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DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Opening Date for New Epcot Area; Holiday News; Big Change at Haunted Mansion & More

In this week’s Disney news roundup, we have news on the opening date for a new area of Epcot, an awesome new ghost effect at the Haunted Mansion, holiday news, and more. Learn more below.





 

1 – Opening Date Announced for ‘Walt the Dreamer’ Statue, World Celebration Gardens at EPCOT

Beginning December 5, in celebration of Walt Disney’s birthday, guests visiting EPCOT will be able to explore World Celebration Gardens including Dreamers Point, where they can sit beside a new statue of the original dreamer himself. The bronze statue titled “Walt the Dreamer” represents Walt later in his life when he was imagining ideas for the Florida Project and what ultimately became EPCOT. Learn more and see new photos at the link below!

Click here for photos and details on the new “Walt the Dreamer” statue opening soon at EPCOT.

Credit: Disney

2 – The 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is Now Open – Why You Don’t Want to Miss It!

The 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is finally open! This festival is so special (and way too short)! Learn everything you need to know about the festival and why you don’t want to miss it at the link below!

Click here for details on the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays and why you don’t want to miss it!

3 – 5 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

If you’re looking for a tropical twist on your Walt Disney World holiday celebrations, then head on over to Blizzard Beach Water Park! The park offers five ways to celebrate the holidays, including a very unique meet and greet with Santa himself. Learn more at the link below.

Click here for five ways to celebrate the holidays at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park!

 

4 – Follow Along with Us on Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

We’re so excited to announce that we’ve set sail with Disney Cruise Line on a Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream! In fact, we’re on the ship right now! We’re enjoying a 4-night Caribbean Cruise with stops in Nassau, a day on Castaway Cay, and plenty of holiday fun! We hope you’ll come sail away with us and follow along during another DisneyLists.com cruise week! Our travel logs are brimming with cruise advice so that when you’re ready to sail, you’ll be all set! See what we’ve been up to at the links below.

Follow us on Instagram, where we share so much of our cruise experience in real time!

Follow Along on Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Getting Ready to Sail-Part 1 – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Getting Ready to Sail-Part 2 – Packing for a Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Day 1-Part 1 of Embarkation Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL DAY: Day 1-Part 2 of Embarkation Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

5 – The Hatbox Ghost Materializes at Haunted Mansion!

The legendary Hatbox Ghost is now materializing within the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom. The iconic specter has come out to socialize with guests as they pass the Endless Hallway in their Doom Buggies. The Hatbox Ghost was also recently featured in the 2023 Disney Studios’ film, “Haunted Mansion.” Learn more at the link below.

Click here for more details at the Hatbox Ghost, now at the Haunted Mansion!

Credit: Disney




 

What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort

Now Through December 31, 2023 – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World

Click here for an overview of the holiday offerings at Walt Disney World in 2023 – What You Don’t Want to Miss!

Click here for a full listing of the holiday food and beverage items available throughout Walt Disney World during the holiday season. 

Click here for our review of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – including 16 tips and tricks for a fantastic night!

Click here for the full listing of holiday food and beverage items available during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

Click here for the 2023 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays Details and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It!

Click here to view the full menus for the Holiday Kitchens at the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.

Click here for 6 fantastic ways to celebrate the holidays at Disney Springs.

Click here for 5 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at Blizzard Beach!

Click here to learn more about the 2023 Gingerbread Displays and Treats at Disney Resorts.

Click here for new details on the new Jollywood Nights coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Click here for a listing of the new food and beverage items that will be available during Jollywood Nights.

Now Through December 31, 2023 – Disney100 Celebration at EPCOT

Click here for dates and details on the Disney100 Celebration at EPCOT.

Now Open – Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana – EPCOT

Click here for what you need to know about Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Now Open – Tron Lightcycle Run – Magic Kingdom

Click here for our review and what you need to know about TRON Lightcycle / Run.

Click here for everything you need to know about the story behind TRON Lightcycle / Run.

Click here for the first look at TRON Lightcycle / Run merchandise.

Coming Soon to Walt Disney World

December 5, 2023 – Walt the Dream Statue & World Celebration Gardens

Click here for first look photos and details about the new Walt the Dreamer Statue and World Celebration Gardens.

December 5, 2023 – ‘Luminous The Symphony of Us’ – New Nighttime Spectacular at EPCOT

Click here for details on the new nighttime spectacular coming to EPCOT.

Late 2024 – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Click here for storyline details of the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.





 

New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line

Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream

Follow Along with Us as we cruise and share tons of cruise tips and advice in our travel logs below!

Follow us on Instagram, where we share so much of our cruise experience in real time!

Follow Along on Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Getting Ready to Sail-Part 1 – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Getting Ready to Sail-Part 2 – Packing for a Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL LOG: Day 1-Part 1 of Embarkation Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

TRAVEL DAY: Day 1-Part 2 of Embarkation Day – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream!

Itineraries in 2023-2025

Click here to learn more about 2023 offerings on Very Merrytime Cruises on Disney Cruise Line.

Click here for details on Disney Cruise Line Early 2024 Itineraries.

Click here for details on Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea, Coming Spring of 2024

Click here for details on the sailings to the new private island destination and family vacations around the world in summer 2024!

Click here to learn more about 2024 Halloween and Holiday Cruises on Disney Cruise Line.

Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Line Early 2025 Itineraries.

The Disney Treasure – Sailing December 2024

Click here for “BIG REVEAL – What’s New & Coming to the Disney Treasure – Disney Cruise Line’s 6th Ship Coming in 2024.”

Click here for “The Disney Treasure – An Overview of Disney Cruise Line’s Sixth Ship Coming in December 2024!”

Click here to learn about the new Haunted Mansion-themed lounge coming to the Disney Treasure!

Click here to learn about the new and exclusive Broadway-style show coming to the Disney Treasure!

Click here to learn about new port options and an update, including concept art, of Lighthouse Point.

The Disney Wish

Click here for an overview of the Disney Wish, including our thoughts and a review of our recent experience.

Click here to learn about staterooms and our room review on the Disney Wish.

Click here to learn about upper deck fun and the AquaMouse – the first Disney attraction at sea!

Click here for an overview of family dining on the Disney Wish!

Click here to learn more about stage show entertainment on the Disney Wish!

Pixar Day at Sea on the Disney Fantasy – Spring 2024

TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 3 – Part 1

TRAVEL LOG: Our Pixar Day at Sea Cruise on the Disney Fantasy – Day 3 – Part 2

Click here for a full review of the Hey Howdy Breakfast with Woody and Friends to learn more and get tips and tricks for the best dining experience.

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.



 

Chad & Cindy Nykamp

After years of multiple Walt Disney World vacations, Cindy and Chad's dream of living in Orlando came true in 2010. After friends and family made them their go-to-people for Walt Disney World advice, Cindy and Chad launched DisneyLists.com in August 2015 to share their knowledge and love of Disney. Chad and Cindy have been Disney World Annual Passholders for years, DVC members, together have raced more than 70 runDisney races, and particularly love cruising on the Disney Cruise Line. Chad and Cindy also regularly represent DisneyLists.com at Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line media events. While attending these events, they get an insiders view of all the new things that have come to Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line. These experiences have helped them gain knowledge and expertise they happily pass on to their followers. They still can't believe how lucky they are to have such an amazing opportunity and will continue to share Disney with anyone who will listen!
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