Disney Travel News Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns to Walt Disney World with EERIE-sistible Tricks and Treats!

Disney Travel News

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Returns to Walt Disney World with EERIE-sistible Tricks and Treats!

By: Disney Destinations

It’s #HalfwayToHalloween here at Walt Disney World Resort and, in celebration of the wicked occasion, we’re excited to share that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to Magic Kingdom Park late this summer and will run through this fall. Get ready for a spook-tacular celebration with plenty of tricks and treats when the series of parties kicks off August 11.

With Spellbinding entertainment, favorite Disney characters dressed in their Halloween best and more, celebrate the most haunting time of the year at Walt Disney World Resort. This limited capacity, nighttime event starts at 7 p.m. and allows guests to experience shorter wait times on attractions, themed food and beverage and more. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting April 27, and tickets will be available to all guests starting May 2. The event dates are:

August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29

September: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29

October: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31

November: 1

In honor of #HalfwayToHalloween, check out some of the most ghoulish moments to look forward to when this guest-favorite event returns.

Watch a Ghostly Promenade with “Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade”

It’s good to be bad, and your favorite Disney villains are back to stride down Main Street, U.S.A. alongside Disney heroes, the iconic Haunted Mansions graveyard diggers and other favorite characters. Guests may even spot some ghoulish new faces this year.

Get the Party ‘Started’ With “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular”

Jack-o-Lanterns aren’t the only ‘Jack’ at Walt Disney World the Halloween! The Pumpkin King, a.k.a. Jack Skellington, will once again host the must-see nighttime spectacular, “Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular.” Featuring projections, special effects and lighting paired with fireworks, music and iconic Disney Characters, guests won’t want to miss this!

Trick-or-Treat Yourself to Candy and Sweets

M&M’S, SKITTLES, and SNICKERS, OH MY! Guests can satisfy their sweet tooth at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party by stopping by trick-or-treating locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park.

See a Spellbinding Spectacle With the Sanderson Sisters

The Sanderson Sisters, stars of the iconic “Hocus Pocus” films, will unite for an adventure and call on their comrades to summon the ultimate “Hocus Pocus” Party Potion during the “hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show at Cinderella Castle.

Also during the party, guests may have the opportunity to experience some of their favorite attractions including Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the newly opened TRON Lightcycle/Run presented by Enterprise. TRON Lightcycle/Run will us a virtual queue* during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, allowing guests to enjoy all the festivities while they wait to enter the Grid. Stay tuned for more details!

Gests won’t want to miss the hair-raising happenings at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting April 27, and tickets will be available to all guests starting May 2. Stay tuned for more exciting details about all the scream-worthy surprises in store as Disney Parks celebrates #HalfwayToHalloween.

*Virtual queues are limited and subject to availability, times are subject to change, and joining a virtual queue does not guarantee entrance to any experience.

Disney Cruise Line is getting Bands!!! Hands Free at Sea!

Disney Cruise Line is getting Bands!!!

Hands Free at Sea!

 

Disney Parks have Magic Band and Magic Band+. These wearable devices are great additions when visiting the parks. They give you an electronic way to access your park ticket with the tap of the wrist. You can use it to link to your PhotoPass when you are at the PhotoPass Photographers. It does capture your attraction photos as well if you have purchased the PhotoPass! You can link a credit/debit card to it for making purchases. They will also open hotel room doors at WDW resort hotels! They also will alarm, vibrate and charm when your Lightning Lane return time has come. If you have a DAS Pass it will also remind you when your return times have come. During shows, like fireworks and parades the Magic Bands+ will light up, vibrate and chime.

 

Disney Cruise Line is going to be testing their version of Magic Band+ on the Wish soon! They are calling them DisneyBand+. Once activated you will be able to use them to board the ship, they will act like your Key to the World Card and unlock your cabin door and identify you boarding and debarking the ship. You will be able to use it to make purchases on the ship, Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point as well. DisneyBand+ are waterproof and you can enjoy them swimming in the ships pools, hot tubs, AquaMouse, or Snorkeling on Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point.

At this time it appears that Magic Band+ and DCL DisneyBand+ will be interchangeable and you can use them at both the Disney Parks and on the Disney Cruise Ships. Disney made comments about you being able to use the DisneyBands+ on future Disney vacations, both on the ships and in the parks.

DisneyBand+ is not included in your cruise fare. You can purchase them for $34.99-$44.99. When they become available you will be able to preorder them from DCL or maybe ShopDisney.com. tt takes about 10 days for delivery. There will be 3 DCL exclusive designs.

 

Hands Free Coming to Sea! Check out this video and see some of the designs! There are 3 DCL exclusive designs!

https://fb.watch/jL9sOmjH0s/

 

Disney Cruise Line Has More NEW Ships Coming!!

Disney Cruise Line Has More NEW Ships Coming!!

 

The Disney Wish joined the fleet in 2023, bringing the total ships in the Disney fleet to 5! The Wish was the first of 3 Triton class ships Disney had commissioned before the pandemic.

 

In 2024 the Wish’s sister, the Disney Treasure will join the fleet!! The date has not has not been released yet. Looking at the just released Summer of 2024 Itineraries I believe it will happen after September 2024. Few details have been released about the treasure. Let me share what is known about her.

 

The overall theme of the ship will be Adventure. Aladdin and Jazmine will be found riding Carpet in the Grand Hall Lobby. There is not much more information about her yet. We do know she will have the same overall layout as the Wish. They have not announced the restaurant themes or shows. We do not yet know who will be on the back of the ship as of yet.

 

Last year, November 2022 Disney made the announcement they had done something special and new! They had purchased a partly built mega ship! This ship was being built for a cruise line that did not survive the financial losses of the pandemic. The shipyard building the ship also failed. Disney had the shipyard building their ships take over the failed shipyard and they are having it completed! It will be one of the largest ships on the seas. It will have the capacity to carry 6,000 guests and 2,300 crew members. It will have lost of Disney touches added and of course the Disney shows and service.

 

In 2025 the partly built ship will be finished and join the Disney Fleet! The yet to be named 7^th ship of the fleet will not be sailing out of US ports! She will be based in Singapore for at least the next 5 years!

 

There will be a third Triton class ship joining the fleet in 2026. Two of the triton ships were announced back before the pandemic. Construction was delayed due to the pandemic and Disney made the surprise announcement they were adding a 3^rd ship to the order! That would have brought the total number of ships in the Disney Fleet to 7. Now this ship will be the 8^th ship in the Disney fleet!!

 

Here is a list of the Disney Ships and the dates they came into or will come into service:

 

Disney Classic Class Ships

Disney Magic – July 1998

Disney Wonder – August 1999

 

Disney Dream Class Ships

Disney Dream – January 2011

Disney Fantasy – March 2012

 

Disney Triton Class Ships

Disney Wish – July 2022

Disney Treasure – Fall 2024/2025?

Disney ??? 3^rd Triton Class – 2025/2026?

 

Disney Mega Class Ship

Disney ??? Mega Ship – 2025

 

 

10 Recent Additions that Make Memory Maker the Best Souvenir

10 Recent Additions that Make Memory Maker the Best Souvenir

By: Disney Destinations

March 21^st, 2023

 

Disney PhotoPass Service continuously adds new photo ops, o there’s always something exciting for you to download when you have Memory Maker. Below, check out 10 recent or soon-ti-launch experiences offered by Disney PhotoPass Service that Guests can download with Memory Maker.

 

1, Disney PhotoPass Video Memories

 

The newest addition to Memory Maker is access to the Disney PhotoPass video memories, which launched yesterday!

 

With this brand-new offering, Guests can create and hare video memories using your Disney PhotoPass photos or their personal photos. They can create and customize these Disney-Themed video templates with stickers, music, and text – or, Guests can let us completely create the video memory for them in a matter of moment using the photos from their Disney PhotoPass gallery. This exciting new offering is available exclusively in the My Disney Experience app.

 

 

2. Tiny World Magic Shot at Magic Kingdom Park

 

Photographers offer a number of Tiny World Magic Shots across the theme parks, with our newet launching last week at Magic Kingdom Park! Guests can fund this 360-degree photo op next to Cinderella Castle during daylight hours.

 

3. Indoor Photo studio at EPCOT

 

Disney PhotoPass Studio are located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Magic Kingdom Park, Disney Springs, and now EPCOT too! At the Wandering Reindeer in the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT, Guests will find our newest studio location. Like all of our studios, it’s staffed by our talented photographers, no reservations are required, everyone is welcome to visit, and the photos captured are included with Memory Maker at no extra cost.

 

4. Seasonal backdrops at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs

 

Speaking of photo studios, our location at Disney Springs recently tarted offering backdrops with themed deigns and props that change with each season.

 

5. Return to dining locations

We know when Guests visit one of our incredible dining locations, their focus is probably on the food. Fair! But we love putting icing on that cake by offering Guests a photo op with a Disney Character. Guests can now find photographers at Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Royal Table, and Story Book Dining at Aritist Phont with Snow White.

6. Attraction photo and video onboard TRON Lightcycle/Run

 

Let’s talk TRON! TRON Lightcycle/Run presented by Enterprise opens at Magic Kingdom Park on April 4. Guests can relive their race through this computerized world when they preview an onboard photo and video automatically linked to their My Disney Experience account through one of the following methods:

Use an eligible mobile device, enable Bluetooth for the My Disney Experience app* before riding, ensure they’ve logged into the My Disney Experience app sometime earlier that day, and keep their device out of low power mode.

Wear a MagicBand or MagicBand+ that’s linked to their account.

 

Guests can also use the methods above to link and download their photos taken onboard more than a dozen attractions across Walt Disney World Resort – all included with Memory Maker.

 

7. Prop available soon near TRON Lightcycle/Run

 

Guests can find numerous Disney PhotoPass props during their visit, but our newest will be available near TRON Lightcycle/Run when it opens April 4!

 

8. More Classic Magic Shots

 

Photographers currently offer more than 70 classic Magic Shots. These photos are so unexpected and fun, with Disney Characters and other themed effects applied to photos. We’re constantly adding new Magic Shots, our newest being Bruni, a large assortment for EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, and TRON Magic Shot (available starting April 4). More new offerings will be released very soon! Guests can ask each photographer which options they have available to capture at their location.

 

9. Fairytale photos at Enchanted Tales with Belle

 

Enchanted Tales with Belle recently reopened at Magic Kingdom Park. And it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we share photographers are now capturing memories in the library as Guests relive a tale as old as time. This is one of the nearly 40 locations where you can find Disney PhotoPass Service ready to capture their encounter at character experiences.

 

10. Transformation photos at Magic Kingdom Park’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

 

When a Fairy Godmother’s Apprentice helps a princess or knight undergo a royal transformation at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom Park, a photographer will be there to capture it. Tip: Visit the Royal Portrait Studio nearby in Sir Mickey’s where a photographer can capture more photo of the child’s transformation.

 

Note, Guests can save when they purchase Memory Maker at least three days prior to their vacation.**

 

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

**Disney PhotoPass Service and Memory Maker are subject to applicable terms and policies. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day from Memory Maker One Day or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). If Memory Maker is purchased at the advanced purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days of the date Memory Maker is purchased are not included and must be purchased separately. A MagicBand, or an eligible mobile device with Bluetooth technology enabled for the My Disney Experience app, is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photo in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photo. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations.

Disney Education? Yes PLEASE!!! ~ Disney Imagination Campus

Disney Education? Yes PLEASE!!!

~ Disney Imagination Campus ~

 

Walt Disney once said, "You can not entertain without educating. You can't educate without entertaining." He believed in something he called Edutainment. The combination of Education and Entertainment.

Disney Imagination Campus is at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. So what is Disney Imagination Campus?

 

There are 4 different education programs in the Disney Imagination Campus.

• Performing Arts
• Performing groups will receive the rare opportunity to hone their craft while learning from real working Disney professionals and perform on Disney stages.
• Arts & Humanities
• Students will solve a real-world challenge around the design of one of our theme park’s lands, areas, or attractions as it relates to storytelling.
• Science & Technology
• Students will use scientific principles such as gravity, force, and peed to understand how these principles apply to the design of new and classic Disney theme park attractions.
• Leadership & Innovation
• Students will discover how to become future leaders by developing a common passion for knowledge, global vision and innovation.

Along with the classes Disney allows the group to purchase theme park tickets at a discount.

 

Do you have a class, youth group, choir, band, or club that could benefit from this program? Let us know and we will help you book it!

Disney uses their curriculum and learning environment to foster creative thinking, fearless exploration and Disney Magic. The mission is to provide students with tools they need to express themselves creatively and academically and prepare them for real-world challenges.

 

Carolyn@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

Scott@EliteMemoriesTravel.com

 

 

Step into San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park, Beginning Summer 2023

Disney Travel News

Step into San Fransokyo Square at Disney California Adventure Park, Beginning Summer 2023

By: Disney Destinations

February 20, 2023

At D23 Expo 2022, we announced to much fanfare that Pacific Wharf in Disney California Adventure park will turn into San Fransokyo from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Award-wining “Big Hero 6”

Those of you who have recently been to the park may have seen that this exciting transformation has already begun. Later this summer, during the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort, Guests will be able to step ito the new area – named San Fransokyo Square – and discover new offerings inspired by Baymax and friends.

Today we’re excited to tell you more about the Walt Disney Imagineering story behind San Fransokyo Square and some of the fun that awaits.

San Fransokyo Square will transport you to the not-too-distant future, in a fictional mash-up of two iconic cities – San Francisco and Tokyo. As the tech industry began to emerge and the local fishing trade fell on hard times entrepreneurs came together to reinvent the seaside canneries into a vibrant, multicultural district of neighborhood restaurants and small businesses where Guests will be able to eat and shop.

An iconic landmark of the area will be the San Fransokyo Gate Bridge, which will span the tied pools linking San Fransokyo Square to the Paradise Gardens Park obelisk. Once guests cross the bridge, they’ll catch a view of the floating wind turbine atop an old fishing net tannery, powering the district from high in the sky. Clues to the area’s storied and charming past can be found in the details throughout San Fransokyo Square.

Outside the converted warehouse at the south end of San Fransokyo, Guests may have the opportunity to encounter Baymax. Today, Pacific Wharf is home to eateries featuring sough dough bread, ice cream sundaes, delicious Mexican fare, Asian dishes, and more. Guests will still be able to enjoy all your favorite Pacific Wharf dining locations during this transformation.

When the transformation to San Fransokyo Square is completed this summer, Guests will find familiar favorites like soups in freshly baked bread bowls, as well as many new Asian-inspired selections. The new Port of San Fransokyo Cerveceria draws inspiration from its tri-cultral influences with signage in English, Japanese and Spanish. Outside will be a fun and inviting beer garden decorated with festoon lights and papel picado.

The San Fransokyo Square Public Works Department is hard at work on this transformation. Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Travel News for more details, and we look forward to bringing San Fransokyo Square to life in Disney California Adventure park this summer!

Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit https://DisneyTravelTradeInfo.com/DLR for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

New Details for Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Castaway Club Tier

Disney Travel News

New Details for Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Castaway Club Tier

February 23, 2023

As part of our countdown to Disney Cruise Line’s “Silver Anniversary at Sea” celebration, we’ve been sharing details about the newest tier of Castaway Club, Pearl. We’re excited to reveal more of the magic awaiting our most loyal guests.

 

Castaway Club is our special way of recognizing Disney Cruise Line guests who have continued to sail time and time again. Members are rewarded with exclusive at-home and onboard benefits that add an extra layer of magic to their Disney Cruise experience.

 

For nearly two-and-a-half decades, members of the Castaway Club have played an integral role in the Disney Cruise Line story. The new membership tier was named “Pearl” to honor the valued relationship we have formed with guests over the years and is inspired by the time it takes for a pearl to be formed in nature with the launch of Pearl this summer on May 1, cruises who have sailed on at least 25 Disney Cruise Line vacations will have access to more rewards and perks than ever before.

Unlimited Digital Downloads: Bring Home Memories That Last a Lifetime

On every Disney Cruise Line sailing, professional photographers capture pictures to help families preserve their most precious vacation souvenir of all - the memories made at sea. As a special “thank you”
from Disney Cruise Line, Pearl Castaway Club members will unlock unlimited complimentary digital downloads, so they can cherish each magical moment for years to come.

The First to Know: Book Disney Cruise Line Vacations Before Anyone Else

When it comes to the ever-expanding list of exciting Disney Cruise Line itineraries, Castaway Club Pearl members will be the very first guests to reserve their spot! The new membership tier introduces an early booking window that opens four days before the general public will gain access.

 

Early Access: Customize Your Cruise Ahead of Time

Disney Cruise Line offers a wide range of onboard and onshore activities that let guests customize their cruise. From character dining experiences and adult-only beverage tasting seminars to Port Adventures and Senses Spa & Salon appointments, there is something for everyone. Pearl members will have the added benefit of scheduling activities before everyone else with an exclusive booking window that opens 123 days before the date of their next cruise beginning later this summer.

Stateroom Surprises: Receive a Warm Welcome from Disney Cruise Line

This summer, all Castaway Club members can look forward to a refreshed assortment of welcome aboard gifts awaiting them in their staterooms. As part of this special surprise, Pearl members will receive a pair of beautiful pearlescent tumblers that are perfect for hydrating in style during their Disney Cruise vacation. Gifts will be limited to one per stateroom and are always subject to change and based on availability.

Complimentary Dinner at Palo: Be Our Guest During a Signature Dining Experience

Beloved by new and returning cruise goers alike for its Italian-inspired cuisine and romantic atmosphere, Palo is one of Disney Cruise Line’s signature adult-exclusive restaurants. Being hosted for dinner at Palo has become a favorite perk for Platinum Castaway Club members over the years. Guests who have earned Pearl membership status can also look forward to a complimentary dining experience at Palo during their next voyage, based on reservation availability.