All the Disney Parks in One Podcast
Disney Parks Podcast Show #843-Disney New For The Week Of December 02, 2024
In today’s show, we have news about New Haunted Mansion Experiences at Disneyland, Disney Lakeshore Lodge opening in 2027, Headline News, and so much more.
Disney Parks Podcast Show #833- Disney New For The Week Of September 23, 2024
In today’s show, we have news about the Character guide for Disney Jollywood Nights 2024 at Hollywood Studios, the New Menu at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, headline News and so much more.
Has Disney’s recent announcements on the holiday celebrations later this year put you in the holiday spirit? Since we are halfway to the holidays and many of us feeling jolly (or is that only me?), it’s time to start shopping for holiday decorations- just don’t put them up yet. After all, it is still July!
There are three stores at Walt Disney World that keep the holiday cheer alive year-round. That’s right- 365 days of Christmas does exist, and it’s in sunny Orlando, Florida! Stepping into any one of them will have you feeling like you’re walking in a winter wonderland even if just outdoors can turn a snowman into a puddle in mere minutes. So, before you grab the hot cocoa and snuggle up by the fireplace, let’s take a look at where you can shop for a never-ending Christmas.
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, Magic Kingdom. Keeping with the Colonial America theme, this store located in Liberty Square looks, feels, and smells like Christmas. And, if you don’t happen to celebrate the holiday or you’re not ready yet to commit to that wondrous festive feeling, there is usually other seasonal finds- like Halloween decorations or Independence Day gear- in the store. Santa’s Helpers, I mean, Cast Members, are always keeping busy, too, adding a personalization or customized message to most merchandise.
Disney’s Days of Christmas, Disney Springs. Located in the Marketplace section, Disney’s Days of Christmas cannot be missed. It is massive, and appropriately decorated with all the Christmas trimmings. Caution: Whiplash imminent upon entering. Expect a full 360 spin once inside- the rows upon rows of ornaments alone seem endless. Yet, it is all very well organized by both theme and color- so if you’re looking to go all silver, or gold, or purple even, there’s a section coordinated with décor and trimmings in that color. Also, this store has a wide selection of boxed sets, which isn’t easily found anywhere else. Again, personalization of most merchandise is available on site, and, if you find yourself buying half the store, save your back and ask a Cast Member to ship it home!
Die Weihnacts Ecke, EPCOT. Translated as The Christmas Corner, this is by far one of the most beautiful stores not only in the Germany Pavilion, but in all of EPCOT. The shop is brimming with both elegant and Old World charm. Ornaments and holiday home décor range from the classic of nutcrackers and winter birds to the whimsical of steins and pretzels. Most of the holiday items sold here are handmade and many are from Germany. There’s even a traditional pickle tree, as it is customary in Germany to hang a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree for good luck.
I hope reading about Christmas stores at Walt Disney World has you dreaming of the holidays. Stopping by, whether for a souvenir, memento of your trip, or a gift, will surely put you in a festive mood any time of year!
Special thanks to fellow blogger and travel agent, Christina Smith, for the photos taken during the Destinations To Travel Social Media Blitz.
Let’s talk about a #truthbomb. We ALL want to save money on our vacation. And this is especially true for a trip to Walt Disney World. For many of us, these trips are “Once In A Lifetime” experiences, and while we are happy to save for that trip, we want to save on the extras where we can. One of the extras that is easy to brush aside is Memory Maker. But let’s talk about why, out of all the extras, this is one you shouldn’t pass on!
~Get Everyone In The Picture~
Whether it’s a Couples, Family, Solo, Multi Generation, First or 50th trip, it’s the perfect way to have everyone in the picture. It’s called Memory Maker for a reason. They can capture the special memories that you will treasure forever, with everyone in the picture – Moms too! In addition, it will include all of your Attraction photos, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and more.
~Special Surprise Guests~
You never know who may pop up!
One of the BEST features – Magic Shots! These super fun, surprise photos add a touch of Disney Magic when they show up. You could find Mickey, Tinkerbell, Chip and Dale, or so many more of your favorite characters… and even Sven has made an appearance! Don’t hesitate to let the photographer know you would like some of these special photos. They will happily oblige!
~Where To Find Them~
Check for locations of photographers in your MDE app
While you’ll usually find PhotoPass Photographers near the icons in each park, they will move around. And there will be some in a few of the beaten path areas too. To see where they are located at any given time, simply check your MDE App, and from the drop down menu, select “PhotoPass”. It will pinpoint where to find them in each park. In addition, stop by the Disney PhotoPass Studio in Disney Springs for extra photos with special backgrounds and props… All included in your Memory Maker purchase!
~How (and How Much)~
If you are booking your WDW vacation with a Travel Agent (like our friends at Destinations to Travel), this will be a question they will ask you when they work up your free quote. But, if you are booking yourself, just let the cast member know, and they will add it to your package (current early purchase price $169 *subject to change). It is best to add it at least 3 days prior to the start of your vacation for the best price. Memory Maker can be added after the start of your trip, but the price will increase (currently $199 *subject to change), so by adding it in the beginning, you’ll save. All of your photos will be available to you to download to your mobile device or computer for 30 days… ALL of them! No need to decide which ones to purchase individually (or watch that bill add up)
Let us know if YOU are a Memory Maker Fan, or if you pass on this option. Will you be adding Memory Maker to your next Vacation?
If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney or Universal Studios vacation, I would love to be your planning partner! Email : christinasmith@d2travel.com . Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith or on Instagram.
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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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 #638 – Disney News For The Week Of February 10, 2020
In today’s show, we have news about Pixar nite coming to Disneyland. Space 220 pushed back again, fastpass+ for Mickey & Minnie Runaway Train is available, new meetups, trivia and so much more!
Disney Parks Podcast Show #637 – Disney News For The Week Of February 3, 2020
In today’s show, we have news about Springtime Fun at Tokyo Disney Resort New Refillable Passholder Minnie Mouse Popcorn Bucket Coming to the Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line to Add New Concierge Staterooms to Disney Magic, new meetups, trivia and so much more!
Disney Parks Podcast Show #636 – Disney News For The Week Of January 27, 2020
In today’s show, we have news about Shanghai Disneyland & Hong Kong Disneyland Now Closed, Taste Testing Happening in France Pavilion, Walt Disney Studios to Turn ‘Bambi’ into Latest Live-Action Remake, new meetups, trivia and so much more!
