Disney Debuts First-Ever Interactive Holiday Billboard in Times Square

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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!

Disney Characters Debut New Holiday Outfits at Disneyland Resort

By

Sara

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November 15, 2025

New Holiday Outfits for Disney Characters at Disneyland Resort

The holiday season has officially swept through the Disneyland Resort, and we are thrilled that some of our favorite characters have debuted dazzling new holiday outfits to celebrate!

Mickey Mouse looks incredibly dapper in his new costume, featuring rich red, green, and gold hues complemented by purple pants, all topped off with a classic Santa hat. Minnie Mouse rings in the season with an equally festive dress adorned with ruffles, bows, and her signature holiday heels.

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Donald Duck and his friends, José Carioca and Panchito Pistoles (The Three Caballeros), all wear festive holiday-themed outfits. Panchito is wearing a bright, magenta/deep pink mariachi-style suit. His jacket and trousers are embellished with gold embroidery, and his cummerbund or belt is also gold. He wears a large sombrero with purple and orange accents. José wears a rich, deep blue velvet jacket that appears sparkly or embroidered with gold accents and star motifs. He wears a dark blue fedora/panama hat adorned with a festive red and blue band and a small plume.

Donald has a red jacket with white trim and a green vest featuring a decorative holiday pattern in red and white. He completes the ensemble with a red holiday cap/beanie decorated with a colorful patterned band. This is his Viva Navidad outfit. Guests can see Donald in a different holiday outfit over in Disneyland. The outfit pictured above is what he wears in Disney California Adventure.

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Chip ‘n Dale are undeniably the sweetest sight, dressed as adorable gingerbread men—complete with decorative “icing” swirls and colorful “candy” buttons! They are easily the cutest chipmunk/cookie hybrid we’ve ever encountered.

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Goofy looks ready to celebrate in his vibrant ¡Viva Navidad! costume, which perfectly captures the event’s energetic spirit. His attire begins with a bright, cobalt blue jacket featuring long white cuffs and heavily embroidered white and colorful designs across the shoulders and sleeves. This striking top is contrasted by a brightly colored yellow shirt. His matching blue pants feature a festive patch on the knee, and a long, flowing red sash with tassels is wrapped around his waist. Finally, he completes the look with a tall, ornate headpiece, decorated with blue and red plumes and colorful bands, and his familiar brown shoes, which are also adorned with colorful maracas.

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Gary De’Snake Zootopia Sipper Coming to Disneyland Resort

By

Sara

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November 15, 2025

Gary De’Snake Zootopia Sipper Slithers into Disneyland

Starting next week, guests visiting Disneyland Resort will be able to purchase the new Gary De’Snake sipper, which draws its inspiration from the upcoming film, Zootopia 2.

The sipper was first introduced in a social media video featuring Ke Huy Quan (the voice of Gary) and Ginnifer Goodwin (the voice of Judy Hopps). While Disney has not officially confirmed the location, the video was filmed within Disney California Adventure. The collectible will be available starting November 19.

The Gary De’Snake sipper depicts the character as a blue snake with striking yellow eyes and a single pointy fang. True to the film, the design includes his signature red fanny pack and comes with a detachable carrying strap. The beverage straw conveniently emerges from the back of the sipper’s head.

Zootopia 2 will premiere in theaters on November 26, 2025. The film is directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, with the screenplay written by Bush.

Jason Bateman reprises his role as Nick Wilde, joining Ginnifer Goodwin and Ke Huy Quan. The sequel also introduces new voices, including Fortune Feimster as Nibbles Maplestick and Andy Samberg as Pawbert Lynxley.

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New Permit Filed for Set Installation at The Magic of Disney Animation

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Chris B

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November 15, 2025

New Permit Filed for Set Installation at The Magic of Disney Animation

Disney Files New Permit as The Magic of Disney Animation Begins Set Installation at Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting ready to bring some animated magic back to Animation Courtyard, and this latest permit is another big step toward the debut of the reimagined Magic of Disney Animation in 2026.

Walt Disney Imagineering just filed a new Notice of Commencement for set installation inside 190 Showbiz Blvd — the longtime home of Star Wars: Launch Bay, and once upon a time, the original Magic of Disney Animation attraction. Unlike the summer permits focused on labor, materials, and electrical work, this one is specifically for “install set elements,” meaning interior show build-out is officially underway.

Disney contracted Icarus Exhibits for the job, a frequent collaborator known for work on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s refurbishment, Zootopia: Better Zoogether, and the overhaul of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. With Icarus stepping in, we’re clearly moving from structural prep to creative detail.

When it opens next year, the new Magic of Disney Animation will invite guests of all ages to laugh, draw, dream, and explore a space partially inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ award-winning short Once Upon A Studio. Expect interactive animation-inspired experiences, character meet and greets, and even a Mary Blair-inspired Alice in Wonderland playground that feels straight out of a storybook.

Outside the building, Animation Courtyard is also in the middle of its glow-up. The famous archway is already gone, crews are repainting facades, and the whole area is being redesigned to resemble the real Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank. A brand-new Disney Jr. show will debut alongside the courtyard’s transformation and the reopening of the attraction in 2026.

New Construction Permit Filed for Enchanted Tiki Room at Magic Kingdom

By

Chris B

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November 15, 2025

New Construction Permit Filed for Enchanted Tiki Room at Magic Kingdom

New Permit Points to Behind-the-Scenes Work at Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

It looks like the birds in the Enchanted Tiki Room might be getting a little behind-the-scenes TLC, because a new Notice of Commencement just perched onto Orange County’s public records. The address on the permit maps right to our beloved Tiki Room in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, and while it’s always tempting to start speculating about major changes, this one has a very specific tell.

The owner on the filing is Facilities Asset Management rather than Walt Disney Imagineering. That alone signals that this is likely infrastructure or facility work, not a retheme or show overhaul. Sorry, Iago — you won’t be returning to “manage” anything this time.

The permit lists PCL Construction as the contractor. PCL is one of Disney’s go-to partners for large-scale, practical refurbishment work across property. Couple that with the generic “General Construction” scope, plus an expiration date running through November 4, 2026, and it strongly suggests the project will be happening quietly behind the scenes rather than dramatically changing the show itself.

And here’s the most reassuring detail for fans: Disney has not announced any downtime for the Enchanted Tiki Room at all. So José, Fritz, Michael, and Pierre should continue crooning as usual while any backstage improvements take place.

As always, we’ll keep our ears open for any updates. Until then, consider this a calm little chirp rather than a storm of Tiki-god thunder.

Merry Menagerie Returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the 2025 Holiday Season

By

Catherine

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November 15, 2025

Merry Menagerie Brightens Discovery Island for the 2025 Holiday Season

The holidays have arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and with them, the joyful return of the Merry Menagerie! First introduced in 2019, this unique and heartwarming entertainment offering has quickly become a fan-favorite tradition, transforming Discovery Island into an arctic wonderland.

For the 2025 holiday season, guests can once again delight in the whimsical, freestyle performance featuring a colorful cast of artisan-crafted arctic animal puppets and live musicians.

An Interactive Arctic Encounter

The heart of the experience is the interaction between the puppets and park guests. Expert puppeteers guide these beautifully sculpted creatures—including an arctic fox, reindeer, penguins, polar bears, birds, and seals—as they wander Discovery Island, typically between Island Mercantile and Riverside Depot.

These gorgeous puppets feature a base color of white, accented with striking highlights of light blue, purple, and gold, giving them a festive, storybook appearance. While most creatures are brought to life by a single puppeteer, the larger animal figures require the cooperation of multiple performers.

Adding to the enchanting atmosphere are live musicians who roam alongside the menagerie. Dressed in white outfits that perfectly complement the puppets, they perform holiday music, creating a continuous, magical soundtrack for the freestyle “show.”

A Whimsical Schedule

The Merry Menagerie is not a sit-down show with a strict curtain time; it’s an immersive, spontaneous experience. The performers interact with guests periodically throughout the day.

While there is no fixed time for each puppet’s appearance, the general operational hours for the menagerie are as follows:

Morning/Noon: 9:45 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.
Afternoon: 1:25 p.m. to 5:10 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to check the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit for the most up-to-date schedule, but remember that the magic is in catching them as they roam!

Matching Merchandise and Decor

The festive spirit of the Merry Menagerie extends beyond the performers. Discovery Island is adorned with complementary holiday decor, featuring lanterns and stylized figures that perfectly match the aesthetic of the puppets.

And for those who want to take a piece of the magic home, a dedicated line of Merry Menagerie merchandise is available at Island Mercantile. Guests can often find plush versions of the beloved animals, such as the penguin and polar bear puppets, as well as themed apparel and ornaments.

This spectacular celebration of art, nature, and the holiday season is a true gem of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Make sure to set aside time to slow down, wander Discovery Island, and experience the pure joy of the Merry Menagerie this holiday season!

Cookies Revealed for the Holiday Cookie Stroll at 2025 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays

By

Catherine

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November 15, 2025

Cookies Revealed! Your Guide to the 2025 EPCOT Holiday Cookie Stroll

The most wonderful (and tastiest) time of the year is almost here! The 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is just a few short weeks away, running from November 28 through December 30, 2025. And with the festival’s return, the beloved Holiday Cookie Stroll is back, promising a sweet scavenger hunt across World Showcase and beyond.

Get your taste buds ready, because we’ve got the full list of eligible cookies for this year’s culinary quest, featuring a delightful mix of returning favorites and exciting new holiday treats!

How the Holiday Cookie Stroll Works

For first-timers or seasoned pros, here’s a quick refresher on how to earn your free reward:

Grab a Festival Passport: Pick up a complimentary Festival Passport at the entrance or any food booth.
Purchase Cookies: Buy any five of the eligible cookies listed below from the designated Holiday Markets or locations.
Collect Stamps: Get your Passport stamped by a Cast Member at the time of each qualifying cookie purchase.
Claim Your Reward: Once you have five stamps, bring your completed Passport to Holiday Sweets & Treats to receive a special complimentary treat (historically, a completer cookie!).

The best part? You can complete the stroll at your leisure anytime during the festival’s run!

The 2025 Holiday Cookie Stroll Lineup

This year features a fantastic selection, including a remarkable six new cookies to discover!

Experimental Prototype Cookies of Tomorrow

(Location: CommuniCore Hall)

This location is debuting two delicious new cookies this year, alongside a returning favorite:

Prototype Cookie: Sugar cookie with orange-cranberry icing and dark chocolate (New)

Ginger-Molasses Cookie: with cream cheese icing (New)

Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie

Connections Café

(Location: In World Discovery)

Stop here for a reliable classic:

Holiday Sugar Cookie

Holiday Hearth Desserts

(Location: The Odyssey)

Check out this new, plant-based option:

Cranberry-Oatmeal Cookie (Plant-based) (New)

Bavaria Holiday Kitchen Menu

(Location: Germany)

Enjoy a traditional European cookie:

Hazelnut Linzer Cookie with raspberry jam

American Holiday Table Menu

(Location: American Adventure)

Indulge in this decadent new creation:

Chocolate Cookie featuring SNICKERS bar pieces and salted caramel (New)

L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen Menu

(Location: Between Morocco and France)

This kitchen offers both a new Mickey-shaped treat and a flaky pastry favorite:

Mickey-shaped Almond Black and White Cookie (New)

Rugelach: Pastry with raspberry jam, walnuts, and cinnamon

Yukon Holiday Kitchen Menu

(Location: Canada)

Try a taste of the North with this maple treat:

Maple Leaf Shortbread Cookie with maple buttercream (New)

Mele Kalikimaka Holiday Kitchen Menu

(Location: Between World Showcase and the Imagination Pavilion)

For the coffee aficionado:

Coffee-Mocha Cookie topped with coffee-infused buttercream, cocoa nibs, and chocolate-covered espresso beans

Nochebuena Cocina Menu

(Location: Between World Showcase and the Imagination! Pavilion)

A warm, comforting classic:

Cinnamon-spiced Chocolate Crinkle Cookie

Sunshine Seasons Menu

(Location: The Land)

A perfect peanut butter pairing:

Peanut Butter Cookie featuring M&M’S Minis Milk Chocolate Candies Holiday Blend

With 13 eligible cookies on the list, you’ll have plenty of options to mix and match as you complete your five-cookie mission. The stroll offers a delightful and structured way to eat your way around the holiday offerings at EPCOT.

Will you try them all? It’s a sweet challenge that certainly adds a fun layer to your festival visit!

Rapunzel’s Tower Unveiled for Storybook Land at Disneyland

By

Sara

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November 15, 2025

Rapunzel’s Tower Shines in Storybook Land Canal Boats

Rapunzel’s Tower is officially part of the fairytale landscape at Disneyland! Following a three-month refurbishment, the iconic structure anchors the brand-new Tangled scene now featured on the reopened Storybook Land Canal Boats, alongside other welcoming improvements.

The refurbished Storybook Land Canal Boats finally emerged from behind construction walls two weeks ago, revealing a freshly painted Monstro and the highly anticipated new details. The centerpiece is the breathtaking addition of Rapunzel’s Tower and other Tangled elements. Guests first catch a glimpse of the tower early in the journey before their boat loops around for a closer, more detailed look at the new scene.

Positioned beautifully between the Patchwork Quilt and Toad Hall, Rapunzel’s Tower is brimming with charming details. The surrounding foliage features lights woven around the nearby bridge, designed to resemble Rapunzel’s iconic lanterns when illuminated at night.

At the base of the tower, you can spot a tiny sign and painting supplies. The scene is also brought to life by music: riders hear an arrangement of “When Will My Life Begin” during the day, which switches to “I See the Light” at night! Adding humorous touches, the area includes several variations of the Flynn Rider wanted poster, all with amusingly different noses, plus the familiar boat used by Flynn and Rapunzel during the lanterns sequence near the bridge.

“Snow” is Coming to Downtown Disney for the Holidays

By

Sara

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November 15, 2025

Holiday Magic Alert: “Snow” will Fall Nightly in Downtown Disney!

The magic of a white Christmas has arrived in Southern California! The Downtown Disney District is transforming into a festive winter wonderland with the highly anticipated return of Nightly Snow shows.

Guests can now experience the simple joy of snowfall right here at the Disneyland Resort’s premier shopping and dining destination. This special holiday offering, presented by Disney Vacation Club, runs through January 7, 2026, inviting visitors to enjoy a truly unique seasonal ambiance.

Catch the Flurry: Showtimes

Make sure to plan your evening stroll around the district to catch this delightful holiday spectacle! The “snow” will fall several times each night, creating picturesque moments for families and guests.

Nightly Snow Show Moments:

6:00 PM
6:40 PM
7:20 PM
8:00 PM
8:40 PM
9:20 PM
10:00 PM

Whether you are enjoying a holiday dinner, finishing your gift shopping, or simply soaking up the festive cheer, these scheduled snow flurries are the perfect way to cap off a magical day at the Disneyland Resort. Don’t miss this enchanting addition to the holiday season in Downtown Disney!

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Enchanted Holiday Art Gallery Opens at Disney Springs

By

Chris B

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November 14, 2025

Enchanted Holiday Art Gallery Opens at Disney Springs for the 2025 Season

Disney Springs just got a whole lot more magical, because the Enchanted Holiday Art Gallery has officially opened its doors for the season. Tucked into the former Volcom storefront near Amorette’s Patisserie, this limited-time gallery is a festive feast for the eyes and a must-see stop for Disney art lovers.

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with bright garland, shimmering ornaments, and an explosion of color that feels like walking straight into a Disney artist’s imagination. The gallery features a curated mix of originals, limited edition giclées, and fan-favorite pieces from across the Disney art world. You’ll spot familiar Festival of the Arts favorites, character portraits, holiday-themed works, and even entire collections inspired by National Parks, Cinderella Castle in the snow, Pixar classics, and vintage Disney icons.

Bret Iwan, the official voice of Mickey Mouse, has several of his popular travel-poster pieces on display. You’ll also find works by Michael Reyes of Gideon’s Bakehouse fame, who is making multiple in-person appearances this weekend for artist signings.

The space itself is as enchanting as the art. A massive, hand-painted winter mural of Main Street U.S.A. sets the tone, complete with snowy Cinderella Castle and a Mickey snowman proudly holding a Premium Mickey Bar. Oversized paintbrushes trimmed with garland decorate the checkout area, and a vibrant layered canvas Christmas tree mural towers behind the counter with Tinker Bell perched at the top. Every wall and corner is decked out, making the gallery feel like a holiday pop-up straight out of a storybook.

Whether you’re looking to take home a new piece, browse holiday art, or just soak in the festive creativity, the Enchanted Holiday Art Gallery is open daily now through early January.