Disney Releases Tons of Details on Upcoming Holiday Festivities at Disney World

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

Preparation for the holidays is already in high gear at Walt Disney World as The Most Magical Place On Earth gets ready to celebrate “the most wonderful time of year.” While planning and preliminaries culminate in the fall, many Cast Members spend months – sometimes a full year – getting ready to spread seasonal cheer. Here is a first look at what guests can expect as they celebrate the 2023 holiday season, which begins at Walt Disney World on November 11, 2023.

Disney Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The long anticipated, glam holiday party Disney Jollywood Nights is almost here. This new separately ticketed event is a swanky Hollywood bash filled with merriment, music, and spirited good times. It will take place on select nights beginning November 11 to December 20. 

Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also once again present Sunset Seasons Greetings nightly throughout the season. Each evening The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is magically transformed into an array of holiday scenes as snow falls along Sunset Boulevard.

(The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and used with permission pursuant to a license with CBS, Inc.)

Fractal Frenzy: NEW Frozen Holiday Surprise at Magic Kingdom Park

At Magic Kingdom Park, “Frozen” friends from Arendelle are conjuring up something remarkable for the holidays. The new Frozen Holiday Surprise brings together Olaf and more than 100 of his Snowgie siblings who attempt to add festive decor to Cinderella Castle. With Anna and Kristoff at her side, Queen Elsa adds sparkling finishing touches, transforming the castle into a shimmering crystallized palace – a look that will remain throughout each evening.

Bringing this new spectacle to life is no small feat, as lighting designers, video technicians, composers, and a full orchestra worked together to create this enchanting new entertainment experience.

Debuting November 7, “Frozen Holiday Surprise” will occur nightly during the holiday season.

Families and kids of all ages can also enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Now in its 40th year, this specially ticketed event has become a holiday tradition for many. Featuring a dazzling parade, fireworks, complimentary sweet treats and so much more, it’s warm-hearted, family-friendly fun at Magic Kingdom on 25 select nights November 9-Dec. 22.

Delicious Doings: EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

For an international holiday flavor, EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, presented by AdventHealth is the place to be. The stage is set with spectacular decor around every corner, and entertainment fills the air, from celebrity narrators reciting the Christmas story each night to time-honored traditions from countries around the world.

And no holiday celebration would be complete without tasty treats. The festival culinary team has been hard at work for nearly a year, dreaming up the menu and testing new recipes. More than 15 Holiday Kitchens will celebrate the diversity of holiday traditions with comfort foods that inspire warm memories.

Because ensuring a delicious encounter with every bite is top of mind for the team, thorough testing is imperative before massive production begins. How massive? The culinary team has historically baked more than 250,000 cookies in just five weeks for the event’s signature Holiday Cookie Stroll.

This year will bring several “firsts” to the festival. Luminous the Symphony of Us is an all-new fireworks-and-laser spectacular that will debut on December 5, 2023. And, with EPCOT being home to The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary celebration, guests will find beautiful holiday decor at the park entrance commemorating the Disney100 celebration.

EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays begins November 24.

Happy Holidays! Disney World Receiving ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ Attraction!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

As The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Walt Disney Company makes a super exciting announcement: Walt Disney World Resort is finally receiving an attraction straight out of Halloween Town.

When it first debuted, The Nightmare Before Christmas wasn’t just a film, it was revolutionary. The full-length stop-motion animated film brought attention to the medium as an art form and helped begin a trend of similarly animated movies.

The film was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and was the first animated movie to receive this nomination. While it understandably lost the Academy Award to Jurassic Park (1993), the nomination was still historical.

The Nightmare Before Christmas was also praised for its whimsically dark art style, its iconic soundtrack (thanks to the genius of Danny Elfman), and its memorable characters.

Despite these praises, the Walt Disney Pictures film was only considered a humble success at the box office. Since then, however, the movie has earned a huge cult following, and the film is still as culturally relevant as ever, even 30 years later.

Although the spooky movie may be considered an unusual choice for Walt Disney Pictures, the Walt Disney Company has recognized the popularity of the film, and The Nightmare Before Christmas‘s presence in Disneyland and Walt Disney World is especially noticeable around the holidays.

In Disneyland Resort, specifically, The Nightmare Before Christmas is so beloved that it receives its own attraction. Once a year since 2001, the Haunted Mansion attraction is transformed into Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Haunted Mansion Holiday

Instead of touring the Haunted Mansion in an iconic doom buggy, guests rewatch the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he takes over for Santa Claus in this Christmas overlay.

This attraction is incredibly popular, and Walt Disney World locals have been begging the Walt Disney Company for something similar for over 20 years now. Finally, it seems that the Walt Disney Company has finally heard fans’ prayers.

Over in Hollywood Studios, Disney World is offering a brand new separately ticketed event for the holidays: Disney Jollywood Nights, which will run on select nights from November 11 to December 20.

During this special event, the theme park will offer new attractions, entertainment, and rare character sightings. The “What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along” attraction will offer all three.

jack skellington

Disney writes:

Enter a dreamlike adventure in The Hyperion Theater where Jack Skellington takes us on an ethereal exploration of “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Sing along to beloved songs from the iconic film and discover peculiar magic in unexpected places. Along the way, you’ll conquer Oogie Boogie and be encouraged to follow your curiosity.

This sing-along experience can be found in Hollywood Studios’ Hyperion Theater during Disney Jollywood Nights.  Finally, guests visiting Walt Disney World can experience a Nightmare Before Christmas attraction!

Disney World Announces Extended Hours in November

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

The Walt Disney World Resort official website has just unveiled its updated operating hours calendar, and the most updated version of the parks calendar reveals an extension of park hours for the earliest part of the month of November.

Disney World has just announced its extended hours for the beginning of November, and we have all the details. Read on to see the extended hours below. The most updated version of the calendar gives the park operating hours for all four theme parks at the Central Florida Disney resort, including Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Park hours are now available through the latter part of the merriest month of the year around the country and around the Disney World Resort–December!

In the most recent update of the Walt Disney World Resort calendar, dates and hours of operation are available through the twenty-third day of December at each of the four Florida theme parks.

But the newest update to the calendar doesn’t read like a run-of-the-mill Disney World calendar, and it includes several changes that have been made to the parks’ operating hours in the month of November 2023, and in most of those changes, the operating hours in one or more Disney theme park at Disney World have been extended by at least one or two hours, meaning there will be more time for magic and memories in November!

You can see the changes to the calendar’s operating hours below. The extended hours for Magic Kingdom are shown with the previous hours included in the parentheses. When making your plans to visit any of the Central Florida Disney theme parks, it’s a good idea to double-check the official calendar on the Walt Disney World Resort website.

The changes are shown by Disney theme park, by date, beginning with Magic Kingdom Park.*

Extended Hours at Magic Kingdom Park 

October 28th: 8 am-11 pm (9 am-10 pm)
November 4th: 8 am-11 pm (9 am-10 pm)
November 5th: 9 am-10 pm (9 am-9 pm)
November 6th: 9 am-11 pm (9 am-9 pm)
November 7th: 8 am-11 pm (9 am-9 pm)
November 8th: 9 am-10 pm (9 am-9 pm)
November 9th and 10th: 8 am-6 pm (9 am-6 pm)
November 3rd and 11th: 9 am-12 am (9 am-9 pm)

bridge to adventureland in magic kingdom

Extended Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park

November 10th and 11th: opening at 8:30 a.m., as opposed to the usual opening time of 9:00 a.m.

Extended Hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

November 5th through 9th: opening at 8:00 a.m., as opposed to the usual opening time of 9:00 a.m.
November 10th and 11th: open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., as opposed to the usual operating times of 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Again, when Guests are planning their visits to the Walt Disney World Resort, it is important to double-check the calendar to confirm operating hours.

*There are no changes noted for the operating hours at EPCOT, as of the time of this publication.

Group of Guests Intentionally Poop on Disney World Attraction, Area Shut Down

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

There may be nothing worse than this experience at Walt Disney World Resort, which caused an entire area to be closed down.

At the heart of the resort is the iconic Magic Kingdom, a place where fairy tales come to life, and guests can meet beloved Disney characters, explore fantastical lands, and enjoy thrilling rides such as Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. But the magic doesn’t stop there. EPCOT, another of the resort’s theme parks, takes guests on a journey around the world, featuring showcases of different countries, innovative technology, and a celebration of human achievement.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with its immersive animal encounters and adventurous expeditions, offers a unique blend of wildlife conservation and entertainment. Additionally, Disney’s Hollywood Studios provides an opportunity to step into the world of movies, with attractions inspired by popular franchises like Star Wars and Toy Story.

Beyond the theme parks, the resort offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts, each providing guests with the highest level of service and a touch of Disney magic. Dining experiences at Walt Disney World are as diverse as they are delicious, with a wide range of restaurants and cuisines to suit every palate. From character dining to fine dining, visitors can savor unique culinary delights.

While Disney World is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” that doesn’t mean that every moment inside the Disney parks is exactly what you think it would be.

According to a guest sharing their experience at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, there was a rather disturbing incident involving a group of young boys that caught the attention of Disney World park visitors and led to a quick response from park officials. The usually family-friendly wave pool turned into a scene of shock when a cluster of boys, who appeared to be teenagers, gathered in the shallow end. What happened next left people in shock and disbelief.

According to witnesses, these boys, in a rather odd and unpleasant display of behavior, decided to pull down their swim trunks and, in what seemed like a planned act, did something unsanitary in the clear water. This event was quite unpleasant, and it ruined the enjoyable atmosphere that Disney works so hard to create in its parks. Visitors quickly left the pool, with many feeling shocked and disgusted.

“I was swimming in the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon when a group of boys gathered in a circle in the shallow end,” the guest said. “They all pulled down their trunks and pooped in the water together like some kind of horrible ceremony. I got out of there as fast as I could and told the nearest cast member, and the whole wave pool was promptly cleared out.”

The Disney Cast members, known for their commitment to making guests happy, responded very professionally. They quickly got in touch with security and park management to handle the situation. The news of this alleged incident spread and the entire wave pool area was cleared to ensure everyone was safe and that the park stayed clean and enjoyable.

This reported incident reminds us of Disney’s strong dedication to keeping the magical experience alive for guests, even when unexpected and unpleasant things happen.

If you have to use the facilities at a Disney park, please use one of the restrooms, which are conveniently located all over the place. If you have trouble finding one, please find your nearest Disney Cast member and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Disney Announces Blizzard Beach Reopening Date

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park has been closed for refurbishment since the spring. Disney has announced the reopening date for Blizzard Beach and the date Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will close for refurbishment.

Everyone’s favorite winter-themed warm water wonderland is ready for another season of magical fun! Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will reopen on November 6 – just in time for another festive holiday season!

Here are some of the most frost-tastic things I’m looking forward to when Blizzard Beach swings open its gates once again:

Snagging the New Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass

Hold on to your mittens because we just launched the NEW Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass! This new pass allows guests to visit Disney Water Parks again and again now through May 24, 2024, for just $79 plus tax. So, make sure you’re stocking up on sunscreen during your holiday shopping.

The seasonal pass has no block out dates and no reservations are required. Plus, free parking awaits all those embarking on an arctic journey to Blizzard Beach!

Indulging in New and Returning Food and Beverage

Get ready to savor new food and beverage options! Specialty churros have made their way to the menu at Arctic Expeditions and there’s no way I’m missing out on these:

  • S’mores Churros – Churro bites topped with graham cracker crumbs, marshmallow whipped cream, chocolate sauce and toasted mini marshmallows
  • Banana Split Churros – Churro bites topped with banana slices, sliced strawberries, pineapple chunks, cookie and brownie pieces, chocolate and caramel sauce, whipped cream and a cherry.

I also plan to save room for the new Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings at Warming Hut. Of course, guests can enjoy all of their returning favorite treats and drinks at Lottawatta Lodge, Polar Pub, Frostbite Freddy’s and more.

Letting the Kids Splash Around in Tike’s Peak

Don’t forget to send photos to your friends and relatives up north as you enjoy the heated water flowing through Tike’s Peak. The “Frozen”-themed hangout features Anna and Elsa in their igloo castle and a wading pool where kids can splash around with Olaf and his Snowgie pals.

Twist and Turn Down Teamboat Springs

Take the whole family on an epic whitewater journey! Up to six riders can float down a mountain on one of the world’s longest raft adventures.

Ski-daddle to the Toboggan Racers

Compete with other guests in a race on mats down an eight-lane slalom-style, 250-foot-long  “toboggan” water slide race that features three exhilarating dips and hills.

Take a Chill-axing Ride on Cross Country Creek

Float on a scenic lazy river passing through mysterious caves and illuminated grottos while dipping your toes into Mount Gushmore’s refreshing (and heated) spring water.

Enjoy the Holidays with a Tropical Twist

Snow boots are not required as you walk through the little white flurries greeting guests at the entrance. Just make sure you schedule time to hang out with Santa relaxing in his tropical best at his favorite vacation destination. And if you’re looking for holiday flavors, Blizzard Beach has those too! Peppermint shakes and cookie decorating are among the limited-time treats adding to the festivities.

As a person who grew up shoveling snow and scraping ice off windshields, I can say there’s nothing better than spending a winter day in the Florida sun with friends and family! So, pick up your Disney Water Parks Seasonal Pass now and I’ll see you at the top of Mount Gushmore.

Do note that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will be closed for refurbishment beginning November 6. Look for that park to reopen in the spring.