Have you ever wondered how the Disney World theme parks go from Halloween to Christmas almost over night? You might have watched the video we posted a few weeks ago from 2015.
Recently ABC News got a backstage look at Disney’s Holiday Services who are responsible for making the Disney Magic happen. They work year around coming up with the decorations you see at the theme parks, resorts and even the cruise ships.
Check out the video below
Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel often ship packages to the front desk in advance or receive mail throughout their stay. Not only does this help save on valuable luggage space but it can also help cut down on expenses during your vacation. It appears more people have caught onto this little trick because Disney has started charging a $5.00 handling fee for each UPS or FedEx package delivered to the Front Desk or hotel room.
If you intend to receive mail during your Disney vacation then be sure the letter or package includes the name and mailing address of your resort hotel. Your name followed by the word “Guest” and the date of your arrival must be clearly written on the front of the package.
What are your thoughts about the new package handling fee at Walt Disney World Resort hotels?
P.S. – If you use Garden Grocer you are fine. There is no charge for using their service.
Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Disney vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!
Guests Can Save Up to 40% In-Store and Online Starting November 14 – Earlier Than Ever Before – Special In-Store Wishing Ceremony Kicks Off the Magic of the Season
DisneyStore today unveiled its Magical Friday (aka Black Friday) deals and special in-store holiday events – nearly two weeks before the Thanksgiving holiday shopping weekend. Beginning today in-store and online, guests can expect to see up to 40% off thousands of items, with more deals to roll out in the coming days and when Stores open on Thanksgiving night (11/24), Magical Friday (11/25) and Cyber Monday* (11/28).
Guests have the opportunity to shop Disney Store whenever and wherever through DisneyStore.com and the newly enhanced Disney Store app where they’ll find great deals on exclusive Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars items for everyone on their list.
“There is so much to be excited about this holiday, with products inspired by the theatrical release of Disney ‘Moana’ and ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,’ as well as fan favorites like Disney ‘Elena of Avalor’ and Disney-Pixar Toy Story,” said Elissa Margolis, senior vice president of Disney Store North America. “With our deals beginning two weeks before Magical Friday, and accessible in-store, online and via our mobile app, guests are sure to find something for everyone on their lists.”
Disney Store Holiday Fun
This season, Disney Store continues its tradition of magical in-store events and festive cheer designed to create a memorable shopping experience for guests.
In addition to a holiday version of the traditional store “unlocking” ceremony that takes place every morning at Disney Store locations nationwide, guests will be treated to a special holiday event every evening, called “Disney Store Holiday Wishes.” During this time, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will appear on the Store’s theater screen, inviting guests to make a special holiday wish by writing it on a Wish Ornament and adding it to a special Wishing Tree. A new song, “My Little Wish,” will add an extra magical touch to the event.
“Disney Store Holiday Wishes” will take place daily from Magical Friday (11/25) through Christmas Eve (12/24) at 7:30 p.m.
Most Wished for Gifts
Disney Store offers the biggest collection of exclusive toys, apparel, accessories and more featuring everyone’s favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters at all price ranges. Some of the top holiday favorites at the Disney Store include:
For shopping inspiration and assistance, Guests can check out the DisneyStore.com Gift Guide, as well as interact with Disney Store’s Guest Services team via telephone and email channels listed on DisneyStore.com .
To find a Disney Store location, Guests can visit www.DisneyStore.com/storelocator or call (866) 902-2798. Guests can also sign up for email alerts at www.DisneyStore.com/Register, become a fan on www.facebook.com/DisneyStore or follow on Twitter and Instagram to stay connected.
*Disney Store locations will begin opening at 8 p.m. local time the night of Thanksgiving. Guests are encouraged to check disneystore.com/storelocator for specific holiday hours.
If you plan on visiting each theme park only once during your next Walt Disney World vacation then consider purchasing the new 4-Park Magic Ticket valid for travel dates November 15, 2016 – May 26, 2017. It includes one day at Magic Kingdom, one day at Epcot, one day at Animal Kingdom and one day at Hollywood Studios on four separate days. Although guests can leave and re-enter the same park during one day, they may not visit the same Park on more than one occasion over the four days.
The 4 Park Magic Ticket is available to purchase for a limited time beginning November 15, 2016 through March 5, 2017. Tickets must be used within 14 days of first use or by May 26, 2017, and the following block-out dates apply:
Room and ticket packages are also available. For example, enjoy 4-night accommodations in a standard room at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and a 4 Park Magic Ticket starting at $1,768 for a family of four. Sample package is valid for arrivals most nights Jan. 3–April 5, 2017 and April 22–May 22, 2017. The booking deadline is March 5, 2017 and this offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next Disney vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money!
Photo Credit: Disney
A highlight for many people during the Christmas Season, both young and old alike, is meeting Santa Claus. A new structure has appeared in the Marketplace Neighborhood of Disney Springs. It’s time to meet Santa Claus in his Chalet at Disney Springs.
In order to meet Santa Claus you must check in at Santa’s Chalet check-in podium A fun and festive Cast Member will greet you, sign you in, and hand you a pager. When it is your turn to step in line to meet Santa Claus, your pager will buzz. You then return and hop on line to meet the jolly old elf himself. Be aware that there is still a small line, but it does move fairly quickly.
A Disney Photographer is on hand to capture the moment of your meet-and-greet with Santa Claus. My mom insisted on sitting on Santa’s lap and he asked her to please leave him some beer and pretzels this Christmas Eve to change things up from the traditional cookies and milk. Santa Claus has an interesting sense of humor and we left there laughing. We were an adults-only group and I am quite sure that is the only reason he placed this request. This meet-and-greet was so much fun and I am happy we decided to visit Santa Claus on this visit to Disney Springs.
Disney Springs has certainly made it easier to meet Santa Claus. They have done away with the long line of waiting through the simple pager system. The pagers have a fairly long range as we were able to leave and walk the new Christmas Tree Trail while we waited for our pager to buzz. We all know how difficult it can be for little ones, and for adults as well, to wait on line patiently. Be sure to check-in and get your pager. When your pager buzzes you will know it’s time to meet Santa Claus in his Chalet at Disney Springs!
What do you think of this new process for meeting Santa Claus? Please leave your comments in the box below.
That’s no moon—it’s the ultimate tree topper for any Star Wars fan. This Death Star Christmas Tree Topper is sure to amuse any Star Wars lover.
Expertly crafted to resemble the Empire’s armored space station, this Death Star’s design won’t pull you in with a tractor beam, but it will capture your attention with its awesome light and sound features! Included remote control features the iconic Imperial insignia crest. The tree topper even has a push button remote control that makes the Death Star illuminate and play the Star Wars: Main Title and The Imperial March.
The Death Star Christmas Tree Topper is finally back in stock at ThinkGeek.com!! Plus right now you can get Standard shipping to the US for free! Sure I might have a Mickey Tree, but I can do a Star Wars tree too, right?
The covered patio areas at the Oasis Pool located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort are now available by reservation only. As of Sunday, November 13 the coveted area at the leisure pool will no longer be offered on a first-come-first-serve basis and must be booked in advance.
The prices below include tax:
Each patio includes a couch, three chairs and a coffee table. No other amenities such as bottled water, snacks or private wait staff are included in the rental fee. Reserve your space by calling 407-WDW-PLAY or Disney Vacation Club Member Services.
What do you think about the new change in policy at Polynesian’s Oasis Pool?
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!
If you will be at Walt Disney World over the Thanksgiving Holiday and are a bargain-shopper, then you’ll be excited to be able to take advantage of some amazing Disney Springs Black Friday deals this year!
Disney Springs will be opening at 8am on both November 25th and 26th for guests to shop their hearts out:
World of Disney and other familiar favorites will feature great deals while supplies last: a Vera Bradley “Midnight with Mickey” hipster bag for $24.99 at Marketplace Co-Op, Storm Trooper Action Figures for $14.99 at Star Wars Galactic Outpost, and a holiday wreath with lights for $16.99 at Disney’s Days of Christmas, just to name a few.
If you’re waiting for the perfect time to buy tickets to see “La Nouba” by Cirque du Soleil, this could be it. Visit the Box Office on November 25 and purchase a ticket to the show – any category available – for just $39 plus tax. (Tickets can be used November 25, 2016 – December 16, 2017.)
Additional retail locations will offer special sales and promotions, and you can expect other enhancements in the area including bars with mimosas throughout the promenade, bloody marys at Dockside Margaritas, the chance to meet Santa as early as 8 a.m., and plenty of breakfast options – I’m partial to the Corn Flakes French Toast at Wolfgang Puck Express in the Marketplace, but the Breakfast Poutine at the Daily Poutine is another strong contender!
With over 60 stores planning Black Friday specials, I was thrilled to get a sneak peek of a few, listed below*. (For a full list of participating locations, click here.
Will you be getting up early to take advantage of these great deals?
If you would like to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.
photo: Disney Parks Blog
In the theme of the ever-growing shopping and dining extravaganza that is Disney Springs, there has been an announcement of even more stores joining the shopping area.
LiveTrends, a plant/bamboo/succulent “living art” shop, will open this week in The Marketplace, and later this year we will also see Stance open, offering high end socks and underwear.
what do you think of the new shops?
If you would like to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.
The all new Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime holiday spectacular starts tonight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The wonderful Lisette will be on hand to share pictures and live video of all of the festivities. She will be posting on the Chip and Co Facebook page starting around 6pm.
We were able to booking seating in the“Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Holiday Dessert Party, which includes reserved viewing, desserts and specialty beverages. We hear dessert party attendees will receive a pair of 3D HoloSpex glasses that create spectacular holographic illusions of gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes and ornaments on any bright point of light.
If you have a chance to go to the Dessert party let us know how it is.
The Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime holiday spectacular will run nightly at the park through December 31.
This Sunday only, La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil in Disney Springs will perform two shows, deviating from its typical schedule of performances Tuesday through Saturday.
On Sunday Nov. 20th guests can enjoy a 6 p.m. performance or a special matinee performance at 3 p.m.
Families can save big on the performances, with tickets for children nine and under 50% off. With the discount, kids’ tickets start at just $24 with the purchase of an adult full price ticket.
Tickets can be purchased at www.lanouba.com.
With so many changes taking place at the Walt Disney World Resort, I am happy to see that more holiday experiences have been added to Disney Springs this year. As many of us know, The Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights went dark forever in January 2016 to make way for Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land. Disney Springs has stepped up to the plate to feature some seasonal holiday fun such as a nightly Tree Lighting, the Christmas Tree Trail, a Holiday Dance Party, and a Meet-And-Greet with Santa Claus. Let’s check out all the new Christmas Holiday Experiences taking place at Disney Springs for 2016.
The nightly Christmas Tree Lighting takes place at 6:00pm. Carolers sing and welcome a family-of-the-day to assist with the tree lighting. The toys from The Nutcracker join in the fun as giant stilt walkers. You can see our Live video of the Disney Springs Tree Lighting here:
The all-new Christmas Tree Trail opened on November 11th and will remain open until January 8, 2017. The Christmas Tree Trail features 15 trees, each decorated around a Disney Character theme. As you enter the pathway you will pass over a paved walkway of snowflakes guiding you to the trail. When you enter, you will be immersed in a Winter Wonderland of Florida Snow and Disney-style Christmas trees. You can see our Live Video of The Christmas Tree Trail here:
The party is just getting started when the sun goes down at Disney Springs. Stop by the Marketplace Neighborhood between the Earl of Sandwich and Once Upon a Toy to join the Holiday Dance Party. See our short video of what to expect as the DJ sets up for the evening here:
What would a Christmas Holiday Experience be without a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus? You can find Santa’s Chalet across from Ghirardelli’s in the Marketplace Neighborhood of Disney Springs. He arrives at n00n and is available until 10:00pm daily. You must check in at the podium to receive a pager and a return time to meet the jolly old himself. Return times typically run around 30 minutes.
We are eagerly awaiting more information on the Drones expected to form a Christmas Tree in the sky above Disney Springs. The information given by Disney stated that we should look to the skies this holiday season. We will be doing just that!
Disney Springs has grown significantly during 2016. With the addition of new shopping and restaurants around The Landing and Town Center, as well as the new Orange and Lime Parking garages, there are certainly more people than ever visiting Disney Springs each day. Be sure to check out all the new offerings this holiday season at Disney Springs.
What do you think of the new experiences being offered for the 2016 holiday season at Disney Springs? Please leave your comments in the box below.
