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Disneyland Paris to remain closed until early 2021

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Disneyland Paris has confirmed that the resort will remain closed until early on in 2021, as a result of the latest government measures for France related to COVID-19.

The resort was aiming to reopen for the holiday season, but now it appears that it will have to keep the gates closed until Feb. 12, 2021.

For guests who had booked a future trip during this closure period, options availalble include canceling and receiving a full refund or postponing the trip and booking new dates to visit. Starting Dec. 1, guests will be able to rebook their summer break trips at the current available rate for arrivals starting on April 1, 2021.

As for Annual Passes, the duration of those and their benefits, depending on the pass type, will be extended the number of days the resort is temporarily closed—starting from the expiration date of the pass—and monthly payments will be suspended from Nov. 1, 2020 through March 2021. As of right now, new Annual Pass sales are currently suspended.

To learn more about temporary adjustments and cancelation policies for Disneyland Paris in relation to this second temporary closure, visit DisneylandParis.com.

Disneyland Paris shares update on Cars Route 66 Road Trip attraction

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Disneyland Paris recently shared an update and photos for the upcoming attraction, Cars Route 66 Road Trip, which is set to debut in 2021 at Walt Disney Studios Park.

The sneak peek shared a look at the attraction’s new boarding station, which is inspired by mid-century modern architecture with several nods to the automotive world of Pixar’s “Cars.”

cars route 66 road trip

Guests will enter the station through a tourist booth filled with maps, postcards, and other decorative items. The loading station, which is about halfway through construction, is the first building built outside the current perimeter of Walt Disney Studios Park. Once completed, it will be accessible to guests by a new road that extends from Toy Story Playland.

cars route 66 road trip

Cars Route 66 Road Trip represents the first step in the multi-year expansion of Walt Disney Studios Park.

Stay tuned for more updates on this attraction and Disneyland Paris as we await its grand opening next year!

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.

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. 

Disney Parks Podcast Show #501 – News and Information About All Disney Plans For Mickey Mouse’s Birthday

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #501 – News and Information About All Disney Plans For Mickey Mouse’s Birthday

In today’s show, we have news and information about all the plans Disney and Disney Parks have to celebrate the birthday of Mickey Mouse.

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Listen to the Episode Below

Disney Parks Podcast Show #493 – News For The Week Of August 6, 2018

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #493 – News For The Week Of August 6, 2018

Disney Parks Podcast Show #493 – News For The Week Of August 6, 2018

In today’s show, we have news about Incredibles 2 crossing the $1 Billion worldwide mark, the Edison tickets for a Gatsby night go on sale, and this week’s trivia, and so much more.

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Listen to the Episode Below

Disneyland’s Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience

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Lanyard for Skyline Lounge Experience 2018

Watching the fireworks at Disneyland is a challenge.  Many people line the streets in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle hours before the 9:30 pm showtime.  I am not one to wait around. There are alternate places to walk up at the last minute, such as Rivers of America and It’s a Small World area.  Yet, you don’t get to see the projections on the castle, flying Tinkerbell, or the fireworks right at the castle. There is reserved seating on benches at the castle, but that is for invited guests or guests that had VIP tours that day.

Disneyland has lacked the Fireworks dessert parties that other Disney Parks have offered for years.  At Walt Disney World, you can attend dessert parties for nighttime entertainment at all four parks: Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and now Animal Kingdom.  Even Disneyland’s neighbor, Disney California Adventure, has offered a World of Color Dessert Party and now a Paint the Night Dessert Party.

If you are looking for a relaxing place to watch the fireworks from afar, try the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience!  I brought my Dad to Disneyland for the day and gave him my own VIP tour of the best of the Disneyland Resort. My Dad has not visited Disneyland in about 10 years. We visited on Disneyland’s 63rd Birthday.  He enjoyed a multitude of  rides using Maxpass, Carthay Circle Restaurant for lunch, and the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience to end the night.

The Skyline Lounge opened about a year ago and has quietly kept it’s place on the second level of the Star Wars Launch Bay.  Reserve your spot in the same way that you reserve table service restaurants at the resort.  The cost is $50 per person, no discounts, and is paid when you arrive at the lounge that night.  The lounge has several couches and high top tables with bar stools and chairs. For the best seat choice, arrive 15 minutes prior to 8:00pm when the lounge opens. You are able to come and go during the 2 hours that the lounge is open without losing your seat.

 

A host will help you take your dessert box and drinks to an available table or couch of your choice.  Drinks are unlimited, but the dessert box is the only food available. There are cans of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Perrier.  Coffee and hot tea are also available.  Your host will offer you games, Jenga or Connect Four, to play while you wait for the fireworks.  They also offer blankets because Southern California nights can be a bit cooler, especially up on the second level of the Launch Bay building.

A surprise from the night was a visit from Minnie Mouse.  Disney’s website did not mention character visits. Minnie spent time taking group and individual photos with all of the guests in the lounge.

The reason we book the lounge is for the fireworks views.  Anaheim was quite windy that day, and the fireworks were delayed by about 10-15 minutes.  Disney’s website says does not guarantee the fireworks. Fireworks are often cancelled at Disneyland due to winds. If fireworks are cancelled, I do not know if you will receive a partial refund of your lounge experience.  A downside of the high top tables and bar stools is that the tops of the fireworks are cut off. You are asked not to lean on the railing for viewing of the fireworks.  Most of the guests who were seated on the couches remained there to watch the fireworks. I would recommend arriving early for couch seating.

Firework view from the Skyline Lounge

Overall, I would recommend ending your day with this lounge experience. It was a great to have a seat and wait for the fireworks. The desserts were quite tasty, even as breakfast the next day! We did take the box home because we had a full day of meals and snacks already. Since the desserts come in a take-out style box, it was easy to close up and take the uneaten treats home.