Tag: holiday

Celebrate the 4th of July at Disney’s Grand Floridian

4th of july fireworksStarting to make your summer plans, especially for the 4th of July? Independence Day can be an exciting but crowded day at Disney World. Guests from all over will be there celebrating and enjoying the Parks. If you aren’t up to braving the enormous crows at Cinderella’s Castle that night but still want to enjoy the fireworks in a beautiful and exclusive venue, you might be glad to hear that Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa will host a special limited ticket event to celebrate July 4th.

The entire event will be held at the marina at the resort. Dinner will include grilled steak and shrimp, other cookout favorites, dessert, and includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. After the meal, guests will have a terrific viewing location to watch the 4th of July fireworks show performed at the Magic Kingdom, including music piped into the area during the show for a full experience.

The tickets will be $120 (plus tax) for adults and $59 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9). Reservations are already available for the event by calling (407) WDW-DINE. I would recommend making your reservation as soon as possible for this first-time event that is sure to be popular. You do not have to be staying at the Grand Floridian in order purchase tickets to the event.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party : Everything You Need to Know For Festive Fun!

There’s plenty of festive spirit to go around this holiday season at Disney World, especially at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! Planning your party visit can be daunting, but we’ve gathered together a lot of great information to help you right here.

Christmas MVMCP

Here's everything you need to know about Magic Kingdom's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! Click To Tweet

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (also known as MVMCP) takes place on select evenings at Magic Kingdom in November and December. It features exclusive holiday entertainment, snow falling on Main St., and complimentary cookies and hot cocoa.

Here’s everything you need to know to have a very merry time!

Tickets – Dates and Times

Buy tickets HERE! This is a special event with its own ticket. People with event tickets can enter Magic Kingdom at 4 PM to enjoy the park before the party officially kicks off at 7 PM. Park visitors who do not have  a party ticket have to leave Magic Kingdom by 7 AM.

Tickets are non-refundable. Some party dates, especially close to Christmas, do sell out.

2016 event dates are:

November: 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27 and 29
December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 22

Tickets for 2016 went on sale May 5 and can be purchased online or by calling 407-WDISNEY. Prices vary depending on the date and whether or not you purchase in advance.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Christmas MVMCP dwarvesMickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is a fun, festive experience that is one of the highlights of the Very Merry Christmas Party.  Mickey and Minnie start the parade and Santa finishes it (of course), with all sorts of festive friends marching in between — marching toy soldiers, reindeer, gingerbread men, and classic characters dressed in their holiday best . And on Main Street USA, there’s even snow!

There are two parades at each party. The second parade will generally be less crowded than the first, so see that one if you can. If you would rather see the first one,  grab your spot early. The parade starts in Frontierland, so you might consider looking for a good spot there.

Celebrate the Magic

Christmas MVMCPThe nightly castle projection show you love, but with a holiday twist. Past Christmas scenes have wrapped the castle in colorful bows and boughs, gift paper and ribbons, ornaments, candy stripes, strands of lights, and gingerbread.

Celebrate the Magic takes place at 9:15 PM, just before the fireworks begin.

Holiday Wishes – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season

Christmas MVMCPThe Christmas Party features a fantastic fireworks spectacular. Holiday Wishes is a festive show featuring a delightful score of all your favorite holiday and Disney songs.

There is only one performance of Holiday Wishes, at 10:00 PM.

A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show

Christmas MVMCPA Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show is a stage performance held near Space Mountain that lasts about 20 minutes and is held several times per night. It stars an eclectic mix of characters including Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc. and Stitch. Part entertainment and part dance party, this show will get you moving!

Times: 7:40, 8:30, 9:20, 10:45, 11:35 PM.

A Frozen Holiday Wish

Christmas MVMCPQueen Elsa from Frozen appears twice each evening to get the Castle Dream Lights lit up for the night in a 7-minute show called “A Frozen Holiday Wish.”

This special ceremony happens each night at Magic Kingdom from early November to January, not just on party nights, at 6:30 and 8:15 PM.

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration

New for 2016!  Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration will make its debut for the 2016 holiday season. From Disney:

It’s just days before Christmas and all through this house, excitement is stirring thanks to Mickey Mouse.

Mickey is thrilled that the holidays are here, and he knows the only way to make this season more special, is to share it with friends. So he’s throwing a Most Merriest Celebration and inviting lots of Disney pals—and you—to join the festive fun!

Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto are dropping by dressed in their Christmas best. Peter Pan is flying in from Never Land, Alice and the White Rabbit are hurrying over from Wonderland and Woody and Jessie from Toy Story are galloping in for this holiday ho ho hoedown. Plus, Snow White and Dopey, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket and many more surprise guests will be stopping by.

Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration will feature medleys of holiday songs both old and new, special effects, projections and all of your favorite character friends. The new show will be presented on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Times: 7:40, 9:25,10:30 PM, 12 AM (midnight).

Sweets and Treats Included!

Throughout the Magic Kingdom, Cast Members will hand out all kinds of treats to guests. (If you have a particular food allergy, Guest Services at City Hall has allergy-free options.)

Tortuga Tavern: Hot Cocoa and Snickerdoodle Cookies
Heritage House: Eggnog and Ginger-Molasses Cookies
The Friar’s Nook: Snow Cone and Sugar Cookies
Pete’s Silly Sideshow: Apple Cider and Sugar Cookies
The Lunching Pad: Hot Cocoa and Peppermint Bark Cookies

Special Snacks for Sale!

Special goodies are available for purchase only during the party. These can be found at the following locations and include:

• Plaza Ice Cream Parlor: Peppermint Hot Fudge Sundae
• Gaston’s Tavern: Holiday Tree Cupcake
• Main Street Bakery: Frozen Snowflake Cupcake, Peppermint Cupcake, Holiday Cookies
• Sleepy Hollow: Pumpkin Waffle Sundae

Wishes Fireworks Holiday Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace

Christmas MVMCPSweeten your night with this holly-jolly premium experience. For $79 per adult and $47 per child (age 3 to 9), this package includes a reserved viewing location for Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade on Main Street USA, followed by a private dessert party on Tomorrowland Terrace. The party features a host of holiday-themed cupcakes and desserts freshly prepared by our pastry chef, along with a bountiful buffet of sweet treats—like chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, cheeses and fresh, seasonal fruits. Raise a cup of good cheer with sparkling cider, signature lemonades, specialty Christmas drinks, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and then marvel as the sky above explodes with color, music and light with your reserved viewing of Holiday Wishes from the terrace.

For reservations, please book online or by calling (407) 939-3463. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Please note: a separate ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is also required and is not included in the price of this package.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Christmas MVMCP Sorcerers cardEach year a special new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card is available only to partygoers. This year’s card features Goofy!

From the Disney Parks blog:

Just in case you’re new to Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, this interactive game allows guests to team up with Merlin in defeating Disney Villains who are scheming to take over Magic Kingdom Park. Guests search for villain hideouts throughout the park, visit magic portals and use special spell cards to defeat villains. Each spell card stars a different Disney character, each with their own unique powers. The game begins at the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A., where you can pick up complimentary key cards, spell cards and maps (additional cards can be purchased at select merchandise locations).

This year’s party-exclusive card is “Goofy’s Festive Fiasco” and, according to Imagineer Jonathan Ackley, “celebrates the glorious holiday chaos created by Goofy as he attempts to decorate for the season!”

Other fun events and sights to see at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party:

  • VoicePlay: This a cappella singing group performs on the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland at 8:10 p.m., 9:05 p.m., 10:10 p.m., and 11:05 p.m. on party nights. VoicePlay, who appeared on the TV show “The Sing-Off,” will share their incredible vocal harmonies and holiday cheer between performances of ” A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas” at the Rockettower Plaza Stage.
  • Meet and greet opportunities with Disney Characters
  • Club Tinsel dance party takes place continuously at Cosmic Ray’s in Tomorrowland.
    For people who like characters, this is a fun way to interact with them. They won’t be signing autographs but it’s a chance to enjoy them in a different way than you normally would.
  • Many rides and attractions are open, with short lines.
  • Exclusive merchandise
  • PhotoPass photographers will take Magic Shots during the party. When you look at your pictures, you’ll see something magically inserted into the shot with you
  • Also for the holiday season, the iconic Jungle Cruise will temporarily transform into “Jingle Cruise” for Magic Kingdom guests. Festive decor in the attraction queue and boathouse gives guests a bit of Christmas cheer. The Jingle Cruise boats each are given a unique holiday name, and the Skippers share a slew of seasonal holiday jokes throughout the tour.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party  Guide and Map

Click to see the full-sized map.mvmcpb1

Visiting Magic Kingdom at the end of December, after the final party date?

Special holiday entertainment shown during this party will be shown daily after the last party of the year. Beginning December 23, you will not need an extra ticket to see all of the special holiday events listed here. Be aware, though, that crowds during Christmas week tend to be extremely heavy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I purchase a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, do I need to have a Park ticket for the Magic Kingdom for that day as well?

A: No. You do not need a park ticket in addition to the special event ticket to attend the Christmas Party, which officially begins at 7 PM — however party guests have traditionally been allowed into the Magic Kingdom starting at 4 PM.

Q: Can I enter the Park at 4 PM, leave and come back?

You can, because you’ll be given a special Party wristband. But you’ll be giving up valuable Park time if you do.

Q: Do they really make non-Party guests leave Magic Kingdom at 7 PM?

Yes. As it gets closer to 7 PM, Cast Members will start reminding everyone not wearing a wristband that they must leave before the Party begins. Once 7 PM comes, Cast Members will start escorting anyone without a wristband out of the Park. You’ll always hear stories of people who claim they were able to sneak past the CMs and stay, but some of those may be exaggerated, and besides, you don’t want to be that guy, do you?

Q: What if I’ve got an ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation) at a Magic Kingdom restaurant like Be Our Guest at 6 PM? They’re not going to cut my dinner short, are they?

Definitely not. But when you are finished and leave the restaurant, you’ll be escorted to the gate.

Q: Will I be able to make FastPass+ selections for attractions during the Christmas Party?

No, but also kind of yes.

No — there are no FastPass+ selections available during the Party, between 7 PM and Midnight. The good news is, you won’t need them. Ride lines tend to be much shorter during holiday parties because guests are busy with other activities, like special character meet and greets, trick or treating, and the parades. So it’s a great time to ride your favorite attraction an extra time or two.

BUT… you can make FastPass+ selections between 4 PM and 7 PM on those days, since Party ticket holders are allowed in the gates early at 4 PM, before the official event starts.

Q: Which special characters are available for meet and greets during the party? Do the lines tend to be long? 

There are plenty of characters to meet, and some you can’t see any other time. In some cases, lines can get very long. The Seven Dwarfs, Santa Claus, and Jack Skellington are especially popular. If these character meets are important to you, get there early — as in, before the party starts early.

These are the characters scheduled to appear for 2016 by their locations. These are subject to change — this list will be updated as more information is available.

Main Street, U.S.A.: Santa Claus, Mickey Mouse, Tinker Bell.

Adventureland: Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie and Abu, Captain Jack Sparrow, Peter Pan (roaming).

Frontierland: The Country Bears (roaming) Liberty Square: Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws.

Fantasyland: Ariel, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Belle, Pooh and Friends, The Seven Dwarfs, Snow White and her Prince, Aurora and Prince Phillip, Princess Elena of Avalor, Minnie Mouse, Scrooge McDuck, Donald and Daisy, Santa Goofy, Mary Poppins, Bert, Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen.

Tomorrowland: Nick Wilde, Judy Hopps

Q: Where is the best place to find exclusive merchandise during the party?

A: One of the easiest places to find items is The Emporium, but check out Big Top Souvenirs as well.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party : Everything you Need to Know For a Spooktacular Time!

Summer’s almost over but don’t be sad — that means it’s almost time for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. We’ve got a ton of information on this year’s party, as well as answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you’ve got more, please leave them in the comments.

Halloween MNSSHP Disney World

Tickets are already on sale and Disney is beginning to release schedules for the Halloween festivities (with more to come the closer we get). Here’s what partygoers can count on so far:

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

Halloween Hocus Pocus Disney WorldThe Sanderson Sisters are back! This year they’ll be joined by Dr. Facilier, Oogie Boogie, Maleficent and other Disney villains in this not-to-be missed show featuring songs, dances and spells.  The show is scheduled to take place several times nightly, as follows:

  • September 2  – September 13: 9:15 PM,10:40 PM and Midnight
  • September 16 – September 30: 8:00 PM, 9:15 PM, 10:40 PM and Midnight
  • October 1 – 31: 7:45 PM, 9:15 PM, 10:40 PM and Midnight

Cadaver Dans

Halloween Cadaver Dans Disney WorldLocated in Frontierland and seen as part of the “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, the Cadaver Dans will take you through rousing renditions of spooky Disney classics like “Grim Grinning Ghosts”, “Cruella DeVil” and the “Oogie Boogie Song” among others.

  • September 2 – October 31: In Frontierland at 7:15 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:15 PM, 9:55 PM and 10:50 PM
Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade

Halloween Boo-to-You Disney WorldLead by the Headless Horseman, this eerie but fun parade featuring ghosts and ghouls from the Haunted Mansion takes place twice nightly.

  • September 2 – September 30: 8:30 PM and 11:15 PM
  • October 1 – October 31: 8:15 PM and 11:15 PM
Celebrate the Magic

Cinderella’s Castle will be magically transformed with Halloween-inspired scenes featuring Disney Villains.

  • September 2 – October 31: 10:00 PM
Happy Hallowishes Fireworks

Halloween Hallowishes Disney WorldDisney Villains and the Ghost Host from the Haunted Mansion welcome guests to a spooky version of the Magic Kingdom’s much-loved evening fireworks display, set to the soundtrack of Disney’s scarier songs.

  • September 2 – October 31: 10:15 PM
Other events and sights to see at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
  • Trick or treating for visitors both young and old.
  • Special Character Meets – These are incredibly popular and lines form early. Available in 2015: Jack Skellington and Sally, the Seven Dwarfs, Jafar, Cruella De Vil, the Queen of Hearts, and Lotso, as well as many other regular characters.
  • The Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball and the Toy Story Dance Party are a character dance parties last held in 2014, and are scheduled nightly from 7 PM to Midnight, but no further information has been given as yet.
  • PhotoPass photographers will take Magic Shots during the party. When you look at your pictures, you’ll see something magically inserted into the shot with you… maybe a ghost or two!
  • Exclusive merchandise
  • An exclusive Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom card
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party : Everything you Need to Know For a Spooktacular Time! Click To Tweet
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Guide and Map 2016

Download the PDF here. Click on images below for full resolution.

MNSSHP guide Halloween

MNSSHP map Halloween

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I purchase a ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Spooky Halloween Party, do I need to have a Park ticket for the Magic Kingdom for that day as well?

A: No. You do not need a park ticket in addition to the special event ticket to attend the Halloween Party, which officially begins at 7 PM — however party guests have traditionally been allowed into the Magic Kingdom starting at 4 PM.

Q: Can I enter the Park at 4 PM, leave and come back?

You can, because you’ll be given a special Party wristband. But you’ll be giving up valuable Park time if you do.

Q: Do they really make non-Party guests leave Magic Kingdom at 7 PM?

Yes. As it gets closer to 7 PM, Cast Members will start reminding everyone not wearing a wristband that they must leave before the Party begins. Once 7 PM comes, Cast Members will start escorting anyone without a wristband out of the Park. You’ll always hear stories of people who claim they were able to sneak past the CMs and stay, but some of those may be exaggerated, and besides, you don’t want to be that guy, do you?

Q: What if I’ve got an ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation) at a Magic Kingdom restaurant like Be Our Guest at 6 PM? They’re not going to cut my dinner short, are they?

Definitely not. But when you are finished and leave the restaurant, you’ll be escorted to the gate.

Q: Will I be able to make FastPass+ selections for attractions during the Halloween Party?

No, but also kind of yes.

No — there are no FastPass+ selections available during the Party, between 7 PM and Midnight. The good news is, you won’t need them. Ride lines tend to be much shorter during holiday parties because guests are busy with other activities, like special character meet and greets, trick or treating, and the parades. So it’s a great time to ride your favorite attraction an extra time or two. Make sure to visit Haunted Mansion, of course, which is extra spooky this time of year.

BUT… you can make FastPass+ selections between 4 PM and 7 PM on those days, since Party ticket holders are allowed in the gates early at 4 PM, before the official event starts.

Q: What is the costume policy for guests at Magic Kingdom and for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? Can we dress up?

A: This is an important question, as Disney has changed their policy regarding costumes recently. Here are the guidelines — note that the rules for guests 14 years and older are stricter than they were in the past.

Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests.

All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other Guests.

Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.

Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.

Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.

Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards.

For Guests ages 13 and under:

Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.

For Guests ages 14 and older:

Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.

Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g. full-length Princess dresses)

Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.

Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable.

Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.

May not wear masks of any kind.

Q: Are the special character meet and greet lines long during the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party?

YES. In past years both the Seven Dwarves meet and Jack Skellington & Sally’s in particular had lengthy, lengthy lines. If these character meets are important to you, get there early — as in, before the party starts early.

Q: Where is the best place to find exclusive merchandise during the party?

A: One of the easiest places to find items is The Emporium, but check out Big Top Souvenirs as well.

Q: How do I get tickets?

A; Tickets start at $72 for adults and $67 for kids and rise closer to $100 as Halloween nears. Click here for more details, and to purchase tickets now.

sea ya real soon

I cried when we left for our honeymoon (I hate leaving the cats). I cried when it was over. Apparently, I cry at endings and goodbyes of any kind. And ending our honeymoon was sad, because it was really wonderful.

IMG_0038I’ve never been on a cruise ship of any kind before, or been to the Caribbean, or even been to Florida. This trip would’ve been a big deal for all of those “firsts”, but this was the honeymoon we’d been planning for over a year, cruising on the Disney Fantasy to the Eastern Caribbean islands. Dave and I were so excited. We flew down the day before and stayed at the Hyatt at the Orlando Airport, which is weird but convenient. In the morning we took the Magical Express to the cruise terminal, and soon we were off.

My cousin Lori gave us Bride Minnie and Groom Mickey hats for a shower gift and we wore these on the first day of the cruise… and it felt like EVERYONE on the boat knew us, as a result. People were so nice and congratulated us all week long, and the crew, of course, made sure we got special treatment and enjoyed every minute of our honeymoon. And hey, a couple we met even got engaged on the cruise (congrats, Brittany & Doug!), so there must have been something romantic in the air all around.

DSCN5531Our stateroom was terrific. Pretty roomy for a cruise ship, comfortable, a veranda to look out, and a nice stateroom attendant to tidy everything up twice a day. I didn’t make a bed, do laundry, cook or wash a dish all week. It was so relaxing. And as for the food, the entire week was fine dining every night. Disney does something called rotational dining, so you eat in different onboard restaurants every night, but your servers go with you. Our servers were Sasa and Gede. Dave warned me that by the end of the week you feel sad having to leave them, and he’s right — I got all weepy. They take such good care of you and make it all a little home away from home. I’m never good with hotels — I get creeped out even in nice ones, thinking about all the people who’ve stayed there, some sad and alone, it gets me depressed. But the ship was warm and friendly and just like living in our own little floating neighborhood.

DCL1My favorite restaurant on the Fantasy is “Enchanted Garden”. Ever since we started planning the trip, I wanted to sit in one of the few banquette “teacups” in the front of the room. I assume these are usually reserved for VIPs or concierge-level guests, but Dave had put in a request for one since it was our honeymoon, and Disney accommodated us — so we got to sit in our “teacup” every time we dined there. So nice! I also liked “Royal Court”, and especially because our night there happened to coincide with the ship’s formal night. Any reason to wear my wedding tiara again is much appreciated.

There was a lot to do on the ship. We saw characters — princesses, Donald, Mickey and Woody from Toy Story:

DCL2

I hugged him and told him I’d seen all his movies.

We went to a drawing lesson, saw several live shows, went to the movies, watched football in the sports pub. Disney Cruise Line has the only fireworks at sea, and we had a great seat for the show on Pirate Night. Dave rode the Aquaduck:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ahUtBkqmHI&w=560&h=315]

and we did very little shopping, aside from a souvenir or two, but we had fun window-shopping in the stores. I did break my “no more stuffed animals” rule, but just this once. It was a special occasion, after all.

IMG_1946We spent a lot of time at the pool. The “Quiet Cove” adult pool was always heated and comfortable and never really too crowded; it’s empty in this picture but some days, especially the at-sea ones, were a lot busier, but it was always friendly and fun. I confess I may have enjoyed it more than some for another reason: the center area was 5 feet, 5 inches deep… too much for a lot of folks to linger in, but just fine for 5’10” me. Being tall sometimes helps.

IMG_1955We also very much enjoyed our stop at St. Thomas. We took an excursion on a catamaran sail to the aptly-named Honeymoon Beach on St. John, and it was a lot of fun. The weather was perfect and the sailing was every bit as fun as I hoped it would be. The beach was clean and blue and white. Dave snorkeled and I played in the waves until it was time to sail back to the ship. Beautiful day.

All in all it was everything we could have possibly wished for in a honeymoon. At the end of the week, I was thrilled to be going back home to my kitties, but sadder than I could have imagined to say goodbye to our new floating home. Mickey doesn’t say good-bye, though: he just says “Sea Ya Real Soon”, so that’s how we’ll leave it… until our next cruise, whenever that is. (Next time, Alaska!)