Walt Disney World Passholders Can Snag Exclusive “Mufasa: The Lion King” Print at Animal Kingdom
Walt Disney World Annual Passholders have a roaring opportunity to celebrate the upcoming release of “Mufasa: The Lion King” with a complimentary art print. This exclusive offer, available from December 8th to 18th, 2024, allows Passholders to collect a custom illustration by artist and former Imagineer Nikkolas Smith.
The 5×7 postcard print depicts young Mufasa surrounded by water, with a reflection of his older self rippling in the surface. This evocative image captures the essence of the film, which explores the origins of the iconic Lion King character.
Passholders can pick up their complimentary print at Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures in Disney’s Animal Kingdom during regular park operating hours. To claim the print, Passholders must be present and show their valid Annual Pass card, linked MagicBand, MagicMobile pass, or My Disney Experience app, along with a government-issued photo ID. There is a limit of one postcard per Passholder, and they are available while supplies last.
The “Mufasa: The Lion King” film, a prequel to the 2019 “live-action” remake of “The Lion King,” is set to hit theaters on December 20th, 2024. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film features Aaron Pierre as Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka (Scar), along with several returning cast members from the previous film.
This exclusive offering for Annual Passholders is a fantastic way to celebrate the upcoming release of “Mufasa: The Lion King” and add a unique piece of Disney art to their collection.
Universal Orlando’s Holiday Season: Thanksgiving Feasts and Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Universal Orlando is setting the table for a magical holiday season, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is at the heart of the celebration. From indulgent Thanksgiving feasts to the dazzling Holiday Harbor Nights event, the hotel offers guests a festive escape filled with culinary delights and unforgettable experiences.
Trattoria del Porto Thanksgiving Buffet 🗓️ Thursday, November 28, 2024 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM For a luxurious Thanksgiving dining experience, Trattoria del Porto invites guests to enjoy a lavish buffet featuring rosemary slow-roasted turkey, herb-crusted beef rib roast, and fresh seafood. Italian specialties like five-cheese tortellini and Mediterranean-inspired salads round out the menu, while decadent desserts such as spiced pumpkin tarts and classic cannoli ensure a sweet finish. Live music adds a warm ambiance to this family-friendly feast.
Adults: $85 | Children (3-9): $35 | Under 3: Free (Tax & gratuity not included) Reservations recommended.
Mama Della’s Ristorante Thanksgiving Dinner 🗓️ Thursday, November 28, 2024 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Step into the charm of Italy with Mama Della’s curated three-course Thanksgiving menu. Begin with creamy garlic cauliflower soup or butternut squash ravioli, followed by entrées like pan-seared Chilean duck breast or ribeye steak. Finish the evening with a decadent dark chocolate praline crunch bar. Live opera singers and strolling musicians provide a serenade to accompany this elegant meal. Reservations can be made online.
Adults: $70 | Children (3-9): $25 | Under 3: Free (Tax & gratuity not included)
Holiday Harbor Nights
🗓️ Friday, November 29, 2024 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Loews Portofino Bay Hotel’s Harbor Piazza transforms into a festive wonderland for the signature Holiday Harbor Nights event. Beneath twinkling lights, guests can enjoy an evening of fine wine, Italian-inspired cuisine, and live entertainment from The Buzzcatz, along with opera singers. The highlight of the night? The grand illumination of Portofino’s glittering Christmas tree, kicking off the holiday season in true Italian style. Tickets are available now.
This adults-only event (21+) is perfect for a romantic night out or a festive evening with friends.
Menu Highlights:
Antipasto Station: Cured meats, cheeses, and marinated artichokes.
Fall Squash Bisque: Acorn squash and cinnamon-roasted pepitas.
Braised Chicken Thighs: Served with creamy yellow corn polenta.
Carved Slow-Roasted Beef Steamship: Herb-roasted potatoes and creamed horseradish.
Desserts: Spiced mascarpone pumpkin cheesecake and a gelato station featuring espresso and raspberry sorbets.
Wines: An array of hand-selected Italian wines, including prosecco and Montepulciano.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Thanksgiving Buffet at Islands Dining Room 🗓️ Thursday, November 28, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Enjoy a tropical twist on Thanksgiving with a South Seas-inspired buffet. Highlights include carved turkey, prime rib, sushi and stir-fry stations, and a decadent dessert selection. The festive atmosphere features ukulele players, hula dancers, and a balloon artist for the kids. Reservations are now available.
Adults: $80 | Children (3-9): $40 | Under 3: Free (Tax & gratuity not included)
Thanksgiving Buffet at The Kitchen 🗓️ Thursday, November 28, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Rock your holiday with a Thanksgiving buffet at The Kitchen, featuring carved turkey, prime rib, and a seafood station. Don’t miss the array of holiday sides, salads, and desserts like pumpkin pie and sticky coffee cake. Live entertainment sets the perfect backdrop for your feast. You can make your reservations online now.
Adults: $80 | Children (3-9): $40 | Under 3: Free (Tax & gratuity not included)
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Thanksgiving Buffet at Amatista Cookhouse 🗓️ Thursday, November 28, 2024 | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM Celebrate Thanksgiving with Caribbean flair at Amatista Cookhouse. The buffet includes traditional favorites like herb-brined turkey and prime rib, alongside ceviche displays and Caribbean-inspired dishes like jerk-glazed ham. Kids can enjoy balloon artists and face painters while adults savor the soothing sounds of a live Caribbean soloist. Reservations are now available.
Adults: $80 | Children (3-9): $40 | Under 3: Free (Tax & gratuity not included)
Whether you’re looking to feast with family, toast to the season with friends, or simply bask in the festive atmosphere, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has something for everyone this holiday season. From Thanksgiving indulgence to twinkling harbor nights, Universal Orlando’s celebrations promise to make this a holiday to remember. Reserve your spot today to ensure you don’t miss out on these delightful seasonal events!
The GoldMusical Rotating Popcorn Tin Has Returned at Magic Kingdom
The holidays are back in full swing at Magic Kingdom, and with them comes the return of a fan-favorite collectible—the gold musical rotating popcorn tin! Originally released during the 2023 holiday season, this enchanting tin has made its way back to the castle hub snack carts, available for purchase while supplies last.
For $28, guests can grab this festive tin, which comes filled with popcorn at the time of purchase. The popcorn tin is a masterpiece of holiday cheer, featuring a gold exterior with a spinning center that showcases a winter scene starring beloved Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, and more. Holly accents adorn the edges of each display window, while a red Mickey icon crowns the lid. Adding to its charm, the tin plays a delightful music-box rendition of “Jingle Bells,” making it the perfect keepsake or gift for Disney fans.
The tin also features a detachable strap in a festive red, decorated with blue holly leaves and a subtle hidden Mickey created with red berries. The Disney Parks wordmark adds a touch of magic to this already whimsical design.
There is a strict limit of two tins per person, per transaction, so plan accordingly if you’re hoping to snag one—or two—for your collection. These tins are likely leftovers from last year’s holiday season, meaning they’re limited in quantity and won’t be around for long.
For those keeping track, a red version of this musical popcorn tin debuted in 2022 as an exclusive item for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, featuring different art and a similarly festive design. The gold edition, however, remains a timeless classic that’s sure to add sparkle to any Disney holiday collection.
Single Rider Line Has Appeared at EPCOT’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Big changes could be coming to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT, as Disney is seemingly moving toward testing a single rider line for the popular attraction. This testing phase offers a new way for guests to experience the ride, with the potential for shorter wait times and a more efficient loading process. It’s important to note that groups entering a single rider line will be split up.
When the attraction opened in October 2021, it featured a single rider entrance, but the option was never officially activated. Last week, however, signs of testing began to emerge. Ride vehicles have been fitted with numbered seat markers, a move that likely aims to streamline loading by efficiently placing solo riders into empty seats. While there’s no guarantee the single rider line will become a permanent feature, Disney appears to be exploring how well it can improve guest flow and meet operational goals.
Set in the heart of EPCOT’s World Showcase, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a crowd favorite attraction that typically commands long wait times. The trackless 3D attraction shrinks guests to the size of a rat for an immersive journey through the bustling kitchen of Ratatouille. For fans of the ride, the introduction of a single rider line could provide a welcome alternative to the standard queue, especially during peak times.
Experience Mufasa: The Lion King in Stunning 3D at The El Capitan Theatre
Witness the epic journey of a young lion destined for greatness in Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King,” playing at the El Capitan Theatre from December 20th to January 5th in stunning Dolby Vision 3D. Immerse yourself in the world of Mufasa, enjoy a thrilling pre-show, and capture the magic with our photo ops!
Guests can be among the first to see “Mufasa: The Lion King” with our Opening Night Screening on Thursday December 19th at 7:15pm. Tickets are $40 and include a collectible tin with popcorn, fountain drink, and event credential.
A Fan Event screening for Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” will take place at 7:15pm on Friday, December 20. Tickets are $60 and include a “Mufasa: The Lion King” cap, tumbler, popcorn, fountain drink, and event credential.
A special Pride of Lions Pack is available for $140 and includes four tickets, four small popcorns, and four drinks.
Specialty concession items will be available for purchase for ticketed guests, while supplies last.
Daily showtimes for Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” December 20 through January 5 in Dolby Vision 3D are 9:30am, 12:45pm, 4:00pm, 7:15pm, and 10:30pm.
Sensory Inclusive Screenings (shown in 3D) are available December 30 at 7:15pm and January 5 at 12:45pm. Open Caption screenings (shown in 2D) are available December 26 at 7:15pm and January 4 at 12:45pm. Spanish Dubbed screenings (shown in 2D) are available January 2 at 7:15pm and January 5 at 4pm.
First Look at the Medals for the 2025 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Are you ready to embrace your inner royal? The 2025 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE invites you to a magical runDisney adventure, February 20-24, 2025, at Walt Disney World Resort. Join the ultimate battle between good and evil, and let your own fairytale unfold.
It’s time to get down to running business and rise up with Mulan to face the fearsome Shan Yu and his trusted falcon for 3.1 not-so-menacing miles to earn your rightful finisher medal.
Disney Princess 10K presented by CORKCICLE
Step into a whole new running world and fly high with Princess Jasmine during a 6.2-mile showdown with the evil sorcerer Jafar. Just beware the hypnotic eyes of his serpentine staff as you collect your treasure-worthy finisher medal.
Disney Princess Half Marathon presented by CORKCICLE
There’s no rest for the wicked! Slay a 13.1-mile journey with Princess Aurora (a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty) as she confronts the wrath of Maleficent. Watch out for cursed spindles as you earn this spellbinding finisher medal.
Disney Princess Fairy Tale Challenge presented by CORKCICLE
Take a bite out of the race weekend and take on the fairest challenge of them all with Snow White and her poison apple-wielding nemesis, the evil Queen. Comprised of the 10K and the Half Marathon, completing these 19.3 miles will earn you this additional medal!
Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Donates $13,000+ to Wounded Warrior Project
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin honored National Veterans and Military Families Month by donating over $13,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project, the beneficiary of their 15th annual Food & Wine Classic.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Area General Manager Sean Verney presented a check to Wounded Warrior Project Community Fundraising Specialist Lily Adix at the conclusion of the two-night event. The donation, funded by event proceeds, reflects the property’s commitment to community service.
Founded in 2003, Wounded Warrior Project, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, supports veterans who served post-9/11 and experienced physical or mental injuries. The nonprofit offers free programs and services like mental health counseling, career guidance, and long-term rehabilitation.
“The support we’re receiving from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic helps Wounded Warrior Project honor and empower warriors in their communities,” said Brea Kratzert Todd, Wounded Warrior Project vice president of business development. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, warriors and their families never pay a penny for our programs and services.”
Enchanting Elegance: The New Belle Dooney and Bourke Collection Is Here Now!
Disney fans and fashion enthusiasts alike will be captivated by the latest enchanting Belle Dooney and Bourke collection featuring the beloved Disney Princess Belle. This exquisite line of accessories brings the magic of “Beauty and the Beast” to life, with stunning designs that celebrate the timeless tale of love and courage.
The centerpiece of the collection is the Belle Dooney and Bourke Crossbody Bag. This charming accessory showcases a repeating allover print featuring a captivating portrait of Belle, framed within a delicate filigree border adorned with red roses. The compact design and adjustable shoulder strap make it the perfect companion for everyday adventures.
For those seeking a more spacious option, the Belle Dooney & Bourke Tote Bag is an ideal choice. This spacious tote features a striking image of Belle on one side, accompanied by a branch of red roses. The reverse side showcases Belle’s graceful hand clutching a single rose. The long leather carry straps ensure comfortable and stylish carrying.
Completing the collection is the Belle Dooney & Bourke Wristlet Wallet. This elegant wallet features the same enchanting design as the tote bag, with Belle’s portrait and the symbolic rose. The detachable wrist strap adds convenience and versatility.
This enchanting collection is a must-have for any Disney fan or fashionista. With its timeless designs and high-quality craftsmanship, the Belle Dooney and Bourke collection is sure to delight and inspire.
Disney Vacation Club Members to Get Exclusive Lounge at Magic Kingdom
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members will soon have a new haven to relax and recharge at Magic Kingdom. The first-ever Member Lounge at the park, named Disney Vacation Club McKim’s Mile House, is set to open in Frontierland by summer 2025.
This exclusive lounge will provide eligible DVC members and their guests with a comfortable and convenient retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of the park. Inspired by the adventurous spirit of exploration from a bygone era, the lounge promises a rustic and charming atmosphere.
Located in the heart of Frontierland, McKim’s Mile House will offer a variety of amenities for members to enjoy, including:
Relaxing Seating: Comfortable seating areas to unwind and escape the crowds.
Complimentary Refreshments: Enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks.
Dedicated Member Services: DVC Member Services representatives will be available to assist with vacation planning and answer questions.
Charging Stations: Recharge your devices and stay connected.
Themed Décor: Immerse yourself in the rustic charm of Frontierland with themed décor and ambiance.
This new addition further enhances the benefits of DVC membership, providing a dedicated space for members to relax and connect while enjoying the magic of Magic Kingdom. Stay tuned for more details on the lounge’s official opening date and offerings as we get closer to summer 2025.
Highlights Make yourself at home in the Member Lounge that features:
Comfortable seating
Complimentary soft drinks
A children’s entertainment area
Wi-Fi
Charging cords available upon request on a first-come, first-served basis
When & Where
Hours of Operation: To be announced
Location: Frontierland in Magic Kingdom park
Important Details
Valid Membership Card and photo ID required at check-in. The name on the Membership Card must match the name on the photo ID.
A Member can bring in up to 4 Guests per Membership Card, or the number of Guests on their Resort reservation, booked within their Membership.
Guests and Associates must be accompanied by a Member with a valid Membership Card and photo ID.
No automatic reentry allowed. Members and their Guests who leave the space must follow the same entry policy.
Strollers must be parked at the attraction stroller parking outside.
Children may not be left unattended in the Member Lounge.
Members should remain with their Guests.
Personal devices should not be left unattended.
Personal cups may not be used with the Coke Freestyle machines.
Theme park admission is required for entry to Magic Kingdom park and is not included.
Access to the Member Lounge is part of Membership Extras.
New Beach Club and Boardwalk Hot Chocolate Mug Ornaments: A Festive Duo
Disney’s Beach Club and Boardwalk Resorts have unveiled two delightful hot chocolate mug ornaments, perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to your home.
At the Beach Club Resort, you can find a charming Goofy gingerbread cookie ornament hanging onto a mug of hot cocoa. A miniature gingerbread lighthouse adds to the nautical theme, while the Beach Club logo is subtly displayed on the opposite side of the handle. This whimsical ornament is priced at $26.99.
Donald’s Jolly Holiday
Over at the Boardwalk Resort, Donald Duck takes center stage. This jolly ornament features Donald enjoying a cup of hot cocoa, with a gingerbread display adding a festive touch. The candy cane handle completes the delightful design. This ornament is also priced at $26.99.
These adorable mug ornaments are sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of Goofy or Donald, these collectible items are a must-have for any Disney enthusiast.
This Chip and Dale Holiday Postcard Glass Sketchbook Ornament Will Deliver Festive Cheer To Your Tree!
Just in time for the holiday season, Disney has unveiled a charming new ornament featuring the mischievous duo, Chip ‘n Dale. This unique glass ornament is shaped like a vintage holiday postcard, adding a nostalgic touch to your Christmas decor.
The front of the ornament showcases Chip and Dale, adorned with festive snowflakes and the cheerful message, “Jingle bell fun!” Their playful expressions and vibrant colors bring a sense of joy and wonder to the piece.
The back of the ornament mimics a postcard, complete with miniature Mickey and Minnie art. The frosted glitter sides add a touch of sparkle and whimsy. It’s the perfect way to send your holiday wishes to the North Pole.
Get Ready to Cook Up Some Holiday Magic with the Disney Christmas Cookbook!
Disney has released a delightful new cookbook perfect for young chefs. The Disney Christmas Cookbook is filled with 50 easy-to-follow recipes inspired by beloved Disney and Pixar characters. From breakfast to dessert, this cookbook has something for every little chef.
This cookbook is a great way to introduce kids to cooking and help them develop a love for food. It’s also a perfect gift for any young Disney fan. You can find it at Disney’s Beach Club Resort or online on Amazon for $14.54.
The recipes are designed to be fun and engaging, with colorful illustrations and simple instructions. Even the youngest cooks can whip up delicious treats like Belle’s Classic Winter Porridge or Pooh Bear’s Mini Honey Buns. For lunch, try Rapunzel’s Pumpkin Hazelnut Soup or Encanto-inspired Arepas de Queso. Dinner options include Lightning McQueen’s Pot Pie and Woody’s Cowboy Chili.
And don’t forget the sides, snacks, and drinks! Wreck-It Ralph’s Smashed Potatoes, Ariel’s Starfish Dip, and Never Land Hot Chocolate are just a few of the tasty treats you can make. For dessert, indulge in Sugar Rush Popcorn-Gumdrop Garland or Baymax S’mores Brownie Bites.
