Idalia Becomes Hurricane, Poses Major Threat to Florida: Evacuation Orders Issued
Idalia rapidly intensified into a hurricane early on Tuesday, setting its sights on Florida as a menacing major hurricane. At the latest update at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Idalia was positioned 85 miles north of the western tip of Cuba, boasting wind speeds of 75 mph and a northward pace of 14 mph.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that Idalia will traverse the eastern Gulf of Mexico today, target the Gulf coast of Florida within the Hurricane Warning area by Wednesday, and come close to the Carolina coastline on Thursday. The NHC also warns of swift intensification leading up to landfall, with Idalia expected to transform into an extremely perilous major hurricane before reaching land on Wednesday.
Regions spanning the west coast of Florida, the Florida Panhandle, southeast Georgia, and the eastern Carolinas should brace for 4 to 8 inches of rainfall from Tuesday through Thursday. Localized areas, particularly those near the anticipated landfall site in northern Florida, could witness even higher amounts, with totals of up to 12 inches possible.
Governor Ron DeSantis has issued evacuation orders for 21 counties. If you find yourself under such an order, it’s imperative to take it seriously and move to a safer location. Aim to travel tens of miles, rather than hundreds of miles, to reach a place of safety. Additionally, the NHC has highlighted the risk of life-threatening storm surges along segments of the Gulf Coast, with water levels projected to surge 8 to 12 feet above ground level in certain areas.
In response to Hurricane Idalia, Walt Disney World has released a statement. Despite their usual policy requiring a Hurricane Warning for fee waivers, they have announced that cancellation fees will be waived. The safety of guests remains a priority, and Disney World is closely monitoring the situation. Visitors should stay updated on any further announcements from the resort.
Disney World Waiving Change & Cancellation Fees Due to Idalia
As Tropical Storm Idalia makes its way towards Florida, Disney has updated its Hurricane Cancellation Policy. Disney is waiving change & cancellation fees for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 4, 2023.
The weather update on Disney World’s website states:
“At this time, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 4, 2023.
If a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area—or for your place of residence—within 7 days of your scheduled arrival date, you may reschedule or cancel your Walt Disney Travel Company Disney Resort Hotel Package and most room only reservations (booked directly with Disney) without any cancellation or change fees imposed by Disney. If you booked directly with a Travel Agent, please contact the Agent or Tour Operator for assistance. For Guests who booked on disneyworld.com or booked directly by calling Disney, most room-only and vacation packages can be modified, or cancelled online, including changes to travel dates.
If you have products and services provided by third-party suppliers included in your vacation—such as airlines, hotels, car rental agencies or travel insurance companies—you will continue to be responsible for any non-refundable payments, as well as cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers. The policy does not apply to certain special events or dining experiences.”
Disney also states that the Disney World Resort is currently operating under normal conditions. They continue to closely monitor the path of the projected weather and continue to prioritize the safety of guests and Cast Members.
Any guests with check-in dates between now and September 4, 2023, may want to consider rescheduling or canceling their reservation.
Have you ever had a hurricane impact your Disney vacation?
If you’d like to plan your next Disney vacation, contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are free, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation.
Disney Springs Area Hotels Offer Magical Fall Promotion Offering 20% Off
Disney Springs area hotels are offering 20% off on stays this fall! If you are planning on visiting Disney World soon, you might want to take advantage of this promotion.
Stay near the magic at a Disney Springs Resort Area Hotel! The following hotels are offering this deal:
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton
Drury Plaza Hotel
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Holiday Inn
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
Book your stay by November 30, 2023, for stays September 5-December 21, 2023.
Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates do not include the Resort Services Fee or daily parking fee (if applicable), taxes or gratuities. The offer is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or for groups.
Have you ever stayed at a Disney Springs resort hotel?
Ready to plan your next Disney World trip? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical vacation!
NEW! First Look at Walt Disney Animation Studios Mural Coming to The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
A new Walt Disney Animation Studios mural is coming to The Villas at Disneyland Hotel! Beginning on Sept. 28, guests can find this one-of-a-kind mural full of hidden Mickeys and scenes from some of your favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios films.
The stunning 12-story tower will surround guests with decades of Walt Disney Animation Studios history and storytelling from the moment they enter the new tower, as they are greeted by this beautiful mural created exclusively for the tower by Lorelay Bové, associate production designer on Disney Animation’s Academy Award-winning “Encanto.”
Born and raised in Spain, art has always been a way of life for her. Bové is a veteran of the Disney Animation visual development team, contributing artwork and design to the Oscar-winning films “Big Hero 6” and “Zootopia,” as well as other fan favorites such as “The Princess and the Frog,” “Tangled,” “Winnie the Pooh” and “Wreck-It Ralph.”
Bové has also provided illustrations for several Little Golden Books, including “The Princess and the Frog,” “Toy Story: Ride ‘em Cowboy!” and “Wreck-It Ralph.” Her work has also been featured at the New Orleans Museum of Art’s exhibition “Dreams Come True: Art of the Classic Fairy Tales from The Walt Disney Studios,” as well as other art exhibits around the world.
I had the opportunity to chat with Bové about how her extraordinary mural came to life.
What has been your experience working on the mural for The Villas at Disneyland Hotel?
It was an honor. In a way, the mural is a celebration of Disney Animation all in one image.
I thought, “Okay, how am I going to compose all these amazing movies that are cherished over the years by everyone?” and “How am I going to make it not overwhelming, so everything has its own vignette?” I wanted to have the characters in their own worlds, because I wanted to respect their worlds in their films. To me, that was important. When guests look at it, the viewer is immersed into each of the vignettes individually as they travel through the mural.
The Villas at Disneyland Hotel is inspired by the creative process artists experience when creating an animated film. What was the process like to bring this artwork to life?
First, I got a list of the movies that we wanted to showcase. Then, the first part of the process is thumbnailing. I started sketching vignettes and began to see how I could compose it to make them fit nicely — adding “The Lion King” here, and Mirabel from “Encanto” there. Of course, I was already thinking that characters, like Baymax from “Big Hero 6” or Sisu from “Raya and the Last Dragon,” could be flying. There are also iconic things from each movie in the mural. For example, in “Fantasia” you have Sorcerer Mickey up on that mountain, and that makes sense to be higher in the frame.
My partners were excited, and they asked me to add a few more characters. We added Star from “Wish” up on the hill above the mountain with Anna and Elsa from “Frozen.”
The next step was to create a color key by planning out the colors and seeing if everything fit together. There‘s a lot of green and turquoise. Then, you have a sunset that is placed throughout the whole sky — that was a way to tie everything together. Once the color is final, then I go in and paint everything!
There are so many different films represented in this piece. What is the most exciting part about bringing all these timeless Disney Animation stories together?
To me, it was revisiting each movie and enjoying those moments that are just so precious in each film. I grew up with Disney, like a lot of people, and being able to work on the newer films and celebrate past films was just a treat.
Are there any fun hidden gems in the mural that guests should look out for when they visit?
Yes! There are several “hidden Mickeys” scattered throughout the mural.
Do you have a favorite Disney Animation film you have worked on?
It’s so hard! I enjoyed the first movie I worked on, which was “The Princess and the Frog.” I loved the process of working on that film. “Encanto” was also something that I had a lot of passion for, and it turned out so beautifully. It was great to hear that the characters resonated with all people and felt like they were seen.
What does being part of The Villas at Disneyland Hotel mean to you?
It makes me really happy to hear that the Disney Animation legacy continues – and there’s no other studio that has that legacy. It goes way back generations. People get to enjoy their vacation in a Disney environment, and that’s special.
This role is a dream. I always tell everyone that this isn’t work for me, it’s what I would do on my own time. I’m very lucky!
Are you looking forward to The Villas at Disneyland Hotel opening next month?
Ready to plan your next Disneyland trip? Contact me for a free vacation quote! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel and my services are complimentary.
Aerial photos provide a glimpse into the construction at EPCOT
Anyone who has visited EPCOT recently is well aware of the massive amount of construction going on at the park. The entire front section of the park, formally known as Futureworld, is being transformed into unique neighborhoods. Twitter user Bioreconstruct recently shared an aerial view of the construction.
The photo appears to be from the perspective of the World Showcase looking toward the front of the park and focuses on World Celebration
The large building in the left foreground is Communicore Hall, which is intended to serve as a hub for all festival-related activities happening toward the front of the park.
The 5-ring EPCOT logo is also evident in the center of the image. The area just behind the EPCOT logo will become dreamers point, where the statue of Walt Disney will eventually be installed.
Construction of World Celebration is slated to be completed this fall. World Celebration, the future home of Communicore Plaza as well as Communicore Hall, will feature seasonal gardens and will anchor the park’s renowned festivals. Dreamers Point, an inspiring overlook showcasing a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer”, will also be located here.
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
Disney World Issues Statement on Tropical Storm Idalia
Walt Disney World has just issued a statement on Tropical Storm Idalia which is getting closer to the State of Florida. The statement was posted on the Disney World Weather Updates & Information page.
“Walt Disney World is currently operating under normal conditions. We are closely monitoring the path of the projected weather as we continue to prioritize the safety of our Guests and Cast Members.”
Also listed on the Disney World Weather update page was a link to their Hurricane Policy.
As of the latest projections, Tropical Storm Idalia is anticipated to reach Florida’s shores on the morning of Wednesday, August 30th.
Walt Disney World has a standard Hurricane Policy that traditionally requires a Hurricane Warning to be in effect in order for cancellation or change fees to be exempted. Nevertheless, a modification has been made to this policy, and now the resort is granting waivers for these fees.
“Guests may reschedule their trip or cancel their stay with us; any customary Disney-imposed cancellation fees will be waived. Modifications or cancellations can now be made online for the impacted period and Disney-imposed fees will be automatically waived.”
“At this time, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in dates of August 28, 2023 through September 4, 2023.”
We will keep you informed should the resort decide to implement any closures or take other measures due to the inclement weather situation.
Disney+ Canceling Nautilus 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Series
Today brought another casualty for Disney+ when it was announced that the UK based Captain Nemo project “Nautilus” was not moving forward. Disney announced in May that it would be scaling back on upcoming shows and content on the platform as part of a content write-off. All of these moves are a part of a larger plan mentioned by Disney CEO Bob Iger who hinted that Disney will scrutinize its content offerings moving forward.
Disney also announced that it would be canceling “Doogie Kamealoha M.D.” after two seasons and has pulled “The Spiderwick Chronicles” from the streamer before airing even a single episode. “Spiderwick” had completed production, but the show will never air.
Like The Spiderwick Chronicles,Nautilus has been filmed; it started shooting back in February of 2022 over in Australia. Nautilus was announced during the 2021 Edinburgh TV Festival. Disney+ is working with the production team to find a new berth for Nautilus at another studio.
Disney has a storied history with 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. This classic Disney film released in 1954, based on Jules Verne’s novel of the same name. This captivating adventure followed the journey of Captain Nemo and his technologically advanced submarine, the Nautilus, as they explore the depths of the ocean.
The film combined elements of science fiction, exploration, and maritime intrigue, offering audiences a visually stunning underwater world filled with exotic creatures and mysteries. With its innovative special effects for its time, charismatic performances, and a timeless sense of wonder, Disney’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” continues to be celebrated as a significant contribution to cinematic history and an iconic part of the Disney legacy.
Share your thoughts on this most recent cancelation at Disney. Are you sad to see the Nautilus set sail for foreign waters? Share your opinion in a comment.
The Spiderwick Chronicles Canceled By Disney+ Before Even Airing
Deadline is reporting that Disney is not moving forward with “The Spiderwick Chronicles” as part of their ongoing restructuring of their digital library and holdings. This is the latest move for Disney, which also canceled “Doogie Kamealoha M.D.” after two seasons on the streaming service. The Spiderwick Chronicles was a live-action adaptation of the children’s book series, and it is now being shopped to other potential networks.
The eight episode series from Paramount Television Studios and 20th Television has been completed and was set to premiere on Disney+ before getting axed. Disney and other media companies have been culling the herd of titles as of late. Shows like “Spiderwick” Chronicles are being used for tax write-off purposes.
Iger spoke to this strategy not long ago on CNBC where he placed a heavy emphasis on content creation moving forward. The Spiderweb Chronicles was first announced as part of the Disney+ Day in November 2021. Production began last September in Canada with filming wrapping in early 2023.
The Spiderwick Chronicles, authored by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, is a captivating fantasy series that follows the extraordinary adventures of the Grace siblings – Jared, Simon, and Mallory – as they stumble upon a hidden realm filled with magical creatures and danger.
Discovering a mysterious book written by their great-great-uncle Arthur Spiderwick, the children uncover a world of faeries, goblins, and other mystical beings existing right under their noses. As they strive to protect the secrets of this magical realm from malevolent forces, the Grace children navigate a treacherous path, balancing their own survival with the preservation of a hidden fantastical world.
Rumor has it that Disney will learn heavily into Disney-owned IP moving forward with some exceptions. Stay tuned for more updates on The Spiderwick Chronicles and other shows on Disney+. What are your thoughts on the cancellation of “The Spiderwick Chronicles” at Disney? Share your opinion on this news and other cancelled projects on the network in a comment.
Fans are petitioning Disney to bring the beloved Citizens of Hollywood back to Hollywood Studios
The Citizens of Hollywood were hands down my favorite part of a visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. My family and I were recently reflecting on some of the amazing interactions with had with this fun group of actors during past trips, and all agreed the atmosphere (aka ‘streetmosphere’) on Hollywood Boulevard is just not the same without them. It appears many other Disney fans agree with us, as a petition is circulating to bring them back!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the park that brings back the old Hollywood era into the modern day while incorporating the current films that families love. It’s where the young and the young-at-heart can come together to appreciate the movie magic of the past, present, and future, all in one beautiful park.
While each Walt Disney World park has its own unique identity and has different elements that set each one apart, Disney’s Hollywood Studios had something that certainly brought their streets to life. That something, or rather, someone was a streetmosphere improv group of comedians known as the Citizens of Hollywood.
From opening day of Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney’s MGM Studios), the Citizens of Hollywood entertained audiences day-in and day-out every day until the parks closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, for 31 years, they had helped create many memories for families who traveled from all over the world to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As of 2023, the Citizens of Hollywood have not been brought back home.
In this petition, I am asking Walt Disney World to please bring back the Citizens of Hollywood to Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Citizens of Hollywood were and still are a crucial part of not only entertainment but the park as a whole.
Without the Citizens of Hollywood, there is no heart to the park. The incredibly talented actors who brought each of the citizens to life brought so much energy, joy, magic, and love to the streets of Hollywood.
Whether it was doing a full-blown comedy competition or driving around in their cars, the Citizens of Hollywood made everlasting connections with guests that could not be recreated anywhere else. They brought Old Hollywood to life in a fun and refreshing way that was both hilarious and nostalgic.
There is no Disney’s Hollywood Studios without the Citizens of Hollywood. So I implore Disney to bring the Citizens of Hollywood home and kindly ask for those who have interacted with the Citizens, to sign this petition and show your support for these fabulous stars.
Thank you.
Bring Back The Citizens Of Hollywood to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Petition
Nearly 1,000 people have signed the petition since it launched on August 20th, with more and more signatures being added every day. The Citizens of Hollywood added an immersive and interactive flair to Hollywood Boulevard, and the park just isn’t the same without them. We hope Disney takes this petition to heart and brings the Citizens of Hollywood back home to Hollywood Studios.
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
Shiki-Sai is an all-new restaurant that recently opened in the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT. Featuring savory skewers, crispy tempura, succulent sushi rolls and hearty okonomiyaki, Shiki-Sai should be on your must-do list for your next trip to Walt Disney World. We were able to capture a few images of the restaurant for you!
Shiki-Sai is located above the Mitsukoshi Department Store in the Japan pavilion. Guests can take stair or an elevator to the restaurant, which is located in the same area as Teppan Edo.
An large open sushi bar is located on the left side of the restaurant, allowing guests to dine while also watching the chefs at work.
Guests who do not want to sit at the sushi bar can sit at one of the traditional tables available throughout the restaurant.
Availability at Shiki-Sai is very limited, however same-day reservations may be available. To ensure you are able to dine here, advanced dining reservations are highly recommended.
Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!
The closure of Poseidon’s Fury provides the perfect opportunity to expand the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an immersive and awe-inspiring land that is spread between two parks at Universal Orlando Resort: Islands of Adventure, where you can explore Hogsmeade Village, and Universal Studios Florida, where you can shop like a Hogwarts student at Diagon Alley. The two lands are connected by the Hogwarts Express, allowing fans to live their best wizard (or witch) life and recreate scenes from the beloved books and films.
Despite the impressive amount of space each section of the Wizarding World takes up, these sections of the park are generally VERY busy. There are times when the castle lights are being projected on Hogwarts Castle that the crowds get so heavy it is nearly impossible to navigate through the land, and the line for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure often expends out of Hogsmeade and into The Lost Continent. The crowd levels and continued popularity of the land point towards expansion of The Wizarding World as the next logical step.
Recently, Universal closed the Poseidon’s Fury attraction. Poseidon’s Fury was really the only attraction that made The Lost Continent continue to make sense. The land is REALLY well themed, but the closure of Poseidon’s Fury leaves Mythos (a restaurant) as the only big draw for this area, with a handful of shops and two quick service locations being the only other items in The Lost Continent.
The Lost Continent is located directly East of Hogsmeade, allowing the Wizarding World to easily expand to a neighboring land. The area provides quite a bit of space, especially considering the fairly impressive size of the Poseidon’s Fury show building. Poseidon’s Fury was a walkthrough attraction, and this same tech could be re-purposed to provide a similar walkthrough-like experience for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, such as an experience walking through the forbidden forest. A complete re-theme of the area would result in some headaches in the short term, as you would reduce the number of paths into and out of Hogsmeade to one, but would certainly provide an adequate return on investment in the long run.
Universal recently added an entire Minions Land to Universal Studios Florida, and it appears an all-new Dreamworks Land (featuring characters from the hit Trolls, Shrek, and Kung Fu Panda franchies) will debut in 2024 to replace the now defunct KidZone space at Universal Orlando Resort. These expansions, coupled with the construction of the new Epic Universe park, demonstrate Universal’s commitment to expansion and renovation. The Lost Continent now truly lives up to its name, as it has become a continent without a purpose, and repurposing the area to be an expansion to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the perfect use for this space.
It is becoming more and more obvious Universal needs to do SOMETHING with the lost continent, as a handful of shops and a talking fountain do not seem to make good use out of the precious space available inside Islands of Adventure. The popularity of The Wizarding World make an expansion of Hogsmeade a logical step for Universal, and the location of The Lost Continent make this the perfect spot for expansion.
Do you think Universal should expand Hogsmeade into The Lost Continent? If so, do you think the entire area should be re-themed, or just the Poseidon’s Fury building? Leave us a comment to let us know!
Ready to book your next epic vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Univeral Orlando vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel specializing in Univeral destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Univeral vacation package through me!
Disneyland Paris Unveils Exciting Lineup for the Upcoming Months
This exciting lineup includes the return of the iconic Halloween and Christmas seasons, the launch of three colorful experiences to usher in the new year, the eagerly anticipated reopening of the Disneyland Hotel, the introduction of a new interactive show in the spring and more surprises!
Disney Halloween Festival Returns from October 1 to November 5, 2023
The traditional Disney Halloween Festival returns to Disneyland Paris from October 1 through November 5. This year, three different teams will undertake a challenge to show foolish mortals what the tr-oooooo spirit of Halloween is about. After all, ghouls just want to have fun!
The Mischief Makers: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and their friends will embrace a ‘trick or treat’ mindset to celebrate the spooky season in the most playful way. Together, they are making some mischievous plans for children and grown-ups alike to have the most hilarious ha-ha-ha-lloween of their lives. The prankish team will participate in Mickey’s Halloween Celebration, a devilishly entertaining cavalcade that will invite guests to clap their hands and stomp their feet as it makes its way through Disneyland Park. To keep the fun going, guests will also have an opportunity to spend some eerie-sistible moments alongside these beloved Disney Characters, who will be decked out in their most boo-tiful Halloween costumes.
The Disney Villains: Maleficent, Captain Hook, and Jafar will also participate in this chilling challenge. Needless to say that they intend to make their team stand out! Thus, throughout the ghostly season, guests will get to experience some fiendishly fun encounters with a bunch of Disney Villains in Disneyland Park. And when the moon rises, the evilest characters will offer one last spooktacular moment for the most daring souls. During ANightfall with Disney Villains – a mesmerizing sequence that will take place before the Disney Dreams®! nighttime show – Disney Villains will take over Sleeping Beauty Castle to bring guests on a spellbinding journey featuring a powerful combination of fountains, video projections, and music.
The Mysterious Hosts: Phantom Manor is undoubtedly the place to be when days shorten, and leaves start to fall. And it just so happens that its happy ghosts have materialized to play some tricks on all of the foolish mortals who dare to trespass through the gates of this gloomy property. Those who will manage to exit the infamous estate will then be invited to hop over to Walt Disney Studios Park, where they will get to explore another mysterious place – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. However, they should be warned that they may get transported into another dimension!
Halloween festivities will also take over the Park’s restaurants and shops, where devilishly delicious food & beverage offerings and a range of fang-tastic souvenirs inspired by the different teams will be made available for the greatest pleasure of food and shopping enthusiasts.
This year, for October 31st, opening hours will be extended so that day guests can fully experience an extra Halloween atmosphere until the Park’s closure.
A Celebration of 100 Years of Magic on October 16, 2023
Over the last century, Disney has enchanted the world by bringing timeless stories and unforgettable characters to life. All of these magical moments would not have happened if it was not for the countless generations of fans and families who have embraced Disney magic and all the incredible artists whose vision, creative talents, and imagination have played an instrumental role in making this dream a reality.
Disneyland Paris will celebrate this historic milestone in an exceptional way by treating its guests to a unique entertainment lineup and exclusive Disney experiences on the day Disney blows out its 100 candles. October 16, 2023, is going to be a day to remember!
Disney Enchanted Christmas from November 11, 2023, to January 7, 2024
Beginning in early November, the magic of Christmas will fill the air at Disneyland Paris, giving guests an opportunity to get into the holiday spirit and spend cherished moments alongside their loved ones. With its majestic Christmas tree standing 24 meters high, twinkling lights, enchanting and warm atmosphere, and snowflakes falling on Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland Park is the perfect place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
During the day and at night, the entrancing Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade will wrap guests in the magic of the holidays with its catchy song and five festive-themed floats featuring Mickey and his friends, Disney Princesses and even Santa Claus! Altogether, nearly 100 performers Disney Characters and artists will spread yuletide cheer for everyone’s enjoyment. In November 2022, this parade was recognized with the Brass Ring Award for “Most Creative Christmas / Holiday Show” by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).
The magical merriment will not stop there! The traditional Let’s Sing Christmas! show will invite guests to sing along to the most heartwarming Christmas carols, while various greetings will give them a golden opportunity to snap a wonderful holiday family photo alongside Santa Claus and Disney Characters dressed in their holiday best.
Besides, food lovers won’t need to bring some corn for popping, as the resort will expand its food and beverage offerings with many seasonal specialties. The magical winter market L’Hiver Gourmand will even return from November 10, 2023, through March 17, 2024, with its stylish chalets that serve a wide variety of holiday dishes and treats. In addition to treating their taste buds to a delicious cup of hot chocolate, guests will get to check off some items on their holiday planning checklist, as shops in the Parks and Disney Village will be filled with seasonal souvenirs for decking the halls, filling up stockings and dressing in holiday style!
This year, Disney VoluntEARS (Cast Members who take part in volunteer activities) will once again bring joy and magic to hospitalized children as they step into Santa’s elves’ shoes to distribute thousands of gifts in the pediatric wards of many hospitals across France, making Christmas merrier for those who need it the most.
Disneyland Paris will ring in the New Year in an exceptional way, as the resort will extend its opening hours and treat its day guests to a festive lineup on December 31, 2023.
The Grand Opening of Rosalie in Disney Village in December 2023
Located at the crossroads between the theme parks and Disney Hotels, Disney Village is undergoing the most ambitious transformation in its history. To further elevate the experience delivered by the retail, dining, and entertainment complex, the resort will team up with renowned brands, such as Groupe Bertrand, that will soon operate an all-new French brasserie named Rosalie. When it opens in December, this family restaurant will offer awe-inspiring views over Lake Disney and a refined atmosphere.
Disney Symphony of Colors: a Burst of Highly Colorful New Experiences as of January 8, 2024
Starting January 8, life will be as colorful and joyful as in a movie at Disneyland Park! Over the first few weeks of the new year, Disneyland Paris will gradually introduce a series of exciting experiences that will add some colors to cloudy winter days: Disney Symphony of Colors.
This exceptional lineup will kick off in the most spectacular way, as a brand-new nighttime sequence will give guests the feeling of seeing a parade flying above the resort! Every day at nightfall, guests will be invited to gather in front of the Castle to embark on a dazzling journey featuring a magical combination of fountains, lights, video projections, and synchronized drones that will draw animated floats in the air as a nod to an iconic experience that once lit up the night at Disneyland Paris.
The fun will not stop there, as guests will also be given a chance to dance and enjoy some highly colorful moments during an all-new, energy-packed show. This original show – which will be performed several times a day in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle – will celebrate the amazing animation of Disney and Pixar by bringing together Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and many other beloved Disney and Pixar Characters, such as Timon (The Lion King), Joy (Inside Out) and Mirabel (Encanto), who will appear in a show at Disneyland Park for the first time.
Also in February, Tinker Bell will spread her magical pixie dust on Main Street, U.S.A. to turn a wintery setting into a flowery environment, showcasing all of the wonderful colors of nature.
The Grand Reopening of the Disneyland Hotel – First Quarter of 2024
As part of the ongoing transformation of Disneyland Paris, the iconic five-star Disneyland Hotel is being royally “reimagined!”
When it reopens in the first quarter of 2024, the Disneyland Hotel will become the very first Disney Hotel to bring guests on a majestic journey celebrating Disney royalty.
This ultimate experience at Disneyland Paris will transport queens and kings of all ages into the worlds of the most iconic royal characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ classics, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Frog, and recent movies that have been “crowned” with success, like Frozen, Moana and Raya and the Last Dragon. Thereupon, guests will be able to draw their inspiration from their favorite royal stories to write their own fairy tales.
The reopening date of the Disneyland Hotel and more information will be unveiled when bookings open on September 12.
AMusical Extravaganza Inspired by the Whimsical World of Alice in Wonderland – Spring of 2024
Children and grown-ups alike will get to discover an energy-packed musical show that will bring together various types of performers. To top it all off, they will have the unique opportunity to influence the outcome of this show.
