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2019 Walt Disney World Holiday Guide

© Disney

2019 is going to be a Very Merry Holiday at Walt Disney World. There will be new offerings all over the resort as well as the return to several favorites.

Animal Kingdom

For the very first time, Animal Kingdom is going to completely deck the halls! New decor in every land, new street performances and entertainment, holiday lanterns that will glow, and even Pandora will celebrate and Earth Holiday thanks to some of the humans that stayed behind.

In the evenings, all the lands will sparkle with holiday splendor and the Tree of Life will take on a wintery appearance and holiday tunes will be heard. Starting November 8th, come see how the Holidays transform this magical land full of beautiful animals, far off lands, and some of your favorite Disney Pals!

Epcot

The Candlelight Processional will return once again during Festival of the Holidays. Candlelight Processional Dining packages will also be available. From November 29-December 30, guests can discover holiday traditions, festive bites & sips, and special entertainment through 11 countries. In addition to the 11 countries, there will be Holiday Kitchens from additional places around the world. They will also be offering wonderful treats to try.

For the kiddos (and kiddos at heart), you will be able to hunt for Chip & Dal again in their Christmas Tree Scavenger Hunt. We always find this is a great activity to keep the littles busy while we check out the countries.

Hollywood Studios

Many of our favorites will return to Hollywood this year. Olaf will make his grand appearance in a fantastic holiday Finale of “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Holiday Sing-Along”. This ending is different from the normal show and brought me to tears. It was so sweet.

“Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam” is set to return. We loved this display on the Chinese theater. It is a great combination of projections, fireworks, and great music. I recommend finding a good spot about a half hour prior to it starting because that street fills up FAST!

One of the neatest things I found last year was the show on Sunset that was projected onto the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Set to music along with some blustery surprises, this one was one of my kids favorites. It is on a loop so it is not hard to catch. We must have seen it at least four times!

WHO KNOWS what is in store for the holidays at Galaxy’s Edge. I wonder how they will decorate for the holidays! I am excited to visit and find out and maybe pick up a gift for someone special from a Galaxy Far, Far Away!

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom will be decked out in its traditional Holiday decor. The magic really comes to life when you visit during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. There is special stage shows, a beautiful parade concluded with Santa, himself, and NEW this year is a new Holiday Fireworks Display.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime is an all-new Nighttime Spectacular coming to Magic Kingdom this Holiday season. This Park-Wide display will be set to holiday tunes that will warm your heart. HINT: This is the one Fireworks show that we INSIST we watch from Main Street.

The beautiful Once Upon A Christmas Time parade will be back along with other favorites – “Totally Tomorrowland Christmas’ Stage Show, “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration”, and of course, Elsa’s “Frozen Holiday Wish”

Resorts

We will update these as they are confirmed but as in years past, resorts will be decorated for the holiday. Some of my favorites to visit:

  • Gingerbread House at Grand Floridian
  • Chocolate Display at Contemporary
  • Holiday Tree at Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, and several other resorts that display these themed Holiday Beauties.

Disney Springs

In addition to all the amazing holiday shopping you can get done, Disney Springs is a Holiday Destination all on its own.

You can stroll down the Christmas Tree trail where you can see custom-decorated trees. Each tree will be decorated to a specific holiday theme. I cannot wait to see what themes there will be this year.

Guests are welcome to come visit Santa in his Chalet until December 24th when he has to head back north. From there, Santa Goofy will meet with guests until the 31st.

Need something to occupy the littles with while you get some shopping done? Experiment 626 is hiding in Disney Springs. You and your family can hunt for Stitch in his Holiday Gift Hunt.

These are just some of the few things we already know are lined up. There is so much more to be announced and it will be updated here as I learn of them.

If you are ready to start planning your holiday trip, contact me today for a no-obligation quote! My services are free of charge and I am happy to help you from start to finish with anythin you may need. Let me help plan your most Merry trip ever!

California Adventure · Characters/Meet & Greets · Disney Characters · Disneyland · Hollywood Studios · New for California Adventure · New for Hollywood Studios · Walt Disney World

Bo Peep joins the Rest of the Toy Story Squad!

© Disney

This Summer, Bo joins the rest of the Toy Story Characters and will be meeting with guests in the parks. Bo makes a dramatic return to the Toy Story Franchise in Toy Story 4 after being separated from the toys many years ago. I look so forward to seeing how this story plays out.

If you would be interested in meeting up with Bo or any of the Toy Story Toys, contact me today for information for Disneyland & Walt Disney World Resort Stays. There are still some great last minute Summer promotions!

#Adulting · Characters/Meet & Greets · Disney Characters · Disney Dining · Disney Travel Tip · Extra Magical Events · Walt Disney World

H20 Glow: A Foodie Guide

© Disney

H20 Glow is a great Extra Magical Even that takes place at Typhoon Lagoon on select Summer Evenings. Learn more about it here. This fantastic Extra Magical Event has some awesome perks and one of which will be all of its yummy bites and sips. For all the Disney Foodies, here is the guide, straight from Disney themselves:

  • FOOD
    • Western Beef Brisket, Available at Leaning Palms – Beef brisket, fingerling potatoes, and baby carrots topped with pico de gallo and micro greens
    • Pork Kabob, Available at Leaning Palms – Jicama slaw, kumquat preserves, pineapple, and watermelon topped with micro greens
    • Chick Kabob, Available at Leaning Palms – Mojo chicken, jicama slaw, kumquat preserves, pineapple, and watermelon topped with micro greens
    • Surfs Up Chicken Noodle Salad, Available at Leaning Palms, Typhoon Tilly’s, Snack Shack – Bulgogi chicken, noodle slaw, and lettuce topped with sesame seeds
    • Fish Out of Water, Available at Leaning Palms – Baked cod, coconut rice, and baby bok choy topped with lemon butter and micro greens
    • Cheese Party Platter, Available at Leaning Palms, Typhoon Tilly’s – Port Salude, smoked cheddar, fontina cheese, smoked gouda, grapes, and crackers
    • Bathtub Party Sundae, Available at Happy Landings – Vanilla ice cream, confetti cake, whipped cream, and chocolate rubber ducks topped with sprinkles and served in a novelty bathtub dish
© Disney
  • Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Milkshake, Available at Leaning Palms – Cotton candy milkshake served in a novelty Woody Boot and topped with whipped cream, edible glitter, and a gummy worm
  • Pineapple Soft-serve with Blue Raspberry, Available at Typhoon Tilly’s and Snack Shack – Pineapple soft-serve with blue raspberry slushy
© Disney

BEVERAGES

  • The Glowing Unicorn (Non-alcoholic), Available at Leaning Palms –Non-alcoholic violet colada  with a glow cube, rainbow whipped cream, edible shimmer glitter, and a twist candy lollipop
  • Tropical Flash Lemonade (Non-alcoholic), Available at Leaning Palms – Tropical smoothie mix with Odwalla Lemonade and a glow cube
  • Glow Fusion Punch (Alcoholic), Available at Leaning Palms – Vodka and fruit-based liqueur with grenadine and pineapple juice topped with rainbow popping pearls
  • Green Glowrita (Alcoholic), Available at Leaning Palms – Tequila, Granny Smith Apple syrup, and sour mix topped with blueberry popping pearls
  • Strawberry Glow Lemonade (Non-alcoholic), Available at Leaning Palms and High and Dry – Strawberry smoothie mix with Odwalla Lemonade and a glow cube
  • Buzz Blaster (Non-alcoholic), Available at Leaning Palms – Sprite and green apple popping pearls served with a Buzz Lightyear glow clip
  • Galactic Lemonade (Alcoholic), Available at Let’s Go Slurpin’ and Fred’s Dive Bar – Blueberry vodka, blue curaçao, Odwalla Lemonade, and pomegranate juice topped with Sprite and a glow cube
  • Party Time Tea (Alcoholic), Available at Let’s Go Slurpin’ – Tennessee whiskey, sweet tea, and lemonade with a glow cube
  • Dream Disco Float (Alcoholic), Available at Happy Landings – Hard orange soda, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and edible glitter
  • Adult Root Beer Disco Float (Alcoholic), Available at Happy Landings – Hard root beer, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and edible glitter
  • Elysian DayGlow IPA Draft (Alcoholic), Available at High and Dry
  • Brut de Peche Champagne (Alcoholic), Available at Fred’s Dive Bar – Served in a LED Champagne

NOVELTY ITEMS

  • Light-up Popcorn Bucket – Main Change Popcorn Cart
  • H2O Glow Nights Light-up Souvenir Cup – Various Locations throughout the Park
  • Alien Light-up Souvenir Cup – Various Locations throughout the Park
  • Light-up Champagne Glass – Various Locations throughout the Park
  • Glow Cubes – Various Locations throughout the Park
  • Buzz Lightyear Glow Clip – Leaning Palms
  • Woody Boot – Leaning Palms
  • Bathtub Party Sundae – Happy Landings

EXCLUSIVE EVENT MERCHANDISE

  • H2O Glow Nights Tumbler
  • H2O Glow Nights T-Shirt

© Disney

Get those tickets while they are still available. This event is quite special and unique and will sell out!

#Adulting · Disney Dining · Disney Shows · Disney Travel Tip · Disneyland · New for Disneyland · Special Events in Disneyland · Star Wars

Galaxy’s Edge is on the Map!

© Disney

No, but really, it has officially been added to the Disneyland Guidemap! Here is your sneek peek!

This is said to be one of the most immersive lands to ever be added to a Disney Park. When it opens tomorrow, guests will have an experience of a lifetime and use all 5 senses to explore this 14 acre land.

The adventure that you will be able to have while in this land will be unforgettable and you will truly feel that you are in Batuu. In addition to the innovative attractions (Just Smuggler’s Run to start off, Rise of the Resistance to open later this year) guests will eat, drink, & interact as true explorers of the Galaxy.

© Disney

I can’t wait for guest’s photos of this land and their experiences to start rolling in. Please share any photos and/or experiences and opinions you may have about the land. I will not get to Disneyland’s until November unfortunately but I will be at the opening week of Disney World’s and I am super excited to report back. Enjoy!

#Adulting · Cruise Itineraries · Disney Cruise Line · Disney Dream · Extra Magical Events · runDisney

Castaway Cay 5K

© Disney

If you’re going to run, why not do it in Paradise?!

January 15th, 2020, the Disney Dream will set sail from Port Canaveral on a 4-night sailing headed to Castaway Cay. There, guests who ran in at least one race the weekend prior in Walt Disney World will be able to partake in the Castaway Cay Challenge.

Runners will run a 5K through Disney’s beautiful private island before being able to kick back and relax with family and friends. Each runner will receive a special medal that has not yet been revealed, all before the delicious buffet lunch served on the island.

The race is the cherry on top of an amazing Cruise and time in Disney’s Castaway Cay. What an awesome opportunity!!

Disney Travel Tip · Magic Bands · Merchandise · Walt Disney World

Magic Bands – New Upgrade Options

Here are the current Upgrade Options for Disney Magic Bands

© Disney

These are available for an upgrade when you are personalizing your Magic Bands. The price of the original Magic Bands can be applied to these which makes them very affordable and easy to collect!

Tip: These seem to be selling out faster than Disney can ship them so order them as soon as your customize window becomes available to be sure to get the one you want!

#Adulting · Disney Cruise Line · Disney Dream · Disney Fantasy · Disney Magic · Disney Travel Tip · Disney Wonder · New for Disney Cruises

Disney Cruise Line Navigator App – Updated

© Disney

Disney just made a huge improvement to their Disney Cruise Line Navigator App!

Now you can utilize the app before you board the ship! There are now new elements to the app, including the fun countdown above, that are both helpful and can get the whole family excited for their trip.

New additions include:

  • Manage several different parts of your reservation including modifying staterooms, making payments, and viewing deck plans
  • Check-in right on the app
  • Activities section where you can see activities both on the ship and at your ports of call
  • Additional Options section where you can look at your ground transportation, flight information, protection plans, and more

To learn more about the Navigator App – head over here. I consider it a “must-have” on the Disney Cruises.

I have super useful information that can really enhance your trip when it comes to checking in, protection plans, ground transportation & more! Contact me about reserving a cruise and let me help you get the most out of your stay. If you’re already booked, we may be able to transfer your reservation over to me. Plus all qualifying trips receive our Minnie Box delivered to your door before you travel! Our gift to you that is tailored specifically to your party & your trip.

Disney Cruise Line · Disney Dream · Disney Fantasy · Disney Magic · Disney Travel Tip · Disney Wonder · Merchandise · New for Disney Cruises

Speaking of In-Room Gifting…

You can now order gifts to the room for Disney Cruises through DisneyCruise.com
© Disney

It is super simple and it will be so much faster and more accurate that faxing in your orders. Anything you would like would need to be ordered at least 3 days prior to sailing. Cakes need to be ordered 7 days prior to sailing. Follow these easy steps:

  • Go to DisneyCruise.com
  • Click “Already Booked” Drop Down Menu
  • On the Menu under “Before You Go” is Onboard Gifts
  • Enter your Cruise Information and you will be directed to a great menu of gifting options

Items for purchase include:

  • Flower Arrangements
  • Disney Cruise Line Merchandise
  • Sweets & Treats
  • Beverages (Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic)
  • Room Decor
  • Gift Packages…and more!

Take advantage of this great service and surprise your littles or loved ones on your next cruise! I am happy to help you add this to your next Sailing! Contact me today for a no-obligation quote. When you reserve through me, my services are free of charge and you receive fantastic customer service along with all my knowledge of Disney Cruises and their itineraries. Plus, I will meet all the deadlines and do all the paperwork so you can sit back and enjoy the fun parts of planning! All qualifying reservations will receive our Minnie Box! A special gift to you filled with magic and surprises, individually tailored to each family! See Ya Real Soon!

Disney Travel Tip · Disney World Resort · Extra Magical Experience · Merchandise · New for Disney World Resort · Walt Disney World

More In-Room Celebrations Available!

© Disney

More In-Room Celebrations have come along so that we can add even more different kids of magic to our stay in Disney. I love the Toy Story Option, as I know it is one that my guys and gal would all love! Here is more on the items offered:

  • A Pixar Pals Welcome- Your clients can celebrate Friendship and Beyond during their stay with a special In-Room Celebration featuring some of their favorite Pixar pals. 
  • Presenting Your Royal Princess– Give your clients’ little ones the royal treatment! This special In-Room Celebration is themed to Disney Princesses, and feature door decorations, a letter from the Fairy Godmother, and Princess-themed treasures.
  • Me Pirate Adventure- This is the Disney pirate In-Room Celebration your clients have been waiting for! This add-on includes a “Beware” banner to welcome guests, treasures from Blackbeard, and more! 

These are so easy for us to add to a Walt Disney World Vacation Package and they put the biggest smiles on faces of guests of all ages. Be sure to look into others that have been recently posted. The “Love” packages have been a huge hit among guests “Disneymooning” and returning for the “Disaversary” trips and even some for those getting engaged and one of the Most Magical Places on Earth. Let me know if you would like to add one of these great packages to your stay!

Disney Dining · Disneyland · Hollywood Studios · New for Disneyland · New for Hollywood Studios · Star Wars · Walt Disney World

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – A Foodie Guide

© Disney

Disney Imagineers put their heart and soul into every square inch of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. It is not surprising that the food and beverages served in this land seem to have as much imagination and detail. Some of these drinks and meals look truly out of this world. It will be so much fun to try them all! None of these restaurants will be accepting reservations. Here is a menu of what they will be serving up – direct from Disney:

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Entrées:

  • Smoked Kaadu Ribs – sticky pork ribs served with a blueberry corn muffin and cabbage slaw
    Fried Endorian Tip-yip – crispy chicken served with roasted vegetable potato mash and herb gravy
  • Yobshrimp Noodle Salad – chilled shrimp served with marinated noodles and vegetables
  • Roasted Endorian Tip-yip Salad – marinated chicken served with mixed greens, roasted seasonal vegetables, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and green curry ranch
  • Felucian Garden Spread (lunch only) – plant-based “kefta” served with herb hummus, tomato-cucumber relish, and pita
  • Braised Shaak Roast (dinner only) – beef pot roast served with cavatelli pasta, wilted kale, and mushrooms
  • Ithorian Garden Loaf (dinner only) – plant-based “meatloaf” served with roasted vegetable potato mash, seasonal vegetables, and mushroom sauce

Desserts:

  • Oi-oi Puff – raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse
  • Batuu-bon – chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard

Kids’ Meals:

  • Yobshrimp Noodle Salad (Disney Check) – chilled shrimp served with noodles, vegetables and sweet orange dressing
  • A Taste of Takodana (Disney Check) – black bean hummus served with edible soil with nuts, chilled dipping vegetables, and multi-grain crisps
  • Fried Endorian Tip-yip – crispy chicken served with macaroni & cheese and seasonal vegetables

Specialty Beverages without Alcohol:

  • Moof Juice – Simply Fruit Punch and Simply Orange with chipotle-pineapple
  • Phattro – Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea, Odwalla Lemonade, and desert pear
  • Batuubucha Tea – Suja Pineapple Passionfruit Kombucha
© Disney

Oga’s Cantina

Concoctions with Alcohol

Morning Specialties

  • Spiran Caf – Peru Alto Mayo Organic Joffrey’s Coffee, orange marmalade, rum, vanilla whipped cream, and citrus zest
  • Bloody Rancor – vodka, chile liqueur, spicy Bloody Mary mix, and rancor bone
© Disney

Afternoon and Evening Specialties

  • Fuzzy Tauntaun – peach vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice with tangerine, pure cane sugar, and “buzzz” foam
  • Jedi Mind Trick – grapefruit and rose vodka, falernum, blue curaçao, white grape juice, lime juice, and grapefruit bitters
  • The Outer Rim – silver tequila, açaí liqueur, lime juice, pure cane sugar, black salt, and exotic fruit purée
  • T-16 Skyhopper – vodka, melon liqueur, kiwi, and half & half
  • Dagobah Slug Slinger – reposado tequila, blue curaçao, citrus juices, ginger, herbs, and bitters
  • Jet Juice – bourbon, chile liqueur, açaí liqueur, white grape juice, and lemon juice
  • Yub Nub – pineapple rum, spiced rum, citrus juices, and passion fruit
  • Bespin Fizz – rum, yuzu purée, pomegranate juice, white cranberry juice, and cloud swirl

Concoctions without Alcohol

Morning Specialties:

  • Black Spire Brew – Cold Brew Joffrey’s Coffee, honey, falernum, passion fruit, and citrus
  • Moogan Tea – Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea, chocolate milk, vanilla, and cinnamon
  • Tarine Tea – Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea, peach, huckleberry, and mint
  • Blue Bantha – Blue Milk served chilled with bantha-inspired vanilla-butter sugar cookie

Afternoon and Evening Specialties:

  • Cliff Dweller – citrus juices, coconut, hibiscus-grenadine, and Seagram’s Ginger Ale
  • Hyperdrive (Punch It!)Powerade Mountain Berry Blast, white cranberry juice, black cherry purée, and Sprite
  • Jabba Juice – Simply Orange with pineapple, kiwi, cantaloupe, and blueberry popping pearls
  • Blue Bantha – Blue Milk served chilled with bantha-inspired vanilla-butter sugar cookie
  • Blurrgfire – lemonade, pomegranate juice, and habanero-lime
  • Carbon Freeze – Powerade Lemon Lime, wild strawberry, blueberry, and green apple popping pears

Provision

  • Oga’s Obsession – lemonade, cotton candy flavor, and blueberry popping pearls with a bursting dried fruit mixture

Beers on Tap

  • Gold Squadron Lager
  • White Wampa Ale
  • Gamorrean Ale
  • Bad Motivator IPA

Cider on Tap

  • Spice Runner Hard Cider

Wine on Tap

  • Toniray
  • Imperial Guard

Black Spire Outpost Market

Ronto Roasters Menu:

Food

  • Ronto Wrap – roasted pork and grilled sausage with peppercorn sauce and tangy slaw wrapped in pita
  • Nuna Turkey Jerky – choice of sweet or spicy

Specialty Beverages

  • Tatooine Sunset – Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea, Odwalla Lemonade, melon, and blueberry
  • Sour Sarlacc – Minute Maid Limeade, raspberry, and spicy mango
  • Meiloorun Juice – pineapple, Simply Lemonade with blueberry, white cranberry juice, lemon juice, and desert pear

Milk Stand Menu:

  • Blue Milk
  • Green Milk
  • Bubo Wamba Family Farms Novelty Drink Vessel
© Disney

Kat Saka’s Kettle Menu:

  • Outpost Popcorn Mix – colorful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, popped in coconut oil
  • MSE-6 Series Repair Droid Souvenir Popcorn Vessel
  • Specialty Bottled Beverages – Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Dasani

How amazing does that popcorn look? It may take me a few trips but I am definitely eager to try all of these. What you most excited to try?!