DISNEY NEWS ROUNDUP: Discounted Park Ticket Announced, Festival of the Holidays Menus Released & Sneak Preview, Very Merrytime Cruise Highlights, Behind the Scenes at Cirque du Soliel & More
Some good news this week for families looking to save a little money on Disney World park tickets. We also have a sneak preview of the Epcot Festival of the Holidays opening this week along with some delicious looking menus. We also have a behind the scenes look at the new Cirque du Soliel show opening soon at Disney Springs. We’re back from our Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruise and you can check out all the highlights from this amazing voyage and enjoy some great photos and video. A new Magic of Disney store is now open at the airport and Disney honors volunteerism. All this and more below in this week’s news round up.
1 – New 4-Park Magic Ticket Now Available
This week Disney announced a new 4-Park Magic Ticket that offers an excellent discount for families. The 4-Park Magic Ticket has proven to be a favorite ticket option for guests in recent years, as it provides one visit to each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. For the first time, the 4-Park Magic Ticket that is now available can be upgraded to include one admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water parks, plus one admission to the new NBA Experience at Disney Springs. Head to the link below for more information on the ticket.
Click here for details on the new 4-Park Magic Ticket.
2 – Disney Releases Menus for the Epcot Festival of the Holidays
Epcot is joining the holiday fun on November 29, with the opening of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays! There is so much to see and do during this festive and fun festival! One of our favorite things to do is enjoy samplings from around the world from the thirteen-holiday kitchens! Disney has released the menus and there are some delicious offerings this year!
Click here for the menus to the 13 holiday kitchens.
3 – Sneak Preview – Epcot International Festival of the Holidays Begins November 29
The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays takes place from November 29 through December 30. It celebrates holiday traditions from around the world through storytelling and music presented throughout World Showcase. We recently got a preview of what’s coming, and we couldn’t be more excited. See the link below for everything you need to know about this year’s festival!
Click here for what you need to know about the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.
4 – Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream
This week we enjoyed an absolute fantastic Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream. The cruise was everything we had hoped for and more. We’ve got lots of coverage to share with you and even more coming in the next few weeks. Disney Cruise Line is an excellent option for families looking to have that Disney magic during a cruise vacation. Learn more about our cruise at the links below.
Packing for Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream
Click here for our Day 1 Travel Log from Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream.
For a ton of photos and videos from Day 1, check out our Instagram Story highlight by clicking here.
Click here for our Day 2 Travel Log from Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream.
For lots of photos and videos from Day 2, click here for our Instagram Story highlight.
Click here for our Day 3 Travel Log from Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream.
Check out our Day 3 Instagram Story highlight for lots of photos and videos from our day!
Click here for our Day 4 Travel Log from Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream.
See lots of photos and video from Day 4 by clicking here for our Instagram Story highlight.
Click here for our Day 5 Travel Log from Our Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream.
5 – Behind the Scenes Look at Cirque du Soleil Production Coming to Disney Springs in Spring 2020
This summer at D23, Disney and Cirque du Soleil announced a partnership that would bring a new show to Disney Springs in the spring of 2020. This week we got an update on how the show is coming along. Disney cast member Jennifer Fickley-Baker shares more below.
Physical feats that amaze. Performances that require astounding athletic skill. A score that shakes the soul. A story that tugs deeply at the heart.
Each of these are qualities of a Cirque du Soleil production that together leave spectators in awe.
Today we’re happy to share a first look inside the new, yet-to-be-named Cirque du Soleil show that is set to debut at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort in Spring 2020. This original creation coming to Disney Springs celebrates the art of Disney animation in Cirque du Soleil’s signature way, with a tribute to the craftsmanship that makes Disney so extraordinary. The show will transport the audience into the world of Disney animation with new original acrobatic sequences, dazzling choreography, musical masterpieces and whimsical characters.
Check out the video above for a behind-the-scenes peek into what you can expect when the show debuts this spring.
Click here for more information on show tickets, dates, and pricing.
6 – Magic of Disney Store Now Open at Orlando International Airport
When visiting the Orlando International Airport, you can visit two different Disney Stores for any last-minute shopping. Both stores have been recently refurbished, with the second, Magic of Disney, just recently reopening. Disney cast member Thomas Smith has all the details below.
Our second Disney retail store at Orlando International Airport reopened today after a transformative refurbishment. Now named Magic of Disney, the store is located on the east side of the airport and is the ideal spot to grab a MagicBand and a pair of ears on your way to Walt Disney World Resort or find those last-minute mementos to remember your vacation.
Inside the new Magic of Disney, our helpful cast members can’t wait to share some of the most popular Disney Parks merchandise with you, including select trending and seasonal items that you may have missed while exploring our world. It’s the perfect last stop before hopping on your plane to head home.
While you’re at Orlando International Airport, be sure to also snap a photo at the recently installed photo opportunities celebrating Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!
Both recently reimagined Magic of Disney stores, combined with Disney’s Magical Express and the popular Minnie Van Service, which provide direct transportation to our Disney Resort hotels, are great examples of our strong, continued partnership with Orlando International Airport. Disney and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority have worked together for years to create an exceptional arrival and departure experience for guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and the Orlando area.
Stop by and check out the new Magic of Disney store on your next trip through MCO!
7 – New Poster Unveiled for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
We are eagerly awaiting the opening of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year. Recently a new poster was unveiled. Disney cast member Thomas Smith shares more below.
It’s a special day here – Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are celebrating birthdays! And to mark the occasion, we’re sharing a new poster for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in spring 2020.
On Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you’ll step through the movie screen and join Mickey, Minnie, and friends like never before – bursting into a world where mouse rules apply.
And with mouse rules, anything can happen! Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will transport you into the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts where you’re the star. As we’ve shared, the park’s Chinese Theatre will serve as the magic portal through which you’ll step from the human world directly into the unforgettable cartoon world.
Today’s new underwater poster offers a glimpse of the zany fun you’ll discover on each adventure. Download a high-resolution version here.
8 – ‘Volunteer Family of the Year’ Honored at Disney Springs
On Saturday, we had the opportunity to attend a special ceremony honoring the Disney Volunteer Family of the Year at Disney Springs. Disney is encouraging volunteering through the Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program. We learned that across all fifty states, more than 13,500 projects have been completed and more than 3,000,000 total hours of volunteer service has been given. Head to the link below for more this fantastic program!
Click here for more on the Disney Volunteer Family of the Year, including video of the ceremony.
9 – Disney Recognized with Four IAAPA Brass Ring Awards
Recently Disney has been recognized for four IAAPA Brass Ring Awards. Disney cast member Thomas Smith has all the details below.
It’s another exciting day for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products! In addition to the recently announced Thea Awards, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) also recognized Disney with four Brass Ring Awards for immersive products and atmosphere entertainment.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge hit it out of this galaxy with three Brass Ring Awards for the experiential merchandise items found on Batuu.
- Best Hard Good Item: The personalized lightsabers created by guests at Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers. The experience is guided by ancient wisdom, yet crafted by the choices guests make before igniting it with a kyber crystal.
- Best Visual Merchandising: The custom astromech units built by guests at the Droid Depot that interact with the land.
- Best Plush: The Porg was recognized not only for item itself, but also for the experience guests have when choosing their very own Porg from the Creature Stall.
“Through outstanding products, we have helped create an entirely immersive experience that weaves the story of Batuu through every point in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” said Kareem Daniel, president, Walt Disney Imagineering Operations, Product Creation, Games and Publishing. “Experiential storytelling is at the heart of what we do, and I am so proud of what these teams have collectively brought to life.”
Additionally, in the live entertainment category, the Brass Ring Award for Best Atmosphere went to the Green Army Drum Corps — which marches through Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios several times a day playing lively percussion sets with inspiring drum sequences.
“It’s incredible to see the effect that atmosphere entertainment has on our guests and the Green Army Drum Corps is no exception,” said David Lightbody, senior vice president for Disney Parks Live -Entertainment. “We are thrilled to have been recognized by IAAPA for this talented group of musicians that help bring Toy Story Land to life and involve our guests in fun and memorable ways.”
Congratulations to all of the teams behind these incredible products and experiences!
10 – John Williams Receives GRAMMY nomination for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Theme
When entering Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll be treated to an original score by John Williams that really sets the tone for your visit to Batuu. Not surprising, John Williams is being honored for his work on the score. Disney cast member Michael Ramirez shares more below.
When you think about Star Wars, I’m sure that the iconic music of legendary composer John Williams comes to mind.
We are proud to share that the original theme created especially for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge by Oscar-winning composer John Williams, titled “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite,” has been nominated for a GRAMMY award in the “Best Instrumental Composition” category!
Since opening earlier this year, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has welcomed millions of visitors to Black Spire Outpost, with Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run having taken more than 5 million passengers on daring flights through the galaxy.
The captivating soundtrack to the planet Batuu can be heard in the below video. The original theme is also available to stream on Apple Music*, offering an exciting way for fans to prepare for their upcoming adventure!
Since debuting at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has given guests a chance to live their very own Star Wars adventure. Just earlier this week, it was announced that the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) recognized Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with two Thea Awards for Outstanding Achievement: one for the land itself, and one for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Additionally, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) recognized Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with three Brass Ring Awards for immersive products and atmosphere entertainment: one in the “Best Hard Good Item” category for Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers, one in the “Best Plush” category for the Porgs from the Creature Stall, as well as “Best Visual Merchandising” for Droid Depot.
The 62nd GRAMMY awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 10, 2020.
What’s New at Walt Disney World!
It’s a very exciting time growth and development at Walt Disney World. In fact, there are so many new things opening, coming and happening, it’s hard to keep track. Here’s a cheat sheet to help keep things straight and make sure you haven’t missed anything.
2019 Holiday Season at Walt Disney World – Now Through January 5, 2020
Click here for amazing can’t miss 2019 holiday offerings at Walt Disney World.
Click here for everything you need to know about the 2019 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!
Click here for our guide to the holiday offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Click here for 5 Reasons to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the holiday season.
Click here for our guide to celebrating the holidays at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Click here for what you need to know about the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Now Open
Disney Skyliner – Now Open
Click here for what you need to know about the Disney Skyliner
Epcot Forever – Now Open
Click here to learn more about Epcot Forever.
The Epcot Experience – Now Open
Click here to learn more about the Epcot Experience.
Reimagined Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Now Open
Click here for our review and walkthrough with photos and video.
NBA Experience at Disney Springs – Now Open
Click here for our review and what you need to know about this fun new experience.
Coming Soon to Disney World!
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Opening December 5, 2019
Click here for what we know so far about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Disney’s Riviera Resort – Opening December 16, 2019
Click here for a preview of Disney’s Riviera Resort
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Opening Spring 2020
Click here for what we know so far about Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Epcot Reimagined – Now Through Fall 2021 for Walt Disney World’s 50thAnniversary
Click here for a complete rundown of what’s coming to the new Epcot including closures.
New Cirque du Soleil Show – April 17, 2020
Click here for everything we know about this new show!
Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration – 2021
Click here for our rundown of everything that’s coming for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary!
Star Wars Hotel – unknown
Disney Cruise Line’s Lighthouse Point – Disney’s 2nd Island in the Caribbean – unknown
Click here for everything we know about Lighthouse Point!
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.