Walt Disney World has announced Disney After Hours BOO BASH will be coming to the Magic Kingdom on select nights from August 10- October 31, 2021. This 3 hour hard ticketed event will include some of our old Halloween favorites and some new ones too!

While we are still pining away for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, BOO BASH will give us Halloween spooks and treats…without the amazing parade and fireworks. in a Covid careful way. Now that fireworks are coming back to the Magic Kingdom on July 1st, guests are petitioning Disney to add fireworks to Boo Bash but, as of now, Disney has not announced that this will be happening.

BOO BASH Happenings

• Special cavalcades full of characters popping up throughout the night including “Mickey’s Happy Halloween Cavalcade” featuring Mickey Mouse and friends dressed for the occasion. In the “Disney Villains Halloween Cavalcade,” villains will take to the street and celebrate their favorite time of the year. “Jack’s Nightmare Cavalcade” will feature Jack Skellington, Sally and Oogie Boogie riding down the parade path to “This Is Halloween.” Maleficent will also make an appearance in the form of a fire-breathing dragon.
• Favorite friends lurking about, from the lovely Miss Carlotta at the Haunted Mansion to Goofy and Chip ‘n’ Dale in their Halloween best, with other surprise guests spotted across the park. Guests can also stop and listen to the Cadaver Dans during performances on Main Street, U.S.A.
• Complimentary snacks such as ice cream novelties and popcorn, along with select beverages included in event admission.
• Halloween, decor, music, and lighting
• Treat stops with plenty of candy
• Halloween-themed food and beverages for sale
• Disney PhotoPass available to capture magical and spooky shots throughout the night.
• Less wait times at 20 attractions including Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Haunted Mansion attraction, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain and more.

Costumes

All guests attending BOO BASH may wear costumes! You must also wear and approved face covering that meets the current safety guidelines. Guests under the age of 14 may wear a costume mask as well, if they wish. You can see all of Disney’s costume guidelines here. My friendly reminder about costumes at Disney is that it is HOT in August, September, and early October. Wear comfortable, lightweight costumes and bring a change of clothing for the young kiddos. Overheated meltdowns aren’t fun for anyone, take these hints into consideration when choosing your family costumes.

Boo Bash Ticket and Pricing Info

Boo Bash Tickets range from $129-199 for the 3 hour event. The $199 October 31st date sold out quickly. As of this update (6-20-21) 7 other dates are sold out as well. Prices are the same for adults and kids for this 3 hour Disney After Hours event.

• 8/10/21 Sold Out
• 8/17/21 $129
• 8/20/21 $139
• 8/24/21 $129
• 8/27/21 $139
• 8/31/21 $129
• 9/5/21 $129
• 9/7/21 $129
• 9/10/21 $139
• 9/12/21 $129
• 9/14/21 $129
• 9/17/21 $139
• 9/19/21 $129
• 9/21/21 $139
• 9/24/21 Sold Out
• 10/5/21 Sold Out
• 10/8/21 Sold Out
• 10/10/21 $159
• 10/12/21 Sold Out
• 10/15/21 Sold Out
• 10/17/21 $159
• 10/19/21 Sold Out
• 10/22/21 $169
• 10/24/21 $169
• 10/29/21 Sold Out
• 10/31/21 Sold Out

Boo Bash event tickets will allow you in the park as early at 7pm and depending on the night, BOO BASH will take place from either 9pm-midnight or 9:30pm-12:30am.

All Disney After Hours events are open to a limited number of guests and offer low wait times to more than 20 attractions including The Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

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Topiaries

My favorite part of the Flower and Garden Festival is the topiaries. Unfortunately we don’t get as many new topiaries each year as we did in years past but they are still fun to discover throughout the park.

• Remy
• Tinker Bell and the Fairy Houses
• Lady and the Tramp
• Sorcerer Mickey
• Anna & Elsa
• Figment
• and more

20 Different Gardens

• Floating Gardens
• Bamboo Garden
• Tropical Rain Forest Garden
• English Tea Garden
• The Goodness Garden Butterfly House
• Outdoor Escapes
• and more

20+ Outdoor Kitchens

Each outdoor kitchen has it’s own carefully created menu of foods and beverages. I will be sharing more specifics when Disney releases the menus.

EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival Entertainment

Gone are the concert series of the past, thanks Covid. Now we get Voices of Liberty perform an all-American a cappella showcase, Mariachi Cobre playing Mexican folk music, and the Jammin’ Gardeners beating out their blooming rhythms. In World Showplace the Disney pianist will be playing songs of the season.

Scavenger Hunts

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is a scavenger hunt around World Showcase, similar to Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition we did back in December. This hunt goes on throughout the festival.

The Egg-stravaganza Scavenger Hunt takes place around Easter, March 19- April 4 to be exact. In this hunt, guests look for their Disney Pals and giant Easter Eggs around World Showcase.

Book Now

Now is the time to book your visit to the festival. I am here to help you plan your magical trip and help you navigate traveling with Covid restrictions. Just Email me and we will start planning!

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My two favorite things about this festival are the Disney on Broadway performances and the amazing Disney artwork that is for sale. I usually visit the festival multiple times so that I can see different Broadway performers. I also plan a spending budget to pick up some new, small artwork to add to my collection.

Unfortunately, this year there are no Disney on Broadway performances. Instead, in the American Gardens Theater you can take an animation class, hear Mariachi Cobre, or the Voices of Liberty singing the Disney Songbook. While these are all fine, at a time when Broadway has been closed for 9 months, I really would have rather heard Broadway performers performing hits for their shows.

Ron and I visited the festival on Friday, January 15, 2021. We arrived within minutes of park open and crowds were very light. The longest wait we had all day was 16 minutes for Soarin’. Frozen Ever After was posted at 15 minutes but the actual wait was 10 minutes!

After our visit to The Land Pavilion we went to get in line for the Expression Section: A Paint By Number Mural on that day we were finishing a piece by Disney Imagineer Jessica Hillis. We each received our paint and sponge brush and then were assigned an area to paint in. We were told to paint 7 squares, which we did.

Later we wandered around World Showcase enjoying all the artist’s booths as we went. I purchased some of the postcard reproductions of art from Sam Carter, Joey Chou, and Jerrod Maruyama, I have several pieces of his. I also purchased a few pieces for gifts for some of my best Disney friends who aren’t able to make the festival this year.

When we were in World Showplace, I spent a lot of time admiring the work of Dave Avanzino. There are a few of his pieces I want, I just need to save up the money!

We didn’t stick around for the Voices of Liberty concert because it would have been a 2 hour wait. Instead, at 3pm, we park hopped (yay!) to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where we enjoyed our afternoon and evening.

If you are a lover of Disney Art, the Taste of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts is still worth the trip. If you come for the Broadway concerts, I’d say wait til next year. Of course, I am always available to help you book your next Walt Disney World vacation just Email me and we will get started!

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We were at EPCOT Saturday, December 5, 2020, Walt Disney’s birthday by the way. The park was busy, we later learned all 4 parks reached their 35% capacity Saturday. We had a great day hearing 3 of our favorite musical acts Joyful! in the World Showplace, the Jammitors as the Jammin’ Chefs at the Mill Stage in Canada, and The Voices of Liberty-The Voices of the Season in the American Gardens Theater.

We thought we’d try something new and try and complete Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition. I told you about this new fun add-on last month when I shared the overview of the Taste of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, and we decided to check it out. EPCOT has had a few of these scavenger hunts available during the different festivals, but we had never done one before.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure

The storyline for this scavenger hunt around World Showcase comes from the 22 minute film Olaf’s Frozen Adventure which was released in 2017. This holiday film finds Olaf, Anna, and Elsa searching for their own holiday traditions. Olaf goes door-to-door across Arendelle asking families how they celebrate “That Time of Year”.

Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition

To get started on Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition, you purchase your map and stickers for $7.99 at either Mouse Gear,  Port of Entry, World Traveler at International Gateway, and at the merchandise cart in Canada.

On the map there is a clue for each country in World Showcase, plus World Showplace, and the L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen. Once you locate Olaf in each location match the sticker with whatever Olaf has on his sled from that location. When you complete the hunt, bring your map to Disney Traders, Mouse Gear, or World Traveler at International Gateway where you will receive a completion sticker and a prize. I’m not going to share what the prize is because I want you to enjoy the surprise.

I hate spoilers but I will give you a few hints.

• Look high
• Look low
• He is not in attractions
• He is not in stores

Ron and I succeeded in completing the hunt! We enjoyed searching throughout each country as well as giving and receiving clues from cast members and other guests as we went about our quest.

Even as a couple with no kids this activity was enjoyable. Many families and others traveling without kids were on the hunt as well. I recommend giving it a try if you are visiting EPCOT between now and December 30, 2020.

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Magic Kingdom Holiday Decorations

Main Street USA is decked out in its holiday best. The tree in Town Square looks as beautiful as ever. I was so happy to see the soldiers back as well.

While there are no Castle Dream Lights this year, there are beautiful holiday projections on Cinderella Castle. I believe there are 4 different projections and each lasts about 15 minutes allowing for beautiful backgrounds for your Christmas pictures.

Holiday Cavalcades

There are 4 different holiday cavalcades (mini parades) taking place at random times along the Magic Kingdom parade route. Add to that the Dapper Dans aboard the Main Street Trolley as well as the Toy Soldiers marching with the Main Street Philharmonic and that is a lot of holiday fun.

• “Mickey’s Holiday Cavalcade” is a holiday celebration with Mickey Mouse and his friends.
• “Goofy’s Scrumptious Cavalcade” features Goofy cooking up some holiday fun from his gingerbread house and bake shop floats, joined by dancing gingerbread men.
• “A Royal Christmas Processional” heralds the arrival of Disney princesses on a crystal castle float.
• Santa glides down Main Street, U.S.A., in his sleigh, led by prancing reindeer.

On my first holiday visit, I was traveling with out of state friends and we weren’t able to catch a single cavalcade. We hope to see them all on Friday! Make sure you follow along on my Blog Facebook, Travel Agency Facebook, Instagram to see all my posts this weekend.

Magic Kingdom Holiday Food

Guests love all the seasonal food at the Disney parks. Last week I shared about the holiday food options at EPCOT. Today we will see what’s available in the Magic Kingdom.

Churros

If you are a churro fan, like my son Jordan, you can eat your fill of various churro flavors while visiting the Magic Kingdom.

• Christmas Churros – Mini churros topped with red and green sugar  at Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe.
• Chip and Dale Christmas Churros – Gingerbread churros topped with apple pie filling and chocolate chips at Westward Ho.
• Sugar and Spice Churros – Christmas cookie churros with icing and holiday sprinkles served with a side of eggnog at a cart on Main Street.
• Churro Worth Melting For – Cinnamon churros topped with marshmallow fluff and blue sugar at Citrus Cart near the Castle Hub.

Holiday Treats with Collectible Containers

Want to bring home a souvenir of your holiday treat? Here are two options! The White Christmas Tree popcorn Bucket and the Sven Sipper Cup. I really want the Sven Sipper!!

Holiday Beverages

• Pistachio Chai Tea Float – Pistachio soft–serve, spiced chai tea, and a red velvet cake pop ornament at Aloha Isle.
• Just a Dream Away – Salted caramel milkshake with silver sugar churro at Auntie Gravity’s.

Other Holiday Treats

• Holiday Mickey Cinnamon Roll – Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll drizzled with red and green icing  at Main Street Bakery.
• Twice Upon a Cupcake – A confetti Christmas tree tops a vanilla cupcake with a red velvet hidden Mickey at Main Street Bakery. I’ve heard this is very good.
• An Orange Bird Christmas – Orange-scented white chocolate mousse filled with orange curd  at Sunshine Tree Terrace.
• Let It Snow Taco – Sugar cookie “taco shell” filled with salted caramel and spiced chocolate mousse at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe.
• Fa La La La Funnel Cake – Powdered sugar funnel cake, strawberry topping, whipped cream, and holiday sprinkles at Sleepy Hollow.
• Belle’s Enchanted Christmas Tree – Almond macarons with cranberry orange filling stacked to create a Christmas tree at Gaston’s Tavern.
• Yule Tide Wishes – Chocolate cake filled with chocolate mousse, covered with chocolate ganache at Pinnochio Village Haus.
• Minnie’s Merry Cherry Sundae – Cherry soft–serve, hot fudge, whipped cream, holiday sprinkles, and a Minnie bow at Storybook Treats.

As you can see, there is plenty of holiday fun to be had at the Magic Kingdom this year. It’s not too late to book your December Disney vacation! Just Email me and we will start planning!

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Festival of the Holidays Food

Holiday Kitchens located throughout World Showcase will offer tasty treats of the season, such as Duck Confit and Dumplings at Festival Favorites, the Gingerbread Milkshake from the Holiday Hearth, slow-roasted turkey from the American Holiday Table, pork schnitzel at the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen or the beef bourguignon from the Yukon Holiday Kitchen. YUM!

I’ve got my eyes set on some of the sweet treats that are to be found during the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. My list includes the Maple Bûche de Noël at Yukon Holiday Kitchen, the  Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth Cookie at Holiday Hearth, a Peppermint Sundae at Holiday Sweets & Treats and a Minnie Peppermint Cookie at Holiday Sweets & Treats.

Festival of the Holidays Activities

The Holiday Cookie Stroll returns this year, with a complimentary cookie as reward for completing the confectionary collection. The delicious array of sweet treats to choose from will include cookies from five different locations throughout the park.

The whole family will have fun with everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, as he invites kids of all ages on the new “Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition,” a festive adventure around World Showcase to round up holiday traditions Olaf misplaces. You can purchase the expedition map at Mouse Gear, Disney Traders or World Traveler at International Gateway, then look for hidden Olafs throughout the World Showcase pavilions. Once you find them all, you’ll receive a gift worth melting for (while supplies last). 

Music of the Season

• Inside World Showplace at EPCOT, JOYFUL! will take guests on a magical journey of holiday music.
• Also inside World Showplace, an EPCOT pianist will perform holiday music from around the world.
• Voices of Liberty will use their harmonies to share songs of the season at America Gardens Theatre.
• Also at America Gardens Theatre, Mariachi Cobre will bring to life Las Posadas, a celebration of Mexican holiday customs through music and dance.
• At the Canada pavilion, the JAMMitors will grace the Mill Stage with playful percussion full of merriment.

Characters

Characters dressed in their holiday best will travel around World Showcase, including Queen Anna and Elsa in the “Frozen Holiday Promenade” and Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy making merry on the “Mickey and Friends Holiday World Tour.” Santa will be taking a grand horse-drawn tour around World Showcase, calling out happy holiday wishes to all.

Plan Your Trip

It’s not too late to plan your trip! I’ll be spending Saturday, December 5th at EPCOT. I can’t wait to hear JOYFUL! and the Voices of Liberty perform, they are holiday must-sees for us.

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Wreaths are hung, lights are strung and trees are trimmed with care as holiday celebrations have begun throughout most of the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, with EPCOT and Disney resort hotels joining the festive fun soon. Through Dec. 30, guests will discover enchanting décor, special merchandise, delectable treats and new entertainment experiences all across The Most Magical Place on Earth that celebrate the spirit of the season.

Magic Kingdom

• Several times daily, favorite characters don their holiday best and celebrate the season in a series of special cavalcades, complete with Christmastime floats and music:
  • “Mickey’s Holiday Cavalcade” is a holiday celebration with Mickey Mouse and his friends.
  • “Goofy’s Scrumptious Cavalcade” features Goofy cooking up some holiday fun from his gingerbread house and bake shop floats, joined by dancing gingerbread men.
  • “A Royal Christmas Processional” heralds the arrival of Disney princesses on a crystal castle float.
• Main Street, U.S.A., is the place to catch the Holiday Trolley, delivering festive harmonies from the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, while toy soldiers march with the Main Street Philharmonic as they bring musical cheer for all to hear.
• Holiday treats include Chip ‘n’ Dale Christmas Churros, a Pistachio Chai Tea Float and An Orange Bird Christmas – an orange-scented white chocolate mousse.
• When night falls at Magic Kingdom, projection effects transform Cinderella Castle with a kaleidoscope of designs, including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. The iconic castle provides the perfect colorful background for guests seeking a magical holiday portrait.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• “Donald’s Dino Bash” takes its seasonal celebration to the waters of Discovery River, with Donald Duck and pals waving to everyone as they pass.
• Chip ‘n’ Dale jingle through the jungle, bringing their own style of holiday flair to the river on their own flotilla.
• The Discovery Island Drummers cruise along, entertaining guests on the shore with an energetic holiday beat.
• Beginning Dec. 1, the park will feature special holiday-themed food, such as White-Chocolate Peppermint Cream Cheese Mousse and a Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwich.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” adds a festive finale featuring Olaf and celebratory songs of the season.
• Minnie Mouse hosts a yuletide dining experience at Hollywood & Vine, inviting some of her best pals – including Santa Goofy – to join the fun.
• Festive foodie items include Mickey’s Holiday Cookie, Holiday Whoopie Pie and Olaf’s Snow Flurry – a yellow cupcake with vanilla buttercream and snow-flurry sugar.
• After dark, the Hollywood Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard twinkles with projection effects as it becomes the Hollywood Holiday Tower Hotel. The icon magically transforming into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.”

Disney Springs

• The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth invites guests to gaze with wonder at elaborately decorated, Disney-trimmed trees as they explore the shopping, dining and entertainment district.
• Seasonal treats will be available throughout Disney Springs, such as Holiday Mickey Mousse at Amorette’s Patisserie and a Mickey Santa Pinata at The Ganachery.
• Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar transforms into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with delightful décor and a limited-time menu of festive favorites.
• Outdoor DJs play holiday music during the day to get guests in the spirt of the season.
• In the evening, stilt-walking toy soldiers, skating snowflakes and a snowfall add a touch of magic for holiday shoppers.

EPCOT

The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by Advent Health begins Nov. 27, 2020 and will be featured in next week’s travel blog post.

Santa Claus

This year, Santa Claus is checking his list twice as he makes his way around Walt Disney World for special appearances:

• At Magic Kingdom Park, he glides down Main Street, U.S.A., in his sleigh, led by prancing reindeer.
• He makes the trek to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to spread the joyous spirit of the season from his very own flotilla as he sails down Discovery River.
• Led by an entourage of elves and riding in his red convertible packed with presents, he brings glitz and glamour to a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Beginning later this month, he’ll be joined by Mrs. Claus at Disney Springs as the merry couple soaks up their last bit of Florida sunshine before their big night. They’ll cruise Lake Buena Vista at Disney Springs in colorfully decorated pontoon boats.
• And starting Nov. 27 at EPCOT, he will take a grand, horse-drawn tour around World Showcase.

Plan Your Visit to Experience 2020 Holiday Fun at Walt Disney World

I have travel clients visiting Walt Disney World throughout this holiday season. Our annual vacation is December 4-7th. I’ll also be enjoying Disney Springs and Winter-Summerland Mini Golf with friends on December 16th. Christmastime at Walt Disney World is my favorite time of the year to visit.

It’s not to late to plan your trip. Just Email me and we will get everything planned!

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One of the most anticipated restaurant reopenings was Cinderella’s Royal Table. Located in Cinderella Castle, this restaurant reopened September 24th for lunch and dinner. Meals are $62 for adults and $37 for children plus tax and gratuity. I have a few guests who already have this dining experience reserved.

Walt Disney World Dining: ABC Commissary New Menu

ABC Commissary is offering a terrific new menu. From sandwiches and rice bowls to tasty tacos and returning favorites, this menu has it all! 

Sandwiches and Salads

California Burger (Plant-based) – Seared farm-fresh plant-based burger with Sriracha mustard, balsamic-glazed grilled peppers and onions, a “mayonnaise”-ketchup blend, lettuce, and tomato and served with arugula-farro salad, steak fries, or apple slices

NEW Chicken Club Sandwich – Marinated chicken breast on a toasted brioche bun with bacon, provolone cheese, guacamole, ranch dressing, lettuce, and tomato served with arugula-farro salad, steak fries, or apple slices

NEW Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Grilled sourdough toasted with buffalo chicken, Monterey, provolone, cheddar, cream cheese, side of buffalo sauce, and served with arugula-farro salad, steak fries, or apple slices

Mediterranean Salad with Chicken – Chicken breast served over mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumber, pepperoncini, Kalamata olives, and feta tossed in Mediterranean vinaigrette served with hummus and flatbread

Tacos

NEW Pork Carnitas Tacos – Pork carnitas on flour tortillas with salsa verde, pickled onion, and radish served with Mexican rice and black beans

NEW Shrimp Tacos – Sautéed shrimp on flour tortillas with cabbage slaw, chipotle mayo, and mango salsa served with Mexican rice and black beans

Rice Bowls

NEW Curry Rice Bowl with Shrimp – Sautéed shrimp and vegetables with red curry sauce served with Jasmine coconut rice

NEW Plant-based Curry Rice Bowl with Tofu – Pineapple-marinated tofu and sautéed vegetables with red curry sauce served with Jasmine coconut rice

Kid’s Options

NEW Kid’s Pork Taco – Pork carnitas on a flour tortilla served with Mexican rice and black beans

NEW Kid’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Grilled American cheese on sourdough served with choice of two sides.

NEW Kid’s Turkey Sandwich – Turkey sandwich served with choice of two sides.

Kid’s Uncrustable – Uncrustable served with choice of two sides.

Walt Disney World Dining: Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Additions

Mickey Mouse and his best pals are returning to breakfast at Chef Mickey’s restaurant in Disney’s Contemporary Resort on December 16, bringing some new items to the menu inspired by their favorite dishes. 

Along with traditional breakfast favorites, you will be able to try the new Mickey’s “Celebration” Pancake, featuring whipped cream, celebration sprinkles, shimmering pixie dust and more. Prefer something a bit more savory? They’re adding a new “Loaded” Potato-Cheese Casserole topped with smoked bacon crumbles and chives.

Last but not least, Goofy’s Banana Bread French Toast will combine unique flavors of banana bread baked in zesty orange-scented French toast batter, topped with Espresso-mascarpone cream, toasted bananas and chocolate crumbles.

Can’t decide on which new item to try? Taste all three as part of an all-you-care-to-eat family style feast with other traditional breakfast favorites. 

When Mickey and friends return, the experience may look a little different than the last time you visited, but you can still expect to smile, wave and make unforgettable memories with some of your favorite characters as they parade through the restaurant in their chef’s best.

Reservations for Chef Mickey’s character breakfast will open on October 17, based on availability. In addition, Disney Resort hotel Guests can make reservations up to 60 days in advance plus the length of their stay (up to 10 days).

As always, I am available to help you plan your magical Walt Disney World vacation, and help you plan all your Walt Disney World Dining plans just Email me and we will get started. 

The post Walt Disney World Dining Updates 10-12-2020 appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Before we get to what will and won’t be happening in the parks this holiday season I want to talk about just getting into the parks. As of now, Disney isn’t renewing annual passes. Our passes currently expire 11/27/20, thanks to the month that Disney extended us due to the closure. We have a timeshare booked December 4-7th. We are gifted timeshare points every year by my in-laws so we get to stay for free.

If we aren’t able to renew our passes, we won’t be visiting the parks. If we are allowed to renew our passes, we have to hope and pray that we are able to get Park Passes that close in to our travel dates, which is highly unlikely. Passholders can only hold 3 Park Passes at a time, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is very difficult to get, especially on the weekends. This trip has us rather stressed out!

Walt Disney World Holiday Cancellations

The 2020 Candlelight Processional at Epcot has been cancelled. This has been a staple of our Christmas tradition for over 20 years. We usually attend the Candlelight Processional 2-3 times during the month of December. I own the CD and I will listen to it often, but it isn’t the same.

The 2020 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has also been cancelled. While we don’t attend the party every year, it is a lot of fun, and it will be missed.

While we had hoped the Candlelight Processional and Christmas Party weren’t going to be cancelled, I don’t think anyone thought the Castle Dream Lights would be cancelled as well!

What to Expect while Celebrating the Holidays at Walt Disney World in 2020

A reimagined holiday celebration will begin Nov. 6, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort, with the four theme parks, Disney Springs and Disney resort hotels decked for the season. Through Dec. 30, guests will discover seasonal food and drinks at The Most Magical Place on Earth, as well as special merchandise and enchanting new entertainment experiences.

When night falls at Magic Kingdom Park, projection effects will transform Cinderella Castle with a kaleidoscope of designs, including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. The iconic castle will provide the perfect colorful background for guests seeking a magical holiday portrait.

Highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will begin Nov. 27. Holiday kitchens will return around the World Showcase promenade, offering favorite dishes such as Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing at the American Holiday Table.

• At Magic Kingdom, characters synonymous with the season – including gingerbread men and elves – will join Disney characters in cavalcades through the park. On Main Street, U.S.A., toy soldiers will march with the Main Street Philharmonic as they bring musical cheer for all to hear.
• Favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday finest will appear in festive flotillas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT and merry motorcades at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Minnie Mouse will host a yuletide dining experience at Hollywood & Vine, inviting some of her best pals – including Santa Goofy – to join the fun.
• Inside World ShowPlace at EPCOT, JOYFUL! will take guests on a musical journey of holiday music, while Voices of Liberty will use their eight-part harmonies to share songs of the season at the America Gardens Theatre.
• Elaborately decorated Christmas trees will spring up throughout Disney Springs, and a magical snowfall will occur within Town Center, West Side and The Landing. In addition, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will transform into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with delightful décor and a limited-time menu of festive favorites.
• Disney resort hotels will deck their halls for the holidays, including iconic Christmas trees in lobbies and other festive flourishes.
• Santa Claus will wave to guests as he makes pop-up appearances at each park, as well as Disney Springs. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for example, he will sail down Discovery River on a special flotilla.

Book Now for Holiday Travel

Even though the Christmas celebrations at Walt Disney World will look different this year, we will still be there, one way or another. I hope you will be there too. We need all the holiday cheer we can get this year and no place does that better than Walt Disney World! If you are ready to plan your magical holiday vacation, I am here to help you every step of the way.

Just Email me and we will get started. I am a certified Disney vacation planner with Destinations 2 Travel, LLC a Disney Earmarked travel agency. I love helping families plan their Disney vacations.

The post Celebrating the Holidays at Walt Disney World in 2020 appeared first on The Mom Maven.

From September 15-October 31, 2020, Magic Kingdom guests can experience extra magical Fall fun. As always, Main Street, USA will be decked out in its Fall finery of beautiful orange and gold leaves and wreaths, pumpkins, etc. There will also be a Halloween themed Character Cavalcade with Mickey and Pals in their favorite Halloween costumes!

Magic Kingdom Fall Themed Treats

Favorite Fall treats will also be available! Here is a list of foods and locations:

• Mickey Cinnamon Roll- Main Street Bakery
• Headless Horseman Rides Again- Sunshine Tree Terrace
• Hades Nachos-Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Cafe

• Orange and Black Sugar Churros-Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Cafe and various Churro Carts
• Cinnamon Donuts served in a Hitchhiking Ghost Novelty Container- Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Cafe
• Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundae-Sleepy Hollow
• Madame Leota Sipper- Sleepy Hollow

• Constance’s For Better or For Worse Wedding Cake-Liberty Square Market
• Hitchhiking Ghosts Premium Popcorn Bucket- Liberty Square Popcorn Cart
• Poor Unfortunate Souls Float-Storybook Treats
• Not So Poison Apple Cupcake- Pinnochio Village House
• Pumpkin Spice Milkshake- Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
• Pumpkin Spice Soft Serve Sundae-Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

• Mickey Monster Mash Burger- Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
• Oogie Boogie Dice Novelty Glow Cubes- Various Quick Service Restaurants
• Jack Skellington Sipper- Various Quick Service Restaurants and Outdoor Vending Locations
• Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket-Various Popcorn Carts

• Mickey Pumpkin Premium Popcorn Bucket- Various Popcorn Carts
• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket-Various Popcorn Carts
• Hitchhiking Ghost Sipper- Various Quick Service Restaurants

Halloween Costumes

You read that correctly, guests of all ages will be allowed to wear costumes in the Magic Kingdom during normal business September 15-October 31, 2020!!! Costume masks are not permitted for those over age 14 and approved Covid face coverings must still be worn. To see all of the Disney Costume Guidelines, click the link and scroll to the bottom of the page.

We will be at the Magic Kingdom October 16th. I don’t know if we will be in costume or not. In the past I have gone as Dole Whip, Olaf, and Ursula. Some years we have just worn our fall themed Mickey t-shirts because it’s been to hot for costumes. Do you plan to visit Walt Disney World this Fall? I’m here to help you plan a magical Disney vacation. Just Email me to get started.

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