Things Just Got Merrier for Disney Cruise Line 2023 Holiday Voyages

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for planning a cruise vacation! This week, Disney Cruise Line not only announced 2024 fall itineraries for even more magical family vacations at sea, but also brand-new entertainment coming to Very Merrytime cruises in 2023. 

2023 Verry Merrytime Cruises

Looking to trade in white snow for white sand beaches? If so, Disney Cruise Line provides the perfect tropical setting for a family holiday getaway. With two brand-new entertainment experiences, Disney characters dressed in jolly new looks and fun-filled activities for the whole family, the high seas will be brimming with the spirit of the holidays later this year.

New Tree Lighting Ceremony

On the first night of all Very Merrytime sailings, guests will gather around the three-deck-tall tree in the ship’s atrium for a brand-new tree lighting ceremony. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy will invite families to sing along to classic holiday tunes, followed by a countdown that will not only make the tree merry and bright, but also introduce the guests of honor for the cruise 

“Deck” the Halls at Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party

Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party, another brand-new experience on these specialty sailings, will invite families to the upper decks for a one-of-a-kind celebration at sea filled with tidings of good cheer. This high-energy deck party – thrown by Mickey and Minnie – will feature favorite Disney friends as they celebrate friendship, love and family with a fresh mix of classic and original holiday songs.

Can’t get enough holiday décor? In addition to these new entertainment offerings, the Disney Cruise Line decks and halls will be filled with boughs of holly from bow-to-stern during Very Merrytime cruises. Aboard these seasonal sailings, guests will also find beloved Disney characters debuting new holiday attire, themed Very Merrytime activities for the entire family, carolers singing contemporary versions of songs that celebrate a myriad of holidays, commemorative merchandise and festive food and beverage items. 

With cruises from Florida and California, adults and children alike will discover the wonder of the holidays at sea in 2023. 

Disney Cruise Line will set sail from a new South Florida home in Fort Lauderdale, offering four- and five-night Very Merrytime cruises aboard the Disney Dream to tropical locales in the western Caribbean and Bahamas. Also from Florida, the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will continue sailing from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas and Caribbean. The Disney Magic will set sail to Baja and the Mexican Riviera from San Diego for holiday sailings before wrapping up the season in Galveston, Texas with Very Merrytime cruises to the western Caribbean.

Disney Star Dead at 29 After Suffering Devastating Fall

A popular Disney star has died at the young age of 29 after suffering a devastating fall.

Actress Park Soo Ryun died over the weekend when she succumbed to injuries she sustained from a devastating fall down a flight of stairs. She was only 29 years old at the time of her death.

Ryun was a South Korean actress who rose to stardom after she made her acting debut in 2018 in the musical Il Tenore. She then made the move to television in 2021, appearing in the Snowdrop series on Disney+ alongside Blackpink singer Jisoo. The series follows the story of a young woman at a university in Seoul, Korea, who chooses to go against her better judgment and “risk being expelled to hide a man [who showed up at her dormitory with major wounds from an attack] from his attackers and tend to his wounds. Unbeknownst to her, the man has a harrowing secret that threatens to put her friends’ and family’s safety at risk, and the two young lovers will have to work together to overcome the obstacles.”

Watch Snowdrop | Full episodes | Disney+

The actress reportedly slipped and fell down a flight of stairs on Sunday, June 11, at a property located on Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest island. She was scheduled to perform on the island, according to The Mirror. Ryun was rushed to the hospital in hopes that she could receive life-saving emergency treatment. According to Ryun’s mother, the actress was unconscious, but she still had a pulse immediately following the fall. Sadly, however, she was pronounced dead after paramedics’ efforts to save her life were unsuccessful.

Following the news of her death, her family made the loving but painful decision to donate her organs.

“There must be someone who desperately needs organs,” Ryun’s mother said. “As her mother and father, we will be able to live comforted by the thought that her heart has gone to someone and is beating.” The family further requested privacy and respect as they process their loss.

“We sincerely ask [you] to refrain from sharing rumors or speculative reports, so the shocked and saddened family can reverently commemorate the late actor,” a representative said.

Ryun is the second actress from the Snowdrop series to die. In January 2022, Kim Mi-Soo, another actress in the series, also passed away at the age of 29.

Trailer for All New Pixar Film “Elio”

An out-of-this-world teaser trailer for Disney and Pixar’s 28th feature film, “Elio,” are now available. Additions to the voice cast include: Jameela Jamil and Brad Garrett join previously announced America Ferrera and Yonas Kibreab in the intergalactic misadventure that is scheduled to take off next spring—March 1, 2024.  

For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers—in Disney and Pixar’s all-new movie “Elio,” the universe calls back! The original feature film introduces Elio, an underdog with an active imagination who finds himself inadvertently beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador to the rest of the universe, and completely unprepared for that kind of pressure, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, survive a series of formidable trials and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.   

Directed by Adrian Molina (screenwriter and co-director of “Coco”) and produced by Mary Alice Drumm (associate producer of “Coco”), the film features the voices of America Ferrera as Elio’s mom, Olga; Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa; Brad Garrett as Ambassador Grigon; and Yonas Kibreab as the title character. “Elio” releases in theaters March 1, 2024.

Magic Kingdom Attractions: The People Mover, A Leisurely Journey through Tomorrowland

Nestled in the heart of Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the People Mover stands as a beloved attraction that offers guests a leisurely and enchanting tour of a futuristic world. With its gentle pace, immersive theming, and stunning views, the People Mover provides a unique experience that captures the imagination of visitors. Let’s embark on a journey through Tomorrowland and explore the magic of the People Mover.

The People Mover is an elevated tram system that takes guests on a relaxing voyage through Tomorrowland. The continuous-moving ride transports guests in open-air vehicles, allowing them to sit back, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of this dynamic land.

As riders embark on the People Mover, they are greeted by a gentle breeze and panoramic views of Tomorrowland. The attraction glides effortlessly through the futuristic landscape, passing by iconic attractions such as Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and the Carousel of Progress. Guests can also catch glimpses of the bustling streets below, observing the energy and excitement of the park from a unique vantage point.

The People Mover offers a seamless blend of relaxation and entertainment. The narration throughout the ride provides fascinating insights into the attractions and vision of Tomorrowland, immersing guests in the park’s rich storytelling. The calming ambiance and smooth motion of the ride create a serene atmosphere, allowing guests to take a break from the crowds and enjoy a tranquil interlude.

The People Mover at Magic Kingdom is a cherished attraction that offers a peaceful respite from the excitement of the park. Its gentle pace, immersive theming, and panoramic views make it a must-visit for guests seeking a tranquil and enchanting experience.

Whether it’s admiring the futuristic architecture of Tomorrowland, glimpsing the thrills of nearby attractions, or simply enjoying a moment of relaxation, the People Mover provides a unique and memorable journey through this dynamic land.

As Walt Disney World continues to evolve and innovate, the People Mover remains a timeless reminder of the park’s commitment to creating immersive and captivating experiences. So, next time you find yourself at Magic Kingdom, don’t forget to hop aboard the People Mover and embark on a tranquil adventure through the wonders of Tomorrowland.

Magic Kingdom Attractions: The Astounding Astro Orbiter

Among the myriad of enchanting attractions at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, the Astro Orbiter stands tall as a classic ride that allows guests to embark on a thrilling adventure through the cosmos. Perched high above Tomorrowland, this iconic attraction invites visitors of all ages to take flight in their own rocket ship and experience the wonders of outer space. Let’s delve into the details of this timeless ride and discover why it continues to capture the imagination of park-goers.

Situated in the heart of Tomorrowland, the Astro Orbiter offers a unique experience that combines the joy of a classic carousel with the excitement of a high-flying rocket ship. Rising high above the ground, the attraction features a central tower with multiple rocket-themed vehicles that spin and rotate around it.

As riders board their individual rocket ships, they have the power to control the height of their ascent by using the lever inside the cockpit. This interactive element allows guests to customize their experience, whether they prefer a gentle glide or a soaring adventure high above Tomorrowland.

Once the ride is in motion, guests are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the park. From the iconic Cinderella Castle to the bustling streets of Tomorrowland, the vantage point from the Astro Orbiter offers a unique perspective that adds a touch of magic to the experience.

The Astro Orbiter at Magic Kingdom is a timeless attraction that embodies the spirit of adventure and imagination that Disney parks are known for. Its classic carousel-style ride combined with the thrilling sensation of soaring through the skies makes it a must-visit for guests of all ages.

The interactive element of controlling the height of the rocket ship adds an extra layer of excitement and personalization to the experience. Whether it’s a gentle flight or an exhilarating ascent, the Astro Orbiter allows guests to create their own cosmic journey.

With its prime location in Tomorrowland and stunning views of the park, the Astro Orbiter provides a memorable and unique perspective on the magic of Walt Disney World. So, next time you visit Magic Kingdom, be sure to reach for the stars and take a spin on the Astro Orbiter for an enchanting and unforgettable adventure in the skies above Tomorrowland.