Mickey Mouse has recruited some familiar faces from around Walt Disney World parks and resorts to help him recite the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (or as it’s often called, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”)
We hope you enjoy this video and hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Earlier this month we talked about how guests were invited to select one of their favorite phrases for the new Words are Power Bangles by Alex and Ani bangles on a poll. The top three phrases have been chosen, and they will debut as new Alex and Ani bangles in Spring 2017!
The new Bangles will be:
The “Words Are Powerful” Color Infusion bangles retail at $44.95 plus tax and will be available in both Shiny Gold and Shiny Silver Finishes. These will make their shining appearance sometime this spring. Another exciting bit of Alex and Ani news, is the return of Park Icon Bangles! These new Park designs are incredibly detailed, with images of the major park landmark. They will have a retail of $39.95 plus tax and will be available in both rafaelian gold and rafaelian silver finishes.
Look for the Words are Powerful Bangles and Park Icons bangles to be available at the Disney Parks online store, the Shop Disney Parks App, and at the following locations in 2017:
Disneyland Resort
Walt Disney World Resort
Which of the new Alex and Ani Words are Powerful Bangles is your favorite from the new collection?
The new Art of Coloring Star Wars: Rogue One Coloring Book
This is a coloring book for young adults and adults that includes scenes and characters from the highly anticipated Rogue One. This coloring book will launched just after the Movie Premiered, which was great for keeping us spoiler free. It’s continuing an excellent series from the Art of Coloring, with many more Disney releases coming early next year!
Are you excited to see the Art of Coloring Star Wars: Rogue One Coloring Book
According to TMZ, Star Wars star Carrie Fisher has suffered a massive heart attack Friday on an airplane bound from London to LA.
She fell into cardiac arrest around 15 minutes before the plane landed at the LAX airport.
The flight attendants onboard asked if there were any medical personnel on board and an EMT who was sitting in coach came up to first class and administered CPR.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Update: 6pm EST
Witnesses at LAX reported her eyes were closed and she was in an unconscious state as EMTs rushed her through the terminal to the hospital.
She’s currently at UCLA Medical Center on a ventilator and her condition is being reported as not good.
Update 715pm EST
Speaking with the Associated Press around 7pm Todd Fisher (Carrie Fisher’s brother) told the site that his sister was “out of emergency.” Currently, the actress’ condition is stabilized as she receives further treatment at UCLA Medical Center.
We’re excited to announce the lineup of performers for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts starting Jan 13th through February 20th.
The event will take place each weekend for 6 weeks at the America Gardens Theater Stage in Epcot.
Here is a current list of performers set to appear:
Performances will be 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8pm Friday through Monday of each festival weekend.
Future World Plaza will also be filled with a variety of other visual and live performances including Epcot Living Statues, performances by Central Florida high schools and acclaimed university and college talent appearing through a partnership with Disney Performing Arts. Plus, Epcot’s American Music Machine will perform on the Future World Fountain Stage.
Recently we shared some of the food items featured that you won’t want to miss out on! Check them out here.
Are you going? Let us know what you are looking forward to the most in the comment box below!
Staying organized can be a tough battle, but lately there has been a new style of planner that is so beautiful and stylish, it makes me WANT to plan and organize! Planners like the Life Planner, Happy Planner, Recollections Planner and Plum Planner, keep you organized while offering lots of customization options. I was delighted to find Disney Inspired Planner Accessories by StylishPlanner on Etsy, that allow me to customize with Disney flair!
Stylish Planner has an entire collection of planner covers themed after beloved Disney characters, from Princesses to Villains! These covers are made to fit your Erin Condren Planner and Notebook, Mambi Happy Planner (including mini), Recollections Planner or Plum Planner. The covers feature original stylish planner graphics front and back, sturdy 10mil lamination packets, no pixelation in the images and rounded corners. Stylish coordinating planner dashboards are also available too!
Do you think these stylish Disney Inspired Planner Accessories would help keep you organized?
Last week we had the pleasure of staying the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando just next door to Disney Springs.
This resort is walking distance (about 10 minutes) from Disney Springs and is conveniently located on Hotel Plaza Blvd.
Like all 7 of the Disney Springs Hotels the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando offers complimentary shuttle service every 30 minutes to the Walt Disney World Theme parks, Water parks, and other Disney attractions.
Upon checking in the front desk gives you nice warm cookies which after our long plane ride was most welcomed and delish.
The room was spacious, comfortable, and clean. My only complaint was the shower-head in the room. I like strong water pressure and without turning the shower-head on stream it was lacking in the pressure department. The beds were super comfy and I loved all the pillows. Most places you are fighting for extra pillows and here they deliver!
The view from our room overlooked Disney Springs and the B Resort & Spa was beautiful when it was lit up at night. If you look in the distance you can make out Characters in Flight in Disney Springs.
The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando has a Disney Store, general store, pool and outdoor bar, ticket counter and even a car rental desk (just to name a few). You can read about all the accommodations here.
The general store was a lifesaver at night when we came back from the parks. We would stop off and get water & snacks almost every night.
Probably one of the best features of the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando was the Evergreen Cafe. We opted for the breakfast buffet with our reservation. They have hot and cold items and even an omelet bar. We took advantage of this wonderful add on and one of the best things is Kids Eat for Free (with a paid adult)! It is much cheaper than any Disney buffet and we were able to use that savings to apply to a nice dinner at the parks.
While the pictures here are beautiful you should check out the videos.
Here is the lobby and check in area.
Here is a look at the Evergreen Cafe at breakfast.
Finally I tour the pool area.
We loved staying at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando, with it being just down the street from Disney Springs and just a short bus ride to the parks it worked with our family. You will have to get your own transportation to and from the airport which is not as convenient at Disney’s Magical Express but is still doable. We have used Mears shuttle service in the past but opted for uber this go around. The cost was $50 one way and was nice not having to wait on anyone.
If you are wanting to save money and don’t care about Disney decorations at the resort then I highly suggest DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando. With their great customer service, comfortable beds and overall clean hotel it was a great option for us.
Be sure to check out the current offers on the Disney Springs Hotels website before you book anything. As you can see the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando has a great great on a 2 room suite right now, they also offer AAA, Military and even FL & GA discounts!
Thanks for reading and thanks to the Doubletree Suites for hooking us up on our stay!
When most people think about ringing in the New Year at Walt Disney World it conjures up images of late nights at the theme parks or a romantic meal at one of Disney’s Signature restaurants. But did you know that many of Disney’s on-site resorts will be offering delightful ways to celebrate the start of 2017? Here’s a lists of the activities that we know about so far.
All Star Movies – Head on over to the Fantasia Pool between 5pm – 12am for a this New Year’s Eve Bash.
All Star Music- Will play host to a New Year’s Eve Party at the Fantasia pool from 8 pm – 12 am. They will also be offering a Table Service Brunch on January 1st from 9:30am – 2pm at the Intermission Food Court with prices ranging from $21.99 for adults to $11.99 for children.
All Star Sports – Will be holding a New Year’s Eve Party at the Calypso Pool starting at 8pm – 12am.
Animal Kingdom Lodge – The Lodge’s Cultural Representatives will be on hand to help you ring in the New Year’s African Style with a resort bash starting in the main lobby at 8:15pm and running until 12:15am.
Boardwalk Inn – The Village Green will come to life with an Atlantic City-style New Year’s Eve Bash running from 8pm – 1am.
Caribbean Beach Resort – Those looking to ring in the New Year at Caribbean Beach should head over to the Old Port Royal Courtyard from 7pm for their New Year’s Eve Party with a bit of Caribbean flair.
Contemporary Resort – Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Bash will kick off starting at 9pm. Held at the Courtyard behind the Contemporary Tower this event will feature a campfire, selfie booths and more!
Coronado Springs Resort – Conjuring up the festive spirit of the American Southwest, El Centro will host its own New Year’s Celebration from 9pm – 12am on New Year’s Eve.
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds– This rustic resort will ring in the New Year with a Beach Party bash starting at 6pm and running til the wee hours of the morning on New Year’s Eve. So head on over to Clementine’s Beach to take part in the fun.
Saratoga Springs Resort – The DVC Courtyard will spring to life with a New Year’s Eve Pajama Party starting at 8pm. Word has it that this special offering will also include a character meet and greet at 10:00pm. Turn up and see what Disney character you might get to rub shoulders with.
This is just a flavor of the many special one-off activities that Disney will be hosting for guests spending their New Year’s on property. Readers are encouraged to watch this space as we will continue to update as and when new revelries are announced.
Thinking about a trip to Disney in 2017? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to help with everything from finding your perfect package to booking those hard-to-get dining an Fastpass reservations. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook.
Disney and LucasFilms just released a new behind-the-scenes look at filming in some of the amazing locations from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” including Jordan, the Maldives and Iceland is now available.
Also here is a new behind-the-scenes look at K-2SO
The Main Street Electrical Parade returns to Disneyland Park after a 20-year hiatus beginning January 20 through June 18, 2017. In order to secure a prime viewing location, guests may want to consider reserving a Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Package.
There are two dining packages available to choose from:
Blue Bayou Restaurant
This dinner-and-entertainment package includes a 3-course prix fixe meal at the world-famous Blue Bayou Restaurant plus admission to a preferred viewing area for the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade.
You’ll dine on an “outdoor” patio under a perpetual twilight sky that’s actually inside the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Glowing lanterns and winking fireflies add a romantic mood to the bayou setting, as boats filled with Guests glide by.
The dining package includes:
•3-course dinner (starter, entrée and dessert)
•Admission to the preferred viewing area for a designated performance of the Main Street Electrical Parade that night
You may reserve this dining package online or by phone up to 60 days in advance. Tables for this dining package are available starting at 4:00 PM and space is limited. Book online or call (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463 between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM Pacific Time daily. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
Tax and gratuity are not included in the package price. Valid Disneyland Park admission is required and not included with the price of this dining package. Please note that the viewing area is separate from the restaurant locations.
Aladdin’s Oasis
Have more time for fun with this convenient all-in-one meal and parade package. Simply reserve your Grab & Go meal in advance and pick it up at Aladdin’s Oasis at Disneyland Park. Meal pick-up times vary based on Main Street Electrical Parade schedule and may be reserved as early as 12:00 noon.
Guests may choose from 3 different entrees and will receive a voucher for a preferred viewing area for a designated performance of the Main Street Electrical Parade that night. Enjoy your meal at one of the tables at Aladdin’s Oasis or take it with you as you explore Disneyland Park.
Book online or call (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463 between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Theme park admission is required for On-the-Go Dining Packages. Subject to availability; meal package price does not include tax.
A credit card is required at the time of booking to confirm the reservation. Reservations must be cancelled by the day prior in order to avoid a $10 per person cancellation fee.
Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!
Photo Credit: Disney
The Disney Store UK website has released a look at next month’s Tsum Tsum releases. Not only do they have the Aristocats collection up, but they also have a collection of Tsum Tsum City Box Sets! This new collection is set to debut on the first Tsum Tsum Tuesday of January too!
Quite often the extra sneak peeks released on the Disney Store UK website, end up being released in the US also. The City Collections coming out are London, Paris, New York, Chicago, There are 2 sets named after the State of Hawaii, and one set named after the Country of Italy. The American themed Tsum Tsum Box Sets are listed as online only in the UK, so my guess is we will be getting those in our US stores, and the UK in store ones will be our online sets.
The sets have adorable details that represent cultural elements from the city or country the hail from. Most of the sets are Mickey and Minnie, but Italy does have Donald, and one of the Hawaii sets includes Stitch and Angel (AWWEE!!). There is no official word on if we will be getting these in the US, but my personal bet is we will at least be getting the Chicago, Hawaii and New York themed plush sets!
Do you hope we get the new Tsum Tsum City Box Sets in the US Disney Stores? They are set to debut in the UK on January 3rd!
The last Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of the holiday season was held at Magic Kingdom last night. This means that most of the special Christmas entertainment available during the party can now be enjoyed by all Magic Kingdom guests with regular park admission!
Below is the holiday entertainment schedule at Magic Kingdom for the remainder of 2016:
If you’re at Walt Disney World Resort between now and New Year’s Eve then be sure to make time to enjoy the Christmas entertainment at Magic Kingdom!
Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!
