Month: August 2016

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort Starts Sept. 9 as Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror Begins its Final Check-out Celebration

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort offers two new reasons for guests to visit this year­­––a special celebration at The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror with a chance to “drop in” like never before, and the debut of the “Frightfully Fun Parade” at Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separate-ticket event. The parade features some popular Disney villains and a procession of grim, grinning ghosts, while The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow appears for the first time at Mickey’s Halloween Party.

Halloween Time at Disneyland

Those treats add to the family-friendly thrills, popular seasonal attractions and spooky decor that make Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort so magical. The season runs from Friday, Sept. 9, through Monday, Oct. 31, offering the popular Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy attractions, themed foods and merchandise, plus spirited decor that features a giant Mickey Mouse jack-‘o-lantern on Main Street, U.S.A.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Final Check-out Celebration at Disney California Adventure Park

The invitation to check into the Hollywood Tower Hotel is even more urgent now as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror approaches its final check-out date, Jan. 2, 2017. A special tribute begins Sept. 9 to salute the haunted hotel’s eerie story and exciting adventure at Disney California Adventure Park. During the celebration, guests who arrive after twilight will enjoy “Late Check-Out”–-a chance to venture beyond the fifth dimension into complete darkness.  It’s something guests have never experienced before: free-falling in the attraction’s haunted elevator shaft with all the lights out.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror celebration also includes special musical performances, commemorative merchandise and specialty food and beverage items. Performing at the Hollywood Tower Hotel are the Silver Lake Sisters, characters from the story of this famous hotel who once performed at its rooftop lounge. The sisters make their return to the Hollywood Tower Hotel during Halloween season.

Spooky Halloween Traditions at Disneyland Park

Throughout the Halloween season, guests will find special treats and thrilling traditions.  Haunted Mansion Holiday returns to celebrate the collision between Halloween and Christmas, and a familiar guest moves into the Mansion: Jack Skellington from the Walt Disney Pictures classic “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Disneyland Halloween Time

  • Jack Skellington brings a unique spark to the season and, for the first time, his friend Sally joins him in the Mansion graveyard.
  • The annualHaunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house is back with a new theme. This year’s version appears to have been stitched together from pieces of other gingerbread houses and treats. In fact, the ghoulish architect has stitched himself inside the house, and one green arm still may be spotted, sewing the walls together around him.
  • Another Halloween favorite isSpace Mountain Ghost Galaxy, a Halloween-themed reimagining of the popular thrill ride in Tomorrowland, at Disneyland. Guests on board the speeding Space Mountain vehicles are thrust into a ghostly galaxy where they are bombarded with eerie screams, sound effects and music. Spine-chilling spirits pop out of the darkness, appearing to reach out to menace the space travelers.
  • The traditional Mexican celebration,“Dia de los Muertos,” is observed with a skeleton display in Frontierland, near Rancho del Zocalo restaurant.
  • As a special, after-dark treat during the Halloween season, guests visiting Disneyland on select nights will enjoy the“Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks spectacular.
  • During the day, the dynamic“Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” marches down Main Street, U.S.A., throughout Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.

Mickey’s Halloween Party

New this year at Mickey’s Halloween Party is the premiere of the “Frightfully Fun Parade,” seen exclusively on the 17 nights of this separately ticketed event at Disneyland.

  • The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow (from the Disney animated classic “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”) brings a warning to guests, riding through the park on his ghostly black steed with a flickering jack-‘o-lantern.
  • Shortly afterward, the parade begins with greetings from Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
  • Grim, grinning (and hitchhiking) ghosts follow along in the procession, joined by other spirits from the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction.
  • Inspired by Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” the creepy Dr. Facilier calls on mystical powers, summoning his Shadow Men from the bayou to loom large over his strange and twisted Voodoo parlor.
  • Mischievous Disney villains appear out of the darkness, ready to stir up some trouble, and their wicked gathering includes the Evil Queen, Jafar and Cruella.

Mickey’s Halloween Party guests are invited to visit in costume and trick-or-treat throughout Disneyland for candy and healthy snacks. An extra special treat is the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular, presented exclusively for guests of Mickey’s Halloween Party and hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington.

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party* may be purchased online and on mobile devices at Disneyland.com/party, as well as at the Disneyland Resort main gate and by phone at 714-781-4400. Guests may check for availability for the 17 nights: Friday, Sept. 23; Monday, Sept. 26, Wednesday, Sept. 28; Friday, Sept. 30; Monday, Oct. 3; Wednesday, Oct. 5; Friday, Oct. 7; Monday, Oct. 10;Wednesday, Oct. 12; Friday, Oct. 14; Monday, Oct. 17; Wednesday, Oct. 19; Friday, Oct. 21; Monday, Oct. 24; Wednesday, Oct. 26; Saturday, Oct. 29; and Monday, Oct. 31, Halloween night. Online and mobile purchases are not available the day of the event. Parking is not included in the ticket price, and parking fees will apply.

Tickets purchased in advance are available at a discount for select nights. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $89 each. All tickets to Mickey’s Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 29, and Monday, Oct. 31, are $99 each. Mickey’s Halloween Party is a non-smoking event. Smoking is permitted only in the Esplanade outside the Disneyland main entrance.

For more information about Halloween events at the Disneyland Resort, please visit  http://www.Disneyland.com/Halloween. Entertainment and attractions are subject to change without notice.

Walt Disney World Releases Details and Schedules for 2016 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Nights

The first Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for 2016 will be held this Friday (September 2nd) at the Magic Kingdom. Here is a look at the entertainment schedule, dining, attractions, and trick or treat locations to help you plan your night.

The event begins at 7:00 PM and ends at midnight.  Party ticket holders can enter the park as early as 4 PM.

The hugely popular Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular show at Cinderella Castle that debuted last year will be performed three times during each party at 9:15 PM, 10:40 PM  and 12:00 AM. Starting on September 16th there will be an additional show at either 8 PM or 7:45 PM.

The Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade is held at 8:30 PM and 11:15 PM nightly. Happy Hallowishes fireworks are held at 10:15 PM.

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

Special merchandise and treats are back, with a special edition MagicBand, a special edition Trading Pin, and of course the event T-Shirt. Guests can get these at the Emporium. The Trading pin can also be found at Big Top Souvenirs.

Gaston’s Tavern will be selling a special Pumpkin Spiced cupcake.  Storybook Treats will have Candy Corn soft serve ice cream. The Main Street Bakery will be offering two special cupcakes, a spider cupcake and worms and dirt. The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor will have a special Creepy Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich.

Entertainment

Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade – 8:30 PM and 11:15 PM, starts in Frontierland
Happy HalloWishes Fireworks – 10 PM
Celebrate the Magic – 10 PM
Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular – 9:15 PM, 10:40 PM, 12 AM.

Trick or Treat Locations

Adventureland

  • Jungle Cruise
  • Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
  • Pirates of the Caribbean queue

Liberty Square

  • Heritage House (Allergy Friendly)
  • Liberty Square Riverboat

Fantasyland

  • Pinocchio Village Haus
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Pete’s Silly Sideshow

Tomorrowland

  • Stitch’s Great Escape!
  • Carousel of Progress
  • Space Mountain
  • Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

Available Attractions

No FastPass+ will be available

Main Street U.S.A.

  • Town Square Theater
  • Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Adventureland

  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • A Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas

Frontierland

  • Splash Mountain
  • Country Bear Jamboree

Liberty Square

  • Haunted Mansion

Fantasyland

  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Mad Tea Party
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • The Barnstormer

Tomorrowland

  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Space Mountain
  • Astro Orbiter
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority: PeopleMover
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  • Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor (Final show at 11pm)

Dining at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Main Street U.S.A.

  • Main Street Bakery
  • Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
  • Casey’s Corner

Adventureland

  • Aloha Isla

Frontierland

  • Pecos Bills Tall Tale Inn
  • Westward Ho

Liberty Square

  • Sleepy Hollow
  • Liberty Square market (until 9pm)
  • Columbia Harbor House (until 8pm)

Fantasyland

  • Pinocchio Village Hause (until 10pm)
  • The Friars Nook (until 10pm)
  • Storybook Treats
  • Gastons Tavern
  • Be Our Guest Restaurant
  • Cinderella’s Royal table

Tomorrowland

  • Cosmic Rays Starlight Cafe
  • Cool Ship
  • The Lunching Pad

ABC Announces Dancing with the Stars Cast for Season 23

Get ready to put on your dancing shoes! ABC’s Dancing with the Stars returns September 12 at 8 p.m. ET with the return of some of your favorite professional dancers and an all-new superstar celebrity cast. Read on to figure out who you’ll be rooting for this season.

Laurie Hernandez and Valentin Chmerkovskiy—Gymnast Laurie Hernandez recently went for the gold during the 2016 Olympic Games and now she’s going for the silver—the silver mirror ball trophy, that is! We wonder if this member of the Final Five will make it to the Dancing with the Stars finals?

Ryan Lochte and Cheryl Burke—Laurie’s not the only Olympian in this year’s cast! Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte will trade the swimming pool for the samba on the upcoming season.

DWTS Johnson:Arnold

Calvin Johnson Jr. and Lindsay Arnold—The former wide receiver is the next pro football player to take the Dancing with the Stars stage.

DWTS Austin:Johnson

Jake T. Austin and Jenna Johnson—We were bewitched by Jake T. Austin on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, and we’re sure The Fosters star will be just as magical on the dance floor.

James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess—Will the Canadian race car driver make it to the finish line?

DWTS - Rose:Chmerkovskiy

Amber Rose and Maksim Chmerkovskiy—Will the model and black-ish guest star be the belle of the ballroom?

Jana Kramer and Gleb Savchenko—The actress and singer is about to become a triple threat on the upcoming season.

DWTS Edmonds:Holker

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Allison Holker—The musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer will become a song AND dance man on Dancing with the Stars.

DWTS Henner:Hough

Marilu Henner and Derek Hough—After starring in more than thirty films, six Broadway shows, and two classic sitcoms, actress Marilu Henner is ready to take on her next starring role—on the dance floor.

DWTS McCormick:Chigvintsev

Maureen McCormick and Artem Chigvintsev—This season of Dancing with the Stars will be all about “Maureen, Maureen, Maureen” when The Brady Bunch star takes the stage.

Vanilla Ice (Robert Van Winkle) and Witney Carson—Will the rapper turned real estate expert glide his way to the top?

DWTS Perry:Slater

Rick Perry and Emma Slater—The former Texas governor is hoping to be the “lone star” left on the dance floor.

DWTS Jole:Farber

Terra Jolé and Sasha Farber—There’s no rest for the Little Women: LA star! Terra just welcomed her second child on August 1, but we have no doubt that this mom is ready to mamba!

‘Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire’ Debuts New Fall Finale Later This Week

Beginning September 2nd, the finale of “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” will feature new costumes, décor and choreography. Guests will also hear an original song celebrating autumn, from the songwriting duo of Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn who composed the show’s catchy tune “On This Day.”

Presented on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” brings to life beloved Disney stories both classic and contemporary in a spectacular performance featuring memorable music, lively dancing, delightful costumes and special effects magic. Mickey and his troupe of Merry Makers have invited friends from other lands to join them in a grand celebration. In addition to favorites like Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy, the show also brings together a wonderful cast of characters including Anna, Elsa and Olaf from “Frozen;” Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and the gang from the Snuggly Duckling in “Tangled;” and Tiana, Naveen and Louis from “The Princess and the Frog.”

Also starting this weekend is the special fall edition of the popular Main Street Trolley Show, greeting everyone along the avenue with a joyous song all about “the magic that can happen when it’s autumn.” So be sure to head on out to Magic Kingdom Park this fall and take in all the wonderful sights and sounds of the season!

Tropical Depression NINE to Likely Impact Florida Theme Parks Later this Week

The forecast for Tropical Depression NINE has it likely impacting the theme park of Central Florida later this week.

The current forecast track projects the system to still be a Tropical Storm in Central Florida on Thursday, with sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph and with heavy rainfall.

Based on previous storms of this size, guests should expect that the storm will affect outdoor entertainment and transportation at the Walt Disney World theme parks.

 

All-New ‘Frightfully Fun Parade’ Debuts During Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland

For everyone planning to attend Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland there is some exciting news! Beginning this year, all you “boos” and “ghouls” are invited to gather for chills and thrills when the all-new “Frightfully Fun Parade” takes to the streets, featuring a spectacle of spooky spirits from the deepest bayous of New Orleans to Halloweentown and beyond.

The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow sets the mood as he arrives on his ghostly black steed just ahead of the parade itself, carrying a flickering jack-o-lantern as a warning to everyone along the parade route.

From “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King brings greetings from Halloweentown, as residents arrive to celebrate their favorite time of year. Grim, grinning ghosts come out to socialize when Disney’s iconic Haunted Mansion attraction comes to “afterlife,” with swirling ballroom dancers, ominous gravediggers and a trio of hitchhiking ghosts. Inspired by Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” Dr. Facilier calls on mystical powers, summoning his Shadow Men from the bayou to loom large over his strange and twisted Voodoo parlor, and the mischievous Disney Villains appear out of the darkness, ready to stir up some trouble. A dark and dungeon-like lair takes over the parade route, bringing with it a wicked gathering of villainy from Hades and the Evil Queen to Jafar, Cruella and more!

The “Frightfully Fun Parade” will be presented exclusively during Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separately ticketed event at Disneyland park hosted over 17 nights from September 23 to October 31, 2016. Purchase your tickets early here and save!

Walt Disney World Updates Costume Guidelines for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party kicks off at the Magic Kingdom in September, and Disney has updated the costume restrictions since the parties in 2015.

Before you brew up ideas for your next disguise— while creativity is encouraged, Disney also values safety and good judgement. Please take a moment to read over the latest rules and regulations:

General

  • Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests.

 

  • All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.

 

  • Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.

 

  • Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.

 

  • Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.

 

  • Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.

For Guests ages 13 and under:

  • Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.

For Guests ages 14 and older:

  • Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.

 

  • Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g. full-length Princess dresses)

 

  • Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.

 

  • Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable.

 

  • Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.

 

  • May not wear masks of any kind.

Walt Disney World to Provide Free Mosquito Repellent to Guests for Zika Prevention

As the threat of Zika approaches Orlando, Walt Disney World will start providing free insect repellent for guests visiting the park.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott asked businesses throughout the state to help in any way they can in stopping the spread of Zika. One of the ways to prevent the spread of the virus is to encourage the use of insect repellent.

Disney will have various types of mosquito repellent at its theme parks, Disney Springs and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex. Hotel rooms will also have aerosol bug spray. The resort will have signs informing people they can get the protection.

“In an abundance of caution, we are accelerating preventative efforts throughout our property, including providing complimentary insect repellent to our Guests along with helpful guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention,” Disney said in a statement.

 

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort to Discontinue Bus Service to Disney Springs

There will be a number of changes to the bus service for Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort beginning August 29th.

Bus service to Disney Springs is being discontinued, with guests being able to choose to take the Sassagoula River Cruise water taxi from the boat dock, or take the walkway from Congress Park.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will also have a new internal bus service.  Starting next week, a dedicated bus will run internally, stopping at the eight bus stops approximately every 20 minutes.

A new route will also run directly from the Congress Park stop to the Typhoon Lagoon water park.

 

‘Clawhauser’ Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card To Be Released At Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

When Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Magic Kingdom Park next Friday, September 2nd, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom fans can pick up a special treat – this year’s event-exclusive game card which will feature Clawhauser from “Zootopia.”

Why Clawhauser? Because he loves sweets, particularly donuts! On Halloween he enjoys sharing the delicious, ring-shaped delights with the trick-or-treaters who come to his door. Merlin the Magician was so impressed with the cheetah’s generosity, that he created a spell in his honor, “Clawhauser’s Tricky Treat.” When a sorcerer casts this spell, dozens of magical donuts appear! But spell-casters must be wary: careless use might result in an explosion of rainbow sprinkles!

New to the game? Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is an in-park interactive experience that allows guests join Merlin’s quest to defeat Disney Villains who are scheming to take over Magic Kingdom Park. Guests use maps to search for villain hideouts throughout the park, and visit magic portals where they use spell cards to fight back against a villain’s plan. The journey begins at the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A., where you can pick up everything you need to play.

This special event card will be distributed separately (and in addition to) the regular Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card packs you’re given at this location. Guests must register to play with their party ticket and event wristband in order to get one.