102 Things To Do This Christmas - RADIO.COM

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102 Things To Do This Christmas - RADIO.COM

102 Things To Do This Christmas - RADIO.COM

Posted: 14 Nov 2019 01:23 PM PST

Santa's 2nd most important list!

102 Things To Do This Christmas

  1. Listen To Your Favorite Christmas Songs: No Christmas season is complete without the perfect soundtrack and we've got you covered! 102.5 KEZK is St. Louis' Official Christmas Station and we'll be playing all of your holiday favorites starting NOW. Listen online or on your smartphone by downloading the Radio.com app.
  2. SANTA!! : Make sure to visit the jolliest elf of them all, Santa Claus!  He will be making appearances at West County Center now through December 24 on level 1 near Macy's.
  3. Saint Louis Zoo Wild Lights: Spend the holidays with the ones you love at Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo, where you'll be captivated by half a million twinkling lights. Activities are available for the entire family, from penguin-themed games to adult hot chocolates for the 21-and-older crowd. And don't forget to say hello to some of your favorite Zoo animals. Wild Lights is held on select nights, November 29th to December 30th. Visit stlzoo.org/wildlights for specific dates and to purchase tickets. 
  4. St. Louis Post-Dispatch Holiday Pop & Shop on November 24th:  Get in the holiday spirit with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's annual Holiday Pop & Shop Event! Guests will enjoy complimentary brunch bites, cozy cocktails, and shopping from 45+ local craft vendors.  November 24th at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.  Tickets are available on sale here. 
  5. Holiday in the Park: For the first time ever, Six Flags presents Holiday in the Park. The park will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a million colorful lights throughout the park, show-stopping performances to get you into the Holiday spirit, and personalized meet-and-greets with Santa and his helpers. Select rides, including some of their world-class coasters, will be open during Holiday in the Park. "Holiday in the Park is back for select days from November 23 -January 1 at Six Flags St. Louis. 
  6. Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park: See more than 100 holiday-themed ground displays featuring 1,000,000 lights (that is equal to 14,236 strands, or 171 miles of lights) glisten throughout the forest of Tilles Park. Nov 22-January 2nd
  7. Bikes For Tykes: KEZK will be collecting NEW toys, bikes, and helmets for children of all ages and then provide them to the USMC Toys for Tots program for distribution throughout the St. Louis Metro area in Missouri and Illinois. 102.5 KEZK staff and personalities will be onsite throughout the 48-hour drive, broadcasting LIVE and working alongside our Community Partners and volunteer assembly teams to put bikes together that arrive in boxes or not fully assembled. Click here to learn how you can participate. 
  8. German Christmas Market: The annual Christkindlmarkt, a German open-air Christmas market in Belleville, Illinois, will offer special ornaments, hand-carved nativities, many other unique and international gifts, cookies and cakes from Germany and warm food and beverages that are sure to delight all. Wonderful for all ages and families! Stop by and see all that Main Street Belleville has to offer including free horse-drawn trolley rides and gingerbread displays. Open daily November 29th through December 23rd! 
  9. St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station: They're making waves on Market Street as one of the year's most anticipated St. Louis attractions for families. And you're invited to join in on Union Station's revival when the aquarium's doors open this winter!  
  10. Polar Express at Union Station: Welcome to the Polar Express!! You will begin the ride with a reading from The Polar Express. Chef characters will serve hot chocolate & cookies. When you arrive at the North pole, Santa & his elves will board the train to interact with the children. (Passengers do not disembark). Then, the chefs will lead the singing of Christmas carols on the way back to the station. 2 & under are free on a lap. November 29-December 30 
  11. Deck the Hall Ball presented by Together Credit Union with Rob Thomas: Join our sister station Y98 for night one of this two-night radio event full of music and festivities at Ballpark Village on the Fox Sports Midwest Live! stage. Catch night one on Saturday, December 7th, 2019 featuring Rob Thomas starting at 8 PM!   Doors will open at 7 pm with shows starting at 8 pm both nights. 
  12. Deck the Hall Ball presented by Together Credit Union with Goo Goo Dolls: Join our sister station Y98 for night two of this two-night radio event full of music and festivities at Ballpark Village on the Fox Sports Midwest Live! Stage. Night two is on December 8, 2019 and features the Goo Goo Dolls. With such an intimate setting, this is one show you won't want to miss! 
  13. Elf Escape Room: Take the family out for a unique night of holiday fun at Mastermind Room Escape in St. Louis and St. Charles and try the Elf Escape. The Kringle 3000 is on the fritz again so Santa's toy delivery is at risk. Help Buddy unleash the Christmas spirit to power the sleigh before Christmas Eve passes by! This room is available now for bookings.
  14. Winterfest at the Arch Rink: The highlight of Winterfest at the Arch is the installation of an ice skating rink in Kiener Plaza with the Gateway Arch as the backdrop. St. Louisans and visitors alike can skate and enjoy the incredible view of the Arch and downtown St. Louis. The rink will be open from November 23rd – January 26th with fun events throughout plus food, music, and so much more
  15. Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker:  Moscow Ballet brings the Gift of Christmas Tour to St. Louis with Great Russian Nutcracker performances bringing holiday magic to life and creating unforgettable memories for all ages. Moscow Ballet makes Christmas gift giving easy with the holiday performance that delights all ages…from the life-sized Kissy Doll to the fierce, red-eyed Rat King; and the Russian Troika Sleigh bringing Masha through the Snow Forest to the Land of Peace and Harmony which is populated with 10 foot tall dancing puppets, exotic flying birds and dancing couples from the world's five great heritages. A must-see event, witness the world's best dancers on stage at the Fabulous Fox Theatre! Get your tickets before they sell out! November 20-21
  16. Donate to Toys For Tots: You can make this holiday special for St. Louis area children by donating a new, unwrapped toy or by making a monetary donation to the Toys for Tots Foundation. Help ensure that every child in the Metro St. Louis area will have a Holiday of Hope, with a new toy under the tree. Donate now through December 13th!
  17. AB Brewery Lights: Celebrate with your family and friends this holiday season at the Budweiser Brewery Experience and The Biergarten. From the fire pits to the s'mores stations, there is something for everyone at Brewery Lights.  November 22nd – December 30th
  18. 12 Bars of Charity: Want to give back or get more involved with charity during the holidays? 12 Bars of Charity is your answer! Help charities connect with people in a fun and social way without breaking the bank. The St. Louis pub crawl that raises funds and awareness for several local charities while driving business to local bars. December 21ST
  19. Straight No Chaser at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on November 22nd: If the phrase "male a cappella group" conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses... think again. STRAIGHT NO CHASER is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense... and with a sense of humor. On the road, STRAIGHT NO CHASER has built a reputation as an unforgettable live act.
  20. Kirkwood Farmers Market: Do some shopping at the Christmas Market at the Kirkwood Farmers Market in the heart of downtown Kirkwood. This market is the cornerstone of the Kirkwood community and will be a fun and festive place to eat, shop and gather with your friends this holiday season. Open Daily
  21. Winter Jewels: Surround yourself with the magic of the season! Escape the cold and experience Winter Jewels at the Butterfly House! Go on a treasure hunt through the Animal Exhibit Hall, discover fairies in the Tropical Conservatory, and make new friends in the Gnome Forest. But be sure to guard your treasure and watch out for battling pirate cockroaches. November 5th through December 29th
  22. Holiday Christmas Festival: Historic Downtown Ste. Genevieve invites you to celebrate the holidays in style! Highlights include a Christmas parade, carriage rides, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, and more 30 free musical programs performed throughout the historic district during the weekend. Enjoy carolers in the streets and holiday refreshments as you shop for treasures in the charming shops and art galleries throughout downtown. December 8th & 9th,
  23. Annual Augusta Candlelight Christmas Walk: Get away from the hustle and bustle to the atmosphere of holidays yesteryear with horse-drawn carriage rides, chestnuts roasting on the Town Square bonfire, Christmas Caroling, a town scavenger hunt, glass-blowers, wineries and wood-carvers during the Augusta Candlelight Christmas Walk on December 6th  
  24. PJ's and Pancakes Cruise with Santa Clause: Cruise the Mighty Mississippi on a replica paddlewheel riverboat with the big man himself—Santa Claus! Come dressed in your favorite PJs and leave the cooking to us. Your family will enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, holiday activities, unique views of downtown and the Gateway Arch, and a photo with Santa. November 23 – December 14.
  25. Home Alone In Concert: Experience the beloved 1990s box office hit, Home Alone In Concert, on the big screen with the SLSO performing John Williams' charming and delightful score live. December 20 and 21
  26. Christmas Candlelight Tour: Night has fallen, the stars shine above, and thousands of candles illuminate a world on the edge of the frontier. At the Historic Daniel Boone Home & Heritage Center's Annual Candlelight Tour, guests step back to the 19th century and witness Christmas as it was celebrated in the past. Dec. 6–7 and 13–14, 2019
  27. Santas on the Loose: Webster Groves has that small-town feel that makes the holidays a special time. Spend some time shopping and dining in the dozens of unique, independent shops and make plans to participate in their holiday events like the Santas on the Loose 5K Run. The streets will be filled with Santas running the 5K course during the  annual Santas on the Loose 5K on December 7th
  28. Santa's Chocolate Express: All aboard Santa's Chocolate Express! Hop on the shuttle and travel down Grafton's Main Street. Stop into local shops to sample chocolatey holiday treats and shop the sales. Enjoy the sounds of carolers on the street and meet Santa Claus at The Grove Memorial Park. December 7th. 
  29. UMSL Jazz For The Holidays: This annual production showcases holiday classics with a jazzy flair. The performance features such classics as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "The Christmas Song," "Jingle Bells" and selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Touhill Performing Arts Center December 8th
  30. Christmas at the Cathedral: What sweeter music can there be, than a Christmas carol? Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Annual Christmas at the Cathedral concerts. Be treated to old and soon-to-be new favorites to ring in the season, including John Rutter's Gloria, with the Archdiocesan Adult Choirs, Orchestra, Children's Choir, and Handbell Choir. December 8th
  31. Breakfast with Santa: Your kids are sure to "flip" over The Magic House's Annual Breakfast with Santa. Families can make their morning (or evening) sizzle with a yummy pancake breakfast cooked by a pancake flipper extraordinaire. This isn't any normal pancake breakfast as kids will catch their pancakes as they are tossed through the air by Chris Cakes Catering's master chef. The kids can also have a special photo taken with Santa, enjoy playtime in the Museum and even have the opportunity to make a fun holiday craft to take home. December 1st and December 8th
  32. Hip-Hop Nutcracker at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on November 26th at 7:30p:  A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is back and better than ever.  Through this re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker  take us on a journey that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season. 
  33. Gardenland Express & Garden Glow Light Exhibit: The annual Gardenland Express Holiday Flower and Train Show delights visitors of all ages with G-scale trains of many eras traveling along 900 feet of track through a miniature holiday landscape made up of festive decorations and thousands of fresh plants, accented by beautiful poinsettias and flowers. November 23 through January 1
  34. The Ambassadors Of Harmony: Sounds Of The Season: Each December, the International Chorus Champion Ambassadors of Harmony's Sounds of the Season fills the Touhill with the joy and magic of the holidays. The first half of the show is an energetic look at the lighter side of Christmas. Then the chorus puts its heavenly harmonies on classic carols and songs. Touhill Performing Arts Center. December 13-15th
  35. St. Charles Christmas Traditions: This annual month-long festival celebrates the best of the holiday season. Experience unique shopping and dining along the festively decorated, brick-lined streets. Christmas Traditions offers something special for everyone. Bring the whole family to a place where the typical hustle and bustle of the holiday season melts away, and you to enjoy the yuletide sights, sounds and magic of yesteryear. November 29-December 24.
  36. Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar: Shop for unique holiday gifts from local artisans, watch exciting demonstrations of canine flying disc and duck herding and enjoy fun games activities for children and dogs at Purina Farms during the Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar. Santa Paws will also be on-site to take photos with kids and dogs. Admission and parking are FREE. December 14th & 15th from 10a-3pm
  37. Holiday Parlor Tour: Don't miss this year's Lafayette Square Holiday Parlor Tour. The historic homes of Lafayette Square will be decorated in their finest for the holiday season. A true St. Louis holiday tradition, the home tour is a unique annual event showcasing one of the largest collections of Victorian homes in the nation. December 8th
  38. KMOX Holiday Radio Show: Each December in honor of its anniversary, KMOX writes, directs, produces, performs and airs a live radio play. Similar to The Grand Ol Opry or Prairie Home Companion, KMOX Radio is the only station in the country still producing a program reminiscent of old-time radio which brings the art form of great programming and the holiday spirit together. A KMOX tradition for listeners and on-air personalities, the Holiday Radio Show anticipated event marks the beginning of the holiday season.  Don't miss it, on December 16 at 7p at the Sheldon Concert Hall.
  39. Garden Glow: Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden features a million lights surrounding visitors with a spectacle of unique installations amid some of the Garden's most iconic locations. Enjoy interactive photo opportunities, traditional holiday music and festivities, delicious food and drinks and more as the Garden is transformed around you into a winter wonderland. November 23-January 4
  40. THE ELVES and the SHOEMAKER at the St. Louis Repertory Theater: When a kindly shoemaker gives his only remaining pair of shoes to a cold and hungry beggar woman, he finds his good deed rewarded in unexpected ways. The shoemaker is shocked by the appearance of elves who turn his simple shoe shop into a great success, thrilling customers with their special creations. Based on the tale by the Brothers Grimm, this beloved, warm-hearted story is perfect for the holiday season, reminding us that where we find kindness, generosity, and hope, anything is possible. Dec 21-Dec 23.
  41. Christmas Wonderland: Hear the sleigh bells jingle and see 3 million lights twinkle amongst a beautiful backdrop at Rock Spring Park's Christmas Wonderland. Back for another year to warm the hearts and holiday spirits of families and friends, the park will be lighting the way to another illuminating holiday season beginning Nov 29- Dec 29
  42. Shaw Park Ice Rink: One of the few remaining outdoor ice rinks in the St Louis metro area, Shaw Park Ice Rink still charms visitors with its vintage design against the backdrop of the downtown Clayton skyline and the long-standing oak trees in Shaw Park.
  43. CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE: Cirque Dreams HOLIDAZE at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, November 29th – 30th electrifies the 2019 holiday season with its reimagined live family holiday spectacular. Featuring unforgettable performances, this critically-acclaimed extravaganza is both a Broadway musical and a new Cirque adventure wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family!  
  44. Godfrey Snowflake Festival: The annual Snowflake Festival will be held on Friday, December 6, from 6 - 8 pm at Glazebrook Park. You and your children can get your picture taken with Santa. There will also be chestnuts roasting on an open fire, carriage rides, hot chocolate & cookies, and more.
  45. Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk: The Maplewood Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Tree Walk is Friday, December 6th.  The festivities begin at 6:00 PM in Citizens National Bank Park with caroling, the grand lighting of the tree, and Santa Claus's arrival. Enjoy free carriage rides and hot chocolate as you stroll through historic Maplewood. 
  46. Breakfast with Santa: Head to Eckert's in the Metro-East for a meal with Santa on the farm! Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes. Santa has a special gift for each child and you can get a photo of your child with Santa. Each child will get their face painted and be able to decorate a sugar cookie with frosting and sprinkles. 
  47. Trans-Siberian Orchestra: If you were searching to see if Trans-Siberian Orchestra is coming to St. Louis, then you're in luck! Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be in town this holiday season at the Enterprise Center Dec 26th 
  48. Holiday Dinner Cruise: Make this season one to remember aboard the Holiday Cruise, where you'll celebrate with friends and family aboard the festively decorated Becky Thatcher riverboat. This 2.5-hour dinner cruise includes a delicious chef-prepared buffet with all the trimmings and dessert, a DJ spinning holiday favorites and popular tunes, and a cash bar. 2019 Schedule: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays December 5-15 
  49. Hot Chocolate Run: Join the movement that's taken over the racing world. Hot Chocolate 15k/5k is headed to St. Louis on November 24TH! Start and finish at downtown amongst St. Louis' biggest chocolate aficionados. 
  50. CWE Window Walk: Experience the magic of the holidays at the Central West End's annual Window Walk, now in its 9th year! On Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14, 21 enjoy carriage rides, ice carvings, s'mores, kettle corn and roasted chestnut, carolers, live music, street performers and more while strolling past beautiful holiday window displays throughout one of St. Louis' most historic neighborhoods.
  51. Pinots Palette Winter Events: Chardonnay and the holidays has a nice ring to it! Wine down with your friends and family and enjoy a night out painting some creative Christmas masterpieces!
  52. Old World Christmas on The Hill: Visit with Babbo Natale (Italian Santa), Nativity Petting Zoo, preview the New Piazza Imo, carriage rides through The Hill (Tickets available on day of the event) and much more! December 14th
  53. Holiday Market at The Boulevard: Shop til you drop at the Holiday Market with Tower Grove Farmers' Market! Enjoy caroling, cocoa, and chestnuts roasting as you peruse handmade and homegrown items from amazing local vendors. December 15th 
  54. The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical: When the top Scout Elf of his graduating class is sent to a disconnected, multi-generational family struggle to rediscover Christmas spirit, he's got to find a way off the shelf and into their hearts. December 19
  55. Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree At Meert Tree Farm: Choose-and-cut trees at Meert are priced at $5-$9 per foot, depending on the variety. Select from Scotch, White Pine, Canaan Fir, Norway Spruce or pre-cut Fraser Fir trees. Saws are provided and your tree will be wrapped. On weekends, Meert has mini-train rides for the kids, wagon rides out to the tree farm and a Christmas shop. November 29th - December 23rd
  56. WICKED at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, December 4th – 29th :  So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle.  Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one "good," and the other one "wicked."  From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED—the untold true story of the Witches of Oz—
  57. Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree At Heritage Valley Farm: If your family has time to enjoy a drive out to Washington, MO, in the heart of wine country, you will be rewarded with a lovely Christmas experience at Heritage Valley Farm. Enjoy some hot chocolate, apple cider or a fresh-baked cookie in the 150-year-old log house on the property (decorated for the holidays, of course). Then head out to the beautiful wooded acres to choose a Canaan Fir, White Pine or Norway Spruce tree for your family's holiday. November 29th - December 15th 
  58. Skiing at Hidden Valley: Bring your family and friends along to ride the lanes of Polar Plunge at Hidden Valley in Wildwood! Imagine the fun of sliding down a 1200 foot long slope and then hop onto 1 of 2 conveyor carpets, for a ride back to the top. The projected opening date is December 21st, weather dependent. 
  59. Steinberg Ice Rink: Steinberg Skating Rink is the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest, offering public skating all day, every day—including all holidays and no matter what the weather is like. There is public skating all day, every day. When you're done skating, stop by the Snowflake Cafe for snacks and sandwiches, hot chocolate and adult beverages. Nov 15th, 2019 thru March 1st, 2020
  60. Christmas crafts: Give your home a DIY decor makeover this holiday season. Let the kids help you make a wreath, create a "Frozen" inspired treat jar or learn how to fold a napkin into the shape of a Christmas tree with these holiday craft ideas.
  61. Way Of Lights: Focusing on the birth of Jesus, this unique celebration of Christmas features a mile-and-a-half drive with over one million lights electro-art displays and life-size biblical statues which take you on a scriptural journey to Bethlehem. They also have a s'mores fire pit, children's crafts, a Lego maze, story time for kids and more! The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is celebrating our 50th year of the Way of Lights. Starting November 22 - December 31, 2019. 
  62. Bake cookies: There's nothing like a fresh batch of warm cookies! Whether you're baking for an office party, cookie swap or family get together, make sure you warm up the oven and always have the cookies ready for Santa and your guests. ​
  63. Sledding on Art Hill: Art Hill in Forest Park is always a great place to go sledding. Located right in front of the St. Louis Art Museum, this snowy slope attracts plenty of locals during snowy days for one of the biggest hills in the area. What makes this hill so great is, well how big it is! There's plenty of room so that many people can enjoy the ride.
  64. Write A Letter To Santa: There's nothing quite like the magic of Santa for kids during Christmas time! Want to help your kids get in touch with the big man in red at the North Pole? KEZK's Trish Gazall has some websites you can use to make sure your lists make it to the Jolly Old Elf.
  65. Meet Santa's Reindeer: You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, now you'll get a chance to meet some of their antlered brethren up close. The Reindeer Flight instructor has brought some of his special friends directly from the North Pole as a special surprise for Christmas Traditions in St. Charles visitors. Meet and take photos with these beautiful animals at this free event. December 21st & 22nd. 
  66. Stay in Cozy Cabin: At Lodge at Grant's Trail, it's always Christmas time in their specialty Christmas Room! You will find yourself in cozy comfort surrounded by timeless décor that is certain to put you in the holiday spirit any time of the year. As you fall asleep in front of a snugly fire, you may even have visions of sugar‐plums dancing in your head. 
  67. Poinsettia Show: Surround yourself with the signature holiday flower this year at the Jewel Box in Forest Park! During the Christmas season, the giant greenhouse is filled with red, pink and white poinsettias. 
  68. Family Sundays at the Art Museum: Each Sunday afternoon, the Saint Louis Art Museum holds hands-on art activities and a lively 30-minute family tour through the Galleries at 2:30 p.m. The family activities focus on a different theme each month, including global art from Australia, Asia, Africa and South America, as well as a look at India's vibrant cultural history. 
  69. Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum: Take a trip to the Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum at Ballpark Village. You'll see relics stretching across the history of the storied franchise, including one-of-a-kind stadium models showing each of the Birds' homes, authentic bats and a historic broadcast booth. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for kids and children 3 and under are free. 
  70. History Made: St. Louis Blues Exhibit: History was made on June 12, 2019. It's a date that will forever live in St. Louis sports history. On that day, the St. Louis Blues hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time. On Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019, the Missouri History Museum, in collaboration with the St. Louis Blues, will open History Made. Featuring more than 20 artifacts on loan from the St. Louis Blues from the historic playoff run and the Stanley Cup Finals, History Made tells the story of the underdog team that took home the NHL's highest honor and united its community in the process. History Made is on display at the Missouri History Museum now through Jan. 26, 2020. Admission to both the Missouri History Museum and the History Made display is free. 
  71. Ted Drewes: Ted Drewes has been selling frozen custard and Christmas trees for decades, with an attention to quality that has made his trees and custard the finest in St. Louis. Pick out a live tree for your home and make sure to get a world-famous concrete while you're there. Bring the whole family for this truly St. Louis experience! Christmas trees go on-sale on November 29th. 
  72. Santa's House: Since 1963, Santa Claus has enjoyed a house of his own in Downtown Belleville where children could come in and out of the blustery cold weather to bring their Christmas list personally to Santa and tell of all the things they hoped he might bring them for Christmas. November 29th - December 24th 
  73. Lebanon's Winter Wonderland: This year from November 22 through December 31, colorful lights and hand-painted scenes will be used to create a Victorian-style holiday show for the whole family. The drive-through display is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. 
  74. Try a new recipe: The holidays are a time to gather around the table with friends and family and share a delightful conversation. Try out a new side dish or entree with this list of cookbooks to help you prepare delicious meals all season long. Click here for the top Christmas dishes!  
  75. Celebration of Lights: This beautiful holiday display features more than 1 million sparkling colored lights decorated on trees and scenes along a one-mile route through Fort Zumwalt Park. Carriage and train rides are available by reservation. Admission is $10 per car. November 29th - December 30th
  76. Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree At Eckert's: Experience a crisp winter's day in the beauty of Eckert's lush evergreen forest as you search for the perfect Christmas tree! Our full-service Christmas tree farm provides free shaking and baling of your tree. We provide saws, you provide the elbow-grease! Gloves are recommended.  
  77. Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop with Sweetology: Tis the season to deck the halls and create a festive candy-coated gingerbread house. Arrive ready to assemble and decorate your holiday Gingerbread House! It's a winter wonderland of candy, gumdrops, peppermints, sprinkles, and more. This is a family-friendly workshop open to all ages. Space is limited and seating is reserved per paid registration. Book early! Includes a gingerbread house, royal icing, and decorating materials. $29.99 per person/per house. November 29th and 30th, December 1st, 6th, 7th, 12th, 14th, and 20th.
  78. Boots, Blue Jeans, & Boogie: Holiday Edition: Cedar Lake Cellars is going country this Christmas! This holiday-themed night will have country music, line dancing, and more! Wine, beer, spiked holiday drinks (hot chocolate, caramel apple sangria, and eggnog!) Gather your friends and get ready to party – cowboy style! Dress to impress – there will be prizes for the best Christmas-inspired western wear! Please Note: All guests must be at least 21 years old. This is a free event on December 13th. 
  79. Candy Cane Hunt: Santa's elves have hidden hundreds of candy canes throughout the park and it's up to you to find them! Some will be hidden high, some hidden low, maybe on the playground or possibly in the snow. Complimentary hot cocoa and a visit from Santa will make this event one to remember. December 1st, 1-2pm. Ages 14 and under $10. 
  80. Make Homemade Wassail: A Christmas tradition that everyone will love! Wassail has been used for centuries in its various forms as a comforting which families would serve to carolers and other visitors during the Christmas season.  Get the recipe here!  
  81. Mercy Holiday Celebration at SLSO:  Check laughter and cheer off your holiday list at Mercy Holiday Celebration with the SLSO. This unforgettable experience will put you in the holiday spirit and show you why thousands of St. Louis residents make this concert an annual tradition.  December 13th – 15th.
  82. Volunteer as a Family: Help your kids understand how they can make a difference in both their world and the lives of others by getting involved with local charities. Ring bells for the Salvation Army, send holiday greetings to the troops, serve a meal to a family in need. 
  83. Create Your Own Gifts: Sometimes the personal aspect of gift giving gets lost among wish lists, crowded shopping malls and the often overwhelming feeling of anxiety that can set in about not getting it all done in time or not having enough to pay for it all. This year, try something different: make gifts for a few special individuals. It's fun and the gift will no doubt be one of a kind. 
  84. Kirkwood Winter Fireworks Festival: Many merchants will have sales and specials on the festival day and they will take advantage of the pre-Valentine's Day and pre-Fat Tuesday timing. Previous to the fireworks display or following the display, attendees can enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants. Everything from fine dining to a quick meal is available within walking distance of Kirkwood City Hall. January 10th to 12th.
  85. The Delmar Loop Ice Carnival: The 2018 Loop Ice Carnival kicks off Friday, January 18th with the Snow Ball at the Moonrise Hotel. Saturday, January 19th is the Frozen Buns Run sponsored by the St. Louis Triathalon Club at 10 AM. Saturday, January 19th and Sunday, January 20th enjoy more than 50 ice sculptures, human dog sled races, frozen turkey bowling, ice demonstrations, fire performers and much more! The Ice Carnival is January 13th & 14th.
  86. Enjoy A Cheap Holiday Escape: The holidays should be a time to enjoy family, friends, and traditions, not a frantic race to the finish line or an endless to-do list. Give yourself a gift — slow down and enjoy the pleasures of the season. These citywide escapes are waiting for you with Christmas bells on.
  87. NYE Live! at BPV: NYE Live! at Ballpark Village is the source for all of the biggest New Year's Eve parties across the country. Every one of our events features the makings of the perfect New Year's Eve celebration. Don't miss live music, great DJs, all-inclusive drink packages, VIP experiences, NYE themed party favors, midnight ball drops and so much more. December 31st 
  88. Jolly Trolley:  Grab your friends and catch the Jolly Trolley on either Friday, November 28th, December 6th, December 20th or December 27th.  Tickets are on sale and for $25, join us for a Jolly Hour at Llewelyn's in Webster Groves and then take a ride on the trolley through the over 1 million lights at Tilles Park Winter Wonderland
  89. Check out one of the fantastic shows at Powell Hall: Celebrate the holiday season with the SLSO, IN UNISON Chorus and Kennedy Holmes as they perform Gospel renditions of your holiday favorites. This powerful performance is a perfect way to celebrate the joyous season.  Shows on December 18th and 19th.   
  90. Gateway Pet Guardians Trivia Pawsuit:  On Saturday, December 7, 102.5 KEZK will turn the holiday cheer up to a Clark Griswold level at Gateway Pet Guardian's Trivial Pawsuit: Holiday Edition Trivia Night!  Test your knowledge of all-entertainment trivia, including music, movies, TV and a few holiday questions mixed in between! Sign up today for a fun night featuring cash prizes, silent auction, "sleigh of booze" raffle and other holiday surprises throughout the night. Space is limited, and reservations are required, so don't miss out on the official Christmas trivia presented by the official Christmas station – 102.5 KEZK. 
  91. St. Charles Christmas Traditions: Saint Charles Christmas Traditions has helped create cherished holiday experiences for the young and young at heart. With a unique blend of history, storytelling, and fairy tale whimsy, visitors from around the globe have been transported back in time to an era of yuletide nostalgia and fantasy; where reindeer fly, dapper carolers put a song in your heart, and the concerns of the modern world melt away, allowing you to experience the enchantment of the holiday season like a kid again.  November 29th – December 24th on Main Street St. Charles.
  92. Take a drive through Candy Cane Lane, Snowflake Street and Angel Avenue in St. Louis Hills!  Each year, local neighborhoods Deck the Halls with lights for St. Louisian's to enjoy.  The 6500 block of Murdoch in South St. Louis is known as "Candy Cane Lane." Nearly every house is lit up with colorful decorations.  Snowflake Street is located in the 6500 Block of Neosho and Angel Avenue in the 4700 block of Prague.
  93. Polar Express Train Ride (Nov. 29-Dec. 30) – All aboard for The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station! Visitors to St. Louis this holiday season can book a trip that's bound to create a Christmas memory they will treasure forever-a journey to the North Pole via the Polar Express.
  94. See a movie at Marcus Theatres:  Whether you are looking for a new release like Disney's Frozen II or Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker or want to check out Christmas favorites like It's A Wonderful Life or Elf on the big screen, there is something for everyone! 
  95. Find that perfect gift for all your loved ones at West County Center in Des Peres:  Shop on Wednesdays between November 13th – December 18th for "Countdown to Christmas!" On these days, enjoy free services like valet parking, gift wrapping, mini massages from Wellness Massage and mini makeovers from featured brands, wine sampling, chocolate, and candy samples and register to win great prizes!  
  96. Check out one of the Holiday Theme pop-up bars coming to town:  Jingle Bar coming to Mad Art will provide family fun, food and drinks.  Miracle STL  will return to the Benton Park neighborhood and Sippin' Santa tiki-themed bar is a Christmas bar that will be popping up in Mid-town
  97. Bright Night Christmas Parade in Columbia, IL: Start a Christmas tradition on Historic Main Street in Columbia! Santa Claus makes his grand appearance for the 2019 Christmas season during this parade of lighted Christmas themed floats! Following the parade, head over to Turner Hall at 375 E. Cherry St. where Santa will visit with kids of all ages who want to share their Christmas wishes with him on December 7th. 
  98. Give HOPE this Christmas by supporting the SSM Health Tree of Hope campaign.  Support the cause by joining 102.5 KEZK on December 3rd at the Lighting of Cardinal Glennon on their Day of Giving or join us on December 8th at the Kids 4 Kids Talent Show benefitting SSM Health Cardinal Glennon at the Scheidegger Theatre for the Arts.  Kids 4 Kids will feature St. Louis teen sensation, Kennedy Holmes!  Tickets are on-sale now and all net ticket proceeds to benefit SSM Health Cardinal Glennon
  99. Take a ride in The St. Louis Wheel:  See the wonders of the Christmas season by grabbing your friends and family and taking a ride on The St. Louis Wheel.  No visit to St. Louis is complete without a spin on the St. Louis Wheel™. Our climate-controlled gondolas offer a thrilling view and then enjoy some delicious eats at the new Soda Fountain at Union Station. 
  100. Disney Junior Holiday Party On Tour: The tour is coming to the Stifel Theatre on December 4th.  Disney Junior Holiday Party! is a dazzling musical wonderland where children and their families can sing and dance along to their favorite Disney Junior songs plus holiday classics with their favorite Disney friends, including Mickey & Minnie Mouse, the Puppy Dog Pals, Vampirina and many more, plus a special visit from Santa Claus! 
  101. Santa's Magical Kingdom, November 15th – January 5, 2020: Millions of lights and dozens of holiday scenes fill Jellystone Park near Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka. You can see Santa's flying reindeer, travel through the Candy Cane Village or visit the Waterfall of Lights. After seeing the lights, head over to Kringle's General Store for a little holiday shopping
  102. Winter Celebration (Dec. 14 – 15): Make the season merry and bright with the Saint Louis Art Museum at Winter Celebrations. This family-friendly extravaganza of performances, art activities, and festivities is inspired by the warmth of the season and traditions from around the world. Drop-in for performances by community groups, art activities with your little ones, and much more during this special two-day festival.

Walt Disney World Resort Update for November 19-25, 2019 by Alan S. Dalinka - MousePlanet

Posted: 19 Nov 2019 12:03 AM PST

Walt Disney World Resort Update for November 19 - 25, 2019

Writer's note: As we keep an eye on the published Walt Disney World theme park operating hours in the My Disney Experience app through the end of the year, we continue to note very few nights where any of the parks plan to offer Extra Magic Hours after the end of regular published operating hours for Resort guests. This is particularly noteworthy over at Disney's Hollywood Studios during December which, on December 5, will open Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to complete the attraction line up inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. In December, that park's operating schedule is 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. through the 19th, then until 10 p.m. through the 30th, and Midnight on the 31st (returning to 9 p.m. closing on January 1). The park has a published morning Extra Magic Hour from 8-9 a.m. each Sunday.

Magic Kingdom has posted nighttime Extra Magic Hours for the first three Wednesdays of December (4, 11 & 18), and has finally posted its usual nighttime Extra Magic Hours after the conclusion of the regular December 30 operating day (which, this year, means it will remain open to Resort guests from midnight until 2 a.m.) Magic Kingdom posted scattered dates with a morning Extra magic Hour in December. Epcot has nighttime Extra Magic Hours posted on Tuesday nights in December except New Year's Eve, and an Extra Magic Hour scheduled each Thursday morning. Animal Kingdom offers only morning Extra Magic hour on the first three Saturdays and on December 30.

With holiday revelries and crowds building and around the Resort, it was an otherwise quiet week for news. Yesterday, my latest chat with Garry Meier was posted and is now available. We discuss Disney+, Aulani and Hawaii, the Disney Holidays celebrations, Frozen 2, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Thanks for listening!


For those that want to jump right to my discussion with Garry about the latest Disney news, it starts at 28:53.

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Frozen 2 Experiences Coming to Epcot November 22

With Disney's Frozen 2 opening nationally in theaters on November 22, Epcot will be the theme park place to find the film-related special celebrations starting that day. At the Royal Sommerhus at Norway pavilion, Anna and Elsa will appear with their new looks inspired by the new film. Nearby, at The Fjording Shop, kids costumes featuring the royal sisters' new look will also be available for sale.


Disney's "Frozen 2" opens in theaters nationally on November 22. Video ©Disney.

The Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe at Norway pavilion will debut a brand new cupcake filled with chocolate buttercream and decorated with "fire frosting" topped off with a white chocolate Bruni. Other treats inspired by the new film will also be available.

Disney Parks Blog promises that there will be other "warm" surprises available exclusively on November 22 at Epcot.

On this past Sunday, Disney Vacation Club hosted an advanced screening of the film for Members fortunate enough to register in time. I was one of those fortunate enough to register and, without revealing any details other than that the whole gang of heroes from the original Frozen are back, I have to say that I really enjoyed this film. As the Update Writer, I tend to avoid reviews in favor of reporting, but this animated musical was a delightful surprise for me and, indeed, I enjoyed it a great deal more than Frozen.


This weekend, the western entrance to the AMC Dine-In 24 Theatres was decorated to promote "Frozen 2" ahead of the Disney Vacation Club and Disney Parks Blog previews of the movie on Sunday.


The photo backdrop near the Orange Garage escalator now also promotes "Frozen 2" which opens November 22.


On Sunday, a "Frozen 2" tour promotion truck had sponsored themed "goodies" for kids only (as my group of adults were told).

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Parks Celebrate Family Volunteer Day

This coming Saturday, November 23, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will join Mickey Mouse and friends and the Aguirre family who were recently named the first-ever Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year on the Marketplace stage at Disney Springs, to mark the start of Family Volunteer Day celebrations at Disney parks and resorts around the world. Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., a "Volunteer Village" featuring activities that support local nonprofits will be open nearby. Guests that participate in the activity of creating "Clean the World" postcards for Operation Uplift will receive special offers for Disney Springs retail and dining locations valid that day.

Disney will also donate $1 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for every purchase transaction at Once Upon a Toy and Goofy's Candy Company on November 23. We have been invited to the event at Disney Springs and will report on Social Media and in future Updates. Disney plans to post updates to Disney Parks Blog Instagram and is encouraging everyone volunteering in their communities that day to post using #VolunteerTogether and to tag @DisneyParks.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

Tonight, American Gardens Theatre wraps up the 2019 run of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series with concerts by D'Capella at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 p.m. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival itself, however, continues until this Saturday night, November 23. The slightly early end to the Concert Series allows the stage to be set for the November 29 opening of this year's Epcot International Festival of the Holidays and its three times nightly performances of Candlelight Processional through December 30. The Candlelight Processional combines a live orchestra, massed choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story. Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, Lisa Ling, Isabella Rossellini, Marlee Matlin, Warwick Davis, Chita Rivera, and Ming-Na Wen are all scheduled as celebrity narrators this year. Guaranteed seating for all performances is available by booking a breakfast, lunch, or dinner Candlelight Processional Dining Package at select Epcot eateries. Availability is limited and advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Bookings for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages and more information is available on EpcotHolidays.com or by calling (407)WDW-DINE.


Neil Patrick Harris is scheduled to return to Epcot to narrate Candlelight Procession for the 12th year. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

From January 17 to February 24, 2020, Epcot International Festival of the Arts returns and the America Gardens Theatre will again host nightly Disney on Broadway Concerts three times nightly. This week, Disney Parks Blog revealed a partial schedule of the performing duos which include Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White, Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee, Kara Lindsay & Kevin Massey, and Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland. More information about both the whole Festival and the shows themselves is available on ArtfulEpcot.com or by calling (407)939-5277. Booking for dining packages and workshops is also now open for the entire 2020 Festival.

From March 4 to June 1, 2020, the park presents the 27th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival with its, as yet unspecified schedule, Garden Rocks Concert Series.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the scheduled Celebrity Narrators for Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. We will have also added the announced Disney on Broadway Concert Series performers so far, and we will add Garden Rocks Concert Series performers when they are announced. You can add the entire Event calendar to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link and, as we get additional information and update the calendar, the calendar will update on your subscribed device as well.

While our Google Calendar of Epcot Events lists announced performers, it is still always best to check the My Disney Experience app, Times Guide, and, yes, sometimes even signs posted at the park entrances and at the theater noting any last minute changes. The calendar is provided as a courtesy "as is, where is" without any guarantees. We do respectfully request that you do not post our entire calendar on another site without first asking our permission. Walt Disney World Resort does provide schedules in the My Disney Experience app, but does not allow you to add dates to calendars outside the app itself.

Views Around the World

In a week with an above-average number of grey-sky dies, we have just a few views from Epcot. Views of Disney Springs, as always, are grouped with the news from that part of the Resort below.

Epcot


With lots of trees removed between The Seas and Innoventions West, it is possible to capture a new view of Spaceship Earth. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


As here in The Land pavilion, Epcot has begun decorating for the holidays while the Food & Wine Festival continues through November 23. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


New lighted poles have been installed along one of the recently reopened walkways in Future World West overlooking Imagination! Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


Born to Polka entertains at the Germany pavilion's stage which has been decorated for the holidays. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…UPDATE: The #DisneyParksLIVE stream of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! was rescheduled for tonight, November 19, starting at 8:55 p.m. Eastern. Disney's Hollywood Studios saw the return of both of its seasonal nighttime offerings: Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! the nighttime spectacular centered on the Chinese Theatre, and Sunset Seasons Greetings with projections on The Hollywood Tower Hotel (Tower of Terror) and video screens along Sunset Boulevard on November 8.

…Following up on our media-invited tour of the holiday decor around Disney's Animal Kingdom that we reported on last week, this week, Disney Parks Blog further highlighted some of the new decor on Discovery Island. The snowflakes woven into the garland in this part of the park were handmade by artisans from the Augusta Training Shop, a nonprofit organization in Augusta, Georgia that employs adults with cognitive and physical disabilities.


Artisans at the Augusta Training Shop handmade the snowflakes for Discovery Island at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Video ©Disney.

…Mickey and Minnie Mouse marked their 91st anniversary of their big screen debut yesterday, November 18. In honor of the occasion, Disney Parks Blog released a new poster for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, the pair's first ever ride-through attraction, which is expected to debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Spring 2020 in the Chinese Theatre. The attraction is also scheduled to open in Toontown at Disneyland in Anaheim in 2022.

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway Poster
Disney Parks Blog debuted a new attraction poster for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway in honor of the pair's November 18 birthday. The attraction is expected to open at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Spring 2020. Image ©Disney.

…The latest addition to the Disney Skyliner merchandise line-up is a new Disney Skyliner Mickey Mouse Funko Pop that went on sale on November 16 at the locations where Disney Skyliner merchandise is sold (in other words, at the shops closest to the stations along the new transportation system).

…The Tri-Circle-D Ranch transformation project continues at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground with a new barn and pasture area expected to be completed in Spring 2020. The cast that work with "The Happiest Horses on Earth" continue to offer pony and horseback trail ride opportunities, as well as carriage and sleigh rides.


Tri-Circle-D Ranch, home to "The Happiest Horses on Earth" continues its transformation through spring 2020, but opportunities to experience pony and horseback trail rides as well as carriage and sleigh rides continue. Video ©Disney.

…REMINDER: Disney-owned ABC and Disney Channel will again show Disney Parks Holiday Specials this year. ABC starts the holidays schedule with "The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration," Thursday, November 28 (8-10 p.m. EST). Next on the schedule is "Disney Channel Holiday Party @ Walt Disney World," premiering Friday, December 13 (8-8:30 p.m. EST) on Disney Channel and the DisneyNOW app. As part of the annual tradition, the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" airs Christmas morning, Wednesday, December 25 (10 a.m. to noon EST, 9-11 a.m. CST/MST/PST, though airtimes may vary, so check listings for ABC and on the ABC app).

…ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosts the Orlando Invitational, an early-season NCAA college basketball tournament, on November 28, 29 and December 1. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.

…For those interested in collecting pieces of history from Disneyland and Walt Disney World, Van Eaton Galleries in Sherman Oaks, California, is hosting a public exhibition through December 6, of over 1,500 items from Disney Parks history that will be offered for auction December 7 and 8. The full auction catalogs trace the history of Disney Parks, with many original pieces from the late Marty Sklar's collection, and can be viewed on the Van Eaton Galleries Website.

…More kudos rolling in for Disney Cruise Line, which, for the seventh year in a row, earned the number one ranking for Best Cruise Lines for Families & Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean from U.S. News & World Report.

…And beyond the Resort in Central Florida, LEGOLAND Florida Resort last week introduced the "Florida Prepaid Schoolhouse," an indoor play area for younger guests to explore learning and careers created in partnership with Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans. To celebrate the opening, Florida Prepaid is giving away 10 college scholarships sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Through November 24 at 5 p.m. Eastern, families can enter to win one of 10 packages that each include a 2-Year Florida College Plan Scholarship and two tickets to LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Entrants are also automatically entered to win one of four LEGOLAND Florida Resort weekly prize packs (though, note, that the last weekly prize will be awarded November 22). For more information, including the contest rules, go to MyFloridaPrepaid.com/scholarship.

…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your email in the box below.

New & Coming Soon at Disney Springs

This section collects all of the Disney Springs retail and dining events we are aware of in one place along with our most recent views of the area (including those immediately under this paragraph). Event items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly. For even more of the latest news around Disney Springs, follow its official Twitter Feed: @DisneySprings.

…NEW For those considering making their Black Friday shopping outing to Disney Springs, Disney Parks Blog has the highlights of some of the specials Disney and its retail partners plan for the big day, with some locations opening as early as 8 a.m.

…NEW The Ron Jon Surf Shop held its grand opening on Friday in Town Center near the Lime Garage pedestrian entrance. The 10,000 square foot shop features two floors of "beach essentials" and souvenirs. As we noted last week, the door handles out front are shaped like surfboards too.


Ron Jon Surf Shop is now open at Disney Springs in Town Center. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…Disney's new Disney+ video streaming service which launched yesterday, Tuesday, November 12, opened a new pop-up location near Paddlefish. If you are one of our West Coast readers, you can find a similar pop-up location at Downtown Disney District near Disney Home at Disneyland Resort. Everyone, of course, can visit DisneyPlus.com for more information.


The Disney+ pop-up store is located near Paddlefish restaurant. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Jaleo

NEW On Tuesday, December 10, from 7-9 p.m., Jaleo welcomes Raquél Pérez-Cuevas from Ontañón to Disney Springs for a one-night only experience. Raquél is working to carry on the tradition of grape growing in Spain, and she will bring five of her family's award-winning wines to Jaleo for a private, seated dinner featuring a special menu from Jaleo Disney Springs Head Chef Rodolfo L. Guzman Aranda and his team to pair with the Ontañón wines from Rioja, Rueda, and Ribera del Duero, including:

  • Hinojo salad of fennel, tomato, asparagus, and orange dressed with passionfruit vinaigrette
  • The traditional Spanish dish Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp sautéed with garlic)
  • Arroz Meloso con Bacalao (creamy rice with seafood)
  • Costillas de Cordero con Miel y Romero (Josper-grilled lamb chops with rosemary sauce and honey aioli)
  • Flan Mama Marisa (the classic Spanish custard with 'espuma' of Catalan cream and oranges)

Tickets are $115 per person. Visit this EventBrite webpage for more information and tickets.

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant will offer a dinner special for both Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Its butter- and herb-roasted turkey with garlic mashed potatoes, duck fat potato roasties, honey glazed carrots, bacon-braised Brussels sprouts, sausage-and-walnut stuffing, red wine jus and cranberry sauce will be available for order from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on both holidays, and the complete dinner is $28.95 for adults and $14 for kids (available both inside the pub and on the patio). The regular pub menu will also be available, and from 4:30 p.m. through the wee hours, its holiday celebration includes performances by its live Irish bands and the Raglan Road Irish Dancers.

Looking further ahead to New Year's Eve, Raglan Road will ring in the new year twice that night. At both midnight Ireland time (7 p.m. Eastern) and at Midnight at the pub, Raglan will have free Champagne toasts. There is no cover charge for the celebration.


Raglan Road has live entertainment daily and has been in this spot since the neighborhood was Pleasure Island. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Maria & Enzo's

Ricotta Gnudi featuring Turkey Bolognese, parmesan cream and charred lemon gremolata, is Maria & Enzo's "authentic Italian twist" on Thanksgiving this year for $27. Reservations available at its website.

Enzo's Hideaway

Turkey Sausage "Carbonara," made with Pappardelle pasta, roasted winter squash, toasted garlic, and rapini is the advertised star of Enzo's Hideaway's Thanksgiving gourmet holiday meal for $27. It is also serving a Pumpkin Pannacotta made with with spiced chocolate crumb, mandarin orage, and cinnamon gelato for $11. Reservations available at its website.

The Edison

The Edison offers a traditional prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu "with all the classic trimmings" all day long for $32/person and $19/child (nine and under). The menu includes oven-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, house-made stuffing, brown sugar honey glazed baby carrots, and cranberry chutney. Reservations available at its website.

Morimoto Asia

Back by popular demand, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto will present holiday-themed beers and gourmet pan-Asian light bites at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs during the highly-anticipated second annual "12 Beers of Christmas" event.

The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Tickets are $64++ per person. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. In celebration of the craft-beer movement and the most wonderful time of the year, attendees will enjoy 12 specialty beers from local breweries all across Central Florida, such as Crooked Can Brewing Company and Rogue Ales. The brews will be paired with Morimoto Asia's famous pan-Asian cuisine from 12 food stations.

Morimoto himself will host the event and will be autographing copies of his cookbook Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking. The cookbook will be sold at the event, with proceeds going to Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit resort for critically ill children and their families who visit Florida on their "wish trips."

Tickets are available on the event website.

NEW Views Around Disney Springs


Demolition of the former Bongo's continues to make way for Beatrix. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


From across Village Lake, it is easy to see that the demolition of the larger-than-life "pineapple" at the former Bongo's has begun. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


In prior years, this modernist Christmas tree stood near Bongo's in the Food Truck park.


The steampunk penguins are back for the holidays between Planet Hollywood and STK.


Oversized ornaments decorate spots all around Disney Springs.


The Town Center Christmas Tree was installed over the past week.


The holiday chandeliers were also installed this past week.


Amorette's is now selling a Santa Mickey-style dome cake.


Amorette's also has introduced a "Frozen" petit cake.


World of Disney is now completely decked out for holiday shoppers.


The dog-nuts or Disney Springs' version of peanuts characters are back near the Marketplace Co-Op.


The Marketplace Christmas tree towers over Earl of Sandwich just before the entrance to the Christmas Tree trail.


The Spices and Teas shop next door to Earl of Sandwich has closed.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

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Resort Events

Check here to see if a park event might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an email.

Just click the year you want to expand (or close).

2019 Resort Events
  • Disney After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date and park)
    …at Magic Kingdom:
    • December 9
    …at Disney's Animal Kingdom:
    • November 19
    • December 7, 14, & 18
  • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 29 - November 23, 2019
    (Eat to the Beat Concerts end November 19)
  • Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – November 29 - December 30, 2019
    (includes Candlelight Processional)
  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom (hard ticket required)
    • November: 19, 21, 22 & 24
    • December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20 & 22
2020 Resort Events
  • Disney After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date and park)
    …at Magic Kingdom:
    • January 6, 13, 17, 20, 23, 27 & 31
    • February 3, 10, 17 & 24
    • March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
    • April 5, 13, 20 & 27
    • May 5, 11, 18 & 25
    …at Disney's Animal Kingdom
    • January 9, 16, 22, & 30
    • February 6, 13, 19, & 27
    • March 5, 12, 19 & 26
    • April 1, 7, 14 & 22
    • May 2, 9, 16, 19 & 26
  • Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - January 8-12, 2020
  • Epcot International Festival of the Arts - January 17 to February 24, 2020
  • Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic: (Eligible Member reservations required for wristband entry)
    • Disney's Animal Kingdom: January 21, February 11 & 25, 2020
      Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: November 20, 2019
      General Member Registration: December 4, 2019
    • Magic Kingdom: March 3, April 21 & 28
      Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: January 8, 2020
      General Member Registration: January 15, 2020
    • Epcot: May 4 & June 29, 2020
      Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: March 11, 2020
      General Member Registration: March 18, 2020
    • Disney's Typhoon Lagoon: July 27 & August 10, 2020
      Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: June 17, 2020
      General Member Registration: June 24, 2020
    • Disney's Hollywood Studios: September 15 & 22; October 6, 2020
      Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: July 15, 2020
      General Member Registration: July 22, 2020
  • Disney Villains After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date)
    • February 7, 14, 21 & 28
    • March 6, 11, 18 & 27
    • April 3, 10, 17 & 24
    • May 1, 8, 14, 22, 29
    • June 5, 12, 19, 26 & 29
    • July 6 & 10
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - February 20-23, 2020
  • Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival - March 4-June 1, 2020
  • Star Wars Rival Run Weekend - April 16-19, 2020

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. All refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, visit DisneyWorld.com or use the MyDisneyExperience App on your iOS or Android device.

View the different areas of the Resort by scrolling horizontally and selecting the one you want to read about.

Magic Kingdom
  • The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History – its final scheduled shows were performed October 5, 2019.
  • Move it! Shake it! MousekeDance it! Street Party – two performances scheduled daily only through November 30, 2019.
  • Royal Majesty Makers – no longer has scheduled appearances in Fantasyland as of October 2019.
  • Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial – Final show was September 29, 2018.
  • Stitch's Great Escape – My Disney Experience lists as "available seasonally throughout the year"
    Be aware that it is increasingly unlikely it will reopen; the attraction's lobby is usually used for greeting Stitch
  • Walt Disney World Railroad – Closed as of December 3, 2018 to accommodate TRON construction (reopening to be announced). Guests can visit a Walt Disney World Railroad train at Main Street Station.
Epcot
  • Test Track – Will close for refurbishment January 13-February 26, 2020.
  • Impressions de France – Closed for refurbishment related to sharing the theater with "Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along" which debuts January 2020.
  • O Canada! – the film has been retired and the theatre currently is the Appleseed Orchard marketplace during the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival; "Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360" will debut as the new film in January 2020.
  • Reflections of China – the film will be retired and will be replaced with "Wondrous China" presented in a seamless 360° digital format.
  • Future World "transformation" closings – Major transformation announced at D23 Expo 2019.
    Closings and relocations include:
    • Innoventions - all exhibits now permanently closed, effective September 8, 2019
    • Club Cool closed effective September 8 (to reopen in "a new capacity at a future merchandise location")
    • Fountain of Nations closed effective September 8
    • Fountain View featuring Starbucks closed effective September 8 (will relocate to a temporary location in late Fall, 2019)
    • Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot - relocated September 8 (look for signs in Future World West)
    • Electric Umbrella will close in Winter 2019-20. (New dining options to be announced)
    • Mouse Gear will close in its current location in Winter 2019-20. (It will move to a temporary home to be announced)
    • Art of Disney will operate from a temporary location before eventually relocating to Heritage Manor at The American Adventure (Heritage Manor is now closed)
  • Ellen's Energy Adventure at Universe of Energy – Permanently closed on August 13, 2017.
    Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to open in its place in approximately 2021.
  • Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable – Closed February 3, 2018.
    New film entitled "Awesome Planet" will debut in January 2020
  • Illuminations: Reflections of Earth – Show retired: September 30, 2019.
    Epcot Forever debuted October 1 for a limited run which will be followed by a new nighttime spectacular "HarmonioUS" in 2020
  • Liberty Inn - the fast-casual restaurant closed for reimagining starting July 8, 2019.
    Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue will open later in 2019 in its place.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • March of the First Order – concluded parades down Hollywood Boulevard on July 6, 2019.
    First Order Stormtroopers have "redeployed" inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
  • Star Wars: Path of the Jedi – Likely retired.
  • The Great Movie Ride – Permanently closed August 13, 2017.
    The new Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction to open in Chinese Theatre in 2020.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
  • Primeval Whirl – is listed as "temporarily closed" with no further published information
    As of November 11, 2019, no FastPass+ service is available for the attraction through at least January 1, 2020.
Disney Water Parks
  • Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park is closed for enhancements with no announced reopening date.
Disney Springs
  • Bongo's Cuban Café– Closed in August 2019
    Beatrix from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises coming to the site at a date to be announced.
  • DisneyQuest – Closed as of July 3, 2017.
    The NBA Experience opened on the site on August 12, 2019.
  • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Show closed on December 31, 2017.
    A new Cirque du Soleil show is in development with previews to begin March 20, 2020, and its world premiere April 17, 2020.
Disney Resorts & Vicinity
  • McDonald's restaurant near Disney's All-Star Resorts – closed October 30 for an extensive renovation, and is scheduled to reopen in March, 2020.
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House – Due to Resort construction, the Disney Vacation Club Value category accommodations are not available for stays from December 2019 through early spring 2020
  • Disney's Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower – Road Closures are scheduled near the resort in January and February 2020 which may impact guests when traveling to or from the buildings.
  • Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Mizner's Lounge replaced with "Enchanted Rose," a larger venue with a Beauty & the Beast theme.
  • Caribbean Beach – The overall construction project at the Resort is expected to be completed 2019–20. The resort's new lobby, restaurants and other amenities, including Sebastian's Bistro, Centertown Market, and Banana Cabana are all now open.
  • Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Big Blue Pool will close for refurbishment beginning in Fall 2020.
  • Disney's Beach Club Resort – Beaches & Cream Soda Shop will be closed for refurbishment through winter 2019.
Walt Disney World Golf
  • No known closures.

Current Discounts and Promotions

Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.

Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel benefits. It is increasingly true that non-Florida residents tend to benefit the most by purchasing tickets in advance (and, of course, being mindful of the rules relevant to those tickets). As prices go up, it becomes even more important to pay heed: Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside Disney property stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and may result in denial of entry. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or a travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today.

Get Away Today Logo

Be sure to move the calendar to at least seven (7) days out, to see what ticket options and discounts are available for your planned visit.

Just click the category you want to expand (or close).

For Everyone

Mid-Day Magic Tickets

Disney has introduced a new park ticket that provides one admission per theme park each day after 12:00 p.m. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for more information.

Gift of Magic

For stays most nights January 1 through April 25, 2020, guests can save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort Hotels when booked by January 1, 2020. The offer also includes a $30 Disney Gift Card for each person (ages 3 and up) on the reservation if the reservation is upgraded to a package that includes 6-day or longer theme park tickets. Lots more details are available by visiting this page of DisneyWorld.com or by calling (407)939-2735 or your travel agent.

Fall & Holiday Season Resort Hotel Offers

Save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels in late 2019. Book through December 24, 2019 for stays most nights November 10, 2019 through December 24, 2019.

Deluxe Villas and Resort rooms are offered at up to 20% off; Moderate Resort rooms up to 15% off; Value Resort rooms up to 10%. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for all the details, exclusions, dates and availability, or call (407)939-2727 or your travel agent.

Meal Vacation Package Offers

If you are considering a Walt Disney World Vacation Package that includes a non-discounted 5-night/6-day stay, Disney dining plans are included in the package when include the hotel and tickets with Park Hopper Option for arrivals most nights November 17 to 27, and December 8 to 23, 2019. Deluxe Villa and Deluxe Resort packages include the free Disney Dining Plan; Moderate and Value Resort packages include the free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package and the theme park tickets must be valid for admission on the date of check-in and be used within a limited number of days (which varies by length of stay). Gratuities are not included. Kids between ages 3 and 9 must order from children's menu where applicable. The package does not guarantee access to any specific table-service restaurants.

Read more information and exclusions, and check availability on this page of DisneyWorld.com, or call (407)939-7216 or your travel agent.

Memory Maker pre-arrival discount

Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is $169, a $30 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders.

Purchase must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort for the discount. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. Both the immediate and discount version of Memory Maker can be purchased at this page of DisneyWorld.com.

For Annual Passholders
Expect to be required to show your Passholder Card and matching photo ID to receive a discount and other benefits.
Holiday Offerings

Passholders now can save 20% on the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party at Disney's Hollywood Studios from November 8-23, 2019. The discount is good for the Passholder plus up to seven guests and, of course, does not include park admission. Call (407)WDW-PASS to book and use the discount.

Passholders can save up to $15/ticket when purchasing Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets in advance. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com and be sure to log in to your Disney Account that is linked to your annual pass to find the nights the discount is offered.

Passholders can pick up a Chip 'n' Dale Magnet Set at Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, November 29-December 30, 2019 at Mouse Gear. Unlike the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Passholder magnets which required visits on multiple dates to receive each of the perks, this is a "set" that requires only one visit with valid Annual Pass and photo ID.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Benefits & Promotions

Epcot encourages Annual Passholders to make repeat visits to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by offering a number of benefits and a few "gift" items. Like recent past festivals, there are two complimentary magnets available to Passholders during the Festival ("while supplies last"). Through October 14, Passholders (with valid pass and matching photo ID) could have received a complimentary Chef Minnie magnet; from October 15 through November 23, Passholders can also get a complimentary Chef Remy magnet. Passholders that visit the Festival four times (as tracked by using the AP to enter the park rather than checking in at any particular location inside the park) can also receive a complimentary Chef Minnie wooden coaster set. All of the Passholder "gifts" can be picked up at Mouse Gear or Disney Traders (one of each per Passholder during the specified timeframes and only while supplies last).


Passholder gifts are available during the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Images ©Disney.

In addition to the usual 20% Passholder discount available on merchandise purchases in the park, there is also a 10% discount on Eat to the Beat Concert Series dining packages. The Festival has an assortment of Passholder-exclusive tee shirts, caps, mugs, pins, and more. For Passholders that purchase a special $100 Chef Minnie Disney Gift Card at Mouse Gear, Disney Traders, the Bridge Kiosk or Port of Entry (with valid pass and matching photo ID), they will also receive a $10 digital bonus to use at select Table Service restaurants at the park including Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Garden Grill Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room (where the usual 10% AP discount also remains available).Other Discounts and Benefits

The other usual Passholder discounts and benefits continue as well. The updated list is at DisneyWorld.com/PassBenefits.(You may need to sign in to see the full list applicable to your pass.) Don't forget about the dedicated V.I.PASSHOLDER SUPPORT service for questions about Passholder benefits and recommendations. Call (407)WDW-PASS or on-line chat (via chat button on this page of DisneyWorld.com) daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern, by email (via a web form), or in-person at Liberty Square Ticket Office in Magic Kingdom, Ticket Central at Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Ticket Corner at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Many dining locations offer Passholders 10% discounts during some or all meal periods (excluding alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity).

The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts at many merchandise locations across Walt Disney World Resort, including locations that continue to offer 20 percent discounts off regularly priced merchandise. Remember, not all merchandise locations at Walt Disney World are owned and operated by Disney, but some of the non-Disney participants (including restaurants) offer discounts between 10 and 20% to Passholders as well. Note, the current terms and conditions include, "Discount is for personal use only and may not be used to purchase merchandise with the intent to resell the merchandise."

The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for special events and tours at locations around Walt Disney World Resort.

The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for sports, recreation, and spas around Walt Disney World Resort.

For the current list of Passholder Extras visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Passholder Extras include information about V.I.Passholder Perks, discounts on Disney After Hours events, Animal Encounter and tour discounts, Water Park discounts, Golf discounts, and more. For the 2019 Holiday Season, many of the Disney Springs and Bonnet Creek hotels are offering special room rates to Passholders from this page too.

Passholders can also save up to 30% on select Rooms at Disney Resorts through Christmas Eve. See this page of DisneyWorld.com for details.

Passholders can save up to 35% on select Rooms at Disney Resorts on most nights between January 1 and April 25, 2020. See this page of DisneyWorld.com for details.

With the recent changes to stroller and ECV delivery policies around the resort, the Magic Strollers Passholder offer is no longer listed among the available Passholder benefits.

Visit the DisneyWorld.com Special Offers page (filtered for Passholders) and log in with a My Disney Experience account linked to your Annual Pass for information, or call (407) 939-4232 to book by phone.

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.

For Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders
Reminder to MagicBand users: You must still show your Disney Visa credit card to receive discounts and other benefits. Discounts are not automatically applied even if you have linked your Disney Visa credit card to your MagicBand.

To conserve space, we have eliminated some of the participating location details of the Disney Visa Rewards offers from this section. Visit Disney Visa Rewards website for the latest participating location information.

20 percent off Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks

Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks throughout Walt Disney World, including Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, and online at Joffreys.com with code: VISABEANS

15 percent off select guided tours

Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Discounts are not available on Premium VIP tours, programs exclusive to groups, or group team building programs.

10 percent off select restaurants

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Discount may not be available at all meal times. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for the latest list of restaurants and restrictions.

10 percent off merchandise

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the this page of disneyrewards.com.

Cardholders also receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at the following Walt Disney World Resort Operating Participant merchandise locations including Basin, Basin White, Chapel Hats, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, kidsHeritage, Luxury of Time, Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts, Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks and Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, Sperry and Volcom.

15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services

Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service most days at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for participating locations and restrictions.

10 percent off select recreation experiences

Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:

  • Carriage Rides at Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
  • Horseback Trail Rides at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Epcot

Present your Disney's Visa Card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website).

Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Present your Disney's Visa card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at the Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website).

For Military Personnel

2019 Military Promotional Tickets

January 1 through December 19, 2019

  • Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets –$241.00
  • Four-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $291.00
  • Five-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $257.00
  • Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $307.00

Prices do not include tax and tickets must be used by December 19, 2019.
Prices may be lower at U.S. military base ticket offices.

U.S. military personnel can also purchase the Memory Maker product for $98 through December 19, 2019.

For more information, definitions and details, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and only family members and friends, as provided by Disney's rules. These tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Limit six (6) tickets purchased by the military personnel (or spouse), and one ticket must be used by that member of the military (or spouse). Each ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.

Special pricing for Memory Maker is available at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows when purchased by eligible service members or their spouses. No more than two Memory Maker products can be purchased by an eligible service member or their spouse. Usual Memory Maker restrictions apply and a MagicBand is required to receive some digital content.

2020 Military Promotional Tickets

January 1 through December 18, 2020

  • Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets –$265.00
  • Four-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $315.00
  • Five-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $283.00
  • Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $333.00
  • Six-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $301.00
  • Six-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $351.00

Prices do not include tax. Six-Day Tickets must be purchased by December 13, Five-Day Tickets by December 14, Four-Day Tickets by December 15. Tickets may be used from January 1 through December 18, 2020.
Prices may be lower at U.S. military base ticket offices.

U.S. military personnel can also purchase the Memory Maker product for $98 from January 1, 2020, through December 18, 2020.

For more information, definitions and details, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and only family members and friends, as provided by Disney's rules. These tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Limit six (6) tickets purchased by the military personnel (or spouse), and one ticket must be used by that member of the military (or spouse). Each ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.

Special pricing for Memory Maker is available at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows when purchased by eligible service members or their spouses. No more than two Memory Maker products can be purchased by an eligible service member or their spouse. No more than two Memory Maker products may be purchased at the special price by the service member or spouse. Usual Memory Maker restrictions apply and a MagicBand is required to receive some digital content.

Special Rates at Resort Hotels

U.S. military personnel can enjoy discounts at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booking by December 19, 2019, for stays most nights through December 19, 2019. For 2020, discounts are available most nights January 1 through April 4, and April 19 through December 18, 2020, when booked by December 18, 2020. Offer excludes suites in Moderate and Deluxe Resort hotels, 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. For 2019 rates, call (407)939-4249 for information and reservations, and find 2019 eligibility details listed on this page of DisneyWorld.com. For 2020 information and details, visitthis page or call (407)939-7825.

Read more information at militarydisneytips.com, visit your base ticket office, or when at Walt Disney World, visit Shades of Green.

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.

For Florida Residents
Expect to be required to show proof of Florida Residency for discounts and benefits.

Seasonal Flex Ticket

Florida residents can purchase tickets for use on most dates through February 29, 2020, without picking a specific start date. The tickets, which can be used on non-consecutive days, must be purchased by December 17, 2019, and used in their entirety by February 29, 2020. The tickets are blocked out November 21-28, 2019, and December 18, 2019, through January 2, 2020.

  • 3-Day 1-Park Per Day Seasonal Flex Ticket – $249 plus tax ($83 per day plus tax)
  • 4-Day 1-Park Per Day Seasonal Flex Ticket – $269 plus tax ($68 per day plus tax)

Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com and click on "Read More" in the Florida Resident Seasonal Flex Tickets section. That page also provides a link where Florida Residents can save 40% on 4-Day Tickets and 30% on 3-Day Tickets compared to the non-resident prices of the same tickets when selecting specific visit start dates.

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.

For Disney Vacation Club Members

Member Benefits and Discounts may be found on this page of DisneyVacationClub.com. Note: some benefits and discounts are only available to those with a valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card which is only available to Members owning at least 75 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc.

NEW Walt Disney World Golf operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management offers a Golf Membership program exclusively for Disney Vacation Club Members. As of November 1, 2019, the $99/year (plus tax) program includes discounted rounds of golf (averaging $15 below usual DVC-discounted pricing), access to DVC Member-only golf outings, access to DVC Member instructional clinics and coaching, an exclusive DVC Member hat and bag tag, 4 Companion Passes for DVC Golf Clinics, 6 Guest Passes to play golf at the special discounted member DVC rate, 6 complimentary baskets of driving range balls, 4 complimentary rounds of golf on Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course, 4 Complimentary Twilight rounds of golf, 8 complimentary rounds of FootGolf at Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course. All told, Walt Disney World Golf says that the Golf Membership includes $746 in included benefits. Visit this page of GolfWDW.com for more information.

Call DVC Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to take advantage of most other available offers.

If you know of an offer that you think most Members do not know about, please drop us an email with the details.

For New England Residents

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort celebrates February's big football game victory by the team from New England by offering the Champions Package to residents of New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. For stays through December 24, 2019 (minimum stay of three nights required), the Champions Package includes $100 meal credit, which can be used at Shula's Steak House (named for NFL's winningest coach, Don Shula) or any other restaurant at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. It also includes a "one category complimentary room upgrade that does not include suite upgrades." Guests must have valid state identification at check-in from an eligible state. More information and details of the offer are available at this page of SwanDolphin.com. More information and reservations are available by calling (800)227-1500 and mentioning "CHAMPS."

For Canada Residents

Until February 2020, Canadian residents can save 20% on theme park tickets. They must be purchased by February 7, 2020, and the offer is NOT available at theme park ticket windows. Visit Disneyworld.ca/tickets for more information.

All adults using Canada resident tickets or passes must present valid proof of Canada residency that includes government-issued photo ID to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket at the theme park ticket window or Guest Relations prior to first use. The offer itself requires advanced purchase; it is not available at Walt Disney World Resort theme park ticket windows. Tickets and options are nontransferable, nonrefundable and exclude events/activities separately priced. Admission is subject to capacity closures and to other restrictions.

Check https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/ca/ for the latest offers from Disney.

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.

For U.K. Residents

You can see the latest offers for U.K. residents on Disney World's U.K. packages website. For early 2020 arrivals, the site advertises a package including free dining, $100 gift card, and 14-Day Ultimate Tickets for the price of a 7 Day Ticket with Memory Maker.

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.

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Community News For The Windsor Locks Edition - Hartford Courant

Posted: 13 Nov 2019 02:14 PM PST

On Sunday, Dec. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m., the season draws to a close with the Regency Tea & Lecture. The ladies of the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden cordially invite you to a tea in honor of Jane Austen's birth anniversary, Dec. 16, 1775. The afternoon will begin with savories, sweets and teas popular in the early 19th century, followed by a dramatic reading of a favorite Austen passage. A tour of the historic interiors will be included with admission. Tickets are $30 per person and $25 for CTL Members. Call 860-668-0055 or email phelps.hatheway@ctlandmarks.org for tickets or more information.

Walt Disney World Resort Update For November 5-11, 2019 by Alan S. Dalinka - MousePlanet

Posted: 05 Nov 2019 12:00 AM PST

Walt Disney World Resort Update for November 5 - 11, 2019

Writer's note: Thanks to Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix for covering both coasts while I was away. It's no small task; I know! Covering Walt Disney World, itself, is no small task and a Thanksgiving season shout out of praise to my predecessors here on the Update that didn't have the technological resources and Disney Parks Blog available to gather the latest news and views.


Whether you are visiting Central Florida or you call it home, among the first sights travelers see in the main terminal of Orlando International Airport is the Magic of Disney Store. HDR Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

So, for my R&R, I used a lot of my Disney Vacation Club points for this year for a week at Aulani, a Disney Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii. This was my third visit there in just over three years (I enjoy it just that much!), and I recommend it and its many outstanding Cast Members to any traveler and/or Disney fan. I have been sharing some pictures and video of the Resort on our MousePlanet social media channels since I've been back (big shoutout to Uncle Aito: a storyteller, Cast Member, and lightbulb changer), and I will share more in the coming weeks, including more about its luau, Ka Wa'a (which is the only few hours of this vacation I attended as invited media) and its new little show, "The Aulani Players Present Moana."


The main lobby of Aulani sits on the third floor above a lush "valley," all designed by the Imagineering team lead by Joe Rodhe who spent many years of his early life on Oahu. The detailed theming of the Resort includes detail drawn from Hawaiian culture and its islands themselves. Note in this photo, the design on the building's face under the pitched roof on the right with decorative elements inspired by the sea (which, physically, is located behind where I was standing when I took this photo).


At Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the Hawai'i Marketplace has the same design as the pitched roof on the right above and, indeed, repeated atop all the points of the 'Ewa tower of the Resort. The faux stonework of the kiosk is even similar to Aulani's stonework.


The Disney Skyliner station at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort includes travel posters promoting Aulani, a Disney Vacation Club resort.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

In the meantime, as I have readjusted to Central Florida after the lengthly flights, six hour time difference, and then changing my clock over the weekend again when Daylight Saving Time ended, I have gotten back over to three of the four Walt Disney World parks, ridden the Disney Skyliner again, got over to Disney Springs, and otherwise caught myself up on the news around here so I can share it with you. You'll find I have updated the 2020 Resort Events tab with a bunch of new dates that were recently announced, under another tab, there are some new discounts and benefits for Annual Passholders to take note of, and runDisney fans will find that the 2020-21 schedule has been released.

And, remember, as I wrote last month, I no longer receive email through the envelope icon next to my byline above, so if you have something to say that you want all of our followers to know about, please provide your comments at the bottom of the Update (via MousePad) or under a MousePlanet post with a link to this Update on our Facebook page, or if you want to say or ask something less publicly, send a private message to MousePlanet on Facebook Messenger, or a direct message on MousePlanet's Instagram or Twitter pages.

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Winter Holidays Getting Underway

Though the official kickoff of the 2019 Winter Holidays season at Walt Disney World Resort is this Friday, November 8, pretty much as soon as the last guests departed the November 1 edition of the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, the season really began in earnest. Of course, winter holiday merchandise had started trickling into stores as Halloween approached, and, indeed, there were reports last week that holiday decor started appearing around the Resort, like the tinsel stars along Sunset Boulevard at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Magic Kingdom already held and live-streamed the first performance of "A Frozen Holiday Wish" on Sunday night. That is the nightly castle-lighting show where Queen Elsa, at the urging of her sister Anna and their friends Olaf and Kristoff, "uses her magical powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom by transforming Cinderella Castle into a shimmering ice palace for the holidays." In other words, the Castle's dreamlights are already lit nightly at Magic Kingdom, and, the #DisneyParksLIVE broadcast also showed highlights of the park's quick transition from Halloween to Christmas. The Jingle Cruise holiday overlay at the Jungle Cruise also got underway on Sunday, and continues throughout the season (both during regular park hours and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party).


A Frozen Holiday Wish was presented by #DisneyParksLIVE on Sunday, November 3, 2019, and included the entire castle-lighting show as well as provided a preview of some of the new features of this year's editions of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party which get underway on select nights starting Friday, November 8. Video ©Disney.

The first edition of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party gets underway on Friday night (we have been invited by Disney to attend the event next Tuesday, November 12). This year's hard ticket party includes new music for Space Mountain, lighting and music for the Mad Tea Party, an all-new holiday show at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and a "festive freeway" for those driving the cars of the Tomorrowland Speedway. The #DisneyParksLIVE show also highlighted some of the brand new Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show that lights up the skies over Magic Kingdom on party nights accompanied by holiday songs including "Joy to the World," "Deck the Halls," "Up on the House Top," and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." As we noted following the Christmas in July media event, the creative team continues to emphasize that unlike the new fireworks show for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, this fireworks show can be enjoyed from all across the park, not just in the Central Plaza hub area; as the preview videos we have seen so far show, there is some use of projections on the castle, but the creative team continues to say that they are not central to enjoyment of this show.


Disney Parks Blog shared a behind the scenes look at "Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks" show preparations. Video ©Disney.

Also returning to the hard ticket party are the Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration stage show at the castle, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, Club Tinsel, the Disney Junior Jingle Jam, and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Snowfall also returns to Main Street U.S.A. on party nights, and, of course, there are "complimentary treats" for those that have tickets to the event. When we asked at the Christmas in July media event whether holiday entertainment like the castle show and parade would be performed for all guests after the final Party (December 22) and the end of the year, we were told that it would be. As of this publication, those performances are not listed in My Disney Experience, and we do not yet know whether the attraction overlays will be available to all guests at that time (though the Tomorrowland Speedway installation will include physical props that will be visible all day and night). We will try to get further clarification during our upcoming media night at the Party and will report it for those who plan to venture over to the park during the most merriest (busy) time of the year.

Pluto Sorcerer's Card at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
The Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party-exclusive Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card for 2019 is "Pluto's Toppling Popcorn." Party attendees can pick up the complementary card at the Firehouse on Main Street U.S.A. Image courtesy Disney Parks Blog.

Also returning on November 8 at Disney's Hollywood Studios are both of its seasonal nighttime offerings: Jingle Bells, Jingle BAM! the nighttime spectacular centered on the Chinese Theatre and Sunset Seasons Greetings with projections on The Hollywood Tower Hotel (Tower of Terror) and video screens along Sunset Boulevard. Disney's Animal Kingdom's first park-wide celebration of the holiday season also gets underway on Friday, including special holiday nighttime awakenings of the Tree of Life. We have been invited to a media evening in that park on Saturday, so be sure to have a look at our social media channels over the weekend!


Tinsel stars again line Sunset Boulevard for the holiday season, and their lights will change colors along with the nightly Sunset Seasons Greetings shows.


The dancing ornaments are back in the windows along Hollywood Boulevard.


Light-up ugly Christmas sweaters and more holiday merchandise is now available in Mickey's of Hollywood.


Chip & Dale plush have new outfits for the holidays.


Holiday-themed beverage cups are back in the parks.


Have you ever spotted #SantaStitch in the park? #BellhopStitch resides over at the Tower of Terror.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Springs will also open its Christmas Tree Trail this weekend which, again, will include some ornaments that will be available for purchase for your own holiday celebration. Of course, there will be more shopping and merchandise news on this subject as we get further into the month, with our first few merchandise photos in the Disney Springs section below. And, not to be forgotten, Epcot is the only park that does not move in to the full holidays mode for a bit longer: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs through November 23 (though its Eat to the Beat Concerts end on November 18), with the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (and nightly Candlelight Processional performances) starting on November 29.

Wine, Dine and Run: Results are In

The 10th annual Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend made some runDisney history over the weekend. Twenty-four-year-old Megan Curham from Warren, New Jersey became only the second female runner to be a runDisney race overall first place finisher. Curham was also last year's first female finisher in the race, and was previously the first female to finish the 2016 Walt Disney World Half Marathon. In 2017, Giovanna Martins was the first ever woman to be the overall winner of a runDisney race, finishing that year's Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon with a time of 1:19:16.

Curham completed the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon on Sunday in 1:19:17, and was followed just seconds later (1:19:30) by Jeffrey Schneider of Strongsville, Ohio. Gerald Romero finished third at 1:20:08. Diana Bogantes finished second among the women racers with a time of 1:22:14, and was followed by Leah Foley at 1:29:05.

The weekend also included a 5K race, 10K race, Kids Races, and a health and fitness expo. The weekend culminated with runners and their supporters celebrating their accomplishments at the Post-Race Party at Epcot. Nearly 48,000 runners participated in events throughout the weekend.

The race weekend began with the Disney Fall Feast 5K race on Friday which tragically included the death of a runner who collapsed during that race. Orlando Sentinel reports that the medical examiner's office identified the runner as 58 year old Mark Lockridge, a tourist from Ellis County, Texas, and that he died of natural causes related to hypertension and heart disease. The Sentinel noted that a runner collapsed and died near the finish of the 2017 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon as well. Andrea Finger, a spokeswoman for Walt Disney World Resort, provided a statement to the Sentinel which said, "We are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the runner's family and loved ones throughout this difficult time."

We at MousePlanet echo those sympathies and offer our condolences to Mark Lockridge's family and friends.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue to Kef Bir

When Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in theaters on December 20, 2019, the final film in the Star Wars Saga, riders aboard the Starspeeder 1000 at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will also get to visit the ocean moon of Kef Bir which appears in the film's final trailer released last month. The new destination will be on the attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and it will also be added at Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.

Star Tours-The Adventures Continue.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue to the ocean moon of Kef Bir starting December 20, 2019. Image courtesy Disney Parks Blog.

Star Tours has previously received updates taking riders to new places in the latest films, from Jakku to Crait, and, back in 2017, even Batuu was added as a "destination" well-before Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opened and allowed guests to visit that planet in-person. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, Star Tours remains one of several "Star Wars Experiences" guests can visit throughout the park outside of the new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge land that opened in August.

After Regular Hours in the Parks

For the sake of bringing it all together in one place, the past couple of weeks there have been quite a few announcements about the various ways guests can visit the parks in the evenings after the end of a park's regular operating hours. Extra Magic Hours for Resort hotel guests are no additional charge, "After Hours" events require a separate ticket for admission, and Disney Vacation Club's Moonlight Magic events require advance registration.

Extra Magic Hours

Special extra Extra Magic Hours for Disney Resort hotel guests ended on November 2. Looking through the theme parks' operating calendars in the My Disney Experience app as of this publication, there are some published "regular" Extra Magic hours in mornings and/or evenings rotating around the parks, but even with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opening in early December at Disney's Hollywood Studios, that park has 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. published operating hours most days throughout the month. In fact, even December 30-31 currently does not have any special published Extra Magic hours as of this writing; in past years dating back as far as I can remember, Magic Kingdom has had Extra Magic Hours that extend the December 30 operating day into the early hours of December 31.

Disney After Hours

For those that want to spend time in the parks outside their regular operating hours, Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom both will offer additional opportunities to attend the hard ticketed Disney After Hours events on select nights which are now published through May 2020 (and we have listed all of them in our Resort Events section for 2020). Tickets to these events are $139 per adult or child (plus tax), and are separate from day tickets or Annual passes, include park entry as early as 7 p.m., plus three hours in the park after its regular close along with complimentary ice cream, popcorn and select beverages. Purchasing tickets a day or more in advance reduces the price by $10/ticket, and Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can purchase tickets in advance for $99 (plus tax).

Disney Villains After Hours

Disney Villains After Hours events also return to Magic Kingdom on 24 nights scheduled between February 7 and July 10, 2020. (For the list of published dates, see our Resort Events section for 2020). The Villains-themed hard ticket events include the "Villains Unite the Night" stage show, Maleficent the Dragon making scheduled appearances on a specified parade route, a DJ-hosted dance party at the Central Plaza Hub, additions to Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain, plus opportunities to purchase specialty food, beverages, and exclusive merchandise. Tickets to these events are $155 (plus tax) for adult or child, with a $10/ticket discount for purchasing a day or more in advance; Passholders and DVC Members receive a $30 discount. Like Disney After Hours, tickets allow entry as early as 7 p.m. as well as the post-closing park hours, complimentary snacks and beverages. These events do not include Disney Villain meet and greet opportunities.

Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic

Disney Vacation Club Members interested in visiting the parks after hours should once again pay attention to registration dates for the 2020 slate of Moonlight Magic Events that was recently published by DVC. All four theme parks and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will host events in 2020, starting with Disney's Animal Kingdom on January 21, February 11 & 25. Registration for the Animal Kingdom events for DVC Members with Resort room reservations opens on November 20, and for all eligible Members on December 4, 2019. We include the full list and registration dates in our Resort Events section for 2020. Moonlight Magic is a complimentary, after park hours event, where registered DVC Members (and their registered guests) enjoy attractions, special character meet and greets, dance parties and refreshments. For more information and registration (when open), visit this page of DisneyVacationClub.com.

UPDATE: Fuel Rod Continues Free Swaps at Disney Parks

Last week, we reported that the Fuel Rod portable charging system would be requiring customers to pay $3 for its swapping service when visiting a Disney theme park starting Friday, November 1. As Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix reported in yesterday's Disneyland Resort Update, Fuel Rod owners can continue to swap their devices at no charge from kiosks at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World for now. The change came days after a class action lawsuit was filed in Southern California, on behalf of a plaintiff who purchased a Fuel Rod device at Walt Disney World.

Fuel Rod charging kits are sold for $30 from kiosks located throughout the Resort, each containing a rechargeable USB battery rod and an assortment of charging cables to fit most Apple and Android devices. Fuel Rod sells the device for $25 (including shipping) from their website, and other locations sell the kits for as low as $22.

The big selling point had been that once you purchased the initial $30 kit, you could return to any Fuel Rod kiosk on Disney property and exchange a depleted charger for a fresh battery as often as you needed at no additional charge. Updated signs placed on the kiosks in late October notified customers that the "free unlimited swapping" feature would end November 1, and users would pay a $3 fee each time they swapped the device.

As Adrienne reports, Disney would not have been the first Fuel Rod partner to begin charging for swaps – both Sea World and Universal Studios have $3.00 exchange fees. It is unknown if those other locations had ever advertised free swapping, and/or when they began charging for the service. Likewise, it is unknown if the class action lawsuit will proceed now that the company has reversed their fee schedule, or if the ambiguity between "free" and "fee" swapping locations is enough to allow the case to proceed.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

American Gardens Theatre continues its presentation of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series three times nightly through November 18 as part of this year's edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Eat to the Beat Concert showtimes are scheduled Sundays through Thursdays at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, an hour later, at 6:30, 7:45, and 9:00 p.m. The entire schedule is published, but, of course, always keep an eye out for signs when you enter the park noting last minute changes. There are even more details and you can make reservations for dining packages including guaranteed concert seating by visiting TasteEpcot.com or calling (407)939-3378. Eat to the Beat Concert Series concludes on November 18 to begin preparing the stage for Candlelight Processional, but the Food & Wine Festival continues until November 23.


Remember, America Gardens Theatre is not a fireworks viewing area. Because of the stage area, the venue really is not a place where guests can see shows on World Showcase Lagoon itself. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


The Disney Du Jour Dance Party continues on weekends all the way to the end of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, as shown by the schedule on the stage's screen on the east side of Future World. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With the November 29 opening of this year's Epcot International Festival of the Holidays three times nightly performances of Candlelight Processional return and continue through December 30. The show combines a live orchestra, massed choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story. Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, Lisa Ling, Isabella Rossellini, Marlee Matlin, Warwick Davis, Chita Rivera, and Ming-Na Wen are all scheduled as celebrity narrators this year. Guaranteed seating for all performances is available by booking a breakfast, lunch, or dinner Candlelight Processional Dining Package at select Epcot eateries. Availability is limited and advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Bookings for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages and more information is available on EpcotHolidays.com or by calling (407)WDW-DINE.


Neil Patrick Harris is scheduled to return to Epcot to narrate Candlelight Procession for the 12th year. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

From January 17 to February 24, 2020, Epcot International Festival of the Arts returns and the America Gardens Theatre will again host nightly Disney on Broadway Concerts three times nightly. More information about the Festival and the shows is available on ArtfulEpcot.com or by calling (407)939-5277. From March 4 to June 1, 2020, the park presents the 27th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival with its, as yet unspecified schedule, Garden Rocks Concert Series.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the scheduled Eat to the Beat Concert Series performers and Celebrity Narrators for Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. We will add the Disney on Broadway Concert Series performers and Garden Rocks Concert Series performers when they are announced. You can add the entire Event calendar to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link and, as we get additional information and update the calendar, the calendar will update on your subscribed device as well.

While our Google Calendar of Epcot Events lists announced performers, it is still always best to check the My Disney Experience app, Times Guide, and, yes, sometimes even signs posted at the park entrances and at the theater noting any last minute changes. The calendar is provided as a courtesy "as is, where is" without any guarantees. We do respectfully request that you do not post our entire calendar on another site without first asking our permission. Walt Disney World Resort does provide schedules in the My Disney Experience app, but does not allow you to add dates to calendars outside the app itself.

Views Around the World

Magic Kingdom


Removal of the pavers continues at the entrance to Magic Kingdom.


Landscaping appears nearly complete around the outside of Tomorrowland where the berm supporting the Walt Disney World Railroad was reshaped and the retaining wall built to address the new drainage design for this area which is related to the construction of the TRON Lightcycle Run coaster.


At the TRON Lightcycle Run coaster construction site, additional vertical construction is underway at the southeastern edge of the park (on the right in the photo).


From aboard the PeopleMover, the newest track installation for TRON Lightcycle Run can be seen.


Tomorrowland Speedway provides an even closer view of the new track for TRON Lightcycle Run.


Inside Mickey's Star Traders in Tomorrowland, a construction wall now blocks off the back part of the store where one of the still listed as "Temporarily Closed" Stitch's Great Escape's attraction exits is location.


Ongoing construction in the former courtesy tram loading area at the TTC leaves a considerable distance between where the trams unload on the other side of Seven Seas Drive and the security screening area for admission to the ticket booths, monorail and ferries.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot


A sticker on the toll booths at parks reinforces a policy that many cast members have enforced for well-over a year now: Passholders must provide photo ID matching their Pass to receive free parking. (The stickers have been appearing over the past several months.) Note also that the "Auto Preferred" fee changes by season. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


As the reimagination of the entry of Epcot continues, the tramway now ends before the monorail station.


Tram loading and unloading is now done before the monorail station and the new tram turn-around curb.


The former tramway beyond the new turn-around is being converted to pedestrian access to the park.


The former tram loading area under the monorail station has been converted to a new security screening area.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

As the Epcot transformation is well-underway now, the monorail's circle tour provides a bird's eye view of the new park entry experience and some of the changes underway as Future World is divided into three new Worlds.


Refurbishment of the entry planter boxes, fountain and plaza continue.


Future World East trees have been removed between Guest relations and the former Universe of Energy pavilion.


Construction fences have taken over much of the Future World east lawns near the reflecting pond.


Demolition work continues around the former Fountain of Nations all the way over to the former Club Cool.


Many trees have been removed around Future World West next to the former Innoventions West.


Construction fences form new "roads" for construction crews and/or cast members.


As the park's entry reimagination is inspired by the original 1982 look of the park's entrance, the park's new logo also harkens back to the park's original logo.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.


The Camera Center is now closed; PhotoPass now has a desk next to Pin Central.


Heritage House closed at American Adventure to make way for a new Art of Disney venue.


DVC Member Lounge provides an interesting view of the on-going construction at the building enclosing the Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind coaster.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.


From the ground in Future World East, much of the land is now enclosed by construction walls. Panoramic Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


A new sign looks like it is ready to be unveiled at the gallery at the Morocco pavilion (which is closed for refurbishment). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


Disney Skyliner approaching or departing Epcot International Gateway shows the extensive exterior theming underway at the France pavilion ahead of next summer's opening of Remy's Ratatouille Adventure.


All of these areas appear that they will be "on stage" when construction is complete.


A new wall over the waterway appears complete as well.


Disney Skyliner station provides a view of the construction as well.


The Disney Skyliner line from Disney's Riviera Resort toward Epcot flies into the sunset as it approaches the Tower of Terror (on the left) and the turn station in front of Disney's BoardWalk Resort in the distance. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios


As announced during the park's 30th Anniversary celebration in May, Disney's Hollywood Studios has a new logo. The old logo recently has been removed from the studio arch and its paint scheme has been changed.


More of the queue for Slinky Dog Dash Coaster is now covered.


As we reported in recent weeks, the menu at Docking Bay 7 inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge has been updated with food names more reflective of the Earth-bound foods served.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Resorts


Resort refurbishments regularly occur around Walt Disney World. The "Finding Nemo" section of Disney's Art of Animation currently has a building closed for refurbishment. The neighboring "Big Blue Pool" is due to close in 2020, as we have been reporting all year in our Refurbishments section. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…Starting this week, a "sneak peek" of Disney's upcoming film, Frozen 2 begins a limited run inside Walt Disney Presents at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The film itself opens in U.S. theaters on November 22, 2019.


The original "Frozen" still seems to be very popular. This creation by Disney's Art of Animation's Food & Beverage Team was the popular vote winner in that resort's Pumpkin Carving contest. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…As Epcot's transformation continues into 2020, Mickey's meet and greet at that park will move to the Imagination! pavilion as part of the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival (that's the theater building just past the jumping fountains). In that attraction, Mickey's short film, "Get A Horse" is among the films shown in the theater.

…The latest Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses featuring, for the first time, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto with Mickey Mouse, were released to Suglass Hut locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World on November 1. The adult frames feature polarized lenses and have a retail price of $243; the junior frames have a non-polarized lenses and have a retail price of $103. The Walt Disney World Sunglass Hut locations are: Singapore Sal's at Typhoon Lagoon; Island Supply in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland; and Sunglass Icon on the West Side of Disney Springs. These sunglasses will also become available to Sunglass Hut loyalty members and the public, though Disney Parks guests had the first opportunity to purchase them.

…Disney Parks Blog shared a look at some of the "classic American barbecue" to expect when Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue opens at Epcot later this winter. This new "fast-casual" dining location will occupy the space that was previously The Liberty Inn (which closed back in July) at The American Adventure, and it will also include an outdoor bar featuring craft brews on draft.

…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your email in the box below.

New & Coming Soon at Disney Springs

This section collects all of the Disney Springs retail and dining events we are aware of in one place along with our most recent views of the area (including those immediately under this paragraph). Event items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly. For even more of the latest news around Disney Springs, follow its official Twitter Feed: @DisneySprings.

Holiday Merchandise at World of Disney


Holiday-scented pillows are part of this year's holiday collection.


Holiday Crocs are available.


There is a new assortment of Hanukkah merchandise this year as well.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

West Side Construction Projects


Construction walls around the former Something Silver/Amazing Photos shop tell the story of its next tenant: the next Ample Hills Creamery.


The old Something Silver facade is being removed from the shop behind the construction walls.


Windows finally enclose the future City Works Eatery and Pour House.


Signs on the construction walls for City Works still promote the venue's opening this Winter.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Morimoto Asia

Back by popular demand, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto will present holiday-themed beers and gourmet pan-Asian light bites at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs during the highly-anticipated second annual "12 Beers of Christmas" event.

The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Tickets are $64++ per person. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. In celebration of the craft-beer movement and the most wonderful time of the year, attendees will enjoy 12 specialty beers from local breweries all across Central Florida, such as Crooked Can Brewing Company and Rogue Ales. The brews will be paired with Morimoto Asia's famous pan-Asian cuisine from 12 food stations.

Morimoto himself will host the event and will be autographing copies of his cookbook Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking. The cookbook will be sold at the event, with proceeds going to Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit resort for critically ill children and their families who visit Florida on their "wish trips."

Tickets are available on the event website.

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Resort Events

Check here to see if a park event might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an email.

Just click the year you want to expand (or close).

2019 Resort Events
  • Disney After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date and park)
    …at Magic Kingdom:
    • November 18
    • December 9
    …at Disney's Animal Kingdom:
    • November 5, 13, & 19
    • December 7, 14, & 18
  • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 29 - November 23, 2019
  • (Eat to the Beat Concerts end November 19)
  • Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort Food & Wine Classic – November 8-9, 2019
  • Dapper Days at Walt Disney World (Unofficial Events) – November 16-17, 2019
  • Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – November 29 - December 30, 2019
    (includes Candlelight Processional)
  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom (hard ticket required)
    • November: 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 & 24
    • December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20 & 22
2020 Resort Events
  • Disney After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date and park)
    …at Magic Kingdom:
    • January 6, 13, 17, 20, 23, 27 & 31
    • February 3, 10, 17 & 24
    • March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
    • April 5, 13, 20 & 27
    • May 5, 11, 18 & 25
    …at Disney's Animal Kingdom
    • January 9, 16, 22, & 30
    • February 6, 13, 19, & 27
    • March 5, 12, 19 & 26
    • April 1, 7, 14 & 22
    • May 2, 9, 16, 19 & 26
  • Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - January 8-12, 2020
  • Epcot International Festival of the Arts - January 17 to February 24, 2020
  • Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic: (Eligible Member reservations required for wristband entry)
    • Disney's Animal Kingdom: January 21, February 11 & 25, 2020
      Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: November 20, 2019
      General Member Registration: December 4, 2019
    • Magic Kingdom: March 3, April 21 & 28
      Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: January 8, 2020
      General Member Registration: January 15, 2020
    • Epcot: May 4 & June 29, 2020
      Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: March 11, 2020
      General Member Registration: March 18, 2020
    • Disney's Typhoon Lagoon: July 27 & August 10, 2020
      Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: June 17, 2020
      General Member Registration: June 24, 2020
    • Disney's Hollywood Studios: September 15 & 22; October 6, 2020
      Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: July 15, 2020
      General Member Registration: July 22, 2020
  • Disney Villains After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date)
    • February 7, 14, 21 & 28
    • March 6, 11, 18 & 27
    • April 3, 10, 17 & 24
    • May 1, 8, 14, 22, 29
    • June 5, 12, 19, 26 & 29
    • July 6 & 10
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - February 20-23, 2020
  • Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival - March 4-June 1, 2020
  • Star Wars Rival Run Weekend - April 16-19, 2020
  • MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!
Looking even further ahead...

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. All refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, visit DisneyWorld.com or use the MyDisneyExperience App on your iOS or Android device.

View the different areas of the Resort by scrolling horizontally and selecting the one you want to read about.

Magic Kingdom
  • The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History – its final scheduled shows were performed October 5, 2019.
  • Move it! Shake it! MousekeDance it! Street Party – two performances scheduled daily only through November 30, 2019.
  • Royal Majesty Makers – no longer has scheduled appearances in Fantasyland as of October 2019.
  • Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial – Final show was September 29, 2018.
  • Stitch's Great Escape – My Disney Experience lists as "available seasonally throughout the year"
    Be aware that it is increasingly unlikely it will reopen; the attraction's lobby is usually used for greeting Stitch
  • Walt Disney World Railroad – Closed as of December 3, 2018 to accommodate TRON construction (reopening to be announced). Guests can visit a Walt Disney World Railroad train at Main Street Station.
Epcot
  • Test Track – Will close for refurbishment January 13-February 26, 2020.
  • Impressions de France – Closed for refurbishment related to sharing the theater with "Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along" which debuts January 2020.
  • Gallery of Arts and History (Morocco Pavilion) – Closed for refurbishment.
  • O Canada! – the film has been retired and the theatre currently is the Appleseed Orchard marketplace during the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival; "Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360" will debut as the new film in January 2020.
  • Reflections of China – the film will be retired and will be replaced with "Wondrous China" presented in a seamless 360° digital format.
  • Future World "transformation" closings – Major transformation announced at D23 Expo 2019.
    Closings and relocations include:
    • Innoventions - all exhibits now permanently closed, effective September 8, 2019
    • Club Cool closed effective September 8 (to reopen in "a new capacity at a future merchandise location")
    • Fountain of Nations closed effective September 8
    • Fountain View featuring Starbucks closed effective September 8 (will relocate to a temporary location in late Fall, 2019)
    • Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot - relocated September 8 (look for signs in Future World West)
    • Electric Umbrella will close in Winter 2019-20. (New dining options to be announced)
    • Mouse Gear will close in its current location in Winter 2019-20. (It will move to a temporary home to be announced)
    • Art of Disney will operate from a temporary location before eventually relocating to Heritage Manor at The American Adventure (Heritage Manor is now closed)
  • Ellen's Energy Adventure at Universe of Energy – Permanently closed on August 13, 2017.
    Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to open in its place in approximately 2021.
  • Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable – Closed February 3, 2018.
    New film entitled "Awesome Planet" will debut in January 2020
  • Illuminations: Reflections of Earth – Show retired: September 30, 2019.
    Epcot Forever debuted October 1 for a limited run which will be followed by a new nighttime spectacular "HarmonioUS" in 2020
  • Liberty Inn - the fast-casual restaurant closed for reimagining starting July 8, 2019.
    Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue will open later in 2019 in its place.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • March of the First Order – concluded parades down Hollywood Boulevard on July 6, 2019.
    First Order Stormtroopers have "redeployed" inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
  • Star Wars: Path of the Jedi – Currently only available during Star Wars Guided Tours
  • The Great Movie Ride – Permanently closed August 13, 2017.
    The new Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction to open in Chinese Theatre in 2020.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
  • Primeval Whirl – is listed as "temporarily closed" with no further published information
    As of November 4, 2019, no FastPass+ service is available for the attraction through the end of December.
Disney Water Parks
  • Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park is closed for enhancements with no announced reopening date.
Disney Springs
  • Bongo's Cuban Café– Closed in August 2019
    Beatrix from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises coming to the site at a date to be announced.
  • DisneyQuest – Closed as of July 3, 2017.
    The NBA Experience opened on the site on August 12, 2019.
  • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Show closed on December 31, 2017.
    A new Cirque du Soleil show is in development with previews to begin March 20, 2020, and its world premiere April 17, 2020.
Disney Resorts & Vicinity
  • McDonald's restaurant near Disney's All-Star Resorts – closed October 30 for an extensive renovation, and is scheduled to reopen in March, 2020.
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House – Due to Resort construction, the Disney Vacation Club Value category accommodations are not available for stays from December 2019 through early spring 2020
  • Disney's Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower – Road Closures are scheduled near the resort in January and February 2020 which may impact guests when traveling to or from the buildings.
  • Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Mizner's Lounge replaced with "Enchanted Rose" a larger venue with a Beauty & the Beast theme.
  • Caribbean Beach – The overall construction project at the Resort is expected to be completed 2019–20. The resort's new lobby, restaurants and other amenities, including Sebastian's Bistro, Centertown Market, and Banana Cabana are all now open.
  • Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Big Blue Pool will close for refurbishment beginning in Fall 2020.
  • Disney's Beach Club Resort – Beaches & Cream Soda Shop will be closed for refurbishment through winter 2019.
Walt Disney World Golf
  • No known closures.

Current Discounts and Promotions

Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.

Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel benefits. It is increasingly true that non-Florida residents tend to benefit the most by purchasing tickets in advance (and, of course, being mindful of the rules relevant to those tickets). As prices go up, it becomes even more important to pay heed: Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside Disney property stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and may result in denial of entry. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or a travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today.

Get Away Today Logo

Be sure to move the calendar to at least seven (7) days out, to see what ticket options and discounts are available for your planned visit.

Just click the category you want to expand (or close).

For Everyone

Mid-Day Magic Tickets

Disney has introduced a new park ticket that provides one admission per theme park each day after 12:00 p.m. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for more information.

Gift of Magic

For stays most nights January 1 through April 25, 2020, guests can save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort Hotels when booked by January 1, 2020. The offer also includes a $30 Disney Gift Card for each person (ages 3 and up) on the reservation if the reservation is upgraded to a package that includes 6-day or longer theme park tickets. Lots more details are available by visiting this page of DisneyWorld.com or by calling (407)939-2735 or your travel agent.

Fall & Holiday Season Resort Hotel Offers

Save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels in late 2019. Book through December 24, 2019 for stays most nights November 10, 2019 through December 24, 2019.

Deluxe Villas and Resort rooms are offered at up to 20% off; Moderate Resort rooms up to 15% off; Value Resort rooms up to 10%. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for all the details, exclusions, dates and availability, or call (407)939-2727 or your travel agent.

Meal Vacation Package Offers

If you are considering a Walt Disney World Vacation Package that includes a non-discounted 5-night/6-day stay, Disney dining plans are included in the package when include the hotel and tickets with Park Hopper Option for arrivals most nights November 17 to 27, and December 8 to 23, 2019. Deluxe Villa and Deluxe Resort packages include the free Disney Dining Plan; Moderate and Value Resort packages include the free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package and the theme park tickets must be valid for admission on the date of check-in and be used within a limited number of days (which varies by length of stay). Gratuities are not included. Kids between ages 3 and 9 must order from children's menu where applicable. The package does not guarantee access to any specific table-service restaurants.

Read more information and exclusions, and check availability on this page of DisneyWorld.com, or call (407)939-7216 or your travel agent.

Memory Maker pre-arrival discount

Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is $169, a $30 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders.

Purchase must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort for the discount. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. Both the immediate and discount version of Memory Maker can be purchased at this page of DisneyWorld.com.

For Annual Passholders
Expect to be required to show your Passholder Card and matching photo ID to receive a discount and other benefits.
Holiday Offerings

NEW Passholders now can save 20% on the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party at Disney's Hollywood Studios from November 8-23, 2019. The discount is good for the Passholder plus up to seven guests and, of course, does not include park admission. Call (407)WDW-PASS to book and use the discount.

Passholders can save up to $15/ticket when purchasing Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets in advance. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com and be sure to log in to your Disney Account that is linked to your annual pass to find the nights the discount is offered.

NEW Passholders can pick up a Chip 'n' Dale Magnet Set at Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, November 29-December 30, 2019 at Mouse Gear. Unlike the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Passholder magnets which required visits on multiple dates to receive each of the perks, this is a "set" that requires only one visit with valid Annual Pass and photo ID.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Benefits & Promotions

Epcot encourages Annual Passholders to make repeat visits to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by offering a number of benefits and a few "gift" items. Like recent past festivals, there are two complimentary magnets available to Passholders during the Festival ("while supplies last"). Through October 14, Passholders (with valid pass and matching photo ID) could have received a complimentary Chef Minnie magnet; from October 15 through November 23, Passholders can also get a complimentary Chef Remy magnet. Passholders that visit the Festival four times (as tracked by using the AP to enter the park rather than checking in at any particular location inside the park) can also receive a complimentary Chef Minnie wooden coaster set. All of the Passholder "gifts" can be picked up at Mouse Gear or Disney Traders (one of each per Passholder during the specified timeframes and only while supplies last).


Passholder gifts are available during the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Images ©Disney.

In addition to the usual 20% Passholder discount available on merchandise purchases in the park, there is also a 10% discount on Eat to the Beat Concert Series dining packages. The Festival has an assortment of Passholder-exclusive tee shirts, caps, mugs, pins, and more. For Passholders that purchase a special $100 Chef Minnie Disney Gift Card at Mouse Gear, Disney Traders, the Bridge Kiosk or Port of Entry (with valid pass and matching photo ID), they will also receive a $10 digital bonus to use at select Table Service restaurants at the park including Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Garden Grill Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room (where the usual 10% AP discount also remains available).Other Discounts and Benefits

The other usual Passholder discounts and benefits continue as well. The updated list is at DisneyWorld.com/PassBenefits.(You may need to sign in to see the full list applicable to your pass.) Don't forget about the dedicated V.I.PASSHOLDER SUPPORT service for questions about Passholder benefits and recommendations. Call (407)WDW-PASS or on-line chat (via chat button on this page of DisneyWorld.com) daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern, by email (via a web form), or in-person at Liberty Square Ticket Office in Magic Kingdom, Ticket Central at Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Ticket Corner at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Many dining locations offer Passholders 10% discounts during some or all meal periods (excluding alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity).

The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts at many merchandise locations across Walt Disney World Resort, including locations that continue to offer 20 percent discounts off regularly priced merchandise. Remember, not all merchandise locations at Walt Disney World are owned and operated by Disney, but some of the non-Disney participants (including restaurants) offer discounts between 10 and 20% to Passholders as well. Note, the current terms and conditions include, "Discount is for personal use only and may not be used to purchase merchandise with the intent to resell the merchandise."

The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for special events and tours at locations around Walt Disney World Resort.

The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for sports, recreation, and spas around Walt Disney World Resort.

For the current list of Passholder Extras visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Passholder Extras include information about V.I.Passholder Perks, discounts on Disney After Hours events, Animal Encounter and tour discounts, Water Park discounts, Golf discounts, and more. NEW For the 2019 Holiday Season, many of the Disney Springs and Bonnet Creek hotels are offering special room rates to Passholders from this page too.

Magic Strollers, "a Disney featured stroller provider," offers a $5 discount on stroller rental when staying at a Disney Resort Hotel and using coupon code WDWAP18 to arrange your rental. It is listed on the "Passholders Extras" page of the Passholder website (last checked September 9, 2019).

Visit the DisneyWorld.com Special Offers page (filtered for Passholders) and log in with a My Disney Experience account linked to your Annual Pass for information, or call (407) 939-4232 to book by phone.

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.

For Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders
Reminder to MagicBand users: You must still show your Disney Visa credit card to receive discounts and other benefits. Discounts are not automatically applied even if you have linked your Disney Visa credit card to your MagicBand.

To conserve space, we have eliminated some of the participating location details of the Disney Visa Rewards offers from this section. Visit Disney Visa Rewards website for the latest participating location information.

20 percent off Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks

Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks throughout Walt Disney World, including Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, and online at Joffreys.com with code: VISABEANS

15 percent off select guided tours

Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Discounts are not available on Premium VIP tours, programs exclusive to groups, or group team building programs.

10 percent off select restaurants

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Discount may not be available at all meal times. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for the latest list of restaurants and restrictions.

10 percent off merchandise

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the this page of disneyrewards.com.

Cardholders also receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at the following Walt Disney World Resort Operating Participant merchandise locations including Basin, Basin White, Chapel Hats, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, kidsHeritage, Luxury of Time, Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts, Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks and Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, Sperry and Volcom.

15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services

Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service most days at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for participating locations and restrictions.

10 percent off select recreation experiences

Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:

  • Carriage Rides at Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
  • Horseback Trail Rides at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Epcot

Present your Disney's Visa Card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website).

Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Present your Disney's Visa card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at the Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website).

For Military Personnel

2019 Military Promotional Tickets

January 1 through December 19, 2019

  • Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets –$241.00
  • Four-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $291.00
  • Five-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $257.00
  • Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $307.00

Prices do not include tax and tickets must be used by December 19, 2019.
Prices may be lower at U.S. military base ticket offices.

U.S. military personnel can also purchase the Memory Maker product for $98 through December 19, 2019.

For more information, definitions and details, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and only family members and friends, as provided by Disney's rules. These tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Limit six (6) tickets purchased by the military personnel (or spouse), and one ticket must be used by that member of the military (or spouse). Each ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.

Special pricing for Memory Maker is available at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows when purchased by eligible service members or their spouses. No more than two Memory Maker products can be purchased by an eligible service member or their spouse. Usual Memory Maker restrictions apply and a MagicBand is required to receive some digital content.

2020 Military Promotional Tickets

January 1 through December 18, 2020

  • Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets –$265.00
  • Four-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $315.00
  • Five-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $283.00
  • Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $333.00
  • Six-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $301.00
  • Six-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $351.00

Prices do not include tax. Six-Day Tickets must be purchased by December 13, Five-Day Tickets by December 14, Four-Day Tickets by December 15. Tickets may be used from January 1 through December 18, 2020.
Prices may be lower at U.S. military base ticket offices.

U.S. military personnel can also purchase the Memory Maker product for $98 from January 1, 2020, through December 18, 2020.

For more information, definitions and details, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and only family members and friends, as provided by Disney's rules. These tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Limit six (6) tickets purchased by the military personnel (or spouse), and one ticket must be used by that member of the military (or spouse). Each ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.

Special pricing for Memory Maker is available at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows when purchased by eligible service members or their spouses. No more than two Memory Maker products can be purchased by an eligible service member or their spouse. No more than two Memory Maker products may be purchased at the special price by the service member or spouse. Usual Memory Maker restrictions apply and a MagicBand is required to receive some digital content.

Special Rates at Resort Hotels

U.S. military personnel can enjoy discounts at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booking by December 19, 2019, for stays most nights through December 19, 2019. For 2020, discounts are available most nights January 1 through April 4, and April 19 through December 18, 2020, when booked by December 18, 2020. Offer excludes suites in Moderate and Deluxe Resort hotels, 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. For 2019 rates, call (407)939-4249 for information and reservations, and find 2019 eligibility details listed on this page of DisneyWorld.com. For 2020 information and details, visitthis page or call (407)939-7825.

Read more information at militarydisneytips.com, visit your base ticket office, or when at Walt Disney World, visit Shades of Green.

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.

For Florida Residents
Expect to be required to show proof of Florida Residency for discounts and benefits.

Seasonal Flex Ticket

Florida residents can purchase tickets for use on most dates through February 29, 2020, without picking a specific start date. The tickets, which can be used on non-consecutive days, must be purchased by December 17, 2019, and used in their entirety by February 29, 2020. The tickets are blocked out November 21-28, 2019, and December 18, 2019, through January 2, 2020.

  • 3-Day 1-Park Per Day Seasonal Flex Ticket – $249 plus tax ($83 per day plus tax)
  • 4-Day 1-Park Per Day Seasonal Flex Ticket – $269 plus tax ($68 per day plus tax)

Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com and click on "Read More" in the Florida Resident Seasonal Flex Tickets section. That page also provides a link where Florida Residents can save 40% on 4-Day Tickets and 30% on 3-Day Tickets compared to the non-resident prices of the same tickets when selecting specific visit start dates.

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.

For Disney Vacation Club Members

Member Benefits and Discounts may be found on this page of DisneyVacationClub.com. Note: some benefits and discounts are only available to those with a valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card which is only available to Members owning at least 75 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc.

Call DVC Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to take advantage of most offers.

If you know of an offer that you think most Members do not know about, please drop us an email with the details.

For New England Residents

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort celebrates February's big football game victory by the team from New England by offering the Champions Package to residents of New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. For stays through December 24, 2019 (minimum stay of three nights required), the Champions Package includes $100 meal credit, which can be used at Shula's Steak House (named for NFL's winningest coach, Don Shula) or any other restaurant at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. It also includes a "one category complimentary room upgrade that does not include suite upgrades." Guests must have valid state identification at check-in from an eligible state. More information and details of the offer are available at this page of SwanDolphin.com. More information and reservations are available by calling (800)227-1500 and mentioning "CHAMPS."

For Canada Residents

Until February 2020, Canadian residents can save 20% on theme park tickets. They must be purchased by February 7, 2020, and the offer is NOT available at theme park ticket windows. Visit Disneyworld.ca/tickets for more information.

All adults using Canada resident tickets or passes must present valid proof of Canada residency that includes government-issued photo ID to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket at the theme park ticket window or Guest Relations prior to first use. The offer itself requires advanced purchase; it is not available at Walt Disney World Resort theme park ticket windows. Tickets and options are nontransferable, nonrefundable and exclude events/activities separately priced. Admission is subject to capacity closures and to other restrictions.

Check https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/ca/ for the latest offers from Disney.

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.

For U.K. Residents

You can see the latest offers for U.K. residents on Disney World's U.K. packages website. For early 2020 arrivals, the site advertises a package including free dining, $100 gift card, and 14-Day Ultimate Tickets for the price of a 7 Day Ticket with Memory Maker.

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.

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