Tag: holidays

EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays is Here!

Walt Disney World’s EPCOT has transformed into a wonderland, brimming with festive cheer and cultural delights. The International Festival of the Holidays, running from November 25th to December 30th, 2023, invites guests to embark on a joyous journey around the world, exploring diverse holiday traditions and indulging in seasonal treats.

Highlights of the Festival:

  • Holiday Kitchens: Embark on a culinary adventure as you savor delectable holiday dishes from over 25 food and beverage booths scattered throughout the World Showcase. Each kitchen offers unique flavors inspired by different countries and their holiday customs.
  • JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season: Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of gospel, R&B, and holiday music at this uplifting concert held daily at the World Showplace.
  • Candlelight Processional: Witness the heartwarming retelling of the Christmas story, narrated by a celebrity guest and accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. This beloved tradition takes place nightly at the America Gardens Theatre.
  • Holiday Storytellers: Gather around in each World Showcase country to hear enchanting tales of holiday folklore and traditions shared by captivating storytellers.
  • Meet Santa Claus: Jolly old St. Nick awaits your visit at the Odyssey Pavilion, ready to spread Christmas cheer and capture memorable photos from November 24th to December 24th.
  • Cookie Stroll: Delight in a sweet scavenger hunt as you purchase delicious cookies from designated locations and collect stamps in your Festival Passport. Upon completing the stroll, you’ll receive a complimentary specialty cookie.
  • Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition: Join Olaf on a festive quest to discover holiday customs from around the world, adding stamps to your passport as you go along.
  • Holiday Illuminations: As dusk falls, witness the dazzling spectacle of EPCOT’s nightly fireworks display, set to a medley of holiday music.

Whether you’re seeking culinary delights, heartwarming entertainment, or simply the spirit of the season, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays promises an unforgettable celebration. Come and experience the magic of holidays from around the world!

I’ll be visiting the Festival next week and will come back with tips and reviews!

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 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.

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are available

Run don’t walk — Dining Packages or the Candlelight Processional are now available!

Candlelight Processional

Held every year at Epcot in Walt Disney World, the Candlelight Processional is a holiday treat and features a mass choir, joined by a 50-piece live orchestra and a celebrity narrator to tell the story of Christmas in words and music, in a very moving performance. Performances are held at the America Gardens Theatre.

The Candlelight Processional dining packages guarantee you a seat for the show — and sometimes this is the ONLY way to get a seat, especially for the most popular narrators. Those with Dinner Packages are the first to be seated, and anyone waiting in line without the package will be given the very few seats that remain.

2016 dates are from November 25 to December 30. Shows take place 3 times per day at 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM, except on December 4, 2016 when shows take place at 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM only. Celebrity narrators, dates and other entertainment are subject to change without notice.

 

The schedule of narrators released so far is as follows:
(will update as more information becomes available)

November 25 – 27, 2016: Steven Curtis Chapman
November 28 – December 1, 2016: Neil Patrick Harris
December 2 – 3, 2016: Whoopi Goldberg
December 4 – 12, 2016: TBA
December 13 – 15, 2016: Meredith Vieira
December 16 – 18, 2016: TBA
December 19 – 21, 2016: Joe Morton
December 22 – 27, 2016: TBA
December 28 – 30, 2016: Cal Ripken, Jr.

 

Dining Package Pricing by Restaurant, 2016:

Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room (United Kingdom Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $59.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $23.00
Dinner Adult $58.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $23.00

Coral Reef Restaurant (The Living Seas)
Lunch Adult $69.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $24.00
Dinner Adult $69.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $24.00

Biergarten Restaurant (Germany Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $39.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $22.00
Dinner Adult $53.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $29.00

The Garden Grill (The Land Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $57.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $34.00
Dinner Adult $57.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $34.00

Nine Dragons Restaurant (China Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $59.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $23.00
Dinner Adult $58.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $23.00
$41.00 $14.00 $51.00 $18.50

Restaurant Marrakesh (Morocco Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $50.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $21.00
Dinner Adult $58.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $21.00

Spice Road Table (Morocco Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $50.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $21.00
Dinner Adult $58.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $21.00

San Angel Inn Restaurante (Mexico Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $57.25
Lunch Child (3-9) $15.50
Dinner Adult $71.50
Dinner Child (3-9) $17.50

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $54.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $20.00
Dinner Adult $57.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $24.00

Chefs de France (France Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $65.99
Lunch Child (3-9) $17.99
Dinner Adult $75.99
Dinner Child (3-9) $22.99

Tokyo Dining (Japan Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $62.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $16.99
Dinner Adult $74.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $20.75

Teppan Edo (Japan Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $62.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $16.99
Dinner Adult $74.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $20.75

Tutto Italia Ristorante (Italy Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $64.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $22.00
Dinner Adult $70.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $25.00

La Hacienda de San Angel (Mexico Pavilion)
Lunch Adult Not Available
Lunch Child (3-9) Not Available
Dinner Adult $76.50
Dinner Child (3-9) $17.50

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway Pavilion)
Lunch Adult $69.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $41.00
Dinner Adult $69.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $41.00

Trattoria Al Forno (BoardWalk)
Lunch Adult Not Available
Lunch Child (3-9) Not Available
Dinner Adult $58.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $23.00

Captain’s Grille (Yacht Club)
Lunch Adult $47.00
Lunch Child (3-9) $20.00
Dinner Adult $64.00
Dinner Child (3-9) $23.00

The following restaurants will also serve a Breakfast Dining Package:

  • The Garden Grill Restaurant: $39.00 for adults; $23.00 for children
  • Trattoria Al Forno: $27.00 for adults; $14.00 for children
  • Captain’s Grille: $31.00 for adults; $17.00 for children
  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall: $54.00 for adults; $32.00 for children

 

To book the Candlelight Processional Dining package go HERE, you can call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).