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Hong Kong Disneyland to temporarily close for the third time

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Disney has announced that Hong Kong Disneyland will experience yet another temporary closure starting Dec. 2, 2020 due to COVID-19.

This third temporary closure is “required by the government and in line with preventative efforts taking place across Hong Kong.” The Disney park and its officials remain in close contact with health authorities and the government about the situation at hand, and plan to announce a reopening date once it is advisable to do so.

This is the second Disney Park to re-close its gates due to COVID-19, as Disneyland Paris made the same announcement recently. The resort has since shared a reopening date set for Feb. 12, 2021.

Hong Kong Disneyland originally closed due to COVID-19 earlier this year, followed by a reopening in June and a subsequent closure in July. The resort reopened for the second time in September of this year, and unveiled its newly-transformed Castle of Magical Dreams shortly before its third closure was announced.

As of the time of writing, other international parks Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort are still open to guests, and Walt Disney World continues to be the only Disney resort open domestically.

Join Forces with Disney PhotoPass Service to Capture Out-of-this-world Photos in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

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Other great photo ops aren’t too far away either! Any time you see a Disney PhotoPass photographer, be sure to stop by – you never know what unique capture experiences you might discover.  

As a bonus, after you take photos with most Disney PhotoPass photographers, you’ll see a photo or digital wallpaper added to your account that relates to that location. Check out a few from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

We can’t wait to see your photos! Share all your favorites with us by using #DisneyPhotoPass.  

Happy Holidays! Festive Fun Begins Today at Walt Disney World Resort

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The holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort starts today, and we’re unwrapping more details about the magical experiences happening across our theme parks and Disney Springs, including special pop-up appearances by Santa Claus. Read on for all the festive fun!

Magic Kingdom Park

Your favorite characters don their holiday best and celebrate the season in a series of special cavalcades, complete with Christmastime floats and music. From Mickey and friends trimming a tree to Goofy and his pals whipping up a bakeshop full of scrumptious treats, character cavalcades bring holiday spirit to the streets of Magic Kingdom throughout the day. And keep your eyes open for Santa when he glides down the parade route in his sleigh.

Holiday decor at Magic Kingdom Park

Main Street, U.S.A. is the spot to catch the Holiday Trolley, bringing festive harmonies from the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, and you may just see some Toy Soldiers joining the Main Street Philharmonic when they march through Magic Kingdom playing their merry melodies.

At night, holiday magic brings a festive look to Cinderella Castle with special projection effects, producing a kaleidoscope of designs including festive stripes and dots, a whimsical Christmas sweater look, a jeweled winter castle and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. It’s sure to provide the perfect colorful backdrop for your holiday photos.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Holiday fun returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, bringing unique seasonal décor and a flurry of festive flotillas with favorite Disney characters sailing down the Discovery River to a jolly holiday soundtrack.

Holiday decor at Disney's Animal Kingdom

“Donald’s Dino Bash Festive Flotilla” takes its seasonal celebration to the water, with character friends waving to everyone as they pass, and Chip ‘n’ Dale jingle through the jungle, bringing their own style of holiday flair to the river. The Discovery Island Drummers cruise along, too, entertaining guests on the shore with an energetic holiday beat. And when Santa Claus makes the trek to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, he’ll spread the joyous spirit of the season to all he sees along the way.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios get their own visit from Santa when he brings glitz and glamour to a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard, led by an entourage of elves and riding in his red convertible packed with presents. And just in time for the holiday season, “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” adds a festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, and celebratory songs of the season.

Holiday projection effects on the Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney's Hollywood Studios

After dark, the iconic Hollywood Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard will twinkle with projection effects as it becomes the Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel, magically transforming into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”

Disney Springs

The holidays arrive at Disney Springs on Nov. 7, when the area will transform into a winter wonderland, full of sparkling lights, enchanting décor and holiday surprises. Disney Springs is the place to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list – including yourself!  And here, you’ll want to take a break and savor the comforting flavors of the season.

As you wander, you can enjoy the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth, with elaborately decorated, Disney-themed trees appearing throughout the shopping, dining and entertainment district. There will also be music-playing DJs during the day, and in the evening, stilt-walking toy soldiers, skating snowflakes and a magical snowfall will add a touch of wonder for holiday shoppers at surprise locations.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are also making the trip to Disney Springs this year, where later in November you’ll be able to catch them soaking up their last bit of Florida sunshine before their big night. Look for them cruising Lake Buena Vista and sharing Christmas wishes from a pair of colorfully decorated pontoon boats.

Disney Parks Holiday Merchandise

You can bring the Disney Parks magic of the season home with you with new holiday-themed merchandise available throughout Walt Disney World Resort, as well as the Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street at Disneyland Resort in California (starting Nov. 19) and online at shopDisney.com. From apparel to accessories to homeware and more, these very merry collections feature the latest ear headbands, spirit jerseys for adults and children, plush, mini-backpacks by Loungefly, cloth face coverings and more. Highlights include:

  • The first Disney Parks holiday snow blower
  • Matching holiday onesies for the whole family
  • Fuzzy clogs by Crocs
  • A new holiday collection from BaubleBar
  • And much more!
Bavaria Holiday Kitchen at EPCOT during the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth

This is just a sampling of all the festive fun you will enjoy at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort this year. And there’s more to come! EPCOT gets into the spirit a little later in the month, when the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth kicks off Nov. 27 with live entertainment, Holiday Kitchens, the Holiday Cookie Stroll and more.

Marvel Studios’ “WandaVision” to Debut on Disney+ January 15

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Marvel Studios’ new series “WandaVision,” which premieres January 15, 2021, exclusively on Disney+, just unveiled a new moving poster featuring signature MCU characters Wanda and Vision in intriguing new surroundings. New images also available.

Kathryn Hahn as Agnes in Marvel Studios’ WANDAVISION. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2020. All Rights Reserved.
Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau in Marvel Studios’ WANDAVISION. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2020. All Rights Reserved.
Paul Bettany as Vision and Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff in Marvel Studios’ WANDAVISION. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2020. All Rights Reserved.

“WandaVision” is a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany)—two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives—begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. The new series is directed by Matt Shakman; Jac Schaeffer is head writer. 

Twitter: @WandaVision, @DisneyPlus

Facebook: @WandaVisionOfficial, @DisneyPlus

Instagram: @MarvelStudios, @DisneyPlus

Hashtag: #WandaVision, #DisneyPlus

Using the New Rise of the Resistance Boarding Group Procedure

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Disney announced two weeks ago that the process by which guests of Disney’s Hollywood Studios join boarding groups for Rise of the Resistance would be changing. Beginning November 3rd, no longer would the first release of boarding groups happen in-park at 10am; the first boarding group drop of the day would occur at 7am. As long as guests had a park pass for the Studios that day, and were “nearby,” they could log into the My Disney Experience app and try to get a boarding pass. So, how did the process go for me on the first day of the new procedure? 

First of all, I live near the park, so I met the “nearby” requirement. That being said, after taking a peek at social media after the first boarding group release of the day, I saw that a guest who was 2 hours away from Walt Disney World got a boarding group. So, when Disney says that you should be “nearby,” that seems to be a pretty broad radius. 

Secondly, I love this new procedure. Yes, I set an alarm to remind me just in the off chance that I got busy doing something other than watching the minutes tick by, and, yes, there was a general anxiousness as I waited for [6:59] to flip to [7:00], but this was an infinitely better guest experience than the old way of obtaining a boarding group.

Instead of getting ready and getting over to the park after dealing with lines of cars filled with guests trying to do the same at the auto plaza, I logged into the app and double checked that everything was ready to go while I waited for a cup of tea to brew. Instead of joining a line of guests all trying to get through the temperature check station and security bag check in time to enter the park and be ready for the drop, I prepped for the big moment in my jammies. While I was still nervous that I might not get a boarding group because the process of filling groups still takes just seconds, the level of anxiousness was much, much lower than it was when guests had to be present in-park for the first drop of the day. 

I logged into the app a couple of minutes in advance, and the second that my phone said it was 7am, I clicked the “Join” button. The app took a second or two or process, and then allowed me to proceed. I received boarding group 13. 

Keeping an eye on the app, I could see that boarding groups didn’t begin loading until fairly close to park’s opening time of 10am. As was the case prior to the procedure change, when a guest’s boarding group is called, a push notification is sent, letting that guest know that he or she has one hour to arrive at Rise of the Resistance to ride the attraction. 

When I received my push notification, I gobbled down a little something to eat and headed over to the park. The auto plaza wasn’t packed with cars, the temp check stations were without lines, and security bag check was a breeze. I entered the park and made my way back to the attraction with time to spare. The wait before enjoying the attraction was minimal. 

In my mind, the new procedure is a great step in the right direction in the guest experience category. Having guests log on and try to get a boarding group from the comfort of their resort room or home is big. Not having to stress about getting into the park and go through the whole process in-park is huge. 

Guests who are unable to get a boarding pass during the 7am drop will have another chance to obtain a boarding release at the 2pm release. Guests do need to be in the park if they want to try for the 2pm drop. And, if guests don’t get a boarding group at 7am and they don’t want to wait until the 2pm in-park release, they now have the chance to change up their plans for the day and grab another park pass, if they’re available. 

Have you had the chance to try out the new boarding group procedure? If so, what did you think? Will this update make your next visit to the Studios a bit easier?

Holiday Magic and Virtual Gift Guide at Disney Springs

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Now more than ever we could all use a little Disney holiday magic in our lives and I’m so excited we’ve officially kicked off the holidays at Disney Springs. One of my favorite traditions is watching the amazing transformation at World of Disney as beautiful window displays appear and holiday merchandise fills the shelves. Have you seen this year’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and Silver and Gold Collections? (Everything is on my shopping list!) This year is even more special as we find new and safe ways to celebrate with our loved ones and Disney Springs is the perfect place to enjoy the spirit of the season with family-friendly fun, sparkling décor, and gift ideas galore. Here’s a look at what’s happening: 

Screenshot of the Disney Springs Virtual Gift Guide

Virtual Gift Guide

Need a little gift-giving inspiration? The Disney Springs Gift Guide is back with an all-new format on Instagram! Head to @disneysprings and use the highlight buttons to explore 8 different gift categories including classics like “For Her” and “For Kids” and of course, the “For the Disney Fan” that has a little something for everyone! This collection of items will give you can find at Disney Springs but it gives you a little taste of the amazing variety of gifts to complete your shopping for everyone on your list. There’s always something new to discover so make sure you keep checking back through the holiday season.

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth 

We’ve taken all the holiday magic and spread out the fun with the new Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth featuring a collection of elaborately decorated Disney-themed Christmas trees. As in year’s past, each tree is themed to a popular Disney character, attraction, or story, with trees now spread throughout all four Disney Springs neighborhoods. https://www.youtube.com/embed/cmiEYw3eHpY

My absolute favorite tree is located in the heart of Town Center and is the crowning jewel to the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stoll presented by AdventHealth. Check out this time-lapse video of our cast members hard at work as they turn the holiday magic on for our guests. 

Jolly holiday scavenger hunt that allows you to safely wander and explore the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth

Create a new holiday family tradition and prepare for a jolly holiday scavenger hunt that allows you to safely wander and explore the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. The scavenger hunt is complimentary and collateral can be picked up from select retail stores, Disney Springs Welcome Center, and Disney’s PhotoPass Studio. As you explore, don’t forget to take advantage of special discounts and offers available on the back of your map from select retail and dining locations. Once you complete your scavenger hunt, bring it to a redemption location for a special surprise.   

Stilt walkers at Disney Springs for the holidays

Santa’s Winter Watercade & Holiday Entertainment

Discover other select entertainment throughout Disney Springs that will immerse you in the holidays while you safely enjoy time together and make new memories. The popular Toy Soldier stiltwalkers and Snowflake Skaters will be back bringing holiday magic to the promenade along with guest DJs cranking out your favorite seasonal tunes at the AdventHealth Waterside Stage and at Exposition Park across from Disney’s Candy Cauldron.  

Of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without a little snow and it’s in the forecast! Be delighted in a magical snowfall that will add a little extra touch to your holiday shopping happening intermittently at Disney Springs Town Center and West Side. 

Later this month, Santa and Mrs. Claus will pack their winter wear as they plan to soak up the last bit of Florida sun before their big night. Keep an eye out this season on the waters of Lake Buena Vista where you might spot them waving and sending season’s greetings from afar in a festive and colorfully-decorated pontoon boat. 

Holiday offerings from Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar is back and has been transformed with merry décor and festive fun through December 30, 2020. The Light Deviled Eggs return to the menu alongside some new delicious additions like Grandma’s Favorite Sliders (made with venison!) and Milk and Cookies by the Fireside paired with Coquito and Malibu Rum (believe me, this is a must-try!). Popular holiday cocktails are back as well like the Jock’s Holiday Nog, Berry, Merry Margarita and a new Mistletoe Mule. Keep an eye out on the Disney Parks Blog for another story coming soon with a roundup of other delicious Holiday Eats & Treats you’ll find this holiday season at Disney Springs. 

Disney’s PhotoPass Studio

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs! Starting November 16, get all your family photos for the holidays, including a virtual backdrop featuring Santa, and other festive virtual backdrops that combine the magic of the holidays with the magic of Disney! To download all the photos taken the day of your visit (including your photos from the studio from that day), take advantage of a special offer of $49.99 for Memory Maker One Day*, in addition to great prices and specials on prints, available only at this location November 16 through December 26, 2020. Put on your ugly (or not-so-ugly) Christmas sweater, and jingle all the way to the studio – no reservations required. 

FreeForm’s “25 Days of Christmas” Photo Op

FreeForm’s “25 Days of Christmas” Photo Op

Freefrom is counting down to the holidays with another themed photo-op at Disney Springs. Be sure to make a stop at the new “25 Days of Christmas” Instagram wall located right outside Disney’s Days of Christmas. Tag those “elfies” using #DisneySprings and #25DaysofChristmas.  

As you can see, there’s so much holiday shopping, dining, and fun to be had at Disney Springs this holiday season. Be sure to follow us on social media @DisneySprings as we continue to highlight new merchandise arrivals including any special Thanksgiving week deals and releases.  

As a friendly reminder, be sure check our “Know Before You Go” resources to learn more about our current health and safety measures. If you’re planning to drive, please allow at least 60 minutes to reach your destination. Digital message boards along Buena Vista Drive will indicate when garages and surface lots are full.