Category: News

2018 Complete Guide To Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park

Are you planning a visit to Walt Disney World Resort for the holidays? Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park is an absolute must-do event during the holiday season. This in-park party celebrates the season with lovely decor, glittering holiday lights, special photo opportunities, snow on Main Street, U.S.A., and entertainment you have to see to believe!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which requires a special ticket to attend, will be held on the following nights: November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27 and 29; and December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 21. Party fun takes place from 7 p.m.-midnight, although party ticket holders may enter the park as early as 4 p.m. to enjoy regular park offerings.

The must-see offering, “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” kicks off the fun each night at dusk. Guests arriving early for the party can watch as royal sisters Anna and Elsa lead a celebration for their friends on the Castle Forecourt Stage that culminates in Queen Elsa using her incredible powers to transform Cinderella Castle into a shimmering ice palace for the holidays.

The “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration” stage show brings in Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto, and many others who drop by on Mickey’s party dressed in their Christmas best, ready to ring in the season with holidays with carols, old and new.

Another can’t-miss moment is the “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” This enchanting holiday procession features marching toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread men, Disney characters, Santa Claus and more!

Then the highlight of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party night is “Holiday Wishes Fireworks– Celebrate the Spirit of the Season,” a special fireworks show set to holiday tunes that light up the sky above Magic Kingdom Park.

The party also offers guests complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, party exclusive character greeting opportunities – with familiar faces like Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws and Scrooge McDuck – plus event-exclusive merchandise and special holiday treats.

August 24, 2018
Disney Offers Free Tuition For 80,000 Hourly Workers

The Walt Disney Co. is offering to pay full tuition for hourly workers who want to earn a college degree, finish a high school diploma or learn a new skill, the entertainment giant said Wednesday.

As many as 80,000 hourly workers in the United States could be eligible for the program, which pays upfront tuition for employees taking online classes starting this fall.

Disney initially will invest $50 million into the “Disney Aspire” program and up to $25 million a year after that, the company said.

“We can’t wait to see what paths our cast members take with Disney Aspire,” the company said in a blog post.

Disney joins other large corporations that have begun paying tuition for workers in a job market with historically low unemployment. In May, Walmart said it will offer workers the chance to get a college degree at three universities with online programs.

Starbucks partnered with Arizona State University to offer tuition coverage for U.S. workers earning a bachelor’s degree.

Disney is rolling out its program in phases, with the first limited to online classes. In-classroom courses could be added if there’s demand for them, a spokeswoman said.

Disney’s program is being administered by Guild Education, the same Denver-based firm operating Walmart’s program.

August 23, 2018
Toy Story Land Offering Early Morning Magic Before the Park Opens

Early Morning Magic launched at Magic Kingdom Park in 2016 giving guests early access to select attractions and it has been a big success. Disney announced Wednesday, they are expanding this offering to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning Sept. 17.

Toy Story Land, which allows guests to experience all the “Toy Story” fun in Andy’s backyard, has been a smash hit with guests since the land opened earlier this summer. And now there is a fun way to experience everything the land has to offer, with less wait.

Available on select mornings before the park opens, Disney Early Morning Magic offers exclusive, limited-time access to Toy Story Land, including Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, Toy Story Mania!, plus character greetings with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear. The experience also includes a continental buffet, featuring yogurt, fruit, pastries, and assorted cereal as well as your choice of a tasty main dish like avocado toast or fried chicken and cronut with maple glaze.

Disney Early Morning Magic will take place on select Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Breakfast will be available until 10 a.m. The experience costs $79 plus tax for adult (age 10+) and $69 plus tax for children ages 3-9, and valid theme park admission is required.

If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!

August 23, 2018
Digital Key Feature in My Disney Experience App Expands to Additional Disney Resort Hotels

Disney has added a lot of new features to their My Disney Experience app recently including the mobile food ordering service, the new bus wait time feature and even an option to digitally unlock your room directly from your phone. Well the digital key feature has been a success and it will soon be rolled out resort wide.

With the app you can now turn your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone into a digital key that unlocks your hotel room door, representing another seamless room entry option for guests to use in addition to their MagicBands. This technology made its initial debut at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge earlier this year, and this week, Disney is completing its rollout to Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World Resort, including Disney Vacation Club properties.

Using a digital key can help add convenience and flexibility to your stay, whether you simply prefer the look and feel of your mobile phone or if you need a backup option after accidentally locking yourself out of your room (it happens to the best of us). The feature was designed with a distinctly Disney touch, and if you listen closely, you’ll hear the sound of pixie dust filling the air as your hotel door opens.

Guests can also use their digital key to unlock the hotel entrance gate and common area doors requiring a key, which may include fitness centers, elevators and club level lounges. And arriving travel parties that have checked in online may even use their digital key to bypass the front desk, similar to what they are able to do with the MagicBand, giving them the opportunity to go directly to their room when it is ready and start their vacation even faster.

Each guest staying in the room with a My Disney Experience account may opt in and activate the feature on their check-in day through a brief set up process in the app. To enter their room, guests tap the “Unlock Door” button and then simply hold their phone against the door lock.

This is the latest in the evolution of keyless room entry, which began with the MagicBand, the unique all-in-one device that allows you to effortlessly access the plans and vacation choices you’ve made in My Disney Experience. Guests can choose to use either or both options for room entry throughout their trip, but please remember to wear your MagicBand for all other uses, including park entry, FastPass+ redemption, linking Disney PhotoPass images and more.

Be sure to download the latest version of My Disney Experience today for iOS or Android to opt in and activate your digital key during your Disney Resort hotel stay and discover all of the other great features in the app.

August 22, 2018
Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels Offering Special “Magic of Fall” Rates from August 20-October 31
There is so much going on at Walt Disney World Resort that you won’t want to miss out on and there is still time to make plans to experience all the special events this summer and fall! A great way to experience these events and new offerings is by taking advantage of the special “Magic of Fall” room rates that are being offered by the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels for stays from August 20-October 31, 2018.

In addition to the very appealing rates, guests staying at these hotels also enjoy the Extra Magic Hours benefit, and the FastPass+ benefit at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks up to 60 days prior to your arrival, which guests staying at these seven Official Walt Disney World Hotels receive throughout 2018. With valid theme park admission, the Extra Magic Hours benefit enables guests to experience extra time in at least one of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks each day, either before it opens or after it closes. This provides the opportunity to enjoy select attractions, including the new offerings at Toy Story Land and the popular attractions at the other three theme parks, such as Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Plus, guests staying at the seven hotels are also able to link their hotel reservation on MyDisneyExperience, and with a linked, valid theme park ticket, you have the ability to make FastPass+ selections up to 60 days prior to arrival.

Featuring an ideal location in the Walt Disney World Resort, the seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are within an easy walk to Disney Springs. Inspired by Florida’s charming towns and natural beauty, and boasting a picturesque waterfront setting and bubbling springs, the vibrant Disney Springs offers an impressive and diverse array of more than 150 retail, dining and entertainment establishments, which includes an exceptional collection of restaurants by award-winning chefs.

In addition, the hotels also provide shuttle transportation approximately every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, two Disney Water Parks, and at night to the Disney Springs area.

As a bonus, guests at these hotels also receive the “2018 Disney SpringsPassport” booklet that features discounts and specials from Disney Springs merchants on entertainment, shopping and dining. Among the coupons featured in the booklet are discounts and special offers at House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, T-REX Café, Rainforest Café at Disney Springs Marketplace, The Polite Pig and STK Orlando.

The special “Magic of Fall” room rates for stays August 20-October 31, 2018 are:
- B Resort & Spa — rates from $105 per room, per night
- Best Western Lake Buena Vista – rates from $99 per room, per night
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando — rates from $101 per suite, per night
- Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – rates from $110 per room, per night
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – rates from $101 per room, per night
- Holiday Inn Orlando – rates from $103 per room, per night
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista – rates from $79 per room, per night.
Visiting also provides the opportunity to take in such special events as the 2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, from August 30-November 12, 2018, which has something for every taste bud, with truly delicious offerings and unexpected flavors from around the globe. In addition, the Festival includes the Eat to the Beat Concert Series each night, with concerts by such popular recording artists as Mercy Me, Glass Tiger, Baha Men, Plain White T’s, Living Colour, Sugar Ray, David Cook, Jeffrey Osborne, Air Supply, Smash Mouth, 98 Degrees, Kenny G, and Boys II Men.

Also back again is the popular, separately ticketed Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which will be conducted at the Magic Kingdom Park on select nights from August 17-October 31, 2018.

It also is a great time to take in the terrific all-new 11-acre Toy Story Land, which just opened in June at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where guests “shrink” to the size of a toy to explore the adventure and fun of Andy’s backyard and can enjoy such new attractions as the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster and Alien Swirling Saucers.

Other benefits of staying at one of the seven hotels include: the ability to purchase Walt Disney World theme park tickets at the hotels’ website, at their Guest Service Desk or the Disney Merchandise store located in the hotel; advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World Resort golf courses; and the ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels includes:
- B Resort & Spa — this lifestyle resort opened in June 2014 with 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged AVEDA Spa, and features American Kitchen Bar & Grill
- Best Western Lake Buena Vista – the resort has spectacular views of the Walt Disney World Resort and offers two restaurants, a lounge and heated outdoor pools
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando — the luxurious resort hotel features 229 spacious and modern one- and two-bedroom suites, and is the only all-suite resort hotel in the Disney Springs Resort Area
- Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace — just steps from Disney Springs, this contemporary oasis features 2 outdoor pools, beach-entry Float Lagoon, kids’ splash pad, 4 new restaurants and lounges, and Disney Character breakfast
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista — connected to Disney Springs via Pedestrian Skybridge, the resort features 2 heated pools with Jacuzzi, 7 dining options (including Benihana), exclusive Disney perks, Disney Character Breakfast and more.
- Holiday Inn Orlando – located steps away from Disney Springs, the hotel offers the ideal setting to stay and play, featuring kids eat free and complimentary Wi-Fi in all guest rooms and public areas
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista – featuring a Disney Character Breakfast 3 days a week, 394 guest rooms, six dining options, and the Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground with interactive water features.
With nearly 30 food and beverage outlets and restaurants, over 3,700 rooms and an array of amenities, the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels offer a rate, space and menu to please every guest. Located in the heart of the Disney Springs area, these properties are within walking distance of exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

If you need help booking your magical vacation, contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations with Vikki for help. My services are completely free and I will always find you the lowest rates. Let me do all the work so you don’t have to!
August 21, 2018
Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary Limited-Time Celebrations Announced for Disney Parks Around the World
Mickey Mouse is turning 90 years young this year and Disney Parks are preparing for a birthday party like no other! With a milestone this big, one party simply will not do! That’s why Mickey’s birthday celebration will span across the globe with a series of events at all Disney Parks sites around the world.

These parties are in addition to the previously announced World’s Biggest Mouse Party – a limited-time, global celebration of Mickey and Minnie – as well as ‘Mickey: The True Original Exhibition’ in New York City.

Here is a list of the celebrations you can expect from Disney Parks around the world:
- Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will celebrate Mickey’s birthday from November 16-18 with special merchandise and food & beverage items as well as the chance for guests to celebrate at Magic Kingdom Park during the “Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It!” Street Party, sing “Happy Birthday” along with the Dapper Dans on Main Street, U.S.A., and join in a special birthday dance party at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland. Then in 2019, Walt Disney World will continue celebrating when World’s Biggest Mouse Party comes to the resort.
- Disneyland Resort in California will host a celebration cavalcade for Mickey Mouse on November 18, featuring some of his special friends and the Disneyland Band, starting at “it’s a small world” and pausing for a special moment at Sleeping Beauty Castle before continuing down Main Street, U.S.A., to Town Square. The party continues when World’s Biggest Mouse Party begins at Disneyland Resort in 2019.
- Disney Cruise Line will join the celebration when World’s Biggest Mouse Party takes to the seas in 2019.
- Shanghai Disney Resort will be the first to kick off World’s Biggest Mouse Party with a brand-new Mickey-themed float at the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Tourism Festival on September 15 to commemorate the Shanghai launch of World’s Biggest Mouse Party. At Shanghai Disneyland, a giant birthday card will be installed next to “Storytellers” statue, featuring birthday wishes from Mickey’s pals. From November 16-18, guests will enjoy themed food and merchandise offerings as well as the opportunity to sing “Happy Birthday” to Mickey just before the nighttime spectacular show each evening, all culminating with a special nighttime birthday spectacular at Enchanted Storybook Castle on November 18.
- Hong Kong Disneyland will begin its World’s Biggest Mouse Party activations on Mickey’s birthday, November 18, with commemorative park tickets, special food & beverage and merchandise, a hotel room overlay and “We Love Mickey” projection show through February 2019. And Hong Kong Disneyland guests will receive special birthday stickers, available only on November 18.
- Tokyo Disney Resort will join the celebration this fall with special decorations and merchandise.
- Disneyland Paris will celebrate the World’s Biggest Mouse Party this fall and into winter with new holiday season entertainment and special surprises.
“Mickey: The True Original Exhibition,” an interactive art exhibit, will open in New York from November 8, 2018 – February 10, 2019. This immersive, pop-up art exhibition is inspired by Mickey’s status as a ‘true original’ and his global impact on popular culture and art. From his beginning in black and white in Steamboat Willie to the technicolor world of more than 100 cartoon shorts, exhibition guests will step into an unforgettable journey of Mickey moments reimagined.

“As Walt said, ‘I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse’,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “From ‘The True Original Exhibition’ to a year-long celebration in our parks around the world, we are honoring the deep connection that families and fans have made with Mickey and Minnie Mouse for nearly a century.”

Mickey’s 90th is definitely a “mouse”-do this fall! With so many birthday parties to choose from, one question remains: which will you be a part of?
August 20, 2018
Chef Mickey Annual Passholder Magnet and Cutting Board Available at Epcot Food & Wine Festival

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can delight in an array of special offerings during the 2018 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival—held August 30 through November 12, 2018! And this year you can get an Annual Passholder magnet that features Chef Mickey on it as well as an awesome cutting board.

You can take home Chef Mickey-inspired gifts on your first and fourth visits to the Festival in 2018. On your first visit, you’ll receive a complimentary Passholder magnet to add to your collection. And on your fourth visit, you can take home a complimentary, Passholder-exclusive cutting board.

To redeem this offer and pick up your complimentary gifts, just visit the theatre across from The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar, hosted by Ghirardelli Chocolate Company—located in the Festival Center.

One magnet and one cutting board per Passholder are available while supplies last. You must show your valid annual pass card and photo ID to receive the magnet and cutting board. Passholder visits will be tracked upon park entry, so you only need to visit the Festival Center’s distribution location to redeem your gifts or check your number of visits.

August 20, 2018
‘Mickey: The True Original Exhibition’ To Honor Mickey Mouse’s 90th anniversary

Everyone’s favorite mouse is celebrating his 90th birthday this year and the celebrations are ubiquitous. Today, Disney announced that ‘Mickey: The True Original Exhibition,’ an interactive art exhibit, will open in New York in honor of the 90^th anniversary of Mickey Mouse.

The 16,000-square-foot interactive experience will feature original work from renowned and emerging contemporary artists. Before the official opening in November, three artists will preview their installations in three pop-up locations across the country. The installations pay tribute to three iconic pieces of Mickey Mouse merchandise that have withstood the test of time – the Mickey Mouse watch, tee-shirt, and plush.

In this exhibit you’ll be able to walk through the evolution of reimagined Mickey moments, from his Steamboat Willie days to the icon we know today. To begin the 90-day countdown, new brand and product collaborations spanning fashion, food, consumer electronics, toys, accessories and more are now available worldwide.

This magical exhibit will be curated by designer Darren Romanelli and will showcase the talents of many contemporary artists including Kenny Scharf, Amanda Ross-Ho, and Shinique Smith. Before the grand opening in November, these talented artists are giving us a little taste of what’s in store! Scharf, Ross-Ho, and Smith will preview their installations in three pop-up locations across the country, each of which pay tribute to iconic Mickey Mouse merch through the ages.

“As Walt said, ‘I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse.’ From ‘The True Original Exhibition’ to a year-long celebration in our parks around the world, we are honoring the deep connection that families and fans have made with Mickey and Minnie Mouse for nearly a century.” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks.

“Mickey: The True Original Exhibition” runs from November 8, 2018 through February 10, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 60 10th Avenue, New York.

August 20, 2018
Body Found in Burning Vehicle at Walt Disney World

A dead body was found in burning vehicle at Disney World after firefighters were called to put out the blaze early Saturday, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies began investigating the body in the Fantasia Gardens mini-golf course parking lot on Epcot Resorts Boulevard just after 4 a.m. when the Reedy Creek Fire Department called for assistance, according to reports.

Officials have not released the cause of the fire or the name of the vehicle’s owner. The victim was also not immediately identified.

The fire marshal, homicide detectives and Sector 6 Investigators were on scene conducting an investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation is still on going. No further information was immediately available.

August 19, 2018
Disney Drops Trailer for ‘The Force Awakens’ Prequel Series ‘Star Wars Resistance’

Friday, we got our first look at Star Wars Resistance, the new anime-inspired animated series, and a promise of more to come when the series debuts on Sunday, October 7th at 10 p.m. EST on Disney Channel, DisneyNOW, and Disney Channel VOD, with subsequent airings on Disney XD.

The trailer comes complete with familiar faces like Poe Dameron and everyone’s happily-beeping buddy, BB-8; a glimpse at the new cast of characters including Kazuda Xiono, the young pilot recruited by the Resistance; and an introduction to the Colossus, a massive refueling platform on an outer rim ocean planet. The series, set prior to the events in The Force Awakens, also welcomes Oscar Isaac and Gwendoline Christie to the voice cast, reprising their roles as Poe and Captain Phasma, respectively.

See the trailer for yourself below:

We’re also thrilled to bring you intel on the first episode! In the one-hour premiere “The Recruit,” Poe and BB-8 assign Kaz to the Colossus, where he meets a cast of colorful new aliens, droids and creatures. While undercover to spy on the growing threat of the First Order, Kaz works as a mechanic and lives with Poe’s old friend Yeager — a veteran pilot who operates a starship repair shop run by his crew: Tam, Neeku and a battered old astromech called Bucket.

“Can you imagine what it’s like to be an ace pilot?” Kaz asks.

This fall, imagine no more. Welcome to the Resistance!

August 19, 2018