Tag: holidays

  • Disney Cancels Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas and Candlelight Processional

    Disney Cancels Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas and Candlelight Processional

    Disney has announced that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Because these events typically draw large crowds, a reimagined holiday celebration will begin Nov. 6, 2020 at Disney World and we have an update on some of the festive experiences coming your way!

    Through Dec. 30, guests will discover seasonal food and drinks at The Most Magical Place on Earth, as well as special merchandise and enchanting new entertainment experiences.

    When night falls at Magic Kingdom Park, projection effects will transform Cinderella Castle with a kaleidoscope of designs, including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. The iconic castle will provide the perfect colorful background for guests seeking a magical holiday portrait. Take a look at the video below:

    Highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will begin Nov. 27. Holiday kitchens will return around the World Showcase promenade, offering favorite dishes such as Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing at the American Holiday Table.

    Other highlights for the upcoming holiday season at Walt Disney World include:

    • At Magic Kingdom, characters synonymous with the season – including gingerbread men and elves – will join Disney characters in cavalcades through the park. On Main Street, U.S.A., toy soldiers will march with the Main Street Philharmonic as they bring musical cheer for all to hear.
    • Favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday finest will appear in festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
    • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Minnie Mouse will host a yuletide dining experience at Hollywood & Vine, inviting some of her best pals – including Santa Goofy – to join the fun.
    • Inside World ShowPlace at EPCOT, JOYFUL! will take guests on a musical journey of holiday music, while Voices of Liberty will use their eight-part harmonies to share songs of the season at the America Gardens Theatre.
    • Elaborately decorated Christmas trees will spring up throughout Disney Springs, and a magical snowfall will occur within Town Center, West Side and The Landing. In addition, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will transform into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with delightful décor and a limited-time menu of festive favorites.
    • Disney resort hotels will deck their halls for the holidays, including iconic Christmas trees in lobbies and other festive flourishes.
    • Santa Claus will wave to guests as he makes pop-up appearances at each park, as well as Disney Springs. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for example, he will sail down Discovery River on a special flotilla.
  • Disney Introduces New ‘Let it Glow’ Trees to Downtown Disney District

    Disney Introduces New ‘Let it Glow’ Trees to Downtown Disney District

    This holiday season, the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort is brimming with bold and brightly colored trees, tasty treats, holiday entertainment and unique shopping options for the entire family. And to light up the shopping, dining and entertainment experience, Downtown Disney District will be all aglow for the season with an all-new visual experience, “Let it Glow,” bringing eclectic light and new colors to the holidays.

    • Let it Glow:  A must-do experience, this vibrant showcase features 200 UV glow trees along the promenade and a distinctive new seasonal look for both day and night. The solid-colored trees in florescent shades of blue, green, yellow, orange and pink vary in size, with the tallest measuring approximately 15 feet, and the smallest at four feet. Unlike traditional Christmas trees, there’s not a single ornament, as their brightness makes them brilliant. More than 70 glow rings adorn the ficus trees throughout Downtown Disney District, adding to the neon elements at night. More than 10,000 individual plants and 30 topiaries will live around the trees to further enhance the planters, complemented by 24 hanging baskets filled with poinsettias, cyclamen and dusty miller. “Let it Glow” begins Nov. 22, 2019 and will be on display through Jan 5, 2020.
    • Sips, Eats and Sweets: Visitors may enjoy a bite at an open-air café, sip hand-crafted cocktails, indulge in gourmet desserts or savor an exquisite sit-down dinner in the Downtown Disney District. During the holiday season, a number of the district’s restaurants and stops offer seasonal menus and sweet treats such as Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Catal Restaurant, Uva Bar, Marceline’s Confectionery, Salt & Straw scoop shop, Wetzel’s Pretzels and Starbucks, to name a few.
    • Holiday Shopping: There are scores of stores and kiosks to browse apparel, jewelry, Disney art, plush and collectibles. World of Disney is a must for Disney fans with 40,000 square-feet of Disneyland Resort-themed toys, apparel and souvenirs in an interactive environment sprinkled with pixie dust surprises. PANDORA Jewelry offers limited-edition collections for holiday shoppers and Sanuk is a spot for cozy footwear, while Disney Home, The Disney Dress Shop, Sephora, The LEGO Store and Curl Surf all offer unique gift items. New family-owned boutiques that joined the Downtown Disney District this year, Rinse Bath & Body Co. offering all natural skincare products and Sugarboo & Co. featuring inspirational treasures, are both ideal for gift-giving.
    • Entertainment: The Downtown Disney District comes alive with nightly entertainment featuring four a cappella groups ­– Holiday Harmony, The Sugar Plums, The Moonrays and Jingle 5 ­– during the month of December, plus other musicians, magicians and talented artists throughout the holiday season.
  • Five Disneyland Resort Experiences to Give for the Holidays

    Five Disneyland Resort Experiences to Give for the Holidays

    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort are filled with magical entertainment, attractions, food and décor that guests will enjoy from Nov. 8, 2019, through Jan. 6, 2020. And if your looking for that perfect gift for someone then here are five Disneyland Resort Experiences you can give for the Holidays

    To extend that Disney magic beyond the winter season, here is a Holiday gift guide filled with experiences and products that are sure to delight every Disney fan – from Disney-themed dining to entertainment in the theme parks, hotel stays and more.

    Disneyland Resort Holiday Gift Ideas:

    1. Tickets to be among the first to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: Opening Jan. 17, 2020, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will thrill guests at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the immersive new land at Disneyland Park. A gift of theme park tickets will provide admission to the land and this new attraction, where guests will join the Resistance in the middle of an epic battle against the First Order. Guests who visit the planet of Batuu can also build a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, create a personalized droid at Droid Depot, or purchase a Porg from the Creature Stall. The adventures continue back home with Star Wars-themed gifts, a reminder of the joy experienced at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
    2. Tickets to experience the new “Magic Happens” parade in spring 2020: A gift of tickets to Disneyland Resort for the spring season are ideal for discovering the extraordinary new parade “Magic Happens” at Disneyland. Magic happens with grand storytelling as stunning floats, beautiful costumes, and beloved Disney characters fill the procession – led by Mickey Mouse and his pals. While watching this magical parade, guests may complement their viewing experience by waving a celebratory bubble wand  and displaying a magically-themed popcorn bucket, memorializing their first time experiencing this new parade.
    3. A Disneyland Resort Hotel stay: Guests staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel will enjoy fabulous décor, themed restaurants and pools, legendary Disney guest service and more. Create a gift with a Disneyland Resort hotel stay and your loved ones will enjoy exclusive benefits such as Extra Magic Hour, easy access to hotel dining and close proximity to the parks and Downtown Disney District. For an added surprise, loved ones will be thrilled with the gift of a Holiday In-Room Celebration with Disney Floral and Gifts. These experiences open even more opportunities to create precious memories together.
    4. The Frozen Dining Package at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge: Dining packages make great gifts for Disney fans, whether it’s for a nighttime spectacular like “Fantasmic!” or a fireworks show. To celebrate the debut of Disney’s new film “Frozen 2,” guests may enjoy the Frozen Dining Package: a royal three-course feast at Carthay Circle Restaurant that comes with priority seating for “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” at Disney California Adventure. Advance reservations for the Frozen Dining Package are highly recommended and can be booked at Disneyland.com up to 60 days in advance. Separate theme park admission is required. Guests may want to complement their experience with new products from the Frozen-inspired Arendelle Aqua color collection. “Frozen” fans will appreciate gifts from this line, including the Loungefly Minnie Mouse mini-backpack, Arendelle Aqua Ear headband and accompanying spirit jersey.
    5. Disney Gift Cards for Holiday Shopping and Dining: Glistening ornaments, apparel, toys and more fill shop windows at the Disneyland Resort, and the gift of Disney gift cards will make it easy for family and friends to bring home a favorite item. Guests may choose from shopping opportunities inside Disneyland and Disney California Adventure as well as the Downtown Disney District with its expansive World of Disney store. For dining, a Disney gift card presents a chance to enjoy a special meal or sample some of the fun treats throughout the resort. Guests are encouraged to make reservations for dining at table service locations, including Café Orleans in Disneyland, Golden Vine Winery at Disney California Adventure, and Naples Ristorante in Downtown Disney. 
  • Preview of Epcot’s Festival of the Holiday’s

    Preview of Epcot’s Festival of the Holiday’s

    We got a special Sneak Peek of the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, and I can tell you it’s going to be PACKED with Holiday Cheer!

    Celebrating joyous holiday traditions from around the globe, this year’s festival is presented by AdventHealth and runs Nov. 29 through Dec. 30, 2019. It features a variety of yuletide decorations, flavors from around the World, and family-friendly activities.

    There will be several characters ready to celebrate with you in their holiday best. Belle is my favorite Princess, and this year’s Festival you’ll find her strolling through France in her gorgeous red velvet and yellow brocade winter gown. Mickey and Festive are looking festive this year, and Chip and Dale will be arriving in adorable red and gold vests and jaunty hats to create some mischief.

    Holiday Kitchens are returning this year, where you can sample holiday dishes from around the World.

    The Yukon Holiday Kitchen will feature a Canadian Wild Rice and Ham Soup, served with a Pretzel Roll. The Bavarian Holiday Kitchen will have a Prok Schnitzel with mushroom sauce and Spatzle. I tasted this one and I found the sauce to be very delicious and earthy, with every bite full of mushrooms. The pasta was also cooked to the perfect al dente consistency.

    If it’s an adult beverage you’re looking for, there’s a Hot Spiced Wine called Gluhwein from the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen that’s sure to warm you up. Holiday Sweets & Treat will feature a Chocolate Peppermint Shake made with Twinings Peppermint Cheer Tea and whipped cream vodka. The Refreshment Port will be serving up Eggnog with spiced rum. They were all so delicious and put me in the Christmas mood, but my favorite was the Peppermint Shake. It had crushed peppermint of top of the whipped cream that added just the right amount of minty-ness. (The Peppermint Shake and Eggnog also come in non-alcoholic versions)

    Living with the Land is getting “spruced” up this year with a brand new Holiday overlay. Each night of the Festival, starting at sundown, the ride will be transformed into Living with the Land: Merry & Bright Nights. The greenhouses are filled with twinkling lights and cute holiday displays showing how you can use nature to decorate inside, or bring a little holiday magic outside. Make sure you check the Times Guide for operating hours.

    In Mexico the Mariachi band will be wearing a holiday version of their tradional outfits and sprinkling some holiday tunes into their performance. Check the Times Guide for show times.

    The Cookie Stroll is back and even better this year! If you want to “snack your way around the world,” this is the challenge for you. Buy one of each of 5 different cookies in World Showcase and you’ll be rewarded with a Mickey shaped sugar cookie!

    And finally, all the fun merchandise to commemorate your trip to the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays! This year Chip & Dale, those rambunctious brother, are the mascots for the festival. You will find them on Spirit Jerseys, coffee cups, ornaments, and an exclusive Passholder t-shirt. There are also several open and limited edition pins featuring Mickey and friends to add your lanyard.

    Holidays at Daisey are always magical, and this year’s Festival of the Holidays is no exception. Expect to see more ways to celebrate than ever before. So, make sure you put a trip to Epcot on your Wish List this year!

  • New Holiday Loungefly Backpacks at Disney World

    New Holiday Loungefly Backpacks at Disney World

    It may be too hot in Florida to rock that Spirit Jersey, but I think backpacks are the perfect park accessory. So, if you’re looking for a cute way to add some Holiday Cheer to any outfit then you’ll be glad to know that Holiday Loungefly backpacks are here!

    We recently spotted three new styles at Mickey’s of Hollywood in Hollywood Studios.

    Santa Mickey $90

    This fluffy soft Santa Mickey is looking pretty happy, which makes me think you must have made it on his Nice List! He’s covered in soft red velour with festive white trim.

    Olaf Mini Backpack $90

    Olaf’s arms are open wide for a big warm hug! I think this sparkly, white sequin covered Olaf backpack would make the perfect date to see Frozen 2, which premiers on November 22nd.

    Disney Parks Food Icons Mini Backpack $75

    If finding the perfect Holiday snack is your favorite park activity, then this backpack is a treat! Covered with Mickey and Minnie inspired food like red Mickey waffles, Gingerbread cookies, and festive candy apples, it’s the perfect place to stash all your snacks.

    Let us know in the comments which backpack is on your wish list this year!

  • Disney’s 15 Days of Socks Advent Calendars Now Available at Target

    Disney’s 15 Days of Socks Advent Calendars Now Available at Target

    It’s time to start counting down the days to Christmas and now you can bring classic flair to the holidays with the women’s Disney’s 15 Days of Socks Advent Calendars from Disney.

    There are three calanders available to choose from this year. One for Disney Princesses, one for Mickey Mouse and friends and one for Star Wars. These themed socks Advent calendars includes 10 pairs of low-cut socks and five pairs of crew socks, giving you plenty of variety to take you through the holiday season. Take a look below for details on all three:

    Women’s Mickey Mouse & Friends 15 Days of Socks Advent Calendar – $15

    These socks come in hues of red, blue, black and more, and they feature a variety of Mickey-themed prints — including Mickey, Minnie and “Oh Boy” text — to finish off the whimsical aesthetic. As a bonus, the keepsake box comes with a printed “Live Like A True Original” list, completing the fun vibe.

    Women’s Disney Princess 15 Days of Socks Advent Calendar – $15

    These socks come in hues of purple, blue, gray and more, and they feature a variety of Disney Princess-themed prints and patterns — including Pocahontas, Belle, Jasmine and more — to finish off the whimsical aesthetic. As a bonus, the keepsake box comes decorated with a printed “Royal To-Do List,” completing the fun, charming vibe.

    Women’s Star Wars 15 Days of Socks Advent Calendar – $15

    This set is just like the classic 12 days of socks with three bonus pairs for added fun. It features 10 pairs of low-cut socks and five crew-cut pairs with a variety of different designs ranging from stormtroopers, Darth Vader, Yoda, R2-D2, well-known quotes and thematic patterns. They come packaged in a box that makes it easy to reveal each pair on the corresponding day that features a character or quote for a thematic touch.

  • New Dooney & Bourke Holiday Collection Available Now at Disney Parks

    New Dooney & Bourke Holiday Collection Available Now at Disney Parks

    A new Dooney & Bourke Holiday collection has just been released at Disney Parks.

    The newest collection is the best way to accessorize this holiday season which showcases several new handbags by Dooney & Bourke, adorned with festive patterns and Holiday treats.

    This year’s collection includes satchel, tote and cross-body styles with festive patterns celebrating the magic of the holiday season. Take a look at the collection below:

    Also, Disneyland and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders have an exclusive design made just for them.

    The collection is now available across Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort. Make sure to check back on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates on holiday merchandise!

  • Three Magical Disney Holiday Specials are Coming To ABC and Disney Channel

    Three Magical Disney Holiday Specials are Coming To ABC and Disney Channel

    Mark your calendars, Disney fans! This holiday season Disney Parks around the world bring the magic of the most wonderful time of the year to your living room with three magical Disney Holiday specials on ABC and Disney Channel.

    This holiday season, ABC and Disney Channel will transport the magic of Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line during the holidays to viewers with three magical specials featuring star-studded performances, merry entertainment and more. During the specials, viewers will get exclusive looks at upcoming Disney Parks attractions, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opening soon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

    ABC officially kicks off the holidays with “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration,” THURSDAY, NOV. 28 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC; followed by “Disney Channel Holiday Party @ Walt Disney World,” premiering FRIDAY, DEC. 13 (8:00-8:30 p.m. EST), on Disney Channel and in the DisneyNOW app. As part of the annual tradition, the “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” airs Christmas morning, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25 (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CST/MST/PST; airtimes vary, check listings, on ABC and on the ABC app).

    “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration”kicks off the holiday season Thursday, Nov. 28, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. EST, on ABC and on the ABC app. Join hosts artist Matthew Morrison, singer-songwriter and TV host Emma Bunton, and TV host Jesse Palmer as they present the two-hour prime-time special on Thanksgiving night from Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in California. This magical celebration will feature celebrity musical performances among a flurry of Disney holiday entertainment. During the prime-time special, viewers will be treated to several Disney Parks sneak peeks, including a behind-the-scenes look into Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opening in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on Dec. 5, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Jan. 17, 2020, at Disneyland Park in California.

    Musical performances include the following:

    • GRAMMY Award-winning icons Sting and Shaggy perform duets and solo numbers from Walt Disney World Resort, including a new festive reggae version of “Silent Night (Christmas is Coming).”
    • GRAMMY Award-winning rock band The Man performs “Happy Christmas” and “Merry Christmas Everybody” from Disneyland Resort.
    • Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning group Pentatonix will sing a cappella renditions of “Deck the Halls” and “Here Comes Santa Claus” from Walt Disney World Resort.
    • Singers Ingrid Michaelson and Andy Grammer perform an all-new original holiday song from Disneyland Resort.
    • International pop star Ally Brooke sings “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” from Walt Disney World Resort.
    • Singer-songwriter and TV host Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) performs “Santa Baby” from Walt Disney World Resort.
    • The Tony, Emmyand two-time Golden Globe-nominated artist Matthew Morrison performs a medley from Walt Disney World Resort of “When You Wish Upon A Star” from the upcoming album “Disney Dreamin’with Matthew Morrison” and the classic “Let it Snow.”
    • Acclaimed two-time Billboard Award-winning electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling pulls all the strings for “Carol of the Bells” from Walt Disney World Resort.

    Disney Channel Holiday Party @ Walt Disney World“ airs Friday, Dec. 13, from 8:00-8:30 p.m.  EST/PST, on Disney Channel and in the DisneyNOW app. Disney Channel’s “ZOMBIES 2” stars MegDonnellyand Milo Manheimwill co-host this holiday party with artist Matthew Morrison, treating fans to a magical holiday celebration featuring performances from Shaggy,  Pentatonix and Disney Channel stars Issac Ryan Brown (“Raven’s Home“), Ruby Rose Turner (“Coop & Cami Ask the World”) and Kylie Cantrall (“Gabby Duran & The Unsittables”) broadcast from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and aboard the majestic Disney Fantasy – part of the Disney Cruise Line fleet. During the special, viewers will enjoy exclusive Disney Parks sneak peeks, including a first look at Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida in spring 2020 and Disneyland Park in California in the future. Viewers will also get an exclusive look at the Disney Channel Original Movie sequel “ZOMBIES 2,” premiering on Disney Channel in 2020. Additionally, “BUNK’D” stars Scarlett Estevezand Israel Johnson will host a special family segment highlighting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program.

    Musical performances include the following:

    • Disney Channel’s “ZOMBIES 2” star Meg Donnelly sings “Home for the Holidays” from Walt Disney World Resort.
    • Disney Channel stars Issac Ryan Brown (”Raven’s Home”) and Ruby Rose Turner (”Coop & Cami Ask the World”) perform “12 Days of Christmas” from Walt Disney World Resort.
    • Disney Channel’s “Gabby Duran & The Unsittables” star Kylie Cantrall performs “Santa Claus is Coming to Town“ aboard the Disney Fantasy.
    • Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning Pentatonix performs an a cappella renditionof “Here Comes Santa Claus” from Walt Disney World Resort.
    • Two-time GRAMMY Award-winning reggae star Shaggy sings “Jamaican Drummer Boy” from Walt Disney World Resort.

    “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” airsWednesday, Dec. 25, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CST/MST/PST; airtimes vary, check listings, on ABC and on the ABC app. Disney’s annual Christmas celebration airs Christmas morning on ABC hosted by artist Matthew Morrison,singer-songwriter and TV host Emma Bunton,and TV host Jesse Palmer. Joining as co-hosts are ABC’s “black-ish” star Marsai Martin with Hollywood Records Artist and Disney’s “The Lion King” star JD McCrary, who voiced young Simba in the live-action film. Presented from Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in California, the show features the Christmas Day Parade down Main Street U.S.A., heartwarming stories and amazing celebrity performances. Among the exclusive Disney Parks sneak peeks planned for this special are Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida in spring 2020 and Disneyland Park in California in the future, plus Avengers Campus coming to Disney California Adventure Park in California in 2020. Viewers will also get a special look at “the most magical flight on earth”: the newly opened Disney Skyliner gondola system, connecting Walt Disney World Resort guests to two Disney theme parks and four resorts, including the new Disney’s Riviera Resort, opening Dec. 16.

    Musical performances include the following:

    • Seventeen-time GRAMMY Award-winning Sting performs “Soul Cake” off his platinum-selling album “If On A Winter’s Night…”from Walt Disney World Resort.
    • Two-time GRAMMY Award-winning reggae star Shaggy sings his new Caribbean-flavored original song “Christmas with Friends” from Walt Disney World Resort
    • Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix performs “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” from Walt Disney World Resort.
    • Singers Ingrid Michaelson and Grace Vander Waal sing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” from Disneyland Resort.
    • GRAMMY Award-winning rock band The Man performs “White Christmas” and “Feel it Still” from Disneyland Resort.
    • International pop star Ally Brooke performs “Christmas Through Your Eyes” from Walt Disney World Resort.
    • The cast of the new Disney+ original “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” performs a high-energy medley from Disneyland Resort.

    The holiday specials are a collaboration by Disney Parks, ABC, Disney Channel and Endeavor Content.

  • New Holiday Decor Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

    New Holiday Decor Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

    The magic of the holidays meets the magic of nature in a whole new way this year at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with festive new entertainment and holiday décor in every land!

    It all begins when you cross the bridge to Discovery Island, finding yourself in the midst of a celebration of winter, hand-crafted by the eclectic community of artists who make the island their home. The village is filled with sparkling white holiday decorations. Colorful, animal-inspired luminaries line the rooftops, and wireframe lanterns in the shape of beautiful birds can be found perched throughout the area. And during the day, Discovery Island springs to life with a holiday gathering of winter animals, realized in the form of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets. Reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins and more interact with guests, accompanied by serenading musicians as they create a playful atmosphere of festive fun.

    As day becomes night, the rooftop luminaries and bird lanterns all around Discovery Island bring a warm and festive glow to the entire village. At the center of everything, the Tree of Life awakens with a series of wintry tales, complemented by a familiar and heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score. Between awakening moments, the Tree of Life continues to shimmer and sparkle throughout the night, alive with the magic of nature and the spirit of the holidays.

    Over in Dinoland, U.S.A., all the Disney character friends gathered for Donald’s Dino-Bash! get into the spirit with colorful holiday decorations in the style of Donald Duck and each of his pals, and at night, you’re invited to gather ‘round Truck-O-Saurus for the Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Chip ‘n Dale and plenty of interactive fun and games.

    In Asia, the residents of Anandapur have decorated the theatre district in celebration of Diwali, the holiday festival of lights in India. Glowing flowers, lanterns and more illuminate the square between Anandapur Theater and the waterfront stage, home to authentic cultural performances.

    The village of Harambe in Africa welcomes visitors with a unique holiday presentation, blending the inspiration and style of western traditions with the colors and textiles of authentic African celebrations. The various groups appearing throughout Harambe introduce holiday-inspired enhancements, including costume additions and new music, to their performances. The holiday fun continues inside Tusker House for dining with Disney friends, where Mickey and his pals spread holiday cheer throughout the meal.

    The holiday spirit even reaches Pandora – The World of Avatar, where the ex-pats living and working on the moon of Pandora bring a little Christmastime fun to their alien home, with a display at Pongu Pongu of kitschy holiday décor, combining vintage pieces from Earth with items handcrafted from materials indigenous to Pandora.

    It’s going to be an extra magical holiday season at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and across Walt Disney World Resort, filled with wonder and delight in all four parks! The festivities begin November 8, 2019.

  • Top Toys for the Holidays from ShopDisney.com

    Top Toys for the Holidays from ShopDisney.com

    If you’re making a list for Santa and looking for some great Disney gift ideas, then ShopDisney.com is the place to find this year’s must-have items. From classic Disney Princesses to heroes from a galaxy far, far away, their list includes something for everyone and you can find some of the best options below.

    Disney Parks Holiday Train Set
    Created especially for Disney Parks, Mickey and the gang set out for the North Pole with the festive remote-control toy train gift set. The set includes a locomotive, four train cars with animated character surprises and over 20 feet of track!

    Cinderella Castle Play Set – Walt Disney World Resort
    Inspired by the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park, this play set includes lights, sounds and action figures of world-famous Disney characters. It’s a Cinderella dream come true from Walt Disney World Resort.

    Disney top Toys shopdisney

    Doll Gift Sets 
    For Guests who love classic Disney stories and Disney’s most beloved heroines, two gift sets are available this year. The Disney Animator’s Collection set includes 12, five-inch Disney character dolls, which were reimagined as toddlers under the guidance of authentic Disney animators and artists. A second set celebrates 11 Disney princesses (plus Pua from Disney’s “Moana!”) that have captured Guests’ hearts for years.

    Beauty and the Beast “Be Our Guest” Singing Tea Cart Play Set
    Your little one will always be prepared for an enchanted tea party with this delightful singing tea cart inspired by Disney’s animated classic, “Beauty and the Beast.” Lumiere sings “Be Our Guest” while Mrs. Potts and Chip set the scene for tea time.

    Disney top Toys shopdisney

    Incredible Pixar Character-Inspired Toys
    From “Toy Story” to the colorful cast from “Incredibles 2” and “Cars,” fans of Pixar’s timeless characters will find several action-packed toys this season. Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear does plenty of talking and will light-up. A 10-piece deluxe figurine set from “Incredibles 2” includes the Parr family alongside other familiar faces, while the Incredimobile Remote Control Vehicle is a working replica of the mechanical member of the Incredibles. Mack from “Cars” carries six die-cast cars that pull back with friction motors.

    Disney top Toys shopdisney

    Disney Junior-Inspired Toys
    Hot dog! Kids can create memorable moments with the deluxe Mickey Mouse Clubhouse playset which includes interactive light and sound effects plus action figures. Playtime will be healthy and fresh with Minnie Mouse’s child size Farmer’s Market Stand play set and Brunch Cooking Set. The former includes a cart full of fun produce, products, and play money, while the latter contains 30 pieces of stylish serveware and sweet treats.

    Disney top Toys shopdisney

    Super Heroes Assemble
    Save the day in super hero style with an epic Mega Figuring set featuring 20 iconic characters, each containing detailed sculpting, or with a talking action figure of the friendly neighborhood super hero who has plenty of fighting words and two web slingers to battle his enemies.

    Disney top Toys shopdisney

    Millennium Falcon Toy Box Vehicle
    Part of the Star Wars Toybox collection, the intergalactic smuggler Han Solo and his Wookiee companion Chewbacca are at the helm of their Corellian starship with the Millennium Falcon Play Set. It includes motion activated flight sounds and light up engines.

    You can find select products in merchandise locations at Disney Parks, but an even bigger selection is found ShopDisney.com.