Tag: Christmas

Disney Announces Filming Dates for ABC Holiday Specials

Disney has announced that filming will take place in early November for the upcoming ABC Holiday Specials to air on ABC and Disney Channel

Continuing last year’s new format, there will be multiple shows, set to air throughout the holiday season, in November and December. Airing dates have not been announced yet.

Filming at Walt Disney World will take place November 3 – 7. No parade will be filmed at Walt Disney World, like last year, but stage show performances including musical acts will be filmed in Florida. The parade will be filmed at Disneyland Resort in California.

There will not be any tickets available to guests.  Cast Members will be filling in the audience as extras. It may be possible to see parts of the filming from guest areas however.

Sail Away to a Magical Winter Holiday with Disney Cruise Line

This holiday season, give a gift that’s both nautical and nice: a cruise on the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy, all decked out with holiday cheer. Starting early November, Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to each ship during Very Merrytime Cruises, with traditional “turkey day” fanfare, Christmas feasts, “snow flurries” and New Year’s Eve galas. But the best part might just be relaxing on deck instead of shoveling snow.

During these voyages through the new year, special stem-to-stern holiday events include:

  • “Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic” in the atrium lobby on the first night of the cruise, where Disney characters lead holiday carols and the lighting of the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
  • “Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball” in the atrium lobby, where Disney cruisers welcome the guests of honor, Santa and Mrs. Claus, with a grand celebration featuring Broadway-style entertainment, favorite Disney characters and classic holiday tunes. This evening of enchantment is made complete when a special pair of royal sisters joins the party and causes a flurry of “frozen” fun as a magical snowfall overtakes the atrium.
  • Dickens-inspired carolers carrying the spirit of the holidays throughout the ship while singing holiday classics, sometimes with the help of favorite Disney friends. At the end of the cruise, children will have the opportunity to join the carolers onstage for a special farewell show.
  • Family holiday activities including building gingerbread houses and meeting Santa Claus.
  • Youth holiday crafts such as decorating stockings and gingerbread men cookies, making holiday cards and creating holiday animation cells.
  • “Deck the Deck Holiday Party,” a tropical celebration with Disney friends leading games such as hula hooping and limbo under oversized candy canes, along with dances for the whole family like the “Yuletide Slide” and a conga line around the pool.
  • A special holiday edition of the cheerful farewell celebration on the final night of the cruise, with beloved Disney characters and the ship’s crew in an engaging musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.

On Thanksgiving Day, guests will enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving Day feast and visits from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire. Also during the special Thanksgiving voyages, NFL football games will be broadcast live on the ships’ outdoor, jumbo LED screens – Funnel Vision – located near the family pool.

Christmas morning at the atrium lobby tree Santa Claus and his helpers will have a surprise for all the kids, and guests will delight in a special musical performance from the children. A traditional Christmas Dinner will be served that night in the dining rooms.

Christmas services will be held on Christmas Day with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Hanukkah services will be held each day, Dec. 12 to Dec. 20.

Special holiday décor adorns each ship from bow to stern, anchored by a three-deck-tall tree in the atrium lobby. The 20’ tall tree is uniquely decorated to complement the existing colors and overall theme of the lobby, including a custom star that is as unique as the ship. All together, the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Dream have 402 garlands totaling 3,768’, 126 wreaths ranging from 24” to 60” and 130 trees ranging from 24” to 8’.

When the ships stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, during the holidays, the celebration continues with “snow flurries,” a decked-out Christmas tree, Disney character meet-and-greets and holiday island music.

For an extra sprinkle of holiday joy, special amenities are available for stateroom delivery. Purchased in advance of sailing, these include holiday-themed gift packages and treat baskets and even mini Christmas trees decorated with ornaments, red berries, mini carnations and a bow topper. Plus, during the holiday cruises, the Disney Cruise Line holiday merchandise collection and ever-popular Disney Cruise Line ornaments will be available in the gift shops.

To ring in 2018, voyages during the holiday include a special New Year’s Eve party, complete with music, sparkling wine in commemorative flutes and a midnight countdown.

To celebrate the holidays, the Disney Magic sails four-, five-, seven- and eight-night Bahamian cruises, five- night Eastern Caribbean cruises, and a five-night Western Caribbean cruise departing Nov. 11 to Dec. 24; the Disney Wonder sails seven-night Western Caribbean cruises, and seven-night Bahamian cruises departing from Nov. 10 to Dec. 22; the Disney Dream sails three- and four-night Bahamian cruises departing from Nov. 10 to Dec. 22; and the Disney Fantasy sails seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing from Nov. 11 to Dec. 23.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.

‘Flurry of Fun’ Holiday Entertainment Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney will be bringing some new entertainment to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the holidays this year.

In addition to Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, “Flurry of Fun” will feature new offerings including:

Sunset Seasons Greetings

This new projection show on a snowy Sunset Blvd will feature iconic characters sharing their love for the season. All the while, the Hollywood Tower Hotel—magically transforms, bringing to life the characters’ stories.

Disney character moments include:

  • Mickey and Minnie reminiscing about a hometown Christmas as the scene shifts into a romanticized, Norman Rockwell-inspired town—starting in black and white before slowly changing into color.
  • The Toy Story characters guessing which new toys are coming this Christmas as the scene becomes covered in holiday wrapping paper.
  • The Swedish Chef from The Muppets babbling as only he can while the scene turns into giant gingerbread houses.
  • And finally, Olaf pining over his holiday wish as iconic music plays and the scene freezes over into a Frozen winter wonderland—complete with dancing Aurora Borealis lights and projected falling snow.

The show will run continuously each evening from November 9 to December 31 2017.

Enhanced Decor around Echo Lake

Extra-large ornaments, colorful garlands and a giant Christmas tree centered on the water will make Echo Lake the merriest of places this holiday season. Even Dinosaur Gertie will be dressed for the occasion with a dino-Santa hat.

Additions to ‘For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.’

For a limited time all-new songs from Disney’s new animated short “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” will be added to the show, with appearances from Olaf himself.

‘Holidays Around the World’ Changing to ‘Epcot International Festival of the Holidays’

In another step toward Epcot making itself the park home to almost year-long festivals, this year will see Epcot’s “Holidays Around the World” becoming “Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.”

Beginning November 19th, fifteen Holiday Kitchens will be serving seasonal food from marketplace kiosks around World Showcase.

New this year will be a “Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree” scavenger hunt, priced at $6.99 for maps.

Starting on November 24th, the Candlelight Processional begins along with the Peace on Earth holiday edition of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

More Narrators Added to Candlelight Processional List

New to this year’s lineup include Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “The Last Tycoon,”) and Star Warsfan favorite Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.”

And returning this year are everyone’s favorite hard-driving Dr. Bailey from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Chandra Wilson – and newly-named Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of ABC’s “The View.”

The Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the narrators confirmed so far:*

  • Nov. 24- 26 – To Be Announced
  • Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer
  • Nov. 29 – 30 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
  • Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
  • Dec. 6-11 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis
  • Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
  • Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
  • Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
  • Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,** with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Fornoat Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Epcot provides an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional dining packages or to find out more information, call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

** (NOTE: Captain’s Grille is currently under refurbishment. Candlelight Packages will be available once it reopens.)

‘Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!’ Holiday Dessert Party is Returning

The “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Holiday Dessert Party is returning this year to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the Holiday Nighttime Spectacular fireworks show.

In the courtyard of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, guests can enjoy multiple food stations, featuring holiday-inspired sweet and savory delights like warm cheese fondue with pretzel bread and flatbread, warm pumpkin pie and spiced-bread pudding with hand-dipped vanilla ice cream. The Liquid Nitro Station fires-up the party with chocolate mousse and choice of toppings, including salted caramel sauce.

Beer, wine and specialty cocktails are available for guests over 21. Specialty non-alcoholic beverages are also available, and of course, the hot cocoa is a crowd-pleaser.

While a special VIP character comes to meet and mingle with dessert party-goers, guests won’t believe their eyes when they check out the festive lights wearing a pair of 3D HoloSpex® glasses they receive. The glasses turn bright lights into holiday holographic illusions such as gingerbread men and candy canes.

November 9 – December 15, the cost is $79 per adult, $45 for children 3-9, and includes tax and gratuity. December 17 – 31, the cost is $89 adult, $49 child (tax and gratuity included.)

Reservations are now open, and can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE, or visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining.

2017 Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages Go On Sale, Some Narrators Announced

On the Disney Parks Blog Disney announced today that Dinner Packages for this year’s Candlelight Processional have gone on sale today.  Disney also announced an initial list of narrators

As a part of Holidays Around the World at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional presents the traditional story of Christmas in truly spectacular fashion – with a celebrity narrator, a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

Newcomers to the celebrity narrator spotlight this year include Daytime Television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the Grand Opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Returning favorites include television, film and stage superstar Neil Patrick Harris, country megastar Trace Adkins and Contemporary Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here are the narrators confirmed so far:*

  • Nov. 24- Dec. 3 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
  • Dec. 6-14 – To Be Announced
  • Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
  • Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
  • Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
  • Dec. 28-30 – To Be Announced

The processional is performed three times per night (5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. These packages, available on select nights, include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

As with last year, in addition to lunch and dinner packages, breakfast options are available at some favorite restaurants in and near Epcot again this year like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are also available this year at Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9.

Holidays Around the World is an extravaganza of holiday entertainment, merchandise, food, beverages and festivities where guests can celebrate at Epcot throughout the holiday season. Time-honored traditions come alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Click here to book Candlelight Processional dining packages or to find out more information, call 407/ WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

Holidays Around the World, including the Candlelight Processional, runs November 24 – December 30, 2017 at Epcot. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates.

*Narrators and entertainment are subject to change without notice. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining package price.

Tickets Now on Sale for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Heading to the Magic Kingdom this fall? Don’t miss out on our guest-favorite Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will start earlier than ever this year, with parties running on Aug. 25 & 29; Sept. 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 & 29; Oct. 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 & 31; and Nov. 1. The event will feature trick-or-treating, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show, Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade and “Happy HalloWishes.” Guests of all ages are also welcome to dress up for the party (check the park costuming guidelines here).

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will be held Nov. 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26 & 28; and Dec. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 & 22. The party will feature Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, “Holiday Wishes,” “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” and much more.

  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Advance ticket prices starting at $74 for adults and $69 for children (3-9).
  • Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Advance ticket prices starting at $89 for adults and $84 for children (3-9).

For more information and to order tickets, head to Disneyworld.com, call 407-W-DISNEY or contact your travel agent. You’ll want to get these tickets early, because certain popular dates may sell out fast. Reservations for event-night dining and dessert parties will open later this summer.

WDW Publishes Full Entertainment Line-Up & Schedule for 2016 Holidays Around the World

All entertainment for Holidays Around the World is included with regular park admission.  Park hours are extended to 9:30 PM November 25 to December 24 2016, then until 10:30 PM from December 25 to December 30 2016.

Performances take place daily from November 25 to December 30 2016 – check daily in the park for any changes to the schedule.

Reflections of Earth

With Peace on Earth Finale 9:30pm, from November 25 to December 24 2016, then 10:30pm from December 24 to December 30 2016.

American Music Machine

On Future World’s Fountain Stage, a five person a cappella group performs some of the holiday’s most beloved songs. 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 6pm.

Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season

A unique blend of the soulful expressiveness of Gospel and Inspirational Music with the sounds of Jazz, R&B and Urban Music. 1:25pm, 2:25pm, 3:25pm, 4:25pm at the Fountain Stage in Future World.

Candlelight Processional

A joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious mass choir. 5pm, 6:45pm, 8:15pm.

Holiday Storytellers

Performances take place daily from November 25 to December 29 2016.

Canada – The Canadian Holiday Voyageurs

Explore holiday customs from the various regions of Canada on a musical tour of the Great White North. 12:25pm, 1:20pm, 2:15pm, 3:10pm, 4:25pm, 6pm

United Kingdom – Father Christmas

Join Father Christmas, as he rings in the season, with traditions of the United Kingdom and good cheer. 1:05pm, 2pm, 2:55pm, 4:30pm, 5:40pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm

France – Père Noël

Discover the magic of Père Noël and the joy of the season through a Christmas letter from a child. 11:20am, 11:55am, 12:30pm, 1:20pm, 2:10pm, 3:40pm, 4:25pm, 5:40pm

Morocco – Morocco Holiday Entertainment

Take a journey through seasons of holidays in Morocco, where celebrations are “the spice of life!” 12:45pm, 2pm, 2:50pm, 3:25pm, 5:15pm, 6:10pm, 7:25pm.

Japan – Daruma

Hear the fascinating story of the Daruma doll and the Japanese customs of the New Year! 12pm, 12:45pm, 1:45pm, 3pm, 4:30pm, 5:15pm, 6:10pm, 6:45pm.

Italy – La Befana

Meet the kind-hearted witch who arrives on the Eve of the Epiphany to grant gifts to good children. 1:40pm, 2:35pm, 3:30pm, 4:25pm, 5:45pm, 6:25pm, 7pm, 7:30pm.

Germany – Helga

Listen as Helga tells the story of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker. 1:40pm, 2:40pm, 3:40pm, 4:40pm, 5:25pm, 6:35pm, 7:35pm, 8:30pm.

China – Chinese Lion Dancers

The colorful Chinese Lion Dance brings good fortune and happiness to all during the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival. 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:40pm.

Norway – Sigrid and Julenissen

Enjoy the season of joy and fun with Sigrid and Julenissen, the mischievous Christmas gnome. 11:15am, 12pm, 1:15pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3:45pm, 4:45pm, 5:45pm.

Mexico – Mariachis and Dancers

Celebrate a Feliz Navidad and join in the color and excitement of the music, dances and traditions of a Holiday Fiesta! 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm.

American Adventure – Santa and Mrs. Claus

Whisper your Christmas wishes in Santa’s ear. Even Mrs. Claus will be here! 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm.

American Adventure – Hanukkah

Discover the traditions of Hanukkah, the story of the brave Maccabees and the miracle of the burning oil lamp. 12:15pm, 1pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm, 3:15pm, 4pm, 4:45pm.

American Adventure – Kwanzaa

Experience the spirit of Kwanzaa, a celebration of unity, creativity and pride. 12pm, 12:45pm, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm, 3:45pm, 4:30pm.

American Adventure – Voices of Liberty

Appearing in Dickens costumes, the Voices of Liberty a cappella group presents a special seasonal repertoire of holiday favorites. 11:45am, 12:30pm, 1:15pm, 2pm, 2:45pm, 3:30pm, 4:15pm.

Drone Light Show to Debut at Disney Springs for the Holidays

Within days of receiving permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly drones during their nighttime shows, Walt Disney World has announced what will be its first nighttime show using the unmanned aircraft.

The new show has been in development for some time, with Disney working alongside experts in the field with experience in drone-based shows. No further information has been released, but according to those familiar with the situation, look for a debut of the show in mid November, with viewing areas likely to be located in the Marketplace area.

A show using drones at Disney Springs will debut for the holidays. A brief clip Disney unveiled Monday shows people using remotely controlling devices that create a Christmas tree of green lights in the sky.

A New Holiday Experience is Coming to Disney Springs

“This holiday season, the idea of “wishing upon a star” will take on an even more magical meaning in the skies of Disney Springs,” the Disney Parks Blog said.

According to Scott Smith, assistant professor of hospitality and tourism at the University of South Carolina, putting the drones at Disney Springs instead of in a theme park is a sound strategy.

“It’s a smart way of getting people out and introducing them to Disney Springs, especially to locals who may end up doing some Christmas shopping out there,” he said. “But I suspect once they reach that goal, they will pick this up and move this somewhere else where they need attendance.”

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