Parks News
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns tonight (Nov. 8)! As you may remember, last year’s event was slightly pared down and called Very Merriest (which I attended and thoroughly enjoyed). The Christmas party runs on select nights through Dec. 22.
Holiday Offerings around the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney announced loads of new holiday treats that will be available at the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Disney has yet to publish a full guide to EPCOT’s offerings, so make sure to check this blog twice (see what I did there?) for updates.
Here are a few of the exciting souvenirs and treats and where to get them:
Mickey Mousse Ornament Treat, which is available only during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Lock, Shock, and Barrel Sundae, available during regular park hours through Dec. 31 and during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Do I want to eat this? No. Do I want this? Absolutely.
Musical Holiday Tin Premium Bucket, located at:
- Hollywood Studios: Popcorn Kiosks near Hollywood Boulevard, Hyperion Theater, and Animation Courtyard.
- Magic Kingdom. Various popcorn stands.
Toy Story Blocks Premium Bucket, located at Popcorn Kiosks near Hyperion Theater, Animation Courtyard, and in Toy Story Land.
Mickey Mouse Snow Globe Sipper, located at:
- Hollywood Studios: ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, The Market, PizzeRizzo, Rosie’s All-American Café, Main Entrance Outdoor Kiosk.
- Animal Kingdom: Various popcorn stands.
- Magic Kingdom. Various popcorn stands.
Gingerbread Mania. It’s that time of year, when Disney is decked out with elaborate Gingerbread displays. In case you didn’t know, Disney really leans into the holidays, especially at its resorts. After various phases of Gingerbread showings during the past several pandemic years, Disney appears to be going all out with its displays. Here is where to see the displays:
- Giant Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This grandest of all gingerbread displays premieres on Nov. 9
- Life-sized Baby Gingerbread Giraffe and Baby Zebra at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This wild display premieres on Nov. 23.
- Carousel at Disney’s Beach Cub Resort.
- Cinderella Gingerbread Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This Mary Blair-inspired display will premiere on Nov. 11.
- American Monuments at The American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT, which recreates classic monuments including versions of the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and and The American Adventure building itself. Look for this display starting Nov. 25.
World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland.
- Walt Disney Imagineering showed a first look at the World of Frozen land coming to Hong Kong Disneyland next year. The images primarily show a nearly complete Arendelle Castle, which looks impressive. We know this land will feature a one-of-a-kind coaster called Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs. We also know that Disneyland Paris is getting its own version of a Frozen-themed land. We should be so lucky!
Quick Hits
Andy’s Toys, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the Green Army Men, are back to greeting guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall reopened at EPCOT, after being closed since 2020. This medieval themed restaurant features Royal Princess Character Dining and is located at the Norway Pavilion in the World Showcase.
Kona Cafe reopened at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort after a relatively brief refurbishment. It is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House.
Film
Avatar: The Way of Water Trailer dropped just a few weeks before the film finally, actually arrives. And did it deliver! We get copious underwater scenes, new creatures, locations, and both Jake and Neytiri, and ostensibly their family. The trailer did not reveal much about the story, but I think that may be working in the film’s favor at this point. The film looks to be visually stunning, of course, and also action-packed, so count me in. And now we speculate about its potential box office performance for just a bit longer.
In Case You Missed It
Are you in need of a new fanny pack for Walt Disney World? Check out my review of the Tom Bihn Bummer.
Fantasmic! recently returned to Hollywood Studios to much-deserved fanfare. Read about how a dining reservation can get you reserved seating to one of the nightly Fantasmic! shows.
Here is my full review of Character Dining at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Did I Mention?
Worried about park passes, advanced dining reservations, and virtual queues? Don’t be. My wife and I co-authored The New Parents’ Guide to Walt Disney World, so you can navigate the Walt Disney World Resort in the post-pandemic era like a pro.