Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights has returned to Hollywood Studios along with more holiday news at Walt Disney World. Join me as we explore what is new “Around The Mouse” this week and every week at Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
New! Frozen Holiday Premium Package Second Seating Added: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Guests will be able to add more to their holiday experience with a second seating of Disney’s Hollywood Studios Frozen Holiday Premium Package, offered Dec. 25 – Jan. 1 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., in addition to the sold-out seating those nights from 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Guests purchasing the package will receive:
- Reserved Seating for the “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration:” Enjoy reserved viewing in the Premiere Theatre for one show of “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” a heart-warming retelling of Disney’s Frozen featuring Anna, Elsa, the newly appointed royal historians of Arendelle, and some of your favorite songs from the film.
- Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Viewing with Frozen Themed Dessert Party: View the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights in a reserved location at the end of Streets of America. The location will include Frozen themed desserts and specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for you to indulge in while enjoying millions of holiday lights sparkling in synchronization. This dessert party will take place 5:30 – 7 p.m., Dec. 25 – Jan. 1.
- Special Holiday Keepsake: Receive a holiday lithograph and Frozen themed pin, as a takeaway to commemorate your visit to the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights and Frozen themed dessert party.
The Disney’s Hollywood Studios Frozen Holiday Premium Package is available for $89 per adult or $59 per child (ages 3-9) (tax and gratuity included? discounts do not apply). Valid theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required and is not included in this package price.
New! Nightmare Before Christmas Song Added to Osborne Lights: There’s color everywhere and white things in the air as the 2014 season of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights returns to the park’s Streets of America. This year, the song “What’s This?” from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” has been added to the show, bringing with it all the wonder and delight Jack Skellington experienced upon first visiting Christmastown. “What’s This?” joins such favorites as “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano and “Christmas Is Starting Now” by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on the playlist of holiday songs for the dancing lights. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is presented nightly through January 4, 2015 (except November 20), and is included with regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Reminder! The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Begins Friday, Nov. 7: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, running nightly Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Jan. 4. Millions of twinkling lights will dazzle the Streets of America set to holiday music from dusk to park close.
Magic Kingdom Park
New! Jack Skellington Brings a Touch of Christmastown to Walt Disney World: The Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington, has decided to join the holiday celebration at Walt Disney World Resort by dropping in on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park. Head back to Storybook Circus during the party, and you’ll find Jack making Christmas as “Sandy Claws” – just don’t count on any gifts from him turning out quite right. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which is separate from regular Magic Kingdom Park admission, takes place on select nights through December 19.
New! Jingle Cruise Returns to Magic Kingdom Park: The popular Magic Kingdom Park attraction, Jungle Cruise, has gone “Jingle Cruise” again for the second holiday season in a row! The additions offer guests the chance to experience a holiday transformation of this fan-favorite Disney attraction. Jingle Cruise is again themed as if the Skippers are once again homesick for the holidays and decorated the attraction queue and boathouse with homemade decorations, gifts and items from back home. (If you listen carefully, you may also hear a holiday-themed radio broadcast playing in the background in the queue). The boats have been renamed to receive holiday names and the skippers are getting guests laughing with additional holiday jokes. The jungle has also received new seasonal supplies. Unfortunately, some missed their final destination falling deeper into the jungle. In addition to being open during daily park hours, Jingle Cruise will also be in operation during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties.
New! Single Day Memory Maker Add On Test Continues: The Memory Maker single-day add-on test at Magic Kingdom has been extended through Dec. 27. Through this test, a new Memory Maker add-on is available for sale to Guests when purchased with a one-day Magic Your Way ticket or a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This package is sold exclusively at Vacation Planning at the Transportation and Ticketing Center. Magic Kingdom merchandise shops are not able to sell this product.
New! Adjusted Times for Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party: Due to concrete work on Main Street, U.S.A., Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! will be presented at 12:30 and 5 p.m. on Nov. 11 & 12 and Nov. 18 & 19.
New! New Menu Items at Columbia Harbor House: At Columbia Harbor House in Magic Kingdom Park, they’ve upped the ante at dinnertime by adding lobster and shrimp to their macaroni and cheese. Also on the dinner menu is the piping hot chicken pot pie, filled with tender white-meat chicken, vegetables and gravy and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Reminder! A Frozen Holiday Wish’ Taking Place Nightly at Magic Kingdom Park: “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” the new holiday stage show that features Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf, debuted recently at Magic Kingdom Park. In the show, Elsa uses her gift to give us an amazing sight that’s perfect for the holiday season – Cinderella Castle covered in glittering ice.
Epcot
New! Holiday Decor Coming to Epcot Nov. 13-14: Holiday decorations are appearing throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. The Holiday Services team will be installing holiday decor at Epcot after park hours on Nov. 13-14.
New! Tastes From Around the Globe at Epcot Holidays Around the World: Holidays Around the World at Epcot where the World Showcase countries reflect the seasonal traditions – including tastes of homelands far, far away takes place November 28 – December 30, 2014. Here’s a small sample of what’s in store: Starting our stroll at Promenade Refreshments, try the Turkey Waffle – a filling sweet potato waffle with roast turkey and green bean casserole (all-in-one holiday dinner). Then head to Canada for pecan-maple bark, a nod to our Northern neighbor’s bounteous maple sugar production. Next door in the United Kingdom, it’s hot applejack cider with whiskey and a blend of seasonal spices – sip while you listen to stories of Father Christmas. Additional treats can be found in each of the other pavilions as well.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
New! Holiday Decor Coming Nov. 17-18: Holiday decorations are appearing throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. The Holiday Services team will install holiday décor at Disney’s Animal Kingdom after park hours on Nov. 17-18.
New! Huge Mickey Shaped Cinnamon Roll Available: Comfort food isn’t just for dinner. At Kusafiri Bakeryin Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll find this Colossal Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll, which can easily serve two. It’s drizzled with caramel sauce and icing!
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
New! New Seasonal Menu Items at Resort Quick Service Locations: Just a monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom Park is Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which offers a savory beef pot roast with seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy. Available only at dinner, it’s just like mom used to make. Contempo Café also recently added some new flatbread pizzas to their menu including a smoked pulled pork flatbread, topped with barbecue sauce, Monterey Jack cheese and vegetable-style slaw. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter is serving up four new loaded baked potato meals, each served with a side of soup or salad. Choose from a baked potato topped with one of the following: barbecued pork; broccoli, cheddar, and bacon; chili and cheese; or chicken, bacon, and cheddar. Head over to ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk for chicken and waffles with a kick—jalapeno-cornmeal waffles topped with buttermilk fried chicken and Angry Maple chicken gravy. Brand new on the menu is a barbecue pulled pork grilled cheese sandwich served on thick-cut brioche.
Disney’s Polynesian Refurbishment Causes Closure at Kona Cafe: Nov. 20 On Thursday, Nov. 20, from approximately 6 a.m.-5 p.m. there will be some crane activity, located on the back dock of the resort. For your safety, certain walkways and backstage hallways will be inaccessible throughout this timeframe. Please also note that Kona Cafe will be closed for breakfast and lunch on this day but will open at 5 p.m. for dinner.
New! Trattoria al Forno New Details Released: Opening December 18 on Disney’s Boardwalk, Trattoria al Forno promises diners an authentic taste of Italy – from the top of boot-shaped peninsula to the bottom, with classic Italian cuisine — handcrafted mozzarella, fresh pasta and pizzas baked in new wood-burning ovens. Trattoria al Forno’s wine list “takes guests on a historic journey through the Italian wine regions,” says Jason Cha-Kim beverage manager for Disney Parks & Resorts. “It’s unusual to have a 100-percent Italian wine list,” says Jason, who curated a list of about 70 wines from Italy’s 20 wine regions. Trattoria al Forno will offer more than 30 wines by the glass, starting at $8, and also “quartinos,” which are quarter-liter carafes (about a glass and a half). “This is a great way for guests to try several different wines,” says Jason. “They’re big enough to share, so you can try wines from obscure wine regions.” Wine flights also are available. An all-new breakfast menu will be featured at Trattoria al Forno too. Waffles with espresso-mascarpone cream … poached eggs with fennel sausage, Parmesan and tomato gravy over soft polenta are just a sample of the breakfast menu items. Trattoria al Forno offers American favorites along with some classic Italian tastes.
New! Cinderella’s Dining at Cítricos–Breakfast and Brunch with the Disney Princesses: Beginning January 8, 2015, the Disney princesses will welcome guests to Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa while we spruce up Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom Park. Reservations are available for Walt Disney World Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members beginning December 3. Reservations open to all guests on December 4. Cinderella will be there to greet guests as they arrive, and the Disney princesses will visit each table for photos and autographs during the dining experience. Breakfast and brunch hours are 8 a.m.-2:20 p.m., and cost is $49.99; $31.99 ages 3-9. The experience is on the Disney Dining Plan (2 entitlements). Cinderella’s Royal Table is expected to reopen in March.
Walt Disney World Resort – General
New! Holiday Collection For Your Home Now Available at Disney Parks: This year’s new product line is called Holidays for Your Home. This nostalgic line of holiday decorative items includes ornaments, pillows, home goods and more. The designs were inspired by a few things from the 1960s, including handcrafted holiday cards sent by the Walt Disney Studios and classic holiday television programming. Holidays for Your Home is a return to the holidays of the late 1960s and early 1970s. It looks modern and retro at the same time. Guests will find Holidays For Your Home items in select merchandise locations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. You may also find select products on the Disney Parks online store – DisneyParks.com/Holiday.
New! Animated Magic Shots Add Extra Disney Magic to Your Photos: Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort can now have some Disney animation added to their memories and it is all part of Memory Maker! As part of your Memory Maker entitlement you’ll be able to download the video file of your Animated Magic Shot to post online and share with friends. When visiting one of the locations listed below, simply ask a Disney PhotoPass Photographer for an Animated Magic Shot.
- Epcot, behind Spaceship Earth
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Hollywood Boulevard
- Epcot, at Norway Pavilion
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom, bridge near Expedition Everest
New! Dining Reservations Enhancements Coming Nov 18: As an enhancement to the Guest dining reservations booking system, the booking window will be adjusted for dining reservations at Walt Disney World Resort. Effective Nov. 18, Cast Members will be able to assist guests with making reservations such that reservations may be made up to 20 minutes in advance for available seatings at Walt Disney World Resort.
Merchandise Events
November 14 – 15: Meet Disney artists David Buckley, Will Gay, Joe Kaminski, Mark Seppala and Don “Ducky” Williams, November 14 from 6 – 8 p.m. and November 15 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace.
November 14 – 16: ACME Archives artist William Silvers will be on hand for a special showcase as we debut some of his newest pieces inspired by Star Wars. William will appear November 14 – 15 from 5 – 9 p.m. each day and November 16 from Noon – 4 p.m.
Written by Lori Wall: Lori is a lifelong fan and visitor of Walt Disney World! Her love of Disney World has grown through visits with her own family as well as through planning magical vacations for others! Lori is an expert in maximizing vacations while sticking to a travel budget. Contact her about saving an extra 5% off your Disney vacation with an insider tip! Book your vacation with Lori at (845) 698- 0102 or request a price online.