holiday time at the parks!

First, and definitely one of our favorites, is the Festive Food Marketplace. Within Disney California Adventure Park will be 12 uniquely festive food carts. These food hot spots are sure to have something for everyone! Taste your way through cultural holiday eats and treats as you enjoy the magic of the holidays.

Experience the rich culture and celebration of the holidays with Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Inspired by Latin culture around the world, ¡Viva Navidad! is filled with music, holiday decor, traditionally authentic eats, and even a Street Party. Celebrate the spirit of the season with your friends the Three Caballeros, Minnie, and Mickey Mouse!

Celebrate the season with a visit with Santa! At the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, guests can join in fun holiday games and activities. After all the fun and games, get ready for a picture with Santa Claus himself!

If you can’t make it to the parks this holiday, or you want to spread some holiday cheer at home, Disney has you covered. On the Play Disney Parks App, you can listen to the Disney Festival of the Holidays playlist! Enjoy the delightful sounds of music inspired by Christmas, Hanukkah, and more!

There is so much to look forward to this Holiday Season at the Disneyland Resort!

Source: Disney Parks

Follow all of Monique’s Disney Adventures on Instagram: @gimmemodisney

Megan Curham Completes Magical Run As Overall Winner at Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

By

Chip

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November 3, 2019

Megan Curham, 24, from Warren, New Jersey, came to Walt Disney World Resort and made some magic of her own Sunday at the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, becoming the second female in runDisney race history to finish in first place overall. Curham crossed the finish line in 1:19:17, followed closely by Jeffrey Schneider (1:19:30) of Strongsville, Ohio.

“I’ve been coming to Disney World since I was a very, very young kid, so I love being here, and I love running…so putting them both together has been amazing,” Curham said. “Coming to Disney to do it is, I think, the best thing you possibly could do because it’s just a lot of fun for experienced and new runners.”

Curham also was the first female finisher at the 2016 Walt Disney World Half Marathon and again at the 2018 Wine & Dine Half Marathon.

In 2017, Giovanna Martins made history as the first woman to be the overall winner of a runDisney race – she, too, captured the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon with a time of 1:19:16.

On Sunday, Curham faced only a mild challenge, finishing ahead of Schneider and Gerald Romero, who came in third at 1:20:08. Among the women, Diana Bogantes (1:22:14) came in second followed by Leah Foley (1:29:05).

The 10^th annual Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon capped a fun-filled weekend of races that included a 5K, 10K, and Kids Races, plus a health and fitness expo. On Sunday night, runners and their fans will celebrate their accomplishments at the Post-Race Party at the International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot. In all, nearly 48,000 runners participated in events throughout the weekend.

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is the first of four runDisney race weekends at Walt Disney World Resort during the 2019-2020 race season. Next up is the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna (Jan. 8-12, 2019).

New Happy Holidays Disney Popcorn Bucket Available At Magic Kingdom

By

Danielle

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November 3, 2019

It’s officially a new “Holiday Season” at the Disney Parks, and that means new popcorn buckets! A fanciful new Happy Holidays Disney Popcorn Bucket has arrived at Magic Kingdom too. This fun popcorn bucket features Mickey and his friends in the newer cartoon style, celebrating the holidays.

Mickey and the gang are gathered around the tree to exchange gifts, and of course celebrate. Mickey and Minnie are sharing a smooch on the couch, while Goofy and Donald pass out gifts. I’m not sure what Goofy has for Mickey and Minnie, but it looks like Donald got his pal a new hat!

Pluto is enjoying the warmth of the fireplace while everyone engages in holiday revelry.

You can find this whimsical new popcorn bucket at stands throughout Magic Kingdom for $12.00. If you’re still hungry you can also bring it back for $2.00 refills! You just can’t beat a bucket of fresh popped popcorn while enjoying the decorations on Main Street U.S.A.!

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Will you be adding the newest Happy Holidays Disney Popcorn Bucket to your collection?

Special thanks to the fabulous Julie for the beautiful photos and video!

New Vintage Minnie Mouse Ears Sparkle With A Classic Look

By

Danielle

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November 3, 2019

I adore the classic Minnie Mouse look with her little flower cap. So I am very excited that the Disney Parks have released a new pair of Vintage Minnie Mouse Ears! These cute ears features Minnie’s flower hat just like her classic days, as well as the newer Mickey cartoons.

The newer Mickey cartoons also have Minnie back in her classic flowered cap, which is probably what inspired this pair. You’ll also see this style of Minnie for the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad attraction. These ears even have the flower exactly like the new cartoon’s style. A red sequined fold up cap sits between a classic pair of sparkly black ears, complete with the yellow flower.

I love when we see updates to classic styles, so this pair is definitely a must for my collection. They retail for the same price as the majority of Minnie ears now at $29.99. You can pair these with a classic inspired Minnie Mouse DisneyBound, or any of the fun new retro items that have been popping up at the Disney Parks lately. We found this pair at the ear cart near the exit when you are leaving Magic Kingdom, but they are slowly appearing around the other parks too.

Will you be adding the new Vintage Minnie Mouse Ears to your collection?

Special thanks to Susan for the beautiful photos.

Disney World Refurbishments & Closures for November 2019 and Beyond

By

Chip

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November 3, 2019

disney magic kingdom main street empty christmas fog bricker M

There is nothing more frustrating than heading to Disney World and one of your favorite ride, attractions or restaurants being closed for Refurbishments. Unfortunately, from time to time things do need to close for maintenance or repair and this is where our monthly Closures and Refurbishments article comes into play.

Here is the current list of Closures and Refurbishments for November 2019 and beyond at Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom Park

Monorail
The Walt Disney World Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form or transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Ongoing until further notice

Walt Disney World Railroad – Main Street, U.S.A.

Early December 2018 – Until further notice

Epcot

Test Track
Test Track presented by Chevrolet will close for a routine refurbishment to receive an upgrade to its software system. January 13 – February 26, 2020

As part of the ongoing transformation of Epcot:

Fountain View featuring Starbucks will relocate to a temporary location in late Fall.
Club Cool will also close during this time with elements set to return in the future.
Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot will temporarily close beginning on September 8, 2019. Enjoy meeting favorite Disney Characters at other locations throughout Epcot and at their temporary location.
Pin Central will operate temporarily from a new location while refurbishment is underway. The Camera Center will close this fall to become a new home for Pin Central.
Heritage Manor is also scheduled to close and return early next year.
Art of Disney will operate temporarily from a new location while refurbishment is underway. Heritage Manor will later become the new home for Art of Disney offerings.
Electric Umbrella is scheduled to close this winter. New dining options will be available in the future, featuring a variety of food and beverage selections.
Mouse Gear will move to a temporary home this winter while its current location is reimagined.

Fall-Winter 2019 – 2020

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

None

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

None

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will close for refurbishment beginning on January 5, 2020 and reopen in mid-March 2020. January 5, 2020 – mid-March 2020

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Additional refurbishment work and enhancements to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will take place later this year, resulting in a longer annual down time than in previous years. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will close for refurbishment beginning on September 8, 2019 and reopen in early 2020. September 8, 2019 – early 2020

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Calypso Pool
The Calypso Feature Pool at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort will be closed for refurbishment, but the Piano leisure pool will be available. Additionally, Guests at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort are welcome to use the Feature Pools at either Disney’s All-Star Movies or Disney’s All-Star Sports Resorts. During this time, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM. All dining and merchandise locations will remain in full operation. Mid-September 2020 – Mid-December 2020

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Big Blue Pool
The Big Blue Pool is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment. During this time, other pool and recreation offerings will remain open-including Flippin’ Fins Pool, Cozy Cone Pool and the Schoolyard Sprayground. Noise may be heard while this work is being completed, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM. Mid-September 2020 – Mid-December 2020

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. Early August through Winter 2019

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Tri-Circle-D Ranch will relocate to a nearby area of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. As part of this, The Draft Horse Barn and Pony Farm will be redesigned into one new, enhanced barn within the ranch.

In preparation for the new Tri-Circle-D Ranch location, the current Draft Horse Barn, Blacksmith Shop and Pony Farm will close in mid-August 2019. The Draft Horses and ponies will move to a temporary location nearby in order to continue providing exceptional care for the animals until the new barn is completed.

Pony Rides have temporarily moved to the Trail Blaze Corral near the entrance and Reception Outpost at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

August 2019 – Until further notice

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Spirit of Aloha dinner show at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be closed for maintenance.

January 19 – 27, 2020

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Hippy Dippy Pool
The Hippy Dippy Pool is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment. During this time, Guests can use the Bowling Pool, Computer Pool and the kiddie pool. Also, Movies Under the Stars will be offered in an alternate location. Guests may notice construction noise while this refurbishment is underway, but the noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM.

January 2020 – Early Spring 2020

Best Western, Lake Buena Vista

General Construction
Best Western Lake Buena Vista is currently undergoing refurbishments to make exciting updates to the hotel. Work will be limited to the hours between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM during the week and occasionally on weekends. All hotel amenities are available and every precaution is being taken to minimize any disruptions during your stay.

Ongoing until December 2020

Disney Springs

None

Golf Courses

None

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Roadwork
Intermittent overnight lane closures, lane shifts, traffic congestion and noise impacts can be expected along Osceola Parkway / Victory Way.

Ongoing until further notice

A new special edition Mickey Fridge is coming to the US!

By

Chip

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November 3, 2019

This fall, two global icons of design join forces to announce their first-ever collaboration in the U.S. market. Leading Italian appliance manufacturer SMEG, has teamed up with Disney to launch a commemorative refrigerator celebrating one of America’s most-beloved cartoon characters, Mickey Mouse.

Mickey Mouse came into the homes – and hearts – of the world for the first time in 1928, through black and white animation as his debut character, Steamboat Willie. Nodding to this vintage, playful sketch, SMEG’s popular retro FAB28 refrigerator brings to life a whimsical image of Mickey Mouse as we know him today inspired by the initial Steamboat Willie drawings from Disney.

SMEG recently rolled out a wave of upgrades to their FAB28 refrigerator line, which the new SMEG FAB28 Mickey Mouse Refrigerator will host, including Energy Star efficiency, larger interiors, a Life Plus drawer for extra-cool temperatures, more-adjustable glass shelves, and a Multiflow Cooling System. Starting this November, the fridge will be exclusively available at Williams Sonoma, and at select SMEG dealers across the country.

“The SMEG-Disney synergy is inherent, and we’re honored to work with such a renowned, creative company. They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and bringing households together, whether through food or entertainment, is at the core of what each brand stands for,” said Paul McCormack, National Sales & Marketing Director for SMEG USA, Inc. “After the success of our initial partnership in the UK, we’re pleased to now bring a newly-designed Mickey Mouse FAB28 to the American market.”

The SMEG FAB28 Mickey Mouse Refrigerator retails for $2,799. For more information on this product, SMEG USA, and additional offerings, visit www.smegusa.com.

Super Zoom Magic Shot Available at Select Walt Disney World Parks!

By

Tessa H

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November 3, 2019

After a trial launch, Disney PhotoPass Service is now offering Super Zoom Magic Shot at the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World! This service offers guests a never before photo taken at a unique angle above the park with a feature to combine the images into a one-of-a-kind video!

Super Zoom Magic Shot Available at Select Walt Disney World Parks!

That’s not all! Find Disney PhotoPass photographers roaming Batuu, who too are offering Super Zoom Magic Shot! What a perfect way to capture your Star Wars adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! There are two locations for the Super Zoom Magic Shot, first near First Order Cargo, offering a unique photo where rebels or villains of the First Order are surrounded by the beauty of Batuu. The second Super Zoom Magic Shot is at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, where you’ll be in frame with the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon.

If you are a fan of the Super Zoom Magic Shot at Walt Disney World, there is a rumour that more will be rolled out across Walt Disney World Resort in the future!

For even more magic, guests with Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day, these photos and videos are included with your entitlement! What a perfect way to capture your magic moments!

While the videos are available to download and share exclusively by those with Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day, if you don’t have one of these entitlements, you can still view the videos in your Disney account until they expire and purchase downloads of the photos for $16.95 each at Disneyworld.com/PhotoPass.

Additional Dates for Disney World “Disney After Hours” 2020 on Sale Now!

By

Tessa H

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November 3, 2019

Additional dates have been added for both Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom event “Disney After Hours 2020” are on sale now! With more dates being added, guests have more choice to enjoy the special nighttimes experiences on selected nights. Find out below the additional dates now added to “Disney After Hours” 2020 event!

Magic Kingdom Park

The event takes place from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM on the following dates:
- Monday, November 18, 2019
- Monday, December 9, 2019
- Monday, March 9, 2020
- Monday, March 16, 2020
- Monday, March 23, 2020
- Monday, March 30, 2020
- Sunday, April 5, 2020
- Monday, April 13, 2020
- Monday, April 20, 2020
- Monday, April 27, 2020
- Tuesday, May 5, 2020
- Monday, May 25, 2020
The event takes place from 9:00 PM to midnight on the following dates:
- Friday, January 17, 2020
- Monday, January 20, 2020
- Monday, February 3, 2020
- Monday, February 10, 2020
- Monday, February 17, 2020
- Monday, February 24, 2020
- Monday, May 11, 2020
- Monday, May 18, 2020
The event takes place from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM on the following dates:
- Monday, January 6, 2020
- Monday, January 13, 2020
- Thursday, January 23, 2020
- Monday, January 27, 2020
- Friday, January 31, 2020
- Monday, March 2, 2020

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

April 1, 7, 14 & 22
May 2, 9, 16, 19 & 26

For those wondering what “Disney After Hours” event is all about, it is a special ticketed experience which begins after the normal park hours have finished, allowing guests to access their favourite attractions, extending hours to create time for more magic! This is an extra ticket which allows you to enter the park early beginning at 7 pm.

The ticket extends the possibility of fun for three filled nighttime hours, giving guests exclusive access to favourite attractions with a lower wait time, as well as receiving complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn and select beverages!

These specially ticketed experiences occur after the gates close for the night, extending access to favourite attractions and providing you with more opportunities to have magical experiences. Your event ticket also allows you early entry into the park, beginning at 7 p.m.

For three fun-filled nighttime hours, when you purchase your ticket for each park, you can have exclusive access with lower wait times for favourite attractions, plus receive complimentary ice cream novelties, popcorn and select beverages.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $129 per adult or child, plus tax, or on the day of the event for $139 per adult or child, plus tax. Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of specially priced advance-purchase tickets for just $99 per adult or child, plus tax. Please note there are only a limited number of tickets available for each event!

Don’t miss out on getting tickets to this popular event, tickets are on sale now. Start planning your evening here! For more articles on “Disney After Hours” click here

Disney Donates $500K To Feeding America

By

Ana Leal

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November 3, 2019

The Walt Disney Company and Feeding America are working together to end hunger.

That is why Disney just made a contribution of $500,000 to the organization that will be distributed to more than 30 Feeding America network member food banks throughout the U.S operating produce programs to improve access to nutritious foods.

“At Feeding America, we know nutritious meals can help improve the health and well being of the families we serve” mention Blake Thompson, Chief supply chain officer at Feeding America. “We are steadfast in out commitment to increase equitable access to more nutritious food, and we are grateful to Disney for their continued support of these efforts.”

The Feeding America network is the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. Together with individuals, charities, businesses and government they are trying to end hunger.

Disney has been providing significant funding for the organization’s produce programs as well as volunteer efforts at member food banks since 2012. This year the money will be used to provide fresh produce to kids and families facing hunger by building capacity increasing refrigeration and equipment at food banks to help store and distribute fresh produce within the community.

Credit: PR Newswire

Disney Cruise Line Introduces Free Texting For Crew Members!

By

Ana Leal

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November 3, 2019

Keeping in touch with friends and family just got easier for Disney Cruise Line crew members!

Being away from your loved ones can be hard, thats why Disney Cruise Line is proud to announce that they will be the first cruise line to offer free texting for their crew members! The service will launch onboard the Disney Magic and will be available on the rest of the ships in the next few weeks.

Disney is always looking to improve their crew experience so when they asked how they could make it better for them, communication with friends and family was the number one request.

Disney Cruise Line crew members come from all over the world so being able to keep in touch with their families for free is a big improvement.

This is just another perk crew members and officers enjoy while working for DCL. They also enjoy highly competitive benefits and employment advantages as well as ongoing training and development opportunities.

If you would like to work for DCL be sure to check out DCLJobs.com for more information!

Credit: Disney

Christmas Bakery Treats Arrive at Magic Kingdom

By

Rebekah

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November 2, 2019

It’s official! November is here, which means that the Christmas season has begun at Walt Disney World. This is definitely the case with the arrival of many Christmas bakery items at the Magic Kingdom! There are plenty of cheerfully decorated goodies to try and lots of time to try them…but why wait? Hurry in now so you can start checking off your Christmas food bucketlist.

These fun-filled sweets can be found at the Main Street Confectionary at the very front of the park. This means that you have no excuses for stopping for a snack on your next trip to Magic Kingdom since it is conveniently placed on your way in, or out, of the park! The prices range from a couple of dollars for smaller treats to just under 11 dollars for the delicious (and very aesthetically pleasing) candy apples.

Of course, everyone has different favorites when it comes to sweets, so there are plenty of options to choose from. There are cake pops, cookies, candy apples, and marshmallow treats. From a classic Santa Claus or snowman cookie to the Christmas edition Minnie Mouse candy apple, these are what need to be on your Instagram feed and in your belly!

Photos by Susan Maine Wilson.

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New Magic Kingdom Starbucks Mug Has Arrived At The Disney Parks

By

Danielle

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November 2, 2019

Been there, done that, and have the mug to prove it! You can now commemorate your visit to the most magical place on Earth! With a gorgeous new Magic Kingdom Starbucks Mug of course. This mug is also a continuation in the series of “Been There” mugs.

Similar to the Disneyland version this beautiful design features attractions and icons from around Magic Kingdom. These fun and colorful designs also combine together to create a castle silhouette! All of our favorites are there, from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland! Some of my favorite icons include the Tangled lanterns, and a hidden Dole Whip!

The lip of the mug is orange, and the lid is teal, which matches the colors of the castle design perfectly. The lid is also a ceramic suction lid to keep your beverages from spilling. The travel mug can be found only at the Magic Kingdom Starbucks location, and retails for $24.99. You can also find a unique mug at the Starbucks in Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom! These mugs will only be found at their respective locations.

Will you be collecting the fun and whimsical new Magic Kingdom Starbucks Mug? I know I want to collect all four of them!

Special thanks to Susan for the wonderful pictures!