DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: 7 NEW Festival of the Holidays Experiences; Tons of Special Holiday Food Options; Nighttime Animal Kingdom Experiences Return; Water Park Reopens; Cruise News & More
Walt Disney World is gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year! Many holiday offerings have begun! We’ve got the details on holiday food and beverage items that can be found across the resort, Blizzard Beach has reopened, the Disney Treasure is making its way to Port Canaveral, Florida, and events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights had their first parties! Learn about these stories and more below in this week’s news roundup.
1 – Holiday Season Begins at Walt Disney World
The holiday season has begun at Walt Disney World! During this time, guests can find holiday offerings at the theme parks, Disney Springs, and Disney resorts! We’ve got an overview of everything being offered this year. Visit the link below for the complete guide.
Click here for the 2024 Guide to Holiday Offerings at Walt Disney World.
2 – 7 New Experiences at EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Announced
The EPCOT Festival of the Holidays is just around the corner! The short festival kicks off on November 29, and this week, Disney released information on seven new experiences coming to the festival. Visit the link below for all the details.
Click here for the seven new experiences coming to the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
3 – Disney Reveals Special Holiday Treats at Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and Disney World Resorts
There are many places to find holiday treats around Walt Disney World. Whether you’re heading to the parks, Disney Springs, or resort hopping, you’ll find plenty of limited-time holiday food and beverage items. Visit the links below for all the details.
Click here for the complete guide to holiday treats at Disney Resorts.
And if you missed it, click here for the complete guide to holiday treats at Magic Kingdom and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
4 – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
For over 40 years, families and kids of all ages have enjoyed Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park. It features a dazzling parade, fireworks, elaborate stage shows, complimentary sweet treats, shorter wait times for attractions, and so much more. It is easy to see why this specially ticketed event is a holiday tradition for many. The party kicked off on Friday, November 8, and many party dates have sold out. We’ll be attending the party on Monday, November 9. Be sure to follow us on Instagram to get real-time party coverage in our Instagram Story. Our review with lots of tips for the party will be published on Tuesday, November 12.
5 – 8 Can’t-Miss Gingerbread Displays & Treats at Disney World 2024
One of our favorite holiday traditions is to visit the gingerbread displays at various Disney Resorts during the holiday season. While visiting, you can purchase holiday treats! Visit the link below to look at some of the displays and a list of treats offered.
Click here for the eight can’t-miss gingerbread displays and treats at Disney World in 2024.
6 – Disney Reveals Special Eats & Treats for Jollywood Nights
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will once again roll out the red carpet for Disney Jollywood Nights, a limited-capacity, separately ticketed event that will include more nights and more entertainment this year. The event kicks off on November 9. Returning culinary favorites – including the wildly popular Gertie cookie. And, upon departing the party with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads, each guest will receive a special sweet treat. Visit the link below for all the details on the exclusive treats and beverages available at the event.
Click here for the foodie guide for special eats and treats at Jollywood Nights.
7 – Disney Springs Kicks off the Holiday Season at Walt Disney World with Christmas Tree Lighting
Disney Springs kicked off the holiday season at the Walt Disney World Resort with a ceremonial tree lighting on Friday. This event officially marked the beginning of the many holiday festivities taking place across Walt Disney World, bringing even more magic and joy for guests this season. Visit the link below to learn about the special ceremony.
Click here for details on the Christmas Tree Lighting at Disney Springs.
8 – Blizzard Beach Has Reopened; Typhoon Lagoon Closes for Refurbishment
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon has closed for its annual refurbishment, and Blizzard Beach Water Park has reopened for the winter season. With its wintery, blizzard theme, the water park is the perfect destination for those wanting to enjoy the water parks during the warm winter months in Florida. Visit the link below for ten things to enjoy at Blizzard Beach!
Click here for ten things to enjoy at Blizzard Beach!
9 – Tree of Life Awakenings Return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Great news! The Tree of Life Awakenings are back at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! During the winter season, guests can enjoy dazzling projections on the Tree of Life featuring animals like hummingbirds and scenes and music from The Lion King. Tree of Life Awakenings begin after dark at 6:10 pm and occur approximately every 10 minutes until the park closes. The best viewing can be found in front of the Tree of Life.
10 – Disney Treasure on its way to Port Canaveral, Florida
The Disney Treasure has embarked on its transatlantic journey from Eemshaven, Netherlands, to its future home in Port Canaveral, Florida. The trip will take two weeks to complete, and it will cover over 4,500 miles between the Disney Treasure and its destination. The ship’s first-ever port of call will be the beautiful city of Funchal, Portugal, where it will make a brief stop before heading back out to sea. During the crossing, final preparations will be made to ready the ship for its maiden voyage on December 21.
11 – The Disney Treasure tests new ship horns during transatlantic crossing
In harbors across the world, passengers and passersby always know when a Disney Cruise Line ship is embarking by its distinct ship horn salute, which artfully combines the nostalgia of beloved Disney stories with the centuries-long maritime tradition of sending audio signals to communicate.
This week, as the Disney Treasure journeys across the Atlantic Ocean, the team tested out seven new arrangements of familiar Disney melodies in preparation for its inaugural season this December. Several of the new ship horn sounds were chosen to complement the daring tales that will be found onboard the Disney Treasure, while others capture the ship’s motif of adventure. Future Disney Cruise Line guests will soon hear the Disney Parks’ classic, “Grim Grinning Ghosts,” a nod to the Haunted Mansion Parlor; “Remember Me” from the Pixar Animation Studios film, “Coco,” honoring the theatrical dining restaurant, Plaza de Coco; and “A Whole New World” from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “Aladdin,” a tie to the ship’s Grand Hall. The team even created a special holiday composition for this year’s winter season.
12 – Thanksgiving Offerings at Disney Springs and EPCOT
This Fall, some of Central Florida’s most beloved restaurants will offer a variety of options for guests to enjoy on Turkey Day. From signature dine-in specials to Thanksgiving packages with all the fixings, this holiday will be a memorable one.
The Edison, Disney Springs’ roaring 20’s themed-eatery, will be offering a few specials just for Thanksgiving Day, in addition to their full menu of flavorful comfort foods and crafted cocktails.
- Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner: Roasted heritage turkey, herbed stuffing, dreamy mash, house gravy, green bean casserole. $39
- Children’s version also available for $18
- Pumpkin Cheesecake: whipped cream, crunchy caramel pearls, caramel sauce. $15
Be sure to also pair it with a Fall cocktail, available Nov. 1 – Dec. 31:
- Fall for You: Angel’s Envy, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, spiced apple tincture, Fee foam, lemon juice, ghost leaf. $18
- Peppermint Patty: peppermint-infused vodka, Caffè Borghetti espresso liqueur, Tempus crème de cacao, half-crushed peppermint rim. $16
- Cosmic Poinsettia: infused Stoli Elit, Belle de Brillet pear brandy, St. George spiced pear, cinnamon syrup, lime juice. $30
- Cup o’ Cheer (Non Alcoholic): apple cider, cinnamon syrup, cranberry juice, lemon juice. $12
On Thanksgiving and throughout the Fall season, sip on a delicious Orchard Chill at Pizza Ponte. Made with Absolut Vanilia, Pinnacle salted caramel, apple cider, allspice dram, this cocktail is the perfect accompaniment to the largest pizza slice on Disney property. Available
Nov. 1 – Dec. 31 for $8.95.
Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs
Earl of Sandwich will provide its fan-favorite seasonal offering this year, the Holiday Turkey with turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce & mayonnaise for $9.49.
Via Napoli Ristorante at EPCOT
The Italian eatery has debuted a Fall-inspired pizza, the Autunno, topped with butternut squash, fresh ricotta, fried crispy prosciutto and arugula, available until Nov. 30. This dish is perfectly paired with the new Amaro Sour cocktail — made with Artichoke-infused Amaro ($18). The pizza is $25 for an individual, $42 for large (serves 2-3), or $58 for mezzo metro (serves 3-4).
What’s New and Happening Now at Walt Disney World Resort
Now Through November 23, 2024 – EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
Click here for what you need to know about the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival!
Click here for the menus for the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival!
Now – December, Select Nights – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights
Click here for dates and details for 2024 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party & Jollywood Nights.
Click here for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Magic Kingdom holiday menus!
Click here for details on the 2024 Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Now – December – Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
Click here for the 2024 Guide to Holiday Offerings at Walt Disney World.
Click here for the complete guide to holiday treats at Disney Resorts.
Click here for the eight can’t-miss gingerbread displays and treats at Disney World in 2024.
Now Open! – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Click here for our review and what you need to know about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Click here for information on how to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Click here for details on a new, unique PhotoPass ops for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom.
Coming to Walt Disney World
November 23-December 30 – EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
Click here for details on the Candlelight Processional at the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.
2025 – Reimagined ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
D23 Horizons Projects Announced for Walt Disney World
Click here to learn more about the Villains’ land coming to Magic Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Click here to learn more about the Cars expansion in Frontierland in Magic Kingdom!
Click here to learn more about Tropical Americas Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the new nighttime parade coming to Magic Kingdom.
Click here to learn more about the lounges coming to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT!
Click here to learn more about Test Track reopening in 2025.
New & Coming Soon to Disney Cruise Line
Now Open – Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – DCL’s Newest Private Island
Click here for an overview of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and what you need to know.
Click here for the menus for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Itineraries in 2024-2026
Click here to learn more about 2024 Halloween and Holiday Cruises on Disney Cruise Line.
Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Line’s Early 2025 Itineraries.
Click here to learn about Disney Cruise Lines’ summer 2025 itineraries.
Click here for details on Fall 2025 and Spring 2025 itineraries; now booking!
Disney Treasure – Sailing 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 for more details about “Disney The Tale of Moana,” coming to the Disney Treasure.
Click here for a First Look at Disney Treasure Menus.
Click here for details on “The Aristocats”- Themed Lounge Coming to the Disney Treasure.
Click here for details on the new Marvel-themed Dining Experience Coming to the Disney Treasure.
Disney Destiny – Sailing November 2025
Click here for “Everything New Coming to the Disney Destiny Sailing in 2025.”
Click here for an overview of what you can expect on the Disney Destiny.
Click here for all the details on the upcoming Disney Destiny, sailing in 2025.
Click here for “Discover the Disney Destiny Day 1 – Your Own Heroes Journey.”
Click here for “Discover the Disney Destiny Day 2 – Villains.”
Disney Adventure, Sailing from Singapore
Click here for the grand reveal of the Disney Adventure, sailing in 2025!
Click here for details about the Disney Adventure, sailing from Singapore in 2025.
D23 Horizons Announcements
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