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Joy from the World! During the holidays, the magic of the season comes alive at Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney PhotoPass Service is making spirits even brighter with limited-time Magic Shots and Animated Magic Shots. You better not pout and you better not cry, here’s why – you need to be smiling for all of these photos! Take a look at these holly-jolly shots from Disney PhotoPass available during the holiday season that you need to add to your wish list: The mistletoe will be hung by PhotoPass with care, as we know a festive photo soon will be there! PhotoPass photographers throughout the parks outside of Disney Character Experience locations will be capturing this Magic Shot – just ask any of these photographers to set up this photo! This Magic Shot is available when you visit a PhotoPass photographer at any of the following locations: Disney Springs: On the Village Causeway, the bridge that connects the area near The LEGO Store across the water to Rainforest Cafe Disney’s Animal Kingdom: At the entrance by the Christmas tree and any photographer location on the bridge between Oasis and Discovery Island Disney’s Hollywood Studios: On Sunset Boulevard near Reel Vogue Epcot: Under the monorail beam between the Fountain of Nations and Showcase Plaza Magic Kingdom Park: In front of Cinderella Castle Despite getting tangled up in the holiday decorations, Sven jingles all the way into your photo when you visit the PhotoPass photographer stationed at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios Christmas tree. And, over near Tailors to the Stars on Hollywood Boulevard, you can find an Animated Magic Shot starring members of the elite Prep & Landing unit ready you. While their placement is a flex arrangement, the Trolls from “Frozen” are throwing a little love your way at the entrance and in front of the Christmas tree at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! But the Trolls aren’t the only “Frozen” friends having fun this season! Olaf knows that winter is a good time to stay in and cuddle, but he’s heading out and popping into an Animated Magic Shot anyways to bring good tidings to you and your kin! You can receive an Animated Magic Shot with him when you visit a PhotoPass photographer at Epcot near the Fountain of Nations and Showcase Plaza topiaries. You can also retrieve a shot at Magic Kingdom Park on the Fantasyland bridge and the Liberty Square bridge. For those of you celebrating the season at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, check out the following shots that can only be unwrapped during the party: Begin the party merry and bright with a photo at the entrance of Magic Kingdom Park, where a few jubilant favorites from “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” welcome you to the celebration! Your favorite fashionable fairy is ready for the most wonderful time of the year. With a little yuletide pixie dust, she can appear in your photo on Main Street, U.S.A. during the party. A few of the toy soldiers from “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” are marching through the winter wonderland in your photo at Magic Kingdom Park when you visit a photographer on Main Street, U.S.A during the party. You’ll receive a Magic Shot and an Animated Magic Shot! The Kringle Crew is known for dancing merrily in a new old-fashioned way on Main Street, U.S.A, and now they’re doing the Candy Cane Twist all the way into your photo during the party when you’re rockin’ around the Magic Kingdom Park Christmas tree. During the party, Jack Skellington’s ghost dog Zero from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” will materialize in an Animated Magic Shot when you take a photo in front of the Haunted Mansion. Note that while you can view Animated Magic Shots in your account until they expire, you must have an active Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day entitlement to download and share them. Now dash away, dash away, dash away all to Walt Disney World Resort to find a PhotoPass photographer! View the full article

Beyond the feasting and festivities, I’ve come to realize that Thanksgiving is really a grateful pause. A moment in our busy lives to be appreciative. I am thankful for YOU, my Disney Parks Blog family! Our brilliant Brittany Ungvarsky has created a Thanksgiving DIY to help capture these moments of gladness. You simply write your thankful items on the leaf templates and cut them out to create a beautiful wreath. Make it your new Thanksgiving tradition! Click here for instructions on how to make your own thankful wreath. View the full article

In this snapshot from 1987 we see Snow White having fun on the Carrousel in Fantasyland with Dopey and Grumpy. It must be hard to stay grumpy after riding on the carrousel with Snow White! View the full article

It shows you where my financial head is when I tell you that when I heard that you could rent a cabana at Magic Kingdom for $691, tax included, I thought "Why don't they add two Mickey bars and we'll just call it $700?" So, I'm probably not in Walt Disney World's targeted market for these units,... View the full article

Without giving away too many details, Imagineer Joe Rohde discussed his detailed design process for Pandora, the land under construction at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The area, based on the film "Avatar," is scheduled to open in the summer. Even if Pandora is a fake planet, it needs to feel like... View the full article

Those who’ve visited Disney’s Wilderness Lodge recently may have noticed that the Disney Vacation Club accommodations formerly known as The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge have assumed a new name – Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This new name more accurately reflects the railroad theming of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and complements the storyline of the resort. But that’s not all that’s changing at the resort. A sweeping re-imagination of the former Hidden Springs Pool area will help tell the richly layered backstory of Boulder Ridge. Depicted in the artist rendering below and scheduled to open in summer 2017, Boulder Ridge Cove will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool in what appears to have been an abandoned rock quarry. Such rejuvenating transformations were common in the Pacific Northwest following the mid-20th-century fading of the Transcontinental Railroad, as locals turned rails into trails – repurposing everything from bridges and tunnels to cranes and quarries. A nearby “Boulder Ridge Railway and Mining Co.” water tower will be among the pool area’s landmark reminders of its pioneering past, while a vintage mine cart supports the mining theme with an affectionate nod to Disney history. Beyond the new pool space, scheduled enhancements to the resort are “chugging along” and include a brand-new bar & grill, in addition to a quick-service restaurant. Geyser Point Bar & Grill will be located in the heart of the feature pool area of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where Members and guests can grab a bite to eat as they lounge by the resort’s main pool. The rendering for this area highlights ample outdoor seating and architecture that looks right at home with that of the existing Lodge, as well as Boulder Ridge Villas. Watch the Disney Parks Blog for future announcements about exciting changes and enhancements coming to these Disney Vacation Club Resorts! View the full article

Just like me, you must be counting the hours and minutes to go to Magic Kingdom Park, specifically to Princess Fairytale Hall, and meet Princess Elena! Beginning tomorrow, November 24, Elena of Avalor – the first Disney princess inspired by diverse Latin cultures – will begin to greet guests alongside other royal friends at Princess Fairytale Hall. There, guests can choose between a meeting with Elena and Cinderella or a visit with Rapunzel and Tiana. Remember, FastPass+ reservations are already available and recommended if you and your family and friends want to meet Elena! I already visited her and she is muy emocionada to meet all of our guests at Magic Kingdom Park that stop to see her. So, be sure to have your camera ready as well as your autograph book because Princess Elena is waiting for you! View the full article

Today, our company introduces “Moana” to the world, and I hope you are as excited as we are about this beautiful new film. The magic of nature is truly represented on screen in a unique and authentic style that encourages audiences of all ages to explore the natural world around them. The story of “Moana” is inspired in part by oral histories of the people and cultures of Oceania, where filmmakers traveled to learn as much as possible. For centuries, the greatest navigators in the world masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But before there were compasses, navigation apps or even GPS, voyagers who wanted to travel long distances relied on nature to know where they were and what direction they were going. Navigators trusted the wind, waves and stars to guide them at sea, and undoubtedly, these talented individuals mentored the next generation of wayfinders, teaching them the importance of connecting with nature to read the sky and waters. In honor of its 20th anniversary, this year the Disney Conservation Fund announced its initiative to “Increase the Time” kids and families spend in nature to inspire them to care for the planet. Although you may not be embarking on a quest across the ocean like Moana, there are many opportunities to experience nature throughout Walt Disney Parks and Resorts – including sea turtle night walks at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, up-close encounters with ocean animals at The Seas with Nemo & Friends or incredible outdoor events like the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. And don’t forget, one of the best places to spend time outdoors can be your own backyard! If you’re looking for fun “Moana” games and activities, be sure to download the free “Moana” Educator’s Guide and Activity Packet available at www.disney.com/moana. View the full article

Walt Disney Co. unveiled plans for a major expansion of its Hong Kong outpost. Almost overnight, Hong Kong Disneyland went from smallest park to the one with the biggest set of blueprints for additions. (Call it a case of unfortunate timing. Or maybe it was perfectly timed. In my Nov. 20 L.A.... View the full article

An animatronic doll from Disneyland's It's a Small World ride and an original "stretching portrait" from the park's Haunted Mansion attraction were the top-grossing items at a recent auction of Disney memorabilia in Los Angeles. The portrait brought in $172,500 and the Small World animatronic doll... View the full article

After weathering a lackluster fall, Hollywood is looking to lift itself out of the doldrums this holiday season in what could end up a record year in ticket sales. The movie business is enjoying a satisfying run of recent hit films, including Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls”... View the full article

Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen are throwing an afternoon bash in Magic Kingdom Park. “Tiana’s Riverboat Party Ice Cream Social & Parade Viewing” will make its debut launch on the Liberty Belle Riverboat at Magic Kingdom Park on November 29. The fun starts at the boat dock, where guests can enjoy hand-dipped ice cream and soft drinks while they visit with Princess Tiana and Naveen. Guests will then board the riverboat to enjoy an incredible birds-eye-view parade viewing for the park’s “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” and a cruise around Tom Sawyer’s Island. Princess Tiana and Naveen will join the group on the Liberty Belle Riverboat after the parade concludes for photos. (Note: during the holiday period Dec. 23-31, guests will view the “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade” instead). This offering is part of our Enchanting Extras collection, which offers guests a variety of options to enhance their Walt Disney World Resort vacations. Tiana’s Riverboat Party Ice Cream Social & Parade Viewing is available for $49 per adult and $29 per child age 9 and under (includes tax). Reservations can be made now by calling 407-WDW-DINE. As usual, entertainment is subject to change without notice. View the full article

The Holidays are here and it’s truly the Most Wonderful Time of the Year in all of the Disney Parks! And if you’re serious about finding great deals and saving some dough, then it’s time to sign up for the DFB Newsletter! Sign Up for the DFB Newsletter for Exclusive Disney Deals and Discounts This Holiday Season! We’ve been searching high and low for deals and discounts (including a few that are JUST for YOU!) in and around Walt Disney World, and we’re sharing everything that we find exclusively with our newsletter subscribers. If you’ve never taken the plunge and signed up for the DFB Newsletter, now’s the time. Why? Well, there is so much to cover when it comes to sharing with you all things Disney + Food. Our newsletters are crafted for guests who enjoy every single detail about eats and treats around the Disney Universe. With color photos, additional content, and exclusive deals on DFB products, like our full line of DFB Guide e-books, our newsletter is our way of communicating all that’s happening in the world of Disney Food. And this time of year, we dig and dig to find all of the best deals for you — including a few just-for-YOU DFB discounts in Disney parks. In addition, the DFB Newsletter Community are the very FIRST FOLKS to learn about Free Dining and other big Disney Announcements — because we bring the news straight to your inbox. And with the holiday season here, it’s the best time to save time and money. Let us find the deals for you! Join today for FREE and you’ll receive an email from me welcoming you onboard. Then stay tuned for more DFB goodies! Happy Holidays from YOUR DFB Team! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Join the DFB Newsletter for a FIRST LOOK at Disney Deals and Exclusive Discounts This Season! Join the DFB Newsletter TODAY for Exclusive Holiday Deals! Don’t Miss a Moment of the Disney Food Fun — Join the DFB Newsletter Today! View the full article

Disney Vacation Club would like to send very happy birthday wishes today to the now-16-year-old Auli‘i Cravalho, the incredible voice behind the title character in the highly anticipated Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.” I had the pleasure of sailing with Auli‘i aboard the Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise earlier this fall, as Members enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the stunningly beautiful film ahead of its Nov. 23 debut. Auli‘i is an absolute delight, as gracious in person as she is talented behind the mic. When she arrived on set for the filmed interview I’m so pleased to share here, she took special care to individually greet every member of our camera crew and personally thank them for their efforts. She doesn’t just talk about the “aloha spirit” – she truly embodies it. As Auli‘i explains in this interview, today is a very special “Sweet 16,” making her the same age as her animated alter-ego and further deepening her emotional connection to the dynamic character. So as you enjoy this one-on-one conversation with a rising Disney star, please join all of us at Disney Vacation Club in wishing her a very happy birthday. View the full article

Have you always wanted to dine at BOTH Morimoto Asia and Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine on the same night? Well, now you CAN — thanks to a new special event – Sake & Shine – on December 3. Sake & Shine at Disney Springs Sake & Shine is a progressive dinner featuring Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Chef Art Smith at their respective restaurants in Disney Springs. The meal begins with a three-course Pan-Asian feast at Morimoto Asia offering sake and beer pairings on the second-story Forbidden Lounge balcony. Will the Morimoto Peking Duck be part of the meal? After the dinner course, guests will walk to Homecoming Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine where they’ll have a chance to enjoy a dessert course that includes a build-your-own Florida strawberry shortcake bar plus slices of Chef Art Smith’s famous Hummingbird and Shine cakes! Shine Cake and Hummingbird Cake And if you aren’t full after all that food, guests can also enjoy moonshine-based cocktails! Both Chef Morimoto and Chef Smith will be at Sake & Shine, and there will be opportunities for photos and autographs. Sake & Shine takes place on Saturday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. The price is $225 per guest (includes tax and gratuity). Guests must be 21 and older to attend Sake & Shine. Tickets can be purchased online. Are you making plans to attend Sake & Shine? Leave us a comment and let us know! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Chef Art Smith Restaurant in Disney Springs Confirmed Menu Sneak Peek for Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine by Chef Art Smith Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar, Coming Soon to Disney Springs View the full article

What could be even more amazing than seeing Disney’s newest animated film, “Moana,” days before it’s officially released in theaters? How about watching it on the beach right here at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? That was the setting for our latest Disney Parks Blog meet-up, which was attended by more than 1,000 guests who gathered to see an early screening of Disney’s newest film. Our evening was also highlighted with movie trivia, a handful of creative costumes, and a special appearance by “Moana” screenwriter Jared Bush, who introduced the film. “Moana” is the story of an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought – her own identity. For a peek inside our event, check out the video above and don’t forget to see “Moana,” in 3D opening nationwide on November 23. View the full article

On Friday, Mickey Mouse celebrated his birthday. To honor the occasion he visited 1,000 Disney Vacation Club Members before an exclusive preview screening of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana” at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. As part of the celebration, Mickey was treated to a sing-a-long of epic proportions. See for yourself in this video! “Moana” officially opens in theaters tomorrow in 3D. View the full article

Creating memories and giving to others are what the holidays are all about! Since Disney became a founding sponsor of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program, the Disneyland Resort has carried on a tradition of making the holiday season brighter for children in need. Over the last decade, Disneyland Resort guests and cast members have donated more than 100,000 toys to Toys for Tots! Walt Disney personally supervised the creation of the Toys for Tots logo, which will appear on the collection bins located throughout the Downtown Disney District and inside the lobbies of Disneyland Resort hotels, beginning November 27 through December 10. The following Downtown Disney District locations will have collection bins or recommended toys for purchase: AMC 12 Theatres Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Boutique Catal Restaurant D Street Disney Rewards VISA Disney Vacation Club ESPN Zone Jamba Juice Kettle Kingdom La Brea Bakery Rainforest Café Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen RideMakerz Sanuk Sephora Tortilla Jo’s Wetzel’s Pretzels World of Disney On December 3 & 10, members of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Anaheim Fire & Rescue and Disney VoluntEARS will help collect your toys at the Downtown Disney District main stage from 12–5 p.m. View the full article

Are you ready for a party with a Disney Princess? If so, read the scoop on this new Festival of Fantasy Parade Viewing Package: Tiana’s Riverboat Party! Festival of Fantasy Parade Starting November 29th, Tiana (and Prince Naveen!) will welcome guests at the dock of the Liberty Square Riverboat for an ice cream social complete with all the makings for a sundae, along with beverages and other sweet treats. Next, guests will board the Riverboat and enjoy a special viewing location for the Festival of Fantasy Parade. Once the parade is over, Tiana and Naveen will also board the boat for a cruise along the Rivers of America with guests for the rest of the party! Festival of Fantasy Tangled Float Festival of Fantasy Parade The price is $49 for adults, and $29 for children ages 9 and under, and wheelchairs and ECVs can be accommodated for this event. Guests are requested to check in at the Liberty Square Riverboat 45 minutes before the parade starts. Interested guests may book online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. At the time of this writing, bookings are available through the end of March, with most dates offering the party except for select dates in January. Would you like to join Tiana at her new party? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Festival of Fantasy Parade Dining Package Coming to Tony’s Town Square in Magic Kingdom News: Main Street Electrical Parade Lunch Package Coming to Tony’s Town Square at Magic Kingdom Best Restaurants for Magic Kingdom Parade Viewing View the full article

Disney Springs' revamped Planet Hollywood Observatory is aiming to open in mid-to late December, but hasn't set an exact date. The 22-year-old themed restaurant is undergoing a major remodel that will transform its exterior from a blue globe into a turn-of-the-20th-century observatory to fit the... View the full article

Oh those iconic blue roofs! It’s a sight that’s made Santorini, Greece a “must” for many travelers. Imagine waking up to this view on an Adventures by Disney Greece vacation. I can hardly picture anything more breathtaking. Stomp grapes at a winery, take a sea kayaking expedition, visit famed archeological sights and more on this unforgettable trip. This week only, you can book this Greece vacation, as well as Adventures by Disney trips to select other European locales, for your family and enjoy $250 off per person! Call 877-728-7282 by Nov. 29 and book select European trips departing March 1 – Sept. 30, 2017 to snag this offer. $250 per person Discount taken from the non-discounted prevailing European Land Package price as quoted on AdventuresByDisney.com on date of booking (“Regular Rate”). Regular Rates vary by departure date. Lead Guest of the booking party must travel on the Package booked. Valid for new bookings only. Bookings must be made through Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc. Discount not applicable towards deposit. Packages subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Offer valid for U.S. Residents only. Subject to change without notice. See AdventuresbyDisney.com for additional Terms and Conditions. View the full article

Radiator Springs Racers is generating some real heat, and this time, it has nothing to do with speed! Work has been completed on a new, 40,000-square-foot solar array system atop the Cars Land attraction, which uses the power of the sun to generate electricity for Disney California Adventure park — an amount equivalent to the energy used to power 100 Anaheim homes each year. The system features more than 1,400 high-efficiency solar panels, and is the first of its kind at the Disneyland Resort to help power an attraction. The solar panels are part of an ongoing commitment to develop and implement environmentally responsible practices at the Disneyland Resort. Check out the installation of the solar panels in this video! View the full article

A few weeks ago, I shared that a new holiday offering would soon be debuting at Disney Springs. I’m happy to share that Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail is now open and welcoming guests, with fifteen different Disney-decorated trees. I recently had the chance to walk through the trail for the first time, and loved the variety. (I overhead families debating which one was their favorite, though for me, I think the classic “Mickey and Minnie” tree takes top honors!) If you time your visit right, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a light “snowfall” – a festive addition to make the experience even more magical. Afterwards, take a short stroll to Aristocrepes where you can purchase a Gingerbread Pumpkin Crepe and gourmet hot chocolate through the holiday season, which lasts until January 8, 2017 at Disney Springs. And if you’re excited about the new nighttime show – Starbright Holidays | An Intel Collaboration – be sure to stay connected to @DisneySprings via Twitter, as we hope to announce show times soon. Have you had the chance to visit the new Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail or experience the other holiday enhancements at Disney Springs? If not, what are you waiting for? View the full article

Celebrity Chefs Masaharu Morimoto and Art Smith are teaming up for ‘Sake and Shine,’ a progressive dinner, on Dec. 3 in Disney Springs. Both chefs will oversee the meal and be available for photos and autographs throughout the evening. Tickets are all-inclusive and covers tax and gratuity for $225... View the full article

Celebrity Chefs Masaharu Morimoto and Art Smith are teaming up for ‘Sake and Shine,’ a progressive dinner, on Dec. 3 in Disney Springs. Both chefs will oversee the meal and be available for photos and autographs throughout the evening. Tickets are all-inclusive and covers tax and gratuity for $225... View the full article