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Parade, Stage Shows, and Fireworks Schedule for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Revealed

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Mickey Mouse and friends are dressed in their holiday finest and ready to celebrate the season at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Holiday magic abounds throughout the four theme parks, Disney Resort hotels and other locations that make up the 40-square-mile resort. Itโ€™s a Santaโ€™s Bag of fun with spectacular entertainment, festive dรฉcor and holiday treats. (Steven Diaz, Photographer)
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We have the latest details on the Parade, Stage Shows, and Fireworks Schedule for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ready for you

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is the Christmas event of the season. The annual party, which kicks off on Thursday, November 9th, brings a myriad of special holiday events, including fireworks, parades, character meet and greets, and more to guests. We have compiled all of the latest details on the show times for the events and have them ready to share with you!

Related: Donald Duck Christmas Tree Sipper & More Coming to Disney World for the Holidays

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Mickeyโ€™s Most Merriest Celebration

This stage show, which stars Mickey Mouse and Friends, will be held in front of Cinderella Castle during the Christmas Party at 7:40 pm, 9:25 pm, 10:35 pm, and 11:55 pm.

olaf-surprise

Frozen Holiday Surprise

A projection-based replacement for the former dream light lighting, this show stars Olaf, Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff will run at 6:15 pm and 8:15 pm on party nights. The show will feature Olaf and 100 of the adorable little snowmen from Frozen 2 as they decorate Cinderella Castle with a variety of Christmas decorations.

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Mickeyโ€™s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

This fan-favorite holiday parade which stars all of your favorite Disney characters will run on party nights at 8:30 pm and 11:00 pm.

Related: Food and Beverage Guide to the Holidays at Disney World Theme Parks & Hotels

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Minnieโ€™s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show

The special Fireworks show will run on party nights at 10:00 p.m.

Are you attending the Christmas Party this year? If so which of the special events are you most looking forward to?


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 specializing 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!

Festive Disney Light Up Ornament Ear Headband For This Holiday Season!

Disney Light Up Ornament Ear Headband
Disney Light Up Ornament Ear Headband

Festive Disney Light Up Ornament Ear Headband For This Holiday Season!

A cast of some of Disney’s most colorful characters have been brought together on this Disney Light Up Ornament Ear Headband! You can get it online at shopDisney for $39.99.

Related – New Holiday Red Plaid Minnie Ears Arrived At Walt Disney World!

This headband features beloved Disney characters like Genie, Bambi, Thumper, Cheshire Cat, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Simba, Dumbo and Stitch on the front and back. It’s also adorned with a puffy gold bow and to make it even more fun, it also lights up!

Definitely a must have Minnie ears pair that will brighten up any occasion.

Disney Classics Christmas Mug And Coaster Set Available At Magic Kingdom!

Disney Classics Christmas Mug And Coaster Set
Disney Classics Christmas Mug And Coaster Set

Disney Classics Christmas Mug And Coaster Set Available At Magic Kingdom!

Show off your animated spirit throughout a season of glad time gatherings with this Disney Classics Christmas Mug And Coaster Set! A perfect mug to have your favorite beverage every morning and start your day in a magical and festive way.

You can get it at Magic Kingdom and online at shopDisney for $29.99!

Related – This New Lizzie McGuire Mug Is Seriously Cool!

This mug is mint green with characters that include Santa Mickey, Mrs. Santa Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Huey, Dewey, Louie, Goofy, Pluto, Chip ‘n Dale, Bambi, Thumper, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket and Simba at Fantasyland Castle! It also has a coater with Alice, the Cheshire Cat, Stitch and Dumbo.

Take a closer look at this mug and coaster set in our Instagram post:

New Stitch Holiday Plush Spotted At Magic Kingdom!

Stitch Holiday Plush
Stitch Holiday Plush

New Stitch Holiday Plush Spotted At Magic Kingdom!

Make this Stitch Holiday Plush part of your Ohana and have an out of this world holiday season! You can find him at Magic Kingdom or online at shopDisney for $29.99.

Related – Adorable Chip And Dale Holiday Plush At Magic Kingdom!

Stitch is wearing a holiday sweater in light blue and red and a little mistletoe on his head making him look extra festive! He will definitely make a great cuddly buddy this holiday season.

You can take a closer look at this plush in our Instagram post:

Adorable Chip And Dale Holiday Plush At Magic Kingdom!

Chip And Dale Holiday Plush
Chip And Dale Holiday Plush

Adorable Chip And Dale Holiday Plush At Magic Kingdom!

Go nutty for the holidays just like our favorite chimpmuck duo with this Chip And Dale Holiday Plush we found at Magic Kingdom, as well as, online at shopDisney for $34.99!

Related – New Holiday Red Plaid Minnie Ears Arrived At Walt Disney World!

Chip And Dale Holiday Plush

Chip features a red holiday coat and red Santa hat and Dale is looking festive in his green coat and red hat. An adorable plush set that will make a perfect addition to your home this holiday season!

You can take a closer look at it and other holiday items in our Instagram post:

New Holiday Red Plaid Minnie Ears Arrived At Walt Disney World!

Red Plaid Minnie Ears
Red Plaid Minnie Ears

New Holiday Red Plaid Minnie Ears Arrived At Walt Disney World!

The holiday season is officially upon us! These Red Plaid Minnie Ears will help you look magical in style during your visit to the parks or any other fun adventure, you can find them at Animal Kingdom, as well as, online at shopDisney for $34.99.

Related – Donald Duck Christmas Tree Sipper & More Coming to Disney World for the Holidays

This headband features red plaid ears and headband with a red velvet puffy bow with pearls and gemstones for an extra sparkle! A perfect combination of holiday cheer and Disney magic.

You can take a closer look at this headband in our Instagram post:

Donald Duck Christmas Tree Sipper & More Coming to Disney World for the Holidays

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Donald Duck Christmas Tree Sipper

All new popcorn buckets and sippers coming to Walt Disney World this holiday season

Popcorn Buckets and Sippers have become popular collectible items for Walt Disney World fans, with limited edition offerings often finding themselves on display on a shelf rather than in use to hold popcorn or drinks at the parks. Get ready to sip and snack in style as we unveil the festive Disney World treasures that are sure to top the wish list of every guest this holiday season!

Related: More Christmas Decorations Arrive in the Magic Kingdom for the Holidays

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The Donald Duck Christmas Tree Sipper is making its grand entrance this year. This adorable sipper will surely quack up a smile with its unique design and festive flair, becoming an instant hit amongst guests looking for that perfect holiday quencher. The sipper is launching at Mickeyโ€™s Very Merry Christmas Party at select locations in Magic Kingdom Park starting Nov. 9, and will then be available in select locations at Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom Park, and Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studios starting Nov. 11.

The super cute Mickey Mouse Toy Soldier Bucket is also new this year. The bucket provides a fun Disney twist on the classic Christmas icon. The bucket will march into the hearts of Disney fans and collectors on November 9th, exclusively available at popcorn carts dotting the Magic Kingdom Park during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. There are no current plans announced to add these buckets to any other park or make them available outside of the Christmas party.

Related: Mickeyโ€™s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade Added During Regular Park Hours

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The Gold Musical Rotating Tin brings a touch of elegance to the holiday lineup this year. Starting November 11th, these golden treasures will be spinning their way through popcorn carts across all four parks, and will also be available at Disney Springs.

All of these items have a limit of two per person, per transaction;ย available while supplies last. These buckets and sippers are always very popular and do sell out, so be sure to snag one if you see one!

Do any of these buckets or sippers catch your eye? Leave us a comment and let us know which is your favorite!


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 specializing 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!

Food and Beverage Guide to the Holidays at Disney World Theme Parks & Hotels

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Food-Beverage-Guide-to-the-Holidays-at-Disney-World-Theme-Park-Hotels

Food and Beverage Guide to the Holidays at Disney World Theme Parks & Hotels

‘Tis the season for delightful treats, and Walt Disney World Resort is ensuring that this year’s holiday goodies are nothing short of magical. The culinary maestros across the Resort have been working tirelessly to bring the joy of the season to every corner of the property. Their passion and creativity are evident on every plate, making it clear that they’ve all earned a spot on the nice list.

Whether you find yourself in a winter wonderland at the Resort, you’re in for a treat with delectable bites and sips that will dazzle your taste buds.

If you’re lucky enough to attend Mickeyโ€™s Very Merry Christmas Party, explore the enticing array of bites and sips available at Magic Kingdom both during the day and exclusively at the event, as detailed in the Food & Beverage Guide.

And for an extra sprinkle of sweetness, don’t miss the enchanting gingerbread displays at various Disney Resort Hotels and EPCOT.

Related – New Holiday Treats Now Available at Main Street Confectionery in the Magic Kingdom

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Disney Resort Hotels

Disneyโ€™s All-Star Movies Resort, Disneyโ€™s All-Star Music Resort, and Disneyโ€™s All-Star Sports Resort 

World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available Nov. 27 through Jan. 2; mobile order available)

  • Minnie Gingerbread Bundt Cake: Gingerbread Bundt cake with cream cheese icing (New) 

Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdom Lodge 

The Mara (Available Nov. 26 through Dec. 31) 

  • Mickey Santa Hat Tart: Vanilla tart with pistachio cake, chai mousse, and caramel ganache

Jambo House Lobby Pop-up Shop (Available Nov. 22 through Dec. 31) 

  • Gingeraffe Cookie: Sugar cookie, gingerbread cookie, white chocolate, M&Mโ€™S chocolate candies, and a holiday wreath (New)

Disneyโ€™s Art of Animation Resort and Disneyโ€™s Pop Century Resort 

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available Nov. 27 through Dec. 31; mobile order available)

  • Deer Holly Day Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with chocolate ganache and topped with a peanut butter-cream cheese buttercream
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Disneyโ€™s Beach Club Resort 

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop (Available Nov. 26 through Dec. 31)

  • Holiday Shake: Cookie butter milkshake with caramel drizzle and holiday sprinkles topped with a Christmas tree cupcake

Disneyโ€™s BoardWalk 

BoardWalk Deli (Mobile order available) 

  • Frosted Croissant Roll: Rolled croissant dough filled with a hot chocolate-marshmallow filling (New) (Available Nov. 27 through Jan. 2) 
  • Peppermint Brownie Cheesecake: Brownie base, peppermint cheesecake, and holiday sprinkles (Available Nov. 27 through Dec. 26)

Disneyโ€™s Caribbean Beach Resort 

Centertown Market (Mobile order available)

  • Snowman Blondie: Chocolate chip and peppermint blondie topped with brown butter-chocolate mousse, vanilla bean whipped cream, and white chocolate (Available Nov. 27 through Jan. 2) 
  • Peppermint Brownie Cheesecake: Brownie base, peppermint cheesecake, and holiday sprinkles (Available Nov. 27 through Dec. 26) 
Collage of Present Peppermint Brownie Pop, Holiday Cranberry Frangipane Cake, Snowman Choux, Holiday Ornament Cupcake

Disneyโ€™s Contemporary Resort 

Contempo Cafรฉ (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available) 

  • Holiday Cranberry Frangipane Cake: Almond frangipane with cranberry-cherry gel, white chocolate mousse, and salted honey whip (New) 

Disneyโ€™s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 

Gasparilla Island Grill (Available Dec. 1 through 31; mobile order available) 

  • Present Peppermint Brownie Pop: Brownie filled with house-made peppermint patty enrobed in white chocolate (New) 
  • Snowman Choux: Pรขte ร  choux filled with spiced mousse and chocolate Bavarian cream

Disneyโ€™s Old Key West Resort and Disneyโ€™s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa 

Goodโ€™s Food to Go and The Artistโ€™s Palette (Available through Jan. 2; mobile order available at The Artistโ€™s Palette only)

  • Holiday Ornament Cupcake: Christmas confetti cupcake, cream cheese mousse, and buttercream
Collage of 'Olu Mel Holiday Float, Jingle Jammer, Mele Kaliki Mai Tai, Tropical Snowstorm

Disneyโ€™s Polynesian Village Resort 

Capt. Cookโ€™s and Kona Island (Available Dec. 17 through 31; mobile order available at Capt. Cookโ€™s)

  • Tropical Holiday Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake, peppermint mousse, streusel, and chocolate dรฉcor

Pineapple Lanai (Available Dec. 1 through 31) 

  • โ€˜Olu Mel Holiday Float: DOLE Whip lime float with pineapple juice, โ€˜Olu Mel White chocolate piece, and strawberry popping candy 

Trader Samโ€™s Grog Grotto and Trader Samโ€™s Tiki Terrace (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 7) 

  • Jingle Jammer: Cranberry, pineapple, cinnamon, falernum, and a splash of fresh lime juice (Non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Mele Kaliki Mai Tai: Plantation Original Dark Rum, Bacardรญ Superior Rum, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram Liqueur, cranberry juice, orgeat, and cinnamon with a splash of fresh lime juice and a cinnamon stick
  • Tropical Snowstorm: Jack Danielโ€™s Tennessee Whiskey, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, coconut cream with cinnamon, orgeat, and falernum topped with cinnamon and nutmeg

Disneyโ€™s Port Orleans Resort โ€“ French Quarter and Disneyโ€™s Port Orleans Resort โ€“ Riverside

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory and Riverside Mill Food Court (Available Nov. 27 through Dec. 26; mobile order available)

  • Peppermint Brownie Cheesecake: Brownie base, peppermint cheesecake, and holiday sprinkles 

Scat Catโ€™s Club โ€“ Cafรฉ at Disneyโ€™s Port Orleans Resort โ€“ French Quarter 

  • Hot Cocoa Beignets: Trio of Mickey-shaped beignets with a dusting of hot cocoa powder, fudge drizzle, snowflake sprinkles, and a pipette of chocolate milk (New) (Available Dec. 1 through Jan. 31) 
Collage of Chocolate-Peppermint Santa and Hat Gingerbread Cookie

Disneyโ€™s Riviera Resort 

Le Petit Cafรฉ (Available Nov. 26 through Jan. 2)

  • Chocolate-Peppermint Santa Hat: Dark chocolate mousse, white chocolate-peppermint mousse, and a mint marshmallow
  • Gingerbread Cookie: European-style gingerbread, dark chocolate, and sugar glaze
Peppermint Igloo

Disneyโ€™s Wilderness Lodge 

Roaring Fork (Mobile order available) 

  • Peppermint Igloo: White chocolate igloo filled with white chocolate-peppermint mousse and dark chocolate cake (New) (Available Nov. 15 through Dec. 30) 
Walking in a Plant-based Snow Land

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Food Courts (Available Nov. 27 through Jan. 31; mobile order available) 

  • Walking in a Plant-based Snow Land: Chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream and a flurry of snowflake sprinklesย (Plant-based); Available at the following locations:
    • World Premiere Food Court at Disneyโ€™s All-Star Movies Resort 
    • Intermission Food Court at Disneyโ€™s All-Star Music Resort
    • End Zone Food Court at Disneyโ€™s All-Star Sports Resort
    • Landscape of Flavors at Disneyโ€™s Art of Animation Resort 
    • Centertown Market at Disneyโ€™s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disneyโ€™s Pop Century Resort
    • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disneyโ€™s Port Orleans Resort โ€“ Riverside 
    • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Disneyโ€™s Port Orleans Resort โ€“ French Quarter 

Available at Various Table-Service Restaurants (Available through Jan. 7) 

  • Gingerbread Martini: Grey Goose Vodka, RumChata Liqueur, and gingerbread spice featuring a rim of homemade gingerbread from the bakery teams 
Collage of Holiday Fruitcake Mule and Holiday Fruitcake Old-Fashioned

Available at Select Deluxe & Specialty Resort Locations (Available Nov. 27 through Jan. 1) 

  • Holiday Fruitcake Mule: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. apple blossom bitters, cranberry juice, and rosemary topped with ginger beer (New) 
  • Holiday Fruitcake Old-Fashioned: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. apple blossom bitters, cranberry, lemon, and rosemary (New)
Collage of Holiday Minnie Bundt Cake and Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce
Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studios 

ABC Commissary (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)

  • Holiday Minnie Bundt Cake: Spice cake rolled in cinnamon-sugar with apple pie filling topped with spiced maple buttercream and salted caramel icing
  • Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce (Non-alcoholic beverage) 
  • Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Cherry Bourbon topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce 
Collage of Red Velvet Whoopie Pie and Melted Snowman Sugar Cookie

Backlot Express (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)

  • Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake, candy cane buttercream, and holiday sprinkles
  • Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce (Non-alcoholic beverage) 
  • Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Cherry Bourbon topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce 

Hollywood Scoops (Available through Jan. 1) 

  • Candy Cane Milkshake: Chocolate cake doughnut, mint doughnut icing, and candy cane sprinkles

PizzeRizzo (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)

  • Melted Snowman Sugar Cookie: Sugar cookie with red and green sugar, white chocolate, marshmallow, dark chocolate top hat, raspberry-chocolate twigs, orange sprinkle, and chocolate-covered cocoa nibs
  • Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce (Non-alcoholic beverage) 
  • Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Cherry Bourbon topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce 
Collage of Santa Mickey Cupcake, Mickey Gingerbread Cookie, Hot Chocolate Lunch Box Tart, Holiday Mickey Brownie

Rosieโ€™s All-American Cafรฉ (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)

  • Santa Mickey Cupcake: Chocolate cake filled with mocha fudge and topped with red almond buttercream, white chocolate, and dark chocolate Mickey ears
  • Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce (Non-alcoholic beverage) 
  • Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa with Cherry Bourbon topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate sauce 

The Trolley Car Cafรฉ (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 1) 

  • Mickey Gingerbread Cookie 
  • Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake, candy cane buttercream, and holiday sprinkle

Woodyโ€™s Lunch Box (Available Nov. 11 through Jan. 31; mobile order available)

  • Hot Chocolate Lunch Box Tart: Chocolate fudge filling, hot chocolate-marshmallow fondant, and mini marshmallows

Dockside Diner and Outdoor Vending Carts Near Grand Avenue, the Tip Board, and the Main Entrance (Available through Jan. 1)

  • Holiday Mickey Brownie: Mickey-shaped chocolate brownie with holiday sprinkles
Collage of Merry Menagerie Cupcake and Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse
Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

Creature Comforts (Available Dec. 22 through 31) 

  • Mickey Holiday Mousse Dome: Amaretto-chocolate mousse, cherry-cranberry coulis, orange-chocolate cake, white chocolate glaรงage, and chocolate Mickey ears

Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Available Dec. 1 through 29; mobile order available) 

  • Merry Menagerie Cupcake: Gingerbread cupcake with cream cheese filling and frosting

Satuโ€™li Canteen (Available Dec. 22 through 31; mobile order) 

  • Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse: Peppermint-cream cheese mousse, peppermint sauce, peppermint candy pieces, and chocolate cookie crumbs
Peppermint ร‰clair
Magic Kingdom Park 

To see all the items from Mickeyโ€™s Very Merry Christmas Party and Magic Kingdom Park, check out the Foodie Guide

Cheshire Cafรฉ (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31; mobile order available)

  • Peppermint ร‰clair: Eclair filled with white chocolate peppermint mousse and topped with peppermint mousse and chocolate pieces (New)

Columbia Harbour House (Available Nov. 9 through Dec. 31; mobile order available)

  • Maple-Mustard Glazed Salmon served with green beans and rice (New)

So which item are you most excited to try at the Disney World Resort Hotels or Theme Parks?

Orlando Runner Repeats as Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Winner

2023 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
(Nov. 5, 2023) Ian Borderlon and Renee Kearns pose with their Encanto-themed medals after finishing the 2023 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon. Bordelon was the overall race winner while Kearns finished first in the womenโ€™s division. (Harrison Cooney, photographer)
2023 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
(Harrison Cooney, photographer)

Orlando Runner Repeats as Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Winner

Ian Bordelon needs no convincing that Walt Disney World Resort is truly The Most Magical Place on Earth. The local Orlando runner, residing just minutes from the Disney resort, once again showcased his prowess by clinching victory at the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon for the second consecutive year.

Related – First Look at 2023 runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Merchandise

2023 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
(Harrison Cooney, photographer)

Making the short drive to EPCOT on Sunday, Bordelon dominated the competition, crossing the finish line nearly two minutes ahead of the closest contender. His impressive winning time of 1:11:38 falls only about a minute short of the race record set by Jason Simpson in 2016.

2023 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
(Nov. 5, 2023) Renee Kearns of Littleton, Colo. wins the 2023 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon womenโ€™s division with a time of 1:23:55. Kearnsโ€™ husband, Ryan Kearns, placed second in the men’s division at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Harrison Cooney, photographer)

โ€œYeah, itโ€™s a blast,โ€™โ€™ Bordelon said of racing at Disney. โ€œYou train really hard. And so to come to an event like this where you can kind of relax a little bit and let loose and have a little bit of fun with all the other runners here, itโ€™s a blast and a blessing to be able to finish first.โ€™โ€™ย 

2023 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
(Harrison Cooney, photographer)

For the top female finisher, Renee Kearns, the 13.1-mile race was a family affair. Not only was she the first woman to cross the finish line (1:23:55), but her husband, Ryan Kearns (1:13:12), finished second among the men. Plus, they brought along their toddler son with them from their Littleton, Colorado home, making this his first trip to Walt Disney World. Now, they plan to spend Monday celebrating her win on her husbandโ€™s birthday. 

โ€œIt feels amazing,โ€™โ€™ Kearns said of winning with her family along for the ride. โ€œItโ€™s just good feelings all around.โ€™โ€™ 

Kearns said after the race that she didnโ€™t come to Disney expecting to win because, frankly, she had spent the last couple of days having a ball in the parks, experiencing attraction after attraction. 

โ€œWeโ€™ve been hitting the parks hard this week, so the legs are a little sore,โ€™โ€™ Kearns said. โ€œBut I had a good feeling around mile 4 that it was a potential for me.โ€™โ€™ย 

2023 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend
(Harrison Cooney, photographer)

In the wheelchair division, Heather Sealover from Bossier City, Louisiana finished first with a time of 1:02:33, while Nicholas McCoy of Boerne, Texas was the first male finisher at 1:10:34. 

Sundayโ€™s RunDisney half marathon was themed around the Disney animated film โ€œEncanto.โ€™โ€™ The course took runners from EPCOT to Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studios before finishing back at EPCOT. This evening, the runners will toast their achievements at an exclusive post-race party at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.ย ย 

Next up in theย runDisney race series is its signature event โ€“ the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (Jan. 3-7, 2024). The event features a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon, plus the Goofyโ€™s Race and a Half Challenge (half marathon and full marathon) and the Dopey Challenge (5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon).ย 

The following week theย runDisney race series returns to Disneyland Resort in California for the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (Jan. 11-14, 2024). That event includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and the Dumbo Double Dare (10K and half marathon), plus kidsโ€™ races, yoga, and a health and fitness expo.ย ย 

Go Behind the Scenes with Peyton Manning and Phil Simms for ESPN+ Original Series Peytonโ€™s Places

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Peyton’s Places heads to Magic Kingdom to investigate the origins of the iconic Disney Super Bowl spots

Peyton Manning, the former NFL quarterback who racked up 2 Super Bowl rings and wins against all 32 teams in the NFL during his 18-year career, is bringing his popular ESPN+ Show ‘Peyton’s Places‘ to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The episode explores the origins of the iconic ‘What’s Next’ Disney Super Bowl Spots.

Related: Holiday Decorations have Arrived at Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdom

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For those unaware, ‘What’s Next’ is a now-staple commercial that appears at the end of the Super Bowl. The ads go something like this: interviewer “Peyton Manning, you just won the Super Bowl, What’s Next.’ Peyton: ‘I’m going to Disney World (or Disneyland, depending on what park the team is heading to).’

peyton-manning-phil-sims-sword-in-the-stone

The day after the Super Bowl, the winning team gathers at Walt Disney World (or Disneyland) for a celebration that includes parades and interactions with a variety of Disney characters. The first ‘What’s Next’ spot aired with Phil Simms exclaiming ‘I’m going to Disney World’ in 1987 following the New York Giants 39-20 wins over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI. Disney Parks blog relates the following origin of the ‘What’s Next’ idea:

In December 1986, pilots Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager had just completed the first flight around the world without stopping or refueling. Then Disney CEO, Michael Eisner and his wife Jane, were having lunch with the pilots and asked the simple question โ€œWhat are you going to do next?โ€ Their response was, โ€œWeโ€™re going to Disneyland!โ€ And just like that, the idea for the iconic โ€œWhatโ€™s Next?โ€ campaign was born.

Disney Parks Blog, 2023

Related: A Festive Guide to the Christmas Season at Disney Springs

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Watch Phil and Peyton traverse around Magic Kingdom while Phil gives us all the inside story behind the famous spots (such as the fact he in initially didn’t even want to film the commercial) in the โ€œWhen You Wish Upon A Starโ€ episode of โ€œPeytonโ€™s Placesโ€ airing now on ESPN+.


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 specializing 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!

Broadway Fans Can Look forward to 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Ginger-Sunny-Just-Living-Photo-Collage-Facebook-Cover
Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade

Broadway Fans Can Look forward to 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Broadway enthusiasts can eagerly anticipate the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as event organizers unveiled the Broadway show lineup set to perform during this year’s spectacle. A notable first for the parade, it will kick off nationwide at 8:30 AM on November 23, extending the parade by 30 minutes from previous years.

Taking the stage will be performances from & Juliet, Back to the Future, How to Dance in Ohio, Shucked, and Spamalot. The stars of Gutenberg!, Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells, will be making a special guest appearance. Moreover, the parade will feature appearances by Cher, Brandy, David Foster, and Katharine McPhee, along with Ashley Park, who will be joined by the Muppets of Sesame Street. Additional participants will be announced soon.

Related: Gutenberg The Musical brings Disney Legend Josh Gad Back to Broadway

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

For those looking to witness the festivities in person post up somewhere along the parade’s route, which runs from 77th Street and Central Park West to Columbus Circle. From there, it turns onto Central Park South and proceeds down Sixth Avenue. The final leg of the route involves a turn at 34th Street, culminating in front of Macy’s Herald Square on Seventh Avenue, where the Broadway performances will take place.

There will be designated public viewing areas along the parade route, and attendees are encouraged not to bring large bags, umbrellas, backpacks, or strollers. Millions of Americans can watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade when it airs at 8:30 AM, irrespective of the local time zone, the broadcast is live only for those in the Eastern Time Zone.

What Broadway show are you looking forward to most on this year’s red carpet? Let us know your thoughts in a comment.

Holiday Decorations have Arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Holiday Decorations
Holiday Decorations

Holiday Decorations have Arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has received holiday decorations! From a giant Christmas tree to wreaths and garland throughout the resort, guests can enjoy festive and unique decorations.

Related – More Christmas Decorations Arrive in the Magic Kingdom for the Holidays

Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s giant Christmas tree can be found outside the entrance to the park. The tree is decorated with ornaments in the shape of animals, snowflakes, and other colorful ornaments. At the base of the tree you’ll see gifts and toys. Characters from Winnie the Pooh are around the base along with other favorite characters like Stitch and Chip & Dale.

The holiday decorations start at the entrance to the park. Garland and wreaths decorated with ornaments and bows adorn the stores and even the ticket office.

The holiday decorations begin inside the park as you walk over the bridge into Discovery Island. The village is in the middle of celebrating the winter season, so you’ll see lots of sparkling white holiday decorations. On light posts throughout the park you’ll see other holiday decor.

There are even some unique holiday decorations in the park. These two Christmas trees seem to be made from bicycle parts and other repurposed materials.

We can’t forget Donald’s Dino-Bash in DinoLand USA! The area is decked out in festive wreaths, lights, ornaments, and garland. There’s even a giant snowman!

Ready to plan your next visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? 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.