Disney World Unveils Exciting 2021 Holiday Plans!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Big news coming out of Walt Disney World! While we’re celebrating “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in honor of 50 years of magic-making at Disney World, Disney is now unveiling exciting experiences coming for the 2021 holiday season with “enchanting holiday entertainment and yuletide-themed décor.”

More Disney Very Merries After Hours Additions

First up, let’s talk about even more magic coming to Disney Very Merriest After Hours in Magic Kingdom Park. Disney Parks Blog shares, “Disney Very Merriest After Hours just got even merrier, with “Mickey & Minnie’s Very Merry Memories” joining the lineup of event-exclusive entertainment. Guests attending Disney Very Merriest After Hours, a separately ticketed event at Magic Kingdom Park taking place on 24 select nights Nov. 8 – Dec. 21, 2021, are invited to join Mickey and his pals for a celebration filled with music, dancing , and nostalgic yuletide fun. Presented on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, the show features a nod to classic Magic Kingdom holiday stage shows, including “Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Celebrate the Season” and “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.”

Disney Very Merriest After Hours attendees can also expect lower wait times for favorite attractions! Plus, there are special attraction holiday overlays to enjoy. Holiday hilarity ensues at Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor exclusively during the event, while the popular Jingle Cruise sails throughout the holiday season for all Guests to enjoy.” Additional entertainment returning during Disney Very Merriest After Hours this season includes:

  • It’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride down Main Street, U.S.A. in “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” Santa Claus, elves, reindeer and other friends from the North Pole join Mickey Mouse and his pals for the happiest holiday parade.    
  • The skies above Magic Kingdom Park will sparkle to life with the return of “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks,” where Minnie Mouse invites everyone to come together in a celebration of the magic of Christmas. The show features fireworks, projections and beloved holiday songs. 
  • Club Tinsel, located at Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, becomes the coolest place to get down when denizens of the North Pole drop by for the holiday cheeriest dance party in the whole Magic Kingdom!  
  • The Reindeer Wranglers bring their holiday hoedown to the streets of Frontierland, performing seasonal songs with a distinctive country flair.  

Cinderella Castle Holiday Projection

Not attending Disney Very Merriest After Hours? Disney has shared that “Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park during regular operating hours can still join in on the holiday fun! On evenings when Disney Very Merriest After Hours is not being held, Cinderella Castle takes on a festive appearance with special projection effects, providing a colorful backdrop for our Guests’ photos. Throughout the evening, bursts of holiday magic will transform Cinderella Castle with a rotating series of designs, followed by a stunning transition in which the iconic Magic Kingdom Park landmark will shine as a Beacon of Magic, illuminating the night with an EARidescent glow.” 

Santa Claus is Coming!

What’s a holiday season without Santa?! Disney has announced, “Guests will encounter Jolly Old St. Nick during special appearances across Walt Disney World Resort through Dec. 24 of this year. Catch sight of Santa cruising down Hollywood Blvd. in his candy-apple red convertible at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the Santa Claus Merry Motorcade or venture over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, to spot Santa voyaging across the Discovery River, spreading the joyous spirit of the season from a festive flotilla. Santa Claus will also pay visits to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT and Disney Springs, where Guests will have individualized time to wave hello and share their Christmas wishes.”

Disney Springs Holiday Fun

Holiday magic is arriving at Disney Springs! Get ready to experience the Disney-themed trees we all know and love, along with much more at Disney Springs. Disney shares, “The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth brings elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees to the neighborhoods throughout Disney Springs. Each of the twinkling trees will be themed to personify beloved Disney characters, stories, and celebrations. Special festive décor and live holiday performances will add an extra touch of wonder to holiday shopping. And in the evening, Guests visiting Town Center will experience a magical snowfall, bringing the spirit of the North Pole to Central Florida. For the perfect wrap-up to a holiday visit to Disney Springs, visit Jock Lindsay’s Holiday Bar; back by popular demand, this seasonal favorite has returned with yuletide touches alongside festive food and craft cocktails – there’s something on the menu for everyone!”

Merry Menagerie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is of course getting in on the action! This holiday season, Guests will encounter the Merry Menagerie at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Disney goes on the share, “As a part of this year’s yuletide entertainment, Discovery Island will spring to life with a Merry Menagerie of winter animals, realized in the form of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets. Reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins, and more interaction with Guests, accompanied by serenading musicians as they create a whimsical display and playful atmosphere for Guests of all ages to enjoy. As Guests explore the Park, they may spot Goofy, Chip ‘n’ Dale and other Disney character friends bringing their own style of festive flair to the Discovery River, as they jingle through the jungle to the rhythm of the holidays. And on nights when the Park is open after dark, the Tree of Life awakens as a series of wintry tales emerge from within, complemented by a familiar and heartwarming holiday-inspired musical score. Between awakening moments, the Tree of Life joins the Beacons of Magic in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, as magical fireflies gather to produce a warm and glorious light, calling forth the EARidescent magic of nature.”

Holiday Excitment at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Get ready to take in all the beauty of Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Disney has announced “Sunset Seasons Greetings returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where each evening holiday magic transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a “Toy Story” toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle, and a Dickensian village from “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” As a part of the 50th-anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World Resort, the festive fun continues when Hollywood Tower Hotel becomes a Beacon of Magic at night, awash in an EARidescence evoking all the glimmer and shimmer of the golden age of imagination and adventure. Just in time for the holidays, “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” adds a festive finale, featuring everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, and celebratory songs of the season.”

Traditions from Around the World at EPCOT

While we previously shared the exciting news that EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional will return, along with EPCOT’s Holiday Storytellers making a comeback, there’s more Holiday fun to come for EPCOT! Who’s ready to unlock traditions from Around the World at EPCOT? Disney has shared, “Guests are invited to share in the sights and sounds of some of the world’s greatest holiday festivities during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth, where time-honored traditions come alive through music, dance, and the storytelling heritage of the countries of World Showcase. Beginning on Nov. 26 through Dec. 30, you can celebrate with a spirited array of seasonal entertainment.”

Disney World 50th Anniversary Merchandise

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Via DisneyLists.com

For 50 years, no trip to the Walt Disney World Resort has been complete without bringing home a treasured souvenir – a special something that told everyone, “I went to Disney World!” In honor of the resort’s 50th anniversary, guests will discover new merchandise collections and shopping experiences all across The Most Magical Place on Earth.

1 – 50th Anniversary Merchandise

“The merchandise celebrates the legacy of the past 50 years with a nod to the next 50,” said Marianne Sharpe, vice president of merchandise for Walt Disney World Resort. “It includes authentic product replicas, modern fashion trend collections, artist collaborations, and even matching attire for the entire family. The 50th merchandise is truly for the Disney fan in us all.”

The collections offer something for everyone, from fun and creative celebration-themed items to an entire line of products inspired by Cinderella Castle. There are also throwback and retro-themed pieces, and even a shimmering collection of fashion and accessories inspired by the EARidescent decor that is a hallmark of the celebration.

2 – Shopping Locations

The new merchandise collections are complemented by enhanced shopping experiences at select locations across Walt Disney World. Each one-of-a-kind display was designed to honor the storied past behind five decades of merchandise and memories at The Most Magical Place on Earth.

With Disney Springs serving as the primary shopping destination for all 50th-anniversary collections, the new merchandise will also be available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Certain items will also be available at select Disney Resort hotels and on shopDisney.com.

Find 50th Anniversary Merchandise at These Locations:

  • World of Disney at Disney Springs
  • Emporium at Magic Kingdom Park
  • Creations Shop at EPCOT
  • Keystone Clothiers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Island Mercantile at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
  • Bayview Gifts at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Two New Pop-up Shops Carry the Vault Collection (see #5):

  • Main Street Cinema at Magic Kingdom Park
  • The Vault Collection Experience at Marketplace Co-Op at Disney Springs

3 – Celebration Collection

The Celebration Collection includes a wide-ranging assortment of commemorative merchandise for the whole family. Perfect for mixing and matching, the collection features accessories by Dooney and Bourke, festive headwear, coordinating mommy-and-me ensembles, fashionable t-shirts and collectable 50th anniversary character plush.

  • Celebration Soap Dispenser – The pump-action soap dispenser delivers a perfectly sized dollop of Mickey Mouse-shaped foaming soap.
  • Celebration EARidescent Jacket by Wes Jenkins – Ideal for styling complementary looks that celebrate the 50th anniversary, the EARidescent Jacket by Wes Jenkins is offered in both adult and youth sizes.
  • Celebration 50th Anniversary Pandora Charm – This dazzling addition to Pandora Jewelry bracelets captures the essence of the historic Walt Disney World celebration.

4 – Disney Castle Collection

Drawing inspiration from the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park, the Disney Castle Collection features everything from collectibles – like ornaments and charms – to castle-inspired attire and a light-up, 50th anniversary-edition Minnie Mouse ear headband. Items in the collection pick up on the castle’s royal, EARidescent makeover created just for the celebration.

  • Disney Castle Dress Shop Dress – Debuting in December, the Disney Castle Collection Dress Shop Dress features a whimsical Cinderella Castle-inspired print and a classic silhouette honoring the pale- pink hues of the icon’s dreamy exterior.
  • Disney Castle Minnie Mouse Light-Up Ear Headband – As if they were enchanted by Fairy Godmother’s magic wand, the Disney Castle Collection Light Up Ears glow from within to elevate any Disney ensemble.
  • Disney Castle Camp Shirt – The notched camp collar shirt is timeless and versatile, featuring an illustrated motif of Cinderella Castle and the landscaped gardens of Magic Kingdom against beautiful blue skies.

5 – Vault Collection

Disney fans and those who love all things vintage will be eager to unlock the Vault Collection that pays tribute to 50 years of Walt Disney World magic with an assortment of retro-themed designs right out of the Walt Disney Archives. The collection includes classic opening-day favorites such as the original Walt Disney World Mickey Mouse ear hat design, throwback t-shirt styles, and nostalgic accessories. Additional Vault Collection items will be released throughout the celebration.

  • Vault Replica Ear Hat – Wearing a Mickey Mouse ear hat is a tradition for Walt Disney World guests that began on opening day in 1971. The Vault Replica Ear Hat lets guests own a piece of Disney history by bringing back the vintage hat design.
  • Vault Replica Loungefly Lunch Box Crossbody – The Vault Replica Loungefly Lunch Box Crossbody pays tribute to the classic character-themed souvenir lunch boxes of decades past and features nostalgic artwork inspired by the cast of The Country Bear Jamboree.
  • Vault Mickey and Minnie Plush – A true blast from the past, the Vault Mickey and Minnie plush toys pay homage to the style transformation exhibited by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from the 1970s to now, sporting their famous vintage fashions.

6 – EARidescent Collection – Late October 2021

In line with new décor seen across Walt Disney World during the 50th anniversary celebration, the EARidescent Collection features a shimmering array of themed fashions and accessories.

  • EARidescent Spirit Jersey – This premium pullover EARidescent Spirit Jersey features a ribbed crew neck, cuffed sleeves, gleaming EARidescent embellishments and puff ink “Walt Disney World” lettering on the back.
  • EARidescent V-Neck T-Shirt – Part of the latest chapter of Disney’s color story merchandise collection, the EARdescent V-Neck is a shiny new twist on a popular t-shirt design.
  • EARidescent Baseball Cap – This sporty baseball cap features EARidescent shimmer and a screen art Mickey Mouse icon as the focal point of the design.

7 – Luxe Logo Collection – November 2021

As the name implies, the Luxe Logo Collection will offer a range of upscale pieces for the Disney collector. Additional details will be revealed closer to its release date in November.

  • Luxe Logo Citizen Watch – Featuring exclusive artwork celebrating the 50th anniversary, the Luxe Logo Citizen watch combines luxury and Disney style.
  • Luxe Logo Jeweled Ear Hat – The Luxe Logo Jeweled Ear Hat is adorned with sparkling gold gemstones from ear to ear and is an elevated take on the classic Mickey ear hat.
  • Luxe Logo Corduroy Spirit Jersey Hoodie and Luxe Logo Corduroy Spirit Jersey Jogger– The textured corduroy material and gold detailing on these posh items achieve a comfortable, yet polished and sophisticated aesthetic. The Corduroy Spirit Jersey Hoodie and Corduroy Spirit Jersey Jogger are separate pieces that can be worn together for a sleek, coordinated look.

8 – Other Brands Join In with Must-Haves

Disney isn’t the only company cranking out 50th-anniversary merchandise. Companies such as Ray-Ban, Lego, Citizen Watch, Pandora Jewelry, and Joffrey’s Coffee all offer must-have souvenirs!

9 – Creation Shop at EPCOT

Open just in time for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” is Creations Shop, the new flagship merchandise location at EPCOT. The store’s recent grand opening marks another milestone in the park’s historic transformation and is the place for guests to find all manner of Disney and EPCOT merchandise.

Creations Shop celebrates Disney’s legacy of creativity by honoring the park’s past and its exciting future. Each thoughtful detail within Creations Shop was purposefully chosen to represent story elements and foster a memorable shopping experience for guests.

Mickey Mouse, who has inspired creativity for generations around the world, serves as a symbol of Disney’s creativity and can be seen prominently in a number of homages throughout the space, including large, dynamic murals and a collection of 10 original sculptures created by Disney Imagineers.

The store’s wide array of merchandise includes the EPCOT Light & Color Collection, an assortment of futuristic gear is inspired by the park’s transformation. In the same way that Disney Imagineers implemented color, materials and light throughout the design of Creation Shop, the EPCOT Light & Color Collection explores the park’s story through the whimsical application of light, the playful use of bold color and iconic EPCOT landmarks and characters.

Walt Disney World Cast Members Receive Minimum Wage Increase

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Uncategorized

It’s an exciting time to be at Walt Disney World! Disney has recently kicked off their big 50th Anniversary celebration called “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”, honoring 50 years of magic. As Disney pulls themselves out of the COVID pandemic phased reopenings and invites Guests to join them in the Parks for the 50th experience, the need for more Cast Members is of the utmost importance. Disney Parks Blog recently shared the news that “Walt Disney World Resort is proud to have returned more than 50,000 Cast Members to work. Now, more than 65,000 are working across the Resort, and we are hiring hundreds more each week as we continue to open more resorts and Guest locations.” The massive hiring and re-hiring is the reason Disney Park entertainment is making a comeback with new announcements like the soon-to-be returning Candlelight Processional at EPCOT, Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and even the October 1 return of favorites like “Let the Magic Begin” at Magic Kingdom Park. Now, Disney Cast Members have even more to celebrate, as they receive a minimum wage increase!

As reported by OrlandoSentinel: “Disney and its unions agreed in 2014 to increase the minimum salary from $8.03 to $10 an hour by 2016. In 2017, the Service Trades Council Union — Disney’s largest — engaged in negotiations for another increase, and in September 2018 union workers approved the most recent contract that raised the minimum to $11 that December and outlined the path to $15.” Now, reports show that the Service Trades Council Union, a coalition of local unions representing Disney workers, struck a deal with the company to gradually increase wages to $15 an hour by October 1, 2021.

Currently, both Walt Disney World employees, as well as Universal employees, are now receiving increasing wages of $15 an hour. OrlandoSentinel reports that with this increase “Florida’s minimum wage rising to the same level by 2026 — many workers are experiencing new economic mobility, potentially signaling a positive shift in Central Florida’s low-wage, tourism-dependent economy.”

As crowds continue to return to the Orlando Theme Park, Disney plans to continue to hire Cast Members at this higher wage through the end of the year at a rate of hundreds of new employees weekly.

Disney Genie: How Does It Work?

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Disney Genie is going to officially launch on October 19 at Walt Disney World. The date for Disneyland has not yet been determined. The information was shared as part of a Zoom Meeting with several Disney Executives who have been working on the project. They also shared plenty of information on the new service.

During the meeting, it was stated that the goal of Disney Genie is to optimize Guests’ time and maximize Guests’ fun. It will be a lot like a navigation app on your phone, with updates depending on where you are and what you are interested in. It will match your must dos and interests, and find ways for you to get the most out of your day. Any plans that you currently have such as dining reservations will be taken into account when the suggestions are made.

Disney Genie will use algorithms to determine what you should do and when. The suggestions will be not only for attractions, but dining will be included as well. If you don’t like a suggestion, you can swap it out for something else. If you aren’t sure why something was suggested for you, there will be a feature where you can find out why it was a suggestion. Current Wait Times will be available, as well as forecasted Wait Times. There will also be a Tip Board to help you figure out your next move. The Tip Board will give the status for each attraction or restaurant. Another nice feature will be that if a full service restaurant has spots available on the Wait List, you will be able to join through Disney Genie. No more “you’re aren’t close enough” messages!

Suggestions will change based on other factors as well. If storms are rolling in, an indoor attraction could be recommended. If a ride is down Disney Genie will let you know and adapt as needed. You won’t have to walk across a Park, only to discover that you can’t ride.

If you plan to Park Hop, Disney Genie is adaptable for that as well. You can include the time that you plan to hop and which park, and your suggestions will be updated. If you change your mind it is easy to put that information into Disney Genie and you will have new recommendations appear.

Don’t worry that Disney Genie is going to cause long lines because it recommends the same things to all Guests. The system will take that into account, so everyone will not receive the same recommendations at the same time.

Disney Genie will be complimentary. The free service will include personalized optimizations for your day. The Tip Board and many other features will be included as well. If you’re worried about your battery, the service will update only when you open it on your phone. That will help to prolong your battery life.

The paid extra that everyone is talking about is Disney Genie+. This will cost $15 a day at Walt Disney World. You do not need to purchase it for the length of your ticket, you’ll just buy it the day of. There will be no special add-on at launch for Annual Passholders, they also will have to pay each day they want to use it. The main draw of Disney Genie+ is that Guests will have access to the Lightning Lane. You will be able to pick one attraction at a time, and will be given the next available time. If your return time is too far away you will be able to make a second selection after two hours. The system will work much like the old FastPass system did, you cannot make selections until the day of your visit. One person can make Lightning Lane selections for everyone in a party. If you want to break the group up, you will be able to do that as well.

Another extra in Disney Genie+ will be Augmented Reality Lenses. There will be 20 to choose from. You will be able to turn yourself into the Genie, or enjoy a plate of virtual spaghetti with your favorite Tramp. Most of the lenses are for use in the Theme Parks, but some will be available outside of them.

There was also an update on the Individual Lightning Lane attractions. These will be available for purchase a la carte, so to speak. You will be able to purchase a maximum of two different attractions per day. At launch the Individual Lightning Lane choices will be as follows; Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After at EPCOT, Rise of the Resistance and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Avatar Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The price point was not mentioned, but will reflect how busy the Parks are expected to be.

More information on Disney Genie and Disney Genie+ will be released in the coming days. The new service is meant to help you to make the most of your time at Walt Disney World. It is not mandatory to use, but since the basic service will be free we recommend that you try it. You could end up saving a lot of time.

Disney Genie Launching Oct. 19 at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Via Disney Destinations

“The World’s Most Magical Celebration” at Walt Disney World Resort is in full swing, as we kicked off the 50th anniversary festivities on Oct. 1 with all-new experiences and countless magical moments.

Now, we’re gearing up for yet another milestone: We’re excited to share that the previously announced Disney Genie service will launch on Oct. 19 at Walt Disney World Resort!

Available for all of our guests right in the My Disney Experience app, the complimentary Disney Genie service offers new features that let guests create their best Disney day. These features include a personalized itinerary creator that effortlessly and smartly maps out an entire day inspired by the things guests tell us they love – helping them make the most of their park time so they can have more fun.

Similar to a navigation app on a phone, Disney Genie continues to update the guest’s itinerary from morning to night as the day changes, so they can stay spontaneous and go with the flow – whether guests need a nap, encounter an unexpected rain shower or want to take a detour for a Mickey ice cream bar.

Many of you have asked about how this cool new technology works. Behind the scenes, the app is capable of magically evaluating thousands of possible itineraries in seconds – so guests don’t even have to think about it! Disney Genie puts guests at the center of the experience by prioritizing ways to:

  • Reduce time in lines while keeping in mind guest’s top picks
  • Pace the day with experiences guests will enjoy – and haven’t already done yet
  • Build around existing plans like dining reservations and Park Hopper® preferences

Disney Genie uses our 50+ years of knowledge and expertise in how guests visit our parks to make the experience better for everyone.

With this launch, we’ll also be introducing the Lightning Lane entrance. Available for purchase through our Disney Genie+ add-on at more than 40 attractions – or individually, “a la carte” at some of our most highly demanded attractions – the Lightning Lane entrance can save guests time waiting in line. See below for a first look at the list of current attractions with Lightning Lane entrances.

As a reminder, attractions continue to offer a traditional standby queue or from time to time, a virtual queue may instead be used at select attractions, like right now at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.