NEWS: Disney World Releases Night of Joy Details and Ticket Pricing

Disney has released the 2017 details for the very popular Night of Joy festival. This special event is two nights of nonstop music showcasing many of the biggest names of the Christian Music scene. For years, Night of Joy was held after hours at the Magic Kingdom after the park closed to day guests. This year marks the second year that Night of Joy will be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports. This format allows for several indoor venues which mitigates the impact of inclement weather which is common that time of year. This year, there are several changes include ticketing options. Full details on the changes as well as concert line ups are below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Charles Stovall:

A little Night of Joy update on a Tuesday morning.

We have a new ticketing structure for this event being held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and I wanted to share it with you.

This year, we’ve really tried to create a ticketing structure that meets the needs of a variety of different types of guests including Walt Disney World Annual Passholders.

Event guests will be able to buy a concert only OR a concert plus theme park combination ticket for either evening – or even a two-night concert ticket.

• Single-night concert only tickets will be $45 plus tax in advance
• Two-night concert only tickets will be $69 plus tax in advance
• Add-on a (1) day Walt Disney World theme park ticket for only $62 plus tax*.

There also will be premium seating packages available for an extra charge; and groups of 10 or more will be able to get discounted tickets, as with past events.

Tickets will go on sale in early June.

A little reminder about this year’s talent: (Entertainment subject to change.)

• Friday, Sept. 8 – MercyMe, TobyMac, Zach Williams, Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Rend Collective.
• Saturday, Sept. 9 – Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tye Tribbett.

* Add-on Theme Park Ticket Option is good for use any one day September 8-30, 2017 at any one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks

**2-Night Concert plus 1-day add-on Theme Park Advanced ticket will also include (1) admission to your choice of Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon for one use September 8-30, 2017. Individuals must purchase by August 8, 2017 to receive water park ticket. Groups must purchase by August 25, 2017 to receive water park ticket.

RELATED ARTICLE: Top 5 Special Events at Disney World

by Mike and Jamie Sylvester

Every day is a special day at Walt Disney World! But, sometimes Disney pours out a little extra pixie dust and arranges special events that are completely worth the extra ticket admission (if necessary) in our opinion. Count down with us as we list the top 5 special events at Disney World that you’ll want to add to your Disney “must-do list” today!

5 – Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

This annual event at Epcot has become a popular favorite among many Disney fans! The International Flower and Garden Festival is a spring event in which Disney has a chance to show off their impeccable landscaping and gardening skills. Bright colors, sense satisfying aromas, and lush greenery are just about everywhere you turn at Epcot during the festival. While there are a few extra admission costs for tours and events, most all of the Flower and Garden Festival is open to any guest entering Epcot’s gates with a valid theme park ticket! The festival boasts breathtaking gardens, topiary art in the form of several favorite Disney characters, how-to seminars, outdoor kitchens, play areas for the kids, a butterfly garden, and an outdoor concert series with some classic hits. We purposely try to arrange our trips around the spring season so we don’t miss the beauty! Mark your calendars for March 1 – May 29, 2017.

4 – Holidays Around the World at Epcot

Visit the World Showcase at Epcot this holiday season, November 24 – December 30, 2017. Explore how each of the 11 countries celebrate the holiday season with unique traditions that include all of the senses. Taste the delicious holiday cuisines, listen to the seasonal music, and be prepared to take photos of the special costumed performers. The best part in our opinion is the Candlelight Processional! A 50-piece orchestra, mass choir, and a celebrity narrator share the story of Christmas. We have goosebumps just thinking about it! Just like the Flower and Garden Festival above, all guests need is a valid park ticket to enjoy this special event. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Epcot glow under all the shimmering lights!

3 – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

While we’re talking about the Christmas season, what better way to celebrate then to party with Mickey! Head on over to Magic Kingdom on specific days between November 9 – December 22, 2017 for a Christmas party unlike any you’ve ever experienced. Crowds dwindle as Magic Kingdom is open on Christmas Party evenings only to special event ticket holders. The attractions are still open so wait times are typically very short! But most importantly – experience snow on Main Street U.S.A., check out the characters in their holiday best, sing along to your favorite Christmas tunes, catch the parade, and ooh and aah in the glow of fireworks! This year during the Christmas Party, guests will be able to experience Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration which is a live stage show in front of the Cinderella Castle. Buy your special tickets as soon as possible, as this event does tend to sell out.

2 – Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Have you ever wanted to taste your way around the world? Well – we have the special annual event for you! This year, the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is being held August 31 – November 13, 2017. When you enter that World Showcase at Epcot with valid theme park admission, you’ll immediately begin to smell the flavors of the world. Stands and kiosks seem to be just about everywhere with special sampling and plates of uniquely flavored food, plus beer and wine, from several different countries. Why not “Eat to the Beat” while you’re enjoying the amazing food with a concert series led by popular artists! Special demonstrations and seminars are also available such as mixology, culinary, and even cheese seminars. Some of the special seminaries are an extra fee, but there are several experiences included in your park admission. The other costs of course are the food and wine you plan to taste! There are Food and Wine Cards you can purchase so you don’t have to reach for the wallet at every station which acts much like a gift card.

1 – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Magic Kingdom’s ghosts and goblins come out to party! But, no worries – this party is definitely family friendly and “not-so-scary” for that reason. We rank Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in the number one spot because, well, this Mouse knows how to throw one awesome Halloween Party! Kids especially love trick-or-treating as Magic Kingdom is open to special ticket holders for the party only (just like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party). The dates for the party are select nights between August 25 – November 1, 2017. The great news is most all of the attractions are open and with crowds much smaller, guests can hop off and on rides easily. What would trick-or-treating be without costume?! Guests of all ages are welcome to wear costumes but keep in mind there are costume guidelines. This year guests will have a chance to enjoy Happy HalloWishes Fireworks where Disney Villains cast spells over the Cinderella Castle. The evil Sanderson Sisters will use their magic in the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular. One of our favorite parts has to be the Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade which has all of the favorite Disney characters in their spooktacular Halloween costumes, along with an appearance from the creepy Headless Horseman. We can’t wait!

What is your favorite special event? We’d love to hear from you!